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SEBI Takeover Code - Detailed Analysis - Taxguru - in
SEBI Takeover Code - Detailed Analysis - Taxguru - in
AUTHOR :CSYOGESH12
https://taxguru.in/sebi/sebi-takeover-code.html
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INTRODUCTION
The concept of takeover emerged in late 19th century in some countries like US, UK etc. when the first wave of
mergers and acquisitions started. However, in India it was only in 20th century that the concept of takeover took
birth but even then the concept of hostile takeovers was not known to anybody. This concept emerged when
Swaraj Paul started efforts to takeover Escorts Ltd. and DCM Ltd. He was the first hostile raider among the
raiders of Indian stock market. Although Paul could not succeed in his efforts because the incumbents fend him
off by using the technicalities of rules governing non-residents but this created a need for a takeover code.
This need was further accentuated in 1990s when the government initiated the policy of liberalization and
globalization which resulted in growth of Indian economy at an increased pace, and it created a highly
competitive business environment, which motivated many companies to restructure their corporate strategies by
including the tools of mergers and takeovers.
In the meantime, SEBI was established in 1992 as a body corporate under the SEBI Act, 1992 with the main
objectives to,
Thus while the possibility of takeover of a company through share acquisition is desirable in new competitive
business environment for achieving strategic corporate objectives, there has to be well defined regulation so that
the interest of all concerned are not jeopardized by sudden takeover threats.
In the light of the then present circumstances, the need for some law to regulate takeover was strongly felt.
Moreover to achieve its objectives as stated in SEBI Act, 1992, SEBI enacted SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of
Shares and Takeover) Regulations, 1994 in exercise of powers conferred under section 30 of the Act which laid
down a procedure to be followed by an acquirer for acquiring majority shares or controlling in another company,
so that process of takeover is carried out in a fair and transparent manner.
Thereafter, these regulations have been amended a number of times to address the changing circumstances and
needs of corporate sector. In 1997 SEBI Takeover Code has been rechristened by enacting SEBI (Substantial
Acquisition of Shares and Takeover) Regulations, 1997 substituting SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares
and Takeover) Regulations, 1994.
In September 2009, the Takeover Regulations Advisory Committee (TRAC) under the chairmanship of Mr. C
Achuthan was constituted by SEBI with the mandate to examine and review the SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 1997
and to suggest suitable amendments, as deemed fit. Thereafter in June 2010, the Committee came out with the
TRAC Report proposing some sweeping changes on critical issues, including the open offer triggering event,
offer size, indirect acquisitions, exemptions from open offer obligations, offer price calculations and competing
offers which was then open for public comments. After considering the public comments and further to
discussion, the report has been modified to the present form i.e. SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011 substituting the
SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 1997.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. To analyse the new Takeover Code i.e. SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011.
5. To Study various Open Offers made under SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011
Data– The data was completely secondary in nature due to the analytical nature of the project and limitations of
researcher of conducting a primary study.
Approach: The secondary data has been analysed deductively so as to meet the requirements of the study.
Research Tools: The research tools for the secondary data included soft as well as hard materials. The soft
material includes various websites, online journals, online books etc., whereas the hard material refers to the
study of various books, newspapers, journals etc. The important point to note is that the above mentioned
materials have just been referred for a basic theoretical understanding developed over the time and the study has
been made specifically first hand.
Meaning of Takeover:
Takeover implies acquisition of control of a company which is already registered through the purchase or
exchange of shares. Takeover takes place usually by acquisition or purchase from the shareholders of a company
their shares at a specified price to the extent of atleast controlling interest in order to gain control of the
company.
Thus, when an “acquirer” takes over the control of the “Target Company”, it istermed as Takeover. When an
acquirer acquires “substantial quantity ofshares or voting rights” of the Target Company, it results into
substantial acquisition of shares.
Kinds of Takeover:
a. Friendly or Negotiated Takeover: Friendly takeover means takeover of one company by change in its
management & control through negotiations between the existing promoters and prospective investor in a
friendly manner. Thus it is also called Negotiated Takeover. This kind of takeover is resorted to further
some common objectives of both the parties. Generally, friendly takeover takes place as per the provisions
of Section 395 of the Companies Act, 1956.
b. Hostile Takeover: Hostile takeover is a takeover where one company unilaterally pursues the acquisition
of shares of another company without being into the knowledge of that other company, or if the target
company’s board rejects the offer, or the bidder makes the offer directly after having announced its firm
intention to make an offer. The most dominant purpose which has forced most of the companies to resort to
this kind of takeover is increase in market share.
a. Horizontal Takeover:Takeover of one company by another company in the same industry. The main
purpose behind this kind of takeover is achieving the economies of scale or increasing the market share. E.g.
takeover of Henkel by Jyothy Laboratories, Patni Computers by iGate.
b. Vertical takeover:Takeover by one company of its suppliers or customers. The former is known as
backward integration and latter is known as Forward integration. E.g. takeover of Sona Steerings Ltd. by
Maruti Udyog Ltd.
c. Conglomerate takeover:Takeover of one company by another company operating in totally different
industries. The main purpose of this kind of takeover is diversification.
