controlling interest
A controlling interest is when a shareholder or group of shareholders in a corporation own enough voting stock to govern the outcome of important business decisions. A voting stock is a portion of ownership in a company that grants voting rights on shareholder motions, as set out in the company's charter. Not all stocks give voting rights, so a majority of the total stock might not be a controlling interest. However, common stock does typically provide voting rights.
See: 15 U.S. Code § 9054
[Last reviewed in April of 2026 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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