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United Kingdom
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Liquidation definition

What does Liquidation mean? Liquidation (statutory term: winding up) is the formal process for closing a company, under which a liquidator takes control, stops or sells the business, collects and realises assets, adjudicates creditor claims and distributes proceeds according to statutory priority, before dissolution. It is used both on insolvency (to repay creditors) and, in a solvent members’ voluntary liquidation (MVL), to return surplus to shareholders. In England & Wales and Scotland, liquidation is governed principally by the Insolvency Act 1986 and associated Rules. The main routes are compulsory liquidation (winding up by the court), creditors’ voluntary liquidation (CVL) and MVL. In Northern Ireland,...

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Creditors' and Bondholders' Committees in Insolvency and Restructuring: Formation, Voting, Fees, Confidentiality and SIP 15 Guidance

Practice notes
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Formal creditors' committees in formal insolvencies (administration, liquidation, receivership and bankruptcy)

In sizeable or intricate formal insolvencies, a formal creditors’ committee is commonly established and the relevant office holder will often consult it on significant matters, using it as a practical sounding board throughout the case. These committees tend to be formed where complexity or scale makes structured creditor input particularly valuable.

Committees typically comprise three to five members, usually drawn from those creditors with the largest exposure to the company and, accordingly, the greatest interest in how the insolvency is conducted. Their composition reflects the creditors most engaged in the progress of the proceedings.

  • Each member has a single vote, and an odd number of members is generally selected to avoid stalemates in voting.
  • Members can usually reclaim their reasonable costs of attending creditors’ meetings.
  • The committee’s main attention is often on the scrutiny and approval of the office holder’s fees and remuneration...
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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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