The Companies Act 2006 introduced several changes to the way companies are formed and operate.

All companies are required to adopt Articles of Association when they incorporate. The Companies Act 2006 introduced new Model Articles. The Model Articles apply to private and public companies incorporated on or after 1 October 2009 who choose to adopt them in their entirety or with amendments.

The Model Articles replace Table A as default Articles; however the Model Articles do not affect existing companies unless they choose to adopt it. Existing companies can choose to amend their current Articles of Association, by special resolution, to bring them in line with changes in the law as expressed in the Model Articles.

The Articles of Association - Private Companies Limited by Shares are based on the Model Articles and are fully compliant with the Companies Act 2006.

These Articles of Association should only be used by new private companies limited by shares on incorporation or by existing private companies limited by shares that want to replace their Articles of Association. For public companies and private companies limited by guarantee please see the website for the relevant Articles of Association.