TyroCity: Company Law Notes

The term dividend may be defined as the part or portion of profit that falls to the each individual unit of shares.
Part of profit of company that is distributed to the shareholders is dividend. Section 182.
But in the event of winding up of company, the dividend means the division of company’s assets among its members.
Any company has the power to distribute its profit to all the shareholders.
The company has an implied power to distribute dividend from its profits. The power to declare dividend need not to be expressly mentioned in MoA & AoA. So, this is implied power of company other than a profit not distributing company.

Transfer of Share

Company Law Notes — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 05:41:42 +0000

The shares of a company are movable property and can be transferred in a manner prescribed by concerned law and articles of association of company.
The transferability of shares is one of the significant advantages of company form of organizations.
Section 42 of the Companies Act of Nepal specifically declares that the shares or debentures of a company may be sold or pledged like a movable property subject to this Act , MoA & AoA.
So, as a matter of fact, it is right of every shareholder to transfer his/ her share. However the manner of transfer may be prescribed by MoA, AoA and respective law.
The MoA & AoA of company can make some preconditions, but cannot absolutely restrict the right of member to transfer there share.
In absence of any restrictions, in the AoA , MoA & law the shareholder has an absolute right to transfer his/ her shares.
Share is a special type of movable property; it is not like gold, furniture and cash etc. Therefore, there are some special laws to regulate transfer procedure viz; the Companies Act 2006, The Securities Act, BAFI Act, NRB Act 2058 B. S. etc.
Transfer of share will be furnished only by fulfilling the prescribed procedures of such special laws.
There are so many ways of transfer of shares from one to another. The share transfer deed document and will paper are the means of voluntary transfer of shares. Non voluntary transfer court order i.e. order of distribution in partition case ( ansa mudda)
As per legal provision of section 42(1) of the Nepalese Companies Act “the shares or debenture of a company may be sold or pledged like a movable property subject to this Act, MoA & AoA.
As per section 42 (2) of this Act the promoter share of a company, other than a private company which has not borrowed loan from any other company, shall not be entitled to sell or pledge any share held by him until the 1st general meeting of company is held and a call on the share issued in his name is fully paid up.
Section 43 of the Companies Act states about the procedures of the transmission of shares or debentures of company. As per this section if any share or debenture is sold, the buyer thereof shall make an application to registered office of the company with a copy of deed and share or debenture certificate. In compulsory transmission there will be order of court. Than the company cross off the name of transferor and enter the name of transferee shareholder debenture holder in the register within 15 days after making of such application. But if any prevailing law on securities provides that no deed of transfer is required for transfer the title, such deed is not required to be produced along with the application to be so made.
The grounds to refusal have been mentioned in section 44 of the Companies Act. As per this legal provision in following circumstances company can refuse to record the transmission; A) If a call on share has not been paid up. B) If the transmission is contrary to the articles of association of company and the agreement concluded between the shareholders. The information regarding transmission will be provided to both transferor and transferee from the date of application.
Section 55 of Nepalese Companies Act states about the ownership of share or debenture. As per this legal provision, if a dispute arises about the ownership of any share or debenture issued by any company, the person whose name is registered in the share or debenture register of company shall, unless otherwise proved, be regarded as the owner of such share or debenture.
Section 45 of the Companies Act describes the other circumstances where the share or debenture may be transmitted by operation of law. Circumstances may be the death or insolvency.
Process of transfer; a) the shareholders should be registered in the Stock Broker’s Office at first. b) Joint application with deed of transfer with original share certificate.
Transfer in case of private company; a) Board decision, b) deed c) application d ) information providing for record to the CRO d) fulfilling the prescribed process of record by CRO.
Restriction on transfer ; by making provisions in AoA & consensus agreement in case of private company section 10 (d) 42(2) section 145(1) (b), if there is no entitlement, as per legal provision such as section 42(2) of Act.
The case of Lun Karan Das Chaudhary V. NRB( A collection of some important precedents of commercial case; part 4 S.No. 42 p. 290) . The transfer of share should not be restricted by making some conditions of contract.
There must be a valid authority or entitlement on share to transfer the share. A person who has no authority or entitlement, such shareholders cannot make a valid transfer of shares. Thus transfer of shares by the husband of a lady shareholder without her authority was held to be void and transferee got no rights by such transferred share.( John Tinson & Co. v. Surjeet Malhan , AIR 1997 SC 1411).

Stages of Incorporation of Company

Company Law Notes — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 05:41:42 +0000

Incorporation is the first process of giving existence or birth of company.
Registration or establishment of company is incorporation.
Incorporation is creation of a legal person by registration of a company with existing law.
A legal person is created artificially by law and contributed as a legal personality from the process of Incorporation.
A company is an artificial entity created by law for the purpose of carrying on any objects such as business, sports research, education charity etc. But commonly companies are formed for the purpose of conducting business.

