Procedural Guidelines

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1. Introduction
2. Objectives and application of the Rules
3. Making an application
4. Receipt of an application
5. Conducting proceedings
6. How long does the Panel process take?
7. Seeking a review of a Panel decision
8. Undertakings
9. Parties
10. Confidentiality and Publicity
11. Withdrawal of an application
12. Panel members
13. Executive
14. Miscellaneous
Publication History

1. Introduction

This document is dated 1 April 2021. It may be amended from time to time.
These Guidelines have been prepared to assist market participants, parties and advisers in understanding the Panel's processes.
Rule 8
These Guidelines explain how the Panel's processes work in the usual case. They are not intended to provide an inflexible or exhaustive description of the Panel's processes or the rules of procedural fairness.
These Guidelines cross-reference relevant governing provisions.
For the purposes of these Guidelines, the Panel means, as the context requires:
1. the Panel established under section 171 of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 1989 (Cth) and continued in existence by section 261 of the ASIC Act (more commonly referred to as the "Takeovers Panel") or
2. the sitting Panel constituted under section 184 of the ASIC Act in relation to a matter (more commonly referred to as the "sitting Panel").
Other expressions used in these Guidelines are defined in the Takeovers Panel Procedural Rules 2020 registered under the Legislation Act 2003 (Cth) (the Rules).
See Rule 5

2. Objectives and application of the Rules

The Panel’s processes are governed by:
1. Part 6.10 of the Corporations Act – this sets out the primary powers of the Panel to review decisions and make declarations and orders
2. regulation 6.10.01 of the Corporations Regulations – this sets the time limit within which an application may be made for review of a Panel decision
3. Part 10 of the ASIC Act – this contains most of the machinery provisions for the Panel, including its establishment and the processes for conducting its proceedings
4. Part 3 of the ASIC Regulations – this gives further specific powers to the Panel and
5. the Rules – these set out the procedural rules to be followed in Panel proceedings.
In relation to Panel proceedings, the Panel must act:
1. as fairly and reasonably and
2. with as little formality and
3. having regard to the time available before the decision must be made, in as timely a manner
as the requirements of the Panel's governing legislation, and a proper consideration of the matters before the Panel, permit.

ASIC Regulations regs 13 and 16(2), Rules 6(1) and (2)
The Panel has control over the entire proceedings. The Rules apply to Panel proceedings, except to the extent the Panel determines or directs otherwise.
ASIC Act s 195, Rule 7
The Panel may give a direction of its own volition or on request by a party. Any request should set out the direction which the party wants the Panel to consider and its submissions in support of the request.
ASIC Regulations reg 16(1), Rule 7(5)
The President may perform certain actions before the appointment of the Panel.
See, for example, Rule 15
For a matter that is not an application under sections 657C, 657EA or 656A of the Corporations Act, the President or the Panel constituted in relation to that particular matter will determine the procedural rules to be followed in relation to that particular matter. Such matters include a request to make an application under section 657G of the Corporations Act to the Court to enforce a Panel order and an application under section 201A of the ASIC Act to withdraw or vary an undertaking accepted by the Panel. Generally speaking, the Rules will apply to any such matter unless the President or the Panel constituted in relation to that particular matter determines or directs otherwise.

3. Making an application

3.1 Applications

The Panel can only consider whether circumstances are unacceptable if it receives an application. The Panel does not make declarations or orders of its own volition.
Corporations Act s 657C
The Panel considers three types of applications under the Corporations Act:
1. an application under section 657C for a declaration of unacceptable circumstances or orders
2. an application under section 657EA for a review of a decision of the Panel made on an application under section 657C and
  See 7 of these Guidelines below
3. an application under section 656A for a review of a decision of ASIC’s exercise of its exemption or modification powers under section 655A or section 673.
  See Rule 13
The Panel may refer a matter to ASIC for ASIC to consider whether to make an application to the Panel.
ASIC Regulations reg 18

3.2 Who can apply?

Application under section 657C

An application for a declaration under section 657A or an order under section 657D or section 657E of the Corporations Act may be made by:
1. the bidder or
2. the target or
3. ASIC or
4. any other person whose interests are affected by the relevant circumstances.
This could include, for example, a shareholder in relation to a proposed corporate action by a company or in relation to an alleged association in respect of a company.

Corporations Act s 657C(2)

Application for review of Panel decision

An application for review of a Panel decision may be made by a party to the proceedings in which the decision was made or ASIC. A party to the proceedings in which the decision was made includes an interested person who participated in proceedings and was deemed to be a party by the Panel pursuant to Rule 16(6).
Corporations Act s 657EA(1). See also definition of "party" in Rule 5

Application for review of ASIC decision

An application for review of a decision of ASIC under section 656A of the Corporations Act may be made by any person whose interests are affected by an ASIC decision under section 655A or under section 673 in relation to securities of the target of a takeover bid during the bid period. This could include, for example, a company that made an application to ASIC for relief that was refused by ASIC.
Corporations Act s 656A(2)

3.3 Providing an application to the Panel

The Panel’s preference is for an application to be provided through the Panel’s online system. If the Panel’s online system is unavailable, an application must be sent to the Executive by email at takeovers@takeovers.gov.au.
See Rule 10(2)
An applicant should also contact the Executive as soon as possible after it sends an application to confirm that it has been received by the Executive.
In making an application (whether through the Panel’s online system or by email to the Executive), a Microsoft Office word version (.doc or .docx) of the application should be included where possible.
A copy of the application must also be provided to other persons as set out in Rules 10(3), (4) and (5) including to ASIC by email to AsicTakeoverMatters@asic.gov.au (or to relevant ASIC action officers, if identified). The applicant should identify in its application, as far as possible, all persons who may be interested persons. The applicant must use reasonable endeavours to provide such persons with a copy of the application.
Definition of “interested person” in Rule 5
If an applicant refers to a person in the application, the applicant should consider whether the person may be an interested person and should be identified.
See 9.1(b) of these Guidelines below
The Panel may, if it subsequently identifies a person as a potentially interested person, provide that person with a copy of the application.
A potential applicant should contact the Executive as soon as it considers it is likely to make an application, and advise the Executive of the persons and advisers involved (to the extent known). The Executive will not communicate this information to Panel members or any other person unless an application is made. Contacting the Executive in this way does not result in any commitment to make an application, but assists the Executive in planning for the application.

