This book provides an overview of the Second Council Directive 77/91/EEC of 13 December 1976 (also known as the Capital Directive) and its implementing rules in each Member State of the European Union and the European Economic Area. It provides companies and advisors with useful insights regarding articles of association and related documents, the incorporation and capital requirements of European companies with limited liability and the rules applicable to the acquisition and pledge of their own shares, the cross-participations, the financial assistance and the distribution of profits. A general report on the Capital Directive is followed by a discussion of the implementation of the rules laid down in the Directive in the national laws of each Member State, each in accordance with a common format and contributed by a practitioner from that State.