Falcon's Beyond Acquires Oceaneering Entertainment Systems in Big Move for Themed Entertainment Experiences
Oceaneering Entertainment Systems dates back to fixing the notorious problems with the original Jaws attractions at Universal Studios Florida
Falcon’s Beyond, a company who develops immersive attractions for theme parks and venues around the world, has acquired the acclaimed Oceaneering Entertainment Systems, including their patents and portfolio of award-winning experiences.
What’s Happening:
- Falcon’s Beyond, an Orlando based company who develops immersive attractions, has announced that they have acquired Oceaneering Entertainment Systems (OES).
- OES was formed in 1992 when Oceaneering International purchased a company that specialized in underwater remotely operated vehicles and had recently been contracted by Universal Studios Florida to redesign and build the animatronic sharks for its Jaws attraction. The original version of the attraction had notoriously failed, with animatronics, ride system and control system having malfunctioned, causing the attraction to close soon after its grand opening.
- Theme park fans might recognize OES as a trusted name used by some of the world’s theme park developers and operators with a wide ranging portfolio of award winning attractions using their tech, including but not limited to:
- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- Transformers: The Ride 3D at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood
- Justice League: Battle for Metropolis at various Six Flags parks
- The Shuttle Launch Experience at Kennedy Space Center.
- As part of the transaction, Falcon’s purchased OES’s global portfolio of patents, as well as their proprietary engineering and manufacturing processes.
- Falcon’s has also assumed the lease of OES’s 106,000+ square foot facility, which will be used for Falcon’s R&D, Testing, and Integration services.
- Falcon’s has also hired key members of OES’s team, and has the option to acquire OES’s inventory on or before July 23rd as part of the transaction.
- This acquisition is set to enhance and accelerate the growth of Falcon’s, and strategically expand their services, diversifies their client portfolio, and expand their market reach. It also amplifies Falcon’s ability to serve its growing slate of destination developments and clients with next-gen attractions.
- Going forward, Falcon’s will also provide support for all legacy OES products, ensuring continuity with the same personnel and technology that was provided by OES.
- This acquisition is a natural fit, as Falcon’s and OES have collaborated for more than twenty years, successfully delivering cutting-edge themed entertainment projects globally.
- Earlier this year, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings helped Falcon’s celebrate their year-long 25th anniversary festivities, naming February 1st as Falcon’s Beyond day in Orange County, recognizing the group’s pioneering spirit, growth, and their contributions to the themed entertainment industry - a large part of the economy in Orange county.
What They’re Saying:
- Cecil D. Magpuri, CEO and Co-Founder of Falcon’s Beyond: “The powerful combination of Falcon’s innovation with OES’s technical and engineering expertise is a game changer. OES has been behind some of the best attractions and experiences in the world. Together, we’re ushering in a new era for the global experience economy."
- Dave Mauck, President of Falcon’s Attractions (former Vice President and General Manager of OES: “Falcon’s Attractions has onboarded a deep bench of the top entertainment systems experts in the industry. I’ve worked with some of these team members for decades, and their collective experience is truly remarkable. As Falcon’s, we offer an unparalleled combination of creative, technical, and operational excellence that will revolutionize the experiential entertainment industry."