Belantis Amassed for a Bargain: French Company Acquires Major East German Amusement Park

Leipzig (Saxony) - The recent acquisition of Belantis, the largest amusement park in East Germany located near Leipzig, has attracted attention due to its surprisingly low purchase price. The French firm Compagnie des Alpes, partially owned by the French government, secured the park for only EUR22 million. This deal includes not only the park's 60 attractions, which feature rides and shows, but also a fairy-tale castle and a scenic lake, all situated on a vast 27 hectares of land. To put this into perspective, the cost per square meter is approximately EUR80, which is quite economical considering that land prices in Saxony often exceed double that amount.

As the new owner, Compagnie des Alpes aims to significantly increase the park's visitor numbers, which have been modest under previous management. Last year, Belantis attracted only around 300,000 visitors, generating an annual revenue of EUR11 million. The company's CEO, Dominique Thillaud, expressed optimism over the acquisition, highlighting the potential to triple the park's annual visitors through targeted investments and strategic enhancements.

Bearing in mind the substantial investment of around EUR60 million made by the previous owner, the Spanish company Parques Reunidos, the results have been underwhelming. The management of Belantis is hopeful that the new ownership will usher in fresh attractions and experiences for guests.

While the acquisition brings new possibilities, the future for the park's existing staff remains uncertain. Currently, there are no announced plans for structural changes in the personnel or leadership teams, according to a spokesperson for Belantis. However, the park is keen to attract new investments to enhance its offerings and improve overall guest experience.

The acquisition of Belantis by Compagnie des Alpes not only reflects a strategic move to expand its portfolio but also signals a new chapter for this amusement park, which has struggled to gain traction in recent years. With a fresh vision and the backing of a well-established company, Belantis may soon find itself on the path to revitalization and increased popularity.