
Market regulator Securities and Trade Board of India (Sebi) has cancelled the SME IPO of Trafiksol ITS Applied sciences and requested the corporate to refund the cash to the buyers for alleged questionable dealings with a ‘shell entity’.
The IPO which was open for subscription between September 10 and 12, 2024 oversubscribed 345.65 instances. The problem was priced on the higher finish of the worth band (Rs 70 per share) and Rs 44.87 crore was raised via the problem.
After the closure of the problem and allotment of shares, a grievance was acquired by SEBI and BSE from the Small Buyers’ Welfare Affiliation – SIREN which alleged that the objects of the problem by the corporate included buy of software program valued at Rs 17.70 crore from a vendor which had questionable financials and didn’t file its annual monetary statements with the Ministry of Company Affairs. The BSE then in session with the SEBI deferred the itemizing of the shares of the corporate.
“Primarily based on the findings, it’s affordable to conclude that the third-party vendor (TPV) in query is a ‘shell entity’. The TPV’s workplace was discovered locked throughout a website inspection, and its monetary statements for FY22 to FY24, submitted in response to allegations, have been obtained underneath questionable circumstances because it was signed by the auditor on similar day it was submitted to the BSE by the MB (service provider banker),” Sebi mentioned in its 16-page order.
This was in the future after BSE in session with Sebi placed on maintain the itemizing of the shares of the corporate and initiated an examination. “Additional, the consumer checklist and credentials of its administrators, offered in its profile, have been fabricated. Aside from the above, the ex-director’s sworn assertion that the corporate was offered for a nominal sum of Rs. 20,000 reinforces the conclusion that the TPV lacked the technical experience and operational capability to execute a posh undertaking equivalent to ICCC software program,” Sebi mentioned.
Additional, the consumer checklist and credentials of its administrators, offered in its profile, have been fabricated. Aside from the above, the ex-director’s sworn assertion that the corporate was offered for a nominal sum of Rs 20,000 reinforces the conclusion that the TPV lacked the technical experience and operational capability to execute a posh undertaking equivalent to ICCC software program, Sebi order mentioned.
“The query of whether or not the citation from the TPV was a part of a scheme to divert IPO proceeds will stay moot as a result of occasions triggered by the grievance and subsequent regulatory intervention. This, nonetheless, doesn’t take away the truth that the corporate relied on a sham entity and took part in a cover-up when the credentials of the TPV have been being examined,” Sebi mentioned.
“I can not additionally lose sight of the truth that the funds of the buyers who’ve been allotted shares within the IPO have remained locked-in for shut to 3 months now. Subsequently, the problem can’t be placed on maintain until the opposite findings of the Investigation are adjudicated,” Sebi Wholetime Director Ashwani Bhatia mentioned within the order. Balancing these concerns, essentially the most prudent plan of action is to direct the corporate to refund the cash raised via the IPO, Sebi mentioned.
The corporate could strategy the market afresh after the continued proceedings initiated by SEBI are concluded and topic to any instructions issued therein, it mentioned.
Included in March 2018, Noida-based Trafiksol says it gives complete options for clever transportation techniques and automation, together with software program growth, consultancy and provide companies. “Our choices embody ready-made and customised software program options, working techniques, enterprise functions, and laptop video games throughout all platforms,” it mentioned within the IPO prospectus. Jitendra Narayan Das is the chairman and MD of the corporate.
The corporate made a income of Rs 65.81 crore and a internet revenue of Rs 12.01 crore for FY2024.
The first market had witnessed a flood of SME IPOs with oversubscription of as much as 2,000 instances in a single occasion and big itemizing premium within the current months. This had prompted many small entities to go for SME IPOs, forcing the Sebi and exchanges to tighten the SME IPO norms.