SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT BETWEEN MILLENNIUM INDIA ACQUISITION COMPANY INC AND SMC GLOBAL SECURITIES LIMITED AND PROMOTERS OF SMC GLOBAL SECURITIES LIMITED Dated ______ day of May, 2007 3/F, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Building, 7, Netaji Subhash Road,...
EXHIBIT
10.1b
BETWEEN
MILLENNIUM
INDIA ACQUISITION COMPANY
INC
AND
SMC
GLOBAL SECURITIES LIMITED
AND
PROMOTERS
OF SMC GLOBAL SECURITIES
LIMITED
Dated
______ day of May, 2007
3/F,
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx Memorial Building,
7,
Netaji Subhash Road, Charni Road (West),
Mumbai
400 002
Tel:
(x00) 00 0000 0000
Fax:
(x00) 00 0000 0000
E-mail:
xxxxxx@xxxxxx.xxx
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TABLE
OF CONTENTS
1.
|
DEFINITIONS
|
2
|
2.
|
COMPANY
|
6
|
3.
|
ADDITIONAL
CAPITAL
|
6
|
4.
|
CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE
|
8
|
5.
|
RESTRICTIONS
ON TRANSFER
|
12
|
6.
|
COVENANTS
OF PROMOTERS
|
16
|
7.
|
CONFIDENTIALITY
|
18
|
8.
|
ADDITIONAL
COVENANTS
|
18
|
9.
|
INDEMNIFICATION
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20
|
10.
|
TERM
|
22
|
11.
|
TERMINATION
|
22
|
12.
|
RESOLUTION
OF DISPUTES
|
23
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13.
|
GOVERNING
LAW
|
24
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14.
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NOTICES
|
24
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15.
|
MISCELLANEOUS
|
25
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SCHEDULES
|
||
SCHEDULE
1: PROMOTER
AND PROMOTER GROUP
|
||
SCHEDULE
2: COMPANY
AND SMC GROUP COMPANIES
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||
SCHEDULE
3: KEY
MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
|
||
SCHEDULE
4: SHAREHOLDING
STRUCTURE OF COMPANY AND SMC GROUP COMPANIES
|
||
SCHEDULE
5: AMENDED
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
|
||
SCHEDULE
6: SPECIFIED
MATTERS
|
||
SCHEDULE
7: DEED
OF ADHERENCE
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
1
THIS
SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is
made as on
this day of
May, 2007.
BETWEEN:
(1)
|
MILLENNIUM
INDIA ACQUISITION COMPANY INC. a company organised under the laws
of the State of Delaware, United States of America and having its
office
address at 000 Xxxx, 00xx Xxxxxx, xxxxx 00X, Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000,
XXX
(hereinafter referred to as “Investor”, which expression
shall, unless it be repugnant to the context or meaning thereof,
be deemed
to mean and include its successors and assigns);
AND
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(2)
|
SMC
GLOBAL SECURITIES LIMITED, a company incorporated under the
Indian Companies Act, 1956, having its registered office at 00, Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxxx (hereinafter referred to as
“Company” which expression shall, unless repugnant to the
context or meaning thereof, be deemed to mean and include its
successors); AND
|
(3)
|
MR.
S.C. AGGARWAL (“Promoter No. 1”), son of Xx. X.
X. Xxxxxxxx, Indian inhabitant, residing at X-000, Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx,
Xxx
Xxxxx-000000; AND
|
(4)
|
XX.
X.X. XXXXX, (“Promoter No. 2”), son of Xx. X.X.
Xxxxx, Indian inhabitant residing at X-00, Xxxxx Xxxxx X.X. Xxxxxxxxx,
Xxx
Xxxxx-000000; AND
|
(5)
|
Person
and entities listed at Schedule 1 (“Promoter
Group”) represented jointly by Mr. S.C. Aggarwal and Xx. X. X.
Xxxxx.
|
Promoter
No.1 and Promoter No.2 are collectively referred to as
“Promoters”.
Strictly
Private & Confidential
2
W
H E R E A S:
A.
|
The
Company is engaged in the business of dealing in the security market
as
stock broker, distribution of mutual fund units, IPO distribution
and has
made an application to Securities and Exchange Board of India for
registration as portfolio manager. The Company through SMC Group
Companies
(defined below) is engaged in the business of commodities
trading, insurance broking, merchant banking and
investments.
|
B.
|
Vide
a Share Subscription Agreement
dated , May 2007, the Investor
has agreed to subscribe for 1,314,054 Equity Shares in the Company
constituting 14.90% of the issued and paid-up share capital of the
Company
(“Subscription Shares”) on a fully diluted basis and as a
consequence, an indirect proportionate shareholding in the SMC Group
Companies listed in Schedule 2
hereto.
|
C.
|
The
Parties wish to record in writing the terms and conditions applicable
to
the future relationships between the shareholders of the Company
inter
se and between the Company and its shareholders, and matters
ancillary thereto.
|
NOW,
THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION OF THE COVENANTS AND REPRESENTATIONS SET FORTH
HEREIN, AND FOR OTHER GOOD AND VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, THE PARTIES, INTENDING
TO
BE LEGALLY BOUND AGREE, AS FOLLOWS:
1.
|
DEFINITIONS
|
1.1
|
Capitalized
terms used but not defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings
assigned to them in the Share Subscription Agreement. In this Agreement,
the following terms, to the extent not inconsistent with the context
thereof or otherwise defined herein, shall have the following meanings
assigned to them herein below:
|
a.
|
“Act”
shall mean the Indian Companies Act, 1956 and any amendment thereto
or any
other succeeding enactment for the time being in
force;
|
b.
|
“Affiliate”
in relation to the Investor, being a corporate entity, means any
entity,
which is a subsidiary (with Investor, directly or indirectly, holding
50.1% or more shares) of the Investor including the
Investor’s Dubai Subsidiary;
|
c.
|
“Agreement”
shall mean this Shareholders Agreement together with the annexures
thereto
as from time to time made, amended, supplemented or replaced or otherwise
modified in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement;
|
d.
|
“Applicable
Law” shall mean any applicable constitution, treaty, statute, rule,
regulation, ordinance, order, directive, code, judgment, decree,
injunction, or any interpretation, determination, award, permit,
license,
authorization, directive requirement, ruling or decision of, agreement
with, or by a Government Authority;
|
e.
|
"Articles
of Association" means the Articles of Association of Company from time
to time;
|
f.
|
"Board"
means the board of directors of the Company or any of the SMC Group
Companies, as the context may
require;
|
g.
|
"Business"
means the business carried on by the Company including the business
carried on by each of the SMC Group
Companies;
|
h.
|
“Company”
means SMC Global Securities Limited and for the purposes of Clause
4 of
this Agreement shall also include the SMC Group
Companies;
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
3
i.
|
"Completion"
means the completion of the subscription by the Investor, and the
allotment and issue by the Company to the Investor, of the Subscription
Shares;
|
j.
|
"Completion
Date" means the date on which Completion takes place in accordance
with the provisions of the Subscription
Agreement;
|
k.
|
"Covered
Activity" means direct or indirect participation, whether or not for
compensation, in the ownership, management or control of, or the
provisions of advisory, consulting or any other services to, any
business
or entity engaged in a business or activity identical or similar
to or
that directly or indirectly competes with, the Business or any business
or
activities that may be commenced by Company or any of the SMC Group
Companies after the Completion
Date;
|
l.
|
"Damages"
means all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, assessments
by a
Government Authority, losses, investigations, proceedings, damages,
penalties, fines, costs, payments, expenses and judgments, including
interest and penalties and reasonable attorneys’ fees, disbursements and
expenses;
|
m.
|
“Directors”
means the directors on the Board;
|
n.
|
"Equity
Shares" means voting equity shares with a par
value of Rs. 10/- (Rupees Ten) each in the authorised and issued
share
capital of the Company;
|
o.
|
“Effective
Date” means the date of
Completion.
|
p.
|
‘Governmental
Authority’ shall mean any administrative agency, commission, court or
other governmental or regulatory authority or instrumentality, whether
central, state, local or municipal or judicial, quasi-judicial or
administrative forum, including but not limited to, ministries and
departments of the Government of India and Tax authorities in India
and
US.
|
q.
|
“Group
Companies” shall mean (i) SMC Comtrade Limited, (ii) DSP Insurance
Brokers Limited, (iii) Nexgen Capitals Limited, (iv) SMC Comex
International DMCC, (v) Abhichaya Investment Private Limited, and
(vi)
Xxxxx Investment Private Limited, (vii) XXX Global Securities
Limited.
|
r.
|
"Indian
GAAP" means statements of generally accepted accounting practice
recommended by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and,
where
there are no principles recommended, the accounting principles accepted
in
India and consistently applied from period to period and throughout
any
period in accordance with the past practices of the
Company;
|
s.
|
"India"
means the Republic of India as constituted from time to
time;
|
t.
|
"Key
Managerial Personnel" means the persons listed in Schedule
3 hereto;
|
u.
|
"Lien"
means, with respect to any property or asset, any mortgage, pledge,
hypothecation, charge, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance,
security interest, lien, voting agreement, right of first refusal,
conditional sale agreement, title retention agreement, restriction,
easement, option, fiduciary assignment and any security or similar
agreement of any kind or nature
whatsoever;
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
4
v.
|
“Material
Breach” shall mean any failure, neglect, breach or default by the
Promoters in complying with the following: (i) restrictions and
obligations in relation to transfer of the Equity Shares held by
the
Promoters and Promoter Group and Company in relation to SMC Group
Companies (Clause 5.1, Clause 5.2 and Clause 5.4), (ii)
appointment of Investor Director (Clause 4.1.1.1)
and appointment of observer (Clause 4.1.1.6)
(iii) appointment of Investor Alternate Director (Clause 4.1.3),
(iv) listing of the Equity Shares of the Company as required under
Clause
6.3.,(v) anti-dilution right in Clause 5.8 and affirmative right
of the
Investor as indicated in the specified matters listed out in Schedule
0 xx
xxxxx (x), (x), (x), (x), (x), (x), (x), (x). It will also include
any
failure, breach or default by Promoters or Promoter Group or the
Company
in relation to SMC Group Companies to vote through their respective
appointed/nominated director or proxies otherwise than as required
under
the Agreement for the above
provisions;
|
w.
|
"Memorandum"
means the Memorandum of Association of Company from time to
time;
|
x.
|
“Ordinary
Course of Business” shall mean the ordinary course of business
consistent with past custom and practice (including with respect
to
quantity and frequency), but only to the extent consistent with Applicable
Law and the custom of entities engaged in the same business as the
existing business of the Company or SMC Group Companies, as the case
may
be;
|
y.
|
"Person"
means a human being, labor organization, partnership, association,
joint
venture, corporation, limited liability company, legal representative,
trustee, trustee in bankruptcy, receiver or any other legal entity
whatsoever;
|
z.
|
“SEBI”
means the Securities and Exchange Board of
India;
|
aa.
|
"Securities"
shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Clause 2(h) of the Securities
Contract (Regulation) Act, 1956;
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bb.
|
"Shareholder"
means shall mean Investor and Promoter Group collectively, and
“Shareholder” shall mean any one of them
individually;
|
cc.
|
“SMC
Group Companies” shall mean (i) SMC Comtrade Limited, (ii) DSP
Insurance Brokers Limited, (iii) Nexgen Capitals Limited, (iv) SMC
Comex
International DMCC, (v) Abhichaya Investment Private Limited, and
(vi)
Xxxxx Investment Private Limited.
|
dd.
|
"Subscription
Agreement" means the agreement headed "ShareSubscription
Agreement" dated __May 2007, executed or to be executed between the
Company, the Investor and the Promoters, and in terms of which the
Investor will subscribe for, and the Company will allot and issue
to the
Investor, the Subscription Shares;
|
ee.
