Contract Law Flashcards
What is the main distinction between a incorporated business and unincorporated business?
- incorporated business exists as a separate entity from its owners and managers (example limited company)
- unincorporated business are run by individuals who have not set up a separate business (example sole trader)
- key distinction being unincorporated business means full personal liability
What are the types of unincorporated businesses?
- sole traders (owned by one person has full personal liability )
- partnerships (owned by two or more people owners share liability)
- limited partnerships (owned by two or more owners each partner with limited personal liability)
When is a partnership created?
-When two or more people carry on a business together with the view of making profit (this is definition of partnership provided under PA 1980)
What is the requirement for a limited partnerships?
- there must be at least two partners
- one partner must have unlimited liability
-while one partner can have limited liability based on their initial investment - (limited liability act 1907 governs the operation of such business models)
What conditions must a partner of a limited partnership with limited liability adhere to?
- must not control or manage the lp
-must not have the power to take binding decisions on behalf of the business - must not remove the contribution from the Lp for as long as they are partner
(If breached partner will lose protection and have unlimited liability)
How is a company formed?
- company is formed by registering relevant documents with the registrar of companies in line with the companies act 2006
(Sole traders and partnerships and begin. To trade straight away)
What are the benefits of a private company limited by shares?
- a company has a separate legal personality Salomon v A Salomon 1897
- if sued the defendant will be the company and not its owners
Main Difference between a public company limited by shares and private company limited by shares?
- Ability to Sell Shares
• Public Company: Can offer shares to the public on a stock exchange.
• Private Company: Cannot offer shares to the public; shares are privately held. - Minimum Share Capital
• Public Company: Often required to have a minimum share capital (e.g., £50,000 in the UK).• Private Company: No minimum share capital requirement.
What are the requirements for a company to registered as a public company limited by shares PLC?
- must comply with requirements set out under CA 2006
- company constitution must state it is a plc
- the words public or the abbreviation PLC must be included at the the company name
- the allotted share capital must be at least £50,000
What are the features of a limited liability partnership and how it is formed?
- two more individuals carrying on business in common with a view of making profit
- must file a series of documents at the companies house paying the fee
- key feature: partners benefit from limited liability like a company
- PA 1980 provides default contract
- partners must be registered as self employed
What is the date of incorporation?
The date of incorporation is the official date a company is legally registered and begins its existence as a separate legal entity.
What information must be made public for unincorporated businesses?
- sole traders and partnerships must disclose the identity if the sole trader and all partners
- an address for service documents must be available
What information must be made public for incorporated businesses?
- Company Name and Registration Number
- Registered Office Address -Names of Directors and Company Secretary
- Financial Statements and Annual Reports
- Shareholder Information and Share Capital
What is a floating charge and which business model can access it?
A floating charge is a security over changing assets, like inventory, which incorporated businesses and LLPs can use to secure loans. If the business fails, it becomes a fixed charge on those assets.
How to incorporate a new company?
Prepare Key Documents:
- Memorandum of Association: Confirms the company’s formation.
- Articles of Association: Sets out the rules for running the company.
- Complete Form IN01 – Include details of the company name, registered office, directors, shareholders, and share structure.
- Register with the Relevant Authority – Submit the documents and Form IN01 to the Companies House in the UK and pay the registration fee.
- Receive Certificate of
Incorporation – Once approved, you’ll receive a certificate confirming the company’s legal status.