National Post
Posted: September 10, 2009, 9:12 AM by Shane Dingman
MONTREAL — George Gillett, tears in his eyes, announced Thursday that the sale of the Montreal Canadiens to the Molson family is all but finalized, adding that his eight years as owner of the historic hockey team were the best of his family’s life.
His one regret was not to have won a Stanley Cup during his tenure with the Canadiens.
“It’s a happy but sad day for me to be here,” Gillett, his voice choking with emotion, said at a news conference prior to the team’s charity golf tournament.
Confirmation of the sale comes the same day the Quebec government announced a $75-million loan to facilitate the transaction. The loan hinges on a guarantee that the hockey club remains in Montreal.
“Thank you very much for what you have done for the team, carrying the torch and what you have done for the Montreal Canadiens,” Geoffrey Molson said to Gillett during the news conference. “We are very proud to be owners, but don’t forget we are also fans of the Canadiens, and we will always be fans.”
Molson also praised the team’s leadership, including club president Pierre Boivin and general manager Bob Gainey. Recent rumours indicated Boivin would be removed from his role with the team when the Molsons take control of the team, which could occur in the coming weeks once all the National Hockey League hurdles are overcome.
“We are really looking forward to starting this season. We are hoping for a wonderful season, and as Canadiens fans, we hope to win,” Molson said.
Closing is expected to take place in the next few weeks, subject to ultimate approval by the NHLand its board of governors.
In addition to the Molson brothers and members of their family, the partners include Bell, the Woodbridge Company Ltd., the QFL Solidarity Fund and businessmen Michael Andlauer and Luc Bertrand. Two-thirds of the capital is invested by Quebec-based partners.
Geoffrey Molson also said the partnership will acquire Molson-Coors’s 19.9-per-cent stake in the team.
Canwest News Service