The twentieth century began with the process of transformation of entire business scenario. The economy of
India which was hitherto controlled and regulated by the Government was set free to seize new opportunities
available in the world. With the announcement of the policy of globalization, the doors of Indian economy were
opened for the overseas investors. But to compete at the world platform, the scale of business was needed to be
increased. In this changed scenario, mergers and acquisitions were the best option available for the corporates
considering the time factor involved in capturing the opportunities made available by the globalization.
This new weapon in the armoury of corporates though proved to be beneficial but soon the predators with huge
disposable wealth started exploiting this opportunity to the prejudice of retail investor. This created a need for
some regulation to protect the interest of investors so that the process of takeover and mergers is used to develop
the securities market and not to sabotage it. In the year 1992, with the enactment of SEBI Act, SEBI was
established as regulatory body to promote the development of securities market and protect the interest of
investors in securities market. Further it got the power to make regulations for the above objectives. Thus SEBI
appointed a committee headed by P.N. Bhagwati to study the effect of takeovers and mergers on securities
market and suggest the provisions to regulate takeovers and mergers.
In its report, the committee stated the necessity of a Takeover Code on the following grounds:
The confidence of retail investors in the capital market is a crucial factor for its development. Therefore,
their interest needs to be protected.
An exit opportunity shall be given to the investors if they do not want to continue with the new
management.
Full and truthful disclosure shall be made of all material information relating to the open offer so as to take
an informed decision.
The acquirer shall ensure the sufficiency of financial resources for the payment of acquisition price to the
investors.
The process of acquisition and mergers shall be completed in a time bound manner.
Disclosures shall be made of all material transactions at earliest opportunity.
Thereafter, these regulations have been amended a number of times to address the changing circumstances and
needs of corporate sector. In 1994 SEBI came out with SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeover)
Regulations, 1994. Later SEBI Takeover Code has been rechristened by enacting SEBI (Substantial Acquisition
of Shares and Takeover) Regulations, 1997 substituting SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeover)
Regulations, 1994.
Thereafter, in September 2009, the Takeover Regulations Advisory Committee (TRAC) under the chairmanship
of Mr. C Achuthan was constituted by SEBI with the mandate to examine and review the SEBI Takeover
Regulations of 1997 and to suggest suitable amendments, as deemed fit. Later in June 2010, the Committee came
out with the TRAC Report proposing some sweeping changes on critical issues, including the open offer trigger,
offer size, indirect acquisitions, exemptions from open offer obligations, offer price calculations and competing
offers which was then open for public comments.
c. To balance the conflicting objectives and interests of various stakeholders in the context of substantial
acquisition of shares in, and takeovers of, listed companies.
d. To provide each shareholder an opportunity to exit his investment in the target company when a
substantial acquisition of shares in or takeover of a target company takes place.
e. To provide acquirers with a transparent legal framework to acquire shares in or control of the target
company and to make an open offer;
f. To ensure that the affairs of the target company are conducted in the ordinary course when a target
company is subject matter of an open offer;
g. To ensure that fair and accurate disclosure of all material information is made by persons responsible for
making them to various stakeholders to enable them to take informed decisions;
h. To regulate and provide for fair and effective competition among acquirers desirous of taking over the
same target company; and
i. To ensure that only those acquirers who are capable of actually fulfilling their obligations under the
Takeover Regulations make open offers.
After considering the public comments and further to discussion, the report has been modified to the present
form i.e. SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011 substituting the SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 1997.
Vide Notification dated September 23, 2011, Market watchdog SEBI has notified the much awaited New
Takeover Regulations namely SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011
(hereinafter referred to as “SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011”) which will replace the existing Takeover
(SAST) Regulations, 1997. The new Regulations shall come into force on the 30th day from the date of their
publication in the Official Gazette i.e. w.e.f. October 22, 2011, any acquisition or sale of shares of Listed
Company shall be governed by provisions of SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011.
1) Increase in Initial Threshold Limit from 15% to 25%: The Initial Threshold limit provided for Open Offer
obligations is increased from 15% to 25% of the voting rights of the Target Company. Since SEBI (SAST)
Regulations, 2011 will be applicable from October 22, 2011, thus it’s a last opportunity for all the Promoters
holding less than 25% but more than 20% to come within bracket of Creeping Acquisition. Otherwise even the
existing Promoters of these Companies have to give offer to consolidate their holding.
2) Creeping Acquisition Limit raised from 15%-55% to 25%-75%:Now there will a single and clear
creeping acquisition bracket. This will be available to all persons holding 25% or more but up to 75% i.e.
maximum permissible non-public holding shall be eligible for creeping acquisition of 5% each financial year.
