CR Full Note
CR Full Note
Corporate Restructuring
Financial Restructuring: This type of restructuring may take place due to a severe fall in the
overall sales because of adverse economic conditions. Here, the corporate entity may alter its
equity pattern, debt-servicing schedule, equity holdings, and cross-holding pattern. All this is
done to sustain the market and the profitability of the company.
Change in the Strategy: The management of the distressed entity attempts to improve its
performance by eliminating certain divisions and subsidiaries which do not align with the
core strategy of the company. The division or subsidiaries may not appear to fit strategically
with the company’s long-term vision. Thus, the corporate entity decides to focus on its core
strategy and dispose of such assets to the potential buyers.
Lack of Profits: The undertaking may not be enough profit-making to cover the cost of
capital of the company and may cause economic losses. The poor performance of the
undertaking may be the result of a wrong decision taken by the management to start the
division or the decline in the profitability of the undertaking due to the change in customer
needs or increasing costs.
Reverse Synergy: This concept is in contrast to the principles of synergy, where the value of
a merged unit is more than the value of individual units collectively. According to reverse
synergy, the value of an individual unit may be more than the merged unit. This is one of the
common reasons for divesting the assets of the company. The concerned entity may decide
that by divesting a division to a third party can fetch more value rather than owning it.
Merger: This is the concept where two or more business entities are merged together either
by way of absorption or amalgamation or by forming a new company. The merger of two or
more business entities is generally done by the exchange of securities between the acquiring
and the target company.
Demerger: Under this corporate restructuring strategy, two or more companies are combined
into a single company to get the benefit of synergy arising out of such a merger.
Reverse Merger: In this strategy, the unlisted public companies have the opportunity to
convert into a listed public company, without opting for IPO (Initial Public offer). In this
strategy, the private company acquires a majority shareholding in the public company with its
own name.
Takeover/Acquisition: Under this strategy, the acquiring company takes overall control of
the target company. It is also known as the Acquisition.
Joint Venture (JV): Under this strategy, an entity is formed by two or more companies to
undertake financial act together. The entity created is called the Joint Venture. Both the
parties agree to contribute in proportion as agreed to form a new entity and also share the
expenses, revenues and control of the company.
Strategic Alliance: Under this strategy, two or more entities enter into an agreement to
collaborate with each other, in order to achieve certain objectives while still acting as
independent organisations.
For example
Flipkart (2018): Flipkart restructured its ownership when Walmart acquired a 77% stake,
helping it fight Amazon in India.
Corporate Rescue
Corporate rescue refers to measures taken to help a financially distressed or failing company
recover and return to viability avoiding closure or liquidation.
The goal is to save the company, protect jobs, pay creditors, and restore business operations.
Insolvency
Insolvency means a company is unable to pay its debts when they become due or its liabilities
exceed its assets.
Cash-flow insolvency → not enough cash to pay bills, though assets may exist.
Balance-sheet insolvency → liabilities are more than assets.
Objectives of SICA
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) is India's primary bankruptcy law,
providing a consolidated framework for insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings for
companies, partnership firms, and individuals. The IBC aims to streamline insolvency
resolution, maximize the value of assets, and balance the interests of all stakeholders
In India, the term bankruptcy is used more in the context of individuals, while insolvency is
used for companies.
It replaced earlier fragmented laws like SICA, SARFAESI, Companies Act (winding up
provisions). Provide a single, comprehensive law for insolvency resolution of corporates,
individuals, and partnerships.
The Code outlines separate insolvency resolution processes for individuals, companies and
partnership firms. The process may be initiated by either the debtor or the creditors.
Maximum time limit, For companies-180 days, which may be extended by 90 days
For start ups (other than partnership firms), small companies and other companies (with asset
less than Rs. 1 crore) - 90 days of initiation of request which may be extended by 45 days.
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Act, 2019 has increased the mandatory
upper Time limit of 330 days
Objectives of IBC
• Bankruptcy and Insolvency Adjudicator: The Code proposes two separate tribunals
to oversee the process of insolvency resolution, for individuals and companies:
(i) National Company Law Tribunal for Companies and Limited Liability Partnership
firms and
The Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) is a structured procedure under the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) in India, designed to resolve financial distress
in companies.
The process is initiated by a financial creditor, operational creditor, or the corporate debtor
itself when a company defaults on its financial obligations.
Steps
SARFAESI Act
It allows lenders to seize and sell the secured assets of borrowers when they default on
loans.
A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is a legal entity created by a parent company for a specific,
often temporary, purpose, such as isolating financial risk or facilitating a particular
investment. It's essentially a subsidiary with a defined scope and often used for securitization,
risk management, and project financing.
Types of SPV
Limited Liability Company SPV (LLC SPV)
formed for a specific purpose. It's a distinct legal entity that acts as a container for a particular
asset or project, allowing it to be managed and financed separately from the parent company's
other operations.
Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) are specialized financial institutions that buy non-
performing assets (NPAs) or bad loans from banks and other financial institutions.
They help banks improve their balance sheets by offloading these distressed assets, allowing
them to focus on core lending activities. ARCs specialize in recovering or restructuring these
bad assets, with the goal of maximizing value.
Banks are financial institutions that are engaged principally in the business of money lending
and money borrowing. The customer base of the banking sector is very large and there is also
a substantial risk involved in lending money.
While the bank always has the option of taking legal action on the defaulting borrowers, it is
not always economically feasible to do so. The bank sometimes decides to just cut its losses,
clean up its balance sheet and keep the business moving towards better avenues. This is
where an Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC) comes in.
The asset reconstruction companies or ARCs are registered under the RBI and regulated
under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of
Securities Interest Act, 2002 (SARFAESI Act, 2002).
All the rights that were held by the lender (the bank) in respect of the debt would be
transferred to the ARC. The required funds to purchase such such debts can be raised from
Qualified Buyers.
Example
QIB
QIB stands for Qualified Institutional Buyer. These are institutional investors, like mutual
funds, insurance companies, or pension funds, that possess the financial expertise and
resources to make significant investments in capital markets. They are recognized by market
regulators as having the capacity to assess and invest in large opportunities.
Characteristics of QIBs:
Institutional Nature: They are typically entities like mutual funds, insurance companies,
pension funds, and banks.
Regulatory Recognition: QIBs are recognized by market regulators like SEBI in India.
Expertise: They possess advanced knowledge of financial markets and investment strategies.
Large-scale Investments: They are capable of making significant investments in capital
markets.
Examples of QIBs:
Mutual funds
Insurance companies
Pension funds
Venture capital funds
Alternative investment funds
Foreign portfolio investors
Identifying Sickness:
Determining when a company is considered "sick" based on factors like losses, inability to
meet financial obligations, and other indicators.
Application for Revival and Rehabilitation:
Filing an application with the appropriate authority, such as a tribunal, to initiate the revival
process.
Appointment of an Interim Administrator:
A person appointed to oversee the revival process, managing the company's affairs during
this period.
Formation of a Committee of Creditors:
Representatives from various stakeholders, including creditors, are brought together to
discuss the company's situation and potential solutions.
Tribunal's Order:
The tribunal reviews the application, potential revival plans, and the committee's
recommendations, issuing an order regarding the company's future.
Scheme of Revival and Rehabilitation:
A detailed plan is developed outlining the steps needed to revive the company, such as
financial restructuring, operational improvements, or even a merger with a healthier
company.
Implementation of the Scheme:
The tribunal oversees the implementation of the approved scheme, ensuring it is followed
correctly.
Winding-up (if necessary):
In cases where revival is deemed impossible, the tribunal may order the company's
winding-up or liquidation
Module 2
Corporate Valuation
A business valuation is the process of determining the economic value of a business. It's also
known as a company valuation. All business areas are analyzed during the valuation process
to determine its worth and the value of its departments or units.
A business valuation is often used during the process of negotiating the merger or
acquisition of one company by another, but it might be used in other situations as well.
Owners will often turn to professional business evaluators for an objective estimate of their
business's value.
Business valuation can be used to determine the fair value of a business for a variety of
reasons, including sale value, establishing partner ownership, taxation.
Several methods of valuing a business exist, such as looking at its market cap, earnings
multipliers, or book value etc
Methods of Valuation
A company can be valued in numerous ways. Each provides a different view of a company's
value, and no method is inherently more correct than another.
1. Market Capitalization
Market capitalization is the simplest method of business valuation. It's calculated by
multiplying the company's share price by its total number of shares outstanding.
