Molson brothers make bid to buy Canadiens, arena; Molson Coors already owns 20 percent stake

Molson brothers confirm bid to buy Canadiens

MONTREAL — Three Molson brothers confirmed Wednesday they have made an offer to buy the Montreal Canadiens, the Gillett Entertainment Centre and the Bell Centre.

Geoff, Andrew and Justin Molson say the bid was delivered to George Gillett, who owns the Bell Centre and about 80 per cent of the National Hockey League team.

Geoff Molson says he and his brothers have assembled a “solid and credible” group of investors to bolster their bid.

The offer “has all the ingredients” needed to satisfy both the seller and the NHL, he said.

He refused to comment further on the pending deal citing a confidentiality agreement signed by all parties involved.

Molson Coors already owns a 20 per cent stake in the franchise.

Gillett said earlier this spring he would seek advice from financial firms in Canada and elsewhere about how he might maximize his holdings.

Quebecor has also indicated interest in purchasing the team, while the Solidarity Fund of the Quebec Federation of Labour confirmed it is in the mix with different groups to buy the Canadiens.