After 50 years of diplomatic ties, India and Singapore to be strategic partners

by | posted in: Corporate Updates, Cross Border Transactions, M&As, Joint Ventures, Economy, Business Updates, Corporate Affairs, India & International - Corporate updates | 0

After almost five decades of having diplomatic ties, India and Singapore will become strategic partners for the first time on Monday.

The partnership will encompass all aspects of bilateral ties from expansion of defence cooperation, enhancement of trade and investment and strengthening of regional relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The decision to sign the Strategic Partnership Agreement with Singapore was taken in August 2014 based on a ‘5S Plank’. Since then both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have been continuously discussing the contours of such a pact as they planned to take their relationship beyond just business and trade.

“It is crucial to have such a pact with Singapore considering its strategic location. Not only will it enhance India’s ‘Look East’ policy, but it will also give India a greater voice in the ASEAN region at large,” an official told BusinessLine.

This is also done keeping in mind the increasing presence of China in that region and the escalation of dispute in the South China Sea region, the official added.

As a result, Modi’s visit to Singapore assumes importance. The pact will be signed with both leaders having a summit-level dialogue where all issues are expected to be discussed, with a special focus on India’s overall strategy in the Indian Ocean region.

“Singapore is an integral part of our Look East Policy and it was announced from there by our former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao. Singapore remains one of our important defence exporters. Besides, they have been trying to act as a bridge between India and China and all these is linked to the entire Indian Ocean strategy that India is now working on,” highlighted Sanjaya Baru, Director for Geo-economics and Strategy, at the London-based International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS).

Recently, at a meeting of the Fourth Joint Commission, which was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan, issues such as maritime cooperation, trade ties and cyber security were discussed. While in Singapore, Modi is also expected to deliver the prestigious ‘Singapore Lecture’ at the Institute of South East Asian Studies.

Singapore has emerged as the second largest source of FDI amounting to $35.9 billion as of June 2015, which is 14 per cent of India’s total FDI inflow. India also has a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement with Singapore with bilateral trade reaching $17.1 billion in 2014-15.

Source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-news/after-50-years-of-diplomatic-ties-india-and-singapore-to-be-strategic-partners/article7906529.ece

Singapore to focus more on economic activities in India: Experts

by | posted in: Corporate & Business Advisory Services, Corporate Updates, Cross Border Transactions, M&As, Joint Ventures, India & International - Corporate updates | 0
“The emphasis would be on working with India in the areas we are good at, including skill development and town planning,” he told PTI in comments on India-Singapore ties ahead of Modi’s visit from November 23.

Singapore will further strengthen its bilateral trade ties with India through the “strategic partnership” the two countries will establish during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit here next week, according to experts.

 

“The strategic partnership means bringing the relationship between the two countries to a higher level. This is likely to be focused on economic activities,” said Gopinath Pillai, Chairman of the Institute of South Asia Studies, a think-tank of the National University of Singapore.

 

“The emphasis would be on working with India in the areas we are good at, including skill development and town planning,” he told PTI in comments on India-Singapore ties ahead of Modi’s visit from November 23.

 

Singapore and India have enjoyed steadfast bilateral relations for the past five decades which were further enhanced under the 2005-Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), a free-trade pact promoting economic and trade activities.

 

Singapore is India’s second largest investor, especially in the power and port sectors.

 

CECA is further being reviewed and would encourage more international investments through Singapore into massive developments taking place in India.

The Indian government has this month further liberalised Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in infrastructure, sending a clear signal of its economic reform programmes, Pillai added.

 

Depending on how the reviewed CECA is positioned, Singapore-based investors remain “gung-ho” on economic prospects in India and will use the treaty to venture into the Indian market, just as Indian companies and businesses are using Singapore as a springboard to spread across Asian markets, including China, he said.

 

The Indian leader’s visit to Singapore is also seen as timely and comes soon after one made by Chinese President Xi Jinping in early November.

 

Singapore, as a signatory to the Trans-Pacific Partnership and as negotiator of the China-led pan-Asian Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, can help India expand into Asia, according to Girija Pande, Executive Chairman of Apex Avalon.

 

Pande also pointed out that, Singapore with its links to the Asian supply chain, can also play an important role in ‘Make in India’ initiative, calling on the Indian Prime Minister to push for more commercial engagement with Singapore and the wider ASEAN region.

 

Singapore and India have many collaborative programmes between schools and colleges.

 

“Students from Singapore often visit Indian schools to get better understanding of the Indian communities and study approaches and vice versa,” he said.

 

Source:  http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/49857019.cms

Want to partner India in smart cities: Huawei

by | posted in: Corporate & Business Advisory Services, Corporate Updates, Cross Border Transactions, M&As, Joint Ventures, Economy, Business Updates, Corporate Affairs, India & International - Corporate updates | 0

Chinese technology major Huawei wants to partner India in helping it build Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure for the development of smart cities, a senior company executive said at the Huawei Innovation Day Asia, co-hosted with National University of Singapore, here last week.

 

The Centre has already announced the list of 100 cities which it plans to make ‘smart’ by providing efficient physical, social, institutional and economic infrastructure. The government has defined a smart city in the Indian context as a city that provides a decent quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable environment, and supports the application of smart solutions.

 

“We will be able to help India build ICT infrastructure including wireless systems and the computing platforms for the smart cities,” said Joe So, Huawei’s chief technology officer for Industry Solutions at the company’s Shenzhen head office.

 

“We can help build the inter-dependency of the Indian system,” So said, stressing on Huawei’s strength in building ICT infrastructure.

 

Noting the similarities between India and China, especially in view of the huge population in their major cities, So said India’s smart cities should also adopt ICT. So pointed out the use of ICT in Chinese cities has helped reduce crime rates significantly. The Indian smart cities could also use ICT for similar use, said So at the Huawei Innovation Day Asia.

Elaborating, So said India would not be able to have one plan for building 100 smart cities as the country’s major regions are different from one another. Each city must be planned based on its structure and people’s needs such as New Delhi being a government and agencies centre and Mumbai being a commercial hub.

Addressing the Innovation Day Asia, Singapore’s minister for trade and industry S Iswaran said, “The ICT innovation will have a profound impact on the nature of jobs, the viability of business models, and the structure of economies.” Citing the Asian Development Bank’s figures, Iswaran said the continent’s urban population grew by 44 million every year and the Asian nations had to concern themselves with their citizen’s growing expectations for more efficient government services, as well as ensure environmental sustainability.

So said he’ll be highlighting Huawei’s technologies for India, its second largest market outside China, at the Smart-Safe City conference in Bangalore on December 19.

The company also announced its vision for the next generation of the smartphone: The “superphone”, and said it will be developed by 2020.
Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/49798484.cms

 

India, Japan sign action plan to double investments in 5-years

by | posted in: Corporate Updates, Cross Border Transactions, M&As, Joint Ventures, Economy, Business Updates, Corporate Affairs, India & International - Corporate updates | 0

The governments of India and Japan signed an agreement on Thursday for doubling of Japanese investment into Indian firms in the next five years, and  boosting two-way trade. The signatories were Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Japan’s minister for economy, trade and industry, Yoichi Miyazawa.

The plan was categorised into five broad areas: development of selected townships in India, promotion of investment and infrastructure development, further development and cooperation in information technology, enhancing cooperation in strategic sectors and Asia-Pacific economic integration.

Signing of the action plan is seen “as a step further in improving the trade relationship between India and Japan as a follow-up of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan last year,” stated a release quoting Miyazawa.

According to Sitharaman, the agenda was in line with PM’s Make in India plan that will further investments from Japan into the country’s manufacturing sector.

Last year, the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion under the ministry of commerce and industry had set up a mechanism to fast-track Japanese investments named ‘Japan Plus.’

During Modi’s visit, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had set a target of 3.5 trillion yen ($33.5 billion) of public and private investment and financing from Japan including official development assistance to India to be made over five years. There are already 1,209 Japanese firms operating in India out of which 137 have started their operations after October 2013.

Japan is the fourth largest foreign direct investment (FDI) contributor to India, with major interests in pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and services sectors accounting for 7.46 per cent of total FDI equity inflows into India. During April 2000-November 2014, FDI from Japan into India stood at $17.55 billion.

Under the Tokyo Declaration for Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership, Modi and Abe have set a target of doubling Japanese FDI and the number of Japanese firms in India by 2019.

Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/india-japan-sign-action-plan-to-double-investments-in-5-years-115043000401_1.html

Incorporation of Companies under Companies Act, 2013

by | posted in: Company Incorporations, e-filing of MCA Returns, Corporate & Business Advisory Services, Corporate Updates | 0
Steps for Incorporation of company under Companies Act, 2013

 

  1. Obtaining Digital Signature Certificate

For the Directors of the company, we have to obtain the Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).

For the DSC, the following documents are required:

  • For Indian Nationals: PAN Card (mandatory) and Voter’s identity card or Passport copy or Driving License copy
  • For Foreign nationals and Non Resident Indians: Passport Residential proof such as Bank Statement, Electricity Bill, Telephone / Mobile Bill; Provided that Bank statement Electricity bill, Telephone or Mobile bill shall not be more than two months old. Foreign director’s specimen signature and latest photograph duly verified by the banker or notary.
  1. Obtaining Director Identification No. (DIN)

Application in Form DIR-3 is to be e-filed for getting the Director Identification Number for all the proposed directors.

  1. Application for Reservation of Name

Application in Form INC -1 to be e-filed for the proposed company, giving 5-6 options of the main name with combination of coined words. The same shall be reserved for a period of 60 days.

  1. Drafting of Memorandum of Association

The main lines of business to be pursued on formation of the company to be mentioned. The secondary or incidental objects also to be furnished.

  1. Drafting of Articles of Association

The bye-laws of the company to be drafted as Articles of Association in line with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.

  1. Filing Incorporation Form

The e-filing of Form No. INC.7 to be made alongwith,

(a) The Memorandum and Articles of the company duly signed by all subscribers;

(b)   A declaration in Form No.INC.8 by an advocate or Practicing professional (CA, CS, CA) who is engaged in incorporation, and a person named as Director, Manager or Secretary, that all requirements related to incorporation has been complied with;

(c)   An affidavit in Form No. INC.9 from each subscriber and from each person named as first director in the articles that, he is not convicted of any offence in connection with promotion, formation or management of any company, he is not been found guilty of any fraud or misfeasance or of any breach of duty to any company during preceding five years, and all the documents filed with the Registrar contain correct, complete and true information to the best of his knowledge and belief;

(d)  The address for correspondence till its registered office is established;

(e)  The particulars of every subscribers along with proof of identity;

(f)   The Particulars of first directors along with proof of identity; and

(g)  The particulars of interests of first directors in other firms or bodies corporate along with their consent to act as directors.

 

  1. Registered Office to be established

A company shall have a registered office within 15 days of Incorporation and it shall file Form No.INC.22 to verify the same.

Thus all the documents can be filed on-line to incorporate the company.

As initiative of ease of doing business, incorporation can be done through e-filing of single integrated Form 29, as well.

Valuation of Business under DCF Method

by | posted in: Accounting Standards, Audit, Due Diligence, Corporate & Business Advisory Services, Corporate Updates | 0

Valuation of Business under DCF Method

Valuation of enterprise is a complex assessment of the intrinsic value of a business enterprise, based on the strength of historic performance, present value and the future potential taking various factors in to account. Hence, the valuation of a business enterprise is both an art and a science. There are broadly three approaches to valuation, namely, Net Asset Approach, Income Approach and Market Approach.

First one is based on Net Assets of the enterprise, viz., the value of the Total Assets as per the Audited Balance Sheet less the Total Liabilities.

Second one is based on the income of the enterprise, viz., EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Depreciation and Amortization).

Third one is the market approach, factoring both of the above and the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) of future earning potential of the business enterprise.

DCF method is recommended as the most appropriate method for valuation of most business enterprises, including start-ups and RBI acknowledges internationally accepted pricing methodology for valuation of shares. SEBI and other bodies also recognize the DCF method as acceptable method of valuation. An illustrative report of valuation on the basis of the DCF Method is given below for the information of the readers.

Valuation of Business of ATL Networks Limited

Background Information:

ATL Networks Limited is a leading telecom infrastructure and service provider with world class path breaking Optic Fiber Technology FTTH (Fiber-to-the-home). ATL Fiber Network offers the High speed Internet access and plethora of services. ATL Networks offers the most advanced technology of delivering the Internet at unbeatable prices.

Valuation Analysis Date:

As represented by the Management, we have taken note of the developments that have happened between Financial Years 2013-14 and 2014-15 and till May 15, 2015, which may have significant impact on the valuation of the entity. Hence, for the focus of valuation of our analysis, we have considered the valuation date to be 23 May 2015. The Management of ATL Networks Limited have provided us the Historical Financials till March 2015 and the provisional till May 15, 2015 and the Projected Consolidated Financials from 2015-16 for the next 10 years.

