On March 26, 1976, the American League granted an expansion franchise to a group consisting of Labatt Breweries, Imperial Trust Limited and The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. Both Labatt Breweries and Imperial Trust each con-trolled 45% of the team. The C.I.B.C. had the other 10% of the club. Imperial Trust was a holding company set up by the late R. Howard Webster, who was instrumental in the granting of the franchise in 1976.
The Webster family maintained their share of the ownership until selling their 45% to Labatt in November, 1991. The ownership then consisted of John Labatt Limited, 90% and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, 10%.
In June of 1995 John Labatt Limited was purchased by Interbrew S.A., Belgium's leading brewer.
In September of 2000, Rogers Communications Inc. purchased 80% control of the franchise. John Labatt Limited (Interbrew) maintained a 20% interest while The Canadian Imperial Back of Commerce relinquished their stake.
In January of 2004 Rogers Communications Inc. acquired the remaining 20% of the Club. Rogers Communications Inc. now owns 100% of the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club.
History