14 July, 2010 Press Release: The New Companies Act and You – How to ensure you and your business are complying.
As a Director or Shareholder, it is imperative to be aware of the changes that the new Companies Act, 2008 (the Act) will have on your business. Get to grips with what is required of you as you transform your business. The International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW), will be hosting a couple of seminars that will keep you informed of the latest regulatory developments and how to comply with the Act.
BPW is the premier business network for women who want the professional edge. The first South African branch opened offices in Johannesburg in April this year, with the idea of expanding its reach throughout Gauteng and South Africa. The networking initiative aims to develop the professional, leadership and business potential of women through advocacy, mentoring, networking, skill building and economic empowerment programs and projects.
BPW's aim is to encourage equal participation of women and men in decision-making roles through a combination of capacity- and confidence-building. Through hosting events such as the one mentioned above and aligning with organizations such as Webber Wentzel, the BPW is paving the way by enriching the knowledge base of women directors and stakeholders when it comes to taking responsibility in a corporate setting.
In keeping with its core aim of keeping members abreast of their legal framework in which they operate, BPW is co-hosting a series of seminars on the Act with Webber Wentzel. BPW encourages all decisionmakers to attend, in order to gain valuable insight into a rapidly changing area of corporate law. Madelein Burger-van der Walt , partner with Webber Wentzel will discuss the updates contained within the Act and how they impact on the business environment.
Burger-van der Walt specializes in mergers and acquisitions and is an expert in the area of company law. She has presented on the Act for an array of industries including financial services, corporate finance,
mining, telecommunications, construction and natural resources. She has also appeared on CNBC Africa, Summit Business and SABC as an expert commentator on the topic.
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About the seminars:
Date: Tuesday, 14 September, 2010 Time: 09h30 to 17h00 Location: Webber Wentzel, 15th Floor, Convention Tower, Heerengracht, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001
Date: Wednesday, 29th September, 2010 Time: 08h30 to 16h30 Location: Webber Wentzel, 10 Fricker Road, Illovo Boulevard, Johannesburg, 2107
Topics to be discussed: * Transitional provisions * The formation of companies * Analysing the types of companies * The position of close corporations * Alterable and unalterable provisions * Memorandum of incorporation and rules * Shareholders’ agreements * Legal status and constructive notice * Validity of company actions and the Turquand rule * Pre-incorporation agreements * The abolishment of the concept of par value * Authorisation of shares, classes of shares; preferences, rights and limitations * The issue and subscription for shares, pre-emptive rights * Financial assistance * Distributions to shareholders * Repurchase of shares
* Fundamental transactions: - disposals of the greater or major part of assets or the undertaking of the company - mergers and amalgamations - schemes of arrangement * Shareholders' appraisal rights * Takeover provisions * Directors and governance * Business rescue Cost: BPW members - R700 per person; Non-BPW members - R900 per person. (Please Note: cancellation fees will be incurred once you have confirmed your booking.)
For more information, contact Toni Gomes on +27 (0)83 212 9134 or email ceo@bpw-jhbsa.co.za or visit the BPW South Africa website at www.bpw-jhbsa.co.za.