"There's a reason states generally don't take equity stakes in private companies."

Gordon also has an equity stake in his own No. 24 team.

But it is not expected to take an equity stake in the venture.

To cement the relationship, the two companies will buy small equity stakes - less than 5 percent - in each other.

She has an equity stake in the business but is not putting up any capital.

The equity stake would rise to 19.5 percent if the company's profitability reached a certain level, these people said.

The company grew by buying out family companies and giving them an equity stake.

"This signals the first time we have an equity stake in management of the operations."

The firm also had equity stakes in eight client companies.

They said it makes more sense to invest in an entire company and its financial performance by taking an equity stake.