http://www.cedarfair.com/ir/press_releases/index.cfm?current_root=15&mode=story&story_id=321
SANDUSKY, Ohio, Sept. 19, 2011 -- Cedar Fair (NYSE: FUN), a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its California's Great America amusement park, located in Santa Clara, California, to JMA Ventures, LLC ("JMA") for $70 million in cash. The Company, which purchased the park in 2006, expects to use the cash proceeds from this sale to reduce its senior secured debt.
"Our decision to divest of our California's Great America park was not an easy one," said Dick Kinzel, Cedar Fair's chief executive officer. "This is a quality park that has terrific employees and serves a strong market. That being said, as part of our regular comprehensive review of our portfolio of parks, we determined that divesting a smaller park like California's Great America at an attractive market value created a compelling business opportunity that we couldn't pass up. Among other things, it provides us the opportunity to immediately de-lever our balance sheet resulting in additional financial flexibility for growth and unitholder value creation in the future. California's Great America and its employees have always demonstrated tremendous capability in providing its customers with the highest level of family entertainment in the northern California region. I'm confident the park and its employees will continue to thrive under the ownership of JMA."
"As we look toward 2012, we are building significant momentum for Cedar Fair to deliver consistent and meaningful distributions to our unitholders," said Matt Ouimet, Cedar Fair's president. "At the same time, we remain committed to driving top-line growth through a combination of new rides and attractions, marketing initiatives and related strategic expansion around our entire portfolio of premier entertainment venues. The divestiture of California's Great America will provide us with additional financial flexibility earlier than anticipated to achieve these goals and maintain Cedar Fair's position as one of the most attractive growth and yield stories in the leisure and hospitality industry."
The transaction, which is subject to approval by the City of Santa Clara and customary closing conditions, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2011. Cash proceeds received at closing are expected to be applied to the Company's senior secured debt under the terms of the Company's credit agreement. A Form 8-K with the material terms of the definitive agreement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the end of day Tuesday.
California's Great America is northern California's leading amusement park, with more than 50 rides and attractions. JMA Ventures, LLC is a California-based full service real estate investment firm, serving as managing partner of over $500 million in existing projects spanning hospitality, leisure, residential developments, retail, office and industrial/telecom.
About Cedar Fair
Cedar Fair is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio, and one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world. The Company owns and operates 11 amusement parks, six outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and five hotels. Amusement parks in the Company's northern region include two in Ohio: Cedar Point, consistently voted "Best Amusement Park in the World" in Amusement Today polls, and Kings Island; as well as Canada's Wonderland, near Toronto; Dorney Park, PA; Valleyfair, MN; and Michigan's Adventure, MI. In the southern region are Kings Dominion, VA; Carowinds, NC; and Worlds of Fun, MO. Western parks in California include: Knott's Berry Farm; California's Great America; and Gilroy Gardens, which is managed under contract.
Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements as to the Company's expectations, beliefs and strategies regarding the future. These statements may involve risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Important factors, including general economic conditions, adverse weather conditions, competition for consumer leisure time and spending, unanticipated construction delays and other factors discussed from time to time by the Company in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") could affect attendance at our parks and cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations. Additional information on risk factors that may affect the business and financial results of the Company can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the filings of the Company made from time to time with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
And yeah, I meant nothing but sarcasm out of the word "SHOCKING."
This came as no surprise to me. Pretty much the only thing I found kind of surprising was that Cedar Fair didn't take Flight Deck and Vortex; however, after thinking about it, I think CF wanted to make the park look attracting for the sale. So now we pretty much know the reason why Invertigo was removed earlier this year (and sent to Dorney Park as Stinger).
Here is the company, JMA Ventures:
http://www.jmaventuresllc.com/
One thing I find scary is this:
JMA Ventures is a full service real estate investment firm, serving as managing partner of over $500 Million in existing projects spanning hospitality, leisure, residential developments, retail, office and industrial/telecom.
Founded in 1986, our San Francisco based company has focused on delivering superior risk adjusted returns to our investors while providing quality products and improving the communities and environments in which we conduct business.
Our value-added approach has delivered outperforming returns across our portfolio base during our 20 year history.
JMA Ventures has not only proven itself as a real estate investment firm resulting in high returns for their investors, but has also become an expert in developing and redeveloping large scale lifestyle properties. JMA is a full service firm combining cutting edge ideas with the know-how and ability to deliver.
JMA has no theme park involvement, but it has real estate involvement. Hopefully what I'm thinking doesn't come true (I doubt it. If the park gets demolished, it will be for the 49ers Stadium).
However, there is a possibility of JMA making CGA an entertainment area to accompany the supposed 49ers Stadium (placing it on the overflow parking lot). I read another article saying that they like the park and hope to keep its unique appeal. It seems possible, but I'm not sure...
I'll keep you guys updated! ;)
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