3) Open Offer Trigger Point based on Individual Holding:Now the Individual Acquirer Shareholding shall
also be considered for determining the Open Offer Trigger Points apart from consolidated promoter
shareholding. (Regulation 3(3) of SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011).
4) Increase in Offer Size from 20% to 26%: The Offer Size is increased only up to 26% instead of TRAC
Recommendation of 100%. It’s a good move from the point of view of domestic acquirers on account of lack of
proper bank funding options available in India.
5) New Provisions in case of increase in shareholding beyond the maximum permissible non-public
shareholding due to Open Offer:
Obligation on the acquirer to bring down the non-public shareholding to the level specified and within the
time permitted under Securities Contract (Regulation) Rules, 1957;
Ineligibility to make a voluntary delisting offer under SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations,
2009, unless a period of twelve months has elapsed from the date of the completion of the offer period.
6) Abolition of Non-compete fees: SEBI has accepted the TRAC Recommendation of scrapping the non-
compete fee or control premium. Any amount paid to the Promoters/Sellers whether as consideration, non-
compete fee or control premium or otherwise, shall be added in Offer Price and hence public shareholders shall
be given offer at the highest of such prices.
7) Definition of “Control” modified:A new definition of Control has been introduced in the new Regulation
which is similar to recommendation of TRAC Report with an exception that the word “Ability” has been
removed. The definition is as under:
“Control” includes the right to appoint majority of the directors or to control the management or policy
decisions exercisable by a person or persons acting individually or in concert, directly or indirectly,
including by virtue of their shareholding or management rights or shareholders agreements or voting
agreements or in any other manner:
Provided that a director or officer of a target company shall not be considered to be in control over such
target company, merely by virtue of holding such position
8) Change in Control: Any change in control of the listed company shall be only after Open Offer. The
exemption from Open Offer available in case of change in control without acquisition of substantial shares,
through a special resolution by postal ballot process, has been withdrawn and now the only route available for
change in management and control is through the Open Offer to the shareholders of the Target Company. This is
in contrast with the Regulation 12 of the SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 1997 which provides for the change in
control through the special resolution passed by way of postal ballot.
9) No Exemption in case of acquisition from other competing acquirer in the New Takeover Code.
10) Frequently Traded Shares: For determining the frequency of trading in shares, the trading turnover during
the 12 months preceding the month in which the Public Announcement is made will be considered. Further, the
volume of trading for frequently traded company increase from 5% to 10% to have a more realistic picture.
“Enterprise Value” means the value calculated as market capitalization of a company plus debt, minority
interest and preferred shares, minus total cash and cash equivalents.
“Volume weighted average market price” means the product of the number of equity shares traded on a
stock exchange and the price of each equity share divided by the total number of equity shares traded on
the stock exchange.
“Volume weighted average price” means the product of the number of equity shares bought and price of
each such equity share divided by the total number of equity shares bought.
“Weighted average number of total shares”means the number of shares at the beginning of a period,
adjusted for shares cancelled, bought back or issued during the aforesaid period, multiplied by a time-
weighing factor.
12) New Formats Introduced for PA, LOO, and Disclosures, Exemptions, Recommendation on the Open
Offer by the Board of Directors and so on.
13) Detailed provisions for Voluntary Open Offer: The concept of voluntary open offer has been separately
dealt in the SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011.
In case of voluntary open offer, the offer size may be of 10% or more of the voting rights at the will of the
Acquirer.
14) Detailed provisions relating to Indirect Acquisition: The New Regulations prescribes detailed provisions
relating to Indirect Acquisitions which is a welcome move as there was quite confusion. The New Regulations
define the situations which will be deemed as Indirect Acquisition.
15) Recommendation on the Open Offer by the Board of Target Company: Arecommendation on the
offer by the Board of Target Company has been made mandatory and such recommendations shall be published
at least two working days before the commencement of the tendering period in the same newspapers where the
public announcement of the open offer was published, and simultaneously, a copy of the same shall be sent to
SEBI, Stock Exchange and Manager to the Offer.
16) Revision in SEBI fees to be given while submitting the draft letter of offer.
17) Provisions relating to Exemption from Open Offer have been modified.
18) Other Consequential Amendments: Simultaneously with the amendment in SEBI (SAST) Regulations,
2011, the format of disclosure of shareholding as provided under Clause 35 of the Listing Agreement in respect
of following has been replaced
Statement showing holding of securities (including shares, warrants, convertible securities) of persons
belonging to the category “Promoter and Promoter Group”, :
Statement showing holding of securities (including shares, warrants, convertible securities) of persons
belonging to the category “Public” and holding more than 1% of the total number of shares;
Statement showing holding of securities (including shares, warrants, convertible securities) of persons
(together with PAC) belonging to the category “Public” and holding more than 5% of the total number of
shares of the company.
