Speed Read: Two ways for corporate activities to be amalgamated are the formation of joint ventures and the mergers of companies. The mechanics of setting up joint ventures can expose one or both parties to potential tax charges on degrouping of assets. TCGA 1992 s 181 provides relief from these charges for genuine commercial joint ventures. Companies can also be merged directly under UK company law, and cross-border mergers are permitted under EU legislation. New UK rules on chargeable gains were enacted to deal with cross-border mergers.
