Who Owns Google? Google's Ownership Structure and Key Shareholders
Google, the global tech juggernaut, is currently owned by Alphabet Inc., a parent company established in 2015 to oversee Google and its various subsidiaries.
As a publicly traded entity, Alphabet‘s ownership is distributed among a diverse array of stakeholders, including institutional investors such as the Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and Fidelity Management & Research LLC. Notable individuals who hold shares in Alphabet include Sundar Pichai, the CEO, and Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the co-founders.
Top Shareholders of Alphabet Inc.:
- The Vanguard Group, Inc.
- BlackRock Inc.
- State Street Corporation
- Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC
- T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
- Capital Research & Management Company (Global Investors)
- SSgA Funds Management, Inc.
- Geode Capital Management LLC
- JPMorgan Chase & Co.
- Capital International Investors
Comparing Apple and Google
In terms of market capitalization, Apple holds a significant lead over Google, with a market cap of $2.11 trillion compared to Google‘s $1.42 trillion. Additionally, Apple generated more revenue than Google in 2022, with $394.33 billion versus Google‘s $282.83 billion.
However, Google boasts a larger workforce, with 160,000 employees worldwide, compared to Apple‘s 164,000. Regarding brand value, Apple holds the top spot with a brand value of $323 billion, while Google follows closely behind at $263 billion.
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Ownership of YouTube and Google
Alphabet Inc., founded by Google‘s co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, owns both YouTube and Google. Google acquired YouTube in 2006 for $1.65 billion, marking one of its most significant acquisitions. YouTube has since become one of Google’s flagship products, boasting over 2 billion monthly active users.
YouTube’s Acquisition by Google
The visionary co-founders of YouTube, Chad Hurley, and Steve Chen, made the monumental decision to sell their platform to Google on October 16, 2006, for $1.65 billion. This acquisition proved a strategic move for both parties, as YouTube gained access to Google‘s vast resources and expertise, enabling its continued growth and success in the online video space.
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In summary, Google‘s ownership lies with Alphabet Inc., while YouTube is a subsidiary owned by Google. The acquisition of YouTube by Google has proven to be a landmark moment in the history of both companies, leading to significant growth and innovation in the online video industry.
