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Corporate Restructuring & Insolvency

Reaching a solution in an incredibly difficult and complex situation like insolvency, requires expert help from a team that are cost transparent, commercially minded, pragmatic, proactive and sensitive. The legal rights and remedies need careful handling; we are here to help.

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Key insolvency and restructuring services

Our expert team of lawyers can help you in the following restructuring and insolvency areas:

  • transactional insolvency (buying and selling distressed businesses and assets);
  • contentious insolvency (disputes, potential claims and litigation);
  • insolvency and restructuring advisory (everything else, including procedural input);
  • options in event of financial distress;
  • business turnaround and corporate restructuring;
  • effect of all forms of formal insolvency procedure including applicable moratoria;
  • employees in insolvent situations;
  • negotiation and realisation of assets, including debts and bankruptcy properties;
  • cross-border insolvency;
  • exposures (including risk of prosecution) arising on insolvency and phoenixism;
  • powers and duties of office holders, including appointments;
  • administration of insolvent businesses and estates;
  • all forms of litigation under insolvency legislation, including bankruptcy annulment;
  • directors duties and disqualification; and
  • enforcement of creditor / landlord rights in insolvent situations.

Our insolvency clients

The team’s insolvency practitioner clients include:

  • RSM
  • Begbies Traynor
  • James Cowper Kreston
  • Interpath
  • Mazars
  • Leonard Curtis
  • Evelyn Partners
  • Quantuma
  • FRP Advisory Trading Ltd

We also act for and/or on referrals from:

  • funders e.g. banks, building societies, asset-based lenders
  • domestic and overseas suppliers, trading partners, landlords, other creditors
  • company directors
  • bankrupts, their spouses and other family members and guarantors
  • non-IP LPA receivers
  • non-specialist solicitors

Examples of restructuring and insolvency work

  • In recent years the team undertook its single largest assignment to date, assisting the administrators of a major chain of convenience stores to maximise realisations and save jobs through the disposal of numerous trading outlets and associated premises.
  • Acting for various insolvency practitioners in claims against third parties and assets including bankruptcy involving unregistered commercial land in London and an administration involving a disputed charge over the assets of a bus company
  • Advising various creditors with their claims in insolvencies, including one who was a secured creditor seeking to protect a multi-million pound VAT appeal recovery
  • Pursuing and defending various claims for misfeasance, wrongful trading and disqualification against directors of limited companies, including one with a claim value in excess of £4m
  • Advising overseas investors and professional trustee executors on legal transactional and restructuring options for leisure industry interests, including hotels and golf venues both in and outside of CVAs
  • Assisting with numerous sales by or acquisitions from insolvency practitioners, including purchases of a theme park and the assets of a Channel Islands based shipping company and freight forwarder, and sales of multiple convenience stores from administration
  • Assisting colleagues in the firm’s corporate, commercial property and banking teams on aspects of a major refinancing and redevelopment project with an aggregate deal consideration of around £72m
  • Advising various spouses of bankrupt individuals on defending claims being made by the bankrupt’s trustees in bankruptcy in respect of preferences and/or transaction at undervalue claims.
  • Advising company directors’ on the use of ‘prohibited names’ under section 216 Insolvency Act 1986 and the exemptions available to them to avoid criminal prosecution
  • Acting for insolvency practitioners to assist them in bringing applications under the Insolvency Act 1986 for increases to their fee remuneration.
  • Advising bankrupt individuals generally as to their rights when considering the position of their trustees in bankruptcy.

In-House Counsel

Our team of experienced lawyers is well-equipped to support you in various ways. Whether you require advice on a specific issue, additional resources due to capacity constraints, or a second opinion, we are here to help. Explore our legal counsel page for more information and details on our schedule of seminars, specifically designed for in-house counsel.

How we work with you

Whilst based in the South of England, Paris Smith acts for businesses and families throughout the UK. Technology has enabled us to provide a high level of service to our clients whether they are local to our offices or not. Our advice can be given in many ways:

  • Over the telephone
  • Via video conferencing
  • In face to face meetings

We will talk through how you would like to be contacted and the best ways for us to meet in our early conversations with you.

Get in touch to speak with an expert.

Chambers Chambers Alternative

Introducing your key contact

Mike Pavitt

Partner – Corporate Restructuring & Insolvency; Commercial Disputes

Mike Pavitt

Partner – Corporate Restructuring & Insolvency; Commercial Disputes

Personal Insolvency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Below we answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding corporate restructuring & insolvency.

What is insolvency?

