News & Updates

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has amended its regulations to allow startup founders to retain Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs) granted at least one year before filing their Initial Public Offering (IPO) documents. Previously, promoters were required to liquidate such benefits before the IPO. This change facilitates founders in continuing to hold or exercise their ESOPs even after the company becomes publicly listed.

Mahindra Group is rolling out a one-time Employee Stock Ownership Plan (Esop) for a large section of its workforce — 12,000 to 14,000 employees — including factory floor workers, according to a report by The Economic Times. The initiative spans across three of its key subsidiaries: Mahindra & Mahindra (auto and farm sectors), Mahindra Electric Automobile, and Mahindra Last Mile Mobility.

Aditya Birla Capital reported a Q1 FY26 net profit of ₹835.08 crore, up 10% year-on-year, with revenue rising to ₹9,502.69 crore.
The board also approved 2,48,499 performance stock units (PSUs) under its 2022 employee scheme, exercisable within five years post-vesting.

SJS Enterprises has allotted 30,000 equity shares under its ESOP 2021 scheme following the exercise of vested options, after board approval. These shares carry a face value of ₹10 each and will rank pari-passu with the existing equity.

Oberoi Realty’s board has approved the introduction and implementation of an employee stock option scheme, namely ‘Oberoi Realty Limited – Employee Stock Option Plan 2025’ (“ESOP 2025”). The board has also approved the grant of options under ESOP 2025 to employees of subsidiary and group companies, including associate companies, and the appointment of Mr. Sanjay Shah as an Independent Director.

IKS Health has granted 150,000 employee stock options under its ESOP Plan 2022, with each option being convertible into one equity share at an exercise price of ₹1,514.20. The options will vest during continuous active employment and are not subject to a post-exercise lock-in period.

Bajaj Finance has allotted 81.95 lakh equity shares to the BFL Employee Welfare Trust under its ESOP Scheme 2009. The allotment was approved in a board meeting held on August 25, 2025, reflecting the company’s commitment to share-based employee incentives.

Avalon Technologies has granted 50,000 ESOPs to its eligible employees under its “ESOP Plan 2022 — Round IV,” within a shareholder-approved cap of 3,000,000 options.
These options are priced at ₹700 (a 20% discount to market) and will vest over three years (34% in year 1, 33% in year 2, 33% in year 3), with an exercise window of up to three years post-vesting.

Rishabh Instruments has granted 20,000 ESOPs to eligible employees under its “RIL Employee Stock Option Plan 2022, Scheme B,” within a shareholder-approved cap of 576,000 options.

The move is aimed at aligning employee interests with company performance by incorporating equity into compensation.

Samvardhana Motherson International has announced a postal ballot to seek shareholder approval for its new ESOP 2025 scheme, which will issue up to 94.5 million stock options.
The initiative aims to incentivize and retain key employees, aligning their interests with the company’s long-term growth.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved a proposal allowing founders to retain and/or exercise ESOPs even after being specified as promoters and the company becoming a listed entity, provided such ESOPs were granted at least one year prior to the filing of the draft red herring.

Religare Enterprises has allotted 3,000 equity shares of ₹10 each under its REL ESOP Plan 2019 following the exercise of stock options. This allotment increases the company’s paid-up capital from ₹330.65 crore (33,06,53,663 shares) to ₹330.66 crore (33,06,56,663 shares) .