TechnologyJuly 16, 2026

holdco

/ˈhoʊld.koʊ/

Definition

Short for holding company, a parent corporation that owns enough voting stock in other companies to control their management and operations.

Etymology

It is a clipped compound formed from 'holding' (from the verb 'hold') and 'company' (from the Latin 'companio'). 'Holdco' emerged as business shorthand in the late 20th century to concisely describe large-scale parent organizations.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe Publicis Groupe, identifying it as a large parent corporation that manages a portfolio of various agencies and data firms. This reflects its status as a central entity overseeing multiple subsidiary brands.

Publicis Boosts Full-Year Guidance as Clients Embrace AI, But Delay Transformation

Read the full article ↗

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