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The merger of Six Flags and Cedar Fair is complete, with the newly-branded Six Flags Entertainment Corporation now holding the title of North America’s largest theme park operator
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 03 Jul 2024
Six Flags and Cedar Fair are now operating under the name Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Credit: Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Six Flags and Cedar Fair have concluded a merger that sees the former rivals united under one banner to become the largest theme park operator in North America.
With a portfolio of attractions that now includes 42 parks across the US, Canada and Mexico, the newly-formed Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (SFEC) began trading on July 2 with an estimated company value of US$8bn (€7.4bn, £6.3bn).
According to its leadership, the merger “brings together the strengths of both companies, combining Cedar Fair’s reputation for delivering exceptional guest experiences with Six Flags’ innovative ride and attraction designs”.
For the newly-formed company, Richard Zimmerman, former president and CEO of Cedar Fair, is now president and CEO of SFEC. Meanwhile, Selim Bassoul, former president and CEO of Six Flags, has been named executive chairman of SFEC’s board.
“We are fortunate to have a proven team of leaders who bring decades of park operating experience and significant expertise in integrating businesses and achieving synergy targets for the combined company,” said Zimmerman. “Their insights and complementary skill sets will be instrumental as we combine two of North America’s iconic amusement park companies and forge a new future together.”
According to SFEC, enhanced financial flexibility following the merger will allow it to invest in new rides, attractions, F&B, and state-of-the-art consumer technologies, which in turn will be utilised to grow attendance, increase per capita spending and enhance profitability.
“We are pleased to have successfully concluded a very fair and constructive review process with the Department of Justice and excited to make our merger official,” said Basoul.
“As our collective team pauses to recognise this important milestone, together, we are eager to embark on the next chapter of our journey to offer millions of guests across North America unparalleled, family-focused entertainment full of fun, thrills and lifetime memories.”
Theme park
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