In business valuation analysis, a Controlling Interest connotes a situation where the shareholder interest in a business entity is large to grant significant voting rights to the owner. Because controlling interests grant voting privileges and the ability to change the policy and direction of the business, such interests command a premium. The level of premium applied by business valuators when valuing a controlling interest normally depends on the level of privileges associated with the shares in terms of how it allows the holder to influence major decisions in the company.