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PRODUCT NEWS
Sansei acquires Vekoma Rides in landmark deal
03 Apr 2018 . BY Tom Anstey
As part of the acquisition deal, no changes will be made to Vekoma’s business strategy, management, terms of employment and the location of the business
Dutch rollercoaster maker Vekoma Rides has been acquired by Japanese manufacturing company Sansei Technologies, which plans to expand the Vekoma brand even further worldwide following the deal.

Founded in 1926, Vekoma originally manufactured farming and mining equipment, becoming an amusement ride manufacturer in the 1970s. Offering a wide product range, Vekoma’s catalogue includes rides such as the Junior Coaster, the Suspended Family Coaster, Boomerang, Suspended Looping Coaster, Flying Dutchman and more.

The Osaka-based Sansei – which is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and recorded overall turnover of €225m (US$277m, £196.9m) last year – is primarily known for the manufacturing of amusement rides, stage equipment, and elevators. With the acquisition of Vekoma, Sansei adds to its rollercoaster portfolio, already owning the Utah-based S&S Worldwide in the US.

“In recent years, a solid foundation has been laid, in which safety, innovation, quality and customer satisfaction have served as spearheads of our policy,” said Kees van Biert, chair of the Vekoma Supervisory Board.

“In Sansei, we have found a reputable partner, with equivalent standards and values, who can offer continuity to the company and bring us even further. Through their presence and contacts, we also see opportunities to better serve new regions, such as Japan, Southeast Asia and North America.”

As part of the acquisition deal, no changes will be made to Vekoma’s business strategy, management, terms of employment and the location of the business. Makoto Nakagawa, Sansei CEO, will sit on the Vekoma’s Supervisory Board, with the company continuing to trade under the same name.
PRODUCT NEWS
Disney partners with Dronisos on new drone show
Disneyland Paris has launched a new drone show, Disney Cascade of Lights.
SeaWorld Orlando provides details of new dark ride ahead of launch
SeaWorld Orlando has given a preview of the ride vehicles for SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, a unique suspended dark ride set to open in 2026.
DreamLab uses Christie projectors to update St Louis Grand Hall Experience
The Grand Hall Experience at St Louis Union Station in St Louis, US, has recently undergone a major upgrade, involving new projection technology, media servers, and new and refreshed content.
TouchWood Play designs new kids’ club for Dubai’s Zuhha Island
Bespoke play environment design and manufacturer TouchWood Play has announced that it is responsible for the creation of a new Kids’ Club on Zuhha Island, Dubai.
AStation: Leading the ‘Attractions Revolution’
While others pour concrete and steel, AStation launches dinosaurs and heroes within weeks — no construction required. Its outlets are redefining entertainment with cutting-edge, location-based experiences, transforming plazas, art districts, and heritage sites into massive Mixed Reality playgrounds.
Efteling and Vekoma present ‘seat-on-wheels’ concept for wheelchair-accessible attractions
Together with experts and representatives of the Dutch association de Zonnebloem, theme park resort Efteling and ride manufacturer Vekoma have developed an innovative concept to increase inclusivity in theme parks, specifically aimed at guests who use wheelchairs.
Maurer Rides installs interactive indoor coaster at new Hi Space theme park in China
German rollercoaster designer and manufacturer Maurer Rides is installing what it describes as the world’s first interactive indoor rollercoaster featuring Spike technology at the new Hi Space indoor amusement park in Chongqing, China.
Mack Animation releases Grand Prix of Europe film
Feature film animation studio Mack Animation has released an animated film featuring German theme park Europa-Park mascots Ed and Edda.
New flying theatre experience gives unique views of Niagara Falls
A new $25m flying theatre experience has launched near Niagara Falls, New York State, exploring 13,000 years of Niagara’s geological and cultural history.
Red Raion: a decade of immersive storytelling
This year marks a significant milestone for Red Raion, the CGI studio that has become a trusted name in producing immersive content for the attractions industry.
Lead the way in one of Wales’ most ambitious new destinations
Canolfan Pentre Awel will be a hub of leisure and community wellbeing. Highlights include a 600-square-metre fitness suite, an 8-court sports hall and aquatic facilities
Efteling launches climate-friendly water show
Dutch theme park Efteling has launched its transformed Efteling Symphonica water show, which has been redesigned to bring it into line with the park’s sustainability goals.
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English Heritage
Salary: £30,190 - £32,636pa + matched pension + benefits
Job location: Home-based with countrywide travel , United Kingdom
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COMPANY PROFILES
Taylor Made Designs

