What is a co-operative
A co-operative is a democratic organisation, owned and controlled by its members for a common benefit. It can be formed to provide goods or services to its members, or to supply goods or services to the general public.Members of a co-operative can benefit through the combined purchasing, distribution or marketing power or influence of the group. They share in the group’s investment and operational risks and losses, as well as its benefits.
Unlike private companies, co-operatives do not have a limit on membership numbers. Their ‘one member, one vote’ system also differs from public companies, where voting rights link to share ownership.
In a co-operative:
- all members have equal status and voting rights
- no members can hold more than 20 per cent of shares
- all active members can nominate as directors and elect directors
- capital is used for the group's common interest.
- When a co-operative is formed, it has its own legal identity separate from its members.
- enter into and enforce contracts. This includes the ability to hold, acquire and deal with property
- sue or be sued
- continue regardless of changes to membership.
The name of a registered co-operative always:
- includes the word ‘Co-operative’, ‘Co-op’ or ‘Coop’ and
- ends with ‘Limited’ or ‘Ltd’.
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