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Brown family increases Bengals ownership stake

CINCINNATI (AP) - The Brown family has increased its control of the Cincinnati Bengals.

The team announced Friday that the Browns have obtained the shares held through the Austin Knowlton estate. Investors in New York had made a deal for the shares that had been estimated at 30% of the club. But the Brown family exercised rights to match the terms to acquire the last major piece of the team that had been outside the family.

Terms weren't announced.

Bengals President Mike Brown says in a statement that the family is committed to having the Bengals remain an asset to the region.

Brown's late father, Paul Brown, was an original owner and the first Bengals coach in 1968. The team plays in Paul Brown Stadium.

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