ACCA F4 Corporate and Business Law Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Resource

To change its name, a company must typically pass a special resolution. A special resolution is a formal decision made by a company's shareholders that requires a higher threshold of approval than an ordinary resolution, which is often necessary for significant changes like altering the company's name. This process ensures that all shareholders have a say in a decision that can impact the company's branding and identity.

In the context of corporate governance, passing a special resolution requires at least a three-quarters majority of the votes cast at a shareholder meeting or through written resolutions. This mechanism serves as a safeguard, ensuring that such a substantial change receives adequate support from the company’s stakeholders.

While submitting a memorandum, obtaining shareholder approval, and applying to the Secretary of State may be components of the overall process of changing a company's name, the act of formalizing the change through a special resolution is the critical step that gives the new name legal standing.

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