1. Any acquisition of shares or voting rights in the target company by the acquirer and PAC which entitle
them to exercise in aggregate 25% or more voting rights.
2. Any acquisition of shares or voting rights exceeding permissible creeping limit (5%) in a financial year.
This situation arises in cases where the acquirer and PAC have acquired and holds shares or voting rights in
the target company which entitles them to exercise 25% or more but less than maximum permissible non-
public shareholding and further acquires more than 5% shares or voting rights in a financial year.
3. Acquisition of shares by any person such that the individual shareholding of such person acquiring shares
exceeds stipulated thresholds irrespective of whether there is a change in the aggregate shareholding with
the PAC.
4. An indirect acquisition of shares or voting rights requiring an open offer would be considered as direct
acquisition, for pricing, timing of open offer and other compliances/requirements of open offer, where the
proportionate net assets or sales turnover or market capitalization of the target company as a percentage of
the consolidated net asset or sales turnover or the enterprise value for the entity or business being acquired
is in excess of 80% on the basis of the most recent audited annual financial statements (Deemed Direct
Acquisition).
5. Any revision in voluntary offer size made by the acquirer within 15 working days from the PA of the
competing offer.
Acquisition of control
Any direct or indirect acquisition of control of Target Company by an acquirer irrespective of acquisition or
holding of shares or voting rights. Indirect acquisition of shares or control Acquisition of shares or voting rights
in, or control over, any company or other entity, that would enable any person and PAC to exercise or direct the
exercise of such percentage of voting rights in, or control over a target company, the acquisition of which would
otherwise trigger open offer obligation, shall be considered as an indirect acquisition of shares or voting rights
in, or control over the target company necessitating an open offer.
Voluntary offer
An acquirer, who together with PAC, holds shares or voting rights in a target company entitling them to exercise
25% or more but less than the maximum permissible non-public shareholding, shall be entitled to voluntarily
make a PA of an open offer for acquiring shares. A voluntary offer is subject to certain conditions which
includes the following:
a. Minimum offer size is 10% of the total shares of the target company;
b. The aggregate shareholding of the acquirer and PAC after completion of the open offer cannot exceed the
maximum permissible non-public shareholding;
c. Voluntary offer cannot be made where an acquirer or PAC has acquired shares of the target company in the
preceding 52 weeks without attracting the obligation to make an open offer;
d. During voluntary offer period such acquirer shall not be entitled to acquire any shares otherwise than under
the open offer;
e. An acquirer and PAC who have made a voluntary offer shall not be entitled to acquire any shares of the target
company for a period of 6 months after completion of the open offer except pursuant to another voluntary open
offer or making a competing offer upon any other person making an open offer or bonus issue or stock splits.
Any open offer shall be made to all shareholders of the target company, other than the acquirer, PAC and the
parties to any underlying agreement including persons deemed to be PAC with such parties, for the sale of shares
of the target company.
In cases of direct and deemed direct acquisition of shares In case of an indirect acquisition of shares, voting righ
or voting rights or control over the target company control over the target company
Highest negotiated price per share of the target company Highest negotiated price per share, if any of the target
under the agreement that attracted the open offer. company, under the agreement attracting open offer.
Volume-weighted average price paid or payable for any
acquisition by the acquirer or PAC during preceding 52 w
Volume-weighted average price paid or payable for
immediately preceding the earlier of:
acquisitions by the acquirer or PAC during 52 weeks
preceding the date of PA. • the date on which the primary acquisition is contracted,
Where shares are frequently traded – volume weighted weighted average market price during 60 trading days
average market price of the target company during 60trading immediately preceding the earlier of:
days immediately preceding the date of PA
• the date on which the primary acquisition is contracted,
1. Where acquirer or PAC has any outstanding convertible instruments convertible into shares of the target
company at a specific price, the price at which such instruments are to be converted shall be considered.
2. Where acquirer or PAC has acquired any shares of the target company during the period of 26 weeks after the
tendering period at a price higher than the offer price paid, the acquirer and PAC shall pay the difference
between the highest acquisition price and offer price, to all the shareholders whose shares were accepted in the
open offer, within 60 days from the date of such acquisition except where acquisitions are pursuant to SEBI
Delisting Regulations or open market purchases made in the ordinary course on the stock exchanges which are
not negotiated deals or bulk deals or block deals or in any other form.
3. Minimum price shall include any price paid or payable in any form or manner and includes:
a) If during the offer period acquirer directly or through PAC agrees or acquires any shares or voting rights
in the target company in any manner at a price higher than the minimum offer price, the minimum offer
price shall stand revised to such higher price.
b) Where the open offer is subject to minimum level of acceptances and the open offer does not receive the
minimum acceptance, the acquirer may indicate lower price for acquiring all the acceptances.
c) For corporate actions like rights issue / bonus issue/ stock splits / dividend / de-mergers / reduction of
capital etc. where the record date for effecting the same falls 3 business days prior to the commencement of
the tendering period.
