Here is a little overview of the Business Legal forms and their meaning from the countries: Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland. Ever wanted to know what AB, AS, ASA or OY mean?

Norway

Allmenn Aksjeselskap (ASA)
Public Limited Company registered in Register of Business Enterprises. Share capital (minimum): NOK 1,000.000. Financial Statement has to be filed no later than seven months after the end of statement period. The company will be sent to liquidation if the Statement is not filed 13 months after the end of the statement period. A personal fee for the Chairman of the Board is granted if the Statement is filed too late.

Aksjeselskap (AS)
Private Limited Company registered in Register of Business Enterprises. Share capital (minimum): NOK 100.000 (Used to be 50.000). Financial Statement has to be filed no later than seven months after the end of statement period. The company will be sent to liquidation if the Statement is not filed 13 months after the end of the statement period. A personal fee for the Chairman of the Board is granted if the Statement is filed too late.

Ansvarlig Norsk Selskap (ANS)
General Partnership registered in Register of Business Enterprises. The partners are individually liable for the total debt of the partnership. Financial Statement is not publicly available.

Delt Ansvar (DA)
Liable Partnership by Shares registered in Register of Business Enterprises. The partners are only liable for their share of the total debt of the partnership according to their share. Financial Statement is not publicly available.

Enkeltmannsforetak (ENK)
Sole Proprietorship registered in Register of Business Enterprises. The owner is liable for the total debt of the proprietorship. Financial Statement is not publicly available.

Begrenset Ansvar (BA)
Cooperation registered in Register of Business Enterprises. Each owner one share, Financial Statement is not publicly available.