Swiss shelf company for sale
If you’re looking to set up a new business venture or expand your existing business operations, you might be considering the benefits of locating and owning a shelf company for sale. A Swiss AG (Aktiengesellschaft) is a type of limited liability company that is commonly used for business purposes in Switzerland. Likewise, a shelf company is a pre-existing company that has been established but not yet engaged in any business activities.
Wait…”Swiss AG Shelf Company For Sale” You Say?
Its important to note that the transfer of actual shelf companies in Switzerland is not allowed. In Switzerland, there is a prohibition on the sale of shelf companies. Consequently, it is prohibited to sell a pre-registered company that has not yet conducted any business activities. Indeed, this prohibition is in place to prevent the misuse of companies for illicit purposes, such as money laundering, tax evasion, and fraud. Swiss AMF AG does not actually sell “shelf companies” but, since this is what the general public calls them. Actually, the key to not actually being a shelf company, is that the company has business activities.
Despite the prohibition on the sale of shelf companies, there are still individuals and companies that attempt to circumvent the law. The FOJ has warned that those who engage in such activities may face legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
This article will explore the features and benefits of owning a Swiss AG “shelf company” for both holding and operating companies.
Features of a Swiss AG Shelf Company
A Swiss AG shelf company is a pre-existing company that has already been registered with the Swiss commercial register, but has not yet been engaged in any business activities. In our case, we will be discussing companies which do have activities and thus, are not prohibited from transfer. The main features of a Swiss AG shelf company include:
- Fast set-up process: Since the Swiss AG shelf company is already registered, the process of setting up a business can be expedited, thereby saving time and effort.
- Limited liability: The Swiss AG shelf company is a separate legal entity, which means that the company’s shareholders are only liable for the company’s debts up to the amount of their investment in the company.
- Established reputation: The Swiss AG shelf company has already been established and has a pre-existing reputation, which can be an advantage in terms of business credibility.
Benefits as Holding Companies
A holding company is a company that owns and manages other companies, known as subsidiaries. Owning a Swiss AG shelf company can provide a range of benefits for holding companies, including:
- Shareholder anonymity. Shareholders are not published online anywhere.
- Tax efficiency: Switzerland has a favorable tax system for holding companies, which can help reduce overall tax liabilities.
- Asset protection: Owning a Swiss AG shelf company can help protect assets, since the company is a separate legal entity with limited liability.
- Enhanced flexibility: A Swiss AG shelf company can provide enhanced flexibility in terms of structuring the ownership and management of subsidiary companies.
Benefits as Operating Companies
An operating company is a company that engages in business activities. Owning a Swiss AG shelf company can provide a range of benefits for operating companies, including:
- Shareholders are not published online anywhere.
- The pre-existing reputation of a Swiss AG shelf company can help build credibility for the operating company.
- Since a Swiss AG shelf company is already established, it can be easier to obtain financing from banks or other financial institutions.
- Owning a Swiss AG shelf company can help reduce start-up costs, since the company has already been registered and established.
Conclusion
In summary, finding and owning a Swiss AG shelf company for sale can provide a range of benefits for both holding and operating companies, as long as it is not actually a “shelf company” by definition. The pre-existing reputation, limited liability, tax efficiency, asset protection, and enhanced flexibility can make it an attractive option for those looking to set up a new business venture or expand their existing business operations. If you’re considering owning a Swiss AG shelf company, it’s important to work with a reputable provider to ensure that the company is registered properly and that all legal requirements are met.