|
"Transaction
Agreements" means (i) this Agreement, (ii) the Subscription Agreement,
and (iii) any other agreements or documents included as a Transaction
Agreement and designated as such by agreement in writing between
the
Parties.
|
1.2
|
Interpretation:
|
1.2.1
|
The
terms referred to in this Agreement shall, unless defined otherwise
or
inconsistent with the context or meaning thereof, bear the meaning
ascribed to it under the relevant
statute/legislation.
|
1.2.2
|
All
references in this Agreement to statutory provisions shall be construed
as
meaning and including references
to:
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
5
1.2.2.1
|
Any
statutory modification, consolidation or re-enactment (whether before
or
after the date of this Agreement) for the time being in
force;
|
1.2.2.2
|
All
statutory instruments or orders made pursuant to a statutory provision;
and
|
1.2.2.3
|
Any
statutory provisions of which these statutory provisions are a
consolidation, re-enactment or
modification.
|
1.2.2.4
|
Words
denoting the singular shall include the plural and words denoting
any
gender shall include all genders.
|
1.2.2.5
|
Headings
to clauses, sub-clauses and paragraphs are for information only and
shall
not form part of the operative provisions of this Agreement or the
Schedules and shall be ignored in construing the
same.
|
1.2.2.6
|
References
to recitals, clauses or schedules are, unless the context otherwise
requires, are references to recitals, to clauses of or schedules
to this
Agreement.
|
1.2.2.7
|
Reference
to days, months and years are to Gregorian days, months and calendar
years
respectively.
|
1.2.2.8
|
Any
reference to the words “hereof,” “herein”, “hereto” and “hereunder” and
words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to
clauses
or annexures of this Agreement as specified
therein.
|
1.2.2.9
|
Any
expression importing a natural person includes any company, trust,
partnership, joint venture, association, body corporate or governmental
agency.
|
1.2.2.10
|
Where
a word or phrase is given a defined meaning, another part of speech
or
other grammatical form in respect of that word or phrase has a
corresponding meaning
|
1.2.2.11
|
Reference
to “Investor”, unless repugnant to the context shall for the
purpose of this Agreement, mean and include the Affiliates of the
Investor. The rights under this Agreement shall be exercised by the
Affiliate holding 7.451% of the issued and paid-up share capital
of the
Company at Completion. For computing the paid-up equity share capital
the
bonus shares and subsequent increase in the capital pursuant to the
merger
with XXX Global Securities Limited and any 100% subsidiary of the
Company
shall be included.
|
1.2.2.12
|
The
words “include” and “including” shall be construed without
limitation.
|
1.3
|
Any
agreement, covenant, representation, warranty, undertaking or liability
arising under this Agreement on the part of Promoters shall be deemed
to
be made or given by such Promoters jointly and severally. Without
limiting
the generality of the foregoing, whenever used in this Agreement,
except
as otherwise expressly provided, "Promoters" shall include each
Promoter, jointly and severally and Promoters shall be jointly and
severally liable for any obligations hereunder. However, it is clarified
that for the purpose of indemnity the term Promoter shall include:
(i) Xx.
X.X. Xxxxx, (ii) Mr. S.C. Aggarwal, (iii) Xxx. Xxxxxx Xxxxx, and
(iv) Xxx.
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx and no other Promoters as indicated in the Promoter
Group
and any Promoters’ obligation to indemnify the Investor under this
Agreement will be limited to the extent of and for the amount of
shortfall
in the Losses that the Company has failed to pay to the Investors
in the
first place.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
6
2.
|
COMPANY
|
2.1
|
As
of the Completion Date, the authorized share capital of the Company
shall
be as follows:
|
Authorized
Share Capital
|
No.
of Shares
|
Value
per Share
|
Rs.
20,00,00,000
|
1,50,00,000
Equity shares
50,00,000
Preference Shares
|
Rs.
10 Each
Rs.
10 Each
|
2.2
|
As
of the Completion Date, the issued, subscribed and paid-up share
capital
of Company shall be as follows:
|
Issued,
Subscribed and Paid-up Share Capital
|
No.
of Equity Shares
|
Value
per Equity Share
|
Rs.
8,81,91,540
|
88,19,154
|
Rs.
10 each
|
2.3
|
As
of the Completion Date, the shareholding structure of each of the
SMC
Group Companies shall be as reflected in Schedule 4
hereto.
|
2.4
|
On
or prior to Completion, the Company shall convene a meeting of its
shareholders and shall take all the necessary steps required to amend
the
Articles of Association of Company to reflect the form of the Articles
of
Association set out at Schedule 5. On or prior to
Completion the Company shall also cause the SMC Group Companies to
take
necessary steps to amend their respective articles of association
to
suitably reflect the provisions of this Agreement. The Promoters
agree to
vote all of their Equity Shares in favor of all resolutions required
in
order to amend the Articles of Association as
aforesaid.
|
2.5
|
The
Company shall deliver to the Investor a certified true copy of the
resolution of the general meeting/shareholders of the Company evidencing
the amendment to the Articles of Association as stated above and
a
certified true copy of the filing receipt of Form 23 with the Registrar
of
Companies, regarding the same.
|
2.6
|
The
Parties hereby agree that in the event of any inconsistency between
the
provisions of this Agreement and the Memorandum and Articles of
Association, then the provisions of this Agreement will prevail and
the
Shareholders shall expeditiously amend the Memorandum and Articles
of
Association to remove any such
inconsistency.
|
3.
|
ADDITIONAL
CAPITAL
|
3.1
|
Additional
Capital. If the Board of the Company, acting reasonably in the
circumstances, decides at any time that borrowings from a bank or
other
outside sources are not desirable, and that funding by way of share
capital is preferable to funding by way of loan account, which decision
is
approved in writing by the Investor (any time within (i) 2 years
from the
date of Completion, or (ii) listing of the Equity Shares of the Company
at
National Stock Exchange Limited or Bombay Stock Exchange Limited,
whichever is later), the Board shall request the shareholders, by
issuance
of a notice (the "Funding Notice") to the shareholders of the
Company, to contribute, within 30 (thirty) days or such other period
as
required under Applicable Law after the issuance of the Funding Notice
(the "Funding Period") additional capital to Company, pro
rata to their respective holdings of the issued and paid-up share
capital of Company, by way of subscription for additional Equity
Shares in
accordance with Section 81(1) of the Act. Provided that the Funding
Period
shall be extended by any period reasonably necessary to obtain any
Government or regulatory approval for the purpose of contributing
such
additional capital.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
7
3.2
|
Determination
of price. If additional capital is to be contributed pursuant to
Clause 3.1, then the subscription price for such additional Equity
Shares
shall be determined by the Board and set out in the Funding Notice.
The
Company shall, promptly upon the receipt of such subscription price,
issue
the appropriate number of Equity Shares based upon the payments received
from the shareholders.
|
3.3
|
Failure
to subscribe. In the event of a the Shareholder failing to subscribe
for the additional Equity Shares offered to it within the Funding
Period,
such Equity Shares shall be offered to the other
Shareholder. In this event, the Shareholder shall be entitled
to subscribe for all or any of the Equity Shares offered to it either
itself or through its Affiliates or Promoter Group within 15 (fifteen)
business days of receipt of the offer and irrespective of any change
in
the equity shareholding pattern of
Company.
|
3.4
|
Restriction
on Renunciation. The Shareholders shall not renounce the right in
respect of Equity Shares offered for subscription in favor of any
other
Person (other than an Affiliate or Promoter Group, as the case may
be)
without first giving the other Shareholder, a reasonable opportunity
to
subscribe for the Equity Shares on the same terms and conditions
that such
right is proposed to be renounced in favor of any other Person (other
than
an Affiliate or Promoter Group of the renouncing Party). No such
renunciation will be made by the Promoters in favor of any Person
if such
renunciation will be detrimental to the interests of the Company
or the
Investor.
|
3.5
|
Subscription
through Affiliates or Promoter Group. Any Shareholder may subscribe
for additional Equity Shares through any of its Affiliates or Promoter
Group, as the case may be, under Clause 3.4, subject to the prior
fulfillment of the following
conditions:
|
3.5.1
|
such
Affiliate shall previously have signed a Deed of
Adherence;
|
3.5.2
|
prior
to any such Affiliate ceasing to be an Affiliate of the relevant
Shareholder, all of the Equity Shares held by such Affiliate in the
Company shall be transferred to the Shareholder in question or to
another
Affiliate of the Shareholder in
question;
|
3.5.3
|
the
relevant Shareholder shall guarantee the performance by such Affiliate
of
its duties, obligations and liabilities under this Agreement;
and
|
3.5.4
|
all
the provisions of this Agreement that apply to the Shareholder shall
apply
to such Affiliate to the same
extent.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
8
4.
|
CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE
|
4.1.1
|
Composition
of the Board
|
4.1.1.1
|
For
and during the term of this Agreement, the Investor shall be entitled
to
nominate and maintain in office, one (1) non-executive Director to
the
Board of the Company, and to propose the removal of any Director
so
appointed from office and to recommend the appointment of another
in the
place of the Director so removed, provided that the Board shall,
as soon
as practicable and in any event prior to the consideration of any
other
matter, upon notice from the Investor, remove such Director and appoint
as
Director such replacement designated or nominated by the Investor
("Investor Director"). The rights under this Agreement shall be
exercised by the Affiliate holding 7.451% of the issued and paid-up
share
capital of the Company at Completion. For computing the paid-up equity
share capital the bonus shares and subsequent increase in the capital
pursuant to the merger with XXX Global Securities Limited and any
100%
subsidiary of the Company shall be
included.
|
4.1.1.2
|
The
Investor Director shall be liable to retire by rotation in accordance
with
the provisions of the Act, but upon such retirement shall be eligible
for
re-appointment, and shall be duly re-appointed as Director, it being
the
intention of the Parties that the Investor Director shall remain
Director
at all times up to the termination of this
Agreement.
|
4.1.1.3
|
The
Board shall have the overall responsibility for management of Company
and
may appoint and delegate such day to day functions to the chairman,
the
managing director, manager or to a committee, as it deems
fit.
|
4.1.1.4
|
The
Investor Director shall have all powers and privileges in accordance
with
Applicable Law.
|
|
4.1.1.6
|
Appointment
of Observer. The Investor will have an option to appoint such
“observer” in SMC Group Companies. If the Investor exercises its option to
appoint such “observer”, the Company shall and Promoters shall ensure that
such “observer” has the right to attend and speak at all such meetings of
the SMC Group Companies and receives all notices, agendas, draft
resolutions, reports and other documents provided by or on behalf
of SMC
Group Companies to its directors. It is clarified that the “observer”
shall have no rights to vote at any such meetings of SMC Group Companies.
