Can a creditor restore a dissolved company?

Do creditors have the power to reinstate a dissolved company?

Company dissolution is a method of closure only available to solvent businesses. It’s an inexpensive way to close down a business that’s no longer needed, but only suitable if the company can pay all its creditors within 12 months from the date of dissolution.

When a limited company is voluntarily dissolved by its directors, it’s removed from the register at Companies House. If it later emerges that a debt is owed, however, the company can be restored to allow a claim to be made by the creditor.

So how does this process work in practice, and what are the potential consequences for company directors?

How do creditors know the company has been dissolved?

The dissolution process requires directors to advertise their intent to strike off the company in the official public record, the Gazette. This provides a safeguard for creditors and others connected to the company, and for objections to be made where necessary.

Directors should also make each creditor aware of their intended actions by sending them a copy of the DS01 application form for strike off.

How are dissolved companies restored to the register?

If directors fail to inform creditors in the correct manner, or creditors are unaware of the notice in the Gazette and want to make a claim against the company, they apply to the court to have it reinstated.

The court order is presented to the Registrar of Companies, along with documentary proof of the debt in question, and the company is restored to the register as if dissolution hadn’t taken place.

This can leave company directors in a precarious position, and potentially at risk of serious misconduct or fraud allegations.

What happens to directors when a dissolved company is reinstated?

The fact that directors have tried to close their company even though it’s carrying debts is a ‘red flag’ to the Insolvency Service, and can ultimately lead to severe penalties, including unlimited fines, personal liability, and even imprisonment.

Directors must protect their creditors’ interests when the business enters insolvency, and whether or not their actions were wilful or negligent, they’ll be investigated by the liquidator.

Disqualification as a company director

If negligent or unlawful conduct is uncovered, directors face disqualification under the Company Director Disqualification Act (CDDA) for 2-15 years. This sanction alone carries further implications, as disqualified directors are barred from holding certain offices or positions. Their employment prospects may also be affected.

Financial penalties and personal liability

Financial penalties are also common for directors who have deliberately sought to deprive creditors of monies owed, and personal liability for company debts is a further issue that can lead to personal bankruptcy for a director.

The liquidator will demand repayment of monies withdrawn from the company – for example, as illegal dividends or excessive salaries - and can file for a director’s bankruptcy if the funds aren’t forthcoming.

Prison sentence

In the most serious cases where fraud has taken place, directors may receive a prison sentence. Protecting the general public from directors intent on causing financial harm is a serious issue, given the power and legal separation that running an incorporated business typically offers.

So what is the correct way to close a company if it has debts that cannot be repaid?

Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL)

CVL is an official procedure that ensures creditors’ interests are safeguarded, but it also helps to reduce the likelihood of directors being accused of wrongful trading. Although the liquidator still conducts an investigation, proactively placing their company into liquidation demonstrates no intent to deceive or defraud.

A key point to consider when dissolving a company is its financial status – whether it can pay all its liabilities, including interest and contingent liabilities, within a period of 12 months. If you’re unsure, it’s vital to obtain a professional assessment to avoid problems in the future.

Real Business Rescue are insolvency specialists and can quickly establish the correct way to close down your business. We’ll provide independent, unbiased advice, and guide you through each process.

Please get in touch with our partner-led team to arrange a free, same-day consultation. We operate a broad network of local offices around the country.