Start with ownership, not folders
Prepare an accurate chart of entities, owners, shareholdings, related companies and key assets. Reconcile it against registers, charters and prior capital decisions.
Restore the chain of corporate decisions
Confirm appointments, approvals of material contracts, capital changes and dividend decisions. Explain and remediate gaps before they become trust issues.
Show the financial logic
Management accounts, contracts and bank records should tell the same story. Related-party transactions and adjustments need short, verifiable explanations.
Review contracts as a future owner
Create a register of customer, supplier, credit and lease agreements, highlighting change-of-control, termination, exclusivity and liability clauses.
Confirm ownership of technology and brand
Employment agreements, contractor assignments, licences and trademark registrations should demonstrate that the business owns what it sells.
Organise the response process
Use one responsible coordinator, a clear folder structure, consistent file names and staged access for commercially sensitive information.
This material is for general information and does not constitute legal, tax or investment advice.