Microsoft Inc. traded at $438.24 on May 2, 2025. The company could then be valued at:
$438.24 (Market Value) x 7.43 billion (Total shares Outstanding) = $3.26 trillion12
The Times Revenue Method is a simplified approach to valuing a company by multiplying its
annual revenue by a predetermined value, typically ranging from 1 to 2. This method
provides a quick estimate of a company's value, especially useful in situations like mergers
and acquisitions where a quick assessment is needed
3. Earnings Multiplier
The earnings multiplier may be used instead of the times revenue method to get a more
accurate picture of the real value of a company because a company’s profits are a more
reliable indicator of its financial success than sales revenue. The earnings multiplier adjusts
future profits against cash flow that could be invested at the current interest rate over the
same period. It adjusts the current P/E ratio to account for current interest rates.
5. Book Value
This is the value of shareholders’ equity in a business as shown on the balance sheet
statement. The book value is derived by subtracting the total liabilities of a company from its
total assets.
6. Liquidation Value
Liquidation value is the net cash that a business will receive if its assets are liquidated and
its liabilities are paid off today.
Shareholder
A shareholder (or stockholder) is an individual or institution that legally owns at least one
share of a company’s stock.
They are the owners of the company and have certain rights, such as:
Voting at shareholder meetings
Receiving dividends
Selling their shares
Getting residual claims in case of company liquidation
The Friedman Doctrine (also called Shareholder Theory) is an idea proposed by Nobel
Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman in 1970.
Example
If a company donates part of its profits to a local charity without clear shareholder benefit:
Key Difference
An individual or entity that owns A theory stating that the firm’s main duty is
Meaning
shares in a company to serve its shareholders
Agency Theory
Agency theory is a framework that explains the relationship between principals (owners,
shareholders) and agents (managers, executives) in a business. Agency theory studies how to
design contracts and incentives so that agents (who manage the company) act in the best
interests of the principals (who own the company).
Principal-agent relationship:
Shareholders (principals) hire managers (agents) to run the company.
Separation of ownership and control:
Shareholders own the company, but managers control day-to-day decisions.
Problem:
Agents may pursue their own goals (such as higher salaries, perks, empire-building)
instead of maximizing shareholder wealth this is called agency problem or conflict.
Examples of agency problems:
o Managers taking excessive risks or avoiding risks to protect their job.
o Managers overinvesting in low-return projects for personal prestige.
o Misuse of company resources (luxury offices, private jets).
Solutions to reduce agency problems:
o Performance-based incentives (stock options, bonuses)
o Monitoring (board oversight, audits)
o Aligning interests (shareholder activism, corporate governance rules)
Free cash flow (FCF) = cash generated by the company after paying for operations and
investments in fixed assets (like machinery, buildings)
The problem of free cash flow arises when a company has excess cash and managers misuse
it instead of returning it to shareholders. This idea was famously developed by Michael
Jensen in 1986.
Companies with large free cash flow but low-growth opportunities are at risk.
Instead of paying dividends or repurchasing shares, managers may:
o Invest in unnecessary acquisitions.
o Expand the business empire (empire-building).
o Increase their own compensation.
o Fund low-return or wasteful projects.
This reduces shareholder value and creates inefficiency.
Example:
A mature company with stable cash flows but limited growth opportunities.
Instead of distributing cash to shareholders, management decides to buy unrelated
businesses or build a fancy new head office.
This destroys value and reflects the free cash flow problem.
Excess Capacity
Excess capacity refers to a situation where a firm or industry has more production resources
(like machines, equipment, labor) than it currently uses to produce goods or services.
In simple terms, it means the firm can produce more, but demand is not high enough to use
full capacity.
Examples
A hotel with 100 rooms but only 60 occupied has excess capacity of 40 rooms.
A car manufacturer set up to produce 10,000 cars per month but sells only 6,000 has
excess capacity of 4,000 units.
Balance sheet restructuring refers to the process of reorganizing the assets, liabilities, and
equity on a company’s balance sheet to improve its financial health, reduce risk, improve
liquidity, and enhance performance.
It’s about changing the structure of what the company owns (assets) and owes (liabilities) to
make the balance sheet stronger and more efficient.
1. Debt restructuring:
Example
A distressed airline sells part of its aircraft fleet, negotiates longer repayment terms
with banks, and raises new equity from investors to avoid bankruptcy.
A company swaps part of its debt into shares to reduce interest costs and improve its
balance sheet.
Asset restructuring
Asset restructuring refers to the process where a company reorganizes, sells, acquires, or
revalues its assets to improve financial health.
The company changes the mix or value of the assets it owns to strengthen its balance sheet,
improve cash flows, or align better with its business strategy.
Challenges
One-time loss or accounting hit (if assets are sold below book value).
Loss of future revenue from sold assets.
Negative employee or market reaction if major businesses are sold.
Examples
A telecom company sells towers and leases them back to raise funds.
A real estate developer sells unused land parcels to pay down debt.
Asset disposition refers to the process by which a company disposes of or transfers ownership
of its assets typically to raise cash, exit non-core businesses, improve efficiency, or reduce
liabilities.
It’s how a company sells, transfers, or removes assets from its balance sheet.
1. Outright Sale
Direct sale of an asset (like land, machinery, patents, or subsidiaries) to a third party.
Generates immediate cash.
Common when a company wants to focus on core business or needs funds quickly.
Example:
A manufacturing company sells old machinery to another factory.
2. Divestiture
Example:
Tata Motors selling its passenger car business to focus on commercial vehicles.
3. Spin-off
Example:
ITC Limited spinning off its hotel business into a separate company.
4. Split-off
Shareholders exchange their shares in the parent company for shares in a subsidiary or
division being split off.
Reduces the parent’s outstanding shares and separates the subsidiary as an
independent company.
Example:
A telecom company splitting off its tower business, offering shareholders the option to
exchange shares.
Example:
Reliance Industries did an equity carve-out for Jio Platforms.
The company sells an asset (usually real estate, aircraft, or equipment) and leases it
back from the buyer.
Frees up capital while retaining use of the asset.
Reduces ownership risks and improves liquidity.
Example:
An airline sells its aircraft to a leasing company and leases it back for continued operations.
Selling assets (often at discounted or scrap value), usually when winding down or
closing a business.
Used to recover some value from obsolete, surplus, or non-functioning assets.
Example:
A textile mill shutting down operations sells old looms and machinery for scrap.
Example:
Two oil companies swap oil fields in different countries to improve geographic focus.
9. Abandonment / Write-off
Abandoning or writing off assets that are no longer useful or have zero market value.
Reduces asset value on the balance sheet and reflects true economic value.
Example:
Writing off old software licenses or obsolete inventory
Value Creation
It’s about making something more valuable than the resources or costs used to produce it.
Value creation in business involves a multifaceted strategy for attaining enduring success.
Innovation is the driving force behind differentiation and a competitive edge in the market. It
involves the creation of unique products, services, or processes that distinguish your business
from competitors.
Product Innovation
Service Innovation.
Process Innovation:
Customer-Centric Approach and Experience
Putting customers at the centre of your business strategy is paramount for long-term success.
It involves understanding their needs and delivering exceptional experiences.
1. Needs Analysis
2. Personalization:
3. Feedback and Improvement:
Employee Engagement and Development
Engaging and developing employees is not just a moral imperative; it’s also a strategic
advantage. Engaged employees are more productive, innovative, and committed to achieving
organizational goals, thus contributing to creating value for customers.
1. Training and Development
2. Recognition and Rewards
3. Open Communication
4. Wellness Programs
2) Efficiency and Cost Management
Efficiency and cost management are fundamental pillars of value creation in business. They
involve the meticulous optimization of operations and resources to enhance overall
profitability. Let’s delve deeper into this critical aspect:
The value creation model is adaptable, and contingent on factors such as industry, market
dynamics, and the specific objectives of a company.
This entails a multifaceted approach that delves deep into customer data and behavior.
By segmenting the customer base, analyzing historical behavior, and conducting in-depth
surveys and feedback sessions, businesses can uncover valuable insights.
Corporate Expansion
Corporate expansion, also known as business expansion, refers to a strategy a company uses
to grow its reach, resources, and revenue. It involves increasing the company's market
presence, launching new products or services, and often tapping into new markets.
