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Company Formation FAQ - Exemption From the Use of Limited at the End of a Company Name

Will companies exempt under the Companies Act 1985 from using "limited" in the company name and from requirements in relation to publication of company name remain exempt after October 2009?

Yes. Section 60 of the Companies Act 2006 continues the exemption of section 30 of the Companies Act 1985 for companies already exempt so long as they continue to meet the conditions and until they change their name.

Exemption from requirement as to use of "limited". A private company is exempt from section 59 (requirement to have name ending with "limited" or permitted alternative) if: -

The registrar may refuse to register a private limited company by a name that does not include the word "limited" (or a permitted alternative) unless a statement has been delivered to him that the company meets the conditions for exemption.

The registrar may accept the statement as sufficient evidence of the matters stated in it. Regulations under this section are subject to negative resolution procedure.

The first condition is that the objects of the company are the promotion of commerce, art, science, education, religion, charity or any profession, and anything incidental or conducive to any of those objects.

The second condition is that the company's articles: -

Require all the assets that would otherwise be available to its members generally to be transferred on its winding up either: -

You can apply for exemption from the requirement to use the word limited in you company's name at the same time as you apply to form a company via an additional form, or at any subsequent time by passing a resolution to this effect and applying to Companies House.