Directors’ independence
Directors’ independence has been a key focus of the Securities Commission Malaysia (“𝗦𝗖”) and Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (“𝗕𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗮”) lately as can be seen from the following amendments or proposed amendments: 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 (“𝗠𝗖𝗖𝗚”) The SC issued the revised MCCG on 28 April 2021 which took effect …
Shareholders loan-foreign exchange rules
It is common for shareholders to provide loan, which is also sometimes called shareholder’s advance, to a company for its funding requirements. The terms of such loan are sometimes set out in shareholders’ agreement. Where the loan is provided by non-resident shareholders, the foreign exchange policy issued by Bank Negara …
The Malaysian IPO market has evolved over the years
On 3 August 2009, the Main Board and Second Board of Bursa Malaysia were merged into a single unified board, which is now known as the Main Market, for established companies. On the same date, the Mesdaq Market, which was for technology-based companies, was replaced by an alternative market now …
Things to take note for shareholders’ agreement
1. Save for in the case of a company having only one member, two members personally present at a general meeting or by proxy shall be a quorum unless a higher number is specified in the constitution (Section 328, Companies Act 2016 (“CA”)). In the case of a company with …
Director sourcing of PLCs
Under the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance (“MCCG”), one of the intended outcomes is for board decisions to be made objectively in the best interests of the company taking into account diverse perspectives and insights. To achieve this outcome, one of the best practices provided under the MCCG is for the board to utilise independent sources …
When is your “Business Day”?
The definition section in commercial agreements usually includes “Business Day” as a defined term. A typical definition for “Business Day” reads as follows: “Business Day” means a day on which commercial banks are generally open for business in [insert state or country] for transaction of normal business (excluding Saturdays, [Sundays] …
Common scenario in IPO
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗣𝗢 X is a director and shareholder of Company A as well as Company B. Company A intends to undertake an IPO and a listing exercise. Company A enters into an agreement (“𝗦𝗣𝗔”) with X and other shareholders of Company B to acquire all the shares of …
Checklist for preparing members’ written resolution
1. Is the members’ written resolution for a private company? A public company (whether listed or not) cannot pass a resolution of members by way of written resolution. 2. Should the matter set out in the members’ written resolution be an ordinary resolution or a special resolution? Check the requirements …
Considerations for share capital reduction
A company may reduce its share capital by either of the following methods unless provided otherwise in its constitution: (i) A special resolution and confirmation by the Court (“Court Confirmation Procedure“); or (ii) A special resolution supported by a solvency statement in accordance with section 117 of the Companies Act …
Indirect interest in IPO
The Prospectus Guidelines require disclosure of the principal business activities performed by directors, key senior management and key technical personnel (each a “Relevant Person”) of a corporation which intends to be listed on Bursa Malaysia (Listco), outside the Listco. Typically, there is a column for disclosure of their indirect shareholding or indirect equity interest in corporations outside the Listco, …