dated 29th January, 2002

dated 24th October, 2001

dated 12th September, 2001

dated 17th  August, 2001

dated 30th December, 2000

dated 28th  October 1998

PRELIMINARY

Short title and commencement

1 (1) These Regulations shall be called the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1997.

(2) These Regulations shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

Definitions

2 (1) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires:-

(a) "Act" means the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 (15 of 1992);

(b) "acquirer" means any person who, directly or indirectly, acquires or agrees to acquire shares or voting rights in the target company, or acquires or agrees to acquire control over the target company, either by himself or with any person acting in concert with the acquirer;

(c) "control" shall include 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;

¹(cc) “disinvestment” means the sale by the Central Government, of its shares or voting rights and / or control, in a listed Public Sector Undertaking.”

(d) "investigating officer" means any person appointed by the Board under Regulation 38;

(e) "person acting in concert" comprises, -

(1) persons who, for a common objective or purpose of substantial acquisition of shares or voting rights or gaining control over the target company, pursuant to an agreement or understanding (formal or informal), directly or indirectly co-operate by acquiring or agreeing to acquire shares or voting rights in the target company or control over the target company.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of this definition, the following persons will be deemed to be persons acting in concert with other persons in the same category, unless the contrary is established :

i) a company, its holding company, or subsidiary of such company or company under the same management either individually or together with each other;

ii) a company with any of its directors, or any person entrusted with the management of the funds of the company;

iii) directors of companies referred to in sub-clause (i) of clause (2) and their associates;

iv) mutual fund with sponsor or trustee or asset management company;

v) foreign institutional investors with sub account(s);

vi) merchant bankers with their client(s) as acquirer;

vii) portfolio managers with their client(s) as acquirer;

viii) venture capital funds with sponsors;

ix) banks with financial advisers, stock brokers of the acquirer, or any company which is a holding company, subsidiary or relative of the acquirer. Provided that sub-clause (ix) shall not apply to a bank whose sole relationship with the acquirer or with any company, which is a holding company or a subsidiary of the acquirer or with a relative of the acquirer, is by way of providing normal commercial banking services or such activities in connection with the offer such as confirming availability of funds, handling acceptances and other registration work.

(x) any investment company with any person who has an interest as director, fund manager, trustee, or as a shareholder having not less than 2% of the paid-up capital of that company or with any other investment company in which such person or his associate holds not less than 2% of the paid up capital of the latter company.

Note: For the purposes of this clause `associate' means :

(a) any relative of that person within the meaning of section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956); and

(b) family trusts and Hindu Undivided Families.

(f) "offer period" means the period between the date of public announcement of the first offer and the date of closure of that offer;

(g) "panel" means a panel constituted by the Board for the purpose of Regulation 4;

(h) "promoter" means

(1) (i) the person or persons who are in control of the company, or

(ii) person or persons named in any offer document as promoters;

(2) a relative of the promoter within the meaning of section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956);and

(3) in case of a corporate body,

(i) a subsidiary or holding company of that body, or

(ii) any company in which the `Promoter' holds 10% or more of the equity capital or which holds 10% or more of the equity capital of the Promoter, or

(iii) any corporate body in which a group of individuals or corporate bodies or combinations thereof who hold 20% or more of the equity capital in that company also hold 20% or more of the equity capital of the `Promoter'; and

(4) in case of an individual,

(i) any company in which 10% or more of the share capital is held by the `Promoter' or a relative of the `Promoter' or a firm or Hindu undivided family in which the `Promoter' or his relative is a partner or co-parcener or a combination thereof,

(ii) any company in which a company specified in (i) above, holds 10% or more of the share capital, or

(iii) any HUF or firm in which the aggregate share of the Promoter and his relatives is equal to or more than 10% of the total.

(i) " public financial institution" means a public financial institution as defined in Section 4A of the Companies Act, 1956.

²(ii) ‘Public Sector Undertaking' means a company in which the Central Government holds 50% or more of its equity capital or is in control of the company.”

(j) "public shareholding " means shareholding in the hands of person(s) other than the acquirer and persons acting in concert with him;

(k) "shares" means shares in the share capital of a company carrying voting rights and includes any security which would entitle the holder to receive shares with voting rights.

(l) "sick industrial company" shall have the same meaning assigned to it in clause (o) of sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985 (1 of 1986) or any statutory re-enactment thereof.

(m) "state level financial institution" means a state financial corporation established under Section 3 of the State Financial Institutions Act, 1951 and includes development corporation established as a company by a State Government with the object of development of industries or agricultural activities in the state;

(n) "stock exchange" means a stock exchange which has been granted recognition under Section 4 of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 (42 of 1956);

(o) "target company" means a listed company whose shares or voting rights or control is directly or indirectly acquired or is being acquired;

(2) All other expressions unless defined herein shall have the same meaning as have been assigned to them under the Act or the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, or the Companies Act, 1956, or any statutory modification or reenactment thereto, as the case may be.

Applicability of the Regulation

3 (1) Nothing contained in Regulations 10, Regulation 11 and Regulation 12 of these Regulations shall apply to :

(a) allotment in pursuance of an application made to a public issue. Provided that if such an allotment is made pursuant to a firm allotment in the public issues, such allotment shall be exempt only if full disclosures are made in the prospectus about the identity of the acquirer who has agreed to acquire the shares, thepurpose of acquisition, consequential changes in voting rights, shareholding pattern of the company and in the Board of Directors of the Company, if any, and whether such allotment would result in change in control over the company.

(b) allotment pursuant to an application made by the shareholder for rights issue,

(i) to the extent of his entitlement; and

(ii) upto the percentage specified in Regulation 11. Provided that the limit mentioned in sub-clause (ii) will not apply to the acquisition by any person presently in control of the company and who has in the rights letter of offer made disclosures that they intend to acquire additional shares beyond their entitlement if the issue is undersubscribed.

Provided further that this exemption shall not beavailable in case the acquisition of securities results in the change of control of management.

(c) preferential allotment, made in pursuance of a resolution passed under Section 81 (1A) of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956).

Provided that,

(i) Board Resolution in respect of the proposed preferential allotment is sent to all the stock exchanges on which the shares of the company are listed for being notified on the notice board;

(ii) full disclosures of the identity of the class of the proposed allottee (s) is made, and if any of the proposed allottee (s) is to be allotted such number of shares as would increase his holding to 5% or more of the post issued capital, then in such cases, the price at which the allotment is proposed, the identity of such person(s), the purpose of and reason for such allotment, consequential changes, if any, in the board of directors of the company and in voting rights, the shareholding pattern of the company, and whether such allotment would result in change in control over the company are all disclosed in the notice of the General Meeting called for the purpose of consideration of the preferential allotment;

(d) allotment to the underwriters pursuant to any underwriting agreement;

(e) interse transfer of shares amongst :-

(i) group companies, coming within the definition of group as defined in the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969 (25 of 1969) ;

(ii) relatives within the meaning of Section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956) ;

iii) (a) Indian promoters and foreigncollaborators who are shareholders;

(b) Promoters.

Provided that the transferor(s) as well as the transferee(s) in sub-clauses (a) and (b) have been holding individually or collectively not less than 5% shares in the target company for a period of at least three years prior to the proposed acquisition;

Explanation : The benefit of availing of exemption from applicability of Regulations for increasing shareholding or inter se transfer of shareholding among group companies, relatives and promoters shall be subject to such group companies or relatives or promoters filing statements concerning group and individual shareholding as required under Regulations 6,Regulation 7 and Regulation 8.

(f) acquisition of shares in the ordinary course of business by,-

i) a registered stock-broker of a stock exchange on behalf of clients;

ii) a registered market maker of a stock exchange in respect of shares for which he is the market maker, during the course of market making;

iii) by Public Financial Institutions on their own account;

iv) by banks and public financial institutions as pledgees;

(g) acquisition of shares by way of transmission on succession or inheritance;

(h) acquisition of shares by government companies within the meaning of Section 617 of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956) and statutory corporations;

³ Provided  that  this exemption shall not be  applicable if a Government company acquires  shares or voting rights  or  control of a listed Public Sector Undertaking through the competitive bidding process of the Central Government for  the  purpose  of disinvestment.

(i) transfer of shares from state level financial institutions, including their subsidiaries, to co-promoter(s) of the company pursuant to an agreement between such financial institution and such co-promoter(s);

⁴  (ia)  transfer of shares from venture capital funds or foreign venture capital investors registered with the Board to promoters of a venture capital undertaking or venture capital undertaking pursuant to an agreement between such venture capital fund or foreign venture capital investors with such promoters or venture capital undertaking.

(j) pursuant to a scheme - (i) framed under Section 18 of the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act,1985;

(ii) of arrangement or reconstruction including amalgamation or merger or demerger under any law or regulation, Indian or foreign.

(k) acquisition of shares in companies whose shares are not listed on any stock exchange;

Explanation : The exemption under clause(k) above shall not be applicable if by virtue of acquisition or change of control of any unlisted company, whether in India or abroad, the acquirer acquires shares or voting rights or control over a listed company.

(l) such other cases as may be exempted from the applicability of Chapter III by the Board under Regulation 4.

(2) Nothing contained in Chapter III of the Regulations shallapply to the acquisition of Global Depository Receipts or American Depository Receipts so long as they are not converted into shares carrying voting rights.

(3) In respect of acquisitions under clauses (c),(e),(h) and (i) of sub-regulation (1), the stock exchanges where the shares of the company are listed shall, for information of the public, be notified of the details of the proposed transactions at least 4 working days in advance of the date of the proposed acquisition, in case of acquisition exceeding ⁵[5%] of the voting share capital of the company.

(4) In respect of acquisitions under clauses (a),(b),(c),(e) and (I) of sub-regulation (1), the acquirer shall, within 21 days of the date of acquisition, submit a report alongwith suppporting documents to the Board giving all details in respect of acquisitions which (taken together with shares or voting rights, if any, held by him or by persons acting in concert with him) would entitle such person to exercise ⁶[15%] or more of the voting rights in a company.

(5) The acquirer shall, along with the report referred to under sub-regulation (4), pay a fee of Rs.10,000/- to the Board, either by a bankers cheque or demand draft in favour of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, payable at Mumbai.

The Takeover Panel

4. (1) The Board shall for the purposes of this Regulation constitute a Panel of majority of independent persons from within the categories mentioned in sub-section (5) of Section 4 of the Act.

(2) For seeking exemption under clause (l) of sub-regulation (1) of Regulation (3), the acquirer shall file an application with the Board, giving details of the proposed acquisition and the grounds on which the exemption has been sought.

(3) The acquirer shall, along with the application referred to under sub-regulation (2), pay a fee of Rs.25,000/- to the Board, either by a bankers cheque or demand draft in favour of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, payable at Mumbai.

(4) The Board shall within 5 days of the receipt of an application under sub-regulation (2) forward the application to the Panel.

(5) The Panel shall within 15 days from the date of receipt of application make a recommendation on the application to the Board.

(6) The Board shall after affording reasonable opportunity to the concerned parties and after considering all the relevant facts including the recommendations, if any, pass a reasoned order on the application under sub-regulation (2) within 30 days thereof.

(7) The order of the Board under sub-regulation (6) shall be published by the Board.

Power of the Board to grant exemption

5. In order to remove any difficulties in the interpretation or application of the provisions of these Regulations, the Board shall have the power to issue directions through guidance notes or circulars. Provided that where any direction is issued by the Board in a specific case relating to interpretation or application of any provision of these Regulations, it shall be done only after affording a reasonable opportunity to the concerned parties and after recording reasons for the direction.

⁴  Inserted by SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2000 w.e.f 30.12.2000

⁵ Substituted for "2%" by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers Amendment Regulations, 1998 w.e.f. 28/10/98.

⁶ Substituted for "10%" by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Amendment Regulations, 1998 w.e.f. 28/10/98.

DISCLOSURES OF SHAREHOLDING AND CONTROL IN A LISTED COMPANY

Transitional provision

6. (1) Any person, who holds more than five percent shares or voting rights in any company, shall within two months of notification of these Regulations disclose his aggregate shareholding in that company, to the company.

(2) Every company whose shares are held by the persons referred to in sub-regulation (1) shall, within three months from the date of notification of these Regulations, disclose to all the stock exchanges on which the shares of the company are listed, the aggregate number of shares held by each person.

(3) A promoter or any person having control over a company shall within two months of notification of these Regulations disclose the number and percentage of shares or voting rights held by him and by person(s) acting in concert with him in that company, to the company.

(4) Every company, whose shares are listed on a stock exchange, shall within three months of notification of these Regulations, disclose to all the stock exchanges on which the shares of the company are listed, the names and addresses of promoters and, or person(s) having control over the company, and number and percentage of shares or voting rights held by each such person.

Acquisition of 5% and more shares of a company

7. (1) Any acquirer, who acquires shares or voting rights which (taken together with shares or voting rights, if any, held by him) would entitle him to more than five percent shares or voting rights in a company, in any manner whatsoever, shall disclose the aggregate of his shareholding or voting rights in that company, to the company.

⁷(1A) Any acquirer who has acquired shares or voting rights of a company, under sub-regulation (1) of regulation 11, shall make disclosures of such acquisition as well as the aggregate of his pre and post acquisition of shareholding and voting rights to the company when such acquisition aggregates to 5% and 10% of the voting rights.

(2) The disclosures mentioned in sub-regulation (1) ⁷[and (1A)] shall be made within four working days of, -

(a) the receipt of intimation of allotment of shares; or
(b) the acquisition of shares or voting rights, as the case may be.

(3) Every company, whose shares are acquired in a manner referred to in sub-regulation (1) ⁷[and (1A)],  shall disclose to all the stock exchanges on which the shares of the said company are listed the aggregate number of shares held by each of such persons referred above within seven days of receipt of information under sub-regulation (1) ⁷[and (1A)].

Continual disclosures

8. (1) Every person, including a person mentioned in Regulation 6 who holds more than ⁸[fifteen] percent shares or voting rights in any company, shall, within 21 days from the financial year ending March 31, make yearly disclosures to the company, in respect of his holdings as on 31st March.

(2) A promoter or every person having control over a company shall, within 21 days from the financial year ending March 31, as well as the record date of the company for the purposes of declaration of dividend, disclose the number and percentage of shares or voting rights held by him and by persons acting in concert with him, in that company to the company.

(3) Every company whose shares are listed on a stock exchange, shall within 30 days from the financial year ending March 31, as well as the record date of the company for the purposes of declaration of dividend, make yearly disclosures to all the stock exchanges on which the shares of the company are listed, the changes, if any, in respect of the holdings of the persons referred to under sub-regulation (1) and also holdings of promoters or person(s) having control over the company as on 31st March.

(4) Every company whose shares are listed on a stock exchange shall maintain a register in the specified format to record the information received under sub-regulation (3) of Regulation 6, sub-regulation (1) of Regulation 7 and sub-regulation (2) of Regulation 8.

Power to call for information

9. The stock exchanges and the company shall furnish to the Board information with regard to the disclosures made under Regulations 6,Regulation 7 and Regulation 8 as and when required by the Board.

⁸ Substituted for "ten" by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Amendment Regulations, 1998 w.e.f. 28/10/98.

SUBSTANTIAL ACQUISITION OF SHARES OR VOTING RIGHTS IN AND ACQUISITION OF CONTROL OVER A LISTED COMPANY:

Acquisition Of ⁹[15%] or more of the shares or voting rights of any company Consolidation of holdings

10. No acquirer shall acquire shares or voting rights which (taken together with shares or voting rights, if any, held by him or by persons acting in concert with him), entitle such acquirer to exercise ¹⁰[fifteen] percent or more of the voting rights in a company, unless such acquirer makes a public announcement to acquire shares of such company in accordance with the Regulations.

Acquisition of control over a company

11.(1) No acquirer who, together with persons acting in concert with him, has acquired, in accordance with the provisions of law, ¹¹[15% or more but less than 75%] of the shares or voting rights in a company, shall acquire, either by himself or through or with persons acting in concert with him, additional shares or voting rights entitling him to exercise more than ¹²[10%] of the voting rights, in any period of 12 months, unless such acquirer makes a public announcement to acquire shares in accordance with the Regulations.

