Tribune weighing offer from Zell

[98navigator]

Today's Crain's Chicago Business reports that the Tribune is considering a "recapitalization plan" while also mulling over an offer from Samuel Zell.

 

 

The Tribune Co. board of directors is considering an offer from real estate magnate Sam Zell to take the company private, but is leaning toward restructuring the company on its own, according to published reports.

 

In an article on 2/7/07 it was reported that Mr Zell approached the Tribune about acquiring its assets.

 

The concern I have for Zell is, in addition to be a wealthy real estate magnate, he's also a friend and partner of Jerry Reinsdorf. Specifically, he has an ownership stake in the Chicago White Sox (among other things).

 

On a related note, the "Cubune.com" is a scary place full of conspiracy theories about the Tribune and it's relationship with the Cubs. It's also where I learned of the relationship of Zell and the White Sox.

 

Here's an interesting cubune quote:

 

We suppose it would be a fitting kind of justice if a Sox partner bought some Tribune, with the Cubs as an expensive little accessory. It would be particularly nice to see Zell leverage his interest to bust apart the media monopoly, sell off the television and radio stations, split off the Cubs, and re-dedicate the Chicago Tribune to clean journalism. It's a tall order in Chicago, but it's just the sort of thing champions can do.

 

 

 

Let's just hope the Tribune follows through on its plans to restructure the company internally.

[Amazing_Grace]

Today's Crain's Chicago Business reports that the Tribune is considering a "recapitalization plan" while also mulling over an offer from Samuel Zell.

 

 

The Tribune Co. board of directors is considering an offer from real estate magnate Sam Zell to take the company private, but is leaning toward restructuring the company on its own, according to published reports.

 

In an article on 2/7/07 it was reported that Mr Zell approached the Tribune about acquiring its assets.

 

The concern I have for Zell is, in addition to be a wealthy real estate magnate, he's also a friend and partner of Jerry Reinsdorf. Specifically, he has an ownership stake in the Chicago White Sox (among other things).

 

On a related note, the "Cubune.com" is a scary place full of conspiracy theories about the Tribune and it's relationship with the Cubs. It's also where I learned of the relationship of Zell and the White Sox.

 

Here's an interesting cubune quote:

 

We suppose it would be a fitting kind of justice if a Sox partner bought some Tribune, with the Cubs as an expensive little accessory. It would be particularly nice to see Zell leverage his interest to bust apart the media monopoly, sell off the television and radio stations, split off the Cubs, and re-dedicate the Chicago Tribune to clean journalism. It's a tall order in Chicago, but it's just the sort of thing champions can do.

 

 

 

Let's just hope the Tribune follows through on its plans to restructure the company internally.

 

Doesn't the commissioner of MLB have to approve all sales of ML teams, and wouldn't someone having an ownership stake in multiple teams be against the rules? If a Sox partner bought the Tribune, couldn't Selig then force him to sell his interest in either one team or the other?

[A New Era]

Is it REALLY required to quote the very first post of the thread, when you are post #2? :wink:

[98navigator]

Doesn't the commissioner of MLB have to approve all sales of ML teams, and wouldn't someone having an ownership stake in multiple teams be against the rules? If a Sox partner bought the Tribune, couldn't Selig then force him to sell his interest in either one team or the other?

 

I really don't know. It could be that his minority interest in the White Sox would preclude him from purchasing a stake in the Cubs. Even if he was forced to divested himself of the White Sox I'd be worried about his true intentions for the Cubs. He's in cahoots (because apparently some people don't know of the association) with Reindsdorf on the Sox and Bulls.

 

You never know what a new "owner" would try to do. He might have designs on moving the franchise to make things more profitable for the White Sox (while mistakenly believing that the Cubs are a cash cow that can withstand adversity...) Or, perhaps he would consider the Cubs and WGN as afterthoughts in his desire to take over the Tribune. I know this angle is one for the conspiracy theorist in me but I would not welcome his affliation.

[oldstyle81]

is that your blog?

 

The cubs are always going to be in Chicago, the owner may threaten to do it but there is no way the MLB will let one of it biggest cash cows move away

 

and yes it is a rule that 1 owner cant own 2 teams or have stakes in more than 1 team

[98navigator]

is that your blog?

 

The cubs are always going to be in Chicago, the owner may threaten to do it but there is no way the MLB will let one of it biggest cash cows move away

 

and yes it is a rule that 1 owner cant own 2 teams or have stakes in more than 1 team

 

NO, it's not my blog. I believe it has some affiliation with WhiteSox fans.

[Amazing_Grace]

Is it REALLY required to quote the very first post of the thread, when you are post #2? :wink:

 

haha, I didn't realize I was the first. It's just kind of a habit. You're right of course :lol:

[Magnetic Curses]

for a second i thought that dixiecrat zell miller was going to buy the cubs.