France/GB: Looping Group Takes Over Drayton Manor
France-based Looping Group has taken over British Drayton Manor theme park in the context of a pre-pack administration process – due to the global Corona crisis the popular leisure destination, which is located in the Midlands region, has fallen into financial difficulties. The park, which has been owned and run by the Bryan family and celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, was now acquired by Looping Group including its related assets, also retaining a hundred percent of the park’s team. William Bryan will retain his role as Managing Director of the park.
With its more than 100 rides and attractions, Drayton Manor attracts over one million visitors annually, generating revenues of around 33 million Euros (30 million British Pounds) per year. The theme park also features a conservation zoo and a four-star hotel with 148 rooms and conference facilities. Being the sixteenth park and third park in UK for Looping Group, it is one of the operating group’s new “flagships” at the same time.
Laurent Bruloy, CEO and co-founder of Looping Group comments: “We are thrilled to welcome Drayton Manor and its teams in our group. I would like to commend the Bryan family who has, over three generations, been developing the park and made it one of the most beautiful references of our industry in the UK. We are deeply respectful about all that has been achieved by the teams. We aim to continue the story and support Drayton Manor’s development with the same entrepreneurial DNA and values that we share whilst keeping the strong local anchorage of the resort […].”
Looping Group welcomes a total of around 5.5 million visitors per year at its related theme parks and attractions with a turnover in excess of 140 million Euros (pre-Covid 19). (eap)
