As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 27, 2019

 

Registration No. 333-234460

 

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO

 

FORM F-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Cayman Islands   4953   Not Applicable
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

 

Jiuquan Economic and Technological Development Zone

Jiuquan City, Gansu Province, 735000

People’s Republic of China
+86-0937-2689523

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC
1450 Broadway, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10018
212-530-2206

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

With a Copy to:

 

Ying Li, Esq.

Guillaume de Sampigny, Esq.
Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC
1450 Broadway, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10018
212-530-2206

William S. Rosenstadt, Esq.

Mengyi “Jason” Ye, Esq.

Yarona L. Yieh, Esq.

Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP
366 Madison Avenue, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10017
212-588-0022

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: Promptly after the effective date of this registration statement.

 

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check the following box. x

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933

Emerging growth company    x

 

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ¨

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered   Amount to be
registered
    Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Price Per
Share
    Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering
Price(1)
    Amount of
Registration
Fee(2)(5)
 
Ordinary shares, par value US$0.00166667 per share (“Ordinary Shares”) (3)     4,600,000     US$ 7     US$ 32,200,000     US$ 4,179.56  

Underwriters’ Warrants(4)

    -     -     -     -  
Ordinary shares underlying Underwriters’ Warrants     276,000     US$ 7.7     US$ 2,125,200     US$ 275.85  

Total

    4,876,000     -     US$ 34,325,200     US$ 4,455.41  

 

(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(a) under the Securities Act. Includes the offering price attributable to 600,000 additional Ordinary Shares that the underwriters have the option to purchase to cover over-allotments, if any.
(2) Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(a) under the Securities Act, based on an estimate of the proposed maximum aggregate offering price.
(3) In accordance with Rule 416(a), we are also registering an indeterminate number of additional Ordinary Shares that shall be issuable pursuant to Rule 416 to prevent dilution resulting from share splits, share dividends or similar transactions.
(4) We have agreed to sell to the underwriters, on the closing date of this offering, warrants (the "Underwriters' Warrants") at a nominal consideration of $0.00166667 per warrant, in an amount equal to 6% of the aggregate number of Ordinary Shares sold by us in this offering. The exercise price of the Underwriters' Warrants is equal to 110% of the price of our Ordinary Shares offered hereby. The Underwriters' Warrants are exercisable for a period of five (5) years from the effective date of this registration statement and will terminate on the fifth anniversary of the effective date of the registration statement. Resales of the underwriters' warrants on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are registered hereby. Resales of ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the underwriters' warrants are also being similarly registered on a delayed or continuous basis hereby.
(5) Previously paid

 

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to such Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell the securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, and we are not soliciting any offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where such offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED November 27, 2019

 

4,000,000 Ordinary Shares

 

 

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited

 

We are offering 4,000,000 Ordinary Shares. This is the initial public offering of our ordinary shares, par value $0.00166667 per share (“Ordinary Shares”). The offering price of our Ordinary Shares in this offering will be between US $5.00 and US$ 7.00 per Ordinary Share. Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our Ordinary Shares.

 

We plan to list our Ordinary Shares on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “QLI.” NYSE might not approve such application, and if our application is not approved, this offering cannot be completed.

 

Investing in our Ordinary Shares involves a high degree of risk. Before buying any Ordinary Shares, you should carefully read the discussion of material risks of investing in our Ordinary Shares in “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12 of this prospectus.

 

We are an “emerging growth company” as defined under the federal securities laws and, as such, will be subject to reduced public company reporting requirements. See “Prospectus Summary— Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and a Foreign Private Issuer” for additional information.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

    PER SHARE     TOTAL (4)  
Initial public offering price(1)   $ 6     $ 24,000,000  
Underwriting discounts(2)   $ 0.42     $ 1,680,000  
Proceeds, before expenses, to us(3)   $ 5.58     $ 22,320,000  

 

(1) Initial public offering price per share is assumed as $6.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.

 

(2) We have agreed to pay the underwriters a discounts equal to 7% of the gross proceeds of the offering. We have agreed to sell to the underwriters, on the applicable closing date of this offering, warrants (the “Underwriters’ Warrants”) at a nominal consideration of $0.00166667 per warrant, in an amount equal to 6% of the aggregate number of Ordinary Shares sold by us in this offering (not including over-allotment shares). For a description of other terms of the Underwriters’ Warrants and a description of the other compensation to be received by the underwriters, see “Underwriting” beginning on page 117.

 

(3) The total amount of underwriters’ expenses related to this offering is set forth in the section entitled “Underwriting.”

 

(4) Assumes that the underwriters do not exercise any portion of their over-allotment option.

 

We expect our total cash expenses for this offering (including cash expenses payable to our underwriters for their out-of-pocket expenses) to be approximately $2,300,000, exclusive of the above discounts. In addition, we will pay additional items of value in connection with this offering that are viewed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, as underwriting compensation. These payments will further reduce proceeds available to us before expenses. See “Underwriting” beginning on page 117.

 

This offering is being conducted on a firm commitment basis. Univest Securities, LLC, the representative of the underwriters, is obligated to take and pay for all of the shares if any such shares are taken. We have granted the underwriters an option for a period of 45 days after the closing of this offering to purchase up to 15% of the total number of our Ordinary Shares to be offered by us pursuant to this offering (excluding Ordinary Shares subject to this option), solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discounts. If the underwriters exercise the option in full, the total underwriting discounts payable will be $1,932,000 based on an assumed offering price of $6 per Ordinary Share, and the total gross proceeds to us, before underwriting discounts and expenses, will be $27,600,000. If we complete this offering, net proceeds will be delivered to us on the applicable closing date. We will not be able to use such proceeds in China, however, until we complete capital contribution procedures that require prior approval from each of the respective local counterparts of China’s Ministry of Commerce, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. See remittance procedures in the section titled “Use of Proceeds” beginning on page 31.

 

The underwriters expect to deliver the Ordinary Shares against payment as set forth under “Underwriting”, on or about [●], 2019.

 

 

 

Prospectus dated November 27, 2019.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

  Page
   
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY 5
   
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 10
   
RISK FACTORS 12
   
SPECIAL NOTES REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 29
   
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES 30
   
USE OF PROCEEDS 31
   
DIVIDEND POLICY 32
   
CAPITALIZATION 33
   
DILUTION 34
   
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 35
   
INDUSTRY 49
   
BUSINESS 58
   
REGULATIONS 81
   
MANAGEMENT 92
   
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 95
   
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS 96
   
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 97
   
DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL 98
   
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE 110
   
TAXATION 111
   
UNDERWRITING 117
   
EXPENSES RELATING TO THIS OFFERING 122
   
LEGAL MATTERS 123
   
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 123
   
EXPERTS 123
   
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 123
   
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 124

 

3

 

 

About this Prospectus

 

We and the underwriters have not authorized anyone to provide any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectuses prepared by us or on our behalf or to which we have referred you and which we have filed with the SEC. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the Ordinary Shares offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted or where the person making the offer or sale is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is not permitted to make such offer or sale. For the avoidance of doubt, no offer or invitation to subscribe for Ordinary Shares is made to the public in the Cayman Islands. The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of the date on the front cover of the prospectus. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

 

Other Pertinent Information

 

Unless otherwise indicated or the context requires otherwise, references in this prospectus to:

 

  · “Affiliated Entities” are to our subsidiaries and Gansu QLS, our VIE, and its subsidiaries;
     