3.4 Fee

A fee of A$2,400 is payable on an application to the Panel. Applicants will be issued an invoice with electronic funds transfer and credit card payment options.

See Corporations (Fees) Act 2001 (Cth) and Corporations (Fees) Regulations 2001 (Cth)

3.5 Form of application

Application under section 657C

An application under section 657C of the Corporations Act for a declaration of unacceptable circumstances or an order does not need to be in a particular form but must include the following information:
1. identify the company whose affairs are affected by the circumstances
2. set out the relevant circumstances and the key reasons as to why those circumstances are alleged to be unacceptable
3. state when the circumstances first arose (or where a precise date is unknown, a time period in which the circumstances first arose)
4. provide details of any proceedings threatened or commenced in another forum which are directly or indirectly related to the circumstances (this requirement only applies to the extent that the applicant is aware of such information – the Panel does not expect an applicant to, for example, undertake independent litigation searches to ascertain whether there are any proceedings on foot which are related to the circumstances)
5. state the interim orders or final orders sought and
6. identify interested persons.
Rules 9(1) and 12(1)(a)-(f). See also 5.2 and 5.4 of these Guidelines below
The application must also be accompanied by a Notice to Become a Party (except where the applicant is ASIC).
Rule 12(1)(h)
If an application does not comply with Rule 12(1), the Panel (or before the Panel is appointed, the President) may require that the applicant provide an amended application that does comply. The President or Panel (as relevant) may treat the original application as received but may not consider it if it directs an amended document be provided.
Rule 12(3)
While not essential for a valid application under section 657C of the Corporations Act, applicants are encouraged to provide the following information in their application (where possible) to aid the Panel in considering the application:
1. identify the basis on which the declaration is sought
2. identify contraventions of Chapter 6-6C of the Corporations Act (if any)
3. background information which is relevant to the application, including (where possible) a diagram of the relevant corporate/shareholding relationships
4. a chronology of key events relevant to the application
5. submissions to support each claim of unacceptability in the application (i.e. policy considerations, submissions on law or the exercise of discretion relevant to the claim)
6. submissions to support the interim orders or final orders sought (i.e. policy considerations, unfair prejudice submissions and how the orders sought protect rights or interests or ensure the takeover bid proceeds as it should have)
  See Corporations Act ss 657D(2)(a) and 657D(2)(b). See also Guidance Note 4 – Remedies General
7. if an application is being submitted more than 2 months after the circumstances first occurred, submissions to support the Panel granting an extension of time for making the application and
  See 3.9(b) of these Guidelines below
8. details of interested persons to assist in the assessment of conflicts when appointing a Panel (i.e. principal shareholders, directors and advisers of the interested persons).
Note that any submissions in support of the application (i.e. the items in paragraphs 3.5(d)(v)-(vii) above) must not exceed 10 A4 pages in minimum 10 point font.
Rules 9(1) and 12(1)(g). See also 3.6, 5.2 and 5.4 of these Guidelines below

Application for review of Panel decision

An application under section 657EA of the Corporations Act for a review of a Panel decision does not need to be in a particular form but must identify the relevant decision of the Panel to which the review application relates (i.e. the declaration or orders, or both the declaration and orders).
Rules 9(1) and 14(1)(a). See also 3.6, 5.2 and 5.4 of these Guidelines below
The application must also be accompanied by a Notice to Become a Party (except where the applicant is ASIC).
Rule 14(1)(c)
If an application does not comply with Rule 14(1), the Panel (or before the Panel is appointed, the President) may require that the applicant provide an amended application that does comply. The President or Panel (as relevant) may treat the original application as received but may not consider it if it directs an amended document be provided.
Rule 14(4)
While not essential for a valid application under section 657EA of the Corporations Act, applicants are encouraged to provide submissions in support of their application for review to aid the Panel in considering the application (subject to the page limit requirements). Applicants are also encouraged to specify whether an interim order is being sought regarding a stay of any orders of the initial Panel.
Rules 9(1) and 14(1)(b). See also 3.6, 5.2 and 5.4 of these Guidelines below

Application for review of ASIC decision

An application under section 656A of the Corporations Act for a review of an ASIC decision does not need to be in a particular form but must explain how the applicant’s interests are affected by the decision and, to the extent available, include a copy of:
1. the application to ASIC
2. any relevant submissions received by ASIC
3. any instrument granted by ASIC and
4. any notice of the decision and any statement of grounds or reasons for the decision provided by ASIC.
Rule 13(1)(a)
The application must also be accompanied by a Notice to Become a Party.
Rule 13(1)(c)
If an application does not comply with Rule 13(1), the Panel (or before the Panel is appointed, the President) may require that the applicant provide an amended application that does comply. The President or Panel (as relevant) may treat the original application as received but may not consider it if it directs an amended document be provided.
Rule 13(4)
While not essential for a valid application under section 656A of the Corporations Act, applicants are encouraged to provide submissions in support of their application for review to aid the Panel in considering the application (subject to the page limit requirements).
Rules 9(1) and 13(1)(b). See also 3.6, 5.2 and 5.4 of these Guidelines below

3.6 Page limits

While not essential for a valid application, applicants are encouraged to make submissions in support of an application under sections 657C, 656A or 657EA of the Corporations Act. Such submissions must not exceed 10 A4 pages in minimum 10 point font. Any submissions included in attachments to an application are included in the page limit.
Rules 9(1), 12(1)(g), 13(1)(b) and 14(1)(b). See also 3.5 of these Guidelines above
An applicant should contact the Executive if it is likely to exceed the page limit. A request to exceed the page limit should explain why the additional pages are necessary.
If the page limit is exceeded, the President or Panel may require the applicant to provide an alternative document that complies with Rules 12(1)(g), 13(1)(b) or 14(1)(b) (as applicable).
Rules 12(3), 13(4) and 14(4)

3.7 Accompanying material

An application should also be accompanied by any relevant material including any market announcements or documents lodged with ASIC that are referred to in the application. If the accompanying material is long, relevant provisions should be extracted or highlighted in the application or attachment for ease of reference. Any accompanying material should be clearly labelled.
Rule 9(1)
Any material accompanying an application is not included as part of the page limit specified in Rules 12(1)(g), 13(1)(b) or 14(1)(b), unless there are submissions in the attachments (which are included as part of the page limit).
See also 3.6(a) of these Guidelines above

3.8 Pro-forma applications

While an application under sections 657C or 657EA does not need to be in a particular form, the Panel has approved a pro-forma application (one in respect of an application under section 657C and one in respect of an application under 657EA) to aid an applicant in preparing an application. The pro-forma applications are available on the Panel's website.

