What are the benefits and drawbacks of a pre-pack liquidation sale?
A pre-pack liquidation is a process where the assets and business of a company are sold at market value to a new company sometimes, but not always, managed by the same directors. It works much in the same way as a pre-pack administration, where a buyer is found prior to entering the insolvency procedure.
In pre-pack liquidation, once the assets are sold the new company – ‘newco’ – starts to trade debt-free and the old company – ‘oldco’ – is liquidated. Newco will usually trade in place of the oldco. All resources from the oldco will normally be used within the newco. Pre-pack liquidation has many advantages to businesses but the process is controversial and not viewed favourably by some creditors.
The benefits of a pre-pack liquidation
- It can be a better return for creditors than a straightforward liquidation. In a liquidation, it can be difficult for creditors to see a return on certain intangible assets. In a pre-pack liquidation sale, it may be possible to recover some funds on sale of such as goodwill, web sites and databases which potentially will make more funds available for distribution to creditors.
- Debt-free. Historical debts relate to oldco and as such, when that company ceases to exist following liquidation, so too do those debts.
- Some employees may be employed by newco. Jobs at oldco will have been made redundant but it is possible that some or all of the staff may be offered employment with newco. Obviously, they are likely to have the necessary experience and knowledge to step straight into roles they previously occupied.
- Better chance of future success. In theory at least, the newco should have a better chance of survival without the burden of historical debt. Any new investment will not be diverted to settle old debts but can be applied on developing and expanding the business. It follows that any phoenix or newco will start afresh with a clean credit history.
The negatives of a pre-pack liquidation
- It can be difficult to obtain credit. The newco will not have any credit history and as such may find difficulty obtaining credit – certainly with suppliers who may have lost money with oldco. However, it may be possible to raise asset finance to purchase equipment or you may be able to raise finance against existing assets to provide a cash injection. Similarly, if your business is B2B, debtor finance may be the answer for cash flow needs. Our advisers can guide you to the right products.
- It may be difficult to attract investors. Often phoenix companies need investors and the history of the old company may deter some. However, the fact that newco is not carrying historical debt may actually make the business more attractive to some investors.
- It can damage relationships with creditors who face bad debts. Creditors who are left with unpaid debts understandably may be reluctant to offer credit to newco. It does come as a surprise to many directors that such suppliers are nevertheless keen to continue doing business providing they are not taking a risk by offering credit. Having already lost money, if they decide not to continue supplying they are also losing a customer and future profitable trade.
- Conduct of the director will be investigated. As part of the liquidation process, the activities and conduct of the director will be examined in the period leading up to the liquidation to determine any potential wrongdoing.
- Generally, you can’t use the same company name. When the new company is created, there are strict rules and regulations on using the same name again after a liquidation, however, in rare circumstances it can be allowed.
In summary
A pre-pack liquidation provides a swift, secure and planned transition of a business to a new company. As oldco is liquidated a new company is formed and created. Some, or all of the resources from the old company will be transferred into the new business.
How we can help
We can assess your company’s current financial situation and walk you through any potential creditor threats. We will organise any meetings that need to be put into place to go through the process of selling assets. Our expert advisors can take you through all the available options and offer free confidential advice.
Case Studies
Peak Toolmakers Limited
Kelly Burton • Manufacturing • Pre-Pack Administration
A Chesterfield machine tool manufacturer, which supplies to the global automotive industry, has been bought out of administration by sister-company, Peak Toolmakers (Assets) Ltd and managed by two of its current directors, saving all 46 jobs.
Peak Toolmakers Limited, based on Chesterfield Trading Centre on Smeckley Wood Close, had enjoyed a profitable trading history since 2004 and had significantly grown to become a recognised name in the sector.
However, a lack of working capital following a combination of factors together with a number of loss-making contracts with principal customers, competition from overseas, namely the Far East, undercutting prices, and extremely fast and tight timescales to allow its customers to meet contractual supply arrangements, had caused recent cash flow problems.
Insolvency practitioners Joanne Wright and Lisa Hogg from Wilson Field were appointed Administrators on 2 September 2015 to handle the sale out of administration.
The business and assets bought by Peak Toolmakers (Assets) Ltd managed by two of the existing directors, Geoff Bacon and John Buxton.
Joanne Wright from Wilson Field, said:
“Peak Toolmakers Limited had experienced financial difficulties after seeing a drop in demand from a major customer, a loss of more than £500,000 on a contract and was being threatened by enforcement action from HMRC due to arrears.
