
Free Business Review
Claim your Free Business Review to understand what options are available to you.
Require Immediate Support? Free Director Helpline: 0800 644 6080
Free Director Helpline: 0800 644 6080
Company assets are sold to the purchasing newco in a pre-pack administration, with proceeds being used to repay outstanding creditors as far as possible. Purchased assets are then used by the newco to allow for trade to continue uninterrupted.
60 Second Test Find Your Nearest Office
A pre-pack administration is a planned insolvency procedure in which the assets and business of a company are sold by the administrator to a pre-designated purchaser on or soon after their appointment. The proceeds of the sale are used to repay secured creditors in order to prevent them from exercising fixed charges, and to protect the company from bankruptcy. The company can continue operating uninterrupted as their assets are sold and transferred, making it possible to preserve brand integrity and retain clients/employees.
According to UK law, a company does not need the approval of its unsecured creditors or the permission of the court to initiate a pre-pack administration procedure. However, a licensed Insolvency practitioner must be appointed as the administrator. In a pre-pack sale it is possible for the insolvent company’s directors to purchase the assets/business and use them in a new company. The newly formed corporation is commonly called a "newco".
Don't Worry - There are thousands of other company directors going through the same process. No matter what position you are in and need looking for options, speak to a member of the Real Business Rescue team. It's Free & Confidential.
The team are available now - 0800 644 6080
Although pre pack administration has been the subject of some controversy in recent years, as long as the administrator acts fairly and in accordance with Statement of Insolvency Practice (SIP) 16 guidelines pre-pack administration is a very legitimate and effective way to avoid companies completely closing down and continue company operations during insolvency.
In a pre-pack administration the sale of a company’s assets/business are pre-negotiated with a purchaser before an administrator is appointed and the sale is executed by the administrator as soon as appointed. In a regular administration, the administrator begins managing and trading the business and conducting sales negotiations after being appointed, so the process is slower and less predictable.
An insolvency practitioner is required by law to ensure that a pre-pack sale provides the best outcome for creditors before recommending this course of action, in most cases it is the most ideal solution for all parties. By streamlining the administration process prior to appointment a pre-pack sale offers the following benefits:
Learn more about the advantages of a pre-pack administration
The first step in organising a pre-pack sale is assessing the value of the distressed company’s assets and determining how much the assets can be sold for. Then the soon-to-be appointed administrator can begin searching for potential purchasers and marketing the company’s assets in an attempt to receive the highest price possible.
If current directors wish to buy the assets then it will be necessary for the directors to seek independent advice on setting up a new company. In addition, the purchasing directors will have to fund the acquisition of the company’s assets in order to become the new owners. Payments however can be deferred.
If your company is struggling with unmanageable debts, squeezed cash flow, or an uncertain future, you are far from alone. We speak to company directors just like you every single day, and we are here to give you the help and advice you need.
Call our team today on 0800 644 6080
Once a suitable sales agreement is made the insolvency practitioner solicitors draws up an official contract of purchase and presents it to the court. The court then orders that the creditors allow the insolvent company to complete the administration process in order to recover debts, thereby protecting the company from further pressures.
For a more thorough overview of what happens during a pre-pack administration, see the Pre Pack Administration Process Guide.
All UK sectors are experiencing specific challenges at present, particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Find out how your sector is performing here.
Simply search your Limited Company Name or Company Number
We will also check if you’re eligible for Director Redundancy
We provide free confidential advice with absolutely no obligation.
Our expert and non-judgemental team are ready to assist directors and stakeholders today.
Claim your Free Business Review to understand what options are available to you.
Find your nearest office - we have more than 100 across the UK. Remote Video Meetings are also available.
Free, confidential, and trusted advice for company directors across the UK.