- Latest available (Revised)
- Point in Time (01/04/2013)
- Original (As enacted)
Version Superseded: 15/09/2003
Point in time view as at 01/04/2013. This version of this Act contains provisions that are not valid for this point in time.
Insolvency Act 1986 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 15 January 2025. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
An Act to consolidate the enactments relating to company insolvency and winding up (including the winding up of companies that are not insolvent, and of unregistered companies); enactments relating to the insolvency and bankruptcy of individuals; and other enactments bearing on those two subject matters, including the functions and qualification of insolvency practitioners, the public administration of insolvency, the penalisation and redress of malpractice and wrongdoing, and the avoidance of certain transactions at an undervalue
[25th July 1986]
Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Act amended by Social Security Pensions Act 1975 (c. 60), s. 59D(3) (as inserted by Social Security Act 1990 (c. 27), s. 12(1), Sch. 3)
Act amended (25.4.1991) by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40), ss. 154, 155, 158(1), 174(1), 190(6); S.I. 1991/878, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3(4))
Act amended (29.6.1992) by Social Security Pensions Act 1975 (c. 60), s. 58B(5) (as inserted (29.6.1992) by Social Security Act 1990 (c. 27), s. 14, Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 2; S.I. 1992/1532, art. 2)
Act amended (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. III para. 20(1)-(3); S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Act (except ss. 8-10, 24-26) amended (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 30, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 13(1)(3) (with ss. 105(2)(5), 106); S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
Act amended (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 30, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 13(2)(3) (with ss. 105(2)(5), 106); S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
Act amended (30.12.2002) by 2002 c. 29, s. 311(4); S.I. 2002/3015, art. 2(1), Sch.
C2Act restricted (E.W.S.) by Drug Trafficking Offences Act 1986 (c. 32), s. 15(3)(7)
Act restricted (25.4.1991) by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40), s. 182(4), Sch. 22 para. 4(2); S.I. 1991/878, art. 2, Sch.
Act restricted (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 37, ss. 32(4), 69(2), Sch. 2 para. 5 (with s. 66(2))
Act restricted (31.3.1996) by 1995 c. 20, s. 110(1), Sch. 4 para. 2(4); S.I. 1996/517, art. 3(2) (subject to arts. 4-6, Sch. 2)
Act restricted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 43, ss. 44, 50(2), Sch. 2 para. 2(4)
Act restricted (6.4.1996 for certain purposes and 6.4.1997 otherwise) by 1995 c. 26, s. 75(8)(a) (with s. 121(5)); S.I. 1996/778, art. 2(5)(a), Sch. Pt. V; S.I. 1997/664, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II (with transitional adaptations, modifications and savings in arts. 3-14)
Act restricted (7.10.1996) by 1992 c. 5, ss. 71(10A), 78(3A) (as inserted by 1995 c. 18, s. 32; S.I. 1996/2208, art. 2)
Act restricted (S.) (1.11.2001) by 2001 asp 10, s. 63, Sch. 7 paras. 9(4), 10(6); S.S.I. 2001/336, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II (subject to transitional provisions and savings in art. 3)
Act restricted (24.3.2003) by 2002 c. 29, ss. 417(4), 458(1)(3); S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions and savings in arts. 3-13 (as amended by S.I. 2003/531, arts. 3, 4))
C3Act excluded (E.W.S.) by Drug Trafficking Offences Act 1986 (c. 32), ss. 15(5)( a )(7), 17(3)
Act excluded by Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1987 (c. 41), ss. 30(6), 34(3)(4), 35(3), 36(3), 47(4)(a)
Act excluded (E.W.) by Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Act 1988 (c. 20), ss. 15(4), 19
Act excluded by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33), ss. 84(3), 86(3), 123, Sch. 8 para. 16
Act excluded by Social Security Act 1989 (c. 24), s. 22, Sch. 4 Pt. II para. 8(1)
Act excluded (25.4.1991) by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40), ss. 154, 155, 159(2), 180(2); S.I. 1991/878, art. 2, Sch.
Act excluded (13.2.1992) by Severn Bridges Act 1992 (c. 3), s. 20(4)
Act excluded (1.7.1992) by Social Security Administration Act 1992 (c. 5), ss. 89(1), 93(1), 192(4) (with s. 89(1))
Act excluded (31.10.1994) by 1994 c. 21, s. 29(2) (with s. 40(7)); S.I. 1994/2552, art. 2, Sch. 1
Act excluded (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 37, ss. 32(2), 34(2), 69(2), Sch. 2 para. 5 (with s. 66(2))
Act excluded (31.3.1996) by 1995 c. 20, s. 110(1), Sch. 4 paras. 2(3), 3(3), 4(3); S.I. 1996/517, art. 3(2) (subject to arts. 4-6, Sch. 2)
Act excluded (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 43, ss. 44, 50(2), Sch. 2 paras. 2(3), 3(3), 4(3)
Act excluded (1.10.1996) by 1996 c. 52, s. 7, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 15(2); S.I. 1996/2402, art. 3 (subject to transitional provisions and savings in Sch.)
Act excluded (E.W.S.) (11.12.1999) by S.I. 1999/2979, reg. 14(2)
Act excluded (E.W.) (1.9.2001) by 2001 c. 17, s. 38, Sch. 6 paras. 9(3), 11(3) (with s. 78); S.I. 2001/2161, art. 2
Act excluded (S.) (1.11.2001) by 2001 asp 10, s. 63, Sch. 7 para. 12(3); S.S.I. 2001/336, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II (subject to transitional provisions and savings in art. 3)
Act excluded (S.) (17.12.2001) by 2001 asp 13, s. 20(b), Sch. 6 paras. 9(3), 10(5); S.S.I. 2001/456, art. 2
Act excluded (24.3.2003) by 2002 c. 29, ss. 418(4), 426(7), 430(7), 458(1)(3); S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions and savings in arts. 3-13 (as amended by S.I. 2003/531, arts. 3, 4))
C4Act modified by Financial Services Act 1986 (c. 60), s. 72(4)
Act modified by S.I. 1986/2142, arts. 1(2), 3(a), 15
Act modified by S.I. 1989/638, regs. 8(1), 21
Act modified (7.2.1994) by 1993 c. 48, ss. 144(7)(a), 147(3) (with s. 6(8)); S.I. 1994/86, art. 2
Act modified (31.10.1994) by 1994 c. 21, s. 36(1) (with s. 40(7)); S.I. 1994/2553, art. 2
Act modified (S.) (1.11.2001) by 2001 asp 10, s. 63, Sch. 7 para. 11; S.S.I. 2001/336, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II (subject to transitional provisions and savings in art. 3)
Act modified (E.W.S.) (5.10.2004) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), ss. 159, 198, Sch. 20 paras. 41, 42; S.I. 2004/2575, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
Act modified (E.W.) (1.10.2005) by The Energy Administration Rules 2005 (S.I. 2005/2483), rules 3, 184
Act modified (S.) (6.4.2006) by The Energy Administration (Scotland) Rules 2006 (S.I. 2006/772), rules 3, 68
C5Act applied (with modifications) by S.I. 1986/2142, arts. 1(2), 8(1)(b)(2), 13(3)(4)(6), 15, Sch. 2
Act applied (with modifications) (6.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/2827, reg. 25(1)-(4)
Act applied (with modifications) (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/1228, regs. 1(2), 31(1) (with reg. 1(3)); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
Act applied (1.12.2001) by 2000 c. 8, s. 367(7); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
C6Act extended by Banking Act 1987 (c. 22), s. 92(2)
Act extended (E.W.) by Water Act 1989 (c. 15), s. 23, Sch. 6 Pt. II para. 11(1)(2)(3) (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)?(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)
Act extended (E.W.) (1.12.1991) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56), ss. 23(3), 223(2), Sch. 3 Pt. II paras.11(1)-(3), 12(2) ( with ss. 82(3), 186(1), 222(1), Sch. 14 para. 6).
Act (except s. 413, Sch. 7) extended (E.W.) (1.1.1992) by S.I. 1991/2684, arts. 2(1), 4, Sch.1.
Act extended (1.10.1996) by 1996 c. 52. s. 7, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 14(1); S.I. 1996/2402, art. 3 (subject to transitional provisions and savings in Sch.)
Act (except ss. 8-10, 24-26) extended (15.7.2003) by 1999 c. 29, s. 220(3), Sch. 14 Pt. III para. 20; S.I. 2003/1920, art. 2
C7Act: power to modify conferred (2.4.2001) by 2000 c. 39, s. 7(2); S.I. 2001/776, art. 2(1)(a) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 3)
Act: power to apply (with modifications) conferred (E.W.S.) (15.9.2003) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 254(1), 279 (with s. 249(6)); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))
Act: power to amend conferred (E.W.) (1.4.2004) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 264(2), 279 (with s. 249(6)); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))
C8Act modified (1.8.2007) by The European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/1949), reg. 7, Sch. Pt. 2
C9Act applied (with modifications) (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 27(2)-(4), 94; S.I. 2008/755, art. 15(1)(f)
C10Act applied in part (with modifications) (8.10.2008 at 12.15 p.m.) by The Kaupthing Singer & Friedlander Limited Transfer of Certain Rights and Liabilities Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2674), Pt. 5 (arts. 19-27)
C11Act applied in part (with modifications) (7.10.2008 at 9.30 a.m.) by The Heritable Bank plc Transfer of Certain Rights and Liabilities Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2644), Pt. 4 (arts. 18-25)
C12Act excluded (26.1.2009) by 1998 c. 17 s. 38A(6) (as inserted by Energy Act 2008 (c. 32), ss. 74(1), 110; S.I. 2009/45, art. 2(b)(i))
C13Act excluded (6.4.2009) by Energy Act 2008 (c. 32), ss. 56(5), 110; S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(b)(i)
C14Act excluded (E.W.) (1.4.2010) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), ss. 167(5)(b), 325; S.I. 2010/862, art. 2 (with Sch.)
C15Act: power to amend conferred (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.02.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), s. 158(2)(b) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch.
C16Act: power to amend conferred (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.02.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), s. 159(2)(b) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch.
C17Act applied in part by S.I. 1989/638, reg. 19 (as amended (1.10.2009) by The European Economic Interest Grouping (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2399), reg. 20 (with reg. 2))
C18Act applied (1.11.2009) by The Water Industry (Special Administration) Rules 2009 (S.I. 2009/2477), rule 102 (with rules 3(2), 4)
C19Act applied (with modifications) (23.11.2009) by The Scottish and Northern Ireland Banknote Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/3056), reg. 29, Sch. 1 para. 2
C20Act: power to modify conferred (E.W.) (1.10.2010 for specified purposes) by Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (c. 29), ss. 34, 49(3), Sch. 5 para. 3 (with s. 49(1)(6)); S.I. 2010/2169, art. 4, Sch.
C21Act applied (with modifications) (8.2.2011) by The Investment Bank Special Administration Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/245), regs. 8(7), 9, 15, 16-21, 24, 25, Schs. 1-4 (as amended (1.4.2013) by The Financial Services Act 2012 (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/472), Sch. 2 para. 198(i)(n) (with Sch. 2 para. 213); (7.4.2017) by The Deregulation Act 2015, the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 and the Insolvency (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/400), reg. 10); (28.11.2017) by The Central Securities Depositories Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1064), reg. 1, Sch. para. 36(4) (with regs. 7(4), 9(1)); and (13.3.2018) by The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (Consequential Amendments, Savings and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/208), reg. 13)
C22Act modified (30.6.2011) by The Investment Bank Special Administration (England and Wales) Rules 2011 (S.I. 2011/1301), rule 334 (with rule 5(2))
C23Act modified (1.10.2011) by Postal Services Act 2011 (c. 5), ss. 73, 93(2)(3), Sch. 10 paras. 40, 41; S.I. 2011/2329, art. 3 (with arts. 4, 5)
C24Act: power to modify conferred (1.10.2011) by Postal Services Act 2011 (c. 5), ss. 73, 93(2)(3), Sch. 10 para. 46; S.I. 2011/2329, art. 3 (with arts. 4, 5)
C25Act applied in part (with modifications) (23.12.2011) by The Legal Services Act 2007 (Designation as a Licensing Authority) (No. 2) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/2866), art. 8(1), Sch. 2
C26Act amendment to earlier affecting provision S.I. 2011/245 reg. 8(7) 9 15 16-21 24 25, Sch. 1-4 (1.4.2013) by The Financial Services Act 2012 (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/472), Sch. 2 para. 198(i)(n) (with Sch. 2 para. 213)
C27Act excluded (S.) (1.4.2012) by Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 17), ss. 106(7)(b), 166(2); S.S.I. 2012/39, art. 2, sch. 1 (with sch. 2) (as amended (1.4.2012) by S.S.I. 2012/91, art. 4)
Commencement Information
I1Act not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 443
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C28Pts. I-IV applied (with modifications) in part (2.1.2013) by The Charitable Incorporated Organisations (Insolvency and Dissolution) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/3013), reg. 1, Sch. paras. 1(2)(a)(3)-(7)
C29First Group of Parts amendment to earlier affecting provision S.I. 2006/3107, art. 3, Sch. (1.4.2013) by The Financial Services Act 2012 (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/472), Sch. 2 para. 117
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C30Pt. I (ss. 1-7), Pt. II (ss. 8-27) modified by Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 (c. 46, SIF 27), ss. 21(2), 25
C31Pts. 1-7 (ss. 1-251) applied (with modifications) by S.I. 1989/1276, arts. 2, 3
Pt. 1 (ss. 1-7) applied with modifications by S.I. 1986/2142, arts. 1(2), 11, 13(3), 15
Pt. 1 (ss. 1-7) applied (with modifications) (1.12.1997) by 1986 c. 53, Sch. 15A (as inserted by 1997 c. 32, s. 39(2), Sch. 6 para. 1(2)(a); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. 1(i)) (as amended (13.3.2018) by The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (Consequential Amendments, Savings and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/208), regs. 1(3), 2(3))
C32Pts. 1-4, 6, 7 applied to limited liability partnerships (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 5, Schs. 3, 4 (as amended (4.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/355, art. 10 and (1.10.2005) by S.I. 2005/1989, reg. 3, Sch. 2 (with reg. 4))
C33Pt. I: power to apply or incorporate conferred (6.4.2001) by 2000 c. 12, s. 14; S.I. 2000/3316, art. 2
Pt. I: power to apply (with modifications) conferred (15.9.2003) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 255(2)(a), 279 (with s. 249(6)); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))
Pt. I: power to apply (with modifications) conferred (20.11.2003 for specified purposes and 1.4.2004 otherwise) by Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), ss. 24(2), 26, 199; S.I. 2004/759, art. 2
Pt. I: power to apply (with modifications) conferred (E.W.) (1.3.2007) by National Health Service Act 2006 (c. 41), ss. 53(2), 55, 277
C34First Group of Parts (Pts. 1-7) applied (with modifications) (15.12.2006) by The Banks (Former Authorised Institutions) (Insolvency) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3107), art. 3, Sch. (as amended (1.4.2013) by S.I. 2013/472, art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 117; and (13.3.2018) by S.I. 2018/208, regs. 1(3), 11)
C35Pt. I applied (with modifications) (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), s. 113(6)-(9) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch.
C36Pt. I applied (with modifications) (21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 103, 134, 263(1) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, art. 3, Sch. para. 2
C37Pt. 1 amendment to earlier affecting provision S.I. 1994/2421, Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (1.4.2013) by The Financial Services Act 2012 (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/472), Sch. 2 para. 11(a)
(1)The directors of a company [F1(other than one which is in administration or being wound up)] may make a proposal under this Part to the company and to its creditors for a composition in satisfaction of its debts or a scheme of arrangement of its affairs (from here on referred to, in either case, as a “voluntary arrangement”).
(2)A proposal under this Part is one which provides for some person (“the nominee”) to act in relation to the voluntary arrangement either as trustee or otherwise for the purpose of supervising its implementation; and the nominee must be a person who is qualified to act as an insolvency practitioner [F2or authorised to act as nominee, in relation to the voluntary arrangement].
(3)Such a proposal may also be made—
[F3(a)where the company is in administration, by the administrator,]
(b)where the company is being wound up, by the liquidator.
[F4(4)In this Part “company” means—
[F5(a)a company registered under the Companies Act 2006 in England and Wales or Scotland;]
(b)a company incorporated in an EEA State other than the United Kingdom; or
(c)a company not incorporated in an EEA State but having its centre of main interests in a member State other than Denmark.
(5)In subsection (4), in relation to a company, “centre of main interests” has the same meaning as in the EC Regulation and, in the absence of proof to the contrary, is presumed to be the place of its registered office (within the meaning of that Regulation).
(6)If a company incorporated outside the United Kingdom has a principal place of business in Northern Ireland, no proposal under this Part shall be made in relation to it unless it also has a principal place of business in England and Wales or Scotland (or both in England and Wales or Scotland).]
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 1(1) substituted (15.9.2003) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 248(3), 279, Sch. 17 para. 10(a) (with s. 249(1)-(3)(6)); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))
F2Words in s. 1(2) substituted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 2; S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
F3S. 1(3)(a) substituted (15.9.2003) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 248(3), 279, Sch. 17 para. 10(b) (with s. 249(1)-(3)(6)); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))
F4S. 1(4)-(6) substituted (13.4.2005) for s. 1(4) by The Insolvency Act 1986 (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/879), reg. 2(2) (with reg. 3)
F5S. 1(4)(a) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009, (S.I. 2009/1941) arts. 2(1), 8, {Sch. 1 para. 71(2)} (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
(1)Where the directors of an eligible company intend to make a proposal for a voluntary arrangement, they may take steps to obtain a moratorium for the company.
(2)The provisions of Schedule A1 to this Act have effect with respect to—
(a)companies eligible for a moratorium under this section,
(b)the procedure for obtaining such a moratorium,
(c)the effects of such a moratorium, and
(d)the procedure applicable (in place of sections 2 to 6 and 7) in relation to the approval and implementation of a voluntary arrangement where such a moratorium is or has been in force.]
Textual Amendments
F6S. 1A inserted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 1, Sch. 1 para. 2; S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
(1)This section applies where the nominee under section 1 is not the liquidator or administrator of the company [F7and the directors do not propose to take steps to obtain a moratorium under section 1A for the company].
(2)The nominee shall, within 28 days (or such longer period as the court may allow) after he is given notice of the proposal for a voluntary arrangement, submit a report to the court stating—
(a)
[F8whether, in his opinion, the proposed voluntary arrangement has a reasonable prospect of being approved and implemented,
F8(aa)] whether, in his opinion, meetings of the company and of its creditors should be summoned to consider the proposal, and
(b)if in his opinion such meetings should be summoned, the date on which, and time and place at which, he proposes the meetings should be held.
(3)For the purposes of enabling the nominee to prepare his report, the person intending to make the proposal shall submit to the nominee—
(a)a document setting out the terms of the proposed voluntary arrangement, and
(b)a statement of the company’s affairs containing—
(i)such particulars of its creditors and of its debts and other liabilities and of its assets as may be prescribed, and
(ii)such other information as may be prescribed.
[F9(4)The court may—
(a)on an application made by the person intending to make the proposal, in a case where the nominee has failed to submit the report required by this section or has died, or
(b)on an application made by that person or the nominee, in a case where it is impracticable or inappropriate for the nominee to continue to act as such,
direct that the nominee be replaced as such by another person qualified to act as an insolvency practitioner, or authorised to act as nominee, in relation to the voluntary arrangement.]
Textual Amendments
F7Words in s. 2(1) added (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 1, Sch. 1 para. 3; S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
F8Words in s. 2(2) inserted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 3(a); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
F9S. 2(4) substituted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 3(b); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
(1)Where the nominee under section 1 is not the liquidator or administrator, and it has been report to the court that such meetings as are mentioned in section 2(2) should be summoned, the person making the report shall (unless the court otherwise directs) summon those meetings for the time, date and place proposed in the report.
(2)Where the nominee is the liquidator or administrator, he shall summon meetings of the company and of its creditors to consider the proposal for such a time, date and place as he thinks fit.
(3)The persons to be summoned to a creditors’ meeting under this section are every creditor of the company of whose claim and address the person summoning the meeting is aware.
(1)The meetings summoned under section 3 shall decide whether to approve the proposed voluntary arrangement (with or without modifications).
(2)The modifications may include one conferring the functions proposed to be conferred on the nominee on another person qualified to act as an insolvency practitioner [F10or authorised to act as nominee, in relation to the voluntary arrangement].
But they shall not include any modification by virtue of which the proposal ceases to be a proposal such as is mentioned in section 1.
(3)A meeting so summoned shall not approve any proposal or modification which affects the right of a secured creditor of the company to enforce his security, except with the concurrence of the creditor concerned.
(4)Subject as follows, a meeting so summoned shall not approve any proposal or modification under which—
(a)any preferential debt of the company is to be paid otherwise than in priority to such of its debts as are not preferential debts, or
(b)a preferential creditor of the company is to be paid an amount in respect of a preferential debt that bears to that debt a smaller proportion than is borne to another preferential debt by the amount that is to be paid in respect of that other debt.
However, the meeting may approve such a proposal or modification with the concurrence of the preferential creditor concerned.
(5)Subject as above, each of the meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the rules.
(6)After the conclusion of either meeting in accordance with the rules, the chairman of the meeting shall report the result of the meeting to the court, and, immediately after reporting to the court, shall give notice of the result of the meeting to such persons as may be prescribed.
(7)References in this section to preferential debts and preferential creditors are to be read in accordance with section 386 in Part XII of this Act.
Textual Amendments
F10Words in s. 4(2) substituted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 4; S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C38S. 4 modified (20.4.2003) by The Insurers (Reorganisation and Winding Up) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1102), reg. 33(1)(2) (with reg. 3)
S. 4 modified (18.2.2004) by The Insurers (Reorganisation and Winding Up) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/353), reg. 33(1)(2) (with reg. 3) (as amended (3.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/546, reg. 2(5) and modified (10.8.2005) by S.I. 2005/1998, regs. 2(3), 40(1)-(4))
(1)This section applies to a decision, under section 4, with respect to the approval of a proposed voluntary arrangement.
(2)The decision has effect if, in accordance with the rules—
(a)it has been taken by both meetings summoned under section 3, or
(b)(subject to any order made under subsection (4)) it has been taken by the creditors’ meeting summoned under that section.
(3)If the decision taken by the creditors’ meeting differs from that taken by the company meeting, a member of the company may apply to the court.
(4)An application under subsection (3) shall not be made after the end of the period of 28 days beginning with—
(a)the day on which the decision was taken by the creditors’ meeting, or
(b)where the decision of the company meeting was taken on a later day, that day.
(5)Where a member of a regulated company, within the meaning given by paragraph 44 of Schedule A1, applies to the court under subsection (3), the [F12appropriate regulator] is entitled to be heard on the application.
[F13(5A)The appropriate regulator” means—
(a)where the regulated company is a PRA-regulated company within the meaning of paragraph 44 of Schedule A1, the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, and
(b)in any other case, the Financial Conduct Authority.]
(6)On an application under subsection (3), the court may—
(a)order the decision of the company meeting to have effect instead of the decision of the creditors’ meeting, or
(b)make such other order as it thinks fit.]
Textual Amendments
F11S. 4A inserted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, ss. 2, 16(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 5; S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
F12Words in s. 4A(5) substituted (1.4.2013) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 18 para. 52(2) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F13S. 4A(5A) inserted (1.4.2013) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 18 para. 52(3) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C39S. 4A(2) modified (1.1.2003) by 1986 c. 53, Sch. 15A para. 8A (as inserted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 14(3)); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
[F14(1)This section applies where a decision approving a voluntary arrangement has effect under section 4A.]
