Forms of ownership Flashcards
1
Q
Definition - sole proprietor
A
When the owner does business without registering as a company.
Suitable for smaller enterprises.
Natural person.
2
Q
Characteristics - sole proprietor
A
- Owned and managed by single owner.
- Simply the owner doing business.
- Not legal entities.
- Assets and profit belongs to the owner.
3
Q
Advantages - sole proprietor
A
- Owner can simply start doing business.
- Runs business as he sees fit.
- Doesn’t need anyone else’s permission to make business decisions.
- Success of the business belongs to the owner.
4
Q
Disadvantages - sole proprietor
A
- Owner contributes only his skills, time, energy
- No continuity - business cannot continue if owner retires / dies.
- Capital is limited to amount of money the owner has access to.
- The owner has unlimited liability for the debt.
5
Q
Definition - partnership
A
- Owners do business without registering as company.
2. Number of partners depends on nature and size of partnership.
6
Q
Characteristics - partnership
A
- Agreement between two or more persons.
- Each partner makes contribution to partnership
- Partnerships are not legal entities.
- Partners are jointly and severally liable for debts
- Profits and losses are shared among partners according to the partnership agreement.
7
Q
Advantages - partnership
A
- Responsibilities are shared
- Partners can specialise in what they do best.
- Expenses of partnership are shared among partners.
- Partners can consult each other regarding decisions
8
Q
Disadvantages - partnership
A
- Partners do not always agree
- One partner’s bad decision can lead to losses for the partnership.
- Partners are bound by the decisions of other partners
- There is no continuity
- Partners have unlimited liability for the debt
9
Q
Definition - close corporations
A
- Registered business with a membership of 1 - 10 persons
2. Specially created for smaller businesses.
10
Q
Characteristics - close corporations
A
- Owned and managed by 1 - 10 members
- Name must end with words Close Corporation or CC
- CC have continuity
- CC are legal entities
- Assets belong to the CC and not its members
- Profits belong to the CC and not its members
11
Q
Advantages - CC
A
- Members have limited liability for the debts of the CC
- Appropriate for small and medium businesses
- Usually has greater access to capital
- Financial statements need not be audited.
12
Q
Disadvantages - CC
A
- Capital is limited to the contribution of up to 10 members
- All members of CC must give approval if a member wishes to sell interest.
13
Q
Future - CC
A
- New Companies Act (Act No 71 of 2008) doesn’t make provision for formation of new CC.
- All existing CC may continue to exist indefinitely
- Existing companies may not be converted into CC
- Existing CC will be treated as private companies.
14
Q
Definition - Private company
A
- Exist to make profit.
2. May not offer its securities to the public.
15
Q
Characteristics - private company
A
- Name must end with Proprietary Limited or (Pty). Ltd.
- Owned by shareholders
- Minimum number of shareholders = 1
- Managed by directors
- Minimum number of directors = 1
- Securities not offered to the public.
- If a shareholder wishes to sell his shares, these shares first have to be offered to existing shareholders.