What is a Shelf Company?
Here’s what you need to know when you’re considering whether to buy a UK shelf company. Shelf companies are often called “off-the-shelf companies” or “ready made companies”, and they are generally limited companies that have been pre-registered with Companies House with a view to being sold on at a later date. They are typically formed and sold by accountants or law firms, the idea being that buying a shelf company represents less of a headache than going through the process of setting up a company by yourself.
Here’s what you need to know when you’re considering whether to buy a UK shelf company. Shelf companies are often called “off-the-shelf companies” or “ready made companies”, and they are generally limited companies that have been pre-registered with Companies House with a view to being sold on at a later date. They are typically formed and sold by accountants or law firms, the idea being that buying a shelf company represents less of a headache than going through the process of setting up a company by yourself.
A shelf company is not to be confused with a shell company, which is specifically designed to be inactive – usually for the purposes of money laundering or fraud. The four shelf companies we are offering for sale were originally established with the intention of entering into trade, although none have actually ever traded. And so they have set on the shelf, as it were, for around 30 years!
A shelf company is not to be confused with a shell company, which is specifically designed to be inactive – usually for the purposes of money laundering or fraud. The four shelf companies we are offering for sale were originally established with the intention of entering into trade, although none have actually ever traded. And so they have set on the shelf, as it were, for around 30 years!
Why Buy a Vintage Shelf Company?
A vintage company is simply an aged shelf company, meaning it was registered more than a year ago. Much like fine wine, the older the vintage, the more distinguished it seems. By virtue of their age and filing history, vintage companies have an air of being of being more respectable and trustworthy. Trust is a valuable commodity when it comes to dealing with customers, suppliers, and investors – and that’s where it helps when you buy a shelf company.
Some organisations won’t accept tenders from or enter into contracts with companies if they haven’t existed for a minimum period of time. Some suppliers only only offer credit terms to companies of a certain age, and likewise banks and investors may be more likely to offer credit to older companies.
A vintage company is simply an aged shelf company, meaning it was registered more than a year ago. Much like fine wine, the older the vintage, the more distinguished it seems. By virtue of their age and filing history, vintage companies have an air of being of being more respectable and trustworthy. Trust is a valuable commodity when it comes to dealing with customers, suppliers, and investors – and that’s where it helps when you buy a shelf company.
Some organisations won’t accept tenders from or enter into contracts with companies if they haven’t existed for a minimum period of time. Some suppliers only only offer credit terms to companies of a certain age, and likewise banks and investors may be more likely to offer credit to older companies.
It's all in the name…
When you register a new company, there are a few rules which may limit your choice of name.
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Companies House may refuse to register a company name if it’s too close to an existing company name (unless you are part of the same group)
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You may have to change your company name if someone complains and Companies House agrees that it’s too similar to a name registered before yours
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Your company name cannot contain “sensitive words and expressions” without prior approval. “Bank” is on this list of sensitive words and expressions
The Bank of Edinburgh is a long-established and highly desirable name. The four vintage shelf companies we are selling all have distinct and useful names already, and you won’t have to worry about any of them being rejected by Companies House.
How to Buy our Vintage Shelf Companies
We will enter into a simple agreement with you to purchase the issued shares and the domain names associated with the shelf companies we are selling. This will require the purchase price to be paid by transfer to our nominated bank account within 5 working days. On successful receipt of cleared funds, our in-house lawyer will complete the share transfer forms, update the Register of Members and notify Companies House of the change of PSC (Person with Significant Control).
Thereafter you become responsible for the company and all its filing obligations with Companies House, tax authorities etc. worldwide.
We will provide you with the completion documents by [???express delivery courier????] to your nominated UK address.
We will enter into a simple agreement with you to purchase the issued shares and the domain names associated with the shelf companies we are selling. This will require the purchase price to be paid by transfer to our nominated bank account within 5 working days. On successful receipt of cleared funds, our in-house lawyer will complete the share transfer forms, update the Register of Members and notify Companies House of the change of PSC (Person with Significant Control).
Thereafter you become responsible for the company and all its filing obligations with Companies House, tax authorities etc. worldwide.
We will provide you with the completion documents by [???express delivery courier????] to your nominated UK address.
Please contact us for the details which we will require from you to complete the purchase. [AML REQUIREMENTS?]
On completion, we will send you:
- Certificate of completion
- Printed copy of the Memorandum and Artciles of Associaiton
- Combined Register including share certificates [and company seal]
- Minutes and Register of Members
- Share transfer forms
- Certificate of Non Trading (if applicable)
Please contact us for the details which we will require from you to complete the purchase. [AML REQUIREMENTS?]
On completion, we will send you:
- Certificate of completion
- Printed copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Combined Register including share certificates [and company seal]
- Minutes and Register of Members
- Share transfer forms
- Certificate of Non Trading (if applicable)