The Company shall have and the Promoters shall have caused each of
the SMC
Group Companies to appoint a representative individual nominated
by
Investor as an “observer” with rights to attend all meetings of the board
of directors, committees of the board of directors and the shareholders
of
each of the SMC Group Companies, if requested by the Investor at
its
discretion under this Clause
4.1.1.6.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
9
4.1.2
|
Qualification
Shares. A Director need not hold any qualification
shares.
|
4.1.3
|
Investor
Alternate Director for Specified Matters. In the event that any
Investor Director (an "Original Investor Director") is away for a
continuous period of more than (3) months from the state in which
the
meetings of the Board are ordinarily held, the Board shall appoint
another
Director (an "InvestorAlternate Director") for and in place
of the Original Investor Director. The Board shall only appoint such
Investor Alternate Director nominated by the Investor. Such Investor
Alternate Director shall be entitled to receive all materials supplied
to
Directors and shall also be entitled to attend all meetings of the
Board
and committees thereof in the absence of the Original Investor
Director.
|
4.1.4
|
Committees
. The Investor Director shall be entitled to attend all committees
and
sub-committees (by whatever name called) of the Board. The Investor
Director shall be a necessary part of the quorum for every meeting
of the
committee or sub-committee of the Board where any Specified Matters
are
considered.
|
4.1.5
|
Liability
of Investor Director
|
4.1.5.1
|
The
Promoters and the Company expressly agree that the Investor Director
will
be a non-executive Director and subject to Applicable Law will be
considered as independent director.
|
4.1.5.2
|
The
Promoters and the Company expressly agree and undertake that the
Investor
Director shall not be in charge of, or responsible for the day to
day
management of the Company and shall not be deemed to be "officers
in
default" as the term is defined in the Act and shall accordingly
not be
liable for any default or failure of the Company in complying with
the
provisions of any Applicable Laws.
|
4.1.5.3
|
The
Promoters and the Company expressly agree that the Investor Director
shall
not be identified as officer in default of the Company or occupier
of any
premises used by Company or an employer of the employees of
Company.
|
4.1.5.4
|
Immediately
upon Completion, the Company shall, and the Promoters shall ensure
that
Company shall, procure suitable Director and Officers Liability insurance
of an amount of up to India Rupees Five Crores in favor of the Investor
Director from a reputable insurance company acceptable to the Investor
in
respect of claims or liabilities resulting from the actions or omissions
of the Investor Director as Directors of the Company for an amount
acceptable to the Investor.
|
4.1.5.5
|
Voting
for appointment of Directors. The Promoters shall vote their Equity
Shares in favor of all resolutions required for the election of person
nominated to be Investor Director by the Investor in accordance with
Clause 4.1.1.
|
4.1.5.6
|
Withdrawal
of Nomination. The Investor shall at any time be entitled to provide
written notice to the Board withdrawing its nomination of any Investor
Director. Such written notice shall take immediate effect. On receipt
of
such written notice, the Promoters shall be bound to cause their
Directors
to vote in favor of the removal of the Investor Director whose candidature
is withdrawn by the Investor.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
10
4.2
|
Board
Meetings
|
4.2.1
|
Number
of Board Meetings. The Board shall meet at least 4 (four) times in
every calendar year and at least once in every calendar quarter.
All
expenses and costs incurred for attending meetings of the Board by
the
Investor Director shall be borne by the Company. A Board meeting
may also
be held by teleconference or video conference and/or the presence
of a
Director at a meeting may be recorded if he is present over telephone
or
video conference, if such meeting or presence, as the case may be,
is not
contrary to law.
|
4.2.2
|
Notice
for Board Meetings. At least 7 (seven) days prior written notice shall
be given to each of the Directors of any meeting of the Board or
a
committee or sub-committee of the Board where any Specified Matter
are
being considered. Every notice to an Investor Director shall also
be sent
to one of its designated addresses in India. A meeting of such Board
or a
committee meting where Specified Matters are proposed to be considered
may
be held at shorter notice with the written consent (which may be
signified
by letter, facsimile or e-mail with receipt acknowledged) of a majority
of
Directors which shall include at least 1 (one) Investor
Director.
|
4.2.3
|
Contents
of the Notice. A reasonably detailed agenda shall be supplied to each
Director along with the notice, together with the draft resolutions
and
other appropriate documentation with respect to agenda items calling
for
Board action, to adequately inform Directors regarding matters to
come
before the Board. Any Director wishing to place a matter on the agenda
for
any meeting of the Board may do so by communicating with the Chairman
of
the Board sufficiently in advance of the meeting of the Board so
as to
permit timely dissemination to all Directors of information with
respect
to the agenda items.
|
4.2.4
|
Quorum
for Board meetings. A quorum of the Board shall include at least 1
(one) Investor Director at the commencement and throughout the duration
of
the meeting where any Specified Matters are proposed to be or are
considered. If the Investor Director is not present at any meeting
of the
Board ("Initial Meeting"), the meeting shall be adjourned to the
same time and place in the next week (unless otherwise agreed by
all the
Directors) or if that day is not a day to the immediately succeeding
business day. Not less than 5 (five) days notice shall be given of
any
adjourned meeting ("Adjourned Meeting"). At the Adjourned Meeting,
the Board, in the absence of the Investor Director, the Board can
decide
upon matters other than the Specified Matters as provided in Clause
4.3.5.
If the Investor Director is unable to attend the Initial Meeting
he shall
on or before the date of the Adjourned Meeting convey in writing
to the
Company his acceptance or disagreement in relation to the Specified
Matter
proposed to be considered at such Initial Meeting or the Adjourned
Meeting. It is understood between the Parties, that the Promoters
shall
ensure that none of the Specified Matters will be taken up at the
Shareholders Meeting (except an agenda item for dividend required
under
the Act to be taken-up at the Annual General Meeting of the Company)
unless: (i) it has been approved at the Board meeting with Investor
Director voting in favor of such resolution, or (ii) the Investor
Director
has given his affirmative consent in writing to take-up and consider
such
Specified Matter at the Shareholders meeting. The Promoters and the
Company in so far as the SMC Group Companies are concerned shall
not
exercise their voting rights at the Board and/or the Shareholders
meeting
against the decision conveyed by the Investor
Director.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
11
4.2.5
|
Decisions
of the Board. Subject to Clause 4.3.5, each Director shall have 1
(one) vote and all decisions of the Board shall require the affirmative
vote of a majority of the Directors at a duly convened meeting of
the
Board at which a quorum is present. In the event there is a vacancy
on the
Board and an individual has been designated to fill such vacancy,
the
first order of business shall be to fill such
vacancy.
|
4.2.6
|
Circular
Resolution for Specified Matters. Subject to Clause 4.3.5 and except
for those actions required by the Act to be determined at a meeting
of the
Board, all decisions of the Board may be taken by circular resolution.
The
notice period for any circular resolution considering any Specified
Matter
shall be 7 (seven) days. The draft of the resolution must be circulated
to
all Directors including the Investor Director and as regards the
Investor
Director a copy shall also be sent to one of its designated addresses
in
India. Each circular resolution must be in writing and will be deemed
to
have been passed only when signed by the Investor Director on
any Specified Matter.
|
4.3
|
Shareholders
Meetings
|
4.3.1
|
General
Meetings. An annual general meeting of the Shareholders shall be held
within 6 (six) months of the end of each financial year. Subject
to the
foregoing, the Board or any of the Shareholders may convene an
extraordinary general meeting of the Shareholders whenever they deem
appropriate.
|
4.3.2
|
Chairman
for General Meeting. The chairman of the Board shall be the chairman
for all general meetings. The chairman shall not have any second
or
casting vote.
|
4.3.3
|
Proxies.
Any Shareholder may appoint another Person as his proxy (and in case
of a
corporate shareholder, an authorized representative) to attend a
meeting
and vote thereat on such Shareholder’s behalf, provided that the power
given to such proxy must be in
writing.
|
4.3.4
|
Quorum
for General Meetings. To constitute a quorum for a general meeting of
the Company where any Specified Matter is being considered, the presence
in person or through proxy of an authorized representative of Investor
shall be necessary at the commencement and throughout the duration
of the
meeting, unless the Investor has prior to the meeting conveyed in
writing
to the Company his acceptance or disagreement in relation to the
Specified
Matter proposed to be considered at such Shareholders Meeting. The
Promoters and the Company in so far as the SMC Group Companies are
concerned shall not exercise their voting rights at the Shareholders
Meeting against the decision conveyed by the Investor
Director.
|
4.3.5
|
Specified
Matters. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement, during
the subsistence of this Agreement:
|
4.3.5.1
|
Each
of the Specified Matters as contained in Schedule 6
hereto shall be decided by the Company or the SMC Group Companies
only
through a resolution of its Board or shareholders, as the case may
be.
|
4.3.5.2
|
No
resolution or decision shall be passed or taken by the Board or the
shareholders of the Company or the SMC Group Companies with respect
to any
of the Specified Matters unless:
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
12
(i)
|
Such
resolution or decision is approved by a majority of the Board, which
majority includes the affirmative vote of an Investor Director,
or
|
(ii)
|
Such
resolution or decision is approved in writing by the Investor,
or
|
(iii)
|
The
Investor, by itself or through proxy, votes in favor of such resolution
at
a general meeting of such company.
|
4.3.6
|
Exercise
of Voting & Other Rights
|
4.3.6.1
|
The
Promoters and the Promoter Group and the Company, in so far as the
SMC
Group Companies is concerned undertake to ensure that they, their
representatives and proxies representing them at the general meetings
of
the Company and the SMC Group Companies, shall at all times exercise
their
votes and through their respective appointed/nominated Directors
(or
alternate Directors) at Board meetings and otherwise, act in such
manner
so as to comply with, and to fully and effectually implement the
spirit,
intent and specific provisions of this
Agreement.
|
4.3.6.2
|
If
a resolution contrary to the terms of this Agreement is passed at
any
meeting of shareholders or at any meeting of the Board or any committee
or
sub-committee thereof, such resolution shall be null and void.
|
4.3.7
|
Avoidance
of Conflict; Necessary Actions. Each Promoter shall vote all of its
Equity Shares, and shall take all other actions necessary, to (i)
ensure
that the Company's Memorandum and Articles of Association facilitate
and
do not at any time conflict with any provision of this Agreement,
and (ii)
to ensure compliance by the Company of its obligations
hereunder.
|
4.4
|
Related
Party Transaction. From the date of Completion, all transactions of
the Promoters with the Company and/or the SMC Group Companies for
expenses, income, and/or any contingent liability exceeding in an
amount
of INR 41 million in any Financial Year will require the prior approval
of
the Investor and all related party transactions shall be conducted
at
commercially justifiable terms and the relationship will be conducted
at
an arm's-length basis.
|
5.
|
RESTRICTIONS
ON TRANSFER
|
5.1
|
Restrictions
on Transfer. The Promoters and Promoter Group shall not be permitted,
directly or indirectly, and shall not agree to do any of the following
during the continuance of this Agreement except (a) if required under
or
as contemplated in Clause 5.2 of this Agreement, or (b) with the
prior
written consent of the Investor:
|
5.1.1
|
transfer
or exchange any Securities of the Company or SMC Group Companies
other
than in compliance with this Clause 5;
|
5.1.2
|
pledge,
mortgage, Lien, charge or otherwise encumber any Securities of the
Company
or SMC Group Companies;
|
5.1.3
|
redeem
any Securities of the Company or SMC Group
Companies.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
13
5.2
|
Permitted
Transfers.
|
5.2.1
|
Promoters
and Promoter Group are permitted to transfer their Shares amongst
individuals forming part of the Promoter Group, subject to compliance
of
and as permitted under Applicable
Law;
|
5.2.2
|
Subject
to compliance of Applicable Law the Promoters and Promoter Group
may
transfer upto 5% of the issued and paid-up share capital of the Company,
to any third party (“Purchaser”) in a financial year (i.e. April 1 to
March 31), subject to (i) the Promoters and Promoter Group shareholding
in
the Company not falling below 35% of the issued and paid-up share
capital
of the Company and (ii) the Promoters and Promoter Group not giving
any
favorable right to the Purchaser than that available to the Investor
under
the Shareholders Agreement;
|
5.2.3
|
Subject
to compliance of Applicable Law, if the Promoters and the Promoter
Group
have divested their Shares to third party under Clause 5.2.2 of this
Agreement, Promoters and Promoter Group may transfer, in each financial
year (i.e. April 1 to March 31) up to further 5% of the issued and
paid-up
share capital of the Company to any third party, provided: (a) they
continue to hold at least 25.1% of the issued and paid-up share capital
of
the Company, and (b) are in ‘control’ of the Company, and (c) the
Company’s shares are listed on either the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited or
the National Stock Exchange Limited, and (d) Promoters and Promoter
Group
complying with the requirements indicated in Clause 5.4 of this Agreement.
