Q&A

What is the meaning of scheme of arrangement?

What is the meaning of scheme of arrangement?

Scheme of arrangement is a compromise or arrangement between the company and its creditors or between the company and its members. It is taken as a form of financial and corporate restructuring including sale of assets or the business itself or amalgamation with another company.

How does a scheme of arrangement work?

A scheme of arrangement (or a “scheme of reconstruction”) is a court-approved agreement between a company and its shareholders or creditors (e.g. lenders or debenture holders). It may affect mergers and amalgamations and may alter shareholder or creditor rights.

What is a scheme of arrangement in the UK?

A UK scheme of arrangement is a court-approved mechanism under the UK Companies Act 2006 which permits a company to enter into a compromise or arrangement with its shareholders and/or its creditors or any class of the company, subject to the receipt of requisite shareholder approvals and court sanction.

What is a cancellation scheme of arrangement?

A “cancellation scheme” is a scheme of arrangement between a company and its members under which the company’s entire share capital is reduced and cancelled, then immediately re-issued to one or more persons.

Who approves a scheme of arrangement?

A scheme requires approval by at least 75% in value of each class of the members or creditors who vote on the scheme, being also at least a majority in number of each class.

Is a scheme of arrangement mandatory?

A scheme of arrangement is a formal statutory procedure under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006 under which a company may enter into a compromise or arrangement with its members or creditors (or any class of them). Creditor approval and court sanction are necessary, however.

How long does a scheme of arrangement take?

As long as the scheme of arrangement progresses in an uncomplicated fashion, the process could be completed within six to eight weeks of the company making its first application to the English courts. Negotiations involving the commercial terms of the scheme itself lengthen the timetable.

Who can oppose a scheme of arrangement?

Tulzapurkar can be accepted as Rule 60 simply provides that any person who has not been secured in the manner provided by section 101(2)(c) is permitted to oppose the scheme. It does not provide that if the creditor is secured then the scheme cannot be opposed by him.

Is a scheme of arrangement an offer?

A scheme of arrangement is a statutory mechanism which is an alternative to a contractual offer. In particular, a scheme of arrangement requires approval from shareholders who constitute a majority in number of each class of shareholders who are subject to the scheme of arrangement and who are voting at the meeting.

Who can vote in a scheme of arrangement?

For the Scheme to become legally binding, a majority of creditors within each class must vote, with a majority of 75% (by value) in favour being needed within each creditor class, for the Scheme of Arrangement to take effect.

What can happen if the employees of a company do not agree to a scheme of arrangement?

In terms of section 231 of the Companies Act, 2013, if the scheme fails, the NCLT may make an order for winding up the company and such an order shall be deemed to be an order made under section 273[11]. The Code is silent on this.

What are the main steps in a scheme of arrangement?

Key steps in a scheme of arrangement

  • Initial Approach.
  • Due Diligence.
  • Scheme implementation agreement.
  • Shareholder disclosure and approval process.
  • Court approval and implementation.

How is a scheme of arrangement effected in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, the relevant provisions for effecting a scheme of arrangement are found in the Companies Act 2006, Part 26 (sections 895-901) and Part 27 (special rules for public companies ). There are three requirements for a scheme. A ‘compromise or arrangement’ must be proposed between the company and its shareholders or creditors.

Where can I find a scheme of arrangement in Australia?

In Australia, the relevant provisions for effecting a scheme of arrangement or reconstruction are located in Part 5.1 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Section 411 (1) states that where a company and its creditors or shareholders propose a compromise or arrangement, the court can order a meeting or the creditors or shareholders.

How is a scheme of arrangement binding on creditors?

It provides that so long as 50 per cent in number representing 75 per cent in value of a company’s creditors, present and voting, vote in support of a compromise or arrangement, this compromise or arrangement shall be binding on the company and the creditors of the company if it receives the approval of the Court.

Which is the operative provision of scheme of arrangement?

The operative provision from which schemes of arrangements stem is s 210(3)1 of the Companies Act (Cap 50).