Multilateral common enterprise

3.1 For the purposes of this book, the term ‘multilateral common enterprise’ is used to describe an informal venture between more than two parties. In order to flesh out this description, the definitions of ‘joint venture’ and ‘joint enterprise’ – both of which terms derive from partnership law and agency law – must first be addressed. ‘Joint venture’ refers to an established limited company, a partnership, or an unincorporated contractual association for a given purpose.1 Hewitt provides some context: