Changing a company name is the legal process of altering the
registered name of a business. This process requires approval from
the relevant government authority and involves updating all
official records, legal documents, and communications to reflect
the new name. Companies may choose to change their name for
reasons such as rebranding, adapting to new ownership or
structural changes, or to eliminate confusion with another
entity's name. The process ensures that the new name aligns with
legal requirements and represents the company's identity
accurately.
Under the Companies Act, 2013, a company or LLP operates as a
distinct legal entity, identified by its name as specified in its
Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA).
However, circumstances such as shifts in objectives, management,
business models, or rebranding may necessitate a change in the
entity's name.
The name of a company or LLP can be changed post-incorporation as
per the procedure outlined in Section 13 of the Companies Act,
2013. Changing the name requires shareholder approval and approval
from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Importantly,
altering the name does not affect:
• The legal identity or ongoing operations of the company or
LLP
• Its rights and obligations
• Legal proceedings initiated under the previous name
Thus, a name change does not establish a new legal entity rather,
it preserves the entity's existing assets, liabilities, and
continuity under a new name.
The process of changing a company's name involves several steps:
initiating with a board resolution, obtaining name approval from
the MCA, passing a special resolution, and applying for the new
name's approval. Upon acceptance by the MCA, a new certificate of
incorporation reflecting the updated name is issued. Subsequently,
amendments to the MoA and AoA are made to reflect the new name.
Lexprosoft Providers offer comprehensive assistance in navigating
these legal procedures and documentation involved in effecting a
name change for an entity. The entire process typically spans
20-25 working days.
It is crucial for the renamed company to notify other entities in
which it holds shares to replace old certificates with new ones
accordingly.
Documents Required for Change Company Name
Here is a refined and professionally rephrased version of the
requirements for changing the name of a company:
Proposed new name of the Company as per preference.
Justification for the change of Company name.
Current name and Corporate Identification Number (CIN) of
the Company.
Details of Directors including their Director
Identification Number (DIN).
Name and Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) details of
the authorized Director responsible for filing Form
INC-1.
Board Resolution approving the alteration of the name
clause in the Memorandum of Association (MOA) of the
Company.
Board Resolution authorizing the convening of an
Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the Company.
Notice of EGM along with an explanatory statement.
Special Resolution passed by the members at the EGM for
amending the name clause in the MOA.
Amended Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of
Association (AOA).
Minutes of the EGM where the Special Resolution for name
change was passed.
If the name change is associated with a shift in the
primary business activity of the company, a certificate issued
by a Chartered Accountant detailing turnover figures from the
new activity should be included.
Adhering to these requirements ensures compliance with legal
procedures and facilitates a smooth transition to the new
corporate identity.
Advantages of Appointing or Resigning/Removing Director
1. Introduction of New Expertise: Each department's input is
crucial for business growth. A new director can bring specialized
knowledge, innovation, and enhanced work ethics to the company.
2. Absence of Ownership Obligation: Directors oversee daily
operations without the requirement to subscribe to share capital.
Consequently, there is no encumbrance on ownership or voting
rights of shareholders with the appointment of a new director.
3. Addressing Inadequacies: It is essential for a company to
mitigate any inefficiencies stemming from current directors who
may not be performing effectively due to personal reasons, aging,
or other factors. Adding or replacing a director can alleviate
such shortcomings.
4. Compliance with Legal Requirements: Private limited & Section 8
companies are legally obligated to maintain a minimum of two
directors, Public limited & Nidhi companies are legally obligated
to maintain a minimum of three directors and One Person Company
are legally obligated to maintain a minimum of one director .
Ensuring adherence to this statutory requirement is critical, and
the number of directors should not fall below this prescribed
limit.
These considerations underscore the strategic and regulatory
importance of directorship changes within a company, facilitating
improved governance and operational efficacy.
Procedure for Registration
Here is a refined and professional version of the steps involved
in changing the name of a private limited company:
Step 1:
: Board Resolution:
: The board of directors must pass a resolution authorizing the
change of name for the private limited company. The resolution
should also empower a director or company secretary to submit the
application to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
Step 2:
Name Availability Check: The authorized person (director
or company secretary) submits the application to the MCA to check
the availability of the proposed new name. This process aligns
with the procedures followed during the initial incorporation of
the company, ensuring adherence to the naming guidelines
stipulated in the Companies Act, 2013.