(2) ¹³[No acquirer, who together with persons acting in concert with him has acquired , in accordance with the provisions of law, 75% of the shares or voting rights in a company, shall acquire either by himself or through persons acting in concert with him any additional shares or voting rights, unless such acquirer makes a public announcement to acquire shares in accordance with the regulations]

¹⁴["(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in Regulations 10, 11 and 12, in case of disinvestment of a Public Sector Undertaking, an acquirer who together with persons acting in concert with him, has made a public announcement, shall not be required to make another public announcement at the subsequent stage of further acquisition of shares or voting rights or control of the Public Sector Undertaking provided:-

(i) both the acquirer and the seller are the same at all the stages of acquisition, and

(ii) disclosures regarding all the stages of acquisition, if any, are made in the letter of offer issued in terms of Regulation 18 and in the first public announcement.”]

Explanation: For the purposes of Regulation 10 and Regulation 11, acquisition shall mean and include,-

(a) direct acquisition in a listed company to which the Regulations apply;

(b) indirect acquisition by virtue of acquisition of holding companies, whether listed or unlisted, whether in India or abroad.

12. Irrespective of whether or not there has been any acquisition of shares or voting rights in a company, no acquirer shall acquire control over the target company, unless such person makes a public announcement to acquire shares and acquires such shares in accordance with the Regulations.

Provided that nothing contained herein shall apply to any change in control which takes place in pursuance to a resolution passed by the shareholders in a general meeting.

Explanation :

(i) For the purposes of this Regulation where there are two or more persons in control over the target company, the cessor of any one such person from such control shall not be deemed to be a change in control of management nor shall any change in the nature and quantum of control amongst them constitute change in control of management.

Provided however that if the transfer of joint control to sole control is through sale at less than the market value of the shares, a shareholders meeting of the target company shall be convened to determine mode of disposal of the shares of the outgoing shareholder, by a letter of offer or by block-transfer to the existing shareholders in control in accordance with the decision passed by a special resolution. Market value in such cases shall be determined in accordance with Regulation 20 .

(ii) where any person or persons are given joint control, such control shall not be deemed to be a change in control so long as the control given is equal to or less than the control exercised by person(s) presently having control over the comp any.

Appointment of a Merchant Banker

13. Before making any public announcement of offer referred to in Regulation 10 or Regulation 11 or Regulation 12, the acquirer shall appoint a merchant banker in Category I holding a certificate of registration granted by the Board, who is not associate of or group of the acquirer or the target company

Timing of the Public Announcement of Offer

14. (1) The public announcement referred to in Regulation 10 or Regulation 11 shall be made by the merchant banker not later than four working days of entering into an agreement for acquisition of shares or voting rights or deciding to acquire shares or voting rights exceeding the respective percentage specified therein.

¹⁴“Provided that in case of disinvestment of a Public Sector Undertaking, the public announcement shall be made by the merchant banker not later than 4 working days of the acquirer executing the Share Purchase Agreement or Shareholders Agreement with the Central Government for the acquisition of shares or voting rights exceeding the percentage of shareholding referred to in Regulation 10 or Regulation 11 or the transfer of control over a target Public Sector Undertaking.”

(2) In case of an acquirer acquiring securities, including Global Depositories Receipts or American Depository Receipts which, when taken together with the voting rights, if any already held by him or persons acting in concert with him, would entitle him to voting rights, exceeding the percentage specified in Regulation 10 or Regulation 11, the public announcement referred to in sub-regulation (1) shall be made not later than four working days before he acquires voting rights on such securities upon conversion, or exercise of option, as the case may be.

(3) The public announcement referred to in Regulation 12 shall be made by the merchant banker not later than four working days after any such change or changes are decided to be made as would result in the acquisition of control over the target company by the acquirer.

Public Announcement of Offer

15. (1) The public announcement to be made under Regulations 10 or Regulation 11 or Regulation 12 shall be made in all editions of one English national daily with wide circulation, one Hindi national daily with wide circulation and a regional language daily with wide circulation at the place where the registered office of the target company is situated and at the place of the stock exchange where the shares of the target company are most frequently traded.

(2) A copy of the public announcement to be made under Regulations 10 or Regulation 11 or Regulation 12 shall be submitted to the Board through the merchant banker at least two working days before its issuance.

(3) Simultaneous with the submission of the public announcement to the Board, the public announcement shall also be sent to all the stock exchanges on which the shares of the company are listed for being notified on the notice board, and to the target company at its registered office for being placed before the board of directors of the Company.

(4) The offer under these Regulations shall be deemed to have been made on the date on which the public announcement has appeared in any of the newspapers referred to in sub-regulation (1).

Contents of the Public Announcement of Offer

16. The public announcement referred to in Regulations 10 or Regulation 11 or Regulation 12 shall contain the following particulars, namely :-
 

1. the paid up share capital of the target company, the number of fully paid up and partly paid up shares;
2. the total number and percentage of shares proposed to be acquired from the public, subject to a minimum as specified in sub-regulation (1) of Regulation 21;
3. the minimum offer price for each fully paid up or partly paid up share;
4. mode of payment of consideration;
5. the identity of the acquirer(s) and in case the acquirer is a company or companies, the identity of the promoters and, or the persons having control over such company(ies) and the group, if any, to which the company(ies) belong;
6. the existing holding, if any, of the acquirer in the shares of the target company, including holdings of persons acting in concert with him;
7. salient features of the agreement, if any, such as the date, the name of the seller, the price at which the shares are being acquired, the manner of payment of the consideration and the number and percentage of shares in respect of which he acquirer has entered into the agreement to acquire the shares or the consideration, monetary or otherwise, for the acquisition of control over the target company, as the case may be;
8. the highest and the average price paid by the acquirer or persons acting in concert with him for acquisition, if any, of shares of the target company made by him during the twelve month period prior to the date of public announcement;
9. Object and purpose of the acquisition of the shares and future plans, if any, of the acquirer for the target company, including disclosures whether the acquirer proposes to dispose of or otherwise encumber any assets of the target company in the succeeding two years, except in the ordinary course of business of the target company
   Provided that where the future plans are set out , the public announcement shall also set out how the acquirers propose to implement such future plans.
    
10. the `specified date' as mentioned in Regulation 19;
11. the date by which individual letters of offer would be posted to each of the shareholders;
12. the date of opening and closure of the offer and the manner in which and the date by which the acceptance or rejection of the offer would be communicated to the shareholders;
13. the date by which the payment of consideration would be made for the shares in respect of which the offer has been accepted;
14. disclosure to the effect that firm arrangement for financial resources required to implement the offer is already in place, including details regarding the sources of the funds whether domestic i.e from banks, financial institutions, or otherwise or foreign ie. from Non-Resident Indians or otherwise.
15. provision for acceptance of the offer by person(s) who own the shares but are not the registered holders of such shares;
16. statutory approvals, if any, required to be obtained for the purpose of acquiring the shares under the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956), the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969 (54 of 1969), The Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973, (46 of 1973) and/or any other applicable laws;
17. approvals of banks or financial institutions required, if any;
18. whether the offer is subject to a minimum level of acceptance from the shareholders; and
19. such other information as is essential for the shareholders to make an informed decision in regard to the offer.

17. The public announcement of the offer or any other advertisement, circular, brochure, publicity material or letter of offer issued in relation to the acquisition of shares shall not contain any misleading information.

Submission of Letter of offer to the Board

18. (1) Within fourteen days from the date of public announcement made under Regulation 10, Regulation 11 or Regulation 12 as the case may be, the acquirer shall, through its merchant banker, file with the Board, the draft of the letter of offer, containing disclosures as specified by the Board.

(2) The letter of offer shall be despatched to the shareholders not earlier than 21 days from its submission to the Board under sub-regulation (1).

Provided that if, within 21 days from the date of submission of the letter of offer, the Board specifies changes, if any, in the letter of offer, (without being under any obligation to do so) the merchant banker and the acquirer shall carry out such changes before the letter of offer is despatched to the shareholders.

(3) The acquirer shall, along with the draft letter of offer referred to in sub-regulation (1), pay a fee of Rs.50,000/- to the Board, either by a banker's cheque or demand draft in favour of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, payable at Mumbai.

Specified date

19. The public announcement shall specify a date, which shall be the `specified date' for the purpose of determining the names of the shareholders to whom the letter of offer should be sent. Provided that such specified date shall not be later than the thirtieth day from the date of the public announcement.

Minimum offer price

20. (1) The offer to acquire the shares under Regulations 10, Regulation 11 or Regulation 12 shall be made at a minimum offer price which shall be payable -

1. in cash; or
2. by exchange and, or transfer of shares of acquirer company, if the person seeking to acquire the shares is a listed body corporate; or
3. by exchange and/or transfer of secured instruments with a minimum of `A' grade rating from a credit rating agency;
4. a combination of clauses (a), (b) or (c).

