The Washington Post Wednesday, May 21, 1986 G3  
Allen H. Neuharth, 62, yesterday stepped down as chief executive officer of Gannett Co. Inc., handing the firmÛªs reins to John J. Curley, 47.</br></br>In a surprise announcement at the end of the annual shareholderÛªs meeting in Washington, Neuharth told stockholders, in what was described as a trembling voice, that it was a ÛÏtimely and wise move."</br></br>Later, at a press conference, Curley told reporters that the move was "an evolutionary thingÛ allowing the transition from NeuharthÛªs leadership of the company for the past 13 years to the takeover by Curley.</br></br>Under NeuharthÛªs strong personal control, the company grew from 53 newspapers to 93. Annual revenue increased from $288 million to almost $3 billion and circulation increased to 6 million with the purchase agreement announced Monday for the Louisville newspapers.</br></br>Pointing out that The Associated Press reported Gannett is ÛÏon a roll,Û Neuharth said, ÛÏThatÛªs a good time to step aside.ÛªÛª