who owns john deere tractor company

John Deere is a well-known brand in the agricultural industry. The company manufactures and sells a wide range of machinery, including tractors, harvesters, and more. With a long history dating back to 1837, John Deere is a popular choice for farmers across the world. But who owns John Deere tractor company? In this article, we explore the ownership structure of John Deere.

The Family Enterprise

John Deere is a family enterprise that has been passed down from generation to generation. The company was founded by John Deere, a blacksmith in Grand Detour, Illinois, who developed the first self-scouring steel plow in 1837. Today, the company is still owned by the Deere family through a complex set of trusts and holdings. In 2019, the Deere family owned around 20% of the company's shares.

The Public Shareholders

The majority of John Deere's shares are publicly traded, meaning they are owned by individual and institutional investors. As of 2021, around 80% of the company's shares were publicly owned. These shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol DE. As a publicly traded company, John Deere is subject to the regulations and reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The Board of Directors

John Deere is governed by a board of directors, which is responsible for overseeing the company's strategic direction and management. The board is made up of 12 members, including the current CEO and Chairman of the Board, John C. May. The board's composition is designed to ensure that the company's interests are aligned with those of its shareholders. However, as a family-owned enterprise, the Deere family still wields a significant influence over the board's decisions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, John Deere is a family-owned enterprise that is also publicly traded. The Deere family owns around 20% of the company's shares, while the remaining shares are held by individual and institutional investors. The company is governed by a board of directors, with a composition designed to align the interests of shareholders with those of the company. The ownership structure of John Deere reflects the company's long-standing history and commitment to innovation in the agricultural industry.