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While the business rescue procedure is aimed at rehabilitating financially distressed companies so that they can return to solvency, liquidation is aimed at winding the company upon realisation that the situation is so dire, and liquidation is the only option left.
The realisation that the company’s liabilities exceed assets is known as factual insolvency, while commercial insolvency refers to the instance where a company will not be able to pay its liabilities as and when they become due.
Liquidation may also be initiated on a solvent company under the Companies Act 71 of 2008 as well as some sections of the Companies Act 61 of 1973. Section 81 of the 2008 Act provides that liquidation may be initiated if:
In Pinfold v Edge to Edge Global Investments Ltd [2013] ZAKZDHC 52 the applicants proved fraudulent activity through misrepresentation, and the Order for winding up was granted. In Knipe v Kameelhoek (Pty) Ltd (2012) ZAFSHC 160 the Court’s view was that a company is solvent even if not liquid, if it’s fairly valued assets exceed actual liabilities.
Liquidation when initiated by a resolution of the company’s Board of Directors, is known as voluntary liquidation.
Such resolution must be filed with CIPC and then all the affected parties must be notified. This procedure is fast, inexpensive, simple, and expedient even though creditors’ rights may be frustrated due to them not immediately knowing about the liquidation resolution. Further, liquidation inquiries are more likely not conducted.
Alternatively, liquidation may be initiated through a Court application by the company’s creditors, the company itself or shareholders which is known as compulsory liquidation.
The Court will order liquidation upon satisfaction that the grounds as provided in the Companies Act 61 of 1973 such as inability to pay debts in section 345 have been proven. Even though this procedure may be expensive and long especially if opposed, it often presents the opportunity for an inquiry and the appointment of a Liquidator by the Master may be fast once the Order is issued.
Despite which party would have applied for the winding up of the company, the purpose of the procedure is so that, through the appointment of a Liquidator, assets are disposed by public auction or private treaty so that the proceeds may go towards settling the claims of the creditors as per legal order of preference.
Any residue is then shared by the shareholders in an order of preference as well. The Companies Act 61 of 1973 regulates the liquidation of insolvent companies while that of solvent companies is regulated under some sections of the 1973 Act and the Companies Act 71 of 2008. The Companies Act 71 of 2008 makes these provisions in Sections 79 - 81.
The legal consequences of a company going under the liquidation procedure include:
Navigating through the liquidation processes may be a daunting task, it is advisable to seek legal guidance and assistance.
We stand ready and equipped to assist all our clients through this process. Owing to our comprehensive, professional, and committed approach in all the matters that we handle, we will diligently assist you to achieve the desired outcomes. Make contact with us for a one-on-one consultation.
The information contained in this site is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. One should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this site without seeking legal or other professional advice. The contents of this site contain general information and may not reflect current legal developments or address one’s situation. We disclaim all liability for actions one may take or fail to take based on any content on this site.
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