(2)The F15. . . voluntary arrangement—
(a)takes effect as if made by the company at the creditors’ meeting, and
[F16(b)binds every person who in accordance with the rules—
(i)was entitled to vote at that meeting (whether or not he was present or represented at it), or
(ii)would have been so entitled if he had had notice of it,
as if he were a party to the voluntary arrangement.
(2A)If—
(a)when the arrangement ceases to have effect any amount payable under the arrangement to a person bound by virtue of subsection (2)(b)(ii) has not been paid, and
(b)the arrangement did not come to an end prematurely,
the company shall at that time become liable to pay to that person the amount payable under the arrangement.]
(3)Subject as follows, if the company is being wound up or [F17is in administration], the court may do one or both of the following, namely—
(a)by order stay or sist all proceedings in the winding up or [F17provide for the appointment of the administrator to cease to have effect];
(b)give such directions with respect to the conduct of the winding up or the administration as it thinks appropriate for facilitating the implementation of the F15. . . voluntary arrangement.
(4)The court shall not make an order under subsection (3)(a)—
(a)at any time before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the first day on which each of the reports required by section 4(6) has been made to the court, or
(b)at any time when an application under the next section or an appeal in respect of such an application is pending, or at any time in the period within which such an appeal may be brought.
[F18(5)Where the company is in energy administration, the court shall not make an order or give a direction under subsection (3) unless—
(a)the court has given the Secretary of State or the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority a reasonable opportunity of making representations to it about the proposed order or direction; and
(b)the order or direction is consistent with the objective of the energy administration.
(6)In subsection (5) “in energy administration” and “objective of the energy administration” are to be construed in accordance with Schedule B1 to this Act, as applied by Part 1 of Schedule 20 to the Energy Act 2004.]
Textual Amendments
F14S. 5(1) substituted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 6(a); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
F15Words in s. 5(2)(3) repealed (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, ss. 2, 15, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 6(b), Sch. 5; S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
F16S. 5(2)(b)(2A) substituted (1.1.2003) for s. 5(2)(b) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 6(c); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
F17Words in s. 5(3) substituted (15.9.2003) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 248(3), 279, Sch. 17 para. 11(a)(b) (with s. 249(1)-(3)(6)); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))
F18S. 5(5)(6) inserted (5.10.2004) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), ss. 159(1), 198, Sch. 20 para. 43; S.I. 2004/2575, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C40S. 5 restricted (S.) (1.11.2001) by 2001 asp 10, s. 63, Sch. 7 para. 10(5); S.S.I. 2001/336, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II (subject to transitional provisions and savings in art. 3)
C41S. 5 modified (1.10.2011) by Postal Services Act 2011 (c. 5), ss. 73, 93(2)(3), Sch. 10 para. 43; S.I. 2011/2329, art. 3 (with arts. 4, 5)
(1)Subject to this section, an application to the court may be made, by any of the persons specified below, on one or both of the following grounds, namely—
(a)that a voluntary arrangement [F19which has effect under section 4A] unfairly prejudices the interests of a creditor, member or contributory of the company;
(b)that there has been some material irregularity at or in relation to either of the meetings.
(2)The persons who may apply under [F20subsection (1)] are—
(a)a person entitled, in accordance with the rules, to vote at either of the meetings;
[F21(aa)a person who would have been entitled, in accordance with the rules, to vote at the creditors’ meeting if he had had notice of it]
(b)the nominee or any person who has replaced him under section 2(4) or 4(2); and
(c)if the company is being wound up or [F22is in administration], the liquidator or administrator.
[F23(2A)Subject to this section, where a voluntary arrangement in relation to a company in energy administration is approved at the meetings summoned under section 3, an application to the court may be made—
(a)by the Secretary of State, or
(b)with the consent of the Secretary of State, by the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority,
on the ground that the voluntary arrangement is not consistent with the achievement of the objective of the energy administration.]
(3)An application under this section shall not be made[F24(a)]after the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the first day on which each of the reports required by section 4(6) has been made to the court [F25or
(b)in the case of a person who was not given notice of the creditors’ meeting, after the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the day on which he became aware that the meeting had taken place,
but (subject to that) an application made by a person within subsection (2)(aa) on the ground that the voluntary arrangement prejudices his interests may be made after the arrangement has ceased to have effect, unless it came to an end prematurely.]
(4)Where on such an application the court is satisfied as to either of the grounds mentioned in subsection (1) [F26or, in the case of an application under subsection (2A), as to the ground mentioned in that subsection], it may do one or both of the following, namely—
(a)revoke or suspend [F27any decision approving the voluntary arrangement which has effect under section 4A] or, in a case falling within subsection (1)(b), any [F28decision taken by the meeting in question which has effect under that section];
(b)give a direction to any person for the summoning of further meetings to consider any revised proposal the person who made the original proposal may make or, in the case falling within subsection (1)(b), a further company or (as the case may be) creditors’ meeting to reconsider the original proposal.
(5)Where at any time after giving a direction under subsection (4)(b) for the summoning of meetings to consider a revised proposal the court is satisfied that the person who made the original proposal does not intend to submit a revised proposal, the court shall revoke the direction and revoke or suspend any [F29decision approving the voluntary arrangement which has effect under section 4A].
(6)In a case where the court, on an application under this section with respect to any meeting—
(a)gives a direction under subsection (4)(b), or
(b)revokes or suspends an approval under subsection (4)(a) or (5),
the court may give such supplemental directions as it thinks fit and, in particular, directions with respect to things done [F30under the voluntary arrangement since it took effect].
(7)Except in pursuance of the preceding provisions of this section, [F31a decision taken] at a meeting summoned under section 3 is not invalidated by any irregularity at or in relation to the meeting.
[F32(8)In this section “in energy administration” and “objective of the energy administration” are to be construed in accordance with Schedule B1 to this Act, as applied by Part 1 of Schedule 20 to the Energy Act 2004.]
Textual Amendments
F19Words in s. 6(1)(a) substituted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 7(2); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
F20Words in s. 6(2) substituted (5.10.2004) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), ss. 159(1), 198, Sch. 20 para. 44(2); S.I. 2004/2575, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
F21S. 6(2)(aa) inserted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 7(3); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
F22Words in s. 6(2)(c) substituted (15.9.2003) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 248(3), 279, Sch. 17 para. 12 (with s. 249(1)-(3)(6)); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))
F23S. 6(2A) inserted (5.10.2004) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), ss. 159(1), 198, Sch. 20 para. 44(3); S.I. 2004/2575, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
F24In s. 6(3) “(a)" inserted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 7(4)(a); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
F25S. 6(3)(b) and words inserted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 7(4)(b); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
F26Words in s. 6(4) inserted (5.10.2004) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), ss. 159(1), 198, Sch. 20 para. 44(4); S.I. 2004/2575, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
F27Words in s. 6(4)(a) substituted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 7(5)(a); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
F28Words in s. 6(4)(a) substituted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 7(5)(b); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
F29Words in s. 6(5) substituted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 7(6); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
F30Words in s. 6(6) substituted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 7(7); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
F31Words in s. 6(7) substituted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 7(8); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
F32S. 6(8) inserted (5.10.2004) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), ss. 159(1), 198, Sch. 20 para. 44(5); S.I. 2004/2575, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C42S. 6 amended (1.12.2001) by 2000 c. 8, s. 356(2); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
S. 6 amended (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 8, s. 356(1) (as substituted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 15(3)); S.I. 2002/2711, art 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
C43S. 6 modified (1.10.2011) by Postal Services Act 2011 (c. 5), ss. 73, 93(2)(3), Sch. 10 para. 44; S.I. 2011/2329, art. 3 (with arts. 4, 5)
(1)If, for the purpose of obtaining the approval of the members or creditors of a company to a proposal for a voluntary arrangement, a person who is an officer of the company—
(a)makes any false representation, or
(b)fraudulently does, or omits to do, anything,
he commits an offence.
(2)Subsection (1) applies even if the proposal is not approved.
(3)For purposes of this section “officer” includes a shadow director.
(4)A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to imprisonment or a fine, or both.]
Textual Amendments
F33S. 6A inserted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 8; S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
(1)This section applies where a voluntary arrangement [F34has effect under section 4A].
(2)The person who is for the time being carrying out in relation to the voluntary arrangement the functions conferred—
[F35(a)on the nominee by virtue of the approval given at one or both of the meetings summoned under section 3]
(b)by virtue of section 2(4) or 4(2) on a person other than the nominee,
shall be known as the supervisor of the voluntary arrangement.
(3)If any of the company’s creditors or any other person is dissatisfied by any act, omission or decision of the supervisor, he may apply to the court; and on the application the court may—
(a)confirm, reverse or modify any act or decision of the supervisor,
(b)give him directions, or
(c)make such other order as it thinks fit.
(4)The supervisor—
(a)may apply to the court for directions in relation to any particular matter arising under the voluntary arrangement, and
(b)is included among the persons who may apply to the court for the winding up of the company or for an administration order to be made in relation to it.
(5)The court may, whenever—
(a)it is expedient to appoint a person to carry out the functions of the supervisor, and
(b)it is inexpedient, difficult or impracticable for an appointment to be made without the assistance of the court,
make an order appointing a person who is qualified to act as an insolvency practitioner [F36or authorised to act as supervisor, in relation to the voluntary arrangement], either in substitution for the existing supervisor or to fill a vacancy.
(6)The power conferred by subsection (5) is exercisable so as to increase the number of persons exercising the functions of supervisor or, where there is more than one person exercising those functions, so as to replace one or more of those persons.
Textual Amendments
F34Words in s. 7(1) substituted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 9(a); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
F35S. 7(2)(a) substituted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 9(b); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
F36Words in s. 7(5) substituted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 9(c); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2, (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C44S. 7 amended (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 8, s. 356(1) (as substituted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 15(3)); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
(1)This section applies where a moratorium under section 1A has been obtained for a company or the approval of a voluntary arrangement in relation to a company has taken effect under section 4A or paragraph 36 of Schedule A1.
(2)If it appears to the nominee or supervisor that any past or present officer of the company has been guilty of any offence in connection with the moratorium or, as the case may be, voluntary arrangement for which he is criminally liable, the nominee or supervisor shall forthwith—
(a)report the matter to the appropriate authority, and
(b)provide the appropriate authority with such information and give the authority such access to and facilities for inspecting and taking copies of documents (being information or documents in the possession or under the control of the nominee or supervisor and relating to the matter in question) as the authority requires.
In this subsection, “the appropriate authority” means—
in the case of a company registered in England and Wales, the Secretary of State, and
in the case of a company registered in Scotland, the Lord Advocate.
(3)Where a report is made to the Secretary of State under subsection (2), he may, for the purpose of investigating the matter reported to him and such other matters relating to the affairs of the company as appear to him to require investigation, exercise any of the powers which are exercisable by inspectors appointed under section 431 or 432 of the [F38the Companies Act 1985] to investigate a company’s affairs.
(4)For the purpose of such an investigation any obligation imposed on a person by any provision of the [F39the Companies Acts] to produce documents or give information to, or otherwise to assist, inspectors so appointed is to be regarded as an obligation similarly to assist the Secretary of State in his investigation.
(5)An answer given by a person to a question put to him in exercise of the powers conferred by subsection (3) may be used in evidence against him.
(6)However, in criminal proceedings in which that person is charged with an offence to which this subsection applies—
(a)no evidence relating to the answer may be adduced, and
(b)no question relating to it may be asked,
by or on behalf of the prosecution, unless evidence relating to it is adduced, or a question relating to it is asked, in the proceedings by or on behalf of that person.
(7)Subsection (6) applies to any offence other than—
(a)an offence under section 2 or 5 of the M1Perjury Act 1911 (false statements made on oath otherwise than in judicial proceedings or made otherwise than on oath), or
(b)an offence under section 44(1) or (2) of the M2Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 (false statements made on oath or otherwise than on oath).
(8)Where a prosecuting authority institutes criminal proceedings following any report under subsection (2), the nominee or supervisor, and every officer and agent of the company past and present (other than the defendant or defender), shall give the authority all assistance in connection with the prosecution which he is reasonably able to give.
For this purpose—
“agent” includes any banker or solicitor of the company and any person employed by the company as auditor, whether that person is or is not an officer of the company,
“prosecuting authority” means the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Lord Advocate or the Secretary of State.
(9)The court may, on the application of the prosecuting authority, direct any person referred to in subsection (8) to comply with that subsection if he has failed to do so.]
Textual Amendments
F37Ss. 7A, 7B inserted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 10; S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
F38Words in s. 7A(3) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009, (S.I. 2009/1941) arts. 2(1), 8, {Sch. 1 para. 71(3)(a)} (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
F39Words in s. 7A(4) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009, (S.I. 2009/1941) arts. 2(1), 8, {Sch. 1 para. 71(3)(b)} (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C45S. 7A modified (1.1.2003) by 1986 c. 53, Sch. 15A para 9A (as inserted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 14(4)); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
C46S. 7A(2) amended (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 13(1); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
Marginal Citations
For the purposes of this Part, a voluntary arrangement the approval of which has taken effect under section 4A or paragraph 36 of Schedule A1 comes to an end prematurely if, when it ceases to have effect, it has not been fully implemented in respect of all persons bound by the arrangement by virtue of section 5(2)(b)(i) or, as the case may be, paragraph 37(2)(b)(i) of Schedule A1.
Textual Amendments
F40Ss. 7A, 7B inserted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 10; S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
Textual Amendments
F41Pt. 2 (s. 8) substituted (15.9.2003) for Pt. 2 (ss. 8-27) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 248(1), 279 (with savings for special administration regimes in s. 249(1)-(3)(6) and further savings in S.I. 2003/2093, art. 3); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2)).
Pt. 2 as saved by 2002 c. 40, s. 249 or S.I. 2003/2093, art. 3 modified by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56), Sch. 3 (as amended (26.5.2015) by Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), s. 115(3)(r), Sch. 23 para. 28(4)(e)); modified (1.4.1994) by Railways Act 1993 c. 43, ss. 59-62, 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 and S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with a transitional provision in art. 7); applied (with modifications) (1.12.1997) by Building Societies Act 1986 (c. 53), Sch. 15A (as inserted by 1997 c. 32, s. 39(2), Sch. 6 para. 1(2)(a) and S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. I(i)); modified (1.2.2001) by Transport Act 2000 (c. 38), ss. 27-30, Sch. 1; modified (15.7.2003) by Greater London Authority Act 1999 (c. 29), ss. 220-223, 425(2), Sch. 14 (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)) and S.I. 2003/1920, art. 2; excluded (26.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3226, reg. 8(3)(4); applied (with modifications) and modified in part (28.11.2005) by S.I. 2005/3050, regs. 4, 14, 20, Sch. 3 paras. 1(a), 2 (with Sch. 4); applied and amended in part (30.11.2007) by S.I. 2007/3141, rules 3, 13(4), 18(1); amended (6.4.2008) by S.I. 2008/948, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 101 (with arts. 6, 11 and 12); amended in part (1.10.2009) by S.I. 2009/1941, arts. 2(1), 8, Sch. 1 para. 73(1)(2)(a)(b)(3) (with Sch. 1 para. 84); amended (1.10.2009) by S.I. 2009/1972, reg. 7(a); modified in part (26.5.2015) by Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), s. 115(3)(n), Sch. 6 para. 25; amended (31.12.2020) by S.I. 2019/146, reg. 1(3), Sch. para. 45(2) (with regs. 4, 5); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C47Pt. II as it has effect by virtue of Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), s. 249(1) or S.I. 2003/2093, art. 3(2) or (3) amended (6.4.2008) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments etc) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/948), art. 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 101 (with arts. 6, 11 and 12)
C48Pts. I, II modified by Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 (c. 46), ss. 21(2), 25
C49Pts. 1-4, 6, 7 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (6.4.2001) by Limited Liability Partnerships Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/1090), reg. 5, Schs. 3, 4 (as amended (4.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/355, art. 10 and (1.10.2005) by S.I. 2005/1989, reg. 3, Sch. 2 (with reg. 4))
C50Pts. I-VII (ss. 1-251) applied (with modifications) by S.I. 1989/1276, arts. 2, 3 (as amended (3.7.2002) by S.I. 2002/1555, art. 34)
Pt. II applied (with modifications) by S.I. 1989/1276, arts. 2, 3 (as amended (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3649, arts. 1, 398)
C51First Group of Parts (Pts. 1-7) applied (with modifications) (15.12.2006) by The Banks (Former Authorised Institutions) (Insolvency) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3107), art. 3, Sch.
C52Pt. II restricted (E.W.) by Water Act 1989 (c. 15), s. 24(b) (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)-(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)
Pt. II modified (1.4.1994) by Railways Act 1993 c. 43, ss. 59-62, 150(1)(c), Sch. 6; S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with a transitional provision in art. 7)
C53Pt. II: power to apply or incorporate conferred (6.4.2001) by Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2000 (c. 12), s. 14; S.I. 2000/3316, art. 2
Pt. II: power to apply (with modifications) conferred (20.7.2001) by Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (c. 8), s. 360; S.I. 2001/2632, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. I
Pt. II: power to apply (with modifications) conferred (15.9.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 255(2)(b), 279 (with s. 249(6)); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))
C54Pt. 2 applied (with modifications) (1.2.2011) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Administration Orders Relating to Insurers) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/3023), art. 2 Sch. (with art. 6)
C55Pt. 2 (including Sch. B1) applied (with modifications) (1.2.2011) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Administration Orders Relating to Insurers) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/3023), art. 2, Sch. (with art. 6) (as amended (1.4.2013) by S.I. 2013/472, Sch. 2 para. 195(c); and (7.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/400, regs. 1(2), 9)
Schedule B1 to this Act (which makes provision about the administration of companies) shall have effect.]
Textual Amendments
F42Pt. II (s. 8) substituted (15.9.2003) for Pt. II (ss. 8-27) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 248(1), 279 (with s. 249(1)-(3)(6)); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C56Pt. I (ss. 1-7), Pt. II (ss. 8-27) modified by Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 (c. 46, SIF 27), ss. 21(2), 25
Pt. II (ss. 8-27) modified (15.7.2003) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 223(5)(6), 224(5), 425(2) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2003/1920, art. 2(b)
C57Pts. I-VII (ss. 1-251) applied (with modifications) by S.I. 1989/1276, arts. 2, 3 (as amended (3.7.2002) by S.I. 2002/1555, art. 34)
Pt. II (ss. 8-27) applied (with modifications) by S.I. 1989/1276, arts. 2, 3 (as amended (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3649, arts. 1, 398)
Pt. II (ss. 8-27) applied (with modifications) (1.12.1997) by 1986 c. 53, Sch. 15A (as inserted by 1997 c. 32, s. 39(2), Sch. 6 para. 1(2)(a); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. I(i)
Pt. II (ss. 8-27) applied (with modifications) (31.5.2002) by S.I. 2002/1242, art. 3, Sch.
C58Pts. 1-4, 6, 7 applied to limited liability partnerships (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 5, Schs. 3, 4
C59Pt. II (ss. 8-27) restricted (E.W.) by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 24(b) (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)-(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)
Pt. II (ss. 8-27) restricted (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 62(5), 150(1)(c); S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
C60Pt. II (ss. 8-27) power to apply or incorporate conferred (6.4.2001) by 2000 c. 12, s. 14; S.I. 2000/3316, art. 2
Pt. II (ss. 8-27) power to apply (with modifications) conferred (20.7.2001) by 2000 c. 8, s. 360; S.I. 2001/2632, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. I
(1)An application to the court for an administration order shall be by petition presented either by the company or the directors, or by a creditor or creditors (including any contingent or prospective creditor or creditors), [F43or by the clerk of a magistrates’ court in the exercise of the power conferred by section 87A of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 (enforcement of fines imposed on companies)] or by all or any of those parties, together or separately.
(2)Where a petition is presented to the court—
(a)notice of the petition shall be given forthwith to any person who has appointed, or is or may be entitled to appoint, an administrative receiver of the company, and to such other persons as may be prescribed, and
(b)the petition shall not be withdrawn except with the leave of the court.
(3)Where the court is satisfied that there is an administrative receiver of the company, the court shall dismiss the petition unless it is also satisfied either—
(a)that the person by whom or on whose behalf the receiver was appointed has consented to the making of the order, or
(b)that, if an administration order were made, any security by virtue of which the receiver was appointed would—
[F44(i)be void against the administrator to any extent by virtue of the provisions of Part XII of the Companies Act 1985 (registration of company charges),]
[F44(i)(ii)]be liable to be released or discharged under sections 238 to 240 in Part VI (transactions at an undervalue and preferences),
[F44(ii)(iii)]be avoided under section 245 in that Part (avoidance of floating charges), or
[F44(iii)(iv)]be challengeable under section 242 (gratuitous alienations) or 243 (unfair preferences) in that Part, or under any rule of law in Scotland.
(4)Subject to subsection (3), on hearing a petition the court may dismiss it, or adjourn the hearing conditionally or unconditionally, or make an interim order or any other order that it thinks fit.
(5)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (4), an interim order under that subsection may restrict the exercise of any powers of the directors or of the company (whether by reference to the consent of the court or of a person qualified to act as an insolvency practitioner in relation to the company, or otherwise).
Textual Amendments
F43Words inserted (E.W.) by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), ss. 62(2)(a), 123, Sch. 8 para. 16
F44S. 9(3)(b)(i) inserted (prosp.) and the existing sub-paragraphs are renumbered (prosp.) as (ii) to (iv) by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 107, 213(2), 215(2), Sch. 16 para. 3(1)(2)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C61S. 9 extended by Financial Services Act 1986 (c. 60, SIF 69), s. 74
S. 9 extended (E.W.) by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), s. 87A (as inserted (E.W.) by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), ss. 62(1), 123, Sch. 8 para. 16)
C62S. 9 modified (1.12.2001) by 2000 c. 8, s. 359(1); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
C63S. 9(1) amended (1.4.2001) by 1999 c. 22, s. 90, Sch. 13 para. 133 (with s. 107, Sch. 14 para. 7(2)); S.I. 2001/916, art. 2(a)(ii) (with Sch. 2 para. 2)
C64S. 9(4) applied (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 60(4), 61(3), 150(1)(c); S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
S. 9(4) applied (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 30(2) (with ss. 105(2)(b), 106); S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
S. 9(4) applied (E.W) (1.12.1991) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56), ss.24(4), 223(2) (with ss. 82(3), 186(1), 222(1), Sch. 14 para. 6)
S. 9(4) applied (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 62(4), 65(5), 150(1)(c); S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
S. 9(4) applied (15.7.2003) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 221(4), 222(3), 223(4), 224(5), 425(2) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2003/1920, art. 2(b)
C65S. 9(4) extended by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 23(6) (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)-(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)
C66S. 9(5) applied (with modifictions) (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 60(4), 61(3), 65(3), 150(1)(c); S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
S. 9(5) applied (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 30(2) (with ss. 105(2)(b), 106); S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
S. 9(5) applied (E.W) (1.12.1991) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56), ss.24(4), 223(2) (with ss. 82(3), 186(1), 222(1), Sch. 14 para. 6)
S. 9(5) applied (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 62(4), 65(5), 150(1)(c); S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
S. 9(5) applied (15.7.2003) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 221(4), 222(3), 223(4), 224(5), 425(2) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2003/1920, art. 2(b)
C67S. 9(5) extended by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 23(6) (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)-(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)
(1)On the making of an administration order—
(a)any petition for the winding up of the company shall be dismissed, and
(b)any administrative receiver of the company shall vacate office.
