Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA)

A DOCA can help a company recover and avoid liquidation

There’s no doubt that if a company is facing insolvency it’s a stressful time for all involved. But sometimes a little extra time is all that’s needed to help get that company back on its feet. This is where a deed of company arrangement or “DOCA” may assist. A DOCA can help a company avoid liquidation and remain in business allowing it to continue with all or some of its usual business operations.

A DOCA is a binding arrangement between a company and its creditors

A DOCA is a binding arrangement between a company and its creditors, which governs how the company’s affairs and assets will be handled if it is danger of becoming insolvent or has entered into voluntary administration.

The main purpose of a DOCA

The main purpose of a DOCA is to produce a better outcome for all relevant parties, rather than simply choosing to wind the company up. The process involves directors formulating a proposal to enter a DOCA during the voluntary administration period, which the administrators then put it to the creditors. If creditors vote for a company to enter into a DOCA, the company must sign the deed within 15 business days of the creditors’ meeting. This is unless the court has allowed for a longer time. A DOCA also binds all unsecured creditors ­– even if they voted against the proposal.

Company executes a DOCA

Once a company executes a DOCA, the voluntary administration effectively ends and the administration becomes a deed administration that is governed by the DOCA.

If the company does not sign within this time, it will automatically go into liquidation and the voluntary administrator becomes the liquidator.

Resolution: DOCA is terminated upon final payment & settlement of debts

When the company makes its final payment then the DOCA terminates. Following this, the company can continue as a solvent company and moves on from the administration.

There are a number of advantages to a DOCA, particularly around allowing the company to move forward if it finds itself in financial difficulty and has appointed an administrator. If the company finds a solution through entering into a DOCA it may result in a better outcome than being wound up.

Extensive DOCA experience, fast assessment

At Jirsch Sutherland we have extensive experience with DOCAs and can quickly and efficiently assess your situation to determine whether this option is the best one for your needs.

Ask our experts if a DOCA is the right solution for yourself or for your client

Key benefits of a Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA)

Remain operational

Helps a company avoid liquidation and continue on with business.

Staff employment

The employment of staff continues if possible. 

Regain control

A Director can regain control of the company once the DOCA is finalised.

Greater return

Has potential to provide larger return for creditors.

Image NameDetail Position Description Social

Corporate solutions for businesses experiencing financial distress

Corporate Insolvency

A company that cannot pay its debts when they are due is considered to be insolvent. There are several warning signs that a company may become insolvent…

Read more
Receivership

If a company is in financial difficulty, a receiver may be appointed to take control of some or all of its assets to ensure the payment of secured creditors…

Read more
Liquidations

When the assets of a business are liquidated, it means they are converted into cash. This situation spells the end for the business, as with stock, equipment…

Read more
Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA)

A DOCA can help a company avoid liquidation and remain in business allowing it to continue with all or some of its usual business operations…

Read more
Small Business Restructuring

As Small Business Restructuring Practitioners, our Registered Liquidators ensure you benefit from the insolvency reforms. Jirsch Sutherland’s Registered Liquidators have vast experience in restructuring small businesses…

Read more
Voluntary Administration (VA) Experts

Voluntary Administrations (VAs) allow insolvent companies to continue to operate, or, if this is not possible, they provide for a greater return to creditors than they would otherwise receive if the business was liquidated…

Read more
Jirsch Sutherland