KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Michigan Attorney General’s office is reportedly investigating a sports group that has acquired several West Michigan ice rinks in the last year, including one in Kalamazoo.
WOOD-TV 8 says the AG’s office is looking into whether Black Bear Sports Group is violating antitrust rules.
A civil inquiry obtained by the TV station says the office’s corporate oversight division was reviewing the company for “potential anticompetitive and unfair trade practices involving the consolidation of youth ice hockey facilities and programs in Michigan.”
The company over the last year acquired Wings West in Kalamazoo, Griff’s Georgetown Ice Arena in Hudsonville, and Griff’s IceHouse West in Holland.
The Michigan Antitrust Reform Act prohibits contracts, combinations and conspiracies, along with prohibiting monopolies and any attempts made at monopolizing trade or commerce.
According to the company’s website, Black Bear Sports Group is headquartered in Florida and currently owns and operates nearly 50 ice rinks across the United States, including nine in Michigan.
In a statement Tuesday to News 8, Black Bear said it was unaware of an investigation and that the company was growing the game of hockey across the country at a higher rate than average.
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