, ML4806 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester 1 2026 - DUE Apri
1.1 Identify the type of transaction that is contemplated in the scenario above and
explain whether the companies that are involved in this transaction are regulated
companies for purposes of the Companies Act 71 of 2008
Question 1
The facts describe a transaction between two public companies that results in the
acquisition of all the assets and liabilities of one company and the deregistration of that
company. Such transactions are regulated by the Companies Act 71 of 2008 in order to
protect shareholders and other stakeholders, particularly minority shareholders.
1.1 Type of transaction and regulated companies
The transaction contemplated in the scenario is a scheme of arrangement as provided
for in section 114 of the Companies Act 71 of 2008. A scheme of arrangement arises
where a company proposes an arrangement between itself and its shareholders that
results in a major reorganisation of the company, such as the disposal of all or the
greater part of its assets, the acquisition of its business by another company, or the
compulsory acquisition of shareholders’ shares. In this case, Mahamba Logistics Ltd will
acquire and hold all the assets and liabilities of Buffalo Haulage Ltd, while the
shareholders of Buffalo Haulage Ltd will receive a cash consideration of R10.00 per
share, after which Buffalo Haulage Ltd will be deregistered. These features clearly
indicate that the transaction restructures the entire business of Buffalo Haulage Ltd and
therefore falls within the definition of a scheme of arrangement. A scheme of
arrangement is classified as a fundamental transaction under the Companies Act, as
it significantly affects the rights and interests of shareholders.
Both Mahamba Logistics Ltd and Buffalo Haulage Ltd are public companies, and as
such they are regarded as regulated companies in terms of section 117(1)(i) of the
Companies Act 71 of 2008. The Act defines regulated companies to include public
companies because of the public interest involved and the need for enhanced protection
of shareholders. As regulated companies, Mahamba Logistics Ltd and Buffalo Haulage
Ltd are subject to the strict procedural and substantive requirements governing
fundamental transactions, including shareholder approval, disclosure obligations, and
the availability of remedies such as court intervention and appraisal rights for dissenting
shareholders.
1.2 Court intervention by dissenting shareholders
In terms of section 115(2) of the Companies Act 71 of 2008, a scheme of
arrangement or other fundamental transaction requires the approval of at least 75% of