Controlling Interest

Controlling interest is simply an ownership status where a corporation or an individual owns fifty percent or more of a companys voting shares. One of the ways in which controlling interest may be achieved is by paying a control premium, which in effect grants enough ownership to set policies, direct operations, and makes a multitude of other controlling interest decisions for a business. Controlling interest is also often attained by way of initiating mergers, such as acquisitions and buyouts. Undervalued companies are often sought out for the purpose of consuming enough shares to secure controlling interest. Controlling interest may also be gained by a much smaller interest in a company, owned individually or by a group in combination. This type of standing may result in a controlling interest if all other company shares are widely dispersed and not actively voted.