Does the Insolvency Act apply to companies?
Daniel Santos
Updated on January 11, 2026
As set out above, the laws of personal insolvency apply in the winding-up of a company unable to pay its debts, through express incorporation in the Old Companies Act, in respect of any matter not specifically provided for in the Old Companies Act.
What is Section 25 of Companies Act 1956?
Under the Companies Act (“Act”), 1956, Section 25 company can be defined as a limited company formed for the sole object of “promoting commerce, art, science, religion, charity, or any other useful object, and intends to apply its profits, if any, or other income in promoting its objects, and to prohibit the payment of …
What happens when a company declared insolvent?
If a firm is declared insolvent, it goes into liquidation. “There is a moratorium of 270 days where no proceedings can be instituted but that doesn’t mean that they will not have to comply with other laws.
When a company liquidates who gets paid first?
Secured creditors
If a company goes into liquidation, all of its assets are distributed to its creditors. Secured creditors are first in line. Next are unsecured creditors, including employees who are owed money. Stockholders are paid last.
What are the disadvantages of business rescue?
Cons first: Financial institutions are reluctant to grant post-commencement finance for companies under business rescue and in most instances, such financial institutions may elect to suspend its facilities with the company pending a renewal application by the business rescue practitioner appointed.
What did the Companies Act of 1956 do?
COMPANIES ACT, 1956 [Act No. 1 OF 1956] PART I : PRELIMINARY Sections 1. Short title, commencement and extent 2. Definitions 2A. Interpretation of certain words and expressions 3. Definitions of “company”, “existing company”, “private company” and “public company” 4. Meaning of “holding company” and “subsidiary” 4A.
How does the Insolvency Act of 1956 work?
1. Filing of the petition by the debtor praying for the declaration of insolvency 2. Issuance of order of adjudication declaring the petitioner insolvent 3. Publication and service of the order 4. Meeting of the creditors to elect the assignee in insolvency 5.
What does it mean when a company is in insolvency?
‘Insolvency’ describes both the situation an insolvent company is in, and also the various legal procedures for dealing with this situation under the Insolvency Act 1986. There are 3 options that allow an insolvent company to continue trading.
Do you have to go to Companies House if company is insolvent?
It is important to note that not all companies involved in insolvency proceedings are insolvent. The initiation or termination of insolvency procedures involving a European company (SE), or any decision to continue operating the SE, must be notified to Companies House on form SE WU01.