Liquidation

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Definition of 'Liquidation'

Liquidation is the process of selling off all of the assets of a company or other organization in order to pay off its debts. This can happen when a company is going out of business, or when it is being reorganized.

There are two main types of liquidation: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary liquidation occurs when a company decides to close down and sell off its assets. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as financial difficulties, or a change in business strategy. Involuntary liquidation occurs when a company is forced to close down by its creditors. This can happen if the company is unable to pay its debts, or if it is in breach of its loan agreements.

The liquidation process can be complex and time-consuming. It typically involves the following steps:

1. The company's board of directors must approve the liquidation.
2. A liquidator is appointed to oversee the liquidation process.
3. The liquidator takes control of the company's assets and begins to sell them off.
4. The proceeds from the asset sales are used to pay off the company's debts.
5. Any remaining assets are distributed to the company's shareholders.

The liquidation process can take several months or even years to complete. During this time, the company's operations will be suspended and its employees will be laid off. The liquidation process can be a difficult time for all involved, but it is often necessary in order to protect the interests of the company's creditors and shareholders.

In some cases, a company may be able to avoid liquidation by filing for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is a legal process that allows a company to reorganize its debts and continue operating. However, bankruptcy is not always a viable option, and liquidation may be the only way to resolve a company's financial problems.

Liquidation can have a number of negative consequences for a company's stakeholders. Employees may lose their jobs, and creditors may not be able to recover all of their debts. However, liquidation can also be beneficial in some cases. It can help to prevent a company from going into further debt, and it can allow its assets to be sold off for a higher price than they would be worth if the company were to continue operating.

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