Voluntary Administration

A voluntary administration (also known as a VA) is an insolvency process that aims to resolve the company’s future as quickly as possible. When company directors suspect that their company is insolvent or may become insolvent, an administrator should be appointed as quickly as possible in order to maximise the chances that the business will survive. If business survival is no longer possible, the voluntary administration is aimed to provide better returns for the company’s creditors and members than if a company were immediately wound up. Typically a voluntary administration lasts between 25 to 30 business days. At the end of a voluntary administration, the company usually enters into a Deed of a Company Arrangement (also known as DOCA) with its creditors or may be placed into liquidation.

What causes a Voluntary Administration?

Voluntary Administration could occur due to a number of reasons. This could include a situation where the directors of a company suspect that the company is insolvent or likely to become insolvent at some future point in time. While less common, a secured creditor who is entitled to enforce a security interest over the company’s property, may also appoint a voluntary administrator in order to seek recourse.

Where there are pressures from creditors demanding payments for debts and company directors are at personal financial risk of insolvent trading or where pressures from banks or secured creditors demanding payment, a voluntary administrator may also be appointed. Furthermore, where there are disputes between directors or shareholders or where any legal action or event that may jeopardise the company, voluntary administration could be used as a mechanism to resolve these issues.

What are the expected outcomes of a Voluntary Administration?

Voluntary administration allows the company breathing space to deal with creditors in an orderly manner and prepare a proposal to give the best return to stakeholders. It may allow a company to stay out of liquidation whereby an independent person is able to reviews the company’s affairs and deals with the pressures of creditors.

The voluntary administration process reduces the possibility of secured creditors proceeding against the assets of the company. At the end of the administration, the company usually enters into a Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA) with its creditors or it is placed into liquidation.

If the Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA) suggests that the company will continue to trade (also known as a ‘trade-on’), the control of the company usually returns back to the company directors. Of the Deed of Company Arrangement is approved by creditors, it will eliminate possible insolvent trading claims

How can SV Partners help?

SV Partners are highly skilled in assessing a business’ financial position and provide tailored solutions for every situation. Our role in the voluntary administration process is to trade the company’s business if appropriate, investigate the company’s affairs and report to creditors on the company’s affairs. We understand that a voluntary administration not only affects the owners and directors of a business, it can also have a long lasting impact upon its employees, creditors and shareholders.

SV Partners has considerable experience in voluntary administration matters across a range of industries and businesses. Our team of experts can provide your organisation with the necessary support in liaising with creditors and finding the best possible outcome for all stakeholders.

For more information on voluntary administrations, visit our FAQ section or alternatively to speak confidentially to an expert that can assess your situation, call 1800 246 801.