MIRA INFORM REPORT

 

 

Report Date :

27.08.2011

 

IDENTIFICATION DETAILS

 

Name :

INDUCTOTHERM (INDIA) PRIVATE LIMITED

 

 

Registered Office :

Shri Kishorebhai D. Vyas Building, Ambli-Bopal Road, Bopal, Ahmedabad-380058, Gujarat

 

 

Country :

India

 

 

Financials (as on) :

31.03.2010

 

 

Date of Incorporation :

04.12.1982

 

 

Com. Reg. No.:

04-5739

 

 

Capital Investment / Paid-up Capital :

Rs.10.000 Millions

 

 

CIN No.:

[Company Identification No.]

U29120GJ1982PTC005739

 

 

TAN No.:

[Tax Deduction & Collection Account No.]

AHMI00607F / AHMI00050B / AHMI00522E / AHMI00562C

 

 

PAN No.:

[Permanent Account No.]

AAACI3672B

 

 

Legal Form :

Private limited liability company

 

 

Line of Business :

Manufacturer of Melting, Thermal Processing and Production Systems.

 

 

No. of Employees :

Information denied by the management.

 

 

RATING & COMMENTS

 

MIRA’s Rating :

Ba (45)

 

RATING

STATUS

 

PROPOSED CREDIT LINE

41-55

Ba

Overall operation is considered normal. Capable to meet normal commitments.

Satisfactory

 

Maximum Credit Limit :

USD 4800000   

 

 

Status :

Satisfactory

 

 

Payment Behaviour :

Usually Correct

 

 

Litigation :

Clear

 

 

Comments :

Subject is an established company having satisfactory track. Trade relations are reported as fair. Business is active. Payments are reported to be usually correct and as per commitments.

 

The company can be considered normal for business dealings at usual trade terms and conditions.

 

NOTES :

Any query related to this report can be made on e-mail : infodept@mirainform.com while quoting report number, name and date.

 

 

INFORMATION DECLINED BY

 

Name :

Mr. Mihir Patel

Designation :

Accounts Manager

Contact No.:

91-2717-231961

Date :

26.08.2011

 

 

LOCATIONS

 

Registered / Head Office / Factory:

Shri Kishorebhai D. Vyas Building, Ambli-Bopal Road, Bopal, Ahmedabad-380058, Gujarat, India

Tel. No.:

91-2717-231961 (8 Lines)

Fax No.:

91-2717-231266

E-Mail :

finance@inductothermindia.com

iil@inductothermindia.com

Website :

www.inductothermindia.com

Location :

Owned

 

 

Branches:

Located At:

 

·         Bangalore

·         Chennai

·         Coimbatore

·         Hyderabad

·         Jaipur

·         Kolhapur kilkata

·         Ludhiana

·         Mumbai

·         New Delhi

·         Pune

·         Raipur

·         Rajkot

·         Rourkella

·         Trichy

 

 

DIRECTORS

                                          

As on 21.06.2011

 

Name :

Mr. Jagat Jayant Shah

Designation :

Managing Director

Address :

Saumya, C-62, Sterling City, Bopal, Ahmedabad-380 058, Gujarat, India

Date of Birth/Age :

19.03.1942

Date of Appointment :

21.06.1999

Din No.:

00198802

 

 

Name :

Mr. Himatlal Shantilal Bhavsa

Designation :

Whole time Director

Address :

U/42, Satellite Complrx,premchand Nagar Road, Satellite, Ahmedanbad-380 015, Gujarat, India

Date of Birth/Age :

22.03.1937

Date of Appointment :

21.06.1999

Din No.:

00198824

 

 

Name :

Mr. Bharat Lallubhai Seth

Designation :

Director

Address :

9/10, Bhanuchandra, Co. Operative Society, Near Ranchodji Temple, Jivrajpark, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Date of Birth/Age :

30.11.1949

Date of Appointment :

01.04.2001

Din No.:

00181139

 

 

Name :

Mr. Henry M. Rowan

Designation :

Director

Address :

C/O, Inductotherm Corporation, 10 Indel Avenu, Rancocas, New Jersey, USA-08073

Date of Birth/Age :

01.12.1923

Date of Appointment :

