How can a company change its name?

Corporate & Company Law

A company can change its registered name by passing the required special resolution, obtaining approval from OCR and amending the relevant constitutional documents.

Main requirements

OCR’s company-administration guidance identifies:

  • an application or request;
  • details of the existing and proposed wording;
  • reasons for the change;
  • certified minutes of the general meeting approving the special resolution;
  • amended provisions of the Memorandum or Articles signed as required.

The proposed new name must also satisfy company-name rules and should not conflict with protected or confusingly similar names.

Effect of name change

A name change does not create a new legal entity. Existing rights and liabilities generally remain with the same company.

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