This handy new book provides a reference collection of all the texts of default articles of association which have applied to companies registered since 1856. As such it offers a reference source for lawyers giving advice to private companies on the text of the articles of association relevant the point of formation of the company.

There are currently seven main sets of default articles, dating from 1856, 1862, 1906, 1908, 1929, 1948 and 1985. The 1948 and 1985 sets have been repeatedly amended. This collection of default articles will also include any new default articles under the proposed Companies Act due to follow by Regulation in 2007.

Derek French's commentary provides a summary of the law and articles of association including any changes made by the Companies Act. Each provision of each set of articles is followed by a note giving the equivalent provision in the preceding and succeeding texts so that historical development can be traced.