The parent company of Knott’s Berry Farm announced that it had completed its merger today. Cedar Fair Entertainment merged with Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. The resulting company is called the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. The new company is led by Richard Zimmerman who is the president and chief executive officer of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. Selim Bassoul is the executive chairman of the board of directors for the company.
“Today marks a significant milestone for our company, shareholders, guests and associates, unlocking higher value and greater opportunities to deliver engaging entertainment experiences,” said Richard Zimmerman. “Our merger establishes a new Six Flags Entertainment Corporation with a highly diversified footprint and robust operating model, enhancing park offerings and performance though the complementary portfolio of attractive assets and intellectual property from each of Cedar Fair and the former Six Flags. The combination also enhances the financial profile of the company with strong cash flow generation to accelerate investments in our parks to delight our guests, driving increased levels of demand and in-park value and spending.”
“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,” added Selim Bassoul. “We are excited to unite the Cedar Fair and Six Flags teams to capitalize on the tremendous growth opportunities and operational efficiencies of our more extensive entertainment portfolio.”
The New Company
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has 42 parks and water parks throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Knott’s Berry Farm is one of those parks and water parks. The individual parks within the combined company will retain their legacy names and branding. The company says that there are no plans to change either of these even being contemplated.
The new Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is comprised of 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks and nine resort properties across 17 states in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The company says that its focus is on making people happy. In a release it said that, “Six Flags provides fun, immersive and memorable experiences to millions of guests every year with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks, resorts and a portfolio of beloved intellectual property such as Looney Tunes®, DC Comics® and PEANUTS®.”
Here is a map of the newly combined company parks:
What do you think of this new combined company? How do you think it will impact the parks that are now a part of it? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
