memorandum of association Definition Document that regulates a firm's external activities and must be drawn up on the formation of a registered or incorporated firm. As the firm's charter it (together with the firm's articles of association) forms the firm's constitution. Also called 'memorandum,' it gives the firm's name, names of its members (shareholders) and number of shares held by them, and location of its registered office. It also states the firm's (1) objectives, (2) amount of authorized share capital, (3) whether liability of its members is limited by shares or by guaranty, and (4) what type of contracts the firm is allowed to enter into. Almost all of its provisions (except those mandated by corporate legislation) can be altered by the firm's members by following the prescribed procedures. The memorandum is a public document and may be inspected (normally on payment of a fee) by anyone, usually at the public office where it is lodged (such as the registrar of companies office). Called articles of incorporation in the US. Read more: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/memorandum-of-association.html#ixzz13LzOzfiq

What Does Corporate Charter Mean? A written document filed with a U.S. state by the founders of a corporation detailing the major components of a company such as its objectives, its structure and its planned operations. If the charter is approved by the state government, the company becomes a legal corporation. Also referred to as "charter" and "articles of incorporation". Investopedia Says Investopedia explains Corporate Charter The details of a charter will vary based on specific regulations and the size of the company. However, at the most basic level, the charter will include the corporation's name, its purpose, the number of shares that are authorized to be issued and the names of the parties involved in the formation. This is generally the first document in the life of a corporation. [ Source: www.investopedia.com]