This third edition presents English translations of laws, as amended through the end of 1999, governing the forms of judicial person offered to investors by the Russian Civil Code, including the Joint-Stock Society (ZAO or OAO) and the Limited Responsibility Society (OOO). Also included are the laws on licensing of business activities, insurance, insolvency, banking, securities, foreign investment, noncommercial organisations, and philanthropic activities. The editors' introductory essay provides guidance on such issues as stockholder liability, withdrawal and expulsion rights of co-investors, required charter capital, and acquisition procedures.