ATB TO ACCEPT OUTSIDE BIDS FOR OILERS; WILL LOCAL BIDS RISE?

          Alberta Treasury Branches (ATB) "is looking for bids
     higher than the two already proposed by local groups" to buy
     the NHL Oilers, a source told Jac MacDonald of the EDMONTON
     JOURNAL.  The two bids from local business groups are both
     believed to be for about US$70M and would pay for not only
     the Oilers but also Coliseum Management Inc., which operates
     the Edmonton Coliseum.  MacDonald's source said that Midland
     Walwyn, the company handling the sale for Oilers Owner Peter
     Pocklington, and ATB "are expecting to receive offers from
     outside buyers soon."  When that happens, the source added,
     "the local bids are expected to be increased."  Pocklington
     declined to discuss the progress of sales talks yesterday,
     but confirmed he is no longer drawing any management fees as
     part of his team ownership (EDMONTON JOURNAL, 10/7).