BLP Flashcards
What is the minimum number of directors required for public companies?
2 minimum directors
What is the mandatory annual requirement for public companies?
Annual General Meeting (AGM) mandatory
What is the minimum share capital required for public companies?
£50,000 share capital
What is the primary duty of directors?
Ultimately to the company
What does limited liability refer to in the context of shareholders?
Limitation on shareholders: limited to an amount of the unpaid shares
In LLPs, what can an outgoing partner do for 6 months?
Hide behind the corporate veil
What percentage of shares constitutes a Person with Significant Control (PSC)?
More than 25%
What is the notice period required for a written resolution?
Written = 28 days’ notice
How much notice is required for Board Meetings?
Requires reasonable notice
What is the minimum notice required for General Meetings?
14 days clear notice for GMs shareholders
What is required for a Special Resolution to be filed?
15 days to file/ send Special Resolutions to Companies House
What is the quorum for a Special Resolution?
Quorum of 2
What is the majority required for an Ordinary Resolution?
Majority over 50%
What is the minimum percentage of shareholders required to call a short meeting?
SHORT COMPANIES —> the majority of shareholders with at least 90% of the voting rights collectively. e.g out of 5 shareholders at least 3 holding 90% of the voting rights together should agree to short notice
PUBLIC COMPANIES —> Over 95% minimum number of shareholders
What form is required to form a limited partnership?
Form IN01
What is the clawback rule in relation to insolvency?
All money taken out within 2 years of insolvency are subject to clawback rules
What is the liability of partners under the 1890 Partnership Act?
Unlimited joint and several liability
What is required to incorporate a company from scratch?
Form IN01, fee, Articles, Memorandum
(note that a -“public company”- must receive a Trading Certificate to be able to conduct business)
(note also that the memorandum is is not a constitutional requirement but needed on incorporation)
What is a show of hands in company voting?
One vote per hand
Who can demand a poll vote in a company meeting?
Person with more than 10% voting rights, 2 or more shareholders, any simultaneous director, Chairperson
What is the maximum duration for which directors must be re-appointed?
Every three years
What is the minimum amount for loss of compensation requiring shareholder approval?
£200
What is the standard of proof for derivative actions?
Prima facie case
What is the standard of proof for unfair prejudice claims?
Reasonable bystander
What is required to amend a Shareholders Agreement?
100% unanimous consent
What must be disclosed in relation to significant property transactions?
Nature and extent of their interest to the Board
What is the presumption for preference shares regarding dividends?
That they are: Cumulative preference shares
This means there is an expectation to carry over any dividends into the next year which were not previously received.
What must happen to vary class rights of shares?
Written consent by 75% or more of that issued class or a Special Resolution with holders of that class
What is the requirement for a financial promotion in private companies?
Prohibited unless FSMA approval or approval by authorised person
What is the definition of a connected person?
Members of the director’s family, a body corporate connected to the director, trustee of a trust, partner
What is a quasi-partnership?
Big shareholder players in a small private company with strong bargaining power
What is the penalty for disqualification of a director?
Max 15 years disqualified
What is the procedure for issuing or allotting shares?
Check cap limit, authority to allot, file minutes, and follow statutory requirements
What is a Credit Transaction?
Payment for supply of goods and services greater than £15,000
What is required for transfer of shares?
Stock transfer form, share certificate, stamp duty, registration in the company’s Register
What is the minimum share capital required for private companies?
Nominal = par value, minimum amount fixed
What is a Special Resolution in the context of private companies?
Specific provision for private companies with the same class of shares
A Special Resolution is a resolution passed by a specified majority of shareholders, often required for significant corporate actions.
What is required for listed public companies regarding Special Resolutions?
By Special Resolution AND Written Statement
This means that both a Special Resolution and a written statement from the shareholders are needed for certain corporate actions.
What must be justified when allotting shares?
Amount to be paid to company post-allotment
Justification for the amount ensures transparency and accountability in share allotment.
What is the last resort for introducing new class rights in a company?
By permanent exclusion in Articles
This means that if the Articles of Association are amended to permanently exclude certain rights, it serves as a last resort for managing class rights.
What must be done to introduce a new kind of class right?
