Congress launches fresh attack on Sebi chief Buch over rental income

Congress launches fresh attack on Sebi chief Buch over rental income


Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch (File Photo: PTI)


The Congress party on Friday levelled fresh allegations against chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) Madhabi Puri Buch, claiming that she received rental income from an entity affiliated with a company the market regulator was probing for various violations, including insider trading.


The opposition party said that in the last six financial years – between FY19 and FY24 – Buch earned a total rental income of Rs 2.16 crore from Carol Info Services, a company linked to Wockhardt that Sebi has been involved with in various cases. Buch was a whole-time member (WTM) with Sebi between April 2017 and October 2021 and took charge as its chief in March 2022.

 


The Congress accused Buch of maintaining this financial relationship while overseeing Sebi’s investigation into Wockhardt and claimed that it constituted a conflict of interest.


Neither the market regulator nor Buch have responded to the latest allegations leveled by Congress.


“Previous Sebi chairpersons have gone to great lengths to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest, both in their roles at Sebi and in their previous positions…In contrast, Ms Buch merely transferred her investments to her spouse, which raises concerns about credibility,” it said.


Shares of Wockhardt hit a lower circuit of 5 per cent, closing at Rs 1,035 apiece on Friday, amid the allegations against Buch.


“We categorically deny these allegations and state that these are completely baseless and misleading. The company has acted and continues to act in compliance with all applicable laws,” said Wochkardt in an exchange filing on Friday.


The four orders cited by the Congress party, including two settlement orders, are from March 2023 and July 2023.  


In one of the settlement orders, Wochardt paid Rs 27 lakh in February 2023 to Sebi as recommended by a high-powered advisory committee of the market regulator.


The second settlement order was issued in May 2023, where Wockhardt paid Rs 36.7 lakh as the settlement amount.


However, the other two orders the Congress party mentioned in its release pertain to the same matter. The orders were issued at different stages of the probe. The noticees were executives of Wockhardt, who were accused of insider trading.


Sebi had ordered a disgorgement of Rs 14.23 lakh along with 4 per cent interest for the previous 10 years on a former executive of Wockhardt for flouting insider trading norms. In the order dated July 31, 2023, the executive was also debarred from the securities market.


“Was her appointment cleared on the condition that she could maintain her previous financial relationships, provided she acted in line with the wishes of the prime minister and his close associates?” the party asked.


This is the third attack from the Opposition on the Sebi chief in a series of ‘revelations’ on her income and alleged associations.


Earlier this week, the Congress party raised questions on the alleged payments and ESOPs to Buch from her former employer ICICI Bank, both in terms of the amount and the frequency of payouts.


The private lender denied those claims, saying Buch was not paid a salary or granted any ESOPs after her retirement in October 2013.


The bank added that its employees had the choice to exercise their ESOPs anytime up to a period of 10 years from the date of vesting.


Buch found herself in the eye of a storm this week. After the Congress’ conflict of interest claims, Zee Entertainment promoter Subhash Chandra (who is being probed for diversion of funds) leveled allegations of ‘corruption’ against her. A group of Sebi employees also protested on Thursday, demanding her resignation.


The Congress’ fresh allegations came days after Hindenburg Research launched a fresh broadside against Buch, alleging that she and her husband had stakes in obscure offshore funds used in the alleged Adani money siphoning scandal.


Buch has rejected the allegations as “baseless” and asserted that she had made all disclosures and adhered to a recusal list.


Adani group had also termed the allegations malicious and manipulative of select public information, saying it had no commercial relationship with the Sebi chairperson or her husband.

First Published: Sep 06 2024 | 5:26 PM IST



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Shree Tirupati Balajee Agro IPO subscribed 18.16 times

Shree Tirupati Balajee Agro IPO subscribed 18.16 times


The offer received bids for 25.98 crore shares as against 1.43 crore shares on offer.

The initial public offer (IPO) of Shree Tirupati Balajee Agro Trading Company received 25,98,48,180 bids for shares as against 1,43,08,000 shares on offer, according to stock exchange data at 17:00 IST on Friday (6 September 2024). The issue was subscribed 18.16 times.

