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It is tricky, as was explained in the comment you replied to. Maybe you could explain how it is not tricky instead of just making random statements without contributing anything

Here is an example of the complexity. I just purchased a single share of Google. Your Google Maps application has thus changed ownership. Boom, I just sold that single share, now the ownership changed again.

I realize this sounds tongue in cheek but a PE firm trying to get around ownership disclosure requirements can do something just as easily, both with public and private companies.

I guess part of my point is that that is Apple's problem and not the consumers'.

Okay, lets take a simple example.

Indie app A, owned by a developer, Joe. Company B buys A outright, including employing Joe. They keep the brand around for name recognition.

How does the app store know this? None of this has to be public info if A & B aren't public. The company registration hasn't changed. At best, maybe the bank account number changed.