Chapter 11 Flashcards

1
Q

What does the choice of business organisation depend on?

A

The needs of a particular business.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

A sole proprietorship is carried out by ____.

A

One person.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Under the ____ Act, how does one carry out a business as a sole proprietor?

A

Business Names Registration. The business must be registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority Singapore (ACRA).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What other formalities are required in some instances?

A

A license to conduct certain types of businesses.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Who are exempted from registration of sole proprietorship? (2)

A

(1) certain types of business- taxi drivers and hawkers

(2) individuals carrying on business under only their full names

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Who controls and manages the sole proprietorship?

A

The sole proprietor.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How should the sole proprietor manage his sole proprietorship? Give an example of what he can do.

A

He is free to operate his business in any way such as by hiring a manager.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What happens to the profits in a sole proprietorship? Why?

A

The sole proprietor receives all of it because the entire business is wholly owned and operated by him.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What happens to the liabilities in a sole proprietorship? What kind of liability is this?

A

The sole proprietor is solely liable for any liabilities that the business incurs. Unlimited liability.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

When is a sole proprietorship dissolved? (3) This is also known as _____.

A

(1) sole proprietor becomes bankrupt
(2) sole proprietor dies
(3) sole proprietor gives notice to ACRA of his intention to dissolve the sole proprietorship

Dissolution of the sole proprietorship.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Is there succession of sole proprietorship once dissolved?

A

No.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the laws regarding partnerships in Singapore? (2)

A

(1) laws found in the Partnership Act

(2) common law

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What must every partnership do under the law?

A

Register with ACRA before commencing business.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is a registered partnership known as?

A

Firm.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What happens when a business is conducted without registering first?

A

A criminal offence is committed.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What can the law do even if a partnership has not been registered with ACRA? What is needed?

A

It may treat 2 or more persons as being in a partnership agreement in the event of a dispute if there is evidence to support it.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the result of treating 2 or more persons as being in a partnership agreement in the event of a dispute?

A

One person may be made responsible for certain debts incurred by the other(s)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What does a firm require?

A

At least 2 and a maximum of 20 persons.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is the exception to the maximum partners allowed in a firm? Give examples.

A

If the firm is a professional body of persons, the number of partners may exceed 20. Architects, lawyers. doctors or accountants.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

How does the Partnership Act define a partnership?

A

The relation which subsists (exists) between persons carrying on a business in common with a view of profit.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

In other words, what is the definition of a partnership?

A

A contract among the several persons engaged in a business with a view of profit.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

How does the Partnership Act define a business?

A

Every trade, occupation or profession, the aim of which is to make money.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What are type of firms? (2) What do they do?

A

(1) trading firm- buy and sell goods

(2) non-trading firm- provide services

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Does 2 or more people running a business together = partnership? What does it depend on?

A

No, it does not necessarily mean that. It depends on whether the business arrangement between the parties fall within the guidelines set out in the Act.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What do the guidelines in the Partnership Act set out?

A

The guidelines require more substantive evidence to show that a partnership exists

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Where parties share gross returns, is there a partnership according to the guidelines?

A

No, there must be further evidence to show that all parties were carrying on a business in common with a view of profit.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Where parties share profits and a presumption that a partnership exists, can it still be overturned?

A

Yes, if there was other evidence proving the contrary.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What do partners often have?

A

A partnership agreement.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What is a partnership agreement for? (2)

A

(1) to expressly spell out certain terms

(2) to modify the implied terms that would apply under the Partnership Act or the common law

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What format should the partnership agreement be in?

A

It need not be in writing.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Who can be a partner in a partnership?

A

Anyone with capacity to enter into a binding contract.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Can a company be a partner?

A

Yes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What happens when an express partnership agreement is absent?

A

Certain terms will be implied by law to govern the relationship between the partners.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

How are partners expected to act within the partnership?

A

In utmost good faith.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What does utmost good faith mean? (3)

A

(1) must NOT act with malice or collateral motive
(2) should NOT make profits or gains without the other partners’ consent
(3) should NOT participate in a similar business in competition with the partnership

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What happens to the profits in the partnership? Any exceptions?

A

All partners share the profits equally regardless of their contribution, unless stated otherwise in the partnership agreement.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What happens to the liabilities in the partnership?

