CPA
Intermediate Leval
Company Law September 2021
Suggested Solutions
Revision Kit
➧ | Company Law -September-2015-Pilot-Paper |
➧ | Company Law -November-2015-Past-Paper |
➧ | Company Law -May-2016-Past-paper |
➧ | Company Law-November-2016-Past-Paper |
➧ | Company Law-November-2017-Past-paper |
➧ | Company Law-May-2017-Past-paper |
➧ | Company Law-November-2018-Past-paper |
➧ | Company Law-May-2018-Past-paper |
➧ | Company Law-May-2019-Past-paper |
➧ | Company Law-November-2019-Past-paper |
➧ | Company Law-November-2020-Past-paper |
➧ | Company Law-December-2021-Past-paper |
➧ | Company Law-May-2021-Past-paper |
➧ | Company Law-September-2021-Past-paper |
➧ | Company Law April 2022 Past paper |
➧ | Company Law August 2022 Past paper |
➧ | Company Law December 2022 Past paper |
➧ | Company Law April 2023 Past paper |
➧ | Company Law August 2023 Past paper |
QUESTION 1a
LLC: An LLC is a hybrid business structure that combines features of a corporation and a partnership. It provides limited liability to its members (owners) while allowing for flexible management and taxation options.
LLP: An LLP is a partnership in which the partners have limited liability. It is designed for professional service businesses, and each partner is not personally liable for the debts and liabilities.
LLC: Management of an LLC can be structured as member-managed or manager-managed, providing flexibility in decision-making authority.
LLP: In an LLP, partners typically have an equal say in the business operations and management decisions.
LLC: LLCs have flexibility in taxation. They can choose to be taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, or C corporation.
LLP: LLPs are typically pass-through entities for tax purposes, meaning that profits and losses are passed through to the individual partners' tax returns.
LLC: Formation requirements for an LLC vary by state but generally involve filing articles of organization and paying associated fees.
LLP: Forming an LLP usually requires filing a registration statement and meeting specific state requirements, often related to professional licensure.
LLC: Members of an LLC are generally not personally liable for the company's debts and obligations.
LLP: Partners in an LLP have limited personal liability, protecting their personal assets from the business's debts and liabilities.
LLC: The existence of an LLC is usually perpetual unless specified otherwise in the operating agreement or articles of organization.
LLP: An LLP's existence may be affected by changes in partnership, such as the withdrawal or death of a partner.
QUESTION 1(b)
Securities involving mortgages on land or buildings are often registrable charges. This includes any interest or charge on immovable property to secure debt capital.
Security interests on intellectual property, such as patents, trademarks, or copyrights, may be required to be registered. This ensures that the debt is secured against these intangible assets.
Debentures, whether fixed or floating, are common types of securities in debt capital. A fixed debenture is secured against specific assets, while a floating debenture covers a class of assets that may change over time.
Charges on moveable assets, such as equipment, inventory, or machinery, may need to be registered as security for debt capital. This ensures the lender has a claim on these assets in case of default.
Pledges or charges on company shares or stock can serve as security for debt capital. This may involve restrictions on the transfer of shares until the debt is repaid.
Deeds of trust, particularly in real estate transactions, are often registered as charges. These documents convey an interest in the property to a trustee for the purpose of securing a debt.
QUESTION 2(a)
Promoters may receive founder's shares, providing them with ownership stakes in the company with special rights or higher value.
Promoters may receive cash payments for their services, either as a one-time payment or structured over different phases of company formation.
Promoters might be granted stock options, allowing them to purchase company shares at a predetermined price in the future.
Promoters may earn a commission based on the amount of capital they successfully raise for the company.
Promoters may provide consultancy services to the company and receive fees for their expertise in the formation process.
Performance-based bonuses may be awarded to promoters based on achieving specific milestones or targets during company formation.
Promoters may enter into profit-sharing agreements, allowing them to share in the company's profits once it becomes profitable.
Promoters may be appointed to advisory board positions, earning remuneration for providing ongoing strategic advice to the company.
Promoters may receive compensation through non-compete agreements, restricting them from engaging in similar business activities for a specified period.
