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Business wiki · Company and governance

Articles of association

The rules governing a company's internal administration, subject to applicable company law.

Search terms: AOA

A business example

A founder receives an offer to buy her shares from an outside investor.

Follow the exampleFictional business scenario
  1. Offer received

    The buyer and seller agree a proposed price.

  2. Articles checked

    The articles contain a process for offering shares to existing members first.

  3. Transfer planned

    The parties account for that process before finalising completion.

What this shows

A commercially attractive offer does not remove the company's internal transfer rules. The articles can change the steps needed to complete it.

What it is often confused with

A private agreement between shareholders does not automatically amend the articles.

What to look at in your business

Compare the current articles with the proposed action and any shareholder agreement.

Context and further reading

MCA: incorporation and linked filing FAQs. This reference supports the terminology; use the linked guide for applicability and operative requirements.

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Related terms

LLP

An incorporated business structure with partners and a separate legal identity under the LLP framework.

Memorandum of association

A company's constitutional document setting out matters such as its name, objects and capital framework.