12/10/2017

‘Model’ articles of association for UK companies (UK)

Companies House has published the ‘model’ articles of association that are applied by default in their entirety to private UK companies limited by shares that do not adopt bespoke articles.

Consequently they are the most common form of articles for companies incorporated since 1 October 2009, when the Companies (Model Articles) Regulations 2008 were brought into force to prescribe them.

While each case should be considered separately, model articles are most applicable when incorporating small companies where there is minimum risk of disputes between shareholders or shareholders and directors.

‘Model articles for private companies limited by shares’ sets out the 53 model articles for private companies incorporated on or after 28 April, 2013 under the headings

Part 1 – Interpretation and limitation of liability

Part 2 – Directors

Part 3 – Shares and distributions

Part 4 – Decision-making by shareholders

Part 5 – Administrative arrangements