ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION In this chapter, the aim is to introduce key areas of company law. Much of the content may not be the subject of a specific examination question but this area is vital to an understanding of company law. Key issues, such as corporate personality, are dealt with in some detail. The law relating to companies has finally been amended by the introduction of the Companies Act (CA) 2006. This Act both consolidates and reforms company legislation. It should be noted that in November 2007 the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DERR) announced that the commencement date for many of the new provisions relating to company formation would be delayed until October 2009. These will be indicated in brackets. Students would be advised to check the DERR website at https://www.berr.gov.uk for updates on the implementation of the Act.