Bundesjustizministerin Stefanie Hubig (SPD) plans to introduce a new corporate form that enforces a strict binding of assets. The proposal-outlined in a key‑points paper issued by her ministry and reported by the “Handelsblatt” on Monday-calls for a “Gesellschaft mit gebundenem Vermögen” (GmgV). Under the GmgV, profits must not be distributed; capital must remain within the company.
Hubig told the “Handelsblatt” that the model prioritises sustainable growth over quick returns, stressing “responsible and sustainable business practice”. The core feature is an “unmodifiable asset binding”. The paper says that performance‑based pay or bonus payments to the board are prohibited, that membership is personal and neither freely transferable nor inheritable, and that decisions are made on the basis of “one member, one vote”.
Bundesfinanzminister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) has also confirmed the proposals. He assured the “Handelsblatt” that the new legal form will be safeguarded against tax‑avoidance schemes. The intended tax regime would mirror that of cooperatives, with periodic reassessments to prevent inheritance‑tax circumvention.
The Ministry of Justice will soon discuss the draft with federal states and industry associations. No concrete timetable for legislation has yet been set.