“The pre-pack deal has meant all 46 employees’ jobs have been saved and ensures a continuity of trading under new ownership.
“We are delighted to have secured a swift sale of this established Chesterfield-based manufacturing business to deliver the best long term solution for the business ensuring it can continue to serve its established customer base.”
Peak Toolmakers Limited’s main business was the production of mould tooling, jigs and fixtures and robot heads which were used in the injection moulding and die casting industries, principally the automotive industry, for internal and external trims together with under bonnet components.
Its customers produce products for a range of automotive manufacturers including Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan, Toyota, BMW and similar manufacturers.
Director Geoff Bacon said:
“Having gone through difficult times, we are very happy to have secured the loyal service of our staff through the help of Wilson Field.”
Wilson Field worked closely with solicitor Neil Kelly from MD Law in Sheffield and valuer and asset management consultant David Smith of Charterfields.
Transcar Trading Limited
Kelly Burton • Automotive • Pre-Pack Administration
Advisors from Yorkshire’s Wilson Field have saved 12 jobs at a Darlington low load haulier after it was bought out of administration.
Transcar Trading Limited specialised in collecting and delivering motor vehicles nationwide with its main clientele including major car dealers Bristol Street Motors, Lookers and Knaresborough Vauxhall.
The company, which traded from rental premises at Lingfield House Darlington and Macklin Avenue, Billingham, called in administrators from Sheffield-headquartered Wilson Field to look into the ongoing viability of the company and advise on a turnaround strategy.
After set up in 2015, it had experienced rapid growth within the last 12 months of trading and, coupled with a number of uncollected and disputed invoices, had created cash flow pressures and a build-up of arrears to HMRC.
Kelly Burton and Lisa Hogg from Wilson Field were appointed as joint administrators on November 27 and concluded a pre-packaged sale of the business and assets to Transcar Logistics Limited – wholly owned and managed by one of the directors and shareholders of Transcar Trading.
Kelly Burton, director and licenced insolvency practitioner at Wilson Field, said:
“As a result of the pre-packaged sale of the company’s business and assets to Transcar Logistics, 12 of the company’s 18 employees were transferred under TUPE, minimising preferential claims in wage arrears and accrued holiday pay.”
Valuations and advice on asset disposal was handled by Robert McArdle of David Currie & Co with legal services and advice from solicitors Ward Hadaway.
Rooster Punk Ltd
Kelly Burton • Media & Entertainment • Pre-Pack Administration
Advisors from Wilson Field have rescued a London headquartered advertising agency after it was bought out of administration by the existing management team.
Rooster Punk Ltd was established in 2012 and specialised in providing creative content for technology and financial services brands to better interact with clients and customers.
The company, which traded from head offices at Queen Victoria Street in London with a second office in Clifton Down Road in Bristol, called in administrators from Sheffield-headquartered Wilson Field for formal insolvency advice.
The company had experienced significant growth since set up and posted profits each year up to and including October 2016.
However loss of funds due to a bad debt combined with the termination of customer contracts and rising business overheads had created cash flow problems.
Kelly Burton (pictured) and Lisa Hogg from Wilson Field were appointed as joint administrators on December 6 and concluded a pre-packaged sale of the business and assets to Rooster Punk Group Limited lead by the same management team of Rooster Punk Ltd.
All remaining nine staff at the time of the sale were saved and transferred to the new company under TUPE.
Kelly Burton, director and licensed insolvency practitioner at Wilson Field said:
“Wilson Field considered the company’s precarious financial situation, which was borne as a result of a number of factors including the Samsung contract under billing, loss of funds due to a bad debt from a start-up, termination of customer contracts and rising business overheads.
“Despite attempts to cut back overheads, including reducing staff numbers from a peak of 24 down to 10, the directors recognised the company’s precarious position and sought formal insolvency advice from Wilson Field, and advice on alternative options available.
“The pre-packaged sale has mitigated employee termination claims in the nature of wage arrears, accrued holiday pay, redundancy and pay-in-lieu of notice totalling £33,680.
“It has preserved the value in the company’s intangible assets, namely its goodwill and work in progress and maximised the value of the company’s trade debtors due to the continuity of service to the company’s customers by the successor business.”
Valuations were handled by Robert McArdle of David Currie & Co with legal services and advice from solicitors Irwin Mitchell LLP.
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