2000 (3) TMI 1024 - HC - Companies Law

Summary

Issues Involved
1. Approval of the scheme of amalgamation between Asian Coffee Ltd. (ACL) and Consolidated Coffee Limited (CCL).
2. Fairness and reasonableness of the share exchange ratio.
3. Allegations of bias in the valuation process.
4. Adequacy of information provided to shareholders.
5. Objections raised by the Registrar of Companies.

Detailed Analysis

1. Approval of the Scheme of Amalgamation
The primary issue was the approval of the scheme of amalgamation between ACL and CCL under sections 394 and 391(2) of the Companies Act. The appellants challenged the scheme, particularly the share exchange ratio, and sought a revaluation by an independent auditor. The High Court of Karnataka had already approved similar schemes for three other companies.

2. Fairness and Reasonableness of the Share Exchange Ratio
The appellants contended that the exchange ratio of 6:1 was unfair and suggested a ratio of at least 3:1 based on a report by chartered accountants Narasimha Rao and Associates. The learned company judge found no material to hold the valuation as unfair or unreasonable and concluded that the scheme was just, fair, and reasonable. The court's role was deemed supervisory, not appellate, and it should refrain from re-evaluating the share exchange ratio unless there were inherent defects or mala fides.

3. Allegations of Bias in the Valuation Process
The appellants argued that the valuation was biased as M. N. Raiji and Co., statutory auditors of CCL, and A. F. Ferguson and Co., auditors of an associated company, were involved. The court rejected this contention, stating that professional chartered accountants are expected to perform their duties independently. Furthermore, the valuation was also reviewed by ANZ Grindlays Bank Ltd., an independent expert agency. The court found no reasonable likelihood of bias.

4. Adequacy of Information Provided to Shareholders
The appellants claimed that they were not provided with sufficient details to object effectively to the share exchange ratio. The court held that the requisite information and documents were furnished as per sections 391 and 393 of the Companies Act. The valuation report was available for inspection, and no further clarifications were sought by the appellants before the general meeting. The court emphasized that it is not open to members to use the court process to make a roving enquiry into every detail post the decision taken by the general body.

5. Objections Raised by the Registrar of Companies
The Registrar of Companies argued that the exchange ratio was against the interest of minority shareholders and favored Tata Tea Ltd. (TTL). The court noted that Saptagiri Agro Industries Ltd., whose shares were part of the amalgamation, had become a sick company, thereby diminishing the value of its shares. This objection was not accepted by the Karnataka High Court either. The court found that the valuation was done independently and relevant factors were considered, with no demonstrable mala fides.

Conclusion
The court concluded that the scheme of amalgamation was approved by an overwhelming majority, including financial institutions, and there was no merit in the appeals. The appeals were dismissed without costs.