Home

Corporate

Bonus Issue of Shares

Find a Solicitor to help with

Bonus Issue of Shares

Hassle-free help from the UK's best corporate solicitors.
In the last year, we helped 5,900 people across the UK solve their legal issues
The service offered by Lawhive is outstanding
The service offered by Lawhive is outstanding. The process to find the most suitable solicitor is straightforward and efficient. The pricing is transparent and clear and the solicitors that have been provided to me have been outstanding. I would strongly recommend this company to anyone looking for a solicitor.
Jane,
09 July, 24
Courteous, fast and competent service
I would definitely recommend Lawhive also for the way the service is structured with a quick initial call and then their online private chat, which saves unnecessary costs, time and provides the kind of flexibility to follow the case when it’s more convenient to you.
Fabrizio,
12 July, 24
Great service and job well done
Great service, excellent communication, very accommodating with timing and date requests. All done efficiently. Highly recommended.
Basira,
23 July, 24
Very happy indeed
A great service and in my experience, knowledgeable, helpful and experienced solicitors who's help I found to be invaluable. Thank you Lawhive, great job.
Paul,
26 July, 24
Had a great experience with Lawhive
Had a great experience with Lawhive, not only did I get a great price compared to everywhere else I looked, but my assigned solicitor was amazing and super helpful every step of the way. I even got my wanted outcome with my custody case in the end.
Danny,
27 July, 24
Exceptional Support
I recently used Lawhive to assist with my British citizenship application, and the experience was fantastic. My lawyer was incredibly helpful and kind throughout the entire process.
Angels,
29 July, 24
We had a very good experience with…
We had a very good experience with lawhive our solicitor was kind attentive and quick. She gave us all the relevant information and advice and sorted out our matter in a clear and straightforward manner. We are very grateful and pleased that we chose your services and would highly recommend.
Jo,
02 August, 24
The service offered by Lawhive is outstanding
The service offered by Lawhive is outstanding. The process to find the most suitable solicitor is straightforward and efficient. The pricing is transparent and clear and the solicitors that have been provided to me have been outstanding. I would strongly recommend this company to anyone looking for a solicitor.
Jane,
09 July, 24
Courteous, fast and competent service
I would definitely recommend Lawhive also for the way the service is structured with a quick initial call and then their online private chat, which saves unnecessary costs, time and provides the kind of flexibility to follow the case when it’s more convenient to you.
Fabrizio,
12 July, 24
Great service and job well done
Great service, excellent communication, very accommodating with timing and date requests. All done efficiently. Highly recommended.
Basira,
23 July, 24
Very happy indeed
A great service and in my experience, knowledgeable, helpful and experienced solicitors who's help I found to be invaluable. Thank you Lawhive, great job.
Paul,
26 July, 24
Had a great experience with Lawhive
Had a great experience with Lawhive, not only did I get a great price compared to everywhere else I looked, but my assigned solicitor was amazing and super helpful every step of the way. I even got my wanted outcome with my custody case in the end.
Danny,
27 July, 24
Exceptional Support
I recently used Lawhive to assist with my British citizenship application, and the experience was fantastic. My lawyer was incredibly helpful and kind throughout the entire process.
Angels,
29 July, 24
We had a very good experience with…
We had a very good experience with lawhive our solicitor was kind attentive and quick. She gave us all the relevant information and advice and sorted out our matter in a clear and straightforward manner. We are very grateful and pleased that we chose your services and would highly recommend.
Jo,
02 August, 24
Rated 4.8 / 5. Showing our 4 & 5 star reviews.

About

A bonus issue of shares is a method of issuing new shares to existing shareholders. Solicitors may be required to draft documents to record the issuance of shares, or make updates to agreements or business structures as a result of the share issue.Next steps

How much does help with Bonus Issue of Shares cost?

The cost for a licensed solicitor to help with Bonus Issue of Shares is dependent on many factors including the complexity and specific requirements of the case. On average it is expected to range from £200-£400 but in some cases it could cost as much as £1,200.

SRA Regulated

All work done by our SRA regulated affiliate law firm or a partner firm.