Follow all the procedures above; AND by Special Resolution insert new provisions in the Articles
This involves a formal process of amending the Articles of Association to accommodate new class rights.
What is the Doctrine of Maintenance of Share Capital?
General rule against returning capital to shareholders
This doctrine is designed to protect creditors by ensuring that a company’s capital is not returned to shareholders except under specific conditions.
What are the exceptions to the Doctrine of Maintenance of Share Capital?
- Redeeming shares
- Buyback
These exceptions allow companies to return capital to shareholders under specified circumstances.
What counts as financial assistance under company law?
Formula: Specified type of assistance + actual assistance + financial
This includes various forms of financial support that may affect a company’s net assets.
Who do the financial assistance rules apply against?
- Public companies
- Public target companies and their subsidiaries
These rules are designed to regulate financial assistance involving public entities.
Who is NEVER caught by the financial assistance rules?
- NOT private target companies
- NOT private subsidiary of a private target
Generally, private companies are exempt unless they are subsidiaries of public companies.
What is the first stage in the financial assistance regulation process?
Identity of the target company
This stage involves identifying the company that is issuing shares and the one that is subject to acquisition.
What is required for a buyback procedure by distributable profits?
- NO LIMIT in the Articles
- Distributable PROFITS available
- Shares fully PAID UP
- Other shares besides buyback will still be EXISTING
These conditions must be met to legally execute a buyback of shares using distributable profits.
What must be done after a buyback of shares?
File cancellation notice, updated statement of capital, and cash returns WITHIN 28 DAYS
This ensures compliance with regulatory requirements following a buyback.
What is the automatic and mandatory form needed for any buyback?
Notice of Cancellation
This form is required to formally execute a buyback of shares.
What is the maximum time allowed for potential challenges after a buyback by capital?
5 weeks from the Special Resolution
This period allows shareholders and creditors to object to the proposed buyback.
What is the first step in the Income Tax calculation process?
Income Sum – Reliefs = NET INCOME SUM
This calculation determines the net income after accounting for various reliefs.
What is the annual exemption for Capital Gains Tax (CGT)?
Current annual exemption is £6,000
This amount can be deducted when calculating chargeable gains for tax purposes.
What is the effect of reliefs on Capital Gains Tax?
They can bring the rate down to 10% CGT rate
Reliefs significantly reduce the amount of tax owed on capital gains.
What is the formula for calculating Chargeable Gain for CGT?
Consideration Received – Allowable Expenditure [DIS] = Chargeable Gain
This formula is essential for determining the taxable gain from a sale or gift.
D= disposable income
I = income relief
S= savings
What type of assets are considered chargeable assets under CGT?
- Almost all capital assets
- NOT wasted chattels (e.g., lottery winnings, cars)
Chargeable assets are those that can incur CGT upon disposal.
What is the tax rate for Capital Gains Tax for higher/additional rate taxpayers?
Mostly 20%
This rate applies to chargeable gains for individuals in higher tax brackets.
What is the personal allowance for Income Tax?
£12,570
This is the amount of income that is tax-free for individuals.
What is the tax rate for dividends for basic rate taxpayers?
8.75%
This unique rate applies specifically to dividend income.
What is the rule regarding repairs in Capital Expenditure?
ABSOLUTE RULE AGAINST DEDUCTING repairs
Only replacement, enhancement, and improvement costs can be deducted.
What is a key feature of CGT regarding sales or gifts?
Sales or gifts are deemed at MARKET VALUE
This ensures that the true value of an asset is considered for tax purposes.
What is the purpose of Capital Gains Tax (CGT)?
To tax the profit made from the sale of assets.
What is the difference between CGT and IHT?
CGT taxes profits from asset sales, while IHT (Inheritance Tax) is based on the value of an estate at death.
What are the four types of reliefs available for CGT?
- BADR/BADR Lifetime
- IR
- Business Relief (rollovers) 50 or 100%
- Hold-over relief
What is BADR?
Business Asset Disposal Relief, allowing a reduced CGT rate on qualifying business assets.
What is the BADR Lifetime limit?
The first £1 million of gains is taxed at a 10% CGT rate.
What does Hold-Over relief apply to?
Gifts of business assets.
What is the key ownership requirement for BADR?
At least 5% of voting rights, profits, or net assets on winding up.