Bankruptcy Judge Approves Local Group’s Purchase of Marineland, Preserving Operations

Overview

• Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein authorized the sale to #1 Apex Association, clearing a path to close by Dec. 5.
• #1 Apex Association is led by Jon and Barbara Rubel with Jack Kassewitz and former director Felicia Cook, offering $6.5 million in cash plus about $635,000 in non-cash value.
• The court cited Apex’s plan to keep the park open, retain employees, and maintain animal care on-site as key to the selection.
• Separately, the judge approved Theater of the Sea’s purchase of three dolphins — Sandy, Capri and Soleil — with permits already in place for transfer.
• Delightful Development and Hutson Companies were named backup bidders after the judge reopened bidding that had initially favored a developer bid in October.