What’s $53 million to Russia’s second-richest man? Mikhail Prokhorov — the billionaire playboy awaiting NBA approval to buy majority ownership in the New Jersey Nets and move them to Brooklyn — lost a $53 million deposit he put down on a grand villa in southern France. A French court this week ruled Prokhorov was on the hook for a 10 percent deposit he paid on the $530 million Villa Leopolda because he never closed a 2008 deal with Lily Safra, widow of banker Edmond Safra. Prokhorov tried to back out of the purchase as the international credit crisis heated up. The 20-acre estate near Nice was built by King Leopold II of Belgium in 1902 and has 11 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms, a swimming pool and extensive, manicured grounds. The lost deposit is believed to be the largest ever for a private residence. His spokesman said he still plans to make the $200 million deal with developer Bruce Ratner to buy the Nets.
Hopeful Nets buyer dribbles away $53M