31.12.1988

Din No.:

00179462

 

 

Name :

Mr. Satyen Nagesh Prabhu 

Designation :

Director

Address :

C/O, Inductotherm Corporation, 10 Indel Avenu, Rancocas, New Jersey, USA-08073

Date of Birth/Age :

17.10.1961

Date of Appointment :

09.12.1999

Din No.:

00173080

 

 

Name :

Mr. Gary Anthony Doyon

Designation :

Director

Address :

80, Touraine Road, Grosse Pointe Farms, Michi Gan, USA-48236

Date of Birth/Age :

09.12.1999

Date of Appointment :

13.01.1959

Din No.:

02129096

 

 

Name :

Mr. Michae Anthony Nallen

Designation :

Director

Address :

9, Perennial Lane, Hampden MA 01036, USA

Date of Birth/Age :

19.07.1960

Date of Appointment :

06.12.2010

Din No.:

03364228  

 

 

KEY EXECUTIVES

 

Name :

Mr. Hardik Harindra Medh

Designation :

Company Secretary

Address :

Plot 28, Meghna Independent Bunglow, Behind Inductotherm, Bopal, Ahmedabad-380 058, Gujarat, India

Date of Birth/Age :

09.03.1960

Date of Appointment :

12.08.1999

Pan No.:

AFIPM1380A

 

 

Name :

Mr. Mihir Patel

Designation :

Accounts Manager

 

 

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS / SHAREHOLDING PATTERN

 

As on 21.06.2011

 

Names of Shareholders

 

No. of Shares

Inductotherm Technologies Inc. , USA

 

99999

Bharat Lallubhai Sheth

 

1

 

 

 

Total

 

100000

 

As on 21.06.2011

 

Equity Share Breakup

 

Percentage of Holding

Category

 

 

Foreign holdings [Foreign institutional investors, Foreign Companies, Foreign Financial Institutions, Non-resident Indian or Overseas corporate bodies or others]

 

99.99

Other top fifty shareholders

 

0.01

Total

 

100.00

 

 

BUSINESS DETAILS

 

Line of Business :

Manufacturer of Melting, Thermal Processing and Production Systems.

 

 

Products :

Product Description

Item Code No. (ITC Code)

Induction melting, Heating and Welding Equipment

85.14

Water Cooled Capacitors

85.32

Component and Spares 

--

 

 

 

PRODUCTION STATUS (AS ON 31.03.2010)

 

Particulars

Unit

Licensed Capacity

Installed Capacity

Actual Production

Induction Melting Equipment

Nos.

PT 650

FR 1000

PT 650

FR 1000

-

Induction Heating Equipment

Nos.

200

200

-

Induction Welding Equipment

Nos.

55

55

-

Capacitors

Nos.

10500

10500

-

Melting Furnace

Nos.

-

-

PT 254

FR 506

Heating Furnace

Nos.

-

-

90

Welding Equipment

Nos.

-

-

14

 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

No. of Employees :

Information denied by the management.

 

 

Bankers :

  • State Bank of India, Spl. Commercial Branch, Gandhigram, Opposite Gandhigram Railway Station, Ahmedabad – 380009, Gujarat, India
  • Bank of Baroda
  • The Kalupur Commercial Co Operative Bank Limited

 

 

 

Banking Relations :

--

 

 

Auditors :

 

Name :

Chandabhoy and Jassoobhoy

Chartered Accountants

Address :

605-607, Silveroaks, Near Mahalakshmi Char Rasta, Paldi, Ahmedabad- 380007, Gujarat, India

Tel. No.:

91-79-26586063/ 26586069        

Fax No.:

91-79-26586063

E-Mail :

cnjabd@vsnl.net  

 

 

Associates/Subsidiaries :

Newelco India Private Limited [U31909DL1994PTC057720] 

 

 

CAPITAL STRUCTURE

 

As on 31.03.2010

 

Authorised Capital :

No. of Shares

Type

Value

Amount

200000

Equity Shares

Rs.100/- each

Rs.20.000 Millions

 

Issued, Subscribed & Paid-up Capital :

No. of Shares

Type

Value

Amount

100000

Equity Shares

Rs.100/- each

Rs.10.000 Millions

 