A

Each partner is liable to contribute equally towards the losses of the firm.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What is indemnity (compensation) like in a partnership?

A

The firm is required to indemnify every partner.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

When are partners indemnified (compensated)? (2)

A

(1) for any liability incurred by the partner

(2) anything the partner did to preserve the firm’s property or business

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

What is partnership property? (2)

A

(1) all property originally brought into the firm’s stock

(2) all property acquired/bought for the purposes of the firm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

How should partnership property be applied (used)? (who, what)

A

By the partners exclusively for the purposes of the firm.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

How can a new partner be admitted to the firm? Any exceptions?

A

With the unanimous consent of all partners, unless otherwise stated in the partnership agreement.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

Once admitted, a new partner is NOT liable for ___.

A

Firm’s prior debts.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

How does a partner retire?

A

By giving notice to the other partners.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

What is the retiring partner liable for? Any exceptions?

A

He remains liable for the firm’s prior debts, unless the other partners agree to release the retiring partner from those past debts.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

Who manages the firm in a partnership?

A

Every partner may do so.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

What does the law assume of each partner in terms of management? What is it usually like in practice?

A

They will contribute equally to the business. In practice, it is common to have sleeping partners.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

What are sleeping partners?

A

Partners who have provided capital but take no active part in its management.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

Who makes decisions in a partnership?

A

All partners

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

Is it practical that all partners make decisions in a partnership? Why?

A

No, it is difficult for all partners to be involved in all of the partnership’s decisions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

Since it is impractical, how are decisions made in a partnership? What are they called?

A

Firms delegate certain decisions to one of the partners. Managing or Administrative partner.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

What is the exception to relying on the Managing/Administrative partner?

A

There are certain decisions where the unanimous agreement of all partners is necessary.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

What are the decisions where the unanimous agreement of all partners is necessary? (3)

A

(1) altering the partnership agreement
(2) changing the partnership business
(3) introducing a new partner or substituting a partner for one who wishes to retire

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

What is agency like in a partnership?

A

A partner is an agent of the firm and his co-partners of the firm.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

What is the partner’s authority like as an agent?

A

If one partner enters into a contract in the ordinary course of business and incurs debts or liabilities, that partner is deemed to have acted on behalf of the firm and all his co-partners and will also be equally responsible for the contract, debt or liability.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
56
Q

What is the power of the partner to bind the firm and his co-partners dependent on? (2)

A

(1) whether he has acted in his capacity as a partner and dealt with a third party who either believed or knew that he was a partner; and
(2) whether he has acted within his actual authority or apparent authority

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
57
Q

Although a firm is NOT a legal entity, the firm may sue _____.

A

In its own name.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
58
Q

Who starts the action of suing in a partnership? (2)

A

(1) by the partners, or

(2) by one partner on behalf of the others.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
59
Q

A firm may be sued _____. What does this prevent?

A

In its own name. Having to name all of the partners individually.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
60
Q

Who are judgements obtained against the partnership against as well?

A

All partners.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
61
Q

Who can the judgements obtained against the partnership be enforced against? (5)

A

(1) one partner
(2) all partners
(3) firm’s property
(4) one partner’s property
(5) all partners’ property

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
62
Q

What type of liability do partners have?

A

Unlimited liability for the debts owed by the business.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
63
Q

Also known as the disadvantage to partnerships for all the partners, what happens when a partner dies?

A

His estate remains liable for any unpaid debts of the firm.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
64
Q

How can a partner avoid having his property liable to the firm’s unpaid debts when he dies?

A

By using a limited liability partnership or company.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
65
Q

The partners of a firm are _____ liable for the debts of the partnership

A

Jointly and severally.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
66
Q

Since partners are jointly and severally liable, what can a plaintiff do? (3)

A

(1) sue all partners at once
(2) sue some partners at once
(3) sue any of the partners individually

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
67
Q

What happens when you fail to sue one partner in a particular action?

A

You can still sue that partner in another action.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
68
Q

Each partner is liable for the ____ of the judgement obtained against the partnership.

A

Whole amount.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
69
Q

In a partnership, who will the creditor collect his debt from?

A

From the personal assets of any individual partner.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
70
Q

What if one of the partners pays the entire judgement sum (aka more than his proportion)?

A

He may obtain contribution from his co-partners if they can be found, and are solvent (able to pay debts).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
71
Q

What if the partner who paid the entire judgement sum is unable to obtain/recover any contribution from the other partners?