Diversification
Diversification refers to the strategic expansion of a company into new areas to reduce risk
and increase opportunities. It involves branching out into new product offerings, entering new
markets, or developing new services. The goal is to generate new sources of revenue,
improve profitability, and enhance the company's resilience to market changes.
The four types of diversification strategies that a company may use based on its goals and
resources:
Horizontal diversification
Examples
Apple:
Moving from computers (MacBooks) to smartphones (iPhone) and wearables (Apple
Watch).
Coca-Cola:
Launching new beverages like Minute Maid juices, Dasani water, and energy drinks.
Vertical diversification
or vertical integration, refers to the diversification process that allows a company to expand
into other areas of its manufacturing process. For example, a manufacturing company may
expand to create one of the key parts or materials for its finished products. Like horizontal
diversification, this practice allows a business to stay in the same market in which it has
already established itself.
Examples:
Amazon:
o Backward integration: Launching AmazonBasics (own branded products)
instead of relying on suppliers.
o Forward integration: Acquiring its own delivery network (Amazon
Logistics) instead of depending on FedEx/UPS.
Tesla:
o Owns battery production (Gigafactories) and sells cars directly to customers
(no dealerships).
Conglomerate diversification
Examples:
Concentric diversification
Examples:
Sony:
o Started with electronics (radios), then expanded into related areas like music,
gaming (PlayStation), and movies.
Nike:
o From athletic shoes to sports apparel, fitness equipment, and wearable tech
(Nike+iPod collaboration with Apple).
Sell-Offs and Changes in Ownership: Business Downsizing
Business Downsizing
It refers to a strategic process where a company reduces its scale of operations, asset base, or
workforce, often accompanied by the sale of business units, divestitures, or changes in
ownership structure.
1. Workforce Reduction
Sell-Offs:
Sell-offs involve a company selling off tangible or intangible assets to generate cash. This
can be a part of a larger downsizing strategy or restructuring effort.
Sell-offs are often used to free up assets for sale, raise capital, or streamline operations.
For example : A company might sell off a division or branch that is underperforming or no
longer aligns with its overall strategy.
Changes in Ownership:
Changes in ownership can occur as a result of downsizing, as the company may be
acquired, restructured, or split off.
Changes in ownership can be driven by various factors, including the need to streamline
operations, reduce debt, or improve profitability.
For Example : A company might be acquired by another company, or its ownership
structure might be altered through a spin-off or split-off.
Types of Divestitures:
1. Sale of Assets: The company sells a division, plant, or other business assets to
another company. This is the most common form of divestiture.
2. Spin-offs: A company creates a new independent company by distributing shares of
the new company to its existing shareholders. The parent company typically retains
no control over the spun-off entity.
3. Carve-outs: A company creates a new business entity by separating a portion of its
business, usually by offering shares in the new entity to the public while retaining
partial ownership.
4. Equity Carve-outs: A company sells a portion of its subsidiary or business unit via a
public offering, where a portion of the subsidiary's shares is sold to the public, and the
parent company retains a controlling stake.
5. Management Buyouts (MBOs): The business unit is sold to the company's
management team, often with the help of external financing.
6. Leveraged Buyouts (LBOs): A company is acquired using a significant amount of
borrowed money to meet the cost of acquisition.
Reasons for Divestitures:
Strategic Focus: A company may divest a business unit that no longer aligns with its
core objectives or long-term strategy.
Financial Health: To raise cash, reduce debt, or improve financial ratios.
Regulatory Requirements: To comply with regulatory mandates or avoid antitrust
concerns after a merger or acquisition.
Operational Efficiency: To streamline operations and eliminate underperforming
units.
Market Conditions: To exit an unprofitable or saturated market.
Benefits of Divestitures:
Improved Focus: The company can concentrate its resources and management on its
most profitable and strategically important areas.
Increased Liquidity: The company receives cash or other assets that can be
reinvested in more profitable or growth-focused areas.
Debt Reduction: Cash raised from divestitures can be used to reduce debt, improving
the company’s balance sheet and credit rating.
Spin-off:
The parent company distributes shares of the new entity to its existing shareholders
on a pro-rata basis.
The parent company continues to exist.
A split-up occurs when a company breaks itself into two or more independent companies
and ceases to exist.
Reason: To unlock shareholder value and enable focused growth in each segment
Key Differences
Feature Spin-off Split-up
Parent Company Continues to exist Ceases to exist
Ownership Shareholders receive shares in Shareholders receive shares in new
both entities companies only
Number of 1 parent + 1 (or more) spin- 2 or more new independent
Companies off(s) companies
Purpose Unlock value, focus on core Completely divide the business into
business new parts
The new company becomes independently traded on stock exchanges (if public)
Going public refers to the process by which a private company offers its shares to the public
for the first time by listing them on a stock exchange through an Initial Public Offering (IPO).
This transition allows the company to raise capital from public investors and gives the
company a market-driven valuation. Once the company goes public, it becomes a publicly
traded company and is subject to regulatory oversight and financial reporting requirements.
Decision to Go Public
Hiring Advisors
Due Diligence and Documentation
Regulatory Approval
Pricing the IPO
Marketing the IPO
Launching the IPO
Post-IPO Requirements
1. Decision to Go Public:
o The company evaluates its readiness to go public, considering factors like
market conditions, business growth potential, and the need for capital.
o The decision is usually made by the company’s board of directors and
executive leadership.
2. Hiring Advisors:
o The company typically hires investment banks (underwriters), lawyers, and
accountants to guide the IPO process.
o Underwriters play a critical role in helping the company determine the price
range for its shares and find buyers for the shares.
3. Due Diligence and Documentation:
o A detailed review of the company’s financials, operations, and legal standing
is conducted.
o The company prepares a prospectus, a detailed document that provides
information about the business, its financial health, risks, and the IPO offering.
o The prospectus is filed with the relevant regulatory bodies, such as the
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
4. Regulatory Approval:
o The company submits the prospectus to the relevant regulatory authority,
which reviews the document to ensure compliance with financial reporting and
disclosure standards.
o The IPO can only proceed after the regulatory authority gives approval.
5. Pricing the IPO:
o After approval, the company and its underwriters determine the price at which
the shares will be sold to the public. This price is often set through a
combination of market research, demand forecasting, and investor interest.
6. Marketing the IPO:
o The company and its underwriters launch a roadshow to market the IPO to
institutional investors, such as mutual funds, hedge funds, and pension funds.
o During this period, company executives meet with potential investors to
explain the company’s business, growth prospects, and the benefits of
investing in the IPO.
7. Launching the IPO:
o The shares are offered to the public on the designated stock exchange.
o On the day the company goes public, the shares are traded, and their market
price is determined by supply and demand in the stock market.
8. Post-IPO Requirements:
o After going public, the company is required to disclose its financial statements
on a quarterly and annual basis.
o It must also comply with various corporate governance and regulatory
requirements.
Benefits of Going Public:
1. Capital Raising:
o The primary reason for going public is to raise capital, which can be used for
expansion, reducing debt, funding research and development, or other strategic
objectives.
2. Liquidity:
o Going public provides liquidity to the company’s shares, making it easier for
shareholders to buy and sell stock.
3. Public Profile and Credibility:
o Being publicly listed enhances the company’s profile and can attract more
attention from customers, potential partners, and talented employees.
4. Mergers and Acquisitions:
o A public company has shares that can be used as a form of currency for
acquisitions. It makes it easier to enter into strategic alliances and expand.
5. Attraction of Talent:
o Public companies often offer stock options and other equity-based incentives,
making it easier to attract top talent.
6. Improved Access to Future Capital:
o Once public, the company has better access to capital markets for future
fundraising, whether through secondary offerings or debt issuance.
Risks and Challenges of Going Public:
1. Costs:
o The IPO process is expensive, with costs related to legal, underwriting,
accounting, and regulatory compliance fees.
o Ongoing costs include investor relations, regulatory filings, and audit
requirements.
2. Loss of Control:
o By going public, the company’s founders and executives may lose some
control over the company, as shareholders gain voting rights.
o Management must consider shareholders’ interests and performance
expectations.
3. Regulatory Scrutiny:
o Public companies are subject to more stringent regulations and oversight from
government bodies (e.g., the SEBI), which require detailed disclosures about
their operations, financial performance, and management practices.
4. Market Pressure:
o Public companies face the pressure of quarterly earnings reports, which may
force management to prioritize short-term results over long-term goals.
o Stock price volatility can also impact the company’s reputation and market
perception.
