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Scope expansion for fast track mergers and demergers

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs[1] has expanded the scope of fast-track mergers by notifying significant amendments under Rule 25 of the Companies (Compromises, Arrangements and Amalgamations) Rules, 2016. This means that such schemes need not to be filed with the NCLT, but can be approved by the Regional directors of MCA (RDs).

  1. Scope expansion for fast-track merger u/s 233 of the Companies Act 2013

Current Scope

Expanded to

Between “Small Companies” as defined u/s 2(85) of the Companies Act 2013

  • Between companies having debt (incl outstanding loans, debentures and deposits) not exceeding INR 200 Cr; and
  • No defaults in payment of loan; and
  • To furnished Auditor’s certificate

Between Holding company and its wholly owned subsidiary company

  • Between listed / unlisted companies, provided Amalgamating company is not listed:
    • Between holding and subsidiary (even though not wholly owned)
    • Subsidiary companies of same holding company (fellow subsidiary merger);
  • Between Foreign amalgamating (holding) company with its wholly owned Indian amalgamated subsidiary company
  1. Application to Demergers:

A new rule provides that rule 25 shall apply mutatis mutandis to schemes u/s 232(1)(b) relating to division or transfer of an undertaking. However, the Central Government while approving the scheme may incorporate provisions specified in section 232(3)(a)–(j), to the extent applicable.

Additionally, forms CAA-9, CAA-10, CAA-11 and CAA-12 have been updated to incorporate above amendment.

 

For detailed discussion, please feel free to contact devadhaantu@devadhaantu.in

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[1] MCA Notification No. G.S.R 603(E) dated September 04, 2025