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Brandon Blog Post

CEBA LOANS & COMPANY INSOLVENCY: ESSENTIAL FACTS GTA ENTREPRENEURS NEED TO KNOW

Company Insolvency Introduction

On a chilly night in early 2020, I remember getting a frantic email from a fellow entrepreneur—her café had just closed its doors indefinitely. The uncertainty in her voice mirrored what every small business owner across Canada felt: a silent panic about their limited company insolvency and that maybe, just maybe, their business wouldn’t make it to the other side. Then came the lifeline: the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA). But what seemed like a straightforward rescue turned out to be a maze of deadlines, fine print, ups and downs, and (frankly) some mind-boggling statistics. Here’s the backstage pass to what really happened, odd details and all.

In this Brandon’s Blog, I look at the CEBA and its statistics. CEBA was a monumental rescue for nearly 900,000 Canadian businesses. It ultimately became clear: while survival rates for CEBA recipients outperformed expectations, the true landscape was one of complexity, struggle, and —oddly enough — hopeful resilience.

Understanding Company Insolvency in the Post-Pandemic Era

As a licensed insolvency trustee serving businesses across the Greater Toronto Area, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the pandemic tested the financial resilience of local entrepreneurs. When COVID-19 hit in early 2020, business owners faced unprecedented challenges, with many teetering on the edge of company insolvency – a situation where a business can no longer meet its financial obligations.Toronto financial district skyline with CN Tower and overlaid business charts representing company insolvency challenges facing 2 worried GTA entrepreneurs

What is Company Insolvency?

Company insolvency occurs when a business can’t pay its debts when they come due or when liabilities exceed assets. For GTA entrepreneurs, understanding the warning signs of company insolvency is crucial:

  • Consistently missing payment deadlines
  • Using personal funds to cover business expenses
  • Struggling to meet payroll obligations
  • Receiving collection notices from creditors
  • Declining sales without corresponding cost reductions

The CEBA Lifeline: A Double-Edged Sword

When the pandemic threatened thousands of GTA businesses with company insolvency, the CEBA emerged as a critical lifeline. Launched on March 27, 2020, CEBA offered up to $60,000 in interest-free loans with potential partial forgiveness.

CEBA by the Numbers:

  • Nearly 900,000 Canadian businesses received CEBA loans
  • Total funding reached approximately $49 billion
  • Construction companies received over $6.4 billion (13.1% of funds)
  • Client-facing industries had the highest uptake rates:
    • Accommodation/food services: 83% uptake
    • Arts/entertainment/recreation: 77.1% uptake

For many Toronto entrepreneurs who contacted my office, CEBA provided essential short-term relief from company insolvency. As one local restaurant owner told me,

“That loan was the only thing standing between our survival and shutting down permanently.”

Toronto financial district skyline with CN Tower and overlaid business charts representing company insolvency challenges facing 2 worried GTA entrepreneurs

The Repayment Reality and Growing Company Insolvency Concerns

While CEBA helped many businesses avoid immediate company insolvency, the repayment phase has proven challenging. The deadline extensions (from December 2022 to January 2024) highlight the ongoing financial strain many GTA businesses faced.

By January 2024, approximately 19% of CEBA loans ($9.2 billion nationally) remained unpaid. These unpaid loans were converted to 3-year, 5% interest loans without forgiveness options, creating new insolvency risks for already struggling businesses.

In my practice across the GTA, I’ve seen certain industries struggling more than others with repayment:

  • Transportation/warehousing: 30.7% of loans unpaid
  • Taxi services: 51.1% couldn’t repay
  • Accommodation/food services: 21.9% unpaid
  • Construction: 20.1% ($1.3B) outstanding

The data reveals a counterintuitive pattern that every GTA business owner should understand. When COVID first struck, business bankruptcies dropped from 400-450 quarterly filings in early 2020 to just 250 by Q3 2021.

This wasn’t because businesses were thriving – it was because government supports like CEBA were temporarily masking company insolvency issues.

