Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration Runs January 27 through February 25
Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration welcomes fans of all ages to join Snoopy and the PEANUTS gang as they stage a park takeover with plenty of excitement and family-friendly fun starting January 27 and running daily through February 25. The park-wide celebration features a new Franklin-focused exhibit, plenty of new PEANUTS-inspired cuisine, a fun lineup of returning shows and photo ops that allow guests to step into the iconic Charles M. Schulz comic strips. Throughout the park, guests will have plenty of chances to play and interact with their favorite PEANUTS characters.At Calico’s Town Hall, guests will enter a new, limited-time exhibit dedicated to Charles Schulz’s iconic character, Franklin, and discover his importance to history and pop culture. He joined the PEANUTS Gang in 1968 when Charlie Brown met Franklin at the beach. Plus, visitors can hang out with Franklin and snap a photo with him that is too cool for school!At the Calico Mine Stage, the PEANUTS characters will perform the musical game show It’s Your Life, Charlie Brown, with the loveable title character getting the surprise of his life. There will be music, fun and surprise guests, including the world’s most famous beagle, Snoopy. The stage will transform at nightfall as the park hosts Snoopy’s Legendary Rooftop Concert. The Peanuts Gang has teamed up with the indie band, The Jelly of the Month Club, for a high-energy spectacle sure to have everyone dancing.The PEANUTS-inspired festivities will continue at the Bird Cage Theatre as the park offers an experience that teaches the young and the young at heart how to draw their favorite PEANUTS characters. The PEANUTS Sketch School will include our resident art teacher, providing step-by-step instructions on creating the perfect PEANUTS masterpiece. Also in Bird Cage Theatre will be Charlie Brown’s Trivia Challenge, where guests can test their knowledge with PEANUTS universe questions and eye-popping visual challenges.A western escapade occurs with Franklin and Linus at Calico Park as they transform into cowboys in the PEANUTS Cowboy Jamboree. The boys are looking to challenge guests with some of Calico’s root-toot-tootiest games. Also in Ghost Town is Pigpen’s Pig Pen, where everyone’s favorite messy pal will join the rest of the PEANUTS Gang as he hosts a special meetup at the Livery Stables with some of his animal friends. Throughout the park, guests will not only be able to meet, greet, and play with the PEANUTS gang, but also enjoy nearly a dozen different family and kid-friendly rides and attractions around the park including Calico Mine Ride, Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair and the Carrusel de California. Bigger thrills are also in store for the more adventurous guests on favorites like GhostRider, Xcelerator, Silver Bullet and HangTime. Debuting this summer, the reimagined Camp Snoopy will offer more to explore. Campers of all ages will be able to become full-fledged Beagle Scouts as they explore new rides, including a family coaster, along with new character experiences, entertainment, a dining hall, a camp store, plus more guest amenities. The best way to enjoy Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration – plus all of the other Seasons of Fun in 2024, including the reimagined Camp Snoopy – is with a Season Pass! A 2024 Season Pass includes unlimited visits for all of 2024, discounts on select food and merchandise, and access to exciting year-round seasonal events. Regular Season Passes are on sale for as low as six payments of $16 after initial payment plus applicable fees. For an unforgettable celebration, book a Peanuts Celebration Hotel Getaway Package at The Knott’s Hotel. This specialty package includes overnight accommodation, park admission, access to the breakfast buffet and hotel parking. For tickets and more information about Knott’s Berry Farm, please visit knotts.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app. Join the conversation on social using the hashtag #KnottsPeanutsCelebration
###About Knott’s Berry Farm and Cedar Fair Entertainment Company:What began as a roadside berry stand and chicken dinner restaurant in the 1920s has evolved into Knott’s Berry Farm, one of Southern California’s most popular theme park destinations combining world-class thrill rides with traditional family favorite attractions and entertainment. Knott’s is also home to Knott’s Soak City Water Park, Knott’s Marketplace, and the full-service Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel. Knott’s Berry Farm is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world and a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio. Focused on its mission to make people happy by providing fun, immersive and memorable experiences, the Company owns and operates 13 properties, consisting of 11 amusement parks, four separately gated outdoor water parks, and resort accommodations totaling more than 2,300 rooms and more than 600 luxury RV sites. Its parks are located in Ohio, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, Texas and Toronto, Ontario.
a spectacular firework display and a night full of fun!
