Six Flags announces partnership to open theme parks in China

Six Flags Entertainment Corp. announced a partnership Monday to build multiple theme parks in China over the next decade.

The regional theme park company, which operates Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia and 17 other parks in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, said it has struck a partnership with Canada-based Riverside Investment Group Co. to expand outside North America.

Six Flags has yet to venture into China, a market that has drawn huge investments from other theme parks.

In April, Walt Disney Co. and a Chinese partner, which are building the Shanghai Disney Resort, have agreed to add an extra $800 million to the park’s $4-billion price tag.

The project, slated to open Dec. 31, 2015, was already expected to be Disney’s second-largest park, behind its massive resort in Orlando, Fla.

Six Flags did not offer more details about its plans to open parks in China.

“We are honored to enter this strategic relationship with Six Flags and expand the entertainment offerings in China, said Li Zhe, chairman of Riverside Investment Group. “We are confident this world-class brand and unique form of entertainment will attract millions of guests to our parks.”

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