com·pa·ny n pl -nies: an association of persons for carrying on a commercial or industrial enterprise compare corporation, partnership
finance company: a company that makes usu. small short-term loans to individuals
growth company: a company that grows at a greater rate than the economy as a whole and that usu. directs a relatively high proportion of income back into the business
holding company: a company whose sole function is to own and control other companies
investment company: a company that earns income solely or primarily by holding and investing in securities issued by other companies or by government agencies
joint–stock company: a business organization whose capital is represented by shares owned by stockholders each of whom is personally liable for the company's debts
limited liability company: an unincorporated company formed under applicable state statute whose members cannot be held liable for the acts, debts, or obligations of the company and that may elect to be taxed as a partnership
mu·tu·al company: an insurance company whose capital is owned by its policyholders
surety company: a company that provides surety bonds for a fee
trust company: a company and often a commercial bank acting as trustee for individuals and businesses and providing related financial or estate planning services
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.