Your Directors are pleased to present the SixteenthAnnual Report of the Company ("ACIL or ArcheanChemical") together with the Audited Standaloneand Consolidated Financial Statements for theFinancial Year ended March 31, 2025.
In the Financial Year ("FY") 2024-25, thestandalone revenue from operations wasRs.1,01,379.02 lakhs, as against Rs. 1,32,958.31lakhs for FY 2023-24, with a decrease of 23.75%.
Net Profit after tax for the FY 2024-25 wasRs. 18,492.34 lakhs as against Rs. 32,234.56lakhs in the previous year.
For FY 2024-25, the consolidated revenue fromoperations was Rs.1,04,101.79 lakhs as againstRs. 1,33,008.95 lakhs during FY 2023-24, with adecrease of 21.73%. Net Profit after tax for theFY 2024-25 was Rs.16,214.49 lakhs as againstRs. 31,897.07 lakhs in the previous year.
For more details please refer to ManagementDiscussion and Analysis Report and the FinancialStatements.
The financial highlights of the Company for the Financial Year ended March 31, 2025 and March 31,2024 are as follows:
(Rs. in Lakhs)
Particulars
Standalone
Consolidated
2024-25
2023-24
Revenue from operation
101,379.02
132,958.31
104,101.79
133,008.95
Total Income
106,344.54
137,628.25
107,830.09
137,341.32
Profit before depreciation andfinance cost
37,212.14
51,102.73
35,143.74
50,598.27
Depreciation
7,305.74
6,999.66
7,938.45
7,033.71
Finance Cost
911.45
966.75
810.33
846.15
Profit before exceptional Item
28,994.95
43,136.32
26,394.96
42,718.41
Exceptional Items
(4,018.27)
-
Profit before Tax
24,976.68
22,376.69
Tax expenses
6,484.34
10,901.76
6,162.20
10,821.34
Profit after Tax
18,492.34
32,234.56
16,214.49
31,897.07
Total comprehensive income
18,476.48
32,203.57
16,198.63
31,866.08
Earnings per share (Basic)
14.98
26.17
13.13
25.90
Earnings per Share (Diluted)
14.97
26.14
13.12
25.87
During the FY 2024-25, your Company achieveda revenue of Rs. 1,01,379.02 lakhs. The Companycontinued to strengthen its focus on core productofferings through a balanced approach of long¬term and spot contracts. Bromine sales shareshowed a marginal increase over the previousyear, supported by stable downstream demand.The Company successfully retained a majority ofits existing customer base while expanding intonew application areas through the acquisitionof new customers. Share of Bromine increasedmarginally due to this.
Bromine was sold for applications across flameretardants, agrochemical and pharmaceuticalintermediates, biocides, and oilfield products,catering to both domestic and internationalmarkets.
The second key business segment — Industrial Salt— continued to be a major contributor, accountingfor approximately 2/3rd of the Company's totalrevenue. Your Company remained one of thelargest global manufacturers of premium-gradeIndustrial Salt, recognized for its consistent qualityand reliability of supply.
The global salt industry sustained its previousgrowth trajectory, although regional growth ratesvaried. In our core markets, particularly in EastAsia, demand fluctuations influenced customerrequirements. Despite these market dynamics,your Company maintained strong customerrelationships and adapted quickly to changingdemand patterns.
However, these fluctuations placed additionalstress on logistics operations. To address this, theCompany plans to implement enhanced measuresto increase agility and responsiveness to customerneeds.
During the year, your Company sold 34.8 LakhsMT of Industrial Salt for diverse applications,including chlor-alkali production — essential formanufacturing key chemicals such as caustic
soda, chlorine, and soda ash. Focused effortswere made to drive operational efficiencies,reduce operating costs, and maintain healthymargins, supporting sustainable long-termgrowth.
During the FY 2024-25, the Board of Directors(“Board”/”Directors”) has recommended a finaldividend of Re. 1/- per equity share for the financialyear ended March 31, 2024 and the same hasbeen approved by the Members at the 15th AnnualGeneral Meeting of the Company held on June 28,2024 and this entailed an outflow of Rs.1,233.97lakhs with a pay-out ratio of 50% of Company'sconsolidated post tax profit. In addition to theabove, for FY 2023-24, Company had declaredtwo interim dividends of Re.1/- each in the monthof October 2023 and November 2023.
Your Directors have pleasure in recommendinga dividend of Rs. 3/- per equity share for thefinancial year ended March 31, 2025 subject tothe approval of Members at the ensuing AnnualGeneral Meeting of the Company. This wouldentail an outflow of Rs.3,702.83 lakhs with a pay¬out ratio of 150% of Company's consolidated posttax profit. Upon approval of Members, it will bepaid to all the Members whose name appearsin the register of members as on May 26, 2025(being the record date fixed for this purpose).
In accordance with Regulation 43A of the SEBI(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)Regulations, 2015, (hereinafter referred to as"SEBI LODR'j, the Board of Directors of theCompany has adopted a Dividend DistributionPolicy which endeavours for fairness, consistencyand sustainability while distributing profits tothe shareholders & the above recommendationof the dividend by the Board is in accordancewith the "Dividend Distribution Policy' of theCompany's available on the website under thelink: https://www.archeanchemicals.com/investor-relations/admin/assets/products/Dividend%20Distribution%20Policy.pdf
The Board of Directors has decided to retain theentire amount of profits for FY 2024-25 in theretained earnings.
The Company has made a current tax provision ofRs.6,531.62 lakhs [PY: 10,063.31 lakhs].
Current tax adjustments of earlier years is Nil asagainst Rs.4.64 lakhs during the previous year.
The deferred tax for the Financial Year ended March31, 2025 is Rs.(47.28) lakhs (PY: Rs.843.09 lakhs).
During the FY 2024-25, the paid-up capital of theCompany has increased upon exercise of stockoptions by option grantees and allotment of sharespursuant to the same.
