CG17953l - Taper relief: trading company and holding company of a trading group - periods from 17 April 2002 - meaning of "as soon as is reasonably practicable in the circumstances"

Rather than impose a fixed time limit, the legislation allows companies whatever time is reasonable, having regard to the particular circumstances, to prepare to carry on a new trade or to acquire a trade or trading company. What is "reasonably practicable in the circumstances" will depend on the facts in each case. For example, a company may be in negotiations to acquire a trading company but owing to circumstances beyond its control the purchase is delayed. There might be, for example, a problem with the vendor proving title to the company's assets. In such a case we would not suggest that the acquisition had not been made as soon as was reasonably practicable in the circumstances where this was the reason for the delay.