Abstract
This chapter discusses how control of a company can be identified and how it can change. The chapter considers takeovers, the City Code and compulsory acquisition of remaining shares. There is full discussion of the provisions for disclosure of significant holdings both to warn of potential takeover moves and to disclose in the public interest who has significant control of a company. Shares in public companies may be held by nominee owners and this may disguise the fact that one person is building up a significant holding. The statutory definitions of holding company, subsidiary and wholly owned subsidiary are considered.