 

FINANCIAL DATA

[all figures are in Rupees Millions]

 

ABRIDGED BALANCE SHEET

 

SOURCES OF FUNDS

 

31.03.2010

31.03.2009

31.03.2008

SHAREHOLDERS FUNDS

 

 

 

1] Share Capital

10.000

10.000

10.000

2] Share Application Money

0.000

0.000

0.000

3] Reserves & Surplus

1211.389

1527.626

1253.582

4] (Accumulated Losses)

0.000

0.000

0.000

NETWORTH

1221.389

1537.626

1263.582

LOAN FUNDS

 

 

 

1] Secured Loans

0.000

0.000

0.000

2] Unsecured Loans

0.000

0.000

0.000

TOTAL BORROWING

0.000

0.000

0.000

DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES

0.000

0.000

0.000

 

 

 

 

TOTAL

1221.389

1537.626

1263.582

 

 

 

 

APPLICATION OF FUNDS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIXED ASSETS [Net Block]

238.313

268.228

265.548

Capital work-in-progress

0.602

2.950

1.288

 

 

 

 

INVESTMENT

0.824

0.823

0.743

DEFERREX TAX ASSETS

37.885

43.432

37.203

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS, LOANS & ADVANCES

 

 

 

 

Inventories

587.982

673.895

557.709

 

Sundry Debtors

292.019

256.006

393.970

 

Cash & Bank Balances

873.513

926.815

584.692

 

Other Current Assets

0.000

0.000

0.000

 

Loans & Advances

1463.586

1350.333

977.227

Total Current Assets

3217.100

3207.049

2513.598

Less : CURRENT LIABILITIES & PROVISIONS

 

 

 

 

Sundry Creditors

207.286

130.463

116.618

 

Other Current Liabilities

555.330

537.088

501.634

 

Provisions

1510.719

1317.305

936.546

Total Current Liabilities

2273.335

1984.856

1554.798

Net Current Assets

943.765

1222.193

958.800

 

 

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES

0.000

0.000

0.000

 

 

 

 

TOTAL

1221.389

1537.626

1263.582

 


PROFIT & LOSS ACCOUNT

 

 

PARTICULARS

31.03.2010

31.03.2009

31.03.2008

 

SALES

 

 

 

 

 

Income

2906.100

3138.539

2970.003

 

 

Erection, Commissioning and Service Charges

0.000

61.367

64.876

 

 

Other Income

64.991

74.001

62.621

 

 

TOTAL                                     (A)

2971.091

3273.907

3097.500

 

 

 

 

 

Less

EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

Raw materials consumption

1642.358

1505.363

 

 

Payments to & provisions for employees

 

201.611

186.628

 

 

Manufacturing expenses

 

77.539

66.903

 

 

Administrative expenses

 

25.081

21.138

 

 

Selling & Distribution

expenses

1943.638

243.141

209.190

 

 

Directors' remuneration

 

25.007

23.490

 

 

Earlier Year Expenses

 

(7.282)

(14.700)

 

 

Surplus on sale of Land and Building

 

(4.577)

1998.012

 

 

Increase/(decrease) in stock

 

(45.424)

19.112

 

 

TOTAL                                     (B)

1943.638

2157.454

2017.124

 

 

 

 

 

Less

PROFIT BEFORE INTEREST, TAX, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTISATION (A-B)      (C)

NA

1116.453

1080.376

 

 

 

 

 

Less

FINANCIAL EXPENSES                         (D)

NA

13.439

13.611

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROFIT BEFORE TAX, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTISATION (C-D)                                       (E)

1027.453

1103.014

1066.765

 

 

 

 

 

Less/ Add

DEPRECIATION/ AMORTISATION                     (F)

42.183

43.110

42.093

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROFIT BEFORE TAX (E-F)                               (G)

985.270

1059.904

1024.672

 

 

 

 

 

Less

TAX                                                                  (H)

365.547

376.378

361.673

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROFIT AFTER TAX (G-H)                                (I)

619.723

683.526

662.999

 

 

 

 

 

Add

PREVIOUS YEARS’ BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD

1127.626

923.582

593.822

 

 

 

 

 