Basically, there are 4 stages of forming of a company;

Promotion
Incorporation or registration
Capital subscription
Commencement of Business

In case of private company it needs to go through the 1st two stages only, as soon as it receives the certificate of incorporation and it can commence the business.

Private company cannot invite public to subscribe the shares.

Private company must arrange the capital privately, not publicly.

But a public company having a share capital has to go through all 4 stages. Only then it is formed and commences its business.

Promotion

Promotion is the 1st stage of formation of a company. It is the discovery of business opportunities. First of all idea of carrying a business which can be profitably undertaken is conceived either by a person or by a group of persons who are called promoters.
After conceiving the idea the promoters make detail investigations to find out the weakness and strong points of idea to determine, the amount of capital, and to estimate operating expenses and probable income.
When promoters are satisfied to that idea they come in one place and form a company through incorporation process.
Preliminary contracts or pre incorporation contracts may be the documents of arrangement before incorporation or at the phase of promotion. Section 17 of the Companies Act.
Such contracts are generally entered into by promoters to acquire some property or right for and on behalf of the company to be formed.
Promoters have been defined in section 2(i) of Act. Promoters are the persons who incorporate the companies.

Incorporation
The second stage is incorporation of company. All process relating to filing the application to CRO & getting incorporation certificate come under the stage of incorporation.

Capital Subscription
Third stage is capital subscription

Private company can commence business immediately on receipt of certificate of incorporation
But public company commences business after capital subscription stage first among the promoters and second for public.
Through capital subscription public company makes necessary arrangement for raising capital
Invite public for subscription

Commencement
Commencement of business is the 4th Private company can commence business immediately but public company after issuing prospectus and receiving the business commencement certificate. Section 23 and 63.

Incorporation or Registration of Company
(Chapter 2 Section 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the Nepalese Company Act )

Essential documents for Registration of Company are:

Application
Citizenship/ID certificate
MOA 2 copies
AOA 2 copies
Promoter’s agreement (if necessary etc.)
Unanimous Agreement (if necessary etc.)
Approval letter from regulatory, (if necessary etc.)

Insider Dealing

Company Law Notes — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 05:41:42 +0000

Insider dealing is simply an unauthorized inside trading of corporate securities by the corporate insiders. Abusive self-dealing occurs when the persons having close relation to company abuse this relationship to the detriment of company and investors.
Unpublished inside information’s play very crucial role in securities transactions. There is always chance of such information to be disclosed by directors, shareholders, officials and other people who are involved in management.
Trading of securities by the persons who have price sensitive information with them, which is not available to the person with whom one is contracting at the relevant time may cause harm to one an undue benefit to the others.
Such activities are required to be controlled in order to protect the investment of general public and shareholders.
Insider dealing means any person dealing with sensitive information, which is illegal in many ways by own self or through any other person, which has not publicly disclosed

So, insider dealing is the dealing of securities of company with the benefit of confidential and restricted or unpublished information by such persons through his /her position or relation with the “officials” of the company.

Who are insiders?
(Section 92 of the Securities Act 2063 BS.)

The person who may have inside information due to his / her position such as directors, promoters, shareholders, officials or employees.
Any professionals who obtain inside information are by the cause of delivery of such professional services such as auditors and legal consultants.
Any persons who have capacity or access to obtain such information directly or indirectly.

So, the persons having access to notice or information that is price sensitive are called insiders.

Existing Nepalese Company Act has no explicit provision on insider dealing rather it imposes duty on directors of company to disclose their interest in company.
Section 91 of the Securities Act 2063 BS has provided that ‘’ any person who transacts or causes transacting on securities on the basis of inside information which are not made public that may affect the price of securities or gives notice or information known to him, to any other except to his / her course of duty is deemed to act as insider dealing.
Section 101 the Securities Act 2063 BS provides punishment on the crime of insider dealing. The culprit shall be fined as per value involved in transaction or imprisonment up to one year or both.
The Securities Act further provides that if any person is punished in insider dealing will be disqualified to be appointed as director or manager in public limited company until 10 years from the date of punishment. (Section 108 of the Securities Act 2063 BS).
Any aggrieved persons may recover any loss sustained by him from such person committing crime of insider dealing.
Insider Dealing is regarded as criminal act and included in schedule -1 of State Cases Act 2049 BS.

(Need to look Section 102 of the Securities Act, Sections 32/ 92/93/94/ of the Companies Act and 11 of BaFI Act)

Modes of Winding – up

Company Law Notes — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 05:41:42 +0000

Winding – up

A company comes into existence by a legal process and –when for any reason, it is desired to end its existence; it must again go through the legal process.
Company is an artificial person which is created and ended by law. The process to end the company is related with winding up or liquidation or dissolution of company.

In the words of the professor LCB Gower,
Winding up of a company is the process whereby its life is ended and its property administered for the benefit of its creditors and members. Liquidator is appointed and he takes the control of the company collects its assets, pays its debts and finally distributes any surplus among the members in accordance with their rights.