Transparent fixed-fees

No hidden fees. Up to 50% cheaper than high street firms.

Expert legal help

We assign the best fully regulated UK based solicitors to your case.

Get your free case evaluation now

Tell us about your case and we'll assess your legal matter for free.

Bonus Issue Of Shares 

Managing company finances can be difficult, especially when it comes to decisions about rewarding your shareholders and boosting your company’s equity. However, one powerful tool at your disposal is a bonus issue of shares

At first glance, issuing shares without receiving cash in return might seem counterintuitive, but for many businesses, a bonus issue can be a strategic move that allows you to: 

  • Reward shareholders without dipping into cash reserves; 

  • Make shares more affordable and attractive to a broader range of investors; 

  • Reinforce your company’s balance sheet; 

  • Increase share capital without altering ownership proportions. 

While the benefits of a bonus issue are clear, the process itself is not without some challenges. Companies often face complexities in issuing bonus shares including regulatory compliance with the Companies Act 2006 and getting necessary approvals from the board of directors.

At Lawhive, our network of experienced corporate lawyers will guide you through every step of the bonus issue process, from drafting resolutions and preparing necessary documentation to liaising with regulatory bodies. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible, so you can focus on your business.

Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation with our legal assessment team and get a no-obligation quote for personalised support with a bonus issue of shares. 

What is a bonus issue of shares?

A bonus issue of shares (also known as a scrip issue or capitalisation issue) is a way for a company to give additional shares to its existing shareholders at no extra cost. 

This means that if you already own shares in a company, you receive more shares for free based on the number you currently hold. 

How does a bonus issue of shares work? 

  1. The company’s board of directors decides to issue bonus shares by converting part of the company’s reserves (profits have been saved up) into share capital; 

  2. The company allocates these new shares to existing shareholders; 

  3. Shareholders are informed about how many bonus shares they will receive and when they will be issued. 

If you’re considering a bonus issue of shares for your company, the process involves several legal and regulatory steps.

At Lawhive, our expert corporate lawyers can guide you through every aspect of issuing bonus shares. Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation and get a no-obligation quote for our services. 

Why should my company consider issuing bonus shares? 

Key reasons why your company might consider a bonus issue of shares include: 

Rewarding your shareholders 

Bonus shares are given free of charge to existing shareholders based on their current holdings. These additional shares increase their ownership stake in the company over time if the company continues to perform well. 

This can be a great way to reward shareholders for their loyalty and investment without paying cash. 

Improving share liquidity and market perception 

By increasing the number of shares in circulation, the individual price per share usually decreases, making shares more affordable. A lower share price and increased liquidity can make your shares more attractive to new investors, leading to increased trading activity, potentially boosting demand and improving the overall perception of your company in the market. 

Strengthening your capital structure

A bonus issue converts part of your company’s retained earnings or reserves into share capital. This strengthens your capital base and can improve the financial stability and credibility of your company.

A stronger equity base can make your company look more financially robust, which can be beneficial when seeking financing or negotiating with business partners.

Maintaining shareholder control 

A bonus issue of shares doesn’t dilute the ownership percentage of existing shareholders. Instead, they receive additional shares proportional to their current holdings. 

Since the ownership percentages remain unchanged, the voting power of shareholders at company meetings stays consistent, maintaining the current balance of control. 

Signaling financial health 

Announcing a bonus issue can be seen as a positive signal that your company is confident in its financial health and future growth. It indicates that you have sufficient reserves and are willing to share this success with your shareholders. 

This can boost confidence among current and potential investors, helping to build a strong, more supportive shareholder base. 

What are the potential disadvantages of a bonus issue of shares? 

While issuing bonus shares can offer several benefits, it’s important to be aware of the potential disadvantages. These drawbacks can impact your company's financial health, market perception, and operational efficiency.

Impact on share price and market perception

When a company issues bonus shares, the total number of shares increases resulting in a decrease in the price per share because the company’s overall value is now spread across a larger number of shares. 

There is the potential for investors to misunderstand the purpose of a bonus issue and see the reduced share prices as a sign of diminished value, even though their overall ownership in the company remains unchanged. 

