Insolvency Office statistics reveal that the company liquidation rate in England and Wales is at its lowest level since records began in 1984. There has been a continuous downward trend in the rate since 2011.
In the 12 months to the end of September 2016, 0.41 per cent of active companies (about one in 244) went into liquidation. At the same point last year 0.46 per cent of companies (one in 215) had collapsed into liquidation in the previous 12 months.
Economic conditions are the major factor in acquisitions rate fluctuations. In times of negative economic growth, liquidation rates tend to rise. In the year to March 1993 (just over 12 months after the 1990s recession ended) the liquidation rate was at its highest level at 2.6 per cent. The next peak in the liquidation rate occurred in 2009 following the 2008/9 recession, when 19,200 companies entered liquidation (0.9 per cent).
Although the actual number of liquidations was only marginally higher in 1999, the liquidation rate was much higher than in 2016 as there are nearly twice as many registered companies now than in 1999.
For those who are wondering, a liquidation is a legal process in which an insolvency practitioner is appointed to
'wind up' the affairs of a limited company. The general purpose of a liquidation is to sell the company’s
assets and distribute any proceeds to its creditors. At the end of the liquidation process, the company is dissolved and effectively ceases to exist.
For the latest businesses in liquidation, click here. 
Discover a lucrative opportunity to acquire a business with a diverse product portfolio serving multiple industries, including engineering, healthcare, and hospitality, with a client database of approximately 500 clients.
Opportunity to acquire a long-established retailer specialising in musical instruments and accessories located in the southeast.
LEASEHOLD
An opportunity has arisen to acquire a well-established forensic services provider operating across the UK, offering a comprehensive range of specialist services.
Please choose your settings for this site below. For more information please read our Cookie Policy
These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and provide you with access to all features.
These are analytics cookies that help us to improve the way our website works.
These are used to improve the functional performance of the website and make it easier for you to use.