(2)Where an administration order has been made, any receiver of part of the company’s property shall vacate office on being required to do so by the administrator.
(3)During the period for which an administration order is in force—
(a)no resolution may be passed or order made for the winding up of the company;
(b)no administrative receiver of the company may be appointed;
[F46(ba)no landlord or other person to whom rent is payable may exercise any right of forfeiture by peaceable re-entry in relation to premises let to the company in respect of a failure by the company to comply with any term or condition of its tenancy of such premises, except with the consent of the administrator or the leave of the court and subject (where the court gives leave) to such terms as the court may impose]
(c)no other steps may be taken to enforce any security over the company’s property, or to repossess goods in the company’s possession under any hire-purchase agreement, except with the consent of the administrator or the leave of the court and subject (where the court gives leave) to such terms as the court may impose; and
(d)no other proceedings and no execution or other legal process may be commenced or continued, and no distress may be levied, against the company or its property except with the consent of the administrator or the leave of the court and subject (where the court gives leave) to such terms as aforesaid.
(4)Where at any time an administrative receiver of the company has vacated office under subsection (1)(b), or a receiver of part of the company’s property has vacated office under subsection (2)—
(a)his remuneration and any expenses properly incurred by him, and
(b)any indemnity to which he is entitled out of the assets of the company.
shall be charged on and (subject to subsection (3) above) paid out of any property of the company which was in his custody or under his control at that time in priority to any security held by the person by or on whose behalf he was appointed.
(5)Neither an administrative receiver who vacates office under subsection (1)(b) nor a receiver who vacates office under subsection (2) is required on or after so vacating office to take any steps for the purpose of complying with any duty imposed on him by section 40 or 59 of this Act (duty to pay preferential creditors).
Textual Amendments
F46S. 11(3)(ba) inserted (2.4.2001) by 2000 c. 39, s. 9(3); S.I. 2001/766, art. 2(1)(b) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 3)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C75S. 11 applied (with modifications) by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 23, Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 1 (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)?(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)
Ss. 11-23, 27 applied (with modifications) (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 30, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. II)
C76Ss. 11-15 modified (E.W) (1.12.1991) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56), ss. 23(3), 223(2), Sch. 3 Pts. I, II paras. 1, 12(2) (with ss. 82(3), 186(1), 222(1), Sch. 14 para. 6)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 1; S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. II para. 12(1); S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23, 27 modified (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 215, Sch. 16 para 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (with transitional provision and saving in art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. II)
Ss. 11-23, 27 modified (15.7.2003) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 220(3), 425(2), Sch. 14 paras. 1-11, 12-19 (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2003/1920, art. 2(b)
C77S. 11(2) excluded (25.4.1991) by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40), ss. 154, 155, 175(1), 182(4), Sch. 22 para. 11(2); S.I. 1991/878, art. 2, Sch.
S. 11(2) excluded (15.8.1995) by S.I. 1995/2049, reg. 21(2)(3)
S. 11(2) excluded (11.12.1999) by S.I. 1999/2979, reg. 19(1)
C78S. 11(2) excluded by The Financial Market and Insolvency (Settlement Finality) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2979), reg. 19(1ZA) (as inserted 1.10.2009 by The Financial Markets and Insolvency (Settlement Finality) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/1972), reg. 7(a))
C79S. 11(3) excluded (25.4.1991) by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40), ss. 154, 155, 161(4), 182(4), Sch. 22 para. 5(2); S.I. 1991/878, art. 2, Sch.
C80S. 11(3)(c) excluded (25.4.1991) by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40), ss. 154, 155, 175(1)(a), 182(4), Sch. 22 para. 11(1); S.I. 1991/878, art. 2, Sch.
S. 11(3)(c) excluded (15.8.1995) by S.I. 1995/2049, reg. 21(2)(3)
S. 11(3)(c) excluded (11.12.1999) by S.I. 1999/2979, reg. 19(1)(a)
C81s. 11(3)(c) excluded by The Financial Market and Insolvency (Settlement Finality) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2979), reg. 19(1ZA) (as inserted 1.10.2009 by The Financial Markets and Insolvency (Settlement Finality) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/1972), reg. 7(a))
C82S. 11(3)(d) modified (25.4.1991) by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40), s. 182(4), Sch. 22 para. 12(4); S.I. 1991/878, art. 2, Sch.
(1)Every invoice, order for goods or business letter which, at a time when an administration order is in force in relation to a company, is issued by or on behalf of the company or the administrator, being a document on or in which the company’s name appears, shall also contain the administrator’s name and a statement that the affairs, business and property of the company are being managed by the administrator.
(2)If default is made in complying with this section, the company and any of the following persons who without reasonable excuse authorises or permits the default, namely, the administrator and any officer of the company, is liable to a fine.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C83Ss. 12-15 applied (with modifications) by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 23, Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 1 (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)-(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)
Ss. 11-23 applied (with modifications) (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 30, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 2; S.I. 2000/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
C84Ss. 11-15 modified (E.W) (1.12.1991) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56), ss. 23(3), 223(2), Sch. 3 Pts. I, II paras. 1, 12(2) (with ss. 82(3), 186(1), 222(1), Sch. 14 para. 6)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 1; S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. II para. 12(1); S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 215, Sch. 16 para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
Ss. 11-23, 27 modified (15.7.2003) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 220(3), 425(2), Sch. 14 paras. 1-11, 12-19 (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2003/1920, art. 2(b)
(1)The administrator of a company shall be appointed either by the administration order or by an order under the next subsection.
(2)If a vacancy occurs by death, resignation or otherwise in the office of the administrator, the court may by order fill the vacancy.
(3)An application for an order under subsection (2) may be made—
(a)by any continuing administrator of the company; or
(b)where there is no such administrator, by a creditors’ committee established under section 26 below; or
(c)where there is no such administrator and no such committee, by the company or the directors or by any creditor or creditors of the company.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C85Ss. 12-15 applied (with modifications) by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 23, Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 1 (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)?(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)
Ss. 11-23 applied (with modifications) (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 30, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
C86Ss. 11-15 modified (E.W) (1.12.1991) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56), ss. 23(3), 223(2), Sch. 3 Pts. I, II paras. 1, 12(2) (with ss. 82(3), 186(1), 222(1), Sch. 14 para. 6)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. I paras. 1-11; S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. II paras. 12-19; S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 215, Sch. 16 para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
Ss. 11-23, 27 modified (15.7.2003) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 220(3), 425(2), Sch. 14 paras. 1-11, 12-19 (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2003/1920, art. 2(b)
C87S. 13(3)(b) modified (18.12.1996) by 1996 c. 61, s. 19(2)(b)
(1)The administrator of a company—
(a)may do all such things as may be necessary for the management of the affairs, business and property of the company, and
(b)without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (a), has the powers specified in Schedule 1 to this Act;
and in the application of that Schedule to the administrator of a company the words “he” and “him” refer to the administrator.
(2)The administrator also has power—
(a)to remove any director of the company and to appoint any person to be a director of it, whether to fill a vacancy or otherwise, and
(b)to call any meeting of the members or creditors of the company.
(3)The administrator may apply to the court for directions in relation to any particular matter arising in connection with the carrying out of his functions.
(4)Any power conferred on the company or its officers, whether by this Act or the Companies Act or by the memorandum or articles of association, which could be exercised in such a way as to interfere with the exercise by the administrator of his powers is not exercisable except with the consent of the administrator, which may be given either generally or in relation to particular cases.
(5)In exercising his powers the administrator is deemed to act as the company’s agent.
(6)A person dealing with the administrator in good faith and for value is not concerned to inquire whether the administrator is acting within his powers.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C88Ss. 12-15 applied (with modifications) by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 23, Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 1 (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)-(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)
Ss. 11-23 applied (with modifications) (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 30, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
C89Ss. 11-15 modified (E.W.) (1.12.1991) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56), ss. 23(3), 223(2), Sch. 3 Pts. I, II paras. 1, 12(2) (with ss. 82(3), 186(1), 222(1), Sch. 14 para. 6)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 1; S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. II para. 12(1); S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 215, Sch. 16 para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
Ss. 11-23, 27 modified (15.7.2003) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 220(3), 425(2), Sch. 14 paras. 1-11, 12-19 (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2003/1920, art. 2(b)
(1)The administrator of a company may dispose of or otherwise exercise his powers in relation to any property of the company which is subject to a security to which this subsection applies as if the property were not subject to the security.
(2)Where, on an application by the administrator, the court is satisifed that the disposal (with or without other assets) of—
(a)any property of the company subject to a security to which this subsection applies, or
(b)any goods in the possession of the company under a hire-purchase agreement,
would be likely to promote the purpose or one or more of the purposes specified in the administration order, the court may by order authorise the administrator to dispose of the property as if it were not subject to the security or to dispose of the goods as if all rights of the owner under the hire-purchase agreement were vested in the company.
(3)Subsection (1) applies to any security which, as created, was a floating charge; and subsection (2) applies to any other security.
(4)Where property is disposed of under subsection (1), the holder of the security has the same priority in respect of any property of the company directly or indirectly representing the property disposed of as he would have had in respect of the property subject to the security.
(5)It shall be a condition of an order under subsection (2) that—
(a)the net proceeds of the disposal, and
(b)where those proceeds are less than such amount as may be determined by the court to be the net amount which would be realised on a sale of the property or goods in the open market by a willing vendor, such sums as may be required to make good the deficiency,
shall be applied towards discharging the sums secured by the security or payable under the hire-purchase agreement.
(6)Where a condition imposed in pursuance of subsection (5) relates to two or more securities, that condition requires the net proceeds of the disposal and, where paragraph (b) of that subsection applies, the sums mentioned in that paragraph to be applied towards discharging the sums secured by those securities in the order of their priorities.
(7)An office copy of an order under subsection (2) shall, within 14 days after the making of the order, be sent by the administrator to the registrar of companies.
(8)If the administrator without reasonable excuse fails to comply with subsection (7), he is liable to a fine and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine.
(9)References in this section to hire-purchase agreements include conditional sale agreements, chattel leasing agreements and retention of title agreements.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C90Ss. 12-15 applied (with modifications) by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 23, Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 1 (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)-(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)
Ss. 11-23 applied (with modifications) (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 30, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
C91Ss. 11-15 modified (E.W.) (1.12.1991) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56), ss. 23(3), 223(2), Sch. 3 Pts. I, II paras. 1, 12(2) (with ss. 82(3), 186(1), 222(1), Sch. 14 para. 6)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 1; S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. II para. 12(1); S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 215, Sch. 16 para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in art. Sch. 2 Pt. II)
Ss. 11-23, 27 modified (15.7.2003) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 220(3), 425(2), Sch. 14 paras. 1-11, 12-19 (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2003/1920, art. 2(b)
C92S. 15(1)(2) excluded (25.4.1991) by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40), ss. 154, 155, 175(1)(b), 182(4), Sch. 22 para. 11(3); S.I. 1991/878, art. 2, Sch.
S. 15(1)(2) excluded (15.8.1995) by S.I. 1995/2049, reg. 21(2)(3)
S. 15(1)(2) excluded (11.12.1999) S.I. 1999/2979, reg. 19(1)
(1)Where property is disposed of under section 15 in its application to Scotland, the administrator shall grant to the disponee an appropriate document of transfer or conveyance of the property, and—
(a)that document, or
(b)where any recording, intimation or registration of the document is a legal requirement for completion of title to the property, that recording, intimation or registration,
has the effect of disencumbering the property of or, as the case may be, freeing the property from the security.
(2)Where goods in the possession of the company under a hire-purchase agreement, conditional sale agreement, chattel leasing agreement or retention of title agreement are disposed of under section 15 in its application to Scotland, the disposal has the effect of extinguishing, as against the disponee, all rights of the owner of the goods under the agreement.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C93Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 1; S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. II para. 12(1); S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 215, Sch. 16 para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
Ss. 11-23, 27 modified (15.7.2003) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 220(3), 425(2), Sch. 14 paras. 1-11, 12-19 (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2003/1920, art. 2(b)
C94Ss. 11-23 applied (with modifications) (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 30, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transititonal provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
(1)The administrator of a company shall, on his appointment, take into his custody or under his control all the property to which the company is or appears to be entitled.
(2)The administrator shall manage the affairs, business and property of the company—
(a)at any time before proposals have been approved (with or without modifications) under section 24 below, in accordance with any directions given by the court, and
(b)at any time after proposals have been so approved, in accordance with those proposals as from time to time revised, whether by him or a predecessor of his.
(3)The administrator shall summon a meeting of the company’s creditors if—
(a)he is requested, in accordance with the rules, to do so by one-tenth, in value, of the company’s creditors, or
(b)he is directed to do so by the court.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C95Ss. 17-23 applied (with modifications) by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 23, Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 1 (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)-(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)
Ss. 11-23 applied (with modifications) (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 30, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
C96Ss. 17-23 modified (E.W.) (1.12.1991) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56), ss. 23(3), 223(2), Sch. 3 Pts. I, II paras. 1, 12(2) (with ss. 82(3), 186(1), 222(1), Sch. 14 para. 6).
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 1; S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. II para. 12(1); S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
S. 17 modified (18.12.1996) by 1996 c. 61, s. 19(4)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 215, Sch. 16 para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
Ss. 11-23, 27 modified (15.7.2003) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 220(3), 425(2), Sch. 14 Pt. I paras. 1-11, 12-19 (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2003/1920, art. 2(b)
(1)The administrator of a company may at any time apply to the court for the administration order to be discharged, or to be varied so as to specify an additional purpose.
(2)The administrator shall make an application under this section if—
(a)it appears to him that the purpose or each of the purposes specified in the order either has been achieved or is incapable of achievement, or
(b)he is required to do so by a meeting of the company’s creditors summoned for the purpose in accordance with the rules.
(3)On the hearing of an application under this section, the court may by order discharge or vary the administration order and make such consequential provision as it thinks fit, or adjourn the hearing conditionally or unconditionally, or make an interim order or any other order it thinks fit.
(4)Where the administration order is discharged or varied the administrator shall, within 14 days after the making of the order effecting the discharge or variation, send an office copy of that order to the registrar of companies.
(5)If the administrator without reasonable excuse fails to comply with subsection (4), he is liable to a fine and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C97Ss. 17-23 applied (with modifications) by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 23, Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 1 (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)-(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)
Ss. 11-23 applied (with modifications) (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 30, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
C98Ss. 17-23 modified (E.W.) (1.12.1991) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56), ss. 23(3), 223(2), Sch. 3 Pts. I, II paras. 1, 12(2) (with ss. 82(3), 186(1), 222(1), Sch. 14 para. 6).
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. I paras. 1-11; S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. II paras. 12-19; S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 215, Sch. 16 para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
Ss. 11-23, 27 modified (15.7.2003) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 220(3), 425(2), Sch. 14 paras. 1-11, 12-19 (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2003/1920, art. 2(b)
C99S. 18(1)(b) modified (18.12.1996) by virtue of 1996 c. 61, s. 19(2)(b)
C100S. 18(4) modified (18.12.1996) by 1996 c. 61, s. 19(5)
(1)A person who has ceased to be the administrator of a company has his release with effect from the following time, that is to say—
(a)in the case of a person who has died, the time at which notice is given to the court in accordance with the rules that he has ceased to hold office;
(b)in any other case, such time as the court may determine.
(2)Where a person has his release under this section, he is, with effect from the time specified above, discharged from all liability both in respect of acts or omissions of his in the administration and otherwise in relation to his conduct as administrator.
(3)However, nothing in this section prevents the exercise, in relation to a person who has had his release as above, of the court’s powers under section 212 in Chapter X of Part IV (summary remedy against delinquent directors, liquidators, etc.).
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C104Ss. 17-23 applied (with modifications) by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 23, Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 1 (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)-(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)
Ss. 11-23 applied (with modifications) (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 30, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
C105Ss. 17-23 modified (E.W.) (1.12.1991) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56), ss. 23(3), 223(2), Sch. 3 Pts. I, II paras. 1, 12(2) (with ss. 82(3), 186(1), 222(1), Sch. 14 para. 6)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 1; S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. II para. 12(1); S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 215, Sch. 16 para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
Ss. 11-23, 27 modified (15.7.2003) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 220(3), 425(2), Sch. 14 paras. 1-11, 12-19 (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2003/1920, art. 2(b)
(1)Where an administration order has been made, the administrator shall—
(a)forthwith send to the company and publish in the prescribed manner a notice of the order, and
(b)within 28 days after the making of the order, unless the court otherwise directs, send such a notice to all creditors of the company (so far as he is aware of their addresses).
(2)Where an administration order has been made, the administrator shall also, within 14 days after the making of the order, send an office copy of the order to the registrar of companies and to such other persons as may be prescribed.
(3)If the administrator without reasonable excuse fails to comply with this section, he is liable to a fine and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C106Ss. 17-23 applied (with modifications) by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 23, Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 1 (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)-(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)
Ss. 11-23 applied (with modifications) (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 30, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
C107Ss. 17-23 modified (E.W.) (1.12.1991) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56), ss. 23(3), 223(2), Sch. 3 Pts. I, II paras. 1, 12(2) (with ss. 82(3), 186(1), 222(1), Sch. 14 para. 6).
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 1; S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. II para. 12(1); S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 215, Sch. 16 para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
Ss. 11-23, 27 modified (15.7.2003) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 220(3), 425(2), Sch. 14 paras. 1-11, 12-19 (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2003/1920, art. 2(b)
C108S. 21(2) modified (18.12.1996) by 1996 c. 61, s. 19(5)
C109S. 21(2) applied (7.10.2001) by S.I. 2001/3352, rule 2.11(4) (with rule 1.2(3))
(1)Where an administration order has been made, the administrator shall forthwith require some or all of the persons mentioned below to make out and submit to him a statement in the prescribed form as to the affairs of the company.
(2)The statement shall be verified by affidavit by the persons required to submit it and shall show—
(a)particulars of the company’s assets, debts and liabilities;
(b)the names and addresses of its creditors;
(c)the securities held by them respectively;
(d)the dates when the securities were respectively given; and
(e)such further or other information as may be prescribed.
(3)The persons referred to in subsection (1) are—
(a)those who are or have been officers of the company;
(b)those who have taken part in the company’s formation at any time within one year before the date of the administration order;
(c)those who are in the company’s employment or have been in its employment within that year, and are in the administrator’s opinion capable of giving the information required;
(d)those who are or have been within that year officers of or in the employment of a company which is, or within that year was, an officer of the company.
In this subsection “employment” includes employment under a contract for services.
(4)Where any persons are required under this section to submit a statement of affairs to the administrator, they shall do so (subject to the next subsection) before the end of the period of 21 days beginning with the day after that on which the prescribed notice of the requirement is given to them by the administrator.
(5)The administrator, if he thinks fit, may—
(a)at any time release a person from an obligation imposed on him under subsection (1) or (2), or
(b)either when giving notice under subsection (4) or subsequently, extend the period so mentioned;
and where the administrator has refused to exercise a power conferred by this subsection, the court, if it thinks fit, may exercise it.
(6)If a person without reasonable excuse fails to comply with any obligation imposed under this section, he is liable to a fine and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C110Ss. 17-23 applied (with modifications) by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 23, Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 1 (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)-(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)
Ss. 11-23 applied (with modifications) (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 30, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
C111Ss. 17-23 modified (E.W.) (1.12.1991) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56), ss. 23(3), 223(2), Sch. 3 Pts. I, II paras. 1, 12(2) (with ss. 82(3), 186(1), 222(1), Sch. 14 para. 6).
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 1; S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. II para. 12(1); S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 215, Sch. 16 para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in art. Sch. 2 Pt. II)
Ss. 11-23, 27 modified (15.7.2003) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 220(3), 425(2), Sch. 14 paras. 1-11, 12-19 (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2003/1920, art. 2(b)
C112S. 22(5) amended (7.10.2001) by S.I. 2001/3352, rule 3.4(1) (with s. 1.2(3))
(1)Where an administration order has been made, the administrator shall, within 3 months (or such longer period as the court may allow) after the making of the order—
(a)send to the registrar of companies and (so far as he is aware of their addresses) to all creditors a statement of his proposals for achieving the purpose or purposes specified in the order, and
(b)lay a copy of the statement before a meeting of the company’s creditors summoned for the purpose on not less than 14 days’ notice.
(2)The administrator shall also, within 3 months (or such longer period as the court may allow) after the making of the order, either—
(a)send a copy of the statement (so far as he is aware of their addresses) to all members of the company, or
(b)publish in the prescribed manner a notice stating an address to which members of the company should write for copies of the statement to be sent to them free of charge.
(3)If the administrator without reasonable excuse fails to comply with this section, he is liable to a fine and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C113Ss. 17-23 applied (with modifications) by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 23, Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 1 (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)-(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)
Ss. 11-23 applied (with modifications) (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 30, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
C114Ss. 17-23 modified (E.W.) (1.12.1991) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56), ss. 23(3), 223(2), Sch. 3 Pts. I, II paras. 1, 12(2) (with ss. 82(3), 186(1), 222(1), Sch. 14 para. 6).
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. I paras. 1-11; S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43, ss. 59(3), 150(1)(c), Sch. 6 Pt. II paras. 12-19; S.I. 1994/571, art. 5 (with transitional provision in art. 7)
Ss. 11-23 modified (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 215, Sch. 16 para. 2; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)
Ss. 11-23 modified (15.7.2003) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 220(3), 425(2), Sch. 14 paras. 1-11, 12-19 (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2003/1920, art. 2(b)
C115S. 23(1)(2) modified (18.12.1996) by 1996 c. 61, s. 19(5)
(1)A meeting of creditors summoned under section 23 shall decide whether to approve the administrator’s proposals.
(2)The meeting may approve the proposals with modifications, but shall not do so unless the administrator consents to each modification.
(3)Subject as above, the meeting shall be conducted in accordance with the rules.
(4)After the conclusion of the meeting in accordance with the rules, the administrator shall report the result of the meeting to the court and shall give notice of that result to the registrar of companies and to such persons as may be prescribed.
(5)If a report is given to the court under subsection (4) that the meeting has declined to approve the administrator’s proposals (with or without modifications), the court may by order discharge the administration order and make such consequential provision as it thinks fit, or adjourn the hearing conditionally or unconditionally, or make an interim order or any other order that it thinks fit.
(6)Where the administration order is discharged, the administrator shall, within 14 days after the making of the order effecting the discharge, send an office copy of that order to the registrar of companies.
(7)If the administrator without reasonable excuse fails to comply with subsection (6), he is liable to a fine and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C116S. 24(6) modified (12.5.2011) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/1265), arts. 1(2), 6(2)
(1)This section applies where—
(a)proposals have been approved (with or without modifications) under section 24, and
(b)the administrator proposes to make revisions of those proposals which appear to him substantial.
(2)The administrator shall—
(a)send to all creditors of the company (so far as he is aware of their addresses) a statement in the prescribed form of his proposed revisions, and
(b)lay a copy of the statement before a meeting of the company’s creditors summoned for the purpose on not less than 14 days’ notice;
and he shall not make the proposed revisions unless they are approved by the meeting.
(3)The administrator shall also either—
(a)send a copy of the statement (so far as he is aware of their addresses) to all members of the company, or
(b)publish in the prescribed manner a notice stating an address to which members of the company should write for copies of the statement to be sent to them free of charge.
(4)The meeting of creditors may approve the proposed revisions with modifications, but shall not do so unless the administrator consents to each modification.
