The Independent newspaper is primarily owned by Evgeny Lebedev, who holds a 41% stake. A Saudi investor, Sultan Muhammad Abuljadayel, owns 30%, and Justin Byam Shaw owns 26%, with a few minor shareholders making up the rest. Evgeny Lebedev, son of Russian businessman Alexander Lebedev, became chairman of the company after acquiring it in 2010. Sultan Muhammad Abuljadayel acquired his stake in 2017. The ownership structure ensures editorial independence despite the stakes held by these key shareholders.