Less

APPROPRIATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

Interim Dividend paid

800.000

350.000

225.000

 

 

Corporate Dividend Tax

135.960

59.482

38.239

 

 

Transfer to General Reserve

70.000

70.000

70.000

 

BALANCE CARRIED TO THE B/S

741.389

1127.626

923.582

 

 

 

 

 

 

EARNINGS IN FOREIGN CURRENCY

 

 

 

 

 

Export on FOB Basis

899.785

1145.240

 

 

Commissioning and Servicing Income

3.040

3.970

 

 

 

Commission Income

0.899

3.753

 

 

 

Income From Job Work

9.698

16.733

NA

 

 

Reimbursement of Travel Expenses

0.713

2.322

 

 

 

Training Fees Income

0.124

0.568

 

 

 

Discount Earned

0.097

0.188

 

 

 

Order Cancellations Charges

0.034

0.069

 

 

TOTAL EARNINGS

914.390

1172.843

NA

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMPORTS

 

 

 

 

 

Raw Materials

278.322

428.423

NA

 

 

Capital Goods

2.390

6.510

NA

 

TOTAL IMPORTS

280.712

434.933

NA

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings Per Share (Rs.)

6197.23

6835.26

--

 

 

KEY RATIOS

 

PARTICULARS

 

 

31.03.2010

31.03.2009

31.03.2008

PAT / Total Income

(%)

20.86

20.88

21.40

 

 

 

 

 

Net Profit Margin

(PBT/Sales)

(%)

33.16

33.77

34.50

 

 

 

 

 

Return on Total Assets

(PBT/Total Assets}

(%)

28.51

68.93

81.09

 

 

 

 

 

Return on Investment (ROI)

(PBT/Networth)

 

0.81

0.69

0.81

 

 

 

 

 

Debt Equity Ratio

(Total Liability/Networth)

 

1.86

1.29

1.23

 

 

 

 

 

Current Ratio

(Current Asset/Current Liability)

 

1.41

1.62

1.62

 


 

LOCAL AGENCY FURTHER INFORMATION

 

DETAILS OF SUNDRY CREDITORS:

 

Particulars

 

31.03.2010

(Rs. in millions)

31.03.2009

(Rs. in millions)

31.03.2008

(Rs. in millions)

Sundry Creditors

 

 

 

Due to Micro and Small Enterprises

24.440

11.928

44.521

Others

182.846

118.535

72.097

Total

207.286

130.463

116.618

              

 

OPERATIONS

 

Turnover for the year 2009-2010 is Rs.2906.100 millions which is 9% lower compared to previous year. In a year characterized by a dim economic environment globally as well as the slowdown in Indian economy, the company has managed to sustain its performance. This years witnessed a slowdown in the steel and ingots markets. Also automobile industry witnesses effect of recession which also resulted in slow down in demand for the company products. Despite these difficulties the company managed to show better performance by continued effort to improve manufacturing process and focus on cost reduction and cost control and consist efforts to meet quality service expectations of customers.

 

 

FOREIGN COLLABORATOR

 

The continuous efforts on product innovation by the group companies and access to the latest technology under Technical Collaboration Agreement has contributed significantly to the performance of your Company during the year. This would even remain the Key element in future for the Company to maintain the market leadership in increasingly competitive market

 

The company wishes to place on record its appreciation of valuable contributions made by Inductotherm group companies towards the growth of your company.

 

 

PROSPECTS

 

The steps taken by the Government to stimulate the Indian economy has started to show its impact. The growth of Indian economy and the growing emphasis on infrastructure development of the country is expected to generate further demand for the Company’s products. The auto ancillary sector and steel sector is poised for growth which would also generate demand of your Company’s products. With continuous improvement in quality of their products through improved manufacturing processes, customer specific approach, prompt and quality after sales services would provide potential for growth going forward.

