Weekly wrap: This week's top business stories

Two major theme park companies announced they will merge; the Lone Star mixed-use development received a key approval; and Lennar is offering incentives on properties despite a difficult market.

Read about these stories and more in this week's wrap-up.

Fiesta Texas, Schlitterbahn parents to merge

Two big brands doing business in the area – Fiesta Texas and Schlitterbahn – will no longer compete for business , according to senior reporter W. Scott Bailey's recent report. The theme parks' parents, Six Flags Entertainment Corp. and Cedar Fair, have entered into a definitive merger agreement. The transaction will result in a combined company valued at $8 billion.

Bailey also reported on a medical group that is closing up shop and laying off staff at its downtown San Antonio office, with multiple locations ultimately being impacted.

Not so Swift

When commercial real estate and downtown reporter James McCandless heard about the economic impact Taylor Swift's Eras Tour has had in major metros across the nation, he wondered why San Antonio wasn't getting a piece of the action.

During his research, he discovered that the city had the chance to book Swift, but the negotiating parties could not find a "blank space" for the concert event that would have certainly boosted the Alamo City economy. Read more here .

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McCandless also wrote about the Historic and Design Review Commission's approval of designs for South Star , a mixed-use development in the Lone Star area. A beach, food trucks and office buildings are all part of the plan.

Lennar offers incentives

Even as mortgage rates continue to climb and it becomes increasingly difficult for builders to sweeten the pot , Lennar?(NYSE: LEN) is offering massive discounts on move-in ready homes , according to two stories from residential real estate reporter Ramzi Abou Ghalioum.

In another article, he reports that San Antonio-based Mosaic Land Development is plotting an ambitious project on the Southeast Side that would include 2,000 home lots and possible a golf facility, as well as commercial elements. It is a followup to another Mosaic development in the same area that was scooped up by Lennar.

Kendall County Economic Summit a success

Reporters Zoe Gottlieb and Ramzi Abou Ghalioum each wrote stories related to San Antonio Business Journal's recent Kendall County Economic Summit featuring regional experts.

In her article about the growth of Kendall County , Gottlieb highlighted new business in the region, shared information on a new business incubator in Boerne and asked local leaders what's on their "wish lists" for the region.

Abou Ghalioum wrote about Kendall County leaders' concerns over infrastructure keeping up with the rapid regional growth, and how they are "Taking the bull by the horns " in relation to meeting those needs in order to bring in more residents and businesses.

Weekend wind-down

As we wrap up another week, it's time for the weekend wind-down. When looking for somewhere to go or something to do in San Antonio, there are options aplenty across the city.

In the weekly Restaurant Roundup , data reporter Jalen Lopez shares information on holiday offerings at Bakery Lorraine, including a special selection of pies and advent calendars that offer a sampling of several sweet treats. The roundup also has the details on the opening of locally founded Honey Mercantile's new brick-and-mortar store, where local can find home goods, gifts and other merchandise.

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