Selskapsgruppe

Selskapsgruppe is a term used in Norwegian to describe a set of legally separate companies that are part of a larger corporate group under common control. The group is usually led by a parent company that owns a controlling stake in one or more subsidiaries. Through ownership or governance rights, the parent directs the group's policies and strategy, while the subsidiaries operate as independent legal entities.

A typical selskapsgruppe has a multi-tier structure, with a parent company at the top and subsidiaries at different levels in the hierarchy. The group may own minority stakes in other companies, forming associates, but the parent maintains control over major decisions. A group may centralize certain functions such as finance, human resources, IT, and procurement to achieve economies of scale.

In financial reporting, the group prepares consolidated financial statements that present the economic entity as a single reporting entity. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated, and non-controlling interests are disclosed where applicable. The concept of control (often more than 50% of voting rights or the ability to govern financial and operating policies) is central to defining what is included in the group.

Terminology varies; "konsern" is the standard term in Norwegian corporate law and accounting, while "selskapsgruppe" is a descriptive synonym used to refer to the same idea. The exact rights and obligations of group members are defined in corporate constitutions, shareholder agreements, and applicable law.