A

The creditor is unaffected.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
72
Q

What are the main ways in which a partnership is dissolved automatically? (5)

A

(1) expiry of fixed term
(2) accomplishment of a certain purpose
(3) retirement of a partner
(4) death of partner
(5) bankruptcy of partner

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
73
Q

Upon application of a partner, how may the court dissolve a partnership? (6) My pretty girl picking five ice-creams

A

(1) mental disorder
(2) permanent incapacity, making him incapable of performing his part
(3) guilty of misconduct that is prejudicial to the carrying on of partnership
(4) persistently breaching the partnership agreement causing irreparable damage to the mutual trust and confidence of the partners
(5) firm can only continue at a loss
(6) it is “just and equitable” to dissolve the partnership

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
74
Q

What is a company?

A

A body corporate through which a group of people conduct a common business

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
75
Q

How are company businesses conducted? (2)

A

(1) with a view to making profit

(2) for non-profit purposes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
76
Q

What is the pro and con to companies over sole proprietorship and partnership?

A

pro- attractive because of its advantages

con- subject to many more laws and formalities

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
77
Q

Unlike a partnership, a company is a _____.

A

Separate legal entity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
78
Q

Who is the company separate from? (2)

A

(1) owners or shareholders; and

(2) managers or directors

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
79
Q

What happens when a company is formed or “incorporated”?

A

It is as if a new unique person has been created in the eyes of the law.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
80
Q

What does ‘new unique person’ mean?

A

It takes on a personality of its own.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
81
Q

What are the characteristics of a separate legal entity? (4)

A

(1) perpetual (everlasting) succession
(2) ability to own property in its own name
(3) limitation of liability for investors
(4) ability to sue in its own name to enforce rights

82
Q

What does perpetual succession mean?

A

The company’s life is not dependent on the lives of its shareholders. It continues to exist until it is wound up.

83
Q

If all the shareholders die, who are the new shareholders?

A

The people who inherited the shares from each of the original shareholders.

84
Q

What does ability to own property in its own name mean?

A

The assets of the company belong to the company, even if the company is under the control of a particular person.

85
Q

Since all assets belong to the company, what happens to the profits earned? What do shareholders get?

A

They go entirely to the company and are not received by the shareholders.

86
Q

How can shareholders receive profits from the company?

A

If the company issues dividends to its shareholders.

87
Q

What does limitation of liability for investors mean?

A

The company’s liabilities are its own.

88
Q

What does it mean for the shareholders when the company’s liabilities are its own?

A

A shareholder is NOT liable for his company’s debts and liabilities.

89
Q

What are shareholders liable for then?

A

Their contribution towards the capital of the company.

90
Q

What is a company limited by shares? (aka, what)

A

AKA private limited company. The shareholder is only liable to pay or contribute up to the full value of the shares he holds.

91
Q

What does ability to sue in its own name to enforce rights mean?

A

A company has the right to sue a third party in its own name.

92
Q

Who does the decision to sue come from? (2)

A

(1) From the Board of directors

(2) From the proper authorization of the BOD

93
Q

Who is NOT permitted to use the company’s name to commence legal action? What is this rule known as?

A

Individual shareholders. Proper plaintiff rule.

94
Q

What are the exceptions to the proper plaintiff rule? (2)

A

A shareholder may successfully apply to court and show

(1) it is in the company’s interest to sue; and
(2) there was no legitimate reason for the BOD to refrain from suing

95
Q

Who sets out the main body of laws relating to companies in Singapore?

A

Companies Act and its subsidiary legislation.

96
Q

What does the Company Act contain? (2)

A

(1) provisions to regulate the rights and duties of shareholders and directors
(2) protect the interests of persons dealing with the company

97
Q

Where does Singapore refer to cases from? Why?

A

UK and Australia because their laws are very similar to our own laws.

98
Q

What is the process of forming a company called?

A

Incorporation.

99
Q

Who are companies in SG registered with?

A

ACRA.

100
Q

As certain legal formalities must be carried out with incorporation, what is advisable?

A

To engage professional services when incorporating a company.

101
Q

What is the first stage to registration?

A

Reservation of a suitable name for the proposed company.

