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HomeCorporations CodeCh. 1Art. 1§ 12201 Mutual Benefit Corporation Rules

§ 12201 Mutual Benefit Corporation Rules

Corporations Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 12201 Mutual Benefit Corporation Rules

This law says a special kind of company can be created to help its members, not to make money for owners. Any profits must go back to the members based on how much they use the company.

Key Takeaways

  • •The company must mainly help its members, not make money for owners.
  • •Any extra money must go back to members based on how much they use the company.
  • •Members control the company together, like voting on big decisions.

Example

A group of farmers create a company to buy seeds and tools together at lower prices.

The company can't keep extra money as profit. Instead, it must share the savings with the farmers based on how much each farmer bought.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 12201 Mutual Benefit Corporation Rules

Subject to any other provision of law of this state applying to the particular class of corporation or line of activity, a corporation may be formed under this part for any lawful purpose provided that it shall be organized and shall conduct its business primarily for the mutual benefit of its members as patrons of the corporation. The earnings, savings, or benefits of the corporation shall be used for the general welfare of the members or shall be proportionately and equitably distributed to some or all of its members or its patrons, based upon their patronage (Section 12243) of the corporation, in the form of cash, property, evidences of indebtedness, capital credits, memberships, or services. Such corporations are democratically controlled and are not organized to make a profit for themselves, as such, or for their members, as such, but primarily for their members as patrons (Section 12243). (Repealed and added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1625, Sec. 3. Operative January 1, 1984.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

mutual benefitpatronsdemocratically controlledpatronage

Related Statutes

  • § 12243 Cooperative Patronage Definitions
  • § 12200 Cooperative Corporation Law
  • § 12201.5 Worker Cooperative Earnings Distribution
  • § 12202 Corporate Continuity Under Old Law
  • § 12203 Definition Scope And Application

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Corporations Code. Section 12201.
View Official Source