Incorporation is a birth winding up is process of death – both are fulfilled by due process of law and legal formalities.
All assets and liability are brought to close and converted in to cash form for the distribution purpose.
Winding up and dissolution of company is not same thing. A company is said to be dissolved when it ceases to exist as corporate entity. Winding up only proceeds towards the dissolution.
Winding up is the process by which the dissolution of the company is brought about.
At the end of the winding up, the company will have no assets or liability, and it will therefore be simply a formal step for it to be dissolved, that is for its legal personality as a corporation to be destroyed.
The legal entity of company remains in between winding up and dissolution process.
In winding up the company as does not cease to exist; only its administration is carried on through the medium of a liquidator. The property of company still belongs to the company.
Winding up liquidation have been taken in same meaning but dissolution is different.

Modes of Winding up or Liquidation

Basically there are 4 modes of winding up under Nepalese law;
Voluntary winding up
Compulsory winding up
Liquidation by the order of the court.
Cancellation of Registration or deregistration, striking off registration

Voluntary winding up

By adopting special resolution.
In the situation of solvency

Voluntary liquidation starts from special resolution adopted by the company in its general meetings.

As per Section 126(1) of the Companies Act of Nepal the, shareholders of the company may liquidate the company either by adopting the special resolution in general meetings or subject to the provisions contained in MoA and AOA and consensus Agreement.

As per subsection 2 of section 126, the requirements or procedures of voluntary liquidation are as follows.

If the company is able to pay its debts or other liabilities.
There must be solvent company.
There must be declaration in writing of directors to pay the debts and liabilities.
Adoption of special resolution by general meeting and submission in Authority within 7 days, section 126(3)
Appointment of liquidator and Auditor.
Pre-approval from central Bank in case of Banking Sec 76(1) of BaFI Act

Compulsory winding up or liquidation

If any company is declared the insolvent at that situation, such company must be liquidated or wound-up.
that is the situation of compulsory winding up or liquidation.
such liquidation is executed only by the court’s order
Though company law of Nepal recognizes and regularized the compulsory liquidation, the proceedings of compulsory liquidation have been mentioned in detail in Insolvency Act 2063. No procedure under Insolvency Act is started without the permission of court. Court means commercial bench by notification in Nepal Gazette.
Section 4 of Insolvency Act describes the situation to apply for the proceedings of insolvency;
- The company itself which is in insolvent condition.
- The creditors who has invested at least 10% of total credit to the company.
- The shareholders, who has subscribed at least 5% shares of the company.
- The debenture holders who has subscribed at least 5% debentures of company.
- The liquidator appointed for liquidation of company.
- Concerned Authority or regulatory.
- Insolvency Act, sections 4(2), 4(3), 5 etc.

Liquidation by Court’s Order
Sec 139(4) (f) of the Companies Act 2063

If company is carried on or is likely to be carried on as to be prejudicial to rights and interest of any shareholders of the company, shareholder may apply before the court for appropriate order as remedy. At this situation, If court for liquidating the company.

Dissolution by cancellation of registration or deregistration

the company registrar office may cancel the registration of company on the following grounds. Section 136 of the companies Act 2063
- In a situation of failure to commence the business.
- In a situation of default in submitting the report, for three consecutive financial years
- If he company registrar office has a reasonable grounds to believe that company is not carrying on its business or the company is not in operation.
- Restoration of registration; section 137(a) (b) of the Company Act.

Powers functions duties and liabilities of liquidators

Power to take into custody and control the property of company (section 130 of the Companies Act)
The liquidator shall, mutatis mutandis exercise and perform all the powers and duties as of liquidator under the prevailing law of insolvency. Section 131(1) of Nepalese Company Act
The duties of liquidator are as follows - as per Section 131(2) of Nepalese Company Act
- To prepare and submit books of account to the company registrar office in every 6 months.
- To inform the shareholders of company about progress on the liquidation proceedings in every 6 months.
- To obtain and recover all the properties or amounts required to be obtained and recovered on the behalf of the company and repay and discharge the debts and other liabilities of all the creditors of the company.
- After completion of above acts, to call general meeting of shareholders and present therein a proposed report and return on the distribution of the company to the shareholders.
- To make payment of the amounts to the shareholders, if the shareholders holding at least 75% of the paid up share capital consent proposed report as referred to clause(d)
- To appoint or retain necessary employees
- To submit the final report after completion of liquidation proceeding
- Announcement of cancellation

Types of Company, Details

Company Law Notes — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 05:41:42 +0000

There are so many basis to determine the classification of company.

Basis may be function of company, may be objectives of company and may be form of company.

Basis;

Function/Objectives
Profit making company and profit not distributing company.

Responsibility of shareholders in terms of company’s liability

Limited liability company
Unlimited liability company
Guarantee company

All companies are supposed as limited liability Company in the context of Nepal as per the provision of the Companies Act 2063. But in UK and India, there may be unlimited liability company.

