How to increase Authorized share capital of a company
Authorized share capital, also known as nominal capital, is the maximum amount of capital a company is legally permitted to raise through the issuance of shares. This capital is stated in the company's Memorandum of Association (MoA) and can only be increased by following a specific procedure outlined under the Companies Act, 2013.
For companies
seeking to increase their Authorized share capital, it is important to follow a
well-defined legal process. The role of a practising company
secretary, particularly in cities like Coimbatore, becomes crucial in
ensuring the process is carried out smoothly and in compliance with all
applicable regulations.
Why
Increase Authorized Share Capital?
Before delving into
the procedure, let’s first understand the reasons a company might need to
increase its Authorized share capital:
- Business Expansion: A growing company might need additional capital to finance new
projects, infrastructure, or geographical expansion.
- Attracting New Investors: Companies planning to bring in new shareholders or investors will
need to issue more shares, which may require increasing the Authorized share
capital.
- Debt Management: Companies often convert their debt into equity to avoid high
interest rates, requiring them to issue additional shares.
In each of these
scenarios, having a practising company secretary in Coimbatore on board, particularly one experienced in handling
such matters in Coimbatore, can streamline the process.
Key Terms
to Understand
Before proceeding
with the formalities, it’s crucial to understand the key terminologies:
Authorized Capital: The maximum amount of capital a company is allowed
to raise by issuing shares, as specified in the Memorandum of Association
(MoA).
Paid-Up Capital: The portion of the Authorized capital that has
already been issued and paid for by the shareholders.
Issued Capital: The portion of share capital that has been offered
to shareholders for subscription.
Legal
Provisions under the Companies Act, 2013
The process
of increasing the Authorized share capital is governed by Section 61 of the
Companies Act, 2013. As per this section, a company may increase its Authorized
capital only if its Articles of Association (AoA) permit it. If the AoA does
not provide for such an increase, it must first be amended before proceeding.
Step-by-Step Process to Increase Authorized Share Capital
Outlined
below is the detailed process for increasing a company’s Authorized share
capital in accordance with the Companies Act, 2013:
1. Review the
Articles of Association (AoA)
Before
proceeding with any steps, it is crucial to check the company’s AoA. If the AoA
lacks a provision for increasing Authorized share capital, the company must
first amend the AoA by passing a special resolution at a general meeting.
Role of a
Practising Company Secretary:
A practising company
secretary can help the company review the AoA and prepare the required
documents for its amendment.
2. Convene
a Board Meeting
Once the AoA
permits an increase in Authorized capital, the next step is to convene a board
meeting to discuss the proposal.
- Draft a Board Resolution: The company must pass a board resolution to approve the increase
in share capital and call for an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of
shareholders to pass the necessary resolution.
- Set the EGM Date: The date, time, and venue for the EGM should be decided.
Role of a
Practising Company Secretary in Coimbatore:
A practising company
secretary in Coimbatore can help prepare the board resolution and draft
the notice for the EGM.
3. Issue a
Notice for the EGM
The notice for the
EGM must be sent to all shareholders at least 21 days prior to the meeting. The
notice should include:
- The meeting agenda, which includes discussing and passing the
resolution to increase the Authorized share capital.
- The explanatory statement, as mandated by Section 102 of the
Companies Act, 2013.
Role of a
Practising Company Secretary:
A practising
company secretary can help draft and circulate the notice and explanatory
statement in compliance with the Companies Act.
4. Hold the EGM
During the EGM, the
shareholders will discuss the proposal and, if agreed upon, pass an ordinary
resolution to increase the Authorized share capital.
Ordinary Resolution: The resolution must be approved by a simple
majority of the shareholders present and voting during the meeting.
File Form SH-7 with the Registrar of Companies
(RoC).
After the
resolution is passed in the EGM, the company must file Form SH-7 with the RoC
within 30 days from the date of passing the resolution.
- Documents Required:
- Copy of the board resolution.
- Submit a Copy of the ordinary resolution
passed in the EGM.
- Altered MoA (if applicable).
- Filing Fees: The fees for submitting Form SH-7 vary based
on the amount of the increased Authorized share capital.
5.The importance and role of a
Practising Company Secretary in Coimbatore
A practising
company secretary in Coimbatore can help ensure that the form is filed
within the stipulated time frame and that all necessary documents are in order.
6. Alter
the Memorandum of Association (MoA)
If the increase in Authorized
share capital requires an amendment to the MoA, the altered MoA should be
submitted to the RoC as part of Form SH-7.
Post-Increase
Compliance
Once the Authorized
share capital has been increased, the company should comply with the following:
- Updating Statutory Registers: The Company must update its Register of Members, Register of
Shares, and other statutory registers.
- Share Certificates: If new shares are issued as part of the increase in Authorized
capital, share certificates must be provided to the shareholders.
Conclusion
Increasing
the Authorized share capital of a company is a vital step for businesses
looking to expand or raise additional funds. Although the process is relatively
simple, it demands meticulous attention to detail and adherence to the
provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.Engaging the services of a practising
company secretary in Coimbatore can simplify the process and
ensure that all legal and procedural requirements are met. Whether a company is
looking to attract new investors, expand its operations, or convert debt into
equity, increasing Authorized share capital is a critical step toward achieving
these goals.


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