Founded in 1993, Taylor Made Designs supply corporate clothing and brand-enhancing merchandise to [more...]
QubicaAMF UK

QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
Polin Waterparks

Polin was founded in Istanbul in 1976. Polin has since grown into a leading company in the waterpa [more...]
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
 

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23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
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Jobs    News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
PRODUCT NEWS
Sansei acquires Vekoma Rides in landmark deal
03 Apr 2018 . BY Tom Anstey
As part of the acquisition deal, no changes will be made to Vekoma’s business strategy, management, terms of employment and the location of the business
Dutch rollercoaster maker Vekoma Rides has been acquired by Japanese manufacturing company Sansei Technologies, which plans to expand the Vekoma brand even further worldwide following the deal.

Founded in 1926, Vekoma originally manufactured farming and mining equipment, becoming an amusement ride manufacturer in the 1970s. Offering a wide product range, Vekoma’s catalogue includes rides such as the Junior Coaster, the Suspended Family Coaster, Boomerang, Suspended Looping Coaster, Flying Dutchman and more.

The Osaka-based Sansei – which is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and recorded overall turnover of €225m (US$277m, £196.9m) last year – is primarily known for the manufacturing of amusement rides, stage equipment, and elevators. With the acquisition of Vekoma, Sansei adds to its rollercoaster portfolio, already owning the Utah-based S&S Worldwide in the US.

“In recent years, a solid foundation has been laid, in which safety, innovation, quality and customer satisfaction have served as spearheads of our policy,” said Kees van Biert, chair of the Vekoma Supervisory Board.

“In Sansei, we have found a reputable partner, with equivalent standards and values, who can offer continuity to the company and bring us even further. Through their presence and contacts, we also see opportunities to better serve new regions, such as Japan, Southeast Asia and North America.”

As part of the acquisition deal, no changes will be made to Vekoma’s business strategy, management, terms of employment and the location of the business. Makoto Nakagawa, Sansei CEO, will sit on the Vekoma’s Supervisory Board, with the company continuing to trade under the same name.
PRODUCT NEWS
Disney partners with Dronisos on new drone show
Disneyland Paris has launched a new drone show, Disney Cascade of Lights.
SeaWorld Orlando provides details of new dark ride ahead of launch
SeaWorld Orlando has given a preview of the ride vehicles for SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, a unique suspended dark ride set to open in 2026.
DreamLab uses Christie projectors to update St Louis Grand Hall Experience
The Grand Hall Experience at St Louis Union Station in St Louis, US, has recently undergone a major upgrade, involving new projection technology, media servers, and new and refreshed content.
TouchWood Play designs new kids’ club for Dubai’s Zuhha Island
Bespoke play environment design and manufacturer TouchWood Play has announced that it is responsible for the creation of a new Kids’ Club on Zuhha Island, Dubai.
Maurer Rides installs interactive indoor coaster at new Hi Space theme park in China
German rollercoaster designer and manufacturer Maurer Rides is installing what it describes as the world’s first interactive indoor rollercoaster featuring Spike technology at the new Hi Space indoor amusement park in Chongqing, China.
Mack Animation releases Grand Prix of Europe film
Feature film animation studio Mack Animation has released an animated film featuring German theme park Europa-Park mascots Ed and Edda.
New flying theatre experience gives unique views of Niagara Falls
A new $25m flying theatre experience has launched near Niagara Falls, New York State, exploring 13,000 years of Niagara’s geological and cultural history.
Efteling launches climate-friendly water show
Dutch theme park Efteling has launched its transformed Efteling Symphonica water show, which has been redesigned to bring it into line with the park’s sustainability goals.
Sunkid reveals the Rocking Tower family ride
Family friendly attractions manufacturer Sunkid has revealed its latest attraction, the Rocking Tower.
Polish theme park launches new Vekoma coaster
Polish indoor theme park Mandoria has opened its new Aquila rollercoaster.
P&P Projects launches new brand and show model
P&P Projects has announced it is launching a brand-new branch called ThemedMotion that will specialise in the turnkey development of animatronics and animated figures.
Vekoma showcases new openings
Ride manufacturer Vekoma showcased several new projects at IAAPA in November.
+ More products   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
Taylor Made Designs

Founded in 1993, Taylor Made Designs supply corporate clothing and brand-enhancing merchandise to [more...]
QubicaAMF UK

QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
Polin Waterparks

Polin was founded in Istanbul in 1976. Polin has since grown into a leading company in the waterpa [more...]
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
ATTRACTIONS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS