Cory Butcher

In so few words: No, you are not wrong. And you are right to think that if Apollo really wanted the chain they would in all probability offer more per unit. Keep in mind however, that proxy materials have yet to be approved by the SEC, and there is still pending litigation against the sale. Apollo would be better off waiting until they get some idea of how the litigation will pan out, or right before approved proxy materials are distributed to increase the offer (if that is their intentions). Also, keep in mind this is a difficult economy and Apollo, a name many of us had not heard of before this proposed merger, is wanting to purchase the chain and refinance debt at a total of $2.4 Billion. That is no small price. The biggest thing to keep in mind here when looking at how much the shareholders are getting is the debt being purchased. If Cedar Fair was not heavily in debt (and the sale were to still be destined to happen) the purchase price for Cedar Fair would not be so low per unit as this current deal. In fact, if the debt were to be some mix of cash, assets, and owner's equity, the per unit price of this transaction would be around $43.47 per unit. The debt of Cedar Fair has given unit holders a low per unit price, not necessarily Apollo! They are forking over a large chunk of capital for this merger! Back to your original point, I too think they would have little incentive to raise the per unit price.

^If everything holds the way it is currently for next week, then I will be there! I do agree with what you have to say as well Ryan, and think the stance that Kings Island and KIC is taking on this issue is the more suitable stance to the current situation.

KIfan1980, I could not have said that better myself! Kudos to you good sir! I agree with your sentiments completely. We should remain respectful, even if we disagree with the merits of people's opinions.

Ha, I don't believe anyone said they were bad...I think someone here said there was a lot good information there. Still, the same person made note of how it seemed like many young people were reading Terpy's comments in this thread, and another one on here, and failing to understand them!

I think the last two pages of this topic have gone to my head, and subsequently caused at least a headache...now, who do I sue? lol In all seriousness though there is a lot of wisdom here...and there. This really reads like the first chapter of a law textbook, with discovery and causation, etc. Terpy, I hope you don't feel like you are repeating yourself, but it's beginning to seem like you are! I guess it's just one of those concepts that some grasp and some don't. Try not to burst a blood vessel explaining it to the masses!

Be enthusiastic, willing and eager to learn the job, professional in appearance, and you will be fine! Goodluck to you!

Oooh, Terpy that was bad! Even for you!

You forgot safety and downtime...both major factors (unless you are going to play a politician fudge and claim those are both subsumed in the word better). Believe it or not, before I read the parenthesized portion of your reply, I was getting ready to reply by saying that! Haha. Although I would tend to think downtime may have some uh, economical and enjoyability implications!

I for one feel if there is no better, more enjoyable, or more economical use of the space in the works, then the ride should run for as long as no other options are realized! Isn't that a statement you would expect from a politician? haha

How about... Kings Island: "Embrace the Change!"

Oh my bad, I misread the statement...I thought it said "Son of Beast" not The Beast! Oops, lol.

I misread an above statement, my apologies! Edited: February 1, 2010

I think I'd be up for it! Be our guest...

Think more Action Theater meets Soarin's ride film... At least, that's the speculation.

Was he predicting results or was he speculating as to the outcome of the court action? Definition of "foolhardy" by Mirriam Webster online, "adj. foolishly adventurous and bold" What makes a man's speculation or opinion, which he suredly is relying on some knowledge to espouse, foolishly adventurous or bold? Just curious. I agree with you, it is very hard to predict the outcome, but should that keep people from using their knowledge to try?

Interpreter, I have not forgotten that myself. The only litigation I was referring to, as was the article, is the litigation in the Erie County Common Pleas Court that has been consolidated and is directed towards Cedar Fair LP. This is the only litigation spoken of in the DealBook article. The author only said the Erie County litigation would not have an effect, therefore I only presented what the author implied, not that which he did not. The DealBook made no note of the litigation in Delaware so I did not present the author's take, as he did not provide one. I even explained before the quote from the article:

I must HIGHLY recommend that anyone here reads the following article. This is another article from the DealBook of the New York Times from the same author whose article I posted a while back. This is a lengthy read, but a very good read, and I encourage you all to read it! Cedar Fair’s Mystery: An Investor’s Game Plan http://dealbook.blog...er=yahoofinance The article highlights the threat from Q Investments: The author also raises some questions about the motives of Q Investments after they filed a Schedule 13G rather than a 13D: In addition the article explains why the lawsuits that have been filed in the Erie County Common Pleas Court will not stop the acquisition. As I have explained to some of you off-board, being a Limited Partnership does change exactly what Cedar Fair LP and its board of directors has to do to satisfy their fiduciary duties. There are cases where a board of directors has the right to satisfy the continuation of the business unit, and not just satisfy the financial interests of the shareholders. The author states (And I think this is the biggest thing to take away from this article right now): This would make a grand finance/legal case study for some college!

