Herschend company acquires Georgia theme park

HFE was the successful bidder for Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Ga., according to a news release. The sale is expected to be finalized Thursday following a Chapter 11 bankruptcy approval hearing involving the park’s former owner, Adventures Park Group LLC, also based in Valdosta, Ga.

HFE's winning bid for the park and its assets was $34.5 milllion, according to company officials.

The 166-acre park features 100 rides and attractions, including nine roller coasters, hundreds of animals and a water park.

“I’m confident I leave Wild Adventures and (its employees) in good hands with the Herschend team,” Kent Buescher, CEO and founder of APG, said in the release. “Herschend has a solid history of operating first-class, successful theme parks with a reputation for high-quality service and great guest value.”

Once the sale is final, HFE will assume day-to-day park operations, which includes managing more than 600 full-time and part-time employees.

“We believe Wild Adventures aligns well with the Herschend philosophy of delivering great value for our guests while always maintaining a family focus,” HFE CEO Joel Manby said in the release. “Our aim is to make the transition as seamless as possible for our new employees and as transparent as possible to our guests. … We expect to announce plans for the 2008 season shortly.”

HFE owns, operates or partners in 17 properties in seven states, including Silver Dollar City and Celebration City, both in Branson. The company has dual headquarters in Branson and Atlanta.