controlling interest

American  

noun

1. ownership of enough stock in a company to exert control over policy and management.

---

controlling interest British  

noun

1. a quantity of shares in a business that is sufficient to ensure control over its direction

---

Etymology

Origin of controlling interest

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

In the “vast majority” of cases, the company said, he owns 5% or less of these healthcare companies, and he doesn’t have a controlling interest in any of them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

The former couple signed a long-term lease on the property in 2008 and later bought a controlling interest in the company that owned it.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 29, 2025

Media website TechCrunch reported Friday that a US investment group has acquired controlling interest in NSO Group.

From Barron's • Oct. 18, 2025

Eventually, GB Energy may take a controlling interest in some renewables generation projects.

From BBC • Jul. 24, 2024

He bought controlling interest in Baltimore’s legendary but struggling Pimlico Racecourse and set out to restore its glory.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand