As a domain expert with a focus on corporate structures and histories, I am well-versed in the evolution of major corporations, including those in the energy sector. The question of ownership in a company like BP, or British Petroleum, is multifaceted and involves a complex web of shareholders, stakeholders, and corporate governance structures.

BP is a multinational oil and gas company headquartered in London, England. It is one of the world's seven oil and gas "supermajors," and its history is rich and complex. Historically, BP has undergone several transformations, including mergers and acquisitions that have shaped its current form.

Under John Browne, who served as the Group Chief Executive from 1995 to 2007, BP indeed engaged in a series of acquisitions that significantly expanded its operations and market presence. One of the most notable was the acquisition of other oil companies, which helped BP to become the third largest oil company in the world at the time. This strategic move not only expanded BP's reach but also diversified its portfolio, making it a more formidable player in the global energy market.

In December 1998, a pivotal moment in BP's history occurred with the merger with Amoco, which was formerly known as Standard Oil of Indiana. This merger resulted in the formation of BP Amoco plc, a new entity that combined the strengths and assets of both companies. The merger was a strategic move to increase market share, enhance operational efficiency, and capitalize on the complementary nature of the two companies' operations.

The ownership of BP, like that of many publicly traded companies, is distributed among a vast number of shareholders. These shareholders can range from individual investors to institutional investors such as pension funds, mutual funds, and other financial entities. The company's shares are traded on various stock exchanges, including the London Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange, which further disperses its ownership.

It is also important to note that while shareholders own a portion of the company through their shares, the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of BP are overseen by its board of directors and managed by its executive team. The board is responsible for making high-level decisions on behalf of the company and ensuring that it is run in the best interests of all stakeholders.

In terms of corporate governance, BP, like all companies listed on major stock exchanges, is subject to regulations that require transparency in its operations and accountability to its shareholders. This includes regular reporting on financial performance, corporate strategy, and risk management, among other aspects.

To summarize, the ownership of BP is not attributed to a single entity but is rather a collective of shareholders who own shares in the company. The company's strategic direction and operations are guided by its board of directors and executive team, who are accountable to the shareholders and are tasked with maximizing the company's value over time.

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Under John Browne, British Petroleum acquired other oil companies, transforming BP into the third largest oil company in the world. British Petroleum merged with Amoco (formerly Standard Oil of Indiana) in December 1998, becoming BP Amoco plc.read more >>