Another surprise bidder has entered the contest for the Tribune Co., owner of the Los Angeles Times and other local properties. Chicago real estate magnate Sam Zell has offered what the LAT calls "a complicated proposal."

In the most telling part of the story, the LAT reports that Zell would not return calls for comment. Sounds like the perfect potential corporate boss already.

The Trib's board is considering all its options -- which still include bids by former LAT owners the Chandler family and local billionaires Ron Burkle and Eli Broad.