1.   In theory, shareholders own the firm but appoint managers to run the firm in their best interests.

2.   An Ahmanson spokesman said the two companies have yet to agree the date by which shareholders must have owned their shares to participate in the vote.

3.   And remember, the shareholders own the plaintiff in this case and would come out ahead anyway if the suit succeeds.

4.   Because big shareholders now own a much larger share of public companies, as opposed to individual holders, management is quicker to capitulate to their wishes.

5.   A lower ratio means shareholders own more of the company, with less money pledged to creditors.

6.   According to advisers to the companies, the deal could involve the creation of a new company in which Deutsche Telekom shareholders would own the majority stake.

7.   But some have moved in recent years to change state laws to make it easier for them to convert to for-profit companies owned by shareholders.

8.   But now, some companies that are created for profit and owned by shareholders also pay dividends to policyholders.

9.   Current Grace shareholders would own the rest, Thiry said.

10.   Existing Arch shareholders will own the remainder.