Cedar Fair to go ahead with Apollo Global deal http://www.businessw...s/D9DFG3D00.htm A portion excerpted from the article: Here is the link to the SEC filing: http://www.sec.gov/A...50/ddefa14a.htm Cedar Fair issued the following statement: The stock price has moved down 13 cents or 1.02% to close at $12.65 I am personally surprised by this, I had thought that if no other buyer showed themselves, that today would have been treated almost as an ex-dividend date and the stock would have fallen by the optimism that propelled it. Tomorrow, now that the news is out, will be the day that propels us into the rest of this transaction.

KIfan1980 You have hit the nail right on the head... Q has 12% of "NO" essentially. If the stock price goes up they make a pretty penny, and if it goes back to 11.50 they only lose 10%. They are making an extremely hedged play, a risky investment that may work to their advantage. They are raising the market price of the stock which will in all probability cause Unit holders to vote no on the transaction. Even an investor who knows little about the company and its prospects knows that the current 12.76 in the market is better than the proposed $11.50 per unit. If this were not a limited partnership, I would think that the possibilities of a Proxy fight or hostile takeover would be very high. The man behind the acquisition is known for buying large parcels of distressed companies and other securities. I read an article that Mr Geoffry Raynor owns approximately $4 Billion in distressed assets (%7C%7CdocSource%7C%7CThe%20McClatchy%20Company%7C%7Cprovider%7C%7CACQUIREMEDIA&symbol=SBUX:US"]Cedar Fair sale opposed by big shareholder). The "go-shop" period ended about an hour ago, so it will be interesting to see what Cedar Fair has to say later today. The fact that Q Funding wants to have such a position of ownership of Cedar Fair units makes me think that someone other than Apollo has to be interested in the stock. It is extremely obvious that Q funding wants some ownership, is it possible they would want a much larger piece of the pie if offered? I guess we will find out, but I have to wonder why Q has reportedly not contacted Cedar Fair yet. That is essentially the hallmark of a hostile takover/proxy fight. I can't wait to see how this plays out!

^That would be a question for The Interpreter, I am sure he would know the legalities of that, he seems to be well-versed in those kinds of things.

Photos belong to you even if you broke the law while taking them. The Photographer's Right However, if the person were to refuse to delete the photo or video, that photo/video I am assuming, could be used as sufficient enough evidence to eject said person from the park for ignoring the posted guidelines and rules of the park. If I were given a choice to delete a photo or leave the park...I think I would delete the photo.

I personally like the name "Boo Blasters on Boo Hill", I feel the name is juvenile and has a certain ring to it that will resonate with younger kids passing through Planet Snoopy. Ok, so I do not adore or love the name, but I do like it. I do not think the ride would be named as such if it were located in Action Zone for example. Let's face it, with the location of the building so close to the childrens area, the park would be hard pressed to ever again have a mature family oriented attraction in this location. Phantom Theater for example would just not work well within the area (not that the current themeing in park areas does this particularly well anyways). Could there have been a better name chosen? Certainly. Does the name fit the area and possibly describe the ride to the younger viewers that will in all probability make up its audience? I think so. Remember, it is but only some 50 years ago where we were graced with Roller Coasters known as "Rollo Coaster", "Roller Coaster", "Coaster" and "Big Dipper". By today's standards these names surely disappoint, but for the most part the rides have not! There is much more to a ride than its name, and I for one can live with this name!

Cypress Gardens will now have a modern identity. If the concept of a LegoLand Resort can take hold there is no reason the park cannot succeed. The Cypress Gardens at LegoLand Florida will keep the locals coming in for long walks, and the new innovative attractions will get tourists into the parks as well as the locals. I have been to Cypress Gardens a few times and did quite enjoy myself! I for one liked the Southern Belles however... I genuinely enjoyed just walking around the park with my family. My sister and I enjoyed the certain charm the place had as evidenced by this photo:

It looks as though there was a very major buy and then sell-off of FUN around 3pm today according to today's stock price chart. Today the stock has traded at a high of $13.56. I will not even speculate on what this means, as this is a very large fluctuation for a stock that is supposed to be purchased for 11.50 per share. The stock at one point today was up more than 10%! There was some VERY interesting price action between 3:00 and 3:45pm. Unbelievable!

The News Plus Notes style articles and literature are things you would think you would read on KIC. News Plus Notes certainly presents some really cool information, some of it we have seen time and time again, but I always love seeing those bits of history that I have gotten complacent on return in new forms and presentations!