NCLAT Approves Merger of Indiabulls Real Estate and Embassy Group, Forming a Pan-India Real Estate Giant
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has cleared the way for the merger between Indiabulls Real Estate Limited (IBREL) and Embassy Group. The approval from NCLAT comes as a major relief to both Indiabulls and Embassy Group after the Chandigarh bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) had earlier blocked the merger in May 2023.
The merger, which was initially delayed for nearly 18 months, had already received approval from various regulatory bodies, including the Competition Commission of India (CCI), stock exchanges, and shareholders. However, the NCLT had rejected the merger due to objections raised by the Income Tax Department concerning the valuation and swap ratio of shares. The tax department had expressed concerns over the methodology used to value the companies involved, as well as discrepancies in the valuation process. The NCLAT, however, overturned the NCLT’s decision, ruling that the valuation done by experts using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) method was valid. This method is widely recognised in the industry for its accuracy in determining the value of shares. The NCLAT also observed that the objections raised by the Income Tax Department had been addressed, as the profit-sharing ratio of the joint venture partner in the Cornerstone Project had been revised to ensure consistency in the project’s cash flow.
The NCLAT’s decision is seen as a win for the companies involved, especially as it marks the end of a prolonged legal battle. Indiabulls Real Estate, now operating under the name Equinox India Developments, had sought approval for the amalgamation with two other companies – NAM Estates and Embassy One Commercial Property Developments (EOCPDPL). The merger aims to create a stronger, Pan-India real estate entity with a robust presence in both North and South India. Commenting on the ruling, a spokesperson for Indiabulls Real Estate expressed satisfaction with the NCLAT’s decision, stating that it would help create a stronger, more competitive real estate player. The merger would facilitate the expansion of the group’s footprint across the country, leveraging both its existing operations and the new assets brought in through the merger. From a public perspective, the merger has been widely supported as a strategic move that will create synergies across both regions. Real estate experts believe that the merged entity will be better positioned to compete with other major players in the market, particularly given the scale of the new, diversified portfolio of assets.
The ruling by the NCLAT also serves as a reminder of the challenges companies face when navigating regulatory approvals and valuations during mergers and acquisitions. While the merger has now been cleared, it highlights the importance of due diligence and transparency in corporate transactions, especially when it involves multiple stakeholders and regulatory bodies. This development is expected to benefit shareholders, employees, and stakeholders of all three companies involved. The merger will allow for improved operational efficiencies, better access to capital, and a more extensive portfolio of commercial and residential properties across India. The NCLAT’s decision is a critical milestone for the real estate industry, reinforcing the regulatory framework that governs mergers and acquisitions. It also marks the beginning of a new chapter for Indiabulls Real Estate and Embassy Group, as they combine forces to create a stronger Pan-India real estate player capable of taking on the challenges of an ever-evolving market.
