KANSAS CITY—-EPR Properties announced Thursday that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire a portfolio of seven regional parks from Six Flags Entertainment Corporation for a gross transactional value of $342 million, of which the Company provided approximately $315 million and our operating tenants provided the balance, including funds for working capital and capital improvements. This transaction significantly expands the Company's attractions portfolio and represents its largest acquisition since 2017.
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The seven parks comprise over 1,600 acres, featuring 418 attractions across five states and Canada, and drawing approximately 4.5 million annual attendees. The six regional parks that are located throughout the U.S. will be leased to and operated by Enchanted Parks (formerly Innovative Attraction Management) pursuant to a long-term master lease, and the one park located in Canada will be leased to and operated by La Ronde Operations, Inc. following the completion of the transaction. Both entities are proven operators with which the Company has an existing relationship.
"This strategic acquisition represents a compelling opportunity to expand our attractions portfolio with high-quality experiential real estate assets in established regional markets," said Gregory K. Silvers, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EPR Properties. "These properties embody the essential characteristics we seek: delivering stable, long-term cash flows, strong drive-to accessibility, multi-generational appeal, and significant underlying land value. This transaction aligns with our disciplined investment criteria and accelerates our strategic expansion into experiential properties that create enduring value for our shareholders.”
Properties Included In Transaction
U.S. Parks – Enchanted Parks
- Worlds of Fun – Amusement & Waterpark – Kansas City, MO
- Valleyfair – Amusement & Waterpark – Minneapolis, MN
- Six Flags St. Louis – Amusement & Waterpark – St. Louis, MO
- Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston – Waterpark – Galveston TX
- Michigan’s Adventure – Amusement & Waterpark – Grand Rapids, MI
- Six Flags Great Escape – Amusement & Waterpark - Queensbury, NY
Canadian Park
- Six Flags La Ronde – Amusement Park - Montreal, QC
Investment Highlights
- Properties Underwritten at a 2.0x Coverage
- Compelling Valuation
- New Focused Operators with Capital Infusion
- High Quality Real Estate
- Strong Master Lease
The company has acquired the non-Six Flags branded property names as part of the transaction and acquired rights to the Six Flags brand through 2026. The transaction is expected to close toward the end of the first quarter or beginning of the second quarter, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions and third-party approvals. No significant impact on guests is expected during this transition. The parks will continue their regular operating schedules, and all season passes sold will be recognized through the 2026 operating season.