102
Q

What names are rejected in incorporation? (2)

A

(1) undesirable

(2) identical or similar names to that of existing companies

103
Q

What is the second stage to registration? (2)

A

(1) Lodging certain documents

(2) Paying the necessary fees

104
Q

What are the documents to be lodged? (3)

A

(1) proposed company’s constitution
(2) particulars- first director, shareholder, share capital (for private limited companies)
(3) address of the company’s registered company

105
Q

What is the nature of incorporation in comparison to the registration of a sole proprietorship or partnership?

A

More complicated and slightly more costly.

106
Q

What are the fees payable during incorporation? (3) (what, to who)

A

(1) registration fees, $300- ACRA
(2) filing fees for every document lodged with ACRA- ACRA
(3) professional assistance fees, if sought- professional firm

107
Q

What else must the company do asides from fulfilling the formalities for registration of the company?

A

File annual returns.

108
Q

What is the purpose of filing annual returns?

A

To inform ACRA of the financial position and well-being of the company.

109
Q

What must non-exempt companies also attach? What do these companies incur?

A

Audited financial statements. Auditor’s fees.

110
Q

What are the types of companies? (3)

A

(1) limited and unlimited liability companies
(2) public and private companies
(3) exempt private companies

111
Q

For limited/unlimited liability companies, what does liability refer to?

A

Liability of the company’s shareholders.

112
Q

What is the liability of a shareholder in a ‘company limited by shares’? (type, what)

A

Limited liability up to the full value of the shares that he holds and nothing more.

113
Q

How can you distinguish a limited liability company from an unlimited one in SG?

A

Limited liability companies include ‘Limited’ or ‘Ltd’ in its name.

114
Q

Can limited companies be converted into an unlimited company (and vice versa)?

A

Yes.

115
Q

Among limited and unlimited, which company is rare?

A

Unlimited liability companies.

116
Q

Asides from being limited to shares, what else can a company be limited to?

A

Guarantee.

117
Q

What does limited by guarantee mean? Is it rare?

A

The company does not issue shares and does not have a share capital. Extremely rare.

118
Q

What can a company having a share capital, whether limited or unlimited do?

A

Be incorporated as a private company.

119
Q

How can a limited/unlimited company be incorporated as a private company? (2)

A

(1) company’s constitution contains a restriction on the shareholder’s right to transfer shares; and
(2) company’s constitution contains a limit on the number of shareholders to not more than 50.

120
Q

What does a restriction on the shareholder’s right to transfer shares mean?

A

The shareholder must offer his shares to existing shareholders before selling them to outsiders

121
Q

For private companies, what does the Certificate of Incorporation state? What does its name include?

A

That the company is a private company. ‘Private’ or ‘Pte’.

122
Q

What are companies that do not meet the requirements of being incorporated as a private company called? What is NOT in its name?

A

Public companies. ‘Private’ or ‘Pte’.

123
Q

Where does a public company raise finance from?

A

Public

124
Q

How does a public company raise finance?

A

Apply to be listed on the stock exchange so that their shares can be easily issued and traded.

125
Q

What are public companies subject to? Why?

A

Tighter control- Companies Act and other relevant laws. To protect the members of the public who ‘invest’ in the shares of these companies.

126
Q

What is an exempt private company?

A

A private company where all of its shareholders, numbering not more than 20, are natural persons, not corporations.

127
Q

What are the usual exempt companies?

A

Small, family-owned businesses.

128
Q

According to ACRA statistics, __% of exempt private companies have directors as shareholders.

A

80

129
Q

What does the exempt private company resemble when all shareholders are directors? (more than?)

A

Partnerships more than other types of companies.

130
Q

What exempt private company is exempt from audit requirements for that financial year?

A

Those that fall within the definition of a small company under the Companies Act.

131
Q

How does a company qualify as a small company? (2)

A

(1) it is a private company in the financial year in question
(2) it meets at least 2 of the 3 criteria for the immediate past 2 financial years

132
Q

What are the 3 criteria to qualify as a small company?

A

(1) total annual revenue not more than $10 mil
(2) total assets not more than $10 mil
(3) number of employees not more than 50

133
Q

What does the audit exemption for small companies aim to do?

A

Help reduce regulatory and compliance costs as they do not have a wide market impact.

134
Q

Do small companies still need to keep proper accounting records?

A

Yes.