  · “Ahan” are to Jiuquan Ahan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a limited liability company organized under the laws of the PRC, which is 75% owned by Gansu QLS;
     
  · “Ahan® Antibacterial Paste” are to a disinfection paste made from a mixture of 11 traditional Chinese herbal ingredients used to treat refractory chronic skin diseases;
     
  · “APIs” are to Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, which refer to any substance or mixture of substances intended to be used in the manufacture of a drug (medicinal) product and that, when used in the production of a drug, becomes an active ingredient of the drug product;
     
  · “Cangmen” are to Tibet Cangmen trading Co., Ltd., a limited liability company organized under the laws of the PRC, which is 100% owned by Gansu QLS;
     
  · “Chengdu QLS” are to Chengdu Qilianshan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a limited liability company organized under the laws of the PRC, which is 71.75% owned by Gansu QLS;
     
  · “China” or the “PRC” are to the People’s Republic of China, excluding Taiwan and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau for the purposes of this prospectus only;
     
  · “Gan Di Xin®” are to an innovative antitussive and expectorant medicine made from raw licorice materials;
     
  · “Gansu QLS” are to Gansu Qilianshan Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., a limited liability company organized under the laws of the PRC, which we control via a series of contractual arrangements between WFOE and Gansu QLS;
     
  · “Heparin Sodium Preparation” are to a primary ingredient for pharmaceutical companies to produce medications used in treating cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and hemodialysis;
     
  · “Ordinary Shares” are to the ordinary shares of par value US$0.00166667 per share issued by the Company;
     
  · “Qilian HK” are to Qilian International’s wholly owned subsidiary, Qilian International (Hong Kong) Holdings Limited, a Hong Kong corporation;
     
  · “Qilian International” are to Qilian International Holding Group Limited, an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands;
     
  · “Qilian Shan® Licorice Extract” are to a primary ingredient for pharmaceutical companies to manufacture traditional licorice tablets;
     
  · “Qilian Shan® Licorice Liquid Extract” are to a primary ingredient for medical preparation companies to produce compound licorice oral solutions;
     
  · “Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline APIs” are to an active ingredient used by pharmaceutical companies in the manufacturing of medications that use oxytetracycline;
     
  · “Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline Tablets” are to tablets used to prevent and treat a wide range of diseases in chickens, turkeys, cattle, swine, and human;
     
  · “Qiming” are to Jiuquan Qiming Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a limited liability company organized under the laws of the PRC, which is 100% owned by Gansu QLS;
     
  · “Samen” are to Tibet Samen Trading Co., Ltd., a limited liability company organized under the laws of the PRC, which is 100% owned by Gansu QLS;
     
  · “TCM” are to Traditional Chinese Medicine, a style of traditional medicine built on a foundation of more than 2,500 years of Chinese medical practice that includes various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage (tui na), exercise (qigong), and dietary therapy;
     
  · “TCMD” are to Traditional Chinese Medicine Derivatives, a type of product derived from TCM that has been prepared through modern medicine manufacturing procedures to be ready for use;
     
  ·

“VIE” are to variable interest entity; 

     
  ·

“VIE Agreements” are to a series of contractual arrangements, including the Exclusive Service Agreement, as amended on August 27, 2019, the Call Option Agreement, the Equity Pledge Agreement, the Shareholders’ Voting Rights Proxy Agreement and Powers of Attorney, and the Spousal Consents;

     
  ·

“we,” “us,” or “the Company” are to one or more of Qilian International, and its subsidiaries, as the case may be; 

     
  · “WFOE” or “Chengdu Trading” are to Chengdu Qilian Trading Co., Ltd., a limited liability company organized under the laws of the PRC, which is wholly-owned by Qilian International (Hong Kong) Holdings Limited, a limited liability company organized under the laws of Hong Kong;
     
  · “XiongguanTM Organic Fertilizer” are to a fertilizer product designed to improve crop yield, increase soil’s chemical properties, and reduce soil compaction;
     
  · “XiongguanTM Organic-Inorganic Compound Fertilizer” are to a fertilizer product made from both organic materials and traditional chemical fertilizer and is designed to increased plant growth; and
     
  · “Zhu XiaochangTM Sausage Casings” are to an all-natural food products used for culinary purposes.

  

Our business is conducted by Gansu QLS, our VIE in the PRC, and its subsidiaries, using RMB, the currency of China. Our consolidated financial statements are presented in United States dollars. In this prospectus, we refer to assets, obligations, commitments and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements in United States dollars. These dollar references are based on the exchange rate of RMB to United States dollars, determined as of a specific date or for a specific period. Changes in the exchange rate will affect the amount of our obligations and the value of our assets in terms of United States dollars which may result in an increase or decrease in the amount of our obligations (expressed in dollars) and the value of our assets, including accounts receivable (expressed in dollars).

 

4

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed information and financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. In addition to this summary, we urge you to read the entire prospectus carefully, especially the risks of investing in our Ordinary Shares, discussed under “Risk Factors,” before deciding whether to buy our Ordinary Shares.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all information in this amendment reflects a 1-for-1.66667 reverse split of our issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares, effected on October 16, and the corresponding adjustment of proposed maximum offering price per share of our Ordinary Shares. 

 

Overview

We are a pharmaceutical and chemical company based in China that focuses on the development, manufacture, marketing, and sale of licorice products, oxytetracycline products, traditional Chinese medicine derivatives (“TCMD”) product, heparin product, sausage casings, and fertilizers. We independently developed all of our products within our research and development department. Our products are sold in more than 20 provinces in China.

 

Products

 

· Our licorice products include Gan Di Xin®, Qilian Shan® Licorice Extract, and Qilian Shan® Licorice Liquid Extract. Our Gan Di Xin® is an innovative antitussive and expectorant medicine made from raw licorice materials. Our Qilian Shan® Licorice Extract is a primary ingredient for pharmaceutical companies to manufacture traditional licorice tablets. Our Qilian Shan® Licorice Liquid Extract is the primary ingredient for medical preparation companies to produce compound licorice oral solutions.

 

· Our oxytetracycline products include Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline Tablets and Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (“API”). Our Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline Tablets are used to prevent and treat a wide range of diseases in chickens, turkeys, cattle, swine, and human. Our Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline APIs are used by pharmaceutical companies in the manufacturing of medications that use oxytetracycline as an active ingredient.

 

· Our TCMD product includes Ahan® antibacterial paste, which is made from a mixture of 11 traditional Chinese herbal ingredients. It is used to treat refractory chronic skin diseases.

 

· Our heparin product includes Heparin Sodium Preparations. It is a primary ingredient for pharmaceutical companies to produce medications used in treating cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and hemodialysis.

 

· Our sausage casings include Zhu XiaochangTM Sausage Casings, which are all-natural food products used for culinary purposes.

 

· Our fertilizer products include XiongguanTM Organic Fertilizer and XiongguanTM Organic-Inorganic Compound Fertilizer. Our XiongguanTM Organic Fertilizer is designed to improve crop yield, increase soil’s chemical properties, and reduce soil compaction. Our XiongguanTM Organic-Inorganic Compound Fertilizer is made from both organic materials and traditional chemical fertilizer and is designed to increased plant growth.

