Theme_Park_Insider
10-05-2009, 10:50 PM
By Robert Niles: Here's my prediction for the Blackstone Group/Busch Entertainment Corp. deal, involving the sale of the Busch Gardens and SeaWorld theme parks. Keep in mind that this a prediction, offered Monday night, when nothing yet has been announced. Read the comments through the night for news of any official announcement.
The prediction: A deal will be announced between midnight and noon (Eastern Time) on Tuesday. The deal will be for the purchase of a majority stake in the Busch Entertainment Corp. by Blackstone (70-80%). InBev will retain a minority stake. The Busch family might purchase a small stake, as well. Neither Merlin nor any other Blackstone holding will be part of the deal.
BEC will be privately held going forward and current BEC management will remain in place, as will the names of the parks. InBev will retain pouring rights within the parks for its alcoholic beverages, reflecting its minority stake in the company.
No replacement for Big Bad Wolf will be named. ;-)
This is an open thread, for news of the BEC deal, or any other theme park-related news. If nothing's happening, feel free to jump into the comments with your predictions, as well. If there's any wagering involved, remember, the house gets a taste of all action.
As always, thanks for reading Theme Park Insider!
More... (http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/200910/1452/)
The prediction: A deal will be announced between midnight and noon (Eastern Time) on Tuesday. The deal will be for the purchase of a majority stake in the Busch Entertainment Corp. by Blackstone (70-80%). InBev will retain a minority stake. The Busch family might purchase a small stake, as well. Neither Merlin nor any other Blackstone holding will be part of the deal.
BEC will be privately held going forward and current BEC management will remain in place, as will the names of the parks. InBev will retain pouring rights within the parks for its alcoholic beverages, reflecting its minority stake in the company.
No replacement for Big Bad Wolf will be named. ;-)
This is an open thread, for news of the BEC deal, or any other theme park-related news. If nothing's happening, feel free to jump into the comments with your predictions, as well. If there's any wagering involved, remember, the house gets a taste of all action.
As always, thanks for reading Theme Park Insider!
More... (http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/200910/1452/)