As on March 31, 2025, the authorised shareCapital of the Company stood at Rs. 32,00,00,000divided into 16,00,00,000 equity shares of Rs.2/- each and consequent to the ESOP allotmentmade during the year, the paid-up share capitalof the Company increased from Rs. 24,67,93,938divided into 12,33,96,969 equity shares of Rs. 2/-each to Rs. 24,68,55,364 divided into 12,34,27,682equity shares of Rs. 2/- each.
Other than the above, there is no change in thecapital structure of the Company during the year.
During the FY 2024-25, the Board had allotted30,713 equity shares of face value of Rs.2/- eachupon exercise of stock options granted under"Archean Employee Stock Option Plan 2022(ESOP 2022)".
The Employee Stock Option Plan ("ESOP")enables the Company to hire and retain the besttalent for its senior management and key positions.The NRC, inter alia, administers and monitors theEmployee Stock Option Plan in accordance withthe applicable Securities and Exchange Board of
India (Share Based Employee Benefits and SweatEquity) Regulations 2021 (ESOP Regulations).
The details of the stock options granted under"ESOP 2022" and the disclosures in compliancewith ESOP Regulations and Section 62(1)(b) of theCompanies Act 2013, ("Act") read with Rule 12(9)of the Companies (Share Capital and Debentures)Rules, 2014 is available on the website of theCompany at www.archeanchemicals.com. Therelevant disclosures in terms of the Act and inaccordance with the said Regulations are enclosedas Annexure I to the Board's Report. The plan isin compliance with the ESOP Regulations.
During the year, no ESOP were granted to Non¬Executive Non-Independent Directors.
No Option grantee was granted options/sharesduring the year, equal to or exceeding 1% of theissued capital.
The Company does not have any Scheme for issueof sweat equity to the employees or Directors ofthe Company.
A certificate from Secretarial Auditors, with respectto implementation of the above Employee StockOption Plan in accordance with SEBI Regulationsand the resolution passed by the Members ofthe Company, will be available electronically forinspection by the Members during the ensuingAGM and a copy of the same shall be availablefor inspection at the Registered Office of theCompany during normal business hours on anyworking day.
Your Company's shares are in compulsorilytradable securities in electronic form. As onMarch 31, 2025, Equity Shares 12,34,27,682representing 100% of the paid-up share are indematerialised form.
As on March 31, 2025, your Board comprises ofsix (6) Directors with an optimum combination of
Executive and Non-Executive Directors. Out of six(6), three (3) are Independent Directors includingan Independent Woman Director, two (2) Non¬Executive Non-Independent Directors and anExecutive Director of the Company. Mr. P Ranjit,Managing Director, Mr. P Ravi, Non-ExecutiveDirector and M/s. Chemikas Speciality LLP are thePromoter of the Company.
During the year, following appointment / re¬appointment of Directors took place:
a. Retirement by rotation and re-appointment ofMr. P Ravi, (DIN: 02334379) as Non-ExecutiveDirector.
b. Re-Appointment of Mrs. PadmaChandrasekaran (DIN: 06609477) as Non¬Executive Independent Director.
The Company had formulated a Code of Conductfor the Directors and Senior ManagementPersonnel and the same has been complied with.
In accordance with Section 152(6) of the Act andArticles of Association of the Company, Mr. S.Meenakshisundaram, (DIN: 01176085) a Directorof the Company, retires by rotation and beingeligible, offers himself for re-appointment at theensuing AGM of the Company.
A brief resume of the Director being re-appointed,the nature of expertise in specific functional areas,names of companies in which he holds Directorships,Committee Memberships / Chairpersonships, hisshareholding in the Company etc., have beenfurnished in the explanatory statement to the noticeof the ensuing AGM.
The Independent Directors hold office for a fixedterm of 5 years from the date of their appointmentand not liable to retire by rotation.
The Company has received the necessarydeclaration as laid down in Section 149(7) of the Act
from all the Independent Directors confirming thatthey meet the criteria of independence as providedin Section 149(6) of the Act and SEBI LODR.
Independent Directors have also complied withthe Code for Independent Directors prescribedin Schedule IV to the Act. In accordance withCompanies (Appointment and Qualificationof Directors) Rules, 2014, the Company hasreceived declarations from Independent Directorsconfirming that they have registered with theIndependent Directors Data Bank through IndianInstitute of Corporate Affairs ("IICA"). They havebeen exempted/qualified from passing the onlineproficiency self-assessment test conducted byIICA.
Mrs. Padma Chandrasekaran (DIN:06609477)was appointed as an Independent Director fora period of five (5) years from November 13,2019, to November 12, 2024. She was eligiblefor re-appointment. During the year, basedon the recommendation of Nomination andRemuneration Committee ("NRC”), the Board inits Meeting held on May 14, 2024, has evaluatedthe performance of the said Independent Directorbased on the contribution of the Director and haverecommended her re-appointment for anotherterm of five (5) years from November 13, 2024, toNovember 12, 2029. In accordance with Section149(10) of the Act, approval of the Membersthrough special resolution was obtained in the 15thAGM held on June 28, 2024.
The Company had issued letter of appointment inaccordance with Regulation 46 of the SEBI LODRand the terms and conditions of appointmentof Independent Directors are available at theCompany's website, at the following weblink:https://www.archeanchemicals.com/investor-relations/admin/assets/products/Terms-and-conditions-of-appt-of-ID.pdf
Information on familiarisation program toIndependent Directors are provided in theCorporate Governance Report Section of thisAnnual Report.
Details as required under the Act, in respectof remuneration paid to Directors, are given inCorporate Governance Section of this AnnualReport and in the Annual Return uploaded inthe Company's website, at the following weblink:https://www.archeanchemicals.com/investor-relations/admin/assets/products/4.%20Form%20MGT-7_Draft.pdf
The Board met 7 (Seven) times during the FY2024-25 on May 14, 2024, June 01, 2024, August02, 2024, October 25, 2024, November 08, 2024,December 30, 2024, and February 07, 2025.The details of Board meetings and attendanceof the Directors are provided in the CorporateGovernance Report.
