osakeyhtiölaista

Osakeyhtiölaki is the Finnish Companies Act, a piece of legislation governing the establishment, operation, and dissolution of limited liability companies in Finland. It sets out the legal framework for how these companies are formed, the rights and obligations of shareholders and the management, and the procedures for corporate governance. The law specifies the minimum share capital required for different types of companies, the roles and responsibilities of the board of directors and the managing director, and the rights of shareholders regarding dividends, voting, and access to company information.

Key aspects covered by the osakeyhtiölaki include the process of incorporating a company, which involves registration with the Finnish Patent and Registration Office. It also details the rules for holding general meetings of shareholders, where important decisions are made, and outlines the requirements for financial reporting and auditing. The law provides mechanisms for protecting minority shareholders and addresses situations such as mergers, demergers, and liquidations. Amendments to the law have been made over time to align Finnish company law with European Union directives and to adapt to changing economic conditions and business practices. The current osakeyhtiölaki entered into force in 2006, replacing earlier legislation.