Administrative and compliance burdens

Issuing bonus shares requires approvals from the board of directors and shareholders, compliance with the Companies Act 2006, and possibly adhering to stock exchange regulations if the company is publicly listed. As you might imagine, this can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. 

The bonus issue process also generates additional administrative tasks, such as updating the shareholder register, preparing necessary documentation, and communicating with shareholders. 

No immediate cash flow benefit

Unlike other forms of equity financing, such as rights issues or public offerings, a bonus issue does not bring any new funds into the company. It only converts existing reserves into share capital. This means that the company doesn’t receive a cash infusion to support growth or operational needs. 

Issuing bonus shares also uses up a portion of the company’s retained earnings or reserves, reducing the financial cushion available for future investments or emergency needs. 

What are the requirements for issuing bonus shares under UK law?

Issuing bonus shares in the UK involves converting part of a company's reserves into share capital, giving additional shares to existing shareholders at no extra cost. To do this legally, there are several key requirements that a company must follow under UK law:

  1. The company must have enough retained earnings or reserves to cover the value of the bonus shares being issued; 

  2. The company’s board of directors must first approve the bonus issue; 

  3. Shareholders need to pass an ordinary resolution at a general meeting or through a written resolution agreeing to the bonus issue; 

  4. The company’s Articles of Association (the rules governing the company) must allow for the bonus issue; 

  5. Detailed documentation must be prepared, including the board and shareholder resolutions;

  6. If physical share certificates are used, new certificates must be issued to reflect the bonus shares given to shareholders; 

  7. The company must inform Companies House by filing a statement of capital within one month of shares being issued; 

  8. The company’s statutory records must be updated to reflect the new share capital after the bonus issue. 

How do I determine if my company has sufficient reserves for a bonus issue? 

Reserves eligible for a bonus issue are typically a company’s retained earnings (accumulated profits that have not been distributed to shareholders as dividends) or other distributable reserves. 

To determine if your company has sufficient reserves to issue bonus shares you should decide how many bonus shares you plan to issue and at what ratio (e.g. 1 bonus share for every 5 existing shares), then multiply the number of bonus shares by their nominal value to calculate the total amount required from the reserves for the bonus issue. 

You should then make sure your company’s retained earnings or other distributable reserves are equal to or greater than the total value required for the bonus issue. If the reserves are insufficient, the company can’t go ahead with the bonus issue without increasing the reserves first. 

Example: 

Imagine your company wants to issue 1 bonus share for every 5 existing shares, and each share has a nominal value of £1. If there are 100,000 existing shares the calculations would be: 

  • Number of bonus shares: 100,000 divided by 5 = 20,00 

  • Total value required: 20,000 shares x £1 = £20,000

You would then need to make sure your company has at least £20,000 in distributable reserves to cover this bonus issue. 

Using Lawhive

Transparent fixed-fees

Know exactly what you will pay. On average 1/3 of the cost of a high street firm

Hassle-free

Receive a custom quote in as little as 5 minutes. No hassle, no obligation.

Conveniently online

Follow your case from the comfort of your home with our online platform.

Brilliant support

Our world-class support will be with you every step of the way.
Traditional Law Firms

Pay by the hour

Hourly charges mean costs are hard to predict and you could be charged more than you expect.

Frustrating

It can be take days or weeks to hear updates from your solicitor.

Outdated and offline

Offline and slow procedures will require you to visit firms in-person.

No support

No dedicated support team. You'll have to deal with issues on your own.

What are the tax implications of a bonus issue for the company and shareholders? 

The act of issuing bonus shares does not create a tax liability for the company. Since bonus shares are issued from the company’s reserves and no new funds are raised, there is no taxable income generated from this transaction.

Further, shareholders do not pay income tax when they receive bonus shares nor does the issuance of bonus shares create an immediate capital gains tax event. 

How does a bonus issue affect ownership and control of the company?

In a bonus issue, shares are distributed to existing shareholders in proportion to their current holdings. This means that each shareholder’s percentage of ownership in the company remains the same before and after the bonus issue.