Your Company recognises the importance of adiverse Board for its success and believes that adiverse Board will leverage inter alia differences inthought, skills and industry experience, which inthe long run will enhance shareholder value.
Your Company's current policy is to havean appropriate mix of Independent andNon-Independent Directors to maintain theindependence of the Board and separate itsfunctions of governance and management.
In accordance with Section 134 and 178 of theAct, the Policy on appointment of Board Membersincluding criteria for determining qualifications,positive attributes, independence of a Director andthe Policy on remuneration of Directors, KMP andother employees are outlined as part of Nominationand Remuneration Policy of the Company andsalient features of the same are disclosed in thisreport. NRC of your Board had fixed the criteriafor nominating a person on the Board which interalia include desired size and composition of the
Board, age limit, qualification/experience, areas ofexpertise and independence of the individual.
In accordance with the provisions of the Act andSEBI LODR, Board has carried out a separateexercise to evaluate the performance of the Boardas a whole, its Committees and individual Directorsby taking into account the criteria laid down in thisregard by the NRC like attendance, expertise,contribution etc., brought in by the Directors atthe Board and Committee Meetings and found itsatisfactory, which shall be taken into account atthe time of reappointment of Independent Director.The criteria for evaluation of the Board and Non¬Independent Directors at a separate meetingof Independent Directors were carried out inaccordance with the Nomination & RemunerationPolicy adopted by the Board.
The evaluation was carried out, taking intoconsideration the composition of the Board andavailability of commitment to good corporategovernance practices, adherence to regulatorycompliance, grievance redressal mechanism,track record of financial performance, existence ofintegrated risk management system etc.
The performance evaluation was executedthrough an electronic application. This transitionresulted in a faster turnaround for documentavailability to the Board and Committee Members,and an improvement in the accuracy. A structuredquestionnaire was prepared covering variousaspects including the following but not limited toadequacy of the composition of the Board and itsCommittees, flow of information, Board culture/Diversity, execution and performance of specificduties, obligations and governance.
In accordance with Regulation 25(4) of the SEBILODR, Independent Directors have evaluatedthe performance of Chairman, Non-IndependentDirectors and Board as a whole and assessedthe quality, quantity and timeliness of the flow ofinformation between the Management and theBoard and other required matters.
In accordance with Regulation 17(10) of SEBILODR, the Board of Directors has evaluatedthe performance of Independent Directors andobserved the same to be satisfactory and theirdeliberations are beneficial in Board / CommitteeMeetings.
In accordance with Regulation 4(2) of SEBILODR, the Board of Directors have reviewed andobserved that the evaluation framework of theBoard of Directors was adequate and effective.
The Board's observations on the evaluations for theyear under review carried on May 02, 2025, weresimilar to their observations of the previous years.No specific actions have been warranted based oncurrent year observations. The Company wouldcontinue to familiarise its Directors on the industry,technological and statutory developments, whichhave a bearing on the Company and the industry,so that Directors would be effective in dischargingtheir expected duties.
The Board is of the opinion that all Directors,including the Independent Directors of theCompany, possess requisite qualifications,integrity, expertise and experience in the fields ofscience and technology, digitalisation, strategy,finance, governance, human resources, safety,sustainability, etc.
The Board had following Committees during theFY 2024-25:
a. Audit Committee
b. Stakeholders Relationship Committee
c. Nomination and Remuneration Committee
d. Corporate Social Responsibility Committee
e. Risk Management Committee
f. IPO Committee
The composition of the Board of Directors and itsCommittees are in accordance with the Act andthe SEBI LODR.
In accordance with the requirement of Section177(8) of the Act, it is hereby disclosed that
the Audit Committee comprises of Mr. K MMohandass, Chairperson of the Committee, Mrs.S Padma Chandrasekaran, Member and Mr. SMeenakshisundaram, Member.
A detailed note on the attendance, compositionof the Board and Committees along with otherdisclosures are provided in the CorporateGovernance Report Section of this Annual Report.
Meetings of Board and Committees held duringthe year are in compliance with the Act & SEBILODR read with circulars and notifications issuedby Ministry of Corporate Affairs and SEBI in thisregard.
Your Company's Directors make the followingstatement in terms of sub-section (5) of Section 134of the Act, which is to the best of their knowledgeand belief and according to the information andexplanations obtained by them:
a. in that the financial statements for the yearended March 31, 2025 have been prepared inconformity with Indian Accounting Standards(Ind AS) and requirements of the Act and thatof guidelines issued by SEBI, to the extentapplicable to the Company along with properexplanation relating to material departures;thedirectors had selected such accountingpolicies and applied them consistently andmade judgments and estimates that arereasonable and prudent so as to give a trueand fair view of the state of affairs of thecompany at the end of the financial year andof the profit and loss of the company for thatperiod;
b. the directors had taken proper and sufficient
care for the maintenance of adequateaccounting records in accordance with theprovisions of this Act for safeguarding theassets of the company and for preventing anddetecting fraud and other irregularities;
c. the directors had prepared the annualaccounts on a going concern basis;
d. the directors, had laid down internal financialcontrols to be followed by the companyand that such internal financial controls areadequate and were operating effectively; and
e. the directors had devised proper systems toensure compliance with the provisions of allapplicable laws and that such systems wereadequate and operating effectively.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2(51) and203 of the Act, the Key Managerial Personnelof the Company as on March 31, 2025, are asfollows:
Mr. P Ranjit, Managing Director,
Mr. N R Kannan, Executive Director,
Mr. R Natarajan, Chief Financial Officer and
Mr. Vijayaraghavan N E, Company Secretary &Compliance Officer.
During FY 2024-25 Mr. R Natarajan has beenappointed as the CFO of the company witheffect from January 21, 2025, in place of Mr. RRaghunathan, CFO who resigned on January 20,2025.
During FY 2024-25, Mr. N R Kannan has beenappointed as the executive director (KMP) w.e.f.August 02,2024.
