TOLEDO, Ohio — A dispute involving Block Communications, Inc., has been "amicably resolved," a company spokesperson said Thursday.
The settlement followed a lawsuit filed by Allan Block after he was fired from his position as CEO of Block Communications, Inc. (BCI) in May. Allan Block argued he was unlawfully and improperly removed from his role and claimed a breach of contract regarding employment agreement and shareholders agreement.
Allan Block was removed as CEO two weeks after he filed a lawsuit in Lucas County Common Pleas Court against his brother, John Block, and other BCI board members. The initial lawsuit was an attempt by Allan Block to prevent the sale of the Toledo Blade and other BCI properties.
As part of the settlement, Allan Block will be restored as CEO, according to a spokesperson for BCI. The lawsuit in Ohio has also been dismissed.
Besides the Blade, which began daily publication in 1848, BCI owns Pittsburgh’s largest paper, the Post-Gazette; Louisville TV station WDRB-TV; and Buckeye Broadband, a local cable and Internet provider.
A spokesperson for BCI released the following statement Thursday regarding the settlement:
"BCI is pleased to announce that its shareholder dispute regarding the ongoing exploration of strategic alternatives has been amicably resolved. Allan Block will be restored to his role as CEO, and Karen Johnese and John R. Block will serve as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board, respectively. The pending litigation in Ohio has been dismissed. BCI looks forward to continuing to serve its customers and communities."
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