Say good night Dick: Zimmerman's exit underscores Cedar Fair's 'rotten' deal

Six Flags deal triggered huge surprise: Tax bills for local shareholders. Architect of merger steps down amid financial turbulence

SANDUSKY— The messy aftermath of the Cedar Fair-Six Flags merger is finding a new focus: the impending departure of CEO Richard Zimmerman. Having overseen the transaction that dissolved the Sandusky-based company and resulted in painful tax liabilities for longtime local investors, Zimmerman is stepping down at the end of the year.

Zimmerman

For many loyal shareholders—particularly retirees who relied on Cedar Fair’s stable income stream—the announcement highlights what they view as a betrayal by the company’s recent leadership, including Zimmerman and the Chairman of the Board, who championed the deal. They successfully executed a merger that eliminated Cedar Fair’s distinct structure, shipped its headquarters to Charlotte, and left local investors to reconcile years of deferred taxes.