Connected party transactions - transactions entered into between a company and persons or entities with a close relationship to it (such as directors, shareholders or group companies) - attract heightened scrutiny under the Insolvency Act 1986 (the Act). This is because connected parties are not independent of the transferring company and are often in a position to influence its decision‑making, giving rise to an increased risk that assets are transferred on non‑arm’s‑length terms.

In a recent ruling (NMC Health PLC (in Administration) v Ernst & Young LLP [2024] EWHC 2905 (Comm)), the High Court declined to order disclosure of witness statements and transcripts of interviews conducted by administrators during their initial investigations, citing litigation privilege.

Litigation privilege