The countdown to the New Year is on at Knott’s Merry Farm with special fireworks, live entertainment, and special extended hours for the one-night event. Guests have a chance to say goodbye to the final moments of 2023 at Knott’s as the park celebrates with memorable festivities including Merry Farm seasonal performances throughout the day on December 31st. The enchanting Knott’s New Year’s Eve celebration gives guests front row seats to the final event of the year as the park rings in 2024 with a park wide-party unlike any other and everyone is invited. The New Year’s celebration features entertaining activities for the whole family including a family-friendly comedian, live bands, swing dancing and more. Guests are invited to count down the final moments of 2023 with festive music, party hats and noisemakers making this night extra special. The spectacular firework celebration sets the skies above Knott’s ablaze at the stroke of midnight as colorful fireworks light the start of the New Year. The nighttime extravaganza offers a stress-free night perfect for family and friends to come together and create new memories by starting a new tradition by celebrating New Year’s Eve at Knott’s. This year’s line-up of can’t miss entertainment are: At the Midnight Fireworks Spectacular, guests can ring in the New Year with a bang as the park’s skies wonderfully light up for an aerial fireworks display that will leave the young and young at heart in awe.Visit Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies at Wagon Camp for the best entertainment this side of the Santa Ana freeway that will have the crowd’s toes tappin’, hands clappin’ and guts bustin’.DJ HowLy brings the party to the farm for a special New Year’s celebration, with high energy music and dancing taking place at the Calico Mine Stage. Plus a 9PM countdown to celebrate with our East Coast friends!Next to the Calico Mine Stage, the PEANUTS characters will be posing for pictures with guests to celebrate the New Year in their favorite party outfits.Surf on by Boardwalk BBQ where you can catch PianoMania Dueling Pianos. These two talented musicians go head-to-head in a musical battle you won’t want to miss.Fiesta Plaza will feature Adelaide Pilar playing upbeat Latin music.The Calico Mine Stage will blast unforgettable pop and rock music courtesy of the band Midnight Hiatus. It’ll have guests dancing in the aisles.Family-friendly comedian, Chipper Lowell, brings his hilarious comedy, magic and audience participation to the Bird Cage Theatre.Jitterbug Pop Swing Band, Dance Instructors, and the Jitterbug Jumpers are on hand to play the slickest standards ever. Swing, sway and jump with the hippest cats in town. The Jitterbug Pop Swing Band provides the tunes and you’re invited to dance the night away in the legendary Boardwalk Ballroom. Dance instruction classes included!A New Year’s Eve celebration is not complete without a delicious meal. Spur’s Chop House is serving up a special New Year’s Eve Buffet from 3:30pm – 9:30pm. The buffest includes party favors and a champagne toast! Walk up only.
Knott’s New Year’s Eve Celebration is included with regular daytime admission. Park hours on New Year’s Eve are 9am to 1am.
Nov 1st I see all kinds of post about Six Flags/ Cedar Fair Merger???? I usually wait for some official report and here it is! Well I don’t know what to think about it, XM Radio and Sirius Sat Radio did the same thing 10 or so years ago, what happened was you got more channels, DJs, and shows from both brands, and the name changed! Im assuming something like this will happen with SF and CF. Usually when something like this happens, it means one or both companies are in need of help. With how high and fast prices have been going up, I see this happening with a lot with companies (outside of theme parks) that are having a hard time trying to keep up. Rasing prices will only help you so much, you also need people to keep buying and spending. We’ll see what happens! Down below is from the official Cedar Fair website I will put the link down below. Also I would love to hear what ya’ll think about this(As for me….ehhhhh lol) Honestly when I was hearing it yesterday I was like I hope that’s fake lol 😉 . Hope ya’ll had a Happy Halloween Here is our vlog in case you want to check that out 😉 See you next update vlog!
Tim
Knott’s Network
From Cedar Fair’s web site!
11/02/2023
Combined Company Will Benefit from Expanded and Complementary Portfolio of 42 Iconic Parks and 9 Resort Properties Across 17 States, Canada and Mexico
Diversified Geographic Footprint with a More Balanced Presence in Year-Round Operating Climates
More Robust Operating Model and Technology Platform to Drive Improved Guest Experience and Park Efficiencies
Strong Financial Profile and Cash Flow Generation Expected to Facilitate Investments in Park Upgrades, Expansions and New, Innovative Offerings
Approximately $200 Million of Annual Synergies, Including $120 Million of Cost Savings Anticipated Within Two Years Following Close
Expected to be Accretive to EPS for Cedar Fair Unitholders and Six Flags Shareholders within the First 12 Months Following Close
Companies to Host Conference Call Today at 8:30 a.m. ET
SANDUSKY, Ohio & ARLINGTON, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Cedar Fair (NYSE: FUN) and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: SIX) today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement to combine in a merger of equals transaction. The combined company, with a pro forma enterprise value of approximately $8 billion based on both companies’ debt and equity values as of October 31, 2023, will be a leading amusement park operator in the highly competitive leisure space with an expanded and diversified footprint, a more robust operating model and a strong revenue and cash flow generation profile.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, Cedar Fair unitholders will receive one share of common stock in the new combined company for each unit owned, and Six Flags shareholders will receive 0.5800 (the “Six Flags Exchange Ratio”) shares of common stock in the new combined company for each share owned. Following the close of the transaction, Cedar Fair unitholders will own approximately 51.2%, and Six Flags shareholders will own approximately 48.8%, of the combined company’s fully diluted share capital on a pro forma basis. One business day prior to the close of the transaction, Six Flags will declare a special cash dividend composed of: (i) a fixed amount of $1.00 per outstanding Six Flags share, totaling approximately $85 million in the aggregate, plus, (ii) an amount per outstanding Six Flags share equal to (a) the aggregate per unit distributions declared or paid by Cedar Fair to unitholders with a record date following today’s date and prior to the close of the transaction, multiplied by (b) the Six Flags Exchange Ratio, which special dividend will be payable to Six Flags shareholders of record as of one business day prior to the close of the transaction, contingent on the closing of the transaction.
