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Penguins notebook: Team negotiating to sell minority interest in franchise

The Penguins appear to be close to adding a minority owner.

And possibly a few more.

Ventas Inc. CEO Debra Cafaro, a Western Pennsylvania native, is negotiating for a $25 million stake in the franchise and fronts a group of potential investors who could secure an even bigger piece of the team.

Regardless of precisely how any of that plays out, Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle will retain controlling interest in the club.

Team officials declined to comment on the Cafaro talks, and NHL approval would be needed for any agreement.

In 2015, Lemieux and Burkle made it known that they would explore options for the franchise, including selling it outright and adding some minority investors.