Peter Karmanos is willing to give Chuck Greenberg some time to put his investment group together.
But in an interview with Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer, Karmanos wanted to be clear that he has not yet agreed to sell the Carolina Hurricanes.
Before a transaction is finalized, there are still a few stumbling blocks to get over.
From Alexander’s conversation with Karmanos:
Karmanos says 11 or 12 groups have expressed interest in buying team. He says he's allowing Chuck Greenberg time to put together his group.
— Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) August 1, 2017
Karmanos: "Once (Greenberg) has done that we'll examine whether his offer cuts the mustard." Says he likes Greenberg.
— Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) August 1, 2017
Karmanos says sales price may "shake out" to between $450 million and $500 million. Adds, "If I have to go back, the price is going up."
— Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) August 1, 2017
Karmanos says if he has to wait, the price may rise to $550 million or $600 million, noting if Canes have successful season value increases.
— Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) August 1, 2017
So there’s still a ways to go before the ‘Canes have a new owner that’s willing to keep the team in Raleigh.
First, Greenberg has to raise the money -- and a few weeks ago, it was reported he was “not even close” to doing that.
Then, if Greenberg does manage to pull the funds together, a purchase agreement has to be reached that satisfies both sides.
In other words, a lot could still go wrong in this process.
Fingers crossed, ‘Canes fans.
Related: Forbes calls report of offer to buy Hurricanes ‘bogus’ and ‘fake news’