Valuation Analysis Methodology:

For the purpose of Valuation of business entity, we have used the guidelines as per the Accounting Standards and the latest amended pricing guidelines under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, Regulations issued by Reserve Bank of India as on May 4th 2010.

The Valuation Method suggested by these latest amended guidelines for valuation of business of an unlisted Company is Discounted Cash Flow method.

Discounted Cash Flow Method (DCF):

“The DCF method uses the Future Free Cash Flows of the Company (FFCFC) or equity holders discounted by Cost of Capital/Cost of Equity respectively to arrive at the present value. In General, the DCF method is strong and widely accepted valuation tool, as it concentrates on cash generation potential of a business.

Valuation Analysis:

As per the FEMA Regulations, we have considered the DCF method for valuation of ATL Networks Limited.

The Future Free Cash Flows to the Company, FFCFC have been calculated based on the financial projections for the period from 2015 to 2025 as provided by the Management. Based on the discussions, we understand that a heavy capital expenditure would be required in the initial years and the revenue will be dependent on the initial capacity building. The Company will break even only after 18 months.

The future growth percentage is promising based on market penetration solely in the Telecom Industry, in particular the growth in the broadband connections. Hence, the growth in the domestic market & competition in the domestic market alone is factored in the above valuation analysis.

Discounting Factor:

The Discounting Factor considered for arriving at the present value of free cash flows to the company is weighted average cost of capital. The cost of debt is post tax interest cost for debt and cost of equity is calculated based on Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM). We have considered domestic comparable companies to calculate the Beta utilized in the CAPM model to estimate the Cost of Equity.

Valuation of ATL Networks Limited using DCF method:

Under DCF Method, the sum of Present Value of Free Cash Flows of the entity in the explicit period is arrived at in Annexure – A. ATL Networks Limited, being an unlisted company and a company of moderate size, a liquidity discount and size of discount of 10% has been applied to derive the fair value of future earnings / cash flows.

Based on the method discussed above and subject to the assumptions and limitations stated separately in the annexure to the report and in our engagement letter, we have calculated the valuation of the business entity under the DCF Method of Valuation.

Sources of information

The valuation analysis is based on a review of the documentation provided by the Management. The sources of information include:

  1. Foreign Exchange Management Regulations 2000
  2. Audited consolidated financials for the period up to 31.03. 2015
  3. Provisional financial statement of the company as on 15.05.2015
  4. Projected financials received from the client for the 10 years from 2015-16
  5. Other industry related information from the World Wide Web and various publicly available sources, etc.
  6. Discussions with the Management of ATL Networks Limited
  7. Information from financial publications on Telecom industries, some of which are listed below.

 

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-11-10/news/55955622_1_digital-india-broadband-growth-google-india

http://www.nextbigwhat.com/broadband-penetration-in-india-in-2012-297/

http://www.ibef.org/industry/telecommunications.aspx

http://www.trai.gov.in/WriteReadData/ConsultationPaper/Document/4.pdf

Caveats

Provision of valuation recommendations and considerations of issues described herein are the areas of our regular corporate advisory practice. The services do not represent accounting, audit and financial due diligence review, consulting, transfer pricing or domestic tax related services that may otherwise be provided by us as Chartered Accountants. We have relied on explanation and information provided by the management and accepted their information provided to us as accurate. Although we have reviewed such data for consistency and reasonableness, we have not independently investigated or otherwise verified the data provided. Therefore, we assume no liability for the accuracy of the data. The valuation analysis recommendation contain herein is not intended to represent the value at anytime other than the date of this report. We have no present or planned future interest in either the company or its subsidiaries if any, and the fee for this report is not contingent upon the value reported herein. Our valuation analysis should not be construed as investment advice, specifically we do not express any opinion on the suitability or other wise of entering into this consolidation of business transaction.

Distribution of report:

The valuation analysis is confidential and has been prepared exclusively for the management of ATL Networks Limited for Company Law requirements in India. It should not be used, reproduced or circulated in whole or in part, without the consent of the undersigned to any other person and any other purpose other than mentioned earlier in this report.

 

Sd/-

For Sundar.K. F.C.A., A.C.S.,

Chartered Accountants