Can I reuse my company name after liquidation?

If you’re a director of a company which has run into financial difficulties and are considering liquidating your company, although you are able to start a new company, there are certain rules regarding the reuse of a company name. It’s a complicated issue with technicalities surrounding what you can and cannot do, when it comes to reusing your old company name.

When is the name prohibited from use? (Section 216)

For the same name to qualify as prohibited, it must have been associated with the insolvent ‘oldco’ company for at least 12 months prior to liquidation. Directors of a liquidated, insolvent company cannot reuse the company name, or one similar enough to suggest an association, for 5 years post-liquidation, unless they adhere to strict guidelines.

How is the use of a ‘similar’ name determined

If an independent person can associate/connect the new company with the old company through their trading names, they are too similar.

Consequences of reusing a prohibited company name

If a person acts in contradiction of Section 216 of the Insolvency Act 1986, they could face imprisonment, a fine, or both. In addition to this, directors of the new company, having operated under a prohibited name, would lose the privilege of limited liability. This means that the directors involved would personally incur any company debts accumulated during the time they were involved.

Exceptions that may allow you to reuse a company name

Below we look at three exemptions that may allow you to reuse a company name. We would always advise you speak to a licensed insolvency practice, such as ourselves, before making any decisions.

The three exceptions:

1. Pre-pack liquidation
   A person/company can purchase the whole business, including the trading name, under arrangements made by the insolvency practitioner appointed to it. This is also known as a phoenix company. Notices must be sent to all creditors of the insolvent company within 28 days of the date of acquisition and it must also be published in the Gazette.
2. Apply to court for ‘leave’
   The directors of a successor company (‘newco’) apply to the court for permission – also called ‘leave’ – to reuse the name of the ‘oldco’ insolvent company. The application must be made no later than 7 days from the date of the liquidation, and leave must be granted no later than 6 weeks from that date. In order to inform the court’s decision, it investigates whether the successor company has a strong financial base and a competent financial team to guide and advise it.
3. Name already in use by another company/group of companies
   This applies to groups of companies with the same or similar trading name as the insolvent company so that the liquidation of the insolvent member of a group doesn’t result in all the other companies losing their right to use their names. However, relevant criteria must be met:
   • The prohibited name must have been used by a company for the period of at least 12 months prior, ending the day before the liquidation of the insolvent company.
   • During those 12 months, the relevant companies must have traded continuously and not been dormant for any period.

In summary

The reuse of a limited company name after liquidation is not a straightforward matter. Whilst in some circumstances it is possible to reuse a company name, it’s not always clear as to when you are able to do so. Seeking professional advice is always recommended when reaching a conclusion as it can have serious legal implications for you and the successor company if you are found to be in breach of Section 216.

How we can help

If you are going through the process of a liquidation, or you believe a liquidation could be right for your company, but you want to reuse the same trading name, it’s important to act quickly and find clarity on the situation. There are strict regulations regarding the reuse of a company name, if it’s something you want to find out more about, we can help talk you through the correct process and what could be allowed for your business.

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Lisa Hogg

Director & Licensed Insolvency Practitioner

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