Country of incorporation

Foreign company
National company

Basis of profit sharing
Profit-sharing and profit not - sharing company

Mode of capital formation
Public company& Private company

Modality of control
Holding & Subsidiary company

Investments by Government or Private sector
Private company/Government Company/Public Company

But generally, there are following types of companies;

Guarantee and Unlimited company
Private company
Public company
Company not distributing profit.
Government company
Foreign company
Holding and subsidiary company

Guarantee and Unlimited Company

On the basis of liability to be beard
Generally, non-trading companies are formed with a guarantee of liability. A company limited by a guarantee of its members. Such companies are formed for the promotion of art science, culture and sports etc. Such company may be registered with or without share capital.
The article of association shall state the numbers of members with which the company is to be registered section 27(2) of Indian company Act.
Section 13 (3) of the Indian company Act provides memorandum of company limited by guarantee; following things shall be mentioned,
Payment of liabilities of company or of such debts to the extent of particular limitation
Payment of costs, charges and expenses of winding up
Adjustment of right of contributories among themselves, such amount may be required, not exceeding a specified amount.
The liability is already guaranteed, not exceeding a specified amount;
No Shareholders, only members
No guarantee company under the Companies Act 2063 of Nepal

Unlimited Companies;

Section 12 (2) (C) of Indian Companies Act 1956 - two or more persons may form or incorporate company with or without liability. The members are liable for the company’s debts in proportion to their respective interests in the company. The members’ liability is unlimited –There is no share capital.
Section 27 (1) of Indian company Act 1956 - The AOA shall state the numbers of members with which the company is to be registered. Though in these days such companies are very rare.

Private Company

On the basis of the numbers of shareholders, size of capital and mode of capital formation.

Section 2(b) of the companies Act 2063 B.S, of Nepal any private company incorporated under this Act. Section 3(1) (iii) of the Indian Company Act states that a private company means a company which has minimum paid up capital of Rs. One lakh or such higher paid up capital as may be prescribed by its Articles of Association.
The nature of private company can be understood from section 3(1), 9,10, and chapter - 14 and 15 of the Companies Act 2063 B.S.
The minimum number of shareholder of private company shall be one and the maximum numbers of shareholders shall not exceed 50.
Company Act 2063. Section 9 (1) –The numbers of shareholders of a private company shall not exceed 50.
Section 9(3)- If any employee purchased a share of a company under a scheme of selling shares to its employees or any employee who has already purchased a share under such scheme but is not in service of company for the time being shall not be counted shareholder.
As per section 10(b) of the companies Act 2063 BS.- A private company shall add the words Private Limited to it a name as the last word. Public company only ‘limited’ .
However, the profit not distributing company has no compulsion to add pvt.ltd. and ltd.
Section10 (c) - Private company shall not sell its shares publically.
Section10 (d) –A private company shall not pledge or otherwise transfer the title to, its securities to any person other than its shareholder without fulfilling the procedures consensus agreement.
Section 145- “Special provision relating to private company regarding Consensus Agreement”
Section 145(h)- Provision relating to no board of directors.
Section 148- Holding of annual general meeting not required, If the consensus agreement is concluded in this regard.
Section 150- Deemed participation in general meeting.

Communication contract

Hearing, reading and speaking is same as participation (Video Conference Meeting)
No need to be physically presence.
Section 42 (2)-Restriction on sale or pledge of shares or debentures.(Private company may put the provision of restriction clause regarding transfer of in MoA, AoA, and Consensus Agreement)
No need to take prior permission from company register office to run business. Section 63(1) is for only public company.
No need to publish the prospectus publicly. Section 23 is for only public company.

The private company can be divided in to two types on the basis of numbers of shareholders

Single Shareholder Private Company;

Provision relating to single shareholder company Section 152 –Not required to call Meeting of Board of Directors and General Meeting.
Section 153 - Transfer or transmission of shares of single shareholder company,

Company having more than Single Shareholder;

Minimum 2
Maximum 50

Merits of Private Company;

Privilege of not taking permission to run business
Public company must take letter of approval before the running of business .But in case of private company is no such compulsion. (Section 63 of Nepalese companies Act).
Simplicity in incorporation
- Even one man can establish company.
- No need to submit even Articles of Association in Single Shareholder Company.(Section, 4 (2)).
- No need to publish prospectus. (Section 23)
- Convenience to run business from family members from family members of few close persons.
Flexibility in Formation of Board of directors other formalities relating to this matters.
- Easy to run business or run company.
- No need to call meeting in single shareholders company
- No need to form BOD in all types of Private Companies.
- Long-life board of directors but Public Company’s directors’ tenure is only 4 years.
- The tenure can be determined by MOA, AOA, and Consensus Agreement in private companies.
- No compulsion to run general meeting
- No need to be gathered physically. Meeting through communication contract is possible.
- That is why, Private company is privileged company

Public Company;

If we look the Companies Act 2063 BS of Nepal there is no specific definition of public company.

