On August 5, 2014, Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. announced that it has sent a letter to the Corporate Secretary of Darden Restaurants, Inc withdrawing its proposal that the Company's Board adopt a policy that the Company's Chairman be an independent director. In addition, Barington Companies stated that the only effective means to improve shareholder value and protect shareholder interests at the Company is through the election of the slate of independent directors nominated by Starboard Value LP.