135
Q

How are 2 companies deemed to be related? (2)

A

(1) parent company exercises control over the composition of the BOD of the other company; or
(2) parent company controls more than half of voting powers of the other company

136
Q

The parent company is known as the ____ while the other company is known as the _____.

A

Holding company, subsidiary company.

137
Q

Can a subsidiary company have its own subsidiary company? It then becomes the ____ of the subsidiary company.

A

Yes, parent company.

138
Q

The final subsidiary company is also a subsidiary company of the ____.

A

Original parent company.

139
Q

Is there such things as a grandparent company?

A

No.

140
Q

What are the subsidiary companies deemed to be if there are several of them under the parent company?

A

They are related- affiliates or sister companies.

141
Q

Prior to 3 Jan 2016, what does the constitution of the company comprise of? (2)

A

(1) memorandum

(2) articles of association

142
Q

From 3 Jan 2016, these 2 documents were merged into a single document called ____.

A

Company constitution.

143
Q

What are some information included in the company constitution? (3)

A

(1) company name
(2) particulars of first shareholders
(3) share capital of the company

144
Q

What can companies do to restrict the company’s ability to do certain things?

A

Expressly include in the constitution an objects clause.

145
Q

What is an objects clause for?

A

To spell out the main purposes of the company and its powers.

146
Q

What happens if there is no objects clause in the constitution?

A

The company can carry on business and enter into any transaction.

147
Q

Asides from the constitution, what powers do companies have? This is aka ___.

A

Additional powers implied by the Companies Act aka implied powers.

148
Q

Can clauses in the constitution be amended? How?

A

Yes. Requires a special resolution of the shareholders.

149
Q

What is the special resolution? Any exceptions?

A

At least 75% majority, unless the constitution states that the clause requires more than 75% or some other condition to be complied with.

150
Q

What does the Companies Act provide? This is aka ___.

A

A model constitution aka Companies (Model Constitutions) Regulations Act.

151
Q

Who is the Companies Regulations Act for?

A

For private companies limited by shares or guarantee.

152
Q

Who does the constitution constitute a contract between? (2)

A

(1) company and shareholders

(2) among the shareholders

153
Q

What is the consequence of the constitution constituting a contract among shareholders?

A

A shareholder has the right to insist that the company or other shareholder(s) of the company obeys the constitution.

154
Q

How can a shareholder ensure the company’s or other shareholders’ compliance?

A

Take legal action if necessary.

155
Q

What must a company limited by shares have?

A

Share capital.

156
Q

How does each shareholder hold a proportion of the share capital?

A

Shares.

157
Q

What are shares?

A

Each share will have a nominal value which represents the value of each share when it is fully paid up.

158
Q

How does the company raise finance?

A

Issue more shares to be sold to individuals or the public.

159
Q

What happens when more/new shares are issued? (2)

A

(1) change in share capital of company

(2) dilute the rights of existing shareholders

160
Q

With the concerns, how can share capital be increased?

A

With the approval of majority of the existing shareholders at a general meeting.

161
Q

What are the types of shares? (2)

A

(1) ordinary

(2) preference

162
Q

What are ordinary shares? (entitlement, voting rights)

A
  • not entitled to dividends unless it is proposed by the BOD and approved by majority of the shareholders
  • one vote a share
163
Q

What are preference shares? (entitlement, voting rights)

A
  • preferential right to dividends and may return these shares for cash
  • limited or no voting rights
164
Q

Which shareholder has more priority with dividend payments?

A

Preference shareholders.

165
Q

Where is the management of the company exercised? (2)

A

(1) BOD meeting

(2) General meeting of shareholders

166
Q

How do the BOD/shareholders exercise their management?

A

Collectively- majority vote

167
Q

Who exercises management of most matters? Why?

A

BOD. It is unlikely that shareholders want to exercise all the management powers.

168
Q

Since BOD manages most matters, what would the constitution state?

A

That the responsibility of day-to-day activities rests with the BOD.

169
Q

Why is it unlikely that shareholders want to exercise all the management powers?

A

It is impractical for the shareholders to convene a meeting to vote on every decision.

170
Q

What must a BOD have?

A

At least one director-Singaporean, PR or SG Entrepass Holder.

171
Q

What sets out the manner in which directors are appointed?

A

The constitution.

172
Q

Generally, who can be a director?

A

A person of sound mind and is 18 years or above.

