Johnson v His Majesty's Attorney-General [2025] EWHC 1943
The English High Court decision of Johnson v His Majesty's Attorney-General [2025] EWHC 1943 is the first time that an English court has sealed a non-royal will, contrary to the ancient tradition that wills are available to the public.
Background
In UK venture deals, investors often negotiate the right to appoint a director to the company’s board (as a rule of thumb, an investor with 5% to 10% or more of the company might ask for board rights). On paper, it makes sense, giving a seat at the table, direct access to management, and visibility on key decisions. But before taking that seat, we often advise investors to ask themselves: is it worth the hassle?
On 3 September 2025, the Court of Appeal handed down judgment in East Riding of Yorkshire Council v KMG SICAV-SIF-GB Strategic Land Fund [2025] EWCA Civ 1137, confirming that a “dedicated fund” of a Luxembourg specialised investment company was not an “unregistered company” within the meaning of section 220 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (the “Act”), and therefore could not be wound up by the court under section 221 of the Act.
On 3 September 2025, the Court of Appeal handed down judgment in East Riding of Yorkshire Council v KMG SICAV-SIF-GB Strategic Land Fund [2025] EWCA Civ 1137, confirming that a “dedicated fund” of a Luxembourg specialised investment company was not an “unregistered company” within the meaning of section 220 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (the “Act”), and therefore could not be wound up by the court under section 221 of the Act.
How to bring a dissolved company back to life through administrative or court restoration.
When a company is dissolved or struck off the Register of Companies it ceases to exist. Property belonging to the dissolved company vests in the Crown to be disposed of. However, that is not always the end of the matter and in certain circumstances it is possible to restore a company to the Register.
Why restore a company?
NEWS
The only way is up
The end of upwards-only rent reviews?
Background
In the period since its inception in 2020, the Part 26A restructuring plan has proven to be a powerful addition to the English restructuring toolkit, allowing – through cross-class cram down – a transaction to be imposed on a dissenting class. There is a great deal of flexibility with this power; in particular, unlike with many other regimes, there is no absolute priority rule, and therefore it is possible (in justifiable circumstances) for shareholders to retain a material equity stake, while one or more creditor classes are compromised.
Introduction
In Yeo (liquidator), in the matter of Tuftex Carpets Pty Ltd (in liquidation) [2025] FCA 1200 the liquidators sought approval from the court to enter into a settlement agreement. The claims underlying the settlement agreement were against the former director and parent company for insolvent trading and the resulting loss.
Key Takeaways
In Re Resource Development Group Limited (Administrators Appointed) [2025] WASC 408, the Court granted relief to the voluntary administrators of Resource Development Group Ltd (RDG) from personal liability under a loan arrangement and extended time for the registration of a related security interest.
Key Takeaway