12(1)In section 293 (qualifying companies), after subsection (1) insert—
“(1A)At the beginning of the relevant period, the company must be—
(a)an unquoted company, and
(b)a company to which subsection (1B) below does not apply.
(1B)This subsection applies to a company—
(a)if arrangements are in existence for it to cease to be an unquoted company; or
(b)if—
(i)arrangements are in existence for it to become a subsidiary of another company (“the new company”) by virtue of an exchange of shares, or shares and securities, in relation to which section 304A (certain exchanges resulting in acquisition of share capital by new company) applies, and
(ii)arrangements have been made with a view to the new company ceasing to be an unquoted company.”.
(2)In subsection (2) of that section (requirement that, throughout the relevant period, the company is an unquoted company etc.) omit “be an unquoted company and”.