ITA - Seragnoli sells Fortitudo to Martinelli

BOLOGNA (Lega A) - Michele Martinelli is the new owner of Italian juggernauts Fortitudo Bologna.

Martinelli has bought the club, whose main sponsors are Climamio, for an estimated two million euros from Giorgio Seragnoli - the owner who enjoyed a great deal of success during his 13 years running the team. Under Seragnoli, Climamio reached the Lega A play-offs final seven times and the Euroleague Final Four twice, with the 50-year-old having reportedly invested 65million euros since 1994.

"I am happy," said Seragnoli. "I have taken a big weight off my shoulders. After all these years, I will remember one person above all others and that is coach Jasmin Repesa. He is the man who has won more on a reasonable budget. With regards to players, I think of Carlton Myers, Stojko Vrankovic, Sani Becirovic and Marco Belinelli, of the others I remember nothing."

New owner Martinelli, former general manager of Roseto, is hoping to maintain the standard at Climamio.

"I know I have a big responsibility," said Martinelli. "We intend to preserve the same club objectives, while keeping an eye on the budget."

Despite the change of ownership, Martinelli is hoping to keep Repesa, who is also the coach of the Croatian national team and has been a key figure in Climamio's success in recent years.

"Our main priority is to continue with Repesa, Bellinelli and (Stefano) Mancinelli," he said.

The club has already waved good-bye to guard Kiwane Garris, with the defensive specialist deciding to sign for Armani Jeans Milano this week.

Cindy Garcia
PA Sport, Rome