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What is this Joint Venture about?
BNP Paribas started its journey in India in the year 1960 with the banking business and has had an uninterrupted presence in the country for over 160 years. We remain committed to continuing to invest in our many businesses in the country. As part of that commitment, we are excited to announce that BNP Paribas Asset Management India Pvt Ltd has decided to join forces with another reputed asset management company, Baroda Asset Management India Ltd, to form a joint venture in India.
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How will the joint venture be undertaken?
The following events would come into effect:
- Merger of Baroda Asset Management India Limited (Baroda AMC) into BNP Paribas Asset Management India Private Limited (BNPP AMC, Surviving AMC)
- Merger of BNP Paribas Trustee India Private Limited (BNPP TC) into Baroda Trustee India Private Limited (Baroda TC, Surviving TC)
- Transfer of right to administer and manage all the schemes of the BNP Paribas MF (BNPP MF) to Baroda MF (Surviving MF), including merger of schemes of BNPP MF and Baroda MF
(a), (b) and (c) collectively are referred to as the ‘Transaction‘.
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Is there any change in the name of the Surviving Entity?
As indicated in the notice-cum-addendum no. 04/2022, upon completion of the Transaction, BNPP AMC shall be renamed as ‘Baroda BNP Paribas Asset Management India Private Limited‘ or such other name containing the word ‘‘Baroda BNP Paribas‘‘ as may be approved by the Registrar of Companies, Mumbai, Maharashtra. Baroda TC shall be renamed as ‘Baroda BNP Paribas Trustee India Private Limited‘ or such other name containing the word ‘‘Baroda BNP Paribas‘‘ as may be approved by the Registrar of Companies, Mumbai, Maharashtra. Further, Baroda MF shall be renamed as ‘‘Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund‘‘, with the Surviving AMC acting as the asset management company of the Surviving MF and the Surviving TC acting as the trustee of the Surviving MF. The details pertaining to changes in names of entities and Effective Date for these changes shall be duly informed to the unitholders by issuing a notice-cum-addendum in this regard.
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Why did the two parties decide to form a Joint Venture?
The decision to form a Joint Venture was taken to combine the strengths of two partners. It builds on the strength of two formidable partners; Bank of Baroda- India‘s 2nd largest bank and BNP Paribas Asset Management, a leading global asset management enterprise backed by BNP Paribas, European Union‘s leading bank. The joint venture will offer its investors and partners:
- More Expertise: A strong team of investment experts combining the knowledge from both AMCs
- More Touchpoints: Presence in over 90* cities & towns
- More Products: A wide variety of schemes across categories for your investment needs.
- More Trust: Backed by organisations with a combined legacy of over 300 years.
*basis representatives for servicing investors and distributors, as on 1st Feb, 2022.
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What is Effective date of Transaction? What will happen upon such date?
The Effective date of Transaction will be announced by way of an addendum / public notice. On such Effective date:
- Baroda AMC will cease to exist and will be merged into BNPP AMC (the Surviving AMC), and will therefore transfer its rights to operate, administrate and manage the Baroda Schemes to BNPP AMC
- BNPP TC will cease to exist and will be merged into Baroda TC (the Surviving TC)
- BNPP Schemes will become an integral part of the Surviving MF with mergers between of schemes of BNPP MF and Baroda MF and /or certain changes in fundamental attributes of schemes of BNPP MF
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Is there any public notice that the investors / unit holders can refer?
Yes. BNP Paribas Asset Management India has issued a notice detailing the transaction in January 30, 2022 issue of Financial Express (English, all editions) and Mumbai Lakshadeep (Marathi, Mumbai) for the benefit of the investors / unit holders. The same can also be viewed on the website of BNP Paribas Mutual Fund www.bnpparibasmf.in or by visiting https://www.barodabnpparibasmf.in/assetsarchive/bnp_download_documents/Notice_Cum_Addendum_for_the_Unitholders_of_the_Schemes_of_BNP_Paribas_Mutual_Fund_6890.pdf
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Does the investment style change?
