Four groups submit bids to buy Ottawa Senators: reports
Four groups submitted bids to buy the Ottawa Senators by Monday's deadline, with at least one offer of $1 billion U.S., multiple reports said.
Of the half-a-dozen groups that had expressed serious interest in the franchise, four of them submitted bids by Monday's 5 p.m. deadline, according to reports by Postmedia and Sportico.
Postmedia reported that three of the bids came from Toronto-area businessmen: Michael Andlauer, Jeffrey and Michael Kimel, and Steve Apostolopoulos. Los Angeles-based entrepreneur Neko Sparks also submitted a bid.
The bids will now be combed over by New York-based Galatioto Sports Partners, which is running the sale for the family of late owner Eugene Melnyk. The owners must be approved by the NHL's board of governors.
The sale of the team has attracted interest and some high-powered celebrity names.
The Sparks group has offered a share of the franchise to Indigenous groups if they are successful, CTV News confirmed Monday. Rapper and entrepreneur Snoop Dogg, who is part of the Sparks bid, posted a video on social media Monday in which he gave "a shout out to the First Nations of Canada."
Rapper the Weeknd is also reportedly part of the Kimels' bid.
Ryan Reynolds, who had aligned himself with Toronto-based real estate company the Remington Group, was not among the bidders, reports said.
That group reportedly pulled out of the process at the 11th hour because their request for an exclusive negotiating window with the National Capital Commission to secure more land for a downtown arena was rejected.
WHO ARE THE BIDDERS?
Andlauer is already a member of the NHL's board of governors as a minority owner of the Montreal Canadiens. He would have to sell his share in the Habs if he is the successful in buying the Senators.
The former beer league goalie is the founder and CEO of Andlauer Healthcare Group, which handles logistics in the pharmaceutical and health care industries.
The Kimel brothers are real estate developers who are former minority owners of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jeffrey Kimel is the president and CEO of Harlo Capital, a Toronto-based private equity firm. Michael Kimel runs Chase Hospitality Group, a restaurant, catering and events company.
Sparks is an L.A.-based entrepreneur who is the chief technology officer at Pixel Lime, an AI and immersive technology company. His LinkedIn profile says he has "15 years experience in emerging tech, artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, augmented reality, and interactive media."
If his group wins, they would become the first-ever Black-led ownership of an NHL franchise.
Apostolopoulos is a billionaire businessman who is the managing partner of Triple Group of Companies, a real estate firm, and Six Ventures, a private equity firm.
He submitted a $6 billion U.S. bid to buy the Washington Commanders.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Iran President Ebrahim Raisi found dead at helicopter crash site, state media says
Iranian president, the country’s foreign minister and others have been found dead at the site of a helicopter crash Monday after a search through a foggy, mountainous region of the country’s northwest.
Court eases internet restrictions for Sask. man who matched with a 15-year-old girl on Tinder
A Saskatchewan man who had a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl he met on Tinder successfully appealed to shorten release conditions barring him from online dating.
Stittsville residents seeking answers as bylaw cracks down on street basketball nets
Stittsville residents on Kearnsley Way are seeking answers after an unusual bylaw crackdown on Friday. Every home with a basketball net received a ticket instructing homeowners to remove their nets from the road.
'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
What do we know so far about the mysterious crash of the helicopter carrying Iran's president?
The apparent crash of a helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister on Sunday sent shock waves around the region.
Ex-partner charged with first-degree murder after 55-year-old woman killed in Montreal
Less than 24 hours after Montreal's 12th homicide investigation began, Montreal police confirmed that a 55-year-old woman's death in St. Michel is the island's 13th homicide. The woman's ex-spouse has been charged with first-degree murder.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
Police say toxic drugs are circulating through northeastern Ontario
Canada’s largest First Nations police service, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service issued a community safety alert as extremely toxic drugs are likely circulating in many of the communities it serves.