“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. “Together, we will have an expanded and complementary portfolio of attractive assets and intellectual property to deliver engaging entertainment experiences for guests. The combination also creates an enhanced financial profile with strong cash flow generation to accelerate investments in our parks to delight our guests, driving increased levels of demand and in-park value and spending. I have great respect for the Six Flags team and look forward to joining forces as we embark on this next chapter together.”
“The combination of Six Flags and Cedar Fair will redefine our guests’ amusement park experience as we combine the best of both companies,” added Selim Bassoul, President and Chief Executive Officer of Six Flags. “Six Flags and Cedar Fair share a strong cultural alignment, operating philosophy, and steadfast commitment to providing consumers with thrilling experiences. By combining our operational models and technology platforms, we expect to accelerate our transformation activities and unlock new potential for our parks. We are excited to unite the Cedar Fair and Six Flags teams to capitalize on the tremendous growth opportunities and operational efficiencies of our combined platform for the benefit of our guests, shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders.”
Compelling Strategic and Financial Benefits
A Successful Amusement Park Operator with Complementary Portfolio of Attractive Assets: The combined company will operate a portfolio of 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks and 9 resort properties across 17 states in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The company’s complementary portfolio will include some of the most iconic parks in North America with significant brand equity and loyal, recurring guest bases within the highly competitive leisure space. The combined company will also have entertainment partnerships and a portfolio of beloved IP such as Looney Tunes, DC Comics and PEANUTS to develop engaging new attractions enabled by compelling characters, environments, and storytelling.
Diversified Footprint and Guest Experiences: Cedar Fair and Six Flags have minimal market overlap of park operations, and the combined company’s complementary geographic footprint is expected to mitigate the impact of seasonality and reduce earnings volatility through a more balanced presence in year-round operating climates. The portfolio will include diversified experiences for guests including safaris and animal experiences, campgrounds, sports facilities and luxury lounges, enabling the combined company to better meet rising consumer demand for varied and engaging entertainment options.
Enhanced Operating Platform to Improve Guest Experiences: By uniting Cedar Fair and Six Flags’ complementary operating capabilities, the combined company will benefit from a more robust operating platform for improved park offerings and more efficient systemwide performance. The companies expect to leverage Cedar Fair’s recent park investment experience to accelerate the transformation underway across Six Flags’ portfolio. Cedar Fair and Six Flags will seek to create a more engaging and immersive guest experience. The combined company will also offer expanded park access to season pass holders along with an enhanced, combined loyalty program featuring additional perks.
Experienced and Proven Leadership Team: The senior leadership teams of Six Flags and Cedar Fair bring different and complementary skillsets and experience to the combined company, including decades of park operating experience as well as significant expertise integrating businesses and achieving synergy targets.
Significant Cost Savings and Revenue Uplift Opportunity: Following the close of the transaction, Cedar Fair and Six Flags expect the combined company will benefit from the significant value created by total anticipated annual synergies of $200 million. Approximately $120 million of these synergies are expected to be related to identified administrative and operational cost savings, which the companies anticipate realizing within two years following transaction close. The companies also expect to leverage their complementary operating capabilities to deliver additional revenue uplift, generating approximately $80 million of incremental EBITDA that the companies anticipate realizing within three years of transaction close.
Strong Financial Profile: Over the last 12 months, through the third quarter of fiscal 2023, Six Flags and Cedar Fair collectively entertained 48 million guests, and, as a combined company, would generate pro forma $3.4 billion1 in revenue, $1.2 billion1 in Adjusted EBITDA2, and $826 million1,3 of free cash flow4, reflecting run rate cost savings of $120 million and revenue uplift resulting in $80 million of incremental EBITDA. The transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings per share for Cedar Fair unitholders and Six Flags shareholders within the first 12 months following transaction close. The combined company is also expected to have a pro forma leverage ratio of approximately 3.7x net debt to Adjusted EBITDA, inclusive of synergies, with a path to reduce the leverage ratio to approximately 3.0x within two years of transaction close.
