People Don’t Buy From Clowns

Lightning owner Len Barrie may be looking for another circus

Miami real estate mogul Jeff Greene will not pursue buying the Tampa Bay Lightning. Greene, who was looking to partner with Lightning owner Oren Koules said, “After careful due diligence and a thorough analysis of the terms and economics of the deal, we have determined that this investment does not meet our criteria. At Florida Sunshine Investments, we are presented diverse investment opportunities here in Florida, throughout the United States and around the world. We looked at the investment in the Lightning like we look at any other potential investments, and after doing our final analysis, the numbers did not work for us. I want to thank the National Hockey League and the Lightning ownership for their courtesy during this process.”

St. Louis real estate developer, Anthony Sansone Jr., said, “Obviously, we remain interested.” He would not commit to a timetable for pursuing ownership of the Lightning. Sansone was originally a part of Lightning owner Len Barrie’s group, trying to buy out Koules during his Bettman imposed window of opportunity. Although that window has closed, Sansone continues to show interest in purchasing the Lightning. Barrie is believed to be a very small minority partner of Sansone.

Of course there is a gag order in effect so all concerned parties are not available for comment. Your guess as to the effects of Greene bowing out are as good as mine.

Too many clowns and not enough circuses.