Nature of the cooperative

(1) Societies of an indeterminate number of members whose purpose is directed at promoting the acquisition or economic activity of their members, or their social or cultural concerns, through joint business operations (cooperatives), acquire the rights of a "registered cooperative" in accordance with this Act.
(2) A participation in companies and other associations of persons, including corporate bodies under public law, is permissible where it is intended 1. to promote the acquisition or economic activity of the members of the cooperative or their social or cultural concerns, or 2. to serve the charitable endeavours of the cooperative, without forming the sole or predominant purpose of the cooperative.