GARRIOCH: Senators sale may be overheating as group seeks to recruit Ryan Reynolds
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LOS ANGELES — The Ottawa Senators sale could heat up as early as this week, and Ryan Reynolds could play a big role in the next ownership group.
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There are concerns that the launch of the due diligence website by New York-based sports banker Galati Auto Sports Partners (GSP) may be delayed, but the goal is to have potential buyers open the club as early as Thursday. is to be able to check the financial status of
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This website also includes the club’s Memorandum of Understanding with the National Capital Board regarding the new downtown arena at the Lebreton Flats. This allows all suitors to decide whether to bid seriously.
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As Postmedia reported Wednesday, more than 20 groups have reached out to Galatioto or the NHL headquarters to express interest. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Bill Day refer all inquiries to GSP as the company handles the sale process.
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Most of the groups that have contacted GSP have also been in contact with representatives of Vancouver-born actor Reynolds, according to sources. He has been bullish about being part of the ownership group since news broke that the senator was sold.
Reynolds’ phone is said to be ringing off the hook from potential buyers who want him part of the group. He said he would refrain from signing contracts with any partners.
Reynolds has joked about wanting to be part of a “consortium,” but sources say his focus is on finding the right partners. It is believed that he spoke with Reynolds or his agent to gauge his level of concern.
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Make no mistake, he is 100% serious. Sources say he sees being a co-owner of The Senators as an opportunity to tell stories with his Los Angeles-based production company. maximum effort About buying franchises and building links.
The indication is that Reynolds is in regular contact with Bettmann and NHL headquarters throughout this process. Yes, the GSP is handling the sale, but the league’s executive committee must vette the new owner and approve the sale of the team.
The NHL wants Reynolds involved in the purchase because of his Canadian roots, ties to the city of Ottawa, popularity and business savvy. He is already co-owner of Welsh football team Wrexham FC, where he has enjoyed success with his partner Rob Hen McIlhenny.
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On the ice, many elements are in place to help the Senators compete if Reynolds is part of a group that will help increase the club’s brand value.
It’s unclear who contacted Reynolds, but he’s working to narrow down the list to ensure he’s engaging with the most serious bidders.
The Post Media linked the following names to the Senator’s ownership bid:
- André Desmarais of Power Corp, who failed to bid on the LeBreton Flats project five years ago, has a close relationship with Bettman. There was talk that he made a pitch to the Senators years ago, but late owner Eugene Melnick didn’t want to sell at the time.
- Hamilton billionaire Michael Andlauer, who owns 20% of the Montreal Canadiens and serves as the club’s lieutenant governor. He’s interesting because on the NHL board he gets endorsements from Geoff Molson, the owner of Habs.
- Rocco Tullio is a Windsor-based developer who gave the team $650 million last November before Melnyk died. Tullio is believed to be considering a joint bid in partnership with Andlauer.
- Paul and Michael Paletta of Alinea Group Holdings confirmed to the newspaper through a spokesperson that they are considering bidding.
- Farmboy CEO Jeff York trying to pull together a group of local investors to partner with the new owner.
- Co-owner of Paul Rivet toronto starwho is trying to bring the group together.
- Neil Malhotra of Ottawa-based Claridge Homes stepped up its efforts to bid because of the real estate development opportunity. Claridge is connected with York’s group, but we’re led to believe there was no discussion.
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It makes sense for representatives of Desmarais, the Kimel family, and Andlauer to hold formal talks with Reynolds.
Desmarais and Kimel were thought to have struck a partnership, but until both parties see the book in person, these negotiations may still be in the discussion stage.
A league insider said, “They probably talked about it, but haven’t done anything officially.
Given the high level of interest in Senators, the asking price could range from $800 million to $1 billion. That’s an astronomical number considering the Los Angeles-based magazine valued the franchise at $650 million.
Anyone interested knows that the Melnik family will not sell to anyone who wants to relocate the Senator. Sources say the NHL’s requirement is that the new owner must complete a lease with the National Capital Board to build the new rink at his LeBreton Flats.
bgarrioch@postmedia.com
Twitter.com/sungarrioch
GARRIOCH: Senators sale may be overheating as group seeks to recruit Ryan Reynolds
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