Chapter 7 - Companies: the consequences of incorporation Flashcards
In law, what is the term person used to denote?
Natural/artificial person
Artificial person includes companies
What does a company having limited liability mean for its members?
Amount members will be asked to contribute is limited to the value of share capital owned
What may some lenders require directors and/or members?
Personal guarantee to assume debt obligation in the event of a non-payment by the company
Is the company itself liable without limits for its own debt?
Yes
For a company limited by shares, what is the liability of its members?
Members only liable for winding up for any outstanding about of nominal value of any unpaid share
For a company limited by guarantee, what is the liability of its members?
Amount owed by member at the time of winding up is the amount they are guaranteed to pay in the event of winding up
Can a company have liabilities in tort and crime?
Yes
Extremely difficult to prosecute a company successfully for an offence
What does a veil of incorporation do?
Separates members and the company for the purposes of liability and identification
When may the law lift the veil?
In a group situation, e.g. to produce a tax liability
Under legislation, usually to confer a personal liability on those running a company
What examples of lifting the veil only apply if directors are also members of the company?
Director is disqualified - director jointly/severally liable for debts
Fraudulent and wrongful trading - directors may be held personally liable where company wound up
Trading without a trading certificate - personal liability for directors for third party loss/damage
What companies can be limited by shares?
Private and Public
What companies can be limited by guarantee?
Private only
What companies have unlimited liability?
Private only
Can a company alter its status?
Yes once from either
Limited to unlimited with the consent of all members
Unlimited to limited by passing a special resolution and specifying kind of liability
What is the definition of a public company?
Limited company expressly registered under Companies Act 2006
What is the definition of a private company?
Registered company (limited/unlimited) not stated to be public
When a company is formed what does there need to be?
Memorandum of association
Application providing basic details
Statement of capital and initial shareholdings (if relevant)
Statement of guarantee if company limited by guarantee
Statement of proposed officers
Statement of compliance with Companies act 2006
After all docs have been submitted what happens next?
Registrar will issue incorporation certificate
Public company also needs a trading certificate
What happens when an off the shelf company is purchased?
Shares transferred to the buyer
Registrar notified of director’s and secretaries resignations
What are the benefits of an off the self company?
Easier as the company is ready to go
Avoids potential liability arising from pre-incorporation contracts
What are the drawbacks of an off the shelf company?
Need to change name
Transfer shares
Change directors and possibly the secretary
Alter the articles of association
What is a promotor?
Person who takes steps to get a company incorporated
Makes business preparations unless in a pro capacity
What duties does a promotor owe?
General duty to exercise reasonable care and skill
Fiduciary duties to disclose any personal interests
What is wrongful profit?
Promotor enters into and makes profit personally in a contract as a promotor in breach of fiduciary duties
What are the complex rules where a promotor makes a contract on behalf of an unincorporated company?
Company has no capacity to enter into contracts before existence
Cannot ratify contracts
Not bound by contracts
Cannot enforce contracts against 3rd party
How can a promotor avoid potential liabilities?
Not to make contracts until after company incorporated
Use an off the shelf company
Draft agreement
Can a promotor legally claim any remuneration/indemnity for their services/expenses before a company is formed?
No
In practice company makes payment
If a company name is sensitive what is required?
Approval of secretary of state
When will British and International be permitted as part of a company name?
If the size of the company matches its pretentions
Can a company change its name?
Yes, by passing a special resolution
Name change anything
Where do model articles apply?
Apply where a company is formed without registering articles
What do the stock exchange rules require listed companies have?
Have their own full-length articles containing a number of special provisions