3.9 Timeliness of application

The Panel encourages parties to resolve issues by negotiation. However, applicants should not delay unreasonably in making an application (noting the 2 month time limit in section 657C of the Corporations Act and that, in deciding whether to conduct proceedings, the Panel will consider the timeliness of the application).
See 4.6(b)(iv) of these Guidelines below
If an application is being submitted more than 2 months after the circumstances first occurred, an applicant should state why the Panel should make a determination to extend the time for making the application.
See Corporations Act s 657C(3)

3.10 Additional applications

A party (including the applicant) may make an additional application.
The additional application may include a request that the President appoint the same Panel appointed to consider the initial application and that the Panel direct the applications be considered in the same proceedings. The Panel may also of its own volition direct that some or all of the applications be considered together in the same proceedings. The Panel may decide not to give such a direction if it considers that it would be inconvenient or inappropriate to do so. For example, if the additional application canvasses significant new factual material or would unreasonably delay consideration of the preceding application.
ASIC Regulations reg 16(1), Rule 7(5)

4. Receipt of an application

4.1 Media release

On receiving an application, the Executive normally publishes a media release on the Panel's website and any relevant Australian securities exchange (for example, ASX) which states that an application has been received and provides an outline of the issues. In preparing the media release, the Executive will carefully consider and be mindful of matters asserted in the application which may be prejudicial to a party. Typically, the media release will be drafted only to address issues regarding Chapter 6 of the Corporations Act.
The media release on receipt of an application is generally not provided in draft to the applicant or any other person for comment. It will normally not be necessary for parties to make a separate media release (although listed parties remain subject to their continuous disclosure obligations).

4.2 Process letter

After publishing a media release, the Executive normally sends the applicant, ASIC and all potentially interested persons a letter setting out important information for the administration of the matter, including:

becoming a party to proceedings before the Panel
the Panel process in considering issues in proceedings and
protocols for communicating with the Panel and other parties.

4.3 Appointment of sitting Panel

As soon as possible following receipt of an application, the President appoints three members from the full Panel membership to constitute the Panel to consider the matter. If a President or Acting President appoints themselves to a Panel then that President will be the "sitting President". Otherwise another member of the Panel is appointed as its "sitting President".
ASIC Act s 184
The President, and the selected Panel members, must ensure that they do not have any material conflicts.
ASIC Act s 185
The Executive provides parties with a Declaration of Interests which includes the identity of each member of the Panel, information about each member and certain interests or connections that were disclosed by the member but considered by the President to be immaterial or indirect and not such as to prevent the member from acting impartially in relation to the matter. Any interests of the Executive are also disclosed.
A party must notify the Executive as soon as possible after it becomes aware of a conflict of interest in accordance with Rule 27. Failure to do so may result in waiver of the right to object.
Rule 27, Guidance Note 11 – Conflicts of Interest
If the President believes that an interest is immaterial or indirect and will not prevent the member from acting impartially in relation to the matter, the President can decide that no change to the composition of the Panel is required.
See ASIC Act s 185, Guidance Note 11 – Conflicts of Interest

4.4 Interim orders

The Panel's first tasks are to decide whether to conduct proceedings and whether to make any interim orders.
The Panel, or the President, may make an interim order to preserve the status quo while an application is being considered. The President will consider an interim order when an interim order is so urgent that it cannot wait until the appointment of a Panel.
Corporations Act s 657E, Guidance Note 4 – Remedies General
In determining whether to make an interim order, the Panel or the President may take into consideration any delay by the applicant in making its application.
There may also be instances in which an interim order is so urgent that an applicant may request the interim order prior to making an application. In these circumstances, the President may ask the applicant to provide an undertaking that the application be made within a certain time after receiving such a request, in the event that an interim order is made.
The usual minimum time in which the Panel or the President can deal with an application for an interim order is 1 business day. If less time is provided, the applicant should explain why it could not have applied earlier.
To support the case for making an interim order, the applicant should address the impact of the proposed interim order and the need to protect the status quo while the Panel considers the application.
See Guidance Note 4 – Remedies General at [10]-[13]
The Panel or the President may seek submissions on an interim order request. However, the Panel or the President may make an interim order without seeking submissions from or consulting any other person if the interim order request requires urgent resolution. In these circumstances, an interim order may operate for a very short time to allow the Panel or the President to obtain more information.
The Panel or the President may allow a person who may be affected by the proposed interim order the opportunity to provide an undertaking in lieu of the interim order.
The Panel will normally announce the interim order in a media release published on its website and any relevant Australian securities exchange (for example, ASX). Beforehand, parties are normally provided with a draft of the media release for any comments on matters of factual accuracy and unfair prejudice. However, given the nature of interim orders (which are often sought on an urgent basis), this may not always be possible or any time allowed for comment may be very limited.

