Who Owns VW: The Ultimate Guide

In a Nutshell

• Volkswagen Group is primarily owned by the Porsche SE family as well as a mix of institutional investors and the state of Lower Saxony.
• Investment in VW is characterized by a dual share structure: ordinary shares and preference shares.
• Porsche SE, a holding company, holds significant sway with over 50% of VW’s voting rights.
• The German state of Lower Saxony holds a 20% share, giving it veto power over major company decisions.
• BlackRock, the American multinational investment management corporation, is among VW’s top institutional investors.

Table of Contents

• Volkswagen Group’s Ownership Structure
• Key Stakeholders and Their Influence
• Explaining the Dual Share Structure
• The State of Lower Saxony’s Role
• FAQs

Volkswagen Group’s Ownership Structure

The Volkswagen Group is one of the largest automakers globally, with a complex ownership structure. It’s primarily influenced by a combination of family-owned, institutional, and state holdings. To explore more about ownership, visit Who Owns VW.

Key Facts

• Major stakeholder: Porsche Automobil Holding SE, also called Porsche SE.
• Influential state stakeholder: The State of Lower Saxony.
• Notable institutional investor: BlackRock.

Key Stakeholders and Their Influence

The ownership of VW is dominated by several influential players. Each holds significant sway in decision-making and strategic direction for the company.

Porsche Automobil Holding SE

• Porsche SE is controlled by the Porsche-Piëch family, owning over 50% of VW’s ordinary shares.
• This holding gives Porsche SE majority voting rights and significant control over organizational decisions.

State of Lower Saxony

• Holds about 20% of VW’s voting stock.
• Maintains veto power over strategic decisions due to the “Volkswagen Law.”

Institutional Investors

• BlackRock, as one of the top investors, provides financial stability and market influence.
• Other prominent investment firms include Vanguard and Norges Bank.

Explaining the Dual Share Structure

Volkswagen’s share structure includes ordinary and preference shares, both serving different investor interests. These dual share classes facilitate diverse investment strategies.

Ordinary Shares

• Right to vote at the annual general meetings.
• Primarily held by major stakeholders like Porsche SE and Lower Saxony.

Preference Shares

• Typically more liquid in the stock market.
• Offer priority in dividend payouts over ordinary shares.

This structure helps balance control among significant shareholders while facilitating public investment.

The State of Lower Saxony’s Role

The State of Lower Saxony is not just a stakeholder, but a vital part of VW’s corporate governance. Its role is enshrined under the special “Volkswagen Law.”

Influence Highlights

• With roughly 20% of voting rights, it can veto important corporate decisions.
• Its ongoing involvement ensures a level of state influence and regional stability.

Lower Saxony’s stake is a pivotal element of VW’s unique corporate identity and public accountability.

FAQs

How much of VW does Porsche SE own?
Porsche SE holds over 50% of VW’s ordinary shares, providing them with significant control.

Who are the largest institutional investors in VW?
Major institutional investors include BlackRock, Vanguard, and Norges Bank.

What is the Volkswagen Law?
A unique regulation allowing the State of Lower Saxony veto power over VW’s strategic decisions despite its minority 20% shareholding.

How does Lower Saxony influence VW’s decisions?
Through its significant 20% shareholding and voting rights, particularly in strategic and long-term decisions.

What differentiates ordinary shares from preference shares in VW?
Ordinary shares provide voting rights at company meetings, while preference shares offer higher dividend priority without voting rights.

Can anyone buy VW shares, and if so, which type?
Yes, anyone can purchase preference shares, which are more commonly available on stock exchanges.

For a more comprehensive understanding, you can review different aspects of Volkswagen and other companies through resources like Who Owns. To explore automotive industry insights, consider visiting Forbes’ Automotive Section or Financial Times for authoritative guidance.