Company forms & group structures · Core
Holding company
Also called: HoldCo
ELI5
A company whose principal role is owning shares or interests in other entities.
Used in conversation
“Counsel wants holding company clarified before anyone signs.”
Pitch context
You will see “Holding company” in board papers, contracts, policies, risk registers and compliance reports when the discussion reaches company forms & group structures.
Why it matters: In company forms & group structures, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Sources & evidence · 3
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Direct source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — EDGAR and filing resourcesDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- National Institute of Standards and Technology — Computer Security Resource Center GlossarySupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16