Legal Structures in Businesses
Businesses not only vary in size and industry but also in their ownership. Most businesses evolve from being owned by just one person to a small group of people and eventually being managed by a large numbers of shareholders. Different ownership structures overlap with different legal forms that a business can take. A business’s legal and ownership structure determines many of its legal responsibilities.
Businesses not only vary in size and industry but also in their ownership. Most businesses evolve from being owned by just one person to a small group of people and eventually being managed by a large numbers of shareholders. Different ownership structures overlap with different legal forms that a business can take. A business’s legal and ownership structure determines many of its legal responsibilities.
How a company structures its long term operations in his own country and for expansion to foreign countries, effectively defines how it will be taxed hence the choice could have a significantly potential effect on the profitability. Regulations prevalent in most of the countries generally allow foreign entities to choose classification as a corporation (subsidiary), partnership, unincorporated branches; Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), distributor and manufacturer representatives and joint ventures. Each choice has its own implications and complications. Generally corporates operate as a separate legal entity with limited liability. Typical business models of foreign corporations conducting business activities in other countries involve wholly owned Subsidiaries, Joint Ventures, Representative Offices or Foreign Branches. This section provides an overview of some of the most commonly used legal forms and structures by corporate organizations across globe.
Types of Important Legal Structures:
- Sole Proprietorship
- Partnership
- Company Form of Organization
- Legal Entity
- Corporation or Conglomerate
- Subsidiary - Domestic and Foreign
- Branches - Domestic and Foreign
- Representative Office
- Joint Venture
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