Differences between a co-operative society and a company Limited by Guarantee

A Co-operative society is an association of different individuals coming together to achieve an economic, cultural and social aspiration.  On the other hand, a company limited by guarantee as the name implies, is a company incorporated with the aim of promoting a particular type of objective.

The narrative between these two is while a company limited by guarantee is solely created for the purpose of promoting an objective such as art, culture, science, religion, education, research, charity etc. It is not created with the sole aim carrying out business and although it is permitted to go into commerce, it cannot distribute the profit to its members but rather is obligated to use it for the promotion of its objectives. While a co-operative society does not have such restrictions .For a co-operative, making profit and distributing same among its members is legal. In fact, the economical reason is one of the major reasons while a co-operative society is registered under the Ministry of Commerce and industry

The aim of a co-operative is to meet the need of their members. On the other hand, the aim of a company Limited by guarantee is to promote its objective(s). The structure of a company limited by guarantee is such that the members are liable to the amount they guarantee.

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