The issue opened for bidding on Thursday (5 September 2024) and it will close on Monday (9 September 2024). The price band of the IPO was fixed between Rs 78 to 83 per share. An investor can bid for a minimum of 180 equity shares and in multiples thereof.

 

The IPO comprises fresh issue of equity shares worth up to Rs 122.42 crore and an offer for sale of 56,90,000 equity shares aggregating up to Rs 47.22 crore by existing shareholders.

The company proposes to utilize the net proceeds from the fresh issue towards repayment and/or prepayment, in part or full, of certain of its outstanding borrowings availed by the company. Investment in its subsidiaries HPPL, STBFL and JPPL for repayment and/or prepayment, in part or full, of certain of outstanding borrowings availed.

Further, the firm will also utilize the proceeds for funding the incremental working capital requirements of the company; investment in its subsidiaries HPPL, STBFL and JPPL for funding working capital requirements and general corporate purposes.

Ahead of the IPO, Shree Tirupati Balajee Agro Trading Company on Wednesday, 4 September 2024, raised Rs 50.89 crore from anchor investors. The board allotted 61.32 lakh shares at Rs 83 each to 6 anchor investors.

Shree Tirupati Balajee Agro Trading Company is engaged in the business of manufacturing and selling of Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs) i.e. large flexible bags and other industrial packaging products such as woven sacks, woven fabric and narrow fabric, tapes in the Indian domestic market and overseas.

The company offer customised products and cater to the bulk packaging solutions of our clients from diverse industries like chemicals, agrochemicals, food mining, waste disposal industry, agriculture industry, lubricants and edible oil by supplying them our FIBC products for transportation purposes and their packaging requirement. It provides a labor-saving alternative for packaging and transportation, making loading and unloading of vessels, containers, or trucks more efficient.

The company has the largest retail footprint in Eastern India compared to other listed value retailers in Fiscal 2024. As of 31 March 2024, it operated 162 stores across more than 1.47 million square feet in 146 cities. The majority of its stores are operated under the brand name Style Bazaar.

The firm reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 36.07 crore and revenue from operations of Rs 539.66 crore for the twelve months ended on 31 March 2024.

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First Published: Sep 06 2024 | 5:21 PM IST



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INR settles marginally higher amid weak greenback overseas


The Indian rupee gained 2 paise to close at 83.95 (provisional) against the US dollar on Friday amid a weak greenback in overseas markets. The US dollar index slipped to a one-week low on Friday as investors brace for US jobs data scheduled to be released later in the global day. The yield on the benchmark ten-year note, which moves opposite of its price, decreased by 3.7 basis points to 3.731 percent, its lowest closing level in over a year. The dollar index also stayed cautiously lower below 101 mark, drifting lower for the third straight day and currently at 100.90, down 0.17% on the day. However, negative domestic markets, rise in crude oil prices, and outflow of foreign capital capped sharp gains. The benchmark S&P/BSE Sensex fell 1,017.23 points, or 1.24 percent, to 81,183.93 on profit taking after reaching record levels in recent sessions. The broader NSE Nifty index fell by 292.95 points, or 1.17 percent, to 24,852.15. At the interbank currency market, the local unit opened at 83.97 and witnessed an intra-day high of 83.91 against the American currency.

 

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First Published: Sep 06 2024 | 5:19 PM IST



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Shree Tirupati Balajee Agro IPO subscribed 18.16 times

Sensex tanks 1017 pts, Nifty ends below 24,900 as US jobs data looms


Domestic equity market experienced a sharp decline on Friday, mirroring a broader sell-off in global markets. Investors were cautious ahead of the release of crucial US jobs data later in the day, which could significantly impact the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions.

The Nifty 50 index closed below the 24,900 level, reversing from an earlier intraday high of 25,168.75. The sell-off was widespread, with banking and energy sectors bearing the brunt of the decline.

The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, tanked 1,017.23 points or 1.24% to 81,183.93. The Nifty 50 index dropped 292.95 points or 1.17% to 24,852.15.

