Gretzky, Lemieux May Be Eyeing Nike Bauer Purchase

In an intriguing development, Phoenix Coyotes Managing Partner and coach Wayne Gretzky and Penguins co-Owner Mario Lemieux "have surfaced as potentials partners" in separate groups interested in acquiring Nike Bauer, the world's top manufacturer of hockey skates, according to the Toronto Globe & Mail.

Interested parties, including "major competitors, private equity firms and investor groups," yesterday filed letters of intent with Lazard, the bank handling the transaction, though the filings are "non-binding, involve no financial commitment and may not lead to a bid."

The groups "will not get a closer look at [Nike Bauer's] financials and its prospects, which will determine whether they go ahead with offers."

"There are groups that will have (former) players involved. That includes Mario and Wayne," a source told the Toronto newspaper.

Gretzky, who holds virtually every offensive record in NHL history, has been an investor in a company that bought the Hespeler skates brand and he owns a stake in Therma Blade, a small producer of heated blades.

Photo of Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux at 2004 World Cup of Hockey - AP PHOTO/Adrian Wyld

Both previous involvements were in the "promotion of the products rather than a cash investment." Sources said that Nike Bauer could sell for up to $250 million, less than the $395 million Nike paid to acquire the business in 1995.

If legends like Gretzky and Lemieux get involved, business prospects are sure to pick up for a company like Nike Bauer.