The word ‘control’ for the purpose of this Clause 5.2.3 shall mean (i) the
right to appoint majority of the directors of the Company, (ii) power
to
direct the management or policies of the Company and (iii) Promoters
and/or Promoter Group continue to be classified as ‘Promoter’ of the
Company under Applicable Law.
|
5.3
|
Invalid
Transfers. The Company shall refuse to register any transfer or other
disposition of Securities purported to be made by the Promoters in
breach
of any of the provisions herein contained. The Shareholders shall
cause
their nominees on the Board to cast their votes in such a manner
as to
ensure that the Company registers all transfers made in accordance
with
this Agreement.
|
5.4
|
Transfer
of Shares by Promoter.
|
5.4.1
|
Notice
of Transfer. From the date of this Agreement, in the event the
Promoters or Promoter Group or any of them propose to transfer any
of
their Securities in the Company (the “Offered Shares”) under Clause
5.2.3, the Promoters and the Promoter Group shall first obtain and
provide
to the Investor a bonafide written offer from the proposed third
party
purchaser (the “Purchaser”) to purchase the Offered Shares. Such
offer (the “Outside Offer”)
shall:
|
5.4.1.1
|
State
the identity of the Purchaser (including the proposed ultimate beneficial
owner of the Offered Shares), and any group of companies of which
such
proposed Purchaser is a part;
|
5.4.1.2
|
State
price per Share offered (“Offer
Price”);
|
5.4.1.3
|
State
the number of Shares to be
transferred;
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
14
5.4.1.4
|
State
the other material terms and conditions of the Outside Offer;
and
|
5.4.1.5
|
Contain
an undertaking from the Purchaser that the Purchaser shall purchase
the
Shares held by Investor as of the date of the Outside Offer on the
same
price and terms as that offered to Promoter excluding non-compete
premium
to the extent of fifteen (15%) of the Offer
Price.
|
5.4.2
|
Option
of Investor. Within Thirty (30) days after receipt of the Outside
Offer, the Investor shall have the option, exercisable in its sole
discretion to sell equal number of its Shares of the Company to the
Purchaser at the price and substantially in accordance with the terms
set
out in the Outside Offer in priority of the Promoter and/or Promoter
Group. The Investor shall notify the Promoter in writing (the “Transfer
Notice”) within Thirty (30) days after receipt of the Outside Offer
of
the manner of exercise of its option under Clause 5.4.2. If no such
Transfer Notice shall have been received by the Promoter or Promoter
Group
on the expiry of such period of Thirty (30) days, the Investor shall
be
deemed to have refused to exercise its option under Clause 5.4.2,
in which
event Promoter may execute the transfer in favor of the Purchaser
at the
Offer Price and on the terms set forth in the Outside Offer within
next
Thirty (30) days thereafter, and can avail an additional premium
of up to
15% of the Offer Price without offering it to Investor provided it
is
received as non-compete premium as may be permitted under Applicable
Law.
If the Promoters and/or Promoter Group fail to complete the transfer
within this period of Thirty (30) days, the steps and procedure indicated
in Clause 5.4 shall be again followed for any proposed transfer under
this
Clause 5.2.3.
|
5.5
|
Transfer
of shares by Investor.
|
5.5.1
|
Investors
shall have the right to sell all or part of the Shares as and when
they
desire without any restrictions. However, if any Investor, at any
time
during the subsistence of this Agreement, intends to sell or otherwise
transfer all or part of their Shares of Company to third parties,
Promoters shall have a right of first offer (“Promoters Right of First
Offer") to buy the shares from Investor, whereupon the following
procedure as indicated in Clause 5.5.2 to Clause 5.5.5. shall
apply.
|
5.5.2
|
Investor
shall deliver a written notice (the "Investor Transfer Notice") to
Promoters. Investor Transfer Notice shall state the number of Investor
Shares to be sold together with:
|
5.5.2.1
|
the
identity of the proposed purchaser (including the proposed ultimate
beneficial owner of the shares), and any group of companies of which
such
proposed purchaser is a part;
|
5.5.2.2
|
State
price per Share offered;
|
5.5.2.3
|
State
the other material terms and conditions of the
offer.
|
5.5.3
|
If
the Promoters are willing to buy all of the Investor Shares on offer,
the
Promoters shall notify Investor in writing (the “Promoter Purchase
Notice”) no later than thirty (30) days after the Investor Transfer
Notice of Promoters intent to purchase all the Investor Shares on
offer.
If the Promoters exercise their right of first offer, then the Promoter
Purchase Notice must: (i) relate to all the Investor Shares on offer,
(ii)
must set out the price at which the Promoters offer to purchase the
Investor Shares on offer, and (iii) such price must be immediately
payable
to the Investor in cash on the date of sale of the offered Investor
Shares
to the Promoters.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
15
5.5.4
|
If
no such Promoter Purchase Notice shall have been received by the
Investor,
Promoters shall be deemed to have refused to exercise their right
of first
offer and the Investor may execute the transfer of the Shares set
forth in
the Investor Transfer Notice in favour of any third party at a price
not
less than that offered to the Promoters, within a period of thirty
(30)
days from the date of the Investor Transfer
Notice.
|
5.5.5
|
On
receipt of the Promoter Purchase Notice, the Investor shall at any
time
within a period of thirty (30) days sell the Shares on offer to the
Promoters at the price set out in the Promoter Purchase Notice. It
is
agreed between the Parties that the Promoters Right of First Offer
shall
immediately lapse upon the listing of Company’s shares on the Bombay Stock
Exchange Limited and/or the National Stock Exchange Limited and the
Investor shall not be obligated by any provisions of Clause 5.5.
Provided
that the Investor sells the shares through the mechanism of the stock
exchange.
|
5.6
|
Government
Approvals. It is hereby agreed
that:
|
5.6.1
|
any
sale or transfer contemplated under the provisions of this Agreement
shall
be subject to any necessary Government or regulatory
approvals;
|
5.6.2
|
any
time limit imposed by the provisions of this Agreement shall be extended
in respect of any period reasonably necessary to obtain any Government
or
regulatory approval, provided that, the Parties shall use all reasonable
endeavors to expedite the obtaining of any such approvals;
and
|
5.6.3
|
if
the Investor is unable to take up any Securities to be transferred
in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement or any part thereof
due
to any Applicable Laws, it shall be entitled to nominate any other
party
acceptable under Applicable Law to purchase such Securities or any
part
thereof and acceptable to the
Promoters.
|
5.7
|
Deed
of Adherence
|
In
every
case of a transfer of Securities by the Promoters to any Person in accordance
with the provisions hereof, the Promoters shall ensure before transferring
its
Securities to such Person that:
5.7.1
|
Such
Person shall be bound by the obligations of the Promoters under this
Agreement. Until compliance by such purchaser, the obligations of
the
Promoters under this Agreement shall not cease. Any such purchaser
or
transferee of the Securities shall, ipso facto, by virtue of its
being
such a purchaser/transferee be automatically bound by the obligations
of
the Promoters.
|
5.7.2
|
Prior
to the acquisition of the Securities, the purchaser of the Securities
shall execute a Deed of Adherence in the content and form annexed
hereto
as Schedule 7. If the purchaser fails to or refuses to
sign the said Deed of Adherence, then the transferring Shareholder
shall
not be entitled to transfer any Securities to the purchaser and any
transfer not in accordance with this Clause shall be null and
void.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
16
5.8
|
Anti-dilution
Rights. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, for
a
period of two (2) years from the Completion Date or till such time
as the
Company lists its Shares on the National Stock Exchange or Bombay
Stock
Exchange in accordance with Clause 6.3, whichever is later, the prior
written consent of the Investor shall be required for the Company
to make
any new issuance of Securities of the Company. Provided that where
the
Investor consents to such issuance, the Company shall not offer any
rights
to such Person which will in any way conflict with the rights of
the
Investor. It is further expressly agreed that in the event any Person
who
invests in the Company is offered rights, including those relating
to
voting, dividends, transfer of shares, and further issues of shares,
that
are more favorable to such Person than those offered to the Investor,
the
Investor shall have the right to require the Promoters and the Company,
and the Promoters and the Company shall ensure that the Investor
is
entitled to enjoy any and all such rights offered to such other Person,
and the Parties agree to execute all such documents as are necessary
to
offer such additional rights to the
Investor.
|
6.
|
COVENANTS
OF PROMOTERS
|
6.1
|
Access/Information.
From and after the date hereof until the termination of this Agreement,
the Company and the Promoters shall, and Promoters shall cause the
Company
and each of the SMC Group Companies to, afford to and permit the
Investor,
access to its personnel, properties, books, contracts, commitments,
financial and operating data and records and to discuss the business,
affairs, operations, finances, regulatory status and other matters
related
to the Company and SMC Group Companies, with the Promoters and the
Company. The Parties agree that the disclosure of information and
documents by the Promoters and the Company to the Investor pursuant
to
this Agreement shall not relieve the Promoters or the Company from
any
obligation pursuant hereto.
|
6.2
|
Non-Competition.
|
6.2.1
|
As
further consideration for the Investor’s agreement to subscribe for the
Subscription Shares pursuant to the Subscription Agreement, each
of the
Promoters agrees that, except as expressly consented to by the Investor
in
writing, it shall not at any time after the date of this Agreement,
directly or indirectly (by itself or through its affiliates) engage
in or
receive any financial benefit from any Covered Activity, whether
as an
employer, proprietor, partner shareholder, investor, director, officer,
employee, consultant, agent or
otherwise.
|
6.2.2
|
Without
affecting the generality of the above, it is agreed that on and after
the
date of this Agreement, the Promoters (by themselves or through their
affiliates) shall engage in the Business only through the Company
or the
SMC Group Companies, as the case may
be.
|
6.2.3
|
Each
of the Promoters agrees not to, and to cause its affiliates not to,
engage, directly or indirectly in any of the following
activities:
|
6.2.3.1
|
the
use or disclosure of any client database of the Company or SMC Group
Companies or other know-how or other information pertaining to the
customers or suppliers of the Company or SMC Group
Companies;
|
6.2.3.2
|
the
solicitation of any customers or suppliers of the Company or SMC
Group
Companies to terminate or otherwise adversely modify their relationship
with the Company; or
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
17
6.2.3.3
|
the
solicitation, engagement or retention in any capacity of any employee
of
the Company or SMC Group Companies or any director, officer or executive
of the Company or SMC Group
Companies.
|
6.2.4
|
Each
of the Promoters agrees not to initiate any new activities or expansions
related to the Company and the SMC Group Companies’ existing or proposed
line of business through any vehicle, including other companies where
the
Promoters have an interest. Such new initiative if undertaken would
be
undertaken only under the Company or through a wholly owned subsidiary
of
the Company.
|
6.2.5
|
The
Promoters shall endeavor to ensure that the Key Managerial Personnel
of
the Company shall not assume any executive responsibilities in any
other
company, without the prior written consent of the Investor for as
long as
they are employees or executive directors and/or hold executive
responsibilities in the Company.
|
6.2.6
|
The
Promoters agree that during the term of this Agreement they shall
not
assume any business activity which results in a dilution of the management
time spent by them in the activities of the Company or SMC Group
Companies. The Promoters further undertake that they shall not commit
any
act, which has the effect of undermining their fiduciary duties and
responsibilities to the Company without the prior written consent
of the
Investor.
|
6.2.7
|
Each
of the covenants contained in this Clause 6.2 shall be construed
as a
separate covenant and if, in any judicial proceeding, a court shall
refuse
to enforce any of the separate covenants of this Clause 6.2, then
such
covenant shall be deemed included herein only to the extent enforceable
as
permitted under Applicable Laws for the purpose of such proceeding
or any
other judicial proceeding to the extent necessary to permit the remaining
covenants to be enforced. The restrictions set forth in this Clause
6.2
shall be in addition to any restrictions imposed under the Applicable
Laws
of any jurisdiction.
|
6.3
|
Listing.
