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The fine was announced at Stafford Crown Court, central
England, after Merlin admitted breaching health and safety rules
over the accident on "The Smiler" ride.
Two victims of the crash required leg amputations.
Merlin, the world's second-biggest visitor attractions group
behind Walt Disney, pleaded guilty to the breach at an April
hearing.
The firm said in November its own investigation concluded the
crash was caused by human error. It found the manual override of
the ride safety control system was implemented without
appropriate protocols being followed.
Since the accident Alton Towers, one of Britain's biggest theme
parks, has put in place improved safety measures across its
rollercoasters.
Merlin's trade at Alton Towers has suffered since the crash,
with the firm predicting a two-year period before visitor
numbers recover fully.
However, shares in the firm have increased 26 percent over the
last year, reflecting robust trade in other parts of the
business. They were up 0.8 percent at 466.6 pence at 10.48 GMT.
(Writing by James Davey, editing by Kate Holton and Paul Sandle)
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