Can an operating company be a holding company?
Henry Morales
Published Apr 01, 2026
An operating company does things; a holding company owns things. It’s also a subsidiary of Company B, which owns the tire factories and tire stores that Company A uses. Company B is a holding company. The arrangement is more complicated than owning one company, but this structure can protect your assets from creditors.
Can a holding company own a single member LLC?
A single member LLC may be a holding company, and an LLC holding company may even be owned by a trust. This provides additional asset protection and may be used as the basis for an estate plan if so desired. Holding companies make managing disparate business interests easier and may act as a personal bank if needed.
What is an operating or holding company?
A holding company is essentially an entity that controls and owns the business group’s assets such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, brand names, trade secrets, and proprietary information. Conversely, an operating company handles the day-to-day business activities and does not own any of the IP assets.
Does a holding company need an operating agreement?
A holding company does not need any special type of operating agreement. However, it should include and address terms and issues that are specific to the industry in which the holding company is being used.
How do I set up a holding company and an operating company?
To create your holding company, you register it in a state and provide your business name, articles of incorporation and the name of the business agent managing the operating and holding company. If you so choose, you can be the agent for both the operating and holding company.
Can one company become a holding of one or more company?
Consequently, a parent organisation may organise itself as a holding company for an asset management policy, thus establishing subsidiaries for each of its business lines. For example, one subsidiary may own the brand name and trademarks of the parent company.
How is a holding company different from an operating company?
Open a new bank account for the holding company. Fund the holding company and transfer any existing assets from the operating company to the holding company. All holding company and operating company assets must be kept separate to ensure your limited liability protection remains intact.
How does a single member limited liability company work?
Single Member Limited Liability Companies. A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is an entity created by state statute. Depending on elections made by the LLC and the number of members, the IRS will treat an LLC either as a corporation, partnership, or as part of the owner’s tax return (a “disregarded entity”).
Can a holding company own 100% of a subsidiary?
The holding company can own 100% of the subsidiary, or it can own just enough stock or membership interests to control the subsidiary. Having control means it has enough stock or membership interests to ensure that a vote of owners will go its way.
How are business units operated in a holding company?
Each business unit could be operated as a separate subsidiary in which the holding company owns a controlling interest. The company’s trademarks, equipment, and real estate may also be placed in separate subsidiaries, with the operating companies paying to use the trademarks, lease the equipment, and rent its offices.