The M-C-M’ is regarded as the general formula of capital which is basically buying commodities in order to sell them for more than what they bought it for. M stands for money, C stands for commodities, and M’ stands for more money. The way that capitalists are able to maintain and increase their wealth is by first using the first M money to buy C which are commodities which they then sell for M’ more money. Their goal is to get surplus value using the M-C-M’ process. This ongoing cycle is what helps capitalists maintain and increase their wealth.