During FY 2024-25, Mr. Ravi Prakash Mundharahad been appointed as Company Secretary andcompliance officer of the company on August 02,2024, in place of Mr. S Balasundharam, CompanySecretary and compliance officer who resigned onJune 01,2024. Subsequently, Mr. Ravi PrakashMundhra was resigned on August 07, 2024.
Further Mr. Vijayaraghavan N E has beenappointed as Company Secretary and complianceofficer of the Company with effect from February07, 2025.
Except these, there are no change in the list ofKey Managerial Personnel (KMP).
In accordance with Section 178 of the Act, theNRC of your Board has formulated the Nominationand Remuneration Policy for the appointment anddetermination of remuneration of the Directors,Key Managerial Personnel and other employees ofyour Company. The Nomination and RemunerationPolicy ensures that the level and compositionof remuneration is reasonable, the relationshipof remuneration to performance is clear andappropriate to the long-term goals of the Company.
The NRC has also developed the criteria fordetermining the qualifications, positive attributesand independence of Directors and for makingpayments to Executive and Non-ExecutiveDirectors of the Company. It recommends to theBoard the compensation payable to Directors.Director's compensation is within the limitsprescribed under the Act and approved by theMembers of the Company where required.
Your Company follows a compensation mixof fixed pay, benefits and performance-basedvariable pay for its employees, which is based onthe performance of the business and the individualperformance of the individuals is measuredthrough annual appraisal process.
The Managing Director was paid a fixed monthlyremuneration in the form of salary and paidcommission annually based on the profitscomputed in accordance with Section 198of the Act. Non-Executive Directors are paidremuneration by way of sitting fees based on theirparticipation in the Meetings and Commission paidannually.
Remuneration paid to Directors is within the scaleapproved by the Board and Members, subject tooverall ceilings stipulated under Section 197 of theAct. Sitting fees paid to Directors for attending theBoard Meeting & Committee Meetings.
In accordance with Section 178(4) of the Act,the salient features of the Nomination andRemuneration Policy should be disclosed in the
Board's Report. The objective of the Policy is to
ensure that:
• The level and composition of remuneration isreasonable and sufficient to attract, retain andmotivate Directors of the quality required to runthe Company successfully;
• Relationship of remuneration to performanceis clear and meets appropriate performancebenchmarks;
• Remuneration to Directors, Key ManagerialPersonnel and Senior Management shall beappropriate to the working of the Company andits goals; and
• Any other functions as mandated by theBoard from time to time and / or enforcedby any statutory notification, amendment ormodification, as may be applicable, are carriedout.
The said Policy and composition of the NRC arein compliance with the Act and SEBI LODR. Theresponsibilities of Compensation Committee asdefined in SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefitsand Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021, have beenassigned to NRC. The said policy is available atthe Company's website, at the following weblink:https://www.archeanchemicals.com/investor-relations/admin/assets/products/Nomination%20and%20Remuneration%20Policy.pdf
The statement of disclosures with respect to theremuneration of Directors, KMP and Employeesin accordance with Section 197 of the Act andRule 5 of the Companies (Appointment andRemuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules,2014 ("Rules") is given below:
a) Ratio of the remuneration of each director to the median remuneration of the employees of theCompany:
Sl.
No.
Name of the Director/KMP
Designation
Ratio toMedianRemuneration
% increasein the
remunerationfor theFY 2024-25
1
Mr. P Ranjit
Managing Director
122.16:1
15%
2
Mr. S Meenakshisundaram
Non- ExecutiveDirector
4.72:1
NA
3
Mr. C G Sethuram
Independent
Director
3.84:1
4
Mrs. Padma Chandrasekharan
4.48:1
5
Mr. K M Mohandass
4.40:1
6
Mr. P Ravi
0.72:1
Note:
i. The Commission to Managing Director & Non-executive Directors including Independent Directors for the financial year endedMarch 31, 2025 will be paid subject to the approval of the financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2025 by theMember at the ensuing Annual General Meeting of the Company.
ii. The details of Sitting fee / commission to non-executive directors are provided in the Corporate Governance report.
Name of the KMP
% increase in theremuneration in theFY 2024-25
Mr. N R Kannan*
Executive Director-KMP
Mr. R Natarajan*
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Vijayaraghavan N E*
Company Secretary &Compliance Officer
Mr. R Raghunathan #
10%
Mr. S Balasundharam #
*ED appointed w.e.f. August 02, 2024, CFO appointed w.e.f. January 21, 2025 and CS appointed w.e.f. February 07, 2025.#CFO resigned on January 20, 2025, CS resigned on June 01, 2024.
Mr. Ravi Prakash Mundhra joined as Company Secretary on August 02, 2024 resigned on August 07, 2024.
c) Percentage increase in the medianremuneration of employees in the financialyear - 5.73%
d) Number of permanent employees on the rollsof Company: 262
e) Average percentile increase already madein the salaries of employees other than themanagerial personnel in FY 2024-25: 11.6%and its comparison with the percentile increasein the managerial remuneration in FY 2024¬25: 12.5%. Justification thereof and point outif there are any exceptional circumstances forincrease in the managerial remuneration: NIL
f) There was no variable component ofremuneration availed by Directors, exceptCommission of Rs. 12,66,56,000/- paid toManaging Director and Rs. 15,00,000/- eachpaid to Non-Executive Directors includingIndependent Directors except Mr. P. Ravi,Non-Executive Director, who Voluntarilywaived his entitlement to commission for theperiod ended March 31, 2024.
g) It is hereby affirmed that the remuneration paidis as per the Nomination and RemunerationPolicy of the Company to Directors, KeyManagerial Personnel and other Employees.
h) No employee who was in receipt ofremuneration in excess of that drawn by
Managing Director, holds 2% or more of the equityshares of the Company by himself or along withhis spouse and dependent children.
The information as per Rule 5(2) and Rule 5(3)of the Rules, forms part of this Report. However,as per first proviso to Section 136(1) of the Actand Second Proviso to Rule 5 of the Rules, theAnnual Report is being sent to the Members of theCompany excluding the statement of particulars ofemployees under Rule 5(2) and Rule 5(3) of theRules. Any member interested in obtaining a copyof the said statement may write to the CompanySecretary. The said statement is also available forinspection by the members at Registered Officeof the Company during office hours till the date ofAGM.
