Voluntary Administration

SOLVENT COMPANY WIND-UP

Voluntary Administration for Companies Facing Immediate Financial Pressure

Clear, independent guidance to help directors stabilise their business, protect it from creditor action, and assess whether the company can be restructured or should be wound up.

Confidential discussion. No obligation.

Strategic Assessment

When Voluntary Administration Is Commonly Used

Voluntary administration may be appropriate where a company is under significant pressure but may still have viable options.

This can include situations where:

  • Creditors are taking or threatening enforcement action
  • Cash flow issues are severe and immediate
  • Directors need protection from insolvent trading risk
  • The business requires time to assess restructuring options
  • There is uncertainty about whether the company can continue

Early advice is critical, as the timing of an appointment can materially affect the outcome.

Experience

30+ years combined insolvency and restructuring experience.

Practice Type

Boutique, senior-led advisory firm.

Registration

Registered insolvency practitioners and liquidators.

Location & Network

Melbourne-based with national capability. Regularly engaged by accountants and legal advisors.

Coordination

What Is Voluntary Administration?

Voluntary administration is a formal insolvency process designed to give financially distressed companies immediate breathing space while their future is assessed.

Once an administrator is appointed, the company receives temporary protection from creditor enforcement action. This allows time for the administrator to review the business, assess its viability, and report to creditors on the best path forward.
Voluntary administration is often used when time is critical and directors need independent oversight to stabilise the situation.

INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION

The Role of the Voluntary Administrator

In a Members Voluntary Liquidation, the liquidator acts as an independent administrator of the process. Their responsibilities typically include:

Taking control of the company

Stabilising the situation

Reviewing financial affairs

Assessing viability

Communicating with creditors

Ensuring transparency

Reporting on options

Informing creditor decisions

Overseeing outcomes

Implementing the chosen path

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

Key Considerations for Directors

Before proceeding with an MVL, directors and shareholders should take time to understand the implications of the declaration of solvency. This includes ensuring that:

Seeking professional advice at this stage helps avoid errors that can delay or complicate the process.

This includes ensuring that:

  • Financial records are accurate and up to date
  • All known liabilities have been identified
  • Cash flow forecasts support the solvency declaration
  • Tax and structural considerations have been reviewed

Next Steps

Potential Outcomes of Voluntary Administration

Voluntary administration does not have a single outcome. Depending on the circumstances, possible results may include:

Deed of Company Arrangement

A compromise with creditors allowing the business to continue

Return to directors

Company resumes control if viable

Liquidation

Orderly wind-down if continuation is not possible

Understanding these outcomes helps directors and creditors make informed decisions.

ADVANTAGES

Benefits of a Members Voluntary Liquidation

A Members Voluntary Liquidation offers several advantages for solvent companies that are ready to close.

Solvent company closure

Stabilising the situation

Formal framework

Assessing viability

Asset distribution

Ensuring transparency

Independent administration

Informing creditor decisions

Finality

Implementing the chosen path

Why AS Advisory

Why Businesses Choose AS Advisory for Voluntary Administration

AS Advisory provides independent, senior-led oversight throughout the voluntary administration process.

 

Our Approach

Senior practitioner involvement

What It Means

Direct access to experienced professionals

Our Approach

Clear communication

What It Means

Plain-English explanations

Our Approach

Independent assessment

What It Means

Objective recommendations

Our Approach

Professional discretion

What It Means

Sensitive matters handled carefully

Our Approach

Advisor collaboration

What It Means

Coordinated outcomes where required

Frequently Asked Questions

Does voluntary administration stop creditor action?
Yes. Once an administrator is appointed, there is generally a moratorium on creditor enforcement action.
 
In many cases, yes. Trading may continue where it preserves value or improves outcomes.
 
The initial period is usually around 20 to 25 business days, subject to extensions.
 
Control passes from the directors to the voluntary administrator for the duration of the process.
 
No. Some companies restructure and continue trading, while others proceed to liquidation.

Client Outcomes

Trusted by Directors and Professional Advisors

“AS Advisory acted quickly and professionally when time was critical, giving us clarity during voluntary administration.”

“Calm, experienced guidance through a complex process.”

Using Voluntary Administration to Regain Control

When a company is under immediate financial pressure, voluntary administration can provide protection, time, and clarity.
If you are considering voluntary administration or need to understand whether it is appropriate, professional advice can help you assess the situation and next steps.

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