 

State Bank of India (down 4.40%), ICICI Bank (down 2.09%) and Reliance Industries (down 1.92%) were major drags.

In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index fell 1.41% and the S&P BSE Small-Cap index declined 0.96%.

The market breadth was weak. On the BSE, 1,403 shares rose and 2,544 shares fell. A total of 87 shares were unchanged.

The NSE’s India VIX, a gauge of the market’s expectation of volatility over the near term, surged 6.49% to 15.13.

Numbers to Track:

The yield on India’s 10-year benchmark federal advanced 1.69% to 6.971 as compared with previous close 6.969.

In the foreign exchange market, the rupee edged higher against the dollar. The partially convertible rupee was hovering at 83.9600, compared with its close of 83.9700 during the previous trading session.

MCX Gold futures for 4 October 2024 settlement added 0.11% to Rs 71,997.

The US Dollar index (DXY), which tracks the greenback’s value against a basket of currencies, was down 0.12% to 100.99.

The United States 10-year bond yield fell 0.92% to 3.698.

In the commodities market, Brent crude for November 2024 settlement added 16 cents or 0.22% to $72.85 a barrel.

Global Markets:

The Dow Jones index futures were down 145 points, indicating a weak opening in the US stocks today.

Shares in Europe and Asia declined on Friday as investors shifted their focus to the upcoming U.S. payrolls report. The report is expected to shed light on the potential magnitude of a rate cut by the Federal Reserve later this month.

Japans household spending data for July rose 0.1% in real terms from the previous year as compared to a 1.4% fall in June. Data from the Japans statistics bureau said the average household monthly expenditure for July 2024 was 290,931 yen ($2,031.35), up 3.3% in nominal terms from the previous year.

Overnight in the U.S., all three major indexes declined amid ongoing concerns about the economic outlook. The S&P 500 fell by 0.3%, extending its losing streak to three days, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.54%. However, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite managed a modest gain of 0.25%.

Adding to the economic uncertainty, ADP reported that private sector job growth in August was the weakest in over three and a half years. Companies hired only 99,000 workers, falling short of both the downwardly revised July figure and market expectations. This marked the weakest month for job growth since January 2021, according to data from the payrolls processing firm.

Stocks in Spotlight:

Godfrey Phillips India surged 12.69% after its board scheduled to meet on Friday, 20 September 2024 to consider the issue of 2 bonus equity shares for every 1 existing equity share (2:1) by capitalization of reserves.

Vodafone Idea slumped 11.46% to Rs 13.36 after the foreign broker forecasted a potential downside of over 80% for the telecom stock. The foreign broker has maintained a Sell rating on Vodafone Idea, revising its target price marginally upward to Rs 2.50 per share from Rs 2.20 previously.

Angel One slipped 3.65%. The company announced that its client base jumped 62.9% to 26.65 million in August 2024 as against 16.36 million recorded in August 2023.

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories shed 0.42%. The pharma major announced that it has received the establishment inspection report (EIR) from the United States Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) for its API manufacturing facility (CTO-6) in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh.

VA Tech Wabag added 1.74% after the company announced that it has bagged a mega order worth $317 million (approximately Rs 2,700 crore) from the Saudi Water Authority (SWA).

L&T Finance slipped 3.08%. The company said that it has allotted 17,500 listed, secured, rated, redeemable, non-convertible debentures having face value of Rs 1 lakh each, aggregating to Rs 175 crore, through private placement basis.

Matrimony.com shed 0.4% to Rs 800.90. The matchmaking services provider announced that its board has approved a share buyback of up to Rs 72 crore at a price of Rs 1,025 per equity share through tender offer route.

Strides Pharma Science advanced 1.11% after its step-down wholly owned subsidiary, Strides Pharma Global Pte, Singapore, received US Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) approval for Theophylline Extended-Release tablets.

New Listing:

Shares of Baazar Style Retail closed at Rs 399.65 on the BSE, a premium of 2.74% as compared with the issue price of Rs 389.

The scrip was listed at Rs 389, matching the issue price. The stock has hit a high of 430.95 and a low of 378.15. On the BSE, over 22.30 lakh shares of the company were traded in the counter.

