Latest news with #HerschendFamilyEntertainment
CBS News
27-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Kennywood officially acquired by Dollywood's parent company
Kennywood and Dollywood are now owned by the same company. Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation finalized its acquisition of Palace Entertainment's 24 U.S. attractions, including Kennywood, Sandcastle and Idlewild & SoakZone. The company now employs 22,000 people and operates 49 properties that attract nearly 20 million guests each year. "Our purpose has carried us through both bright seasons and challenging ones—and it will continue to guide us as we move into this next chapter," Chris Herschend, a board chair and third-generation owner, said in a news release. "We're focused on doing what's right for the business, our hosts, and the communities we're honored to be part of. This process will take time, and we know we will not get everything perfect, but we are committed to listening, communicating and continuously improving." Herschend says this season will be about "listening, learning, and building relationships." Guests can expect the same from Kennywood and other parks as Herschend focuses on its employees first. Herschend says it's the largest family-held themed attractions company. Kennywood was a family business for more than 100 years until Palace Entertainment bought it in 2007. After that deal, the park got rid of rides like the Turnpike and Log Jammer to make way for attractions like the Sky Rocket and Steel Curtain. After the Herschend deal was announced in March, many Pittsburghers expressed hope for the park's future. They said they hope the new owners move the park forward while still keeping some of its historic Pittsburgh charm.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Parent company of Silver Dollar City acquires Palace Entertainment's U.S. attractions
BRANSON, Mo. — Herschend Family Entertainment has signed an agreement with Parques Reunidos to acquire all of Palace Entertainment's U.S. properties from Parques Reunidos. According to a press release from Herschend Family Entertainment, the agreement supports Herschend's strategic expansion in family entertainment and hospitality while allowing Parques Reunidos to reinforce its strategic focus on its core European market. Palace has over 20 entertainment venues across 10 U.S. states. Some of these include Kennywood in Pennsylvania, Lake Compounce in Connecticut and Noah's Ark Waterpark in Wisconsin. 'This year, we're celebrating 75 years of bringing families closer together—and looking ahead to the next 75,' said Andrew Wexler, CEO of Herschend. 'Today's announcement marks a natural expansion and continuation of that vision. By growing wisely and staying true to our purpose, we are building a future where we can continue creating memories worth repeating for generations to come.' Herschend Family Entertainment is the world's largest family-owned themed attractions company, with more than 14,000 hosts serving 15 million annual guests across North America. 'Herschend is the ideal organization to lead Palace Entertainment's unique properties,' said John Reilly, Palace Entertainment Chief Executive Officer. 'Herschend is best in class in providing a high-quality guest experience within its parks. Palace Entertainment's team members and its parks are in great hands as we make this transition.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