Sec2 (c) of the Nepalese Companies Act defines “Public means any company other than a private company”
As per the section 3(1) (iv) of the Indian Companies Act 1956 , (amended in 2000) - A public company means a company which;
is not a private company
has a minimum capital of RS. 5 lakhs or such higher paid up capital, as may be prescribed.
is a private company which is a subsidiary of a company that is not a private company.ie. That is subsidiary of public company.
In India, private company must have Minimum paid up capital 1 lakh, public 5 lakh.
in India, Numbers of members in private company is 2. Public company is at least 7 .Maximum number of private company cannot exceed -50, No limitation of members in public company.
Generally- there are following features of public company as per the provision of the Nepalese company Act.
There must be at least 7 promoters - Section 3(2) of the Nepalese companies Act. There shall be a minimum of 7 promoters for the incorporation of a public company, provided, however, those 7 promoters shall not be required for the incorporation of another public company by any already existed public company.
Mega Bank has 1358 promoters.
section 10(b) public company shall add the word ‘limited’ to its name as last word.
Sec -10 (C) - A private company shall not sell its shares /debentures publicly. It means public company can. As per section 42( 1) of the companies Act ‘’ the share or debenture of a company may be sold or pledged like a movable property”.
Generally there is no restriction in share transfer or sell in public company (Section 42(1)), but until the first general meeting held and the call share amount fully paid up, the shareholder shall not be entitled to sell or pledge.
Every public company shall obtain approval for commencing business section-63(1)
Public company –the tenure of directors shall not exceed 4 years. But in case the directors is appointed by Nepal government or corporate body, as per appointing body desires.
there should be at least 3 directors.
For public company, notice in advance at least 21 days for general meeting. General meeting must be conducted as pursuant to chapter 5 section 67, to 85.
Minimum Paid of capital of public company ten million, section 11, but some special laws such as BaFI Act and Insurance Act have determined more than ten million paid up capital for such special public company.
Compulsory in publication of the prospectus, section 23, 24 / MOA should be published for the purpose of notification for the general public.
Every public company shall have a BOD minimum 3 and Maximum 11- section 86 (2)
The terms office of directors shall be specified in its AoA which shall not 4 years section 90(2), but in case of a private company that is specified in AoA, no limitation of 4 years of tenure.
To be incorporated only as a public company to carry on some specific transaction business of; ( section 12)
Banking Financial Transaction
Insurance Business
Stock Exchange Business
Pension Fund
Mutual Fund
And for such other business.
Not a privileged more formalities, more expenses in operation
More investors – Few persons move the company
Prospectus to be published as per section 23, 24
More supervision from the regulatory for protection of investors’ interest.
Appointment of company secretory section 185.
Different procedures regarding share management. Face value determined by law section 27( 2), allotment of shares section 28, power to issue premium share section 29, dealing in securities section 32, shares with different rights section 30, procedures issuing debenture section 35.
Types of Public Company

Public company can be divided in to two kinds on the basis of modes of selling or purchasing of shares or debentures in stock market.

Listed Public Company

Chapter 4, Section 27, 28 etc.
Section 32, Dealing in securities
Listed in Nepal stock Exchange Market Ltd for the purpose of selling and purchasing of shares and debentures.
Openly traded in shares market.
There may be thousand and lakhs of shareholders in Society.
Such listed public company must have audit Committee.(section 164,165) ( if 30 million or more than this)
Listed public company must obtain approval for issuing shares in public and must inform about the position of shares and debenture to concerned regulatory such as; Company Registrar’s Office, NRB and Insurance Board etc.
Dealing in securities is governed by the Securities Act 2063 BS

Not listed Public company

Not listed in Stock Exchange Market.
Other than listed public companies.

The public company also can be divided in to two types on the basis of identification of investment;

Investment made by general public - Public Company
Investment made by government - Government Company

In India;

Deemed public company like hybrid nature

Mix of nature of private and public company
If any public company invests in private company
If any private company collects fund from General People.
As per the provision of the section 43 (a) of Indian Company Act following nature private companies are supposed as public company
- If any one or more institutions hold more than 25% of paid up capital of any private company.
- If private companies turnover of transaction is more than 10 million per year in a particular period.
- If any private company holds the at least 25% paid up capital of any public company.

There is no such concept of deemed public company in Nepal as per the Nepalese Companies Act.

Conversion of Private Company into Public Company; (Section 13 of Nepalese Companies Act)

Voluntary conversion or Conversion by choice

Section 13(1) (a) Voluntary;

Taking decision to convert into a public company
There must be special resolution
Not capable of being converted into a public company unless and until it fulfills the requirements to be fulfilled under the law for being a public company.
AOA /MOA must be amended
Apply to company registrar office with amended MOA/AOA
If there are new shareholders submission of citizenship
Required registration fee for public company
The statutory provision for public company must be compiled
Paid up capital- Minimum 10 million
At least 7 shareholders or promoters

Compulsory or Mandatory (Section 13(1)(b)and (c));

25% or more of the shares of a private company are subscribed by one or more than one public company. However any shares are possessed by any banking of finance company as trustee, not counted.
25% or more of the shares of a public company are subscribed by private company-such private company.
CRO issues the conversion certificate.

