Sandusky-based Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. continued its recent buying spree with the acquisition of Sawmill Creek Resort in neighboring Huron. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The deal follows several recent purchases by Cedar Fair, including the $261 million acquisition of two Schlitterbahn waterparks and accompanying resort in Texas and the $150 million acquisition of the land under Great America amusement park in California.
Cedar Fair CEO Richard Zimmermann said the company plans to upgrade and modernize Sawmill Creek's guest rooms, resort facilities and infrastructure over the next two years.
"We are excited about the opportunity to add Sawmill Creek to our growing portfolio of resort properties serving Cedar Point," Zimmermann said in a statement. "Along with Hotel Breakers, Cedar Point’s Express Hotel, Castaway Bay Indoor Waterpark Resort and Lighthouse Point, Sawmill Creek’s 236-room resort lodge strengthens both Cedar Point’s and the Sandusky area’s appeal as a unique and adventurous vacation destination.”
Sawmill Creek spans a total of 235 acres, including 28 acres of Lake Erie waterfront with a marina, a half-mile beach and 50 acres of undeveloped land. The property includes a conference center, an 18-hole golf course and The Shops at Sawmill Creek.
Squire Patton Boggs served as legal advisor to Cedar Fair on the transaction, while Sawmill Creek Resort was represented by MelCap Partners.
Publicly held Cedar Fair is one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world.
