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SeaWorld Sale Unlikely Soon

There’s at least one nice thing to say about the bad economy, it makes getting credit difficult. For fans of the SeaWorld/Busch Parks (recently rebranded “Worlds of Discovery”) that’s good news as it means AB-InBev will have a hard time finding a buyer should they wish to get out of the theme park business. For now the Busch Entertainment Corporation, recently relocated to Orlando, is running the parks fine and profitable. There’s not really any reason for InBev to rush out and find a suitor. That said, maybe Sam Adams Brewery is in the market, they’re the only remaining US based brewery.

I think SeaWorld Orlando remains well positioned to ride out this storm, provided customers continue to visit Orlando. Should that well dry up, Orlando might experience some shrinkage in the number of theme parks and attractions. But let’s not go there. For now things seem very likely to get back on track in late 2009.

More at San Diego Business Journal.

4 thoughts on “SeaWorld Sale Unlikely Soon”

  1. I really don’t see a compelling reason why they should sell off the theme parks. Yes, their core business is beverages. So what? What is wrong with having a profitable side-business where your core products can be featured?

    I understand that theme parks are a different animal – they require major capital projects to continue to be world-class draws. But if they more than pay for themselves, why not keep them?

  2. Disney could just fit Shamu with some Mickey Ears. San Diego would be a nice place for running the Mexican Riviera leg of the Disney Cruise Line out of. Besides, Nemo could use a bigger ocean to swim in.
    With the deal in Dubai, there is a wonderful expansion opportunity for Disney to expand to a large market with large $.

    Carl Straus is also American owned. It is regional now, but it is getting bigger. Try it. You’ll like it!

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