 

Our Competitive Advantages

 

We believe our principal competitive strengths are as follows:

 

Recognized Brand Name

 

With over 50 years of history, “Qilian Shan (祁连山)” is a well-known medical and chemical industrial brand in China. We have received many awards from government agencies such as the Gansu Province “Specialized New Technology” Enterprise Status granted by Gansu Provincial Industry and Information Technology Commission in November 2017. Please see “Business- Honors, Awards, and Qualifications” for more detailed information regarding the awards we have received in the past years and selective criteria for each award. In addition, our TCMD products have been available in hospitals and drug stores for years and have received positive feedback from our customers over time. Our fertilizer products have been well received in China for years with individual farmers as well as farm owners. In addition, as Chinese consumers are becoming better informed and more aware of the environmental impact of consumer products, we have actively cultivated a positive sustainability brand image through our operating subsidiary Qiming which uses oxytetracycline waste materials to produce fertilizer, saving resources, protecting our environment and promoting the sustainable development of the fertilizer industry.

 

5

 

 

Unique Geographical Location And Beneficial National Policy

 

Gansu GLS, our operating subsidiary, enjoys unique business and policy advantages as a result of the Belt and Road Initiative, which is a Chinese government’s international infrastructure development and investment strategy that has a particular focus on Western China. Such advantages include exemptions for land transaction fees, exemptions for newly added construction land users’ fees, exemptions for enterprise income tax, and priorities in using certain public lands. In addition, our PRC operating entities, in general, enjoy high quality, low cost, and abundant local resources due to their locations in remote Western China, which enables them to allocate more financial resources on improving production technologies, advancing research and development, and guaranteeing quality control procedures.

 

Strong Research And Development Capability

 

We believe that our research and development (“R&D”) capabilities allow us to respond to our customers’ evolving needs. Our R&D team has demonstrated its success in using sophisticated methods and technologies to develop innovative products that we believe give us an edge over our major competitors. We have a strong technical team of 103 highly qualified individuals, amongst whom we have 14 individuals dedicated to the Company’s R&D projects. There are 17 engineers, one senior engineer and 18 individuals with bachelor’s and advanced degrees in our technical team. Our R&D personnel have successfully developed two innovative products, Gan Di Xin® and Ahan® Antibacterial Paste, both of which have been commercialized.

 

High Production Capacity

 

Our Company has a maximum annual production capacity of 4,000 tons of oxytetracycline APIs, 3 billion oxytetracycline tablets, 1,000 tons of licorice extracts and liquid extracts, 5,000 kilograms of Heparin Sodium Preparations, 4 million sausage casings and 100,000 tons of fertilizers. We believe that such production capacity of antibiotic raw materials gives us an advantage over our competitors in China. In addition, we have the largest fermentation and extraction manufacturing units in the country, which we believe offers us a distinctive advantage over our competitors.

 

Experienced And Accomplished Leadership Team With a Proven Track Record

 

We have an experienced management team, and most of its members possess more than a decade of pharmaceutical, biomedical, chemical and related industry experience. We believe that our leadership team is well-positioned to lead us through development, regulatory approval and commercialization of our future products. In addition, our management team has extensive R&D, manufacturing and product commercialization experience in the Chinese biomedical and chemical industry.

 

Our Business Strategies

 

Our overall strategy is to leverage our considerable industry experience, our deep understanding of PRC markets and our R&D expertise to capture additional shares of the PRC markets. We plan to fulfill increasing medical and agricultural needs in the Chinese market with our Gan Di Xin®, Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline API, XiongguanTM Organic Fertilizer, and Heparin Sodium Preparation. According to the Frost & Sullivan Report, the total output volume of chemical medicines in the PRC is expected to reach 5,252.8 thousand tons in 2022, with a CAGR of approximately 8.2% from 2018, according to the National Bureau of Statistic of China and the Frost & Sullivan Report. The pharmaceutical market in the PRC started to play an increasingly large role in the global market supply, particularly in relation to APIs. It is expected that the revenue from the manufacturing of APIs will reach RMB1,106.7 billion in 2023, representing a CAGR of approximately 11.8%. According to the Frost & Sullivan Report, the pharmaceutical market in the PRC is highly fragmented with more than 4,000 pharmaceutical companies and a total market size of RMB1,430.4 billion in terms of sales in 2017. In 2017, the top 20 pharmaceutical companies accounted for 20.5% of the total pharmaceutical market in the PRC. The market alternatives for Gan Di Xin®, Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline API, XiongguanTM Organic Fertilizer, and Heparin Sodium Preparation are widely available. In particular, major market participants in the oxytetracycline, compound licorice and heparin sodium markets are small and medium companies with no particular market leader with significant market share to dominate or influence the market.

 

Our product-specific business strategy is as follows:

 

Our Business Strategies For Gan Di Xin®

 

We plan to further enhance market awareness of Gan Di Xin® brand in the PRC markets. Our Company’s Gan Di Xin® has been included in the National Essential Medicines Category and Gansu Province’s Essential Medicines Category, which are pharmaceutical prescription guidances for medical institutions in the scope of PRC and Gansu Province. Gan Di Xin® has also been enrolled in Gansu Province’s Class B Medical Insurance Coverage Program, which allows Gan Di Xin® to enter insurance-covered pharmacies in Gansu Province. Our branding strategy is to conduct a pilot marketing program in Gansu Province, and then reach a larger customer base in other provinces with wider insurance coverage product offerings by enrolling Gan Di Xin® in the National Medical Insurance Coverage Program. The process of enrolling Gan Di Xin® in the National Medical Insurance Coverage Program is relatively straight forward— we will submit the application materials required by the National Medical Insurance Bureau to Jiuquan City Level Insurance Bureau. We will then submit the application approved by the Jiuquan City Level Insurance Bureau to Gansu Provincial Insurance Bureau, which will further review our application. With Gansu Provincial Insurance Bureau’s approval, we will submit our application further to the National Insurance Bureau, which will have the final say on Gan Di Xin®’s enrollment into the National Medical Insurance Coverage Program. We will amend our application materials if any level of the insurance bureau has any questions regarding our products and applications. Such enrollment will allow Gan Di Xin® to enter medical institutions and insurance-covered pharmacies on a national level.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, Gan Di Xin® product has been approved to be enrolled into the National Essential Medicines Category (2018 Edition),  which was promulgated by PRC National Health Commission and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In addition, we have applied with the competent authorities for our Gan Di Xin® product to be included in the National Medical Insurance Coverage Program. As of the date of this prospectus, the Administration of Healthcare Security and the Administration of Human Resources and Social Security of Gansu Province have filed a request to the National Administration of Healthcare Security and the PRC Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security respectively for Gan Di Xin’s enrollment. There are no express rules or provisions in China regarding the minimum or maximum period required to obtain any approval for the enrollment process. The Company intends to submit all required information and handle the application process internally, and therefore does not expect to incur any ongoing expenses with respect to such application. In addition, under the Provisional Administration Rules on Drugs for Basic Medical Insurance for Urban Workers, there are no administrative or other application expenses required to be paid for the approval process, nor are there any ongoing expenses required to maintain the enrollment status.

 

We believe that our existing production capacity for Gan Di Xin will be able to meet our future business objectives and that there is no need to further invest in facility and production line expansion. Rather, we intend to invest more on our marketing efforts for Gan Di Xin and we estimate that we will spend approximately $118,000 annually on marketing expenses in the near future.

