A CVA (Company Voluntary Arrangement) is a powerful tool for restructuring the liabilities of an insolvent company, but it does not, in itself, save the company unless the business is viable.
It is an agreement between an insolvent company and its creditors. Therefore a thorough business review is also needed to support the CVA by establishing that the business can be profitable in the future.
The arrangement is a legal agreement that protects a company – essentially giving it some time or a breathing space by preventing creditors from attacking it.
It allows a viable but struggling company to repay some, or all, of its historic debts out of future profits, over a period of time to be agreed, and allows the company’s directors to stay in control of the company.
CVAs allow a company to improve cash flow quickly, by removing pressure from tax, VAT and PAYE authorities and other creditors while the CVA is prepared. They can also be used to terminate employment contracts, leases, onerous supply contracts with no immediate cash cost. It is a relatively inexpensive process.
A company can be protected from an aggressive creditor while a CVA is being proposed and constructed. It can stop legal actions like winding up petitions. In case law, providing a creditor has less than 25% of the overall debts of the company then they can be required to consider the proposal even when a winding up petition is issued.
Ultimately it is also a good arrangement for creditors as they retain a customer and receive a dividend on their debts, which might otherwise be written off in the event of liquidation.
However, it is not a do-it-yourself option for a struggling business but should only be entered into with the help and guidance of an experienced business rescue adviser with the tools and knowledge to help turn around struggling companies.
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