Joint-stock company (A.Ş.)

A joint-stock company (anonim şirket, abbreviated A.Ş.) is a Turkish capital company whose share capital is fixed and divided into shares, and which is liable for its debts solely with its own assets. Shareholders owe the company only the capital they have subscribed.

It may be incorporated even with a single shareholder and used for any economic purpose. Its mandatory organs are the general assembly and the board of directors. Because shares can be certificated and are in principle freely transferable, this form is the most suitable vehicle for raising investment and changing the ownership structure. Only joint-stock companies may offer shares to the public.

Incorporation requires subscription of the statutory minimum capital, which is updated from time to time, so the current threshold should be verified before formation.