The Company shall and the Promoters shall ensure that the Equity
Shares of
the Company are listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited and/or
National Stock Exchange Limited within four years from the Effective
Date
of this Agreement.
|
6.4
|
No
Pledge. The Investor shall not at any point in time be required to
pledge its Securities or provide other support to any third party,
including any lenders of funds to the
Company.
|
6.5
|
Liquidation
Preference. Subject to the provisions of the Act, in the
event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company,
the
Investor shall be entitled to first receive, prior to any distribution
to
the Promoters and Promoter Group, the proceeds arising from such
liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, to the extent
of
the Investment Amount. The balance, if any, shall be distributed
among the
holders of the Equity Shares including the Investor in proportion
to their
respective shareholding in the
Company.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
18
7.
|
CONFIDENTIALITY
|
7.1
|
Each
Party hereby agrees that any information obtained by such Party (the
"Receiving Party") which is, or would reasonably be perceived to
be, proprietary to any other Party (the "Designated Party") or
otherwise confidential, will not be disclosed without the prior written
consent of the Designated Party, provided that any information shall
not
be deemed proprietary or confidential if (i) such information is
now or
subsequently becomes generally known or available by publication,
commercial use or otherwise, through no fault of the Receiving Party,
(ii)
such information was previously known by the Receiving Party at the
time
of disclosure from a source other than the Designated Party without
violation of an obligation of confidentiality, (iii) such information
is
independently developed by the Receiving Party without the use of
any
confidential or proprietary information, (iv) such information is
lawfully
obtained by the Receiving Party from a third party without violation
of a
confidentiality obligation, or (v) the Designated Party agrees in
writing
that such information may be disclosed by the Receiving
Party.
|
7.2
|
Notwithstanding
Clause 7.1 above (i) each Party may disclose such information to
its legal
counsel, bankers and accountants (provided that such Party shall
remain
liable for the compliance by such Persons with the provisions hereof),
(ii) such information may also be disclosed to the Investor’ lenders,
members or shareholders (provided that the Investor shall remain
liable
for the compliance by such Persons with the provisions hereof), (iii)
each
Party may disclose such information as is required by Applicable
Law,
provided that, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the other
Party
is given prompt written notice and opportunity to object as soon
as
practicable prior to disclosure, and (iv) each Party may disclose
such
information when necessary to enforce such Party’s rights
hereunder.
|
8.
|
ADDITIONAL
COVENANTS
|
8.1
|
No
Guarantee/Pledge. The Investor shall not at any point in time be
required to pledge their Subscription Shares or provide any guarantee
or
other support to any third party, including without limitation lenders
of
Company and/or SMC Group Companies.
|
8.2
|
Ethical
Business Practices. The Company and SMC Group Companies shall and the
Promoters shall ensure that the Company and SMC Group Companies shall
ensure that the business practices of Company and SMC Group Companies
are
ethical and in accordance with Applicable
Laws.
|
8.3
|
Variances
to annual operating budget & business plan. Any proposed variance
to the annual operating budget, business plan or estimations in relation
to capital expenditure or indebtedness (including giving of security
for
or guaranteeing debts but excluding (i) loan taken against the investments
as appearing in the stock-in trade and investments in third party
securities and given as security to exchanges/banks/institution by
Company
on behalf of SMC Group Companies/XXX Global Securities Limited or
SMC
Group Companies/XXX Global Securities Limited on behalf of the Company,
and (ii) any guarantees given to exchanges on behalf of the Company
or any
Group Companies or vice versa) beyond 25% of what is stated in the
annual
operating budget, business plan or estimations along with reasons
for such
variance shall be brought to the immediate attention of the Board
and
shall not be implemented without the prior written consent of
Investor.
|
8.4
|
Financial
and accounting records.. The Company shall and the Promoters shall
ensure that the Investor is furnished with its quarterly financial
statements prepared under Indian GAAP duly translated and audited
(if
required under Applicable Laws) as per the US GAAP within 42 days
of
closure of the quarter and annual financial statements prepared in
accordance with US GAAP and audited by a Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board top 6 accounting firm within 87 days of closure of
the
financial year, so that the Investor may file the same with the US
Securities Exchange Commission. The Company and the Promoters
shall ensure that the Investor is informed of any and all material
occurrences on an ongoing basis within 4 working days of such occurrence
so that the Investor may file the same with the US Securities Exchange
Commission. The right under this Section 8.4 shall survive termination
of
this Agreement till such time the Investor holds 7.451% of the issued
and
paid-up share capital of the Company at Completion (including bonus
shares
and subsequent merger with XXX Global Securities Limited and any
100%
subsidiary of the Company)
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
19
8.5
|
Inspection
& Audit Rights of Investor. The Company and SMC Group Companies
shall and the Promoters shall ensure that the Company and SMC Group
Companies, on receiving a request from Investor provide as soon as
practicable to Investor copies of any documents, secretarial, accounting
or other records which are prepared and maintained by Company and
SMC
Group Companies as may be required by Investor. The Investor shall
have
full and complete access to the premises, records, accounts, documents
of
Company, SMC Group Companies and their subsidiaries with rights,
by itself
or through its authorised representatives, to inspect such accounts,
records and documents. Provided that the Investor shall ensure compliance
of the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx Provisions), 2000.
|
8.6
|
Investor
shareholding. Promoters and the Company shall ensure that on
completion of the proposed merger of XXX Global Securities Limited
with
the Company, the Investor will continue to hold at least 14.90% of
the
post merger issued and paid-up share capital of the Company, provided
that, the Investor acquires 14.90% of the issued and paid-up share
capital
of XXX Global Securities Limited, pursuant to the Share Subscription
Agreement executed between the Promoters, XXX Global Securities Limited
and the Investor. It is clarified that such shareholding may not
be
maintained if the Investor divests its shareholding in the Company
or XXX
Global Securities Limited after
Completion.
|
8.7
|
The
Company shall furnish and the Promoters shall ensure that the Company
furnishes to the Investor and/or its assignees/nominees the following
information as regards the Company and the SMC Group
Companies:
|
8.7.1
|
quarterly,
semi-annual and unaudited annual financial statements shall be furnished
to the Investor within 45 (forty-five) days of the end of each quarter,
half-year and annual period. Audited annual financial statements
shall be
furnished to the Investor within 90 (ninety) days of the end of the
period. Financial statements shall be accompanied by a report and
a
discussion of key issues and variances to the budget and to the previous
period;
|
8.7.2
|
Management
Information System information and reports (in a format agreed upon
between the Promoters and Investor including risk assessment reports)
shall be provided by the Company to the Investor within 15 (fifteen)
days
of the end of each month;
|
8.7.3
|
any
material information including appointment/resignation of any Key
Managerial Personnel within a period of 7 (seven) days from the Company
possessing knowledge of the same;
|
8.7.4
|
all
other information reasonably requested by the Investor or by any
Investor
Director from time to time. Provided that the Investor Director shall
and
the Investor shall cause the Investor Director to ensure compliance
of the
requirements of Securities and Exchange Board of India Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Regulations, 2000.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
20
8.8
|
Further
Public Offering. If the Promoter and the Company at any time after the
Completion and during the term of this Agreement contemplate a Further
Public Offering to the public shareholders by offloading their existing
Equity Shares, the Investor shall have a right and an option to put
up to
equal number of the Equity Shares proposed to be offered by the Promoters
in such Further Public Offering.
|
8.9
|
Annual
Operating Budget& Business
Plan
|
8.9.1
|
Preparation
of annual operating budget & business plan. The Company, Promoters
and the Investor acknowledge that the Business will be conducted
in
accordance with an annual operating budget and business
plan.
|
8.9.2
|
Approval
of annual operating budget & business plan. The annual
operating budget and business plan shall be subject to approval by
the
Board. The annual operating budget and business plan may be only
be
amended subject to approval by the
Board.
|
9.
|
INDEMNIFICATION
|
9.1
|
Indemnification
by Company and Promoters.
|
9.1.1
|
Without
prejudice to any other right available to the Investor in law or
under
equity, the Company and the Promoters (“Indemnifying Party”) shall
jointly and severally indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Investor,
their Affiliates, directors, advisors, officers, employees and agents
(collectively the “Investor Indemnified Party”), from and against
any and all direct and actual liabilities, damages, demands, Claims
including third-party claims (“Third-Party Claims”), actions,
judgments or causes of action, assessments, interest, fines, penalties,
and other costs or expenses (including, without limitation, amounts
paid
in settlement, court costs and all reasonable attorneys’ fees and out of
pocket expenses) (excluding any indirect and remote Third Party Claims
or
loss of profit or opportunities or such punitive damages)
(“Losses”), directly or indirectly, based upon, arising out of, or
in relation to or otherwise in respect
of:
|
9.1.1.1
|
any
willful misrepresentation or any breach of any Representation and
Warranty, covenant or agreement of the Promoters or Company contained
in
this Agreement;
|
9.1.1.2
|
any
liability arising out of willful non compliance of any obligation
undertaken by the Company or the
Promoters;
|
9.1.1.3
|
any
liability due to any non-compliance of any Applicable Law, rules
or
regulations prior to the date of execution of this Agreement and
as on the
Completion;
|
9.1.1.4
|
any
Losses arising out of the termination of license obtained by
the Company from National Stock
Exchange.;
|
9.1.2
|
Limitation
of Liability. Promoters’ obligation to indemnify the Investor under
Clause 9.1.2 will be limited to the extent of and for the amount
of
shortfall in the Losses that the Company has failed to pay to the
Investors in the first place. Further, for the purpose of this Clause
9.1.2, the term Promoters shall only include: (1) Xx. X.X. Xxxxx,
(ii) Mr.
S.C. Aggarwal, (iii) Xxx. Xxxxxx Xxxxx, and (iv) Xxx. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
and
no other Promoters as indicated in the Promoter
Group.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
21
9.1.3
|
Any
compensation or indemnity as referred to in Clause 9.1.2 above shall
be
such as to place the Investor in the same position as it would have
been
in, had there not been any such
Losses.
|
9.2
|
Procedure
for Indemnification.
|
9.2.1
|
The
Indemnified Party shall give notice to the Indemnifying Parties of
any
claim for indemnification ("Claim"), specifying in reasonable
detail the factual basis for the Claim, the amount thereof, estimated
in
good faith, all with reasonable particularity and containing a reference
to the provisions of this Agreement in respect of which such Claim
shall
have occurred.
|
9.2.2
|
With
respect to a Claim solely between the Parties, following receipt
of
written notice from the Indemnified Party of a Claim, the Indemnifying
Party shall have 15 (fifteen) days to make such investigation of
the Claim
as the Indemnifying Party deems necessary or desirable, and the
Indemnified Party agrees to make available to the Indemnifying Party
such
information as may be reasonably necessary in order to substantiate
the
Claim. If the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party agree
at or
prior to the expiration of the 15 (fifteen) day period to the validity
and
amount of such Claim, or if the Indemnifying Party fails to notify
the
Indemnified Party of any dispute with respect to the validity or
amount of
such Claim within such 15 (fifteen) day period, the Indemnifying
Party
shall immediately pay to the Indemnified Party the full amount of
the
Claim, subject to the terms hereof. If the Indemnified Party and
the
Indemnifying Part do not agree within the 15 (fifteen) day period,
the
Indemnifying Party shall immediately pay to the Indemnified Party
the
amount of such Claim to the extent the Parties agree or the amount
of the
Claim is undisputed, and the Indemnified Party may seek appropriate
remedy
at law or equity, as applicable, subject to the limitations hereof,
with
respect to any portion of its Claim not paid by the Indemnifying
Party
hereunder.
|
9.3
|
Third-Party
Claims. The obligations and liabilities of each Party under Clause
9.1
related to a claim asserted against the Indemnified Party by any
third
Person ("Third-Party Claim") shall be subject to the following
terms and conditions:
|
9.3.1
|
At
any time after receipt of notice of any Third-Party Claim asserted
against, imposed upon or incurred by an Indemnified Party, the Indemnified
Party shall notify the Indemnifying Party of such claim in writing.