By Q1 2024, we witnessed a dramatic surge in bankruptcy filings to over 1,200, nearly five times the pandemic lows. Two main factors drove this spike:

  1. Expiring CEBA loan forgiveness deadlines
  2. Rising interest rates have made refinancing difficult or impossible

What’s particularly telling is that about 70% of Q1 2024 bankruptcies involved businesses that had taken CEBA loans. Yet, looking at the bigger picture, only 0.7% of all CEBA borrowers went bankrupt compared to 1.3% of non-CEBA businesses.Toronto financial district skyline with CN Tower and overlaid business charts representing company insolvency challenges facing 2 worried GTA entrepreneurs

Industry-Specific Company Insolvency Patterns in the GTA

For Toronto-area entrepreneurs, understanding which sectors face the highest company insolvency risk is crucial. The bankruptcy distribution wasn’t random:

  • Accommodation and food services: 20.3% of all CEBA bankruptcies
  • Retail trade: 13.7%
  • Construction: 11.8%
  • Transportation and warehousing: 7.6%

Between Q3 2023 and Q1 2024 alone, food service bankruptcies increased by an alarming 139.8%. This reflects the particular challenges restaurants and cafes in the GTA continue to face with reduced foot traffic in downtown areas and changing consumer habits.

Signs of Financial Distress That Your GTA Business May Be Heading Toward Company Insolvency

As a licensed insolvency trustee, I regularly help business owners recognize early warning signs of company insolvency:

  1. Cash flow problems: Consistently struggling to pay bills on time
  2. Increasing debt: Taking on new debt to pay existing obligations
  3. Creditor pressure: Receiving demands or legal notices from suppliers
  4. Declining sales: Persistent revenue drops without corresponding cost reductions
  5. Personal guarantee concerns: Feeling anxious about personally guaranteed items.Toronto financial district skyline with CN Tower and overlaid business charts representing company insolvency challenges facing 2 worried GTA entrepreneurs

Options for GTA Businesses Facing Company Insolvency

If your Toronto-area business is showing signs of financial distress, several options exist:

1. Informal Restructuring

Working directly with creditors to negotiate payment terms without formal legal proceedings.

2. Division I Proposal

A formal payment plan found in a legally binding agreement administered by a licensed insolvency trustee with creditors that allows your business the additional time needed to continue operating while paying a portion of the debts, with the balance being forgiven.

3. Corporate Bankruptcy

The formal bankruptcy process of liquidating company assets is used when restructuring isn’t viable. This is both a legal process and a financial one.

4. Strategic Wind-Down (Voluntary Liquidation) or Compulsory Liquidation

An orderly closure that minimizes losses and protects personal assets as best as possible.

Company Insolvency: The Future Outlook for GTA Businesses

Statistics Canada data shows 65.6% of businesses expect to fully repay their CEBA loans by the end of 2026. However, 14.5% anticipate falling short, potentially facing company insolvency. Nearly 20% remain uncertain about their financial future.

For GTA entrepreneurs, this uncertainty creates difficult decisions:

  • Repay CEBA or invest in necessary business improvements?
  • Upgrade equipment or prioritize debt reduction?
  • Hire needed staff or conserve cash for loan repayment?Toronto financial district skyline with CN Tower and overlaid business charts representing company insolvency challenges facing 2 worried GTA entrepreneurs

Company Insolvency: Professional Guidance and Support

Importance of Professional Advisors

When facing company insolvency, many GTA entrepreneurs make the critical mistake of trying to solve complex financial problems alone. As someone who has guided hundreds of Toronto businesses through financial crises, I’ve seen how proper professional guidance can be the difference between business recovery and complete failure.

Professional advisors bring several key benefits when dealing with company insolvency:

  • Objective assessment: An outside expert can evaluate your situation without emotional attachment
  • Legal protection knowledge: Understanding which actions might create personal liability
  • Creditor negotiation skills: Experience in reaching favorable terms with creditors
  • Regulatory compliance: Ensuring all filings and procedures follow legal requirements

A recent study found that businesses seeking professional help within the first three months of financial distress were 65% more likely to survive than those waiting six months or longer. For GTA business owners, this early intervention can be particularly valuable in our competitive market.

