Amendment Tracking

Companies Act — Changes

Visual diff of amendments between annual revisions, with redlining.

Amendment Diff

2007 Revision → 2009 Revision

1 removed62 modified
s.1Short title
MODIFIED
This Law may be cited as the Companies Law (2009 Revision). Short title
s.2Definitions and interpretation
MODIFIED
(1) In this Law- Definitions and interpretation “Authority” means the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority established under section 3(1) of the Monetary Authority Law (2008 Revision), and includes a person acting under the Authority’s authorisation; 2008 Revision “bearer share” means a share in the capital of any company incorporated in the Islands which- (a) is represented by a certificate that does not record the owner’s name; and (b) is transferable by delivery of the certificate; “Court” means the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands; “company” except where the context excludes exempted companies, means a company formed and registered under this Law or an existing company; “currency” includes the ECU and any unit of account used at any time by the European Monetary Fund; “custodian” means- (a) “an authorised custodian” who is a person licensed under the Companies Management Law (2003 Revision) to act as a custodian of bearer shares or a bank or trust company licensed under the Banks and Trust Companies Law (2009 Revision); or 2003 Revision 2009 Revision (b) “a recognised custodian” which is an investment exchange or clearing organisation operating a securities clearance or settlement system and carrying on business in a country specified in the Third
s.3Registrar
MODIFIED
(1) The Governor shall, by instrument under the Public Seal, appoint a Registrar and a Deputy Registrar of Companies for the purposes of this Law, and the Deputy Registrar may, in the absence of the Registrar, act as Registrar for all purposes of this Law. Registrar (2) Without divesting the Registrar of any of his powers or duties the Financial Secretary may authorise by name any officer in the Registrar’s department to exercise and perform any of such powers and duties under the direction and control of the Registrar and may, at any time, vary or revoke such authorisation.
s.6Mode of limiting liability of members
MODIFIED
The liability of the members of a company formed under this Law may, according to the memorandum of association, be limited either to the amount, if any, unpaid on the shares respectively held by them, or to such amount as the members may respectively undertake by the memorandum of association to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of its being wound up. Mode of limiting liability of members 15 Companies Law (2009 Revision)
s.7Memorandum of association
MODIFIED
(1) The memorandum of association shall, subject to subsections (2), (3) and (4) and to sections 8 and 9, contain- Memorandum of association (a) the name of the proposed company, with the addition, in the case of any company not being an exempted company or a company formed on the principle of having no limit placed on the liability of its members, in this Law referred to as an unlimited company, of the word “Limited” or the abbreviation “Ltd.” as the last word in such name; and (b) the part of the Islands in which the registered office of the company is proposed to be situate. (2) No subscriber shall take less than one share. (3) Each subscriber of the memorandum of association shall write opposite to his name the number of shares he takes. (4) The memorandum of association may specify objects for which the proposed company is to be established and may provide that the business of the company shall be restricted to the furtherance of the specified objects. If no objects are specified or if objects are specified but the business of the company is not restricted to the furtherance of those objects, then the company shall have full power and the authority to carry out any object not prohibited by this or any other Law.
s.9Company limited by guarantee
MODIFIED
(1) Subject to subsection (2), where a company is formed on the principle of having the liability of its members limited to such amount as the members respectively undertake to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of the same being wound up, (in this Law referred to as a company limited by guarantee), the memorandum of association shall also contain a declaration that each member undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company, in the event of the same being wound up during the time that he is a member, or within one year afterwards, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the company contracted before the time at which he ceases to be a member, and of the costs, charges and expenses of the winding up of the company, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributories amongst themselves, such amount as may be required, not exceeding a specific amount to be therein named. Company limited by guarantee (2) Where such a company has more than one class of member, the memorandum of association may contain a declaration that in a winding up of the company the amount of the undertaking of the members of a particular class shall be unlimited. (3) A company limited by guarantee may have a share capital.
s.11Location of registered office may be changed
MODIFIED
(1) A company may, by resolution of the directors, change the location of the registered office of the company to another location in the Islands: Location of registered office may be changed Provided that, within thirty days from the date on which the resolution changing the location of the registered office is passed, the company shall delive r to the Registrar a certified copy of the resolution of the directors authorising the same. (2) Until such notice is given, the company shall not be deemed to have complied with this Law with respect to having an office. 17 Companies Law (2009 Revision)
s.13Power of company limited by shares to alter its share capital
MODIFIED
(1) A company limited by shares or a company limited by guarantee and having a share capital, if so authorised by its articles, may alter the conditions of its memorandum to- Power of company limited by shares to alter its share capital (a) increase its share capital by new shares of such amount as it thinks expedient: Provided that an exempted company having no shares of a fixed amount may increase its share capital by such number of shares without nominal or par value, or may increase the aggregate consideration for which such shares may be issued, as it thinks expedient; (b) consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital into shares of larger amount than its existing shares; (c) convert all or any of its paid-up shares into stock, and reconvert that stock into paid-up shares of any denomination; (d) subdivide its shares or any of them, into shares of an amount smaller than that fixed by the memorandum, so, however, that in the subdivision the proportion between the amount paid and the amount, if any, unpaid on each reduced share shall be the same as it was in case of the share from which the reduced share is derived; and (e) cancel shares which, at the date of the passing of the resolution in that behalf, have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person, and diminish the amount of its share capital by the amount of the shares so cancelled or, in the case of shares without nominal or par value, diminish the number of shares into which its capital is divided. Paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) shall have no application to shares without nominal o r par value. (2) The powers conferred by subsection (1) may not be exercised except by a resolution of the members of the company. 18 Companies Law (2009 Revision) (3) If a currency in which any of the capital of a company limited by shares or by guarantee is replaced by the euro, the provisions of the company’s memorandum of association and articles of association shall automatically be altered so as to re-denominate in euros the capital that is denominated in the replaced currency, at the conversion rate specified in, or otherwise calculated in accordance with, the relevant regulations adopted by the Council of the European Union, and the company, by resolution of the directors, may- (a) take such action to round up or down the euro nominal or par value of each share in the company or the euro guarantee amount to such multiple of the euro as the directors may deem appropriate; (b) notwithstanding the requirement for a special resolution in section 31, if the name of the company includes a reference to a currency replaced by the euro, or an abbreviation thereof- (i) alter the name of the company to delete the reference or to substitute the reference with a reference to the euro or an abbreviation thereof; and (ii) add such further distinguishing wording as the directors consider appropriate; and (c) if the memorandum of association or articles of association of the company include a reference or references to a currency replaced by the euro, alter any or all such references in either or both of the memorandum of association and the articles of association by substituting such references with references to the euro or an abbreviation thereof. (4) A company may, by resolution of the directors, reverse or vary the re- denomination of currency or any other action taken under subsection (3). (5) A copy of any resolution passed under subsection (3) or (4) shall be forwarded to the Registrar within fifteen days and shall be recorded by him. (6) A cancellation of shares or a rounding down of the nominal or par value of shares under this section shall not be deemed to be a reduction of share capital within the meaning of this Law. (7) If any action is taken by the company under paragraph (a) of subsection (3) to- (a) round up the euro nominal or par value of any issued share in the company, then an amount equal to the increase in nominal or par value of that share shall be transferred from the share premium account or from the profit and loss account (as the directors shall, in their discretion, determine) and shall thereafter be deemed to be and treated as paid up share capital of the company; or 19 Companies Law (2009 Revision) (b) round down the euro nominal or par value of any issued share in the company, then an amount equal to the decrease in the nominal or par value of that share shall be transferred from the paid up share capital of the company to the share premium account and shall thereafter be deemed to be and treated as share premium for the purposes of this Law.
s.14Special resolution for reduction of share capital
MODIFIED
(1) Subject to section 37 and to confirmation by the Court, a company limited by shares or a company limited by guarantee and having a share capital may, if so authorised by its articles, by special resolution reduce its share capital in any way, and in particular (but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power) may- Special resolution for reduction of share capital (a) extinguish or reduce the liability on any of its shares in respect of share capital not paid up; (b) either with or without extinguishing or reducing liability on any of its shares, cancel any paid-up share capital which is lost or unrepresented by available assets; or (c) either with or without extinguishing or reducing liability of any of its shares, pay off any paid-up share capital which is in excess of the needs of the company, and may, if and so far as is necessary, alter its memorandum by reducing the amount of its share capital and of its shares accordingly. (2) A special resolution under subsection (1) is, in this Law, referred to as “a resolution for reducing share capital”.
s.15Section 15
MODIFIED
(1) Where a company has passed a resolution for reducing share capital, it may apply by petition to the Court for an order confirming the reduction. Application to court for confirming order, objections by creditors (2) Where the proposed reduction of share capital involves either diminution of liability in respect of unpaid share capital or the payment to any shareholder of any paid-up share capital, and, in any other case, if the Court so directs, subject to subsection (3), the following shall have effect- (a) every creditor of the company who at the date fixed by the Court is entitled to any debt or claim which, if that date were the commencement of the winding up of the company, would be admissible in proof against the company, shall be entitled to object to the reduction; (b) the Court shall settle a list of creditors so entitled to object, and for that purpose shall ascertain as far as possible without requiring an application from any creditor, the names of those creditors and the nature and amount of their debts or claims, and may publish notices fixing a day or period on or within which 20 Companies Law (2009 Revision) creditors not entered on the list are to claim to be so entered or are to be excluded from the right of objecting to the reduction; and (c) where a creditor entered on the list whose debt or claim is not discharged or has not determined does not consent to the reduction, the Court may, if it thinks fit, dispense with the consent of that creditor, on the company securing payment of his debt or claim by appropriating as the Court may direct, the following amount- (i) if the company admits the full amount of the debt or claim, or, though not admitting it, is willing to provide for it, then the full amount of the debt or claim; or (ii) if the company does not admit and is not willing to provide for the full amount of the debt or claim, or, if the amount is contingent or not ascertained, then an amount fixed by the Court after the like enquiry and adjudication as if the company were being wound up by the Court. (3) Where a proposed reduction of share capital involves either the diminution of any liability in respect of unpaid share capital or the payment to any shareholder of any paid-up share capital the Court may, if having regard to any special circumstances of the case it thinks proper so to do, direct that subsection (2) shall not apply as regards any class or any classes of creditors.
s.16Section 16
MODIFIED
(1) The Court, if satisfied with respect to every creditor of the company who under section 15 is entitled to object to the reduction, that either his consent to the reduction has been obtained or his debt or claim has been discharged or has determined, or has been secured, may make an order confirming the reduction on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit. Order confirming reduction and powers of Court on making such order (2) Where the Court makes any such order, it may- (a) if for any special reason it thinks proper so to do, direct that the company shall, during such period, commencing on or at any time after the date of the order, as is specified in the order, add to its name as the last word thereof the words “and reduced”; and (b) require the company to publish as the Court directs the reasons for reduction or such other information in regard thereto as the Court may think expedient with a view to giving proper information to the public, and, if the court thinks fit, the causes which led to the reduction. (3) Where a company is ordered to add to its name the words “and reduced”, those words shall, until the expiration of the period specified in the order, be deemed to be part of the name of the company. 21 Companies Law (2009 Revision)
s.17Registration of order and minute of reduction
MODIFIED
(1) The Registrar, on delivery to him of a copy of an order of the Court confirming the reduction of the share capital of a company, and of a minute approved by the Court, showing, with respect to the share capital of the company as altered by the order, the amount of the share capital, the number of shares into which it is to be divided and the amount of each share, and the amount, if any, at the date of the registration of the order and minute deemed to be paid up on each share, shall register the order and minute. Registration of order and minute of reduction (2) On the registration of the order and minute, and not earlier, the resolution for reducing share capital as confirmed by the order so registered shall take effect. (3) Notice of the registration shall be published in such manner as the Court may direct. (4) The Registrar shall certify under his hand the registration of the order and minute, and his certificate shall be conclusive evidence that all the requirements of this Law with respect to reduction of share capital have been complied with, and that the share capital of the company is such as is stated in the minute. (5) The minute, when registered, shall be deemed to be substituted for the corresponding part of the memorandum, and shall be valid and alterable as if it had been originally contained therein.