The
Indemnifying Party shall be entitled, at its own expenses, to participate
in and, upon written request from the Indemnified Party, shall undertake
the defense thereof in good faith by counsel of the Indemnifying
Party’s
own choosing, which counsel shall be satisfactory to the Indemnified
Party, provided, however, that (i) the Indemnified Party shall at
all
times have the option, at its own expense, to participate fully therein
(without controlling such action) and (ii) if in the Indemnified
Party’s
judgment a conflict of interest exists such Indemnified Party shall
be
entitled to select counsel of its own choosing reasonably satisfactory
to
the Indemnifying Party, and the Indemnifying Party shall be obligated
to
pay the fees and expenses of such
counsel.
|
9.3.2
|
If
within 15 (fifteen) days after written notice to the Indemnified
Party of
the Indemnifying Party’s intention to undertake the defense of any
Third-Party Claim the Indemnifying Party shall fail to defend the
Indemnified Party against such Third Party Claim, the Indemnified
Party
will have the right (but not the obligation) to undertake the defense
and/or enter into a compromise or settlement of such Third-Party
Claim on
behalf of, and for the account and at the risk of, the Indemnifying
Party.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
22
9.3.3
|
Each
Party shall provide the Indemnified Party with access to all records
and
documents within such Party’s possession, custody or control relating to
any Third Party Claim, and shall otherwise co-operate with the Indemnified
Party with respect to any Third-Party
Claim.
|
9.4
|
Other
Rights and Remedies Not Affected. The indemnification rights of the
Parties under this Clause 9 are independent
of, and in addition to, such rights and remedies as the Parties may
have
at law or in equity or otherwise for any intentional or knowing
misrepresentations, breach of warranty or failure to fulfill any
agreement
or covenant hereunder on the part of any Party, including the right
to
seek specific performance, rescission, restitution or other injunctive
relief, none of which rights or remedies shall be affected or diminished
thereby.
|
10.
|
TERM
|
This
Agreement shall enter into effect from the Effective Date and shall continue
in
force until the earlier of:
(i)
the
Investor failing to hold at least 7.451% of the issued and paid-up share capital
of the Company at Completion. For computing the paid-up equity share capital
the
bonus shares and subsequent increase in the capital pursuant to the merger
with
XXX Global Securities Limited and any 100% subsidiary of the Company shall
be
included, or
(ii)
unless terminated earlier in accordance with Clause 11 below, or
(iii)
(a)
listing of the Equity Shares of the Company on the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited
and/or the National Stock Exchange Limited, or (b) four years from the Effective
Date, whichever is later.
11.
|
TERMINATION
|
11.1
|
This
Agreement may be terminated as
follows:
|
11.1.1
|
If
so agreed in writing by Promoters and
Investor;
|
11.1.2
|
By
either the Promoters or the Investor with immediate effect by notice
in
writing to the other Parties if the Company is declared insolvent,
bankrupt, industrially sick, or is unable to pay its debts, or enters
into
a compromise or any arrangement with its creditors, or in the event
that a
trustee, receiver or liquidator is appointed to take over all or
a
substantial part of the assets of Company or if Company is liquidated
or
dissolved;
|
11.1.3
|
If
the Promoters or any of them (the “Defaulting Party”) commits any
Material Breach under this Agreement, the Investor may terminate
this
Agreement with immediate effect if such Material Breach by giving
a notice
to the Promoters for of such Material Breach and such Material Breach
is
not remedied within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Defaulting
Party
of a written notification of default from the
Investor;
|
11.1.4
|
With
respect to Promoters or Investor, if either Promoters or Investor
is
declared insolvent, bankrupt, industrially sick or is unable to pay
its
debts, or enters into a compromise or any arrangement with its creditors,
or in the event that a trustee, receiver or liquidator is appointed
to
take over all or a substantial part of the assets of the Promoters
or the
Investor or the if the Promoters or the Investor is liquidated or
dissolved, the other of the Promoters or Investor that continues
in
existence may by written notice terminate this Agreement with immediate
effect.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
23
11.2 Consequences
of Material Breach
11.2.1
|
In
the event of termination of this Agreement by the Investor under
Clause
11.1.3, then without prejudice to any other rights and remedies otherwise
available to the Investor under law or this Agreement, the Investor
shall
have the right, exercisable at its sole discretion, at any time within
Sixty (60) days of the effective date of termination of this Agreement
to
sell all or any of the Securities of the Company held by the Investor
and/or its Affiliates to the Promoters in accordance with Clause
11.2.3 at
the price determined in accordance with Clause 11.2.4 (“Put
Option”).
|
11.2.2
|
On
expiry of the 60-day period prescribed above, the Investor shall
have the
right to require the appointment of an independent valuer (“Independent
Valuer”) for determining the fair market value of the Equity Shares
of
the Company. The costs of the Independent Valuer shall be borne and
paid
by the Company. The fair market value of the Shares of the Company
determined by the Independent Valuer is herein referred to as the
“FMV”. For the purpose of determining the FMV, the Independent
Valuer shall value the Company and the SMC Group Companies on a going
concern basis. The Independent Valuer shall use its best efforts
to
determine the FMV within thirty (30) days from the date of its
appointment.
|
11.2.3
|
Put
Option.
|
|
11.2.3.1
|
In
the event of termination of this Agreement under Clause 11.1.3, the
Investor shall have the right and option to call upon the Promoters
to
purchase all but not less than all the Securities held by the Investor
(together with all Equity Shares held by Affiliates) in the Company
by a
written notice (“Put Option
Notice”).
|
|
11.2.3.2
|
On
receipt of a Put Option Notice the Promoters shall be obliged to
purchase
all of the Shares of Company held by the Investor and its Affiliates
within a period of sixty (60) days from the date of receipt of the
Put
Option Notice.
|
11.2.5
|
PutOption
Price: The “Put Option Price” shall be determined by increasing the
FMV by a premium of Five Percent
(5%).
|
Provided
however that, subject to Applicable Law, the Option Price shall not at any
time
be less than the Subscription Consideration less the consideration derived
on
selling Equity Shares held by the Investor and Affiliates.
12.
|
RESOLUTION
OF DISPUTES
|
12.1
|
Amicable
Settlement: If any dispute arises between Investor and/or the
Promoters and/or Company during the subsistence of this Agreement
or
thereafter, in connection with the validity, interpretation,
implementation or alleged breach of any provision of this Agreement
or
regarding a question, including the question as to whether the termination
of this Agreement by one Party hereto has been legitimate
(“Dispute”), the disputing Parties hereto shall endeavor to settle
such Dispute amicably. The attempt to bring about an amicable settlement
shall be considered to have failed if not resolved within 60 days
from the date of the Dispute.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
24
12.2
|
Conciliation:
If the Parties are unable to amicably settle the Dispute in accordance
with Clause 12.1 within the period specified therein, the Parties
shall
forthwith but not later than 30 days after expiry of the aforesaid
period, refer the Dispute to a retired High Court Judge or a reputed
Chartered Accountant acceptable to both parties for resolution of
the said
Dispute. The attempt to bring about such resolution shall be considered
to
have failed if not resolved within 30 days from the date of receipt
of a written notification in this
regard.
|
12.3
|
Arbitration:
If the Parties are unable to amicably settle the Dispute in accordance
with Clause 12.2 within the period specified therein, any Party to
the
Dispute shall be entitled to serve a notice invoking this Clause
and
making a reference to an arbitration panel of three arbitrators.
Each
party to the dispute shall appoint one arbitrator within 30 days of
receipt of the notice of the Party making the reference, and the
two
arbitrators, so appointed shall appoint a third arbitrator. The
Arbitration proceedings shall be held in accordance with the rules
of the
Singapore International Arbitration Center (SIAC). The decision of
the
arbitration panel shall be binding on all the Parties to the
Dispute.
|
12.3.1
|
The
place of the arbitration shall be
Singapore.
|
12.3.2
|
The
proceedings of arbitration shall be in the English
language.
|
12.3.3
|
The
Arbitrator’s award shall be substantiated in writing. The court of
arbitration shall also decide on the costs of the arbitration proceedings.
In case the arbitrators have not decided on the costs of the arbitration
proceedings, each Party to the Dispute shall bear its own costs,
in
relation to the arbitration
proceedings.
|
12.3.4
|
The
award shall be binding on the Parties subject to the Applicable Laws
in
force and the award shall be enforceable in any competent court of
law.
|
12.3.5
|
The
Indian courts shall have exclusive
jurisdiction.
|
13.
|
GOVERNING
LAW
|
This
Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of India, without
regard to the conflicts of law provisions thereof.
14.
|
NOTICES
|
14.1
|
Any
notice or other communication that may be given by one Party to the
other
shall always be in writing and shall be served either by (i) hand
delivery duly acknowledged; or (ii) sent by registered post with
acknowledgment due; or (iii) by facsimile at the respective addresses
set out herein below or at such other address as may be subsequently
intimated by one party to the other in writing as set out herein.
If the
notice is sent by facsimile, the said notice shall also be sent by
registered post acknowledgment due.
|
The
Investor:
|
Millennium
India Acquisition Company Inc.
|
Address:
|
000
Xxxx, 00xx Xxxxxx, xxxxx 00X, Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000,
XXX
|
Tel:
|
|
x0
000 000 0000
|
Attention:
|
Xx.
Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
|
With
a copy to:
|
(i)
|
Xxx
Xxxxxxx
|
Xxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxx & Xxxxxxxxx
LLP
1221
Aevnue of the
Americas
Xxx
Xxxx, XX 00000-0000
Fax:
x0 000 000 0000
Strictly
Private & Confidential
25
(ii)
|
Rajesh
Begur
|
A.R.A.
LAW
0/X
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxx
Xxxx (Xxxx)
Xxxxxx
–
400
002
|
Fax:
x00 00 0000 0000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
Company: SMC Global Securities
Limited
Address:
|
00,
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx Xxxx, Xxx
Xxxxx
|
Tel:
|
|
(+91)
00-0000 0000
|
Facsimile:
|
(x00)
000-0000 3297
|
Attention:
|
Mr.
S.C. Aggarwal
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
Promoters:
|
Mr.
S.C. Aggarwal
|
Address:
|
X-000,
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxx Xxxxx-000 088
|
|
Tel:
(x00) 000 0000 0000
|
|
Facsimile:
(x00) 000-0000 3297
|
14.2
|
All
notices shall be deemed to have been validly given on (i) the
business date immediately after the date of transmission with confirmed
answer back, if transmitted by facsimile transmission, or (ii) the
business date of receipt, if sent by courier or hand delivery; or
(iii) the expiry of seven days after posting, if sent by registered
post.
|
14.3
|
Any
Party may, from time to time, change its address or representative
for
receipt of notices provided for in this Agreement by giving to the
other
Party not less than 10 days prior written
notice.
|
15.
|
MISCELLANEOUS
|
15.1
|
Reservation
of Rights: No forbearance, indulgence or relaxation or inaction by any
Party at any time to require performance of any of the provisions
of this
Agreement shall in any way affect, diminish or prejudice the right
of such
Party to require performance of that provision, and any waiver or
acquiescence by any Party of any breach of any of the provisions
of this
Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or acquiescence of any
continuing or succeeding breach of such provisions, a waiver of any
right
under or arising out of this Agreement or acquiescence to or recognition
of rights other than that expressly stipulated in this
Agreement.
|
15.2
|
Cumulative
Rights: All remedies of either Party under this Agreement whether
provided herein or conferred by statute, civil law, common law, custom
or
trade usage, are cumulative and not alternative and may be enforced
successively or concurrently.
|
15.3
|
Partial
Invalidity: If any provision of this Agreement or the application
thereof to any Person or circumstance shall be invalid or unenforceable
to
any extent, the remainder of this Agreement and the application of
such
provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which
it is
held invalid or unenforceable shall not be affected thereby, and
each
provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable to the
fullest
extent permitted by law. Any invalid or unenforceable provision of
this
Agreement shall be replaced with a provision, which is valid and
enforceable and most nearly reflects the original intent of the
unenforceable provision. Provided however, if said provision is
fundamental provision of this Agreement or forms part of the consideration
or object of this Agreement, the provision of this Clause shall not
apply.
