Key Considerations Before a Company Share Buyback
- Omar Aswat
- Apr 9, 2024
- 3 min read
(2 out of 5: Share Buyback Series)
This article is part of our Share Buyback Series, covering key aspects of company buybacks, tax implications, and reporting obligations.
Table of Contents
Introduction:
Before proceeding with a Company Share Buyback, businesses must evaluate key financial, legal, and tax considerations to ensure compliance and efficiency. A well-planned Company Share Buyback can help restructure ownership, provide an exit strategy for shareholders, and optimse capital allocation. This guide outlines the essential factors to assess before a buyback takes place.
Financial Considerations for a Company Share Buyback
1. Distributable Reserves for a Share Buyback
A company must have sufficient distributable reserves to fund the share buyback. The latest filed accounts should confirm this. To ensure reserves remain adequate, the company may need to restrict dividend payments leading up to the transaction.
2. Cash Reserves & Payment Method in a Share Buyback
HMRC requires that a Company Share Buyback be settled in full with cash at the time of purchase. Insufficient cash flow could invalidate the buyback, potentially leaving legal ownership with the seller.
💡 Possible Workaround: The exiting shareholder could loan the money back to the company, but this may breach the ‘connection test’—a requirement for capital treatment under tax law.
According to HMRC:
To effect a valid purchase the company must make full cash payment on purchase. The transfer of any other asset or the creation of a loan account because, say, the company does not have sufficient cash available does not represent payment. In such circumstances, the shares are not treated as cancelled and legal ownership remains with the vendor. The tax treatment following from an invalid purchase of own shares depends upon the actions taken (if any) to rectify matters. CTM17505
🔗 External Resource:HMRC Guidance on Buyback Payments (CTM17505)
Legal considerations
There are strict legal requirements in the Companies Act regarding the purchase by a company of its own shares.
CA 2006, ss 658–737
Professional advisers who are unfamiliar with company law should obtain appropriate legal advice. Failure to satisfy the relevant requirements could make the transaction void and legally unenforceable. In addition, the company and its officers could be liable to sanctions and the adviser to a professional indemnity claim.
Conclusion on Company Share Buybacks
By carefully considering these financial, legal, and tax factors, businesses can ensure a Company Share Buyback is executed smoothly and efficiently. Seeking professional advice is essential to avoid pitfalls and ensure compliance.
Stay tuned for Part 3 of our Share Buyback Series, where we explore Income Tax Treatment for Company Buybacks.
🔗 Related Read:Company Buyback of Own Shares: A Guide 🔗 Next in Series:Income Tax Treatment for Company Buyback
Meet Omar Omar is a Chartered Tax Advisor (a.k.a an expert on tax issues) and founder of ASWATAX. He regularly shares his knowledge and best advice here in his blog and on other channels such as LinkedIn. Book a call today to learn more about what Omar and ASWATAX can do for you.
*Disclaimer: ASWATAX is a firm of Chartered Tax Advisors, and we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date tax insights. Tax laws may change, so this content is for general guidance only and not a substitute for professional advice. Seek independent tax and legal counsel before making decisions. ASWATAX is not liable for any loss from reliance on this information. Use at your own risk.
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