s.18Liability of members in respect of reduced shares
MODIFIED
(1) In the case of a reduction of share capital, a member of the company, past or present, shall not be liable in respect of any share to any call or contribution exceeding in amount the difference, if any, between the amount of the share as fixed by the minute and the amount paid or the reduced amount, if any, which is to be deemed to have been paid on the shares, as the case may be: Liability of members in respect of reduced shares Provided that, if any, creditor entitled in respect of any debt or claim to object to the reduction of share capital is, by reason of his ignorance of the p roceedings for reduction or of their nature and effect with respect to his claim, not entered on the list of creditors, and after the reduction the company is unable, within the meaning of this Law with respect to winding up by the Court, to pa y the amount of his debt or claim, then- (a) every person who was a member of the company at the date of the registration of the order for reduction and minute shall be liable to contribute for the payment of that debt or claim an amount not exceeding the amount which he would have been liable to contribute if the company had commenced to be wound up on the day before the said date; and 22 Companies Law (2009 Revision) (b) if the company is wound up, the Court, on the application of any such creditor and proof of his ignorance as aforesaid, may if it thinks fit, settle accordingly a list of persons so liable to contribute, and make and enforce calls and orders on the contributories in a winding up. (2) Nothing in this section shall affect the rights of the contributories among themselves. 19. Whoever, being a director, manager, secretary or other officer of the company - Penalty for concealment of names of creditors (a) wilfully conceals the name of any creditor entitled to object to the reduction; (b) wilfully misrepresents the nature or amount of the debt or claim of any creditor; or (c) aids, abets or is privy to any such concealment or misrepresentation as aforesaid, is guilty of a misdemeanour and liable on summary conviction to a fine of two hundred dollars or to imprisonment for six months. 20. There may, in the case of a company limited by shares, and there shall, in the case of a company limited by guarantee or unlimited, be registered with the memorandum, articles of association signed by the subscribers to the memorandum and prescribing regulations for the company. Articles prescribing regulations for companies
s.25Adoption and effect of articles of association
MODIFIED
(1) If the memorandum of association is accompanied by articles of association the articles shall be signed by each subscriber to the memorandum in the presence of and be attested by at least one witness. Adoption and effect of articles of association (2) If the memorandum of association is not accompanied by articles of association, the company may, subject to the conditions contained in the memorandum of association, adopt articles of association which shall be signed by each existing member of the company in the presence of and be attested by at least one witness, or may, by passing a special resolution under section 60, adopt articles of association. (3) When registered the said articles of association shall bind the company and the members thereof to the same extent as if each member had subscribed his name and affixed his seal thereto, and there were in such articles contained a covenant on the part of himself, his heirs, executors and administrators to conform to all the regulations contained in such articles subject to this Law; and all monies payable by any member to the company in pursuance of the conditions or regulations shall be deemed to be a debt due from such member to the company. General Provisions
s.26Registration
MODIFIED
(1) The memorandum of association and the articles of association, if any, shall be delivered in duplicate to the Registrar who shall file and retain the original thereof and shall return the duplicate thereof endorsed with a memorandum of registration and a memorandum of the particulars set out in subsection (2). Registration 24 Companies Law (2009 Revision) (2) Each memorandum of association and the articles of association, if any, shall be numbered and filed consecutively and shall be endorsed with the date of the month and year of such filing. (3) A register of companies shall be kept in which shall be entered the following particulars which shall be annexed to the memorandum of association and articles of association, if any, insofar as they are not included therein- (a) the name of the company; (b) the part of the Islands in which the registered office of the company is proposed to be situate; (c) the amount of capital of the company and, in the case of a company having its share capital divided into shares of a nominal or par value, the number of shares into which it is divided and the fixed amounts thereof; (d) the names and addresses of the subscribers to the memorandum and the number of shares taken by each subscriber; (e) the date of execution of the memorandum of association; (f) the date of filing of the memorandum of association; (g) the number assigned to the company; and (h) in the case of a company limited by guarantee or which has no limit placed on the liability of its members, that the same is limited by guarantee or is unlimited, and any of the particulars as hereinbefore specified which may be inappropriate to the case may be omitted. (4) Upon the filing of a memorandum of association under this section, there shall be paid to the Registrar- (a) in respect of a non-resident company- (i) with no registered capital, or a registered capital not exceeding $42,000, a fee of $400; and (ii) with a registered capital exceeding $42,000, a fee of $565; (b) in respect of an exempted company- (i) with no registered capital, or a registered capital not exceeding $42,000, a fee of $470; (ii) with a registered capital exceeding $42,000, but not exceeding $820,000 a fee of $660; (iii) with a registered capital exceeding $820,000 but not exceeding $1,640,000, a fee of $1,384; and (iv) with a registered capital exceeding $1,640,000, a fee of $1,968; and (c) in respect of any other company- (i) with no registered capital or a registered capital not exceeding $42,000, a fee of $150; and (ii) with a registered capital exceeding $42,000, a fee of $350. 25 Companies Law (2009 Revision)
s.27Consequences of incorporation
MODIFIED
(1) Upon the filing of the memorandum of association a company shall be deemed to be registered, and the Registrar shall issue a certificate under his hand and seal of office that the company is incorporated with effect from the date of the registration of the memorandum of association and, in the case of a limited company, that the company is limited. Consequences of incorporation (2) From the date of incorporation, the subscribers of the memorandum of association, together with such other persons as may, from time to time, become members of the company, shall be a body corporate by the name contained in the memorandum of association, capable forthwith of exercising all the functions of a natural person of full capacity irrespective of any question of corporate benefit, and having perpetual succession with power to hold lands but with such liability on the part of the members to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of its being wound up as is provided in this Law. This subsection applies to companies incorporated before, on or after the 18th January, 1988. (3) A certificate of incorporation of a company issued under this Law shall be conclusive evidence that compliance has been made with all the requirements of this Law in respect of incorporation and registration. (4) Every copy of a memorandum or articles of association filed and registered in accordance with this Law or any extract therefrom certified under the hand and seal of office of the Registrar as a true copy shall be received in evidence in any court of the Islands without further proof.
s.29Copies of memorandum and articles to be given to members
MODIFIED
A copy of the memorandum of association having annexed thereto the articles of association, if any, shall be forwarded to every member, at his request, on payment of such reasonable sum, not exceeding one dollar for each copy as Copies of memorandum and articles to be given to members 26 Companies Law (2009 Revision) may be fixed by any rule of the company, and in the absence of any such rule, such copy shall be given gratuitously; and whichever company makes default in forwarding a copy of the memorandum of association and articles of association, if any, to a member in pursuance of this section, is guilty of an offence and liable, for each default, to a penalty of two dollars.
s.31Change of name
MODIFIED
(1) Any company may, by special resolution, change its name. Change of name (2) Where a company changes its name, the Registrar, on receiving the special resolution authorising the same together with the fees provided under 27 Companies Law (2009 Revision) section 199(1)(a) and (b), and on being satisfied that the change of name conforms with section 30, shall enter the new name on the register in place of the former name and lodge the special resolution for record and shall issue a certificate of incorporation altered to meet the circumstances of the case. (3) If, through inadvertence or otherwise, a company on its first registration or on its registration by a new name is registered by a name which in any way contravenes section 30 or which, in the opinion of the Registrar, is misleading or undesirable, then the company may, with the sanction of the Registrar, change its name and shall, if the Registrar so directs, change its name within six weeks of the date of such direction or within such longer period as the Registrar may think fit. (4) Whichever company makes default in complying with a direction under subsection (3) is liable to a fine of ten dollars for every day during which the default continues.
s.32Section 32
MODIFIED
(1) A company which is empowered by any law or by its articles of association to issue bearer shares, certificates or coupons, has no power to hold land in the Islands: Company with power to issue bearer shares not to hold land in the Islands Provided that the Financial Secretary may, at his discretion, in the case of an exempt company so empowered that has never issued bearer shares, certificates o r coupons, exempt that company in writing from subsection (1) for as long as it does not issue bearer shares, certificates or coupons. (2) If a company is in breach of subsection (1), section 185(2), (3) and (4) shall apply, mutatis mutandis , to the company as if it were a foreign company which had failed to comply with Part IX. (3) In this section- “hold land” means to be the proprietor of a legal or beneficial interest in or clai m to, or over immovable property whether freehold or leasehold and includes being the proprietor of a legal or beneficial interest in the equity capital of a company which holds land; and “equity capital” with respect to company includes shares, stock and scrip whethe r registered, inscribed or bearer which (other than by way of a fixed and predetermined right to interest and repayment of subscribed capital at par) entitles the owner to any variable right of participation in the profits of the compan y whether by way of dividend, bonus or conversion, or to share in the distribution o f the assets of the company upon a winding up. 28 Companies Law (2009 Revision)
s.34Share premium account
MODIFIED
(1) Where a company issues shares at a premium, whether for cash or otherwise, a sum equal to the aggregate amount of the value of the premiums on those shares shall be transferred to an account called “the share premium Share premium account 29 Companies Law (2009 Revision) account”. Where a company issues shares without nominal or par value, the consideration received shall be paid up share capital of the company. (2) The share premium account may be applied by the company subject to the provisions, if any, of its memorandum or articles of association in such manner as the company may, from time to time, determine including, but without limitation- (a) paying distributions or dividends to members; (b) paying up unissued shares of the company to be issued to members as fully paid bonus shares; (c) in the manner provided in section 37; (d) writing off the preliminary expenses of the company; (e) writing off the expenses of, or the commission paid or discount allowed on, any issue of shares or debentures of the company; and (f) providing for the premium payable on redemption or purchase of any shares or debentures of the company: Provided that no distribution or dividend may be paid to members out of the share premium account unless, immediately following the date on which the distribution or dividend is proposed to be paid, the company shall be able to pa y its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business; and the company an d any director or manager thereof who knowingly and wilfully authorises or permits any distribution or dividend to be paid in contravention of the foregoing provision is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine of fifteen thousand dollars and to imprisonment for five years. (3) Where a company has, before the 18th day of January, 1988, issued any shares at a premium, this section shall apply as if the shares had been issued after such date. (4) At the option of the company, subsection (1) shall not apply to premiums on shares of a company allotted in pursuance of any arrangement in consideration for the acquisition or cancellation of shares in any other company, whether a company within the meaning of this Law or not, and issued at a premium. (5) At the option of the company, an amount corresponding to any amount representing the premiums or part of the premiums on shares issued by a company which, by virtue of subsection (4), is not included in such company’s share premium account may also be disregarded in determining the amount at which any shares or other consideration provided for the shares issued is to be included in such company’s balance sheet. 30 Companies Law (2009 Revision) (6) For the purposes of subsection (4)- “arrangement” means any agreement, scheme or arrangement, whether o f reconstruction, merger, take-over, acquisition, purchase or otherwise whereby the allotting company acquires a controlling interest in the company whose shares i t acquires or cancels. (7) The relief allowed by subsections (4) and (5) shall apply even if the issue of shares took place prior to the 18th day of January, 1988.
