SANDUSKY, Ohio — Cedar Fair, L.P. and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced today that their merger has been cleared by regulators, paving the way for a combined company to be named Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. The merger is expected to close on July 1st.
This deal will create the world’s largest regional theme park operator, with a combined pro-forma enterprise value of approximately $8 billion. The new Six Flags will boast 42 amusement parks and nine resort properties across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
What it means for Ohio
Cedar Fair’s portfolio includes Cedar Point in Sandusky, and Kings Island in Mason, Ohio, both are major tourist destination in the state. The merger is unlikely to cause immediate changes to the park’s operations. However, the combined company’s resources could lead to future investments in the park, potentially including new rides and attractions.
Affected Parks
The merger brings together two major amusement park operators with geographically complementary footprints. Cedar Fair has a strong presence in the Midwest and on the West Coast, while Six Flags has a larger concentration of parks in the Eastern United States and Mexico. This combined reach will allow the new Six Flags to offer a wider variety of park experiences to a broader audience.
Background on Cedar Fair
Cedar Fair, founded in 1972, is a publicly-traded company known for its collection of family-oriented amusement parks. Some of its notable properties include Cedar Point, Kings Island (Ohio), Kings Dominion (Virginia), and Dorney Park & Wild Water Kingdom (Pennsylvania).
Background on Six Flags
Six Flags, founded in 1961, is another publicly traded company known for its collection of theme parks featuring thrill rides and roller coasters. Some of its popular locations include Six Flags Magic Mountain (California), Six Flags Great Adventure (New Jersey), and Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio).
Looking Ahead
The merger of Cedar Fair and Six Flags is expected to create a more competitive force in the amusement park industry. With a larger budget and broader reach, the new Six Flags could potentially invest in more innovative rides and attractions, enhance guest experiences, and compete more effectively with destination theme parks like Disney and Universal Studios. However, some industry analysts caution that successfully integrating the two companies’ cultures and operations will be crucial for the merger’s long-term success.