Conversion of Public Company in to Private Company (Section 14)

Only mandatory,

It depends upon the circumstances.
Circumstances of conversion of public company into private company are;
If the number of shareholders of a public company become less than 7.
If public company fails to maintain the required paid up capital because of reduction of capital.
In such situation, public company shall make necessary amendments in MOA and AOA and must be converted into a private company within 6 month.
Application to ‘CRO,’ CRO will give a company conversion certificate.

Government Company;

In the past many years ago, there was a time when the state was concerned only with problems relating to maintenance of law and order.
But now the relationship between the state and economy has under gone a considerable change.
Sometime it is needed that state has to participate in industrial development of country
The legal provision relating to Government Company is the way to make enable the state to undertake business ventures and to combine the operating flexibility privately organized companies with the advantage of state regulation in the matters of public interest.
Due to nature of business, some business must be undertaken by state i.e.; oil, salt, agriculture inputs, communication business only private sectors may not manage such business in the countries like Nepal.
There was a special provision relating to government companies under the past Act company Act 2021
As per the section 137(a) of this past Act there were two ways to establish government company .These are;
Having 51 or more than 51 % shares by government.
Establishing the company by providing shares only for government entities. There is no separate provision and definition regarding Government Company in the present Nepalese Companies Act 2063.
Presently govt. companies are incorporated as public company, not giving name govt. company e.g. RBB
As per Section 173 of present Nepalese Companies Act, government companies shall be converted into public company.
Nepalese Companies Act 2063 has promoted the privatization process for corporations or government companies.

Foreign Company

Section 2(f) of the Companies Act 2063 B.S.
Foreign company means any company incorporated outside the state.
If Company registered in the foreign country want to transact in Nepal, that types of company must be registered in Nepal
Section 154 to 158 ( Chapter -16) of Nepalese Companies Act.
Foreign company cannot establish branch office or liaison office in Nepal without registered in the CRO of Nepal.
Those types of foreign company cannot issue dividend or share without registered in Nepal.

Company Not Distributing Profit

Section 2(h) of Nepalese Companies Act - definition
Any company incorporated under chapter -19, Section 166 & 167 of Nepalese Companies Act.
Such company shall not be entitled to distribute or pay to its members any dividends or any money out of profit earn or saving made for the attainment of any objects.
For the purpose of charitable objectives.
For the promotion of invention, art, science and social activities, etc.

Holding and Subsidiary Company

When a company has control over another company, it is known as a holding company. The company which is so controlled is known as a subsidiary company.
If there is another subsidiary company of any company such company is holding company.
A company qualifies as a holding company when it has power to control the composition of the board of directors of another company or holds a majority of its shares.
But both are separate company in the eye of law. A subsidiary company, even a 100 % subsidiary, is separate legal entity and its creator and controller is not to be liable for its acts merely because this company is creator and controller. Nor is subsidiary to be held as an asset of holding company.
The subsidiary company is not branch of holding company. It has different existence or personality than holding company. Holding company is holding company. Because of only a nominal majority on share capital of the subsidiary or because of only control over the board of directors.
But when law and judicial observation permit to examine the transaction of holding and subsidiary company then the subsidiary company may lose some time its separate identity to that extent. It is necessary for the better information of accounts and financial position of group as a whole to the creditor shareholders and public.

Condition of Holding and subsidiary Relationship;

Where the composition of BOD is controlled by other company.
Where the other company holds significant value of its equity share capital.
Where one company is subsidiary of any company that is another’s subsidiary.

Holding and subsidiary company are supposed as separate legal entity. Sometime court can observe the relationship and ignore their separate legal entity on the basis of the doctrine of lifting the corporate veil. Such happens on the particular issue only.
Section 2(d) of Nepalese Companies Act 2063 B.S. defines holding company as having control over a subsidiary company.
Section 2(e) of this Act defines Subsidiary company as any company controlled by a holding company
There is some special legal provision mentioned in Nepalese Companies Act Chapter -13, Section 142, 143 and 144, by these legal provisions holding and subsidiary company can be found in the context of Nepal.

Section 142- control over subsidiary company –

By holding direct or indirect control over the formation of the Board of Directors.
By holding majority shares of the company.

A subsidiary of one subsidiary company will be the subsidiary of the holding company.
Section 143 - Documents to be enclosed
Any holding company shall enclose the documents of its subsidiary company in its balance sheet.

