This paper analyses both ultimate ownership and investors’ protection in determining corporate
value for a sample of firms from12Western European countries. The analysis is based
on two data sets which consider the presence of an ultimate controller, as well as, the level
of separation of cash flow rights and voting rights in the controlling stake. It examines the
effect of the rights given to both creditors and shareholders, and the degree to which these
rights are enforced with a measure of the efficiency of the judicial system. The main findings
suggest that it is likely that firms tend to adjust their ultimate controlling structure to
overcome the value-decreasing risks associated with country laws that offer low investors’
protection. This information is a valuable tool for managers in order to strategically adapt
institutional corporate governance practices