|
15.4
|
Amendments:
No modification or amendment of this Agreement and no waiver of any
of the
terms or conditions hereof shall be valid or binding unless made
in
writing and duly executed by all the Parties. The Parties may mutually
agree to amend or waive any terms of this
Agreement.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
26
15.5
|
Assignment:
This Agreement and the rights and liabilities hereunder shall bind
and
inure to the benefit of the respective successors of the Parties
hereto,
but no Party shall assign or transfer any of its rights and liabilities
hereunder to any other Person without the prior written consent of
the
other Parties which will not be unreasonably withheld. Notwithstanding
anything stated above, the Investor shall be entitled to assign its
rights
and obligations hereunder to any of its Affiliates or its holding
company
or ultimate parent company or their Affiliates, without the consent
of the
other Parties. Provided that the Shares held by the Affiliate shall
be
re-transferred to the Investor before it ceases to be such
Affiliate.
|
15.6
|
Entire
Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the
Parties with respect to the purchase of the Subscription Shares and
supersedes and cancels any prior oral or written agreement,
representation, understanding, arrangement, communication or expression
of
intent relating to the subject matter of this
Agreement.
|
15.7
|
Relationship:
None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute
a
partnership between the Parties hereto and no Party shall have any
authority to bind the other Party otherwise than under this Agreement
or
shall be deemed to be the agent of the other in any
way.
|
15.8
|
Costs:
Each Party shall bear its own expenses incurred in preparing this
Agreement. The stamp duty and other costs payable: (i) on this Agreement,
and (ii) the issue of Subscription Shares to the Investor, shall
be borne
by the Promoters and/or the Companies or SMC Group
Companies.
|
15.9
|
Force
Majeure: No Party shall be liable to the other if, and to the extent,
that the performance or delay in performance of any of its obligations
under this Agreement is prevented, restricted, delayed or interfered
with
due to circumstances beyond the reasonable control of such Party,
including but not limited to, Government legislations, fires, floods,
explosions, epidemics, accidents, acts of God, wars, riots, strikes,
lockouts, or other concerted acts of workmen, acts of Government
and/or
shortages of materials. The Party claiming an event of force majeure
shall promptly notify the other Parties in writing, and provide
full
particulars of the cause or event and the date of first occurrence
thereof, as soon as possible after the event and also keep the other
Parties informed of any further developments. The Party so affected
shall
use its best efforts to remove the cause of non-performance, and
the
Parties shall resume performance hereunder with the utmost dispatch
when
such cause is removed.
|
15.10
|
Severance:
Any provision of this Agreement which is invalid or unenforceable
under
Applicable Law shall be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity
or
unenforceability, without affecting in any way the validity, legality
and
enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof. Should any provision
of
this Agreement be or become ineffective for reasons beyond the control
of
the Parties including any provisions under Applicable Law, the Parties
shall use reasonable efforts to agree upon a new provision which
shall as
nearly as possible have the same commercial effect as the inefficient
provision.
|
15.11
|
Survival.
The provisions of Clause 4.1.1.1, Clause 8.4 and this Clause 15.11
shall
survive the termination of this Agreement. To give effect to the
intent
under the Agreement Clause 11.2 and Clause 12 and this Clause 15.11
shall
survive the termination of this
Agreement.
|
15.12
|
Execution
in Counterparts: This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of
which,
taken together, shall constitute one and the same
instrument.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
27
15.13
|
Authorisation:
The persons signing this Agreement on behalf of the Parties represent
and
covenant that they have the authority to so sign and execute this
document
on behalf of the Parties for whom they are
signing.
|
[SIGNATURE
PAGE FOLLOWS]
Strictly
Private & Confidential
28
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF THE PARTIES HERETO HAVE SET AND SUBSCRIBED THEIR RESPECTIVE
HANDS TO THESE PRESENTS ON THE DAY, MONTH AND YEAR HEREIN
WRITTEN:
Millennium
India Acquisition Company Inc.
|
SMC
Global Securities Limited
|
|||
Name:
Mr. F Xxxxx XXXXXXX
|
Name:
Mr. S.C. AGGARWAL
|
|||
Title:
CEO & President
|
Title:
Chairman and
|
|||
Managing
Director
|
||||
Name:
Xx. Xxxxx XXXXXX
|
||||
Title:
CFO and Exec Vice President
|
||||
PROMOTERS
AND PROMOERS GROUP
|
||||
Xx.
X.X. XXXXX
|
Mr.
S.C. AGGARWAL
|
|||
Mr.
S.C. AGGARWAL
|
||||
(for
and on behalf of following companies: (i) SMC Comtrade Limited, (ii)
DSP
Insurance Brokers Limited, (iii) Nexgen Capitals Limited, (iv) SMC
Comex
International DMCC, (v) Abhichaya Investment Private Limited, and
(vi)
Xxxxx Investment Private Limited pursuant to respective board resolution
dated May , 2007)
|
||||
Mr.
S.C. AGGARWAL and Xx. X.X. Xxxxx (for and on behalf of the Promoter
Group)
|
||||
Strictly
Private & Confidential
29
SCHEDULE
1
PROMOTER
AND PROMOTER GROUP
Name
of Shareholders
|
No.
of Shares
|
Percentage
|
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxx
|
1,024,850
|
11.62
|
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx Aggarwal
|
1,009,550
|
11.45
|
Xxxxxx
Xxxxx
|
833,100
|
9.45
|
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx
|
828,500
|
9.39
|
Xxxxx
Devi
|
220,000
|
2.49
|
Madan
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
|
98,400
|
1.12
|
Xxxxxx
Xxxxx Gupta
|
100,100
|
1.14
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
30
SCHEDULE
2
COMPANY
AND SMC GROUP COMPANIES
S.
No.
|
Name
of Company
|
Status
|
Activity
|
1.
2.
|
SMC
Global Securities Limited
SMC
Group Companies
|
· Registered
as Member with NSE for Capital Market
· Registered
as Member with NSE as trading and clearing member in F&O segment
Dealer of OTCEI and Member of Ludhiana Stock Exchange
· AMFI
registered mutual fund distributor
|
· Trading/
Broking in:
-
Capital Market Segment
-
Future & Option Market Segment
· Mutual
Fund Distribution
· IPO
Distribution
· Online
trading
· Clearing
member (F & O)
|
a)
|
SMC
Comtrade Limited
|
Member
NCDEX and MCX
|
Trading/Broking
in Commodities
|
b)
|
SMC
Comex International DMCC
|
Member
DGCX
|
Trading/Broking
in Commodities
|
c)
|
DSP
Insurance Brokers Private Limited
|
Direct
broker registered with IRDA
|
Broking
and distribution of life and non-life insurance
products
|
d)
|
Xxxxx
Investment Private Limited
|
Investment
Company
|
Investment
|
e)
|
Abhichhaya
Investment Private Limited
|
Investment
Company
|
Investment
|
f)
|
Nexgen
Capitals Limited
|
Category-I
Merchant Banker
|
Merchant
Banking Activities
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
31
SCHEDULE
3
KEY
MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
No.
|
Name
|
Designation
|
Experience
|
Profile
and their responsibilities
|
1.
|
Mr.
S.C. Aggarwal
|
Promoter
of SMC Group
Chairman
and Managing Director Of SMC Global Securities Limited
|
21
|
Xx.
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx Aggarwal aged about 51 years is the Chairman & Managing
Director of the SMC Global Securities Limited. Xx. Xxxxxxxx is a
fellow
member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
He is
the founder and promoter of the SMC Group. He has vast experience,
in-depth knowledge and strong understanding of all the intricacies
of the
Securities market and Financial Services. Being in the stock broking
business for the past 21- years, he has seen all the phases of stock
markets and handled all the matters efficiently. His exceptional
leadership skills and outstanding commitments have made this group
one of
the leading brokerage and distribution houses of the country. He
looks
after the whole, of the affairs of the group. Under his leadership
the
group has expanded its business from stock broking and arbitrage
to
distribution of Mutual Funds, IPOs, Insurance Products, Category-I
merchant banking activities, depository participant services and
also
ready to start proposed portfolio management services in which the
regulatory approval is awaited. Mr. S.C. Aggarwal is the visionary,
who
planted the sapling of the giant tree called SMC, beside, Xx. Xxxxxx
X.
Xxxxx. With rock solid reserve and firm commitment, he has shaped
his
vision to reality. He assigns top priority to the principles of
transparency, honesty and integrity in all our
dealings.
|
2.
|
Xx.
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
|
Promoter
of SMC Group
Chairman
and Managing Director of SMC Comtrade Limited.
Chairman
Nexgen Capitals
Ltd.
Director
DSP Insurance Brokers (P) Ltd.
Director
SMC Comex International DMCC
|
21
|
Xx.
Xxxxxx Xxxxx Gupta, Chairman Managing Director of SMC
COMTRADE LTD. is also the founder and promoter of SMC. Xx. Xxxxx
is a
fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
(ICAI).
He is an embodiment of professional excellence. He has a rich experience
of more than 21-years in the capital market. His exceptional leadership
skills and outstanding commitment has made SMC as one of the leading
investment solutions and services provider. His specialization in
risk
management and surveillance and their disciplined style of working
is an
inspiration to the workforce of SMC. His experience of the securities
as
well as the commodity market and their leadership qualities has made
SMC a
force to reckon with. Xx. Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx is the visionary, who planted
the sapling of the giant tree called SMC, beside, Mr. S.C. Aggarwal.
With
rock solid reserve and firm commitment, he has shaped his vision
to
reality. He assigns top priority to the principles of transparency,
honesty and integrity in all our dealings.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
32
3.
|
Xx.
X.X. Xxxxxxxx
|
Director
SMC Comex International DMCC
|
15
|
Xx.
X.X. Xxxxxxxx aged about 44-years is a fellow member of the Institute
of
Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). He has vide and rich experience
of
more than 15-years in securities and commodities market. He is managing,
controlling and supervising the entire arbitrage business of SMC
in
commodities & securities market. He is also director in SMC
Comex International DMCC one of our group companies.
|
4.
|
Mr.
Xxxxxx Xxxxx
|
Director
SMC Global Securities Ltd.
|
11
|
Mr.
Xxxxxx Xxxxx aged about 33 years is proposed executive director of
SMC.
Mr. Xxxxxx Xxxxx is a Fellow Member of The Institute of Chartered
Accountants of India (ICAI). He has wide and rich experience of more
than
11 years of consultancy on legal, secretarial, taxation and other
corporate issues. Beside the above he has strong knowledge of
securities, commodities and depository participants
operations.
|
5.
|
Xx.
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
|
Director
–SMC Global Securities Ltd.
|
15
|
Xx.
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx aged about 37 years is a director SMC Global Securities
Ltd. Xx. Xxxxxxxx is a Graduate from the University of Delhi. He
has more
than 15 Years of experience in Securities and Commodities Market.
He has
rich expertise in Arbitrage business. He is managing and supervising
the
Arbitrage business of the Company.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
33
6.
|
Xx.
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
EASTERN
REGION HEAD- SMC
|
15
|
Xx.
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx aged about 35 is a Graduate from the Kolkata University.
He has more than 15 Years of experience in Securities and Commodities
Market and distribution of Mutual Funds & IPO’s. He is managing and
supervising the entire business of SMC in Eastern
Region.
|
7.
|
Mr.
Xxxxxx Xxxx
|
(Vice
President-Research & Development)
|
16
|
Mr.
Xxxxxx Xxxx aged about 45 years is an MBA from Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
University, Rohtak. He is the promoter of the sites
xxx.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx & xxx.xxxxxxxx.xxx, which are leading
web-sites on “Indian Stock Market”. He has conducted seminars at BITS
Pilani, ICFAI, ICAI, and IMS. Appeared on CNBC; and wrote articles
in
leading national dailies including HT. He is one of the distinguished
speakers of the Investor awareness seminars conducted by the Company.
