Meaning
Depletion of company resources through unauthorized transfers or wasteful expenditures that reduces the value available to creditors and shareholders. This process often occurs when management attempts to move funds beyond the reach of a potential judgment creditor. The loss of value can lead to insolvency if the core capital of the business is removed.
Value Preservation
Courts issue injunctions to prevent the further loss of company property. A claim of corporate asset dissipation requires evidence that there is a real risk of the assets being moved or hidden. This protection ensures that any future court victory results in a recovery of actual funds.
Asset Tracing
Forensic accountants follow the movement of money through various bank accounts and shell companies. When corporate asset dissipation is suspected, the court may order the disclosure of all financial records and the location of specific items. This step is necessary to identify where the value has been sent.
Remedial Action
The legal system provides ways to claw back funds that were transferred for less than their true market value. Proving corporate asset dissipation allows a liquidator to void certain transactions and return the wealth to the company. This process often involves litigation against the recipients of the unauthorized transfers.