Six Flags denies bankruptcy rumors and opens new business

Date: 3/3/2009

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



AGAWAM -- Last month, Yahoo Finance cited Six Flags Inc. as one of 15 companies that might not survive 2009. However, company officials are adamant that they re far from going under " they re expanding.

On March 12, Six Flags will open a new branch of its corporation when Six Flags Rollercoaster Cuts: A Hair Razing Experience officially opens its doors in Blue Back Square in West Hartford, Conn. The new business provides a unique hair-cutting experience for children, complete with simulated coasters, video games, photo opportunities and character meet-and-greets.

Melissa Pinkerton, public relations manager for Six Flags New England, said the new business venture is not a last ditch effort to boost company revenues.

This is actually an exciting time for our company as the Six Flags brand continues to grow and expand into a number of different arenas, she said. We re taking the mundane/tedious chore of getting a haircut and turned it into a fun experience for kids and their parents.

Pinkerton said that despite the company s $2 billion debt and stock prices dipping well below $1 per share, consumer confidence in our brand is strong as evidenced by our record high Guest Satisfaction Scores.

We re excited to build on that as we continue to invest in our people, our parks and new business opportunities like Rollercoaster Cuts, she said.

Mike Antinoro, executive vice president of Entertainment and Marketing, said, Rollercoaster Cuts is redefining the Six Flags experience. What can sometimes be a dreaded, yet necessary obligation for kids, turns into an environment of fun, thrills and excitement that is the Six Flags brand.

When asked if the opening of additional Rollercoaster Cuts sites would be dependent on the success or failure of the West Hartford location, Pinkerton told Reminder Publications to stay tuned.

Rollercoaster Cuts is a unique opportunity to inject Six Flags into the everyday lives of children while pursuing new, non-traditional growth avenues for the company, Andrew Schleimer, executive vice president of Strategic Development and In-Park Services, said. Blue Back Square is a natural selection for our premiere location given the proximity to our northeastern parks and we look forward to entertaining and thrilling a whole new generation of Six Flags fans in West Hartford.

Six Flags New England is scheduled to open for the 2009 season on April 10 at 10:30 a.m.