California IN BRIEF : YOSEMITE : Deal Signed to Transfer Park Concessions Contract

Final papers were signed closing a deal that will transfer concession operations in Yosemite National Park into the hands of a nonprofit foundation, National Park Service chief James Ridenour announced. Under the complex $61.5-million sale, the National Park Foundation will not formally take over the Yosemite Park & Curry Co. until 1993. The company is currently owned by MCA, owner of Universal Studios. Ridenour pushed for the transfer after the Japanese conglomerate Matsushita bought out MCA this year. The foundation said it will act only as middleman in finding a new company or nonprofit group to take over the contract for lodging, food and other concessions in Yosemite.