This is a publicly listed company owned by thousands of shareholders. A few of the Sainsbury's family still have significant shareholdings. The staff can buy limited amounts of shares as part of their company saving schemes. Directors also have significant shareholdings. On the margin are property speculator/s, subject of much press during recent years.

Usually more than 50%, however you could have effective control with smaller shareholdings if the other shares are owned by numerous separate people

A private limited company is a company privately held for small businesses. This type of business entity limits owner liability to their shareholdings, the number of shareholders to 200, and restricts shareholders from publicly trading shares.

Financial gearing tells you the relationship between a company's level of debt and equity shareholdings. The higher the level of gearing the higher the risk of liquidisation, therefore not a good company to invest in, as you probably won't receive any dividends because interest needs to be paid first.

The Woolwich Building Society officially merged with Barclays Bank in 2000. As a result, Woolwich Building Society share accounts were converted into Barclays share accounts. Woolwich shareholders became shareholders of Barclays and their shareholdings were automatically transferred.