Section - 144; Prohibition on investment in holding company - No subsidiary company shall purchase the share or debenture of holding company or make investment in holding company

Buy – Back of shares

Company Law Notes — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 05:41:42 +0000

Buy back is the process of purchasing of its own share by company.
Purpose of purchasing is to reduce a number of shares in market and to increase the value of shares in market.
Repurchase of its own shares for reducing the share capital.
The buyback reduces the number of outstanding shares in market.
Buy back is restricted or prohibited. Though it is restricted buy back is allowed in some special conditions prescribed by law. Mainly buy back is permitted on following grounds;
Why company is willing to buyback, objective must be clear and bona fide.
If a company is making profit and if there is sufficient free reserve fund in company.
If a company has an idle cash fund.
Section 61 of the Companies Act of Nepal has prohibited on purchase by company of its own share.
As per section 61(1) of the Companies Act, no companies shall purchase its own shares(buy back) or lend moneys against its securities of its own shares.
But section 61(2) has specified some circumstances, where a company may buy back its shares out of its free reserves available for being distributed as dividend, by giving information to the office of the company registrar.( Circumstances; clause ‘a’ to ‘g’ of section 61 (2)) .
The process and procedures for getting permission to buy back of shares have been mentioned in section 61(3) clauses ‘a’ to g and subsection ‘4’ to ‘10’ of section 61.

Controls of shareholders

Company Law Notes — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 05:41:42 +0000

General meeting; Chapter 5, Sections 67 to 85 of Nepalese Company Act i.e. Appointment of directors by general meeting – section 87 section 92 of Nepalese Company Act; disclosure by directors.
Section 138 to 141 (chapter 12) of Nepalese Company Act – protection of shareholders
Responsibilities and duties of directors, Section 99 of Nepalese Company Act
Section 102 of Nepalese Company Act -prohibition on giving false statement by officers in general meeting.
Section 105 of Nepalese Company Act – restrictions on authority.
Maintaining of accounts (chapter 7) Section 108/109 of Nepalese Company Act
Audit committee –Section 164 of Nepalese Company Act.
Appointment of Auditor; Section 110/111 of Nepalese Company Act
Protection of shareholders rights ; Section138,139,140,141 of Nepalese Company Act
Control by regulatory. Section 120, 121,122,123,124,125 etc. of Nepalese Company Act
Section 78, 79 & 80 of Nepalese Company Act, Return of Reports to CRO
NRB for Banking Companies
Insurance Board –Insurance Companies

Control by Company Board

Chapter 20 Interim provision; Section 169 of Nepalese Company Act, but now it has been sifted in court jurisdiction.

Controls by Court

Chapter 17, proceeding of Lawsuits and punishment; Sections 159,160,161,162,163 etc. of Nepalese Company Act

Articles of Association (AoA)

Company Law Notes — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 05:41:42 +0000

AoA is another important document needs at the time of incorporation of company.
AoA and Articles of Incorporation (AoI)are same.
AoA regulates the way in which a company’s internal affairs are managed.
(Ashbury Rail Carriage & Iron Company V. Riche 1875 LR 7 HL 653) - “ the articles defines the duties, rights, and powers of governing body as between themselves and company at large, and the mode and the form in which the business of the company is to be carried on, and the mode and form in which changes in internal regulations of company may from time to time, be made.’’
Rules and Regulations for governing body of company or management.
AoA is subordinate to the memorandum.
Rules & Regulations do not exceed provisions of memorandum.
“The Articles of Association are the internal regulations of the company and are for the benefit of shareholders’’( Guiness v. Land Corporation of Ireland 22 ch. D. 349)
Thus, AoA is the collection of rules & regulations, framed for the internal management of the companies.
Section 20 of the Nepalese Companies Act has mentioned about meaning of AoA and matters to be included in AoA.

Amendment of MOA and AOA

There are some special legal provisions relating to amendment of MOA and AOA in the Companies Act 2063 BS.
Generally, a company shall not alter the conditions contained in its memorandum except in the cases, in the mode and to extent for which express provision made in the Act
There are some prescribed conditions for amendments in MOA and AOA in Section 21 of the Companies Act 2063 B.S.
Generally, there may be following conditions of changes in MoA & AoA
- Change in Name
- Change in objects
- Change in Procedures

Change in Name

By special resolution, Section 21(3) - any company can amend its name by adopting a special resolution to that effect at its general meeting and make an application, accompanied by the prescribed fees, for prior approval of the office and if the office gives approval to amend the name as per application so received, the name of the company shall be amended.

So, prior approval of the authority is most for the amendment of name.

Change in Objects

The object’s clause can also be altered but the alteration is subject to a number of restrictions.

These restrictions are for the protection of the interest of the shareholders and creditors.

As per the determined process of sec 21(1) of the companies Act 2063 B.S. the general meeting of a company can amend the MOA and AOA by adopting a special resolution

Special Resolution

Special resolution is most for amendment, except the change in name, in other change giving the information of amendment is sufficient.

As per the legal provision stipulated in section 21(2)- The Company shall give information of amendment made to MOA and AOA to the office within 30 days and the office shall record the same and give information thereof to concerned company within 7 days after receipt of such information.

