Beware Apple fans, your next visit to a Six Flags park may startle you after the rides are renamed to "The Blue Screen of Death" and the newest ride "The Longhorn." Which I might add is only 65% complete. But when your roller coaster car flies off the unfinished track, it will be your own fault. Bill Gates who owns 12% of Six Flags may be considering a take over of the company...
...There are speculating stories that Gates might be thinking about buying a bigger stake of Six Flags. Gates has become dissatisfied with the performance of the company. In the next couple of days he intends to speak with Six Flags management and among talking about strategic planning he may suggest placing someone of his own choice to the board of directors.
The financial news from Six Flags for Gates is not good. Attendace attendance declined 4% during the first six months of 2004. Revenue remained unchanged at $405 million, but total net losses rose to $411 million in first half 2004 from $122 million in the first half 2003.
Now instead of hearing announcements that the park closing in ten minutes due to rain or lightning, attendees will hear the sad news, "The park will be closing in ten minutes due to a virus attack to the parks operating system. Those stuck on rides will be rescued as soon as we find a solution."
Maybe Steve Jobs should step in and make a bid for Six Flags. With the success of Apple since its inception and also upon Job's return in 1996 and also the success of Pixar, Jobs could bring the flailing Six Flags back into the limelight.