Articles of Association

Articles of Association

Articles of association are a document that specifies the regulations for a company's operations and defines the company's purpose. The document lays out how tasks are to be accomplished within the organization, including the process for appointing directors and the handling of financial records.

Understanding Articles of Association

Articles of association often identify the manner in which a company will issue stock shares, pay dividends, and audit financial records and power of voting rights. This set of rules can be considered a user's manual for the company because it outlines the methodology for accomplishing the day-to-day tasks that must be completed. While the content of the articles of association and the exact terms used vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, the document is quite similar everywhere and generally contains provisions on the company name, the company's purpose, the share capital, the company's organization, and provisions regarding shareholder meetings.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1) Articles of association can be thought of as a user's manual for a company, defining its purpose and outlining the methodology for accomplishing necessary day-to-day tasks.

2) While the content and terms may vary according to jurisdiction, articles of association generally include provisions on the company name, its purpose, the share capital, the company's organization, and provisions concerning shareholder meetings.