Wild Owner Craig Leipold "has begun the process of buying out" Minority Owner Matt Hulsizer’s 27% share of the team, according to Michael Russo of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. Hulsizer "stepped in 18 months ago to assume Phil Falcone’s share of the Wild." Leipold said that he and Hulsizer "are departing on friendly terms." The decision is "driven by Leipold’s desire to keep the Wild in his family long-term and Hulsizer’s desire to eventually own a larger chunk of the franchise and be more involved in hockey decisions." The transaction, which "could take months to consummate, will bring Leipold’s stake of the Wild" to nearly 95%. Hulsizer "purchased Falcone’s stake of the Wild" in February '15. As part of that transaction, Leipold "had the ability to call back Hulsizer’s shares after 18 months." If Leipold had "not exercised that option, Hulsizer could have required Leipold to buy back his shares in another year." Once Leipold "explained to Hulsizer he wasn’t interested in selling a larger stake of the team, the two agreed to part ways" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 8/3).
