Would-be Canes buyer makes a fact-finding visit to Raleigh

Chuck Greenberg was in Raleigh on Monday on what he called a fact-finding trip.

Greenberg, who is part of a group that potentially could buy the Carolina Hurricanes from Peter Karmanos Jr., dropped by Raleigh Center Ice for a look at the Canes’ practice facility. RCI was being used for a youth hockey camp, but Greenberg went more or less unnoticed as he toured the facility.

While cordial, Greenberg, 56, said he did not wish to discuss the trip or any planned meetings while in Raleigh. The former CEO of the Texas Rangers said he could not comment on the size or makeup of the potential ownership group, although it is believed to include local Canes investors.

Bloomberg News reported July 13 that Karmanos was close to selling the team to Greenberg’s group for $500 million, more than double the current Forbes valuation of the franchise. Karmanos, through a team spokesman, said he was considering the offer and other options, including retaining ownership of the franchise he has owned since 1994.

Greenberg would not comment on the Bloomberg report or the timeframe that would be needed to complete a sale, which must be approved by the NHL board of governors.

The team, which relocated to Raleigh in 1997 from Hartford, Conn., would remain in Raleigh, alleviating any fears that new ownership might petition the NHL for another relocation.

Greenberg, who lives in Westlake, Texas, is involved in the ownership of three minor-league baseball teams, including the Myrtle Beach Pelicans of the Carolina League.

This story was originally published July 24, 2017 at 6:12 PM with the headline "Would-be Canes buyer makes a fact-finding visit to Raleigh."