s.35Power to issue shares at a discount
MODIFIED
(1) Subject as provided in this section, it shall be lawful for a company to issue at a discount shares in the company of a class already issued: Power to issue shares at a discount Provided that- (a) the issue of the shares at a discount have been authorised by resolution of the company, and have been sanctioned by the Court; (b) the resolution specify the maximum rate of discount at which the shares are to be issued; (c) not less than one year, at the date of the issue, has elapsed since the date on which the company was entitled to commence business; and (d) the shares to be issued at a discount are issued within one month after the date on which the issue is sanctioned by the Court or within such extended time as the Court may allow. (2) Where a company has passed a resolution authorising the issue of shares at a discount, it may apply to the Court for an order sanctioning the issue, and on any such application the Court, if, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, it thinks proper so to do, may make an order sanctioning the issue on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit. (3) Every prospectus relating to the issue of the shares must contain particulars of the discount allowed on the issue of the shares or of so much of that discount as had not been written off at the date of the issue of the prospectus. If default is made in complying with this subsection, the company and every officer of the company who is in default is liable to a default fine. (4) This section does not apply to shares issued, or proposed to be issued, without nominal or par value.
s.36Power of company to pay commissions
MODIFIED
(1) A company has the power, and shall be deemed always to have had the power, to pay a commission to any person in consideration of his subscribing or agreeing to subscribe (whether absolutely or conditionally) for any shares in the company, or procuring or agreeing to procure subscriptions (whether absolute or Power of company to pay commissions 31 Companies Law (2009 Revision) conditional) for any shares in the company, if the payment of the commission is authorised by the articles of association of the company. (2) Nothing in subsection (1) affects the power of a company to pay such brokerage as has previously been lawful. (3) A vendor to, or promoter of, or other person who receives payment in money or shares from a company has, and is deemed always to have had, power to apply any part of the money or shares so received in payment of any commission, the payment of which, if made directly by the company, would have been lawful under subsection (1).
s.37Redemption and purchase of shares
MODIFIED
(1) Subject to this section, a company limited by shares or limited by guarantee and having a share capital may, if authorised to do so by its articles of association, issue shares which are to be redeemed or are liable to be redeemed at the option of the company or the shareholder. Redemption and purchase of shares (2) Subject to this section, a company limited by shares or limited by guarantee and having a share capital may, if authorised to do so by its articles of association, purchase its own shares, including any redeemable shares. (3) (a) No share may be redeemed or purchased unless it is fully paid. (b) A company may not redeem or purchase any of its shares if, as a result of the redemption or purchase, there would no longer be any other member of the company holding shares. (c) Redemption of shares may be effected in such manner as may be authorised by or pursuant to the company’s articles of association. (d) If the articles of association do not authorise the manner of purchase, a company shall not purchase any of its own shares unless the manner of purchase has first been authorised by a resolution of the company. (e) The premium, if any, payable on redemption or purchase must have been provided for out of the profits of the company or out of the company’s share premium account before or at the time the shares are redeemed or purchased or in the manner provided for in subsection (5). (f) Shares may only be redeemed or purchased out of profits of the company or out of the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares made for the purposes of the redemption or purchase or in the manner provided for in subsection (5). (g) Shares redeemed or purchased under this section shall be treated as cancelled on redemption or purchase, and the amount of the company’s issued share capital shall be diminished by the nominal value of those shares accordingly; but the redemption or 32 Companies Law (2009 Revision) purchase of shares by a company is not to be taken as reducing the amount of the company’s authorised share capital. (h) Without prejudice to paragraph (g), where a company is about to redeem or purchase shares, it has power to issue shares up to the nominal value of the shares to be redeemed or purchased as if those shares had never been issued: Provided that where new shares are issued before the redemption or purchase of the old shares the new shares shall not, so far as relates to fees payable on o r accompanying the filing of any return or list, be deemed to have been issued in p ursuance of this subsection if the old shares are redeemed or purchased within one month after the issue of the new shares. (4) (a) Where, under this section, shares of a company are redeemed or purchased wholly out of the company’s profits, the amount by which the company’s issued share capital is diminished in accordance with paragraph (g) of subsection (3) on cancellation of the shares redeemed or purchased shall be transferred to a reserve called “the capital redemption reserve”. (b) If the shares are redeemed or purchased wholly or partly out of the proceeds of a fresh issue and the aggregate amount of those proceeds is less than the aggregate nominal value of the shares redeemed or purchased, the amount of the difference shall be transferred to the capital redemption reserve. (c) Paragraph (b) does not apply if the proceeds of the fresh issue are applied by the company in making a redemption or purchase of its own shares in addition to a payment out of capital under subsection (5). (d) The provisions of this Law relating to the reduction of a company’s share capital apply as if the capital redemption reserve were paid-up share capital of the company, except that the reserve may be applied by the company in paying up its unissued shares to be allotted to members of the company as fully paid bonus shares. (5) (a) Subject to this section, a company limited by shares or limited by guarantee and having a share capital may, if so authorised by its articles of association, make a payment in respect of the redemption or purchase of its own shares otherwise than out of its profits or the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares. (b) References in subsections (6) to (9) to payment out of capital are, subject to paragraph (f), references to any payment so made, whether or not it would be regarded apart from this subsection as a payment out of capital. 33 Companies Law (2009 Revision) (c) The amount of any payment which may be made by a company out of capital in respect of the redemption or purchase of its own shares is such an amount as, taken together with- (i) any available profits of the company are being applied for purposes of the redemption or purchase; and (ii) the proceeds of any fresh issue of shares made for the purpose of the redemption or purchase, is equal to the price of redemption or purchase, and the payment out of capital permitted under this paragraph is referred to in subsections (6) to (9) as the capital payment for the shares. Nothing in this paragraph shall be taken to imply that a company shall be obliged to exhaust any available profits before making any capital payment. (d) Subject to paragraph (f), if the capital payment for shares redeemed or purchased and cancelled is less than their nominal amount, the amount of the difference shall be transferred to the company’s capital redemption reserve. (e) Subject to paragraph (f), if the capital payment is greater than the nominal amount of the shares redeemed or purchased and cancelled, the amount of any capital redemption reserve, share premium account or fully paid share capital of the company may be reduced by a sum not exceeding, or by sums not in the aggregate exceeding, the amount by which the capital payment exceeds the nominal amount of the shares. (f) Where the proceeds of a fresh issue are applied by a company in making any redemption or purchase of its own shares in addition to a payment out of capital under this subsection, the references in paragraphs (d) and (e) to the capital payment are to be read as referring to the aggregate of that payment and those proceeds. (6) (a) A payment out of capital by a company for the redemption or purchase of its own shares is not lawful unless immediately following the date on which the payment out of capital is proposed to be made the company shall be able to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. (b) The company and any director or manager thereof who knowingly and wilfully authorises or permits any payment out of capital to effect any redemption or purchase of any share in contravention of paragraph (a) is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine of fifteen thousand dollars and to imprisonment for five years. (7) (a) Where a company is being wound up and, at the commencement of the winding up, any of its shares which are or are liable to be 34 Companies Law (2009 Revision) redeemed have not been redeemed or which the company has agreed to purchase have not been purchased, the terms of redemption or purchase may be enforced against the company, and when shares are redeemed or purchased under this subsection they shall be treated as cancelled: Provided that this paragraph shall not apply if- (i) the terms of redemption or purchase provided for the redemption or purchase to take place at a date later than the date of the commencement of the winding up; or (ii) during the period beginning with the date on which the redemption or purchase was to have taken place and ending with the commencement of the winding up the company could not, at any time, have lawfully made a distribution equal in value to the price at which the shares were to have been redeemed or purchased. (b) There shall be paid in priority to any amount which the company is liable by virtue of paragraph (a) to pay in respect of any shares- (i) all other debts and liabilities of the company (other than any due to members in their character as such); and (ii) if other shares carry rights whether as to capital or as to income which are preferred to the rights as to capital attaching to the first mentioned shares, any amount due in satisfaction of those preferred rights, b ut subject to that, any such amount shall be paid in priority to any amounts due to members in satisfaction of their rights (whether as to capital or income) as members. (8) (a) Any redeemable preference shares issued by a company before the 18th day of January, 1988, are subject to redemption in accordance with this section. (b) Any capital redemption reserve fund established by a company before the 18th day of January, 1988, is to be known as the company’s capital redemption reserve and to be treated as if it had been established for the purposes of subsection (4), and accordingly, a reference in any law, the articles of association of any company or any other instrument to a company’s capital redemption reserve fund is to be construed as a reference to the company’s capital redemption reserve. (9) This section shall apply to shares without nominal or par value, and shall, in relation to such shares, be read and construed as if- (a) in subsection (3)- 35 Companies Law (2009 Revision) (i) for the words “the nominal value of” appearing in paragraph (g), there were substituted the words “an amount equal to the consideration received for”; and (ii) for the words “nominal value” appearing in paragraph (h), there was substituted the word “number”; (b) in subsection (4) for the words “aggregate nominal value of” appearing in paragraph (b), there were substituted the words “aggregate consideration received for”; and (c) in subsection (5)- (i) for the words “their nominal amount” appearing in paragraph (d), there were substituted the words “the consideration received for such shares”; and (ii) for the words “nominal amount of” appearing in paragraph (e), there were substituted the words “consideration received for”.
s.38Definition of member
MODIFIED
The subscribers of the memorandum of association of any company shall be deemed to have agreed to become members of the company whose memorandum they have subscribed, and upon the registration of the company shall be entered as members on the register of members hereinafter mentioned, and every other person who has agreed to become a member of a company and whose name is entered on the register of members, shall be deemed to be a member of the company. Definition of member
s.40Register of members
MODIFIED
(1) Every company shall cause to be kept in writing on one or more sheets, whether bound or unbound, a register of its members and there shall be entered therein- Register of members (a) the names and addresses of the members of the company, with the addition, in the case of a company having a capital divided into shares, of a statement of the shares held by each member, distinguishing each share by its number (so long as the share has a number), and of the amount paid, or agreed to be considered as paid, on the shares of each member; (b) the date on which the name of any person was entered on the register as a member; and (c) the date on which any person ceased to be a member: Provided that in the case of shares of an exempted company issued to beare r there shall only be entered in the register particulars of the date of issue of the share or shares, distinguishing each share by its number (so long as the share has a 36 Companies Law (2009 Revision) number), the name of the custodian of its bearer shares and the fact that a certificate in respect thereof was issued to bearer. (2) Any company making default in complying with this section shall incur a penalty of ten dollars for every day during which the default continues; and every director or manager of the company who knowingly and wilfully authorises or permits such contravention shall incur the like penalty.
