What is Company Law? Its Role and Importance in Commercial Life
Corporate Law is the branch of law that regulates all processes from the establishment to the liquidation of companies engaged in commercial activities. This field, which determines the legal framework of trade in Turkey, aims to protect the rights of both company owners and investors. It also ensures a safe and orderly commercial environment in the market.
The Turkish Commercial Code (TCC) constitutes the main source of Company Law. TCC No. 6102 regulates in detail the types of companies, management bodies, responsibilities of shareholders, mergers and divisions, and audit mechanisms. Corporate Law is of great concern not only to large capital groups but also to small and medium-sized enterprises.
Company Types: Differences between Joint Stock and Limited Liability Company
The two most common types of companies in Turkish Law are joint stock companies (A.Ş.) and limited liability companies (Ltd. Şti.). These two structures differ in terms of both establishment procedures and shareholding structure.
A joint stock company can be established with at least one partner and its capital is divided into shares. Partners are only liable for the capital they have subscribed. It is generally preferred for large investment projects, public offerings or foreign investment plans. It is governed by a board of directors and auditing is mandatory.
A limited liability company can be established with a maximum of 50 partners. Partners are liable for company debts in proportion to their capital shares. It is suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises with its more flexible structure. It is managed by manager(s) and has a simpler structure compared to a joint stock company.
The structure to be chosen when establishing a company should be carefully evaluated according to the company’s field of activity, growth target and investment plans.
Company Formation Process: Legal Steps and Required Documents
Company incorporation requires the fulfillment of various legal and administrative steps. Incorporation procedures are carried out before the Trade Registry Office and consist of the following main stages:
Drafting the articles of association
Determination of capital commitments and blockage transactions
Registration and announcement in the trade registry
Tax office registration and potential tax number
SSI and İŞKUR notifications
In the company establishment agreement; the name of the company, its headquarters, field of activity, the title of the partners, capital ratios and authorized representatives should be clearly written. After the establishment, transactions such as tax plate, invoice and e-archive systems must also be completed in order for the company to start its activities.
It is important to obtain consultancy from a corporate law attorney or a financial advisor during the establishment process in order to avoid possible deficiencies.
Shareholder Rights and Obligations
The rights and obligations of company shareholders are shaped by the type of company and the company agreement. Basic shareholder rights include receiving dividends, obtaining and reviewing information, voting and exiting the company.
Obligations are mostly shaped around the obligation to contribute capital and the principle of loyalty to the company. Especially in joint stock companies, minority rights are subject to special regulations. Minority shareholders may call for a general assembly meeting at certain rates, demand the removal of board members or request an audit.
The issue of whether the shareholders will be liable for the debts of the company with their personal assets is also important. In joint stock and limited liability companies, shareholders are not personally liable for the debts of the company; they bear the risk only in proportion to their capital shares.
General Assembly and Board of Directors: Powers and Responsibilities
The general assembly is composed of all shareholders and is the highest decision-making body of the company. The general assembly is authorized to take decisions on issues such as profit distribution, election of directors and amendments to the articles of association. Annual ordinary general assembly meetings must be held in accordance with commercial law.
The board of directors is the executive and representative body of the company. In joint stock companies, the members of the board of directors may be elected from among the shareholders or from outside. The members of the board of directors are directly liable in the event of a transaction contrary to the law and the articles of association.
During the management of the company, the decisions taken must be in accordance with the law, there must be no excess of authority and the principle of equality among shareholders must be respected. Otherwise, liability lawsuits may be filed against the managers.
Company Mergers, Demergers and Liquidation
Over time, companies may grow, downsize or wish to cease operations. In this case, merger, demerger or liquidation processes come into play. Each involves its own specific procedures.
A merger is the bringing together of two or more companies under one roof. Assets and liabilities pass to the merged company.
A spin-off is the separation of parts of a company and the creation of new companies or the transfer of parts to existing companies.
Liquidation is the process by which a company ceases its activities and distributes its assets to its shareholders. After the debts are paid, the remaining assets are distributed to the shareholders.
During these transactions, it is obligatory to protect the creditors and to make the necessary announcements. Otherwise, legal liabilities may arise. Therefore, it is of great advantage to seek legal advice in such structural changes.
The Importance of Lawyer Support in Corporate Law
Corporate Law is an area that is needed not only during the establishment phase, but also at every moment when the company operates. Neglected legal details may lead to serious disputes in the future and even to the cessation of the company’s activities.
A corporate lawyer plays an active role in many areas, from drafting company contracts, resolving disputes between shareholders, mergers and acquisitions to debt collection. It also includes periodic audits and the creation of internal regulations to ensure that the company operates in accordance with the law.
Especially today, when trade is digitalized, areas such as trademark registration, protection of personal data (KVKK), e-commerce legislation also fall within the scope of corporate law and require professional support.