Your Company has 3 subsidiaries and 2 step downsubsidiaries as on March 31, 2025.
The Audit Committee reviews the FinancialStatements of subsidiaries, including theinvestments made in the subsidiaries, on aquarterly basis and minutes of the Meetings of thesubsidiary are placed in the Board Meetings.
In accordance with Section 129(3) of the Act,read with Rule 5 of Companies (Accounts) Rules,
2014, statement containing the salient featuresof the financial statements of the SubsidiaryCompany(ies) as per Form AOC-1 is enclosed asAnnexure II to the Board's Report.
In accordance with Regulation 46(2)(s) of SEBILODR, separate audited/ reviewed financialstatements of the above subsidiary companies forthe FY 2024-25 are available at the Company'swebsite, at the following weblink: https://www.archeanchemicals.com/investor-relations/annual-report.php?id=MTc4
As per Regulation 16(c) of the SEBI LODR thecompany has no material subsidiary companies.The Company has formulated a Policy fordetermining Material Subsidiaries. The policyis available at the Company's website, at thefollowing weblink: https://www.archeanchemicals.com/investor-relations/admin/assets/products/Policy%20on%20Material%20Subsidiaries.pdf
In accordance with Section 129(3) of the Actand Regulations 33 and 34 of SEBI LODR, theConsolidated Financial Statements, drawn upwith the applicable Indian Accounting Standards(Ind AS). The consolidated financial statementsincorporating the accounts of subsidiarycompanies along with the Auditors' Report thereonare set out in this Annual Report and are availableat the Company's website, at the following weblink:https://www.archeanchemicals.com/investor-relations/annual-report.php?id=MTU5
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 136 of theAct, the financial statements of the Company,consolidated financial statements along withrelevant documents and separate audited FinancialStatements in respect of the Subsidiaries areavailable on the website of the Company htt ps://www.archeanchemicals.com/investor-relations/annual-report.php?id=MTc4
These financial statements of the Company andthe subsidiary companies will also be kept open
for inspection by Members. The Company shallprovide a copy of the same to any Member of theCompany who asks for it.
The details of the subsidiary companies are asgiven below:
Idealis Chemicals Private Limited (Idealis)
Idealis was incorporated on October 05, 2023 as awholly owned subsidiary company, which has beendeclared as the successful bidder for acquiringOren Hydrocarbons Private Limited (Oren) as agoing concern in the auction conducted by theliquidator of Oren in terms of the Insolvency andBankruptcy Code, 2016 and paid the considerationof Rs. 7, 690.74 Lakhs. NCLT has issued the orderon July 09, 2024, order in favour of Idealis andvested the company on a going concern basis ona clean state principle. In line with the NCLT order,Oren allotted 50,00,000 shares of Rs. 10/- eachfor Rs. 500 Lakhs and balance of considerationhas been treated as loan.
Idealis Mudchemie Private Limited (Formerlyknown as Oren Hydrocarbons Private Limited)
During the year, the company was acquired byIdealis Chemicals Private Limited through ane-auction conducted under the National CompanyLaw Tribunal (NCLT) liquidation process, ata consideration of Rs. 7,690.74 Lakhs. Thecompany has plants in Andhra Pradesh, Gujaratand Tamil Nadu and it manufacturers customizeddrilling fluids/muds/chemicals with strategicmanufacturing and distribution points.
The NCLT issued an order on July 9, 2024, approvingthe transaction. Accordingly, the Company hasbecome a subsidiary of Idealis Chemicals PrivateLimited and a Step-Down Subsidiary of ArcheanChemical Industries Limited with effect from theorder date. The operations of the Company havenot commenced, as it is currently in the processof securing various statutory approvals and utilityconnections for a few of the plants and this is underthe advance stage.
During the year, in accordance with the NCLTorder, the company extinguished the sharecapital of Rs. 1,729.30 Lakhs held by the formermanagement / shareholders and allotted Rs. 500Lakhs as equity share capital to Idealis ChemicalsPrivate Limited, with the remaining considerationbeing treated as a loan.
Effective October 9, 2024, the company's namewas changed from "Oren Hydrocarbons PrivateLimited" to "Idealis Mudchemie Private Limited(IMPL). IMPL is the step down subsidiary of theCompany."
Neun Infra Private Limited
It was incorporated on October 3, 2023 as awholly owned subsidiary of the Company with apaid-up capital of Rs. 3,00,00,000/- divided into30,00,000 shares of Rs.10/- each towards theinitial subscription.
SiCSem Private Limited (SiCSem)
Neun has incorporated a subsidiary CompanySiCSem with an Authorised share capitalamounting to Rs. 5,00,000/- divided into 50,000equity shares of Rs. 10/- each. Neun has investedRs.3,50,000 out of Rs. 5,00,000 in the Capital ofSiCSem constituting 70% of the Capital. The mainobjects of SiCSem are setting up of a facility formanufacturing semiconductor. Thus, SiCSem willbe the step-down subsidiary of your company.
On January 28, 2025 Sicsem achieved a significantmilestone in semiconductor manufacturing withthe groundbreaking ceremony in Bhubaneswar,Odisha. SiCSem proposed CompoundSemiconductor Facility is projected be upto Rs.3000 Cr investment which will boost Odisha'sindustrial progress. The facility will integratethe entire process of manufacturing powerdevices including a Wafer Fabrication Plant. Theprocesses will lead to manufacturing of electronicpower devices that will cater to key sectors suchas electric vehicles, energy storage, fast chargers,green energy, industrial tools, data centres,consumer appliances and many other appliances.
The state government has allotted 14.32 acre landat Infovalley-II, Bhubaneshwar for this prestigiousproject and also approved the project under theOdisha Semiconductor & Fabless Policy - 2023.
