Why restore struck off or dissolved companies?

If a company was struck off or dissolved by Companies House against the wishes of the members (shareholders) then usually the purpose of the company restoration is to continue trading. Other reasons to restore a company could be to pursue an injury claim, pay debts, realise pension funds, realise assets for members (shareholders) or to complete a lease or property transaction.

Contrary to popular myth the formation of a new UK limited company with the same name as the struck off or dissolved company is not an alternative to restoration of a company to the Register. It will be a different company - a company formation is exactly that - a new company registration - and the assets of the previously dissolved company will remain beyond your reach (held bona vacantia) unless the proper company restoration procedure is followed to reinstate a struck off or dissolved company by means of the company being restored to the Register at Companies House. If you try to trade with a struck off or dissolved company prior to that struck off or dissolved company being restored to the Register there can be serious legal repercussions, including personal liability for company debts and a host of contractual and other legal issues.