Investment strategies of the surviving schemes will remain unchanged. Investment philosophy will incorporate the good practices followed by the individual AMCs.
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Please provide details of the schemes which are merging
Transferor / Source Scheme Transferee / Surviving Scheme Proposed New Name for Transferee / Surviving Scheme BNP Paribas Multicap Fund Baroda Multicap Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Multicap Fund Baroda Large Cap Fund BNP Paribas Large Cap Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Large Cap Fund Baroda Midcap Fund BNP Paribas Midcap Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Mid Cap Fund Baroda ELSS ‘96 Fund BNP Paribas Long Term Equity Fund Baroda BNP Paribas ELSS Fund Baroda Hybrid Equity Fund and BNP Paribas Dynamic Equity Fund Baroda Dynamic Equity Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Balanced Advantage Fund Baroda Conservative Hybrid Fund BNP Paribas Conservative Hybrid Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Conservative Hybrid Fund Baroda Dynamic Bond Fund BNP Paribas Flexi Debt Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Dynamic Bond Fund BNP Paribas Short Term Fund Baroda Short Term Bond Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Short Duration Fund Baroda Treasury Advantage Fund (the scheme has one segregated portfolio) BNP Paribas Medium Term Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Medium Duration Fund (the scheme has one segregated portfolio) BNP Paribas Liquid Fund Baroda Liquid Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Liquid Fund BNP Paribas Overnight Fund Baroda Overnight Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Overnight Fund -
What will be the overall product offering in the merged entity post this Transaction?
Sr No SEBI Category Scheme Name 1 Multi Cap Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Multi Cap Fund 2 Large & Midcap Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Large & Mid Cap Fund 3 Large Cap Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Large Cap Fund 4 Mid Cap Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Mid Cap Fund 5 Focused Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Focused Fund 6 Sectoral / Thematic Baroda BNP Paribas Business Cycle Fund 7 Sectoral / Thematic Baroda BNP Paribas Banking & Financial Services Fund 8 Sectoral / Thematic Baroda BNP Paribas India Consumption Fund 9 ELSS Baroda BNP Paribas ELSS Fund 10 Fund of Fund (Overseas) Baroda BNP Paribas Funds Aqua Fund of Fund 11 Arbitrage Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Arbitrage Fund 12 Aggressive Hybrid Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Aggressive Hybrid Fund 13 Balanced Advantage Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Balanced Advantage Fund 14 Equity Savings Baroda BNP Paribas Equity Savings Fund 15 Conservative Hybrid Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Conservative Hybrid Fund 16 Credit Risk Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Credit Risk Fund 17 Dynamic Bond Baroda BNP Paribas Dynamic Bond Fund 18 Gilt Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Gilt Fund 19 Corporate Bond Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Corporate Bond Fund 20 Banking and PSU Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Banking and PSU Bond Fund 21 Medium Duration Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Medium Duration Fund 22 Short Duration Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Short Duration Fund 23 Low Duration Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Low Duration Fund 24 Money Market Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Money Market Fund 25 Ultra Short Duration Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Ultra Short Duration Fund 26 Liquid Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Liquid Fund 27 Overnight Fund Baroda BNP Paribas Overnight Fund 28 FMP Baroda BNP Paribas Fixed Maturity Plan – Series P -
Who will be the Registrar & Transfer Agent (RTA) for the Surviving MF schemes?
The current RTA for the schemes of BNP Paribas Mutual Fund will continue to remain the RTA for the merged entity.
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For merger of schemes, will investor / unit holder be allotted units in the corresponding Transferee Scheme (Surviving Scheme) under the same plan/ option as the Transferor Scheme (Source Scheme)?
