Why sell rather than strike off
Striking a company off costs money, takes months and leaves you with nothing. Selling it to us takes about a week and pays you for the company you built. We buy companies to hold in our own stock and resell to buyers who want an established company, so a clean history with an incorporation date a few years back is exactly what we are looking for.
Companies we buy
- UK private companies limited by shares, incorporated at least twelve months ago
- No debts, liabilities, charges, employees or ongoing contracts
- Accounts and annual filings up to date, or close enough that we can bring them current as part of the deal
- Dormant, or trading has stopped and the bank account can be closed
- Not in liquidation, administration or any insolvency process
We pay more for companies that have traded, have several years of filed accounts, and hold registrations that are current and in good standing.
How it works
- Send the company number. Message us on WhatsApp or use the form. We check the public record and the filing history.
- Receive an offer. Within one working day you have a price in writing, with no obligation.
- Paperwork. We send the sale agreement, the share transfer and the officer-change forms for electronic signature. You confirm the company is clean and the bank account is closed.
- Completion and payment. We update the public record, you resign, and the money is sent to your account the same day.
What you will need
- The company’s web filing authentication code
- The latest accounts and bank statements showing the account at zero and closed
- Identity documents for each shareholder and director
- Any contracts, leases or agreements still in the company’s name, so they can be ended before completion
Who we are
VAT Formations Ltd is a private UK company that holds and sells established limited companies. We have our own stock, our own buyers and our own identity-check process, so we are a direct buyer, not a broker. You deal with us from first message to payment.
Questions about this service
What is my company worth?
It depends on the incorporation date, trading history, registrations held and the state of the filings. Tell us the company number and we will quote within one working day. There is no obligation and no fee for a quote.
Does the company need to be dormant?
No. We buy dormant companies and companies that have traded, as long as the trading has stopped, the accounts are up to date and there is nothing left attached to the company: no debts, no contracts, no staff.
How long does it take?
Usually a week from first message to payment. Most of that is the paperwork on both sides and our checks. The transfer itself is done in a day.
What about the company's bank account and tax position?
The bank account is closed before completion. We ask you to bring the accounts up to date and to confirm there are no outstanding liabilities; the sale agreement includes the usual warranties from you on that point.
Can I sell if I am outside the UK?
Yes. The whole process is done by email and electronic signature, and payment is by bank transfer to the account you nominate.