Compromises Arrangements and Amalgamations
Compromises Arrangements and Amalgamations
1. Introduction:
2. Meeting Order:
The applicant must provide an affidavit disclosing material facts about the
company, including financial position, auditor's report, and ongoing
investigations.
Specifics on the reduction of share capital and corporate debt restructuring, if
any, must be disclosed.
The company must file the Tribunal's order with the Registrar within thirty
days of receipt.
10. Dispensation of Creditor Meeting (Subsection 9): - The Tribunal has the
authority to dispense with calling a meeting if at least ninety percent of creditors
agree through affidavit.
A takeover offer is a corporate action in which a company, known as the acquirer, makes an
offer to purchase another company, referred to as the target 1. The acquiring company generally
offers cash, stock, or a combination of both for the target 1. The reasons behind takeover bid
offers can be synergy, tax benefits, or diversification 1.
1. Friendly: A friendly takeover bid takes place when both the acquirer and the target
companies work together to negotiate the terms of the deal 1.
2. Hostile: Rather than going through the board of directors of the target company, a
hostile bid involves going directly to the shareholders 1.
3. Reverse: In a reverse takeover bid, a private company becomes a public company by
purchasing control of the public company 1.
4. Backflips: A backflip takeover is a rare type of takeover in which the acquiring company
turns itself into a subsidiary of the purchased company 1.
These offers are normally taken to the target’s board of directors, and then to shareholders for
approval1. If approved,
A company can take several steps to reach a compromise with its creditors. Here are some of
them:
1. Negotiation: The company can negotiate with its creditors to reduce the total amount of
debt, decrease the interest rate, and increase the time to pay it back 12.
2. Debt Restructuring: This involves altering the terms of the debt agreement to make it
more manageable for the company12.
3. Conversion of Debt into Equity: In some cases, a portion of the company’s debt may be
converted into equity, giving the creditor a stake in the company 1.
4. Compromise & Arrangement under Companies Act, 2013: In India, Section 230 of the
Companies Act, 2013 provides a legal framework for a company to make a compromise
or arrangement with its creditors1. This can include a reorganization of the company’s
share capital by the consolidation of shares of different classes or by the division of
shares into shares of different classes1.
5. Corporate Debt Restructuring (CDR): This is a process that helps a company facing
financial difficulties to reduce its obligations to its creditors 1. The CDR process involves
the consent of not less than seventy-five per cent of the secured creditors in value 1.
6. Scheme of Arrangement: This is a court-approved agreement between a company and
its shareholders or creditors (e.g., a debt-for-equity swap). It may affect mergers and
amalgamations and may alter shareholder or creditor rights 1.
When an application is submitted to the Tribunal under section 230 for the approval
of a compromise or arrangement between a company and relevant stakeholders, the
Tribunal, under section 232(1), has the authority to order a meeting of creditors or
members. This applies specifically in the context of a scheme for the reconstruction
of the company or companies involving merger or amalgamation. The meeting may
be directed by the Tribunal, applying the provisions of sub-sections (3) to (6) of
section 230.
Upon the Tribunal's order, merging companies or those involved in the proposed
division must circulate various documents for the ordered meeting. These documents
include:
Once the Tribunal ensures compliance with the specified procedures, it can, by order,
sanction the compromise or arrangement. The Tribunal may make provisions for
several matters, including:
Auditor's Certificate and Transfer of Property or Liabilities (Sections 232(4) and (8))
Filing with Registrar and Effective Date of Scheme (Sections 232(5) and (6))
Every company involved must file a certified copy of the order with the
Registrar within 30 days.
The scheme must clearly indicate an appointed date from which it becomes
effective.
Rule 15.31 explains that, for the purpose of Chapter XV of the Act, 'demerger' in
relation to companies involves the transfer of one or more undertakings by a
'demerged company' to a 'resulting company' under a scheme of arrangement.
Accounting treatment is specified until Accounting Standards are prescribed for
demergers.
Combined Explanation
In summary, Section 232 outlines the legal processes for mergers and
amalgamations, from the Tribunal's power to call meetings and circulation of
relevant documents to the sanctioning of schemes, auditor's certification, property or
liabilities transfer, filing with the Registrar, and annual compliance. Rule 15.31
provides clarity on the inclusion of 'demerger' within the scope of compromises or
arrangements, detailing the accounting treatment until specific standards are
established.
