Shell is one of the world’s largest energy companies, with operations in over 70 countries. It is a global leader in oil and gas exploration and production, as well as refining and marketing. Shell also has a growing presence in renewable energy and other low-carbon technologies.
But who owns Shell? This is a complex question, as the company has a complex ownership structure. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at who owns Shell, including the different types of ownership, the major shareholders, and the company’s governance structure.
Different Types of Ownership
Shell is a publicly traded company, which means that its shares are owned by investors around the world. However, the company also has a significant amount of private ownership.
The two main types of ownership in Shell are:
- Public ownership: This is the ownership of Shell shares by individual and institutional investors. Public ownership accounts for about 70% of the company’s total ownership.
- Private ownership: This is the ownership of Shell shares by governments and other private entities. Private ownership accounts for about 30% of the company’s total ownership.
Major Shareholders
The two largest shareholders in Shell are:
- Qatar Investment Authority (QIA): The QIA is the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar. It owns about 15% of Shell’s shares.
- BlackRock: BlackRock is the world’s largest asset manager. It owns about 5% of Shell’s shares.
Other major shareholders in Shell include:
- Capital Group Companies: 3%
- Norges Bank Investment Management: 2.5%
- The Vanguard Group: 2.5%
Shell Companies and Joint Ventures
Shell operates through a number of different companies and joint ventures. The two main types of Shell companies are:
- Wholly owned subsidiaries: These are companies that are 100% owned by Shell.
- Joint ventures: These are companies that are owned by Shell and other partners.
Shell has joint ventures with a variety of companies, including governments, national oil companies, and other private companies. Some of Shell’s most notable joint ventures include:
- SPDC JV: This is a joint venture between Shell (30%), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (55%), TotalEnergies (10%), and Eni (5%). SPDC is the largest oil and gas producer in Nigeria.
- Bonga JV: This is a joint venture between Shell (55% operator), TotalEnergies (25%), and Eni (20%). Bonga is a deepwater oil field in Nigeria.
- Queensland Curtis LNG: This is a joint venture between Shell (26%), Santos (27.5% operator), Queensland Government (25%), TotalEnergies (22.5%), and CNOOC (10%). Queensland Curtis LNG is a liquefied natural gas project in Australia.
Shell Governance Structure
Shell is governed by a board of directors, which is responsible for overseeing the company’s management and ensuring that it is run in the best interests of shareholders. The board of directors is made up of 15 members, including the CEO and CFO.
Shell also has a number of committees that provide advice and support to the board of directors. These committees include the audit committee, the compensation committee, and the nomination and governance committee.
FAQs
Who owns the majority of Shell shares?
The two largest shareholders in Shell are the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and BlackRock. The QIA owns about 15% of Shell’s shares, and BlackRock owns about 5% of Shell’s shares.
Is Shell a publicly traded company?
Yes, Shell is a publicly traded company. Its shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.
What is the difference between a wholly owned subsidiary and a joint venture?
A wholly owned subsidiary is a company that is 100% owned by another company. A joint venture is a company that is owned by two or more companies.
What are some of Shell’s most notable joint ventures?
Some of Shell’s most notable joint ventures include the SPDC JV, the Bonga JV, and the Queensland Curtis LNG project.