(2) For the purposes of sub-regulation (1), the minimum offer price shall be the highest of -

1. the negotiated price under the agreement referred to in sub-regulation (1) of Regulation 14;
2. highest price paid by the acquirer or persons acting in concert with him for any acquisitions, including by way of allotment in a public or rights issue, if any, during the 26 week period prior to the date of public announcement;
3. the price paid by the acquirer under a preferential allotment made to him or to persons acting in concert with him, at any time during the twelve month period upto the date of closure of the offer;
4.  the average of the weekly high and low of the closing prices of the shares of the target company as quoted on the stock exchange where the shares of the company are most frequently traded during the 26 weeks preceding the date of public announcement.

1. the negotiated price under the agreement referred to in sub-regulation (1) of Regulation 14;
2. highest price paid by the acquirer or persons acting in concert with him for acquisitions including by way of allotment in a public or rights issue, if any, during the twenty six week period prior to the date of public announcement;
3. the price paid by the acquirer under a preferential allotment made to him or to persons acting in concert with him, at any time during the twelve month period upto the date of closure of the offer; and
4. other parameters including return on networth, book value of the shares of the target company, earning per share, price earning multiple vis-a-vis the industry average.

1. For the purpose of this clause, shares will be deemed to be infrequently traded if on the stock exchange, the annualised trading turnover in that share during the preceding 6 calendar months prior to the month in which the public announcement is made is less than two percent (by number of shares) of the listed shares. For this purpose, the weighted average number of shares listed during the said six months period may be taken.
   
   ¹⁶["(ia) In case of disinvestment of a Public Sector Undertaking, the shares of such an undertaking shall be deemed to be infrequently traded, if on the stock exchange, the annualised trading turnover in the shares during the preceding six calendar months prior to the month, in which the Central Government, ¹⁷[opens the financial bid], is less than two percent (by the number of shares) of the listed shares. For this purpose the weighted average number of shares listed during the six months period may be taken”.]
2. In case of shares which have been listed within six months preceeding the public announcement, the trading turnover may be annualised with reference to the actual number of days for which the share has been listed.

(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-regulations (1), (2) and (3) above, where the acquirer has acquired shares in the open market or through negotiation or otherwise, after the date of public announcement at a price higher than the minim um offer price stated in the letter of offer, then the highest price paid for such acquisition shall be payable for all acceptances received under the offer.

¹⁹[Provided that no such acquisition shall be made by the acquirer during the last seven working days prior to the closure of the offer]

(5) In case where shares or secured instruments of the acquirer company are offered in lieu of cash payment, the value of such shares or secured instruments shall be determined in the same manner as mentioned in sub-regulations (2) and (3) above to the extent applicable, as duly certified by an independent Category I Merchant Banker (other than the managers to the offer) or an independent Chartered Accountant of 10 years standing.

(6) The letter of offer shall contain justification on the basis on which the price has been determined.

Explanation :

1. The highest price under clause (b) or the average price under clause (d) of sub-regulation may be adjusted for quotations, if any, on cum-rights or cum-bonus ²⁰[or cum-dividend] basis during the said period.
2. Where the public announcement of offer is pursuant to acquisition by way of firm allotment in a public issue or preferential allotment, the average price under clause (d) of sub-regulation 2 shall be calculated with reference to the 26 week period preceding the date of the board resolution which authorised the firm, preferential allotment.
3. Where the shareholders have been provided with an option to accept payment either in cash or by way of exchange of security then subject to the provisions of Regulation 20, the pricing for the cash offer could be different from that of a share exchange offer or offer for exchange with secured instruments, provided that the disclosures in the offer document contains suitable justification for such differential pricing.
4. Where the offer is subject to a minimum level of acceptances, the acquirer may subject to the provision of Regulation 20, indicate a lower price for the minimum acceptance of 20%, should the offer not receive full acceptance.

21. (1) The public offer shall be made to the shareholders of the target company to acquire from them an aggregate minimum of 20% of the voting capital of the company. Provided that where the open offer is made in pursuance to sub-regulation (2) of Regulation 11, the public offer shall be for such percentage of the voting capital of the company as may be decided by the acquirer.

(2) Where the offer is conditional upon minimum level of acceptances from the shareholders as provided for in clause (xviii) of Regulation 16, the provisions of sub-regulation (1) of this regulation shall not be applicable, if the acquirer has deposited in the escrow account in cash a sum of 50% of the consideration payable under the public offer.

(3) If the public offer results in the public shareholding being reduced to 10% or less of the voting capital of the company, or if the public offer is in respect of a company which has public shareholding of less than 10% of the voting capita l of the company, the acquirer shall either, -

1. within a period of 3 months from the date of closure of the public offer, make an offer to buy out the outstanding shares remaining with the shareholders at the same offer price, which may result in de-listing of the target company; or
2. undertake to dis-invest through an offer for sale or by a fresh issue of capital to the public, which shall open within a period of 6 months from the date of closure of the public offer, such number of shares so as to satisfy the listing requirements.

(5) For the purpose of computing the percentage referred to sub-regulation (1), (2) and (3) the voting rights as at the expiration of 30 days after the closure of the public offer shall be reckoned.

(6) Where the number of shares offered for sale by the shareholders are more than the shares agreed to be acquired by the person making the offer, such person shall, accept the offers received from the shareholders on a proportional basis, in consultation with the merchant banker, taking care to ensure that the basis of acceptance is decided in a fair and equitable manner and does not result in non-marketable lots. Provided that acquisition of shares from a shareholder shall not be less than the minimum marketable lot or the entire holding if it is less than the marketable lot.

General Obligations of the acquirer

22. (1) The public announcement of offer to acquire the shares of the target company shall be made only when the acquirer is able to implement the offer.

(2) Within 14 days of the public announcement of the offer, the acquirer shall send a copy of the draft letter of offer to the target company at its registered office address, for being placed before the board of directors and to all the stock exchanges where the shares of the company are listed.

(3) The acquirer shall ensure that the letter of offer is sent to all the shareholders (including non-resident Indians) of the target company, whose names appear on the register of members of the company as on the specified date mentioned in the public announcement, so as to reach them within 45 days from the date of public announcement.

Provided that where the public announcement is made pursuant to an agreement to acquire shares or control over the target company, the letter of offer shall be sent to shareholders other than the parties to the agreement.

Explanation :

(i) A copy of the letter of offer shall also be sent to the Custodians of Global Depository Receipts or American Depository Receipts to enable such persons to participate in the open offer, if they are entitled to do so.

(ii) A copy of the letter of offer shall also be sent to warrant holders or convertible debenture holders, where the period of exercise of option or conversion falls within the offer period.

(4) The date of opening of the offer shall be not later than the sixtieth day from the date of public announcement.

(5) The offer to acquire shares from the shareholders shall remain open for a period of 30 days.

(6) In case the acquirer is a company, the public announcement of offer, brochure, circular, letter of offer or any other advertisement or publicity material issued to shareholders in connection with the offer must state that the directors accept the responsibility for the information contained in such documents.

Provided that if any of the directors desires to exempt himself from responsibility for the information in such document, such director shall issue a statement to that effect, together with reasons thereof for such statement.

(7) During the offer period, the acquirer or persons acting in concert with him shall not be entitled to be appointed on the board of directors of the target company.

²¹["Provided that in case of acquisition of shares or voting rights or control of a Public Sector Undertaking pursuant to a public announcement made under the proviso to sub-regulation (1) of regulation 14, the provisions of sub-regulation (8) of Regulation 23 shall be applicable."]

(8) Where an offer is made conditional upon minimum level of acceptances, the acquirer or any person acting in concert with him -

(i) shall, irrespective of whether or not the offer received response to the minimum level of acceptances, acquire shares from the public to the extent of the minimum percentage specified in sub-regulation (1) of Regulation 21. Provided that the provisions of this clause shall not be applicable in case the acquirer has deposited in the escrow account, in cash, 50% of the consideration payable under the public offer.

(ii) shall not acquire, during the offer period, any shares in the target company, except by way of fresh issue of shares of the target company, as provided for under Regulation 3;

iii) shall be liable for penalty of forfeiture of entire escrow amount, for the non-fulfilment of obligations under the Regulations;

(9) If any of the persons representing or having interest in the acquirer is already a director on the board of the target company or is an "insider" within the meaning of Securities and Exchange Board of India (Insider Trading) Regulations, 1992, he shall recuse himself and not participate in any matter(s) concerning or 'relating' to the offer including any preparatory steps leading to the offer.

(10) On or before the date of issue of public announcement of offer, the acquirer shall create an escrow account as provided under Regulation 28.

(11) The acquirer shall ensure that firm financial arrangements has been made for fulfilling the obligations under the public offer and suitable disclosures in this regard shall be made in the public announcement of offer.

(12) The acquirer shall, within a period of 30 days from the date of the closure of the offer, complete all procedures relating to the offer including payment of consideration to the shareholders who have accepted the offer and for the purpose open a special account as provided under Regulation 29.

Provided that where the acquirer is unable to make the payment to the shareholders who have accepted the offer before the said period of 30 days due to non-receipt of requisite statutory approvals, the Board may, if satisfied that non-receipt of requisite statutory approvals was not due to any wilful default or neglect of the acquirer or failure of the acquirer to diligently pursue the applications for such approvals, grant extension of time for the purpose, subject to the acquirer agreeing to pay interest to the shareholders for delay beyond 30 days, as may be specified by the Board from time to time.

(13) Where the acquirer fails to obtain the requisite statutory approvals in time on account of willful default or neglect or inaction or non-action on his part, the amount lying in the escrow account shall be liable to be forfeited and dealt wit h in the manner provided in clause (e) of sub regulation 12 of Regulation 28, apart from the acquirer being liable for penalty as provided in the Regulations.

(14) In the event of withdrawal of offer in terms of the Regulations, the acquirer shall not make any offer for acquisition of shares of the target company for a period of six months from the date of public announcement of withdrawal of offer.

(15) In the event of non-fulfillment of obligations under Chapter III or Chapter IV of the Regulations, the acquirer shall not make any offer for acquisition of shares of any listed company for a period of twelve months from the date of closure of offer.

 (16) If the acquirer, in pursuance to an agreement, acquires shares which along with his existing holding, if any, increases his share holding beyond ²²[15%], then such an agreement for sale of shares shall contain a clause to the effect that in ca se of non-compliance of any provisions of this regulation, the agreement for such sale shall not be acted upon by the seller or the acquirer.

²³["Provided that in case of the acquisition of shares of a Public Sector Undertaking pursuant to a public announcement made under the Regulations, the provisions of sub-regulation (8) of Regulation 23 shall be applicable.”]

(17) Where the acquirer or persons acting in concert with him has acquired any shares ²⁴[ in terms of sub- regulation (4) of regulation 20] he, shall disclose the number, percentage, price and the mode of acquisition of such shares to the stock exchanges on which the shares of the target company are listed and to the merchant banker, within 24 hours of such acquisition.

(18) Where the acquirer has not either, in the public announcement, and, or in the letter of offer, stated his intention to dispose of or otherwise encumber any assets of the target company except in the ordinary course of business of the target company, the acquirer, where he has acquired control over the target company, shall be debarred from disposing of or otherwise encumbering the assets of the target company for a period of 2 years from the date of closure of the public offer.

General Obligations of the board of directors of the target company

23. (1) Unless the approval of the general body of shareholders is obtained after the date of the public announcement of offer, the board of directors of the target company shall not, during the offer period, -

1. sell, transfer, encumber or otherwise dispose of or enter into an agreement for sale, transfer, encumbrance or for disposal of assets otherwise, not being sale or disposal of assets in the ordinary course of business, of the company or its subsidiaries; or
2. issue any authorised but unissued securities carrying voting rights during the offer period; or
3. enter into any material contracts.

(2) The target company shall furnish to the acquirer, within 7 days of the request of the acquirer or within 7 days from the specified date, whichever is later, a list of shareholders or warrant holders or convertible debenture holders as are eligible for participation under Explanation (ii) to sub-regulation (3) of Regulation 22 containing names, addresses, shareholding and folio number, and of those persons whose applications for registration of transfer of share s are pending with the company.

(3) Once the public announcement has been made, the board of directors of the target company shall not, -

1. appoint as additional director or fill in any casual vacancy on the board of directors, by any person(s) representing or having interest in the acquirer, till the date of certification by the merchant banker as provided under sub-regulation (6) below.
    

   Provided that upon closure of the offer and the full amount of consideration payable to the shareholders being deposited in the special account, changes as would give the acquirer representation on the Board or control over the company, c an be made by the target company.
    

2. allow any person or persons representing or having interest in the acquirer, if he is already a director on the board of the target company before the date of the public announcement, to participate in any matter relating to the offer, including any preparatory steps leading thereto.

Provided that for any misstatement or for concealment of material information, the directors shall be liable for action in terms of these Regulations and the Act.

(5) The board of directors of the target company shall facilitate the acquirer in verification of securities tendered for acceptances.

(6) Upon fulfillment of all obligations by the acquirers under the Regulations as certified by the merchant banker, the board of directors of the target company shall transfer the securities acquired by the acquirer, whether under the agreement or from open market purchases, in the name of the acquirer and, or allow such changes in the board of directors as would give the acquirer representation on the board or control over the company.

(7) The obligations provided for in sub-regulation (16) of regulation 22 shall be complied with by the company in the circumstances specified therein.

²⁵ [(8) The restrictions -

(a)for appointment of directors on the Board of the target company by the acquirer under sub-regulation (7) of Regulation 22;

(b)for acting on agreement for under sub-regulation (16) of Regulation 22;

(c)for appointment of directors by the target company under clause (a) of sub-regulation (3) of this Regulation; and

(d)for on transfer of securities or changes in the board of directors of the target company under sub-regulation (6) of this Regulation,

shall not be applicable, in case of sale of shares of a Public Sector Undertaking by the Central Government and the agreement to sell contains a clause to the effect that in case of non-compliance of any of the provisions of the Regulations by the acquirer, transfer of shares or the change of management or control of the Public Sector Undertaking shall vest back with the Central Government and the acquirer shall be liable to such penalty as may be imposed by the Central Government.”]

General obligations of the merchant banker

24. (1) Before the public announcement of offer is made, the merchant banker shall ensure that-

1. the acquirer is able to implement the offer;
2. the provision relating to escrow account referred to in Regulation 28 has been made;
3. firm arrangements for funds and money for payment through verifiable means to fulfil the obligations under the offer are in place;
4. the public announcement of offer is made in terms of the Regulations.

(3) The merchant banker shall ensure that the draft public announcement and the letter of offer is filed with the Board, target company and also sent to all the stock exchanges on which the shares of the target company are listed in accordance with the Regulations.

(4) The merchant banker shall ensure that the contents of the public announcement of offer as well as the letter of offer are true, fair and adequate and based on reliable sources, quoting the source wherever necessary.

(5) The merchant banker shall ensure compliance of the Regulations and any other laws or rules as may be applicable in this regard.

(6) Upon fulfillment of all obligations by the acquirers under the Regulations, the merchant banker shall cause the bank with whom the escrow amount has been deposited to release the balance amount to the acquirers.

(7) The merchant banker shall send a final report to the Board within 45 days from the date of closure of the offer.

Competitive bid

25. (1) Any person, other than the acquirer who has made the first public announcement, who is desirous of making any offer, shall, within 21 days of the public announcement of the first offer, make a public announcement of his offer for acquisition of the shares of the same target company.

Explanation : An offer made under sub-regulation (1) shall be deemed to be a competitive bid.

2) No public announcement for an offer or competitive bid shall be made after 21 days from the date of public announcement of the first offer.

²⁶["(2A) No public announcement for a competitive bid shall be made after an acquirer has already made the public announcement under the proviso to sub-regulation (1) of Regulation 14 pursuant to entering into a Share Purchase or Shareholders' Agreement with the Central Government for acquisition of shares or voting rights or control of a Public Sector Undertaking."]

(3) Any competitive offer by an acquirer shall be for such number of shares which, when taken together with shares held by him alongwith persons acting in concert with him, shall be atleast equal to the number of shares for which the first public announcement has been made.

(4) Upon the public announcement of a competitive bid or bids, the acquirer(s) who had made the public announcement(s) of the earlier offer(s), shall have the option to make an announcement-

1. revising the offer; or
2. (withdrawing the offer, with the prior approval of the Board.

