On Your Mark, Get Set, Go: Attanasio Takes Over Brewers

Attanasio Takes Control Of Brewers From Selig

Mark Attanasio’s $220M purchase of the Brewers was unanimously approved Thursday at the MLB owners meetings in Arizona, according to Tom Haudricourt of the MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL. Attanasio’s new 11-member ownership group includes four members of the previous group: John Canning Jr., David Uihlein, Harris Turer and Stephen Marcus. Lubar & Co. President David Lubar is also part of the group, and Attanasio said that he “would reserve another 10% for other Milwaukee investors.” Attanasio is also bringing five “friends” into the ownership group. Attanasio, who will replace Wendy Selig-Prieb as Brewers Chair, added that his ownership stake “would go no lower than” MLB Commissioner Bud Selig’s stake in the team, which was about 28%.

NEXT STEPS: Haudricourt notes Attanasio plans to “observe the operation of the team for a year before deciding if any major changes needed to be made.” Attanasio: “I don’t think my handprint will be noticeable at first. I have no intent to put my immediate mark on things.” Attanasio expects the club’s ’05 payroll to be about $40M, “perhaps a bit higher,” compared to $27.5M at the start of ’04. Attanasio: “We hope to eventually get it up to $50[M], then $55[M]. The more effective we can be in raising revenues, the more efficient we will be on the field” (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 1/14).