SH02 Form UK: File Share Capital Changes (2026)

What this document is

Form SH02 is the Companies House notice used when a limited company consolidates its shares, sub-divides them, redeems shares, or reconverts stock back into shares. Each of these is a distinct corporate action with its own purpose. Consolidation merges several shares of a lower nominal value into one share of a higher nominal value, which tidies up a fragmented share register.

Sub-division does the reverse, taking a single share and splitting it into several smaller units, often to make the shares more transferable or to support an employee share scheme. Redemption covers the buyback of redeemable shares under their stated terms, removing those shares from circulation.

Reconversion of stock into shares is now uncommon since the Companies Act 2006 largely removed the ability to convert shares into stock, but the form still caters for legacy situations. The SH02 tells the registrar what changed, when it changed, and what the new share capital looks like.

It does not replace the board minutes, members' resolution or statement of capital that sit behind the change, but it is the public-facing notification that keeps the register accurate.

How to use this document

1. Confirm the authority for the change. Before anything goes on Form SH02, check the company's articles permit the action you want to take. Consolidations and sub-divisions usually need an ordinary resolution, redemptions must follow the terms set when the shares were issued, and any relevant articles provisions must be respected. Without proper authority, the filing sits on top of a defective decision.
2. Pass the shareholder resolution. Hold the general meeting or circulate a written resolution as required. Record the date carefully because Form SH02 asks for the resolution date and it cannot be in the future or before 1 October 2009, which is when the current regime came into force. Keep a signed copy of the resolution for the company's records and for filing where required.
3. Complete the share capital details. Fill in the company name and registered number exactly as they appear on the public register, then set out the changes to the issued share capital. You will need to show the position before and after the change, including the number of shares in each class, their nominal value, the aggregate amount unpaid and the currency. Accuracy here matters because this data flows straight into the public record.
4. Prepare the statement of capital. An updated statement of capital must accompany the notice, showing the new structure after consolidation, sub-division, redemption or reconversion. Include the prescribed particulars of rights attaching to each class of share. Many filings are rejected because the statement of capital does not match the figures given elsewhere on the form.
5. Sign and file with Companies House. A director, secretary or other authorised person signs the form. File within one month of the resolution or the redemption date, depending on which action triggered it. Online filing through the Companies House service is usually faster than paper, and the register is updated once the notice is accepted.