Insolvency is the state of being unable to pay your debts as they fall due, or having total liabilities in excess of the total value of your assets.

How long do you stay on the insolvency register?

An insolvent company’s records will remain permanently at Companies House and the London Gazette. In the case of an insolvent individual, if you are bankrupt, your details will normally remain on the individual insolvency register for 12 months until discharge. If you do not comply with your bankruptcy obligations or are subject to a voluntary arrangement, your details may remain on the individual insolvency register for a longer period.

What is the insolvency process?

There is no single insolvency process: an insolvency process could be one of a range of procedures including but not limited to (for companies), voluntary liquidation, compulsory liquidation, administration, company voluntary arrangement, a scheme of arrangement, or (for individuals), bankruptcy, debt relief order, individual voluntary arrangement. One thing these all have in common is that they are formal legal procedures where some sort of notice is either circulated to creditors or filed with the court for a corresponding legal protection, because either an individual or company does not have enough money to pay everything they owe, or because the total value of their assets is exceeded by the total value of their debts.

What is a company voluntary arrangement?

A form of settlement or restructuring between a company and its creditors whereby the company’s debts (often discounted) will be paid over time but the company’s directors remain in control, subject to supervision from a licensed insolvency practitioner. Requires 75% by value of creditors to vote in favour.

What is an individual voluntary arrangement?

A formal and legally binding agreement between an individual and their eligible creditors to pay back their debts over a period of time (often at a discount). An IVA is an alternative to bankruptcy and is supervised by a licensed insolvency practitioner. Some companies (not themselves insolvency practitioners) will advertise debt solutions claiming they are ‘government legislation’ to ‘write off’ large amounts of debt, whereas all they are really offering is to refer the debtor for an IVA.

What is voluntary liquidation?

A voluntary liquidation can either be solvent, by way of a members’ voluntary liquidation (MVL) or insolvent, by way of a creditors voluntary liquidation (CVL). An MVL is commenced by a solvent company to distribute its assets among shareholders in the most tax efficient manner, under the supervision of a licensed insolvency practitioner. A CVL is commenced by an insolvent company, usually as a result of pressure from creditors. Usually much more cost effective than a compulsory liquidation, and more flexible in terms of the company/ its liquidator selling on assets including the company’s main business. A CVL requires a licensed insolvency practitioner to be willing to take appointment as liquidator, and creditors in principle can reject company’s choice of liquidator and install their own.

Can you sue a company in voluntary liquidation?

Yes, provided that the company is either in a creditors’ voluntary liquidation or members’ voluntary liquidation and remains in that procedure at the time you are looking to sue. However, it is possible for a liquidator to apply for a stay in proceedings. Suing a company in liquidation is not something we would ordinarily recommend until you have first reached out to the liquidator, because suing companies can be expensive and very often the claim could be dealt with by the liquidator without incurring court fees.

How much does voluntary liquidation cost?

It depends on the complexity of the company’s affairs, the sector in which the company operates, what assets the company owns, and how many third parties and creditors the company may have. An open conversation should be held with one or more insolvency practitioner accountants who will be able to quote accurately in the circumstances. If you are unsure which insolvency practitioners to approach, we would be happy to discuss this with you.

What is a directors loan account?

A directors loan account is a record of money borrowed from and/ or loaned to a company by its director, distinct from salary, dividends and expense repayments. Overdrawn DLAs need to be paid back following the insolvency of the company or compromised under arrangements made with the relevant insolvency practitioner.

How do you write off a directors loan account?

It is a myth that insolvency procedures automatically result in a written off directors loan account if the director owes money to the company. However, it is possible to improve a company’s balance sheet if directors write off sums that a company owes to them. Directors should carefully consider this option based on the company’s circumstances, and ideally seek advice from accountants and/ or solicitors in the first instance.

What is liquidity in business?

Sometimes, liquidity is used to refer simply to the value of the company’s total assets in excess of the total business liabilities. In the context of potentially insolvent businesses, liquidity refers to either the amount of cash or tradeable assets in the business or the ability of the business to reduce their other assets to cash or tradeable assets quickly.

What happens when a business is liquidated?

Broadly, when a company enters into liquidation, the liquidators will sell the assets to repay the creditors and the company is eventually closed down. The main types of liquidation processes are voluntary liquidation and  compulsory winding up, each of which have different procedures and different effects, and all of which ultimately result in dissolution.

What is a debt relief order?

A streamlined formal insolvency procedure suited to individuals with lower incomes, lower value assets and a relatively modest amount of debt. A DRO is an alternative to bankruptcy but with strict eligibility requirements. Financial thresholds for eligibility for DROs are often reviewed by the government so it is best to check with the government website to see if you qualify.