 

 

BANKERS CHARGES REPORT AS PER REGISTRY

 

This form is for

Modification of charge

Charge identification number of the modified 

90111781

Corporate identity number of the company

U29120GJ1982PTC005739

Name of the company

NDUCTOTHERM (INDIA) PRIVATE LIMITED

Address of the registered office or of the principal place of  business in India of the company

Shri Kishorebhai D, Vyas Building, Bopal, Ahmedabad-380 058, Gujarat, India

Type of charge

Book Debts

Movable Property

Others 

Hypothecation Of Stocks, Book Debts and Other Current Assets

Particular of charge holder

State Bank of India, Spl. Commercial Branch, Gandhigram, Opposite Gandhigram Railway Station, Ahmedabad – 380009, Gujarat, India

Nature of description of the instrument creating or modifying the charge

A) Supplemental agreement of hypothecation of goods, and current assets for increase in over all limit (form C.2 a), dated 27.11.2008.

 

B) Letter regarding the grant of individual limits within the overall limit (form C.5), dated 

  27.11.2008.

Date of instrument Creating the charge

27.11.2008

Amount secured by the charge

Rs.250.000 millions

Brief particulars of the principal terms an conditions and extent and operation of the charge

Rate of Interest

Letter of credit   :   Commission and charges as per bank circular applicable

 

Bank guarantee    :   Commission and charges as per bank circular applicable

 

Terms of Repayment

Repayable on demand

 

Margin

Letter of credit   :  10%

Bank guarantee    :  10%

 

Extent and Operation of the charge

Renewal of NFBWC limits with enhancement from Rs.180.000 millions to Rs.250.000 millions secured against hypothecation of stocks, book debts and other current asset of the company. The details of primary securities as under

 

Letter of credit: documents to title to goods / merchandise cover under LC and charge                                       on entire current assets of the company.

 

Bank guarantee : counter guarantee and charge on entire current assets of company

 

Others

Individual limits within overall as under :

 

Letter of credit   :  Rs.50.000 millions

Bank Guarantee :  Rs.200.000 millions

(Two Way Full Interchangeability Between LC and BG Limits)

Short particulars of the property charged

Hypothecation of entire Stocks, Book Debts and Other Current Asset of the company located at Ambli -Bopal Road, Bopal, Ahmedabad – 380 058.

Date of latest modification prior to the present modification

01.05.2007

Particulars of the present modification 

By execution of aforsaid deed, the Nfbwc limits have been enhanced from Rs.180.000 millions to Rs.250.000 millions. Now the amount of charge have been increased to aggregate of Rs.250.000 millions. Other terms and conditions as per agreement enclosed herewith.

 

 

FIXED ASSETS

 

·         Land

·         Building

·         Electrical Installations

·         Computers

·         Office Equipments

·         Furniture and Fixture

·         Computers

·         Vehicles

·         Type Writers

·         Air conditioner

·         Electric Fans

·         Xerox Machine

 

 


CMT REPORT (Corruption, Money Laundering & Terrorism]

 

The Public Notice information has been collected from various sources including but not limited to: The Courts, India Prisons Service, Interpol, etc.

 

1]         INFORMATION ON DESIGNATED PARTY

No records exist designating subject or any of its beneficial owners, controlling shareholders or senior officers as terrorist or terrorist organization or whom notice had been received that all financial transactions involving their assets have been blocked or convicted, found guilty or against whom a judgement or order had been entered in a proceedings for violating money-laundering, anti-corruption or bribery or international economic or anti-terrorism sanction laws or whose assets were seized, blocked, frozen or ordered forfeited for violation of money laundering or international anti-terrorism laws.

 

2]         Court Declaration :

No records exist to suggest that subject is or was the subject of any formal or informal allegations, prosecutions or other official proceeding for making any prohibited payments or other improper payments to government officials for engaging in prohibited transactions or with designated parties.

 

3]         Asset Declaration :

No records exist to suggest that the property or assets of the subject are derived from criminal conduct or a prohibited transaction.

 

4]         Record on Financial Crime :

            Charges or conviction registered against subject:                                                  None

 

5]         Records on Violation of Anti-Corruption Laws :

            Charges or investigation registered against subject:                                                          None

 

6]         Records on Int’l Anti-Money Laundering Laws/Standards :

            Charges or investigation registered against subject:                                                          None

 

7]         Criminal Records

No available information exist that suggest that subject or any of its principals have been formally charged or convicted by a competent governmental authority for any financial crime or under any formal investigation by a competent government authority for any violation of anti-corruption laws or international anti-money laundering laws or standard.

