FindLaw Legal Dictionary

Company

company n

pl: -nies
: an association of persons for carrying on a commercial or industrial enterprise compare corporation, partnership

finance company
: a company that makes usually small short-term loans to individuals

growth company
: a company that grows at a greater rate than the economy as a whole and that usually directs a relatively high proportion of income back into the business

holding company
: a company whose sole function is to own and control other companies

investment company
: a company that earns income solely or primarily by holding and investing in securities issued by other companies or by government agencies

joint-stock company
: a business organization whose capital is represented by shares owned by stockholders each of whom is personally liable for the company's debts

limited liability company
: an unincorporated company formed under applicable state statute whose members cannot be held liable for the acts, debts, or obligations of the company and that may elect to be taxed as a partnership

mu·tu·al company
: an insurance company whose capital is owned by its policyholders

surety company
: a company that provides surety bonds for a fee

trust company
: a company and often a commercial bank acting as trustee for individuals and businesses and providing related financial or estate planning services

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.