The Memorandum of Association is the first constitutional document of a company containing fundamentals such as the name, the company's objects and powers, and its original share capital. In the past companies could avoid activities which fell outside their express powers as shown in the Memorandum (the "ultra vires" doctrine). This rule no longer applies, at least for third parties dealing with the company. The Articles of Association contain the internal regulations and bye-laws covering procedure, shares, meetings, directors and other administrative issues. It is commonly based on Table A.
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