IPO Update:

The initial public offer (IPO) of Shree Tirupati Balajee Agro Trading Company received 25,98,48,180 bids for shares as against 1,43,08,000 shares on offer, according to stock exchange data at 17:00 IST on Friday (6 September 2024). The issue was subscribed 18.16 times.

The issue opened for bidding on Thursday (5 September 2024) and it will close on Monday (9 September 2024). The price band of the IPO is fixed between Rs 78 to 83 per share. An investor can bid for a minimum of 180 equity shares and in multiples thereof.

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Shree Tirupati Balajee Agro IPO subscribed 18.16 times

Nifty September futures trade at premium


NSE India VIX rallied 6.49% to 15.13.

The Nifty September 2024 futures closed at 24,909.40, a premium of 57.52 points compared with the Nifty’s closing 24,852.15 in the cash market.

In the cash market, the Nifty 50 dropped 292.95 points or 1.17% to 24,852.15.

The NSE’s India VIX, a gauge of the market’s expectation of volatility over the near term, rallied 6.49% to 15.13.

State Bank of India, Reliance Industries and were HDFC Bank the top traded individual stock futures contracts in F&O segment of NSE.

The September 2024 F&O contracts will expire on 26 September 2024.

 

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First Published: Sep 06 2024 | 4:29 PM IST



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Wockhardt falls 5% after Congress alleges Sebi head of conflict of interest

Wockhardt falls 5% after Congress alleges Sebi head of conflict of interest


Mumbai: Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch speaks during the ‘Annual Capital Markets Conference 2024’, in Mumbai, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. (Photo: PTI)


Wockhardt share price ended 5 per cent lower at Rs 1,034.60 per share on the BSE on Friday. This came after the Congress party accused Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch of a conflict of interest involving the pharmaceutical firm Wockhardt.


The Congress alleged that Buch received rental income from an entity affiliated with a Mumbai-based pharma firm under investigation by Sebi for various cases, including insider trading.


Congress has accused Sebi chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch of a conflict of interest involving Wockhardt Ltd.


Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, in a press conference today, said that Buch, who became a Whole Time Member of SEBI in 2018, rented out one of her properties to Carol Info Services Limited—a company affiliated with Wockhardt. The rent from this property increased significantly, from Rs 7 lakh in 2018-19 to Rs 46 lakh in the current year.

 


“Madhabi P. Buch received Rental Income from an entity affiliated with a company that Sebi was investigating for various cases including that of insider trading. Between 2018-2024, Ms. Madhabi P. Buch as a Whole Time Member and later as the Chairperson of SEBI had been receiving rental income amounting to Rs. 2.16 crores from ‘Carol Info Services Limited,” an official press release by the Congress party said.


Established in 1979, Carol Info Services Limited (CISL) is promoted by the Wockhardt group, based in Mumbai. The group is led by Dr Habil Khorakiwala, Chairman of the Wockhardt Group. CISL is 92 per cent owned by Khorakiwala Holdings and Investments Private Limited (KHIPL).


The Congress party claimed that Sebi has been handling multiple cases related to Wockhardt, including insider trading. He labelled the situation as “corruption,” questioning the ethical and legal correctness of Buch’s actions, noting that she has received over Rs 2.16 crore in rent from the company over a period of the past six years.


“This is an outright case of corruption that invokes conflict of interest violating Section 4, 7, & 8 of SEBI’s 2008 Code on Conflict of Interests for Members of Board,” the political party stated in its press release.


In support, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised the collapse of transparency and integrity at Sebi, highlighting the need for better regulatory oversight.


Earlier this week, ICICI Bank had clarified that it had not paid any salary or granted any ESOPs to Buch after her retirement on October 31, 2013, contrary to the Congress’s allegations.


The bank confirmed that Buch received her compensation, including salary, retiral benefits, bonus, and ESOPs, in accordance with the bank’s policies. The ESOPs, according to the bank, had a vesting period extending up to 10 years from the date of allotment.

First Published: Sep 06 2024 | 4:28 PM IST



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