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A holding company is an entity that does not operate like a normal company in the sense that it does not generally carry out trading activities. The difference between a holding company and parent company is that a parent company will often trade.
Setting up a group company structure can have many advantages and reduce risk. However, if your business is already well established there are many complications, both legal and tax.
We are experienced in advising on group company structures and in dealing with the legal aspects, so please do get in contact to discuss.
The main purpose of setting up a holding company is to own assets such as shares in other companies (subsidiaries), intellectual property and real estate.
The relationship between the holding company and the subsidiary company will depend on who has control of the voting rights of shares and control over the board of directors.
There is no limit to the number of subsidiaries that a holding company can have.
Many of the world’s largest organisations use group company structures because it means they can own and control a number of companies whilst reducing their risk and also possibly saving tax.
The biggest risk for all organisations is insolvency and having a holding company means that, providing the holding company has not guaranteed any of the subsidiary company debt, it is not liable for the subsidiary company liabilities and thus it is protecting the other assets of the holding company. The only loss is the investment in the subsidiary.
There are sometimes tax benefits for subsidiaries and this is why a number of organisations have their holding companies in the UK.
The general rule is that a UK holding company is subject to UK corporation tax on its profits worldwide. It is not possible for us to go into the complexities of tax laws in the UK.
There are certain rules to establishing a holding company in the UK. This includes the fact that the holding company must hold a minimum of 10% of the share capital in the subsidiary for at least 12 months and both the holding company and the subsidiary must be either trading companies or holding companies of a trading group.
Restructuring is often necessary because of a financial crisis or other lack of corporate financial liquidity, including forced repayment of debt.
In those circumstances, a change of ownership through a merger, demerger, management buyout by management or other business may be necessary.
Re-financing debt, selling parts of the company to another business or increasing the company’s equity by issuing shares are some of the ways in which financial losses may be eased through a corporate reorganisation.
There are legal and tax considerations, advantages and possible disadvantages to creating a group company structure. Most often, setting up such a structure occurs as a business grows. As a result, there will invariably be complex legal and tax issues to consider and deal with. Our solicitors are experienced and can help.
We advise on a diverse range of business and commercial law issues including:
If you are considering setting up a group company structure with a holding or parent company and subsidiaries, there will be legal work involved and potential risks. We offer specialist and experienced advice at cost effective fee rates.
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Whilst our solicitors are based in one location, we are always happy to try to make an appointment to meet you in any of our office locations, if this is more convenient for you.
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Gregory Abrams Davidson Solicitors and GAD Commercial are trading names of National Law Partners Limited, registered in England and Wales under number 08312439 and are Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, under number 646548. Gregory Abrams Davidson Solicitors registered office: 20-24 Mathew Street, Liverpool, L2 6RE. VAT Registration Number: 290 6677 68.