In a joint announcement this week, Cedar Fair (NYSE: FUN) and Six Flags (NYSE: SIX) revealed the senior management team that will lead the combined company upon completion of their planned merger of equals.

The new executive leadership roster blends talent from both amusement park giants. Leading the new company will be Richard Zimmerman, currently president and CEO of Cedar Fair, who will continue in his role as president and CEO of the merged entity. Selim Bassoul, now president and CEO of Six Flags, will step into the role of executive chairman of the board of directors.

Zimmerman will be supported by a team of experienced executives from both companies, including:

• Tim Fisher, chief operating officer, currently holds the same position at Cedar Fair.
• Brian Witherow, chief financial officer, continuing his role at Cedar Fair.
• Brian Nurse, chief legal and compliance officer and corporate secretary, from Cedar Fair.
• Christian Dieckmann, chief strategy officer, continuing from Cedar Fair.
• Gary Mick, currently executive vice president and chief financial officer at Six Flags, will transition to chief integration officer.

“We’re 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,” Zimmerman said in a statement. “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.”

Extended reach and resources

The merger, expected to close on July 1, 2024, pending regulatory approvals, will unite two of North America’s most recognized amusement park companies. The combined company, valued at roughly $8 billion, will retain the iconic Six Flags name, operate under the name Six Flags Entertainment Corp., and trade under Cedar Fair’s ticker symbol “FUN” on the NYSE.

The headquarters will be based in Charlotte, North Carolina, moving Six Flags’ current headquarters out of Arlington. The companies said the combined entity will keep significant finance and administrative operations in Sandusky, Ohio, where Cedar Fair is based.

The merger brings together a portfolio that includes 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks, and nine resort properties strategically located across North America. This extensive footprint offers geographic diversification, positioning the new entity to cater to a wider audience and capitalize on diverse regional preferences.

The newly formed company is expected to leverage the complementary strengths of both Six Flags and Cedar Fair. This includes Six Flags’ expertise in world-class thrill rides and Cedar Fair’s focus on family-friendly entertainment experiences.

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