George Gillett Jr., a former majority owner of the Montreal Canadiens and part owner of soccer club Liverpool FC, dies at 87. The Canadiens confirm his death in a statement, reported by multiple outlets.
Gillett’s acquisition of the Canadiens is cited as a major business milestone. On Jan. 31, 2001, he buys the Bell Centre—then known as the Molson Centre—and purchases a majority stake in the Canadiens for $275 million. Reporting also notes that the deal involves financing, including loans from banks and the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec, the province’s pension fund manager.
While both sources agree on the core details of his death and the 2001 purchase, the Yahoo Sports account adds broader context about Gillett’s ownership interests, including his stake in Liverpool FC. The Global News summary focuses more narrowly on the Canadiens transaction.
