With the number of winding-up petitions on the rise - Business Sale Report data shows a 28 per cent year-on-year Q1 rise - we take a look at this process of insolvency. If you’re in the market for a distressed business, this may be of interest to you.
What is a winding-up petition?
A winding-up petition, also known as compulsory liquidation, is a legal action taken by creditors against a firm that owes them money. It is by far the most stringent action a creditor can take against a business, usually coming after other debt collection methods have been attempted, and could ultimately mean the end for the company.What is a winding-up order?
If a winding-up petition is successful, it is followed by a winding-up order. This is a court order that forces an insolvent company into compulsory liquidation.How does the whole process work?
Once the winding-up petition has been issued, it will be publicly advertised, on Business Sale Report, seven days later. It will then be heard at court where it will either be dismissed or approved.Who issues winding-up petitions?
Suppliers, banks and HMRC tend to use winding-up petitions as a way of extracting debt from companies. However, issuing a winding-up petition can be expensive - a creditor would need to pay £280 in court fees and pay a £1,600 petition deposit.What happens if a winding-up petition is successful?
If a company is successfully wound up, the following will happen:Are there any other options?
Can a winding-up order be cancelled?
In some cases, yes. If a company is in the process of liquidation, it can apply to rescind the order, if it can pay its debts, say, or is unable to attend the original court hearing. An application to cancel the petition, which would cost £155 if done through the Companies Court or a district registry, must be made within five working days of receiving it.How does a winding-up petition affect a company’s directors?
If a winding-up order is approved, a liquidator, such as an insolvency practitioner, will investigate the affected company’s situation to see if there has been any fraudulent trading or wrongdoing by its directors. If evidence is found, directors could be fined and/or disqualified, and made personally liable for any debt.Does a winding-up petition definitely mean the end for a business?
While a winding-up petition is certainly very serious, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end for a business. As explained above, in some cases the result of a winding-up petition is not liquidation but administration, which can be a real opportunity for buyers of distressed businesses. Here are a few examples.Very profitable, Midlands-based long-established specialist metal stockholder with freehold - offers invited for 100% share sale.
FREEHOLD
A rare opportunity to acquire this four-in-one highly profitable business which consists of a butchers, a delicatessen, a breakfast/sandwich and hot food bar, a coffee lounge and off-licence selling local ciders, beers and wines.
LEASEHOLD
This butchery offers an excellent opportunity for a first auspicious purchase or to add to an existing business. The business has been owned and operated by the current vendor's family since 1959.
LEASEHOLD
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