Travis Kelce vs. Canada's Wonderland
An activist investor campaign is pushing for changes at Six Flags properties.
Good afternoon everyone.
It probably won’t surprise anyone to learn that I’m not a huge baseball fan, but I have been warming up to it ever since going to a game in mid-April, by myself, at 1 p.m. on a Wednesday. My friend Erik had given me his tickets, and when at least twenty of my friends with “real jobs” turned down the offer to take an extended lunch at the Rogers Centre, he told me take a book and go anyway. I decided to be brave!
When I sat down at the top of the fourth (Coke, tenders, and book in hand) two women to my right struck up a conversation. They’d been following the team since the 80s, and made it their mission to relay as much knowledge to me as possible. It was an ideal introduction to a sport I knew so little about, and as the feeling of excitement in the city turns palpable, I think about old school fans, and what this must means to them.
In today’s newsletter: A Travis Kelce-backed activist investor campaign targets Six Flags, Rogers v. Rogers is coming to the theatre, The Royal Hotel is invested in your sleep score, and more.
NEWS:
Wealthsimple has mobilized a new generation of investors. Over the last year, the not-a-bank’s assets have doubled to $100 billion as it continues on its path towards becoming a big headache for the Big Five. I think this tells you more young people are taking their financial futures seriously, and into their own hands, but they’re not resonating with the products or customer experience offered by some of the country’s biggest banks.
I wonder if partnering with every personal finance influencer in the country to promote that $1 million home giveaway has been helpful.
If you were wondering what the founder of Freshii is up to these days. Founder Brands buys the rights to franchise U.S. businesses in Canada, including jewelry-making studio Gem Studio and “dirty soda” brand Fiiz.
Toronto’s 100 public libraries will now be open on Sundays from 12-5.
A Travis Kelce-backed activist investor campaign could impact Canada’s Wonderland. It’s complicated but stick with me. New York-based hedge fund Jana Partners, Kelce, and other investors have a combined stake of about 9% in Six Flags, which merged with Canada’s largest amusement park in July 2024. The City of Montréal also sold La Ronde to Six Flags back in 2000. The group is pushing for changes to increase the company’s share price, including reshuffling leadership and modernizing the parks.
Activist investors tap celebrities to bring attention to campaigns, like Six Flags “superfan” Kelce, who stands to benefit if things go their way.
Alexandra Posadzki’s Rogers v. Rogers is the business book of the year. I am very excited to see the stage adaptation at Crow’s Theatre this fall.
The Royal Hotel in Prince Edward Country will now tuck you in before bed. Ok, not exactly, but they did roll out a turndown service this week, something that many hotels are starting to offer to ensure their guests get the best possible sleep. In addition to a new sleep menu (Bathorium bath soaks, Sage essential oils, multiple pillow types), staff will draw the curtains, dim the lights, light a fire, make you a herbal tea, and turn on a guided meditation — stopping short of giving you a kiss on the forehead goodnight. There’s too much new programming to fit in one email but all I’ll say is that the Royal has been on a tear since opening three years ago.
The hotel was recently recognized by the Michelin Guide and won an award for its restoration of the 1881 railway hotel that came before it.
I will probably read Dave Portnoy’s new book. What about you guys?
Nice Pizza will go head to head with Badiali’s new location in the Annex.
Brookfield’s private equity arm has been working on a special product. It’s taken two years to launch a fund with no fixed end date, which is a draw for investors who worry about having their money locked away as some private equity firms struggle to sell the companies they’ve bought.
OpenAI’s new browser is how I imagined my future AI assistant. Unlikely that everyone will ditch Chrome so easily but temping to experiment with booking travel, buying groceries, and maybe even answering some emails.
In related news, a monthly subscription to an AI therapy app co-founded by Neil Parikh is set to cost as much as a Netflix account.
One of the illustrators behind the Winter Olympic posters has worked on covers for the New Yorker, and with brands like Prada and Apple. In the lead up to Milano Cortina we’re going to see start seeing some fashion.
It's interesting how you just went for it! Totally get that vibe. Reminds me of when I finally tried a new Pilates class alone and realy connected with the vibe. Your take on the old-school fans is spot on, I apreciate that perspective. Makes me want to explore new things, honestly.
Coke, tenders, and a book is an ideal combo