Belgian brewer InBev is reportedly working on a $46 billion takeover bid for Anheuser-Busch, according to the Financial Times.
If this goes through, I am wondering how the parks will affected…
I doubt it will happen because of the tradition of Anheuser-Busch and the CEO being a Busch – August A. Busch IV …
- Beer advertising
- war prophaganda
So maybe things will get better without Annheuser.
GOOD: InBev decides they don't like the way Sea World currently operates, and mandates changes.
This could have a very positive effect. The Las Vegas-style "circus" type shows could become a thing of the past, and education could receive a much greater emphasis. The dolphin "experience" at Discovery Cove, under such conditions, could actually become as high quality as the aviary.
It could also, on the other wing, make the 'circus' atmosphere even worse.
Now, with that said -- I think it very unlikely that either scenario would come to pass, even if the merger goes through. InBev, to the best of my knowledge, has no experience whatsoever in running any type of theme park, zoo, or oceanarium. Ergo, the logical move, if they don't decide to sell Sea World off, would be for them to simply leave well enough alone.
BAD: InBev decides they don't like the idea of having a bunch of theme parks under their wing, so they dump Sea World off to the highest bidder.
I have no idea who'd buy them, under such conditions. It takes a big budget to feed and care for as large an animal collection as Sea World has, so it'd have to be someone with VERY deep pockets. If it turns out to be a 'skinflint' buyer, the critters could be endangered due to budget cuts.
GOOD AND BAD TOGETHER: InBev decides to cut Sea World loose to function as an independent entity, just as they once were decades ago before HBJ bought them (and talk about a match made in aitch-ee-double-toothpicks!)
This could be good in that Sea World would have to compete in the field on their own merits (or lack thereof, depending on one's perception), without the support of a huge and well-known corporation to fall back on if things go poorly for them.
It could also be bad, along those same lines, if they suddenly discover that the same formula they've been feeding the public for so long no longer worked, and they refuse to change how they operate. Drop in attendance, lost funds, potential downward spiral.
INDIFFERENT: Things remain status quo. InBev makes no significant changes to the Sea World branch of operations. However, given what I've seen of corporate mentality, I consider that unlikely as well.
This is all, as mentioned above, wild speculation, based on the idea that a merger might actually take place. Those who have experience in the business world are far better qualified to speculate on that than I am.
Keep the peace(es).
It's all about the money folks.
I couldn't have said it better myself, Derek. Ain't it the truth...
I just hope nothing happens that jeopardizes the integrity of BGE, because I enjoy having a high quality theme park so close to home...and I don't plan on moving anytime soon. But honestly,this speculation doesn't really give me any worries.