Acume Chemicals Private Limited (Acume)
Acume is the Wholly Owned Subsidiary of theCompany. During the year, Acume improved thecapacity utilization of the Bromine DerivativesManufacturing Facility at Jhagadia. InorganicBromides that were commercialized in FY 2023¬24 were further scaled up in volumes. Additionally,few more Organic Bromides were commercializedduring the FY 2024-25. An amount of Rs. 11,909.68lakhs was capitalized during the year.
During the period ended March 31, 2025,Acume generated revenue from operations ofRs. 2,717.86 lakhs and incurred a loss before taxof Rs. 1,444.56 Lakhs.
During the year gone by, company enlarged themarketing footprint by reaching out to several endcustomers within India and abroad. Customers inthe field of Specialty & Fine Chemicals like Biocides,Oil & Gas, Pharmaceutical and Agro Segmentswere approached. Samples of the products wereseeded to customers and their quality approvalsare being taken. Some of them have a longergestation time for qualifications and the same arebeing pursued. Meanwhile Inroganic Bromideshave received wider acceptance, and their volumeswere scaled up during Q4 FY 2024-25 and theyhope to aggressively pursue this success.
For more details about the strategies andoperations, please refer the ManagementDiscussion and Analysis Report set out in thisReport.
Particulars of Loans, Guarantees or Investmentscovered under the provisions of Section 186 ofthe Act are set out in the notes to the financialstatements.
Particulars of the same as referred in Section188(1) of the Act, in the prescribed Form AOC-2is enclosed as Annexure III to the Board's Report.
Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral partof the Company's ethos and policy and it beenpursued on a sustained basis.
In compliance with Section 135 of the Act, the Boardof Directors had constituted a CSR Committeeand adopted a CSR Policy, in accordance withSchedule VII of the Act.
As on March 31, 2025, Your Company's CSRCommittee comprises of Mr. S Meenakshisundaram,Chairperson, Mrs. Padma Chandrasekaran,Member and Mr. P Ravi, Member. The Committeeis responsible for formulating, monitoring andimplementing the CSR policy of the Company.
Annual Report on CSR activities as prescribedunder Companies (Corporate Social ResponsibilityPolicy) Rules, 2014 is enclosed as Annexure IV tothe Board's Report.
Further, the Board has taken on record thecertificate from the Chief Financial Officer that CSRspends of the Company for FY 2024-25 have beenutilized for the purpose and in the manner approvedby the Board of Directors of the Company.
In accordance with Section 135(4) of the Act, themajor contents of CSR policy are as follows:
Preamble: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)is the affirmation that the ACIL is committed to itsstakeholders to conduct its business operationsin an economically, socially and environmentallysustainable manner.
a) To create positive and sustainable impact onsociety and invest in improving lives of nearbycommunity
b) To engage with nearby community inidentifying local needs and requirements
c) To identify opportunity and initiatives to enhance- Social, Environmental and Economic Value tothe Society along with desired impact
d) To Institute a process and a suitablemechanism for the implementation andmonitoring of the CSR activities.
Implementation Process:
The CSR initiatives shall be undertaken by theCompany as per its stated CSR Policy as Projectsor Programs or Activities (either new or ongoing).
The CSR activities may be undertaken directlyby the Company or through a registered trust ora registered society or a Company/firm/foundationestablished by the Company.
In addition to the above, CSR Policy also includescomposition of CSR Committee, meetings& quorum, duties & responsibilities of CSRCommittee/Board, CSR Activities/expenditure/reporting etc., and the said policy is available atthe Company's website, at the following weblink:https://www.archeanchemicals.com/investor-relations/admin/assets/products/Corporate%20Social%20Responsibility%20Policy.pdf
Risk Management at ACIL forms an integral part ofManagement focus.
In accordance with Regulation 21 of SEBI LODR,Board has constituted the Risk ManagementCommittee. A detailed note on the attendance,composition of the Committee along with otherdetails are provided in the Corporate GovernanceReport Section of this Annual Report. The detailsof the Committee and the terms of referenceare set out in the Corporate Governance Reportforming part of the Report.
In accordance with Section 134(3)(n) of the Act andRegulation 17(9) of SEBI LODR, the Company hasdeveloped and implemented a Risk ManagementPolicy aligned with the industry in which it operates.The Policy envisages identification of risk andprocedures for assessment and minimisation of
risk thereof. The said policy is available at theCompany's website, at the following weblink:https://www.archeanchemicals.com/investor-relations/admin/assets/products/Risk%20Management%20Policy-15.01.2022.pdf
The Company believes that risks should bemanaged and monitored on a continuous basis.As a result, the Company has designed a dynamicrisk management framework to manage riskseffectively and efficiently, enabling both short termand long term strategic and business objectivesto be met.
The Company's risk management system isalways evolving & an ongoing process and it isrecognized that the level and extent of the riskmanagement system is commensurate withthe development and growth of the Company'sactivities. The risk management system is a"living" system and the documentation thatsupports it will be regularly reviewed andupdated in order to keep current with Companycircumstances.
In the opinion of the Board, there is no elementof risk which may threaten the existence of theCompany/its operations.
Your Company has an Internal Controls systemin accordance with Section 134(5)(e) of the Act,commensurate with the size, scale and complexityof its operations. The Audit Committee comprisingof professionally qualified Directors, interacts withthe Statutory Auditors, Internal Auditors and themanagement to review the adequacy of InternalControls system on a regular basis.
The Management is responsible for establishing &maintaining internal controls for financial reporting.The Statutory Auditors have evaluated the systemof internal controls of the Company and alsoreviewed their effectiveness and have reportedthat the same are adequate & commensuratewith the size of the Company and the nature of itsbusiness.
They have also reviewed the internal controlspertaining to financial reporting of the Company toensure that financial statements of the Companypresent a true and fair view of the state of affairsof the Company. In addition, Auditors in their reporthave also opined that the Company has in allmaterial respects adequate internal financial controlsystems over financial reporting and the same wereoperating effectively as on March 31, 2025.
The summary of the Internal Audit findings andstatus of implementation of action plans for riskmitigation, are submitted to the Audit Committeeevery quarter for review, and concerns aroundresidual risks if any, are presented to the Board.
