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simon08 · Kiddie Poster Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Posts: 25

http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2008/07/14/daily1.html

Magic · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 9:27 am Post subject:

InBev have already stated they intend to sell off the parks division, Sea World and Busch Gardens. Depending on who buys them this could be terrible news for such a great brand of parks.

Other than Six Flags and Cedar Fair the only company seemingly big enough to make the purchase is Merlin. I've not been impressed with progress at any of their UK parks, it is early days, but would hate to see the likes of Busch Gardens end up in the same state as Alton Towers or Thorpe Park.

Given Merlin's link with sea life the Sea World parks would prove to be an invaluable addition to the group. Adding 2 more strong amusement industry brands to their growing collection would make it easier for them to expand to resort status. We're already seeing Sea Life centres being added to a couple of their parks. How long before we see Legoland Tampa next door to Busch Gardens Africa. Additionally the main strip outside the park could become home to a Sea Life Centre and a Madame Tussauds Wax museum and of course a hotel complex. Sea World London on the unused land next Thorpe Park, could be a wise move if they left it ride free as would be realtively quiet for neighbours, same goes for Sea World Staffordshire.

Having multiple parks in the same location, thus leading to a multi day visit, is a wise move as they can add an extremely profitable hotel. Imagine capturing an audience for several days where they buy all their meals, drinks, accomodation and entertainment from you.
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Coaster_Police · Kiddie Poster Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 31

Besides Six Flags and Cedar Fair, Universal could be a suitable buyer for the group.

They work together with the Orlando Flexipass!!!

Who ever buys these parks is bad news for me. With Anheuser-Busch in control you got FREE beer Very Happy

during the day at the hospitality suite. This will surely end now with the new buyers. Crying or Very sad

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bluea61 · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 11:11 am Post subject:

If the sale goes ahead woul the Busch name get dropped? I like the idea of Universal taking over, but Merlin I'm not so sure. I think they still have a lot to do over here before they consider further buyouts.
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coastergraham · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 1:56 pm Post subject:

Cedar Fair would be the best bet for me, but do they have the money after buying the Paramount parks?

Not sure that Six Flags could afford it either as they have had a few problems.

I just hope that the new owners whoever they may be dont try and change that relaxed atmosphere as it is a world of calm away for the Orlando parks.
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simon08 · Kiddie Poster Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Posts: 25

no more free beer Sad

maybe the new owners can do a deal to still offer the freebies.

Big Stevie B · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:58 pm Post subject:

I loved Six Flags Great Adventure on the Koaster Krazy trip but man i don`t like the way they run them. Or the way they try to uniform them and make them all samey. Or cram as may people and season pass holders in as possible. Lets hope they don`t get them, or forget Bush as a world class park.
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Happy Helen · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 8:00 pm Post subject:

That would be awful if Busch Gardens ended up in the same state at Alton Towers.

Big Stevie B · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 8:31 pm Post subject:

Is Alton Towers moving to Florida then? Shocked

lol

Big Stevie B · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 8:43 pm Post subject:

Sorry, i read that wrong. lol

They are really moving Busch Gardens to Staffordshire! Great Wink

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coastergraham · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 9:56 pm Post subject:

Happy Helen · Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 6:29 pm Post subject:

Possibly !, just have a look at the website.

coastergraham · Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 10:08 pm Post subject:

I have just seen on Theme park insider that the Busch family might buy Busch entertainment themselves for the money they will receive from the sale of Anheuser Busch.

This would allow the Busch brand name to remain which by all account some family members are interested in doing.
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simon08 · Kiddie Poster Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Posts: 25

bradpeet · Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2008 5:31 pm Post subject:

But it would seem there is other interest in these parks.

It seems that Blackstone, which is a major shareholder in Merlin Entertainments Group, is also interested. According to this article at least http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/.../money/2008/08/03/cnthorpe103.xml
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simon08 · Kiddie Poster Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Posts: 25

perhaps if blackstone take over then maybe there will be an international annual pass to cover the usa and europe parks.

bluea61 · Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 11:15 am Post subject:

We all thought that when Merlin took over Tussuads, but it never happened. They removed all the Euro parks from the original pass. Lets hope they will consider something.

If you check out Blackstones website they actually own a share in a few park related companies. Universal Orlando, Merlin and Six Flags.
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