Massachusetts § 5 - Holding stock in other corporations; prohibitions
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 5 — Holding stock in other corporations; prohibitions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5. Holding stock in other corporations; prohibitions
Section 5. No corporation, unless authorized by a special act still in force, shall purchase, acquire, take or hold, directly or indirectly, more than ten per cent of the total capital stock of any domestic corporation authorized to carry on within the commonwealth the business of a railroad, street railway, electric railroad, elevated railway, trolleymotor, or gas company; provided, that the foregoing provisions shall not prohibit a corporation having its principal place of business in the commonwealth from purchasing, acquiring, taking or holding more than ten per cent of the capital stock of a domestic corporation carrying on within the commonwealth the business of a gas company.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 5
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 5 cover?
Section 5 ("Holding stock in other corporations; prohibitions") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 5?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 5" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.