5. In case of an indirect acquisition, the minimum offer price would stand increased by 10% p.a. for the period
earlier of the date on which primary transaction is contracted, or date on which the intention / decision to make
primary acquisition is announced in public domain, and the date of detailed public statement, provided such
period is more than 5 working days.
Illustrative list of acquisition which are exempted from making an open offer requirement (subject to conditions)
are as under:
1. Acquisition pursuant to inter-se transfer of shares among qualifying persons. Such transactions are to be
intimated to the stock exchange 4 working days in advance. List of qualifying persons include:
a) Immediate relatives;
b) Persons named as promoters in the shareholding pattern filed by the target company for not less than 3
years;
c) Persons acting in concert for not less than 3 years and disclosed to stock exchange;
d) Specified ensemble of persons etc.
2. Acquisition in the ordinary course of business in specified cases like scheduled commercial bank acting as an
escrow agent or invocation of pledge by scheduled commercial bank or public financial institution as a pledgee
etc.
c) Of arrangement not directly involving target company or reconstruction not involving target company’s
undertaking including amalgamation,merger, de-merger pursuant to an order of court or an authority
whether Indian or foreign.
i. Cash and cash equivalent paid is less than 25% of the consideration paid; and
ii. After the implementation of the scheme, the persons holding minimum 33% of the voting rights in the
combined entity are the same persons who held the entire voting rights before the implementation of the
scheme.
8. Acquisition of voting rights or preference shares carrying voting rights arising out of operation of section 87
(2) of the Companies Act.
9. Acquisition of shares of a target company not involving a change in control pursuant to scheme of CDR
notified by RBI subject to such scheme being authorized by the shareholders of the target company by postal
ballot.
10. An increase in voting rights in a target company pursuant to buy-back of shares which necessitate making an
open offer shall be exempt provided such shareholder reduces his shareholding so that the voting rights fall
below the threshold within 90 days from the date on which the voting rights so increase.
11. Acquisition of rights shares or voting rights in the target company in excess of creeping limit (5%):
i. the acquirer has not renounced any of his entitlements in such rights issue; and
ii. the price at which the rights issue is made is not higher than the ex-rights price of the shares of the
target company computed in a specified manner
12. Increase in voting rights in a target company of any shareholder in excess of the creeping limit (5%) pursuant
to buy-back of shares subject to conditions that:
a) such shareholders have not voted in favour of buy back resolution which is to be passed through postal
ballot mechanism; or
b) such shareholder in capacity as a director or any other interested director has not voted in favour of buy
back at the board meeting of the target company where buy back is through board approval route; and
c) the increase in voting rights does not result in an acquisition of control by such shareholder over the
target company.
If the above conditions are not met and such shareholders reduce the increase in shareholding within 90
days to the creeping acquisition limit, open offer obligations will not be attracted.
13. Acquisition of shares in a target company from a venture capital fund or a foreign venture capital investor
registered with SEBI, by promoters of the target company pursuant to an agreement between such venture
capital fund or foreign venture capital investor and such promoters.
14. SEBI may grant an exemption from the obligation to make an open offer for acquiring shares subject to such
conditions as it deems fit.
The open offer process is broadly divided into following sequential stages:
1. Public Announcement (PA) for an open offer for acquiring shares of the target company shall be made by the
acquirer through the SEBI registered merchant banker to be appointed as the manager to the open offer in a
specified manner. PA is to be sent to all stock exchanges where shares of the target company are listed for
dissemination to the public.
2. The Public Announcement shall be sent to all the stock exchanges on which the shares of the target company
are listed. Further, a copy of the same shall also be sent to the Board and to the target company at its registered
office within one working day of the date of the public announcement. The time within which the Public
Announcement is required to be made to the Stock Exchanges under different circumstances is tabulated below:
Applicable
Regulation Particulars Time of making PA
s
13(1)
Agreement to Acquirer Shares or Voting Rights or On the same day of entering into agreement to acquire
Control Over The Target Company rights or control over the Target Company.
13(2)(g)
Acquisition of shares, voting rights or control over On the date when the Special Resolution is passed for
the Target Company pursuant to Preferential Issue shares under Section 81(1A) of Companies Act 1956.
13(2)(h) Not later than 90th day from the date of increase in vo
Increase in voting rights pursuant to a buy-back not
qualifying for exemption under Regulation 10
Not later than two working days from the date of rece
13(2)(i) Acquisition of shares, voting rights or control over intimation.
the Target Company where the such acquisition is
beyond the control of acquirer
Regulation 14 of SEBI (SAST) Regulation, 2011 provides the requirements relating to publication of Public
Announcement and Detailed Public Statement which are tabulated below:
Regulation Particulars Time To whom
All the stock exchanges on which the shares of the
14(1) Public Announcement On the same day company are listed.
