Compliance
Company searches
Before you take a title from a company — or lend to one — establish that it exists, that it is solvent, and that the person signing has authority.
What it is
What this search covers
Where a company is a party to a transaction, the standard identity and title checks are not enough. You need to establish the company's registered details, who its directors and persons with significant control are, what charges are registered against it, and whether there is any insolvency history or pending action.
A registered charge over a company's assets will usually need to be released or consented to. A winding-up petition presented before completion can undo the transaction entirely.
For AML purposes, a company search also underpins beneficial ownership verification — which is where a great many firms' file reviews come unstuck.
Included in the report
- Registered company details, status and registered office
- Directors, secretaries and persons with significant control
- Shareholders and share capital
- Filing history and accounts
- Registered charges, debentures and their satisfaction
- Insolvency history, administration and liquidation
- Winding-up petitions and disqualified directors
- Group structure where applicable
At a glance
| Turnaround | Varies by property, authority and provider. We give you a realistic timescale when you order — and we work to beat it. |
|---|---|
| Format | PDF company report, with a bankruptcy or winding-up search where required |
| Who orders it | Any transaction with a corporate seller, buyer, landlord or guarantor |
| Category | Compliance |
Why it matters
What goes wrong without it
A pending winding-up petition can void a disposition
Dispositions made after presentation of a petition can be set aside. Searching immediately before completion is the only reliable protection.
Beneficial ownership is where AML files fail
Regulators expect firms to identify and verify persons with significant control, not merely to note the company number. The company search is the evidence.
Questions
Company Searches — your questions
Do we need a company search on every corporate transaction?
For anything material, yes — and repeated immediately before completion where insolvency is a live concern.
Does this cover overseas companies?
We can obtain reports on overseas entities in most jurisdictions. Tell us the jurisdiction and we will confirm availability and cost first.
Need this search on a property today?
Send us the address. We will tell you what it needs, what it costs and how long it will take.
Or call 0151 652 4184 — telephone support seven days a week