4.5 Preliminary submissions

A party (other than the applicant) may make preliminary submissions about whether the Panel should conduct proceedings in relation to an application. A party is not entitled to make rebuttal submissions to a preliminary submission unless the Panel agrees to accept such submissions.
Rule 20
Preliminary submissions should be sent to each person who has received the application and any person subsequently identified by the Panel.
Preliminary submissions should be brief (generally no more than 2 pages). They should be directed to whether the Panel should conduct proceedings having regard to the considerations in 4.6(b) of these Guidelines below. If appropriate, they should propose any undertakings that the party is willing to give which may remedy some or all of the concerns in the application. They might also identify any additional facts or matters the Panel should take into account when deciding whether to conduct proceedings.
See Rule 9(1)
Preliminary submissions may be made on a review application.
The Panel may accept a preliminary submission from a person that is not a party. The Panel may require the person's consent to disclosing the submission to parties, ASIC and potentially interested persons before considering the submission. Generally, the Panel will accept a submission from a person that is not a party if it appears that the person is an interested person or the person is likely to be able to assist the Panel.
ASIC Regulations regs 16(1)(g), 23 and 24, Rules 10(6) and 20(3)

4.6 Decision whether to conduct proceedings

As soon as practicable after an application is received, the Panel convenes to decide whether to conduct proceedings in relation to the application. Parties will generally be informed about the timing of the first Panel meeting.
ASIC Act s 188, ASIC Regulations reg 20(a)
As part of making this decision, the Panel considers:
1. whether the Panel has jurisdiction
2. whether the claims would give rise to unacceptable circumstances if established
3. the strength of the preliminary evidence
4. the remedies available
5. whether the circumstances are the subject of court proceedings
6. whether the application is out of time and, if not, whether it is timely and
7. whether the application is trivial, frivolous or vexatious.
  Corporations Act s 658A
The Panel may, if necessary, ask preliminary or clarifying questions before deciding whether to conduct proceedings.
As soon as practicable after deciding whether or not to conduct proceedings, the Panel will notify its decision to parties, ASIC and persons to whom the application relates.
ASIC Regulations reg 21
If the Panel decides to conduct proceedings, a brief will be issued.
See 5.1 of these Guidelines below

4.7 Decision not to conduct proceedings

If the Panel decides not to conduct proceedings, a brief will not be issued.
A decision not to conduct proceedings is made on the date it is communicated to the parties in final form.
Rule 24
The Panel will normally announce the decision in a media release published on its website and any relevant Australian securities exchange (for example, ASX). Beforehand, parties are normally provided with a draft of the media release for any comments on matters of factual accuracy and unfair prejudice. Any Panel media release does not constitute the Panel's reasons. The Panel will separately issue reasons for the decision.
See 5.12 of these Guidelines below

5. Conducting proceedings

5.1 Brief

A brief is normally provided to parties as soon as practicable after the Panel decides to conduct proceedings. The brief sets out a general description of the matters to be examined and the key issues or questions that the Panel requires be addressed, invites the parties to make submissions on those issues or questions, and sets out the timetable for parties to make submissions and rebuttal submissions. A sample brief is available on the Panel's website.
ASIC Regulations regs 20(b), 25 and 28
The Panel may issue one or more supplementary briefs or otherwise invite further submissions at any stage of the proceedings.
ASIC Regulations reg 30
If the Panel is minded to make a declaration, it will normally issue a supplementary brief on orders at that time.
If a party would like to address in its submissions any other issue or question not raised in a brief (either for that party or generally), it should be clearly identified as additional.
Parties are usually provided with 2 business days from receipt of a brief to provide submissions and 1 business day from receipt of submissions to provide rebuttal submissions. However, shorter or longer times may be allowed. The Panel may also require that certain documents be provided prior to submissions.
A party required to provide a document, or who has accepted an invitation to make a submission, must do so by the time specified by the Panel. If a document or submission is provided after the time specified by the Panel, the Panel may continue with the proceedings without regard to the document or submission.
ASIC Regulations regs 28, 30 and 34, Rule 10(8). See also 5.8 of these Guidelines below

5.2 Form of documents

Documents and other material provided to the Panel must be in the form required by the Rules or as otherwise directed by the Panel.
See Rule 9(1)
Submissions (including in applications) which are unnecessarily lengthy or complex, which use jargon or emotive language, or contain defamatory statements are strongly discouraged by the Panel.
If a document does not comply with Rule 9(1) or is otherwise inaccessible, the Panel may require that the party provide a further document that does comply. The Panel may treat the original document as received but may not consider it if it directs a further document be provided.
See Rule 9(2)
Documents should refer to past submissions or cross-reference other parts of the document, not repeat the submissions.
Submissions should identify clearly what matters of fact or policy are in dispute.
Submissions should be accompanied by any relevant material including any market announcements or documents lodged with ASIC that are referred to in the submissions. If the accompanying material is long, relevant provisions should be extracted or highlighted in the application or attachment for ease of reference. Any accompanying material should be labelled in accordance with any instructions in the brief.
Rule 9(1)
It is not necessary for parties to provide copies of documents which have already been provided to the Panel unless specifically requested by the Panel. Where documents have already been provided to the Panel, parties referring to those documents should note the date and author of the document and indicate how and when it was previously provided.
Parties are requested to provide documents in Microsoft Office word (.doc or .docx), excel or PDF files. Parties should contact the Executive if other file types are to be provided. Wherever possible, a document provided as a PDF file must be text-searchable. Any PDF file that is not text-searchable must be identified. The Panel may request that a further PDF file that is text searchable is provided.
The Panel will accept as 'signed' submissions that have the name of the signatory typed in the signature line. This does not apply to sworn evidence (see 5.4(h) and 5.4(i) of these Guidelines below).

5.3 Providing material to the Panel

If the Panel conducts proceedings, it will normally establish a virtual data room for the matter. Unless the Panel agrees or advises otherwise, submissions must be provided through the virtual data room. The brief will outline the procedures for using the virtual data room. Each party will only receive access to other parties’ submissions once the time specified for submissions (as set out in the brief) has expired.
The brief also specifies that any person accessing the virtual data room for a matter undertakes not to use or disclose any confidential information provided to it in the proceedings (including confidential information in the virtual data room).
ASIC Act s 201A
Prior to the Panel deciding whether to conduct proceedings or for any “out of process” submissions or requests, communication with the Panel is to be made by email to the Executive sent to takeovers@takeovers.gov.au (unless otherwise directed).
If a party intends the Executive to give an email to the Panel, the email must ordinarily be sent to each party at the same time (so far as practicable) as it is sent to the Executive. This should be clear on the face of the email (i.e., no “blind copies”). In limited circumstances, the Panel may agree to receive an email that has not been copied to other parties, provided it is satisfied there will be compliance with procedural fairness.
Rule 10(6) and 10.8 of these Guidelines below
A single email should not be larger than 15 megabytes in total.
The subject of the email must contain the matter name.
The Panel operates within short deadlines. If a document is sent by post, it may not be received in time for the Panel to consider. If a person is unable to send a document by email, the person should contact the Executive.

