Cedar Fair and Six Flags announce merger, promise enhanced offerings and performance
A shake-up will soon be coming to the North American amusement park scene.
Leaders of Cedar Fair and Six Flags announced an upcoming merger between the two companies, set to combine in a new $8 billion company.
Under the merger, the current Cedar Fair President and CEO Richard Zimmerman will become the president and CEO of the new combined company. Cedar Fair shareholders will own 51.2% of the new company, with Six Flags shareholders set to own 48.8%.
"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," Zimmerman said in a news release.
Cedar Point, King's Island, Knott's Berry Farm
Cedar Fair operates several theme parks, including Cedar Point and King's Island in Ohio and Knott's Berry Farm in California. Cedar Point, one of the company's popular parks, features a variety of roller coaster rides, holiday events, an arcade, live music, dining options, gift shops, and more.
Ticket rates for park entry vary based on the type of ticket or pass purchased, including daily tickets or season passes, and whether purchasing individual or group tickets, with various discounts available. Cedar Point is selling 2024 season passes, with an $8-per-month summer pass, $10-per-month gold pass and $27-per-month prestige pass. Daily park tickets are set to go on sale soon.
Six Flags across four states
Six Flags operates several theme parks nationwide, including in Texas, California, Virginia and New Jersey. Six Flags parks feature a variety of roller coasters, water rides, live performances, holiday events, dining options, gift shops, and more.
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Ticket rates at Six Flags parks also vary based on purchasing day tickets or season passes individually or for groups. The daily ticket rate starts at $45 per ticket, while 2024 season passes include a $69 platinum pass and a $160 diamond pass.
What's next
The merger will bring increased investments to the companies' parks and greater revenue and spending with their combined financial assets and intellectual property rights, company leaders said in a news release.
The new combined company will feature 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks, and nine resorts across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Improvements will include an improved guest experience, such as expanded park access for season pass holders and additional perks, company cost savings, and stronger company finances.
"Six Flags and Cedar Fair share a strong cultural alignment, operating philosophy, and steadfast commitment to providing consumers with thrilling experiences," Zimmerman said. "By combining our operational models and technology platforms, we expect to accelerate our transformation activities and unlock new potential for our parks."
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Cedar Fair and Six Flags announce merger, promise enhanced park offerings and performance
