Structures and Functions of Holding Companies in Different Countries

Abstract

The word “holding” is an English word. Some researchers state that this word derives from the root “hold” and means to hold management as “to hold and control,” while others state that it means to own a stock with the phrase “shareholder” or “to hold and control.” The word “holding” used by the countries of the world for business groups is expressed in different words by different countries. The following words are used: “holding” in Turkey, “chaebol” in South Korea, “keiretsu” in Japan, and “grupos economicos” in Latin America. At the same time, business groups are referred to as Qiye Jituan in China, Guanxi Qiye in Taiwan, Grupos in Spain, and Konzerne in Germany. In addition to these words mentioned, an American term “conglomerate” (holding) is sometimes stated in the alternative with business groups.