Curious who owns BMW? Then you should continue reading further. BMW Group is owned by a combination of entities, with the majority stake held by the Quandt family and the remaining shares being publicly traded.

  • The Quandt family: They own a significant portion of the company, with Stefan Quandt holding 29% and Susanne Klatten (his sister) holding 21%. The Quandt family has been a long-time investor in BMW, dating back to 1959. Then their investments helped save the company from bankruptcy.
  • Public float: The remaining 50% of BMW shares are owned by the public. It means anyone can buy and sell them on the stock market. This makes BMW a publicly traded company, subject to the same regulations and scrutiny as other publicly traded companies.

However, while the Quandt family has a large stake in BMW, they actually don’t control the company. There are board of directors and a management team, who are responsible for making decisions on behalf of all shareholders.

Here’s a breakdown of the ownership structure:

  • Quandt family: 50%
  • Public float: 50%
BMW 3 series sedan in white. Who Owns BMW article

Who Owns BMW: History of BMW Owners

Beyond the numbers and percentages, the history of BMW’s owners is interwoven with fascinating individuals who left their mark on the iconic automotive brand. Here’s a deeper dive into some key players:

Early Pioneers (1913-1922):

  • Karl Rapp: A brilliant engineer, Rapp founded Rapp Motorenwerke in 1913, laying the foundation for what would become BMW. In fact, his innovative aircraft engines powered planes during World War I, and shaped the company’s early identity.
  • Gustav Otto: This renowned engineer, son of Nikolaus August Otto (creator of the four-stroke internal combustion engine), established Flugmaschinenfabrik Gustav Otto in 1910. The company eventually merged with Rapp’s, forming Bayerische Flugzeugwerke in 1916. That was a crucial step towards the birth of BMW.
  • Franz Josef Popp: A visionary businessman, Popp played a critical role in the 1916 merger, leading Bayerische Flugzeugwerke through its challenging early years.

The Castiglioni Acquisition (1922):

  • Camillo Castiglioni: This shrewd industrialist saw the potential beyond aircraft in the BMW name and engine technology. He bought the rights to the brand in 1922 by merging it with his own Bayerische Flugzeugwerke. Despite everything, this bold move marked the official birth of BMW as we know it.
BMW in a showroom. Who Owns BMW article

Who Owns BMW: The Quandt Family’s Legacy (1959-present):

  • Herbert and Harald Quandt: These industrialists played a pivotal role in rescuing BMW from bankruptcy in 1959. Recognizing the company’s potential, they invested heavily, ushering in a new era of growth and stability.
  • Stefan Quandt and Susanne Klatten: The grandchildren of Herbert Quandt, these two siblings currently hold the majority stake in BMW (50%). Also, they play an active role in shaping the company’s future through their involvement in its supervisory board.

Final Words

BMW’s ownership narrative encompasses a rich blend of visionary pioneers and the enduring influence of the Quandt family.

Finally, from its origins in aircraft engines to its current stature, this journey reflects a story of resilience, foresight, and familial commitment, defining BMW’s position as an automotive icon.

Read more related articles here: Who owns Mazda, Who owns Ferrari.