Selecting a Licensed Insolvency Trustee

Not all financial advisors are equal when it comes to company insolvency matters. licensed insolvency practitioners are the only insolvency professionals authorized to file and manage insolvency proceedings in Canada. When selecting a Licensed Insolvency Trustee in the Greater Toronto Area, consider:

  1. Experience with your industry: Find someone who understands the specific challenges of your business sector
  2. Location and accessibility: Choose a Licensed Insolvency Trustee familiar with GTA business conditions and easily accessible for meetings
  3. Communication style: Select someone who explains complex insolvency concepts in straightforward terms
  4. Fee structure: Understand how the Licensed Insolvency Trustee charges for services and what’s included
  5. Client testimonials: Look for reviews from other GTA business owners in similar situations

Remember that your initial consultation with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee is typically free and confidential. This meeting allows you to discuss your company insolvency concerns without obligation while getting expert insight into your options.

Leveraging Expertise for Strategic Planning

Working with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee offers more than just technical assistance with company insolvency procedures. The right advisor becomes a strategic partner in dealing with our company’s financial situation and planning your business’s future.

In my practice serving GTA entrepreneurs, I work with clients to:

  • Identify core business strengths that can form the foundation of a recovery plan
  • Analyze cash flow patterns to find opportunities for immediate improvement
  • Develop realistic financial projections based on current market conditions in Toronto
  • Create contingency plans for various economic scenarios
  • Establish monitoring systems to provide early warning of future insolvency risks

One Toronto insolvent business I worked with was able to transform a seemingly hopeless company insolvency situation into a streamlined, profitable business by implementing strategic changes identified during our planning sessions. The key was having expert guidance to distinguish between essential business components and areas that could be restructured or eliminated.

Your Licensed Insolvency Trustee can also coordinate with your other professional advisors—accountants, lawyers, business coaches—to ensure everyone is working cohesively toward your business goals while addressing immediate company insolvency concerns.

Taking Action: Steps for GTA Business Owners

If your business is struggling with potential company insolvency, consider these steps:

  1. Seek professional advice early: Consult a licensed insolvency trustee for a free assessment
  2. Review your financial statements: Understand your true financial position
  3. Create a realistic cash flow projection: Map your business’s financial future
  4. Consider all available options: Restructuring may be possible before bankruptcy becomes necessary
  5. Protect personal assets: Understand your liability regarding business debtsToronto financial district skyline with CN Tower and overlaid business charts representing company insolvency challenges facing 2 worried GTA entrepreneurs

Company Insolvency FAQ

1. What is company insolvency, and what are the signs to look for?

Company insolvency occurs when a business is unable to pay its debts when they are due, or when its liabilities exceed its assets. For entrepreneurs, crucial warning signs include consistently missing payment deadlines, using personal funds for business expenses, struggling to meet payroll, receiving collection notices, and experiencing declining sales without cost reductions.

2. How did government support programs like CEBA impact business bankruptcy rates?

Interestingly, business bankruptcies initially dropped during the height of the pandemic. This was not due to businesses thriving, but rather because government support programmes like CEBA temporarily masked underlying insolvency issues. Once CEBA repayment deadlines passed and interest rates rose, there was a dramatic surge in bankruptcy filings, reaching levels nearly five times the pandemic lows by Q1 2024.

3. Which industries have been most affected by company insolvency after the CEBA deadline?

Data indicates that certain sectors have struggled more with CEBA repayment and subsequent insolvency. Industries with high unpaid CEBA loan rates include transportation/warehousing (30.7% unpaid), taxi services (51.1% unpaid), accommodation/food services (21.9% unpaid), and construction (20.1% unpaid). The accommodation and food services sector, in particular, saw a significant increase in bankruptcies between Q3 2023 and Q1 2024.

4. What options are available for businesses facing company insolvency?

Businesses experiencing financial distress have several options, depending on their situation. These include informal restructuring (negotiating directly with creditors), filing a Division I Proposal (a formal debt repayment plan administered by a licensed insolvency trustee), corporate bankruptcy (liquidation of assets), or a strategic wind-down/voluntary liquidation.

