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Canucks owner confirms interest in Bills

Francesco Aquilini

Vancouver Canucks’ owner Francesco Aquilini speaks on his mobile phone as general manager Mike Gillis, not pictured, speaks to reporters down the hallway in Vancouver, British Columbia on Monday April 25, 2011. Vancouver and the Chicago Blackhawks play game 7 of a Western Conference quarterfinal Stanley Cup playoff series Tuesday. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Darryl Dyck)

AP

Canucks chairman Francesco Aquilini confirmed The Buffalo News story Friday that he had interest in purchasing the Buffalo Bills.

However, Aqulini told the paper through a statement that he wouldn’t be pursing the NFL club further.

“I’m always exploring potential business opportunities, and I’m passionate about sports. So this is something that interested me. However, we are not planning to pursue the opportunity further.”

According to the report, Aquilini had signed a nondisclosure agreement for access to the Bills’ financial data.

Aquilini, 53, has been the majority owner of the Canucks since November 2006.

The Buffalo News story also reported that John Bitove, the man responsible for landing the Raptors in Toronto, is among those who signed a nondisclosure agreement.

The paper’s sources say as many as 60 nondisclosure agreements were distributed, but just 16 to 20 were signed and returned.

The NFL club is for sale after its founder and owner, Ralph Wilson, died in March.

Related: Report: Sabres’ owner Pegula makes bid for NFL’s Bills

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