Lamar Advertising Acquires Cleveland Outdoor Advertising Assets

The deal adds over 70 premium billboard faces to Lamar's Cleveland portfolio.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 2:31am

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Lamar Advertising Company, a leading owner and operator of outdoor advertising assets, has announced the acquisition of the assets of Cleveland Outdoor Advertising (COA) for cash. The transaction adds 31 high-profile bulletin faces and more than 40 junior bulletin faces to Lamar's existing Cleveland portfolio.

Why it matters

The acquisition strengthens Lamar's presence in the Cleveland market, allowing the company to expand its premium outdoor advertising offerings in the region. COA was a long-standing player in the Cleveland outdoor advertising industry, and this deal ensures its legacy will continue under Lamar's ownership.

The details

COA was founded 47 years ago by Debra Abdalian-Thompson and Stephen Thompson as a junior poster plant, and grew to include numerous premium bulletin locations in the Cleveland metro area. Lamar's Outdoor Division President, Ross Reilly, praised Abdalian-Thompson's pioneering work in the industry and expressed gratitude that she and Thompson trusted Lamar to build upon the strong foundation they had established.

  • Lamar Advertising Company announced the acquisition on February 2, 2026.
  • COA was founded 47 years ago.

The players

Lamar Advertising Company

A leading owner and operator of outdoor advertising assets.

Cleveland Outdoor Advertising (COA)

A 47-year-old outdoor advertising company founded by Debra Abdalian-Thompson and Stephen Thompson, which Lamar has acquired.

Debra Abdalian-Thompson

The president of COA, a long-time director of the Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA), and a 2017 inductee into the OAAA Hall of Fame.

Stephen Thompson

The co-founder of COA with Debra Abdalian-Thompson.

Ross Reilly

The president of Lamar's outdoor division.

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What they’re saying

“Debbie has been a pioneer in the OOH industry, and we are honored that she and Steve trust Lamar to build upon the strong foundation that they have established.”

— Ross Reilly, President, Lamar Outdoor Division (billboardinsider.com)

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who believed in us, worked alongside us, and contributed to our success. This industry has given us so much, and we will always appreciate the opportunities, challenges and connections it brought into our lives. I have long admired Lamar and the Reilly family, and I can't think of a better company to carry COA's legacy forward.”

— Debra Abdalian-Thompson, President, Cleveland Outdoor Advertising (billboardinsider.com)

The takeaway

This acquisition demonstrates Lamar Advertising's commitment to expanding its presence in key markets like Cleveland, while also honoring the legacy of long-standing industry players like COA. The deal allows Lamar to strengthen its outdoor advertising offerings in the region and build upon the strong foundation established by Abdalian-Thompson and Thompson over the past 47 years.