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Corporate Restructuring

The impact of COVID-19, the removal of Government-backed support and the war on Ukraine, alongside rising costs, inflation and interest rates have created a perfect storm. The best way businesses can deal with these uncertainties is to evaluate their corporate structure on a consistent basis to ensure it is meeting the business’ goals and that it is in the best shape to weather the new environment we find ourselves in.

What is corporate restructuring?

It is often assumed that corporate restructuring only occurs when a struggling business attempts to alleviate their debts, however this is a general misconception.

Corporate restructuring is altering the composition of a business to make it more profitable; therefore, corporate restructuring can be a tactic used by successful businesses to further accelerate their growth.

Why do businesses restructure?

Businesses may look at their corporate structure for a range of different reasons, such as:

Corporate Restructuring specialists

We provide a full legal advice service to English companies as well as to banks and other lenders, trade creditors and suppliers.

We also provide legal support and assistance to cross-jurisdictional groups of companies.

As part of this role, we often put together cross-disciplinary teams of experts in corporate law, finance, real estate, tax, dispute resolution, employment and more, who are able work swiftly in implementing our clients’ requirements and providing solutions.

Restructuring services for solvent companies

Whether you are winding down a company which is surplus to requirements, or just want to simplify your company structure, our team supports clients with a range of services for solvent companies. This includes advice on share buy-backs and management buy-ins, members voluntary liquidation (MVL) and S110 demergers/reconstructions.

Insolvency services

Our specialist team understand the need for quick and clear advice in these situations and provide advice to companies and directors, in challenging situations where time of the essence.

Our service is designed to help reduce the stress and worry for clients.

We also act for office-holders in formal insolvency procedures such as administration, company voluntary arrangements, receiverships and liquidations.

Legal 500 commentary

Legal 500 describes the team as ‘conscientious and technically excellent’ providing ‘pragmatic and commercial advice’ to corporates, high-net-worth individuals and a growing number of IPs across a range of corporate restructuring and insolvency situations’, with our Head of Corporate Restructuring, Caroline Cropley, being described as ‘very knowledgeable’ and “noted for her ability to use the law ‘to give her clients the best solution / advantage’”.

Our recent experience in corporate restructuring

Advised liquidators on a solvent restructuring of a property investment group, under s110 Insolvency Act 1986, with assets valued at circa £50m.
Acted in the restructuring of a multi-million-pound professional services group of companies, by way of a capital reduction demerger.
Instructed by liquidators to act on an application for a Berkeley Applegate and other orders permitting them to charge fees for the administration, processing and sale of £14m of wine held by insolvent wine company.
Advised in connection with the insolvent estate of an ultra-high net worth individual. This included a claim for repayment of a multi-million Euro loan, involving allegations of fraud
Acted for a high-profile specialist sports car manufacturer, pre-administration and then subsequently acting for the administrators.

Who to Contact

CAROLINE CROPLEY

Head Of Corporate Restructuring

Caroline is the Head of Corporate Restructuring in the Corporate and Commercial Team. Her focus is corporate restructuring and insolvency and she regularly advises international group companies, investors and high net worth individuals on corporate law issues, whether they arise as a result of mergers, acquisitions, disposals, or internal group changes.

Jeff Roberts

Partner - Insolvency and Restructuring

Jeff Roberts is a Partner specialising in Insolvency and Restructuring within Druces’ Dispute Resolution team. He joined the firm in February 2025. A highly experienced insolvency practitioner who brings over 45 years of experience to the firm, Jeff advises on both contentious and non-contentious insolvencies, acting for administrators, liquidators, and a broad client base in this field.

CHRISTOPHER AXFORD

Head of Corporate

Christopher is the Head of Corporate and is a member of Druces Executive Committee which manages the firm’s direction and vision for the future. He deals with a broad range of corporate and commercial matters, including AIM and AQSE work, national and international joint ventures and group restructuring.