OYO's 'Daylight Heist': How Bonus Share Ballot Scams Retail Investors

Fintech founder Mohit Gang has accused OYO of attempting a "daylight heist" through its recent postal ballot. The company proposed issuing bonus Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares with different classes for different investors. Retail investors who don't respond within the tight three-day window get unfavorable Class A shares. Meanwhile, insiders and institutional investors can opt for Class B shares with significantly better conversion terms ahead of OYO's planned IPO.

Key Points: OYO Faces Daylight Heist Allegations Over Bonus Share Ballot

  • Retail investors face 3-day window to respond to complex postal ballot
  • Class A shares convert at unfavorable 1:6000 ratio for passive investors
  • Class B shares offer 18.5% upside if merchant bankers appointed
  • Institutional investors and promoters benefit from better conversion terms
2 min read

OYO faces allegations of 'daylight heist' over bonus share ballot

Fintech founder Mohit Gang accuses OYO of scamming retail investors through postal ballot that favors insiders with better bonus share conversion terms.

"Simply a classic daylight corporate heist - Mohit Gang"

Mumbai, Nov 1

Fintech founder Mohit Gang has accused hospitality chain OYO Rooms of attempting a "daylight heist" as retail investors are being scammed through a postal ballot that would issue bonus Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares.

In a post on X, Gang said that OYO's postal ballot on October 27 proposed three measures: increasing authorised capital, issuing bonus CCPS, and granting sweat equity.

He claimed that a scam lay behind the second measure of issuing bonus CCPS, as the three-day response window was intended to lead retail shareholders to overlook the notice, resulting in them receiving lower-value Class A CCPS that convert one-for-one into equity.

In contrast, insiders, promoters and institutional investors opting for Class B could benefit from more favourable conversion terms linked to hiring merchant bankers for an IPO.

For Class A investors, who take no action on the postal ballot, one share will be allotted for every 6,000 existing shares.

Class B, available by opt-in, could convert at significantly better ratios, potentially providing thousands of additional shares per 6,000 holdings if merchant bankers are appointed, Gang said.

"Class B is the clear winner here and a no-brainer choice. Because the upside is huge with very little downside. If they appoint Merchant bankers, one is eligible for extra 1109 shares for every 6000 shares held. That is a neat 18.5 per cent upside," his X post read.

"Simply a classic daylight corporate heist. By giving just 3 days to respond to this email (along with the documentation requirement), they have made it virtually impossible for normal investors to opt for Class B!" Gang added.

Capitalmind AMC CEO Deepak Shenoy also took to X following Gang's allegation, writing: "Please be aware if you are a shareholder."

OYO plans to file its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) in November for a $7-8 billion valuation for its IPO.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone who invested in OYO during their growth phase, this feels like a betrayal. We supported them when they needed capital, and now they're making it difficult for us to get fair treatment. Hope SEBI looks into this matter seriously.
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Sarah B
While the allegations sound concerning, let's wait for OYO's response. Every company has the right to structure their capital as they see fit. The 3-day window does seem short though - they should extend it for better investor participation.
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Arjun K
Typical startup behavior - treat retail investors like second-class citizens while giving preferential treatment to institutional players. This is why I stick to mutual funds and avoid direct equity in these new-age companies. 😐
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Vikram M
The difference between Class A and Class B conversion terms is shocking! 1 share for 6000 vs potentially thousands more for Class B? This creates an uneven playing field. Retail investors need to wake up and demand better corporate governance standards in India.
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Michael C
Good that Mohit Gang and Deepak Shenoy are raising awareness about this. More Indian investors need to be vocal about such practices. This isn't just about OYO - it's about setting better precedents for corporate behavior in our markets.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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