173
Q

Who is disqualified being a director? Any exceptions?

A

Undischarged bankrupts, unless the court gives permissions.

174
Q

Directors need not be ___ of the company, unless the constitution requires them to be.

A

Shareholders.

175
Q

What can a BOD do?

A

Delegate their management powers to an individual or individuals.

176
Q

When the BOD delegates powers, the company is bound by the acts of ___, on normal principles of agency.

A

These individuals whom management powers were delegated to.

177
Q

What are the Directors’ duties? (3)

A

(1) duties of skill, care and diligence
(2) fiduciary duties
(3) statutory duties

178
Q

What is the director’s duty of skill, care and diligence? (2)

A

(1) expected to show the level of skill that a person of his knowledge and experience could be expected to show.
(2) expected to take as much care in the affairs of the company as a reasonably prudent man would take in his own affairs

179
Q

Under the duty of skill care and negligence, what is the Director NOT required to do?

A

Bring any special qualifications to the job.

180
Q

What are the fiduciary duties of a Director? (3)

A

(1) to act in the interest of the company;
(2) to exercise powers delegated to him for a proper purpose; and
(3) to avoid a conflict of interest.

181
Q

Under fiduciary duties of a Director, what is an example of avoiding a conflict of interest?

A

A director may not use information he gained by virtue of his position as a company director, to gain a personal benefit for himself.

182
Q

What are the statutory duties of a Director? (5)

A

(1) ensuring the company keeps proper accounting records;
(2) holding the company’s annual general meeting (AGM) to present a report on the company’s activities and results to the shareholders, together with the audited accounts
(3) submitting to ACRA the company’s annual return after the AGM;
(4) disclosing all necessary information to the company to enable it to maintain the register of directors, managers, secretaries and auditors and directors’ shareholding; and
(5) in recommending dividends, ensure that the dividends are paid out of profits and not capital.

183
Q

How does the Companies Act protect the shareholders from any abuse of power by the BOD?

A

Requires that certain transactions can only be authorised after a vote has been taken at a “general meeting of the shareholders”.

184
Q

What are the certain transactions that require a “general meeting of the shareholders”? (3)

A

(1) alteration of the company’s constitution;
(2) decisions on the company’s profits;
(3) approval for the directors’ exercise of the company’s power to issue shares.

185
Q

What is the nature of a “general meeting of the shareholders”? What is discussed?

A
  • once a year
  • to transact certain business, including the consideration of the Financial Statements of the company
  • election of directors.
186
Q

What does the company do to transact some other urgent business?

A

Convene an extraordinary general meeting (EGM).

187
Q

How is the “general meeting of the shareholders” carried out? (2)

A

(1)
- any matter for consideration at the meeting is put into a resolution
- shareholders would vote at the meeting to pass or not to pass the resolution

(2)
- shareholders could approve such
urgent resolutions by circulating a written resolution for them to sign.
- this is provided more than 50% (or 75% in the case of a special resolution) agree that a physical meeting is not necessary.

188
Q

A company does not have ___ and should act through ____.

A

human abilities, human persons

189
Q

Who are the agents of the company?

A

All persons who act within the scope of the authority.

190
Q

A company (1) can sue and enforce rights (2) be sued ____.

A

In its own name.

191
Q

Who is the company liable for?

A

Its own debts.

192
Q

Is there a limit on the company’s liability?

A

No.

193
Q

What if the company is unable to pay its debts?

A

It can be wound up.

194
Q

Is there a limit on the limited company’s liability? If so, what is the limit?

A

Yes, limited liability for the shareholders. In the case of a company limited by shares, the liability of the shareholders will be limited to the full paid-up value of the shares they hold.

195
Q

The process by which the life of a company is brought to an end is aka? (2)

A

(1) winding up

(2) liquidation

196
Q

What happens when the life of a company is brought to an end?

A
  • assets of the company are realised and sold

- so that the proceeds of sale may be used to pay the company’s creditors, in the order of priority stipulated by law.

197
Q

What is the the order stipulated by the law?

A

The “secured creditors” are paid first, followed by the “unsecured creditors”.

198
Q

What happens when the process of winding up is completed?

A

The company is dissolved and ceases to exist.

199
Q

How long does winding up last?

A

Can last for more than a year

200
Q

Who is going to get A for BLAW?

A

Me!