What is a direct statutory demerger and how can you use it?
Statutory demergers are often described as the ‘go-to’ method of demerging, as they are quite literally written in the legislation. Due to their simplicity, i.e. not incorporating or liquidating companies, they are typically cheaper to implement and more straightforward. For those that meet all the relevant conditions, they are extremely effective. However, in practice, they are infrequently used due to the numerous conditions attached. Attempting a statutory demerger without meeting these requirements can lead to tax inefficiencies, highlighting the importance of seeking professional advice prior to demerging your business.
