Carowinds’ parent company merging with Six Flags, bringing new HQ to Charlotte
WSOCTV.com News Staff
·1 min read
Cedar Fair, the parent company of Carowinds, and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced they have merged.
In a press release, park officials said the combined company will benefit from the expanded and complementary portfolio of 42 iconic parks and nine resort properties across 17 states, Canada, and Mexico.
“Our merger with Six Flags will bring together two of North America’s iconic amusement park companies to establish a highly diversified footprint and a more robust operating model to enhance park offerings and performance,” said Richard Zimmerman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cedar Fair.
The release said the company will be led by a proven management team that reflects the strengths and capabilities of both organizations.
(PHOTOS: Carowinds replaces cracked beam on Fury 325 roller coaster just weeks later)
On June 30, a viewer sent in photos of a crack on the support beam of Carowinds' giga-coaster Fury 325. Channel 9 then reached out to the park, officials said safety is their top priority and rides are inspected daily.
On July 1, a video began to gain traction on Twitter showing a train full of riders going past the ride's cracked support beam. In the video, there is a clear separation when the train passes the crack.
Following the discovery and social media traction around the ride's damage, braces were placed on the sides of the support beam until engineers were able to fix it.
Workers were called in after the weekend to assess the damage to the ride and begin repairs. The Swedish-based manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard, widely known for making safe rides, also sent an inspector to check on its coaster.
Officials from the North Carolina Department of Labor came to oversee the repairs and ensure the safety of future riders.
On July 7, the North Carolina Department of Labor announced the park would not be fined for the crack on the support pillar. The department said the investigation into how the crack formed was still open and ongoing.
On July 12, workers began removing the old, cracked support beam to replace it. After the column is replaced, park officials said they will test Fury 325 multiple times to ensure the ride's safety.
On July 13, Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over as repairs continued on the ride. Crews used a crane to hold the track in place while they added the new support beam.
It will operate under the name Six Flags, trade under the ticker symbol FUN on the NYSE, and be headquartered in Charlotte.
The merger is expected to close in the first half of 2024.
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