Cedar Fair and Six Flags will merge operations on 1st July 2024, after Six Flags shareholders voted in favour of the merger in March. This will bring the new company's combined total of theme parks across the USA, Canada, and Mexico to 38 – 27 from Six Flags and 11 from Cedar Fair.

The new company will operate under the name Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, with the main headquarters set to be in Charlotte, North Carolina. However, Cedar Fair will reportedly maintain some financial and administrative control in its current offices in Sandusky, Ohio.

This merger will result in a major shake-up of leadership. The combined company’s CEO will be current Cedar Fair President and CEO, Richard Zimmerman. Meanwhile, Selim Bassoul, the current president and CEO of Six Flags, will act as Executive Chairman of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation's board of directors.

In a press release, Zimmerman said:

"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." 

What Does This Mean for Theme Park Guests?

As of yet, neither company has released any information on how this merger will affect park guests. Operations at all Six Flags and Cedar Fair parks will likely continue as normal for now.

It’s not yet clear whether guests with season passes will be able to visit both Six Flags and Cedar Point parks, though we imagine a statement on this will be released ahead of the merger being finalised on 1st July.