Big O returning to private hands. (Big O Tires Inc.)

Management, tire dealers may assume ownership of company

Since last summer, Englewood-based Big O Tires Inc. has been in the midst of a very public dispute that's seen shareholders square off against longtime management and Big O dealers.

The drama culminated in an extraordinary dealer's meeting last month in Las Vegas. Astonished observers saw Big O president and CEO Steven Cloward resign and then - following an emotional address by the embattled executive that rallied Big O dealers to his side - rescind his resignation. Shareholders demanded a restructuring of the company's management, leaving the company with a "joint presidency" that is not likely to last long.

Now Cloward and the dealers are working furiously on a plan to take the …