 

Our Business Strategies For Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline API

 

We plan to increase our oxytetracycline API production capabilities and hire more experienced marketing specialists in order to carry out our strategic expansions into additional geographical locations in China which we believe would result in us acquiring a bigger share of the Chinese market for this product. We are committed to prioritizing investment in our infrastructure capabilities in order to support the strategic expansions into additional geographical markets in China. We plan to relocate our current oxytetracycline API production facilities and purchase additional state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities to further increase our production capacity. We plan to increase our production capacity to 10,000 tons by 2024 and we estimate that our fixed assets investment will be approximately $18 million. We will focus on hiring more experienced professionals in our sales, marketing, and production departments to support our continued market growth while reducing costs.

 

6

 

 

Our Business Strategies For XiongguanTM Organic Fertilizer

 

We believe our current production equipment and components are adequate to meet current demand and limited future demand. However, to meet the demand anticipated in 2020 and beyond, we will need to move to a larger production capacity in order to reap substantial business benefits from a Chinese government proposal of “Zero Growth of Chemical Fertilizer and Pesticide Use by 2020”. Our plan is to build an organic waste treatment facility that will allow us to increase fertilizer production capacity through turning waste into high quality production materials. We believe this strategy will reduce the cost of our organic fertilizer production while increasing the efficiency of our organic fertilizer production each year. We expect to invest approximately $1.28 million in this project.

 

Our Business Strategies For Heparin Sodium Preparation

 

We intend to implement two primary strategies to expand and grow the production capacity of our Heparin Sodium Preparation: (i) upgrade the production efficiency of our existing manufacturing facilities, and (ii) increase the amount of Heparin Sodium Preparation our production lines can produce. While we have earned our reputation through the consistent quality of our products, we believe that sustained improvements in the production efficiency and increasing production lines are vital to maintaining such reputation and acquire more shares in the Chinese heparin sodium markets. We expect to invest approximately $128,000 in implementing these two strategies.

 

Reverse Split And Increase Authorized Shares

 

On October 16, 2019, our shareholders approved and effected a reverse split of our outstanding Ordinary Shares at a ratio of 1-for-1.66667 shares. In addition, on October 16, 2019, our shareholders approved and effected an increase of the Company’s authorized share capital from US$50,000 consisting of 50,000,000 ordinary shares of US$0.001 par value to US$166,667 consisting of 100,000,000 ordinary shares of US$0.00166667 par value. All references to Ordinary Shares, options to purchase Ordinary Shares, share data, per share data, and related information have been retroactively adjusted, where applicable, in this prospectus to reflect the reverse split of our issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares and increase of our authorized Ordinary Shares as if these events had occurred at the beginning of the earlier period presented.

 

Our History And Corporate Structure

 

We are a Cayman Islands exempted company incorporated on February 7, 2019. Exempted companies are Cayman Islands companies conducting business mainly outside the Cayman Islands and, as such, are exempted from complying with certain provisions of the Companies Law (2018 Revision).

 

Mr. Zhanchang Xin, our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, and Acting Principal Financial Officer, is currently the beneficial owner of 46.13% of our outstanding Ordinary Shares, of which 6.13% are directly held by Ahanzhai Development Co., Ltd., an entity 100% owned by Mr. Xin. Ms. Haiping Shi, our Director Nominee, is currently the beneficial owner of 23.77% of our outstanding Ordinary Shares through Zhijiu Holdings Ltd., an entity 100% owned by Ms. Shi. If we complete the initial public offering of our Ordinary Shares, excluding any shares issuable upon the exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters, Mr.Xin and Ms. Shi will collectively have the right to vote 61.67% of the Ordinary Shares. They will have the ability to elect directors and approve matters requiring shareholder approval by way of resolution of members. Please see “Risk Factors- Since our Directors and Executive Officers will own at least 61.67% of our Ordinary Shares following the initial public offering, they will have the ability to elect directors and approve matters requiring shareholder approval by way of resolution of members.” 

 

Qilian International (Hong Kong) Holdings Limited (“Qilian HK”), our wholly-owned subsidiary, was incorporated in Hong Kong on January 30, 2019. Chengdu Qilian Trading Co., Ltd. (“WFOE”), Qilian HK’s wholly owned subsidiary, was incorporated pursuant to PRC laws on May 15, 2019. Our variable interest entity, Gansu Qilianshan Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., which we refer to as Gansu QLS, was established in August 30, 2006, by restructuring from Gansu State-operated Qilianshan Pharmaceutical Factory, which was incorporated in July 1969 in Jiuquan, Gansu Province, PRC pursuant to PRC laws. Gansu QLS’s shareholders include certain PRC residents and corporate entities controlled by PRC residents.

 

Pursuant to PRC laws, each entity formed under PRC laws shall have certain business scope approved by the Administration of Industry and Commerce or its local counterpart. As such, WFOE’s business scope is to primarily engage in business development, technology service, technology consulting, intellectual property service and business management consulting. Since the sole business of WFOE is to provide Gansu QLS with technical support, consulting services and other management services relating to its day-to-day business operations and management in exchange for a consulting fee solely at WFOE’s discretion and can be the net income of Gansu QLS, such business scope is necessary and appropriate under the PRC laws. Gansu QLS, on the other hand, has been granted a business scope different from WFOE to enable it to manufacture products.

 

We control Gansu QLS through contractual agreements, which are described under “Business — Contractual Agreements between WFOE and Gansu QLS.”

 

Qilian International is a holding company with no business operation other than holding the shares in Qilian HK and Qilian HK is a pass-through entity with no business operation.

 

WFOE is exclusively engaged in the business of managing the operation of Gansu QLS.

 

We have asked our shareholders who are Chinese residents to make the necessary applications and filings as required under PRC SAFE Circular 37. We cannot assure you that each of our Chinese resident shareholders will in the future complete the registration process as required by the Circular 37. Shareholders of offshore SPV who are PRC residents and who have not completed their registrations in accordance with Circular 37 are subject to certain absolute restrictions, under which they cannot contribute any registered or additional capital to such SPV for offshore financing purposes. In addition, these shareholders cannot repatriate any profits and dividends from the SPV to China either. Please see “Risk Factors-Part of our shareholders are not in compliance with the PRC’s regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents, and as a result, the shareholders may be subject to penalties if we are not able to remediate the non-compliance.”

 

In addition, even if any shareholder who is a PRC resident (as determined by the Circular No. 37) holds any interest in our SPV and fails to fulfil the required foreign exchange registration with the local SAFE branches, Qilian International and Qilian HK are not restricted in their ability to contribute additional capital to WFOE. Since Gansu QLS and its subsidiaries are only controlled by WFOE through contractual arrangements, and since WFOE is not a shareholder of Gansu QLS, neither Gansu QLS nor any of its subsidiaries have any obligations to contribute capital to WFOE, nor have they any rights to receive distributions or dividends from WFOE. Our WFOE is not prohibited from distributing its profits and dividends to Qilian International or Qilian HK or from carrying out other subsequent cross-border foreign exchange activities because WFOE has completed the foreign exchange registration formalities as required upon its establishment. Only capital contributions to a special purpose vehicle by its shareholders failing to comply with Circular 37, as well as the repatriation of profits and dividends derived from such special purpose vehicle to China by its shareholders are limited.   

 

Shareholders who have completed the Circular 37 registration would not be adversely affected and are allowed to contribute assets into the offshore special purpose vehicle and repatriate profits and dividends from them. Since our WFOE has completed its foreign exchange registration as a foreign investment enterprise, its ability to receive capital contribution, make distributions and pay dividends is not restricted.