5. Why is seeking professional help early crucial when dealing with company insolvency?

Seeking professional guidance from a licensed insolvency trustee early in the process significantly increases a business’s chances of survival. Licensed insolvency trustees can provide an objective assessment, knowledge of legal protections, experience in negotiating with creditors, and ensure regulatory compliance. Businesses that seek professional help within the first three months of distress are considerably more likely to recover.

6. What is the future outlook for businesses regarding CEBA repayment and insolvency?

While a majority of businesses anticipate fully repaying their CEBA loans by the end of 2026, a significant percentage still expect to fall short or remain uncertain about their financial future. This uncertainty forces businesses to make difficult decisions about prioritizing debt repayment versus investment and hiring. For many, company insolvency remains a real possibility, highlighting the ongoing economic challenges in the post-pandemic era.

Company Insolvency Conclusion: Learning from the CEBA Experience

The CEBA program provided crucial support to nearly 900,000 Canadian businesses during an unprecedented crisis. For many GTA entrepreneurs, it meant survival through the darkest days of the pandemic.

However, as repayment deadlines passed and economic challenges continue, we’re witnessing a complex landscape where company insolvency remains a very real threat for many local businesses.

As a licensed insolvency trustee serving the Greater Toronto Area, I encourage business owners to view financial difficulties not as failures but as challenges that can be addressed with proper guidance. By understanding the warning signs of company insolvency and seeking professional advice early, many businesses can find a path forward – whether through restructuring, strategic changes, or in some cases, an orderly wind-down that protects their future opportunities.

Remember: The earlier you seek help for company insolvency concerns, the more options you’ll have.

If you or someone you know is struggling with too much debt, remember that the financial restructuring process, while complex, offers viable solutions with the right guidance. As a licensed insolvency trustee serving the Greater Toronto Area, I help entrepreneurs understand their options and find a path forward during financial challenges.

At the Ira Smith Team, we understand the financial and emotional components of debt struggles. We’ve seen how traditional approaches often fall short in today’s economic environment, so we focus on modern debt relief options that can help you avoid bankruptcy while still achieving financial freedom.

The stress of financial challenges can be overwhelming. We take the time to understand your unique situation and develop customized strategies that address both your financial needs and emotional well-being. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach here—your financial solution should be as unique as the challenges you’re facing.

If any of this sounds familiar and you’re serious about finding a solution, reach out to the Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. team today for a free consultation. We’re committed to helping you or your company get back on the road to healthy, stress-free operations and recover from financial difficulties. Starting Over, Starting Now.

The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers are encouraged to seek professional advice regarding their specific situations. The content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional guidance or consultation. The author, Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc., and any contributors do not assume any liability for any loss or damage.Toronto financial district skyline with CN Tower and overlaid business charts representing company insolvency challenges facing 2 worried GTA entrepreneurs

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Brandon Blog Post

LIQUIDATION OF COMPANY ASSETS: WHEN SHAREHOLDERS ARE INTENT ON CRUSHING EACH OTHER WHAT CAN A VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATOR DO?

Liquidation of company assets: What is the liquidation of a company?

In business and the law, liquidation is the process of bringing a company to an end and distributing its assets to creditors. This usually happens when a company is financially solvent and can pay all of its debts after all its assets are sold or collected.

When a product is not selling well, retailers may choose to liquidate it by selling it at a discounted price. This process called a liquidation sale can help them clear out slow-moving inventory. This is not the process I am talking about today.

If you want to learn more about the types of liquidation in Canada, then you’ve come to the right place. In this Brandon’s Blog, I will explain everything about the liquidation of company assets and give you a real-life example that my Firm is currently involved in. This real case is an example of what can be done when shareholders who originally agreed to a voluntary liquidation (defined below) can no longer agree on the liquidation of company assets or anything else, even how to pay them the cash the shareholders are entitled to receive!

Why would a company want to have liquidation of company assets?

There are a few reasons why companies pick a liquidation process, including:

The business is solvent yet no longer practical to operate

Possibly time has actually passed the business by. Technological adjustments have made the products or services the limited company offers unneeded as well as no longer relevant. The shareholders want to call it quits now, sell off the corporate assets and properties, repay creditors and also distribute the leftover funds to the shareholders.

