What we do / Advisory /
Transformational advice for a world of change
With you at every step, to reshape your business with clarity, confidence and control.
Expert support for pivotal decisions
Restructuring your business is never just a paperwork exercise – it’s an opportunity to define what’s next. Our specialist team brings together tax, governance and commercial expertise to guide you through even the most complex transactions.
Whether you’re simplifying group structures, preparing for investment, or planning for succession, we provide joined-up advice that makes change feel not just manageable, but meaningful.
Need support transforming or restructuring your business? Here’s how we can help.
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Share for share exchanges and interposition of new holding companies
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Reorganisations of share capital
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Statutory and non-statutory demergers, including by way of reduction of capital
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Trade hive down and hive up
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Share issues and structuring of share rights
Partner with us
Holistic advice on your corporate transactions – spanning taxation, corporate governance and commercial advisory.
FAQs
What does a corporate reorganisation process involve?
These transactions are very bespoke, so our team will review commercially with you to identify your objectives and how to achieve them. Once the proposed process has been agreed, an HMRC ‘clearance’ is often required before the transaction can begin. Once HMRC clearance has been received, the reorganisation is implemented by enacting various corporate documents and board / shareholder approval.
What does the HMRC ‘clearance’ process involve?
This process involves approaching HMRC in advance of a transaction to obtain approval in respect of certain specific taxation aspects. HMRC clearance is a statutory process and HMRC provides clearance in respect of certain specific parts of tax legislation. For many corporate reorganisations the tax clearance process is about obtaining reassurance that the transaction can be conducted on a tax neutral basis.
What is a demerger?
A demerger is a powerful corporate tool that enables the separation of a business. There are many forms of a demerger but in principle the process involves splitting a company – or more commonly an existing group – into separate structures. Demergers can be used for many purposes; a common example involves splitting property holdings out from a trading group.
Is Stamp Duty payable on a corporate reorganisation?
Stamp Duty is a tax levied on some share transactions. The tax is levied at 0.5% of the consideration (or in some cases market value) of the shares transferred. The Stamp Duty rules are complex and detailed advice is needed on the application – particularly for high value transactions. Where there is no change in the share ownership structure there is a specific exemption from Stamp Duty under s77 Finance Act 1986 – this exemption is however very tightly defined so careful review is needed.