If the company establishes subsidiaries, promoters may receive equity or compensation related to the performance of those subsidiaries.
QUESTION 2(b)
Upon registration, the company gains legal recognition and comes into existence as a separate legal entity distinct from its members.
Members enjoy limited liability, meaning their personal assets are protected, and their liability is generally limited to the amount unpaid on their shares.
The company gains the capacity to enter into contracts, own property, sue, and be sued in its own name.
The doctrine of indoor management applies, protecting third parties who deal with the company in good faith, assuming that internal formalities have been observed.
Shares become freely transferable, subject to any restrictions mentioned in the articles or agreed upon by the members.
The company gains the power to borrow money, issue debentures, and create charges on its assets as specified in the articles.
The rights and obligations of members are defined by the articles, including voting rights, dividend entitlements, and other privileges.
The articles can be altered by following the prescribed procedures, providing flexibility for the company to adapt to changing circumstances.
Registration ensures compliance with statutory requirements, and the company is subject to the relevant laws and regulations governing its operation.
The articles become part of the public record, and interested parties can access them, providing transparency and accountability.
QUESTION 2(c)
When an application for rectification of the register of members is made to the court, the court may issue various orders to address the situation. Possible orders include:
QUESTION 3(a)
If the transfer request lacks proper documentation or is incomplete, the issuer may refuse to register the transfer in the name of a central depository system.
If the transfer violates specific company policies or bylaws related to the registration of shares in a central depository system, the issuer may exercise the right to refuse.
The issuer might refuse transfer if the transferring party has outstanding dues, obligations, or liabilities to the company that need to be settled before the transfer is approved.
Legal restrictions or court orders may prevent the issuer from registering the transfer of shares in the name of a central depository system, especially in cases of ongoing legal proceedings.
If there are discrepancies or disputes regarding the ownership of the shares or the entitlement to transfer, the issuer may withhold registration until the matter is resolved.
QUESTION 3(b)
The articles may specify a minimum profit threshold that must be met before the company is authorized to declare dividends.
The authority of the directors to declare dividends and the process by which such declarations are made can be outlined in the articles.
The articles may define various types of dividends, such as interim dividends, special dividends, or final dividends, each with its own set of rules.
Guidelines on establishing a record date for determining shareholders eligible to receive dividends can be specified in the articles.
The articles can outline the methods of dividend payment, including cash, check, electronic transfer, or issuance of additional shares.
Provisions for creating and maintaining a dividend reserve, as required by company law, can be detailed in the articles.
The frequency at which dividends are declared, such as annually, semi-annually, or quarterly, can be specified in the articles.
Rules regarding the payment of dividends to preference shareholders, including any cumulative features, can be outlined in the articles.
Conditions under which the company may withhold dividends, such as during financial distress or to cover outstanding liabilities, can be addressed in the articles.
Procedures for amending the rules governing the declaration and payment of dividends, ensuring flexibility, can be specified in the articles.
QUESTION 4(a)
If the outsider had knowledge of irregularities or restrictions in the company's constitution, such as limitations on the authority of its officers, the company may not be held liable for actions beyond the scope of authority.
If the officer's actions involve unusual or extraordinary transactions that a reasonable person would question, the company may argue that the outsider should have been cautious and sought clarification before relying on the officer's authority.
If the outsider is aware of the company's internal affairs, such as its organizational structure or decision-making processes, and still relies on an officer's unauthorized actions, the company might not be held liable.
In cases where the officer's actions are ultra vires (beyond the legal powers) of the company, and the outsider is aware or should be aware of this fact, the company may escape liability for such unauthorized acts.
If the company can demonstrate that the officer had no authority to perform the specific act in question and the outsider was aware or should have been aware of this lack of authority, the company may avoid liability.
QUESTION 4(b)
Adequate notice of the proposed special resolution must be provided to all eligible members as per the company's articles of association or statutory requirements.
The special resolution must be approved by a specified majority of votes cast by members present and voting at the meeting. This majority is often a higher threshold than that required for an ordinary resolution.
The meeting must have a quorum, which is the minimum number of eligible members required to be present for the meeting to be valid. Quorum requirements for special resolutions may be higher than for ordinary resolutions.
