Private Investment Firm to Acquire Great Wolf Resorts

As North America’s indoor waterpark resort operator Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. announced on Tuesday, the company has entered into a definitive merger agreement with an affiliate of Centerbridge Partners, L.P. whereby Centerbridge will acquire Great Wolf. Great Wolf Resorts has been part of Apollo Global Management, LLC’s portfolio since 2012 (cp. EAP news from May 21, 2012). The merger agreement was unanimously approved by the board of directors of Great Wolf. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2015, subject to customary closing conditions. “This is an exciting next chapter for Great Wolf Resorts. During our partnership with Apollo we saw tremendous growth for our Company, including opening our twelfth Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg, Massachusetts and having our thirteenth under construction in Garden Grove, California. Now as we join Centerbridge’s portfolio, we look forward to continuing to provide families with amazing experiences at each of our lodges,” says Kimberly K. Schaefer, CEO of Great Wolf. Centerbridge is “fully committed to expanding the Company into new markets so more families can enjoy a Great Wolf vacation,” Centerbridge Senior Managing Director William D. Rahm said. (eap)