Advantages and Disadvantages of Holding Company

A holding company is a company that does not manufacture, market, or sell any product or service. Instead, it controls other companies or subsidiaries that offer products or services. We may say that such a company exists only to own assets, patents, trademarks, etc., of the subsidiaries.

Advantages of Holding Company

There are various advantages of holding companies, such as providing asset protection, risk reduction, etc. Let’s discuss these and other advantages in detail.

Reduction of Risk

Big corporations prefer a holding company structure. Such a structure limits the risk as the holding company can’t be held responsible for the losses of operating companies. For example, if an operating company files for bankruptcy, the holding company may face financial challenges. But creditors and courts can’t hold holding companies responsible. Moreover, it is seen as a distinct entity from the operating company and, thus, can’t be legally held responsible for the losses and debts.

Asset Protection

Since the ownership of assets is with the holding company and not the operating company, the assets are safe in case of insolvency. Holding companies usually keep the ownership of assets, intellectual property, and more. This works like insulation for the company if things go wrong. This does not mean that the holding company is safe from the negative financial impact on the operating company. If an operating company is financially in trouble, it will reflect on the holding company as well. However, the holding company would be safe from any legal proceedings against it. But, there could be instances where the holding company is held responsible for the action taken by the operating company.

Tax Benefits

A holding company helps the operating company bring down the overall amount of tax. Management can decide to create a holding company overseas with low corporate tax. This way profit of operating companies could be transferred to tax heavens, resulting in tax savings.

Economies of Scale

According to experts, holding companies can also help build economies of scale in operations. There might be more than one company under a holding company. In such cases, it becomes possible to get huge discounts and improved credit terms as the company buys in bulk. As subsidiaries grow under the umbrella of a holding company, they may benefit from economies of scale in purchasing, production, and distribution. This can lead to reduced costs and increased profitability.

Gain Competitive Edge

The relationship between the holding and operating company is at par with the strategic partnership. Since the resources of both companies come together, it helps the operating company to get an edge over others in the industry.

Limit of Investment

There is a benefit for the investors as well. Equity investors have the freedom to select the company in which they want to invest in. If there is one big organization, an investor would be putting money in all the verticals, whether or not they like it. However, it becomes possible for the investor to invest in the company of their choice with a holding company.

Efficient Capital Allocation

A holding company can efficiently allocate capital among its subsidiaries. It can direct funds to subsidiaries with growth potential or strategic importance while divesting or reducing investments in underperforming entities.

Also Read: Subsidiary Company

Easy to Form

All you have to do is incorporate your business. After incorporation, you just need to buy the shares of the companies you want. You do not need the approval of the shareholders of the companies in which you are investing, as you are not going for a full takeover. One good example of a holding company is Berkshire Hathaway, which owns a significant amount of shares in Apple, Bank of America, Coca-Cola, and more.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Holding Company

Disadvantages of Holding Company

Reduces Transparency

Holding companies usually do not report on the internal management and operation of the companies. Since holding companies are responsible to their shareholders; thus, they only convey about dividends they get from operating companies. Often, consumers invest in companies that are partially or wholly owned by the holding companies. Therefore, the lack of transparency makes it difficult for them to make an informed decision.

Complex Corporate Structure

Holding companies can have complex structures with multiple subsidiaries operating in various industries or regions. Managing this complexity can be challenging, requiring significant administrative resources and expertise.

Limited Control Over Subsidiaries

While holding companies have a level of control over their subsidiaries, they may not have full operational control. Subsidiaries often have their own management teams and may make decisions independently, which can lead to conflicts and coordination challenges.

Personal over Professional Gains

The management of the holding company might use critical information from the subsidiary companies in their favor. This could lead to various speculative activities, which would eventually be bad for the investors.

Threat of Monopoly

A company that keeps on acquiring other organizations might eventually end up creating a monopolistic structure. Although not necessary, these holding companies can reduce the competition, thereby resulting in a price monopoly.

Not Easy to Sell Shares

Sometimes, holding companies may find it difficult to sell the shares of subsidiaries. This forces the parent company to hold onto the shares even if they don’t want to. It eventually results in losses for the company.

Require Massive Capital

We said above that it is easy to form a holding company. Yes, it is very easy, but only if you have a big capital backup. You need money; it buys shares in large quantities.

Final Words

Despite the drawbacks, holding companies is a sound business model. However, it is suited only for those with tons of industry and investing experience and massive capital backup.



Sanjay Borad

Sanjay Bulaki Borad

MBA-Finance, CMA, CS, Insolvency Professional, B'Com

Sanjay Borad, Founder of eFinanceManagement, is a Management Consultant with 7 years of MNC experience and 11 years in Consultancy. He caters to clients with turnovers from 200 Million to 12,000 Million, including listed entities, and has vast industry experience in over 20 sectors. Additionally, he serves as a visiting faculty for Finance and Costing in MBA Colleges and CA, CMA Coaching Classes.

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