 

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The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure as of the date of this prospectus and upon completion of the Offering based on 4,000,000 Ordinary Shares being offered:

 

 

Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and a Foreign Private Issuer 

 

As a company with less than $1.07 billion in revenue during our last fiscal year, we qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, or JOBS Act, enacted in April 2012, and may take advantage of reduced reporting requirements that are otherwise applicable to public companies. These provisions include, but are not limited to:

 

· being permitted to present only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our filings with the SEC;

 

· not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements in the assessment of our internal control over financial reporting;

 

· reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in periodic reports, proxy statements and registration statements; and

 

· exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

 

We may take advantage of these provisions until the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of our ordinary shares pursuant to this offering. However, if certain events occur before the end of such five-year period, including if we become a “large accelerated filer,” our annual gross revenues exceed $1.07 billion or we issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt in any three-year period, we will cease to be an emerging growth company before the end of such five-year period.

 

In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, for complying with new or revised accounting standards. We have elected to take advantage of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards and acknowledge such election is irrevocable pursuant to Section 107 of the JOBS Act.

 

We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). As such, we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to United States domestic public companies. For example:

 

  we are not required to provide as many Exchange Act reports, or as frequently, as a U.S. domestic public company;
     
  for interim reporting, we are permitted to comply solely with our home country requirements, which are less rigorous than the rules that apply to domestic public companies;
     
  we are not required to provide the same level of disclosure on certain issues, such as executive compensation;
     
  we are exempt from provisions of Regulation FD aimed at preventing issuers from making selective disclosures of material information;
     
  we are not required to comply with the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents, or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act; and
     
  we are not required to comply with Section 16 of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their share ownership and trading activities and establishing insider liability for profits realized from any “short-swing” trading transaction.

 

We intend to comply with the NYSE corporate governance rules applicable to foreign private issuers, which permit us to follow certain corporate governance rules that conform to the Cayman Islands requirements in lieu of many of the NYSE corporate governance rules applicable to U.S. companies.  As a result, our corporate governance practices may differ from those you might otherwise expect from a U.S. company listed on NYSE.

 

8

 

 

THE OFFERING 

 

Shares Offered   4,000,000 Ordinary Shares (or 4,600,000 Ordinary Shares assuming that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full)
Over-allotment Option   We have granted the underwriters an option exercisable up to 45 days after the closing of this offering to purchase up to an additional 15% of the Ordinary Shares sold in this offering on the same terms as the other Ordinary Shares being purchased by the underwriters from us.
Ordinary Shares outstanding prior to completion of this offering   30,000,000 Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares outstanding immediately after this offering   34,000,000 Ordinary Shares (or 34,600,000 Ordinary Shares assuming that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full)
Use of Proceeds   We estimate that our net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $19,970,000, based on an initial public offering price of $6 per Ordinary Share and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and advisory fees and estimated offering expenses and assuming no exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for production capacities expansion, marketing purposes, and acquisition of upstream and downstream companies manufacturing traditional Chinese medicine pieces. See “Use of Proceeds” for more information.
Underwriters   Univest Securities, LLC
Underwriters’ Warrants   We have agreed to sell to Univest Securities, LLC, the representative of the underwriters, warrants (the “Underwriters’ Warrants”) at a nominal consideration of $0.00166667 per warrant to purchase up to a total of 2,400,000 Ordinary Shares (equal to 6% of the aggregate number of Ordinary Shares sold in the offering) at a price equal to 110% of the price of our Ordinary Shares offered hereby (or 276,000 Ordinary Shares assuming that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full).
NYSE Trading symbol   We intend to apply for listing of our Ordinary Shares on NYSE  American under the symbol “QLI”. Although our application could be rejected by NYSE, this offering may not close until we have received NYSE’s approval for our application.
Transfer Agent   

[•]

Risk Factors   Investing in these securities involves a high degree of risk. As an investor, you should be able to bear a complete loss of your investment. You should carefully consider the information set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of, and elsewhere in, this prospectus before deciding to invest in our Ordinary Shares.
Lock-Up   We, our directors and executive officers, and our existing beneficial owners of 5% or more of our outstanding Ordinary Shares have agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions, not to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any Ordinary Shares for a period ending 180 days after the commencement of the trading of the Ordinary Shares. See “Underwriting” for more information.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all information in this amendment reflects a 1-for-1.66667 reverse split of our issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares, effected on October 16, 2019, and the corresponding adjustment of proposed maximum offering price per share of our Ordinary Shares.

 

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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following tables set forth selected historical statements of operations and balance sheet data for the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, and for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, which have been derived from our audited financial statements for those periods. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in the future. You should read this data together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus as well as “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” appearing elsewhere in the prospectus.

 

Selected Statements of Operations Information:

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Amounts in US$, except shares)

 

    For the six months ended March 31,  
    2019     2018  
             
NET REVENUE   $ 27,160,302     $ 25,064,198  
                 
COST OF REVENUE     19,772,589       21,258,787  
                 
GROSS PROFIT     7,387,713       3,805,411  
                 
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES     1,732,288       972,250  
                 
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS     5,655,425       2,833,161  
                 
Other Income (Expenses)                
Interest expense     (104,282 )     (92,442 )
Other income     354,884       280,332  
Total Other income (expense)     250,602       187,890  
                 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION     5,906,027       3,021,051  
                 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES     881,726       508,554  
                 
NET INCOME     5,024,301       2,512,497  
                 
Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest     732,190       (51,916 )
                 
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED   $ 4,292,111     $ 2,564,413  
                 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME                
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)     525,626       873,256  
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME     5,549,927       3,385,753  
Less: comprehensive income attributable to non - controlling interest     828,230       84,495  
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED   $ 4,721,697     $ 3,301,258  
                 
Earnings per ordinary share - basic and diluted   $ 0.14     $ 0.09  
Weighted average shares - basic and diluted     30,000,000       30,000,000  

 

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Selected Balance Sheet Information:

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(Amounts in US$, except shares)

 

    As of  
    March 31,     September 30,  
    2019     2018  
             
ASSETS                
CURRENT ASSETS:                
Cash   $ 2,873,554     $ 5,260,788  
Restricted Cash     268,180       363,991  
Accounts receivable, net     3,925,730       1,321,085  
Accounts receivable - related parties, net     -       6,185  
Bank notes receivable     4,080,613       3,518,047  
Inventories, net     11,746,399       9,586,360  
Advances to suppliers, net     2,146,839       1,649,492  
Other current assets     459,825       463,218  
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS     25,501,140       22,169,166  
                 
Property and equipment, net     8,645,749       8,488,726  
Intangible assets, net     1,975,793       1,956,008  
Long term investment     475,163       407,345  
Deferred tax assets     256,269       318,296  
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 36,854,114     $ 33,339,541  
                 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:                
Bank loans   $ 3,724,728     $ 3,639,911  
Accounts payable     3,554,342       3,757,550  
Accounts payable - related parties     -       3,046  
Advance from customers     962,743       4,222,490  
Bank notes payable     893,935       582,386  
Deferred government grants-current     416,487       407,003  
Taxes payable     1,981,254       1,196,811  
Accrued expenses and other payables     1,029,706       478,557  
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES     12,563,195       14,287,754  
                 
LONG TERM LIABILITIES                
Deferred government grants - noncurrent     1,153,208       1,330,451  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES     13,716,403       15,618,205  
                 
Commitments and contingencies                
                 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:                

Ordinary shares, $0.00166667 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 30,000,000 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively

    50,000       50,000  
Additional paid-in capital     12,252,077       12,252,077  
Statutory Reserve     1,773,817       1,132,636  
Retained earnings     6,520,424       2,869,494  
Accumulated other comprehensive income     (552,691 )     (982,277 )
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to Qilian International     20,043,627       15,321,930  
Noncontrolling interest     3,094,084       2,399,406  
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     23,137,711       17,721,336  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   $ 36,854,114       33,339,541  

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

An investment in our Ordinary Shares involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding whether to invest in our Ordinary Shares, you should consider carefully the risks described below, together with all of the other information set forth in this prospectus, including the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes. If any of these risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flow could be materially and adversely affected, which could cause the trading price of our Ordinary Shares to decline, resulting in a loss of all or part of your investment. The risks described below and in the documents referenced above are not the only ones that we face. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business. You should only consider investing in our Ordinary Shares if you can bear the risk of loss of your entire investment.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

We face significant competition in industries experiencing rapid technological change, and there is a possibility that our competitors may achieve regulatory approval and develop new product candidates before us, which may harm our financial condition and our ability to successfully market or commercialize any of our product candidates.

 

The development and commercialization of new pharmaceutical products and fertilizers is highly competitive, and both industries currently are characterized by rapidly changing technologies, significant competition and a strong emphasis on intellectual property. We will face competition with respect to our current and future pharmaceutical and fertilizer product candidates from major pharmaceutical and chemical companies in China. Potential competitors also include academic institutions, government agencies and other public and private research organizations that conduct research, seek patent protection and establish collaborative arrangements for research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of pharmaceutical and fertilizer products. For example, competition for improving oxytetracycline strains comes from conventional and advanced breeding techniques. Other potentially competitive sources of improvement in oxytetracycline yields include improvements in specific biotechnology areas and information management.

 

We have competitors in China that manufacture products similar to ours. These companies sell similar products as ours and some of them may have more assets, resources and a larger market share. We believe we are able to compete with these competitors because of our geographical location in Western China, our unique combination of products and our products’ lower prices.

 

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Some of our current or potential competitors may have significantly greater financial resources and expertise in research and development, manufacturing, product testing, obtaining regulatory approvals and marketing approved products than we do. Mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical, chemical and agricultural industries may result in even more resources being concentrated among a smaller number of our competitors. Smaller or early-stage companies may also prove to be significant competitors, particularly through collaborative arrangements with large and established companies. These competitors also compete with us in recruiting and retaining qualified scientific and management personnel, as well as in acquiring technologies complementary to, or necessary for, our R&D projects. Our commercial opportunity could be reduced or eliminated if our competitors develop and commercialize products that are more effective, more convenient or are less expensive than any products we develop alone or with collaborators or that would render any such products obsolete or non-competitive. Our competitors also may obtain regulatory approval for their products more rapidly than we may obtain approval for any that we develop, which could result in our competitors establishing a strong market position before our new products are able to enter the market. Additionally, technologies developed by our competitors may render our product candidates uneconomical or obsolete, and we or our collaborators may not be successful in marketing any product candidates we may develop against competitors. The availability of our competitors’ products could limit the demand, and the price we are able to charge, for any products that we develop alone or with collaborators.

 

Our pharmaceutical business is subject to inherent risks relating to product liability and personal injury claims.

 

We, as a pharmaceutical company, are exposed to risks inherent in the manufacturing and distribution of pharmaceutical products, such as with respect to improper filling of prescriptions, labeling of prescriptions, adequacy of warnings, and unintentional distribution of counterfeit drugs. In addition, product liability claims may be asserted against us with respect to any of the products we sell and as a distributor, we are required to pay for damages for any successful product liability claim against us, although we may have the right under applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations to recover from the relevant manufacturer or distributors for compensation we paid to our customers in connection with a product liability claim. We may also be obligated to recall affected products. If we are found liable for product liability claims, we could be required to pay substantial monetary damages. Furthermore, even if we successfully defend ourselves against this type of claim, we could be required to spend significant management, financial and other resources, which could disrupt our business, and our reputation as well as our brand name may also suffer. We, like many other similar companies in China, do not carry product liability insurance. As a result, any imposition of product liability could materially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we do not have any business interruption insurance due to the limited coverage of any available business interruption insurance in China, and as a result, any business disruption or natural disaster could severely disrupt our business and operations and significantly decrease our revenue and profitability.

 

We have limited sources of working capital and will need substantial additional financing

 

The working capital required to implement our business plan and R&D efforts will most likely be provided by funds obtained through offerings of our equity, debt, debt-linked securities, and/or equity-linked securities, and revenues generated by us. No assurance can be given that we will have revenues sufficient to sustain our operations or that we would be able to obtain equity/debt financing in the current economic environment. If we do not have sufficient working capital and are unable to generate sufficient revenues or raise additional funds, we may delay the completion of or significantly reduce the scope of our current business plan; delay some of our development and clinical or marketing efforts; postpone the hiring of new personnel; or, under certain dire financial circumstances, substantially curtail or cease our operations.

 

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We need sufficient financing to implement our business plan, which includes expanding the marketing efforts for Gan Di Xin® and increasing the manufacturing capacities for our oxytetracycline products, fertilizer products and Heparin Sodium Preparations. We will also need sufficient financing to materialize our future plan of acquiring traditional Chinese medicine enterprises. We estimate that carrying out these business projects will require at least $26 million. Our inability to obtain sufficient additional financing would have a material adverse effect on our ability to implement our business plan and, as a result, could require us to significantly curtail or potentially cease our operations. As of September 30, 2018, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $5.3 million, total current assets of approximately $22,169,166 and total current liabilities of approximately $14,287,754. We will need to engage in capital-raising transactions in the near future. Such financing transactions may well cause substantial dilution to our shareholders and could involve the issuance of securities with rights senior to the outstanding shares. Our ability to complete additional financings depends on, among other things, the state of the capital markets at the time of any proposed offering, market reception of the Company and the likelihood of the success of its business model and offering terms. There is no assurance that we will be able to obtain any such additional capital through asset sales, equity or debt financing, or any combination thereof, on satisfactory terms or at all. Additionally, no assurance can be given that any such financing, if obtained, will be adequate to meet our capital needs and to support our operations. If we do not obtain adequate capital on a timely basis and on satisfactory terms, our revenues and operations and the value of our Ordinary Shares and Ordinary Share equivalents would be materially negatively impacted and we may cease our operations.

 

We depend on certain key personnel and loss of these key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our success is, to a certain extent, attributable to the management, sales and marketing, and research and development expertise of key personnel. We depend upon the services of Mr. Zhanchang Xin, our President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board, for the continued growth and operation of our Company, due to his industry experience, technical expertise, as well as his personal and business contacts in the PRC. Additionally, Mr. Zhanchang Xin, performs key functions in the operation of our business as our Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Operations Officer. We may not be able to retain Mr. Zhanchang Xin for any given period of time. Although we have no reason to believe that Mr. Zhanchang Xin will discontinue his services with us or Gansu QLS, the interruption or loss of his services would adversely affect our ability to effectively run our business and pursue our business strategy as well as our results of operations. We do not carry key man life insurance for any of our key personnel, nor do we foresee purchasing such insurance to protect against the loss of key personnel.

 

We may not be able to hire and retain qualified personnel to support our growth and if we are unable to retain or hire these personnel in the future, our ability to improve our products and implement our business objectives could be adversely affected.

