The news broke earlier this week, and the Pittsburgh Penguins made it official Friday — the team is being acquired by the Hoffmann family. Fenway Sports Group has owned the team the past four years.
FSG at one point was looking to add minority investors, and during that search, the transaction with the Hoffmann family took root. FSG will remain a minority shareholder “for a period of time,” according to the Penguins.
“During a formal process to explore investor interest in the Pittsburgh Penguins, we were approached by the Hoffmann family with an offer that warranted serious consideration,” Sam Kennedy, CEO of Fenway Sports Group, said in a news release. “From our earliest conversations, their love of the sport and their commitment to doing things the right way made it clear they would be thoughtful stewards of the franchise, which is why we chose to seriously consider their interest. We plan to work closely with them to ensure a smooth transition and to carry forward the momentum that’s been built. It has been an honor to be part of the Penguins’ story, working alongside a world-class leadership team, passionate fans, and a dedicated community. We are proud of the strong foundation we’ve built, and with Kyle Dubas continuing to lead hockey operations, the Penguins are well positioned to carry out the plan in place to reclaim their place as perennial Stanley Cup contenders.”
The sale, as is always the case in the NHL, is contingent on approval by the Board of Governors and what the team termed “other customary approvals for a transaction of this kind.” Those are most likely a formality. Although the purchase price was not announced, it is believed to be in the range of $1.7 billion to $1.8 billion. FSG acquired the Penguins for about $900 million.
The Hoffmann Family of Companies, based in Chicago, owns the ECHL Florida Everglades but has primarily been a family-owned private equity enterprise of over 125 global brands. Brothers Geoff and Greg Hoffmann head up the family business, which was founded by their father, David Hoffmann.
“When the opportunity arose to become the next stewards of one of the most respected organizations in sports, we knew we had to pursue it,” CEO Geoff Hoffmann said in a statement. “The Penguins’ on‑ice legacy and the values shared by the team and the city align naturally with ours. We’re here to build, grow, stay … and win.”
The Hoffmanns made it clear that continuity is important. The club’s “leadership structure will remain unchanged, with the full executive team continuing in their current roles to ensure stability and consistency,” according to the news release.
While president of hockey operations/general manager Kyle Dubas will continue to oversee the hockey side, Geoff Hoffmann will serve as team governor, alongside alternate governors Greg and David Hoffmann, and will be involved in the club’s business operations.
There was no indication whether Hall of Fame center Mario Lemieux will have an involvement with the ownership group. He maintained a minority stake after he and partner Ron Burke sold the Penguins to FSG.
There also was no word on any changes to Sportsnet Pittsburgh, which is owned by the Penguins and Pittsburgh Pirates and managed by NESN, the regional sports network in the Boston area operated by FSG.
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