At a Board of Directors meeting of the Ice Hockey Superleague held on Wednesday 8th November the transfer of ownership of its Newcastle Franchise from Jokerit Oyj to the Eye Group was approved with immediate effect.

Finnish group Jokerit and its Chairman Harry Harkimo, are currently progressing expansion plans in Eastern Europe for the development and management of Arena Businesses. The Eye Group, previously minority shareholders of Jester Sports Holdings, had applied to Harry Harkimo to take over 100% responsibility for the ownership and management of the Newcastle Franchise and its member club.

Undisclosed terms for the sale of the business had been agreed between the two parties subject to Ice Hockey Superleague Board approval. With this approval now granted the sale is complete and all responsibility for the team belong to the Eye Group.

The Eye Group has recently completed a number of initiatives which bring significant advantages to Newcastle in the development and progress of this franchise.

Paul Smith, Chairman of Newcastle Jesters, said. ‘The north-east has a strong tradition of ice hockey and of producing champion teams. With the resources the Eye Group can bring and the changes we can incorporate I have no doubt that we can make this franchise profitable and the team a Championship winning team. Our current run of results and our qualification for the Benson & Hedges Cup Semi-Final demonstrates our commitment to putting a winning team on the ice. The fans in Newcastle and the North-East demand success and we intend to give it to them.’

The Eye group is a sports rights exploitation Company. The Company is based in London and currently holds the commercial licences to a number of sports. Eye Group’s commercial program includes all rights, which incorporate Television, Internet and digital media, sponsorship, advertising and event management.

For further information on the Eye Group contact Paul Smith on 0208 900 9019.

For further information contact the Sekonda Superleague Media Office on 01530 838899, e-mail islmedia@iceweb.co.uk or visit our website at www.ICEweb.co.uk.