Significant Free Cash Flow Generation and Enhanced Financial Flexibility: The combined company’s increased free cash flow will provide it with greater flexibility to invest in new rides and attractions, broader food and beverage selections, additional in-park offerings, and cross-park initiatives, such as consumer technology and enhanced guest services. The combined company’s resources are expected to be strategically deployed to grow attendance, increase per capita spending, and improve profitability, all while enhancing guests’ value and experience across the park portfolio. The combined company is committed to allocating capital to maximize shareholder returns once the company achieves its targeted net leverage ratio.
Leadership, Corporate Governance and Headquarters
The combined company will be led by a proven management team that reflects the strengths and capabilities of both organizations. Upon closing of the transaction, Richard Zimmerman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cedar Fair, will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the combined company and Selim Bassoul, President and Chief Executive Officer of Six Flags, will serve as Executive Chairman of the combined company’s Board of Directors. Brian Witherow, Chief Financial Officer of Cedar Fair, will serve as Chief Financial Officer of the combined company and Gary Mick, CFO of Six Flags, will serve as Chief Integration Officer of the combined company.
Following closing of the transaction, the newly formed Board of Directors of the combined company will consist of 12 directors, six from the Cedar Fair Board and six from the Six Flags Board.
Upon closing of the transaction, the combined company will operate under the name Six Flags and trade under the ticker symbol FUN on the NYSE and will be structured as a C Corporation. The combined company will be headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and will maintain significant finance and administrative operations in Sandusky, Ohio.
Approvals and Closing
The merger is expected to close in the first half of 2024, following receipt of Six Flags shareholder approval, regulatory approvals, and satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Approval by Cedar Fair unitholders is not required. Six Flags’ largest shareholder, which owns approximately 13.6% of Six Flags’ shares outstanding, has signed a voting and support agreement to vote in favor of the transaction. The transaction is not expected to trigger any change of control provision under Cedar Fair’s and Six Flags’ respective outstanding Notes. The companies expect to refinance their respective revolving credit facilities, and Six Flags expects to refinance the Six Flags Term Loan, ahead of transaction close.
Cedar Fair and Six Flags Third Quarter 2023 Results
In separate press releases today, Cedar Fair and Six Flags reported results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2023. The Cedar Fair release is available at https://ir.cedarfair.com and the Six Flags release can be found at https://investors.sixflags.com.
Advisors
Perella Weinberg Partners is serving as exclusive financial advisor and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP and Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP are serving as legal counsel to Cedar Fair. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel to Six Flags.
Conference Call and Additional Materials
Cedar Fair, L.P. (NYSE: FUN) and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: SIX) will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET today to discuss the pending merger and review both companies’ third quarter 2023 results. Participants on the call will include Six Flags President and CEO Selim Bassoul, Cedar Fair President and CEO Richard Zimmerman, Cedar Fair Executive Vice President and CFO Brian Witherow, and Six Flags CFO Gary Mick.
Investors and all other interested parties can access a live, listen-only audio webcast of the call on the Cedar Fair and Six Flags websites. Those unable to listen to the live webcast can access a recorded version of the call on either company’s investor website Past Events, shortly after the live call’s conclusion.
A replay of the call will also be available by phone starting at approximately noon ET on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, until noon ET, Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. To access the phone replay, please dial (866) 813-9403 or (929) 458-6194, followed by the Conference ID: 830378.
About Cedar Fair
Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world, is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio. Focused on its mission to make people happy by providing fun, immersive, and memorable experiences, the Company owns and operates 13 properties, consisting of 11 amusement parks, four separately gated outdoor water parks, and resort accommodations totaling more than 2,300 rooms and more than 600 luxury RV sites. Cedar Fair’s parks are located in Ohio, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, Texas and Toronto, Ontario.