5. Vulnerability to Market Conditions:
o The success of the IPO depends on the broader market conditions. In times of
market volatility or economic downturns, the IPO may fail to meet its
expectations.
Example of a Company Going Public:
Alibaba IPO (2014): One of the most significant IPOs in history, Alibaba raised $25
billion in its IPO, which was listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The
IPO attracted massive global investor interest and propelled Alibaba into the spotlight
as one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world.
Privatization
Privatization is the process through which a government or public entity sells or transfers
ownership of a state-owned enterprise (SOE) or public service to private individuals or
companies. The goal of privatization is often to improve efficiency, reduce government
involvement in business, raise capital for public use, and stimulate economic growth.
1. Improving Efficiency:
o Private ownership often leads to more efficient management, cost-cutting,
and innovation since private owners have a vested interest in the company’s
success and profitability.
o State-owned enterprises may be less efficient due to political interference, lack
of competition, or the absence of market-driven incentives.
2. Reducing Government Debt:
o Selling state-owned companies or assets can generate immediate cash for
governments, helping to reduce national debt or fund other public projects.
3. Encouraging Competition:
o Privatization can introduce competition into previously monopolistic or state-
controlled sectors, which can lead to better quality services and lower prices
for consumers.
4. Fostering Economic Growth:
o Privatized companies may have more access to private capital and markets,
allowing them to expand and grow more rapidly.
o Private sector management can lead to better business practices, improved
products or services, and the creation of jobs.
5. Attracting Foreign Investment:
o Privatization can attract foreign direct investment (FDI), especially in sectors
that were previously closed to private investors, such as energy,
telecommunications, and transportation.
6. Political or Ideological Reasons:
o In some cases, governments privatize businesses due to ideological beliefs in
free-market capitalism or to align with international pressure from
organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or the World
Bank.
Benefits of Privatization:
1. Job Losses:
o Privatization can lead to layoffs or reductions in the workforce as private
companies streamline operations and cut costs. This can lead to
unemployment and social unrest, especially if the privatized company was a
significant employer in the region.
2. Monopoly or Reduced Competition:
o In cases where privatization results in the creation of a private monopoly
(especially in industries with natural monopolies, like utilities), there may be a
lack of competition, leading to high prices or reduced quality.
3. Public Opposition:
o Privatization can be politically unpopular, especially if the public feels that
essential services should remain under government control. Critics argue that
privatization may lead to the exploitation of public goods for profit, at the
expense of citizens.
4. Short-Term Focus:
o Private companies might prioritize short-term profits over long-term
investments in infrastructure or public welfare, potentially leading to a
reduction in the quality or availability of services.
5. Loss of Control:
o In some cases, privatization may result in foreign ownership or control over
strategic sectors (e.g., energy, transportation), raising concerns about national
security or the loss of domestic control over critical industries.
6. Unequal Access:
o In sectors such as healthcare or education, privatization may lead to unequal
access to services, where the wealthier segments of society can afford better
services, while the poorer population might be left behind.
For Example: Four years since the privatisation policy was announced, the Modi government
has had only three successes, out of which Air India's sale to the Tata Group was the largest.
The other two were indirect holdings in steel-maker Neelachal Ispat Nigam Ltd to Tata Steel
and Ferro Scrap Nigam to Konoike Transport Co.
In most cases, the assets of the company being acquired are used as collateral for the loans,
and the acquiring party typically invests a relatively small amount of their own capital.
Types of LBO
To acquire a competitor
Advantages of LBOs:
High Return on Equity (ROE): Due to small equity and high leverage.
Operational Efficiency: Drives cost-cutting and restructuring.
Ownership Incentive: Management has “skin in the game” in MBOs.(Mgt.
personally invest their own money (or take on debt) to buy a significant ownership
stake in the company they manage.)
Tax Shield: Interest payments on debt are tax-deductible.
For Example:
The acquisition of Tetley by Tata Tea in 2000 stands as a landmark event in Indian corporate
history, marking the country's emergence on the global business stage. This deal was
particularly notable as it was the first leveraged buyout (LBO) executed by an Indian
company, and it involved Tata Tea, then a relatively modest player, acquiring a company
three times its size.
Tata Tea: Originating as Tata Finlay Limited in a joint venture with UK-based James
Finlay, Tata Tea became an independent entity after buying out Finlay's stake. By the
late 1990s, Tata Tea had established itself as a leading tea producer in India but
lacked a significant international footprint.
Tetley: Founded in 1837 in Yorkshire, England, Tetley had grown into the world's
second-largest tea company, renowned for innovations like introducing tea bags to the
UK market. Prior to the acquisition, Tetley was owned by a group of investors who
had purchased it from Allied Domecq in 1995.
A Buyback of shares refers to a corporate action where a company repurchases its own
outstanding shares from the open market or directly from its shareholders. This reduces the
number of shares in circulation, potentially increasing the value of the remaining shares and
improving key financial ratios like earnings per share (EPS).
In India, share buybacks are regulated under the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI (Buy-Back
of Securities) Regulations, 2018. These regulations outline limits, procedures, and conditions
for companies to repurchase their own shares. The maximum limit for buyback is 25% of the
company's paid-up capital and free reserves, and post-buyback debt cannot exceed twice the
paid-up capital and free reserves.
For Companies
For Investors
Infosys Ltd has conducted multiple buybacks to return excess cash to shareholders.
TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) also regularly engages in buybacks to increase
shareholder returns and boost EPS.
Features:
Example:
Tata Sons + Starbucks = Tata Starbucks Ltd. (JV to operate Starbucks in India)
Strategic Alliance
Bear Hug
A bear hug is a takeover strategy where a company (the acquirer) makes an unsolicited offer
to buy another company (the target) at a very attractive premium price so high that the
target’s board and shareholders find it difficult to refuse, even if the approach is hostile.
It's called a “bear hug” because it’s an offer that’s so generous, it’s hard to escape like a
tight hug from a bear. It is also known as lip lock or body lock.
Acquirer: Microsoft
Target: Yahoo
Offer: ~$44.6 billion (a 62% premium over Yahoo's share price)
Outcome: Yahoo rejected the offer, saying it undervalued the company. Microsoft
eventually withdrew
4. Poison Pill
5. Crown Jewel Defence
6. White Knight
7. Pac-Man Defence
8. Golden Parachute
9. Green Mail
10. Shark Repellent
11. Shares Buyback
Poison Pill
The poison pill is one of the most powerful defenses against hostile takeovers.
The pills can be flip-in, flip-over, dead hand, and slow/no hand.
Allows existing shareholders (except the hostile bidder) to purchase additional shares at a
deep discount when a specific ownership threshold is breached (e.g., 20%).
When a company knows that an unwanted acquirer has acquired enough of its shares from
the secondary market, it issues new shares in a high volume, which dilutes the shares
acquired by the unwanted acquirer
No handpill
It's designed to prevent any newly elected board of directors from redeeming the pill,
ensuring the current board's ability to block a takeover.
Pros
Prevents majority control takeovers that don't consider minority shareholder interests
Discourages vulture bids that want to benefit from temporary share price declines
Come with higher takeover premiums than those without them
Cons
CROWN JEWEL
• Employing a crown jewel defense means selling the company’s most profitable assets,
reducing its attractiveness to unwanted buyers.
• This is a risky strategy, as it destroys the company’s value. many companies will seek
a friendly third-party company, often referred to as a white knight, to buy their assets.
• Once the hostile buyer drops the bid, the target company can buy its assets back from
the strategically chosen third party.
• Crown jewels are options under which a favored party can buy a key part of the target
at a price that may be less than its market value. As such, crown jewels benefit
friendly investors over unfriendly acquirers.
An Acquirer Company (blue box) initiates a hostile takeover against a Target
Company (green box).
The Target Company tries to protect itself by executing the Crown Jewel Defense.
It sells off its most valuable assets (called "core assets" or "crown jewels") to a
Third Party (White Knight) (grey box) to make itself less attractive to the hostile
acquirer.
The image shows the core assets being transferred downward (with crown icons
symbolizing value) to the Third Party.
Once the hostile takeover threat is neutralized or withdrawn, the Target Company
buys back the core assets from the Third Party—usually at a premium.