(5)Subject as above, the meeting shall be conducted in accordance with the rules.
(6)After the conclusion of the meeting in accordance with the rules, the administrator shall give notice of the result of the meeting to the registrar of companies and to such persons as may be prescribed.
(1)Where a meeting of creditors summoned under section 23 has approved the administrator’s proposals (with or without modifications), the meeting may, if it thinks fit, establish a committee (“the creditors’ committee”) to exercise the functions conferred on it by or under this Act.
(2)If such a committee is established, the committee may, on giving not less than 7 days’ notice, require the administrator to attend before it at any reasonable time and furnish it with such information relating to the carrying out of his functions as it may reasonably require.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C117S. 26 amended (1.12.2001) by 2000 c. 8, s. 362(5)(b); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C123Pts. I-VII (ss. 1-251) applied (with modifications) by S.I. 1989/1276, arts. 2, 3
Pt. 3 applied (with modifications) (4.4.2006) by The Cross-Border Insolvency Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1030), reg. 3
C124Pt. III (ss. 28-72) extended by S.I. 1989/638, regs. 19(1), 21
C125First Group of Parts (Pts. 1-7) applied (with modifications) (15.12.2006) by The Banks (Former Authorised Institutions) (Insolvency) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3107), art. 3, Sch. (as amended (1.4.2013) by S.I. 2013/472, art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 117; and (13.3.2018) by S.I. 2018/208, regs. 1(3), 11
C126Pt. III: power to apply or incorporate conferred (6.4.2001) by 2000 c. 12, s. 14; S.I. 2000/3316, art. 2
C127Pts. 1-4, 6, 7 applied to limited liability partnerships (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 5, Schs. 3, 4 (as amended (4.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/355, art. 10 and (1.10.2005) by S.I. 2005/1989, reg. 3, Sch. 2 (with reg. 4))
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C128Pt. III Chapter 1 (ss. 28-49) applied (with modifications) (1.12.1997) by 1986 c. 53, Sch. 15A (as inserted by 1997 c. 32, s. 39(2), Sch. 6 para. 1(2)(a); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. I(i))
(1)In this Chapter “company” means a company registered under the Companies Act 2006 in England and Wales or Scotland.
(2)This Chapter does not apply to receivers appointed under Chapter 2 of this Part (Scotland).]
Textual Amendments
F53S. 28 substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009, (S.I. 2009/1941) arts. 2(1), 8, {Sch. 1 para. 74(2)} (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
(1)It is hereby declared that, except where the context otherwise requires—
(a)any reference in F54. . . this Act to a receiver or manager of the property of a company, or to a receiver of it, includes a receiver or manager, or (as the case may be) a receiver of part only of that property and a receiver only of the income arising from the property or from part of it; and
(b)any reference in F54. . . this Act to the appointment of a receiver or manager under powers contained in an instrument includes an appointment made under powers which, by virtue of any enactment, are implied in and have effect as if contained in an instrument.
(2)In this Chapter “administrative receiver” means—
(a)a receiver or manager of the whole (or substantially the whole) of a company’s property appointed by or on behalf of the holders of any debentures of the company secured by a charge which, as created, was a floating charge, or by such a charge and one or more other securities; or
(b)a person who would be such a receiver or manager but for the appointment of some other person as the receiver of part of the company’s property.
Textual Amendments
F54Words in s. 29(1)(a)(b) omitted (1.10.2009) by virtue of The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009, (S.I. 2009/1941) arts. 2(1), 8, {Sch. 1 para. 74(3)} (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
A body corporate is not qualified for appointment as receiver of the property of a company, and any body corporate which acts as such a receiver is liable to a fine.
(1)A person commits an offence if he acts as receiver or manager of the property of a company on behalf of debenture holders while—
(a)he is an undischarged bankrupt,
[F57(aa)a moratorium period under a debt relief order applies in relation to him,] or
(b)a bankruptcy restrictions order [F58or a debt relief restrictions order] is in force in respect of him.
(2)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) shall be liable to imprisonment, a fine or both.
(3)This section does not apply to a receiver or manager acting under an appointment made by the court.]
Textual Amendments
F55S. 31: words in heading inserted (24.2.2009 for certain purposes otherwise 6.4.2009) by Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (c. 15), ss. 108(3), 148(5), Sch. 20 para. 2(2); S.I. 2009/382, art. 2
F56S. 31 substituted (1.4.2004) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 257(3), 278, Sch. 21 para. 1 (with s. 249(6)); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))
F57S. 31(1)(aa) inserted (24.2.2009 for certain purposes otherwise 6.4.2009) by Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (c. 15), ss. 108(3), 148(5), Sch. 20 para. 2(1)(a); S.I. 2009/382, art. 2
F58Words in s. 31(1)(b) inserted (24.2.2009 for certain purposes otherwise 6.4.2009) by Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (c. 15), ss. 108(3), 148(5), Sch. 20 para. 2(1)(b); S.I. 2009/382, art. 2
Where application is made to the court to appoint a receiver on behalf of the debenture holders or other creditors of a company which is being wound up by the court, the official receiver may be appointed.
(1)The appointment of a person as a receiver or manager of a company’s property under powers contained in an instrument—
(a)is of no effect unless it is accepted by that person before the end of the business day next following that on which the instrument of appointment is received by him or on his behalf, and
(b)subject to this, is deemed to be made at the time at which the instrument of appointment is so received.
(2)This section applies to the appointment of two or more persons as joint receivers or managers of a company’s property under powers contained in an instrument, subject to such modifications as may be prescribed by the rules.
Where the appointment of a person as the receiver or manager of a company’s property under powers contained in an instrument is discovered to be invalid (whether by virtue of the invalidity of the instrument or otherwise), the court may order the person by whom or on whose behalf the appointment was made to indemnify the person appointed against any liability which arises solely by reason of the invalidity of the appointment.
(1)A receiver or manager of the property of a company appointed under powers contained in an instrument, or the persons by whom or on whose behalf a receiver or manager has been so appointed, may apply to the court for directions in relation to any particular matter arising in connection with the performance of the functions of the receiver or manager.
(2)On such an application, the court may give such directions, or may make such order declaring the rights of persons before the court or otherwise, as it thinks just.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C129S. 35 amended (1.12.2001) by 2000 c. 8, s. 363(2); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
(1)The court may, on an application made by the liquidator of a company, by order fix the amount to be paid by way of remuneration to a person who, under powers contained in an instrument, has been appointed receiver or manager of the company’s property.
(2)The court’s power under subsection (1), where no previous order has been made with respect thereto under the subsection—
(a)extends to fixing the remuneration for any period before the making of the order or the application for it,
(b)is exercisable notwithstanding that the receiver or manager has died or ceased to act before the making of the order or the application, and
(c)where the receiver or manager has been paid or has retained for his remuneration for any period before the making of the order any amount in excess of that so fixed for that period, extends to requiring him or his personal representatives to account for the excess or such part of it as may be specified in the order.
But the power conferred by pararaph (c) shall not be exercised as respects any period before the making of the application for the order under this section, unless in the court’s opinion there are special circumstances making it proper for the power to be exercised.
(3)The court may from time to time on an application made either by the liquidator or by the receiver or manager, vary or amend an order made under subsection (1).
(1)A receiver or manager appointed under powers contained in an instrument (other than an administrative receiver) is, to the same extent as if he had been appointed by order of the court—
(a)personally liable on any contract entered into by him in the performance of his functions (except in so far as the contract otherwise provides) and on any contract of employment adopted by him in the performance of those functions, and
(b)entitled in respect of that liability to indemnity out of the assets.
(2)For the purposes of subsection (1)(a), the receiver or manager is not to be taken to have adopted a contract of employment by reason of anything done or omitted to be done with 14 days after his appointment.
(3)Subsection (1) does not limit any right to indemnity which the receiver or manager would have apart from it, nor limit his liability on contracts entered into without authority, nor confer any right to indemnity in respect of that liability.
(4)Where at any time the receiver or manager so appointed vacates office—
(a)his remuneration and any expenses properly incurred by him, and
(b)any indemnity to which he is entitled out of the assets of the company,
shall be charged on and paid out of any property of the company which is in his custody or under his control at that time in priority to any charge or other security held by the person by or on whose behalf he was appointed.
(1)Except in the case of an adminstrative receiver, every receiver or manager of a company’s property who has been appointed under powers contained in an instrument shall deliver to the registrar of companies for registration the requisite accounts of his receipts and payments.
(2)The accounts shall be delivered within one month (or such longer period as the registrar may allow) after the expiration of 12 months from the date of his appointment and of every subsequent period of 6 months, and also within one month after he ceases to act as receiver or manager.
(3)The requisite accounts shall be an abstract in the prescribed form showing—
(a)receipts and payments during the relevant period of 12 or 6 months, or
(b)where the receiver or manager ceases to act, receipts and payments during the period from the end of the period of 12 or 6 months to which the last preceding abstract related (or, if no preceding abstract has been delivered under this section, from the date of his appointment) up to the date of his so ceasing, and the aggregate amount of receipts and payments during all preceding periods since his appointment.
(4)In this section “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by statutory instrument by the Secretary of State.
(5)A receiver or manager who makes default in complying with this section is liable to a fine and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine.
[F59(1)Where a receiver or manager of the property of a company has been appointed—
(a)every invoice, order for goods or services, business letter or order form (whether in hard copy, electronic or any other form) issued by or on behalf of the company or the receiver or manager or the liquidator of the company; and
(b)all the company's websites,
must contain a statement that a receiver or manager has been appointed.]
(2)If default is made in complying with this section, the company and any of the following persons, who knowingly and wilfully authorises or permits the default, namely, any officer of the company, any liquidator of the company and any receiver or manager, is liable to a fine.
Textual Amendments
F59S. 39(1) substituted (1.10.2008) by The Companies (Trading Disclosures) (Insolvency) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1897), reg. 2(1)
(1)The following applies in the case of a company, where a receiver is appointed on behalf of the holders of any debentures of the company secured by a charge which, as created, was a floating charge.
(2)If the company is not at the time in course of being wound up, its preferential debts (within the meaning given to that expression by section 386 in Part XII) shall be paid out of the assets coming to the hands of the receiver in priority to any claims for principal or interest in respect of the debentures.
(3)Payments made under this section shall be recouped, as far as may be, out of the assets of the company available for payment of general creditors.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C130S. 40 excluded (6.3.2008) by The Regulated Covered Bonds Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/346), reg. 46, Sch. para. 2(1)
C131S. 40 applied (11.12.1999) by The Financial Market and Insolvency (Settlement Finality) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2979), reg. 14(5)(a)(iii) (as substituted (1.10.2009) by The Financial Markets and Insolvency (Settlement Finality) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/1972), reg. 4(d)(iii))
C132S. 40 excluded by S.I. 2003/3226, reg. 10(2A) (as inserted (6.4.2011) by The Financial Markets and Insolvency (Settlement Finality and Financial Collateral Arrangements) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2993), reg. 4(8)(a))
(1)If a receiver or manager of a company’s property—
(a)having made default in filing, delivering or making any return, account or other document, or in giving any notice, which a receiver or manager is by law required to file, deliver, make or give, fails to make good the default within 14 days after the service on him of a notice requiring him to do so, or
(b)having been appointed under powers contained in an instrument, has, after being required at any time by the liquidator of the company to do so, failed to render proper accounts of his receipts and payments and to vouch them and pay over to the liquidator the amount properly payable to him,
the court may, on an application made for the purpose, make an order directing the receiver or manager (as the case may be) to make good the default within such time as may be specified in the order.
(2)In the case of the default mentioned in subsection (1)(a), application to the court may be made by any member or creditor of the company or by the registrar of companies; and in the case of the default mentioned in subsection (1)(b), the application shall be made by the liquidator.
In either case the court’s order may provide that all costs of and incidental to the application shall be borne by the receiver or manager, as the case may be.
(3)Nothing in this section prejudices the operation of any enactment imposing penalties on receivers in respect of any such default as is mentioned in subsection (1).
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C133S. 41(1)(a) amended (1.12.2001) by 2000 c. 8, s. 363(3); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
(1)The powers conferred on the administrative receiver of a company by the debentures by virtue of which he was appointed are deemed to include (except in so far as they are inconsistent with any of the provisions of those debentures) the powers specified in Schedule 1 to this Act.
(2)In the application of Schedule 1 to the administrative receiver of a company—
(a)the words “he” and “him” refer to the administrative receiver, and
(b)references to the property of the company are to the property of which he is or, but for the appointment of some other person as the receiver of part of the company’s property, would be the receiver or manager.
(3)A person dealing with the administrative receiver in good faith and for value is not concerned to inquire whether the receiver is acting within his powers.
(1)Where, on an application by the administrative receiver, the court is satisfied that the disposal (with or without other assets) of any relevant property which is subject to a security would be likely to promote a more advantageous realisation of the company’s assets than would otherwise be effected, the court may by order authorise the administrative receiver to dispose of the property as if it were not subject to the security.
(2)Subsection (1) does not apply in the case of any security held by the person by or on whose behalf the administrative receiver was appointed, or of any security to which a security so held has priority.
(3)It shall be a condition of an order under this section that—
(a)the net proceeds of the disposal, and
(b)where those proceeds are less than such amount as may be determined by the court to be the net amount which would be realised on a sale of the property in the open market by a willing vendor, such sums as may be required to make good the deficiency,
shall be applied towards discharging the sums secured by the security.
(4)Where a condition imposed in pursuance of subsection (3) relates to two or more securities, that condition shall require the net proceeds of the disposal and, where paragraph (b) of that subsection applies, the sums mentioned in that paragraph to be applied towards discharging the sums secured by those securities in the order of their priorities.
(5)[F60A copy] of an order under this section shall, within 14 days of the making of the order, be sent by the administrative receiver to the registrar of companies.
(6)If the administrative receiver without reasonable excuse fails to comply with subsection (5), he is liable to a fine and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine.
(7)In this section “relevant property”, in relation to the administrative receiver, means the property of which he is or, but for the appointment of some other person as the receiver of part of the company’s property, would be the receiver or manager.
Textual Amendments
F60Words in s. 43(5) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009, (S.I. 2009/1941) arts. 2(1), 8, {Sch. 1 para. 74(4)} (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C134S. 43 excluded (6.3.2008) by The Regulated Covered Bonds Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/346), reg. 46, Sch. para. 2(1)
C135S. 43 excluded (25.4.1991) by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40), ss. 154, 155, 175(3)(a); S.I. 1991/878, art. 2, Sch. .
S. 43 excluded (15.8.1995) by S.I. 1995/2049, reg. 21(4)(a)
(1)The administrative receiver of a company—
(a)is deemed to be the company’s agent, unless and until the company goes into liquidation;
(b)is personally liable on any contract entered into by him in the carrying out of his functions (except in so far as the contract otherwise provides) and [F61, to the extent of any qualifying liability,]on any contract of employment adopted by him in the carrying out of those functions; and
(c)is entitled in respect of that liability to an indemnity out of the assets of the company.
(2)For the purposes of subsection (1)(b) the administrative receiver is not to be taken to have adopted a contract of employment by reason of anything done or omitted to be done within 14 days after his appointment.
[F62(2A)For the purposes of subsection (1)(b), a liability under a contract of employment is a qualifying liability if—
(a)it is a liability to pay a sum by way of wages or salary or contribution to an occupational pension scheme,
(b)it is incurred while the administrative receiver is in office, and
(c)it is in respect of services rendered wholly or partly after the adoption of the contract.
(2B)Where a sum payable in respect of a liability which is a qualifying liability for the purposes of subsection (1)(b) is payable in respect of services rendered partly before and partly after the adoption of the contract, liability under subsection (1)(b) shall only extend to so much of the sum as is payable in respect of services rendered after the adoption of the contract.
(2C)For the purposes of subsections (2A) and (2B)—
(a)wages or salary payable in respect of a period of holiday or absence from work through sickness or other good cause are deemed to be wages or (as the case may be) salary in respect of services rendered in that period, and
(b)a sum payable in lieu of holiday is deemed to be wages or (as the case may be) salary in respect of services rendered in the period by reference to which the holiday entitlement arose.
(2D)In subsection (2C)(a), the reference to wages or salary payable in respect of a period of holiday includes any sums which, if they had been paid, would have been treated for the purposes of the enactments relating to social security as earnings in respect of that period.]
(3)This section does not limit any right to indemnity which the administrative receiver would have apart from it, nor limit his liability on contracts entered into or adopted without authority, nor confer any right to indemnity in respect of that liability.
Textual Amendments
F61Words in s. 44(1)(b) inserted (24.3.1994 with effect in relation to contracts of employment adopted on or after 15.3.1994) by 1994 c. 7, s. 2(2)(4)
F62S. 44(2A)-(2D) inserted (24.3.1994 with effect in relation to contracts of employment adopted on or after 15.3.1994) by 1994 c. 7, s. 2(3)(4)
(1)An administrative receiver of a company may at any time be removed from office by order of the court (but not otherwise) and may resign his office by giving notice of his resignation in the prescribed manner to such persons as may be prescribed.
(2)An administrative receiver shall vacate office if he ceases to be qualified to act as an insolvency practitioner in relation to the company.
(3)Where at any time an administrative receiver vacates office—
(a)his remuneration and any expenses properly incurred by him, and
(b)any indemnity to which he is entitled out of the assets of the company,
shall be charged on and paid out of any property of the company which is in his custody or under his control at that time in priority to any security held by the person by or on whose behalf he was appointed.
(4)Where an administrative receiver vacates office otherwise than by death, he shall, within 14 days after his vacation of office, send a notice to that effect to the registrar of companies.
(5)If an administrative receiver without reasonable excuse fails to comply with subsection (4), he is liable to a fine [F63and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine].
Textual Amendments
F63Words repealed (prosp.) by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 107, 212, 213(2), 215(2), Sch. 16 para. 3(3), Sch. 24
(1)Where an administrative receiver is appointed, he shall—
(a)forthwith send to the company and publish in the prescribed manner a notice of his appointment, and
(b)within 28 days after his appointment, unless the court otherwise directs, send such a notice to all the creditors of the company (so far as he is aware of their addresses).
(2)This section and the next do not apply in relation to the appointment of an administrative receiver to act—
(a)with an existing administrative receiver, or
(b)in place of an administrative receiver dying or ceasing to act,
except that, where they apply to an administrative receiver who dies or ceases to act before they have been fully complied with, the references in this section and the next to the administrative receiver include (subject to the next subsection) his successor and any continuing administrative receiver.
(3)If the company is being wound up, this section and the next apply notwithstanding that the administrative receiver and the liquidator are the same person, but with any necessary modifications arising from that fact.
(4)If the administrative receiver without reasonable excuse fails to comply with this section, he is liable to a fine and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine.
(1)Where an administrative receiver is appointed, he shall forthwith require some or all of the persons mentioned below to make out and submit to him a statement in the prescribed form as to the affairs of the company.
(2)A statement submitted under this section shall be verified by [F64a statement of truth] by the persons required to submit it and shall show—
(a)particulars of the company’s assets, debts and liabilities;
(b)the names and addresses of its creditors;
(c)the securities held by them respectively;
(d)the dates when the securities were respectively given; and
(e)such further or other information as may be prescribed.
(3)The persons referred to in subsection (1) are—
(a)those who are or have been officers of the company;
(b)those who have taken part in the company’s formation at any time within one year before the date of the appointment of the administrative receiver;
(c)those who are in the company’s employment, or have been in its employment within that year, and are in the administrative receiver’s opinion capable of giving the information required;
(d)those who are or have been within that year officers of or in the employment of a company which is, or within that year was, an officer of the company.
In this subsection “employment” includes employment under a contract for services.
(4)Where any persons are required under this section to submit a statement of affairs to the administrative receiver, they shall do so (subject to the next subsection) before the end of the period of 21 days beginning with the day after that on which the prescribed notice of the requirement is given to them by the administrative receiver.
(5)The administrative receiver, if he thinks fit, may—
(a)at any time release a person from an obligation imposed on him under subsection (1) or (2), or
(b)either when giving notice under subsection (4) or subsequently, extend the period so mentioned;
and where the administrative receiver has refused to exercise a power conferred by this subsection, the court, if it thinks fit, may exercise it.
(6)If a person without reasonable excuse fails to comply with any obligation imposed under this section, he is liable to a fine and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine.
Textual Amendments
F64Words in s. 47(2) substituted (6.4.2010) by The Legislative Reform (Insolvency) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/18), art. 5(1)
(1)Where an administrative receiver is appointed, he shall, within 3 months (or such longer period as the court may allow) after his appointment, send to the registrar of companies, to any trustees for secured creditors of the company and (so far as he is aware of their addresses) to all such creditors a report as to the following matters, namely—
(a)the events leading up to his appointment, so far as he is aware of them;
(b)the disposal or proposed disposal by him of any property of the company and the carrying on or proposed carrying on by him of any business of the company;
(c)the amounts of principal and interest payable to the debenture holders by whom or on whose behalf he was appointed and the amounts payable to preferential creditors; and
(d)the amount (if any) likely to be available for the payment of other creditors.
(2)The administrative receiver shall also, within 3 months (or such longer period as the court may allow) after his appointment, either—
(a)send a copy of the report (so far as he is aware of their addresses) to all unsecured creditors of the company; or
(b)publish in the prescribed manner a notice stating an address to which unsecured creditors of the company should write for copies of the report to be sent to them free of charge,
and (in either case), unless the court otherwise directs, lay a copy of the report before a meeting of the company’s unsecured creditors summoned for the purpose on not less than 14 days’ notice.
(3)The court shall not give a direction under subsection (2) unless—
(a)the report states the intention of the administrative receiver to apply for the direction, and
(b)a copy of the report is sent to the persons mentioned in paragraph (a) of that subsection, or a notice is published as mentioned in paragraph (b) of that subsection, not less than 14 days before the hearing of the application.
(4)Where the company has gone or goes into liquidation, the administrative receiver—
(a)shall, within 7 days after his compliance with subsection (1) or, if later, the nomination or appointment of the liquidator, send a copy of the report to the liquidator, and
(b)where he does so within the time limited for compliance with subsection (2), is not required to comply with that subsection.
(5)A report under this section shall include a summary of the statement of affairs made out and submitted to the administrative receiver under section 47 and of his comments (if any) upon it.
(6)Nothing in this section is to be taken as requiring any such report to include any information the disclosure of which would seriously prejudice the carrying out by the administrative receiver of his functions.
(7)Section 46(2) applies for the purposes of this section also.
(8)If the administrative receiver without reasonable excuse fails to comply with this section, he is liable to a fine and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C136S. 48(1) amended (1.12.2001) by 2000 c. 8, s. 363(4); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
(1)Where a meeting of creditors is summoned under section 48, the meeting may, if it thinks fit, establish a committee (“the creditors’ committee”) to exercise the functions conferred on it by or under this Act.
(2)If such a committee is established, the committee may, on giving not less than 7 days’ notice, require the administrative receiver to attend before it at any reasonable time and furnish it with such information relating to the carrying out by him of his functions as it may reasonably require.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C137S. 49 amended (1.12.2001) by 2000 c. 8, s. 363(5)(b); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
This Chapter extends to Scotland only.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C138Ss. 50-52 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
(1)It is competent under the law of Scotland for the holder of a floating charge over all or any part of the property (including uncalled capital), which may from time to time be comprised in the property and undertaking of an incorporated company (whether [F65a company registered under the Companies Act 2006] or not)
[F66(a)which the Court of Session has jurisdiction to wind up; or
(b)where paragraph (a) does not apply, in respect of which a court of a member state other than the United Kingdom has under the EU Regulation jurisdiction to open insolvency proceedings,
to appoint a receiver of such part of the property of the company as is subject to the charge.]