5.4 Evidence

The Panel is not bound by the rules of evidence. However, the rules of procedural fairness do apply to Panel proceedings, to the extent that they are not inconsistent with the Panel's legislation.
ASIC Act s 195(4), ASIC Regulations reg 16(2), Rules 6(1) and 22
It is an offence if a person gives information or evidence that is false or misleading in a material particular in written submissions to the Panel or while appearing before the Panel in proceedings, unless it is proved that the person, when giving the information or evidence, believed on reasonable grounds that it was true and not misleading.
ASIC Act s 199
The Panel may act on any logically probative material.
Rule 22(1)
The Panel has limited investigatory powers. An applicant should consider whether there are any enquiries it can make in the circumstances before making its application to the Panel.
The Panel may inform itself of any publicly available information, including information published by parties or other persons under the Corporations Act, or the rules of ASX or another securities exchange. In accordance with the requirements of procedural fairness, the Panel will normally seek submissions on such information before relying on it.
A party may provide statements and documents to support any matter raised in an application or in submissions.
Rule 22(3)
Evidence may be provided to the Panel in the form of a document that is signed and includes statements to the effect that:
1. the person is aware of the offence and its particulars in section 199 of the ASIC Act
2. there are no material omissions from the statement and
3. any attachments are true copies of the originals.
Sworn evidence may be provided to the Panel in the form of a statutory declaration or affidavit that has been declared, sworn or affirmed in accordance with the law of the place where it is made.
A declaration, affidavit or statement may be sent to parties and the Panel electronically (as a scanned copy of the original). The Panel may request that the original be provided.
The Panel may also summons a person to appear before the Panel to give evidence or to produce specified documents on request of a party or of its own volition.
ASIC Act s 192, Rule 22(4)
The Panel may give more weight to sworn evidence but it will depend on the facts of each case. The Panel will consider, among other things, any contemporaneous documentary evidence, whether the person providing the statement has personal knowledge of matters contained in the sworn evidence and whether matters contained in the sworn evidence express facts or opinions.

5.5 Keeping the Panel updated

A party is expected to keep the Panel up to date during the proceedings with relevant announcements it makes.

5.6 Panel meetings

Parties will generally be kept up to date about the timing of Panel meetings in relation to the proceedings. Where possible, the Panel will provide feedback from the meeting. However, this may not always be possible (for example, if the meeting does not result in a decision).

5.7 Conferences

Proceedings are primarily determined on written submissions. However, the Panel may convene a conference. At a conference, the Panel's powers include to take evidence on oath, subpoena witnesses, examine witnesses or subpoena documents.
ASIC Act ss 192 and 199 and ASIC Regulations regs 35 to 41
A Panel may consider convening a conference to clarify matters arising from documents, resolve inconsistent statements or otherwise assist the Panel to inform itself. If it proposes a conference, the Panel will provide written notice to the parties.
A conference may be held in person, by video, by audio or by any combination of communication facilities.
A conference is held subject to any directions the Panel gives. The Panel may, for example, direct what evidence will be taken in a conference and may specify time periods for parties to address the conference.
A party may request at any time during the proceedings that the Panel hold a conference. The decision to hold a conference is at the discretion of the Panel.
Rule 23

5.8 Out of process submissions

If a submission is not made in response to a brief or request by the Panel (or before the Panel is appointed, the President), the Panel or the President (as relevant) may decide not to consider it.
The Executive will inform the Panel (or before the Panel is appointed, the President) that an out of process submission has been received. Depending on the nature of the submission, the Panel or President (as relevant) may seek submissions from other parties as to whether the Panel or President (as relevant) should receive the out of process submission.

5.9 Submissions from a person that is not a party

The Panel may invite submissions from a person that is not a party. A person that is not a party may seek to make submissions to the Panel in relation to a matter.
ASIC Regulations regs 16(1), 23 and 24
Normally, before the Panel receives any submissions from a non-party, it will seek submissions from parties as to whether the Panel should receive the non-party submissions. Parties will also be given the opportunity to provide rebuttal submissions in respect of the non-party submissions. The non-party will generally not receive these rebuttal submissions.
The Panel will endeavour to advise parties and the relevant non-party in a timely manner as to whether the Panel decides to consider the non-party submissions.

5.10 Considerations of the Panel

In deciding issues raised in an application (other than an application for review of an ASIC decision), the Panel has to decide whether unacceptable circumstances have occurred. This requires the Panel to consider legal and policy issues as required in section 657A of the Corporations Act. In particular, the Panel has to consider whether the circumstances are unacceptable in light of the principles referred to in section 602 of the Corporations Act. This includes whether the holders of voting shares know the identity of the bidder, have a reasonable time to consider the bid, have sufficient information to make a decision, have a reasonable and equal opportunity to participate in any benefits arising from the bid and that the bid takes place in an efficient, competitive and informed market.
The Panel also considers whether there has been or will be a contravention of Chapters 6, 6A, 6B or 6C of the Corporations Act. However, even if it determines that there has been or will be a contravention, it does not have to make a declaration of unacceptable circumstances: it is required to consider the section 602 principles and any other policy matters that it considers relevant and the public interest. On the other hand, if the Panel does not find a contravention of Chapters 6, 6A, 6B or 6C, it can still make a declaration of unacceptable circumstances, particularly in light of the section 602 principles.
Corporations Act s 657A. See Guidance Note 1 – Unacceptable Circumstances
If the Panel declares circumstances unacceptable it may make any order (except an order directing a person to comply with a requirement of Chapter 6, 6A, 6B or 6C) it thinks appropriate to:
1. protect the rights or interests of any person affected or likely to be affected by the circumstances or
2. ensure that a takeover bid or proposed takeover bid in relation to securities proceeds (as far as possible) in a way that it would have proceeded if the circumstances had not occurred.
The Panel may also make an order determining who is to bear the costs of the parties to the proceedings.

