## Conversion of Companies Already Registered (Sec 18)
A company already registered under the Companies Act can convert into another class of company following these steps.
### Step 1 — Alteration of MOA and AOA
The company alters its MOA and AOA as per the provisions of the law for the new class.
### Step 2 — Application to ROC
The company files an application with the ROC for conversion.
The ROC:
- Verifies compliance with the registration requirements of the new class.
- Closes the former registration of the company.
### Step 3 — Issue of Certificate of Incorporation
The ROC issues a fresh Certificate of Incorporation reflecting the new class.
### Important Principle — Existing Rights & Liabilities Continue
Conversion does NOT affect:
- Any debts, liabilities, obligations, or contracts incurred or entered into before conversion.
- These continue and may be enforced as if no conversion had taken place.
### Common Conversion Examples
- Private → Public
- Public → Private
- Section 8 (charitable) → other class
- OPC → Private/Public
### Key Takeaway
The identity of the company remains the same — only its class/form changes. The Certificate of Incorporation is updated, but the company's history (contracts, liabilities, debts) carries over intact.