

It pays to understand what joint ventures are, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. However, they aren’t without their pitfalls and poorly conceived partnerships can harm both parties. Joint ventures can dramatically increase the reach and scale of both businesses while reducing the risk. Joint ventures are usually formed by two businesses with complementary strengths.įor example, a technology company may create a partnership opens in new window with a marketing company opens in new window to bring an innovative product to market.Īn overseas business could join forces with a local distribution company in order to sell its products in that local market opens in new window. You can also read more about partnerships.Today’s business often collaborate with other companies on joint ventures – pooling their resources and expertise to develop new products, expand into different markets opens in new window or increase operational capabilities.Ī joint venture allows businesses to grow and gain access to markets or expertise beyond their existing capability.īy teaming up with another company, many small businesses use joint venture agreements to share specialised expertise, such as technical skills or intellectual property opens in new window, as well as spread the risks and costs of developing a new market or product. Another option is creating a reseller relationship. If you think that you would like to enter into a joint venture, we wouldn’t recommend a partnership but instead, you could think about a joint venture agreement or joint venture entity which are flexible, lower risk options that offer you better protection. If a conflict of interest arises, a partner must disclose it to the other partners.Ī partnership is like getting married in community of property.

A partner must be careful to avoid situations of conflict of interest.A partner must not compete with the partnership through another business interest.A partner must accept the risk liability and other obligations that are associated with the partnership.Because of the position that the partners are in they are also subject to onerous fiduciary duties. The partners carry a heavy risk and financial burden.
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One partner can be held liable for the loss incurred by the other partner. Therefore, it is the partners themselves that are liable for all losses incurred by the partnership. This means the existence of the partnership is based on the partners themselves. So far, so good but as everyone knows good partnerships are based on a give and take and this can get very risky for a business. Partnerships, including the joint venture partnership variety, do not have a separate legal personality. For example, if you are certain you wish to work together for a short term business prospect but also want the opportunity to continue to work in partnership in future provided the short term relationship is successful. A joint venture partnership is able to accommodate both short term and long term relationships. It is possible to have a joint venture (an agreement to work together) which is also a partnership. Partnerships are about sharing losses and profits equally.

Partnerships are legal relationships which are based on contracts where two or more people (or companies) agree to carry on business together with the object of making and sharing profits.
