Sam, along with three others, is in the process of incorporating a new company called Shoppers Pty
Question:
Sam, along with three others, is in the process of incorporating a new company called Shoppers Pty Ltd. The purpose of the company is to develop a huge shopping complex. A large industrial site is for sale and Sam is of the view that it would be an ideal site for the development. She does not wish to miss the opportunity and so she negotiates a price and enters into a contract to buy the land. Sam signs the contract for sale of the land and the lease ‘for and on behalf of Shoppers Pty Ltd’ and a deposit is paid from funds contributed by each of the group. Luckily, Sam was able to negotiate a lengthy settlement clause in the contract. Sam and her three associates begin to make plans for the construction of their development proposal on this site. The company is finally incorporated, although its name had to be changed to Shop and Play Pty Ltd as the other name (Shoppers ) was already reserved. The new Board, which included Sam, decided to have the land fenced even though the contract was not finalized and the company paid for this to be done. Meanwhile, land values fell and the new Board was of the view that the purchase price was too high. When it came to settle the contract the company refused to do so arguing that it was never a party to the contract anyway.
Advise the company whether it is liable to finalise the purchase? Identifying the issues, relevant cases or laws in this situations, application and conclusion. Tell me what more information you need. Referring to laws such as partnership laws or even company laws and many more.
Financial Accounting
ISBN: 978-0078025549
3rd edition
Authors: J. David Spiceland, Wayne Thomas, Don Herrmann