The Religare Enterprises Ltd Soapy Soup, Independent Directors Raise Concerns Over Alleged Fraud And Breaches, Turmoil In Takeover Bid,
The battleground for control over Religare Enterprises Ltd (REL) has intensified as independent directors of the company have lodged serious allegations against the Burman family, known for their association with FMCG major Dabur. The accusations, including fraud and regulatory breaches, have triggered a probe by regulatory bodies such as RBI, Sebi, and the insurance watchdog, setting the stage for a potential protracted takeover battle. As the Burmans vehemently deny the allegations, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has stepped in, seeking evidence and responses. The complexity deepens with the involvement of JM Financial, the manager of the open offer, facing accusations of collusion and conflicting roles.
All is not well in the takeover bid; the independent directors of Religare Enterprises Ltd (REL) have raised concerns about alleged fraud and breaches against the Burmans, who had made an open offer in September to acquire control of the firm.
These allegations have set the stage for a potential lengthy takeover battle for REL, a company with coveted licenses for lending, selling insurance, and operating as a stock market intermediary.
In response to the allegations, the Burmans have vehemently denied any wrongdoing, calling the accusations false, frivolous, and defamatory, arguing that the allegations are intended to divert attention from trades made by an unnamed REL executive.
However, taking cognisance of the allegations, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has requested evidence and documents from REL to support the allegations made by the independent directors in an October 18 letter.
Sebi has also sought a response from JM Financial, the manager of the open offer, regarding the accusations; notably, JM Financial, too, has denied allegations of collusion and impropriety.
The Allegations
The Burman family, known for promoting FMCG major Dabur, had acquired a 21.5% stake in REL by August, with an additional 5.27% stake purchased in September, triggering a mandatory open offer for an extra 26% stake from the public.
The independent directors, comprising five out of six board members, have expanded the issue beyond the specific allegations, emphasizing REL’s ownership of companies in regulated businesses and calling for scrutiny based on “fit and proper” criteria applicable to license holders in these segments.
REL’s independent directors allege that the Burmans are in material breach of regulatory obligations, raising concerns about potential harm to the firm.
The letter to Sebi has been marked to RBI and the head of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, highlighting the need for approvals given REL’s status as a non-banking finance company (NBFC) with an insurance arm.
The allegations against the Burmans include charges of collusion with the previous owners, the Singh brothers, and a pending fraud case against Dabur India chairman Mohit Burman, questions about the source of funds for the acquisition, and market manipulation.
The independent directors argue that the Burman Group is involved in various “frauds and financial improprieties” being investigated by statutory authorities.
The independent directors further allege that JM Financial, the manager of the open offer, is in collusion with the Burman group, citing potential conflicts of interest.
They point to the primary source of cash being debt financing of Rs 700 crore extended by JM Financial to the acquirers, raising questions about the manager’s association with the acquirers as stipulated by takeover regulations.
The Response
The Burman family, in response, contends that some of the statements are orchestrated falsehoods, and they raised legitimate concerns about share trades by a senior REL executive.
They assert that the family and its members meet all fit and proper criteria mandated by financial services regulators, and their shareholdings were acquired transparently through market purchases and board-approved fundraising exercises.
Additionally, JM Financial has denied allegations, emphasizing no conflict of interest in its professional duties and association with the acquirers.
The open offer, estimated to cost the Burmans Rs 2,116 crore assuming full acceptance, adds complexity to the situation, with regulatory authorities yet to respond to the allegations and counter-claims from both parties involved.
A Snapshot
Religare Enterprises Ltd, has been embroiled in a series of controversies that have significantly marred its corporate image; from allegations of financial mismanagement to accusations of siphoning off substantial sums, the company has faced a rough journey, leaving stakeholders and regulatory authorities grappling with the fallout.
Alleged Siphoning of 45 Billion Rupees
One of the most glaring controversies surrounds the alleged siphoning of a staggering 45 billion rupees ($541 million) from Religare. The former owners, brothers Malvinder and Shivinder Singh, stand accused of orchestrating this financial manoeuvre.
However, denying any wrongdoing, the Singh brothers are entangled in legal proceedings and are currently out on bail as the investigations unfold.
Financial Scam of 2016
In a further blow to Religare’s reputation, the Singh brothers also face accusations of masterminding a financial scam around 2016; the details of this alleged wrongdoing have not only raised eyebrows but have also prompted regulatory bodies to scrutinize the corporate governance practices within the organization.
Diverting Loans and Substantial Losses
Compounding the challenges for Religare, the Singh brothers and other high-ranking officials are accused of taking loans in the name of Religare Finvest Limited (RFL) and diverting the funds to other companies.
The alleged diversion of financial resources has led to substantial losses, with RFL claiming damages amounting to Rs 2,387 crore; the repercussions of such financial improprieties extend beyond monetary losses, casting a shadow on the company’s integrity and ethical practices.
Siphoning off Public Money and Legal Ramifications
The controversy takes a legal turn with the Economic Offences Wing of Delhi Police arresting a former Group CEO of Religare Enterprises Limited; the arrest is linked to the alleged siphoning off of public money, totalling nearly ₹2,400 crore.
The Last Bit,
The clash for control over REL has plunged the company into many allegations and denials, creating uncertainty about its future ownership.
The accusations against the Burman family, prominent figures in the business domain, have raised questions about regulatory compliance and financial improprieties.
At the same time, as regulatory bodies investigate, the outcome will not only impact the fate of REL but also set precedents for scrutiny in takeover scenarios.
The denial by the Burmans, asserting transparent acquisitions and adherence to regulatory norms, has added layers of complexity to the narrative.
Meanwhile, JM Financial’s role in the open offer has also come under scrutiny, introducing additional dimensions to this complicated corporate drama.
