Local group takes the next step

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- The local group that put down a US$10-million nonrefundable deposit to buy the Nashville Predators for $193 million signed a deal Friday that includes the purchase agreement with current owner Craig Leipold.The deal had to be finalized by Friday before the local group's exclusive negotiating rights expired. That would have allowed Leipold to talk with other bidders.