FRHAI asks Oyo to clear dues of distressed hoteliers, resolve existing issues before filing for IPO

FRHAI asks Oyo to clear dues of distressed hoteliers, resolve existing issues before filing for IPO

FPJ Web DeskUpdated: Wednesday, October 06, 2021, 08:46 PM IST
article-image
FHRAI has stated that hoteliers from across the country have reported several cases about Oyo’s arbitrary cancellation or breach of contract / Representational image | Image Source: @allstartupsin/Twitter

After hospitality firm Oyo filed preliminary papers with capital market regulator Sebi to raise Rs 8,430 crore through an initial share-sale, the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has issued a press release where it states Oyo has made blatant misrepresentation in its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) claiming to not have any outstanding criminal proceedings against it.

FHRAI has said that hoteliers from across the country have reported several cases about Oyo’s arbitrary cancellation or breach of contract and feels that Oyo should first clear the dues of distressed hoteliers and resolve existing issues with its hotel partners before filing for an IPO.

The Association in its press release has cited Chandigarh based hotelier, Vikas Gupta’s FIR (FIR No. 0289, dated September 11, 2020) against Oyo with the Mohali Police. The FIR clearly states that Oyo’s top management abruptly wriggled out of a business agreement illegally and with criminal intent, it said.

Gurbaxish Singh Kohli, Vice President, FHRAI said, in a statement in the press release: “Oyo has caused immense mental and financial trouble to hotel owners across the country on account of the non-payment of dues. Other than defaulting on payments, Oyo is known for unethical business practices which remain a major concern for small hoteliers. Oyo should first clear the dues of distressed hoteliers and resolve existing issues with its hotel partners.

"Many small hoteliers do not have the wherewithal to fight against Oyo single-handedly. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code proceedings against Oyo are still in process and the CCI is investigating the company.

Many hoteliers from across the country have filed FIRs and criminal complaints against Oyo for unethical business practices leading to loss of business to their hotels.

"Oyo in its DRHP has blatantly misrepresented about having no criminal proceedings against it. We have maintained a record of each of our member’s complaints against Oyo and we will build a stronger case to present it to the SEBI and the FM,” Singh added.

“The systemic depredation of the budget segment hotel business and its market as a means to achieve notional billion-dollar valuation is a serious cause of concern for the hospitality ecosystem of our country. Right after the pandemic hit the industry, Oyo resorted to manipulating agreements to coerce hoteliers out of it. Hoteliers from across the country are calling out Oyo for its belligerent business practices,” said Pradeep Shetty, Jt. Hon Secretary, FHRAI, in the press release.

RECENT STORIES

Game-Changing Alliance: Ambani's Reliance Ventures Into Adani's Power For The First Time; Acquires...

Game-Changing Alliance: Ambani's Reliance Ventures Into Adani's Power For The First Time; Acquires...

SRM Contractors IPO Subscribed 86.57 Times On Last Day Of Bidding

SRM Contractors IPO Subscribed 86.57 Times On Last Day Of Bidding

Tax-Saving Tip From Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath: 'If You're Married And Hindu..."; Here's How To Save...

Tax-Saving Tip From Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath: 'If You're Married And Hindu...

Holy Cities Like Ayodhya, Varanasi Attracting Big Retail Brands: Report

Holy Cities Like Ayodhya, Varanasi Attracting Big Retail Brands: Report

A Big Relief For Byju's: NCLT Rejects Investor Plea To Stay Byju's Rights Issue EGM On March 29 Amid...

A Big Relief For Byju's: NCLT Rejects Investor Plea To Stay Byju's Rights Issue EGM On March 29 Amid...