Changing a company’s name is a strategic process that involves several key considerations and procedural steps. Companies may decide to change their name for various reasons, including rebranding, business evolution, ownership transitions, or adapting to new business activities. The motivations can range from marketing purposes and brand positioning to reflecting changes in company structure or management.
The process of changing a company name in India is governed by specific legal requirements under the Companies Act of 2013. It typically involves a comprehensive procedure that begins with a board resolution and requires approval from the Registrar of Companies (RoC). The company must pass a special resolution in an Extraordinary General Meeting, with at least 75% of shareholders voting in favor of the name change.
To successfully change a company name, several critical steps must be followed, including checking name availability through the Reserve Unique Name (RUN) service, filing the necessary forms (such as MGT-14 and INC-24), and updating the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association. The entire process ensures that the new name is unique, appropriate, and complies with legal requirements, ultimately reflecting the company’s current identity and strategic direction.
Hold a meeting of the board of directors to discuss and approve the decision to change the company’s name. The board must pass a resolution proposing the new name and authorizing a director or company secretary to apply for name availability from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
Use the Reserve Unique Name (RUN) service provided by the MCA to check if the proposed new name is available. This step ensures that the new name is not identical or too similar to an existing company name.
Call an Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders to pass a special resolution for changing the company name. This resolution must be approved by at least 75% of the voting power represented at the meeting.
Within 30 days of passing the special resolution, file Form MGT-14 to register the special resolution and Form INC-24 to seek approval for the new company name from the RoC. Attach necessary documents such as altered Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA), and minutes of the EGM.
Once the RoC reviews and approves your application, they will issue a new Certificate of Incorporation reflecting the updated company name. This certificate serves as official confirmation of the successful name change and should be retained as an important legal document for your company.
A company may change its name to rebrand, reflect a change in business strategy, enter a new market, or due to a merger or acquisition. It helps in improving the company's image or aligning with its products or services.
The process involves passing a special resolution by the board or shareholders, filing necessary forms with the Registrar of Companies (ROC), and obtaining approval for the name change from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
The name change process typically takes 15 to 30 days, depending on the approval from the ROC and the completion of required documentation, such as special resolutions and filing forms.
Documents required typically include the board resolution for name change, shareholder resolution, MCA application, and new name approval from the ROC. Additional supporting documents may be needed depending on the nature of the change.
Yes, once the name change is approved, you must update the new name on all official documents, including the memorandum of association (MOA), articles of association (AOA), tax records, and bank accounts.
Tax expertise involves specialized knowledge in tax law and accounting, helping clients minimize liabilities while ensuring compliance. Tax advisors, including CPAs and attorneys, offer tailored strategies for individuals and businesses to navigate complex tax situations effectively.
Cost efficiency refers to the ability to minimize costs while maximizing output and quality. It involves optimizing resources to achieve the best results without unnecessary expenditures, enabling businesses to enhance profitability and competitiveness.
It's being fully prepared for an audit, ensuring accurate financial records and compliance with relevant standards. It involves maintaining organized documentation, implementing internal controls, and conducting assessments to identify gaps before the audit occurs.
Register Mitra can significantly save time by streamlining processes and providing instant access to services. It simplifies application submissions, offers quick updates, and enhances efficiency in managing tasks, allowing users to focus on core activities.