Hard2 marksMultiple Choice
Corporate and Business LawSection BSyllabus FManagement and AdministrationMTQ
This question is part of a case study — click to read the full scenario(Case 55)

SCENARIO 4: AquaGrid PLC, a regional water utility, is considering a major infrastructure upgrade. The board of directors is split. Director A wants the cheapest option to maximize short-term shareholder dividends. Director B wants a more expensive, eco-friendly option, arguing it benefits the local community and ensures long-term sustainability, even if it reduces dividends this year.

Under Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 (Duty to promote the success of the company), which approach is legally correct?

ACCA · Question 56 · Corporate and Business Law

SCENARIO 4: AquaGrid PLC, a regional water utility, is considering a major infrastructure upgrade. The board of directors is split. Director A wants the cheapest option to maximize short-term shareholder dividends. Director B wants a more expensive, eco-friendly option.

Director A owns a piece of land valued at £150,000. AquaGrid PLC (which has net assets of £2 million) wishes to buy this land from Director A to build a new pumping station. Under the Companies Act 2006, what specific procedural requirement must be met for this transaction to be valid?

Answer options:

A.

It only requires approval by the board of directors, provided Director A does not vote.

B.

It must be approved by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders, as it is a substantial property transaction.

C.

It must be approved by a special resolution of the shareholders.

D.

The transaction is strictly prohibited by law.

How to approach this question

Identify the rules regarding 'substantial property transactions' between a company and its directors.

Full Answer

B.It must be approved by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders, as it is a substantial property transaction.✓ Correct
Under Section 190 of the Companies Act 2006, a company may not enter into an arrangement to acquire a 'substantial non-cash asset' from a director (or vice versa) unless the arrangement has been approved by a resolution of the members (ordinary resolution). An asset is 'substantial' if its value exceeds 10% of the company's net assets and is more than £5,000, OR if it exceeds £100,000. Here, £150,000 exceeds the £100,000 absolute threshold.

Common mistakes

Assuming the board of directors can approve the transaction simply by having the conflicted director leave the room.

Practice the full ACCA LW — Corporate and Business Law Practice Exam 4

60 questions · hints · full answers · grading

More questions from this exam