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What is the difference between memorandum of association and memorandum of incorporation?

Author

William Jenkins

Updated on January 12, 2026

For pre-existing companies any existing Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association are deemed to be replaced by the Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI). However, pre-existing companies must formally replace their M&A with a Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) in order to bring the company in line with the Act.

What is the difference between memorandum of association and article of association on the basis of subject matter?

‘Memorandum of Association’ abbreviated as MOA, is the root document of the company, which contains all the basic details about the company. On the other hand, ‘Articles of Association’ shortly known as AOA, is a document containing all the rules and regulations designed by the company.

What do you mean by memorandum of association?

A Memorandum of Association (MoA) represents the charter of the company. It is a legal document prepared during the formation and registration process of a company to define its relationship with shareholders and it specifies the objectives for which the company has been formed.

What do you mean by memorandum of association explain the difference between memorandum of association and articles of association?

Memorandum of Association is a document that contains all the fundamental information which are required for the incorporation of the company. Articles of Association is a document containing all the rules and regulations that governs the company. The articles of association can be amended retrospectively.

Who signs the memorandum of incorporation?

It is binding between the shareholders themselves (if there are more than one), and between the company and each director or prescribed officer. Before 1 May 2011 (when the new Companies Act became law), the shareholders agreement was the most important founding document.

Who may initiate business rescue proceedings?

In terms of section 132 of the Act business rescue proceedings commence when – the company (i) files a resolution to place itself under supervision in terms of section 129 of the Act; or (ii) applies to court for consent to file a resolution in terms of section 129(5)(b) (i.e. if a company fails to comply with the …

What is the importance of memorandum of association?

The Memorandum of Association (MOA) defines the company’s relationship with its shareholders. It is the most important document of a company as it states the objectives of the company. It also contains the powers of the company within which it can act.

What is MoA and AOA 11?

Memorandum of Association (MOA) is a document that contains all the fundamental data which are required for the company incorporation. Articles of Association (AOA) is a document containing all the rules and regulations that govern the company.

What are the purposes of memorandum of association?

Memorandum of Association is a legal document which describes the purpose for which the company is formed. It defines the powers of the company and the conditions under which it operates. It is a document that contains all the rules and regulations that govern a company’s relations with the outside world.

What’s the difference between an article of Association and a memorandum of association?

Memorandum of Association is a document that contains all the fundamental information which are required for the incorporation of the company. Articles of Association is a document containing all the rules and regulations that governs the company.

Is the Memorandum of association subordinate to the Companies Act?

It is subordinate to the Companies Act. It is subordinate to the memorandum. The memorandum of association of the company cannot be amended retrospectively. The articles of association can be amended retrospectively. A memorandum must contain six clauses. The articles can be drafted as per the choice of the company. Yes, for all companies.

Can a memorandum of association be amended retrospectively?

The articles of association can be amended retrospectively. A memorandum must contain six clauses. The articles can be drafted as per the choice of the company. Yes, for all companies. A public company limited by shares can adopt Table A in place of articles. Not required at all.

What’s the difference between a moa and an AOA?

While both serve as charter documents for a company, an MOA (Memorandum of Association) contains the essential details about the company while an AOA (Article of Association) includes rules and regulations designed by the company.