s.41Section 41
MODIFIED
(1) Every company, other than an exempted company, having a capital divided into shares shall make a list of all persons who, on the fourteenth day following the date on which the ordinary general meeting, or if there is more than one ordinary general meeting in each year, the first of such ordinary general meetings, is held, are members of the company; and such lists shall state the names and addresses of all the members therein mentioned, and the number of shares held by each of them, and shall contain a summary specifying the- Annual list of members and return of capital, shares, calls, etc. (a) amount of the capital of the company and the number of shares into which it is divided; (b) number of shares taken from the commencement of the company up to the date of the summary; (c) amount of calls made on each share; (d) total amount of calls received: (e) total amount of calls unpaid; (f) total number of shares forfeited; and (g) names and addresses of the persons who have ceased to be members since the last list was made, and the number of shares held by each of them. This list and summary shall be contained in a separate part of the register of the company and shall be completed within seven days after such fourteenth day as is mentioned in this section, and a copy shall be forwarded to the Registrar in January of each year after the year of its incorporation. (2) Every company, other than an exempted company, shall, in January of each year after the year of its registration, pay to the Treasury- (a) in the case of a non-resident company- (i) with no registered capital, or a registered capital not exceeding $42,000, an annual fee of $400; and (ii) with a registered capital exceeding $42,000, an annual fee of $565; and (b) in the case of any other company- (i) with no registered capital, or a registered capital not exceeding $42,000, an annual fee of $150; and (ii) with a registered capital exceeding $42,000, an annual fee of $350. 37 Companies Law (2009 Revision) (3) Each such annual fee shall be tendered with the list and summary required under subsection (1). A company which has failed to forward to the Registrar any copy required to be forwarded in any January shall be deemed not to have made any default in complying with this section relating to the time within which such copy is required to be forwarded if the company forwards the copy either- (a) within such further period, if any, as the Registrar, acting in his discretion may, by notice, addressed to the company specify; or (b) within the period of twelve months next following such month of January, whichever is the shorter, together with the fee payable under subsection (2) and the penalty specified in section 42.
s.42Penalty on company not making return
MODIFIED
Any company, not being an exempted company, who defaults in forwarding to the Registrar such lists of members or summary or the payment of any fee specified in section 41 (1) and (2) shall incur a penalty of- Penalty on company not making return (a) 33.33% of the annual fee specified in section 41 if the documents are submitted or the fee and penalty are paid between the 1st April and the 30th June; (b) 66.67% of the annual fee specified in section 41 if the documents are submitted or the fee and penalty are paid between the 1st July and the 30th September; and (c) 100% of the annual fee specified in section 41 if the documents are submitted or the fee and penalty are paid between the 1st October and the 31st December, and every director and manager of the company who knowingly and wilfully authorises or permits such default shall incur the like penalty.
s.43Certificate of shares or stock
MODIFIED
A certificate- (a) specifying the shares or stock held by a member of a company; and (b) purportedly signed by a person (including by facsimile or other mechanically affixed signature) with the express or implied authority of that company, Certificate of shares or stock is admissible in evidence as proof of the title of that member to those shares o r that stock. 38 Companies Law (2009 Revision)
s.45Section 45
MODIFIED
(1) Where a company has a capital divided into shares, whether such shares have or have not been converted into stock, notice of any increase in such capital beyond the registered capital, and where a company has not a capital divided into shares, notice of any increase in the number of members beyond the registered number shall be given to the Registrar, in the case of an increase of capital, within thirty days from the date of the passing of the resolution by which such increase has been authorised; and, in the case of an increase of members, within thirty days from the time at which such increase of members has been resolved on or has taken place; and the Registrar shall forthwith record the amount of such increase of capital or members. Notice of increase of capital and of members to be given to Registrar (2) The fees payable on an increase of capital shall be in the case of- (a) an exempted company which has a capital divided into shares, a fee of one-tenth of one per cent of the increased value of the registered capital of the exempted company, with a maximum of twelve hundred dollars; (b) an exempted company which has not a capital divided into shares, a fee of one-tenth of one per cent of the increased aggregate amount over the previous aggregate amount by which members have agreed to contribute to the assets of the exempted company in the event of the same being wound up, with a maximum of twelve hundred dollars; (c) a company other than an exempted company which has a capital divided into shares, a fee of one-twentieth of one per cent of the increased value of the registered capital of the company, with a maximum of four hundred and fifty dollars; and 39 Companies Law (2009 Revision) (d) a company which has not a capital divided into shares a fee of one twentieth of one per cent of the increased aggregate amount over the previous aggregate amount by which members have agreed to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of the same being wound up, with a maximum of four hundred and fifty dollars. (3) If such notice is not given within the period aforesaid the company in default shall incur a penalty of ten dollars for every day during which such neglect to give notice continues, and every director and officer of the company who knowingly and wilfully authorises or permits such default shall incur a like penalty.
s.46Remedy for improper entry or omission of entry in register
MODIFIED
If the name of any person is, without sufficient cause, entered in or omitted from the register of members of any company, or if default is made or unnecessary delay takes place in entering on the register the fact of any person having ceased to be a member of the company, the person or member aggrieved or any member of the company or the company itself may, by motion to the Court, apply for an order that the register be rectified; and the Court may either refuse such application with or without costs to be paid by the applicant or it may, if satisfied of the justice of the case, make an order for the rectification of the register, and may direct the company to pay all the costs of such motion, application or petition, and any damages the party aggrieved may have sustained. The Court may, in any proceeding under this section, decide any question relating to the title of any person who is a party to such proceeding to have his name entered in or omitted from the register, whether such question arises between two or more members or alleged members, or between any members or alleged members and the company, and generally, the Court may, in any such proceeding, decide any question that it may be necessary or expedient to decide for the rectification of the register: Remedy for improper entry or omission of entry in register Provided that the Court may direct an issue to be tried, on which any question of law may be raised. 47. Whenever any order has been made rectifying the register, in the case of a company required by this Law to send a list of its members to the Registrar, the Court shall, by its order, direct that due notice of such rectification be given to the Registrar. Notice to Registrar of Rectification of register
s.48Register to be evidence
MODIFIED
The register of members shall be prima facie evidence of any matters by this Law directed or authorised to be inserted therein. Register to be evidence 40 Companies Law (2009 Revision) Liability of Members
s.49Liability of present and past members of company
MODIFIED
In the event of a company being wound up every present and past member of such company shall be liable to contribute to the assets of the company to an amount sufficient for payment of the debts and liabilities of the company, and the costs, charges and expenses of the winding up and for the payment of such sums as may be required for the adjustment of the rights of the contributories amongst themselves: Liability of present and past members of company Provided that - (a) a past member shall not be liable to contribute to the assets of the company if he has ceased to be a member for a period of one year or upwards prior to the commencement of the winding up; (b) a past member shall not be liable to contribute in respect of any debt or liability of the company contracted after the time at which he ceased to be a member; (c) a past member shall not be liable to contribute to the assets of the company unless it appears to the Court that the existing members are unable to satisfy the contributions required to be made by them under this Law; (d) in case of a company limited by shares, no contribution shall be required from any member exceeding the amount, if any, unpaid on the shares in respect of which he is liable as a present or past member except where such member or past member holds or held shares of a class which are expressly stated in the memorandum of association to carry unlimited liability, as provided in section 8(2); (e) in the case of a company limited by guarantee, no contribution shall be required from any member exceeding the amount of the undertaking entered into on his behalf by the memorandum of association, except where the amount of the undertaking of such member is unlimited, as provided in section 9(2); (f) nothing in this Law shall invalidate any provisions contained in any policy of insurance or other contract whereby the liability of individual members upon any such policy or contract is restricted, or whereby the funds of the company are alone made liable in respect of such policy or contract; and (g) no sum due to any member of a company in his character of a member by way of dividends, profits or otherwise, shall be deemed to be a debt of the company, payable to such member in a case of competition between himself and any other creditor not being a member of the company; but any such sum may be taken into account for the purposes of the final adjustment of the rights of the contributions amongst themselves. 41 Companies Law (2009 Revision)
s.52Publication of name by a limited company
MODIFIED
Every company, whether limited by shares or by guarantee, shall paint or affix, and shall keep painted or affixed, its name on the outside of every office or place in which the business of the company is carried on, or in any corridor, passage or hallway adjacent or proximate thereto, in a conspicuous position, in letters easily legible, and shall have its name in legible characters on any seal it uses, and shall have its name set out in legible characters in all notices, advertisements and other official publications of such company, and in all bills of exchange, promissory notes, endorsements, cheques and orders for money or goods purporting to be signed by or on behalf of such company, and in all bills of parcels, invoices, receipts and letters of credit of the company. Publication of name by a limited company
s.53Penalties on non-publication of name
MODIFIED
Any company who does not paint or affix, and keep painted or affixed, its name in manner directed by this Law is liable to a penalty of ten dollars for not so painting or affixing its name, and for every day during which such name is not so kept painted or affixed, and every director and manager of the company who knowingly and wilfully authorises or permits such default shall be liable to the like penalty; and any director, manager or officer of such company, or any person on its behalf, who uses or authorises the use of any seal purporting to be a seal of the company, whereon its name is not so engraven as aforesaid, or issues or authorises the issue of any notice, advertisement or other official publication of such company, or signs or authorises to be signed on behalf of such company any bills of exchange, promissory note, endorsement, cheque or order for money or goods, or issues or authorises to be issued any bill of parcels, invoice, receipt or letter of credit of the company, wherein its name is not set out in the manner aforesaid, is liable to a penalty of one hundred dollars, and shall further be personally liable to the holder of any such bill of exchange, promissory note, Penalties on non- publication of name 42 Companies Law (2009 Revision) cheque, or order for money or goods for the amount thereof, unless the same is duly paid by the company.
s.55List of directors to be sent to Registrar
MODIFIED
Every company shall keep at its registered office a register containing the names and addresses of its directors and officers, and shall send to the Registrar a copy of such register, and shall within thirty days notify the Registrar of any change that takes place in such directors or officers. List of directors to be sent to Registrar
s.57Meetings
MODIFIED
Subject to the memorandum and articles of association of the company, a meeting of- Meetings (a) members; (b) a class of members; (c) the board of directors; or (d) any committee of the directors, may be validly convened and business conducted, as provided by the articles o f association, with only one such member or director being present in person o r otherwise as may be provided by the articles of association. 43 Companies Law (2009 Revision) Provisions for Protection of Members
s.60Definition of special resolution
MODIFIED
(1) A resolution is a special resolution when- Definition of special resolution (a) it has been passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds (or such greater number as may be specified in the articles of association of the company) of such members as, being entitled to do so, vote in person or, where proxies are allowed, by proxy at a general meeting of which notice specifying the intention to propose the resolution as a special resolution has been duly given; or (b) if so authorised by its articles of association, it has been approved in writing by all of the members entitled to vote at a general meeting of the company in one or more instruments each signed by one or more of the members aforesaid, and the effective date of the special resolution so adopted shall be the date on which the instrument or the last of such instruments, if more than one, is executed. (2) At any meeting mentioned in this section, unless a poll is demanded by at least one member, a declaration of the chairman that the resolution has been carried shall be conclusive evidence of the fact, without proof of the number or proportion of votes recorded in favour of or against the same. (3) Notice of any meeting shall, for the purposes of this section, be deemed to be duly given and the meeting to be duly held, whenever such notice is given and the meeting held in manner prescribed by the regulations of the company. 44 Companies Law (2009 Revision) (4) In computing the majority under this section when a poll is demanded, regard shall be had to the number of votes to which each member is entitled by the regulations of the company.
s.63Copies of special resolutions
MODIFIED
(1) Where articles of association have been registered, a copy of every special resolution for the time being in force shall be annexed to or embodied in, every copy of the articles of association that may be issued after the passing of such resolution. Copies of special resolutions (2) Where no articles of association have been registered, a copy of any special resolution shall be forwarded in print to any member requesting the same, on payment of ten cents or such less sum as the company may direct. (3) Any company who fails to comply with this section shall incur a penalty of two dollars for each copy in respect of which such default is made; and every director and manager of the company who shall knowingly and wilfully authorise or permit such default shall incur the like penalty.
