Zell Buys Tribune; Cubs for Sale
Tribune said it is looking to sell the Chicago Cubs and the media company’s 25% stake in Comcast SportsNet Chicago after the conclusion of the 2007 Major League Baseball season.
The news came Monday as Tribune announced a deal to sell the company to Chicago real estate investor Sam Zell for $34 per share. Zell is backing the deal with a $315 million investment in Tribune.
Tribune purchased the Chicago Cubs and historic Wrigley Field in 1981.
The company -- which owns superstation WGN, newspapers and TV stations -- was founding partner in Comcast SportsNet Chicago when it debuted in 2004. The regional sports network will carry 72 Cubs games in 2007.
Tribune will become a privately held company upon completion of its deal with Zell.
Multichannel Newsletter
The smarter way to stay on top of the multichannel video marketplace. Sign up below.