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Fourth candidate emerges as initial bids for Panthers are in

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Initial bids for the purchase of the Carolina Panthers have been made, with a fourth candidate emerging, a source close to the situation told ESPN.com.

The newest candidate is 55-year-old Alan Kestenbaum, the CEO and chairman of Bedrock Industries LP, which focuses on the ownership and operation of metals, mining and natural-resources assets and companies.

Kestenbaum, whose interest in the team first was reported by the Charlotte Observer, is believed to have strong backing from Canadian businessman Jim Pattison, the source said.

Bedrock Industries last year purchased Canadian steel company Stelco Inc.