Blackstone May Buy AB InBev’s Theme-Park Unit for $3 Billion

Blackstone Group LP, the world’s largest private-equity firm, may buy the amusement-park business of Anheuser-Busch InBev NV for about $2.5 billion to $3 billion, according to a person familiar with the discussions.

An agreement may come as soon as next week, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the talks are private. The negotiations may not result in a transaction, the person said. Representatives of Blackstone and InBev declined to comment.

InBev, the world’s largest brewer, inherited the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens amusement parks as part of its $52 billion merger with Anheuser-Busch last year. The company has since cut jobs, culled marketing budgets and sold assets to pay down debt.

Blackstone co-owns the Universal Orlando park with NBC Universal, a unit of Fairfield, Connecticut-based General Electric Co. The New York-based private-equity firm would add SeaWorld parks that are based in San Diego, San Antonio and Orlando, Florida, according to their Web sites.

Busch Gardens has parks featuring rollercoaster rides and other attractions in Tampa Bay, Florida, and Williamsburg, Virginia, according their sites.

Scenes from the Busch Garden!

Busch Gardens Rides

• Serengheti Express
• King Tut's Tomb
• Land of the Dragons
• Gwazi
• Hospitality House
• Kumba
• Montu
• Stanleyville
• SheiKra
• Stanley Falls Flume
• Morocco
• Skyride
• Congo River Rapids
• Tanganyika Tidal Wave
• Kumba
• Scorpion
• Cheetah Chase
• Python
• Timbuktu

Busch Gardens Shows

• American Beat
• Pirates 4-D
• Friends Forever
• KaTonga
• Mystic Sheiks Of Morocco

Busch Gardens Attractions

• Myombe Reserve
• Bird Gardens
• Birds of Prey
• Serengeti Plain
• Edge of Africa
• Clydesdale Hamlet
• Lory Landing
• Rhino Rally

Busch Gardens Up Close Tours

• Family Adventure Tour
• Ultimate Adventure Tour
• Serengeti Safari
• Adventure Thrill Tour
• Sunset on the Serengeti
• Elite Adventure Tour
• Saving A Species Tour
• Guided Adventure Tour
• Animal Adventure Tour
• Keeper For A Day

Busch Gardens Dining

• Crown Colony Restaurant
• Desert Grill
• Serengeti Dining Safari
• Zagora Cafe
• Zambia Smokehouse
• ViVi Restaurant
• Crown Colony Cafe
• SheiKra Sweet Treats
• Kenya Kanteen
• Sahara Snacks