Yahoo Finance Six Flags and Cedar Fair merge into one big company: What to know
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.
Here’s what longtime Six Flags and Cedar Fair guests should know.
Will Cedar Fair be changing its name?
Yes. The newly merged company is operating as Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.
Will Cedar Point be renamed?
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.
What does the Six Flags, Cedar Fair merger mean for guests?
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.
What states have Six Flags?
Prior to the merger, there were 11 states with Six Flags parks and resort properties, in addition to parks in Montreal and Mexico City.
Arizona: Hurricane Harbor Phoenix
California: Six Flags Magic Mountain, Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Hurricane Harbor Concord
Georgia: Six Flags Over Georgia, Six Flags White Water
Illinois: Six Flags Great America, Hurricane Harbor Chicago, Hurricane Harbor Rockford
Maryland: Six Flags America
Massachusetts: Six Flags New England
Missouri: Six Flags St. Louis
New Jersey: Six Flags Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor New Jersey, Wild Safari Adventure, Six Flags Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa
New York: Six Flags Great Escape, Six Flags Darien Lake & lodging, Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark
Oklahoma: Frontier City, Hurricane Harbor OKC
Texas: Six Flags Over Texas, Hurricane Harbor Arlington, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Hurricane Harbor Splashtown
Canada: La Ronde
Where are the Cedar Fair locations?
Before the merger, there were nine states with Cedar Fair parks, along with a park in the Toronto area.
California: California’s Great America, Knott’s Berry Farm, Knott’s Soak City
Minnesota: Valleyfair & Soak City
Missouri: Worlds of Fun & Oceans of Fun
North Carolina: Carowinds
Pennsylvania: Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
Virginia: Kings Dominion & Soak City
Canada: Canada’s Wonderland
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, Cedar Fair become 'largest amusement park operator'