Why Google Is Issuing ‘C’ Shares, a New Kind of Powerless Stock - Businessweek

Planning ahead

"Page and Brin aren’t satisfied with the 55.7 percent majority of votes they already control today. As Google issues less-potent “A” shares—to compensate employees or to finance acquisitions—the company’s founders have seen their voting power diluted. Now that the company is issuing the neutered “C” shares to ensure Page and Brin retain control far into the future, they’re free to create as many shares as they like without giving up an iota of their grip on Google’s direction."

Why Google Is Issuing ‘C’ Shares, a New Kind of Powerless Stock - Businessweek