Meerderheidsaandeel

Meerderheidsaandeel, or majority stake, is the ownership of more than half of a company's voting shares or equity, giving the holder decisive influence over the company's strategic direction. In most cases, a person or entity with a majority stake can appoint the majority of the board and approve most corporate actions, subject to applicable law, the company’s articles of association, and any protections afforded to minority shareholders.

Acquiring a majority stake can occur through direct purchase of shares, private agreements, or via corporate actions such as mergers, stock issuances, or conversions. A majority stake does not automatically erase minority rights; many jurisdictions provide protections for minority shareholders and require supermajorities for certain fundamental decisions, or impose fiduciary duties on controlling holders.

Having a majority stake enables faster decision-making and clearer control, but also concentrates power and can raise governance risks if minority interests are not adequately protected. In some contexts, reaching a very high threshold (for example, a squeeze-out or mandatory buyout) or opaque arrangements can trigger regulatory review or minority remedies.

Note that majority ownership does not always equate to unilateral control in companies with multiple voting classes or complex governance arrangements. A party may hold a majority of one class of shares while overall control depends on the combined voting rights across all classes.