Aktiengesellschaft

Summary of Aktiengesellschaft

A form of corporate organization employed in Germany for large or publicly held companies. Identified by the letters A.G. at the end of a company’s name, this form of incorporation requires the filing of a registration statement with the commercial registrar at the court having jurisdiction over the company’s domicile. At least two persons must serve as incorporators, and a minimum share capital of at least 100,000 marks is required. Shares may be in bearer form, but all shares must have a par value of at least 50 marks; if a higher par value is designated, it must be at least 100 marks, or multiples thereof.

If the firm employes 500 or more persons, worker participation in management, or CODETERMINATION (read this and related legal terms for further details), is required.

(Main Author: William J. Miller)