Company Law is much more than a sub-topic in the law relating to business enterprises—it is an epic saga: one of amazing creativity and innovation; of impressive cooperation and cutthroat competition; of massive fraud and social upheaval; of cunning manoeuvres and double-dealings; of family squabbles and power plays; of fraud and betrayal; of bankruptcies and suicide. These traits although historically endowed are still prevalent today.

At the end of this course, students will:

• Outline historical developments in the Companies Act over the period
  1844-2004.
• Explain the nature of company law.
• Differentiate between public and private companies; identify the steps, procedure and documents in registering a company.
• Discuss the development of common law and the enactment of statutes in relation of enforcing pre- incorporation contracts.
• Discuss the nature of legal personality: corporate personality, limited liability and lifting the veil; discuss liability under tort and discuss criminal liability.
• Discuss the management of the company: Outline the duties and responsibilities of directors, shareholders & secretary; Discuss the supplementation of the statutory Constitution: Shareholders Agreement.
• Describe the historical review of the rise and fall of the ultra vires doctrine; Assess the provisions in company law to protect investors and creditors.
• Evaluate the legislative provisions in a country Insider Dealing.
• Differentiate between reconstructions, mergers and takeovers; outline the effect of liquidation/insolvency and administration.

The course content also prepares students for the ACCA module – Corporate and Business Law.