Atlanta Falcons Owner & Chairman Arthur M. Blank today announced the closing of a purchase transaction with Brian J. Barker for a minority ownership position in Atlanta Falcons Football Club, LLC.
Barker joins a group of limited partners who invested in the Falcons between 2002 and 2010 under Blank's ownership. The current limited partners are Ronald E. Canakaris; Warrick Dunn; Douglas J. Hertz; John P. Imlay, Jr.; Ed Mendel; Derek V. Smith; and John A. Williams.
"We are very pleased to include Brian among our limited partners," Blank said. "Brian's business acumen and his passion for our sport complement those of our other limited partners. We look forward to his partnership in the years to come."
Blank will continue to hold more than 90 percent of the ownership interests in the team after the admission of this new limited partner.
Mr. Barker is Owner & CEO of AFS, an industry-leading domestic freight forwarding company headquartered in Shreveport, La. He is an active community supporter in Shreveport, as well as in Destin, Fla., and Park City, Utah. Mr. Barker and his wife, Kathi, reside in Park City. They have three adult children: Brian, Jacob and Amanda.
"As I looked closer at this opportunity, I realized it was not solely about the investment but about family, friends and winning," Barker said. "As an entrepreneur for 30 years, I was drawn to the Falcons' business model as well as to Arthur's desire to put the very best on and off the field.
"Kathi and I are thrilled to be a part of the Falcons family. As far as the investment – it's the NFL. What more can be said?"
