Created: 10/6/2009 4:20:04 PM 
ORLANDO, FL -- The sale of SeaWorld appeared imminent on Tuesday, according to multiple financial news organizations and industry experts.
Three sources said the deal could be announced on Tuesday.
The Blackstone Group is expected to buy Busch Entertainment Group for between $2.5 billion and $3 billion.
Blackstone would own 10 theme parks around the U.S., including SeaWorld and Busch Gardens. The sale also locally includes Discovery Cove and Aquatica.
The company already owns a 50-percent stake in Universal Orlando and British-based Merlin Entertainment.
The deal would be the largest private buyout announced in 2009.
"I've been there a couple of times and I don't think there's much they can improve. I mean, obviously from other people's opinions they see there could be an improvement, but I don't think so at all. It's a great, great park," SeaWorld visitor Louis Marriott said.
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