(5) The provisions of these Regulations shall mutatis-mutandis apply to the competitive bid(s) made under sub-regulation (1).

(6) The acquirers who have made the public announcement of offer(s) including the public announcement of competitive bid(s) but have not withdrawn the offer in terms of sub-regulation (4) shall have the option to make upward revisions in his offer(s), in respect to the price and the number of shares to be acquired, at any time upto seven working days prior to the date of closure of the offer.

Provided that the acquirer shall not have the option to change any other terms and conditions of their offer.

Provided further that any such upward revision shall be made only upon the acquirer, -

1. making a public announcement in respect of such changes or amendments in all the newspapers in which the original public announcement was made;
2. simultaneously with the issue of public announcement referred in clause (a), informing the Board, all the stock exchanges on which the shares of the company are listed, and the target company at its registered office;
3. increasing the value of the escrow account as provided under sub-regulation (9) of Regulation 28.

Upward Revision of Offer

26. Irrespective of whether or not there is a competitive bid, the acquirer who has made the public announcement of offer, may make upward revisions in his offer in respect to the price and the number of shares to be acquired, at anytime upto seven working days prior to the date of the closure of the offer.

Provided that any such upward revision of offer shall be made only upon the acquirer -

1. making a public announcement in respect of such changes or amendments in all the newspapers in which the original public announcement was made;
2. simultaneously with the issue of such public announcement, informing the Board, all the stock exchanges on which the shares of the company are listed, and the target company at its registered office.
3. increasing the value of the escrow account as provided under sub-regulation (9) of Regulation 28.

27. (1) No public offer, once made, shall be withdrawn except under the following circumstances : -

1. the withdrawal is consequent upon any competitive bid;
2. the statutory approval(s) required have been refused;
3. the sole acquirer, being a natural person, has died;
4. such circumstances as in the opinion of the Board merits withdrawal.

1. make a public announcement in the same newspapers in which the public announcement of offer was published, indicating reasons for withdrawal of the offer.
2. simultaneously with the issue of such public announcement, inform - (i) the Board; (ii) all the stock exchanges on which the shares of the company are listed; and (iii) the target company at its registered office.

28. (1) The acquirer shall as and by way of security for performance of his obligations under the Regulations, deposit in an escrow account such sum as specified in sub-regulation(2).

(2) The escrow amount shall be calculated in the following manner, -

1. For consideration payable under the public offer, -upto and including Rs.100 crores - 25%;

(4) The escrow account referred in sub-regulation (1) shall consist of, -

1. cash deposited with a scheduled commercial bank ; or
2. bank guarantee in favour of the merchant banker; or
3. deposit of acceptable securities with appropriate margin, with the merchant banker; or
4. cash, deposited with a scheduled commercial bank in case of clause (b) of sub-regulation (2) of this Regulation.

(6) Where the escrow account consists of bank guarantee, such bank guarantee shall be in favour of the merchant banker and shall be valid atleast for a period commencing from the date of public announcement until 30 days after the closure of t he offer.

(7) The acquirer shall, in case the escrow account consists of securities empower the merchant banker to realise the value of such escrow account by sale or otherwise provided that if there is any deficit on realisation of the value of the securities, the merchant banker shall be liable to make good any such deficit.

(8) In case the escrow account consists of bank guarantee or approved securities, these shall not be returned by the merchant banker till after completion of all obligations under the Regulations.

(9) In case there is any upward revision of offer, consequent upon a competitive bid or otherwise, the value of the escrow account shall be increased to equal at least 10% of the consideration payable upon such revision.

(10) Where the escrow account consist of bank guarantee or deposit of approved securities, the acquirer shall also deposit with the bank a sum of at least 1% of the total consideration payable, as and by way of security for fulfillment of the obligations under the Regulations by the acquirers.

(11) The Board shall in case of non-fulfillment of obligations under the Regulations by the acquirer forfeit the escrow account either in full or in part.

(12) The escrow account deposited with the bank in cash shall be released only in the following manner, -

1. the entire amount to the acquirer upon withdrawal of offer in terms of Regulation 27 upon certification by the merchant banker;
2. for transfer to the special account opened in terms of sub-regulation (1) of Regulation 29.
   Provided the amount so transferred shall not exceed 90% of the cash deposit made under clause (a) of sub-regulation (2) of this regulation.
3. to the acquirer, the balance of 10% of the cash deposit made under clause (a) of sub-Regulation (2) of this Regulation or the cash deposit made under sub-Regulation (8) of this Regulation, on completion of all obligations under the Regulations, and upon certification by the merchant banker;
4. the entire amount to the acquirer upon completion of all obligations under the Regulations, upon certification by the merchant banker, where the offer is for exchange of shares or other secured instruments;
5. the entire amount to the merchant banker, in the event of forfeiture for non-fulfillment of any of the obligations under the Regulations, for distribution among the target company, the regional stock exchange and to the shareholders who had accepted the offer in the following manner, after deduction of expenses, if any, of the merchant banker and the registrars to the offer, -

1. one third of the amount to the target company;
2. one third of the amount to the regional stock exchange for credit of the investor protection fund or any other similar fund for investor education, research, grievance redressal and similar such purposes as may be specified by the Board from time to time;
3. residual one third to be distributed pro-rata among the shareholders who have accepted the offer.

Payment of consideration

29. (1) For the amount of consideration payable in cash, the acquirer shall, within a period of 21 days from the date of closure of the offer, open a special account with a Bankers to an Issue registered with the Board and deposit therein, such sum as would, together with 90% of the amount lying in the escrow account, if any, make up the entire sum due and payable to the shareholders as consideration for acceptances received and accepted in terms of these Regulations and for this purpose, transfer the funds from the escrow account.

(2) The unclaimed balance lying to the credit of the account referred in sub-regulation (1) at the end of 3 years from the date of deposit thereof shall be transferred to the investor protection fund of the regional stock exchange of the target company.

(3) In respect of consideration payable by way of exchange of securities, the acquirer shall ensure that the securities are actually issued and despatched to the shareholders.

¹⁰Substituted for "ten" by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Amendment Regulations, 1998 w.e.f. 28/10/98.

¹¹Substituted for "[not less than 10% but not more than 51%]" by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Amendment Regulations, 1998 w.e.f. 28/10/98.

¹²Substituted for "5%" by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2001 w.e.f. 24/10/2001. Prior to this, "5%" was substituted for "2%" by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Amendment Regulations, 1998 w.e.f. 28/10/1998.

¹³ Substituted for "No acquirer shall acquire shares or voting rights which (taken together with shares or voting rights, if any, held by him or by persons acting in concert with him), entitle such acquirer to exercise more than 51% of the voting rights in a company, unless such acquirer makes a public announcement to acquire share of such company in accordance with the Regulations" by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Amendment Regulations, 1998 w.e.f. 28/10/98.

¹⁴"Inserted by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2001 w.e.f.17.08.2001."

¹⁵ "Substituted for the words [(after receiving the cabinet approval) announces the name of the successful bidder] by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2002 w.e.f.  29.1.2002."

¹⁶ "Inserted by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2001 w.e.f. 17.08.2001."

¹⁷ Substituted for the words [ after receiving the cabinet approval, announces the name of the successful bidder] by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2002 w.e.f.  29.1.2002.

¹⁸ Inserted by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2002 w.e.f.  29.1.2002.

¹⁹Inserted by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Amendment Regulations, 1998 w.e.f. 28/10/98.

²⁰Inserted by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2002 w.e.f.  29.1.2002.

²¹ "Inserted by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2001 w.e.f. 12.09.2001."

²²Substituted for "10%" by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Amendment Regulations, 1998 w.e.f. 28/10/98.

²³ "Inserted by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2001 w.e.f. 17.08.2001."

²⁴Substituted for "after the date of public announcement" by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Amendment Regulations, 1998 w.e.f. 28/10/98.

