At present, however, most debate about controlling capital inflows is beside the point.

ECONOMIST: Time to turn off the tap?

Such investors tend to focus on generating strong cashflow, and controlling capital expenditure strictly, so that the debt can be serviced.

ECONOMIST: American investors fight each other over Celanese

Was Fenway's capital injection enough to give it a controlling stake in the company?

FORBES: Reconstructing Harry

The company launched in 2002 as Intellidot, but the influx of venture capital had diluted Mr. Rubin's controlling interest to an 8% share.

WSJ: Tech Firm Offers Treatment For Hospitals

But potentially the most interesting development took place late last year when the central authorities gave Newbridge Capital the go-ahead to take a controlling stake in Shenzhen Development Bank.

ECONOMIST: Casino capital

An example: several years ago, when a startup software company ran into challenges and sought urgently needed capital, a PE firm invested in the company and became its controlling shareholder.

FORBES: Why Private Equity and Entrepreneurship Don't Mix

"We would like to know about Genii Capital and who is doing what in the team - a partner can be a sleeping partner or a controlling partner, " he said.

BBC: Robert Kubica not sure to stay at new-look Renault

Controlling the banks will also help in real estate deals, giving the group access to friendly and ready capital.

FORBES: Magazine Article