How to Change Shareholders at Companies House? Steps and Guide

How to Change Shareholders

Changing shareholders at Companies House is a common process for businesses in the UK. Whether it’s adding a new shareholder or transferring shares, it’s essential to follow the right steps to ensure that the records at Companies House are updated accurately. Below, we’ll break down the key processes involved in changing shareholders and how to handle share transfers.

1. Transfer Shares

The most common way to change shareholders at Companies House is through a share transfer. When a current shareholder sells or gifts their shares to another person, the transfer must be documented. Here’s how you can transfer shares:

• Fill out a Stock Transfer Form: This form includes details about the transfer, such as the number of shares being transferred, the name of the new shareholder, and the value of the shares.
• Update the Shareholder Register: The company’s internal records must be updated to reflect the change.
• Notify Companies House: File the necessary forms via Companies House WebFiling to record the change.

Once submitted, the list of shareholders at Companies House will reflect the updated information.

2. Allotment Documentation

If your company decides to issue new shares, you will need to file an allotment of shares document. This ensures that Companies House is aware of the newly issued shares and that the correct shareholders are recorded. Here’s how it works:

• Issue New Shares: Decide how many shares to issue and to whom they will be allotted.
• Submit the Allotment Form (SH01): This form must be filed with Companies House within one month of issuing the shares.
• Update the List of Shareholders: Ensure that the new shareholder information is added to both the company’s internal records and the Companies House.

3. Shareholder Form

When changing shareholders at Companies House, you must submit the correct forms, such as the confirmation statement. This annual filing will update the public register with any changes in the shareholders.

• Confirmation Statement (CS01): This document shows changes to the company’s share structure and shareholder information.
• Keep Records Updated: Make sure the shareholder form is accurately filled out and submitted to Companies House.

4. Shareholder’s Information

If you need to update a shareholder’s details, such as a change in name or address, you can do this through a confirmation statement as well. This ensures that the list of shareholders in a company remains accurate.

Are Shares and Shareholders on the Public Register?

Yes, shares and shareholders are placed on the Companies House public register. This means that anyone can check the shareholders of a company by accessing the public records on the Companies House website. However, some shareholder details may not appear in certain filings, such as confirmation statements, depending on the company’s structure and the number of shares held.

Companies House Share Transfer

Transferring shares involves updating internal records and notifying Companies House:

1. Complete the Stock Transfer Form: The form documents the transfer of shares from one person to another.
2. Update the Company’s Shareholder Register: After the transfer, ensure the internal records are updated.
3. File the Confirmation Statement (CS01): The transfer must be recorded in the next confirmation statement submitted to Companies House.

Issue New Shares at Companies House

Issuing new shares at Companies House is a key method of increasing the capital of a company. When you issue new shares, it’s important to follow these steps to remain compliant:

1. Decision to Issue Shares: The company directors must first pass a resolution to issue new shares. Ensure that the company’s articles of association allow for the issuance of additional shares.
2. Complete the SH01 Form: The SH01 form is required to report the allotment of new shares to Companies House. It must be submitted within one month of the share issuance.
3. Update Shareholder Records: The company’s internal register of members must be updated to reflect the new shares and the new shareholders.
4. File with Companies House: Submit the SH01 form through the Companies House WebFiling service to update the public register with the new share structure.

When a Confirmation Statement Shows Share Information

The confirmation statement will show shareholder information if there are any changes to the shareholding structure or if the company has more than one shareholder. It is crucial for companies to keep these records up-to-date to avoid penalties and ensure transparency.

How to Find and Share Information?

To find out who the shareholders of a company are, you can use the Companies House search tool. Here’s how to do it:

• Search for the Company: Visit the Companies House website and search for the company by name or registration number.
• View the Confirmation Statement: Look at the latest confirmation statement filed by the company, which will provide details on shares and shareholders.

Additional Services

Companies House offers paid services that allow you to download specific documents, like the certificate of incorporation or other filings that may contain shareholder information. You can also check how to transfer shares on Companies House WebFiling if you’re planning a share transfer.

Who Can Be a Shareholder in a Limited Company?

Anyone can be a shareholder in a limited company, as long as they are legally entitled to own shares. This includes individuals, companies, and partnerships. When adding a shareholder to a limited company, make sure to update the company’s internal records and file any necessary forms with Companies House.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Check Shareholders of a Company UK?

To check the shareholders of a UK company, you can access the company’s public records via the Companies House search tool. Shareholder information is typically included in the confirmation statement or annual return documents.

How to Transfer Shares on Companies House WebFiling?

To transfer shares on Companies House WebFiling, you must file the necessary forms and update the shareholder records. Make sure you have the correct stock transfer forms and follow the steps mentioned earlier in this guide.

How Can I Find Out Who Owns a Business?

To find out who owns a business, you can use the Companies House search feature. This will show the directors and shareholders listed for the company.

How to Find Shareholders of a Company UK?

You can find the shareholders of a UK company by checking the confirmation statement or annual filings available on the Companies House website.

Summary of Changes to Shareholders at Companies House