14(2) Public Announcement One working day of the Board and to the target company at its registered o
date of the public
announcement
Publication in the following newspaper:
5. Escrow account is to be created not later than 2 working days prior to the date of DPS.
6. Competing offers can be made within 15 working days from the date of the DPS published by the acquirer
who has made the first PA.
7. The acquirer shall not complete the acquisition of shares or voting rights in or control over the target company
until the expiry of offer period except in following cases:
Upon receipt of the DPS, board of directors of the target company shall constitute a committee of independent
directors to provide reasoned recommendations on open offer, and the same shall be published in the newspapers
International Application
Comparison between the International Applications of the Concept of Takeover in various countries
On September 23, 2011, the market watchdog SEBI has notified the New Takeover Regulations i.e. “Securities
and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011”
(hereinafter called as SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011) applicable w.e.f. October 22, 2011. Some of the Open
Offers made under New Takeover Regulations are given below:
Andhra Cements Limited was incorporated on December 9, 1936 under the Indian Companies Act,1913 with the
Registrar of Companies, Vizagapatam. The shares of the Target Company are presently listed on the Bombay
Stock Exchange Limited (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE).
The Acquirer, Jaypee Development Corporation Limited was incorporated on December 5, 2007 and is engaged
in the business of providing Industrial Security and Medical Services to various companies engaged in the
infrastructure development. The Acquirer is a part of the Jaypee Group and is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Jaypee Ventures Private Limited. The shares of the Acquirer are not listed on any Stock Exchange.
The Acquirer has entered into a Share Subscription and Share Purchase Agreement dated November 15, 2011
(“SSSPA”) with the promoter and promoter group of the Target Company and the Target Company, to acquire
by way of transfer and subscription 195,619,550 equity shares representing 66.646% of the Expanded Paid up
Share Capital of the Target Company post preferential allotment approved by the meeting of Board of Directors
dated November 15, 2011 comprising of:
ii. to subscribe to 147,500,000 Equity Shares pursuant to a Preferential Allotment to be made by the Target
Company at a price of Rs. 12/- per equity share.
Pursuant to the above acquisition, the Acquirer has made a Public Announcement of an Open Offer to the
shareholders of the Target Company to acquire upto 76,315,328 equity shares representing 26% of the expanded
paid up Share Capital of the Target Company at a price of Rs. 12 per fully equity share payable in cash.
Established in October 31, 1983, the Target Company was originally incorporated in the name of Swadeshi
Leasing Company Limited. The name of the Target Company then changed to SwadeshiIndustries and Leasing
Limited. The Equity Shares of the Target Company are listed on Bombay Stock Exchange Limited (“BSE”) and
Delhi Stock Exchange Association Limited (“DSE”).
On November 09, 2011, the Acquirer has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) with the Promoters of
Target Company for acquisition of 6,31,300 fully paid up equity shares representing 16.15% of the total paid-up
equity share capital of Target Company at a price of Rs.15 per fully paid up equity share payable in cash.
Further, on the same day the Target Company has made preferential allotment of 15,00,000 Equity Shares to the
Acquirer which amount to 27.74% of the total paid up equity shares (post allotment of shares) of the Target
Company. Consequent upon acquiring the shares pursuant to the execution of SPA & proposed allotment of
equity shares on preferential basis the post shareholding & voting rights of the Acquirer will increase to 39.41%
of the total paid up equity shares of the Target Company post preferential allotment. The Acquirer also intends to
acquire control over the Target Company and make changes in the Board of Directors of the Target Company
subsequent to the completion of this Open Offer in accordance hereof. Thus this mandatory offer is being made
by the acquirer in accordance with Regulations 3 and 4 of SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011.
The Acquirer has made an offer for acquisition of upto 14,06,067 equity shares representing 26% of the total
paid up equity share capital of the Target Company at a price of Rs 15 per fully equity share payable in cash to
the shareholders of the Target Company. If the Target Company doesn’t receive the approvals as required in
order to allot 15,00,000 Equity Shares to the Acquirer on Preferential Basis for which it has passed Special
Resolution under Section 81 (1A) of Companies Act, 1956 then the acquirer will withdraw the offer under
regulation 23 of SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011.
Incorporated in the year 1974, Swaraj Automotives Limited (Target Company) is engaged in the business of
manufacturing seats & seating systems for tractors, commercial vehicles, cars and passenger vehicles. The shares
of the Target Company are listed at Delhi Stock Exchange Ltd. (DSE).
The Acquirer is a part of the Mahindra Group and is engaged in the business of manufacturing and marketing of
tractors utility vehicles and light commercial vehicles. The Acquirer belongs to the promoter group of the Target
Company and holds 10, 59,543 equity shares constituting 44.19% of the Voting Share Capital of the Target
Company. The Acquirer is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited (“BSE”) and National Stock Exchange
of India Limited (“NSE”). The Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) of the Acquirer are listed on the
Luxembourg Stock Exchange and are also admitted for trading on International Order Book (IOB) of the London
Stock Exchange.
