SeaWorld Makes $3.4 Billion Takeover Bid for Cedar Fair

[Evan]

From Bloomberg:

 

[Magic-Man]

Bro WHAT

 

[Viator]

So, this may sound stupid:

but this sounds much lower than I thought Cedar Fair would cost. Incredibly hope this form of consolidation doesn't continue.

 

[Evan]

Bro WHAT

I thought SeaWorld wouldn’t survive the pandemic… now this

 

[Magic-Man]

God please don't let SWE buy Cedar Fair. That would be insanely stupid.

 

[Evan]

God please don't let SWE buy Cedar Fair. That would be insanely stupid.

It could still of course be rejected or fall through.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Do not want.

 

[JungleSkip]

Gross.

 

[Freak]

Well....to be fair, SW is doing pretty good investing in their parks. I'll give them that.

This is just pure insanity. HUGE no thank you. Stay in your lane Sea World. Just focus on your parks and let Cedar Fair build that giga at Knott's.

 

[Scott W.]

 

[Mad Dog]

One of the forum posters speculated that this was going to happen. I can't recall who it was, but it was on one of the IU threads within the past couple of weeks. Turns out he was a seer.

 

[Viator]

I'll give credit where it is due--SeaWorld has been making really great strides and tactics, and has been benefitting off of those tactics. Add in that their licensing their branding externally, odds are this is being bolstered by those licensing profits and the attendance increases.

I also think if this goes forward and gets the approval (This isn't Scott Ross's first time trying to get Cedar Fair), I am going to be shocked if Michigan's Adventure, ValleyFair, Dorney Park, and Gilroy Gardens survives being part of the company (and maybe WoF as-well).

 

[PerceptiveCoot]

Why yes, I would like a publically maligned company that can't keep a CEO to takeover one of the most storied brands in local amusement parks.

 

[GAcoaster]

Cedar Fair has been struggling lately, and SeaWorld has turned their company around. It was only a matter of time before they made a bid for Cedar Fair or Six Flags who is also struggling. I think it's a good fit overall.

 

[Freak]

Cedar Fair has been struggling lately, and SeaWorld has turned their company around. It was only a matter of time before they made a bid for Cedar Fair or Six Flags who is also struggling. I think it's a good fit overall.

I actually would not be terribly opposed to Sea World purchasing Six Flags, but if SW were to buy CF, I think that would not bode well for Knotts of CP. I just don’t see them investing as much into those parks.

 

[Scott W.]

One of the forum posters speculated that this was going to happen. I can't recall who it was, but it was on one of the IU threads within the past couple of weeks. Turns out he was a seer.

@GAcoaster is the prophet.

 

[darkridelover]

This seems to continue with the pivot away from sea life displays and shows to a bigger focus on thrill rides and attractions. I could see the Seaworld name being phased out in favor of a brand that isn't hindered by bad press.

 

[Mad Dog]

Kudos to @GAcoaster. Pay the man. :thumbsup:

 

[GAcoaster]

I actually would not be terribly opposed to Sea World purchasing Six Flags, but if SW were to buy CF, I think that would not bode well for Knotts of CP. I just don’t see them investing as much into those parks.

I actually see it being a shot in the arm for Knott's. I very much look at Knott's like Busch Gardens in terms of quality. They can run that park just fine.

 

[Viator]

I actually see it being a shot in the arm for Knott's. I very much look at Knott's like Busch Gardens in terms of quality. They can run that park just fine.

I agree on that of Knotts and Carrowinds (yes, Carrowinds) benefitting rather well from this. Especially in the geographical placement of where they are, with the geographical developments happening around them.