White Knight
• A white knight is a company that acquires another company that is trying to avoid
acquisition by a third party
• a strategy that involves the acquisition of a target company by its strategic partner,
called a white knight
• White knights make acquisitions on friendly terms. White knights are white because
they are associated with goodness and virtue.
• The white knight is the "savior" of a company in the midst of a hostile takeover.
• preserving the current management team, offering better acquisition terms, and
maintaining the core business operations.
PAC-MAN Defence
Golden Parachute
• involves including a provision in an executive’s contract that gives them a fairly large
compensation in the form of cash or stock if the takeover attempt succeeds.
• The provision makes it more expensive and less attractive to acquire the company
since the acquirer will incur a large debt in the sum of money to pay the senior
executives.
• The clause mainly protects the senior management who are likely to get terminated if
the takeover process becomes successful.
• some executives may intentionally insert the clause to make it unattractive for the
acquirer to pursue the forced acquisition.
• Not popular in India as compensation for loss of office of top executives are restricted
by Companies Act
• industries where Golden parachute was popular were IT, telecommunications, media,
insurance and financial services.
For Example
Green mail
refers to the target company buying back shares of its own stock from a takeover bidder who
has already acquired a substantial number of shares in pursuit of a hostile takeover.
The term “greenmail” is derived from “greenbacks” (dollars) and “blackmail”. It’s a costly
defense, as the target company is forced to pay a substantial premium over the current market
price in order to repurchase the shares.
The potential acquirer accepts the greenmail profit it makes from selling the target company’s
shares back to the target at a premium, in lieu of pursuing the takeover any further.
Although this strategy is legal, the acquirer is, effectively, sort of blackmailing the target
company, in that the target must pay the acquirer a premium – through the share buybacks –
in order to persuade it to cease its takeover attempt.
Shark Repellent
Shark repellent refers to preventive measures or corporate governance strategies that a
company adopts to protect itself from hostile takeovers. The term "shark" symbolizes a
hostile acquirer, and "repellent" means making the company harder or unattractive to acquire.
These tactics are often written into the company's charter, bylaws, or policies and are
triggered when a hostile takeover attempt is made.
Shark repellent defens strategies refer to various anti-takeover provisions implemented by the
target company to deter hostile takeovers.
These measures are designed to make it more difficult or costly for the acquiring company to
succeed in its takeover attempt.
Examples of shark repellents include staggered board elections, poison pills (shareholder
rights plans), supermajority voting requirements, and dual-class share structures.
These provisions aim to provide the target company's management with more time and
leverage to negotiate with the acquiring company or find alternative strategies to protect the
company's interests.
Share Buyback
Module – 3
Mergers
A merger involves two or more companies combining to form a new entity, while
corporate restructuring encompasses a wider range of actions to improve a company's
efficiency and profitability.
Types of mergers
Horizontal Mergers
This kind of merger takes place between companies engaged in competing businesses which
are at the same stage of industrial process. Illustration – Two companies involved in the
manufacture of two similar kinds of cars, one company may decide to merge with the other
company so that both types of cars can be sold in the market without any competition.
This kind of merger takes place between companies engaged at different stages of the
industrial process or production process.
Illustration – To manufacture a car, tires are required. A big automobile company may merge
with a company involved in manufacturing of tyres. One of the examples is the merger
between eBay and PayPal.
Congeneric Mergers
Example
merger between Citicorp (a commercial bank) and Travelers Group (a financial services
company), which resulted in the formation of Citigroup.
Conglomerate Mergers
A merger between companies that are engaged in totally unrelated business activities. The
principal reason for a conglomerate merger is utilization of financial resources, enlargement
of debt capacity, and increase in the value of outstanding shares by increased leverage and
earnings per share, and by lowering the average cost of capital.
Cash Mergers
The shareholders of one company receives cash instead of shares in the merged company.
This is essentially an exit for the cashed out shareholders.
Triangular Mergers
It is a tripartite arrangement in which the target merges with a subsidiary of the acquirer
company. It is often resorted to, for regulatory and tax reasons. There are two types of
triangular mergers –
Forward triangular merger – when the subsidiary survives, even after the merging of the
target into the subsidiary.
Reverse triangular merger – when the target survives after the merging of subsidiary into the
target.
Acquisitions
Acquisition refers to purchase of the shares or assets and/or liabilities of a company (target)
using the stock, cash or other securities of purchaser’s company (acquirer). Acquisition is
also known as takeover. It may be hostile or friendly.
MERGER ACQUISITION
When two companies combine together to When one company is taken over by
form one company. another company.
Acquired company ceases to exist and Acquiring company takes over the majority
becomes a part of the acquiring company or stake (shares or undertakings) in the
forms a new company. acquired company. Both the companies
continue to be in existence.
Rationale / Reasons:
1. Strategic Rationale
a. Market Expansion
a. Tax Benefits
Carry forward of accumulated losses and depreciation of the acquired firm (if allowed
by law).
Reduced tax liabilities through financial restructuring.
b. Better Financial Leverage
Companies with surplus funds can acquire smaller or underperforming firms to create
value.
More productive use than holding idle cash or giving large dividends.
3. Defensive Rationale
a. Preventing Takeover
Sometimes, firms merge with another to prevent being taken over by a hostile bidder.
b. Survival Strategy
5. Competitive Rationale
a. Reducing Competition
1. Strategy Development:
Determine the value of the target company, considering its financial performance, assets,
liabilities, and future growth potential.
Assess potential synergies and cost savings that could result from the merger or acquisition.
4. Due Diligence:
Conduct a thorough investigation of the target company's financial records, legal documents,
and operational performance.
Identify any potential risks or liabilities associated with the transaction.
5. Negotiation and Agreement:
Negotiate the terms and conditions of the transaction, including the purchase price, structure
of the deal, and closing date.
Finalize the purchase agreement, which outlines the obligations and liabilities of both
parties.
6. Closing:
Finalize the transaction by transferring ownership of the target company or its assets to the
acquiring company.
Obtain any necessary regulatory approvals or consents.
7. Post-Merger Integration:
Integrate the acquired company's operations, systems, and personnel into the acquiring
company.
Realize the synergies and cost savings that were identified during the valuation and due
diligence stages.
Evaluation of M&A Targets
Evaluating a target company is one of the most critical steps in the M&A process. The goal is
to assess whether the target aligns with the strategic objectives of the acquirer and whether
the transaction can create value.
1. Strategic Fit
Market Expansion: Does the target allow entry into new markets, regions, or
customer segments?
Product Diversification: Does it complement or expand the acquirer’s existing
product portfolio?
Synergies: Can operational, financial, or revenue synergies be achieved (e.g., cost-
cutting opportunities, cross-selling potential)?
Technological Integration: Does the target offer proprietary technology or
intellectual property that adds strategic value?
b. Cultural Compatibility
2. Financial Evaluation
Discounted Cash Flow (DCF): Estimation of the target’s future cash flows and
discounting them to present value using an appropriate discount rate.
Comparable Company Analysis: Evaluating the target based on the valuation
multiples (e.g., P/E ratio, EV/EBITDA) of similar publicly traded companies.
Precedent Transaction Analysis: Comparing the target to similar companies
involved in past M&A transactions to determine a reasonable price range.
Asset-based Valuation: Assessing the target based on its net assets (assets minus
liabilities).
b. Earnings and Profitability Analysis
Revenue Growth: Historical revenue growth rates and future growth projections.
Profit Margins: Analysis of operating margin, gross margin, and net profit margin to
assess profitability.
EBITDA: Focus on Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization
to evaluate operational performance.
Free Cash Flow (FCF): The target’s ability to generate cash after operational costs
and capital expenditures, a key indicator of financial health.
c. Debt and Capital Structure
Debt Levels: Review the target’s current debt levels and how they impact its financial
flexibility.
Leverage Ratios: Analyze leverage ratios (e.g., debt-to-equity, interest coverage) to
evaluate the risk posed by the target’s financial obligations.
Cost of Capital: Compare the cost of capital (WACC) to the target’s profitability to
gauge whether the transaction will yield a sufficient return.
3. Operational Evaluation
Revenue Streams: What are the sources of the target’s revenue (e.g., product sales,
service contracts)?
Supply Chain: Is the target’s supply chain efficient? Are there opportunities to
reduce costs or improve delivery times?
Customer Base: Is the customer base diverse or concentrated? Are there
opportunities for cross-selling to the acquirer’s customers?
b. Management Team and Leadership
Competence and Stability: Evaluate the target’s leadership, their track record, and
stability.