2. Definitions:
Holding Company (Section 2(46)): A company of which other companies are subsidiary
companies.
Small Company (Section 2(85)): A non-public company with either:
Paid-up share capital not exceeding fifty lakh rupees (or a higher prescribed
amount up to five crore rupees)
Turnover not exceeding two crore rupees (or a higher prescribed amount up to
twenty crore rupees)
Exceptions: Excludes holding companies, Section 8 companies, or those governed
by any special Act.
A company in which the holding company controls the composition of the Board of
Directors or exercises/control more than one-half of the total share capital.
Filing of Scheme:
The transferee company files the approved scheme with the Central Government,
Registrar, and Official Liquidator within seven days after the meetings.
Fees are paid through the MCA e-filing system.
Communication of Objections:
If the Registrar or Official Liquidator has objections, they communicate within
thirty days; otherwise, it's presumed no objection.
Central Government's Role:
If objections persist, the Central Government may file an application before the
Tribunal within sixty days, stating objections.
The Tribunal may direct consideration under Section 232 or confirm the scheme based on
reasons recorded in writing.
If no objection from the Central Government, it is deemed to have no objection.
10. Registrar Communication and Effects of Registration (Sections 233(7) and (8)):
The order confirming the scheme is communicated to the Registrar of the transferee
company.
Registration leads to the dissolution of the transferor company without winding-up.
Transfer of Property/Liabilities:
Property/liabilities of the transferor become those of the transferee.
Enforceability of Charges:
Charges on transferor's property apply to the transferee.
Continuation of Legal Proceedings:
Legal proceedings continue against or by the transferee.
Dissenting Shareholders/Creditors:
Unpaid amounts due to dissenting shareholders/creditors become the liability of
the transferee.
Transferee company cannot hold any shares in its own name or trust after the merger;
such shares are canceled or extinguished.
The transferee company files an application with the Registrar, indicating the revised
authorized capital and paying prescribed fees.
Fees paid by the transferor company may be set off against the fees payable by the
transferee company.
This comprehensive overview highlights the detailed process of fast track mergers under Section
233, addressing eligibility, definitions, procedural steps, and the legal implications of the merger.
If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on any part, please feel free to ask.
Certainly, Rehan sir. Let's continue with the detailed explanation of the remaining sections and
rules related to the fast-track merger process under Section 233.
The Central Government may provide for the merger or amalgamation of companies in
such manner as may be prescribed.
A company covered under this section may use the provisions of Section 232 for the
approval of any scheme for merger or amalgamation.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Section 233 outlines a simplified and expedited process for mergers or
amalgamations involving small companies, holding companies, and their wholly-owned
subsidiaries. The process involves detailed steps, from issuing notices to objections, approvals,
and regulatory filings. The Central Government's role is crucial, ensuring the scheme aligns with
public interest and creditors' interests. The registration of the scheme brings about legal
implications, including the transfer of property and liabilities, continuation of legal proceedings,
and handling dissenting shareholders or creditors.
A Fast Track Merger is a provision under Section 233 of the Companies Act,
2013, that allows certain classes of companies to undergo a merger process
with a simplified and expedited timeline1234. It aims to reduce procedural
complexities, save costs, and ensure that the merger is completed within a
specified deadline34.
Fast Track Merger can be entered between the following types of companies 1:
1. Holding Company and its wholly owned subsidiary company
2. Merger between two or more small companies
3. Such Other class or classes of companies as may be prescribed
The benefits of a Fast Track Merger include12:
1. No mandatory approval of NCLT required
2. No need of issuing public advertisement
3. No court convened meeting
4. Less administrative burden
5. Series of hearings may be avoided
6. Registration of scheme shall deemed to have effect of dissolution of
transferor companies without the process of winding up
7. Comparatively less cost
The procedure for a Fast Track Merger includes drafting of the scheme of
merger, approval from shareholders, creditors, Registrar of Companies, Official
Liquidator, and Regional Director1
Procedure
Fast Track Merger is a simplified procedure for mergers and amalgamations of
certain classes of companies, including small companies, holding and
subsidiary companies12. Here is the step-by-step procedure for a Fast Track
Merger:
1. Authorisation in the Articles of Association: The Articles of Association of
both the transferor and transferee company should authorize the
merger. If not, the Articles of Association need to be altered first2.