Yes, with the following exception :
BNP Paribas Dynamic Equity Fund: Unit Holders under ‘‘Monthly IDCW‘‘, ‘‘Quarterly IDCW‘‘ & ‘‘Annual IDCW‘‘ option will be allotted units under ‘‘IDCW‘‘ option of Baroda BNP Paribas Dynamic Equity Fund.BNP Paribas Short Term Fund: Unit Holders under ‘‘Daily IDCW‘‘ & ‘‘Weekly IDCW‘‘ Option will be allotted units under ‘‘Monthly IDCW‘‘ Option of Baroda BNP Paribas Short Term Fund.
IDCW: Income Distribution Cum Capital Withdrawal Option.
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Will investor / unit holder be allotted a new folio on the Effective Date?
To provide added ease of transacting to the investors, there will be NO CHANGE in the existing folio number of the investor / unit holder.
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Can an existing investor / unit holder of both Mutual Funds consolidate both the folios?
Yes. Investor / unit holder can avail of the facility of consolidation of folios post the Effective date. For ensuring successful consolidation of folios, Investors / unit holders to ensure that the name of unit holders, mode of holding, tax status, nominee, etc. should be same across all the folios which are proposed to be consolidated.
Investor / unit holder may submit a folio consolidation request to any of the branches of merged AMC / RTA (KFin Technologies Private Limited).
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Why have I received a letter (Option Exercise Letter) with regards to this Transaction?
The Letter (Option Exercise Letter) has been sent to you because as per SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 (‘‘MF Regulations‘‘), any changes with respect to change in control and other consequential changes, merger of schemes and changes in fundamental attributes of schemes can only be carried out after the unit holders of the scheme concerned, have been informed via written communication in order to provide them with the option of exiting the scheme within a period of 30 calendar days without being charged an exit load at the prevailing NAV (Exit Option).
NO ACTION is required on this Option Exercise Letter by investors who choose to stay invested in our schemes beyond the Transaction date. We prefer that investors stay on course their investment journeys to achieve their financial goals.
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Is this letter (Option Exercise Letter) sent to all investors / unit holders?
Existing investors / unit holders whose valid applications have been received and have unit balances in the schemes of BNP Paribas Mutual Fund till the applicable cut-off time on January 28, 2022 (‘‘eligible unitholders‘‘) can exercise the Exit Option. Hence, the Exit Option Exercise Letter has been sent to the aforementioned unit holders only.
NO ACTION is required on this Option Exercise Letter by investors who choose to stay invested in our schemes beyond the Transaction date. We prefer that investors stay on course their investment journeys to achieve their financial goals.
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When does the Exit Option Period start?
The period of 30 calendar days starting from February 03, 2022 till March 04, 2022 (both days inclusive and upto 3.00 pm on March 04, 2022).
NO ACTION is required on this Option Exercise Letter by investors who choose to stay invested in our schemes beyond the Transaction date. We prefer that investors stay on course their investment journeys to achieve their financial goals.
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If investor / unit holder has invested on any date until the Effective Date, will they be eligible to redeem from the Scheme without deduction of any exit load?
- For investments made up to January 28, 2022, and redeemed during the Exit Option Period, exit load will not be applicable
- For investments made during the Exit Option Period by new / existing investors and redeemed during the same period, exit load will be charged as applicable
- For any investments redeemed post the 30 day Exit Option Period i.e. after 3:00 pm on March 04, 2022, exit load will be charged as applicable
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Will investors / unit holders be allowed to redeem / switch our their investments under BNP Paribas Long Term Equity Fund (ELSS) scheme during the Exit Option Period?
During the Exit Option Period, investors / unitholders who have completed the lock in period of 3 years can redeem / switch out. However, if the lock-in period is not over, such investments cannot be redeemed / switched out.
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Will investor / unit holder be charged STT (Securities Transaction Tax) for redemption of units during the Exit Option Period?
No. STT, if any, on all redemption of units exercised during the Exit Option Period, shall be borne by BNP Paribas Asset Management In dia Pvt. Ltd.
