Change of Company Name

Change Company Name Singapore

Change of company name: A company may decide to rebrand or change its name for various reasons

To change your company name in Singapore, you need to follow these steps:

1. Choose a new company name. The new name must not be identical to any other registered company name or be considered undesirable by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). You can check name availability on the ACRA website.

2. Pass a special resolution. This resolution must be passed by at least 75% of the shareholders. You can either hold a general meeting or pass the resolution as a written resolution.

3. File a Notice of Resolution with ACRA. This can be done online through the BizFile+ platform. There is no fee for this step.

4. Apply for Approval of New Name with ACRA. Once you have filed the Notice of Resolution, you can submit an application to change your company name through the BizFile+ platform. There is a fee of S$15 for this application.

5. Receive Approval from ACRA. If your application is approved, ACRA will issue a Notice of Incorporation under your new company name.

6. Update your company records. You will need to update your company's records with the new name, including your business license, bank accounts, and website.

Additional Tips:

• You should also notify your customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders of your new company name.

• You may need to update your company's branding and marketing materials to reflect the new name.

Sample Special Resolution Passed at a General Meeting

[Company Name]

Special Resolution

RESOLVED, that pursuant to Section 175(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 1994, the following resolution be and is hereby passed as a Special Resolution of the Company at a General Meeting of the Company duly convened and held on [Date] at [Time] at [Venue]:

THAT, the name of the Company be changed from [Old Company Name] to [New Company Name], and that all necessary steps be taken to give effect to this resolution.

AND IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Directors be and are hereby authorized to do all such acts and things as may be necessary or expedient to give effect to this resolution.

Passed this [Date] day of [Month], [Year].

Signed by:

[Name of Chairman]

Chairman

[Name of Company Secretary]

Company Secretary

Important Considerations:

• Quorum: Ensure that a quorum (the minimum number of shareholders required to be present) is present at the general meeting for the resolution to be valid.

• Voting: The resolution must be passed by at least 75% of the votes cast by the shareholders present at the meeting.

• Minutes: The minutes of the meeting must accurately record the passing of the resolution, including the number of votes for and against.

By following these guidelines and consulting with legal professionals, you can ensure that your company name change is conducted legally and efficiently.

Sample Special Resolution Passed by Written Resolution

[Company Name]

Special Resolution

RESOLVED, that pursuant to Section 175(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 1994, the following resolution be and is hereby passed as a Special Resolution of the Company by written resolution:

THAT, the name of the Company be changed from [Old Company Name] to [New Company Name], and that all necessary steps be taken to give effect to this resolution.

AND IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Directors be and are hereby authorized to do all such acts and things as may be necessary or expedient to give effect to this resolution.

Passed this [Date] day of [Month], [Year].

Signed by:

[Name of Shareholder 1]

Shareholder

[Number of Shares Held]

[Name of Shareholder 2]

Shareholder

[Number of Shares Held]

[Name of Shareholder 3]

Shareholder

[Number of Shares Held]

[Continue for all shareholders representing at least 75% of the total voting rights]

Note:

• Crucial: Ensure that shareholders representing at least 75% of the total voting rights have signed the resolution.

• Record Keeping: Keep a record of the written resolution, including the date it was passed and the names and shareholdings of the signatories. This record will be essential for filing with ACRA.

Additional Considerations:

• Company Constitution: Review your company's constitution for any specific requirements or procedures regarding written resolutions.

• ACRA Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with ACRA's guidelines on passing resolutions by written resolution.

By following these guidelines and seeking professional advice, you can ensure your company name change through written resolution is conducted legally and efficiently.

Sample Notification to Customers, Suppliers, and other Stakeholders of New Company Name

Subject: Important Notice: Change of Company Name

Dear Valued [Customer/Supplier/Stakeholder],

Please be informed that [Original Company Name] is changing its name to [New Company Name], effective [Date].

This change reflects [briefly state reason for name change, e.g., our growth and evolution, rebranding efforts, etc.].

[Optional: Briefly explain the benefits of the new name or what it represents.]

Please note that this name change will not affect [mention key aspects that remain unchanged, e.g., our commitment to providing excellent service, our contact information, our bank account details, etc.].

[Optional: Include specific instructions, e.g., "Please update your records accordingly."]

We appreciate your continued support and look forward to serving you as [New Company Name].

Sincerely,

[Your Name/Company Representative]

[Your Title]

[Your Contact Information]

Additional Tips:

• Timing: Send the notification well in advance of the effective date to allow stakeholders to update their records.

• Multiple Channels: Consider using multiple channels to reach your audience, such as email, letter, website announcement, social media posts, and press release.

• Website Update: Update your website and social media profiles with the new name and logo.

• Marketing Materials: Update any existing marketing materials, such as business cards, letterheads, and brochures.

• Legal Documents: Update any legal documents, such as contracts and agreements.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate your company name change to your stakeholders and ensure a smooth transition.

How Bestar can Help

Bestar can provide significant assistance throughout the process of changing your company name in Singapore. Here's how we can help:

1. Name Availability Check and Selection:

• Thorough Research: Bestar has access to legal databases and resources to conduct comprehensive name searches, ensuring the chosen name is unique and doesn't infringe on existing trademarks or copyrights.

• Name Suggestions: We can offer creative and strategic suggestions for new company names that align with your business goals and brand identity while adhering to legal requirements.

2. Drafting Legal Documents:

• Special Resolution: We can draft the necessary special resolution for the name change, ensuring it complies with the Companies Act and internal company regulations.   

• Other Legal Documents: We may assist with drafting other relevant documents, such as board resolutions or shareholder agreements related to the name change.

3. Compliance with Legal Requirements:

• Advise on Legal Procedures: We can guide you through the entire legal process, including understanding the specific requirements of the Companies Act and the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

• Ensure Proper Filing: We can help you prepare and file the necessary documents with ACRA, ensuring all submissions are accurate and complete.

4. Mitigating Risks:

• Identify Potential Legal Issues: We can proactively identify and address potential legal issues that may arise during the name change process, such as trademark infringement or contractual obligations.

• Protect Your Interests: We can advise you on how to protect your business interests during and after the name change, such as updating contracts and intellectual property rights.

5. Post-Name Change Support:

• Assist with Updates: We can help you update your company records, contracts, and other legal documents to reflect the new name.   

• Address Post-Change Issues: We can provide ongoing support to address any legal issues that may arise after the name change is complete.

By engaging Bestar, you can:

• Minimize Risks: Reduce the risk of errors and legal complications during the name change process.

• Ensure Compliance: Ensure that all legal requirements are met, avoiding potential penalties or delays.

• Save Time and Effort: Streamline the process and save time and effort by relying on their expertise.

• Gain Peace of Mind: Have confidence that the name change is being handled professionally and legally.

If you are considering changing your company name in Singapore, consulting with Bestar is highly recommended to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

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