Creditors meeting

A meeting is called to examine the position of a debtor company in relation to its debts and which usually results in the appointment of a Liquidator

A first meeting of creditors is held so that the creditors can appoint an  Insolvency Practitioner (IP) as trustee or liquidator in place of the Official Receiver (OR). This is likely to be the only meeting of creditors before the final meeting is called. If the OR does not believe the assets available are enough to attract an IP, the OR will send notice to all creditors that no first meeting is to be held and as a result the OR will remain trustee/liquidator

The OR must hold a first meeting if it is requested by one quarter in value of the creditors. If the creditors request a meeting, they will have to lodge a deposit for the costs of the meeting with the OR. If the creditors do not choose an IP at the meeting, the OR can apply to the Secretary of State to make an appointment or remain as trustee/liquidator. The OR can also apply to the Secretary of State when an appointment of an IP is needed in an emergency, for example to deal with urgent transactions involving assets. When this happens the IP must notify the creditors. This may be done by advertisement in a newspaper if the court allows, for example where there is a large number of creditors.

Further meetings of creditors (called general meetings) are sometimes held if the trustee/liquidator wants to find out the creditors' wishes in any matter relating to the insolvency proceedings, or if requested by 10% in value of the creditors.