Restriction on Amendment

On the following basis;

As mentioned the basis in section 6 of Nepalese Company Act ‘power to refuse to register’.
The company cannot amend the objects clauses or name as a routine affair.

Change in Name or objects is necessary for the following purpose;

To conduct its business more economically or efficiently.
To attain its main purpose by new or improved means.
There is only limited scope for change. That is to conduct the business efficiently. The business must be same as before e g. Pharmaceutical Company cannot change objects to carry the business of real state.
For the attainment of the objects.
for the improved means of conducting business.
enabling the company to take advantage of new scientific discoveries and inventions.
to enlarge or change the area of operation
to make changes number of shareholders, capital of company, shares, etc.
to make change in status of company i.e. conversion private to public & public to private company.
to restrict or abandoned any objects specified.
to sell or dispose the whole or any part of undertaking.
to amalgamate with any other company or body of person.
to adopt the new process and procedures mentioned in AOA regarding meeting notice,
to carry on some additional or convenient business under the existing circumstance. e.g. School level company converted in to college and school both or in college only.
In a Public company shareholder has right to challenge in court for amendment within 21 days of that change (Section 21(4)), otherwise it is automatically activate.

Change in Procedures

AOA is related to procedures. The amendment is possible regarding the various procedural aspects.
Section 148 - private company which has no annual general meeting, if they passed the unanimous agreement.

Concept and Meaning of Company

Company Law Notes — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 05:41:42 +0000

Definition of a “Company”

A company is a “corporation” – an artificial person created by law.

A human being is a “natural” person.

A company is a “legal” person.

A company thus has legal rights and obligations in the same way that a natural person does.

A corporation under Company law or corporate law is specifically referred to as a “legal person” i.e. as a subject of rights and duties that is capable of owning real property, entering into contracts, and having the ability to sue and be sued in its own name. In other words, a corporation is a juristic person that in most instances is legally treated as a person, and empowered with the attributes to own its own property, execute contracts, as well as ability to sue and be sued.

The term company implies an association of a number of people for some common object(s). It is more complicated form of association; than other type of business enterprise. It consists of large and fluctuate membership requires a more elaborative organization i.e. should recognize that 1st constitute a distinct, legal person subject to legal duties and entitle to legal right separate from those of its member. It is a legal person and is only created by law and dissolved only in accordance to law. It is not true that company implies an association because even a single person can create a company. Thus a company may be established by one or more persons, should be established with the intention of making a profit, should have one or more objectives and there are mention in memorandum.

Company is competent to have a personality and also regarded as a new person capable of bear right & duties after incorporation. Although it is a legal person has no body, no soul or conscience, no physical existence except in the eye of law.

Debenture

Company Law Notes — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 05:41:42 +0000

The term debenture may be defined as a certificate of loan issued by a company which creates an indebtedness of the company. The companies have to borrow the money for their extension or developments.
The companies’ loan requirement may not be met by a single money lender. The loan may have to be split into several units. The most usual form of borrowing loan by a company is issue of debenture. The public is invited to lend money for a fix period at a declared rate of interest to be paid on such money.
Debenture is a credit obtained by company.
Debenture certificate is the special document of proving the loan of company.
Debenture is one of the ways of capital formation of a company.
C.B. Gower has defined debenture as; debenture is a name applied to a certain types of document evidencing an indebtedness which is normally charged, but not necessarily, secured by a charge over property (Davis Paul L, Gower’s Principle of Modern Company Law 4th edition.)
“Debenture is a document given by a company as an evidence of debt to the holder arising out of loan and most commonly secured by a charge’’. Tophan, Topham’s Company Law 13th P. 168
Debenture itself is not a loan but it is an evidence to secure the loan.
Section 2( s )of the Companies Act has defined debenture as ‘’ any bond issued by a company whether putting its assets as collateral or not’’.
The term relating to debenture “debenture trustee ‘’ has been defined in section 2 (t) as a body corporate undertaking the responsibility for the protection of interest of debenture holders at the time of issuance of debentures by a company.’’
Procedures of issuing debenture have been clearly mentioned in section 35 of the Companies Act of Nepal.
Debenture may be converted in to share ( section 35 (4))
Types of debenture
Redeemable debenture; There is a fixed time frame for redeemable debenture. After expiration of a certain time frame company will pay back the loan amount and the debenture will be redeemed.
Irredeemable or perpetual debenture; There is no already fixed time frame to pay the loan amount. This may be for a long period. The loan amount may be repaid only on any contingency event.
Registered Debenture; There are the debentures which are registered in the name of a particular person and are payable to him. The name of registered holder is placed on the debenture certificate and the company’s register of debentures.
Bearer Debenture; these are the debentures which are payable to the bearer (the holder of debenture).
Convertible and nonconvertible debenture; Convertible in to shares and nonconvertible in to shares.