Who downmodded this? This is the best post on the page. 51% means control of the company. Which means control of revenues, hiring decisions, investment behavior. You can own 49% of a very profitable company and never see a dime. Nor make decisions about your own salary if you keep working on the thing.

Any offer to purchase only 51% is also insulting, being a transparent attempt to pennypinch while getting total control. They think they can run the business to serious profitability but don't think buying 90% is a good idea?

From the perspective of a founder, giving up 51% of a company is exactly the same as giving up 100%. It is a sale and unless you're happy walking away and doing something else don't do it.