Because bonus shares are distributed proportionally, there is no dilution of control among existing shareholders. Each shareholder retains the same voting power relative to their original holdings.

What is the difference between a bonus issue and a stock split?

Both a bonus issue and stock split increase the number of shares in circulation however, while a bonus issue converts reserves into share capital to reward shareholders and bolster equity, a stock split adjusts the share price to enhance affordability and liquidity without impacting the company’s financials. 

Can a private company issue bonus shares?

A private company can issue bonus shares. The process is similar to how public companies issue bonus shares in that private companies must comply with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 and the Articles of Association must allow for it. 

How long does it take to complete a bonus issue of shares? 

Completing a bonus issue of shares can take between 6-12 weeks. 

Here’s a breakdown of the key stages and their typical durations, however, these may vary depending on the complexity of your company’s structure, the readiness of the financial and legal documentation, and the efficiency of the approval process: 

Stage

Estimated Timeframe

Initial consultation and planning

1-2 weeks

Board approval

1-2 weeks

Shareholder approval

2-4 weeks

Preparation of documents

1-2 weeks

Filing with Companies House

Up to 1 week

Updating shareholder records

1-2 weeks

Communicating to shareholders

1 week

Finalising the issue

1 week

What documentation is required for a bonus issue of shares? 

Here’s a list of the documents needed for a bonus issue of shares: 

Board resolution

The board of directors must approve the bonus issue by passing a formal resolution. Minutes of the board meeting where the resolution is passed must be recorded and kept as part of the company's official records.

The resolution should include:

  • The amount of reserves to be capitalised 

  • The ratio of the bonus issue 

  • The record fate 

  • Terms of the issue 

Shareholder resolution

Depending on the company's Articles of Association and the Companies Act 2006, shareholder approval may be required. The resolution can be passed either at a general meeting of shareholders or through a written resolution. Records of the meeting minutes or the signed written resolution must be maintained.

The resolution should outline the proposal for the bonus issue and confirm that the shareholders agree to the terms and conditions set forth by the board.

Updated Articles of Association (if applicable)

If the company’s Articles of Association don’t allow for a bonus issue, they need to be amended with shareholder approval to specify the new provisions. 

A copy of the updated Articles of Association should be prepared and filed with Companies House if amendments are made.

Statement of Capital

The Statement of Capital is required to update Companies House about the changes in the company’s share capital due to the bonus issue, including the number of shares issued and their nominal value. 

This must be completed and filed with Companies House within one month of the bonus shares being issued.

Updated Register of Members

The register of members must be updated to include the new number of shares held by each shareholder after the bonus issue.

New share certificates (if applicable) 

If the company issues physical share certificates, new certificates must be provided to shareholders reflecting their increased shareholdings. Each certificate should show the new total number of shares owned by the shareholder after the bonus issue.

At Lawhive, we provide comprehensive support to manage the documentation and compliance requirements for a bonus issue of shares. Our experienced corporate lawyers will guide you through every step, ensuring all necessary documents are prepared, filed, and maintained correctly.

Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation and get a no-obligation quote for our services.

How can a solicitor assist with a bonus issue of shares?

A solicitor can help with a bonus issue of shares by: 

  1. Reviewing your company’s Articles of Association to ensure they permit a bonus issue and, if necessary, draft and secure approval for amendments to the Articles; 

  2. Ensuring that the bonus issue complies with all relevant provisions of the Companies Act 2006 and other applicable laws; 

  3. Drafting the required board and shareholder resolutions to approve the bonus issue; 

  4. Preparing and filing form SH01 (Statement of Capital) with Companies House; 

  5. Identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with the bonus issue; 

  6. Providing legal representation and guidance to resolve any disputes that may arise during or after the bonus issue. 

At Lawhive, we offer expert legal support for companies planning to issue bonus shares. Our network of experienced corporate lawyers provides comprehensive services tailored to your specific needs, ensuring a smooth and compliant bonus issue process.

Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation and receive a no-obligation quote for our services.

What should I consider when choosing a solicitor to help with a bonus issue of shares? 

Expertise in corporate law

You should look for a solicitor who specialises in corporate law and has extensive experience with corporate actions like bonus issues.