(2)It is competent under the law of Scotland for the court, on the application of the holder of such a floating charge, to appoint a receiver of such part of the property of the company as is subject to the charge.
[F67(2ZA)But, in relation to a company mentioned in subsection (1)(b), a receiver may be appointed under subsection (1) or (2) only in respect of property situated in Scotland.]
[F68(2A)Subsections (1) and (2) are subject to section 72A.]
(3)The following are disqualified from being appointed as receiver—
(a)a body corporate;
(b)an undischarged bankrupt; and
[F69(ba)a person subject to a bankruptcy restrictions order;]
(c)a firm according to the law of Scotland.
(4)A body corporate or a firm according to the law of Scotland which acts as a receiver is liable to a fine.
(5)An undischarged bankrupt [F70or a person subject to a bankruptcy restrictions order] who so acts is liable to imprisonment or a fine, or both.
(6)In this section, “receiver” includes joint receivers [F71; and
“bankruptcy restrictions order” means—
a bankruptcy restrictions order made under section 56A of the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 66);
a bankruptcy restrictions undertaking entered into under section 56G of that Act;
a bankruptcy restrictions order made under paragraph 1 of Schedule 4A to this Act; or
a bankruptcy restrictions undertaking entered into under paragraph 7 of that Schedule.
[F72“the EU Regulation” is the Regulation of the Council of the European Union published as Council Regulation (EC) No. 1346/2000 on insolvency proceedings F73;
“court” is to be construed in accordance with Article 2(d) of the EU Regulation;
“insolvency proceedings” is to be construed in accordance with Article 2(a) of the EU Regulation.]]
Textual Amendments
F65Words in s. 51(1) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009, (S.I. 2009/1941) arts. 2(1), 8, {Sch. 1 para. 74(5)} (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
F66Words in s. 51(1) substituted (17.3.2011) by The Insolvency Act 1986 Amendment (Appointment of Receivers) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/140), reg. 2(a)
F67S. 51(2ZA) inserted (17.3.2011) by The Insolvency Act 1986 Amendment (Appointment of Receivers) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/140), reg. 2(b)
F68S. 51(2A) inserted (15.9.2003) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 248(3), 279, Sch. 17 para. 13 (with s. 249(1)-(3)(6)); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))
F69S. 51(3)(ba) inserted (1.4.2008) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 3(2), 227(3) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2008/115, art. 3(1)(a) (with arts. 5, 6, 10); as amended by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5
F70Words in s. 51(5) inserted (1.4.2008) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 3(3), 227(3) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2008/115, art. 3(1)(a) (with arts. 5, 6, 10); as amended by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5
F71Words in s. 51(6) inserted (1.4.2008) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 3(4), 227(3) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2008/115, art. 3(1)(a) (with arts. 5, 6, 10); as amended by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5
F72Words in s. 51(6) inserted (17.3.2011) by The Insolvency Act 1986 Amendment (Appointment of Receivers) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/140), reg. 2(c)
F73O.J. L 160, 30.6.2000, p.1.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C139Ss. 50-52 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
(1)A receiver may be appointed under section 51(1) by the holder of the floating charge on the occurrence of any event which, by the provisions of the instrument creating the charge, entitles the holder of the charge to make that appointment and, in so far as not otherwise provided for by the instrument, on the occurrence of any of the following events, namely—
(a)the expiry of a period of 21 days after the making of a demand for payment of the whole or any part of the principal sum secured by the charge, without payment having been made;
(b)the expiry of a period of 2 months during the whole of which interest due and payable under the charge has been in arrears;
(c)the making of an order or the passing of a resolution to wind up the company;
(d)the appointment of a receiver by virtue of any other floating charge created by the company.
(2)A receiver may be appointed by the court under section 51(2) on the occurrence of any event which, by the provisions of the instrument creating the floating charge, entitles the holder of the charge to make that appointment and, in so far as not otherwise provided for by the instrument, on the occurrence of any of the following events, namely—
(a)where the court, on the application of the holder of the charge, pronounces itself satisfied that the position of the holder of the charge is likely to be prejudiced if no such appointment is made;
(b)any of the events referred to in paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (1).
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C140Ss. 50-52 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
(1)The appointment of a receiver by the holder of the floating charge under section 51(1) shall be by means of [F74an instrument subscribed in accordance with the Requirements of Writing (Scotland) Act 1995] (“the instrument of appointment”), a copy (certified in the prescribed manner to be a correct copy) whereof shall be delivered by or on behalf of the person making the appointment to the registrar of companies for registration within 7 days of its execution and shall be accompanied by a notice in the prescribed form.
(2)If any person without reasonable excuse makes default in complying with the requirements of subsection (1), he is liable to a fine [F75and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine].
F76(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[F77(4)If the receiver is to be appointed by the holders of a series of secured debentures, the instrument of appointment may be executed on behalf of the holders of the floating charge by any person authorised by resolution of the debenture-holders to execute the instrument.]
(5)On receipt of the certified copy of the instrument of appointment in accordance with subsection (1), the registrar shall, on payment of the prescribed fee, enter the particulars of the appointment in the register of charges.
(6)The appointment of a person as a receiver by an instrument of appointment in accordance with subsection (1)—
(a)is of no effect unless it is accepted by that person before the end of the business day next following that on which the instrument of appointment is received by him or on his behalf, and
(b)subject to paragraph (a), is deemed to be made on the day on and at the time at which the instrument of appointment is so received, as evidenced by a written docquet by that person or on his behalf;
and this subsection applies to the appointment of joint receivers subject to such modifications as may be prescribed.
(7)On the appointment of a receiver under this section, the floating charge by virtue of which he was appointed attaches to the property then subject to the charge; and such attachment has effect as if the charge was a fixed security over the property to which it has attached.
Textual Amendments
F74Words in s. 53(1) substituted (1.8.1995) by 1995 c. 7, ss. 14(1), 15(2), Sch. 4 para. 58(a) (with ss. 9(3)(5)(7), 13, 14(3), Sch. 2 para. 3(2))
F75Words repealed (prosp.) by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 107, 212, 213(2), 215(2), Sch. 16 para. 3(3), Sch. 24
F76S. 53(3) repealed by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 35, Sch. 9
F77S. 53(4) substituted (1.8.1995) by 1995 c. 7, ss. 14(1), 15(2), Sch. 4 para. 58(b) (with ss. 9(3)(5)(7), 13, 14(3), Sch. 2 para. 3(2))
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C141S. 53(1) amended (1.7.1999) by 1998 c. 46, s. 125, Sch. 8 para. 23(2)(3); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 2
C142S. 53(1)(2)(4)(6)(7) applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4, Sch. 2
C143S. 53(6) modified by S.I. 1986/1917, reg. 5
(1)Application for the appointment of a receiver by the court under section 51(2) shall be by petition to the court, which shall be served on the company.
(2)On such an application, the court shall, if it thinks fit, issue an interlocutor making the appointment of the receiver.
(3)A copy (certified by the clerk of the court to be a correct copy) of the court’s interlocutor making the appointment shall be delivered by or on behalf of the petitioner to the registrar of companies for registration, accompanied by a notice in the prescribed form, within 7 days of the date of the interlocutor or much longer period as the court may allow.
If any person without reasonable excuse makes default in complying with the requirements of this subsection, he is liable to a fine [F78and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine].
(4)On receipt of the certified copy interlocutor in accordance with subsection (3), the registrar shall, on payment of the prescribed fee, enter the particulars of the appointment in the register of charges.
(5)The receiver is to be regarded as having been appointed on the date of his being appointed by the court.
(6)On the appointment of a receiver under this section, the floating charge by virtue of which he was appointed attaches to the property then subject to the charge; and such attachment has effect as if the charge were a fixed security over the property to which it has attached.
(7)In making rules of court for the purposes of this section, the Court of Session shall have regard to the need for special provision for cases which appear to the court to require to be dealt with as a matter of urgency.
Textual Amendments
F78Words repealed (prosp.) by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), ss. 107, 212, 213(2), 215(2), Sch. 16 para. 3(3), Sch. 24
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C144S. 54(1)(2)(3)(5)(6)(7) applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
C145S. 54(3) amended (1.7.1999) by 1998 c. 46, s. 125, Sch. 8 para. 23(2)(3); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 2
(1)Subject to the next subsection, a receiver has in relation to such part of the property of the company as is attached by the floating charge by virtue of which he was appointed, the powers, if any, given to him by the instrument creating that charge.
(2)In addition, the receiver has under this Chapter the powers as respects that property (in so far as these are not inconsistent with any provision contained in that instrument) which are specified in Schedule 2 to this Act.
(3)Subsections (1) and (2) apply—
(a)subject to the rights of any person who has effectually executed diligence on all or any part of the property of the company prior to the appointment of the receiver, and
(b)subject to the rights of any person who holds over all or any part of the property of the company a fixed security or floating charge having priority, over, or ranking pari passu with, the floating charge by virtue of which the receiver was appointed.
(4)A person dealing with a receiver in good faith and for value is not concerned to enquire whether the receiver is acting within his powers.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C146Ss. 55-58 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
(1)Where there are two or more floating charges subsisting over all or any part of the property of the company, a receiver may be appointed under this Chapter by virtue of each such charge; but a receiver appointed by, or on the application of, the holder of a floating charge having priority of ranking over any other floating charge by virtue of which a receiver has been appointed has the powers given to a receiver by section 55 and Schedule 2 to the exclusion of any other receiver.
(2)Where two or more floating charges rank with one another equally, and two or more receivers have been appointed by virtue of such charges, the receivers so appointed are deemed to have been appointed as joint receivers.
(3)Receivers appointed, or deemed to have been appointed, as joint receivers shall act jointly unless the instrument of appointment or respective instruments of appointment otherwise provide.
(4)Subject to subsection (5) below, the powers of a receiver appointed by, or on the application of, the holder of a floating charge are suspended by, and as from the date of, the appointment of a receiver by, or on the application of, the holder of a floating charge having priority of ranking over that charge to such extent as may be necessary to enable the receiver second mentioned to exercise his powers under section 55 and Schedule 2; and any powers so suspended take effect again when the floating charge having priority of ranking ceases to attach to the property then subject to the charge, whether such cessation is by virtue of section 62(6) or otherwise.
(5)The suspension of the powers of a receiver under subsection (4) does not have the effect of requiring him to release any part of the property (including any letters or documents) of the company from his control until he receives from the receiver superseding him a valid indemnity (subject to the limit of the value of such part of the property of the company as is subject to the charge by virtue of which he was appointed) in respect of any expenses, charges and liabilities he may have incurred in the performance of his functions as receiver.
(6)The suspension of the powers of a receiver under subsection (4) does not cause the floating charge by virtue of which he was appointed to cease to attach to the property to which it attached by virtue of section 53(7) or 54(6).
(7)Nothing in this section prevents the same receiver being appointed by virtue of two or more floating charges.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C147Ss. 55-58 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
(1)A receiver is deemed to be the agent of the company in relation to such property of the company as is attached by the floating charge by virtue of which he was appointed.
[F79(1A)Without prejudice to subsection (1), a receiver is deemed to be the agent of the company in relation to any contract of employment adopted by him in the carrying out of his functions.]
(2)A receiver (including a receiver whose powers are subsequently suspended under section 56) is personally liable on any contract entered into by him in the performance of his functions, except in so far as the contract otherwise provides, and [F80, to the extent of any qualifying liability,]on any contract of employment adopted by him in the carrying out of those functions.
[F81(2A)For the purposes of subsection (2), a liability under a contract of employment is a qualifying liability if—
(a)it is a liability to pay a sum by way of wages or salary or contribution to an occupational pension scheme,
(b)it is incurred while the receiver is in office, and
(c)it is in respect of services rendered wholly or partly after the adoption of the contract.
(2B)Where a sum payable in respect of a liability which is a qualifying liability for the purposes of subsection (2) is payable in respect of services rendered partly before and partly after the adoption of the contract, liability under that subsection shall only extend to so much of the sum as is payable in respect of services rendered after the adoption of the contract.
(2C)For the purposes of subsections (2A) and (2B)—
(a)wages or salary payable in respect of a period of holiday or absence from work through sickness or other good cause are deemed to be wages or (as the case may be) salary in respect of services rendered in that period, and
(b)a sum payable in lieu of holiday is deemed to be wages or (as the case may be) salary in respect of services rendered in the period by reference to which the holiday entitlement arose.
(2D)In subsection (2C)(a), the reference to wages or salary payable in respect of a period of holiday includes any sums which, if they had been paid, would have been treated for the purposes of the enactments relating to social security as earnings in respect of that period.]
(3)A receiver who is personally liable by virtue of subsection (2) is entitled to be indemnified out of the property in respect of which he was appointed.
(4)Any contract entered into by or on behalf of the company prior to the appointment of a receiver continues in force (subject to its terms) notwithstanding that appointment, but the receiver does not by virtue only of his appointment incur any personal liability on any such contract.
(5)For the purposes of subsection (2), a receiver is not to be taken to have adopted a contract of employment by reason of anything done or omitted to be done within 14 days after his appointment.
(6)This section does not limit any right to indemnity which the receiver would have apart from it, nor limit his liability on contracts entered into or adopted without authority, nor confer any right to indemnity in respect of that liability.
(7)Any contract entered into by a receiver in the performance of his functions continues in force (subject to its terms) although the powers of the receiver are subsequently suspended under section 56.
Textual Amendments
F79S. 57(1A) inserted (24.3.1994 with effect in relation to contracts of employment adopted on or after 15.3.1994) by 1994 c. 7, s. 3(2)(5)
F80Words in s. 57(2) inserted (24.3.1994 with effect in relation to contracts of employment adopted on or after 15.3.1994) by 1994 c. 7, s. 3(3)(5)
F81S. 57(2A)-(2D) inserted (24.3.1994 with effect in relation to contracts of employment adopted on or after 15.3.1994) by 1994 c. 7, s. 3(4)(5)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C148Ss. 55-58 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
(1)The remuneration to be paid to a receiver is to be determined by agreement between the receiver and the holder of the floating charge by virtue of which he was appointed.
(2)Where the remuneration to be paid to the receiver has not been determined under subsection (1), or where it has been so determined but is disputed by any of the persons mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (d) below, it may be fixed instead by the Auditor of the Court of Session on application made to him by—
(a)the receiver;
(b)the holder of any floating charge or fixed security over all or any part of the property of the company;
(c)the company; or
(d)the liquidator of the company.
(3)Where the receiver has been paid or has retained for his remuneration for any period before the remuneration has been fixed by the Auditor of the Court of Session under subsection (2) any amount in excess of the remuneration so fixed for that period, the receiver or his personal representatives shall account for the excess.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C149Ss. 55-58 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
(1)Where a receiver is appointed and the company is not at the time of the appointment in course of being wound up, the debts which fall under subsection (2) of this section shall be paid out of any assets coming to the hands of the receiver in priority to any claim for principal or interest by the holder of the floating charge by virtue of which the receiver was appointed.
(2)Debts falling under this subsection are preferential debts (within the meaning given by section 386 in Part XII) which, by the end of a period of 6 months after advertisement by the receiver for claims in the Edinburgh Gazette and in a newspaper circulating in the district where the company carries on business either—
(i)have been intimated to him, or
(ii)have become known to him.
(3)Any payments made under this section shall be recouped as far as may be out of the assets of the company available for payment of ordinary creditors.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C150S. 59 applied (11.12.1999) by The Financial Market and Insolvency (Settlement Finality) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2979), reg. 14(5)(a)(iii) (as substituted (1.10.2009) by The Financial Markets and Insolvency (Settlement Finality) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/1972), reg. 4(d)(iii))
C151S. 59 excluded by S.I. 2003/3226, reg. 10(2A) (as inserted (6.4.2011) by The Financial Markets and Insolvency (Settlement Finality and Financial Collateral Arrangements) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2993), reg. 4(8)(a))
(1)Subject to the next section, and to the rights of any of the following categories of persons (which rights shall, except to the extent otherwise provided in any instrument, have the following order of priority), namely—
(a)the holder of any fixed security which is over property subject to the floating charge and which ranks prior to, or pari passu with, the floating charge;
(b)all persons who have effectually executed diligence on any part of the property of the company which is subject to the charge by virtue of which the receiver was appointed;
(c)creditors in respect of all liabilities, charges and expenses incurred by or on behalf of the receiver;
(d)the receiver in respect of his liabilities, expenses and remuneration, and any indemnity to which he is entitled out of the property of the company; and
(e)the preferential creditors entitled to payment under section 59,
the receiver shall pay moneys received by him to the holder of the floating charge by virtue of which the receiver was appointed in or towards satisfaction of the debt secured by the floating charge.
(2)Any balance of moneys remaining after the provisions of subsection (1) and section 61 below have been satisfied shall be paid in accordance with their respective rights and interests to the following persons, as the case may require—
(a)any other receiver;
(b)the holder of a fixed security which is over property subject to the floating charge;
(c)the company or its liquidator, as the case may be.
(3)Where any question arises as to the person entitled to a payment under this section, or where a receipt or a discharge of a security cannot be obtained in respect of any such payment, the receiver shall consign the amount of such payment in any joint stock bank of issue in Scotland in name of the Accountant of Court for behoof of the person or persons entitled thereto.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C152S. 60(1)(e) applied (11.12.1999) by The Financial Market and Insolvency (Settlement Finality) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2979), reg. 14(5)(a)(iii) (as substituted (1.10.2009) by The Financial Markets and Insolvency (Settlement Finality) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/1972), reg. 4(d)(iii))
C153S. 60(1)(e) excluded by S.I. 2003/3226, reg. 10(2A) (as inserted (6.4.2011) by The Financial Markets and Insolvency (Settlement Finality and Financial Collateral Arrangements) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2993), reg. 4(8)(a))
C154S. 60(2)(3) applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
(1)Where the receiver sells or disposes, or is desirous of selling or disposing, or any property or interest in property of the company which is subject to the floating charge by virtue of which the receiver was appointed and which is—
(a)subject to any security or interest of, or burden or encumbrance in favour of, a creditor the ranking of which is prior to, or pari passu with, or postponed to the floating charge, or
(b)property or an interest in property affected or attached by effectual diligence executed by any person,
and the receiver is unable to obtain the consent of such creditor or, as the case may be, such person to such a sale or disposal, the receiver may apply to the court for authority to sell or dispose of the property or interest in property free of such security, interest, burden, encumbrance or diligence.
[F82(1A)For the purposes of subsection (1) above, an inhibition which takes effect after the creation of the floating charge by virtue of which the receiver was appointed is not an effectual diligence.]
(2)Subject to the next subsection, on such an application the court may, if it thinks fit, authorise the sale or disposal of the property or interest in question free of such security, interest, burden, encumbrance or diligence, and such authorisation may be on such terms or conditions as the court thinks fit.
(3)In the case of an application where a fixed security over the property or interest in question which ranks prior to the floating charge has not been met or provided for in full, the court shall not authorise the sale or disposal of the property or interest in question unless it is satisfied that the sale or disposal would be like to provide a more advantageous realisation of the company’s assets than would otherwise be effected.
(4)It shall be a condition of an authorisation to which subsection (3) applies that—
(a)the net proceeds of the disposal, and
(b)where those proceeds are less than such amount as may be determined by the court to be the net amount which would be realised on a sale of the property or interest in the open market by a willing seller, such sums as may be required to make good the deficiency,
shall be applied towards discharging the sums secured by the fixed security.
(5)Where a condition imposed in pursuance of subsection (4) relates to two or more such fixed securities, that condition shall require the net proceeds of the disposal and, where paragraph (b) of that subsection applies, the sums mentioned in that paragraph to be applied towards discharging the sums secured by those fixed securities in the order of their priorities.
(6)A copy of an authorisation under subsection (2) F83. . . shall, within 14 days of the granting of the authorisation, be sent by the receiver to the registrar of companies.
(7)If the receiver without reasonable excuse fails to comply with subsection (6), he is liable to a fine and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine.
(8)Where any sale or disposal is effected in accordance with the authorisation of the court under subsection (2), the receiver shall grant to the purchaser or disponee an appropriate document of transfer or conveyance of the property or interest in question, and that document has the effect, or, where recording, intimation or registration of that document is a legal requirement for completion of title to the property or interest, then that recording, intimation or registration (as the case may be) has the effect, of—
(a)disencumbering the property or interest of the security, interest, burden or encumbrance affecting it, and
(b)freeing the property or interest from the diligence executed upon it.
(9)Nothing in this section prejudices the right of any creditor of the company to rank for his debt in the winding up of the company.
Textual Amendments
F82S. 61(1A) inserted (22.4.2009) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 155(2), 227(3) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2009/67, art. 3(a) (with arts. 5, 6); as amended by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5
F83Words in s. 61(6) omitted (1.10.2009) by virtue of The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009, (S.I. 2009/1941) arts. 2(1), 8, {Sch. 1 para. 74(6)} (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C155S. 61 excluded (25.4.1991) by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40), ss. 154, 155, 175(3)(b); S.I. 1991/878, art. 2, Sch. .
C156S. 61 excluded (15.8.1995) by S.I. 1995/2049, reg. 21(4)(b)
C157S. 61 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
C158S. 61(6) amended (1.7.1999) by 1998 c. 46, s. 125, Sch. 8 para. 23(2)(3); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 2
(1)A receiver may be removed from office by the court under subsection (3) below and may resign his office by giving notice of his resignation in the prescribed manner to such persons as may be prescribed.
(2)A receiver shall vacate office if he ceases to be qualified to act as an insolvency practitioner in relation to the company.
(3)Subject to the next subsection, a receiver may, on application to the court by the holder of the floating charge by virtue of which he was appointed, be removed by the court on cause shown.
(4)Where at any time a receiver vacates office—
(a)his remuneration and any expenses properly incurred by him, and
(b)any indemnity to which he is entitled out of the property of the company,
shall be paid out of the property of the company which is subject to the floating charge and shall have priority as provided for in section 60(1).
(5)When a receiver ceases to act as such otherwise than by death he shall, and, when a receiver is removed by the court, the holder of the floating charge by virtue of which he was appointed shall, within 14 days of the cessation or removal (as the case may be) given the registrar of companies notice to that effect, and the registrar shall enter the notice in the register of charges.
If the receiver or the holder of the floating charge (as the case may require) makes default in complying with the requirements of this subsection, he is liable to a fine and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine.
(6)If by the expiry of a period of one month following upon the removal of the receiver or his ceasing to act as such no other receiver has been appointed, the floating charge by virtue of which the receiver was appointed—
(a)thereupon ceases to attach to the property then subject to the charge, and
(b)again subsists as a floating charge;
and for the purposes of calculating the period of one month under this subsection no account shall be taken of any period during which [F84the company is in administration,] under Part II of this Act F85. . . .
Textual Amendments
F84Words in s. 62(6) substituted (15.9.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Insolvency) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/2096), art. 4, Sch. Pt. 1 para. 9(a) (with art. 6)
F85Words in s. 62(6) repealed (15.9.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Insolvency) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/2096), art. 4, Sch. Pt. 1 para. 9(b) (with art. 6)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C159S. 62 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
C160S. 62(5) (so far as relating to the giving of notice) amended (1.7.1999) by 1998 c. 46, s. 125, Sch. 8 para. 23(2)(3); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 2
(1)The court on the application of—
(a)the holder of a floating charge by virtue of which a receiver was appointed, or
(b)a receiver appointed under section 51,
may give directions to the receiver in respect of any matter arising in connection with the performance by him of his functions.
