Montreal businessman Clifford Starke has officially rescinded his intention to acquire the Alouettes.
The chairman of Hampstead Private Captital issued a press release on Tuesday:
“As of 5 p.m. eastern time today July 2, 2019, I am officially withdrawing my intent to purchase the Montreal Alouettes from the Canadian Football League.
“My partners and I firmly still believe that we have created the ideal ownership structure, offer, executive team and strategy that would have ensured the best possible outcome for the Alouettes.
“Currently there isn’t a competitive offer that would combine both a solid business understanding and a Canadian football related acumen, as my proposed offer. Our deadline for action from the CFL has expired, as to has the lifespan of our intent to purchase.”
Former CFL receiver Brad Smith was serving as a consultant for Starke’s ownership group. Smith is the son of Larry Smith who was picked first overall in the 1972 CFL draft by the Alouettes and played nine seasons in Montreal.
Smith became the eighth commissioner of the CFL in 1992 and resigned in 1997. He became the Alouettes president in 2001 and had a second stint from 2004-2010.
Yet another potential owner is gone because of the league.