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If investors / unit holders do not wish to stay invested in the schemes due to the proposed changes, can they redeem their investments? Where should they submit such request?
We prefer that investors stay on course their investment journeys to achieve their financial goals. However, existing investors / unit holders can choose to redeem their investments by submitting a request through the existing online and offline modes of transaction.
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If investors / unit holders are holding units in demat mode and wish to exercise the exit option, where should they submit the redemption request?
Investors / unit holders need to submit the redemption request to their DP (Depository Participant) latest by 3.00 p. m. on March 04, 2022.
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When will investors / unit holders receive the redemption proceeds, if they exercise the Exit Option?
The redemption proceeds will be paid out to the investors / unit holders within 10 working days from the date of receipt of the redemption request.
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Is there any tax liability if investors / unit holders exits from the Schemes?
Yes. There may be a tax liability if the exit from Schemes leads to capital gains or loss. For more clarifications, we would advise you to consult your tax advisors.
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If investors / unit holders have pledged / lien marked on units, can they exercise the Exit Option?
Yes. Investors / unit holders will have the option to exit but only after the pledge / lien is released / revoked prior to applying for redemption and within the aforementioned Exit Option Period.
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Does the investor / unit holder have to do anything if they have ‘‘No objection‘‘ to the Transaction?
NO ACTION is required from the investor / unit holder.
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If investors / unit holders do not exercise the Exit Option, what will happen to their investments after the Effective Date?
Investors / Unit holders who do not exercise their exit option on or before 3:00 pm on March 04, 2022 would be deemed to have consented to the Transaction. For investors having units in the schemes which are undergoing a merger, on the Effective date, units (of equivalent value) will be allotted in the respective surviving scheme.
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If there is a pledge / lien marked on any of the units in the Transferor Schemes, will units be allotted under the respective Surviving Scheme on Effective Date?
Yes. The units will be allotted in the Surviving schemes and the pledge / lien shall continue to be marked on the corresponding units.
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What will be the impact of scheme merger on Capital Gains?
There will be no impact of scheme merger on capital gains, as the Transaction is not considered as transfer of capital asset as per Income Tax Act. Further, for any redemption/switch-out post-merger, the cost shall be considered as per the corresponding purchase made in the source scheme, while computing capital gains.
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Will there be any charges incurred by the investors / unit holders additionally due to the aforementioned Transaction?
No. The expenses for, and directly related to, the Transaction will not be charged to the investors / unit holders of the Schemes, in any manner whatsoever.
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Can investors / unit holders submit transactions (commercial and non-commercial) between the expiry of Exit Option Period and the Effective date? Where should they submit the same?
Investors / unit holders can submit the request through the existing online and offline modes of transaction. Requests can be submitted until the Effective Date.
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Will systematic transactions (SIP/STP/SWP) registered in existing Schemes continue after the Effective Date?
Yes. All systematic registrations which are active will continue. In case of schemes merger, future systematic transactions will be triggered in the surviving schemes.
In case of STP , if either of the source or target scheme is merged, then the transfer from or to, (as the case may be) will happen from/in the surviving scheme.
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Will the value of investments go up or down due to issuance of new units in Surviving Schemes?
No. There will no change in the value of investments on account of merger of schemes. Please refer below illustration:
Assumed date of the merger 30-June
NAV of Source scheme as on June 30 (A) – Face Value Rs.10 Rs. 25.50 Units outstanding in Source Scheme as on May 31(B) 10,000 Outstanding value in Source scheme before merger (C)=(A)X(B) Rs. 255,000 NAV of Surviving Scheme as on June 30 (D) – Face Value Rs.10 Rs. 21.25 Allotment of units in Surviving Scheme (E)=(C)/(D) 12,000 Value of units post-merger (F)=(D)X(E) Rs 255,000 After Completion of Transaction, how will investor / unit holder know about the NAV and units allotted for their investments A Statement of Account (SOA) will be triggered to the registered email ID of all the eligible investors / unit holders post completion of the Transaction. Additionally, SMS communication containing a link to download the SOA will also be sent to eligible investors / unit holders on their registered mobile numbers in the folio. Alternatively, investors / unit holders can also call the call centre and request for the SOA.
