Cedar Fair, Six Flags announce merger for 2024
SANDUSKY, Ohio (WOIO) - Big changes could be coming to Cedar Point, with park owners announcing that they are merging with Six Flags.
The two companies said with this merger, they are focusing on enhancing park offerings and performances.
“We know Cedar Point is going to open on time. It is going to open with a new roller coaster next year and continue to be the best amusement park in the world,” said Eric Wobser, CEO of Greater Sandusky Partnership.
Cedar Point is a summer time hot spot, so this announcement was big news in Sandusky.
The biggest question many are asking is, “What does this mean for the amusement park?”
A representative from Cedar Fair told 19 News the merger will not reduce headcounts at parks.
They said with this merger, guests will see new rides and updates to facilities. This is something that Wobser agrees with.
“I think Cedar Point is a destination in of itself and I think the new company continue to make major investments in Cedar Point,” said Wobser.
Some within the industry say this merger has been in the works for years.
“They presented this as a merger of equals,” Wobser said.
The new combined company will operate 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks, and nine resort properties. There will be 12 directors on the board, six from Cedar Fair and six from Six Flags.
The headquarters for Cedar Fair is also going to move. Right now, it is located in Sandusky, but next year it will be moving to Charlotte North Carolina.
However, the combined companies say they will still maintain significant finance and administrative operations in Ohio.
“The majority of Cedar Fair’s corporate executives are already working out of Charlotte, but the good news is Cedar Point executives will be based in Sandusky. They are going to have a corporate presence in Sandusky.”
This merger will not effect until the second half of 2024.
19 News was told all the names of the amusement parks will stay the same, but on the corporate level the new company will retain the Six Flags name.
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