Being in the capital markets' research & development for the past 16
years, He heads the Research wing of the Company.
|
8.
|
Xx.
Xxxxx Xxxxx
|
Company
Secretary & Head Legal
|
6
|
Xx.
Xxxxx Xxxxx aged about 31 years is X.Xx. Maths (H), Law Graduate
from
University of Delhi and an Associate Member of The Institute of Company
Secretaries of India (ICSI). He has more than 6 years of experience
and
expertise in legal and secretarial matters. He is one of the distinguished
speakers of the Investor awareness seminars conducted by the Company.
He
is handling legal and secretarial matter of SMC.
|
9.
|
Mr.
Mohit Shygle
|
Vice
President-Marketing
|
6
|
Xx.
Xxxxx Xxxxxxx aged about 33 years is a Graduate from Delhi University.
He
has played an important role in the business expansion of the Company.
He
has wide and rich experience of more than 6 years in marketing, business
expansion and clients dealing in the securities market. He is Vice
President Marketing of the Company.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
34
SCHEDULE
4
SHAREHOLDING
STRUCTURE OF COMPANY AND SMC GROUP COMPANIES
SMC
GLOBAL SECURITIES LIMITED
Name
of Shareholders
|
No.
of Shares
|
Percentage
|
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxx
|
1,024,850
|
11.62
|
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx Aggarwal
|
1,009,550
|
11.45
|
Xxxxxx
Xxxxx
|
833,100
|
9.45
|
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx
|
828,500
|
9.39
|
Xxxxx
Devi
|
220,000
|
2.49
|
Madan
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
|
98,400
|
1.12
|
Xxxxxx
Xxxxx Gupta
|
100,100
|
1.14
|
Millennium
India Acquistion Company Inc
|
1,314,054
|
14.90
|
Others
|
3,390,600
|
38.45
|
|
|
|
Total
|
8,819,154
|
100.00
|
SMC
COMTRADE LIMITED
Name
of Shareholder
|
No.
of shares held
|
Percentage
|
|
|
|
SMC
GLOBAL SECURITIES LTD.
|
99994
|
99.994
|
X.X.
Xxxxxxxx
|
1
|
0.001
|
Xxxxxx
Xxxxx
|
1
|
0.001
|
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx
|
1
|
0.001
|
Shyam
Xxxxxx Xxxxx
|
1
|
0.001
|
S.C.
Aggarwal
|
1
|
0.001
|
Xx.
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
|
1
|
0.001
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
100000
|
100
|
SMC
COMEX INTERNATIONAL DMCC
Name
of Shareholder
|
No.
of shares held
|
Percentage
|
|
|
|
SMC
Comptrade Limited
|
1300
|
100
|
1300
|
100
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
35
ABHICHHAYA
INVESTMENTS PRIVATE LIMITED
Name
of Shareholder
|
No.
of shares held
|
Percentage
|
|
|
|
Promoters
|
|
|
SMC
Comtrade Limited
|
18,200
|
39.91
|
XXX
Global Securities Ltd.
|
12,200
|
26.75
|
Others
|
15,200
|
33.34
|
TOTAL
|
45600
|
100
|
XXXXX
INVESTMENTS PRIVATE LIMITED
Name
of Shareholder
|
No
of shares held
|
Percentage
|
|
|
|
SMC
Comtrade Limited
|
14,000
|
39.88
|
XXX
Global Securities Ltd.
|
9,400
|
26.78
|
Others
|
11,700
|
33.34
|
TOTAL
|
35100
|
100
|
NEXGEN
CAPITALS LIMITED
Name
of Shareholder
|
No
of shares held
|
Percentage
|
|
|
|
Abhichhaya
Investments (P) Ltd.
|
1141897
|
44.93
|
Xxxxx
Investments (P) Ltd.
|
1195363
|
47.03
|
SMC
Comtrade Limited
|
69,600
|
2.74
|
Others
|
134,800
|
5.3
|
TOTAL
|
2541660
|
100
|
DSP
INSURANCE BROKERS (PRIVATE) LIMITED
Name
of Shareholder
|
No
of shares
|
Percentage
|
|
|
|
SMC
Comtrade Limited
|
599,900
|
99.983
|
Xxxxxx
X Xxxxx
|
100
|
0.017
|
TOTAL
|
600000
|
100
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
36
SCHEDULE
5
AMENDED
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
[To
be agreed and attached separately in a form acceptable to the
Investor]
Strictly
Private & Confidential
37
SCHEDULE
6
SPECIFIED
MATTERS
The
Specified Matters listed below shall apply to each SMC Group Company mutatis
mutandis.
a.
|
Any
amendment or change of the rights, preferences, privileges or powers
of,
or the restrictions provided for the benefit of the holders of any
class
of shares;
|
b.
|
Till
the expiry of 2 (two) years from the Completion Date or till the
Company
lists its Shares on the Bombay Stock Exchange or the National Stock
Exchange, whichever is later, any action that authorizes, creates
or
issues shares including rights issue of any class or series of shares
and
the valuation in respect of all fresh issues, buy backs, splits,
issuance
of convertible debt/instruments or Securities, bonuses, debt restructuring
involving conversion into equity, redemption of preference shares
etc and
modification of the capital
structure;
|
c.
|
Any
capital expenditure or indebtedness (including giving of security
for or
guaranteeing debts but excluding (i) loan taken against the investments
as
appearing in the stock-in trade and investments in third party securities
and given as security to exchanges/banks/institution by Company on
behalf
of SMC Group Companies/XXX Global Securities Limited or SMC Group
Companies/XXX Global Securities Limited on behalf of the Company,
and (ii)
any guarantees given to exchanges on behalf of the Company or any
Group
Companies or vice versa) beyond 25% of that budgeted for in the annual
business plan (including a revised annual business plan) that is
approved
by the Board of Directors;
|
d.
|
Any
merger, acquisition or consolidation which does not fall under point
(e)
or effects the paid-up capital of the
company;
|
e.
|
Any
acquisition of existing entity or business from any third party in
financial services (broking, insurance, forex, commodities) exceeding
INR
41 million and the proposed merger of XXX Global Securities Limited
with
the Company;
|
f.
|
Any
transfer of Securities held by the Promoters or the Company otherwise
than
as permitted under this Agreement;
|
g.
|
Declaration
of dividend;
|
h.
|
Redemption
of any class or series of Securities otherwise than on the terms
as
previously agreed by the Investor;
|
i.
|
Creation
and modification of an employee stock option plan including the terms
and
conditions of their granting and vesting and/or the issuance of employee
stock options;
|
j.
|
Any
compensation packages to Promoters or the Key Managerial Personnel,
which
is above market compensation
packages;
|
k.
|
Amendments
or any proposal to amend the Memorandum or Articles of Association
of the
company;
|
l.
|
Commencement
of any new line of business or acquisition of shares (other than
investment in IPOs, mutual funds and purchase of shares from secondary
market in Ordinary Course of Business) or interest of a company or
entity
or firm, which is unrelated to the
Business.
|
m.
|
Changes
to material accounting or tax policies or practices other than those
required by Applicable Law;
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
38
n.
|
Recommend,
giving or renewing of security for or the guaranteeing of debts or
obligations of the Company or SMC Group Companies or XXX Global Securities
Limitedother than in the Ordinary Course of
Business;
|
o.
|
Any
change in the financial year for preparation of audited
accounts;
|
p.
|
Any
resolution for removal of statutory
auditors;
|
q.
|
Winding
up and /or liquidation;
|
r.
|
Any
agreement, arrangement, transaction to sell or assignment of intellectual
property rights including those relating to copyrights, trademarks,
patents and designs belonging to the Company, other than in the normal
course of business;
|
s.
|
The
accounting policy and policies for the dispensation of cash, payments,
receivables;
|
t.
|
Any
commitment or agreement to do any of the
foregoing.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
39
SCHEDULE
7
DEED
OF ADHERENCE
THIS
DEED
OF ADHERENCE ("Deed"), dated ˜
day of ˜ 200˜
by and among
(1) ˜ a
company incorporated and registered under the laws of ˜ and
having its
registered office at ˜
("Covenanter"); and (2) MILLENNIUM INDIA ACQUISITION COMPANY INC.
a company organised under the laws of the State of
United States of
America and having its office address at 000 Xxxx, 00xx Xxxxxx, xxxxx 00X,
Xxx
Xxxx, XX 00000, XXX (“Investor”) (3) SMC GLOBAL SECURITIES
LIMITED, a company incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1956,
having its registered office [˜] (hereinafter
referred to as “Company”); (4) MR. S.C. AGGARWAL
(“Promoter No. 1”), son of Xx. X. X. Xxxxxxxx, Indian
inhabitant, residing at X-000, Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxx Xxxxx-000000; (5)
XX. X.X. XXXXX, (“Promoter No. 2”), son of Xx. X.X.
Xxxxx, Indian inhabitant residing at X-00, Xxxxx Xxxxx X.X. Xxxxxxxxx, Xxx
Xxxxx-000000, both promoters of SMC Global Securities Limited;(hereinafter
collectively referred to as “Promoters”).
In
this Deed, the Investor, Promoters and Company are collectively referred
to as the "Existing
Parties".
|
THIS
DEED IS SUPPLEMENTAL to the Shareholders Agreement dated as of Ä
2007
among the Existing Parties attached as Annexure "1" to this Deed
(the "Shareholders
Agreement").
|
W
H E R E A S:
Pursuant
to the Shareholders Agreement, the Covenanter and the Existing Parties desire
to
enter into this Deed of Adherence to provide that the provisions of the
Shareholders Agreement would be binding on the Covenanter.
NOW
THEREFORE, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1.
|
The
Covenanter hereby confirms that a copy of the Shareholders Agreement
has
been made available to the
Covenanter.
|
2.
|
The
Covenanter shall observe, perform and be bound by the provisions
of the
Shareholders Agreement with effect from the date on which the Covenanter
is registered as a member of
Company.
|
3.
|
The
Covenanter hereby covenants that it shall not undertake any act
of
omission or commission, which is or may be contrary to the provisions
of
the Shareholders Agreement, prejudicial to any of the rights or interests
of the Existing Parties pursuant to the terms of the Shareholders
Agreement or which may impede or render ineffective any action undertaken
by any of the Existing Parties in exercise of its rights under the
Shareholders Agreement.
|
4.
|
The
parties hereto agree that the obligations imposed on the Covenanter
hereunder are special, unique and of an extraordinary character,
and that,
in the event of breach by the Covenanter damages would not be an
adequate
remedy and therefore the Existing Parties as the case may be, shall
be
entitled to specific performance and injunctive and other equitable
relief
in addition to any other remedy to which it may be entitled, at law
or in
equity; and the parties hereto further agree to waive any requirement
for
the securing or posting of any bond in connection with the obtaining
of
any such injunctive or other equitable relief. The remedy set forth
in
this Clause is cumulative and shall in no way limit any other remedy
available under law, in equity or pursuant
hereto.
|
Strictly
Private & Confidential
40
5.
|
The
Deed of Adherence shall be governed in all respects by the laws of
India
and all issues relating to disputes arising from the terms of this
Deed of
Adherence and resolution thereto shall be governed by the provisions
of
the Shareholders Agreement in particular paragraphs Clauses 12 and
13 and
same shall deemed to be incorporated into this Deed of Adherence
by
reference.
|
Millennium
India Acquisition Company Inc.
_______________________________
Name:
Title:
Authorization:
SMC
Limited
_______________________________
Name:
Title:
Authorization:
[Promoters]
_______________________________
Name:
Title:
Authorization:
[Covenanter]
_______________________________
Name:
Title:
Authorization:
Strictly
Private & Confidential
41