The wording of the special resolution must be accurate, clear, and in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. It should state the intention and purpose of the resolution with precision.
Proper records of the special resolution, including the notice, minutes of the meeting, and the voting results, must be maintained by the company for future reference and compliance purposes.
The special resolution must comply with any relevant statutory provisions, ensuring that the company adheres to legal requirements concerning the passing of special resolutions.
The proposed special resolution must align with the company's articles of association. It should not contravene any provisions in the articles, and any necessary amendments should be made before the resolution is presented.
QUESTION 4(c)
QUESTION 5(a)
Companies may undergo restructuring to adapt to changes in the market environment, such as shifts in consumer preferences, technological advancements, or industry trends.
Cost-cutting measures, including streamlining operations, merging departments, or outsourcing certain functions, can be reasons for corporate restructuring to improve efficiency and profitability.
Companies may undergo restructuring as part of mergers or acquisitions to integrate new businesses, achieve synergies, and enhance overall competitiveness.
Strategic repositioning involves realigning a company's business model to focus on core strengths, divesting non-core assets, and entering new markets to achieve long-term growth objectives.
Companies facing financial challenges may undergo restructuring to reduce debt, negotiate with creditors, and improve their financial health to avoid bankruptcy or insolvency.
Adopting new technologies or digital transformation initiatives may lead to corporate restructuring to align organizational structures with the demands of the digital age.
Changes in regulatory requirements may necessitate corporate restructuring to ensure compliance with new laws and regulations affecting the industry or the company's operations.
QUESTION 5(b)
External reconstruction refers to a type of corporate restructuring where a company undergoes significant changes in its ownership structure and business operations through external means.
Internal reconstruction involves restructuring a company's internal affairs and financial structure without necessarily changing its legal identity or involving external entities.
QUESTION 5(c)
There are exceptions to the general rule that a company may not purchase its own shares, allowing for specific circumstances where such transactions are permissible.
If a company's articles of association expressly permit share buybacks, the company can do so in accordance with the specified conditions.
A company may use its capital profits, such as the proceeds from the sale of assets, to buy back its own shares, subject to legal and regulatory requirements.
Shares can be repurchased using the securities premium account, provided the company complies with legal provisions and obtains necessary approvals.
The company may acquire its own fully paid shares otherwise than for valuable consideration.
The redemption of redeemable preference shares is permitted in accordance with the articles and the Companies Act.
Acquisition of own shares may occur pursuant to a court order.
Shares may be forfeited for non-payment of a call or surrendered in lieu of forfeiture.
Financial assistance refers to a company providing funds or assistance for the purchase of, or subscription for, its own shares, which is generally prohibited to safeguard the capital structure and protect shareholders.
Companies may provide financial assistance to employees for the purchase of shares through approved employee share schemes or share option plans.
Financial assistance may be given in the context of a reduction of capital, subject to compliance with legal requirements and the approval of shareholders and regulatory authorities.
Companies may seek court approval for financial assistance in specific schemes, such as reconstruction or amalgamation, where it is deemed to be in the best interests of the company and its shareholders.
QUESTION 6(a)
Foreign companies operating in a country may be subject to various legal requirements, and the commission of certain offences can lead to legal consequences.
Failure to comply with registration requirements, such as establishing a local presence or filing necessary documents with the appropriate regulatory authorities.
Failure to submit required reports or financial statements within the specified timeframes, as mandated by local regulations.
Engaging in practices that violate local taxation laws, including evasion or manipulation of tax obligations.
Engaging in business activities that are prohibited or restricted by local laws, regulations, or licensing requirements.
Foreign companies may be required to adhere to specific regulations governing the registration of charges over property located within the country.
Foreign companies may be required to register specified charges over property within the country with the local regulatory authorities within a stipulated timeframe.
Regulations may outline the specific documents and details that must be provided during the registration of charges, including the nature of the charge, particulars of the property, and relevant agreements.
Provisions may specify penalties for non-compliance with the registration requirements, including fines or other legal consequences.
Regulations may dictate whether the information related to registered charges is accessible to the public and the manner in which it can be accessed.
