Company Restoration

OUR EXPERTISE
Our team of insolvency lawyers is experienced in Company Restorations following the dissolution of a company. We are able to advise you on the most efficient and cost-effective way to achieve a successful company restoration.

Company Restoration Lawyers

Our team of insolvency lawyers is experienced in dealing with all issues regarding Administrative Restoration and Restoration by Court Order.

We have particular experience in assisting clients in company restorations where complications have arisen and there appears to be an insurmountable obstacle preventing restoration.

We take pride in guiding clients through such tricky technical situations and delivering the desired outcome in a cost-effective way.

We are happy to provide an initial no obligation confidential consultation at our offices in London, Birmingham or Manchester or via video conferencing facilities.

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Can't find what you need? Get in touch with our experience team, who are happy to answer any questions you have. Call us on 0333 370 4333.

What does it mean when a Company is Dissolved?

A company is a separate and distinct legal entity from its shareholders and directors.

When a company is dissolved it means:

  • It is struck off the Register of Companies
  • It no longer legally exists
  • It is no longer able to trade
  • Its bank accounts are frozen
  • Any assets of the company become Bona Vacantia (meaning ‘vacant goods’) and will be passed to the Crown
  • Any outstanding debt will be written off

What are the reasons to Restore a Company?

There are many reasons to restore a company including:

  • The company may wish to continue trading – this is often the case where a company has been struck off by the Registrar of Companies for failing to comply with its statutory obligations such as filing company accounts with Companies House
  • To recover assets belonging to the company
  • To enable the company to be served with and face new legal proceedings

How can Company Restoration be achieved?

The route available for company restoration will vary according to whether it was struck off by voluntary application or by the Registrar of Companies.

In general, an application for restoration must be made within six years of the date of dissolution.

There are two routes available:

  • Administrative Restoration
  • Restoration by Court Order

What is Administrative Restoration?

This is the simpler process of the methods of company restoration. It is the quicker and cheaper method but is only available in limited circumstances. If the criteria are not met, then an application for restoration by court order will be necessary.

When does Administrative Restoration apply?

This procedure:

  • Only applies to a company struck off by the Registrar of Companies whilst it was carrying on business
  • Does not apply to a dormant company. The company must have been conducting business at the time of the striking off
  • Cannot be used by a company dissolved at its own request

Who can apply for Administrative Restoration?

An application can be made by a director, member or shareholder of the company.

When can an application for Administrative Restoration be made?

An application must be made within six years of the date of dissolution of the company.

What is the process for an application for Administrative Restoration?

  • Ascertaining from Companies House the reasons for the strike off e.g. failing to file accounts or annual returns
  • Preparation of a formal application to Companies House
  • Securing the consent of the Crown (Treasury Solicitor) to the application
  • Submitting any outstanding or overdue statutory returns to Companies House
  • Payment of fees due for statutory returns as well as any penalties for late filing

What is Restoration by Court Order?

Restoration by Court Oder is a more complicated procedure, usually takes longer and can be more expensive than Administrative Restoration.

When does Restoration by Court Order apply?

It applies where a company was dissolved on a voluntary basis by the company directors or shareholders.

Who can apply for Restoration by Court?

The list of persons eligible to make such an application includes:

  • The Secretary of State
  • Any former director of the company
  • Any person having an interest in land in which the company had a superior or derivative interest
  • Any person having an interest in land or other property that was:
  1. subject to rights vested in the company
  2. benefited by obligations owed by the company
  • Any person who, but for the company’s dissolution, would have been in a contractual relationship with it
  • Any person with a potential legal claim against the company
  • Any manager or trustee of a pension fund established for the benefit of employees of the company
  • Any former member of the company (or the personal representatives of such a person)
  • Any person who was a creditor of the company at the time of its striking off or dissolution
  • Any former liquidator of the company

When can an application for Restoration by Court Order be made?

  • Within six years of the date of dissolution of the company
  • For the purposes of bringing a claim for damages for personal injury, at any time

What is the process for an application for Restoration by Court Order?

In outline:                                      

  • A claim form and supporting witness statement are lodged with the court
  • The court will issue and return the claim form
  • The claim form and signed witness statement will be served on the Registrar of Companies and the Treasury Solicitor
  • The Treasury Solicitor will reply setting out the requirements of the Registrar of Companies, which may include the submission of documents to Companies House and the provision of Undertakings
  • A Bona Vacantia letter will be obtained from the Treasury Solicitor confirming that the Crown has no interest in the property of the company
  • The Consent Order and any Undertakings will be agreed
  • The sealed Consent Order will be issued by the court
  • the sealed Court Order is served on the Registrar of Companies

What are the potential complications?

When the correct procedure is followed, the application usually proceeds relatively smoothly. However, certain complicating factors can arise such as:

  • The form of the undertaking will need to be agreed with the Treasury Solicitor and provided to the Court. The nature of the undertaking will vary dependent upon the reason for the application to restore the company

For example, if the company is being restored to commence trading again, the form of undertaking may include the requirement to file accounts and annual returns.

In addition, there may be a requirement to provide an undertaking to dissolve the company once the purpose of restoration has been fulfilled (e.g. the recovery of frozen assets).

  • Either the Registrar of Companies or HMRC do not consent to the restoration being sought

How can Kangs help?

Our team of insolvency lawyers is experienced in dealing with all issues regarding Administrative Restoration and Restoration by Court Order.

We have particular experience in assisting clients in company restorations where complications have arisen and there appears to be an insurmountable obstacle preventing restoration.

We take pride in guiding clients through such tricky technical situations and delivering the desired outcome in a cost-effective way.

Contact Kangs

The expert lawyers at Kangs are available to assist you. We can arrange initial consultations in person, by video call or telephone.

Please contact one of our experts listed below or contact us at:

E: info@kangssolicitors.co.uk
T: 0333 370 4333

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