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Company Liquidation

A Creditors' Voluntary Liquidation - or CVL - is a formal insolvency procedure which brings about the end of an insolvent company.

bridgewood Advisory Solutions for Company Directors

What is company liquidation (CVL)

A CVL is the most common form of liquidation in use in England and Wales and formally brings to an end the operations of a company.

If your company’s debts have become unmanageable, you face increasing creditor pressure and you ultimately know the business cannot continue to trade, then this is an option available to your company.

As a director, you have a responsibility to seek professional advice if you believe your company may not be able to avoid insolvency. Getting advice early, protects the creditors interests and limits your risk of exposure, to any potential wrongful trading actions.

We can advise on the different liquidation routes available but once a company is in liquidation, the Insolvency Practitioner has a duty to realise all assets, distribute the proceeds to the company’s creditors and investigate the company’s affairs and the directors’ conduct.

The liquidation remains open until all matters above have been concluded.

  • A quick and potentially cost-effective way of formally closing down a company.
  • Ensures you are complying with your fiduciary duties as a director.
  • Ends mounting pressure from creditors.
  • Allows you to negotiate with creditors regarding personal guarantees.
  • May minimise directors’ exposure with regards to wrongful trading actions.
  • Option of buying back the company's assets at market value allowing future trade through a new entity.
  • Allows employees to reclaim monies owed to them by the company (including redundancy).

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Robin Tarling

Founder, Partner and Lead Consultant

with over 25 years of experience in the financial sector, including 14 years dealing with insolvency matters.

0115 871 2901

07855 744 672

robin.tarling@bridgewood.co.uk

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Robin Tarling Bridgewood

What are the first steps?

Assess the Financial Situation

  • Determine if the company is insolvent (unable to pay debts) or solvent (able to pay debts but choosing to close).
  • Review financial statements, outstanding debts, and assets.

Decide on the Type of Liquidation

  • Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL): Initiated by directors when the company is insolvent.
  • Members’ Voluntary Liquidation (MVL): Initiated by shareholders when the company is solvent.
  • Compulsory Liquidation: Forced by the court after a creditor petitions due to unpaid debts.

Appoint a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner (IP)

  • Required for CVL and MVL processes.
  • The IP takes control of the company’s affairs and oversees asset distribution.

GOOGLE REVIEW

Managing Director

Online Retail Store

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Bridgewood handled my liquidation flawlessly. They made the process so easy for me. I appreciate all of their help in the matter and would definitely recommend them. Thanks in particular to Aftab and the team.

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Should I liquidate my company?

Liquidating a company when it is insolvent offers several key advantages, paticularly in managing financial and legal risks whilst providing a structured path forward.

  • Debt Resolution: Liquidation allows the company to address its debts in an orderly manner. Proceeds from selling assets are distributed to creditors based on legal priorities, ensuring fairness and transparency.
  • Legal Protection: By voluntarily entering liquidation, directors reduce the risk of personal liability for wrongful trading. Acting promptly demonstrates compliance with legal obligations, which can protect directors' reputations and personal assets.
  • Cost Control: Once the company is in liquidation, operational expenses cease. This minimises further financial losses and ensures creditors receive the maximum possible return.
  • Closure of Obligations: Liquidation provides a clear end to the company’s affairs. This enables directors to move on without lingering responsibilities related to outstanding liabilities or legal challenges.
  • Creditor Relations: Liquidation fosters goodwill with creditors by prioritising repayment through formal processes, which may be beneficial for future business ventures.
  • Stress Relief: A structured process led by licensed insolvency practitioners removes the burden of managing an insolvent business, offering a fresh start for directors and stakeholders.
    By liquidating, businesses can close responsibly and legally, while mitigating financial and reputational harm.


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