Forms of Ownership Flashcards
Provide the definition of Forms of Ownership.
Legal position of a business and the way it’s owned.
What is an MOI?
The Memorandum of Incorporation is a document that sets out the rights, duties and responsibilities of shareholders, directors and others.
What is a Prospectus?
Document inviting the public to buy shares.
What is an AGM?
An Annual General Meeting is held once a year where the shareholders receive a report stating how well or poorly the company has done.
What is an Audit?
Process where financial statements of the business are checked to conform that they’re correct.
List 4 factors that need to be considered when choosing a form of ownership.
- tax implications
- risk involved
- size and nature of business
- how capital will be contributed
What is a Sole Trader?
Owned and managed by one person. Owner is responsible for all activities and decisions of business.
List 4 characteristics of a Sole trader.
- Unlimited liability
- No continuity
- No legal requirements regarding name of business
- 1 member
Give 3 advantages of a Sole trader
- Quick decisions
- Owner takes all profit
- Easy and quick to form
Give 3 disadvantages of a Sole trader.
- Can’t expand
- Lacks continuity
- Unlimited liability
What is a Partnership?
Arrangement where parties,business partners, agree to form a business for their mutual interest. Partners share responsibility.
List 4 characteristics of a Partnership.
- Unlimited liability
- No continuity
- No legal requirements regarding name.
- Minimum of two people
Give 3 advantages of a Partnership.
- Partners share profit
- Partners have personal interest in business
- Workload and responsibility is shared.
Give 3 disadvantages of a Partnership.
- Slow-decision making
- Unlimited liability
- Difficult to raise capital
What is a Close Corporation?
A legal entity with a legal personality. Owned by members and there’s between 1-10 of them.
List 4 characteristics of a Close Corporation.
- Limited liability
- Unlimited continuity
- Name must end with CC.
- Minimum of 1 and maximum of 10 members
Give 3 advantages of a Close Corporation
- Unlimited continuity
- Limited liability
- Fewer legal requirements