The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word POTBELLY
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
P
O
T
B
E
L
L
Y
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "corporation" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case corporation = potbelly.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does POTBELLY mean?
POTBELLY noun- A large, swollen, or protruding abdomen; a paunch.
- A potbelly stove.
- A Vietnamese Pot-bellied pig.