Saint-Etienne, a historic French football club, has announced that they are in exclusive talks for a sale to the owner of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors and NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, Larry Tanenbaum’s Kilmer Group. This potential acquisition is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, pending ratification. The news comes at a crucial time for Saint-Etienne, as they are striving for promotion back to the top-tier Ligue 1.
With 10 French championships to their name, Saint-Etienne is a storied club in French football history. However, their last title came in 1981, during the era of legendary player Michel Platini. The club’s 41,000-seat stadium is set to host the men’s and women’s soccer tournaments at the upcoming Paris Olympics, further underlining their importance in the sporting landscape.
Currently competing in the second-tier, Saint-Etienne faces a crucial match against Quevilly to secure a spot in the promotion playoffs. Despite a recent relegation, the club has shown resilience and determination in their quest to return to the top flight. The potential sale to Kilmer Group represents an opportunity for Saint-Etienne to ensure a bright and ambitious future under new ownership.
Larry Tanenbaum’s Involvement
As the chairman and CEO of Kilmer Group, as well as the chairman of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, Larry Tanenbaum brings a wealth of experience to the table. With ownership of successful sports franchises like the Raptors and Maple Leafs, Tanenbaum is no stranger to the world of elite sports management. The negotiations for the sale of Saint-Etienne are being overseen by Ivan Gazidis, a seasoned executive with a background in top European clubs like Arsenal and Inter Milan.
The potential sale of Saint-Etienne to Larry Tanenbaum’s Kilmer Group represents a significant development for both the club and the broader football community. With a rich history and a promising future ahead, Saint-Etienne looks set to enter a new era under the stewardship of experienced and financially stable ownership. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of this deal and the potential impact it could have on the future trajectory of the club.
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