Six Flags and Cedar Fair will merge to create a playtime powerhouse in North America

The Twisted Cyclone wood and steel roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia – outside of Atlanta. (Six Flags Over Georgia)

Six Flags and Cedar are merging to create an expansive amusement park operator with operations spread across 17 U.S. states — including Georgia — and three countries.

The combined company, worth more than $3.5 billion, will boast 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks and nine resort properties in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. It will also have entertainment partnerships and a portfolio of intellectual property including Looney Tunes, DC Comics and Peanuts.

Amusement parks have seen an uptick in revenue but have struggled to raise attendance since the pandemic, even as other entertainment sectors have bounced back. A tie-up between two huge players is expected to at least lower costs.