Ownership Structures

If you are deciding what ownership structure works best for you or you are simply considering the alternatives, we recommend that you consult us well in advance of a transaction so that all issues can be properly considered. Depending on your objectives, there are a number of choices available to you. Some vehicles that we consider are:

• A social enterprise company such as a community interest company (CIC)
• A limited liability partnership (LLP). This is a newer vehicle which has been available since 2001. LLPs are registered at Companies House as a separate legal entity and file accounts. They pay no direct tax - the profits or gains are taxed on the members, who can be individual or corporate.
• Limited companies can often be used in conjunction with LLPs to end up with the most flexible and efficient overall structure.
• Offshore companies or limited companies established in other EU states. Such entities can be used as they benefit from double tax treaties and protection by EU freedom of establishment rights.

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