Joey Saputo launches structured process to sell CF Montréal, with BMO Capital Markets retained as lead adviser

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

CF Montréal chairman Joey Saputo announced Monday that the club has begun a structured process to identify new ownership, marking a significant shift after more than three decades of Saputo family involvement. The announcement was framed as the start of a formal “process of identifying new ownership for CF Montréal,” with Saputo describing it as the appropriate time to begin looking for the next group to take the club forward.

Saputo said the Saputo family has played a defining role in developing professional soccer in Montréal and Québec since the family began its stewardship in 1993. In the statement, the club connected that involvement to CF Montréal’s earlier years, its MLS expansion season in 2012, and its current place within the North American soccer landscape.

“After more than three decades of commitment, we believe this is the appropriate time to begin the process of identifying new ownership for CF Montréal,” Saputo said. He added that the club has been central to the family’s lives and that it has required “significant time, energy and resources” to build. Saputo also thanked CF Montréal supporters, calling fan passion and loyalty central to the club’s identity.

For the sales process, CF Montréal said the Saputo family has retained BMO Capital Markets as lead financial advisor and National Bank of Canada Capital Markets as co-advisor. The club stated that the process will be carried out in coordination with Major League Soccer, with the stated aim of ensuring continuity and long-term growth as ownership changes are considered.

CF Montréal also emphasized that the club’s priority is to provide opportunities to Québec-based investors. According to the announcement, the goal is to identify a group with the resources and commitment needed to support the club’s long-term success, while maintaining stability during the transition period.

Saputo linked the decision to the club’s current situation and forward-looking plans. In the announcement, he characterized CF Montréal as “stable” and “well positioned,” and said the club is part of a growing league and market. He also referenced the groundwork the club has been building toward the “winning conditions” necessary for its long-term success.

The chairman pointed to two specific areas mentioned in the announcement: CF Montréal’s plans connected to Olympic Stadium, and its pursuit of Canada Soccer’s National Training Centre. Saputo said the club has “laid important groundwork” and that maintaining that momentum is essential to securing CF Montréal’s future in Montréal.

As part of the transition, CF Montréal said day-to-day operations will continue without change while the sales process is underway. The club stated there will be no changes to daily operations, sporting activities, or community engagement. It also said its management team and staff will remain in place during the period in question.

In the same context, the announcement named several leadership figures who will continue in their current roles. The club listed president & CEO Gabriel Gervais, managing director Luca Saputo, and managing director Simone Saputo as continuing their existing responsibilities while the ownership process is conducted.

The announcement positions CF Montréal for a structured ownership review coordinated with MLS, while attempting to reduce disruption for supporters by keeping club operations and personnel steady. With advisers appointed and coordination with Major League Soccer identified as part of the approach, the next step will be the club’s identification of potential bidders and a process managed with the intent of maintaining continuity and long-term growth.