Corporations Act s 657D(2). See Guidance Note 4 – Remedies General
It must not make an order if it is satisfied that the order would unfairly prejudice any person.
Corporations Act s 657D(1)

5.11 Decision

The Panel will normally first provide parties with a proposed decision it is minded to make (which may include a draft of a declaration and supplementary brief on orders or draft of final orders). Parties should not treat this as a decision in final form. The proposed decision will normally include a list of factors which the Panel considers important to its proposed decision. Those factors should not be taken as the Panel's reasons for its decision.
Before finalising the declaration and any final orders, the Panel will seek submissions on the form of those documents.
Corporations Act ss 657A(4), 657D(1), 657D(3)
In some cases, before providing parties with a proposed decision, the Panel may provide parties with proposed findings it is considering making. The Panel does this to seek comments on possible findings before they are made. Parties should also not treat these as findings or a decision in final form.
The decision in final form will normally be accompanied by a signed copy of the declaration and final orders (as applicable).
See Rule 24
After the decision in final form is communicated, the Panel will normally announce the decision in a media release published on its website and any relevant Australian securities exchange (for example, ASX). Beforehand, parties are normally provided with a draft of the media release for any comments on matters of factual accuracy and unfair prejudice. Any Panel media release also does not constitute the Panel's reasons.

5.12 Reasons

Reasons are normally provided to parties separately after the decision.
Before the Panel's reasons are published, parties are provided with an opportunity to provide any non-substantive corrections to the reasons or to propose any redactions of unnecessary material which adversely affects an individual or is unfairly prejudicial.
Parties should be careful not to selectively use or quote statements from a decision, reasons or a media release in a way which might mislead a reader who has not read them in full.

6. How long does the Panel process take?

Applications to the Panel move very quickly and therefore parties and their advisers need to be prepared.
The time a matter takes from application to conclusion will depend on a number of factors, including:
1. the availability of Panel members – conflict checks may take time depending on the identity and number of parties and their advisers
2. whether the Panel decides to conduct proceedings – matters will usually take longer if the Panel decides to conduct proceedings
3. the complexity of the matter – more complex or document-intensive matters take longer and
4. the urgency of the application – timing constraints involved in a transaction may be relevant to the proceedings.
If the Panel decides not to conduct proceedings on a matter, the matter will usually conclude approximately 1 – 2 weeks after the application is made.
If the Panel decides to conduct proceedings, the matter will usually conclude approximately 2 - 4 weeks after the application is made. Matters can take shorter or longer than this, depending on the circumstances and the urgency involved.
The Panel does not normally update the market on the progress of a matter (including whether the Panel has decided to conduct proceedings) during the course of proceedings.
Notwithstanding the above, the Panel may give notice to a person (or the public at large) of a decision to conduct proceedings and may invite a person who is not a party to the proceedings to give a written expression of interest in the proceedings. This must be given within a time allowed by the Panel. The Panel typically gives such notice when it is aware of a potentially interested person who is not a party or considers that a person may be able to assist the proceedings.
ASIC Regulations reg 23. See also 5.9 of these Guidelines above

7. Seeking a review of a Panel decision

Parties may apply (in certain circumstances this can only be done with the President's consent) for a review of a Panel decision on an application under section 657C by another Panel (referred to as a review Panel).
Corporations Act s 657EA, Guidance Note 2 – Reviewing Decisions
A request for the President’s consent may be included in the application for review of the Panel decision. However, a request for consent should be made in a reasonably sufficient time before the time limit (see below) in order for the Executive to obtain the President’s consent.
Corporations Act s 657EA(2), Rule 14(3)
An application for review of a Panel decision must not be made later than 2 business days after the date on which that decision was made. The Executive will accept a review application made by 11:59pm (Melbourne time) on the 2nd business day.
Corporations Act s 657EA(3), Corporations Regulations reg 6.10.01
The Panel treats reviews as a de novo consideration of the matter on the merits. This means that the review Panel considers afresh the circumstances in the application being reviewed and any new circumstances raised (which may have arisen subsequent to the initial decision) and makes what it considers to be the correct or preferable decision.
See Rule 14(2), Guidance Note 2 – Reviewing Decisions
It is open to a review Panel to decide not to conduct proceedings in relation to a review application if it agrees with the decision of the initial Panel (and the form of any declaration or final orders) and the reasons for that decision, and considers that it would not come to a different decision. However, typically a review Panel will decide to conduct proceedings in relation to a review application in circumstances where the initial Panel has made a declaration and final orders.
The initial Panel seeks to issue its reasons promptly although it normally will not have done so within the 2 business day deadline for a review application. While the review is a de novo consideration, the Panel recognises that it is desirable for parties to have the initial Panel’s reasons when making submissions to the review Panel. If it is practicable, and consistent with the Panel’s legislation, the review Panel may seek to conduct the review in such a way that the parties and the review Panel will have access to the reasons of the initial Panel in formulating the issues to be considered and in making submissions in relation to them.

8. Undertakings

In Panel proceedings, the Panel may accept a written undertaking from a person affected, or likely to be affected, by the proceedings about a matter relevant to the proceedings.
ASIC Act s 201A
The Panel is generally willing to consider undertakings to resolve a matter, although the Panel may still make a declaration or final orders in conjunction with acceptance of an undertaking. Undertakings offered in lieu of all orders should deal with all issues in the proceedings which might otherwise have been dealt with in final orders.
A party that wishes to inquire whether an undertaking might satisfy the Panel may contact the Executive if it wishes to provide a draft undertaking confidentially before circulating the draft to all parties.
Rule 11(3)
Parties may offer an undertaking at any point in the proceedings. However, the timing of the offer is a relevant factor that the Panel considers when exercising its discretion whether to accept the undertaking.
See Guidance Note 4 – Remedies General
Undertakings are received on the basis that the offer of the undertaking does not imply any admission by the person offering the undertaking.

