This work surveys the main issues in company law relating to contracts made by or with companies. It covers the identification of corporate contractual parties, pre-incorporation contracts and other contracts with non-existent companies, the powers of the board to bind companies and the relics of the "ultra vires" doctrine, the authority of subordinate agents, contracts involving "self-dealing" and contracts with insolvent companies. There are also chapters on contracting between companies and the personal liability of those contracting in the name of a company. The book examines these issues in the context of the various sets of broadly contractual relationships that may be focused upon a company, in particular those involving the company's shareholders and its creditors, and considers what guidance the economic analysis of company law associated with this perspective might provide for understanding the relevant law and its possible reform.