Wall Street Journal article excerpts:
The complex would be Twentieth Century Fox's second foray into branded theme parks, following a failed attempt in Australia more than a decade ago. For Genting Malaysia, the project is part of a major face-lift of Genting Highlands, its 42-year-old hilltop resort that draws more than 20 million visitors annually.Genting Malaysia is optimistic that its latest project with Fox will double the number of visitors from three million people each year to the existing park. The move will also reduce its dependence on casino business in Malaysia—where gambling is outlawed for Muslims, who make up 61% of the population, according to Pew Research.For Fox, the Malaysia project marks the studio's second attempt at the theme park business. Fox launched Fox Studios Backlot in Sydney, Australia, in 1999. That park, which was part of a $261 million development that included film and television studios, was closed in 2001 because of poor attendance.Source:"It's a new relationship between Fox and Genting…it wouldn't be a surprise if it grows beyond Malaysia," Mr. Godsick said.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324110404578629170152083726.html
From the New Straits Times:
Lim said the park, slated for completion in 2015, would double the number of visitors from 20.5 million a year currently.Source:He said prior to the construction of the theme park, the current outdoor theme park will be closed from Sept 1.
He, however, said the closure would have minimal impact to the company's financial performance as it would bring more international exhibitions to enliven the area during the closure period.
Godsick said the theme park would be using between 25 and 30 films' intellectual property rights
http://www.nst.com.my/latest/malaysia-to-get-twentieth-century-fox-theme-park-1.327096
And as earlier reported by the Malaysian Reserve:
Source:Last month, Genting Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay announced that it is investing at least RM3 billion to renovate its Genting Highlands resort to compete with standards set at its newer operations in Singapore and the Philippines.
Genting Malaysia’s profits suffered a decline of 1.8% last year to RM1.4 billion compared to RM1.43 billion in 2011, while revenue for last year showed 7.1% year-on-year decline to RM7.9 billion.
Lim said the idea to renovate the resort was to double the group’s profits, adding that while the company has been making substantial investments abroad, it is time attention be drawn back to its homegrown resort.
Elsewhere, it was reported that Fox is looking for a location for a theme park and speculators had predicted China to be fertile ground.
http://themalaysianreserve.com/main/news/corporate-malaysia/4188--upgrade-for-genting-malaysia-theme-park