Question Tag: Winding-up

Maideline Nigeria Limited manufactures tyres for use by cars, trucks, and trailers. The company is owner-managed, meaning the shareholders are also the directors. On June 1, 2020, the directors decided to wind up the company due to the high cost of operations, the Naira’s depreciation against the US dollar, and the economic impact of COVID-19, which have severely impacted the company’s ability to continue business.

Management notified employees, suppliers, and customers that Maideline would cease all manufacturing activities by September 30. Consequently, all factory workers and most employees in accounts and administration were terminated effective September 30. Remaining employees will face redundancy by November 30. A minimal head office team, including the Company Secretary and some support staff, will remain operational for a few more years until the company winds down completely.

Maideline operated 20 branches and a head office. Of these, 12 branches are located in company-owned buildings, while the remaining 8 operate from leased buildings with lease terms of three to five years. Lease agreements prohibit sub-letting and sale. On adopting IFRS 16, the entity assumed lease renewals at term end, recording lease liabilities and right-of-use assets. A small head office building will remain in use until its lease expires in three years. Maideline accounts for its tangible non-current assets at cost, less depreciation, and has recognized deferred tax assets due to past tax losses and unutilized capital allowances.

All products sold carry a one-year warranty. Until May 31, 2020, the company offered two- and three-year extended warranties, but these were discontinued from March 1, 2020. Maideline distributes products nationally and internationally under three-year agreements and maintains annual supplier contracts. While no distributors or suppliers have pursued legal actions, some are withholding payments, awaiting penalty settlements they claim are due.

Required:
Using the information provided, identify and explain the financial statement risks to be taken into account in planning the final audit of Maideline in respect of the year ended December 31, 2020. (20 Marks)