Prepare for a pivot, cofounder exit, investment, acquisition or closure with clear records of what changes, which obligations remain and who must approve the transition. Is the founder changing the offer, selling shares, transferring assets or ending the business? These routes have different consequences.
Describe the change in plain language
Is the founder changing the offer, selling shares, transferring assets or ending the business? These routes have different consequences. Amendments, conversions and shareholder transfers should be distinguished from acquisition of an operating business. Qualified legal and financial advisers can identify the appropriate route once the actual transaction is clear.
Protect the handover
List customer commitments, supplier liabilities, employee arrangements, intellectual property and account access. A cofounder departure should not leave the business relying on a personal email or undocumented asset ownership. Record any approvals, consents and notifications needed before changing the company record. Acquisition support may require diligence beyond checking that the CR is active.
Treat closure as a project
Liquidation or closure can involve tax, bank accounts, licences, work permits and creditor matters. Stopping the website or ceasing sales does not complete those obligations. An enquiry can organise a transition or close-out checklist and coordinate qualified professionals. The final outcome depends on the required procedures and authority decisions.
Specific enquiries within this scope
Choose the task that matches your situation. Availability, responsible providers and any required professional permissions must be established in the written scope.
Scope to agree in writing
- Pivot or exit decision map
- Obligation and asset handover list
- Shareholder-change preparation brief
- Closure task and evidence register
Prepare for the enquiry
- Current ownership and agreements
- Intended change and business status
- Assets liabilities and employee summary
- Customer and supplier commitments
Before you take the next step
Can I leave the company unused while deciding?
An unused company may still have obligations. Review the maintenance requirements and compare them with a properly advised closure or restructuring route instead of assuming inactivity suspends responsibility.
What is easy to miss when a cofounder exits?
Review IP, customer relationships, account ownership, signing powers and any personal guarantees with advisers. Changing the share record alone may leave essential operational rights unresolved.
Does closing a website close the business?
No. Entity, tax, employment, licence and banking obligations may remain. Treat formal closure as a separate project with qualified advice and completion evidence.
Continue your planning
CR renewal and company amendments
Create practical reminders and ownership for CR, licence, address and permit events so the business can focus on customers without losing track of administrative obligations.
02Accounting, VAT and tax coordination
Build bookkeeping and tax coordination around the decisions a founder needs to make: what was earned, what is owed, what cash remains and which obligations apply.
03Corporate documents and intellectual property
Identify founder, customer and intellectual property documents that deserve professional attention before a promising product accumulates unclear ownership, vague obligations or mismatched signatures and rights.