Finding a lost share certificate is often just the start of the puzzle. If the company name on the paper no longer exists, how do you find your money?
Step 1: The “Big 3” Registrars For most active companies, your first port of call is the Share Registrar. In the UK, three main companies handle the vast majority of records:
- Equiniti (formerly Lloyds TSB Registrars)
- ComputerShare
- Link Group (formerly Capita)
They can tell you if you are on the register, update your address, and reissue certificates.
Step 2: Tracing History (Mergers & Takeovers) If the company has changed its name or been bought, the Registrar can usually trace the history for you. They can confirm if you are owed “Merger Consideration” (cash paid during a takeover) or if your old shares were swapped for new ones.
Step 3: The “Deep Dive” (Guildhall Library) If the Registrar draws a blank, or the company was delisted decades ago, you may need a specialist source. The Guildhall Library in London focuses on the financial district and keeps detailed records on the history of all companies listed on the stock market. It is an invaluable resource for tracing complex corporate family trees.
Step 4: The Supreme Court If a takeover happened more than 12 years ago and you didn’t claim your cash, the money may have been transferred to the Accountant General of the Supreme Court. Claims for these “ancient” takeover funds must be submitted directly to them, rather than the company.
Simplify the Search You don’t need to visit the Guildhall Library or call the Supreme Court yourself. Divica aggregates this data, tracking mergers and name changes automatically to point you to the right place instantly.