Sale By Tender: When Does A Contract Arise?

Nathalie Ker explores the Court of Appeal's approach to a sale by tender.

It is common practice for receivers or liquidators selling the assets of a company to conduct a sale by tender, issuing an Information Memorandum and inviting tenders from various parties. In such a situation, when does acceptance take place and when is a contract formed?

The Court of Appeal delved into these issues in the recent case of Emas Kiara Sdn Bhd v Michael Joseph Monteiro & Ors; Farcoll Estate Sdn Bhd & Ors (Interveners) [2018] 8 CLJ 17 ("Emas Kiara v Monteiro"). The Court applied the principles of formation of contract to the issue as to whether a contract existed between the Appellant, Emas Kiara Sdn Bhd ("Emas Kiara"), and the 1st and 2nd Respondents who were receivers and managers ("R&M") of the 3rd Respondent, Lembah Beringin Sdn Bhd ("Lembah Beringin").