A registered cooperative (eG) has many advantages. Here are the most important ones: The eG is a democratic form of company. Each member has one vote – regardless of the amount of capital held. This protects against the dominance of individuals and ensures independence from external interests. The eG thus offers protection against speculation. Members of the laif cooperative are only liable with their capital share. The eG is a flexible and thus stable legal form. Members can easily join and leave the cooperative without notarial involvement or company valuations. The eG is by far the most insolvency-proof legal form in Germany due to internal control by its members and independent auditing by the cooperative association. Members of the laif cooperative have a claim to repayment of their business assets when they leave.