For immediate release, August 3, 2026
Williamson & Associates Represents 110-Year Family Legacy in Landmark Transaction
Williamson & Associates Mergers and Acquisitions is pleased to announce the successful closing of the sale of Barnes Advertising Corporation to Adams Outdoor Advertising. The transaction represents one of the most historically significant ownership transitions in the out-of-home industry in recent memory — the divestiture of a multi-generational family enterprise that has operated continuously since 1916.
Through five generations of family stewardship, Barnes became the dominant outdoor advertising presence across 15 counties in southeastern and central Ohio with 237 structures and 558 faces. The portfolio spans five DMAs: Zanesville, Columbus, Wheeling, Cleveland, and Charleston-Huntington.
Since 2009, the company has been led by President Maryjane (Barnes) Shackelford and Vice President John W. Barnes, the fourth generation of the founding family, with the fifth generation actively engaged in the business. The sale to Adams Outdoor Advertising ensures that the assets Barnes built over 110 years transition to a respected, growth-minded operator committed to serving the communities and advertisers of Ohio.
“Since our family first opened its doors, this business has been far more than a livelihood. It has been part of our family’s story, woven into the life of this community through generations of relationships, shared milestones, challenges, and countless memories,” said Maryjane (Barnes) Shackelford. “We are profoundly grateful to our customers, employees, friends, and neighbors whose loyalty and support allowed our family business to grow and thrive for more than a century. While closing this chapter brings many emotions, it also fills us with tremendous pride and gratitude. We want to express our sincere appreciation to Marty and Amber of Williamson and Associates. Their professionalism, dedication, guidance, and genuine care throughout this process were phenomenal. They understood that this was not simply a business transaction—it was the transition of a family legacy—and they treated it with the respect and thoughtfulness it deserved.”
Williamson & Associates, who exclusively represented the seller in the transaction, negotiated a premium sale price for Barnes’ assets but also assembled a best-in-class transaction team that included Jennifer Sloane, Esq. of Sloane Law Office. By strategically structuring the transaction, Ms. Sloane helped the Seller realize approximately $1.5 million in tax savings, significantly enhancing the overall value of the deal.
“Barnes Advertising is one of the most remarkable companies we have ever had the privilege of representing,” said Marty Williamson, President & CEO of Williamson & Associates. “A family business that has served the same communities for 110 years and five generations is extraordinarily rare. One of the things I have always loved about this business is its long history as a powerful advertising medium. Billboards have been telling America’s story for generations, and the Barnes family has been part of that story from nearly the very beginning. We are honored they trusted us to help them close this chapter with the right partner.”
Adams Outdoor Advertising, the nation’s fourth-largest out-of-home advertising company, has been one of the most active acquirers in the OOH space, completing numerous strategic transactions across the Southeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic in recent months. The Barnes acquisition, one of Adams’ largest in its history – expands their Ohio presence and adds a well-established, deeply rooted plant in a multi-county market.
Rich Zecchino, Chief Legal Officer and Vice President of Real Estate & Operations for Adams Outdoor Advertising, said: “We’re excited to expand further into Ohio with our acquisition of the billboard assets of Barnes Advertising, a company that has built an outstanding reputation and deep customer relationships throughout the region. This acquisition strengthens our Midwest presence and creates new opportunities for our customers and communities. I would personally like to thank Maryjane, John, and the entire Barnes family for entrusting us with carrying on the incredible business they built over four generations. And I would be remiss if I did not thank Marty Williamson and Amber Williamson Galunas from Williamson & Associates and Jennifer Sloan from The Law Office of Jennifer Sloane, PLC for their professionalism and partnership throughout the transaction. Brokers and attorneys like them make what could otherwise be difficult transactions, smooth and collaborative. Now that the transaction has closed, we are honored to build on the strong legacy the Barnes family and team have created.”
About Barnes Advertising Corporation
Founded in 1916 by Erwin M. Barnes in Zanesville, Ohio, Barnes Advertising Corporation operated continuously under five generations of family ownership for 110 years — one of the longest-tenured independent outdoor advertising companies in United States history. The company was most recently led by fourth-generation owners Maryjane Shackelford (President) and John W. Barnes (Vice President).
About Adams Outdoor Advertising
Adams Outdoor Advertising is the nation’s fourth-largest out-of-home advertising company and is privately held. A leader in the industry, Adams delivers high-impact, creative advertising campaigns across key U.S. markets. With a focus on innovation and strategic growth, the company connects brands with audiences through a premium portfolio of static and digital billboards.
About Williamson & Associates
Williamson & Associates is a boutique M&A advisory firm working exclusively in the Out-of-Home advertising industry. Founded in 2017 by Marty Williamson — a former OOH owner who founded, operated, and divested five outdoor advertising companies himself — the firm is led by a team with deep first-hand experience in the billboard industry. For more information, visit williamsonassociates.com or contact Marty Williamson at 706-207-1197.
About Sloane Law Office
For more than 27 years, Sloane Law Office has served as trusted counsel to outdoor advertising operators and developers nationwide, helping clients acquire, develop, protect, and maximize the value of their billboard portfolios. From complex acquisitions and lease negotiations to easements, site development, permit denials, ordinance challenges, and landowner disputes, Jennifer Sloane provides strategic guidance at every stage of the asset lifecycle. JSloane@Sloanelawoffice.com OR 407-599-7400
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