 

8]         Affiliation with Government :

No record exists to suggest that any director or indirect owners, controlling shareholders, director, officer or employee of the company is a government official or a family member or close business associate of a Government official.

 

9]         Compensation Package :

Our market survey revealed that the amount of compensation sought by the subject is fair and reasonable and comparable to compensation paid to others for similar services.

 

10]        Press Report :

            No press reports / filings exists on the subject.

 


 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

MIRA INFORM as part of its Due Diligence do provide comments on Corporate Governance to identify management and governance. These factors often have been predictive and in some cases have created vulnerabilities to credit deterioration.

 

Our Governance Assessment focuses principally on the interactions between a company’s management, its Board of Directors, Shareholders and other financial stakeholders.

 

 

CONTRAVENTION

 

Subject is not known to have contravened any existing local laws, regulations or policies that prohibit, restrict or otherwise affect the terms and conditions that could be included in the agreement with the subject.

 

 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES

 

Currency

Unit

Indian Rupees

US Dollar

1

Rs.46.05

UK Pound

1

Rs.75.20

Euro

1

Rs.66.47

 


 

SCORE & RATING EXPLANATIONS

 

SCORE FACTORS

 

RANGE

POINTS

HISTORY

1~10

5

PAID-UP CAPITAL

1~10

5

OPERATING SCALE

1~10

5

FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

 

--BUSINESS SCALE

1~10

5

--PROFITABILIRY

1~10

5

--LIQUIDITY

1~10

5

--LEVERAGE

1~10

5

--RESERVES

1~10

5

--CREDIT LINES

1~10

5

--MARGINS

-5~5

-

DEMERIT POINTS

 

 

--BANK CHARGES

YES/NO

YES

--LITIGATION

YES/NO

NO

--OTHER ADVERSE INFORMATION

YES/NO

NO

MERIT POINTS

 

 

--SOLE DISTRIBUTORSHIP

YES/NO

NO

--EXPORT ACTIVITIES

YES/NO

NO

--AFFILIATION

YES/NO

YES

--LISTED

YES/NO

NO

--OTHER MERIT FACTORS

YES/NO

YES

TOTAL

 

45

 

This score serves as a reference to assess SC’s credit risk and to set the amount of credit to be extended. It is calculated from a composite of weighted scores obtained from each of the major sections of this report. The assessed factors and their relative weights (as indicated through %) are as follows:

 

Financial condition (40%)            Ownership background (20%)                 Payment record (10%)

Credit history (10%)                    Market trend (10%)                                Operational size (10%)

 


 

RATING EXPLANATIONS

 

 

RATING

STATUS

 

 

PROPOSED CREDIT LINE

>86

Aaa

Possesses an extremely sound financial base with the strongest capability for timely payment of interest and principal sums

 

Unlimited

71-85

Aa

Possesses adequate working capital. No caution needed for credit transaction. It has above average (strong) capability for payment of interest and principal sums

 

Large

56-70

A

Financial & operational base are regarded healthy. General unfavourable factors will not cause fatal effect. Satisfactory capability for payment of interest and principal sums

 

Fairly Large

41-55

Ba

Overall operation is considered normal. Capable to meet normal commitments.

 

Satisfactory

26-40

B

Capability to overcome financial difficulties seems comparatively below average.

 

Small

11-25

Ca

Adverse factors are apparent. Repayment of interest and principal sums in default or expected to be in default upon maturity

 

Limited with full security

<10

C

Absolute credit risk exists. Caution needed to be exercised

 

 

Credit not recommended

-

NB

                                       New Business

-

 

 

PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL : This information is provided to you at your request, you having employed MIPL for such purpose. You will use the information as aid only in determining the propriety of giving credit and generally as an aid to your business and for no other purpose. You will hold the information in strict confidence, and shall not reveal it or make it known to the subject persons, firms or corporations or to any other. MIPL does not warrant the correctness of the information as you hold it free of any liability whatsoever. You will be liable to and indemnify MIPL for any loss, damage or expense, occasioned by your breach or non observance of any one, or more of these conditions

This report is issued at your request without any risk and responsibility on the part of MIRA INFORM PRIVATE LIMITED (MIPL) or its officials.