Sebi norm on profit-sharing puzzles firms Norms issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on profit-sharing agreements have forced companies to seek clarifications. A round six companies have sought informal guidance over applicability of the provisions in various situations. An informal guidance is a method for entities to seek interpretation from the market regulator on any regulation, circular or guideline. Although Sebi acts in accordance with an informal guidance, it is not a binding obligation. Legal experts say there are many grey areas in the circular issued by Sebi in November last year to curb profit-sharing arrangements, which are typically side-deals between the managements of companies and private equity investors. One of the key issues is how “profit” is interpreted because there is no standard definition, experts point out. Further, it is unclear whether the provisions are applicable to payments made in unlisted subsidiaries of listed compan