Business Interests

Business interests broadly refer to the ownership or financial involvement in a business entity. This can include ownership of shares, partial ownership, financial obligations related to the business, or any interest paid or accrued on indebtedness properly allocable to a trade or business.

More specifically:

• It can mean any ownership interest in a business, such as shares of stock or partnership stakes.
• It may also include financial interests or affiliated interests in a business, such as holding a financial stake or being involved in joint ventures.
• In legal and tax contexts, "business interest" often refers to interest paid or accrued on business-related debt, distinct from investment interest.
• In family law, a business interest is treated as a form of property that can be marital property subject to valuation and division during divorce proceedings.

In corporate governance, the term "interest of the company" (related but distinct) refers to the commercial benefit or advantage of the company as a whole, which directors are required to pursue in their decision-making.

In summary:

Aspect	Description
Ownership	Partial or full ownership in a business entity (shares, partnership interests)
Financial involvement	Financial stakes, obligations, or accrued interest related to business debt
Legal/tax context	Interest on indebtedness allocable to trade/business, excluding investment interest
Family law context	Property interest in a business subject to valuation and division in divorce
Corporate governance	The commercial benefit or advantage of the company as a whole (directors' fiduciary duty)

Thus, business interests encompass any stake, ownership, or financial involvement in a business, including rights, obligations, and benefits derived from that involvement.