Employee Retention: Assess the quality of the target’s workforce and the likelihood
of retaining key employees post-acquisition.
Antitrust Issues: Examine if the merger will face any antitrust or competition
concerns, especially if the combined entity will have a dominant market position.
Sector-Specific Regulations: Some industries, such as healthcare, banking, and
telecommunications, are highly regulated, and the target must comply with all
industry-specific regulations.
5. Risk Assessment
a. Market and Industry Risks
Industry Trends: Evaluate the health of the industry in which the target operates. Is
the industry growing, shrinking, or stable? What are the key risks facing the industry?
Competitive Landscape: Assess the target’s competitive position within its industry.
How will the merger impact its market share and competitive advantage?
b. Economic and Geopolitical Risks
a. Cost Synergies
Loss Carryforwards: If the target has accumulated losses, they may be used to offset
future taxable income of the combined entity.
Financing Synergies: Utilizing the acquirer's stronger credit rating to reduce
financing costs.
Negotiations
• Negotiation is the most critical step when it comes to mergers and acquisitions
• It is the stage where the deal either comes together with the way the negotiators want
it to or falls apart because their efforts have exhausted them.
• Negotiating the letter of intent reveals that there are numerous issues to resolve
beyond the price before granting a buyer access to the business’s inner workings and
confidential information.
Negotiation process
1. Due Diligence
Due diligence is a comprehensive review process where the acquiring company evaluates the
target company’s financial health, legal standing, and operational status. This step is essential
for identifying any potential risks or liabilities associated with the deal. Both parties must
provide accurate and complete information to facilitate this process.
2. Regulatory Approvals
M&A transactions often require approvals from regulatory bodies to ensure they do not harm
market competition or violate antitrust laws. In many jurisdictions, including India,
the Competition Commission of India (CCI) must review significant mergers and
acquisitions. For example, the CCI assesses whether a proposed transaction might lead to a
substantial reduction in competition or create a monopoly.
3. Disclosure Requirements
4. Shareholder Approval
In many cases, M&A deals require approval from shareholders. Shareholders review detailed
information about the transaction and then vote to approve it. This process ensures that their
interests are considered and protected.
M&A transactions must comply with company laws applicable in the relevant jurisdictions.
In India, for instance, the Companies Act, 2013, outlines various provisions related to
mergers and acquisitions. These provisions include procedures for conducting meetings,
filing necessary documents, and adhering to legal formalities.
1. Carry forward and set-off of losses: In a merger or acquisition, the acquiring company
can carry forward and set off the losses of the merged or acquired company against its
profits. This can reduce the overall tax liability of the acquiring company.
2. Depreciation benefits: In a merger or acquisition, the acquiring company can claim
depreciation benefits on the assets acquired from the merged or acquired company. This
can help reduce the tax liability of the acquiring company.
3. No capital gains tax: Under certain conditions, a merger or demerger of companies can be
tax-neutral, meaning that there is no capital gains tax payable. This can be a significant tax
benefit for companies involved in a merger or demerger.
4. Tax exemptions: The Indian government provides certain tax exemptions for mergers and
acquisitions, such as exemption from stamp duty and transfer pricing regulations. These
exemptions can help reduce the overall tax liability of the companies involved.
5. Lower tax rate for small companies: In India, small companies with a turnover of up to
Rs. 400 crores can avail of a lower tax rate of 25%. This can be a significant tax benefit for
small companies involved in a merger or acquisition.
1. Understand the tax implications: It’s important to understand the tax implications of the
merger or acquisition before the deal is finalized. This includes understanding the tax
liabilities, deductions, and exemptions that may apply.
2. Plan ahead: Plan the merger or acquisition in a tax-efficient manner. For example,
consider structuring the deal in a way that minimizes tax liabilities.
3. Consult with tax experts: Consult with tax experts and lawyers who have experience
in mergers and acquisitions. They can provide valuable insights into tax laws and
regulations that may impact the deal.
4. Stay up to date with changes in tax laws: Keep up-to-date with changes in tax laws and
regulations that may impact the deal. This includes changes in tax rates, deductions, and
exemptions.
5. Maintain proper documentation: Maintain proper documentation of all financial
transactions related to the merger or acquisition. This includes records of all assets and
liabilities, as well as any tax deductions or exemptions claimed.
6. Consider the impact on employees: Consider the impact of the merger or acquisition on
employees and their taxes. For example, if there are redundancies, there may be tax
implications for severance pay and other benefits.
7. Consider the impact on shareholders: Consider the impact of the merger or acquisition
on shareholders and their taxes. This includes understanding any capital gains taxes that
may be applicable.
The regulation of mergers and takeovers in India is governed by a complex framework that
ensures transparency, fairness, and protection of the interests of stakeholders, particularly
shareholders. The regulatory landscape primarily involves the Securities and Exchange
Board of India (SEBI), Competition Commission of India (CCI), and other laws,
including those related to company law and tax. Below is a detailed overview of the key
regulations governing mergers and takeovers in India:
SEBI plays a key role in regulating takeovers and mergers in India, with a primary focus on
protecting the interests of shareholders. SEBI issues guidelines, rules, and regulations for the
smooth functioning of M&A transactions in the Indian securities market.
The CCI ensures that mergers and acquisitions do not lead to anti-competitive practices that
could harm market competition and consumer welfare. Under the Competition Act, 2002,
the CCI is empowered to review mergers and acquisitions that meet specific thresholds of
turnover and asset value.
Section 5 and 6 of the Competition Act: These sections outline the criteria for
mergers and acquisitions that would require prior approval from the CCI. M&A
transactions are scrutinized based on their potential impact on competition in India.
c. Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
The MCA, under the Companies Act, 2013, regulates the process of mergers and demergers
of companies in India. The Ministry ensures compliance with corporate governance
principles and laws related to mergers and amalgamations.
Sections 230-232 of the Companies Act, 2013: These provisions deal with the
merger and amalgamation process, including the approval process, creditors’
meetings, and schemes of arrangement.
The Takeover Code
The Takeover Code, also known as the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and
Takeovers) Regulations, 2011, is a set of rules in India designed to regulate the acquisition of
shares and takeovers of listed companies. It aims to ensure that material changes in
shareholding or control are undertaken in an equitable and transparent manner, providing
shareholders with an opportunity to sell their shares if the company's control changes.
Protection of Shareholders:
The Takeover Code prioritizes protecting the interests of public shareholders, including
retail investors, who have invested in the company.
Transparency and Fairness:
It mandates that any change in shareholding or control is undertaken in a transparent and
fair manner, ensuring that all relevant information is disclosed to shareholders.
Exit Opportunity:
The Code provides shareholders with an opportunity to sell their shares if they don't want to
continue with the new management, ensuring that they can exit the company if they
disagree with the change in control.
Mandatory Open Offer:
In certain circumstances, the Code requires acquirers to make a mandatory open offer to all
shareholders, allowing them to decide whether to continue holding their shares in the
company.
Regulation of Acquisitions:
The Takeover Code defines what constitutes an acquisition and who is considered an
acquirer, providing a framework for regulating such transactions.
The Competition Act, 2002 is a landmark legislation enacted by the Government of India to
regulate business practices and promote fair competition in the marketplace. The Act seeks to
prevent practices that have an adverse effect on competition, protect the interests of
consumers, and ensure freedom of trade. The key focus of the Act is to ensure a competitive
environment for businesses, prevent monopolies, and eliminate anti-competitive practices.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is the regulatory body empowered to enforce
the provisions of the Act.
Objectives of the Competition Act, 2002
Module – 4
MODULE 4
Business failure
• Business failure refers to a company ceasing operations following its inability to make
a profit or to bring in enough revenue to cover its expenses.
• A business failure is when a business cannot operate profitably, leading to default,
bankruptcy, or business closure.
• Businesses cannot make money because the income cannot cover the costs. It could be due to
poor operating management, insufficient capital, a poor unique selling proposition, and weak
competitiveness..
Example:
The leaders of Kodak failed to see digital photography as a disruptive technology. The
management was so focused on the film success that they missed the digital revolution after
starting it. Kodak filed for bankruptcy in 2012
In 2005 Yahoo was one of the main players in the online advertising market. But as Yahoo
undervalued the importance of search, the company decided to focus more on becoming a
media giant.
Internal
Lack of Financial and management resources.