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Post-merger, which exit load provisions will apply?
All provisions of the Surviving scheme related to exit load will apply. However, the period of holding for the purpose of computing the duration for exit load will be from the date of allotment of units in the Source Scheme.
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Will new AMC /RTA branches be added or any of the existing branches be closed post the Effective Date?
All existing branches of AMC/ RTA will continue to service investors and distributors. Changes, if any, will be notified through an addendum on the AMC website.
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Will the payout mode, as was registered in the folio, remain the same after the Effective Date?
Yes. The payout mode for redemption/IDCW proceeds will remain unchanged and be as per the payout facility offered by the Mutual Fund.
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What is the procedure to be followed for claiming unclaimed redemption /dividend amount?
Upon completion of Transaction, investors / unit holders can visit the below URL to validate and view balance under Unclaimed Dividend and Redemption plan in their folios: https://mfs.kfintech.com/mfs/unclaimed.aspx
Investors / unit holders may claim the unclaimed amount by updating the bank mandates in the folio and submitting a redemption request at any of the Investor Service Center of AMC/RTA.
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If investors / unit holders are not KYC (Know Your Customer) Compliant, will they still be allotted units in Surviving Schemes?
Yes, the units from the Source Schemes will be transferred into the Surviving Schemes. However, for subsequent transactions (including redemptions), investors / unit holders need to mandatorily submit the required documents for KYC Compliance.
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If an investor / unit holder is currently using the AMC transaction portal for investments, what will happen to the online credentials upon Effective date?
Login credentials issued by both AMCs will continue to be active post Effective date on the transaction portal. For enhanced security, investors / unit holders will be prompted to update their existing passwords.
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If an investor / unit holder is using an online platform / third party mobile application for their investments, will details of their existing investments and other details update automatically?
Yes. The change will be updated in their account held with such third party platforms / mobile applications as they will be intimated about the changes.
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If an investor / unit holder holds units in demat mode with the DP (Depository Participant), will the change in scheme details reflect in their client account held with the DP?
Yes, the change will reflect in their client account with the DP as the DP will be intimated about the changes.
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What will happen to investments made between the end of the exit option period and the Effective date?
The units so purchased will undergo scheme merger procedure and investor / unit holder will receive units in the applicable surviving scheme.
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If investor / unit holder is holding dividend/redemption warrant issued by either AMC and if it is not banked, whom can they approach post the Effective date?
Investor / unit holder can approach the Investor Service Centre of AMC / RTA branches for getting the unpaid warrants revalidated.
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If investors / unit holders who have submitted Form 15G/H for Financial Year 2021-2022 to BNPP MF, do they need to resubmit it to merged entity MF?
Yes. Investors need to resubmit the Form 15G/H for Financial Year 2021-2022 to the merged entity MF post completion of the Transaction after the Effective Date.
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Will there be any designated Email ID to send the transaction to process digitally after effective date?
Yes. Details of the same will be announced subsequently and will be shared as an addendum with all investors / unit holders.
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Would the new merged entity be a Public Sector AMC?
Yes. Based on the shareholding pattern of the merged entity AMC, it will be classified as a Public Sector AMC.
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For any queries regarding the option exercise letter, changes to the schemes, any updation, etc. till the Effective Date, whom can investor / unit holder contact?
Investors / unit holders may contact their Mutual Fund Distributor / Financial Advisor / Relationship Manager or alternatively contact the nearest Investor Service Centres, the details of which are available on the website. You may also call us on the customer service toll-free number - 1800 102 2595.