2016 (8) TMI 571 - HC - Companies Law

Scheme of amalgamation is in the interest of its shareholders and creditors as well as in the public interest and the same deserves to be sanctioned and the same is hereby sanctioned.

Summary

Issues:
Petitions for sanction of Scheme of Amalgamation under sections 391 to 394 of the Companies Act, 1956.

Analysis:
1. The petitions were filed by two companies, seeking approval for the Scheme of Amalgamation. Both companies belong to the same management group and are engaged in similar commercial activities providing environmental solutions. The Board of Directors proposed the amalgamation for synergic benefits and rapid growth of operations of the Transferee Company. Details of the benefits were provided in the petitions.

2. Meetings of Equity Shareholders were dispensed with as all shareholders provided written consent. Unsecured Creditors' meetings were held, and the Scheme was unanimously approved. Substantive petitions for sanction were admitted, and notices for the hearing were advertised in newspapers. No objections were raised post-publication.

3. The Official Liquidator reported that the Transferor Company's affairs were conducted within its object clauses and not prejudicial to members or public interest. The Transferor Company may be dissolved without winding up, but the books of accounts and records must be preserved. The Transferee Company was directed to comply with statutory liabilities post-sanction of the scheme.

4. Affidavits were filed by the Central Government and Regional Director, Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The Regional Director's observations were addressed in an additional affidavit. The Court found the scheme to be in the interest of shareholders, creditors, and the public, sanctioning it as prayed for in the petitions.

5. Costs to be paid to the Central Government Standing Counsel and the Office of the Official Liquidator were quantified. The Transferor Company was directed to pay the costs to the Official Liquidator. The companies were instructed to lodge a copy of the order, schedule of immovable assets, and the authenticated Scheme for stamp duty adjudication. They were also directed to file a copy of the order and scheme with the Registrar of Companies.

6. Filing and issuance of the drawn-up order were dispensed with, and concerned authorities were directed to act on a copy of the order authenticated by the Registrar. The Registrar was instructed to issue the authenticated copy of the order and Scheme promptly.