Converting Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) to Private Limited Companies (PLCs)

Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) have gained popularity among entrepreneurs due to their flexible structure and limited liability protection. However, as businesses evolve and grow, some LLPs may find it advantageous to convert into a Private Limited Company (PLC).

An LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) is a legal entity formed under the provisions of the LLP Act, also known as the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008. An LLP is a hybrid form of business organization that combines the features of a traditional partnership and a private limited company.

“Private Company” as per Section 2(68) means a company having a minimum paid-up share capital as may be prescribed, and which by its articles—

(i) restricts the right to transfer its shares;

(ii) except in case of One Person Company, limits the number of its members to two hundred: Provided that where two or more persons hold one or more shares in a company jointly, they shall, for the purposes of this clause, be treated as a single member. Provided further that—

(A) persons who are in the employment of the company; and

(B) persons who, having been formerly in the employment of the company, were members of the company while in that employment and have continued to be members after the employment ceased, shall not be included in the number of members; and

(iii) prohibits any invitation to the public to subscribe for any securities of the company

BENEFITS OF CONVERTING FROM LLP TO PLC

1. Limited Liability Protection: A PLC provides limited liability protection to its shareholders. In an LLP, partners have limited liability, but converting to a PLC offers an extra layer of protection.
2. Separate Legal Entity: A PLC is considered a separate legal entity from its shareholders. It enhances the credibility and perception of the business, making it more attractive to potential investors, clients, and stakeholders.
3. Access to Capital: Converting to a PLC opens up opportunities to raise capital through various means. PLCs can issue shares to investors, venture capitalists, or the general public, allowing for equity financing.
4. Transferability of Ownership: PLCs offer ease of transferability of ownership. Shares of a PLC can be bought or sold, facilitating the entry of new shareholders or the exit of existing ones.
5. Perpetual Succession: Unlike an LLP, which is tied to the existence of its partners, a PLC enjoys perpetual succession. It means that the company continues to exist even in the event of the death, resignation, or transfer of shares of its shareholders.
6. Enhanced Governance and Compliance: PLCs typically have a more structured governance framework, including regular board meetings, shareholder resolutions, and transparent decision-making processes.
7. Brand Value and Marketability: A PLC generally has higher brand value and marketability compared to an LLP. It can strengthen the company’s reputation, increase its market presence, and enhance its ability to attract customers, secure larger contracts, and compete in the market more effectively.

PROCESS OF CONVERSION FROM LLP TO PLC

• Assessment and Consent: Assess the need and feasibility of converting the LLP into a PLC. Seek the unanimous consent of all partners to proceed with the conversion.
• Obtain Director Identification Number (DIN) and Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Obtain DIN and DSC for all proposed directors of the PLC. If any director already has a DIN, skip this step.
• Name Availability and Approval: Check the availability of the desired name for the PLC through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal or authorized platforms. Apply for name approval, providing alternative names if necessary.
• Drafting Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA): Prepare the MOA and AOA of the proposed PLC. These documents define the company’s objectives, share capital, shareholding structure, and internal governance rules. Ensure compliance with the Companies Act and other relevant regulations
• Conversion Application: Prepare the conversion application in the prescribed format. Include details such as LLP registration number, name, and registered office address of the LLP, along with the proposed name and registered office address of the PLC.
• Document Submission: Submit the conversion application along with the required documents to the Registrar of Companies (ROC) or the relevant authority.
• Verification and Approval: The ROC or the concerned authority will review the conversion application and submitted documents. If everything is found in order, they will issue a Certificate of Incorporation (COI) for the PLC, indicating the successful conversion.
• Transfer Assets and Liabilities: Transfer the assets, contracts, agreements, licenses, permits, and liabilities of the LLP to the PLC as per the provisions mentioned in the conversion application. Update existing contracts and agreements to reflect the new entity.
• Update Registrations and Licenses: Update the relevant registrations, licenses, permits, and tax registrations to reflect the transition to the PLC structure. Update PAN, GST registration, bank accounts, and any other applicable registrations with the details of the PLC.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR LLP TO PLC CONVERSION

• Application for Conversion
• Board and Shareholder Resolutions
• New Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Consent of Partners and Shareholders
• NOC from Creditors
• Financial Statements
• Declaration by Directors and Partners
• Other Regulatory Filings
• Obtain name approval from the Registrar of Companies (ROC) by submitting the application in e-format.
• Secure Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and Director Identification Number (DIN).
• File form No. URC – 1.
• Prepare Memorandum of Association & Articles of Association.
• Obtain a certificate of incorporation from the Registrar of Companies.
• Obtain a new PAN and TAN for the newly incorporated company.
• Update all the statutory records and registers.
• File the necessary forms with the Registrar of Companies.

POST CONVERSION COMPLIANCES

Update Registrations and Licenses:
● Update the PAN, GST registration, bank accounts, and any other registrations with the details of the PLC.
● Notify relevant government authorities, regulatory bodies, and financial institutions about the conversion and provide updated information.

Change in Name and Signage
● Update the company’s name on all official documents, letterheads, signage, websites, and other communication materials.
● Obtain new seals, rubber stamps, and common seals with the updated name of the PLC.

Share Certificates and Share Transfer
● Issue share certificates to the shareholders of the PLC, indicating their ownership and the number of shares held.
● Comply with the procedures for transferring shares, if any, including executing share transfer deeds and updating the share register.

Statutory Registers and Records
● Maintain statutory registers as required by the Companies Act or relevant laws, including the Register of Members, Register of Directors, Register of Charges, and other applicable registers.
● Keep records of board resolutions, minutes of meetings, and any other documentation required by law.

Board Meetings and Resolutions
● Conduct regular board meetings as per the Companies Act and maintain minutes of the meetings.
● Pass necessary resolutions related to appointments, authorizations, dividend declarations, financial matters, and other key decisions.

Annual Filings and Compliance
● File annual financial statements, including the balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and cash flow statement, with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) within the prescribed timeframe.
● File annual returns with the ROC, providing details about the company’s financials, directors, shareholders, and other required information.
● Comply with other regulatory filings and obligations, such as the appointment of auditors, directors’ disclosures, and compliance certifications, as mandated by the Companies Act or applicable laws.

Audit and Financial Compliance
● Conduct an annual audit of the company’s financial statements by a qualified auditor, as per the applicable laws.
● Ensure compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, and financial reporting requirements.

Tax Compliance
● File income tax returns for the PLC and pay applicable taxes within the specified deadlines.
● Comply with Goods and Services Tax (GST) regulations, including filing GST returns on time and adhering to other GST compliance obligations

Employee-related Compliances
● Comply with labor laws and regulations pertaining to employment, such as employee contracts, Provident Fund (PF), Employees’ State Insurance (ESI), tax deductions at source, and other applicable obligations.

Corporate Governance
● Implement appropriate corporate governance practices within the PLC, including holding regular board meetings, maintaining minutes of meetings, and adhering to other governance norms.