s.64Appointment of inspectors to report on affairs of companies
MODIFIED
The Court may appoint one or more than one competent inspectors to examine into the affairs of any company and to report thereon in such manner as the Court may direct- Appointment of inspectors to report on affairs of companies (a) in case of a banking company having a capital divided into shares, upon the application of members holding not less than one-third of the shares of the company for the time being issued; (b) in the case of any other company having a capital divided into shares, upon application of members holding not less than one- fifth of the shares of the company for the time being issued; and (c) in the case of a company not having a capital divided into shares, upon the application of members being in number not less than one-fifth of the total number of persons for the time being entered on the register of the company as members. 45 Companies Law (2009 Revision) 65. It shall be the duty of all officers and agents of the company to produce for examination by an inspector all books and documents in their custody or power; any inspector may examine upon oath the officers and agents of the company in relation to its business, and may administer such oath accordingly; and any officer or agent who refuses or neglects to produce any book or document hereby directed to be produced, or to answer any question relating to the affairs of the company, shall incur a penalty not exceeding forty dollars in respect of each such offence. Powers of inspectors
s.65Powers of inspectors
MODIFIED
The qualification of a director shall be the holding of at least one share in the company. Powers and Duties of Directors 66. The business of the company shall be managed by the directors, who may pay all expenses incurred in getting up and registering the company and may exercise all such powers of the company as are not, by the Law or these articles, required to be exercised by the company in general meeting, subject nevertheless, to any regulation of these articles, to the Law and to such regulations, being not inconsistent with the aforesaid regulations or Law, as may be prescribed by the company in general meeting; but no regulation made by the company in general meeting shall invalidate any prior act of the directors which would have been valid if that regulation had not been made. 67. The directors may, from time to time, appoint one or more of their body to the office of managing director or manager for such term and at such remuneration (whether by way of salary, commission or participation in profits, or partly in one way and partly in another) as they may think fit and a director so appointed shall not, while holding that office, be subject to retirement by rotation, or taken into account in determining the rotation or retirement of directors; but his appointment shall be subject to determination ipso facto if he ceases from any cause to be a director, or if the company in general meeting resolves that his tenure of the office of managing director or manager be determined. 68. The amount for the time being remaining undischarged of moneys borrowed or raised by the directors for the purposes of the company (otherwise than by the issue of share capital) shall not, at any time, exceed the issued share capital of the company without the sanction of the company in general meeting. 69. The directors shall cause minutes to be made in books provided for the purpose- (a) of all appointments of officers made by the directors; (b) of the names of the directors present at each meeting of the directors and of any committee of the directors; and 136 Companies Law (2009 Revision) (c) of all resolutions and proceedings at all meetings of the company, and of the directors and of committees of directors, and every director present at any meeting of directors or committee of directors shall sign his name in a book to be kept for that purpose. The Seal 70. Any seal of the company shall not be affixed to any instrument except by the authority of a resolution of a board of directors, and in the presence of a director and of the secretary or such other person as the directors may appoint for the purpose; and that director and the secretary or other person as aforesaid shall sign every instrument to which any seal of the company is so affixed in their presence. Disqualification of Directors 71. The office of director shall be vacated, if the director- (a) without the consent of the company in general meeting holds any other office of profit under the company except that of managing director or manager; (b) becomes bankrupt; (c) is found to be or becomes of unsound mind; (d) resigns his office by notice in writing to the company; or (e) is directly or indirectly interested in any contract with the company or participates in the profits of any contract with the company: Provided however, that a director shall not vacate his office b y reason of his being a member of any corporation which has entered into contract with or done any work for the company if he has declared the nature of his interest at the first meeting of the directors of the company held after he became interested in the contract, but the director shall not vote in respect of any such contract or work or any matter arising thereout, and if he does so vote his vote shall not be counted. Rotation of Directors 72. At the first ordinary general meeting of the company the whole of the directors shall retire from office, and at the ordinary general meeting in every subsequent year one-third of the directors for the time being, or, if their number is not three or a multiple of three, then the number nearest one-third, shall retire from office. 137 Companies Law (2009 Revision) 73. The directors to retire in every year shall be those who have been longest in office since their last election but as between persons who became directors on the same day those to retire shall (unless they otherwise agree among themselves) be determined by lot. 74. A retiring director shall be eligible for re-election. 75. The company at the general meeting at which a director retires in manner aforesaid may fill the vacated office by electing a person thereto and in default the retiring director shall be deemed to have been re-elected unless at such meeting it is resolved not to fill such vacated office. 76. The company may, from time to time in general meeting, increase or reduce the number of directors, and may also determine in what rotation the increased or reduced number is to go out of office. 77. Any casual vacancy occurring in the board of directors may be filled by the directors, but the person so chosen shall be subject to retirement at the same time as if he had become a director on the day on which the director in whose place he is appointed was last elected a director. 78. The directors shall have power, at any time and from time to time, to appoint a person as an additional director, who shall retire from office at the next following ordinary general meeting, but shall be eligible for election by the company at that meeting as an additional director. 79. The company may, by special resolution, remove a director before the expiration of his period in office, and may, by an ordinary resolution, appoint another person in his stead. The person so appointed shall be subject to retirement at the same time as if he had become a director on the day on which the director in whose place he is appointed was last elected a director. Proceedings of Directors 80. The directors may meet together for the despatch of business, adjourn and otherwise regulate their meetings, as they think fit. Questions arising at any meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes. In case of an equality of votes the chairman shall have a second or casting vote. A director may, and the secretary on the requisition of a director shall, at any time, summon a meeting of the directors. 81. The quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the directors may be fixed by the directors, and unless so fixed shall, when the number of directors exceeds three, be three, and when the number of directors does not exceed three, be two. 138 Companies Law (2009 Revision) 82. The continuing directors may act notwithstanding any vacancy in their body, but, if and so long as their number is reduced below the number fixed by or pursuant to the regulations of the company as the necessary quorum of directors, the continuing directors may act for the purpose of increasing the number of directors to that number, or of summoning a general meeting of the company, but for no other purpose. 83. The directors may elect a chairman of their meetings and determine the period for which he is to hold office; but if no such chairman is elected, or if at any meeting the chairman is not present within five minutes after the time appointed for holding the same, the directors present may choose one of their number to be chairman of the meeting. 84. The directors may delegate any of their powers to committees consisting of such member or members of their body as they think fit; any committee so formed shall, in the exercise of the powers so delegated, conform to any regulations that may be imposed on it by the directors. 85. A committee may elect a chairman of its meetings; if no such chairman is elected, or if at any meeting the chairman is not present within five minutes after the time appointed for holding the same, the members present may choose one of their number to be chairman of the meeting. 86. A committee may meet and adjourn as it thinks proper. Questions arising at any meeting shall be determined by a majority of votes of the members present and, in case of an equality of votes, the chairman shall have a second or casting vote. 87. All acts done by any meeting of the directors or of a committee of directors, or by any person acting as a director, shall, notwithstanding that it be afterwards discovered that there was some defect in the appointment of any such director or person acting as aforesaid, or that they or any of them were disqualified, be as valid as if every such person had been duly appointed and was qualified to be a director. Dividends and Reserve 88. The company in general meeting may declare dividends, but no dividend shall exceed the amount recommended by directors. 89. The directors may, from time to time, pay to the members such interim dividends as appear to the directors to be justified by the profits of the company. 90. No dividends shall be paid otherwise than out of profits. 139 Companies Law (2009 Revision) 91. Subject to the rights of persons, if any, entitled to shares with special rights as to dividends, all dividends shall be declared and paid according to the amounts paid on the shares, but if and so long as nothing is paid up on any of the shares in the company, dividends may be declared and paid according to the amounts of the shares. No amount paid on a share in advance of calls shall, while carrying interest, be treated for the purposes of this article as paid on the share. 92. The directors may, before recommending any dividend, set aside out of the profits of the company such sums as they think proper as a reserve or reserves which shall, at the discretion of the directors, be applicable for meeting contingencies or for equalising dividends or for any other purpose to which the profits of the company may be properly applied, and pending such application may, at the like discretion, either be employed in the business of the company or be invested in such investments (other than shares of the company) as the directors may, from time to time, think fit. 93. If several persons are registered as joint holders of any share, any of them may give effectual receipts for any dividend or other moneys payable on or in respect of the share. 94. Any dividend may be paid by cheque or warrant sent through the post to the registered address of the member or person entitled thereto or in the case of joint holders to any one of such joint holders at his registered address or to such person and such address as the member or person entitled or such joint holders, as the case may be, may direct. Every such cheque or warrant shall be made payable to the order of the person to whom it is sent or to the order of such other person as the member or person entitled or such joint holders, as the case may be, may direct. 95. No dividend shall bear interest against the company. Accounts
s.67Inspection by resolution of the company
MODIFIED
Any company as aforesaid may, by special resolution, appoint inspectors for the purpose of examining into the affairs of such company; and inspectors so appointed shall have the same powers and perform the same duties as inspectors appointed by the Court, except that instead of making their report to the Court, they shall make the same in such manner and to such persons as the company by resolution of its members directs, and the officers and agents of the company shall incur the same penalties in case of any refusal or neglect to produce any book or document hereby required to be produced to such inspectors or answer any question, as they would have incurred if such inspectors had been appointed by the Court. Inspection by resolution of the company
s.69Section 69
MODIFIED
Any list, return, notice or information required by this Law to be made, given or supplied to the Registrar shall be authenticated by the signature of the secretary or manager or one of the directors of the company. Returns, etc., to Registrar 46 Companies Law (2009 Revision)
s.73Minutes of proceedings
MODIFIED
(1) Every company shall cause minutes of all resolutions and proceedings of its members, whether at general meetings or otherwise, and of its directors or managers (where there are directors or managers), whether at meetings or otherwise, to be duly kept in writing. Minutes of proceedings (2) Any minute of a general meeting of the company or a meeting of the directors or managers, if purporting to be signed by the chairman of the meeting, or by the chairman of the next succeeding meeting, shall be received as evidence of the proceedings at that meeting; and until the contrary is proved, every general meeting of the company or meeting of the directors or managers in respect of the proceedings of which minutes have been so made, shall be deemed to have been duly held and convened and all resolutions passed thereat, or proceedings had, to have been duly passed and had, and all appointments of directors, managers or liquidators shall be deemed to be valid, and all acts done by such directors, managers and liquidators shall be valid, notwithstanding any defect that may afterwards be discovered in their appointments or qualifications.
