Damn, that is pretty cheeky on Google's part, though - essentially screwing all other stockholders to give billions to and entrench two controlling stockholders.

So much for that whole "don't be evil" bit, eh?

Why don't the co-founders just issue more bonds if they want to capitalize on their brand? They already have 56.3%.

Or they could do a stock buyback of, say, 5% outstanding shares, and roll that into a preferred stock or something.

The non-voting share scheme is beyond retarded.

Let's see. You are Page and Brin. Business is good, but you need to raise some cash for some planned acquisitions and restructurings. At the same time, you don't want to dilute your personal stakes down to a point that a well organized outsider could steal your company. There are a couple of ways to accomplish it. This "stock split" is one of the sloppier ways to do it. If you are going to issue a subordinate class of stock, be honest about it and say so.

mainstreet62: Why don't the co-founders just issue more bonds if they want to capitalize on their brand? They already have 56.3%.

Or they could do a stock buyback of, say, 5% outstanding shares, and roll that into a preferred stock or something.

The non-voting share scheme is beyond retarded.

Why pay bondholders, when you can screw shareholders instead?

Google could cure cancer, and still people would complain. What's up with this?

You know what? If you're a Google stockholder, you should just enjoy your gains. My stock portfolio is down no matter what time frame you use, so kindly STFU and enjoy your great returns, dickheads.

stiletto_the_wise: You know what? If you're a Google stockholder, you should just enjoy your gains. My stock portfolio is down no matter what time frame you use, so kindly STFU and enjoy your great returns, dickheads.

Translation: "Let them eat cake."

This share class nonsense is exactly how the Murdoch family have retained majority voting power while having a sliver of the shares.

News Corp isn't exactly a model you can follow can claim to be ethical.

digistil: Translation: "Let them eat cake."

Wha?? I could see them biatching if they were losing money hand over fist, but the company is super-successful and providing a great return. Why complain?