A subsidiary company is a company that is fully or partially owned by another, larger parent company. It is usually managed and operated separately from the parent, with its own board of directors, shareholders, and management team. The parent company is called the “holding company,” while the subsidiary is “subsidiary”.
What Are the Benefits of a Subsidiary Company?
The main benefit of a subsidiary company is the ability to spread risk and costs across multiple entities. This can also be used to expand existing business from one market to another, and creates the flexibility to access different types of financial resources. The parent company often has insider access to the subsidiary’s performance, allowing them to make better decisions, and the holding company also benefits from the tax advantages that may be available in the subsidiary’s home jurisdiction.
Modern Examples of Subsidiaries
A well-known modern-day example of a subsidiary company is Amazon. Amazon owns multiple subsidiaries, including IMDb, Audible, Ring and Zappos. Each of these subsidiaries operates independently from Amazon, but is ultimately owned by the parent company. This strategy helps to spread risk and ensure that Amazon has access to different markets and resources.
Understanding Subsidiary Companies
Subsidiary companies are a great way for parent companies to spread risk and access different resources. It is important to look closely at the management and performance of each subsidiary in order to manage the overall business effectively. Knowing the basics about subsidiary companies can help businesses make the most of their strategies.