 

We must attract, recruit and retain a sizeable workforce of technically competent employees. Competition for senior management and personnel in the PRC is intense and the pool of qualified candidates in the PRC is limited. We may not be able to retain the services of our senior executives or personnel, or attract and retain high-quality senior executives or personnel in the future. This failure could materially and adversely affect our future growth and financial condition.

 

A significant portion of our revenue is concentrated on a few large customers, and we do not have long-term agreements with our key customers and rely upon our longstanding relationship with them. If we lose one or more of our customers, our results of operations may be adversely and materially impacted.

 

Our customers consist of qualified distributors, dealers and corporate customers. We have several large customers with whom we generated substantial revenue each year, and the composition of our largest customers has changed from year to year. For the six months ended March 31, 2019, two customers represented approximately 12.0% and 10.0% of the Company’s sales, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2018, three customers represented approximately 19%, 14.7% and 14.2% of the Company’s sales, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2017, three customers represented approximately 12.9%, 8.9% and 6.2% of the Company’s sales, respectively. Since we do not have long-term customer supply agreements with such large customers and rely primarily upon our goodwill and reputation to sustain the business relationship, our results of operations may be adversely and materially impacted if one or more of these customers stop purchasing from us.

 

We source our raw materials used for manufacturing from a limited number of suppliers. If we lose one or more of the suppliers, our operation may be disrupted, and our results of operations may be adversely and materially impacted.

 

For the six months ended March 31, 2019, two of our suppliers accounted for 15.2% and 10.5% of the total purchases, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2018, five of our suppliers accounted for 19.2%, 14.1%, 9.4%, 5.1% and 4.1% of the total purchases, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2017, five of our suppliers accounted for 22.9%, 9.0%, 5.2%, 4.6% and 4.1% of the total purchases, respectively. If we lose suppliers and are unable to swiftly engage new suppliers, our operations may be disrupted or suspended, and we may not be able to deliver hardware products to our customers on time. We may also have to pay a higher price to source from a different supplier on short notice. While we are actively searching for and negotiating with new suppliers, there is no guarantee that we will be able to locate appropriate new suppliers or supplier merger targets in our desired timeline. As such, our results of operations may be adversely and materially impacted.

 

If we fail to increase our brand name recognition, we may face difficulty in obtaining new customers.

 

Although our brand is well-respected in the Chinese pharmaceutical and chemical industry, we still believe that maintaining and enhancing our brand name recognition in a cost-effective manner is critical to achieving widespread acceptance of our current and future products and services and is an important element in our effort to increase our customer base. Successful promotion of our brand name will depend largely on our marketing efforts and ability to provide reliable and quality products at competitive prices. Brand promotion activities may not necessarily yield increased revenue, and even if they do, any increased revenue may not offset the expenses we will incur in marketing activities. If we fail to successfully promote and maintain our brand, or if we incur substantial expenses in an unsuccessful attempt to promote and maintain our brand, we may fail to attract new customers or retain our existing customers, in which case our business, operating results and financial condition, would be materially adversely affected.

 

Any disruption in the supply chain of raw materials and our products could adversely impact our ability to produce and deliver products.

 

Some products we manufacture are resource based products. Thus, we must manage our supply chain for raw materials and delivery of our products competently. Even though Chengdu QLS enjoy considerable advantages resulting from high quality, low cost, and abundant local resources, supply chain fragmentation and local protectionism within China may cause disruption risks for some of our other VIE operating entities. Local administrative bodies and physical infrastructure built to protect local interests pose transportation challenges for raw material transportation as well as product delivery throughout China. In addition, profitability and volume could be negatively impacted by limitations inherent within the supply chain, including competitive, governmental, legal, natural disasters, and other events that could affect both supply and price. Any of these occurrences could cause significant disruptions to our supply chain, manufacturing capability and distribution system that could adversely affect our ability to produce and deliver some of our products.

 

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Additionally, some of the raw materials we use are procured from farmers, who are usually subject to environmental risks outside of their control. Thus, they may not have the ability to supply continuously and stably if environmental and climate change adversely affect their business.

 

Our success depends on our ability to protect our intellectual property.

 

Our success depends on our ability to obtain and maintain patent protection for products developed utilizing our technologies, in the PRC and in other countries, and to enforce these patents. There is no assurance that any of our existing and future patents will be held valid and enforceable against third-party infringement or that our products will not infringe any third-party patent or intellectual property. Although we have owned eight valid patents and filed an additional patent application with the Patent Administration Department of the PRC, there is no assurance that they will be granted.

 

Any patents relating to our technologies may not be sufficiently broad to protect our products. In addition, our patents may be challenged, potentially invalidated or potentially circumvented. Our patents may not afford us protection against competitors with similar technology or permit the commercialization of our products without infringing third-party patents or other intellectual property rights.

 

We also rely on or intend to rely on our trademarks, trade names and brand names to distinguish our products from the products of our competitors, and have registered or will apply to register a number of these trademarks. However, third parties may oppose our trademark applications or otherwise challenge our use of the trademarks. In the event that our trademarks are successfully challenged, we could be forced to rebrand our products, which could result in loss of brand recognition and could require us to devote resources to advertising and marketing these new brands. Further, our competitors may infringe our trademarks, or we may not have adequate resources to enforce our trademarks.

 

In addition, we also have trade secrets, non-patented proprietary expertise and continuing technological innovation that we shall seek to protect, in part, by entering into confidentiality agreements with licensees, suppliers, employees and consultants. These agreements may be breached and there may not be adequate remedies in the event of a breach. Disputes may arise concerning the ownership of intellectual property or the applicability of confidentiality agreements. Moreover, our trade secrets and proprietary technology may otherwise become known or be independently developed by our competitors. If patents are not issued with respect to products arising from research, we may not be able to maintain the confidentiality of information relating to these products.

 

We face risks related to research and the ability to develop new pharmaceutical and chemical products.

 

Our growth and survival depends on our ability to consistently discover, develop and commercialize new products and find new and improved technology. As such, if we fail to make sufficient investments in research, be attentive to unmet consumer needs or focus on advancing pharmaceutical and chemical product technology, our current and future products could be surpassed by more effective or advanced products of other companies.

 

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Our business requires a number of permits and licenses. We cannot assure you that we can maintain all required licenses, permits and certifications to carry on our business at all times.

 

Pharmaceutical companies in China are required to obtain certain permits and licenses from various PRC governmental authorities, including Good Manufacturing Practice (“GMP”) certification. We are also required to obtain a Pharmaceutical Product Permit.

 

We have obtained certificates, permits, and licenses required for the operation of a pharmaceutical enterprise and the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products in the PRC. We are required to meet GMP standards in order to continue manufacturing pharmaceutical products. We are required to renew our GMP certifications every five years and our current two certifications, covering bulk drug (oxytetracycline) and tablets, extract, fluid extract respectively, expire in March 1, 2020 and August 19, 2020. There is no guarantee we will be able to renew our certifications when they next expire.

