RIM Shot

Balsillie Nearing $220M Purchase Of Predators

Less than six months after withdrawing his bid to buy the Penguins, Research In Motion co-CEO Jim Balsillie is close to finalizing a purchase of the Predators from Craig Leipold. One report puts the price at $220M, and it is not yet known whether he would look to move the team, which was a key sticking point in his talks in Pittsburgh. However, relocating the Predators could be easier due to a clause in the team’s lease that –- if activated by next month’s deadline –- could allow it to pay an exit fee of around $18M if average paid attendance is below 14,000 next season.

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