Dodgers owner Guggenheim Baseball Management has "approached international investors to sell a minority stake" in the team, which would value it as "substantially more" than the $2.3B it was bought for six years ago, according to Massoudi, Lewis & Indap of the FINANCIAL TIMES. Sources said that the ownership group is "sounding out investors in Japan, Taiwan and South Korea." Sources added that the "global search for investment will also canvas private equity firms in Europe and Asia" as the team looks for "partners who can expand their profile internationally." The search is at a "preliminary stage," sources said. The team is in "no rush to do a deal." The Dodgers are working with N.Y.-based advisory firm Galatioto Sports Partners and a Japanese bank as the team "gauges outside interest." Advisors for the Dodgers have "indicated that they see a 'well-funded but relatively small pool' of potential buyers in Japan." An initial sweep of candidates had "already eliminated a number of potential buyers," including Japanese online retailer Rakuten. Team advisers approached Masayoshi Son's SoftBank, though sources said that talks are "not active." The sale of a minority stake could "draw out property developers with longer-term plans focused on potential for developing the substantial land area around the team's stadium." One source said that the ownership group is also "open to offers for the whole business" (FT.com, 7/20).
