Controlling Shareholders

A controlling shareholder is an investor that has sufficient (voting) rights to exert influence on the management of a company. They are said to have ‘control over the company’. Controlling shareholders may constitute institutional investors, but also individuals such as the founders of the company. These shareholders form a specific group.

Contacts with controlling shareholders

Usually the first point of contact with controlling shareholders will be the CEO or possibly the chairman of the (Supervisory) Board.  In practice, the role and responsibility of the IRO in relation to controlling shareholders will vary and needs to be clear and discussed (and announced to the controlling shareholders) with the CEO/Chairman of the Supervisory Board.

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