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Study Guide: Understanding Corporate Subsidiaries and Structures

Cheat Sheet:
Understanding Corporate Subsidiaries and Structures Study Guide

Foundational Concepts of Subsidiaries

A subsidiary company is precisely defined as a business entity that is entirely owned and controlled by another company, designated as the parent company.

Answer: False

Explanation: The definition of a subsidiary encompasses entities that are *partially* owned and controlled, not exclusively entirely owned, by a parent company.

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Sister companies are subsidiaries that are controlled by different parent entities but operate within the same industry.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sister companies are defined as two or more subsidiaries primarily controlled by the same parent entity, not by different parent entities.

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Subsidiaries are a rare feature in modern business, primarily used by small, local enterprises.

Answer: False

Explanation: Subsidiaries are a common and integral feature of modern business, particularly prevalent among multinational corporations.

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Berkshire Hathaway and The Walt Disney Company are examples of holding companies that oversee subsidiaries across various industries.

Answer: True

Explanation: Berkshire Hathaway and The Walt Disney Company are indeed cited as prominent holding companies that manage diverse portfolios of subsidiaries across multiple industrial sectors.

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IBM, Xerox, and Microsoft primarily operate within the finance sector and utilize subsidiaries for their operations.

Answer: False

Explanation: IBM, Xerox, and Microsoft are primarily technology sector companies that utilize subsidiaries, not finance sector entities.

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A parent company cannot be smaller in terms of assets or employees than one of its subsidiaries.

Answer: False

Explanation: A parent company can indeed be smaller in assets or employees than its subsidiary; control through share ownership is the defining factor, not relative size.

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Parent companies and their subsidiaries must operate in the same industry or geographic location.

Answer: False

Explanation: Parent companies and their subsidiaries are not required to operate within the same industry or geographic location; they can function independently across diverse sectors and regions.

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The 'ultimate parent company' is the entity at the bottom of a corporate hierarchy that is controlled by other companies.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'ultimate parent company' is the entity at the apex of a corporate hierarchy, not at the bottom; it is the entity not controlled by any other company within the group.

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A 'second-tier' subsidiary is owned by a 'first-tier' subsidiary.

Answer: True

Explanation: In a tiered corporate structure, a 'second-tier' subsidiary is indeed owned by a 'first-tier' subsidiary, which is itself a direct subsidiary of the ultimate parent.

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The Ford Motor Company example illustrates a structure where Ford Motor Company Limited owns Ford Motor Company.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ford Motor Company example demonstrates a hierarchy where the ultimate parent, Ford Motor Company, controls subsidiaries at various tiers, such as Ford Motor Company Limited, rather than the other way around.

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A subsidiary, by definition, can have multiple parent companies if control is shared.

Answer: False

Explanation: By definition, a subsidiary can only have one parent company; arrangements involving shared control are classified as joint arrangements, not parent-subsidiary relationships.

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The term 'corporate group' exclusively refers to a parent company and its direct subsidiaries.

Answer: False

Explanation: While a corporate group includes a parent and its subsidiaries, the term can also encompass a broader network of cooperating companies and their subsidiaries, not exclusively direct relationships.

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The 'Authority control' section in articles provides links to databases for standardizing subject information.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Authority control' section in academic articles serves to link to databases that standardize subject information, thereby ensuring consistency and aiding in research and data management.

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The term 'daughter company' is a synonym for a subsidiary company.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'daughter company' is indeed used synonymously with 'subsidiary company' to denote a business entity controlled by a parent company.

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Holding companies primarily engage in direct business operations, with subsidiaries managed separately.

Answer: False

Explanation: Holding companies primarily function by owning shares or controlling other companies (subsidiaries); they typically do not engage in direct business operations themselves.

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What is the fundamental definition of a subsidiary company?

Answer: A business entity that is either entirely or partially owned and controlled by another company.

Explanation: A subsidiary company is fundamentally defined as a business entity that is either entirely or partially owned and controlled by another entity, designated as the parent company.

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What are 'sister companies' in a corporate structure?

