ändamålsbolag

ändamålsbolag

An ändamålsbolag is a type of Swedish limited liability company established for a specific purpose or project. The concept emerged from Swedish company law as a flexible business structure designed to serve particular objectives rather than general commercial activities. These companies are characterized by their restricted scope of operations and often have a predetermined lifespan tied to the completion of their designated purpose.

The legal framework for ändamålsbolag was introduced to provide organizations with a middle ground between traditional limited companies and partnerships. Unlike regular aktiebolag (limited liability companies), an ändamålsbolag must clearly define its specific purpose in its articles of association and cannot engage in activities outside this scope. This structure is particularly common in real estate development, infrastructure projects, and other time-limited ventures where investors want to isolate risks and focus resources on a single objective.

Key characteristics include limited liability for shareholders, similar to regular corporations, but with stricter limitations on business activities. The company must maintain its specific purpose throughout its existence and typically dissolves once that purpose is fulfilled. Shareholders usually have predefined exit strategies or buyout arrangements incorporated into the company's governing documents.

ändamålsbolag structures are popular in Sweden for joint ventures, project financing, and public-private partnerships where multiple parties collaborate on specific initiatives. The format allows for clear governance structures while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to changing project requirements. These companies must still comply with standard corporate governance requirements, including annual reporting and auditing obligations, but often with simplified procedures due to their focused nature.

The Swedish Companies Registration Office (Bolagsverket) oversees the registration and regulation of ändamålsbolag, ensuring they maintain their specified purposes and comply with relevant legislation throughout their operational period.