few large German corporations – still in partial state ownership

A few large German corporations are still in partial state ownership. However,
these holdings are progressively being placed on the market with the objective
of privatisation amongst a large number of individuals rather than to a strategic
investor.
There is also a general, but slowing, trend toward industry concentration, and
as a result, mergers and acquisitions are frequent. In addition, new businesses
are constantly being formed (and old ones going out of business), thus keeping
German industry in a state of movement.
The recent economic turbulences forced the government to buy shares in some
of the banks in order to safeguard the public interest during rescue operations.
These holdings are intended to be temporary.