Based on the framework of Internal FinancialControls and Compliance Systems establishedand maintained by the Company, work performedby the internal, statutory, cost and secretarialauditors and external consultant(s), includingaudit of internal financial controls over financialreporting by the statutory auditors and the reviewsperformed by the Management and the relevantBoard Committees, including the Audit Committee,the Board is of the opinion that the Company'sinternal financial controls were adequate andeffective during FY 2024-25.
Pursuant to provisions of Section 177(9) of the Act,read with Rule 7 of the Companies (Meetings ofBoard and its Powers) Rules,2014 and Regulation22 of the SEBI LODR, your Company has adopteda Whistle Blower Policy on Vigil Mechanism whichprovides a formal mechanism for all Directors,Employees and other Stakeholders of the Companyto report to the management, their genuineconcerns or grievances about unethical behaviour,actual or suspected fraud and any violation of theCompany's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
The Code as well provides a direct access tothe Chairman of the Audit Committee to makeprotective disclosures about grievances orviolation of the Company's Code. Brief detailsabout the policy are provided in the CorporateGovernance Report attached to this report.
The said policy is available at the Company'swebsite, at the following weblink: https://www.archeanchemicals.com/investor-relations/admin/assets/products/Whistle%20Blower%20and%20Vigil%20Mechanism%20Policy.pdf
The Company has formulated a policy onRelated Party Transactions (RPT) and approvedby the Board. The policy on RPT is availableon the Company's website at https://www.archeanchemicals.com/investor-relations/admin/assets/products/Policy%20on%20RPT-07.02.2025.pdf
All RPTs that were entered into by the Companyduring the FY 2024-25, were in the ordinarycourse of business and on arm's length basis andwere in compliance with the applicable provisionsof the Act and the SEBI LODR. The Company didnot enter into any material transaction/contractswith related parties during the year that may havepotential conflict with the interests of the Companyat large or that requires approval of the Members.
Prior approval / omnibus approval have beenobtained from Audit Committee for all RPTs andthese transactions are periodically placed beforethe Audit Committee for its review/approval. AllRPTs were placed before the Audit Committeefor their prior approval in accordance with therequirements of the Act and the SEBI LODR.The transactions entered into pursuant to suchapproval are placed periodically before the AuditCommittee for its review.
Necessary disclosures as required under theAccounting Standards have been made in theFinancial Statements.
DISCLOSURE UNDER THE SEXUALHARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE(PREVENTION, PROHIBITION ANDREDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
The Company maintains a strict zero tolerancestance against sexual harassment in the workplaceand has established a policy aimed at preventing,
prohibiting, and addressing incidents of sexualharassment. This policy aligns with the SexualHarassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,Prohibition and Redressal) Act of 2013 and itsassociated regulations. To enhance awarenesson this matter, the Company regularly conductsprograms in this regard.
In accordance with Rule 8(5) of Companies(Accounts) Rules, 2014, the Company hascomplied with the provisions relating to theconstitution of Internal Complaints Committeeunder Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.Internal Complaints Committee has been set upto redress complaints received regarding sexualharassments.
During the FY 2024-25, no complaint was received,and no complaint was pending for disposal as onMarch 31, 2025.
The policy which is available at the Company'swebsite, at the following weblink: https://www.archeanchemicals.com/investor-relations/admin/assets/products/ACIL%20PoSH%20Policy%20-%20September%202024.pdf
As per section 139 of the Act, read with theCompanies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014,the Members of the Company in the 12th AGM,approved the appointment of PKF Sridhar &Santhanam LLP, Chartered Accountants (FirmRegistration Number: 003990S/S200018), asStatutory Auditors of the Company for a termof Five (5) years i.e from the conclusion of 12thAGM till the conclusion of the 17th AGM of theCompany, to be held in the FY 2026-27 at suchremuneration in addition to applicable taxes, outof pocket expenses, travelling and other expensesas may be mutually agreed between the Board ofDirectors of the Company and the Auditors.
Pursuant to Sections 139 and 141 of the Act,along with the applicable Rules, the Company hasobtained a certificate from the Statutory Auditorsaffirming their eligibility to remain in their role as
Auditors. Additionally, the Auditors have verified thatthey have participated in the peer review processconducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountantsof India (ICAI) and possess a valid certificate issuedby the Peer Review Board of the ICAI.
Details of fees paid to Statutory Auditor isdisclosed in Corporate Governance Report set outin this report.
Pursuant to Section 148 of the Act read with theamended rules thereof, the Board of Directorson the recommendation of the Audit Committeeappointed Mr. G Sundaresan, Cost Accountant asthe Cost Auditor of the Company for the FY 2025¬26. The Board has recommended remunerationto the shareholders for ratification at the ensuingAnnual General Meeting.
Mr. G Sundaresan has confirmed that hisappointment is within the limits of Section 139 of theAct, and has also certified that he is free from anydisqualifications specified under Section 141 of theAct. The Company has also received a certificatefrom the Cost Auditor certifying his independenceand arm's length relationship with the Company.
Pursuant to section 148 of the Act, the Companyis required to maintain the cost records and theCompany is accordingly maintaining such accountsand records and the same are being audited as perthe requirement of the Act. The report of the CostAuditor shall be filed with the Central Governmentin accordance with the rules framed thereunder.
In terms of the provisions of Section 204 of theAct read with the Companies (Appointment andRemuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules,201 4, and Regulation 24A of the SEBI LODR,the Board has appointed M/s. HVS & Associates,Practicing Company Secretaries as SecretarialAuditors of the Company for the FY 2024-25.
As per Section 204 of the Act, read with Companies(Appointment and Remuneration of ManagerialPersonnel) Rules, 2014, and as per the Regulation
24A SEBI LODR read with SEBI LODR (ThirdAmendment) Regulations, the Board in its meetingheld on May 02, 2025 had recommended theappointment of HVS & Associates, peer reviewedPracticing Company Secretaries (Firm RegistrationNo. P2016TN048300), Chennai as SecretarialAuditor of the Company for a period of 5 years fromFY 2025-26 to FY 2029-30, subject to approval of itsshareholders in its ensuing Annual General Meeting.
