Blockbuster Reportedly Interested in PVBL Team
Friday, May 4, 2001
Fort Lauderdale, FL (AP) - Sources internal to the Blockbuster corporation
have leaked word of the company's possible intent to purchase a Florida
PVBL team. The company, which is based in Fort Lauderdale, apparently
wishes to broaden its entertainment options "in a cheap way," said one
company source.
The source promised a news conference on the matter "within two weeks" from
Blockbuster chairman Wayne Huizenga. "The fast-growing trend of corporate
purchases of PVBL franchises, although apparently mindless and whimsical on
the surface, is one that appeals greatly to this entertainment-minded
company," added the anonymous source.
Speculation has centered around the Vero Beach Bums and the Tampa Bay Mets,
logical choices for the Florida-based retailer. No one from either
organization was available for comment.
"I think this is starting to go too far," said one anonymous, high-ranking
PVBL official.
According to the Blockbuster web site, at http://www.blockbuster.com, "The
BLOCKBUSTER¨ name has nearly 100% brand recognition in the U.S. as a video
retailer, and our mission is TO BE THE GLOBAL LEADER IN RENTABLE HOME
ENTERTAINMENT BY PROVIDING OUTSTANDING SERVICE, SELECTION, CONVENIENCE, AND
VALUE." It is not clear at first how the acquisition of a PVBL team would
help fulfill their mission.
The web site adds, "We believe that people all over the world share a
common desire -- they like to have fun." The corporation may feel that the
purchase of a PVBL franchise would add to their "fun" image.