9. Parties

9.1 Seeking to become a party to proceedings

Any person who would like to become a party to the proceedings must provide the Panel with a Notice to Become a Party. The Notice to Become a Party includes an undertaking under section 201A of the ASIC Act to the effect that the proposed party will comply with the confidentiality obligations and media canvassing restrictions in Rules 18 and 19 respectively.
Rule 16(1)
Applicants are required to list any person who may be an interested person in their application and, using reasonable endeavours, provide a copy of the application to each of those persons. Applicants should provide the Executive with proof that the application has been provided to interested persons (e.g., by copying the Executive at takeovers@takeovers.gov.au on the email sent to each interested person).
Definition of “interested person” in Rule 5 and Rules 10(3) and 12(1)(f)
A person not identified in an application as an interested person who wishes to become a party to proceedings should, when submitting a Notice to Become a Party, explain why they may be a potentially interested person or why they may be able to assist the Panel.
Rule 16(2)
The Panel may invite a person to become a party if it appears that the person is an interested person or the person is likely to be able to assist the Panel.
Given the speed of Panel proceedings, any person who would like to become a party after becoming aware of an application should not delay in providing a Notice to Become a Party.
The requirement for a Notice to Become a Party does not apply to ASIC.
Rule 16(1)

9.2 Becoming a party to proceedings

Unless otherwise determined by the Panel, a person does not become a party to proceedings until a Notice to Become a Party from that person is accepted by the Panel.
Rule 16(3)
The Panel only notifies a person if the person's Notice to Become a Party is not accepted by the Panel. A person can generally assume that the Panel has accepted the person's Notice to Become a Party if the person is identified as a party in the Panel's brief and no issues have been raised about the person's participation in the proceedings.
Rule 16(4)
If a person has not provided a Notice to Become a Party but the Panel considers the person is an interested person and that person participates in the proceedings, the Panel may consider that person to be a party in relation to the proceedings.
ASIC Regulations reg 15, Rule 16(6)

9.3 Seeking legal representation

The Panel must consent before a party can be legally represented in proceedings. The Panel will notify a party if the party's request is not accepted or leave to be legally represented is withdrawn. A party can assume that the Panel has consented to the party's lawyers if the lawyers are identified in the Panel's brief and no issues have been raised with the party.
ASIC Act s 194
The form of request is set out in the Notice to Become a Party.
Rule 17(1)
There is no requirement that a party be legally represented and a party may make submissions directly to the Panel or through other representatives.
If a party is to be legally represented, the Panel prefers it to be by the commercial lawyers who have been advising it in the transaction the subject of the application. If a party seeks consent to be represented by lawyers different to those who have advised it on the transaction (even from the same firm), it should explain why.
Rule 17(2)

10. Confidentiality and Publicity

10.1 Panel proceedings are conducted privately

The Panel prefers to conduct proceedings in private. This enables the Panel, among other things, to resolve disputes as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Rule 6
The Panel has established rules to protect confidential information disclosed in the course of proceedings and to prevent issues before the Panel being publicly debated during the course of proceedings.

10.2 Confidentiality obligation

Rule 18 requires that a person (whether or not a party) must not use or disclose any confidential information provided to it in the proceedings (including information disclosed in an application, a preliminary submission or a submission to the Panel), except –
1. in the proceedings itself as permitted under the Rules or
2. as required by law or the rules of a securities exchange.
ASIC Act ss 127 and 186, Rule 18(1). See also 5.3(b) of these Guidelines above
Any communication from, and any document provided by, the Panel (or before the Panel is appointed, the President) is confidential information (including a communication or document provided for comment or which is marked as a draft) unless or until the Panel publishes such information.
Rule 18(2)
A person may disclose confidential information provided to it in proceedings to its Representatives to the extent that the relevant Representative needs that information for the purposes of the proceedings as permitted under the Rules.
Rule 18(3)
For the purposes of the Rules, a person's Representatives is a reference to the directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, service providers and advisers of the person or its Related Bodies Corporate, and any other person acting on behalf of that person.
Definition of "Representatives" in Rule 5
The confidentiality obligations are without limit in time and continue for so long as the information remains confidential.
Any person provided with confidential information in the proceedings must ensure that each of its Representatives who receives such information complies with the confidentiality obligations.
Rule 18(4)
The confidentiality obligations in Rule 18 do not apply to ASIC.
Rule 18(5)

10.3 Restriction on media canvassing

Rule 19(1) requires that a party must not directly or indirectly cause, participate in or assist the canvassing in any media of any issue that is before (or likely to be before) the Panel in proceedings:
1. until the proceedings are determined or the time limit within which an application under section 657EA of the Corporations Act may be made for review of a Panel decision has expired, whichever is longer and
2. if a request is made, or proposed to be made, to vary, revoke or suspend any final orders, from the time the person becomes aware of the request or proposed request until it is determined by the Panel.
Rule 19(1)
Rule 19(1) does not prevent a party from making statements that, without discussing merits:
1. identify the parties or the subject matter of the application or the broad nature of the unacceptable circumstances alleged or the orders sought or
2. describe any decision of the proceedings,
to the extent such matters have been disclosed publicly by the Panel.

