Restoring a dissolved company to realise its assets: when it is worth it

Restoration brings a dissolved company back onto the register as if it had never been dissolved. It is the usual route when assets are discovered after dissolution, and business records can be one of them.

Two routes

• Administrative restoration (Companies Act 2006, s.1024) is handled by the registrar. It is generally available to former directors or members of a company struck off by the registrar, within a time limit, and requires the company's filings to be brought up to date.
• Restoration by the court (s.1029) is wider: creditors, former officeholders and others with an interest can apply, also within time limits that depend on the circumstances.

When it makes sense for records

It is only worth the time and cost if three things hold:

1. The records still exist and can be exported, in English.
2. The company was large enough: micro1 lists 30 or more peak employees for its defunct-company track company.micro1.ai/get-started · 15 Nov 2026.
3. Someone credible will act once it is restored, usually an insolvency practitioner appointed for the purpose.

If any of these fails, restoration is unlikely to pay for itself. If all three hold, talk to a solicitor about the route and timing before you speak to any buyer.

What we do and do not do

We do not value records or promise outcomes. We explain the steps and, where a company fits micro1's published criteria, point to micro1. Start with the readiness checklist.