General Partner vs Limited partner

A general partnership is a commercial entity composed of two or more general partners who are in charge of the operation. General partnerships are formed through an oral or written general partnership agreement between two or more partners who agree to share the company's revenues, losses, and assets.

A limited partnership, like a general partnership, is a type of company structure. However, unlike a general partner, they do have limited partners who make investments in the company but are not involved in day-to-day operations.

It is typical for some partners to be referred to as "silent partners" under this arrangement. A written partnership agreement defining the roles of the business partnership is also required for a limited partnership.

How Are Limited Partnerships Used?

Limited partnerships are especially useful for enterprises with significant initial expenses or ventures that require investment from numerous parties.

Real estate

Real estate business partnerships frequently employ limited partnerships. A number of limited partners may contribute money to such projects in order to fund the acquisition of real estate. While the limited partners will probably only profit from a share of the rental revenue or eventual sales of the property, the general partner(s) may manage rental tenancies, direct daily upkeep of the property, etc.

Private equity

Limited partnerships are also utilized in joint ventures or private equity. Private equity firms buy portfolios of privately held businesses, do their best to raise their value, and then (ideally) sell their ownership for a profit. While general partners will be involved in the day-to-day management of the company and the specifics of increasing the value of portfolio companies, limited partners in a private equity environment may provide seed money for portfolio acquisitions.

Small business

The limited partnership business form is appropriate for and suitable to small firms, especially ones with large overhead expenses, like a retail operation. A general partner would be on-site every day to manage business and close deals, while limited partners might contribute funds to buy products and rent a storefront.

Types of Partnerships

In general, a partnership is a business entity owned by two or more people. There are three forms of partnerships: general partnerships, limited liability partnerships, and limited partnerships. Each of these forms has its own similarities and differences.

In all types of partnerships, each partner is required to provide resources, such as real estate, cash, labor, or expertise, in exchange for a portion of the company's gains and losses. At least one partner participates in the daily decision-making for the company.

Limited partnership (LP)

The most common form of investment partnership is a limited partnership, which is frequently used as a vehicle for investing in assets like real estate. Partners in LPs may have limited liability, which exempts them from responsibility for corporate obligations that exceed their initial investment, setting them apart from conventional partnerships.

The limited partnership's general partners oversee daily operations and are liable for all financial responsibilities, including debts and legal fees. Other donors, referred to as limited (or silent) partners, contribute cash but are not permitted to exercise managerial control or bear obligations in excess of their initial investment.

General partnership (GP)

A general partnership is one in which all partners equally share in the earnings, managerial duties, and debt liability. To prevent future disputes, the partners should specify in a formal partnership agreement how they intend to divide profits and losses.

A joint venture is frequently a form of general partnership that is active until the conclusion of a project or the expiration of a specific time period. Equal rights to management of the company and ownership of any gains or losses are shared by all partners. Additionally, they have a fiduciary duty to act in the business' and other members' best interests.

Limited liability partnership (LLP)

In a limited liability partnership (LLP), all partners are covered by certain legal safeguards. All partners are welcome to take part in management tasks. This is not true in a limited partnership, where at least one general partner must have unrestricted authority and limited partners are not allowed to participate in management.

LLPs are frequently used to structure businesses that provide professional services, such as legal and accountancy firms. LLP partners, however, are not liable for the bad behavior or carelessness of other partners.

Key Takeaways

A limited partnership (LP) is formed when two or more partners engage in business endeavors together, but the limited partners' responsibility is limited to the amount of their investment. An LP is a partnership with limited partners and a general partner with unlimited responsibility.

LPs and other pass-through businesses have little or no reporting obligations. The three types of partnerships are limited partnerships, general partnerships, and limited liability partnerships.

The majority of U.S. states have laws governing limited partnerships, and most of them demand registration with the Secretary of State.