In his column in this morning's TORONTO STAR, Bob McKenzie
speculates that a departure from Disney by company chairman
Michael Eisner could mean an ownership-change for the Mighty
Ducks. According to McKenzie, "it is obliquely suggested" in the
March issue of ESQUIRE that "Eisner may be contemplating new
career opportunities." MacKenzie suggests Disney's purchase of
the Ducks was "for no other reason than Eisner's interest in the
game itself and, perhaps to a lesser extent, the business of
hockey. ... If the rumors come to fruition and Eisner ceases to
run Disney, will the impetus be there for the corporation to stay
in the NHL?" Also suggested: Disney could sell or give Eisner
the team as a going-away present (TORONTO STAR, 2/23).
POWER PLAY: Since Disney's stock fell to 39 3/8 in November
following Eisner's heart bypass surgery, the unexpected death of
Disney President Frank Wells and slumping attendance figures at
its parks, the company has "rebounded with a mighty roar."
Disney stock rose to 53 on Wednesday after the company announced
an unspecified "multimedia venture" with Southern Bell, Ameritech
and SBC Communications (REUTERS/MIAMI HERALD, 2/22).
