Yesterday, I reviewed six of the more likely suitors for Six Flags
Whatever happens, it's clear that it's time for a regime change at Six Flags. With or without a willing bidder, something's got to give at the helm. The company has squandered its golden opportunity and has denied its investors for far too long. And now even the sale itself has become deep-fried in irony. Consider that one of the companies exploring strategic alternatives for Six Flags is financial advisor Allen & Co. The problem? Allen & Co.'s managing director, Stanley Shuman, also sits on the Six Flags board and was one of the three people whom Snyder was proposing to oust in his proxy battle. Conflict of interest, anyone?
That's why this battle may prove to be more entertaining than just seeing which entity winds up willing to take on Six Flags and its gargantuan debt load. Still, there are so many potential callers waiting outside Six Flags' turnstiles that I couldn't just let it rest after going over the usual suspects yesterday. Let's tackle some of the unusual ones today.
Sony
Sony may be the entertainment conglomerate with the most logical synergies in cashing in on the Six Flags audience. Sony Music's catalog of artists would find 30 welcome venues to showcase their tunes -- either live in the park, or as queue music. In addition, Sony is in the process of launching a massive marketing campaign for its new Bravia high-definition LCD television sets, and you can just imagine how those bland switchback lines for the Six Flags coasters would brighten up with state-of-the-art Bravia monitors, which could move along a themed ride's story and derive additional advertising revenue in the process.
Apple Computer
That brings us to News Corp.
The largest park operator that I didn't single out yesterday was General Electric
More suitors? I promised two more. There are actually far more than that, but I will wrap up my observations with a pair of firecrackers. XM Satellite Radio
It's not as outlandish an idea as it may seem. Though, yes, I'll admit that it would make more sense for someone else to pony up the $3 billion-4 billion that it will take to swallow Six Flags whole, and then make a run to be the exclusive satellite radio provider for the new owner. Even if they are rented, 33 million pairs of ears would be invaluable for satellite radio.
Longtime Fool contributor Rick Munarriz loves to take his family to new amusement parks every summer. He practices what he preaches -- he owns shares in Six Flags. The Fool has a disclosure policy. He is also part of the Rule Breakers newsletter research team, seeking out tomorrow's ultimate growth stocks a day early.