Comparative Company Law

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The master course Comparative Company Law builds further on earlier acquired knowledge and competencies concerning company law. The topic is approached from a European and comparative perspective. Through this course students will acquire and further develop their knowledge of the basic principles of company law. The differences and similarities between various company law systems of the countries within the European Union will be discussed. Next to that, a comparison will be made, to a certain extent, with company law views and principles non-EU countries such as the UK and Delaware. A comparison will be made between the Continental and the Common Law approach to company law. The main focus will be on the law of Germany, England, European legislation on the topic and, for some parts, the law of Delaware. Occasionally, depending on the topic, other jurisdictions will be discussed (Such as France and The Netherlands. The main topic of this Master Course concerns questions and problems of Company Law in general and its harmonization within Europe more in particular. The focus will be on the freedom of establishment, cross border company migration, the position of shareholders and employees within limited liability companies, the position and functioning of company groups and the functioning of capital markets, in particular with a view to company takeovers. This course can serve as a foundation for a deepening of knowledge of the internal functioning of limited liability companies which can be acquired in the course Corporate Governance. It allows students to understand the environment in which companies have to operate in a globalizing world and complements courses such as corporate social responsibility allowing students to look at issues regarding stakeholder protection and sustainable business conduct from a company law perspective.