Before I wish you all a Merry Christmas, I thought I would close out the year by sharing with you something that amuses me every time I notice it. (Law can be a dry field in which to practice. We find mirth where we may.)

It is this: the number of companies with the word “phoenix” in their name. Often, they seem to be construction companies, though the field is wide. And they keep popping up in the daily Rodgers Reidy Risk Watch insolvency reports, suggesting that a remarkable number don’t seem to travel too well. Or perhaps I just notice them because I find it funny. Never fails to amuse me. Every single time. Why would you do that, use such a name for your company? Is it not inviting trouble? Unwelcome attention from corporate regulators? Cracks me up.

Let’s look at some stats, shall we? –

*Note I do not suggest any such company has engaged in phoenix activity. It is simply the use of the name, that I enjoy.

• A search on ASIC’s website shows that there are 2570 entries found containing the word “phoneix”
• A search on ASIC’s insolvency notices database (including deregistartion notices) brings up multiple pages of current entries, including Phoenix Motor Brokers Pty Ltd (in liquidation), PAJ King Pty Ltd trading as Phoenix Air Systems (in liquidation), Phoenix Refractories Australia Pty Ltd (in liquidation) and Phoenix Hazmat Services Pty Ltd (in liquidation),
•  A search on Austlii shows a healthy amount of litigation involving companies with the word “phoenix” in their name, including Phoenix Constructions (Queensland) Pty Ltd, Phoenix International Group Pty Ltd and Phoenix Commercial Enterprises Pty Ltd.

Anyway, perhaps I amuse only myself, but there it is. If anyone is unclear on what a phoenixing company is or does, I have written on this before here.

It has been a busy year for many of us. I have at least one part-written post not yet polished enough to post, but it can wait until the New year. It further discusses the Full Federal Court’s decision on the CGT obligations of “trustees” (including liquidators) in Commissioner of Taxation v Australian Building Systems Pty Ltd (in liq) [2014] FCAFC 133. My earlier posts on this case are here (first instance) and here (appeal).

Merry Christmas to you all, and my wishes to you and your families for a safe, happy and healthy 2015. May you enjoy a restful break, and return fighting fit for 2015.

On a serious note, thoughts turn to our fallen colleague in Sydney, Katrina Dawson. May she rest in peace. My heart breaks for her little children. For once, words fail me.