tier 2 extension

[kanni1111]

hi ,could you help me out with my tier 2 extension

i got tier2 (general)in April 2010 i have extension in April 2013 ,my company is ready to sponsor me under same job title .

after my sposorship, my comapany didnt sposor anyone till now so i dont know wether they renewd it or not ,
what if they didnt renew it how long it will take to renew license andissue new COS

how months before i can apply for extension just only one month or more coz had 8 months visa only due to this my wife is not getting any jobs
most of them asking for atleast 1year visa.
i heard that we no need show maintanance funds for extension as i showed in previous application .

could you someone please clarify me on these issues.