Answer: Two or more subsidiaries primarily controlled by the same parent entity.

Explanation: Sister companies are defined as two or more subsidiaries that share a common parent entity or group, operating as distinct entities under unified ownership.

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Which type of corporation most frequently utilizes subsidiaries?

Answer: Multinational corporations structuring their global activities.

Explanation: Multinational corporations extensively utilize subsidiaries as a strategic mechanism for structuring and managing their complex global operations.

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Which of the following is listed as a prominent holding company in the source material?

Answer: Berkshire Hathaway

Explanation: Berkshire Hathaway is cited as a prominent example of a holding company that oversees numerous subsidiaries across diverse industries.

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Can a parent company be smaller in terms of assets or employees than one of its subsidiaries?

Answer: Yes, control through share ownership is the defining factor, not relative size.

Explanation: Yes, a parent company can be smaller in assets or employees than its subsidiary; the determinant factor for a parent-subsidiary relationship is the control exerted through share ownership.

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Which statement accurately describes the relationship between a parent company and its subsidiary regarding industry or location?

Answer: They do not necessarily need to operate in the same industry or geographic location.

Explanation: Parent companies and their subsidiaries are not constrained to operate within the same industry or geographic location; they can function independently across diverse sectors and regions.

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What does the term 'ultimate parent company' signify?

Answer: The company at the very top of a corporate hierarchy that is not controlled by another company within the group.

Explanation: The 'ultimate parent company' denotes the entity situated at the apex of a corporate hierarchy, which is not subject to the control of any other entity within the same group.

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In a tiered subsidiary structure, what is a 'second-tier' subsidiary?

Answer: A subsidiary owned by a first-tier subsidiary.

Explanation: Within a tiered corporate structure, a 'second-tier' subsidiary is defined as an entity owned by a 'first-tier' subsidiary, which is itself a direct subsidiary of the ultimate parent.

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Can a subsidiary have more than one parent company?

Answer: No, by definition, a subsidiary can only have one parent company.

Explanation: By definition, a subsidiary is controlled by a single parent company. Arrangements involving shared control are classified differently, such as joint ventures.

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What is the role of a 'holding company' in relation to subsidiaries?

Answer: Its primary purpose is to own shares or control other companies (subsidiaries).

Explanation: A holding company's principal function is to own controlling interests, typically through shares, in other companies, which are then considered its subsidiaries.

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What does the term 'daughter company' signify?

Answer: A synonym for a subsidiary company.

Explanation: The term 'daughter company' is a direct synonym for 'subsidiary company,' emphasizing the relationship of being owned or controlled by a parent entity.

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Which of the following concepts is listed in the 'See also' section of the source material as related to subsidiaries?

Answer: Conglomerate

Explanation: The 'See also' section of the source material lists 'Conglomerate' among other related corporate structures and concepts pertinent to subsidiaries.

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Establishing and Exercising Control

Ownership of a subsidiary is typically established by the parent company acquiring a minority of the subsidiary's shares.

Answer: False

Explanation: Subsidiary ownership is typically established by acquiring a *majority* of the subsidiary's shares, granting control.

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Owning exactly 50% of a company's stock is generally sufficient to establish control and create a subsidiary.

Answer: False

Explanation: Control is generally established by owning *more than* 50% of the voting stock (e.g., 50% plus one share), not exactly 50%.

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The definition of 'control' over an entity is consistent across all legal and accounting contexts.

Answer: False

Explanation: The definition and criteria for 'control' can vary significantly across different legal jurisdictions and accounting frameworks, necessitating careful contextual analysis.

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Indirect control in a subsidiary structure means the parent company directly owns the lowest-tier subsidiary.

Answer: False

Explanation: Indirect control involves exerting influence or ownership over a subsidiary through an intermediate subsidiary, not direct ownership of the lowest-tier entity.

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If a parent company holds shares in a subsidiary but lacks majority voting rights, it cannot exert control.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lack of majority voting rights does not preclude control; other factors like contractual agreements or the ability to appoint directors can establish control.

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How is ownership of a subsidiary most commonly established?