s.75Declaration in action against members
MODIFIED
In any action or suit brought by the company against any member to recover any call or other monies due from such member in his character of member, it shall not be necessary to set forth the special matter, but it shall be sufficient to allege that the defendant is a member of the company and is indebted to the company in respect of a call made or other monies due whereby a right of action has accrued to the company. Declaration in action against members 47 Companies Law (2009 Revision) Arbitration
s.78Unlimited liability of directors and managers
MODIFIED
The liability of the directors, managers or the managing director of a company may, if so provided by the memorandum of association, be unlimited. Unlimited liability of directors and managers
s.79Modification of section 49
MODIFIED
In the event of a company being wound up, section 49 as respects the contribution to be required from any director or manager whose liability is unlimited by virtue of section 78 shall have effect subject to the following modifications- Modification of section 49 (a) subject as hereinafter contained, any such director, managing director or manager whether past or present shall, in addition to his liability, if any, to contribute as an ordinary member, be liable to contribute as if he were at the date of the commencement of such winding up a member of an unlimited company; (b) no contribution required from any past director or manager who has ceased to hold such office for a period of one year or upwards prior to the commencement of such winding up, shall exceed the amount, if any, which he is liable to contribute as an ordinary member of the company; (c) no contribution required from any past director of manager in respect of any debt or liability of the company contracted after the time at which he ceased to hold such office shall exceed the 48 Companies Law (2009 Revision) amount, if any, which he is liable to contribute as an ordinary member of the company; and (d) subject to the regulations of the company, no contribution required from any director or manager shall exceed the amount, if any, which he is liable to contribute as an ordinary member, unless the Court thinks it necessary to require such contribution in order to satisfy the debts and liabilities of the company and the costs, charges and expenses of the winding up. Association not for Profit
s.80Section 80
MODIFIED
(1) Where any association is about to be formed as a limited company, if it is proved to the satisfaction of the Governor that it is to be formed for the purpose of promoting commerce, art, science, religion, charity or any other useful object, and that it is the intention of such association to apply the profits, if any, or other income of the association in promoting its objects, and to prohibit the payment of any dividend to the members of the association, the Governor may, by licence under his hand and the Public Seal, direct such association to be registered with limited liability without the addition of the word “limited” to its name, and such association may be registered accordingly, and upon registration shall enjoy all the privileges and be subject to all the obligations by this Law imposed on companies, except that none of the provisions of this Law that require a company to use the word “limited” as any part of its name, or to publish its name, or to send a list of its members, directors or managers to the Registrar or to pay the fees prescribed by sections 41 and 169, shall apply to an association so registered. Circumstances in which the Governor may licence a company to be registered without “limited” in its name (2) The licence aforesaid may be granted upon such conditions and subject to such regulations as the Governor may think fit to impose, and such conditions and regulations shall be binding on the association, and shall be inserted or endorsed on the memorandum or articles of association. Contracts
s.81How contracts may be made
MODIFIED
(1) Contracts on behalf of any company may be made as follows- How contracts may be made (a) a contract which, if made between individuals, would by law be required to be in writing, and to be made by deed or under seal, may be made by instrument- (i) sealed with any seal of the company; or (ii) expressed to be, or is executed on behalf of the company and expressed to be executed as, or otherwise makes clear on its face it is intended to be, a deed; (b) any contract which, if made between private persons, would be by law required to be in writing and signed by the parties to be 49 Companies Law (2009 Revision) charged therewith may be made on behalf of the company in writing, signed by any person acting under the express or implied authority of the company; and (c) any contract which, if made between private persons, would by law be valid although made by parol only and not reduced into writing, may be made by parol on behalf of the company by any person acting under the express or implied authority of the company. (2) Where a contract or other transaction purports to be made by a company or by a person on its behalf at a time when the company has not been registered, then subject to any agreement to the contrary, the contract or other transaction has effect as one entered into by the person purporting to act on behalf of the company and, subject to subsection (3), that person is personally liable on the contract or other transaction. (3) A contract or other transaction purported to be entered into by a company prior to its registration or by a person on behalf of the company prior to its registration may be ratified by the company after its registration and thereupon the company shall become bound by and entitled to the benefit thereof from the date of registration, and the person so entering into such contract or other transaction shall be deemed to have been duly authorised to act on behalf of the company and shall cease to be personally liable on the contract or other transaction. (4) Any contract made according to this section may be varied or discharged in the same manner as it is authorised by this section to be made. (5) All contracts made according to this section shall be effectual in law and shall be binding upon the company and its successors and all other parties thereto, their heirs, executors or administrators as the case may be.
s.83Section 83
MODIFIED
(1) A company may, by deed or instrument under seal, empower a person either generally or in respect of a specified matter to be its attorney to execute deeds or instruments under seal on its behalf. Execution of deeds, etc., by attorney (2) A deed or instrument under seal signed by an attorney on behalf of a company shall bind the company and have effect as if it were executed as such by the company. 50 Companies Law (2009 Revision)
s.84Power of company to have official seal for use abroad
MODIFIED
(1) A company may maintain a common seal, which shall bear the name of the company in legible characters, at such place as the company may, from time to time, determine and in default of any such determination, at its registered office, and may, if so authorised by its articles of association, maintain a duplicate seal or seals, each of which shall be a facsimile of its common seal at such place or places throughout the world as it may authorise and any such duplicate seal may, but shall not be obliged to, bear on its face the name of any country, territory, district, or place where it is to be used. Power of company to have official seal for use abroad (2) A deed or instrument under seal to which any such duplicate seal is duly affixed shall bind the company as if it had been sealed with the common seal of the company. (3) A company having any such duplicate seal may authorise any person appointed for the purpose to affix the duplicate seal to any deed or other document to which the company is party. (4) The authority of any such agent shall, as between the company and any person dealing with the agent, continue during the period, if any, specified in the instrument conferring the authority, or if no period is so specified, then until notice of the revocation or determination of the authority of the agent has been given to such person. (5) The person affixing any such duplicate seal shall, by writing under his hand, certify on the deed or other instrument to which the seal is affixed the date on which it is affixed.
s.87Section 87
MODIFIED
(1) Where an application is made to the Court under section 86 for the sanctioning of a compromise or arrangement proposed between a company and any such persons as are specified in that section, and it is shown to the Court that the compromise or arrangement has been proposed for the purpose of or in connection with a scheme for the reconstruction of any company or companies or the amalgamation of any two or more companies, and that under the scheme the whole or any part of the undertaking or the property of any company concerned in the scheme (in this section referred to as “a transferor company”) is to be transferred to another company (in this section referred to as “the transferee company”) the Court, may either by the order sanctioning the compromise or arrangement or by any subsequent order make provision for- Provisions for facilitating reconstruction and amalgamation of companies (a) the transfer to the transferee company of the whole or any part of the undertaking and of the property or liabilities of any transferor company; (b) the allotting or appropriation by the transferee company of any shares, debentures, policies, or other like interests in that company which under the compromise or arrangement are to be allotted or appropriated by that company to or for any person; (c) the continuation by or against the transferee company of any legal proceedings pending by or against any transferor company; (d) the dissolution, without winding up, of any transferor company; 52 Companies Law (2009 Revision) (e) the provisions to be made for any person who within such time and in such manner as the Court directs dissent from the compromise or arrangement; and (f) such incidental, consequential and supplemental matters as are necessary to secure that the reconstruction or amalgamation is fully and effectively carried out. (2) Where an order under this section provides for the transfer of property or liabilities, that property shall, by virtue of the order, be transferred to and vest in, and those liabilities shall, by virtue of the order, be transferred to and become the liabilities of, the transferee company, and any such property shall, if the order so directs, be freed from any charge which is, by virtue of the compromise or arrangement, to cease to have effect (3) Where an order is made under this section, every company in relation to which the order is made shall cause a copy thereof to be delivered to the Registrar for registration within seven days after the making of the order, and if default is made in complying with this subsection, the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be liable to a default fine. (4) In this section- “property” includes property, rights and powers of every description; “liabilities” includes duties; and “transferee company” means any company or body corporate established in the Islands or in any other jurisdiction.
s.88Power to acquire shares of dissentient shareholders
MODIFIED
(1) Where a scheme or contract involving the transfer of shares or any class of shares in a company (in this section referred to as “the transferor company”) to another company, whether a company within the meaning of this Law or not (in this section referred to as “the transferee company”) has, within four months after the making of the offer in that behalf by the transferee company, been approved by the holders of not less than ninety per cent in value of the shares affected, the transferee company may, at any time within two months after the expiration of the said four months, give notice in the prescribed manner to any dissenting shareholder that it desires to acquire his shares, and where such notice is given the transferee company shall, unless on an application made by the dissenting shareholder within one month from the date on which the notice was given, the Court thinks fit to order otherwise, be entitled and bound to acquire those shares on the terms on which under the scheme or contract the shares of the approving shareholders are to be transferred to the transferee company. Power to acquire shares of dissentient shareholders 53 Companies Law (2009 Revision) (2) Where a notice has been given by the transferee company under this section and the Court has not, on an application made by the dissenting shareholder, ordered to the contrary, the transferee company shall, on the expiration of one month from the date on which the notice has been given or, if an application to the Court by the dissenting shareholder is then pending, after that application has been disposed of, transmit a copy of the notice to the transferor company and pay or transfer to the transferor company the amount or other consideration representing the price payable by the transferee company for the shares which by virtue of this section that company is entitled to acquire, and the transferor company shall thereupon register the transferee company as the holder of those shares. (3) Any sums received by the transferor company under this section shall be paid into a separate bank account, and any such sums and any other consideration so received shall be held by that company on trust for the several persons entitled to the shares in respect of which the said sum or other consideration were respectively received. (4) In this section- “dissenting shareholder” includes a shareholder who has not assented to the scheme or contract and any shareholder who has failed or refused to transfer his shares to the transferee company, in accordance with the scheme or contract.
s.89Definitions
MODIFIED
(1) In this Part - Definitionscompany” includes a foreign company in respect of which the Court has made a winding up order; “contributory” means - (a) every person liable by virtue of section 49 to contribute to the assets of a company in the event that it is wound up under this Law; and (b) every holder of fully paid up shares of a company; “controller” means a person appointed by the Authority pursuant to the regulatory laws to take control of a company; “document” includes any device by means of which information is recorded or stored; “foreign company” means any body corporate incorporated outside the Islands; 54 Companies Law (2009 Revision) “foreign practitioner” means a person who is qualified under the law of a foreign country to perform functions equivalent to those performed by official liquidators under this Law or by trustees in bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy Law (1997 Revision); 1997 Revision “limited partnership’ means an ordinary limited partnership registered in accordance with section 49 of the Partnership Law (2007 Revision) or an exempted limited partnership registered in accordance with Section 9 of the Exempted Limited Partnership Law (2007 Revision); 2007 Revision 2007 Revision “official liquidator” means the liquidator of a company which is being wound up by order of the Court or under the supervision of the Court and includes a provisional liquidator; “prescribed” means prescribed by the Insolvency Rules Committee; “professional service provider” means a person who contracts to provide general managerial or administrative services to a company on an annual or continuing basis; “qualified insolvency practitioner” means a person holding the qualifications specified in the regulations made by the Insolvency Rules Committee under section 155 or such other qualifications as the Court considers appropriate for the conduct of the winding up of a company; “Rules” mean rules prescribed by the Insolvency Rules Committee; “shadow director” means, in relation to a company, any person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the directors of the company are accustomed to act, but the person is not deemed to be a shadow director by reason only that the directors act on advice given by him in a professional capacity; andwinding up orderincludes an order that a voluntary winding up continue under the supervision of the Court and references to a company being wound up by the Court includes a company which is being wound up under the supervision of the Court.
s.90Alternative modes of winding up
MODIFIED
A company may be wound up- Alternative modes of winding up (a) compulsorily by order of the Court; (b) voluntarily- (i) by virtue of a special resolution; (ii) because the period, if any, fixed for the duration of the company by its articles of association has expired; or (iii) because the event, if any, has occurred, on the occurrence of which its articles of association provide that the company shall be wound up; or (c) under the supervision of the Court. 55 Companies Law (2009 Revision)
s.91Jurisdiction of the Court
MODIFIED
The Court has jurisdiction to make winding up orders in respect of- Jurisdiction of the Court (a) an existing company; (b) a company incorporated and registered under this Law; (c) a body incorporated under any other law; and (d) a foreign company which- (i) has property located in the Islands; (ii) is carrying on business in the Islands; (iii) is the general partner of a limited partnership; or (iv) is registered under Part IX. Winding up by the Court
s.92Circumstances in which a company may be wound up by the Court
MODIFIED
A company may be wound up by the Court if- Circumstances in which a company may be wound up by the Court (a) the company has passed a special resolution requiring the company to be wound up by the Court; (b) the company does not commence its business within a year from its incorporation, or suspends its business for a whole year; (c) the period, if any, fixed for the duration of the company by the articles of association expires, or whenever the event, if any, occurs, upon the occurrence of which it is provided by the articles of association that the company is to be wound up; (d) the company is unable to pay its debts; or (e) the Court is of opinion that it is just and equitable that the company should be wound up
s.93Definition of inability to pay debts
MODIFIED
A company shall be deemed to be unable to pay its debts if- Definition of inability to pay debts (a) a creditor by assignment or otherwise to whom the company is indebted at law or in equity in a sum exceeding one hundred dollars then due, has served on the company by leaving at its registered office a demand under his hand requiring the company to pay the sum so due, and the company has for the space of three weeks succeeding the service of such demand, neglected to pay such sum, or to secure or compound for the same to the satisfaction of the creditor; (b) execution of other process issued on a judgement, decree or order obtained in the Court in favour of any creditor at law or in equity in any proceedings instituted by such creditor against the company, is returned unsatisfied in whole or in part; or (c) it is proved to the satisfaction of the Court that the company is unable to pay its debts.
