Filiale vs. sussidiario
The Italian words 'filiale' and 'sussidiario' both relate to subsidiary companies, but they have subtle differences in usage and connotation.
Filiale
'Filiale' refers to a branch or subsidiary of a company, typically emphasizing a direct relationship with the parent company.
La banca ha aperto una nuova filiale nel centro città.
(The bank opened a new branch in the city center.)
L'azienda madre controlla direttamente tutte le sue filiali.
(The parent company directly controls all its subsidiaries.)
Sussidiario
'Sussidiario' generally implies a supporting or auxiliary role, and when used for companies, it suggests a more independent subsidiary.
L'azienda sussidiaria opera in modo autonomo rispetto alla società madre.
(The subsidiary company operates autonomously from the parent company.)
Il gruppo ha creato una società sussidiaria per espandersi nel mercato estero.
(The group created a subsidiary company to expand into the foreign market.)
Summary
While both 'filiale' and 'sussidiario' refer to subsidiary companies, 'filiale' often implies a closer, more direct relationship with the parent company, like a branch. 'Sussidiario' suggests a more independent entity that plays a supporting role within a larger corporate structure.