The Company had received required declarations/consents from the Secretarial Auditors confirmingthat they have been Peer Reviewed and areeligible to be appointed as Secretarial Auditors.
The Statutory Auditors, Secretarial Auditorsand Internal Auditors of the Company have notreported any frauds to the Audit Committee or tothe Board of Directors under Section 143(12) ofthe Act, including Rules made thereunder.
There were no qualifications, reservations oradverse remarks or disclaimers made by theStatutory Auditor and Secretarial Auditor in theirreports, respectively.
The Statutory Audit Report in the prescribedformat issued by Statutory Auditors is providedin this Annual Report. The Secretarial Auditor'sReport in the prescribed format issued by theSecretarial Auditors is enclosed as Annexure V tothe Board's Report.
ENERGY CONSERVATION, TECHNOLOGYABSORPTION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGEEARNINGS AND OUTGO
The information on Conservation of Energy,Technology Absorption and Foreign ExchangeEarnings and Outgo stipulated under Section134(3) of the Act, read with the Companies(Accounts) Rules, 2014 enclosed as Annexure VIto the Boards Report.
In accordance with Regulation 34 of SEBI LODR,the Management Discussion and Analysis (MDNA)Report is set out in this Annual Report.
Your Director's always strive to follow goodCorporate Governance practices in the Companyto enhance long term shareholder value.
As required under Regulation 34 (3) read withSchedule V (C) of the SEBI LODR, a report onCorporate Governance is set out in this report andthe certificate as required under Schedule V (E)of SEBI LODR is obtained from Statutory Auditor,regarding compliance of conditions of CorporateGovernance is annexed to the CorporateGovernance Report.
Your Company is committed to maintaining thehighest standard of Corporate Governance. All theDirectors and the Senior Management personnelhave affirmed in writing their compliance with andadherence to the Code of Conduct adopted by theCompany.
As per Regulation 34(2)(f) of the SEBI LODR,the annual report for the top one thousandlisted entities based on market capitalizationshall contain a Business Responsibility andSustainability Report on the environmental, socialand governance disclosures.
For the FY ended March 31, 2025, your Companyfalls under Top 1000 Listed Companies by marketcapitalization in BSE Limited and National StockExchange Limited.
The BRSR includes details on performance againstthe nine principles of the National Guidelines onResponsible Business Conduct and a report undereach principle, which is divided into essential andleadership indicators. The Company practicesvarious business responsibility initiatives as perthe Business Responsibility and Sustainabilitypolicy laying down the broad principles guiding theCompany in delivering various responsibilities toits stakeholders.
The Business Responsibility and SustainabilityReport in terms of above regulation for FY 2024¬25 is set out in this report.
In terms of Section 92(3) and section 134(3)(a)of the Act, the Annual Return of the Company isavailable on the website of the Company https://www.archeanchemicals.com/investor-relations/admin/assets/products/4.%20Form%20MGT-7_Draft.pdf
The annual return uploaded on the website is adraft in nature and the final annual return shallbe uploaded at the same link on the Company'swebsite once the same is filed with Ministry ofCorporate Affairs after the AGM.
Pursuant to Sections 124 and 125 of the Actread with the Investor Education and ProtectionFund Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer andRefund) Rules, 2016 ("The Rules"), all unpaid orunclaimed dividends are required to be transferredby the Company to the Investor Educationand Protection Fund (IEPF) established by theCentral Government, after completion of sevenconsecutive years from the date of transfer ofsuch amount to unpaid dividend account. Further,according to the Rules, the shares in respectof which dividend has not been paid or claimedfor seven consecutive years or more shall alsobe transferred to the demat account of IEPFAuthority. There were no such instances requiringany transfer by the company to the IEPF as ofMarch 31, 2025.
The Company has received confirmations fromthe Board and the Senior Management Personnelregarding their adherence to the Code of Conduct.A certificate from the Managing Director in thisregard is set out in this Annual report.
A compliance certificate by Managing Directorand Chief Financial Officer as stipulated under
regulation 17 (8) read with Part B of Schedule II ofSEBI LODR is set out in this report.
Your Directors state that no disclosure or reportingis required in respect of the following items asthere were no transactions / events on these itemsduring the year under review:
1. Proceedings under Insolvency and BankruptcyCode: No application has been made or anyproceedings pending under the Insolvencyand Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (31 of 2016)against the Company during the year underreview.
2. Deposits: The Company has not accepted anydeposit from the public within the meaningof Section 76 of the Act, for the year endedMarch 31, 2025.
3. Significant and Material Orders: There wereno significant material orders passed bythe Regulators / Courts / Tribunals whichwould impact the going concern status of theCompany and its future operations.
4. Change in the nature of business, if any: Therewas no change in the nature of businessactivities during the year under review.
5. Material changes and commitments: Therewere no material changes and commitments
affecting the financial position of the Companyoccurred between April 01,2025, and the dateof signing this report.
6. Shares with differential rights: The Companyhas not issued any equity shares withdifferential rights as to dividend, voting orotherwise during the FY 2024-25.
7. Sweat Equity Shares: The Company has notissued any Issue of Shares (including SweatEquity Shares) to employees of the Companyunder any Plan during FY 2024-25.
8. One time settlement with Banks: TheCompany has not made any one-timesettlement for loans taken from the Banks orFinancial Institutions during FY 2024-25.
9. Revision in the financial statements andBoards Report: There was no revision offinancial statements and the Board's Report.
The Directors wish to place on record theirappreciation for the valuable support received bythe Company from Banks & Financial Institutions.The Board thanks the employees at all levels fortheir dedication, commitment and the hard workput in by them for Company's achievements.The Directors are grateful to the Shareholders/Stakeholders for their confidence and faithreposed in Board.
Date: May 02,2025 Managing Director Director
Place: Chennai DIN: 01952929 DIN: 01176085