Why do we need to make a comparison between an SA and an SARL? Because the two most common business vehicles in France are the société anonyme (“SA”) and the société à responsabilité limitée (“SARL”) and the foreign investor, when deciding how to structure his investment, often narrows down his […]
The incorporation of an SARL is similar to that of an SA. The following steps usually take approximately two weeks, such figure being increased by approximately one month if capital contributions in kind are to be made: 1. the preparation of the Articles of Incorporation (statuts) (hereinafter referred to as “Articles”), […]
A société anonyme (hereinafter referred to as an “SA”) is a corporation composed of at least seven shareholders created for a commercial purpose. There is a simplifed form of SA (called SAS) that can be incorporated by two or even one single shareholder. It issues shares representing equity participations which are normally […]
Before addressing the substantive aspects of corporate law and business organizations in France, the foreign investor should become acquainted with the classification of French business entities into sociétés commerciales and sociétés civiles, hereinafter respectively referred to as “commercial companies” and “civil companies.” There are two generic types of companies in […]
There are two generic types of companies in France: commercial companies and civil companies. The distinction between the two types of companies is important to make when considering, inter alia, the liability of the shareholders for the debts of the company. All companies, no matter what their purpose or activities, are […]
Individuals bound by a civil partnership entered into abroad are exempt from inheritance tax in France. The first decision applying the exemption from inheritance tax in France to persons bound by a “civil partnership” under English law has been made. By the combined application of Articles 796-0 bis of the […]