Ideally, your solicitor should have a proven track record of successfully handling bonus issues for other companies, particularly in your industry. 

Understanding of your business needs

Choose a solicitor who understands your industry and the specific challenges and opportunities it presents. They should take the time to understand your company’s goals, financial position, and shareholder base to align the bonus issue strategy with your business objectives. 

Communication and transparency

Your solicitor should be able to explain complex legal concepts in simple terms, provide clear guidance, and keep you informed at every stage.  Further, they should be accessible and responsive to your needs. 

Look for a solicitor who offers transparency and predictable fee structures so you have a clear outline of their costs upfront. 

Reputation and references

Check the solicitor’s qualifications and reputation in the legal and business community, Look for client testimonials, reviews, and any professional accolades or recognition that indicate their credibility and reliability. 

At Lawhive, our network of legal professionals includes seasoned corporate lawyers with extensive experience in handling bonus issues. We also offer end-to-end support for the bonus issue process, and our lawyers are committed to clear, jargon-free communication and proactive engagement. 

Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation and receive a no-obligation quote for our services.

Can a bonus issue be reversed or undone once it has been implemented? 

A bonus issue is typically considered a final and irrevocable transaction once the new shares have been issued and recorded. 

After receiving bonus shares, shareholders gain legal rights and ownership of these shares. Attempting to reverse this process would involve retracting shares from shareholders, which could infringe on their legal rights and lead to disputes.

Given the complexities and potential consequences of reversing a bonus issue, companies typically explore alternative solutions to address any issues arising from the bonus issue. These alternatives include:

  • Repurchasing shares; 

  • Consolidating shares; 

  • Adjusting the terms of any future corporate actions. 

In the event of disputes with shareholders, open and transparent communication can help manage expectations and address concerns, or in some cases negotiate mutually acceptable adjustments or compensations if appropriate. 

How does a bonus issue of shares differ from paying dividends to shareholders? 

A bonus issue involves distributing additional shares to existing shareholders without any cash exchange. In contrast, dividends are cash payments made directly to shareholders from the company’s profits or retained earnings. 

As such, dividends offer an immediate cash return to shareholders, while a bonus issue increases the number of shares they hold, potentially increasing their long-term value without immediate income. 

Can bonus shares be issued to employees as part of an incentive plan? 

Companies can establish employee share schemes, such as Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) or Share Incentive Plans (SIPs), which may include the issuance of bonus shares as part of the incentive package. These schemes are designed to offer shares or share options to employees under specific terms and conditions.

To do this, the company must define clear terms and conditions for the bonus shares issued under the incentive plan, including eligibility criteria, the number of shares to be issued, vesting periods, and any performance targets that need to be met for employees to receive the shares. 

How can Lawhive help? 

Issuing bonus shares can be a powerful tool for enhancing your company’s financial health and rewarding shareholders, but understanding the legal and regulatory process involved can be challenging. 

At Lawhive, we offer expert legal support to streamline the bonus issue process. Our network of experienced corporate lawyers is committed to providing personalised, efficient, and cost-effective services. 

We guide you through every step, from planning and approvals to documentation and compliance, ensuring your bonus issue of shares is executed smoothly and successfully.

Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation and receive a no-obligation quote for our services. 

No Hidden Fees
Get a quote now

We pride ourselves on helping consumers and small businesses get greater access to their legal rights.

Lawhive is your gateway to affordable, fast legal help in the UK. Lawhive uses licensed solicitors you can connect with online for up to 50% of the cost of a high-street law firm.

Lawhive Ltd is not a law firm and does not provide any legal advice. Our network includes our affiliate company, Lawhive Legal Ltd. Lawhive Legal Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with ID number 8003766 and is a company registered in England & Wales, Company No. 14651095.

For information on how to make a complaint about an experience you have had with our SRA regulated affiliate company Lawhive Legal Ltd click here.

Lawhive Legal Ltd is a separate company from Lawhive Ltd. Please read our Terms for more information.

© 2024 Lawhive
86-90 Paul Street, London EC2A 4NE

Version: b90a742