Joey Saputo initiates sales process for CF Montréal

Joey Saputo initiates sales process for CF MontréalBy MLSsoccer staffCF Montréal chairman Joey Saputo announced Monday the launch of a structured process to sell the club, marking a new phase after more than three decades of Saputo family ownership and stewardship.Since 1993, the Saputo family has played a defining role in developing professional soccer in Montréal and Québec, guiding the club from its early years to its MLS expansion season in 2012 and its current position within the North American soccer landscape.“After more than three decades of commitment, we believe this is the appropriate time to begin the process of identifying new ownership for CF Montréal,” said Saputo.“This club has been a central part of our lives. We have dedicated significant time, energy and resources to building it, and we are proud of what CF Montréal has become. I would also like to thank the fans, whose passion and loyalty have been at the heart of this club.”The Saputo family has retained BMO Capital Markets as lead financial advisor and National Bank of Canada Capital Markets as co-advisor to manage the sales process and identify potential buyers. This process will be conducted in coordination with MLS to ensure continuity and long-term growth.The club's priority is to provide the right Québec-based investors with an opportunity to come forward, with the resources and commitment to support the club’s long-term success.“The club is stable, well positioned and part of a growing league and market," said Saputo. "For years, we have worked to establish the winning conditions necessary for CF Montréal's long-term success. Today, there is a clearer path forward, particularly with the Olympic Stadium and in our pursuit of Canada Soccer’s National Training Centre."We have laid important groundwork, and it is essential that this momentum continues to secure the club's future in Montréal. Precisely because of that, we believe this is the right moment to begin a structured process to identify the right group to take the club forward and build on what has been accomplished."CF Montréal will continue to operate as usual throughout this period, with no changes to day-to-day operations, sporting activities or community engagement. The management team and staff will remain in place, including president & CEO Gabriel Gervais, managing director Luca Saputo and managing director Simone Saputo, who will continue in their current roles.