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DEF Advisory

Business Advisory

Corporate Restructuring Guide

Helping Your Business Adapt and Grow

As your business grows, your ownership, operations and business needs may change. Your existing company structure may also need to evolve.

Corporate restructuring involves changing or reorganising your company's ownership or structure to better support your business goals.

DEF Advisory can help you understand your options and manage the corporate processes involved.

DEF Advisory workspace with a laptop illustrating growth, change, structure and success
Section 01

When Should You Consider Restructuring?

Corporate restructuring may be appropriate when you are:

  • Bringing in a new business partner or investor
  • Changing your company's shareholders
  • Transferring shares
  • Expanding into a new business
  • Setting up a holding company or subsidiary
  • Separating different business activities
  • Preparing for a business sale
  • Planning business succession
A stronger business structure supports new investors, business growth, a better structure and long-term success.
Stronger Business Structure
  • New Investors
  • Business Growth
  • Better Structure
  • Long-Term Success
Section 02

Common Types of Restructuring

Share Transfer

Transfer existing shares from one shareholder to another.

Share Allotment

Issue new shares to existing or new shareholders, for example when bringing in an investor.

Change of Directors

Update the company's directors when there are changes in management or ownership.

Holding Company Structure

Create a holding company to own shares in one or more operating companies.

Business Reorganisation

Separate different business activities or reorganise the company's structure as the business grows.

Section 03

How Does Corporate Restructuring Work?

  1. 01

    Understand Your Goals

    Identify what you want to achieve, such as bringing in an investor or changing ownership.

  2. 02

    Review Your Current Structure

    Review your shareholders, directors, business activities and existing companies.

  3. 03

    Determine the Right Approach

    Consider options such as share transfer, share allotment, a new company or a group structure.

  4. 04

    Prepare the Documentation

    Prepare the necessary resolutions, agreements and corporate documents.

  5. 05

    Complete the Required Filings

    Submit the relevant documents and update the company's statutory records.

Section 04

Things to Consider

Before restructuring, you may need to consider:

  • Corporate compliance
  • Tax implications
  • Accounting treatment
  • Legal agreements
  • Business licences
  • Shareholder rights
  • Beneficial ownership requirements
Section 05

How DEF Advisory Can Help

Making Corporate Restructuring Simpler

DEF Advisory can assist with the corporate and company secretarial aspects of your restructuring.

Our support may include:

  • Share transfers and allotments
  • Changes in directors and shareholders
  • Corporate resolutions
  • Statutory record updates
  • Beneficial ownership updates
  • New company incorporation
  • Holding/subsidiary structure coordination
  • Ongoing corporate compliance
Section 06

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to create a new company to restructure?

Not necessarily. Restructuring can sometimes be achieved through changes to shareholders, shares, directors or business arrangements.

Can I change my company's shareholders?

Yes. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve a share transfer or share allotment and the appropriate corporate procedures.

Will restructuring have tax implications?

It may. The tax implications depend on the type of transaction and your specific circumstances. Professional tax advice should be obtained before proceeding.

Can DEF Advisory help with restructuring?

Yes. DEF Advisory can assist with the corporate secretarial and compliance aspects of restructuring and coordinate with other professional advisers where required.

How long does the restructuring process take?

The timeframe depends on the type and complexity of the restructuring, the approvals required and the readiness of information and documents.