The shareholders do not intend to or think it is possible to convert the business to make it viable again. They do not feel it deserves the investment of time and resources, as well as to endure ongoing losses in turning the business around so that it ends up being pertinent again.

Shareholder disputes

The shareholders in a private entrepreneurial company no longer get along. The dissident shareholder(s) cannot or refuse to buy out the remaining shareholders or vice versa. Alternatively, certain shareholders are willing to do a buy-out but either cannot agree on the price or balk at paying the amount calculated under the formula prescribed in the shareholder agreement.

The company is not saleable

The limited company’s business is not viable anymore. Nobody wants the company’s products or services and the company never moved forward with new product offerings that are in demand. Therefore, nobody wants to buy the company or its assets. So while it is still solvent, the shareholders decided to realize all the assets, distribute the cash first to pay off all of the company’s debts in full, make a distribution to shareholders for what is left over and formally dissolve the corporation.

To avoid bankruptcy

If the company is not wound up, it will eventually become an insolvent corporation. The shareholders realize that it is much better to now agree to a voluntary liquidation while there still can be a distribution to the shareholders after all the business assets are sold or collected and all creditors are paid in full. The shareholders wish to get this value and avoid a corporate bankruptcy filing.

liquidation of company
liquidation of company

How a liquidation of company assets begins

If shareholders wish to have a dissolution process for a corporation, they may do so by passing a special resolution to begin the liquidation process. In such cases, the company would call a meeting of shareholders in accordance with the corporate bylaws. Shareholders must be given notice of the meeting in advance. Alternatively, a court may make an order for the liquidation of company assets and the winding-up of the corporation. More on this below. This is how the liquidation of company assets and the winding-up of the company begins.

Shareholders will be given notice of the meeting where the special resolution authorizing the dissolution process will be considered. At the meeting, shareholders can vote to approve or disapprove of the special resolution for the dissolution of the company by special resolution.

Liquidation of company assets: What are the 2 types of liquidation in Canada?

When a company is struggling, it’s common to see a sale take place. When this happens, all of the assets of the company may be sold to pay off creditors. This process of selling off the company’s assets is known as “liquidation.” In Canada, there are two main types of liquidation: “compulsory liquidation” and “voluntary liquidation”.

Voluntary liquidation or voluntary dissolution begins with the shareholders agreeing to a special resolution for the liquidation of company assets, the distribution of the cash first to all creditors and then to the shareholders. When the liquidation is completed, the company is then would up.

Compulsory liquidation is when a court order is made directing the liquidation of company assets and the winding-up of the company.

In Canada, the laws under which a solvent company is liquidated depend on the laws under which the company was incorporated. If federally incorporated, then the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) is the relevant statute. If provincially incorporated, then it would be the law of that particular province. In Ontario, it is the Ontario Business Corporations Act (OBCA). This is the statute that I will focus on in this Brandon’s Blog.

liquidation of company
liquidation of company

Liquidation of company assets: What is the OBCA process for liquidation?

The Ontario Business Corporations Act is a piece of provincial legislation that is designed to govern the formation, administration, and dissolution of corporations in Ontario. In reality, most liquidations filed in Ontario are voluntary. This means that the company shareholders decide to seek liquidation.

Part XVI of the OBCA sets out the process for the liquidation of company assets in Ontario. The OBCA provides a comprehensive framework for the voluntary winding up of corporations. Sections 193 to 205 of the OBCA set out the procedures and requirements for the voluntary winding up of corporations.

As I have previously stated, the OBCA requires shareholders of a corporation to vote for a voluntary winding up of the company as the first step in liquidation of company assets and ceasing business. The shareholders’ requirement is evidenced by a special resolution made at a properly convened meeting of shareholders.

At the meeting, shareholders will appoint one or more people as liquidators of the company. These people may be directors, officers, or employees of the company. Their job will be to wind up the company’s affairs and distribute its property. Shareholders may also provide other instructions at that meeting or at any subsequent meeting.

