Product Overview

In March 2021, Nayan Parikh & Consultants (NPC) has to decide how to recover the loan that it had extended to Shrenikbhai Vimawala, Chairman and Managing Director, Shrenik Limited against a pledge of Shrenik shares. When NPC granted the loan to Vimawala a year earlier, it was to be paid back within 3 months. But, immediately after disbursing the loan, the Covid-19 pandemic caused a severe disruption of economic activities in India and Shrenik also faced financial difficulties. In view of this, NPC provided multiple extensions of time to Vimawala. But in March 2021, the pandemic had abated in India, the economy was on the recovery path, and NPC was concerned about recovering its dues. Shrenik's stock price had fallen sharply and its financial situation had deteriorated considerably.

Learning Objectives

Evaluate the additional risks in lending against shares when the borrower is a controlling shareholder. Understand the importance of fundamental valuation while lending to insiders. Formulate an appropriate liquidation strategy for selling a large block of shares after the invocation of the pledge. Distinguish between liquidity and solvency issues in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.