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Welcome toArchers Corporate
Services
www.archerscs.co.uk
Abolition of Bearer Shares at
Archers Corporate Service
The UK’s Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 received Royal Assent on 26 March 2015, and makes important changes to the law applying to UK companies. Among other things, the new law is designed to address the government’s key “Transparency and Trust” proposals, aimed at deterring illegal activity such as money-laundering and tax evasion.
One of the most significant changes is the abolition of the bearer shares. Section 26 and Schedule 4 of the 2015 Act stated that the abolition of the bearer shares and it will take effect from 26th May 2015.
Although at present, it is still possible for a company to issue bearer shares before 26th May 2015. But the issue of new bearer shares will be prohibited after the enforcement of the legislation, and holders of existing bearer shares will have nine months grace period to surrender the shares to the company for conversion into registered shares such as ordinary shares.
The provisions of the Act also requires all companies with bearer share class must give notice to the holders of bearer shares of their conversion rights within one month of these provisions entering into force, and again before the final month of the nine months grace period.
Companies which make provision for bearer shares in their articles will be able to remove these provisions without the shareholders passing a special resolution. A copy of the amended articles would have to be filed at Companies House.
The key dates and time frame: By 26 May 2015 – No more new bearer shares can be
issued.
By 25 June 2015 – Companies have a bearer share capital must notify holders of the bearer shares of their right to surrender the bearer shares for conversion into registered shares (ie. Ordinary shares).
There is nine months grace period from the 26 May 2015 to surrender and convert the shares. By 25 December 2015 – holders of the bearers shares
must suspend their voting right or to receive any dividends.
By 25 January 2016 – the companies must notify any remaining holders of the bearer shares their right to surrender the bearer
shares for conversion into registered shares.
AFTER 25 February 2016 – Grace period ends and the full abolition applies. The holders of bearer shares must apply to the court for the cancel