²⁵"Substituted by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Amendment)Regulations, 2001 w.e.f.12.09.2001." Prior to substitution, the said sub-Regulation 8 as inserted by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2001 w.e.f.17.08.2001 read as follows:

“The obligations provided for in the proviso to clause (a) of sub-regulation (3) and sub-regulation (6) of this regulation, shall not be applicable where the agreement to sell shares of a Public Sector Undertaking contains a clause to the effect that in case of non-compliance of any of the provisions of the Regulations, the shares or the control of the Public Sector Undertaking shall revert back to the Central Government and the acquirers shall be liable to such penalty as may be imposed by the Central Government”

²⁶"Substituted by SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2001 w.e.f.12.09.2001." Prior to substitution, the said sub-Regulation 2A as inserted by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2001 w.e.f.17.08.2001 read as follows:

“No public announcement for an offer or competitive bid shall be made after the Central Government has entered into a Share Purchase or Shareholders' Agreement with the acquirer who has made the public announcement for acquisition of shares or voting rights or control of a Public Sector Undertaking”

BAIL OUT TAKEOVERS

Bail out takeovers

30. (1) The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to a substantial acquisition of shares in a financially weak company not being a sick industrial company, in pursuance to a scheme of rehabilitation approved by a public financial institution or a scheduled bank; (hereinafter referred to as lead institution).

(2) The lead institution shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the provisions of this Chapter.

(3) The lead institution shall appraise the financially weak company taking into account the financial viability, and assess the requirement of funds for revival and draw up the rehabilitation package on the principle of protection of interests of minority shareholders, good management, effective revival and transparency.

(4) The rehabilitation scheme shall also specifically provide the details of any change in management.

(5) The scheme may provide for acquisition of shares in the financially weak company in any of the following manner:

1. outright purchase of shares, or
2. exchange of shares, or
3. a combination of both.

Explanation :For the purpose of this chapter, the expression "financially weak company" means a company, which has at the end of the previous financial year accumulated losses, which has resulted in erosion of more than 50% but less than 100% of its networth as at the beginning of the previous financial year, that is to say, of the sum total of the paid-up capital and free reserves.

Manner of acquisition of shares

31. (1) Before giving effect to any scheme of rehabilitation the lead institution shall invite offers for acquisition of shares from atleast three parties.

(2) After receipt of the offers under sub-regulation (1), the lead institution shall select one of the parties having regard to the managerial competence, adequacy of financial resources and technical capability of the person acquiring shares to rehabilitate the financially weak company.

(3) The lead institution shall provide necessary information to any person intending to make an offer to acquire shares about the financially weak company and particularly in relation to its present management, technology, range of products manufactured, shareholding pattern, financial holding and performance and assets and liabilities of such company for a period covering five years from the date of the offer as also the minimum financial and other commitments expected of from the person acquiring shares for such rehabilitation.

Manner of evaluation of bids

32. (1) The lead institution shall evaluate the bids received with respect to the purchase price or exchange of shares, track record, financial resources, reputation of the management of the person acquiring shares and ensure fairness and transparency in the process.

(2) After making evaluation as provided in sub-regulation (1), the offers received shall be listed in order of preference and after consultation with the persons in the affairs of the management of the financially weak company accept one of the bids.

Person acquiring shares to make an offer

33. The person acquiring shares who has been identified by the lead institution under sub-regulation 2 of Regulation 32, shall on receipt of a communication in this behalf from the lead institution make a formal offer to acquire shares from the promoters or persons in charge of the affairs of the management of the financially weak company, financial institutions and also other shareholders of the company at a price determined by mutual negotiation between the person acquiring the shares and the lead institution.

Explanation: Nothing in this regulation shall prohibit the lead institution offering the shareholdings held by it in the financially weak company as part of the scheme of rehabilitation.

Person acquiring shares to make public announcement

34. (1) The person acquiring shares from the promoters or the persons in charge of the management of the affairs of the financially weak company or the financial institution shall make a public announcement of his intention for acquisition of shares from the other shareholders of the company.

(2) Such public announcement shall contain relevant details about the offer including the information about the identity and background of the person acquiring shares, number and percentage of shares proposed to be acquired, offer price, the specified date, the date of opening of the offer and the period for which the offer shall be kept open and such other particulars as may be required by the board.

(3) The letter of offer shall be forwarded to each of the shareholders other than the promoters or the persons in charge of management of the financially weak company and the financial institutions.

(4) If the offer referred to in sub-regulation (1) results in the public shareholding being reduced to 10% or less of the voting capital of the company, the acquirer shall either -

1. within a period of three months from the date of closure of the public offer, make an offer to buy out the outstanding shares remaining with the shareholders at the same offer price, which may have the effect of delisting the target company; OR
2. or undertake to disinvest through an offer for sale or by a fresh issue of capital to the public which shall open within a period of 6 months from the date of closure of public offer, such number of shares so as to satisfy the listing requirements.

(6) For the purposes of computing the percentage referred to in the sub-regulation (4), the voting rights as at the expiration of thirty days after the closure of the public offer shall be reckoned.

(7) While accepting the offer from the shareholders other than the promoters or persons in charge of the financially weak company or the financial institutions, the person acquiring shares shall offer to acquire from the individual shareholder his entire holdings if such holding is upto hundred shares of the face value of rupees ten each or ten shares of the face value of rupees hundred each.

Competitive Bid

35. No person shall make a competitive bid for acquisition of shares of the financially weak company once the lead institution has evaluated the bid and accepted the bid of the acquirer who has made the public announcement of offer for acquisition of shares from the shareholders other than the promoters or the persons in charge of the management of the financially weak company.

Exemption from the operations of chapter III

36. (1) Every offer which has been made in pursuance of Regulation 30 shall be accompanied with an application to the Board for exempting such acquisitions from the provisions of Chapter III of these Regulations.

(2) For considering such request the Board may call for such information from the company as also from the lead institution, in relation to the manner of vetting the offers, evaluation of such offers and similar other matters.

(3) Notwithstanding grant of exemption by the board, the lead institution or the acquirer as far as may be possible, shall adhere to the time limits specified for various activities for public offer specified in Chapter III.

Acquisition of shares by a state level public financial institution

37. Where proposals for acquisition of shares in respect of a financially weak company is made by a state level public financial institution, the provisions of these Regulations in so far as they relate to scheme of rehabilitation prepared by a public financial institution, shall apply except that in such a case the Industrial Development Bank of India, a corporation established under the Industrial Development Bank of India Act, 1964 shall be the agency for ensuring the compliance of these Regulations for acquisition of shares in the financially weak company.

INVESTIGATION AND ACTION BY THE BOARD

Board's right to investigate

38. The Board may appoint one or more persons as investigating officer to undertake investigation for any of the following purposes, namely:-

1. to investigate into the complaints received from the investors, the intermediaries or any other person on any matter having a bearing on the allegations of substantial acquisition of shares and takeovers;
2. to investigate suo-moto upon its own knowledge or information, in the interest of securities market or investors interests, for any breach of the Regulations ;
3. to ascertain whether the provisions of the Act and the Regulations are being complied with.

39. (1) Before ordering an investigation under Regulation 38, the Board shall give not less than 10 days notice to the acquirer, the seller, the target company, the merchant banker, as the case may be.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulation (1), where the Board is satisfied that in the interest of the investors no such notice should be given, it may, by an order in writing direct that such investigation be taken up without such notice.

(3) During the course of an investigation, the acquirer, the seller, the target company, the merchant banker, against whom the investigation is being carried out shall be bound to discharge his obligation as provided in Regulation 40.

Obligations on investigation by the Board

40. (1) It shall be the duty of the acquirer, the seller, the target company, the merchant banker whose affairs are being investigated and of every director, officer and employee thereof, to produce to the investigating officer such books, securities, accounts, records and other documents in its custody or control and furnish him with such statements and information relating to his activities as the investigating officer may require, within such reasonable period as the investigating officer may specify.

(2) The acquirer, the seller, the target company, the merchant banker and the persons being investigated shall allow the investigating officer to have reasonable access to the premises occupied by him or by any other person on his behalf and also extend reasonable facility for examining any books, records, documents and computer data in the possession of the acquirer, the seller, the target company, the merchant banker or such other person and also provide copies of documents or other materials which, in the opinion of the investigating officer are relevant for the purposes of the investigation.

(3) The investigating officer, in the course of investigation, shall be entitled to examine or to record the statements of any director, officer or employee of the acquirer, the seller, the target company, the merchant banker.

(4) It shall be the duty of every director, officer or employee of the acquirer, the seller, the target company, the merchant banker to give to the investigating officer all assistance in connection with the investigation, which the investigating officer may reasonably require.

Submission of Report to the Board

41. The investigating officer shall, as soon as possible, on completion of the investigation, submit a report to the Board: Provided that if directed to do so by the Board, he may submit interim reports.

