PART 1Companies etc

Company names

19Registrar’s power to change names containing computer code

(1)

The Companies Act 2006 is amended as follows

(2)

In the heading of Chapter 4 of Part 5, after “Secretary of State” insert “and the registrar”.

(3)

After section 76B (inserted by section 18 of this Act) insert—

“Registrar’s powers to change names

76CRegistrar’s power to change name containing computer code

(1)

Where, in the opinion of the registrar, a company’s registered name consists of or includes computer code, the registrar may—

(a)

determine a new name for the company, and

(b)

remove from the register any reference to the company’s old name.

(2)

If the registrar determines a new name for a company under this section, the registrar must—

(a)

give the company notice of the determination, and

(b)

place a note of the determination in the register.

(3)

Where a company is given a direction under section 76B to change its name—

(a)

that does not affect the registrar’s power to act under subsection (1), but

(b)

if the registrar does so, the direction lapses.”

(4)

In section 1081 (annotation of the register), in subsection (6), after “subsection (2)” insert “or of any other enactment”.