During winding up, which sequence correctly describes the typical process?

• A. Discontinuing all business activities immediately.
• B. Merging with another entity.
• C. Sell assets, pay debts, distribute surplus, then terminate.
• D. Initiating a formal dissolution petition with the court.

Answer: (C)

During winding up, the focus is on turning assets into cash, paying what is owed, and then distributing what remains before the business finally ends. The process starts with selling the company’s assets to generate funds. Those funds are then used to pay creditors in the proper order of priority. Only after debts are satisfied is any remaining money distributed to shareholders as surplus. Once all assets have been realized and liabilities settled, the entity is terminated, ending its legal existence. This order protects creditors and ensures an orderly conclusion to the company’s affairs. Prematurely stopping operations, merging with another entity, or filing for dissolution without first liquidating assets and settling debts do not reflect the typical, orderly sequence of winding up.