Securities and Exchange Board of India
Letter No. CFD/DCR/IG/DMS/19409/10
dated 9-9-2010
This has reference to your letter dated July 7, 2010 in the captioned matter. In your letter under reference, you have, inter alia, represented as follows:-
a) The promoter shareholding in M/s Kamdhenu Ispat Limited (KIL) as on March 31, 2010 stands at 54.97% which is intended to be increased to 55% through creeping acquisition under regulation 11(1).
b) Moreover, the promoters of KIL are desirous to further increase their holding by 5% in terms of second proviso to regulation 11(2) by way of purchase from open market in normal segment on the stock exchange. The said acquisition shall not be through bulk deal/block deal/negotiated deal/preferential allotment.
1. In this regard, you have sought interpretive guidance from SEBI on the following queries-
a. Can the promoters acquire additional 0.03% shares during the financial year 2010-2011 as per regulation 11(1) so as to reach 55%
b. Can promoters further acquire 5% as per second proviso of regulation 11(2)
c. Can the above acquisitions, as mentioned in (a) and (b); be done in the Financial year 2010-11
2. We have considered the submission made by you in your letter under reference and without necessarily agreeing with your analysis, our view on the issue is as under:
a. It is noted that the promoter shareholding in KIL as on March 31, 2010 is 54.97%. In terms of regulation 11(1) of the SAST Regulations (hereinafter referred to as the said Regulations), the promoters may acquire a maximum of 0.03 % during the financial year 2010-11 so as to reach 55% without making a public announcement.
b. Upon the aforesaid acquisition, the promoters would reach the 55% threshold and hence would become eligible for the one-time exemption provided by second proviso to regulation 11(2). In terms of the said proviso, the promoters may acquire a further 5% of voting rights, subject to compliance with al the provisions of the regulation 11(2) of the said Regulations.
c. The aforesaid acquisitions would be governed by two separate and distinct regulations, viz. regulation 11(1) and second proviso to regulation 11(2) of the said Regulations. Therefore, both the transactions may be undertaken in the same financial year, viz. 2010-11.
3. The above position is based on the information furnished in your letter under reference. Different facts or conditions might lead to a different result. Further, this letter does not express a decision of the Board on the questions referred.
You may also note that the above views are expressed only with respect to the clarification sought in your letter under reference with respect to regulations 11(1) and 11(2) of the said Regulations and do not affect the applicability of any other law or requirements of any other SEBI Regulations, Guidelines and circulars administered by SEBI or of the laws administered by any other authority.