The corporate insolvency statistics for Q2 2022 paint a worrying picture for UK businesses. With inflation at a 40-year high, fuelled by soaring gas and electricity bills, food prices and wage increases, the cost of living crisis is taking hold across the economy.

You can buy assets from an insolvent company (a company that is in a formal insolvency procedure, either administration or liquidation), but the process is slightly different to simply acquiring the business and assets of a solvent trading company.

A prospective buyer should be aware of the structures that could apply to such an acquisition, the key risks that are associated with the acquisition and the compliance issues that need to be overcome before proceeding with the acquisition of business and assets from an insolvent company.

On 27 July 2022, the European Union (Preventative Restructuring) Regulations (the Regulations) were introduced which gave effect to EU Directive 2019/1023 on restructuring and insolvency[1] (the Directive). The Directive’s principal objective is to ensure that all member states have comparable and effective frameworks in place for early warning and prevention of corporate insolvency.

As challenging trading conditions in the UK economy persist, insolvency is a real prospect facing many companies. Businesses are increasingly likely to find themselves dealing with other businesses that are in financial difficulties or even insolvent. In such cases, the need to plan ahead, develop strategies to minimise problems and manage relationships with customers and suppliers should not be underestimated.

This article looks at some of the issues to consider when dealing with companies that are either insolvent or on the brink of insolvency and how to protect your business.

In Scotland claims (e.g. the right to payment) are currently transferred by assignation followed by intimation (i.e. notice) of the transfer to the party which is under an obligation to perform the obligation (e.g. making a payment).

How has HMRC managed its metamorphosis from benevolent supporter of businesses during the pandemic to hard-nosed tax collector?

Four directors have been disqualified for abusing the dissolution process pursuant to powers introduced by the Rating (Coronavirus) and Directors Disqualification (Dissolved Companies) Act 2021 (the Act). In each case, the director secured a bounce back loan on behalf of their company before taking steps to dissolve the company in an attempt to avoid repaying liabilities under the scheme.

There are various ways to wind up or liquidate a limited liability company. Each method will essentially realise the assets of the company and distribute the proceeds to the company’s creditors or shareholders, but they are individually unique as to the processes that need to be followed.

One such method is a Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation.

What is a Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation?

BITE SIZE KNOW HOW FROM THE ENGLISH COURTS

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Introduction

In May 2022, there were a total of 1,817 company insolvencies in England and Wales. Overall company insolvencies in May 2022 were 34% higher when compared to May 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 79% higher than insolvencies recorded in May 2021.

More insolvencies means more directors being issued director questionnaires from liquidators or administrators asking them to explain their prior conduct.