s.94Application for winding up
MODIFIED
(1) An application to the Court for the winding up of a company shall be by petition presented either by- Application for winding up 56 Companies Law (2009 Revision) (a) the company; (b) any creditor or creditors (including any contingent or prospective creditor or creditors); (c) any contributory or contributories; or (d) subject to subsection (4), the Authority pursuant to the regulatory laws. (2) Where expressly provided for in the articles of association of a company the directors of a company incorporated after the commencement of this Law have the authority to present a winding up petition on its behalf without the sanction of a resolution passed at a general meeting. (3) A contributory is not entitled to present a winding up petition unless either- (a) the shares in respect of which he is a contributory, or some of them, are partly paid; or (b) the shares in respect of which he is a contributory, or some of them, either were- (i) originally allotted to him, or have been held by him, and registered in his name for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the presentation of the winding up petition; or (ii) have devolved on him through the death of a former holder. (4) A winding up petition may be presented by the Authority in respect of any company which is carrying on a regulated business in the Islands upon the grounds that it is not duly licensed or registered to do so under the regulatory laws or for any other reason as provided under the regulatory laws or any other law.
s.95Powers of the Court
MODIFIED
(1) Upon hearing the winding up petition the Court may- Powers of the Court (a) dismiss the petition; (b) adjourn the hearing conditionally or unconditionally; (c) make a provisional order; or (d) any other order that it thinks fit, but the Court shall not refuse to make a winding up order on the ground only that the company’s assets have been mortgaged or charged to an amount equal to or in excess of those assets or that the company has no assets. (2) The Court shall dismiss a winding up petition or adjourn the hearing of a winding up petition on the ground that the petitioner is contractually bound not to present a petition against the company. (3) If the petition is presented by members of the company as contributories on the ground that it is just and equitable that the company should 57 Companies Law (2009 Revision) be wound up, the Court shall have jurisdiction to make the following orders, as an alternative to a winding-up order, namely- (a) an order regulating the conduct of the company’s affairs in the future; (b) an order requiring the company to refrain from doing or continuing an act complained of by the petitioner or to do an act which the petitioner has complained it has omitted to do; (c) an order authorising civil proceedings to be brought in the name and on behalf of the company by the petitioner on such terms as the Court may direct; or (d) an order providing for the purchase of the shares of any members of the company by other members or by the company itself and, in the case of a purchase by the company itself, a reduction of the company’s capital accordingly. (4) Where an alternative order under subsection (3) requires the company not to make any, or any specified, alteration in the memorandum or articles of association, the company does not have power, without the leave of the Court, to make any such alteration in breach of that requirement. (5) Any alteration in a company’s memorandum or articles of association made by virtue of an alternative order under subsection (3) is of the same effect as if duly made by resolution of the company, and the provisions of this Law shall apply to the memorandum or articles of association as so altered accordingly. (6) A copy of an alternative order made under subsection (3) altering, or giving leave to alter, a company’s memorandum or articles of association shall be filed by the company with the Registrar within fourteen days of the making of the order. 96. At any time after the presentation of a winding up petition and before a winding up order has been made, the company or any creditor or contributory may- Power to stay or restrain proceedings (a) where any action or proceeding against the company, including a criminal proceeding, is pending in a summary court, the Court, the Court of Appeal or the Privy Council, apply to the court in which the action or proceeding is pending for a stay of proceedings therein; and (b) where any action or proceeding is pending against the company in a foreign court, apply to the Court for an injunction to restrain further proceedings therein, and the court to which application is made may, as the case may be, stay or restrain the proceedings accordingly on such terms as it thinks fit. 58 Companies Law (2009 Revision)
s.96Power to stay or restrain proceedings
MODIFIED
The directors shall cause proper books of account to be kept with respect to- (a) all sums of money received and expended by the company, and the matters in respect of which the receipt and expenditure takes place; and (b) all sales and purchases of goods by the company and the assets and liabilities of the company. 97. The books of account shall be kept at the registered office of the company, or at such other place or places as the directors think fit, and shall always be open to the inspection of the directors. 140 Companies Law (2009 Revision)
s.97Avoidance of attachments and stay of proceedings
MODIFIED
(1) When a winding up order is made or a provisional liquidator is appointed, no suit, action or other proceedings, including criminal proceedings, shall be proceeded with or commenced against the company except with the leave of the Court and subject to such terms as the Court may impose. Avoidance of attachments and stay of proceedings (2) When a winding up order has been made, any attachment, distress or execution put in force against the estate or effects of the company after the commencement of the winding up is void. 98. When a winding up order is made, the liquidator shall- Notice of winding up order (a) file a copy of the winding up order with the Registrar; and (b) publish notice of the winding up in the Gazette and any newspaper in which the winding up petition was advertised. 99. When a winding up order has been made, any disposition of the company’s property and any transfer of shares or alteration in the status of the company’s members made after the commencement of the winding up is, unless the Court otherwise orders, void. Avoidance of property dispositions, etc. 100. (1) If, before the presentation of a petition for the winding up of a company by the Court- Commencement of winding up by Court (a) a resolution has been passed by the company for voluntary winding up; (b) the period, if any, fixed for the duration of the company by the articles of association has expired; or (c) the event upon the occurrence of which it is provided by the articles of association that the company is to be wound up has occurred, the winding up of the company is deemed to have commenced at the time of passing of the resolution or the expiry of the relevant period or the occurrence of the relevant event. (2) In any other circumstance not specified in subsection (1), the winding up of a company by the Court is deemed to commence at the time of the presentation of the petition for winding up. 101. (1) Where the Court has made a winding up order or appointed a provisional liquidator, the liquidator may require some or all of the persons mentioned in subsection (3) to prepare and submit to him a statement in the prescribed form as to the affairs of the company. Company’s statement of affairs (2) The statement shall be verified by an affidavit sworn by the persons required to submit it and shall show- 59 Companies Law (2009 Revision) (a) particulars of the company’s assets and liabilities, including contingent and prospective liabilities; (b) the names and addresses of any persons having possession of the company’s assets; (c) the assets of the company held by those persons; (d) the names and addresses of the company’s creditors; (e) the securities held by those creditors; (f) the dates when the securities were respectively given; and (g) such further or other information that the liquidator may require. (3) The persons referred to in subsection (1) are- (a) persons who are or have been directors or officers of the company; (b) persons who are or have been professional service providers to the company; and (c) persons who are or have been employees of the company, during the period of one year immediately preceding the relevant date. (4) Where any persons are required under this section to submit a statement of affairs to the liquidator, they shall do so, subject to subsection (5), before the end of the period of twenty-one days beginning with the day after that on which the prescribed notice of the requirement is given to them by the liquidator. (5) The liquidator may release a person from an obligation imposed on him under subsection (1) or, when giving the notice mentioned in subsection (4) or subsequently, the liquidator may extend the time for compliance; and if the liquidator refuses to extend the time for compliance, the Court may do so. (6) In this section- “relevant date” means- (a) in a case where a provisional liquidator is appointed, the date of his appointment; and (b) in any other case, the commencement of the winding up. (7) Whoever, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with any obligation imposed under this section is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine of ten thousand dollars. 102. (1) Where a winding up order is made by the Court, the liquidator shall be empowered to investigate- Investigation by liquidator (a) if the company has failed, the causes of the failure; and (b) generally, the promotion, business, dealings and affairs of the company, 60 Companies Law (2009 Revision) and to make such report, if any, to the Court as he thinks fit. (2) Subject to obtaining the directions of the Court, the liquidator shall have power to - (a) assist the Authority and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Force to investigate the conduct of persons referred to in section 101(3); and (b) institute and conduct a criminal prosecution of persons referred to in section 101(3). (3) Subject to obtaining the prior approval of the company’s creditors, if it is insolvent, or its contributories, if it is solvent, the directions given under subsection (2) may include a direction that the whole or part of the costs of investigation and prosecution be paid out of the assets of the company. 103. (1) This section applies to any person who, whether resident in the Islands or elsewhere- Duty to co-operate and the private examination of relevant persons (a) has made or concurred with the statement of affairs; (b) is or has been a director or officer of the company; (c) is or was a professional service provider to the company; (d) has acted as a controller, advisor or liquidator of the company or receiver or manager of its property; (e) not being a person falling within paragraphs (a) to (c), is or has been concerned or has taken part in the promotion, or management of the company, and such person is referred to in this section as the “relevant person”. (2) It is the duty of every relevant person to co-operate with the official liquidator. (3) While a company is being wound up, the official liquidator may at any time before its dissolution apply to the Court for an order- (a) for the examination of any relevant person; or (b) that a relevant person transfer or deliver up to the liquidator any property or documents belonging to the company. (4) Unless the Court otherwise orders, the official liquidator shall make an application under subsection (3) if he is requested in accordance with the rules to do so by one-half, in value, of the company's creditors or contributories. (5) On an application made under subsection (3) (a), the Court may order that a relevant person- (a) swear an affidavit in answer to written interrogatories; 61 Companies Law (2009 Revision) (b) attend for oral examination by the official liquidator at a specified time and place, or (c) do both things specified in paragraphs (a) and (b). (6) The Court may direct that any creditor or contributory of the company be permitted by the official liquidator to participate in an oral examination. (7) The Court shall have jurisdiction- (a) to make an order under this section against a relevant person resident outside the Islands; and (b) to issue a letter of request for the purpose of seeking the assistance of a foreign court in obtaining the evidence of a relevant person resident outside the jurisdiction. Official Liquidators 104. (1) Subject to this section and any rules made under section 155, the Court may, at any time after the presentation of a winding up petition but before the making of a winding up order, appoint a liquidator provisionally. Appointment and powers of provisional liquidator (2) An application for the appointment of a provisional liquidator may be made under subsection (1) by a creditor or contributory of the company on the grounds that- (a) there is a prima-facie case for making a winding up order; and (b) the appointment of a provisional liquidator is necessary in order to- (i) prevent the dissipation or misuse of the company’s assets; (ii) prevent the oppression of minority shareholders; or (iii) prevent mismanagement or misconduct on the part of the company's directors. (3) An application for the appointment of a provisional liquidator may be made under subsection (1) by the company ex-parte on the grounds that- (a) the company is or is likely to become unable to pay its debts within the meaning of section 93; and (b) the company intends to present a compromise or arrangement to its creditors. (4) A provisional liquidator shall carry out only such functions as the Court may confer on him and his powers may be limited by the order appointing him. (5) The remuneration of the provisional liquidator shall be fixed by the Court from time to time on his application and the Court shall in fixing such remuneration act in accordance with rules made under section 155. 62 Companies Law (2009 Revision) 105. (1) For the purpose of conducting the proceedings in winding up a company and assisting the Court therein, there may be appointed one or more than one person to be called an official liquidator or official liquidators; and the Court may appoint to such office such person as it thinks fit, and if more persons than one are appointed to such office, the Court shall declare whether any act hereby required or authorised to be done by the official liquidator is to be done by all or any or more of such persons. Appointment of official liquidator (2) The Court may also determine whether any and what security is to be given by an official liquidator on his appointment; and if no official liquidator is appointed, or during any vacancy in such office, all the property of the company shall be in the custody of the Court. (3) The liquidator shall, within twenty-eight days of the date upon which the winding up order is made, summon- (a) a meeting of the company’s creditors if the order was made on the grounds that the company is insolvent; or (b) a meeting of the company’s contributories if the order was made on grounds other than insolvency, for the purposes of resolving any other matters which the liquidator puts before the meeting. (4) The Court may make an order dispensing with the need to summon a meeting under this section or extending the time within which it shall be summoned. 