This news release and prior releases are available under the News tab at http://ir.cedarfair.com
About Six Flags Entertainment Company
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with 27 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 62 years, Six Flags has entertained hundreds of millions of guests with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions. Six Flags is committed to creating an inclusive environment that fully embraces the diversity of our team members and guests. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historic fact, included in this press release that address activities, events of developments that Cedar Fair or Six Flags expects, believes or anticipates, will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “create,” “expect,” “future,” “guidance,” “intend,” “plan,” “potential,” “seek,” “target,” “synergies,” “will,” “would,” similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words identify forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about the consummation of the proposed transaction and the anticipated benefits thereof. All such forward-looking statements are based upon current plans, estimates, expectations and ambitions that are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are beyond the control of Cedar Fair and Six Flags, and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that may cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the proposed transaction, including the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of any required governmental and regulatory approvals of the proposed transaction and Six Flags stockholder approval; anticipated tax treatment, unforeseen liabilities, future capital expenditures, revenues, expenses, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, financial condition, losses, future prospects, business and management strategies for the management, expansion and growth of the combined company’s operations and other conditions to the completion of the proposed transaction, including the possibility that any of the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Cedar Fair, Six Flags or their respective directors and others following announcement of the merger agreement and proposed transaction; the inability to consummate the transaction due to the failure to satisfy other conditions to complete the transaction; risks that the proposed transaction disrupts and/or harms current plans and operations of Cedar Fair or Six Flags, including that management’s time and attention will be diverted on transaction-related issues; the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the transaction, including the possibility that the transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated; the ability of Cedar Fair and Six Flags to successfully integrate their businesses and to achieve anticipated synergies and value creation; potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed transaction; legislative, regulatory and economic developments and changes in laws, regulations, and policies affecting Cedar Fair and Six Flags; potential business uncertainty, including the outcome of commercial negotiations and changes to existing business relationships during the pendency of the proposed transaction that could affect Cedar Fair’s and/or Six Flags’ financial performance and operating results; acts of terrorism or outbreak of war, hostilities, civil unrest, and other political or security disturbances; the impacts of pandemics or other public health crises, including the effects of government responses on people and economies; risks related to the potential impact of general economic, political and market factors on the companies or the proposed transaction; those risks described in Item 1A of Cedar Fair’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 17, 2023, and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K; those risks described in Item 1A of Six Flags’ Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 7, 2023, and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K; and those risks that will be described in the registration statement on Form S-4 and accompanying proxy statement/prospectus available from the sources indicated below.
These risks, as well as other risks associated with the proposed transaction, will be more fully discussed in the registration statement on Form S-4 that will be filed by CopperSteel HoldCo, Inc. (“HoldCo”) with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction, which will contain a prospectus relating to the issuance of New Holdco securities in the proposed transaction and a proxy statement relating to the special meeting of the stockholders of Six Flags. While the list of factors presented here is, and the list of factors to be presented in the registration statement on Form S-4 will be, considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. The ability of Cedar Fair or Six Flags to achieve the goals for the proposed transaction may also be affected by our ability to manage the factors identified above. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements as they are not guarantees of future performance or outcomes and actual performance and outcomes may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Neither Cedar Fair nor Six Flags assumes any obligation to publicly provide revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.
Important Information about the Transaction and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed transaction, Cedar Fair and Six Flags will cause HoldCo to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 that will include a proxy statement of Six Flags and a prospectus of HoldCo. A definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to stockholders of Six Flags. Cedar Fair, Six Flags and HoldCo may also file other documents with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction. This release is not a substitute for the registration statement, proxy statement/prospectus or any other document that Cedar Fair, Six Flags or HoldCo (as applicable) may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING AND/OR INVESTMENT DECISION, INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF CEDAR FAIR AND SIX FLAGS ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the registration statement and the proxy statement/prospectus (when they become available), as well as other filings containing important information about Cedar Fair or Six Flags, without charge at the SEC’s Internet website (http://www.sec.gov). Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the registration statement and the proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by Cedar Fair, Six Flags and HoldCo through the web site maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov or by contacting the investor relations department of Cedar Fair or Six Flags at the following:
Cedar Fair Investor Contact: Michael Russell, 419.627.2233 Media Contact: Gary Rhodes, 704.249.6119 Alternate Media Contact: Andrew Siegel / Lucas Pers, Joele Frank, 212.355.4449
Six Flags Evan Bertrand Vice President, Investor Relations and Treasurer +1-972-595-5180 investorrelations@sftp.com Media Contact: Robin Weinberg / Hayley Cook / Bridget Nagle, FGS Global, 212.687.8080
The information included on, or accessible through, Cedar Fair’s or Six Flags’ website is not incorporated by reference into this release.
Participants in the Solicitation
Cedar Fair, Six Flags, HoldCo and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Six Flags stockholders in respect of the proposed transaction. Information regarding Cedar Fair’s directors and executive officers, including a description of their direct interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is contained in Cedar Fair’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on February 17, 2023 and its proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 13, 2023, and subsequent statements of changes in beneficial ownership on file with the SEC. Information regarding Six Flags’ directors and executive officers, including a description of their direct interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is contained in Six Flags’ Form 10-K for the year ended January 1, 2023 filed with the SEC on March 7, 2023 and its proxy statement filed with the SEC on March 28, 2023, and subsequent statements of changes in beneficial ownership on file with the SEC. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitations and a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials filed with the SEC when they become available.
