The Waterworld water park in Stoke-on-Trent, England has been sold in a multimillion-pound deal to European leisure park operator Looping Group.
The UK attraction has been sold by entrepreneur Mo Chaudry to Looping Group, which operates 21 leisure parks across Europe, including Drayton Manor.
The deal was finalised on 31 July, the BBC reports. According to Companies House, Chaudry stepped down as director of Waterworld on the same date.
This came just days before the death of a four-year-old girl following an incident at Waterworld on 4 August. An investigation is under way into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Laurent Bruloy, executive chairman and co-founder of the Looping Group, said in a statement: “The deal was finalised on 31st of July and although Looping Group has been pleased to welcome the park in the Looping Group family, we have all been saddened by the recent tragic accident and extend our deepest thoughts and sympathy to the family of the young girl involved and stand by the Waterworld teams.”
Opened in 1989, Waterworld is one of the UK’s top water parks, home to more than 30 rides and attractions.
“Waterworld has been a huge part of my life and business journey and I am proud of everything we have achieved as a team,” Chaudry said in a statement.
Waterworld sold before death of four-year-old girl
“I am now handing over the baton to Looping, a world-class operator with the vision and expertise to take Waterworld even further, ensuring the resort has an exciting future.”
Waterworld is the Looping Group’s fourth leisure park in the UK, joining West Midlands Safari Park, Pleasurewood Hills, and Drayton Manor.
Chaudry said the Looping Group had “made a clear commitment to investing in the park and supporting the local community”, with “even more exciting developments ahead”.
Images courtesy of Looping Group
