Understanding Majority Owned Subsidiary: Key Legal Insights

Definition & Meaning

A majority owned subsidiary is a company where more than 50 percent of its voting stock is owned or controlled by another company. This relationship allows the parent company to exert significant influence over the subsidiary's operations and decisions. Understanding this term is essential for businesses engaged in mergers, acquisitions, or corporate structuring.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: Company A owns 70 percent of Company B. In this case, Company B is a majority owned subsidiary of Company A, allowing Company A to control strategic decisions for Company B.

Example 2: Company X, which is a large multinational corporation, owns 60 percent of Company Y. This ownership structure gives Company X the ability to influence Company Y's business operations and policies. (hypothetical example)

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State Key Differences
California Specific reporting requirements for majority owned subsidiaries in financial disclosures.
Delaware Flexible corporate laws that may affect the governance of majority owned subsidiaries.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Difference
Wholly Owned Subsidiary A company entirely owned by another company. Ownership is 100 percent rather than over 50 percent.
Joint Venture A business arrangement where two or more parties agree to pool their resources for a specific project. Ownership is typically shared equally or based on contribution, unlike a majority owned subsidiary.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are considering forming a majority owned subsidiary, it is important to consult with a legal professional to understand the implications and requirements. You can also explore US Legal Forms for templates that can help you draft necessary documents, such as operating agreements or shareholder agreements.

Quick facts

  • Ownership threshold: More than 50 percent
  • Legal status: Separate entity
  • Common uses: Corporate governance, mergers, and acquisitions

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

A wholly owned subsidiary is entirely owned by the parent company, while a majority owned subsidiary is more than 50 percent owned, but not fully controlled.