It’s also common for shareholders to appoint a third party experienced in winding up corporations, like a licensed insolvency trustee. Even though the company isn’t insolvent, shareholders see the advantages of keeping a professional experienced in liquidating assets on board.

A corporation voluntarily winding down will cease carrying out business operations, except where doing so would be beneficial for the winding down process. All transfers of shares, except those made with the approval of the liquidator, taking place after the commencement of the winding down are void.

The OBCA provides for a stay of proceedings when an Ontario company is being liquidated and wound up. After a voluntary winding up has begun,:

  • no legal action can be taken against the corporation; and
  • no seizure, sequestration, distress or execution can be carried out against the corporation’s assets or property.

You will need the court’s permission before taking any action. The court will then decide what terms to set.

Liquidation of company assets: Special considerations in a compulsory or court-supervised liquidation

The court may dissolve the corporation if:

  • If the court finds that the actions or inaction of a corporation or any of its affiliates has resulted in or will result in an outcome that does not consider the interests of any security holder, creditor, director, or officer fairly, it may order the dissolution of the corporation.
  • All shareholders agree that dissolution should occur after a specific event, and that event has occurred.
  • Proceedings have begun to wind up the corporation voluntarily.
  • The court finds that if the actions or inaction of a corporation or any of its affiliates has resulted in or will result in an outcome that does not consider the interests of any security holder, creditor, director, or officer fairly, it may order the dissolution of the corporation.
  • It is best for those who would have to contribute to a company’s assets in the event of its dissolution, and for those who are owed by the corporation, that the court supervises the dissolution process.
  • The corporation cannot continue its business because of its debts and it is advisable to end its operations other than by bankruptcy.
  • The shareholders vote by special resolution to wind up the corporation through a court-supervised process.

Who can apply to the court for a court-supervised liquidation of company assets and the winding-up of the corporation? If you want to dissolve a corporation through a court-supervised process, you can do so by filing an application with the court. Shareholders, a contributory or creditor having a claim of $2,500 or more, or a voluntary liquidator can all apply to have the corporation wound up.

In the section below titled “Liquidation of company assets: Real-life example when voluntary had to become court-supervised” I describe a file that my Firm is involved in the liquidation of two companies, and we were forced to use the right of a voluntary liquidator to apply to the court to turn the voluntary liquidation into compulsory liquidation.

liquidation of company
liquidation of company

Liquidation of company assets: How does the distribution of assets during liquidation work?

When a company is liquidated, its assets are sold off and the proceeds are distributed to creditors. The distribution of assets is first used to pay off secured creditors, then unsecured creditors, and finally shareholders.

The liquidator first needs to gain an understanding of all of the company’s assets and liabilities. The financial statements and the books and records of the company are a good place to start. The liquidator will put together a plan to collect and sell the assets of the company.

The liquidator then needs to put together a list of all creditors, and identify if they are secured creditors or unsecured creditors. This is necessary because the creditors need to be paid in order of priority. Any remaining funds will then be distributed to the shareholders.

The liquidator will keep company management and shareholders informed every step of the way. The liquidator would be very wise to get management and shareholder approval for all of the liquidator’s decisions. The liquidator will also need to make sure that the preparation of the company’s financial statements and income tax returns are kept current and that all government filings and payments are made on time.

The fee of the liquidator must be agreed to by the shareholders. The OBCA also provides for the court to be able to assess the fee charged by the liquidator. In doing so, the court will no doubt look at the steps and acts of the liquidator that were taken.

These are the main steps that every liquidator must carry out. Even in a compulsory liquidation done by court order, the practical steps involved in the liquidation of company assets are the same.

Liquidation of company assets: Real-life example when voluntary had to become court-supervised

The shareholders of two affiliated companies, each one a private company, passed special resolutions in August 2021 for both companies to begin liquidating their assets, winding up the corporations, and appointing Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. as the liquidator of both corporations. The desire to wind up both companies came from the very acrimonious litigation between family members.