2. Approval of the Board for the Merger Scheme: Both the transferor and
transferee company need to prepare the draft scheme for Merger and
the same should be approved by the members of the Board2.
3. Filing the Draft Scheme: The scheme must be filed with the Jurisdictional
Registrar of Companies (ROC) as well as the official liquidator1.
4. Declaration of Solvency: A Declaration of Solvency needs to be filed with
the ROC3.
5. Meeting of Members and Creditors: Convene a meeting of members and
creditors to obtain approval13.
6. Filing the Scheme with ROC: After the scheme is approved by the
members and creditors, it needs to be filed with the ROC 1.
I. Introduction:
The provided legal text pertains to Section 234 of the Companies Act, addressing the
merger or amalgamation of a company with a foreign company. This section outlines
the applicability of certain provisions and the regulatory framework for such
transactions involving companies registered under the Act and those incorporated in
foreign jurisdictions.
The text begins by stating that the provisions of this Chapter (presumably referring
to the chapter in the Companies Act that includes Section 234) will apply mutatis
mutandis to schemes of mergers and amalgamations. This application is extended to
companies registered under the Companies Act and companies incorporated in
foreign countries specified by the Central Government.
Explanation:
Mutatis Mutandis: This Latin phrase means "with necessary changes." In the
legal context, it signifies the application of the same rules but with
modifications as necessary.
The Central Government is granted the authority to notify specific countries whose
companies are eligible for merger or amalgamation with Indian companies.
Additionally, it holds the power to establish rules, in consultation with the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI), concerning mergers and amalgamations under this section.
Explanation:
The second subsection outlines the process by which a foreign company may merge
into a company registered under the Companies Act and vice versa. It emphasizes
the need for prior approval from the Reserve Bank of India.
Explanation:
Prior Approval: Before a foreign company engages in a merger with an
Indian company or vice versa, it must obtain approval from the Reserve Bank
of India.
The terms and conditions of the merger or amalgamation are flexible and may
include various arrangements. One such arrangement is the payment of
consideration to the shareholders of the merging company. This consideration can
be in cash, in the form of Depository Receipts, or a combination of both, as outlined
in the scheme devised for this purpose.
Explanation:
Explanation:
25. In essence, Section 235 ensures a fair process when a company acquires
another, especially regarding dissenting shareholders, with oversight from the
Tribunal when needed.
This section deals with the situation where an acquirer or a group of people, by virtue
of activities like amalgamation or share exchange, holds 90% or more of a company's
issued equity share capital. In such a scenario, they must notify the company of their
intention to buy the remaining equity shares.
Following the notification, the acquirer or group must offer to buy the equity shares
held by minority shareholders. The price for these shares is determined through a
valuation by a registered valuer, adhering to prescribed rules.
The majority shareholders, as part of the purchase process, deposit an amount equal
to the value of the shares to be acquired in a separate bank account. This amount is
used for disbursement to minority shareholders within sixty days.
The company from which shares are being acquired (transferor company) acts as a
transfer agent, managing the payment to minority shareholders and facilitating the
transfer of shares.
If minority shareholders don't physically deliver their shares within the specified time,
the share certificates are considered canceled. The transferor company then issues
new shares and completes the transfer, using the funds deposited by the majority.
VII. Continuing Rights of Minority Shareholders:
If, after the acquisition, the majority shareholders negotiate a higher price for any
transfer without disclosing it, they must share the additional compensation with
minority shareholders on a pro-rata basis.
IX. Definitions:
The section provides definitions for terms like "acquirer" and "person acting in
concert," referring to the meanings assigned in the Securities and Exchange Board of
India (SEBI) regulations.
X. Continued Application:
Even if shares are delisted or a specified time elapses, the provisions of this section
continue to apply to residual minority equity shareholders if full purchase isn't
achieved.