Answer: By the parent company acquiring a majority of the subsidiary's shares.

Explanation: The most common method for establishing ownership and control of a subsidiary is through the parent company's acquisition of a majority of the subsidiary's shares.

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What is the common presumption for the percentage of shares needed to establish control and create a subsidiary?

Answer: 50% plus one share

Explanation: A common presumption is that owning 50% plus one share of a company's voting stock is sufficient to establish control and thus create a subsidiary relationship.

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How does indirect control function in a multi-tiered subsidiary structure?

Answer: Control is exerted over subsidiaries not directly owned, through a chain of ownership.

Explanation: Indirect control operates by exerting influence or ownership over subsidiaries not directly held by the ultimate parent, but rather through a chain of intermediate subsidiaries.

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Financial and Operational Implications

Intellectual property like copyrights and patents typically remains with the parent company, not the subsidiary.

Answer: False

Explanation: Intellectual property, such as copyrights and patents, typically remains with the subsidiary as the distinct legal owner until such assets are transferred or dissolved.

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A subsidiary cannot be used as a vehicle for implementing new projects or adopting new rules within a company.

Answer: False

Explanation: Subsidiaries can effectively serve as vehicles for implementing new projects and adopting specific rules, leveraging their distinct legal status for focused initiatives.

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Consolidation in business refers to the process where subsidiaries operate completely independently of the parent company's financial reporting.

Answer: False

Explanation: Consolidation in business involves combining the financial statements of a parent and its subsidiaries into a single set, providing a unified view of the group's financial performance.

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A control premium is a discount applied to shares when a company gains control over another.

Answer: False

Explanation: A control premium is an *additional amount* paid over the market price to acquire a controlling interest, not a discount.

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Minority interest represents the portion of a subsidiary's equity owned by the parent company.

Answer: False

Explanation: Minority interest represents the portion of a subsidiary's equity that is *not* owned by the parent company; it belongs to the other shareholders.

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Being managed on a unified basis means a subsidiary operates with complete autonomy, separate from the parent's strategic direction.

Answer: False

Explanation: Operating on a unified basis implies that the parent company directs the subsidiary's management and operations, indicating integration rather than complete autonomy.

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A subsidiary's distinct legal status can protect its intellectual property from claims against the parent company.

Answer: True

Explanation: The separate legal identity of a subsidiary can indeed shield its intellectual property assets from claims directed at the parent company.

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Who typically retains ownership of intellectual property like copyrights and patents within a subsidiary structure?

Answer: The subsidiary, as a distinct legal entity, until transferred.

Explanation: Intellectual property, such as copyrights and patents, is typically owned by the subsidiary as a distinct legal entity, remaining with it unless formally transferred or dissolved.

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What does 'consolidation (business)' refer to in the context of subsidiaries?

Answer: Combining the financial statements of a parent and its subsidiaries into one set.

Explanation: Consolidation in business refers to the accounting process of combining the financial statements of a parent company and its subsidiaries to present a unified financial picture of the entire group.

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What is a 'control premium' in mergers and acquisitions?

Answer: An additional amount paid over the market price to gain control of a company.

Explanation: A control premium is an additional sum paid by an acquirer over the market value of a target company's shares, reflecting the strategic value and decision-making power associated with gaining control.

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What does 'minority interest' represent in consolidated financial statements?

Answer: The portion of a subsidiary's equity *not* owned by the parent company.

Explanation: Minority interest, reported in consolidated financial statements, represents the equity stake in a subsidiary that is held by shareholders other than the parent company.

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What does it mean for a parent and subsidiary to be 'managed on a unified basis'?

Answer: The parent company directs the subsidiary's management and operations as if it were part of the parent.

Explanation: Being 'managed on a unified basis' signifies that the parent company exercises direct oversight and strategic direction over the subsidiary's management and operations, integrating them closely.

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International Regulatory Perspectives

In the European Union, control over an undertaking can be established solely by holding a majority of voting rights.