The Acquirer is already in control of Target Company and the proposed acquisition under the offer is for the
purpose of consolidation of shareholding in the Target Company. Thus this voluntary offer is made by the
Acquirer under Regulation 6 of SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011 to acquire upto 6,47,382 fully paid up equity
shares representing 27% of the voting share capital of Target Company at a price of Rs.90 per share.
CASE STUDY
Kamat Hotels (India) Limited (“KHIL/Target Company”)was incorporated on 21st March, 1986, Kamat Hotels
(India) Limited is engaged in the business of hospitality and allied businesses, and its activities may be broadly
categorized into (i) operation of hotels owned by the Company, (ii) management of hotels owned by other parties
under contract (iii) catering services and (iv) timeshare. The Company has established four brands viz. Gadh,
Orchid, Vits and Lotus. The shares of the Target Company are listed on Bombay Stock Exchange Limited (BSE)
and National Stock Exchange Limited of India Limited (NSE).
Clearwater Capital Partners (Cyprus) Limited was incorporated in 2004 as a ‘Limited Liability Company’ having
its registered office in Cyprus for the purpose of investment in securities particularly in Asia. The Acquirer
belongs to “Clearwater Capital Partners” group. The Acquirer holds 3,941,803 equity shares representing 23% of
the total existing paid-up and voting capital of the Target Company.
About Clearwater Capital Partners Singapore Fund III Private Limited (“PAC”)
Incorporated on August 28, 2007 under the companies Act in the Republic of Singapore, Clearwater?Singapore
is a financial investor and belongs to “Clearwater Capital Partners” group. The shares of the company are not
listed on any stock exchange in India or/and abroad. At present, the PAC holds 257,431 equity shares
aggregating to 1.50% of the total existing paid-up and voting capital of the Target Company.
Triggered Event
The Acquirer had subscribed to the bonds offered by the Target Company in terms of the Offering circular dated
March 13, 2007 of which US$ 5,966,000 Bonds are still held by the acquirer and are mandatorily due for
conversion on January 30, 2012. The Acquirer has exercised its right to convert the remaining US$ 5,966,000
Bonds into equity shares of the Target Company and to effect the conversion, a written “Conversion Notice” is
served to the Principal Paying and Conversion Agent after the Board of Directors of Clearwater?Cyprus has
passed a resolution to convert the remaining Bonds on January 11, 2012.
Shareholding of the Acquirer and PAC before and after the conversion:
Pursuant to conversion of remaining Bonds into equity shares, the Acquirer along with PAC has triggered
Regulation 3(1) of SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011; accordingly a Public Announcement was made to BSE and
NSE by the Acquirer and PAC on January 11, 2012.
Pursuant to above conversion of bonds into equity shares, the Acquirer along with PAC has made Open Offer to
the shareholders of the Target Company for acquisition of 4,964,283 equity shares representing 26% of the
post?conversion paid?up equity share and voting capital at Rs.135 per equity share payable in Cash.
If the ongoing ‘Composite Scheme of Arrangement and Amalgamation’ (“the Scheme”) of promoters’ group
entities of the Target Company is completed within 10 working days from the closure of the Tendering Period,
the Acquirer and the PAC will increase the Offer Size to the extent of 26% of the post-amalgamation equity
share capital of the Target Company in accordance with Regulation 7(1) of the said Regulations.
The Manager to the Offer has opened a “Demat Escrow Account” wherein the Conversion Equity Shares will be
kept in compliance with Regulation 22(1) of the Regulations which restrict the completion of acquisition of
shares or voting rights in, or control over, the target company, whether by way of subscription to shares or a
purchase of shares attracting the obligation to make an open offer for acquiring shares, until the expiry of the
offer period. Upon fulfilment of the Offer related formalities, the Conversion Equity Shares will be transferred to
the Acquirer’s DP account.
The relevant text of regulation 22(1) of SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011 is reproduced herein below:
The acquirer shall not complete the acquisition of shares or voting rights in, or control over, the target
company, whether by way of subscription to shares or a purchase of shares attracting the obligation to make an
open offer for acquiring shares, until the expiry of the offer period:
Provided that in case of an offer made under sub-regulation (1) of regulation 20, pursuant to a preferential
allotment, the offer shall be completed within the period as provided under sub-regulation (1) of regulation 74 of
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital and Disclosure) Regulations, 2009.
CONCLUSION
The new regulation is indeed a path breaking legislation which is likely to change the landscape of corporate
India in the near future. With the increased threshold limit, the level of activity in listed companies by PE’s/
strategic investors will increase to more material stakes (up to 24.99%). Also, “head room” for foreign technical
collaborators / minority foreign partners to increase their shareholding without triggering cumbersome and costly
takeover regulations will increase. Companies would be able to raise expansion capital in a more cost effective
manner (i.e. without triggering open offer till 25% stake);
For the economy, more investment from PE/foreign partners should be expected in the coming months, which
should give a fillip to FDI numbers which have been languishing in the recent past.