Poor strategic business planning
Lack of innovation and limited research and development efforts
Failure to market the products/services properly
Imbalanced finance structure
Inadequate risk management resources and internal controls
Informal business structure
Complacent or compromised management
External
1. Financial Reasons
2.Non-Financial Reasons
Preventable
Reorganization
A significant and disruptive repair of a troubled business intended to restore it to profitability.
It may include shutting down or selling divisions, replacing management, cutting budgets,
and laying off workers.
Businesses go through reorganization when they have financial troubles, new owners or staff,
or a structural change.
May change up their marketing strategies, staff, products or services, or business name.
Reorganizations might be voluntary or mandatory, depending on the circumstances
Reasons
1. Create a focus on core businesses
Types
Operational Reorganization
Financial Reorganization
Strategic Reorganization
Structural Reorganization
Reconstruction
2. When the capital structure of a company is complex and is required to make it simple
4. To generate surplus for writing off accumulated losses & writing down overstated assets.
7. To generate cash for working capital needs, replacement of assets, modernise plant &
machinery etc.
Types of reconstruction
External reconstruction
• Means the winding up of an existing company and registering itself into a new one after
a rearrangement of its financial position.
• There are two aspects
• Winding up of an existing company and,
• rearrangement of the company’s financial position
• Shall be approved by its shareholders and creditors and shall be sanctioned by the
national company law tribunal (NCLT).
• In external reconstruction, one company is liquidated and another new company is
formed. The liquidated company is called "vendor company" and the new company is
called "purchasing company". Shareholders of vendor company become the
shareholders of purchasing company.
Internal reconstruction
• It may take the form of fresh issue of new shares, conversion of fully paid shares with
stock, cancellation of unissued capital, consolidation of existing shares and
subdivision of existing shares.
• Memorandum of association contains capital clause of a company. A company,
limited by shares, can alter this capital clause, if is permitted by
i. The articles of association of the company; and
If a company has different types (classes) of shares (like equity and preference shares), and it
wants to change the rights attached to any one type (such as voting rights or dividend rights),
then it can only do so if:
• The process where a company legally decreases its issued, subscribed, or paid-up
share capital due to restructuring, financial losses, or returning excess capital to
shareholders.
• this can help companies clean up their balance sheets, improve financial stability, or
enhance shareholder value.
• requires special resolution (75% shareholder approval) and NCLT (national company
law tribunal) approval.
4.Compromise/Arrangement:
Surrender of shares, in the context of company law, refers to the voluntary return of shares by
a shareholder to the company for cancellation.
In this method, shares are divided into shares of smaller denominations and then the
shareholders are made to surrender their shares to the Company.
Shares are then allotted to debenture holders and creditors so that their liabilities are reduced.
Unutilized surrendered shares are then cancelled by transferred to reconstruction account.
Liquidation
Compulsory liquidation:
The court of law orders the business to terminate its operations and close down when the
company is unable to repay its liabilities.
Situations:
1) a company needs to pass a special resolution and also court orders for winding up
on the basis of some specific grounds
2) when company is unable to pay its debts
3) if company is carrying any illegal business
4) in case of non maintenance of accounts
5) when the statutory meeting is not conducted then the court may give orders to wind
up the company
6) in case of non submission of statutory report to the registrar
7) if company unable to start its business within a year after incorporation
8) if company is not having minimum number of members
9) if company doesn't follow the directions of the court or registrar or commission
When a company is solvent and can pay off all its liabilities, dissolutions occur by consent.
Sometimes the purpose behind the forming of a company is fulfilled, and the owners want to
wind up.
The company is considered insolvent, and the shareholders vote for a voluntary liquidation
after a general meeting.
A registered liquidator is appointed to manage the process, ensuring an orderly winding down
of the company's affairs for the benefit of creditors
Financing in M&A
Financing in M&A involves obtaining the necessary funds to facilitate the acquisition of one
company by another.
a. Cash:
The acquiring company may use its own cash reserves to finance the acquisition fully or
partially,
This method provides a straightforward and immediate means of payment, but it can put a
strain on the acquirer's liquidity.
b. Debt Financing:
Acquirers often raise funds through debt financing, such as bank loans or issuing corporate
bonds. This approach allows the acquiring company to leverage its existing assets and future
cash flows to secure the necessary capital. The debt can be repaid over time using the
acquired company's cash flows or the combined entity's earnings
c. Equity Financing:
Acquirers can raise funds by issuing equity, such as common stock or preferred shares, to
investors. This method involves selling ownership stakes in the acquiring company to raise
capital. It can dilute existing shareholders' ownership but provides a way to fund the
acquisition without incurring debt.
d. Seller Financing:
Acquiring companies may secure financing from venture capital firms or private equity
investors. These investors provide capital in exchange for an ownership stake in the acquiring
company. Venture capital and private equity firms often specialize in financing high-growth
companies or specific industries.
Instead of outright acquisition companies may enter into strategic alliances or joint ventures
to pool resources and share risks. This approach allows for collaboration and cost-sharing
while maintaining separate ownership structures. Financing for such arrangements can come
from the participating companies own resources or through external funding sources.
g. Earnouts:
An earnout is a provision in the acquisition agreement that allows the seller to receive
additional payments based on the target company's future performance. This arrangement
bridges valuation gaps or uncertainties by tying a portion of the purchase price to the
achievement of specific financial or operational milestones.
Deal structuring
Deal structuring refers to determining the financial terms and conditions of the transaction.
This may include deciding the mix of cash, debt, and equity used for financing the deal,
determining the purchase price, and negotiating the payment schedule.
Purchase Price: The purchase price is a critical element of the deal structure, It can be
structured as a fixed amount, payable in cash, stock, or a combination of both
Payment Terms: The payment terms determine how and when the purchase price will be
paid to the seller. Common payment structures include upfront cash payments, installment
payments over a specified period, or deferred payments tied to the achievement of specific
milestones or earnout provisions.
Consideration Mix: The consideration mix refers to the combination of cash, stock, debt, or
other assets used to pay the purchase price. It can be tailored to meet the preferences and
objectives of both the buyer and the seller.
Tax Considerations: Deal structuring takes into account tax implications for both the buyer
and the seller. Depending on the jurisdictions involved, different tax strategies can be
employed to optimize tax efficiency, such as structuring the transaction as an asset purchase
Or a stock purchase, considering tax carryforwards, or utilizing tax-efficient jurisdictions
Due Diligence: Thorough due diligence is essential to identify and assess risks before
entering into an M&A deal. It involves evaluating the financial, legal. operational, and
strategic aspects of the target company. Due diligence helps uncover any undisclosed
liabilities. financial risks, legal issues, operational challenges, or potential roadblocks that
may impact the success of the transaction
Financial Risk Assessment: Financial risks in M&A deals can include overpaying for the
target company, assuming excessive debt or contingent liabilities, or encountering
unexpected financial challenges post-transaction Proper financial risk assessment involves
analyzing the target company's financial statements, cash flow projections, debt obligations,
working capital, and potential synergies to ensure a realistic valuation and understanding of
the financial risks involved.
Legal and Regulatory Risk Analysis: Legal and regulatory risks can arise from compliance
issues, pending litigation, contractual obligations, intellectual property disputes, or changes in
laws and regulations. It is crucial to assess the target compliance, review contracts and
company's legal and regulatory agreements, and identify potential legal risks that may impact
the transaction or future operations
Integration Risks: Integration risks arise from the process of combining the merged entities,
including cultural differences, organizational structure, systems integration, and human
resources challenges It is important to develop a comprehensive integration plan that
addresses these risks and establishes clear communication channels, change management
strategies, and alignment of processes and systems to ensure a smooth post-merger
integration
Operational Risk Evaluation: Operational risks relate to the target company's operational
performance, supply chain, production processes, technology potential challenges systems,
and customer relationships. Assessing operational risks helps identify in integrating
maintaining customer satisfaction. Understanding operational risk allows for better planning
and implementation of post-merger strategies to minimize disruptions and optimize
operational efficiency
Market and Competitive Risks: M&A transactions can bring market and competitive risks,
such as changes in market dynamics, competitive landscape customer preferences, or
technological advancements. Evaluating market and competitive risks involves analyzing
market trends, customer behavior, competitor analysis, and assessing the potential impact on
the merged entity's market position and growth prospects
Contingency Planning: Despite thorough risk assessment, unexpected events or risks may
still arise. Contingency planning involves developing strategies to address unforeseen risks or
adverse outcomes. This may include establishing risk mitigation measures, having backup
plans, or negotiating appropriate contractual protections and warranties
These laws prevent monopolies and anti-competitive practices. Mergers between competitors
or those with substantial market power can face scrutiny from antitrust authorities (like the
Competition Commission of India).
