Global Courant 2023-05-23 19:53:57
The group trying to use star power for its bid to own the Ottawa Senators continues to add more famous names to its roster.
Los Angeles-based producer Neko Sparks is behind one of four groups that submitted a final bid for the team before the May 15 deadline, according to Sportsnet and Postmedia.
The others are said to be former Pittsburgh Penguins minority owners Jeffrey and Michael Kimel, Montreal Canadiens minority owner Michael Andlauer and Toronto-based billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos.
Unlike the others, Sparks and his team haven’t been shy about publicly sharing celebrity partners this month: first Snoop Dogg, then former world record sprinter Donovan Bailey.
Comedian Russell Peters said Saturday on Instagram he gets involved, which was confirmed in a Monday press release that also announced four of the six current investors who are part of the Dragons’ Den panel.
Robert Herjavec, Arlene Dickinson, Wes Hall and Manjit Minhas are working alongside Manjit’s brother and business partner Ravinder Minhas, according to the press release.
Sparks and Ottawa accounting firm TAAG said the company has created a special purpose vehicle, or SPV, for investors to get involved. According to Reuters, SPVs are a legal entity that depends on the group that sets them up.
The Sparks group also met with Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg First Nation Chief Dylan Whiteduck, according to the chief, who said last week he expected to meet at least one other bidding team.
The Weeknd has also joined another bid, according to Postmedia.
There is no public timeline for the closing and announcement of Senator sales. Former owner Eugene Melnyk, who passed away last year, bought the team and arena in 2003 for $130 million.
