Busch, Blackstone theme park deal imminent

The Wall Street Journal reports that Anheuser-Busch InBev has nearly completed a deal whereby the private-equity firm Blackstone Group LP would purchase the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks. According to "people familiar with the situation," the deal would have Blackstone paying $2.5 to $3 billion to acquire the various theme parks. The deal may be announce as soon as next week but a collapse in negotiations is still possible. [WSJ via TPI]