With a 24.99% threshold limit, the acquirers would be able to block special resolutions in target companies with
relative ease. Let us assume a promoter who holds 45% stake in the target company. If a hostile acquirer were to
reach 24.99%, such acquirer can effectively have ~ 35% voting right (24.99/(24.99+45)) and therefore can easily
block special resolutions (assuming that the participation by minority public shareholders either in physical
meeting or postal ballot is negligible (which is invariably the case)).
Further, with the possibility of acquiring 24.99% without triggering open offer, acquirerswould practically be
able to get a Board position in target-company and therefore having a greater say in the company’s
operations.The role of minority public shareholders holding significant stake (say 1-5%) would also increase.
Strategic long-term acquirers can easily acquire up to 24.99% and then negotiate with these significant minority
shareholders to consolidate their shareholding / trigger open offer for takeover of the target companies. Expect
off-market transactions at higher than market valuations for such strategic buy-outs to rise.
Even if the promoter has more than 25% stake, they may seek to consolidate their holding by 5% through
creeping acquisition route with a view to strengthening their position in the Company.Similarly, with the market
indices/ stock prices pegged low due to the international market scenario and also local factors, strategic/ long
term players may be inclined to ramp up shareholding in value stocks with an intention of having a material and
influential stake in such companies in the future.
In light of the above, expect some serious action in stocks of such companies in the coming weeks.This one step
of increasing the open offer threshold limit to 25% is a significant development and changes the landscape for
promoters significantly. There is likelyto be a war for retaining/ takeover of good companies (especially with the
market multiples currently being really attractive) and promoters with low shareholding and high public float
should be worried.
The new regulation will facilitate consolidation of promoter shareholding to the maximum permissible level i.e.
75% which was a challenge in the earlier regulation.This would be welcome move for the Promoters who will
have more flexibility to bump-up their shareholding. However, the reduction of “public float” due to this
measure and consequential impact on trading volumes/ reflection of real “market” price of such scrips on
bourses would need to be watched.
With the increase in the initial threshold to 25% and the increase in open offer size to 26%, there is a possibility
of the acquirer getting simple majority (25% + 26%). This would be welcome for M&A transactions because
there is significant comfort that acquirers get when they hold more than 50% stake directly and therefore do not
need to depend on other shareholders for passing simple corporate law resolutions.
Of course, at a practical level, the experience in open offers has been that the public does not fully subscribe to
such public offers. Therefore, practically, time will tell in how many cases the 26% limit (or 10% in case of
voluntary offer) would be reached. However, the fact that the regulatory mechanism has been enabled is
commendable.
In case the public offer results in public shareholding falling below 25%, then the acquirer is obligated to reduce
his shareholding so that the minimum 25% public float is maintained.
Thus, the revised norms will change the dynamics of mergers and acquisitions in India. Although, the revisions
are not as dynamic as proposed by Takeover Committee, which proposed an open offer size of 100 per cent after
the trigger was hit. However, even under the current norms the cost of acquisitions goes up substantially.
Because earlier after the 15 per cent trigger, the acquirer had to seek another 20 per cent and hold a cumulative
35 per cent in the target company. The cost would now be higher as the acquirer needs to hold 51 per cent
subsequent to the open offer.
It would not be surprising to see promoters allotting convertible warrants to themselves, especially in companies
where promoter holding is thin. There are 24 companies in the BSE500 index where promoter holding is below
26 per cent, and the number of companies where promoter holding is 51 per cent or below is 210.
For smaller investors, removal of non-compete fees which is in line with Takeover Committee
recommendations, is good news. That largely serves the purpose of protecting the interests of minority
shareholders. Going forward, we will not see the non-compete fees element in the mergers and acquisition deals.
LIST OF REFRENCES
Books:
2. H. R. Machiraju, Mergers, Acquisitions and Takeovers, 2006, New Age International Publishers, New
Delhi.
3. Ch. Rajeshwar, Mergers and Amalgamation: New Perspective, 2001, ICFAI Press, Hyderabad.
Articles:
2. Corporate Governance Structure, Mergers and Takeovers in India in the Post Liberalization Regime-
Proposals and Policies, by Nandita Das Gupta
Websites:
1. www.sebi.gov.in
2. www.capitalmarket.com
3. www.takeovercode.com
4. www.corporateprofessional.com
5. www.indiainfoonline.com
6. www.deloitte.com
7. www.financialexpress.com
8. www.businesstoday.intoday.in
9. rediff.com/money
Newspapers:
1. Economic Times
2. Financial Express
3. Business Line
Reports:
Journal:
1. Takeover Panorama