(2)Where the appointment of a person as a receiver by the holder of a floating charge is discovered to be invalid (whether by virtue of the invalidity of the instrument or otherwise), the court may order the holder of the floating charge to indemnify the person appointed against any liability which arises solely by reason of the invalidity of the appointment.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C161S. 63 amended (1.12.2001) by 2000 c. 8, s. 363(2); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
C162Ss. 63-66 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4, Sch. 2, Sch. 3
[F86(1)Where a receiver has been appointed—
(a)every invoice, order for goods or services, business letter or order form (whether in hard copy, electronic or any other form) issued by or on behalf of the company or the receiver or the liquidator of the company; and
(b)all the company's websites,
must contain a statement that a receiver has been appointed.]
(2)If default is made in complying with the requirements of this section, the company and any of the following persons who knowingly and wilfully authorises or permits the default, namely any officer of the company, any liquidator of the company and any receiver, is liable to a fine.
Textual Amendments
F86S. 64(1) substituted (1.10.2008) by The Companies (Trading Disclosures) (Insolvency) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1897), reg. 2(2)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C163Ss. 63-66 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
(1)Where a receiver is appointed, he shall—
(a)forthwith send to the company and publish notice of his appointment, and
(b)within 28 days after his appointment, unless the court otherwise directs, send such notice to all the creditors of the company (so far as he is aware of their addresses).
(2)This section and the next do not apply in relation to the appointment of a receiver to act—
(a)with an existing receiver, or
(b)in place of a receiver who has died or ceased to act,
except that, where they apply to a receiver who dies or ceases to act before they have been fully complied with, the references in this section and the next to the receiver include (subject to subsection (3) of this section) his successor and any continuing receiver.
(3)If the company is being wound up, this section and the next apply notwithstanding that the receiver and the liquidator are the same person, but with any necessary modifications arising from that fact.
(4)If a person without reasonable excuse fails to comply with this section, he is liable to a fine and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C164Ss. 63-66 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
(1)Where a receiver of a company is appointed, the receiver shall forthwith require some or all of the persons mentioned in subsection (3) below to make out and submit to him a statement in the prescribed form as to the affairs of the company.
(2)A statement submitted under this section shall be verified by affidavit by the persons required to submit it and shall show—
(a)particulars of the company’s assets, debts and liabilities;
(b)the names and addresses of its creditors;
(c)the securities held by them respectively;
(d)the dates when the securities were respectively given; and
(e)such further or other information as may be prescribed.
(3)The persons referred to in subsection (1) are—
(a)those who are or have been officers of the company;
(b)those who have taken part in the company’s formation at any time within one year before the date of the appointment of the receiver;
(c)those who are in the company’s employment or have been in its employment within that year, and are in the receiver’s opinion capable of giving the information required;
(d)those who are or have been within that year officers of or in the employment of a company which is, or within that year was, an officer of the company.
In this subsection “employment” includes employment under a contract for services.
(4)Where any persons are required under this section to submit a statement of affairs to the receiver they shall do so (subject to the next subsection) before the end of the period of 21 days beginning with the day after that on which the prescribed notice of the requirement is given to them by the receiver.
(5)The receiver, if he thinks fit, may—
(a)at any time release a person from an obligation imposed on him under subsection (1) or (2), or
(b)either when giving the notice mentioned in subsection (4) or subsequently extend the period so mentioned,
and where the receiver has refused to exercise a power conferred by this subsection, the court, if it thinks fit, may exercise it.
(6)If a person without reasonable excuse fails to comply with any obligation imposed under this section, he is liable to a fine and, for continued contravention to a daily default fine.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C165Ss. 63-66 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
(1)Where a receiver is appointed under section 51, he shall within 3 months (or such longer period as the court may allow) after his appointment, send to the registrar of companies, to the holder of the floating charge by virtue of which he was appointed and to any trustees for secured creditors of the company and (so far as he is aware of their addresses) to all such creditors a report as to the following matters, namely—
(a)the events leading up to his appointment, so far as he is aware of them;
(b)the disposal or proposed disposal by him of any property of the company and the carrying on or proposed carrying on by him of any business of the company;
(c)the amounts of principal and interest payable to the holder of the floating charge by virtue of which he was appointed and the amounts payable to preferential creditors; and
(d)the amount (if any) likely to be available for the payment of other creditors.
(2)The receiver shall also, within 3 months (or such longer period as the court may allow) after his appointment, either—
(a)send a copy of the report (so far as he is aware of their addresses) to all unsecured creditors of the company, or
(b)publish in the prescribed manner a notice stating an address to which unsecured creditors of the company should write for copies of the report to be sent to them free of charge,
and (in either case), unless the court otherwise directs, lay a copy of the report before a meeting of the company’s unsecured creditors summoned for the purpose on not less than 14 days’ notice.
(3)The court shall not give a direction under subsection (2) unless—
(a)the report states the intention of the receiver to apply for the direction, and
(b)a copy of the report is sent to the persons mentioned in paragraph (a) of that subsection, or a notice is published as mentioned in paragraph (b) of that subsection, not less than 14 days before the hearing of the application.
(4)Where the company has gone or goes into liquidation, the receiver—
(a)shall, within 7 days after his compliance with subsection (1) or, if later, the nomination or appointment of the liquidator, send a copy of the report to the liquidator, and
(b)where he does so within the time limited for compliance with subsection (2), is not required to comply with that subsection.
(5)A report under this section shall include a summary of the statement of affairs made out and submitted under section 66 and of his comments (if any) on it.
(6)Nothing in this section shall be taken as requiring any such report to include any information the disclosure of which would seriously prejudice the carrying out by the receiver of his functions.
(7)Section 65(2) applies for the purposes of this section also.
(8)If a person without reasonable excuse fails to comply with this section, he is liable to a fine and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine.
(9)In this section “secured creditor”, in relation to a company, means a creditor of the company who holds in respect of his debt a security over property of the company, and “unsecured creditor” shall be construed accordingly.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C166S. 67 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
C167S. 67(1) amended (1.7.1999) by 1998 c. 46, s. 125, Sch. 8 para. 23(2)(3); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 2
S. 67(1) amended (1.12.2001) by 2000 c. 8, s. 363(4); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
(1)Where a meeting of creditors is summoned under section 67, the meeting may, if it thinks fit, establish a committee (“the creditors’ committee”) to exercise the functions conferred on it by or under this Act.
(2)If such a committee is established, the committee may on giving not less than 7 days’ notice require the receiver to attend before it at any reasonable time and furnish it with such information relating to the carrying out by him of his functions as it may reasonably require.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C168S. 68 amended (1.12.2001) by 2000 c. 8, s. 363(5)(b); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
C169S. 68 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
(1)If any receiver—
(a)having made default in filing, delivering or making any return, account or other document, or in giving any notice, which a receiver is by law required to file, deliver, make or give, fails to make good the default within 14 days after the service on him of a notice requiring him to do so; or
(b)has, after being required at any time by the liquidator of the company so to do, failed to render proper accounts of his receipts and payments and to vouch the same and to pay over to the liquidator the amount properly payable to him,
the court may, on an application made for the purpose, make an order directing the receiver to make good the default within such time as may be specified in the order.
(2)In the case of any such default as is mentioned in subsection (1)(a), an application for the purposes of this section may be made by any member or creditor of the company or by the registrar of companies; and, in the case of any such default as is mentioned in subsection (1)(b), the application shall be made by the liquidator; and, in either case, the order may provide that all expenses of and incidental to the application shall be borne by the receiver.
(3)Nothing in this section prejudices the operation of any enactments imposing penalties on receivers in respect of any such default as is mentioned in subsection (1).
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C170S. 69 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
C171S. 69(1)(a) amended (1.12.2001) by 2000 c. 8, s. 363(3); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
C172S. 69(2) amended (1.7.1999) by 1998 c. 46, s. 125, Sch. 8 para. 23(2)(3); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 2
(1)In this Chapter, unless the contrary intention appears, the following expressions have the following meanings respectively assigned to them—
“company” means an incorporated company (whether or not [F87a company registered under the Companies Act 2006]) which the Court of Session has jurisdiction to wind up;
“fixed security”, in relation to any property of a company, means any security, other than a floating charge or a charge having the nature of a floating charge, which on the winding up of the company in Scotland would be treated as an effective security over that property, and (without prejudice to that generality) includes a security over that property, being a heritable security within the meaning of the M3Conveyancing and Feudal Reform (Scotland) Act 1970;
“instrument of appointment” has the meaning given by section 53(1);
“prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made under this Chapter by the Secretary of State;
“receiver” means a receiver of such part of the property of the company as is subject to the floating charge by virtue of which he has been appointed under section 51;
“register of charges” means the register kept by the registrar of companies for the purposes of [F88Chapter 2 of Part 25 of the Companies Act 2006];
“secured debenture” means a bond, debenture, debenture stock or other security which, either itself or by reference to any other instrument, creates a floating charge over all or any part of the property of the company, but does not include a security which creates no charge other than a fixed security; and
“series of secured debentures” means two or more secured debentures created as a series by the company in such a manner that the holders thereof are entitled pari passu to the benefit of the floating charge.
(2)Where a floating charge, secured debenture or series of secured debentures has been created by the company, then, except where the context otherwise requires, any reference in this Chapter to the holder of the floating charge shall—
(a)where the floating charge, secured debenture or series of secured debentures provides for a receiver to be appointed by any person or body, be construed as a reference to that person or body;
(b)where, in the case of a series of secured debentures, no such provision has been made therein but—
(i)there are trustees acting for the debenture-holders under and in accordance with a trust deed, be construed as a reference to those trustees, and
(ii)where no such trustees are acting, be construed as a reference to—
(aa)a majority in nominal value of those present or represented by proxy and voting at a meeting of debenture-holders at which the holders of at least one-third in nominal value of the outstanding debentures of the series are present or so represented, or
(bb)where no such meeting is held, the holders of at least one-half in nominal value of the outstanding debentures of the series.
(3)Any reference in this Chapter to a floating charge, secured debenture, series of secured debentures or instrument creating a charge includes, except where the context otherwise requires, a reference to that floating charge, debenture, series of debentures or instrument as varied by any instrument.
(4)References in this Chapter to the instrument by which a floating charge was created are, in the case of a floating charge created by words in a bond or other written acknowledgement, references to the bond or, as the case may be, the other written acknowledgement.
Textual Amendments
F87Words in s. 70(1) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009, (S.I. 2009/1941) arts. 2(1), 8, {Sch. 1 para. 74(7)} (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
F88Words in s. 70(1) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009, (S.I. 2009/1941) arts. 2(1), 8, {Sch. 1 para. 74(7)} (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C173S. 70 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
Marginal Citations
(1)The notice referred to in section 62(5), and the notice referred to in section 65(1)(a) shall be in such form as may be prescribed.
(2)Any power conferred by this Chapter on the Secretary of State to make regulations is exercisable by statutory instrument; and a statutory instrument made in the exercise of the power so conferred to prescribe a fee is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C174S. 71 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
(1)A receiver appointed under the law of either part of Great Britain in respect of the whole or any part of any property or undertaking of a company and in consequence of the company having created a charge which, as created, was a floating charge may exercise his powers in the other part of Great Britain so far as their exercise is not inconsistent with the law applicable there.
(2)In subsection (1) “receiver” includes a manager and a person who is appointed both receiver and manager.
Textual Amendments
F89Pt. III Ch. IV (ss. 72A-72H) inserted (18.3.2003 for the purpose of giving effect to the insertion of s. 72H(2)-(5) and otherwise 15.9.2003) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 250(1), 279 (with s. 249(6)); S.I. 2003/765, art. 2, Sch.; S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))
(1)The holder of a qualifying floating charge in respect of a company’s property may not appoint an administrative receiver of the company.
(2)In Scotland, the holder of a qualifying floating charge in respect of a company’s property may not appoint or apply to the court for the appointment of a receiver who on appointment would be an administrative receiver of property of the company.
(3)In subsections (1) and (2)—
“holder of a qualifying floating charge in respect of a company’s property” has the same meaning as in paragraph 14 of Schedule B1 to this Act, and
“administrative receiver” has the meaning given by section 251.
(4)This section applies—
(a)to a floating charge created on or after a date appointed by the Secretary of State by order made by statutory instrument, and
(b)in spite of any provision of an agreement or instrument which purports to empower a person to appoint an administrative receiver (by whatever name).
(5)An order under subsection (4)(a) may—
(a)make provision which applies generally or only for a specified purpose;
(b)make different provision for different purposes;
(c)make transitional provision.
(6)This section is subject to the exceptions specified in [F90sections 72B to 72GA] .
Subordinate Legislation Made
P1S. 72A(4)(a) power exercised: 15.9.2003 appointed for specified purposes by The Insolvency Act 1986, Section 72A (Appointed Date) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/2095), art. 2
Textual Amendments
F90Words in s. 72A(6) substituted (15.9.2003) by The Insolvency Act 1986 (Amendment) (Administrative Receivership and Urban Regeneration etc.) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1832), arts. 1, 2(a); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
(1)Section 72A does not prevent the appointment of an administrative receiver in pursuance of an agreement which is or forms part of a capital market arrangement if—
(a)a party incurs or, when the agreement was entered into was expected to incur, a debt of at least £50 million under the arrangement, and
(b)the arrangement involves the issue of a capital market investment.
(2)In subsection (1)—
“capital market arrangement” means an arrangement of a kind described in paragraph 1 of Schedule 2A, and
“capital market investment” means an investment of a kind described in paragraph 2 or 3 of that Schedule.
(1)Section 72A does not prevent the appointment of an administrative receiver of a project company of a project which—
(a)is a public-private partnership project, and
(b)includes step-in rights.
(2)In this section “public-private partnership project” means a project—
(a)the resources for which are provided partly by one or more public bodies and partly by one or more private persons, or
(b)which is designed wholly or mainly for the purpose of assisting a public body to discharge a function.
(3)In this section—
“step-in rights” has the meaning given by paragraph 6 of Schedule 2A, and
“project company” has the meaning given by paragraph 7 of that Schedule.
(1)Section 72A does not prevent the appointment of an administrative receiver of a project company of a project which—
(a)is a utility project, and
(b)includes step-in rights.
(2)In this section—
(a)“utility project” means a project designed wholly or mainly for the purpose of a regulated business,
(b)“regulated business” means a business of a kind listed in paragraph 10 of Schedule 2A,
(c)“step-in rights” has the meaning given by paragraph 6 of that Schedule, and
(d)“project company” has the meaning given by paragraph 7 of that Schedule.
(1)Section 72A does not prevent the appointment of an administrative receiver of a project company of a project which—
(a)is designed wholly or mainly to develop land which at the commencement of the project is wholly or partly in a designated disadvantaged area outside Northern Ireland, and
(b)includes step-in rights.
(2)In subsection (1) “develop” means to carry out—
(a)building operations,
(b)any operation for the removal of substances or waste from land and the levelling of the surface of the land, or
(c)engineering operations in connection with the activities mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b).
(3)In this section—
“building” includes any structure or erection, and any part of a building as so defined, but does not include plant and machinery comprised in a building,
“building operations” includes—
demolition of buildings,
filling in of trenches,
rebuilding,
structural alterations of, or additions to, buildings and
other operations normally undertaken by a person carrying on business as a builder,
“designated disadvantaged area” means an area designated as a disadvantaged area under section 92 of the Finance Act 2001,
“engineering operations” includes the formation and laying out of means of access to highways,
“project company” has the meaning given by paragraph 7 of Schedule 2A,
“step-in rights” has the meaning given by paragraph 6 of that Schedule,
“substance” means any natural or artificial substance whether in solid or liquid form or in the form of a gas or vapour, and
“waste” includes any waste materials, spoil, refuse or other matter deposited on land.]
Textual Amendments
F91S. 72DA inserted (15.9.2003) by The Insolvency Act 1986 (Amendment) (Administrative Receivership and Urban Regeneration etc.) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1832), arts. 1, 2(b); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
(1)Section 72A does not prevent the appointment of an administrative receiver of a project company of a project which—
(a)is a financed project, and
(b)includes step-in rights.
(2)In this section—
(a)a project is “financed” if under an agreement relating to the project a project company incurs, or when the agreement is entered into is expected to incur, a debt of at least £50 million for the purposes of carrying out the project,
(b)“project company” has the meaning given by paragraph 7 of Schedule 2A, and
(c)“step-in rights” has the meaning given by paragraph 6 of that Schedule.
Section 72A does not prevent the appointment of an administrative receiver of a company by virtue of—
(a)a market charge within the meaning of section 173 of the Companies Act 1989 (c. 40),
(b)a system-charge within the meaning of the Financial Markets and Insolvency Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/1469),
(c)a collateral security charge within the meaning of the Financial Markets and Insolvency (Settlement Finality) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2979).
Section 72A does not prevent the appointment of an administrative receiver of a company which is [F93—
(a)a private registered provider of social housing, or
(b)] registered as a social landlord under Part I of the Housing Act 1996 (c. 52) or under [F94Part 2 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 17)].
Textual Amendments
F92Words in s. 72G heading substituted (1.4.2010) by The Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/866), art. 5, Sch. 2 para. 61(3) (with Sch. 3)
F93Words in s. 72G inserted (1.4.2010) by The Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/866), art. 5, Sch. 2 para. 61(2) (with Sch. 3)
F94Words in s. 72G(b) substituted (1.4.2012) by The Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/700), art. 1(3), Sch. para. 3
Section 72A does not prevent the appointment of an administrative receiver of—
(a)a company holding an appointment under Chapter I of Part II of the Water Industry Act 1991,
(b)a protected railway company within the meaning of section 59 of the Railways Act 1993(including that section as it has effect by virtue of section 19 of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link Act 1996, or
(c)a licence company within the meaning of section 26 of the Transport Act 2000.]
Textual Amendments
F95S. 72GA inserted (15.9.2003) by The Insolvency Act 1986 (Amendment) (Administrative Receivership and Urban Regeneration etc.) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1832), arts. 1, 2(c); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
(1)Schedule 2A (which supplements sections 72B to 72G) shall have effect.
(2)The Secretary of State may by order—
(a)insert into this Act provision creating an additional exception to section 72A(1) or (2);
(b)provide for a provision of this Act which creates an exception to section 72A(1) or (2) to cease to have effect;
(c)amend section 72A in consequence of provision made under paragraph (a) or (b);
(d)amend any of sections 72B to 72G;
(e)amend Schedule 2A.
(3)An order under subsection (2) must be made by statutory instrument.
(4)An order under subsection (2) may make—
(a)provision which applies generally or only for a specified purpose;
(b)different provision for different purposes;
(c)consequential or supplementary provision;
(d)transitional provision.
(5)An order under subsection (2)—
(a)in the case of an order under subsection (2)(e), shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament,
(b)in the case of an order under subsection (2)(d) varying the sum specified in section 72B(1)(a) or 72E(2)(a) (whether or not the order also makes consequential or transitional provision), shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament, and
(c)in the case of any other order under subsection (2)(a) to (d), may not be made unless a draft has been laid before and approved by resolution of each House of Parliament.]
Textual Amendments
F96Pt. III Ch. IV (ss. 72A-72H) inserted (18.3.2003 for the purpose of giving effect to the insertion of s. 72H(2)-(5) and otherwise 15.9.2003) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 250(1), 279 (with s. 249(6)); S.I. 2003/765, art. 2, Sch.; S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C175Pt. 4 (ss. 73-219) modified by Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 (c. 46, SIF 27), ss. 21(2), 25
Pt. 4 modified by Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1987 (c. 41, SIF 39:1), ss. 30(6), 35(4), 47(4)(a)
Pt. 4 modified by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), ss. 86(5), 123, Sch. 8 para. 16
Pt. 4 modified (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 23, Sch. 10 para. 1(a) (with ss. 7(5), 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch.3 (as amended (13.3.2018) by S.I. 2018/208, regs. 1(3), 3)
Pt. 4 modified (E.W.S.) (31.3.1996) by 1995 c. 20, s. 110(1), Sch. 4 para. 3(4); S.I. 1996/517, art. 3(2) (subject to transitional provisions and savings in arts. 4-6, Sch. 2) (which modifying Act was itself repealed (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 40, ss. 6(1), 7(2), Sch. 5 (with Sch. 3, paras. 3, 16))
Pt. 4 modified (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 43, ss. 44, 50(2), Sch. 2 para. 3(4)
Pt. 4 modified (24.3.2003) by 2002 c. 29, ss. 426(8), 458(1)(3); S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-13 (as amended by S.I. 2003/531, arts. 3, 4))
C176Pt. 4 (ss. 73-219) extended (with modifications) by Building Societies Act 1986 (1986 c. 53), ss. 54(3)(a)(5)(a), 90, 126(3), Sch. 15 (as amended (13.3.2018) by S.I. 2018/208, regs. 1(3), 2(2))
C177Pts. I-VII (ss. 1-251) applied (with modifications) by S.I. 1989/1276, arts. 2, 3
Pt. IV (ss. 73-219) applied (with modifications) (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), ss. 21(1), 22, 23, Sch. 10 para. 1(a) (with ss. 7(5), 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3
Pt. IV applied (with modifications) (1.12.1994) by S.I. 1994/2421, art. 8(4)(5)(8)(9) (as amended (1.7.2005) by S.I. 2005/1516, art. 4)
Pt. IV applied (1.12.1994) by S.I. 1994/2421, art. 10(2)(3)(6), Sch. 4 Pt. II, Sch. 7 (as amended (1.7.2005) by S.I. 2005/1516, art. 5)
C178Pts. 1-4, 6, 7 applied to limited liability partnerships (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 5, Schs. 3, 4 (as amended (4.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/355, art. 10 and (1.10.2005) by S.I. 2005/1989, reg. 3, Sch. 2 (with reg. 4))
C179Pt. IV: power to apply or incorporate conferred (6.4.2001) by 2000 c. 12, s. 14(1); S.I. 2000/3316, art. 2
Pt. IV: power to apply (with modifications) conferred (20.11.2003) by Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), ss. 25(6), 26
Pt. 4: power to apply (with modifications) conferred (E.W.) (1.3.2007) by National Health Service Act 2006 (c. 41), ss. 54(8), 55, 277
C180First Group of Parts (Pts. 1-7) applied (with modifications) (15.12.2006) by The Banks (Former Authorised Institutions) (Insolvency) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3107), art. 3, Sch. (as amended (1.4.2013) by S.I. 2013/472, art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 117; and (13.3.2018) by S.I. 2018/208, regs. 1(3), 11
C181Pt. IV amended (1.12.2001) by 2000 c. 8, s. 371(2)(b); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
Textual Amendments
F97S. 73 and cross-heading substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009, (S.I. 2009/1941) arts. 2(1), 8, {Sch. 1 para. 75(2)} (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
(1)This Part applies to the winding up of a company registered under the Companies Act 2006 in England and Wales or Scotland.
(2)The winding up may be either—
(a)voluntary (see Chapters 2 to 5), or
(b)by the court (see Chapter 6).
(3)This Chapter and Chapters 7 to 10 relate to winding up generally, except where otherwise stated.]
Textual Amendments
F98S. 73 and cross-heading substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009, (S.I. 2009/1941) arts. 2(1), 8, {Sch. 1 para. 75(2)} (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
(1)When a company is wound up, every present and past member is liable to contribute to its assets to any amount sufficient for payment of its debts and liabilities, and the expenses of the winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributories among themselves.