Answer: False

Explanation: While holding a majority of voting rights is a primary indicator, EU regulations also recognize control through other means, such as the right to appoint directors or exercise dominant influence.

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Under EU Directive 2013/34/EU, an undertaking is considered a parent if it holds the right to appoint or remove a majority of directors in another undertaking.

Answer: True

Explanation: EU Directive 2013/34/EU explicitly includes the right to appoint or remove a majority of directors as a criterion for establishing parent status.

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International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 10 requires only power over another company to establish control.

Answer: False

Explanation: IFRS 10 establishes control based on three criteria: power over the investee, exposure to variable returns from involvement with the investee, and the ability to use power to affect the amount of those returns.

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The UK's Companies Act 2006 uses the definition of 'subsidiary undertaking' (s.1162) for general legal purposes.

Answer: False

Explanation: The UK's Companies Act 2006 uses the broader definition of 'subsidiary undertaking' (s.1162) specifically for accounting purposes, while a different definition ('subsidiary', s.1159) applies for general legal purposes.

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Australian law, adapting accounting standards, defines control primarily based on the capacity to dominate decision-making.

Answer: True

Explanation: Australian law, influenced by accounting standards, defines control by an entity's capacity to dominate decision-making regarding financial and operating policies.

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According to EU Directive 2013/34/EU, which of the following is NOT a primary way an undertaking can be considered a parent?

Answer: Owning exactly 50% of the voting rights in another undertaking.

Explanation: EU Directive 2013/34/EU specifies that owning exactly 50% of voting rights is generally insufficient on its own to establish parent status; control typically requires a majority of voting rights or other indicators of dominance.

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What are the three criteria for control under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 10, as adopted by the EU?

Answer: Power over the entity, exposure to variable returns, and ability to use power to affect returns.

Explanation: IFRS 10 defines control based on three essential criteria: possessing power over the investee, exposure to variable returns from involvement with the investee, and the ability to use power to affect the amount of those returns.

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Under the UK Companies Act 2006, which definition is broader and typically used for accounting purposes?

Answer: The definition of 'subsidiary undertaking' under Section 1162.

Explanation: The UK Companies Act 2006 employs the broader definition of 'subsidiary undertaking' (Section 1162) specifically for accounting consolidation purposes.

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What is the primary focus of the control definition used in accounting standards in Australia?

Answer: The capacity to dominate decision-making regarding financial and operating policies.

Explanation: Australian accounting standards, and subsequently law, define control primarily by the capacity to dominate decision-making concerning an entity's financial and operating policies.

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Distinction from Other Structures

From a legal perspective, there is no significant difference between a subsidiary and a division.

Answer: False

Explanation: Legally, a subsidiary is a distinct entity, whereas a division is an integral part of the parent company, lacking separate legal standing.

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An associate company implies significant influence but not outright control, often through substantial minority shareholding.

Answer: True

Explanation: An associate company is characterized by significant influence, short of outright control, typically established through a substantial minority shareholding (commonly 20-50%).

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A joint venture involves a single parent company exercising dominant control over an arrangement.

Answer: False

Explanation: A joint venture is characterized by *shared* control among multiple parties, distinguishing it from a subsidiary relationship where a single parent exercises dominant control.

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How does a subsidiary legally differ from a branch or division?

Answer: Subsidiaries are legally recognized as distinct and separate entities, unlike integrated branches or divisions.

Explanation: The primary legal distinction is that subsidiaries are separate legal entities, whereas branches and divisions are integrated components of the parent company without independent legal standing.

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How does a joint venture differ from a subsidiary relationship?

Answer: A joint venture involves shared control among parties, unlike a subsidiary which has a single parent exercising dominant control.

Explanation: A joint venture is characterized by shared control among multiple parties, contrasting with a subsidiary relationship where a single parent entity exercises dominant control.

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What is the primary legal distinction between a subsidiary and a division?

Answer: A subsidiary is a separate legal entity, while a division is integrated within the main company.

Explanation: The fundamental legal distinction is that a subsidiary constitutes a separate legal entity, whereas a division is an integral part of the parent company, lacking independent legal status.

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