A rights issue is an offer to existing shareholders to purchase additional shares in proportion to their existing holdings.

Right Issue

A rights issue is a significant method for companies to raise additional capital by offering existing shareholders the right to purchase additional shares at a discounted price. This approach not only helps companies bolster their equity base but also allows shareholders to maintain their ownership percentage.
What is a Rights Issue?
A rights issue is an offer to existing shareholders to purchase additional shares in proportion to their existing holdings. This mechanism ensures that current shareholders have the first option to maintain their ownership stake, particularly when new shares are issued at a price lower than the prevailing market rate.

Key Features Of A Rights Issue

Feature
Description
Eligibility
Offered exclusively to existing shareholders on a pro-rata basis.
Discounted Price
Shares are often offered at a lower price than the current market value.
Time-Bound Offer
Shareholders must respond within a specific timeframe, typically between 15 to 30 days.
Transferability
Rights can usually be transferred, allowing shareholders to sell their rights to others.
Feature
Description

Relevant Sections Of The Companies Act 2013

The rights issue process is governed by several key sections of the Companies Act 2013:
Section
Description
Section 62(1)(a)
Authorizes a rights issue, allowing existing shareholders to purchase additional shares.
Section 62(2)
Mandates that the offer must be made in writing, providing clear timelines for acceptance.
Section 42
Relates to private placements, clarifying the distinction between private placements and rights issues.
Section 173
Requires a board meeting to approve the rights issue.

Process Of A Rights Issue

The rights issue process involves several steps to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to facilitate smooth execution:
Step 1: Board Approval
  • Initial Decision: The board of directors must convene a meeting to discuss and approve the rights issue, including determining the issue price, number of shares to be issued, and the timeline for the offer.
Step 2: Issue of Letter of Offer
  • Formal Communication: A letter of offer must be prepared and sent to all existing shareholders, detailing the terms of the rights issue, including the number of shares being offered, the issue price, and the procedure for acceptance.
Step 3: Filing with the Registrar of Companies (RoC)
  • Regulatory Filing: The company must file the offer document with the RoC within 30 days of the board meeting. This ensures that the regulatory body is informed of the company’s intentions.
Step 4: Shareholder Acceptance
  • Response Period: Shareholders must respond to the offer within the stipulated timeframe, typically 15 to 30 days as indicated in the letter of offer. They can choose to accept, decline, or transfer their rights.
Step 5: Allotment of Shares
  • Issuance of Shares: Once the acceptance period concludes, the company will allot shares to those shareholders who exercised their rights, in accordance with the number of shares applied for.
Step 6: Filing of Return of Allotment
  • Post-Allotment Compliance: Companies must file a return of allotment with the RoC within 30 days of share allotment, ensuring compliance with legal reporting requirements.

Conclusion

A rights issue serves as an essential tool for companies aiming to raise capital while allowing existing shareholders to preserve their ownership stake. By understanding the legal framework established by the Companies Act 2013 and adhering to the stipulated processes, companies can effectively conduct rights issues while minimizing the risk of penalties and non-compliance.

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Disclamer: The article provided here is solely for information purposes. This is prepared based on information provided on various forums and the same has been utilized only for information of the readers. The information presented in this article does not constitute legal or professional advice and should not be relied upon for such purposes or used as a substitute for legal advice. In case of necessity, consult with professionals.