THE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF HYBRID PURPOSE COMPANIES IN THE EU: LESSONS AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS
THE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF HYBRID PURPOSE COMPANIES IN THE EU: LESSONS AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS

Summary/Abstract: This study conducts a comparative analysis ofhybrid purpose companies in the EU, focusing on SocietàBenefit in Italy, Sociedades de Beneficio e Interés Común(SBIC) in Spain, and Société à Mission in France. Thesecompanies pursue public benefits alongside profit-making, representing an innovative legal framework toaddress contemporary environmental, social, andeconomic challenges. The research objectives includesystematically evaluating and comparing the legalframeworks with a focus on directors' responsibilities,transparency requirements, and control mechanisms;analysing the organisational perspective of acquiringbenefit corporation status; presenting key statistics ongrowth trends, sectoral distribution, and performanceindicators; and comparing mission reports of relevantcase studies. Qualitative data analysis was implementedusing publicly available secondary data and case studyanalysis. The results show significant similarities andspecific differences between the models, especially incontrol mechanisms. The Italian model providesstakeholders with public enforcement mechanismsagainst misleading practices, while the French modelrelies on mission committees and independent third-partyassessments. The Spanish model, introduced in 2022, isexpected to develop similar control mechanisms. Thegrowth trends and overall performance indicate thatcompanies recognise the value of adopting this legalframework. The comparative analysis provides valuableinsights for EU countries considering introducing similarhybrid-purpose models.

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