MASON, Ohio — Cedar Fair, the parent company of Cedar Point and Kings Island, has announced its merger with Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, in a move set to reshape the amusement park industry. The merger, valued at approximately $8 billion, was unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors for both companies and is expected to create a highly diversified and robust amusement park giant.
Richard Zimmerman, president and chief executive officer of Cedar Fair, expressed his enthusiasm for the merger, stating, “Our merger with Six Flags will bring together two of North America’s iconic amusement park companies to establish a highly diversified footprint and a more robust operating model to enhance park offerings and performance.”
The combined entity will possess an impressive portfolio of 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks, and 9 resort properties, spanning 17 states in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Currently, Cedar Fair owns 11 amusement parks, while Six Flags boasts ownership of 27, further solidifying the combined company’s dominance in the industry.
The merger will also open up a world of intellectual property for Cedar Fair, as they gain access to entertainment options ranging from Looney Tunes to DC Comics, in addition to their existing access to Peanuts imagery.
Selim Bassoul, president and chief executive officer of Six Flags, emphasized the shared cultural alignment and commitment to providing thrilling experiences between the two companies. “By combining our operational models and technology platforms, we expect to accelerate our transformation activities and unlock new potential for our parks,” he said.
The merger of Cedar Fair and Six Flags is set to redefine the amusement park experience for guests, as the companies join forces to create a new industry leader with the scale and resources to deliver enhanced entertainment experiences.
