Company Restructuring

Company restructuring refers to the process of making significant changes to the organisational structure, operations, and strategies of a business. This may include changes to the management team, workforce, financial structure, offerings, and business model.

While company restructuring can be relatively straightforward, it can also be a complex and challenging process that requires careful planning (including legal and taxation advice), execution, and communication. It can have a significant impact on stakeholders and the overall success of the business. Therefore, it is important for companies to approach restructuring with a clear understanding.

 
Company restructure

What is company restructuring and why is it necessary?

Company restructuring is the process of implementing significant changes to the organisation, operation, and strategy of a business. This is typically done to increase efficiency, improve financial performance, prepare for future growth or to create an exit strategy for the current owners.

In other cases, it may be necessary to restructure to meet legal requirements and regulations, or to adapt to external factors such as changes in the industry or the economy. It may also be as a result of other commercial processes, such as mergers and acquisitions, or in the face of excessive debt or cash flow problems.

What are the different types of company restructuring?

There are various types of company restructuring, each with individual goals and methods. The most common types include:

  • Organisational restructuring

  • Financial restructuring

  • Strategic restructuring

  • Operational restructuring

Each type of restructuring requires a unique approach, and companies may need to use a combination of these methods to achieve their desired outcomes.

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What are the potential benefits and risks of company restructuring?

Company restructuring can bring significant benefits, but it also carries some risks. 

Benefits include increased efficiency and productivity, improved competitiveness, cost savings, new investment, retention of key staff, and more tax efficient exit arrangements.

However, the risks can include damage to employee morale, disruption to operations, additional expense and challenges with implementation. It’s vital that companies consider the benefits and the risks of restructuring before beginning the process, while also implementing a well-planned strategy.

Why Nash & Co?

Nash & Co can assist with the legal formalities required for your business reorganisation, including compliance with company law requirements and implementation of structural changes. Our specialist lawyers understand that changing the way your business operates is challenging, therefore, we will help you by planning the company restructuring thoroughly working closely and effectively with tax and accounting advisers to ensure your objectives are achieved in the most efficient and cost-effective way. We also draw on our expertise and knowledge across the Nash & Co teams, including our employment and commercial property teams, to offer the best advice and support possible to make your restructure a success.

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Frequently asked questions

In this comprehensive video series, our experienced corporate and business law experts will tackle a wide range of topics and questions that commonly arise in corporate and business environments. From legal structures and contracts to intellectual property and employment law, we've curated this series to empower you with practical information and valuable insights to help your business thrive.

  • The duration of a company restructuring process varies depending on the size and complexity of the company, the extent of the restructuring, and the goals and objectives of the process. Some can be completed in a matter of weeks or months, while others may take years to fully implement, sometimes by way of a staged implementation agreed at the outset.

    The duration of a company restructuring also depends on the level of planning and preparation that goes into the process. Ultimately, the duration of a company restructuring process depends on many factors, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Companies considering restructuring should work with experienced professionals to develop a realistic timeline and implementation plan.

  • The responsibility for overseeing company restructuring typically falls to the company's top management team, including the directors and senior executives but for smaller and medium sized companies will usually be driven by the controlling shareholders. However, external consultants or specialists, including tax advisors, would usually be engaged at an early stage to help plan and manage the process.

    The success of a company restructuring depends on the commitment and involvement of all stakeholders. Companies considering restructuring should ensure that they have a strong team in place to oversee the process and manage any challenges that may arise.

  • Company restructuring can have significant legal implications, and it's important for companies to carefully consider and address these implications. These implications can include employment law such as where the legal identity of the employer changes or a staff share-ownership scheme is involved, company law to ensure that the restructuring is done correctly and validly, commercial property law to ensure any freehold and leasehold properties and any mortgages are catered for in the restructuring, intellectual property law and data protection law.

    These are just a few examples of the legal implications of company restructuring in the UK. Companies that are considering a restructure should work with legal professionals to ensure that they are complying with all applicable laws and regulations and to minimise legal risks associated with the process.

  • Restructuring can sometimes be a difficult process for employees, and it's important for companies to take steps to minimise the negative impact on their workforce. Strategies to achieve this include clear communication, provision of support, and use of settlement agreements for departing employees.

    By carefully considering and implementing similar strategies, companies can help to minimise the negative impact of restructuring on their employees and maintain positive workforce relationships. Our employment team can assist with these aspects at all stages of the planning process.

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