Drayton Manor theme park is sold to European company

Drayton Manor Park has been sold to Looping Group Credit: Drayton Manor Ltd

Drayton Manor theme park has been sold to the Looping Group – a European company operating 15 leisure parks across the UK, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Spain and Portugal. 

The Staffordshire-based attraction was reportedly on the brink of collapse due to being closed for three months during the Coronavirus lockdown.

The buyers will retain the park's 599 employees as part of the buy-out under the same terms and conditions, and has very ambitious development plans to ensure the park’s long-term sustainability and make it an even more attractive leisure destination for families.

The park also includes a zoo, making it one of the largest parks in Looping Group's portfolio Credit: Drayton Manor Park Ltd

The acquisition of the park, with its 100+ rides and attractions, Europe’s only Thomas Land, a 15-acre conservation zoo and four-star hotel, will make it the largest and one of the flagships in the Looping Group’s portfolio, which also includes West Midlands Safari Park and Pleasurewood Hills in the UK. 

 The theme park and zoo, which attracts over 1 million visitors each year, has also confirmed that it will continue to operate under the company name of Drayton Manor Resort Ltd.

The Bryan family, who have owned and run Drayton Manor Park since it first opened to the public in 1950, will remain a key part of the management structure under the new ownership, with William Bryan retaining his role as managing director. 

  

Laurent Bruloy, CEO of the Looping Group, said: “We are thrilled and proud to welcome Drayton Manor Park and its talented team to our group."

The park features the only Thomas Land in Europe Credit: Drayton Manor Park Ltd

Mike Denny, joint administrator and PwC Director, said: “The Group had been facing exceptionally challenging trading conditions. In February, Storm Dennis forced the Park to close unexpectedly, whilst its planned reopening in March was delayed due to Covid-19. These factors combined exacerbated cash flow pressures on the Group. 

“We are delighted to have helped secure a sale which preserves 599 jobs and ensures the survival of a much-loved leisure attraction that is steeped in history and heritage. The purchasers will be working with the existing management team to continue to grow and develop the business, we wish them every future success.”