106. When two or more persons are appointed to the office of liquidator, either provisionally or as official liquidators, they shall be authorised to act jointly and severally, unless their powers are expressly limited by order of the Court. Appointment of joint liquidators 107. An official liquidator may be removed from office by order of the Court made on the application of a creditor or contributory of the company. Removal of official liquidators 108. (1) A foreign practitioner may be appointed to act jointly with a qualified insolvency practitioner. Qualifications of official liquidators (2) Official liquidators are officers of the Court. 109. (1) The expenses properly incurred in the winding up, including the remuneration of the liquidator, are payable out of the company's assets in priority to all other claims. Remuneration of official liquidators (2) There shall be paid to the official liquidator such remuneration, by way of percentage or otherwise, that the Court may direct acting in accordance with 63 Companies Law (2009 Revision) rules made under section 155; and if more liquidators than one are appointed such remuneration shall be distributed amongst them in such proportions as the Court directs. 110. (1) It is the function of an official liquidator- Function and powers of official liquidators (a) to collect, realise and distribute the assets of the company to its creditors and, if there is a surplus, to the persons entitled to it; and (b) to report to the company’s creditors and contributories upon the affairs of the company and the manner in which it has been wound up. (2) The official liquidator may- (a) with the sanction of the Court, exercise any of the powers specified in Part I of the Third Schedule; and (b) with or without that sanction, exercise any of the general powers specified in Part II of the Third Schedule. (3) The exercise by the liquidator of the powers conferred by this section is subject to the control of the Court, and subject to subsection (5), any creditor or contributory may apply to the Court with respect to the exercise or proposed exercise of such powers (hereinafter referred to as a “sanction application”). (4) In the case of- (a) a solvent company, a sanction application may only be made by a contributory and the creditors shall have no right to be heard; (b) an insolvent company, a sanction application may only be made by a creditor and the contributories shall have no right to be heard; and (c) a company whose solvency is doubtful, a sanction application may be made by both contributories and creditors and both contributories and creditors shall have a right to be heard. (5) For the purposes of this section, a person shall be treated as a related to a company if- (a) he has acted for the company as a professional service provider; (b) he is or was a shareholder or director of the company or of any other company in the same group as the company; (c) he has a direct or indirect beneficial interest in the shares of the company; or (d) he is a creditor or debtor of the company. 64 Companies Law (2009 Revision) General Powers of the Court 111. (1) The Court may at any time after an order for winding up, on the application either of the liquidator or any creditor or contributory, and on proof to the satisfaction of the Court that all proceedings in the winding up ought to be stayed, make an order staying the proceedings either all together or for a limited time, on such terms and conditions as the Court thinks fit. Power to stay winding up (2) The Court may at any time after the liquidation has commenced under section 116 (c), but before the final meeting has been held as provided for in section 127, on the application of the liquidator accompanied by- (a) a special resolution stating that the company will not be wound up and setting out the reasons for such decision; (b) proof of a recall notice published in the Gazette; and (c) such other documents as the Court may consider necessary, make an order to recall the liquidation, place the company into active status and place the company back into good standing as it was prior to the commencement of liquidation under section 116(c), on such terms and conditions as the Court thinks fit. (3) A company shall, within seven days of the making of an order under this section, forward a copy of the order to the Registrar who shall enter it in the records relating to the company. 112. (1) The liquidator shall settle a list of contributories, if any, for which purpose he shall have power to adjust the rights of contributories amongst themselves. Settlement of list of contributories (2) In the case of a solvent liquidation of a company which has issued redeemable shares at prices based upon its net asset value from time to time, the liquidator shall have power to settle and, if necessary rectify the company’s register of members, thereby adjusting the rights of members amongst themselves. (3) A contributory who is dissatisfied with the liquidator’s determination may appeal to the Court against such determination. 113. (1) The Court may, at any time after making a winding up order, and either before or after it has ascertained the sufficiency of the company’s assets, make calls on all or any of the contributories for the time being settled on the list of the contributories- Power to make calls 65 Companies Law (2009 Revision) (a) to the extent of their liability, for the payment of any money which the Court considers necessary to satisfy the company’s debts and liabilities and the expenses of winding up; and (b) to the adjustment of the rights of the contributories among themselves, and make an order for payment of any call so made. (2) In making a call the Court may take into consideration the probability that some of the contributories may partly or wholly fail to pay it. 114. (1) At any time after making a winding up order the Court may make such orders as it thinks fit for- Inspection of documents by creditors, etc. (a) the inspection of the company’s documents by creditors and contributories; and (b) the preparation of reports by the official liquidator and the provision of such reports to the company’s creditors and contributories. (2) A contributory shall be entitled to make an application under this section notwithstanding that the company is or may be insolvent and the Court shall not refuse to make an order upon the application of a contributory merely by reason of the fact that the company is or may be insolvent. 115. (1) The Court shall, as to all matters relating to the winding up, have regard to wishes of the creditors or contributories and for that purpose it may direct reports to be prepared by the official liquidator and meetings of creditors or contributories to be summoned. Meetings to ascertain wishes of creditors or contributories (2) If it considers it necessary to do so, the Court may direct that separate meetings be held of different classes of creditors or contributories. (3) Subject to Rules made under section 155, meetings may be requisitioned by creditors, if the company is insolvent, or by contributories if the company is solvent. (4) The votes of creditors and contributories shall be counted by reference to- (a) the value of their debts, in the case of creditors; (b) the number of votes, in the case of contributories whose shares carry voting rights under the articles of association of the company; and (c) the par value of all the shares held, in the case of contributories whose shares do not carry votes under the articles of association 66 Companies Law (2009 Revision) of the company and, where there are no par value shares, the net asset value of the company shown. Voluntary Winding up 116. A company incorporated and registered under this Law or an existing company may be wound up voluntarily- Circumstances in which a company may be wound up voluntarily (a) when the period, if any, fixed for the duration of the company by its memorandum or articles of association expires; (b) if the event, if any, occurs, on the occurrence of which the memorandum or articles of association provide that the company is to be wound up; (c) if the company resolves by special resolution that it be wound up voluntarily; or (d) if the company resolves by ordinary resolution that it be wound up voluntarily because it is unable to pay its debts as they fall due. 117. (1) A voluntary winding up is deemed to commence- Commencement of winding up (a) at the time of the passing of the resolution for winding up; or (b) on the expiry of the period or the occurrence of the event specified in the company's memorandum or articles of association, notwithstanding that a supervision order is subsequently made by the Court. (2) Subject to any contrary provision in its memorandum or articles of association, the voluntary winding up of an exempted limited duration company is taken to have commenced upon the expiry of a period of ninety days starting on- (a) the death, insanity, bankruptcy, dissolution, [...]
s.98Notice of winding up order
MODIFIED
The directors shall, from time to time, determine whether and to what extent, at what times and places and under what conditions or regulations the accounts and books of the company or any of them shall be open to the inspection of members not being directors, and no member (not being a director) shall have any right of inspecting any account, book or document of the company except as conferred by law or authorised by the directors or by the company in general meeting. 99. At the ordinary general meeting in every year the directors shall cause to be prepared and shall lay before the company a profit and loss account and a balance sheet for the period since the preceding account or, (in the case of the first ordinary general meeting) since the commencement of business by the company, made up to a date not more than six months before such meeting. 100. A copy of every balance sheet (including every document required by law to be annexed thereto) which is to be laid before the company in general meeting together with a copy of the auditor’s report shall, not less than seven days before the date of the meeting, be sent to all persons entitled to receive notices of general meetings of the company. Audit 101. The accounts relating to the company’s affairs shall be audited in such manner as may be determined from time to time by the company in general meeting or, failing any such determination, by the directors. Notices 102. (1) A notice may be given by the company to any member either personally or by sending it by post to him to his registered address, or (if he has no registered address in the Islands) to the address, if any, in the Islands supplied by him to the company for the giving of notices to him. (2) Where a notice is sent by post, service of the notice shall be deemed to be effected by properly addressing, prepaying and posting a letter containing the notice, and to have been effected in the case of a notice of a meeting at the expiration of twenty-four hours after the letter containing the same is posted, and in any other case at the time at which the letter would be delivered in the ordinary course of post. 103. If a member has no registered address in the Islands and has not supplied to the company an address in the Islands for the giving of notices to him, a notice addressed to him and advertised in a daily newspaper circulating in the Islands 141 Companies Law (2009 Revision) shall be deemed to be duly given on him at noon on the day following the day on which the newspaper is circulated and the advertisement appeared therein. 104. A notice may be given by the company to the joint holders of a share by giving the notice to the joint holder named first in the register of members in respect of the share. 105. A notice may be given by the company to the persons entitled to a share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of a member by sending it through the post in a prepaid envelope addressed to them by name, by the title of representatives of the deceased or trustee of the bankrupt or by any like description, at the address, if any, within the Islands, supplied for the purpose by the persons claiming to be so entitled, or (until such an address has been so supplied), by giving the notice in any manner in which the same might have been given if the death or bankruptcy had not occurred. 106. Notice of every general meeting shall be given in some manner hereinbefore authorised to- (a) every member except those members who (having no registered address in the Islands) have not supplied to the company an address in the Islands for the giving of notices to them; and (b) every person entitled to a share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of a member who, but for his death or bankruptcy, would be entitled to receive notice of the meeting. No other person shall be entitled to receive notices of general meetings. 142 Companies Law (2009 Revision) SECOND
s.99Court may grant injunction
REMOVED
The Court may, at any time after the presentation of a petition for winding up a company under this Law, and before making an order for winding up the company, upon the application of the company, or of any creditor or contributory of the company, restrain further proceedings in any action, suit or proceeding against the company upon such terms as the Court thinks fit; and the Court may also, at any time after the presentation of such petition and before the first appointment of liquidators, appoint provisionally an official liquidator of the estate and effects of the company. Court may grant injunction 55 Companies Law (2007 Revision) 100. Upon hearing the petition the Court may dismiss the same with or without costs, may adjourn the hearing conditionally or unconditionally and may make any interim order or any other order that it thinks just, and any such order shall be published by Government Notice. Powers of Court on hearing of petition 101. When an order has been made for winding up a company no suit, action or other proceeding shall be proceeded with or commenced against the company except with the leave of the Court and subject to such terms as the Court may impose. Stay of proceedings after order for winding up 102. When an order has been made for winding up a company a copy of such order shall forthwith be forwarded by the company to the Registrar, who shall make a minute thereof in his books relating to the company. Copy of order to be forwarded to Registrar 103. The Court may, at any time after an order has been made for winding up a company, upon the application by motion of any creditor or contributory of the company, and upon proof to the satisfaction of the Court that all proceedings in relation to such winding up ought to be stayed, make an order staying the same either altogether or for a limited time, on such terms and subject to such conditions as it thinks fit, and any such order shall be published by Government Notice. Power of Court to stay an