How do you value business assets?

Business assets are worth what the market is willing to pay for them. They are valued very differently across different sectors and at different points in a business’ life cycle. So far as the court is concerned, business assets should only be valued by a qualified person – the type of qualification will vary per the nature of the asset. If in doubt, seek a valuer in liaison with an accountant or solicitor. It is particularly problematic to ascertain share valuations, which will often need to be undertaken by a forensic accountant and it is rarely, if ever, appropriate for directors to rely on their own valuation of the business.

What happens to assets when a business closes?

It depends on why and how the business closed. If the closure involved liquidation or administration, assets are usually sold, transferred or otherwise distributed to the creditors, whereas any onerous assets are often disclaimed or left in the company upon dissolution.

How can you protect personal assets from business creditors?

When the business is set up, and before it takes on finance and other commitments, directors need to be careful to take appropriate advice, particularly if they are asked to give personal guarantees. As the business progresses, the best way to protect personal assets is to comply with any and all statutory and contractual obligations. If in any doubts, seek professional advice at an early stage from accountants, insolvency practitioners, or specialist solicitors.

What is a creditor in business?

A creditor is a company or person owed money by another company or person. Creditors can be secured, preferential or unsecured. Creditors can also be future creditors (owed a sum of money at a future date) and contingent (will be owed a sum of money if something does or doesn’t happen) – future and contingent creditors are relevant to insolvency procedures and their approval.

What do you mean by corporate restructuring?

Corporate restructuring is a broad term referring to a range of options for dealing with problem debt from changing the structure of a group of companies or how their company holds its assets through to the negotiated release or deferral of liabilities and to a statutory restructuring under the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020. Formal restructuring, which in principle allows certain classes of creditor to receive enhanced returns over others are very rare and tend to be the preserve of very large and/or complex corporate groups.

What is corporate debt restructuring?

Corporate debt restructuring involves compromising and reducing the overall levels of debt by agreement, or extending the period over which a debt is paid. This can be done in a number of ways from informal time to pay agreements with trade creditors, to highly technical cross class cram down restructurings.

How we’ve helped our clients

“Sources say “I hold Paris Smith in high regard – they’re a good firm who provide good, solid advice;” and “Paris Smith has a good level of technical knowledge.””

Chambers Legal Directory 2025

“Sources say ‘A great team, providing quality and thorough advice in a timely manner;’ ‘Mike, Lucy and the team are always very approachable and happy to discuss potential matters. The advice is always practical and thorough. When the requirements for us as insolvency practitioners extends beyond the ‘usual’ insolvency matters, Paris Smith have an excellent team built around the core insolvency team who have specialist understanding of areas such as employment in the context of insolvency processes etc;’ ‘The team has a fantastic knowledge and client base for insolvency and corporate recovery compared to its size. ’ and ‘Paris Smith have a very strong regional presence and have a reputation for offering quality legal services locally. Their Corporate Insolvency and Restructuring team are technically strong and provide a quality service which enhances Paris Smith’s reputation.’”

Legal 500 2025 Edition – Client Testimonials

“Thank you both (Lucy Andrews and Mike Pavitt) sincerely for your kindness, hard work and expertise in resolving what could have been a truly tragic situation for my mother. It’s a really good outcome; we’re truly thankful and very happy with the service provided. ”

Mr F of Brighton

“Referees say “Mike Pavitt leads a strong team. They are friendly, dependable and keep abreast of all the latest developments in the law and practice in this area” and “A very commercially sound and technically gifted team who provide excellent service.””

Legal 500 2024 Edition

“The team at Paris Smith are true experts; thorough and detailed, whilst maintaining balance on risk and commerciality. They approach each assignment holistically and pragmatically in driving towards the optimum result for their client.”

Ed Thomas, Director – Mazars UK

“One source says A very approachable team with depth and strength of knowledge in the insolvency sector which is essential for my practice. Knowing that when I need their help I am going to receive quality and timely advice”; whilst another adds “A growing team that deserves more recognition, highly specialist and efficient. They act for all the major IPs on the south coast and cover both corporate and personal insolvency.” Another source states “This Southampton-based firm works hard at maintaining its longstanding and well-deserved reputation. Friendly, reliable and good value for money”; whilst another says “The team are a close-knit family who look after each other and their clients. This is evident in their collaborative approach and friendly bedside manner. Whilst other firms can appear as a forced group of individuals practicing in the same area, Paris Smith demonstrate a great team ethos and collective approach.” Mike Pavitt is singled out with sources saying “Mike Pavitt is one of the leading insolvency lawyers on the South Coast. His knowledge of the area is detailed and vast, far exceeding many of his local competitors. Applied with practicality and care he achieves results others can only hope for”; “Mike Pavitt is a great person to have on your side. He has an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of insolvency law and is completely reliable and trustworthy”; and “Mike Pavitt is an exemplary solicitor who demonstrates very strong and thorough ethical and technical prowess with a sense of fun and genuine warmth in his dealings with clients.”

