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golden share

British  

noun

  1. a share in a company that controls at least 51% of the voting rights, esp one retained by the UK government in some privatization issues

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

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The U.S. government now holds equity in several companies, including Intel, rare-earths supplier MP Materials and, through a single golden share, veto power over U.S.

From MarketWatch Aug. 5, 2026

The government also holds a golden share in the recently acquired U.S.

From Barron's Jan. 27, 2026

It was agreed that the government would retain a so-called "golden share", requiring it to approve any major changes to Royal Mail's ownership, headquarters location and tax residency.

From BBC Apr. 13, 2025

Britain owns a golden share in Rolls-Royce, meaning the government can block a takeover.

From Reuters Jan. 27, 2023

It also called for supporters “to be given a golden share as part of a sale of the club.”

From Washington Post Mar. 10, 2022

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