An Aktiengesellschaft is a corporation whose share capital is divided into shares. Its assets generally answer for its liabilities. An AG is entered in section B of the commercial register.
Meaning and context
An AG does not have to be publicly listed. Legal form and admission of shares to stock exchange trading are different matters. The statutory minimum share capital is EUR50,000.
What the documents show
The management board, or Vorstand, manages and represents the company; the supervisory board has a different function. An extract may record management and representation but does not provide a complete list of shareholders.
Research tip
Distinguish corporate office, authority to represent and share ownership. Accounting questions require the relevant accounts and reports rather than the register extract alone.