Legal 500 2023 – Referee Comments

“Referees say “There is a good range of experience within the team, which as a whole has a vast understanding of complex insolvency matters;” “The team always respond in good time and keep their clients updated in terms of progress” and “They respond quickly and put thought behind their advice. They have a highly experienced leader with an excellent team.””

Chambers & Partners 2023 – Referee Comments

“Mike Pavitt and Lucy Andrews are very easy to work with, as well as being highly professional and good company.”

Neil Stewart, Associate Director

Manolete Partners

“You (Lucy) and Mike have both been consummate professionals. I have found your advice comprehensive, informed and accurate. I appreciate all you have done, and I have been grateful to have you in my corner.”

Mr C – Disposal of bankruptcy petition against ex-pat investor client

Chambers Top Ranked logo 2025

Chambers and Partners Legal Directory 2025

What the team is known for

Paris Smith regularly tackles a variety of contentious and non-contentious matters, such as the sale and purchase of distressed assets including residential and commercial real estate. It is notable for its work in the leisure, retail and financial services sectors. It works for a range of local and national organisations, as well as individual directors and trustees in bankruptcy.

Strengths

“Paris Smith has a good level of technical knowledge.”

“I hold Paris Smith in high regard – they’re a good firm who provide good, solid advice.”

Notable Practitioners

Mike Pavitt

Mike Pavitt is based in Southampton and heads up the firm’s corporate restructuring and insolvency team. He is a distinguished practitioner with a strong practice handling the full range of corporate and personal insolvency matters. He is adept at handling pre-pack sales.

“Mike Pavitt is extremely technical lawyer. He is very much down in the detail and very skilled.”

“Mike is very thorough and knowledgeable. His knowledge of insolvency law is excellent.”

Lucy Andrews

Lucy Andrews is a solicitor on the firm’s corporate restructuring and insolvency team. She handles a range of contentious and non-contentious matters, including bankruptcy and insolvency litigation and restructurings.

“Lucy Andrews offers high levels of communication and knowledge.”


Legal 500 Leading Firm 2025 logo

Legal 500 2025 Edition

Paris Smith LLP is known by some clients for having a ‘very strong regional presence’ and a ’reputation for offering quality legal services locally’. The group acts on behalf of a diverse client list which includes SMEs, not-for-profits, and large corporates. Specialist insolvency lawyer Mike Pavitt leads the team from Southampton and is equally adept across contentious, non-contentious and technical advisory work in the space.

What clients say

‘A great team, providing quality and thorough advice in a timely manner.’

‘Both Mike Pavitt and Lucy Andrews, are always quick to respond. It’s comforting to know you can rely on them both when you need legal advice on what can be quite technical matters. ’

‘Mike Pavitt leads a small but great team. Technically they are very good and always prepared to go the extra mile for the client’

‘Mike Pavitt. Mike is one of the best insolvency lawyers on the South Coast and should be ranked in the top league. His technical knowledge is second to none in the area and he delivers a personal specialist service with real commercial nouse. ’

‘Mike, Lucy and the team are always very approachable and happy to discuss potential matters. The advice is always practical and thorough. When the requirements for us as insolvency practitioners extends beyond the ‘usual’ insolvency matters, Paris Smith have an excellent team built around the core insolvency team who have specialist understanding of areas such as employment in the context of insolvency processes etc.’

‘The team has a fantastic knowledge and client base for insolvency and corporate recovery compared to its size. ’

‘Mike Pavitt is a master of his craft and has an exceptional grasp of the law and practice in this area’.

‘Paris Smith have a very strong regional presence and have a reputation for offering quality legal services locally. Their Corporate Insolvency and Restructuring team are technically strong and provide a quality service which enhances Paris Smith’s reputation.’

‘Mike Pavitt is an expert in his field with a depth of Insolvency knowledge and experience. He is able to handle complex and contentious matters.’

‘’A good mix of technical and commercial knowledge to reach sensible conclusions.’

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