Predators' suitors ink deal

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Predators' suitors ink deal

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Thursday, 18 February 2010 07:20

A local group of investors working to purchase the National Hockey League's Nashville Predators has signed a definitive, binding agreement with team owner Craig Leipold.

The agreement was executed at 6:40 p.m. Friday, according to spokespersons for the group.

"Reaching a binding agreement marks a significant step forward in our effort to secure local ownership of the team and keep the Predators where they belong -- in Nashville," said David Freeman, lead investor and CEO of 36 Venture Capital. "We are making progress, but much remains to be done before the deal is complete."

All required materials are being submitted to the NHL for board of governors' review and approval.

Closing of the sale of the team is expected in October after approval by the NHL Board of Governors.

The investment group includes Freeman; Herb Fritch, CEO of HealthSpring; Tom Cigarran, chairman of Nashville-based Healthways Inc.; Chris Cigarran, senior vice president of Healthways; businessmen Joel and Holly Dobberpuhl of Franklin; De Thompson V, president of Thompson Machinery; John Thompson, of Thompson Machinery; and William "Boots" Del Biaggio, a banker and limited partner in the NHL's San Jose Sharks.

The group wooed Leipold with a $193 million offer, but also negotiated with Metro for a sweeter deal in operating the Sommet Center.

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