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Officials statements on Bills sale from team, Pegula, Trump and Bon Jovi

The Buffalo Bills and the team's likely incoming owner, Terry Pegula, both issued statements Tuesday afternoon, making their sale agreement official. Donald Trump and Jon Bon Jovi, who both lost out in the bidding process, also issued remarks.BUFFALO BILLS STATEMENT:

The process for the sale of the Buffalo Bills has taken a significant step forward today as a definitive agreement has been reached between the trust of the late Pro Football Hall of Famer Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. and the Pegula family, owners of the Buffalo Sabres and lead developers of Buffalo’s HarborCenter.
 
Subject to the approval of the NFL owners and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, the definitive agreement calls for the Pegula family to acquire all of the interest in the Buffalo Bills franchise from the Wilson trust. The parties intend to submit the agreement for approval by the NFL owners at their meeting in New York City on October 8th.
 
Buffalo Bills Controlling Owner Mary Wilson said, “This is a very important day in the history of the Buffalo Bills franchise. Ralph brought professional football to Buffalo in 1959 and it was his life’s passion. He loved his team and he cherished the fans and his legacy will remain for all-time. Ralph would have been pleased with the sale of the team to the Terry Pegula family, who has been so committed to Buffalo and the Western New York region.”
 
“I sincerely wish Terry and Kim Pegula all the best with the Buffalo Bills and I’m happy for all Bills fans. Our hope is that this great franchise brings them as much excitement and joy as it did for Ralph and that they bring home a Super Bowl championship for Bills fans everywhere. Go Bills!”
 
TERRY PEGULA STATEMENT:
 “Kim and I are humbled and honored that the Wilson family has chosen us to be the second owner of the Buffalo Bills.  Pending the NFL approval process, being the next owner of the Buffalo Bills would be a great privilege for our family.  Ralph Wilson left an indelible mark on our community and we will strive every day to honor his legacy.
 
Our interest in owning the Bills has everything to do with the people of Western New York and our passion for football.  We have knowledgeable, dedicated fans here and along with our ownership of the Buffalo Sabres, it is gratifying to reassure these great fans that two franchises so important to our region are both here to stay.
 
We are grateful to Senator Chuck Schumer and Governor Andrew Cuomo for their support and desire to keep our Bills in Western New York where they belong and to our team of professional advisors at Allen & Company and Sherrard, German & Kelly.  We would also like to thank the staffs of the NFL and the Bills for helping to guide us through the sale process.  We now look ahead to the NFL review process in accordance with League policy.  If awarded final approval, we will be driven to achieve a singular goal: To win a Super Bowl for our fans.
 
Out of respect for the continuing sale process, until League approval is attained, we will have no further comment.”

DONALD TRUMP STATEMENT :

"It was my great honor to have the opportunity to bid on the Buffalo Bills football team.

"A large part of the reason for my bid was to ensure that the team remained in Buffalo. I would like to congratulate the Pegula family on what will be, I am sure, a wonderful purchase.

"I would also like to congratulate the fans of the Buffalo Bills in that, I have no doubt, that the team will now remain in your wonderful city."

JON BON JOVI STATEMENT:

“On behalf of Myself, Larry Tanenbaum and Edward Rogers, we wish Terry and Kim Pegula all the best as they continue the legacy and tradition of the Buffalo Bills and the Wilson family.”

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