Vancouver-Based Aquilini Investment Group
Acquires 50 Per Cent Of Vancouver Canucks & General Motors
Place Wed. Nov 17, 2004
Vancouver, B.C. - John McCaw, owner of the Vancouver
Canucks and General Motors Place, today announced a
partnership with Aquilini Investment Group that will help the
Canucks forge even stronger ties to the Vancouver community.
Aquilini Investment Group signed an agreement with Orca Bay
Sports and Entertainment to acquire a 50 per cent interest in
the Vancouver Canucks and General Motors Place.
“Today’s announcement signifies an exciting next step for
the Vancouver Canucks,” said John McCaw. “I am pleased to
establish this unique partnership with Francesco Aquilini and
his family. It is clear to me that we share a similar vision
and enthusiasm for this franchise. I think this is great
news.”
The shared ownership of Orca Bay demonstrates the truest
form of partnership. The parties will equally participate in
setting the strategic direction of the company while the
existing management team will retain complete responsibility
for day-to-day operations.
“Our investment in the Canucks and Orca Bay makes good
business sense for us,” explained Francesco Aquilini, Managing
Director, Aquilini Investment Group. “We’ve been looking at
the Canucks for almost three years and we like the
businesslike approach and ongoing commitment John McCaw has
shown to the community. It’s a terrific combination, so we’re
really pleased to be joining him and bringing local ownership
back to the team.”
Orca Bay President and Chief Executive Officer, Stanley
McCammon believes that local ownership can help further
connect the organization with the community.
“Francesco is a committed citizen of the Vancouver
community,” said Stanley McCammon. “We hope to learn from his
experiences and build on his relationships to enhance the role
that our organization plays in Vancouver and British Columbia.
I have known Francesco for several years, and I believe that
he and John combine to form a great ownership group.”
Aquilini will become Alternate Governor of the organization
once the National Hockey League approves the agreement.
Approval of the transaction is expected to occur by December
31, 2004.
“The Orca Bay management team has my full support,” added
Aquilini. “We’re here as an investor, not as the coach,
general manager or president. The Canucks’ front office is
strong and professional, one of the big reasons we decided to
invest. So, we plan on letting the management team do their
job on and off the ice.”
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