Barkley, one of the largest ESOP-owned (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) ad agencies in the U.S., has transitioned ownership to its leadership team. The ESOP sold 100% of its shares back to the company at an all-time high valuation. As a result, a management group led by its executive team now owns 100% of the company’s stock.
Prior to this sale, a significant percentage of the stock was held by former Barkley employees. This change brings 100% of the shares back into the company and maintains Barkley’s competitive advantage as an independent agency. Barkley announced that it has retained all of its current leadership team through this process.
“This helps us preserve our strong culture and puts us in a great position to continue attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry,” said CEO Jeff King. “This process helped us create the best possible conditions to continue driving growth and providing exceptional value to our clients.”
“The ESOP was the right tool for the company to grow during the last 22 years,” said Dan Fromm, president and COO. “This new structure will be a catalyst for maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit that has always been at our core.”
The Sundance Film Festival may get a new home. Here are the 3 finalists
The Sundance Film Festival has narrowed its search for a new home down to three finalists.
One option remains a combination of Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah, the latter its base for over 40 years. The other two, Boulder, Colorado, and Cincinnati would find the country's foremost showcase for independent film putting new roots down, the Sundance Institute said Thursday.
Eugene Hernandez, the festival's director and head of public programming said that each of the finalist cities "has shown us the blend of exciting possibilities, values, and logistics needed to produce a vibrant, inviting, and inclusive Festival."
For now, Sundance will continue operating out of Park City for the 2025 and 2026 festivals. Changes won't go into effect until the 2027 festival. Should the organization stick with Utah, the festival would center itself in Salt Lake City, with some elements in Park City.
Local leaders all issued statements as well. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said that Boulder is "the next natural home" for the festival, touting Colorado's creative communities. Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval and Kristen Schlotman, the head of Film Cincinnati spoke about the Ohio city's dedication to the arts and its ability to offer a "dynamic, walkable and accessible new venue." Finally, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Park City Mayor Nann Worel and Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said they are eager to "forge an even stronger bond to inspire artists and elevate the festival experience."
The Robert Redford-founded festival has been a launching pad for many top filmmakers over the years, from Quentin Tarantino to Ryan Coogler. It's also premiered many eventual Oscar nominees and winners, including "CODA," their first best picture winner, and... Read More