Regional theme park giants Six Flags and Cedar Fair successfully completed their merger on Monday to become the largest amusement park operator in North America, according to a press release.
"We believe that by combining the best ideas and most successful entertainment practices of both Six Flags and Cedar Fair, the new Six Flags can deliver a superior level of joy and excitement that has yet to be experienced by regional park guests,” Selim Bassoul, executive chairman of the newly combined company's board of directors, said in the release. Bassoul served as president and CEO of legacy Six Flags.
The combined company's portfolio now comprises 42 theme parks, water parks, and resort properties across the U.S., as well as Canada and Mexico.
Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.
Here’s what longtime Six Flags and Cedar Fair guests should know.
Yes. The newly merged company is operating as Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.
Not for the foreseeable future.
"Each park in the combined company’s portfolio will retain their legacy branding with no changes to park names currently being planned or contemplated," Six Flags said in Monday's press release.
The company is worth an estimated $8 billion after merging.
“Our enhanced financial flexibility will enable us to invest in new rides, attractions, food and beverage options, and state-of-the-art consumer technologies, ensuring continuous improvement and innovation, and that each park visit is more exciting and memorable than the last,” then Cedar Fair President and CEO Richard Zimmerman said in a June 26 press release. Zimmerman is now president and CEO of the combined company.
Just last week, Six Flags announced its largest Fright Fest investment yet.
Prior to the merger, there were 11 states with Six Flags parks and resort properties, in addition to parks in Montreal and Mexico City.
Before the merger, there were nine states with Cedar Fair parks, along with a park in the Toronto area.
Cedar Fair also boasted 11 accommodation offerings around the U.S., ranging from RV sites to hotels.
Contributing: Kathleen Wong, Emily DeLetter, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Six Flags and Cedar Fair merge into one big company: What to know
2024-07-01T04:06:09Z dg43tfdfdgfd