ARLINGTON, Texas — Six Flags is nearing a merger with fellow theme park company Cedar Fair, a move that will see it move its corporate headquarters out of Arlington.
Following the closing of the merger, the combined company will be headquartered in Charlotte N.C., and will maintain significant finance and administrative operations in Sandusky, Ohio, the company says.
The merger and expected move won't impact Six Flags' theme park in Arlington, Six Flags Over Texas. It would just be a matter of moving the company's corporate headquarters, which have long been based in North Texas.
Richard Zimmerman, president and CEO of Cedar Fair, will serve as president and CEO of the combined company and Selim Bassoul, president and CEO of Six Flags, will serve as Executive Chairman of the combined company’s Board of Directors.
Cedar Fair COO Tim Fisher CFO Brian Witherow and chief legal and compliance officer and corporate secretary Brian Nurse will remain in their position in the combined company. Six Flags executive vice president and chief financial officer Gary Mick will be chief integration officer.
“We are fortunate to have a proven team of leaders who bring decades of park operating experience and significant expertise in integrating businesses and achieving synergy targets for the combined company,” said Zimmerman. “Their insights and complementary skill sets will be instrumental as we combine two of North America’s iconic amusement park companies and forge a new future together.”
Shareholders for Six Flags voted to approve the merger March 12. The closing of the merger is expected to happen July 1. The companies still have to meet regulatory conditions before the merger is finalized, though.
The companies revealed their plans in November.
Six Flags operates 27 properties, including Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington and San Antonio’s Fiesta Texas. Cedar Fair’s theme park lineup includes the Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort in New Braunfels.
Earlier this year, the Department of Justice launched a review of the planned merger. At least one veteran industry expert believes an alliance of the two companies could result in a sale of some park properties.