No Offer or Solicitation
This release is for informational purposes and is not intended to, and shall not, constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
_______________________
1 Reflects combined company run rate cost savings of $120 million and revenue uplift resulting in $80 million of incremental EBITDA. 2 Adjusted EBITDA for Six Flags excludes the net income attributable to non-controlling interests in the Adjusted EBITDA of partnership parks. 3 Excludes $65 million of one-time implementation costs and $90 million of incremental CapEx at the combined company, which do not represent run-rate view of FCF post-synergies. 4 Free Cash Flow (FCF) defined as Adjusted EBITDA less CapEx.
Cedar Fair Investor Contact: Michael Russell, 419.627.2233 Media Contact: Gary Rhodes, 704.249.6119 Alternate Media Contact: Andrew Siegel / Lucas Pers, Joele Frank, 212.355.4449
Six Flags Evan Bertrand Vice President, Investor Relations and Treasurer +1-972-595-5180 investorrelations@sftp.com Media Contact: Robin Weinberg / Hayley Cook / Bridget Nagle, FGS Global, 212.687.8080
Source: Cedar Fair and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Thursdays through Sundays, September 28 through October 29, 2023, plus Columbus Day and Halloween.
Enjoy the spooktacular Halloween season at Knott’s Spooky Farm, a family-friendly Halloween celebration. Families can join in on the ghoulish fun as the park transforms with themed décor and wicked fun around every corner. The Fall Season of Fun offers Halloween-themed activities that celebrate the season, including trick-or-treating, a lineup of original shows, and pumpkin decorating. Kids can participate in a memorable trick-or-treating experience in the spooky streets of Ghost Town, where they will interact with an array of spooky but friendly shopkeepers and show off their festive Halloween costumes. Guests can also visit the Livery Stable to get close and personal with the Creepy Critters of Calico. Spiders, bugs, and more await at our Creepy Critters Corral. Whimsical jack-o-lanterns surround Calico Park as it changes into an enchanting Pumpkin Patch location for families to enjoy the season’s atmosphere with photo ops. Guests can get in the spirit by decorating their very own themed cookie or pumpkin right in the heart of Ghost Town. Miniature pumpkins or Halloween cookies will be available for a nominal fee. Little ghouls are also encouraged to strut their stuff and show off their Halloween Costumes in the Calico Carnival Costume Cavalcade hosted by some of your favorite town citizens at the Calico Mine Stage. Also at the Calico Mine Stage, Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies are back for a country concert like no other, with plenty of high-energy music and comedy on tap.
Gals and ghouls are in for a treat as the Bob Baker Marionette Theatre Show is back with their Halloween-themed show at Birdcage Theatre. These peculiar puppeteers will amaze all with a spooky puppet show that will have little ones and adults entertained all day. The residents of The Timber Mountain Log Ride will celebrate the Halloween Hootenanny, which adds a family-friendly seasonal twist to a park favorite. The fun continues for little ones at the Calico Mine Ride as it undergoes a fantastical transformation into a candy wonderland!
Knott’s Spooky Farm will be taking place in the daytime, Thursdays through Sundays, September 28 through October 29, 2023, plus Columbus Day and Halloween.
Freedom will ring at Knott’s Berry Farm on the 4th of July as the park celebrates our nation’s birthday with a spectacular fireworks show and special family-friendly entertainment. There is fun from sunup to sundown including the reimagined Fiesta Village, Ghost Town Alive! and Knott’s Summer Nights!
The new Fiesta Village offers another Knott’s original experience with enhanced theming, beautiful décor, authentic food, immersive entertainment, thrilling rides, and more. Lively entertainment continues park-wide with Ghost Town Alive! where guests are invited to become the star of this summer’s new action-packed storyline in the streets of Ghost Town.
The summer adventure continues long after dark, with a nighttime summer party that will liven up the night. Knott’s Summer Nights offers a variety of live music, classic summer eats, and games for the whole family to enjoy.
The Independence Day fireworks show kicks off with a bang at 9:30pm as guests are treated to an exhilarating fanfare of radiant bursts and brilliant shimmers.
The party continues with more summer fun, including the return of seasonal favorites Ghost Town Alive! and Knott’s Summer Nights!
There’s something fun for everyone at Knott’s Berry Farm this Summer. The transformation of the new Fiesta Village will offer another Knott’s original experience with enhanced theming, beautiful décor, authentic food, immersive entertainment, thrilling rides and more starting on May 26. Lively entertainment continues park-wide with the return of Ghost Town Alive! and Summer Nights. Across the street, Knott’s Soak City reopens its gates for another splash-filled summer.
