OTTAWA - The board of directors of Senators Sports & Entertainment announced today that an entity controlled by Michael Andlauer has entered into an agreement to purchase 90 per cent and operational control of the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club. Anna and Olivia Melnyk, through the Melnyk Estate, will retain a 10 per cent interest in the club. Subject to approval by both the National Hockey League and finalization of the sale process, Andlauer will assume control of the organization's operations.

Michael Andlauer has a long history in hockey and love of the game, having been involved with the American Hockey League's (AHL) Hamilton Bulldogs since 2003, first as a co-owner, then as majority owner in 2004. In 2007, the Hamilton Bulldogs were Calder Cup Champions. In March of 2015, when he sold the AHL Bulldogs to the Montreal Canadiens; he purchased the Ontario Hockey League's (OHL) Belleville Bulls and relocated the team to Hamilton, where they won both the 2018 and 2022 OHL Championship.

In 2009, Andlauer purchased a share of the Montreal Canadiens, the Bell Centre and Gillett Entertainment Group (now evenko) as part of a group headed by Geoff Molson. Andlauer has served as alternate governor for the Canadiens since the purchase.

Andlauer has more than 35 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry. He is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Andlauer Healthcare Group Inc., a TSX-listed leading supply chain management company offering third party logistics and specialized transportation solutions for the healthcare sector. He is also the founder of Bulldog Capital Partners Inc., a Toronto-based merchant bank focused on private equity investments and advisory services.

Statement from Michael Andlauer:

"My family and I are very excited to be a part of the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club. I believe that the Senators' fanbase is one of the most passionate in the league and I'm excited to take the franchise's success both on and off the ice to the next level.

The short and long-term future of the team is incredibly bright, and I look forward to getting to know the team, the fanbase and the community.

First and foremost, thank you to my wife and family for their support. Thank you to both the NHL and the Melnyk family for providing me with the opportunity to make this dream a reality. Thank you also to my equity partners on the transaction, who like me are committed to bringing success to the National Capital Region. I would also like to thank my financial advisors at Bulldog Capital Partners."

Statement from Sheldon Plener, Chairman and Governor of the Ottawa Senators:

"We are very pleased to announce that we have entered into an agreement to sell controlling interest of the Senators to Michael Andlauer. Michael represents everything we could have hoped to find coming into this process - a passionate owner who is committed to Ottawa.

I want to thank Anna and Olivia Melnyk for their dedication and support to the board of directors and executors of the estate during this process. We would also like to recognize the ongoing efforts of the National Hockey League and the outstanding work of Galatioto Sports Partners.

We believe it is a momentous day for the National Capital Region."

About the Ottawa Senators

One of seven NHL franchises based in Canada, the Ottawa Senators returned to the league in 1992 following a 58-year absence. Ottawa won 11 Stanley Cups during its original reign from 1903 to 1934. The modern-day Senators have captured four titles in the Northeast Division and a Presidents' Trophy in 2002-03. Since 1992, the Senators together with its foundation, alumni, partners and fans have contributed more than $100 million to community initiatives in the National Capital Region.

Reports state $950M is the sale price.