Metz / France: Walygator Parc Changes Operator Again

There’s nothing new about the fact that the French Walygator Parc, based in Maizières-Lès-Metz (about 10 kilometers north of Metz, Lorraine), has to struggle with financial problems. In November of last year, a petition for bankruptcy was followed by further insolvency proceedings opened over the operators, Claude and Didier Le Douarin. According to the media, the brothers Le Douarin, who took over the park in 2006, already had to file for insolvency. Nevertheless, the brothers were optimistic about reopening the park for the current season with the financial support of a third party. According to court decision from March 6, the park was transferred to a group of four entrepreneurs who were able to convince the court with their take-over bid. The group includes Jacqueline Lejeune, former manager of the IT company Olitec, Franck Deglin, formerly working as gastro department manager at Walygator Parc, François-Jérôme Parent, former CEO of Bagatelle amusement park as well as the insurance provider, Eric Lucas. Claude and Didier Le Doarin filed an appeal. The final judgment will be delivered by the court today. The current new operators of the park already announced that they will open the park by the end of June – with a new logo and mascot. (eap)