The Montreal Alouettes might finally have new owners.
According to Montreal TSN radio man Tony Marinaro, the CFL’s board of governors has approved the sale of the Alouettes to Montreal entrepreneur Vince Guzzo.
& just moments ago, 2 sources close to the CFL tell me that the CFL’s Board of Governors have approved the sale of @MTLAlouettes to @Guzzo_Vincenzo and his group. This does NOT mean it’s a done deal however bcz once again Guzzo & his partners are doing their due diligence #TSN690
— Tony Marinaro (@TonyMarinaro) May 23, 2019
Guzzo is the president and CEO of Cinemas Guzzo, the largest movie operator in Quebec with 10 locations. The 49-year-old is also the CEO for Groupe Guzzo, a construction company, Guzzo Hospitality and Guzzo Medical Services. He has been on the CBC show Dragon’s Den as an investor since September, 2018.
doing their due diligence. I asked him if he does buy the team, will Danny Maciocia be GM or Coach? He told me @dmaccoach has served as an advisor to him during the process but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he will be part of his staff. He did add though that he #TSN690
— Tony Marinaro (@TonyMarinaro) May 23, 2019
Robert Wetenhall has owned the Alouettes since 1997 when he brought the team back from the brink of insolvency. He was responsible for the team’s successful relocation to Percival Molson Stadium and eventually expansion while overseeing the team’s run of dominance from 1999 to 2012 when the Als finished first in the East Division nine times in 14 seasons, winning three Grey Cups.
position that he’d be willing to sell 25% of his 50% ownership to season ticket holders. Says that money would serve as an advance towards a new training facility or other. He wants a training facility on the North Shore. And also wants a stadium on the island of Montreal #TSN690
— Tony Marinaro (@TonyMarinaro) May 23, 2019
The team has fallen on hard times in recent years, missing the playoffs for four straight seasons, the longest streak in franchise history. The Alouettes have struggled at the gate as well as fans have tired of the perpetual on-field ineptitude.
Providing strong local ownership such as Guzzo could benefit the franchise greatly.
UPDATE:
The one and only Herb Zurkowsky reports there is no deal – verbal or otherwise to sell the Alouettes to Guzzo.
According to my sources, there’s no deal or verbal agreement as of yet to sell #AlsMTL to Vince Guzzo. Don’t believe everything you read or hear on radio. Now … back to my treatment. #fuckcancer
— Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) May 23, 2019
"No comment at this time" from #CFL on @TonyMarinaro report of @Guzzo_Vincenzo winning support for purchase of #Alouettes.
— Rick Moffat (@RickMoffat) May 23, 2019