(2)This is subject as follows—
(a)a past member is not liable to contribute if he has ceased to be a member for one year or more before the commencement of the winding up;
(b)a past member is not liable to contribute in respect of any debt or liability of the company contracted after he ceased to be a member;
(c)a past member is not liable to contribute, unless it appears to the court that the existing members are unable to satisfy the contributions required to be made by them F99. . . ;
(d)in the case of a company limited by shares, no contribution is required from any member exceeding the amount (if any) unpaid on the shares in respect of which he is liable as a present or past member;
(e)nothing in [F100the Companies Acts] or this Act invalidates any provision contained in a policy of insurance or other contract whereby the liability of individual members on the policy or contract is restricted, or whereby the funds of the company are alone made liable in respect of the policy or contract;
(f)a sum due to any member of the company (in his character of a member) by way of dividends, profits or otherwise is not deemed to be a debt of the company, payable to that member in a case of competition between himself and any other creditor not a member of the company, but any such sum may be taken into account for the purpose of the final adjustment of the rights of the contributories among themselves.
(3)In the case of a company limited by guarantee, no contribution is required from any member exceeding the amount undertaken to be contributed by him to the company’s assets in the event of its being wound up; but if it is a company with a share capital, every member of it is liable (in addition to the amount so undertaken to be contributed to the assets), to contribute to the extent of any sums unpaid on shares held by him.
Textual Amendments
F99Words in s. 74(2)(c) omitted (1.10.2009) by virtue of The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), arts. 2(1), 8, Sch. 1 para. 75(3)(a) (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
F100Words in s. 74(2)(e) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), arts. 2(1), 8, Sch. 1 para. 75(3)(b) (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
F101. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F101S. 75 omitted (1.10.2009) by virtue of The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009, (S.I. 2009/1941) arts. 2(1), 8, {Sch. 1 para. 75(4)} (with arts. 9, 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
(1)This section applies where a company is being wound up and—
(a)it has under [F102Chapter 5 of Part 18 of the Companies Act 2006 (acquisition by limited company of its own shares: redemption or purchase by private company out of capital)] made a payment out of capital in respect of the redemption or purchase of any of its own shares (the payment being referred to below as “the relevant payment”), and
(b)the aggregate amount of the company’s assets and the amounts paid by way of contribution to its assets (apart from this section) is not sufficient for payment of its debts and liabilities, and the expenses of the winding up.
(2)If the winding up commenced within one year of the date on which the relevant payment was made, then—
(a)the person from whom the shares were redeemed or purchased, and
(b)the directors who signed the [F103statement] made in accordance with [F104section 714(1) to (3) of the Companies Act 2006] for purposes of the redemption or purchase (except a director who shows that he had reasonable grounds for forming the opinion set out in the [F103statement],
are, so as to enable that insufficiency to be met, liable to contribute to the following extent to the company’s assets.
(3)A person from whom any of the shares were redeemed or purchased is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding so much of the relevant payment as was made by the company in respect of his shares; and the directors are jointly and severally liable with that person to contribute that amount.
(4)A person who has contributed any amount to the assets in pursuance of this section may apply to the court for an order directing any other person jointly and severally liable in respect of that amount to pay him such amount as the court thinks just and equitable.
(5)[F105Section 74 does not apply] in relation to liability accruing by virtue of this section.
(6)F106. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F102Words in s. 76(1)(a) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), arts. 2(1), 8, Sch. 1 para. 75(5)(a) (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
F103Words in s. 76(2)(b) substituted (12.5.2011) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/1265), arts. 1(2), 6(3)
F104Words in s. 76(2)(b) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), arts. 2(1), 8, Sch. 1 para. 75(5)(b) (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
F105Words in s. 76(5) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), arts. 2(1), 8, Sch. 1 para. 75(5)(c) (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
F106S. 76(6) omitted (1.10.2009) by virtue of The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), arts. 2(1), 8, Sch. 1 para. 75(5)(d) (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
(1)This section applies in the case of a company being wound up which was at some former time registered as unlimited but has [F107re-registered as a limited company.]
(2)Notwithstanding section 74(2)(a) above, a past member of the company who was a member of it at the time of re-registration, if the winding up commences within the period of 3 years beginning with the day on which the company was re-registered, is liable to contribute to the assets of the company in respect of debts and liabilities contracted before that time.
(3)If no persons who were members of the company at that time are existing members of it, a person who at that time was a present or past member is liable to contribute as above notwithstanding that the existing members have satisfied the contributions required to be made by them F108. . .
This applies subject to section 74(2)(a) above and to subsection (2) of this section, but notwithstanding section 74(2)(c).
(4)Notwithstanding section 74(2)(d) and (3), there is no limit on the amount which a person who, at that time, was a past or present member of the company is liable to contribute as above.
Textual Amendments
F107Words in s. 77(1) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), arts. 2(1), 8, Sch. 1 para. 75(6)(a) (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
F108Words in s. 77(3) omitted (1.10.2009) by virtue of The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), arts. 2(1), 8, Sch. 1 para. 75(6)(b) (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
(1)This section applies in the case of a company being wound up which was at some former time registered as limited but has been re-registered as unlimited F109. . . .
(2)A person who, at the time when the application for the company to be re-registered was lodged, was a past member of the company and did not after that again become a member of it is not liable to contribute to the assets of the company more than he would have been liable to contribute had the company not been re-registered.
Textual Amendments
F109Words in s. 78(1) omitted (1.10.2009) by virtue of The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), arts. 2(1), 8, Sch. 1 para. 75(7) (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
(1)In this Act F110. . . the expression “contributory” means every person liable to contribute to the assets of a company in the event of its being wound up, and for the purposes of all proceedings for determining, and all proceedings prior to the final determination of, the persons who are to be deemed contributories, includes any person alleged to be a contributory.
(2)The reference in subsection (1) to persons liable to contribute to the assets does not include a person so liable by virtue of a declaration by the court under section 213 (imputed responsibility for company’s fraudulent trading) or section 214 (wrongful trading) in Chapter X of this Part.
(3)A reference in a company’s articles to a contributory does not (unless the context requires) include a person who is a contributory only by virtue of section 76.
F111. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F110Words in s. 79(1) omitted (1.10.2009) by virtue of The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), arts. 2(1), 8, Sch. 1 para. 75(8)(a) (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
F111Words in s. 79(3) omitted (1.10.2009) by virtue of The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), arts. 2(1), 8, Sch. 1 para. 75(8)(b) (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
The liability of a contributory creates a debt (in England and Wales in the nature of [F112an ordinary contract debt]) accruing due from him at the time when his liability commenced, but payable at the times when calls are made for enforcing the liability.
Textual Amendments
F112Words in s. 80 substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), arts. 2(1), 8, Sch. 1 para. 75(9) (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
(1)If a contributory dies either before or after he has been placed on the list of contributories, his personal representatives, and the heirs and legatees of heritage of his heritable estate in Scotland, are liable in a due course of administration to contribute to the assets of the company in discharge of his liability and are contributories accordingly.
(2)Where the personal representatives are placed on the list of contributories, the heirs or legatees of heritage need not be added, but they may be added as and when the court thinks fit.
(3)If in England and Wales the personal representatives make default in paying any money ordered to be paid by them, proceedings may be taken for administering the estate of the deceased contributory and for compelling payment out of it of the money due.
(1)The following applies if a contributory becomes bankrupt, either before or after he has been placed on the list of contributories.
(2)His trustee in bankruptcy represents him for all purposes of the winding up, and is a contributory accordingly.
(3)The trustee may be called on to admit to proof against the bankrupt’s estate, or otherwise allow to be paid out of the bankrupt’s assets in due course of law, any money due from the bankrupt in respect of his liability to contribute to the company’s assets.
(4)There may be proved against the bankrupt’s estate the estimated value of his liability to future calls as well as calls already made.
(1)The following applies in the event of a company being wound up which [F114is registered but not formed under the Companies Act 2006.].
(2)Every person is a contributory, in respect of the company’s debts and liabilities contracted before registration, who is liable—
(a)to pay, or contribute to the payment of, any debt or liability so contracted, or
(b)to pay, or contribute to the payment of, any sum for the adjustment of the rights of the members among themselves in respect of any such debt or liability, or
(c)to pay, or contribute to the amount of, the expenses of winding up the company, so far as relates to the debts or liabilities above mentioned.
(3)Every contributory is liable to contribute to the assets of the company, in the course of the winding up, all sums due from him in respect of any such liability.
(4)In the event of the death, bankruptcy or insolvency of any contributory, provisions of this Act, with respect to the personal representatives, to the heirs and legatees of heritage of the heritable estate in Scotland of deceased contributories and to the trustees of bankrupt or insolvent contributories respectively, apply.
Textual Amendments
F113S. 83 heading substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009, (S.I. 2009/1941) arts. 2(1), 8, {Sch. 1 para. 75(10)(a)} (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
F114Words in s. 83(1) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), arts. 2(1), 8, Sch. 1 para. 75(10)(b) (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
(1)A company may be wound up voluntarily—
(a)when the period (if any) fixed for the duration of the company by the articles expires, or the event (if any) occurs, on the occurrence of which the articles provide that the company is to be dissolved, and the company in general meeting has passed a resolution requiring it be wound up voluntarily;
(b)if the company resolves by special resolution that it be wound up voluntarily;
(c)F115. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(2)In this Act the expression “a resolution for voluntary winding up” means a resolution passed under [F116either of the paragraphs] of subsection (1).
[F117(2A)Before a company passes a resolution for voluntary winding up it must give written notice of the resolution to the holder of any qualifying floating charge to which section 72A applies.
(2B)Where notice is given under subsection (2A) a resolution for voluntary winding up may be passed only—
(a)after the end of the period of five business days beginning with the day on which the notice was given, or
(b)if the person to whom the notice was given has consented in writing to the passing of the resolution.]
[F118(3)Chapter 3 of Part 3 of the Companies Act 2006 (resolutions affecting a company's constitution) applies to a resolution under paragraph (a) of subsection (1) as well as a special resolution under paragraph (b).]
[F119(4)This section has effect subject to section 43 of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002.]
Textual Amendments
F115S. 84(1)(c) repealed (1.10.2007 with application as noted in Sch. 4 para. 39(5) of the amending S.I.) by The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 3, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2194), art. 10(1)(3), Sch. 4 para. 39(2), Sch. 5 (with art. 12)
F116Words in s. 84(2) substituted (1.10.2007 with application as noted in Sch. 4 para. 39(5) of the amending S.I.) by The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 3, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2194), art. 10(1), Sch. 4 para. 39(3) (with art. 12)
F117S. 84(2A)(2B) inserted (15.9.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Insolvency) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/2096), art. 4, Sch. Pt. 1 para. 10 (with art. 6)
F118S. 84(3) substituted (1.10.2007 with application as noted in Sch. 4 para. 39(5) of the amending S.I.) by The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 3, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2194), art. 10(1), Sch. 4 para. 39(4) (with art. 12)
F119S. 84(4) added (E.W.) (27.9.2004) by 2002 c. 15, ss. 68, 181(1), Sch. 5 para. 6; S.I. 2004/1832, art. 2
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C183S. 84 modified (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(2), Sch. 3 (as amended (1.10.2009) by S.S.I. 2009/310, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 1(a))
(1)When a company has passed a resolution for voluntary winding up, it shall, within 14 days after the passing of the resolution, give notice of the resolution by advertisement in the Gazette.
(2)If default is made in complying with this section, the company and every officer of it who is in default is liable to a fine and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine.
For purposes of this subsection the liquidator is deemed an officer of the company.
A voluntary winding up is deemed to commence at the time of the passing of the resolution for voluntary winding up.
(1)In case of a voluntary winding up, the company shall from the commencement of the winding up cease to carry on its business, except so far as may be required for its beneficial winding up.
(2)However, the corporate state and corporate powers of the company, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in its articles, continue until the company is dissolved.
Any transfer of shares, not being a transfer made to or with the sanction of the liquidator, and any alteration in the status of the company’s members, made after the commencement of a voluntary winding up, is void.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C184S. 88 excluded (26.12.2003) by The Financial Collateral Arrangements (No.2) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/3226), reg. 10(2)
C185S. 88 excluded by The Financial Market and Insolvency (Settlement Finality) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2979), reg. 16(3) (as amended (2.2.2006) by The Financial Markets and Insolvency (Settlement Finality) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/50), reg. 2(8)(10) and as amended (1.10.2009) by The Financial Markets and Insolvency (Settlement Finality) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/1972), reg. 6(a))
(1)Where it is proposed to wind up a company voluntarily, the directors (or, in the case of a company having more than two directors, the majority of them) may at a directors’ meeting make a statutory declaration to the effect that they have made a full inquiry into the company’s affairs and that, having done so, they have formed the opinion that the company will be able to pay its debts in full, together with interest at the official rate (as defined in section 251), within such period, not exceeding 12 months from the commencement of the winding up, as may be specified in the declaration.
(2)Such a declaration by the directors has no effect for purposes of this Act unless—
(a)it is made within the 5 weeks immediately preceding the date of the passing of the resolution for winding up, or on that date but before the passing of the resolution, and
(b)it embodies a statement of the company’s assets and liabilities as at the latest practicable date before the making of the declaration.
(3)The declaration shall be delivered to the registrar of companies before the expiration of 15 days immediately following the date on which the resolution for winding up is passed.
(4)A director making a declaration under this section without having reasonable grounds for the opinion that the company will be able to pay its debts in full, together with interest at the official rate, within the period specified is liable to imprisonment or a fine, or both.
(5)If the company is wound up in pursuance of a resolution passed within 5 weeks after the making of the declaration, and its debts (together with interest at the official rate) are not paid or provided for in full within the period specified, it is to be presumed (unless the contrary is shown) that the director did not have reasonable grounds for his opinion.
(6)If a declaration required by subsection (3) to be delivered to the registrar is not so delivered within the time prescribed by that subsection, the company and every officer in default is liable to a fine and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C186S. 89(3) amended (1.7.1999) by 1998 c. 46, s. 125, Sch. 8 para. 23(5) (with s. 126(3)-(11)); S.I. 1998/3178, arts. 2, 3,
A winding up in the case of which a directors’ statutory declaration under section 89 has been made is a “members’ voluntary winding up”; and a winding up in the case of which such a declaration has not been made is a “creditors’ voluntary winding up”.
(1)In a members’ voluntary winding up, the company in general meeting shall appoint one or more liquidators for the purpose of winding up the company’s affairs and distributing its assets.
(2)On the appointment of a liquidator all the powers of the directors cease, except so far as the company in general meeting or the liquidator sanctions their continuance.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C187S. 91(1)(2) modified (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(2), Sch. 3
Ss. 91-93 applied (with modifications) (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4, Sch. 2
(1)If a vacancy occurs by death resignation or otherwise in the office of liquidator appointed by the company, the company in general meeting may, subject to any arrangement with its creditors, fill the vacancy.
(2)For that purpose a general meeting may be convened by any contributory or, if there were more liquidators than one, by the continuing liquidators.
(3)The meeting shall be held in manner provided by this Act or by the articles, or in such manner as may, on application by any contributory or by the continuing liquidators, be determined by the court.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C188Ss. 91-93 applied (with modifications) (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4, Sch. 2
S. 92(1)(2)(3)(4) modified (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(2), Sch. 3
(1)Subject to sections 96 and 102, in the event of the winding up of a company registered in England and Wales continuing for more than one year, the liquidator must—
(a)for each prescribed period produce a progress report relating to the prescribed matters; and
(b)within such period commencing with the end of the period referred to in paragraph (a) as may be prescribed send a copy of the progress report to—
(i)the members of the company; and
(ii)such other persons as may be prescribed.
(2)A liquidator who fails to comply with this section is liable to a fine.]
Textual Amendments
F120S. 92A added (6.4.2010) by The Legislative Reform (Insolvency) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/18), art. 6(1) (with art. 12(1))
(1)Subject to sections 96 and 102, in the event of the winding up [F122of a company registered in Scotland] continuing for more than one year, the liquidator shall summon a general meeting of the company at the end of the first year from the commencement of the winding up, and of each succeeding year, or at the first convenient date within 3 months from the end of the year or such longer period as the Secretary of State may allow.
(2)The liquidator shall lay before the meeting an account of his acts and dealings, and of the conduct of the winding up, during the preceding year.
(3)If the liquidator fails to comply with this section, he is liable to a fine.
Textual Amendments
F121Word in s. 93 heading inserted (6.4.2010) by The Legislative Reform (Insolvency) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/18), art. 6(2)(a) (with art. 12(2))
F122Words in s. 93(1) inserted (6.4.2010) by The Legislative Reform (Insolvency) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/18), art. 6(2)(b) (with art. 12(2))
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C189Ss. 91-93 applied (with modifications) (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4, Sch. 2
C190S. 93(1) modified (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(2), Sch. 3
(1)As soon as the company’s affairs are fully wound up, the liquidator shall make up an account of the winding up showing how it has been conducted and the company’s property has been disposed of, and thereupon shall call a general meeting of the company for the purpose of laying before it the account, and giving an explanation of it.
(2)The meeting shall be called by advertisement in the Gazette, specifying its time, place and object and published at least one month before the meeting.
(3)Within one week after the meeting, the liquidator shall send to the registrar of companies a copy of the account, and shall make a return to him of the holding of the meeting and of its date.
(4)If the copy is not sent or the return is not made in accordance with subsection (3), the liquidator is liable to a fine and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine.
(5)If a quorum is not present at the meeting, the liquidator shall, in lieu of the return mentioned above, make a return that the meeting was duly summoned and that no quorum was present; and upon such a return being made, the provisions of subsection (3) as to the making of the return are deemed complied with.
(6)If the liquidator fails to call a general meeting of the company as required by subsection (1), he is liable to a fine.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C191Ss. 94, 106 applied with modifications by Building Societies Act 1986 (c. 53, SIF 16), ss. 54(3)(a)(5)(a), 90, 126(3), Sch. 15 para. 56(1)
C192S. 94 applied (with modifications) (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
S. 94 modified (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(2), Sch. 3
C193S. 94(3) amended (1.7.1999) by 1998 c. 46, s. 125, Sch. 8 para. 23(1)-(3) (with s. 126(3)-(11)); S.I. 1998/3178, arts. 2, 3
(1)This section applies where the liquidator is of the opinion that the company will be unable to pay its debts in full (together with interest at the official rate) within the period stated in the directors’ declaration under section 89.
(2)[F123In the case of the winding up of a company registered in Scotland, the liquidator] shall—
(a)summon a meeting of creditors for a day not later than the 28th day after the day on which he formed that opinion;
(b)send notices of the creditors’ meeting to the creditors by post not less than 7 days before the day on which that meeting is to be held;
(c)cause notice of the creditors’ meeting to be adertvised once in the Gazette and once at least in 2 newspapers circulating in the relevant locality (that is to say the locality in which the company’s principal place of business in Great Britain was situated during the relevant period); and
(d)during the period before the day on which the creditors’ meeting is to be held, furnish creditors free of charge with such information concerning the affairs of the company as they may reasonably require;
and the notice of the creditors’ meeting shall state the duty imposed by paragraph (d) above.
[F124(2A)In the case of the winding up of a company registered in England and Wales, the liquidator—
(a)shall summon a meeting of creditors for a day not later than the 28th day after the day on which he formed that opinion;
(b)shall send notices of the creditors' meeting to the creditors [F125by post] not less than 7 days before the day on which that meeting is to be held;
(c)shall cause notice of the creditors' meeting to be advertised once in the Gazette;
(d)may cause notice of the meeting to be advertised in such other manner as he thinks fit; and
(e)shall during the period before the day on which the creditors' meeting is to be held, furnish creditors free of charge with such information concerning the affairs of the company as they may reasonably require;
and the notice of the creditors' meeting shall state the duty imposed by paragraph (e) above.]
(3)The liquidator shall also—
(a)make out a statement in the prescribed form as to the affairs of the company;
(b)lay that statement before the creditors’ meeting; and
(c)attend and preside at that meeting.
(4)The statement as to the affairs of the company F126. . . shall show—
(a)particulars of the company’s assets, debts and liabilities;
(b)the names and addresses of the company’s creditors;
(c)the securities held by them respectively;
(d)the dates when the securities were respectively given; and
(e)such further or other information as may be prescribed.
[F127(4A)The statement as to the affairs of the company shall be verified by the liquidator—
(a)in the case of a winding up of a company registered in England and Wales, by a statement of truth; and
(b)in the case of a winding up of a company registered in Scotland, by affidavit.]
(5)Where the company’s principal place of business in Great Britain was situated in different localities at different times during the relevant period, the duty imposed by subsection (2)(c) applies separately in relation to each of those localities.
(6)Where the company had no place of business in Great Britain during the relevant period, references in subsections (2)(c) and (5) to the company’s principal place of business in Great Britain are replaced by references to its registered office.
(7)In this section “the relevant period” means the period of 6 months immediately preceding the day on which were sent the notices summoning the company meeting at which it was resolved that the company be wound up voluntarily.
(8)If the liquidator without reasonable excuse fails to comply with this section, he is liable to a fine.
Textual Amendments
F123Words in s. 95(2) substituted (6.4.2009) by The Legislative Reform (Insolvency) (Advertising Requirements) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/864), art. 3(1)(a) (with art. 4)
F124S. 95(2A) inserted (6.4.2009) by The Legislative Reform (Insolvency) (Advertising Requirements) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/864), art. 3(1)(b) (with art. 4)
F125Words in s. 95(2A)(b) omitted (E.W.) (6.4.2010) by virtue of The Legislative Reform (Insolvency) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/18), art. 7 (with art. 12(3))
F126Words in s. 95(4) omitted (6.4.2010) by virtue of The Legislative Reform (Insolvency) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/18), art. 5(2)(a)
F127S. 95(4A) inserted (6.4.2010) by The Legislative Reform (Insolvency) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/18), art. 5(2)(b)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C194S. 95 applied (with modifications) (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
S. 95 applied (with modifications) (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
As from the day on which the creditors’ meeting is held under section 95, this Act has effect as if—
(a)the directors’ declaration under section 89 had not been made; and
(b)the creditors’ meeting and the company meeting at which it was resolved that the company be wound up voluntarily were the meetings mentioned in section 98 in the next Chapter;
and accordingly the winding up becomes a creditors’ voluntary winding up.
(1)Subject as follows, this Chapter applies in relation to a creditors’ voluntary winding up.
(2)Sections 98 and 99 do not apply where, under section 96 in Chapter III, a members’ voluntary winding up has become a creditors’ voluntary winding up.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C195S. 97 applied (with modifications) (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
(1)[F128In the case of the winding up of a company registered in Scotland, the company] shall—
(a)cause a meeting of its creditorsto be summoned for a day not later than the 14th day after the day on which there is to be held the company meeting at which the resolution for voluntary winding up is to be proposed;
(b)cause the notices of the creditors’ meeting to be sent by post to the creditors not less than 7 days before the day on which that meeting is to be held; and
(c)cause notice of the creditors’ meeting to be advertised once in the Gazette and once at least in two newspapers circulating in the relevant locality (that is to say the locality in which the company’s principal place of business in Great Britain was situated during the relevant period).