2. Securities Laws:
These laws govern the issuance and trading of securities. M&A transactions involving
publicly traded companies are subject to disclosure requirements and takeover rules set by
regulators like the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
3. Company Laws:
These laws outline the process for mergers and acquisitions, including schemes of
arrangement, mergers under the Companies Act, and recent amendments introducing stricter
compliance requirements.
4. Sector-Specific Regulations:
Certain industries (e.g., banking, insurance) have specialized regulatory frameworks. M&A
transactions in these sectors may require approvals from specific regulators (e.g., RBI for
banking).
MODULE 5
Economic Value Added (EVA)
Economic Value Added (EVA) is a financial performance metric that calculates the true
economic profit of a company.
It is based on the premise(Assumption) that a company only creates value for its
shareholders if it generates returns that exceed the cost of capital invested in the
business.
EVA is used to measure how effectively a company is utilizing its resources to generate
profit and create shareholder value.
Where:
NOPAT (Net Operating Profit After Taxes): This is the company's operating profit
after taxes, excluding any financing costs (such as interest).
NOPAT=Operating Income×(1−Tax Rate)
Capital Employed: The total capital invested in the company, which can be
calculated as the sum of equity and debt.
Capital Employed=Total Assets−Current Liabilities
WACC (Weighted Average Cost of Capital): This is the average rate of return a
company is expected to pay to its shareholders (equity holders) and debt holders for
using their capital.
WACC= (EV×Re) + (DV×Rd×(1−T))
Where:
o Re = Cost of equity
o Rd = Cost of debt
Positive EVA:
o If EVA is positive, it means the company is generating a return above its cost
of capital and is creating value for shareholders.
Negative EVA:
o If EVA is negative, it indicates that the company’s returns are not enough to
cover its cost of capital, and it is destroying value. This situation requires
immediate attention, as it suggests the company is not efficiently using its
capital.
Advantages of EVA:
1. Complexity in Calculation:
o Calculating EVA requires accurate data and involves adjustments to financial
statements (such as adjustments for operating leases or non-recurring items),
which may be time-consuming.
2. Focus on Short-Term Results:
o While EVA is a valuable measure of profitability, it may focus more on short-
term performance rather than long-term strategic goals.
3. Not Always Reflective of Cash Flow:
o Although EVA adjusts for taxes and capital costs, it is not a direct reflection of
the company’s cash flow, which is another important measure of financial
health.
Applications of EVA:
1. Corporate Valuation:
o EVA is frequently used in corporate valuation models to estimate the value of
a company based on its future economic profit. The EVA-based valuation
model is often used by analysts and investors.
2. Strategic Planning and Investment Decisions:
o Companies use EVA to evaluate whether their investments or projects are
creating value. If a project does not generate a positive EVA, it might be
reconsidered or abandoned.
3. Executive Compensation:
o EVA is increasingly being used as a basis for performance-based executive
compensation plans, aligning the incentives of management with the creation
of shareholder wealth.
4. Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A):
o During M&A transactions, EVA can be used to assess the target company’s
value and the potential for value creation post-acquisition.
Shareholder wealth is the ultimate goal of corporate financial management. It refers to the
value delivered to shareholders in the form of increased stock prices, dividends, or both.
Economic Value Added (EVA) plays a significant role in measuring and creating
shareholder wealth. By assessing whether a company is generating returns above its cost of
capital, EVA directly ties into the concept of shareholder wealth.
EVA Measurement:
EVA measures the difference between a company's actual operating profit (after taxes) and
the cost of capital. If a company generates returns greater than its cost of capital, it creates
value for shareholders; if not, it destroys value.
1. Positive EVA: A positive EVA indicates that the company is generating returns
that exceed the cost of capital, which leads to an increase in shareholder wealth.
This means the company is efficiently utilizing its resources and is expected to
increase its stock value over time.
2. Negative EVA: A negative EVA suggests that the company is not generating
sufficient returns to cover its cost of capital. This leads to a reduction in
shareholder wealth and can result in a decline in stock prices, signaling inefficiency in
capital utilization.
Relationship Between EVA and Shareholder Wealth
1. Value Creation:
o Positive EVA indicates that a company is creating value by generating returns
above its cost of capital, which contributes to an increase in stock prices,
dividends, and overall shareholder wealth.
2. Value Destruction:
o Negative EVA signals that the company is destroying shareholder value
because it is not generating sufficient returns to cover its cost of capital. This
will likely result in a decline in the market value of the company, leading to a
decrease in shareholder wealth.
3. Long-Term Wealth:
o EVA measures the true profitability of a company, considering the cost of
capital. Long-term shareholder wealth is created when a company consistently
generates positive EVA. It shows that the company is not just earning profits,
but doing so efficiently and in excess of its capital costs.
4. Link with Stock Prices:
o Companies that generate positive EVA tend to be rewarded by the market with
higher stock prices. Investors recognize that such companies are more likely to
provide superior returns in the future. Over time, this drives up the value of the
company's stock, benefiting shareholders.
5. Performance-Based Executive Compensation:
o EVA is increasingly being used to structure executive compensation. This
ensures that management is aligned with the goal of creating shareholder
wealth. If executives improve EVA, they contribute to increasing the
company’s market value and, consequently, shareholder wealth.
Drivers of EVA:
The key drivers of EVA are factors that directly influence a company's operating profit
and its cost of capital. These can be broken down into two main categories:
These are the factors that impact a company's Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT),
which reflects the company's ability to generate profit from its core operations.
These are the factors that influence a company's Capital Employed and Weighted Average
Cost of Capital (WACC).
Cost of Capital (WACC): The lower the WACC, the less capital the company needs
to generate a unit of profit, which increases EVA. Reducing the cost of debt and
equity can help improve EVA. For instance, refinancing high-cost debt or increasing
equity capital at favorable terms can lower the WACC.
Capital Employed: The amount of capital invested in the business (equity and debt)
affects EVA. A higher capital base with a low return on investment will lower EVA.
Optimizing the use of capital (e.g., reducing underutilized assets) can drive higher
EVA.
Debt Financing: Using debt financing (leverage) to finance operations can help
increase EVA, as long as the return on capital exceeds the cost of debt. However,
excessive leverage can increase risk and raise the cost of debt, which might negatively
affect EVA.
Market Value Added (MVA)
Market Value Added (MVA) is a performance metric that represents the difference
between the current market value of a company and the total capital invested by
shareholders (equity and debt).
It reflects the value created (or destroyed) by a company since its inception, from the
perspective of its investors. MVA measures the cumulative value a company has added to its
shareholders through its business activities, investment decisions, and overall management
performance.
Where:
Positive MVA:
o A positive MVA indicates that the company has created value for its
shareholders by generating returns higher than the cost of capital. This means
that the market perceives the company’s value to be higher than the total
capital invested in it.
Negative MVA:
o A negative MVA suggests that the company has destroyed shareholder value,
as its market value is less than the capital invested. The company has failed to
generate returns in excess of its cost of capital.
Factors Influencing MVA:
1. Company Performance:
o Strong operating performance, reflected by consistent profitability, growth,
and value generation, leads to a positive MVA. This performance is influenced
by factors like revenue growth, margin improvement, cost control, and asset
utilization.
2. Management Decisions:
o Effective capital allocation, strategic investments, and operational decisions
contribute to an increase in MVA. The company's ability to invest in projects
that exceed the cost of capital will result in positive MVA.
3. Market Perception:
o The market value of a company, which influences MVA, is also driven by
investor perception. Factors such as investor confidence, market trends,
economic conditions, and the company’s future prospects all impact the
market value.
4. External Factors:
o Economic conditions, industry performance, and overall market sentiment can
have a significant impact on the market value of a company. These external
factors can influence MVA even if the company is performing well
operationally.
5. Shareholder Expectations:
o Shareholders expect returns that exceed the cost of capital. If a company meets
or exceeds these expectations, it will have a positive MVA. If it fails to meet
these expectations, MVA will be negative.
Definition Measures the value a company Measures the difference between the
generates from its operations after market value of the company and the
deducting the cost of capital. capital invested by shareholders.