QUESTION 6(b)
Liquidation of a company may be initiated on the just and equitable ground, where certain circumstances make it fair and reasonable to wind up the company.
Existence of an internal deadlock or irreconcilable disputes among directors or shareholders hindering the proper functioning of the company.
Oppression or unfair prejudice against minority shareholders, where their interests are unfairly disregarded or compromised.
Loss of substratum, meaning the original purpose or business for which the company was formed can no longer be achieved or has become impractical.
Instances of fraud, mismanagement, or conduct that undermines the integrity and interests of the company.
Upon the issuance of a winding up order, several consequences and procedures are set in motion, impacting the company, its directors, and stakeholders.
Upon the winding up order, the company ceases its regular business operations, and control is taken over by a liquidator appointed by the court.
The liquidator proceeds to realize the company's assets, and the proceeds are distributed among creditors and shareholders in accordance with legal priorities.
Employees may face termination, and their claims for unpaid wages or entitlements become part of the liquidation process with a specific ranking for payment.
Following the completion of the liquidation process, the company is formally dissolved, and its legal existence comes to an end.
QUESTION 7(a)
If a person has legally changed their name and the company's register is updated based on the most recent legal documentation, the former name may not be included.
If disclosure of the former name is not required by regulatory authorities and the individual's privacy is protected, the register may omit the particulars of a person's former name.
If there are no legal requirements mandating the inclusion of former names in the register, the company may opt not to include such details for individuals.
If an individual requests the omission of their former name due to personal reasons, the company may comply with the request, especially if it aligns with applicable privacy laws.
The full legal name of each company secretary is recorded in the register.
The residential address of each company secretary is included, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements for contact information.
The date on which each company secretary was appointed to the position is documented for reference and transparency.
If a company secretary ceases to hold the position, the date of cessation is recorded in the register.
Details of the professional qualifications and certifications of each company secretary may be included for regulatory compliance and transparency.
If required by regulations or if disclosed by the individual, the former name of a company secretary may be included in the register.
QUESTION 7(b)
The board of directors identifies the existence of a casual vacancy in the office of the company auditor due to resignation, death, or any other applicable reason.
A board meeting is convened to officially acknowledge the vacancy and discuss the appointment process for filling the vacant auditor position.
The company may advertise the vacancy and invite eligible and qualified individuals or audit firms to submit applications for the auditor position.
The board reviews the received applications, assesses the qualifications and experience of applicants, and shortlists candidates who meet the required criteria.
Shortlisted candidates may be called for interviews to further evaluate their suitability for the auditor role. The board may also consider their understanding of the company's operations and compliance requirements.
Following the evaluation process, the board approves the appointment of the selected candidate to fill the casual vacancy in the office of the company auditor.
In some cases, the appointment may be subject to shareholder ratification at the next general meeting. The shareholders confirm the appointment through a resolution.
The selected auditor is issued a formal appointment letter outlining the terms of engagement, duties, and responsibilities.
The company complies with regulatory requirements by notifying the relevant authorities about the appointment of the new auditor, ensuring legal and statutory compliance.
QUESTION 7(c)
The director's report provides an overview of the company's performance, activities, and achievements during the financial year. It may include strategic plans, major events, and future prospects.
A detailed report on the company's adherence to corporate governance principles and practices, including the structure of the board, committees, and compliance with relevant codes.
The auditor's report presents the auditor's opinion on the fairness and accuracy of the financial statements. It includes assessments of accounting policies, internal controls, and any identified issues.
Detailed explanatory notes accompany the financial statements, providing additional information on accounting policies, significant transactions, and other relevant disclosures.
An analysis by management discussing the company's financial performance, market conditions, risks, and significant events, providing context for the financial results.
A report detailing the company's initiatives and contributions to social and environmental causes as part of its corporate social responsibility.
Details on dividends, share capital, voting rights, and any resolutions to be presented at the annual general meeting (AGM).
If the company has undergone a valuation of assets or other specific assessments, the report from an independent valuer may be included.
