The Bertelsmann Stiftungis an independent foundation under private law, based in Gütersloh, Germany. It was founded in 1977 by Reinhard Mohn as the result of social, corporate and fiscal considerations.
The foundation states that it promotes "reform processes" and "the principles of entrepreneurial activity" to build a "future-oriented society".
Since 1993, the Bertelsmann Stiftung has held the majority of capital shares in the Bertelsmann Group. It holds 80.9% together with the Reinhard Mohn Stiftung and the BVG Stiftung but has no voting rights.