We were very successful in helping the warring factions, through their respective legal representatives, make adequate provisions so that agreements could be reached in each crucial step of the liquidation process from August 2021 through April 2022. Unfortunately, we hit a snag in May 2022. The shareholders were unable to resolve their impasse due to the pertinent issues regarding the liquidation of both companies. Without court intervention, the stalemate would never end.

We knew that we could still provide value in helping these shareholders, but given their bitter disagreements, it could only be done under a court-supervised compulsory dissolution. Therefore, we prepared a report for the court and first circulated a draft to the stakeholders and their lawyers. We did so for two reasons:

  1. we wanted to make sure that we did not make any factual errors; and
  2. by circulating a draft in advance, we gave everyone the chance to consider consenting to our application to turn the voluntary liquidation into a compulsory dissolution.

We then had our legal counsel set up a court date, which they were thankfully able to get for mid-July. All stakeholders consented to the court-supervised liquidation of one of the two companies. One side also consented for the other company to enter a court-supervised process, but the other side opposed it.

The court made an order to convert the voluntary liquidation into a compulsory liquidation for the one private company that all shareholders consented to. It also set a hearing for mid-September, which will allow the opposing party to present their case, and for the consenting party and the liquidator to do the same. This provision in the OBCA allowing a voluntary liquidator to make the court application definitely prevented a less favourable outcome.

liquidation of company
liquidation of company

Liquidation of company assets: Difference between insolvency and liquidation

There is a big difference between insolvency and liquidation, just as there is a difference between insolvency and bankruptcy. Being insolvent is a very difficult financial condition to be in. When a company or individual cannot pay their bills, debts, or liabilities, it is insolvency. This often leads to either restructuring or bankruptcy.

The liquidation of a corporation under the CBCA, OBCA or respective provincial legislation is a legal process that can be undertaken when the company is not insolvent but the shareholders wish to end the life of the company for other reasons.

In a liquidation, the company’s assets are sold and the proceeds are used to pay off creditors. The remaining funds are distributed to shareholders. This is not the case for an insolvent company, which may be forced to close its doors through an insolvency process such as bankruptcy.

The first step in determining the solvency of a company is to look at its most recent set of financial statements.

Key point takeaways on the liquidation of company assets

I hope you found this liquidation of company assets Brandon’s Blog interesting. The key takeaways from this blog, in my view, are:

  • Liquidation and winding-up of a company must be considered when a company is still solvent but is facing insurmountable problems such as its business is no longer viable or internal fighting makes its survival doomed.
  • While value still remains in the company, it is in the best interests of all stakeholders to get that value for everyone.
  • A liquidator can be very helpful to shareholders in a private company who no longer can effectively manage the companies on their own and there is value to be obtained for them.
  • A voluntary liquidator can apply on its own to court to turn a voluntary liquidation into a court-supervised compulsory liquidation.

Among the many problems that can arise from having too much debt, you may also find yourself in a situation where bankruptcy seems like a realistic option.

If you are dealing with substantial debt challenges and are concerned that bankruptcy may be your only option, call me. I can provide you with debt help.

You are not to blame for your current situation. You have only been taught the old ways of dealing with financial issues, which are no longer effective.

We’re passionate about permanently solving your financial problems with you and getting you or your company out of debt. We offer innovative services and alternatives, and we’ll work with you to develop a personalized preparation for becoming debt-free which does not include bankruptcy. We are committed to helping everyone obtain the relief they need and are worthy of.

You are under a lot of pressure. We understand how uncomfortable you are. We will assess your entire situation and develop a new, custom approach that is tailored to you and your specific financial and emotional problems. We will take the burden off of your shoulders and clear away the dark cloud hanging over you. We will design a debt settlement strategy for you. We know that we can help you now.

We realize that people and businesses in financial difficulty need a workable solution. The Ira Smith Team knows that not everyone has to file for bankruptcy in Canada. Most of our clients never do, as we are familiar with alternatives to bankruptcy. We assist many people in finding the relief they need.

Call or email us. We can tailor a new debt restructuring procedure specifically for you, based on your unique economic situation and needs. If any of this sounds familiar to you and you’re serious about finding a solution, let us know.

Call us now for a no-cost consultation.

liquidation of company
liquidation of company
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