The Stichting Administratiekantoor (Stak) is a powerful tool that helps companies structure and protect control over their shares. Various companies have successfully implemented the Stak to achieve their business goals. In this blog, we discuss some practical examples of successful Stak implementations and how these structures have contributed to the success of the companies.
Family Business Heineken: Continuity and Control
Heineken, one of the world's largest breweries, has used a Stak for years to maintain control within the family. Through a Stak, family members can retain their influence over the company, despite a significant portion of the shares being traded on the stock exchange. This structure has contributed to the continuity and stability of the company, enabling Heineken to consistently pursue its long-term vision.
ASML: Protection Against Hostile Takeovers
ASML, a leading technology company, established a Stak as protection against hostile takeovers. The Stak holds shares with voting rights, while the economic rights remain with the shareholders. This structure allows ASML to make strategic decisions without the pressure of short-term interests from activist shareholders. As a result, ASML can continue to innovate and maintain its position as a market leader.
Unilever: Simplifying Dual Structure
Unilever, a global producer of food and cleaning products, used a Stak to simplify the company's dual structure. By establishing a Stak, they were able to streamline the share structure, leading to greater transparency and easier management of shareholder rights. This simplification has helped Unilever operate more efficiently and respond better to market opportunities.
Triodos Bank: Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Triodos Bank, a leading sustainable bank, uses a Stak to protect its mission and values. The Stak holds the bank's shares, while certificate holders have economic interests without direct voting rights. This model ensures that the bank can maintain its focus on sustainability and social responsibility, without the pressure from shareholders who may have conflicting interests.
Koninklijke Philips: Innovation and Long-term Vision
Koninklijke Philips, a global leader in health technology, established a Stak to protect its innovative capability and long-term vision. The Stak holds the shares with voting rights, which helps Philips make strategic decisions aimed at sustainable growth and innovation. This has enabled Philips to continue focusing on developing groundbreaking healthcare technologies.
The Role of Share Council
At Share Council, we believe that the Stak is a crucial tool for modern companies to optimize their corporate structure. Our platform supports companies in implementing and managing Staks in a transparent and efficient manner. We provide tools that help companies record and manage shareholder rights while complying with increasingly stringent regulations.
Conclusion
The practical examples of Heineken, ASML, Unilever, Triodos Bank, and Koninklijke Philips demonstrate how a well-implemented Stak can contribute to a company's success and stability. At Share Council, we are ready to help companies effectively implement these structures, enabling them to achieve their long-term goals and protect their corporate values.
Learn more about how Share Council can help your company optimize Stak implementations and other governance solutions by visiting our website and contacting us.