The Reimagined Fiesta Village
Fiesta Village comes alive both day and night to celebrate the Hispanic influences in Southern California. Guests can enjoy the sounds of Mariachi music, encounter a storyteller spinning whimsical tales of the alebrijes, experience performances of the traditional dance Folklorico and be entertained by interactive puppets and their playful antics. Those who venture through the newly landscaped alebrije gardens can meet Fiesta Village’s very own spirit animal friends. As the sun goes down, the fun heats up with an immersive nighttime street party, Calle Celebración, spanning the entire village, celebrating Mexican traditions of family, love and community through color, music, dancing and giant colorful puppets.
Guests can savor the flavors of Fiesta at the new restaurant Casa California with burritos, birria quesadillas and signature tamales. At Cantina Del Sur, plenty of thirst-quenching bebidas will be served. These cold refreshments pair nicely with the delicious fish tacos at the new Baja Taqueria. Papas Mexicanas brings back a wide variety of toppings for crispy french fries, including a park favorite, the carne asada fries. Not only can guests enjoy all these delicious food options in the area, but this summer’s tasting card, Flavors of Summer, has expanded to include Sabor de Fiesta with food festival booths in Fiesta Village serving items such as potato and chorizo tacos, micheladas and elotes.
Guests can stroll down Fiesta Mercado, inspired by Los Angeles’ Olvera Street, and find a variety of merchants with unique and authentic items. New merchandise items inspired by the area include a selection of Chamoy candies, hot sauces and queso. Other additions include carts throughout the village selling wares such as personalized parasols and colorful zarapes.
Those looking for a thrill can enjoy the seven refreshed rides reopening in this area. Take a swing on Los Voladores and fly through the air, similar to the Flyers of Mexico. Climb aboard one of the 48 hand-carved animals in the Carrusel de California and enjoy this timeless ride. Due to construction delays, MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress will not open with Fiesta Village this summer. An opening date has not been scheduled at this time.
Ghost Town Alive!
Your favorite town of Calico comes to life once again this summer with the return of the award-winning, interactive Ghost Town Alive! Guests are invited to become the star of this summer’s new action-packed storyline in the streets of Ghost Town. Each guest has the power to unlock secret missions with characters, influence the day’s events, and take on mind-challenging puzzles in this immersive version of the Old West. Ghost Town Alive! will offer new adventures, roles and characters this summer on select days starting May 26.
Knott’s Summer Nights
A summer favorite continues after the sun goes down, with a nighttime summer party that extends the fun into the evening. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy bands from the local music scene that rotate throughout the event on two stages. Knott’s Summer Nights transforms Calico Park into a neighborhood party like no other with a hub of live music, relaxing atmosphere, Instagram-able photo opportunities and family-friendly games.
A summer party is not complete without an abundance of food and drinks, and no theme park does food quite like Knott’s. The Knott’s culinary team creates tasty twists to classic summer dishes, from Sea Salt Caramel Iced Coffee, BLTA Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps and Mexican Pineapple Pork Sandwiches. A great way to indulge in all the flavors of Summer is by purchasing a tasting card that allows guests to choose from a selection of over four dozen seasonal-inspired dishes and drinks.
Knott’s Soak City
Make your own waves with a visit to Knott’s Soak City Waterpark starting select dates May 20 through September 10. Guests can catch a ride down 23 different speed, tube, and body slides or take a relaxing trip down one of the longest lazy rivers in the country. The 15-acre water park has something for each member of the family, an interactive kid’s area, and for those more adventurous, The Wedge, a rip-roaring raft ride.
The best way to enjoy all the fun throughout Knott’s Summertime and all of the other Seasons of Fun is with a 2023 Gold Season Pass! Get unlimited visits to both parks, food and merchandise discounts, plus so much more! For more information about Knott’s Berry Farm, please visit knotts.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app for your smartphone.
Guests can enjoy the newly expanded berry-inspired event with a celebration on
National Boysenberry Day, April 3rd!
All the rain has made the Boysenberries bloom! As a result, Knott’s is extending the Boysenberry Festival three additional weekends. Guests can enjoy the unique boysenberry-inspired food and wine festival daily, now through April 16, and every Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 21-23, April 28-April 30 and May 5-7. National Boysenberry Day: On Monday, April 3, Knott’s Berry Farm is celebrating National Boysenberry Day to commemorate its historical roots and the little berry that started it all, the boysenberry. In 1932 Walter and Cordelia Knott put their stamp on the berry world by being the first to harvest the boysenberry successfully. The Knott family then began selling boysenberry jams, jellies, and preserves, and the popularity of their products later led to the birth of Knott’s Berry Farm. Today all the boysenberries in the world can trace their roots back to Knott’s. To show love to the berry that placed our park on the map, Knotts invites guests to dress their “berry best” with formal, purple-themed outfits for National Boysenberry Day. During the event, guests are encouraged to dress in bowties, gloves, suits or pin-up skirts. Guests entering the park will receive a commemorative National Boysenberry Day button to mark the occasion. At 3pm on the Calico Mine Stage, guests dressed in their berry best will have the opportunity to participate in the Berry Style Stroll to show off their festive outfits and be a part of the special group photo to honor this national holiday.
