​English Company Law - 'Off-the-shelf' companies

​English Company Law -  'Off-the-shelf' companies
Preparing the registration documentation is not difficult, but it does necessitate familiarity with the procedures for forming a corporation. Individuals who lack such information or who wish to minimize the time and effort involved in drafting the registration forms may decide to hire an incorporation agent (also known as a company formation agent) instead. Incorporation agents file the necessary paperwork and then put the newly formed business "on the shelf" until it is purchased. 
When a company is purchased, the agent notifies the registrar of companies of the new owner's identity as well as any applicable changes (such as a change of registered office or directors).

According to the Company Law Review Steering Group, around 60% of all new businesses start out as off-the-shelf businesses. Be aware of the importance of this way of acquiring a firm, as well as the benefits (e.g., quickness and low cost) and drawbacks (e.g., the company may not be tailored to the purchaser's demands) of doing so.