BSOG 2.5 Confirmation

The parties in an amalgamation should make a joint application for confirmation to the Prudential Regulator2, while the parties to a transfer of engagements should make separate applications for confirmation of the transfer. These applications should specify the date on which the merger is intended to take effect and should be accompanied by two authenticated copies of the Instrument of Transfer, or the amalgamation agreement, and of the Merger Document or separate Schedule 16 Statement. In addition, in the case of an amalgamation, three signed copies of the Memorandum and Rules of the successor to the amalgamating societies should be sent to the Prudential Regulator and the FCA2. The scrutineers report described in BSOG 2.4.38 G to BSOG 2.4.40 G, and a certified copy of the minutes of the general meeting at which the Merger Resolutions were moved, must be enclosed with each application.

2However, the FCA does have power, on the written application of an eligible member, to direct that the member has the right to obtain names and addresses from the society's register of members. Before it gives such a direction, the FCA is required to be satisfied that the member requires that right for the purpose of communicating with members of the society on a subject relating to its affairs, and must have regard to the interests of the members as a whole and to all the other circumstances (Schedule 2, paragraph 15). A fee is payable by the applicant. Chapter 1A on applications for access to the register of members explains who is eligible to apply.

The Prudential Regulator will not normally give an oral decision at the end of the hearing and may be expected to reserve its decision to be issued later in writing, setting out its reasons. Copies of the written decision will be sent to the participants and, on request, to any other person. The decision may also be published, and the Prudential Regulator usually asks the registration team to place copies on the public files of the participating societies.