Nottingham-based Mellors Group has acquired Lightwater Valley from the Brighton Pier Group (BPG).
Family-owned Mellors operates travelling rides at Nottingham’s Goose Fair and other major events, and also owns Fantasy Island in Lincolnshire.
Lightwater Valley was acquired by Brighton Pier Group in 2021 in a £5 million deal.
The North Yorkshire theme park subsequently removed most of its thrill rides, including the highly-customised Ultimate and Raptor Attack rollercoasters.
After being repositioned to target younger children and families, Lightwater Valley was later included in BPG’s recent asset disposal efforts.
New owners Mellors tend to operate a greater proportion of thrill rides at Fantasy Island, as well as in their traveling ride portfolio.
Mellors are expected to introduce thrill-based offerings to Lightwater Valley next season, although the group have not yet commented.
The family business has been in the attractions industry since the late 19th century, and also own Skegness Pier.
Lightwater Valley was founded by Robert Staveley in 1969 as a self-pick fruit farm.
He later oversaw many in-house designed rides that included unique theming. The Ultimate was the longest rollercoaster in the world when it opened in 1991.