Who controls companies today?

The rise of asset managers is changing the balance of power between the wealthy and the rest of society – employees, companies and the state. Unlike 20 years ago, more power is now concentrated in the hands of a few, mainly US fund and private equity companies. These players are not only influencing company management but increasingly the economic structure as a whole. In the United States, this is becoming a real threat to competition; in Germany, we are seeing similar developments at an early stage.