Bearer shares

An interesting but still relatively unknown variant of the English Limited company in Germany is the design as a company with bearer shares. In this design, the Shareholder Register no longer lists any names.  

Outsiders cannot identify the shareholders (i.e., owners) of the company by looking at the English trade register.  

Consequently, no names appear on the shares issued by the company. They are rather bearer papers. Shareholder status is merely evidenced by presenting the shares. Transferring shares in a Limited company, as is well known, does not require a notary.  

Conclusion: Bearer shares offer an interesting alternative for entrepreneurs who value discretion.  

Another advantage is that no trusts (and thus ongoing costs) are necessary to keep participations anonymous.  

We are happy to establish your company with bearer shares, or convert existing structures to bearer shares.  

The costs and time required are quite reasonable.  

We are happy to explain the details of establishing a Limited with bearer shares.