Step 3:
Special Resolution: Upon approval of the new name by the
MCA, the company convenes an extraordinary general meeting (EGM)
to pass a special resolution approving the change in the company's
name. Corresponding changes to the Memorandum of Association (MoA)
and Articles of Association (AoA) are also approved during this
meeting.
Step 4:
Approval of Company Name Change: Following the EGM, the
company files Form MGT-14 with the Registrar of Companies along
with the requisite fee prescribed by the MCA for approval of the
name change. This step is pivotal, as it signifies official
approval from the regulatory authority.
Step 5:
Issuance of New Certificate of Incorporation: Upon
satisfactory review of the application, the Registrar of Companies
issues a new certificate of incorporation reflecting the changed
name. This certificate confirms the legal change of the company's
name, and all future correspondence and legal documents will
reference the new name once it is incorporated into the MoA and
AoA. Additionally, Form INC-24 (Application for approval of the
central government for a change of name) must be filed to
formalize the change.
Step 6:
Amendment of MoA and AoA: With the new certificate of
incorporation in hand, amendments to the MoA and AoA are made to
reflect the updated name. This finalizes the name change process.
While the company receives a new certificate of incorporation with
the revised name, all existing legal obligations and agreements
remain unaffected.
This structured approach ensures compliance with statutory
requirements and facilitates a seamless transition to the new
corporate identity.
Choose Lexprosoft for Change Company Name
Lexprosoft provides professional services for changing your
company's name, ensuring a smooth and legally compliant process.
From drafting and filing necessary documents to obtaining approval
from the Registrar of Companies (ROC), Lexprosoft handles every
step with precision. Whether you're rebranding, reflecting a
structural change, or avoiding name conflicts, their tailored
solutions ensure your new name aligns with your business goals and
complies with regulatory requirements. Trust Lexprosoft for a
seamless and hassle-free company name change experience.
Contact our Experts today and take the first step towards your
startup success!
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Change of Company Name FAQ's
Why would a company want to change its name?
A company may choose to change its name for various reasons, including rebranding, entering a new market or industry, mergers or acquisitions, to align with a more modern or relevant identity, or to resolve issues related to trademark conflicts or negative associations with the current name.
Does changing a company's name affect its legal identity?
No, changing a company’s name does not affect its legal identity or its continuity. The company remains the same legal entity with the same registration number, tax IDs, contracts, and obligations. The name change is more of a branding update, not a re-establishment of the company.
Can a company change its name more than once?
Yes, a company can change its name more than once, provided the necessary legal processes are followed and the change is approved by the appropriate authorities, such as shareholders and regulatory bodies. However, excessive changes may confuse customers or clients and should be avoided unless necessary.
Does changing a company name affect its existing contracts?
Changing the name of a company does not automatically terminate existing contracts. However, it may require the company to notify clients, vendors, and other stakeholders of the name change, especially for updating contract details and business agreements.
Can a company use a name that is already in use by another company?
No, a company cannot use a name that is already in use by another business, especially if the name is trademarked or registered. Before deciding on a new name, a thorough search should be conducted to ensure that the name is unique and does not infringe on existing trademarks.
How does a name change impact a company’s brand and reputation?
Changing a company’s name can have a significant impact on its brand and reputation. While it may help the company rebrand or improve its image, it can also lead to confusion if customers and clients are not properly informed. Clear communication about the reasons for the name change and its benefits is essential for maintaining brand loyalty.
Does a change in the company name require altering other business details?
Yes, changing a company’s name often requires updates to other business documents and details, including stationery, marketing materials, tax filings, business licenses, websites, and social media profiles. Ensuring all relevant details are updated helps maintain consistency in branding and legal compliance.
Can a company change its name if it is facing financial or legal difficulties?
Yes, a company can change its name even if it is facing financial or legal challenges. However, the name change will not eliminate any existing liabilities or debts. The name change may provide a fresh start in terms of branding or reputation, but the company will still be responsible for all prior obligations.
Will a company name change affect its financial records?
While the company’s financial records and tax identification remain unaffected by the name change, the company must update its name in all its accounting systems, bank accounts, and financial statements. This ensures consistency across all financial documents and avoids confusion during audits or transactions.
Can shareholders or investors object to a company name change?
Shareholders or investors can express their concerns or objections during the approval process for a name change, typically in a general meeting. If the name change does not align with their interests or the company’s strategic direction, they may vote against it. However, if the change is legally approved, it will still proceed.
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