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Ardent Leisure borrows US$200m to revive theme parks and invest in US

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DreamWorld kenny belinda theme park ardent leisure

Ardent Leisure Group has secured a financing deal, which it will use to revive its theme parks division, including Dreamworld and WhiteWater World.

Ardent has been hit hard following the tragic deaths on the Thunder River Rapids ride at Dreamworld in October 2016.

The Sydney-based company recorded a net loss of A$21.8 million for the first half of this financial year, following an A$86 million loss the previous year.

Ardent Leisure has now announced the completion of a US$200m (A$281m) term loan facility, made up of US$125m (A$175m) drawn term loan and a US$75m (A$105.5m) delayed draw term loan, as well as a US$25m (A$35m) revolving credit facility backed by its US-based company Main Event Entertainment.

Dreamworld Sky Voyager simulator Brogent

The proceeds of the drawn term loan were used to repay Ardent’s Australian bank debt facility, while the remaining balance will support investment in theme parks and Main Event.

After repaying the existing bank debt facility, Ardent said that it will have more than A$80m cash, to return theme parks to profitability and support the development of its US presence.

Vision for theme parks

  • Become the premier leisure destination in Australia
  • Theme Park with world class rides and attractions
  • Water Park with world class slides and leisure areas
  • Innovative animal displays with a focus on the conservation of koalas and tigers
  • Showcase of indigenous culture and history
  • Indoor and outdoor event and entertainment spaces
  • In-house and branded F&B and retail outlets
  • Hotel and/or other short term accommodation options

https://twitter.com/Dreamworld_AU/status/1110778716488167424

Investment in new rides and attractions include Sky Voyager. The $15m ‘Flying Theatre’ iRide simulator at Dreamworld will be the first of its kind in Australia.

In the 60-seat simulated flight experience, riders will be suspended over a screen while they fly across the Australian landscape. The media-based attraction will be supplied by Brogent.

There are also plans for a $15m extension to WhiteWater World; a new Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation which supports koala conservation research, and an expansion to the Dreamworld Corroboree attraction showcasing the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Image: Dreamworld

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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