Communication of findings

42. (1) The Board shall, after consideration of the investigation report referred to in Regulation 41, communicate the findings of the investigating officer to the acquirer, the seller, the target company, the merchant banker, as the case may be, and give him an opportunity of being heard.

(2) On receipt of the reply if any, from the acquirer, the seller, the target company, the merchant banker, as the case may be, the Board may call upon him to take such measures as the Board may deem fit in the interest of the securities market and for due compliance with the provisions of the Act and the Regulations.

Appointment of Auditor

43. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Regulation, the Board may appoint a qualified auditor to investigate into the books of account or the affairs of the person concerned: Provided that the auditor so appointed shall have the same powers of the investigating authority as stated in Regulation 38 and the obligations of the person concerned in Regulation 40 shall be applicable to the investigation under this Regulation.

Directions by the Board.

44. The Board may, in the interests of the securities market, without prejudice to its right to initiate action including criminal prosecution under section 24 of the Act give such directions as it deems fit including :

1. directing the person concerned not to further deal in securities;
2. prohibiting the person concerned from disposing of any of the securities acquired in violation of these Regulations;
3. directing the person concerned to sell the shares acquired in violation of the provisions of these Regulations;
4. taking action against the person concerned.

45. (1) Any person violating any provisions of the Regulations shall be liable for action in terms of the Regulations and the Act.

(2) If the acquirer or any person acting in concert with him, fails to carry out the obligations under the Regulations, the entire or part of the sum in the escrow amount shall be liable to be forfeited and the acquirer or such a person shall also be liable for action in terms of the Regulations and the Act.

(3) The board of directors of the target company failing to carry out the obligations under the Regulations shall be liable for action in terms of the Regulations and Act.

(4) The Board may, for failure to carry out the requirements of the Regulations by an intermediary, initiate action for suspension or cancellation of registration of an intermediary holding a certificate of registration under section 12 of the Act. Provided that no such certificate of registration shall be suspended or cancelled unless the procedure specified in the Regulations applicable to such intermediary is complied with.

(5) For any mis-statement to the shareholders or for concealment of material information required to be disclosed to the shareholders, the acquirers or the directors where he acquirer is a body corporate, the directors of the target company, the merchant banker to the public offer and the merchant banker engaged by the target company for independent advice would be liable for action in terms of the Regulations and the Act.

(6) The penalties referred to in sub-regulation (1) to (5) may include -

1. criminal prosecution under section 24 of the Act;
2. monetary penalties under section 15 H of the Act;
3. directions under the provisions of Section 11B of the Act.

46. Any person being aggrieved by an order of the Board under these Regulations may prefer an appeal to the Central Government.

Repeal and Saving

47. (1) The Securities and Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, ²⁷[1994] are hereby repealed.

(2) Notwithstanding such repeal :-

1. Anything done or any action taken or purported to have been done or taken including approval of letter of offer, exemption granted, fees collected any adjudication, enquiry or investigation commenced or show cause notice issued under the said regulations shall be deemed to have been done or taken under the corresponding provisions of these regulations;
2. Any application made to the Board under the said regulations and pending before it shall be deemed to have been made under the corresponding provisions of these regulations.
3. Any appeals preferred to the Central Government under the said regulations and pending before it shall be deemed to have been preferred under the corresponding provisions of these regulations.

S.O.No.930 (E) - In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act,1992 ( 15 of 1992 ), the Board hereby makes the following regulations to amend the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers ) Regulations,1997 :

I. (i) These regulations may be called the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Amendment Regulations,1998;

(ii) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

II. (1) In regulation 3 -

1. in sub-regulation (3), for the figure "2%" appearing after the word "exceeding" and before the words "of the", the figure "5%" shall be substituted.
2. in sub-regulation (4), for the figure "10%" appearing after the words " person to exercise" and before the words " or more", the figure "15%" shall be substituted.

(3) In regulation 10 -

1. in the heading, for the figure "10%", the figure "15%" shall be substituted.
2. for the word "ten", appearing after the words " to exercise" and before the words " per cent or more" the word " fifteen" shall be substituted.

(a) in sub-regulation (1),

(6) In regulation 22 -

1. in sub-regulation (16), for the figure `10%’, appearing after the word `beyond’, the figure 15% shall be substituted.
2. in sub-regulation (17), for the words " after the date of public announcement" appearing after the words " any shares" and before the words " he, shall disclose", the words " in terms of sub-regulation (4) of regulation 20" shall be substituted.

Footnote:-

1. The SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations,1997, the principal regulations was published in the Gazette of India, Extra-ordinary on 20th February,1997 vide S.O.No.124(E).

a. Subsequently a Corrigendum was published in the Gazette of India, Extra-Ordinary on 6th February,1998 vide S.O.No.106(E).

S.O. 1058(E) In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 (15 of 1992), the Board hereby makes he following regulations to amend the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1997.

1. These Regulations may be called the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2001.
2. They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
3. In the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1997 (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations) -

1. In Regulation 7,

1. after sub-regulation (1), the following shall be inserted, namely:

2. in sub-regulation (2), after the words "sub-regulation (1)", the words "and (1A)" shall be inserted.
3. in sub-regulation (3),

1. after the words "referred to in sub-regulation (1), the words "and (1A)" shall be inserted.
2. after the words "information under sub-regulation (1)" the words "and (1A)" shall be inserted.

Footnote:

1. SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1997, the principal regulation was published in the Gazette of India on February 20, 1997, vide S.O. No.124(E).

2. Subsequently a Corrigendum was published in the Gazette of India Extraordinary on February 6, 1998, vide S.O. No. 106(E).

3. It was subsequently amended by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Amendment) Regulations, 1998 which was published in the Gazette of India on October 28, 1998, vide S.O. No. 930(E).

4. It was subsequently amended by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2000 which was published in the Gazette of India on December 30, 2000 vide S.O. No. 1178 (E).

5. It was subsequently amended by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2001 on 17^th August 2001 vide S.O. No. 791(E).

6. It was subsequently amended by the SEBI (substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2001 on 12^th September 2001 vide S.O. No. 875 (E).

S.O.127   (E) In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 (15 of 1992), the Board hereby makes the following regulations to amend the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1997.

1. These Regulations may be called the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2002.

2. They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official  Gazette.

3. In the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1997 (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations) -

1) In Regulation 3, in sub-regulation (1), in  clause (h), the following proviso shall be  inserted, namely :-

“Provided  that  this exemption shall not be  applicable if a Government company acquires  shares or voting rights  or  control of a listed Public Sector Undertaking through the competitive bidding process of the Central Government for  the  purpose  of disinvestment."
 

2) In  Regulation 20,-
a) In  sub-regulation (2), in  the  Explanation , for the words"(after receiving the cabinet  approval) announces  the  name  of successful  bidder"  the words “opens the financial bid” shall  be  substituted .

b) In sub-regulation (3),-

i) in the Explanation (ia), for the words "after receiving the cabinet  approval, announces  the name  of  the  successful  bidder"  the words " opens the financial bid" shall  be  substituted.

c) After sub-regulation (3), the following sub-regulation shall be inserted, namely:-

“ (3A) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulation (3), in case of disinvestment of a Public Sector Undertaking, whose shares are infrequently traded, the minimum offer price shall be the price paid by the successful bidder to the Central Government, arrived at after the process of competitive bidding of the Central Government for the purpose of disinvestment.”

d) In sub-regulation (6), in Explanation 1, the words "or cum -dividend" shall  be  inserted after  the word "cum-bonus".

1. SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1997, the principal regulation was published in the Gazette of India on February 20, 1997, vide S.O. No.124(E).

2. Subsequently a Corrigendum was published in the Gazette of India Extraordinary on February 6, 1998, vide S.O. No. 106(E).

3. It was subsequently amended by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Amendment) Regulations, 1998 which was published in the Gazette of India on October 28, 1998, vide S.O. No. 930(E).

4. It was subsequently amended by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2000 which was published in the Gazette of India on December 30, 2000 vide S.O. No. 1178 (E).

5. It was subsequently amended by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2001 on 17th August 2001 vide S.O. No. 791(E).

6. It was subsequently amended by the SEBI (substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2001 on 12th September 2001 vide S.O. No. 875 (E)

7. It was subsequently amended by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2001 on 24th October 2001 vide S.O. No. 1058 (E)