Rule 19(2)
The intent of the media canvassing rule is not to prevent discussion of matters which do not directly relate to issues in proceedings before the Panel. For example, where an application is made regarding an alleged association between shareholders in the context of a requisitioned spill meeting, the Panel proceedings are focused on the alleged association between the requisitioning shareholders. In this instance, the media canvassing rule would operate to prevent parties from discussing the alleged association. However, the rule would not prevent announcements or other communications in relation to the requisitioned meeting or the matters or the resolutions proposed to be moved at that meeting, as these issues do not directly relate to the association issue before the Panel.
Rule 19(3) requires that from the relevant time period in Rule 19(1) until the Panel publishes its reasons for decision, a party must not directly or indirectly cause a decision of the Panel to be misrepresented in any media.
Rule 19(3). See also 5.12(c) of these Guidelines above
A party must ensure each of its Representatives complies with the restrictions in Rule 19.
Rule 19(4)
For the purposes of the Rules, a party's Representatives means the directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, service providers and advisers of the party or its Related Bodies Corporate, and any other person acting on behalf of that party.
Definition of "Representatives" in Rule 5
The Panel expects that parties will not attempt to circumvent the media canvassing restriction by:
1. talking to the media about closely related issues to those in the proceedings
2. briefing the media prior to the lodgement of an application or
3. directly approaching stakeholders regarding matters that could not be canvassed in the media.
The restrictions on media canvassing in Rule 19 do not apply to ASIC.
Rule 19(5)

10.4 Non-public information

Parties should note that they may receive non-public, material information during proceedings that may create disclosure obligations or give rise to insider trading restrictions.
Parties must comply with the law and listing rules, but should do so in a manner consistent with Rules 18 and 19.
See 10.2 and 10.3 of these Guidelines above

10.5 Obligations of the Panel in respect of confidentiality

The Panel is required to take all reasonable measures to protect from unauthorised use or disclosure information given to it in confidence in connection with the performance of its functions or the exercise of its powers.
ASIC Act ss 127 and 186
However, use and disclosure is permitted for the purposes of performing the Panel's functions including disclosure to staff, consultants or advisers, the Ombudsman and a Parliamentary Committee and as may be required by legislation including section 127 of the ASIC Act and the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth).

10.6 Restricting the publication of information

The Panel may give directions, during proceedings, preventing or restricting the publication of submissions or evidence made or given to, or of matters contained in documents lodged with, the Panel.
ASIC Act s 190
If a party has a concern about commercially sensitive information, they should contact the Executive to discuss reasonable measures by which the Panel can keep such information confidential.

10.7 Panel media releases

The Panel will consider carefully the timing of its media releases having regard to the urgency of a matter, the price sensitivity of the information and market trading hours. If a party has any concerns regarding the timing of a media release to be published by the Panel, the party should contact the Executive.

10.8 Withholding information or documents

The Panel prefers to give all parties access to all material before it in proceedings.
ASIC Act s 195(4), ASIC Regulations reg 28(2), Rules 6 and 10(6)
A person may request the Panel (or before the Panel is appointed, the President) to withhold information from a party.
ASIC Act ss 190 and 195(4), Rule 11(1)
The request must be provided to all other parties but does not need to include any of the information that the party proposes to withhold.
Given the need for procedural fairness, a request under Rule 11(1) will only be accepted in exceptional cases. However, if accepted, the Panel (or before the Panel is appointed, the President) may direct that information is:
1. withheld or redacted from a party and its legal representatives
2. provided to a party's legal representatives only, and must be withheld by them from the party itself or
3. subject to other requirements specified by the Panel or the President (as relevant) to mitigate adverse effects of providing the information,
in each case, subject to the requirements of procedural fairness.
If a party's request to redact a document (for confidentiality or other reasons) is refused, the party should decide whether there are any other reasonable measures to mitigate adverse effects of providing the information, and if not, whether it is prepared to submit the complete document. If it is not, the party may wish to consider whether it should withdraw from the proceedings. If the party is the applicant it would require the consent of the Panel (or before the Panel is appointed, the President) to withdraw its application, which may be more readily given in these circumstances.
See Rule 15

11. Withdrawal of an application

An applicant may only withdraw its application with the consent of the Panel or if the request for consent to withdraw is made before a Panel is appointed, the President.
Rule 15
If the dispute is resolved, the Panel (or before the Panel is appointed, the President) will generally give consent to withdraw. However, consent may be refused if there is reason to suspect that unacceptable circumstances will occur or continue to occur.

12. Panel members

When exercising their statutory functions and powers in relation to Panel proceedings, Panel members have the same immunity and protection from suit in civil actions as a Justice of the High Court.
ASIC Act s 197(1)
Panel members also have protection from improper advances. Forms of interference such as threats, intimidation or attacks on the professional competence or impartiality of a Panel member may constitute an offence under section 200 of the ASIC Act. Under this section, a person is prohibited from obstructing or hindering the Panel or a member and from disrupting Panel proceedings, as well as contravening a Panel direction given under section 190(1) of the ASIC Act. Contravention carries penalties and/or imprisonment.
See ASIC Act ss 190 and 200

13. Executive

The Executive manages the administration of matters on behalf of the President and the Panel.
Rule 28
All communication between parties and the President or the Panel is made through the Executive. Parties should not communicate directly with the President or a Panel in anticipation of, or during, proceedings.
The Executive:
1. assists the President to identify a Panel for a matter
2. assists Panel members with conflict checks
3. conducts research for the Panel
4. prepares draft documents for the Panel (for example, correspondence, media releases, briefs, declarations, interim and final orders and reasons for decision) and
5. if requested, assists the President or the Panel in the performance or exercise of their functions or powers.
The Executive does not make decisions on the merits of an application (as this is the function of a Panel) and does not filter submissions.
A party or potentially interested person can contact the Executive to discuss the process for the matter or related issues at any time during proceedings.
After proceedings are completed, the Panel invites any party who wants to discuss the conduct of the proceedings and Panel processes to a meeting with the Executive and a Panel member who was not involved in the matter. Feedback received in these meetings helps the Panel develop its processes to ensure that it conducts fair and commercial proceedings.
The Executive also liaises with market participants on current and prospective takeovers and other control transactions and policy issues to provide a perspective on the Panel's Guidance Notes and decisions. The Executive may give market participants its views on the Panel's likely view in relation to any real or hypothetical circumstances. These discussions do not bind the Panel.

14. Miscellaneous

Panel matters are named with the name of the company to which the application relates. If the company has previously been the subject of a Panel matter, a sequential number will be added to the matter name. Review applications are identified with the addition of "R" to the sequential number.
Note: The current numbering system for Panel matters has been adopted since 1 June 2017.
All communications sent by the Executive are issued with an "Official" classification. This is a security classification used within the Department of Treasury (within which the Takeovers Panel sits). The classification does not have any particular meaning for the purposes of Panel proceedings.

Publication History

First issue: 1 April 2021