ettevõtteõigust

Ettevõtteõigus, often translated as company law or corporate law, is a branch of law that governs the establishment, operation, and dissolution of companies and other business entities. In Estonia, it falls under private law and is primarily regulated by the Commercial Code. This body of law defines the legal framework within which businesses function, addressing issues such as the rights and obligations of shareholders, directors, and creditors, as well as the procedures for company formation, mergers, acquisitions, and liquidation.

The Estonian Commercial Code outlines various types of business associations, including private limited companies (osaühing), public limited companies (aktsiaselts), general partnerships (täisühing), and limited partnerships (usaldusühing). Each type has distinct characteristics regarding liability, capital requirements, and governance structures. Ettevõtteõigus also encompasses rules related to company management, such as the responsibilities of board members and supervisory boards, and the rights of minority shareholders. Furthermore, it deals with insolvency proceedings and the procedures for winding up a company when it can no longer meet its financial obligations. The overarching goal of ettevõtteõigus is to ensure fair competition, protect investors, and provide a stable legal environment for economic activity.