[F129(1A)In the case of the winding up of a company registered in England and Wales, the company—
(a)shall cause a meeting of its creditors to be summoned for a day not later than the 14th day after the day on which there is to be held the company meeting at which the resolution for voluntary winding up is to be proposed;
(b)shall cause the notices of the creditors' meeting to be sent [F130by post] to the creditors not less than 7 days before the day on which that meeting is to be held;
(c)shall cause notice of the creditors' meeting to be advertised once in the Gazette; and
(d)may cause notice of the meeting to be advertised in such other manner as the directors think fit.]
(2)The notice of the creditors’ meeting shall state either—
(a)the name and address of a person qualified to act as an insolvency practitioner in relation to the company who, during the period before the day on which that meeting is to be held, will furnish creditors free of charge with such information concerning the company’s affairs as they may reasonably require; or
(b)a place in the relevant locality where, on the two business days falling next before the day on which that meeting is to be held, a list of the names and addresses of the company’s creditors will be available for inspection free of charge.
(3)Where the company’s principal place of business in Great Britain was situated in different localities at different times during the relevant period, the duties imposed by subsections (1)(c) and (2)(b) above apply separately in relation to each of those localities.
(4)Where the company had no place of business in Great Britain during the relevant period, references in subsections (1)(c) and (3) to the company’s principal place of business in Great Britain are replaced by references to its registered office.
(5)In this section “the relevant period” means the period of 6 months immediately preceding the day on which were sent the notices summoning the company meeting at which it was resolved that the company be wound up voluntarily.
(6)If the company without reasonable excuse fails to comply with subsection (1) [F131, (1A)] or (2), it is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine.
Textual Amendments
F128Words in s. 98(1) substituted (6.4.2009) by The Legislative Reform (Insolvency) (Advertising Requirements) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/864), art. 3(2)(a) (with art. 4)
F129S. 98(1A) inserted (6.4.2009) by The Legislative Reform (Insolvency) (Advertising Requirements) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/864), art. 3(2)(b) (with art. 4)
F130Words in s. 98(1A)(b) omitted (E.W.) (6.4.2010) by virtue of The Legislative Reform (Insolvency) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/18), art. 7 (with art. 12(3))
F131Words in s. 98(6) inserted (6.4.2009) by The Legislative Reform (Insolvency) (Advertising Requirements) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/864), art. 3(2)(c) (with art. 4)
(1)The directors of the company shall—
(a)make out a statement in the prescribed formas to the affairs of the company;
(b)cause that statement to be laid before the creditors’ meeting under section 98; and
(c)appoint one of their number to preside at that meeting;
and it is the duty of the director so appointed to attend the meeting and preside over it.
(2)The statement as to the affairs of the company F132. . . shall show—
(a)particulars of the company’s assets, debts and liabilities;
(b)the names and addresses of the company’s creditors;
(c)the securities held by them respectively;
(d)the dates when the securities were respectively given; and
(e)such further or other information as may be prescribed.
[F133(2A)The statement as to the affairs of the company shall be verified by some or all of the directors—
(a)in the case of a winding up of a company registered in England and Wales, by a statement of truth; and
(b)in the case of a winding up of a company registered in Scotland, by affidavit.]
(3)If—
(a)the directors without reasonable excuse fail to comply with subsection (1) [F134, (2) or (2A)]; or
(b)any director without reasonable excuse fails to comply with subsection (1), so far as requiring him to attend and preside at the creditors’ meeting,
the directors are or (as the case may be) the director is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine.
Textual Amendments
F132Words in s. 99(2) omitted (6.4.2010) by virtue of The Legislative Reform (Insolvency) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/18), art. 5(3)(a)
F133S. 99(2A) inserted (6.4.2010) by The Legislative Reform (Insolvency) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/18), art. 5(3)(b)
F134Words in s. 99(3)(a) substituted (6.4.2010) by The Legislative Reform (Insolvency) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/18), art. 5(3)(c)
(1)The creditors and the company at their respective meetings mentioned in section 98 may nominate a person to be liquidator for the purpose of winding up the company’s affairs and distributing its assets.
(2)The liquidator shall be the person nominated by the creditors or, where no person has been so nominated, the person (if any) nominated by the company.
(3)In the case of different persons being nominated, any director, member or creditor of the company may, within 7 days after the date on which the nomination was made by the creditors, apply to the court for an order either—
(a)directing that the person nominated as liquidator by the company shall be liquidator instead of or jointly with the person nominated by the creditors, or
(b)appointing some other person to be liquidator instead of the person nominated by the creditors.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C196S. 100 applied (with modifications) (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
C197S. 100(1)(3) modified (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(2), Sch. 3
(1)The creditors at the meeting to be held under section 98 or at any subsequent meeting may, if they think fit, appoint a committee (“the liquidation committee”) of not more than 5 persons to exercise the functions conferred on it by or under this Act.
(2)If such a committee is appointed, the company may, either at the meeting at which the resolution for voluntary winding up is passed or at any time subsequently in general meeting, appoint such number of persons as they think fit to act as members of the committee, not exceeding 5.
(3)However, the creditors may, if they think fit, resolve that all or any of the persons so appointed by the company ought not to be members of the liquidation committee; and if the creditors so resolve—
(a)the persons mentioned in the resolution are not then, unless the court otherwise directs, qualified to act as members of the committee; and
(b)on any application to the court under this provision the court may, if it thinks fit, appoint other persons to act as such members in place of the persons mentioned in the resolution.
(4)In Scotland, the liquidation committee has, in addition to the powers and duties conferred and imposed on it by this Act, such of the powers and duties of commissioners on a bankrupt estate as may be conferred and imposed on liquidation committees by the rules.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C198S. 101 amended (1.12.2001) by 2000 c. 8, ss. 365(5)(b), 371(2)(b); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
S. 101 applied (with modifications) (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
C199S. 101(2) modified (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(2), Sch. 3
Where, in the case of a winding up which was under section 96 in Chapter III, converted to a creditors’ voluntary winding up, a creditors’ meeting is held in accordance with section 95, any appointment made or committee established by that meeting is deemed to have been made or established by a meeting held in accordance with section 98 in this Chapter.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C200S. 102 applied (with modifications) (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
On the appointment of a liquidator, all the powers of the directors cease, except so far as the liquidation committee (or, if there is no such committee, the creditors) sanction their continuance.
If a vacancy occurs, by death, resignation or otherwise, in the office of a liquidator (other than a liquidator appointed by, or by the direction of, the court), the creditors may fill the vacancy.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C201S. 104 applied (with modifications) (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
(1)If the winding up of a company registered in England and Wales continues for more than one year, the liquidator must—
(a)for each prescribed period produce a progress report relating to the prescribed matters; and
(b)within such period commencing with the end of the period referred to in paragraph (a) as may be prescribed send a copy of the progress report to—
(i)the members and creditors of the company; and
(ii)such other persons as may be prescribed.
(2)A liquidator who fails to comply with this section is liable to a fine.]
Textual Amendments
F135S. 104A added (6.4.2010) by The Legislative Reform (Insolvency) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/18), art. 6(3) (with art. 12(1))
(1)If the winding up [F137of a company registered in Scotland] continues for more than one year, the liquidator shall summon a general meeting of the company and a meeting of the creditors at the end of the first year from the commencement of the winding up, and of each succeeding year, or at the first convenient date within 3 months from the end of the year or such longer period as the Secretary of State may allow.
(2)The liquidator shall lay before each of the meetings an account of his acts and dealings and of the conduct of the winding up during the preceding year.
(3)If the liquidator fails to comply with this section, he is liable to a fine.
(4)Where under section 96 a members’ voluntary winding up has become a creditors’ voluntary winding up, and the creditors’ meeting under section 95 is held 3 months or less before the end of the first year from the commencement of the winding up, the liquidator is not required by this section to summon a meeting of creditors at the end of that year.
Textual Amendments
F136Word in s. 105 heading inserted (6.4.2010) by The Legislative Reform (Insolvency) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/18), art. 6(4)(a) (with art. 12(2))
F137Words in s. 105(1) inserted (6.4.2010) by The Legislative Reform (Insolvency) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/18), art. 6(4)(b) (with art. 12(2))
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C202S. 105 applied (with modifications) (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
C203S. 105 modified (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(2), Sch. 3
(1)As soon as the company’s affairs are fully wound up, the liquidator shall make up an account of the winding up, showing how it has been conducted and the company’s property has been disposed of, and thereupon shall call a general meeting of the company and a meeting of the creditors for the purpose of laying the account before the meetings and giving an explanation of it.
(2)Each such meeting shall be called by advertisement in the Gazette specifying the time, place and object of the meeting, and published at least one month before it.
(3)Within one week after the date of the meetings (or, if they are not held on the same date, after the date of the later one) the liquidator shall send to the registrar of companies a copy of the account, and shall make a return to him of the holding of the meetings and of their dates.
(4)If the copy is not sent or the return is not made in accordance with subsection (3), the liquidator is liable to a fine and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine.
(5)However, if a quorum is not present at either such meeting, the liquidator shall, in lieu of the return required by subsection (3), make a return that the meeting was duly summoned and that no quorum was present; and upon such return being made the provisions of that subsection as to the making of the return are, in respect of that meeting, deemed complied with.
(6)If the liquidator fails to call a general meeting of the company or a meeting of the creditors as required by this section, he is liable to a fine.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C204Ss. 94, 106 applied (with modifications) by Building Societies Act 1986 (c. 53, SIF 16), ss. 54(3)(a)(5)(a), 90, 126(3), Sch. 15 para. 56(1)
C205S. 106 applied (with modifications) (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
C206S. 106 modified (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(2), Sch. 3
C207S. 106(3)(5) amended (1.7.1999) by 1998 c. 46, s. 125, Sch. 8 para. 23(2)(3) (with s. 126(3)-(11)); S>I. 1998/3178, arts. 2, 3
Subject to the provisions of this Act as to preferential payments, the company’s property in a voluntary winding up shall on the winding up be applied in satisfaction of the company’s liabilities pari passu and, subject to that application, shall (unless the articles otherwise provide) be distributed among the members according to their rights and interests in the company.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C208S. 107 restricted (6.3.2008) by The Regulated Covered Bonds Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/346), reg. 46, Sch. para. 2(2)
(1)If from any cause whatever there is not liquidator acting, the court may appoint a liquidator.
(2)The court may, on cause shown, remove a liquidator and appoint another.
(1)The liquidator shall, within 14 days after his appointment, publish in the Gazette and deliver to the registrar of companies for registration a notice of his appointment in the form prescribed by statutory instrument made by the Secretary of State.
(2)If the liquidator fails to comply with this section, he is liable to a fine and, for continued contravention, to a daily default fine.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C209S. 109 applied (with modifications) (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
C210S. 109(1) amended (1.7.1999) by 1998 c. 46, s. 125, Sch. 8 para. 23(4)(5) (with s. 126(3)-(11)); S.I. 1998/3178, arts. 2, 3
(1)This section applies, in the case of a company proposed to be, or being, wound up voluntarily, where the whole or part of the company’s business or property is proposed to be transferred or sold
[F138(a)]to another company (“the transferee company"), whether or not the latter is a [F139company registered under the Companies Act 2006][F138, or
(b)to a limited liability partnership (the “transferee limited liability partnership").]
(2)With the requisite sanction, the liquidator of the company being, or proposed to be, wound up (“the transferor company") may receive, in compensation or part compensation for the transfer or [F140sale—
(a)in the case of the transferee company, shares, policies or other like interests in the transferee company for distribution among the members of the transferor company, or
(b)in the case of the transferee limited liability partnership, membership in the transferee limited liability partnership for distribution among the members of the transferor company.]
(3)The sanction requisite under subsection (2) is—
(a)in the case of a members’ voluntary winding up, that of a special resolution of the company, conferring either a general authority on the liquidator or an authority in respect of any particular arrangement, and
(b)in the case of a creditors’ voluntary winding up, that of either the court or the liquidation committee.
(4)Alternatively to subsection (2), the liquidator may (with that sanction) enter into any other arrangement whereby the members of the transferor [F141company may—
(a)in the case of the transferee company, in lieu of receiving cash, shares, policies or other like interests (or in addition thereto) participate in the profits of, or receive any other benefit from, the transferee company, or
(b)in the case of the transferee limited liability partnership, in lieu of receiving cash or membership (or in addition thereto), participate in some other way in the profits of, or receive any other benefit from, the transferee limited liability partnership.]
(5)A sale or arrangement in pursuance of this section is binding on members of the transferor company.
(6)A special resolution is not invalid for purposes of this section by reason that it is passed before or concurrently with a resolution for voluntary winding up or for appointing liquidators; but, if an order is made within a year for winding up the company by the court, the special resolution is not valid unless sanctioned by the court.
Extent Information
E1This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only
Textual Amendments
F138Words in s. 110(1) inserted (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 9, Sch. 5 para. 15(2)
F139Words in s. 110(1)(a) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009, (S.I. 2009/1941) arts. 2(1), 8, {Sch. 1 para. 75(11)} (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
F140Word in s. 110(2) substituted (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 9, Sch. 5 para. 15(3)
F141Words in s. 110(4) substituted (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 9, Sch. 5 para. 15(4)
(1)This section applies, in the case of a company proposed to be, or being, wound up voluntarily, where the whole or part of the company’s business or property is proposed to be transferred or sold
[F912(a)]to another company (“the transferee company”), whether or not the latter is a [F913company registered under the Companies Act 2006][F912, or
(b)to a limited liability partnership (the “transferee limited liability partnership”).]
(2)With the requisite sanction, the liquidator of the company being, or proposed to be, wound up (“the transferor company”) may receive, in compensation or part compensation for the transfer or [F914sale–
(a)in the case of the transferee company, shares, policies or other like interests in the company for distribution among the members of the transferor company, or
(b)in the case of the transferee limited liability partnership, membership in the limited liability partnership for distribution among the members of the transferor company.]
(3)The sanction requisite under subsection (2) is—
(a)in the case of a members’ voluntary winding up, that of a special resolution of the company, conferring either a general authority on the liquidator or an authority in respect of any particular arrangement, and
(b)in the case of a creditors’ voluntary winding up, that of either the court or the liquidation committee.
(4)Alternatively to subsection (2), the liquidator [F915may-
(a)in the case of the transferee company, in lieu of receiving cash, shares, policies or other like interests (or in addition thereto) participate in the profits of, or receive any other benefit from, the company, or
(b)in the case of the transferee limited liability partnership, in lieu of receiving cash, or membership (or in addition thereto) participate in some other way in the profits of, or receive any other benefit from, the limited liability partnership.]
(5)A sale or arrangement in pursuance of this section is binding on members of the transferor company.
(6)A special resolution is not invalid for purposes of this section by reason that it is passed before or concurrently with a resolution for voluntary winding up or for appointing liquidators; but, if an order is made within a year for winding up the company by the court, the special resolution is not valid unless sanctioned by the court.
Extent Information
E2This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only
Textual Amendments
F912Words in s. 110(1) inserted (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 5, Sch. 4 para. 1(2)
F913Words in s. 110(1)(a) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009, (S.I. 2009/1941) arts. 2(1), 8, {Sch. 1 para. 75(11)} (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)
F914Words in s. 110(2) substituted (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 5, Sch. 4 para. 1(3)
F915Words in s. 110(4) substituted (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 5, Sch. 4 para. 1(4)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C998S. 110 applied (with modifications) (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
S. 110 modified (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(2), Sch. 3
(1)This section applies in the case of a voluntary winding up where, for the purposes of section 110(2) or (4), there has been passed a special resolution of the transferor company providing the sanction requisite for the liquidator under that section.
(2)If a member of the transferor company who did not vote in favour of the special resolution expresses his dissent from it in writing, addressed to the liquidator and left at the company’s registered office within 7 days after the passing of the resolution, he may require the liquidator either to abstain from carrying the resolution into effect or to purchase his interest at a price to be determined by agreement or by arbitration under this section.
(3)If the liquidator elects to purchase the member’s interest, the purchase money must be paid before the company is dissolved and be raised by the liquidator in such manner as may be determined by special resolution.
(4)For purposes of an arbitration under this section, the provisions of the M4Companies Clauses Consolidation Act 1845 or, in the case of a winding up in Scotland, the M5Companies Clauses Consolidation (Scotland) Act 1845 with respect to the settlement of disputes by arbitration are incorporated with this Act, and—
(a)in the construction of those provisions this Act is deemed the special Act and “the company” means the transferor company, and
(b)any appointment by the incorporated provisions directed to be made under the hand of the secretary or any two of the directors may be made in writing by the liquidator (or, if there is more than one liquidator, then any two or more of them).
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C211S. 111 applied (with modifications) (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
S. 111 modified (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(2), Sch. 3
Marginal Citations
(1)The liquidator or any contributory or creditor may apply to the court to determine any question arising in the winding up of a company, or to exercise, as respects the enforcing of calls or any other matter, all or any of the powers which the court might exercise if the company were being wound up by the court.
(2)The court, if satisfied that the determination of the question or the required exercise of power will be just and beneficial, may accede wholly or partially to the application on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit, or may make such other order on the application as it thinks just.
(3)A copy of an order made by virtue of this section staying the proceedings in the winding up shall forthwith be forwarded by the company, or otherwise as may be prescribed, to the registrar of companies, who shall enter it in his records relating to the company.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C212S. 112 amended (1.12.2001) by 2000 c. 8, s. 365(2); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
S. 112 applied (with modifications) (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
C213S. 112(3) amended (1.7.1999) by 1998 c. 46, s. 125, Sch. 8 para. 23(2)(3) (with s. 126(3)-(11)); S.I. 1998/3178, arts. 2, 3
If the court, on the application of the liquidator in the winding up of a company registered in Scotland, so directs, no action or proceeding shall be proceeded with or commenced against the company except by leave of the court and subject to such terms as the court may impose.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C214S. 113 applied (with modifications) (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
(1)This section applies where, in the case of a voluntary winding up, no liquidator has been appointed or nominated by the company.
(2)The powers of the directors shall not be exercised, except with the sanction of the court or (in the case of a creditors’ voluntary winding up) so far as may be necessary to secure compliance with sections 98 (creditors’ meeting) and 99 (statement of affairs), during the period before the appointment or nomination of a liquidator of the company.
(3)Subsection (2) does not apply in relation to the powers of the directors—
(a)to dispose of perishable goods and other goods the value of which is likely to diminish if they are not immediately disposed of, and
(b)to do all such other things as may be necessary for the protection of the company’s assets.
(4)If the directors of the company without reasonable excuse fail to comply with this section, they are liable to a fine.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C215S. 114 applied (with modifications) (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
All expenses properly incurred in the winding up, including the remuneration of the liquidator, are payable out of the company’s assets in priority to all other claims.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C216S. 115 applied (with modifications) (S.) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2
The voluntary winding up of a company does not bar the right of any creditor or contributory to have it wound up by the court; but in the case of an application by a contributory the court must be satisfied that the rights of the contributories will be prejudiced by a voluntary winding up.
(1)The High Court has jurisdiction to wind up any company registered in England and Wales.
(2)Where the amount of a company’s share capital paid up or credited as paid up does not exceed £120,000, then (subject to this section) the county court of the district in which the company’s registered office is situated has concurrent jurisdiction with the High Court to wind up the company.
(3)The money sum for the time being specified in subsection (2) is subject to increase or reduction by order under section 416 in Part XV.
(4)The Lord Chancellor [F142may, with the concurrence of the Lord Chief Justice, by order] in a statutory instrument exclude a county court from having winding-up jurisdiction, and for the purposes of that jurisdiction may attach its district, or any part thereof, to any other county court, and may by statutory instrument revoke or vary any such order.
In exercising the powers of this section, the Lord Chancellor shall provide that a county court is not to have winding-up jurisdiction unless it has for the time being jurisdiction for the purposes of Parts VIII to XI of this Act (individual insolvency).
(5)Every court in England and Wales having winding-up jurisdiction has for the purposes of that jurisdiction all the powers of the High Court; and every prescribed officer of the court shall perform any duties which an officer of the High Court may discharge by order of a judge of that court or otherwise in relation to winding up.
(6)For the purposes of this section, a company’s “registered office” is the place which has longest been its registered office during the 6 months immediately preceding the presentation of the petition for winding up.
[F143(7)This section is subject to Article 3 of the EC Regulation (jurisdiction under EC Regulation).]
[F144(8)The Lord Chief Justice may nominate a judicial office holder (as defined in section 109(4) of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005) to exercise his functions under this section.]
Textual Amendments
F142Words in s. 117(4) substituted (3.4.2006) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 15(1), 148, Sch. 4 para. 186(2); S.I. 2006/1014, art. 2(a), Sch. 1
F143S. 117(7) inserted (31.5.2002) by S.I. 2002/1240, reg. 6
F144S. 117(8) inserted (3.4.2006) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 15(1), 148, Sch. 4 para. 186(3); S.I. 2006/1014, art. 2(a), Sch. 1
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C217S. 117 applied (with modifications) (1.12.1994) by S.I. 1994/2421, art. 7(3), Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 6
S. 117 applied (with modifications) (1.12.1994) by S.I. 1994/2421, art. 8(3)(9), Sch. 4 Pt. II para. 5
S. 117 applied (with modifications) (1.12.1994) by S.I. 1994/2421, art. 10(1), Sch. 6 para. 1
S. 117 applied (with modifications) (2.4.2001) by 2000 c. 39, s. 8, Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 5; S.I. 2001/766, art. 2(1)(a) (subject to art. 3)
C218S. 117 modified (1.12.1994) by S.I. 1994/2421, art. 9(a), Sch. 5 para. 1
(1)Nothing in section 117 invalidates a proceeding by reason of its being taken in the wrong court.
(2)The winding up of a company by the court in England and Wales, or any proceedings in the winding up, may be retained in the court in which the proceedings were commenced, although it may not be the court in which they ought to have been commenced.
(1)If any question arises in any winding-up proceedings in a county court which all the parties to the proceedings, or which one of them and the judge of the court, desire to have determined in the first instance in the High Court, the judge shall state the facts in the form of a special case for the opinion of the High Court.
(2)Thereupon the special case and the proceedings (or such of them as may be required) shall be transmitted to the High Court for the purposes of the determination.
(1)The Court of Session has jurisdiction to wind up any company registered in Scotland.
(2)When the Court of Session is in vacation, the jurisdiction conferred on that court by this section may (subject to the provisions of this Part) be exercised by the judge acting as vacation judge [F145in pursuance of section 4 of the Admnistration of Justice (Scotland) Act 1933].
(3)Where the amount of a company’s share capital paid up or credited as paid up does not exceed £120,000, the sheriff court of the sheriffdom in which the company’s registered office is situated has concurrent jurisdiction with the Court of Session to wind up the company; but—
(a)the Court of Session may, if it thinks expedient having regard to the amount of the company’s assets to do so—
(i)remit to a sheriff court any petition presented to the Court of Session for winding up such a company, or
(ii)require such a petition presented to a sheriff court to be remitted to the Court of Session; and
(b)the Court of Session may require any such petition as above mentioned presented to one sheriff court to be remitted to another sheriff court; and
(c)in a winding up in the sheriff court the sheriff may submit a stated case for the opinion of the Court of Session on any question of law arising in that winding up.
(4)For purposes of this section, the expression “registered office” means the place which has longest been the company’s registered office during the 6 months immediately preceding the presentation of the petition for winding up.
(5)The money sum for the time being specified in subsection (3) is subject to increase or reduction by order under section 416 in Part XV.
[F146(6)This section is subject to Article 3 of the EC Regulation (jurisdiction under EC Regulation).]
Textual Amendments
F145Words repealed (S.) by Court of Session Act 1988 (c. 36, SIF 36:1), s. 52(2), Sch. 2