The festival features more than three dozen new boysenberry food and drink creations, an expansive selection of entertainment and fun activities for the whole family
The Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is their annual food-inspired event that celebrates the park’s historic roots by highlighting the little berry that started it all, the boysenberry. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in a range of dishes, from savory foods with a boysenberry twist to one- of-a-kind specialty desserts and drinks that can only be found at Knott’s Berry Farm during this time of the year. In addition to the numerous food and drink offerings, the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers a wide selection of local crafters, live music, and a brand-new musical stage show for guests of all ages to enjoy. The Knott’s Boysenberry Festival begins March 10 and operates daily through April 16.
This year’s event will introduce entirely new food offerings featuring more than three dozen food and drink items. A few savory dishes to note include cauliflower bites with a boysenberry curry drizzle, and a sushi burrito with spicy crab surimi, avocado, lettuce, crispy onions, sesame and unagi sauce, all wrapped in nori with a boysenberry sweet chili dipping sauce. Tasty dessert items can be found throughout the festival, perfect for those with a sweet tooth, including sweet corn nuggets with boysenberry honey, boysenberry bread pudding, and a boysenberry waffle topped with whipped cream and boysenberry maple syrup. A great way to indulge in the new boysenberry delicacies during the festival is by purchasing a tasting card priced at $55. The tasting card offers six tastings from a selection of boysenberry-inspired dishes and drinks. A variety of signature boysenberry items will also be available for purchase a la carte. Tasting cards are available at Knotts.com or at the theme park.
Knott’s Boysenberry Festival also offers endless entertainment throughout the park. From musical performances to fun interactive games, there is something for every member of the family to enjoy.
Guests are invited to celebrate the heritage of California’s original theme park with the new show Knott’s Preserved. Through song, dance and storytelling, Knott’s Berry Farm comes alive as the audience takes a musical journey from the little ghost town of Calico to the Seaside Boardwalk of the Roaring ’20s to commemorate the heritage of the park. All aboard for a boysenberry bon voyage at the legendary Bird Cage Theatre with a special presentation of the comedy melodrama Riverboat Revenge. Guests are challenged to try their berry best in Boysenberry Fun and Games, which includes the wildly entertaining Boysenberry Pie Eating Contest. Young ones and young at heart are invited to cozy up to the cutest critters on the farm, including horses, sheep, goats and other furry friends at Old MacDonald’s Barn, a tribute to one of the farm’s original attractions. Those unfamiliar with the berry that started it all are encouraged to grab a slice of history in the History of the Boysenberry museum in Town Hall.
Guests can also create over 75 unique boysenberry-inspired creations with limited-edition merchandise found throughout the park. This year’s merchandise includes a grand selection of packaged food items perfect for take-home souvenirs. The Berry Market, located in the California Marketplace, also features signature boysenberry items like the refreshing boysenberry sarsaparilla and our classic jams and preserves. Unique boysenberry-inspired artisan products also will be available at the Boysenberry Festival Craft Fair, with over 30 local craft vendors.
The Boysenberry Festival is included with admission to Knott’s Berry Farm. For a special treat, guests can book a stay at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel for overnight accommodations just steps from the park. Additional costs apply for food-tasting experiences within the event. Knott’s will have extended hours on select days, allowing guests extra time to take advantage of the limited-time offerings.
The best way to savor every day of the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival and all of the other Seasons of Fun is with a 2023 Season Pass! Get unlimited visits, food and merchandise discounts, plus so much more! For more information about Knott’s Berry Farm, please visit knotts.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app for your smartphone. Join the conversation using the hashtag #BoysenberryFestival
### About Knott’s Berry Farm and Cedar Fair Entertainment Company:
What began as a roadside berry stand and chicken dinner restaurant in the 1920s has evolved into Knott’s Berry Farm, one of Southern California’s most popular theme park destinations combining world-class thrill rides with traditional family favorite attractions and entertainment. Knott’s is also home to Knott’s Soak City Water Park, Knott’s Marketplace, and the full-service Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel. Knott’s Berry Farm is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world and a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio. Focused on its mission to make people happy by providing fun, immersive and memorable experiences, the Company owns and operates 13 properties, consisting of 11 amusement parks, four separately gated outdoor water parks, and resort accommodations totaling more than 2,300 rooms and more than 600 luxury RV sites. Its parks are located in Ohio, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, Texas and Toronto, Ontario.
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