CHICAGO -- The Chicago Bears dislcosed Wednesday the NFL franchise plans to sell a 20-percent minority interest to Andrew J. McKenna, a Bears director and head of a paper company, and Patrick G. Ryan, an insurance executive.
'We weclome two outstanding business leaders to the Bears family,' Michael McCaskey, Bears president, said.
'The addition of Andy and Pat will relieve some of the financial pressures on the team. The increased financial strength of the Bears should be the foundation for vigorous pursuit of Super Bowl championships for our fans.'
McKenna is president and chief executive officer of Schwarz Paper Co. and serves on the board of directors of the Bears, the Tribune Co., owners of the Chicago Cubs; and Aon Corp., an insurance holding company. He also serves as vice chairman of the Board of the University of Notre Dame.
Ryan is president and chief executive officer of Aon Corp. and a director of Commonwealth Edison Co., Stone Container Corp., and First Chicago Corp. He also serves as a trustee of Northwestern University.
The sale of the minority share is subject to NFL approval, McCaskey said.