➧ | Auditing & assurance-September-2015-Pilot-Paper |
➧ | Auditing & assurance-November-2015-Past-Paper |
➧ | Auditing & assurance-May-2016-Past-paper |
➧ | Auditing & assurance-November-2016-Past-Paper |
➧ | Auditing & assurance-November-2017-Past-paper |
➧ | Auditing & assurance-May-2017-Past-paper |
➧ | Auditing & assurance-November-2018-Past-paper |
➧ | Auditing & assurance-May-2018-Past-paper |
➧ | Auditing & assurance-May-2019-Past-paper |
➧ | Auditing & assurance-November-2019-Past-paper |
➧ | Auditing & assurance-November-2020-Past-paper |
➧ | Auditing & assurance-December-2021-Past-paper |
➧ | Auditing & assurance-April-2021-Past-paper |
➧ | Auditing & assurance-August-2021-Past-paper |
➢ | Financial reporting & analysis -September-2015-Pilot-Paper |
➢ | Financial reporting & analysis-November-2015-Past-Paper |
➢ | Financial reporting & analysis-May-2016-Past-paper |
➢ | Financial reporting & analysis-November-2016-Past-Paper |
➢ | Financial reporting & analysis-November-2017-Past-paper |
➢ | Financial reporting & analysis-May-2017-Past-paper |
➢ | Financial reporting & analysis-November-2018-Past-paper |
➢ | Financial reporting & analysis-May-2018-Past-paper |
➢ | Financial reporting & analysis-May-2019-Past-paper |
➢ | Financial reporting & analysis-November-2019-Past-paper |
➢ | Financial reporting & analysis-November-2020-Past-paper |
➢ | Financial reporting & analysis-December-2021-Past-paper |
➢ | Financial reporting & analysis-April-2021-Past-paper |
➢ | Financial reporting & analysis-August-2021-Past-paper |
➧ | Financial Management-September-2015-Pilot-Paper |
➧ | Financial Management-November-2015-Past-Paper |
➧ | Financial Management-May-2016-Past-paper |
➧ | Financial Management-November-2016-Past-Paper |
➧ | Financial Management-November-2017-Past-paper |
➧ | Financial Management-May-2017-Past-paper |
➧ | Financial Management-November-2018-Past-paper |
➧ | Financial Management-May-2018-Past-paper |
➧ | Financial Management-May-2019-Past-paper |
➧ | Financial Management-November-2019-Past-paper |
➧ | Financial Management-November-2020-Past-paper |
➧ | Financial Management-December-2021-Past-paper |
➧ | Financial Management-April-2021-Past-paper |
➧ | Financial Management-August-2021-Past-paper |
➧ | Management accounting-September-2015-Pilot-Paper |
➧ | Management accounting-November-2015-Past-Paper |
➧ | Management accounting-May-2016-Past-paper |
➧ | Management accounting-November-2016-Past-Paper |
➧ | Management accounting-November-2017-Past-paper |
➧ | Management accounting-May-2017-Past-paper |
➧ | Management accounting-November-2018-Past-paper |
➧ | Management accounting-May-2018-Past-paper |
➧ | Management accounting-May-2019-Past-paper |
➧ | Management accounting-November-2019-Past-paper |
➧ | Management accounting-November-2020-Past-paper |
➧ | Management accounting-December-2021-Past-paper |
➧ | Management accounting-April-2021-Past-paper |
➧ | Management accounting-August-2021-Past-paper |
➫ | Public finance & taxation-September-2015-Pilot-Paper |
➫ | Public finance & taxation-November-2015-Past-Paper |
➫ | Public finance & taxation-May-2016-Past-paper |
➫ | Public finance & taxation-2016-Past-Paper |
➫ | Public finance & taxation-November-2017-Past-paper |
➫ | Public finance & taxation-May-2017-Past-paper |
➫ | Public finance & taxation-November-2018-Past-paper |
➫ | Public finance & taxation-May-2018-Past-paper |
➫ | Public finance & taxation-May-2019-Past-paper |
➫ | Public finance & taxation-November-2019-Past-paper |
➫ | Public finance & taxation-November-2020-Past-paper |
➫ | Public finance & taxation-December-2021-Past-paper |
➫ | Public finance & taxation-April-2021-Past-paper |
➫ | Public finance & taxation-August-2021-Past-paper |
CPA past papers with answers