 

We cannot assure you that we can maintain all required licenses, permits and certifications to carry on our business at all times, and in the past from time to time we may have not been in compliance with all such required licenses, permits and certifications. Moreover, these licenses, permits and certifications are subject to periodic renewal and/or reassessment by the relevant PRC governmental authorities and the standards of such renewal or reassessment may change from time to time. We intend to apply for the renewal of these licenses, permits and certifications when required by then applicable laws and regulations. Any failure by us to obtain and maintain all licenses, permits and certifications necessary to carry on our business at any time could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, any inability to renew these licenses, permits and certifications could severely disrupt our business and prevent us from continuing to carry on our business. Any changes in the standards used by governmental authorities in considering whether to renew or reassess our business licenses, permits and certifications, as well as any enactment of new regulations that may restrict the conduct of our business, may also decrease our revenue and/or increase our costs and materially reduce our profitability and prospects. Furthermore, if the interpretation or implementation of existing laws and regulations changes or if new regulations come into effect requiring us to obtain any additional licenses, permits or certifications that were previously not required to operate our existing businesses, we cannot assure you that we will successfully obtain such licenses, permits or certifications.

 

Our innovative Gan Di Xin® and Ahan® Antibacterial Paste in China are subject to continuing regulation by the National Medical Products Administration (the “NMPA”). If the labeling or manufacturing process of an approved pharmaceutical product is significantly modified, the NMPA may require that we obtain a new pre-market approval.

 

Adverse publicity associated with our products, ingredients or network marketing program, or those of similar companies, could harm our financial condition and operating results.

 

The results of our operations may be significantly affected by the public’s perception of our product and similar companies. This perception depends upon opinions concerning:

 

the safety and quality of our products and ingredients;
     
the safety and quality of similar products and ingredients distributed by other companies; and
     
our downstream distributors and sales forces.

 

Adverse publicity concerning any actual or purported failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations regarding product claims and advertising, good manufacturing practices, or other aspects of our business, whether or not resulting in enforcement actions or the imposition of penalties, could have an adverse effect on our goodwill and could negatively affect our sales and ability to generate revenue. In addition, our consumers’ perception of the safety and quality of products and ingredients as well as similar products and ingredients distributed by other companies can be significantly influenced by media attention, publicized scientific research or findings, widespread product liability claims and other publicity concerning our products or ingredients or similar products and ingredients distributed by other companies. Adverse publicity, whether or not accurate or resulting from consumers’ use or misuse of our products, that associates consumption of our products or ingredients or any similar products or ingredients with illness or other adverse effects, questions the benefits of our or similar products or claims that any such products are ineffective, inappropriately labeled or have inaccurate instructions as to their use, could negatively impact our reputation or the market demand for our products.

 

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Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure

 

We rely on contractual arrangements with our variable interest entity and its subsidiaries in China for our business operations, which may not be as effective in providing operational control or enabling us to derive economic benefits as through ownership of controlling equity interests.

 

We rely on and expect to continue to rely on our wholly owned PRC subsidiary’s contractual arrangements with Gansu QLS and its shareholders to operate our business. These contractual arrangements may not be as effective in providing us with control over Gansu QLS as ownership of controlling equity interests would be in providing us with control over, or enabling us to derive economic benefits from the operations of Gansu QLS. Under the current contractual arrangements, as a legal matter, if Gansu QLS or any of its shareholders executing the VIE Agreements fails to perform its, his or her respective obligations under these contractual arrangements, we may have to incur substantial costs and resources to enforce such arrangements, and rely on legal remedies available under PRC laws, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, and claiming damages, which we cannot assure you will be effective. For example, if shareholders of a variable interest entity were to refuse to transfer their equity interests in such variable interest entity to us or our designated persons when we exercise the purchase option pursuant to these contractual arrangements, we may have to take a legal action to compel them to fulfill their contractual obligations.

 

If (i) the applicable PRC authorities invalidate these contractual arrangements for violation of PRC laws, rules and regulations, (ii) any variable interest entity or its shareholders terminate the contractual arrangements or (iii) any variable interest entity or its shareholders fail to perform their obligations under these contractual arrangements, our business operations in China would be materially and adversely affected, and the value of your stock would substantially decrease. Further, if we fail to renew these contractual arrangements upon their expiration, we would not be able to continue our business operations unless the then current PRC law allows us to directly operate businesses in China.

 

In addition, if any variable interest entity or all or part of its assets become subject to liens or rights of third-party creditors, we may be unable to continue some or all of our business activities, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If any of the variable interest entities undergoes a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, its shareholders or unrelated third-party creditors may claim rights to some or all of these assets, thereby hindering our ability to operate our business, which could materially and adversely affect our business and our ability to generate revenues.

 

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All of these contractual arrangements are governed by PRC law and provide for the resolution of disputes through arbitration in the PRC. The legal environment in the PRC is not as developed as in some other jurisdictions, such as the United States. As a result, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit our ability to enforce these contractual arrangements. In the event we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, we may not be able to exert effective control over our operating entities and we may be precluded from operating our business, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Gansu QLS’s shareholders may have potential conflicts of interest with us, which may materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.

 

The equity interests of Gansu GLS are held by a total of 155 shareholders. Their interests may differ from the interests of our Company as a whole. They may breach, or cause Gansu QLS to breach, or refuse to renew the existing contractual arrangements we have with Gansu QLS, which would have a material adverse effect on our ability to effectively control Gansu QLS and receive economic benefits from them. For example, the shareholders may be able to cause our agreements with Gansu QLS to be performed in a manner adverse to us by, among other things, failing to remit payments due under the contractual arrangements to us on a timely basis. We cannot assure you that when conflicts of interest arise, any or all of these shareholders will act in the best interests of our Company or such conflicts will be resolved in our favor.

 

Currently, we do not have any arrangements to address potential conflicts of interest between these shareholders and our Company, except that we could exercise our purchase option under the exclusive option agreement with these shareholders to request them to transfer all of their equity interests in Gansu QLS to a PRC entity or individual designated by us, to the extent permitted by PRC laws. If we cannot resolve any conflict of interest or dispute between us and the shareholders of Gansu QLS, we would have to rely on legal proceedings, which could result in the disruption of our business and subject us to substantial uncertainty as to the outcome of any such legal proceedings.

 

Contractual arrangements in relation to our variable interest entity may be subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities and they may determine that we or our PRC variable interest entity owe additional taxes, which could negatively affect our results of operations and the value of your investment.

 

Under applicable PRC laws and regulations, arrangements and transactions among related parties may be subject to audit or challenge by the PRC tax authorities within ten years after the taxable year when the transactions are conducted. The PRC enterprise income tax law requires every enterprise in China to submit its annual enterprise income tax return together with a report on transactions with its related parties to the relevant tax authorities. The tax authorities may impose reasonable adjustments on taxation if they have identified any related party transactions that are inconsistent with arm’s length principles. We may face material and adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities determine that the contractual arrangements between our WFOE, our variable interest entity Gansu QLS and the shareholders of Gansu QLS were not entered into on an arm’s length basis in such a way as to result in an impermissible reduction in taxes under applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations, and adjust Gansu QLS’s income in the form of a transfer pricing adjustment. A transfer pricing adjustment could, among other things, result in a reduction of expense deductions recorded by Gansu QLS for PRC tax purposes, which could in turn increase their tax liabilities without reducing WFOE’s tax expenses. In addition, if WFOE requests the shareholders of Gansu QLS to transfer their equity interests in Gansu QLS at nominal or no value pursuant to these contractual arrangements, such transfer could be viewed as a gift and subject WFOE to PRC income tax. Furthermore, the PRC tax authorities may impose late payment fees and other penalties on Gansu QLS for the adjusted but unpaid taxes according to the applicable regulations. Our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected if Gansu QLS’s tax liabilities increase or if they are required to pay late payment fees and other penalties.

 

If we exercise the option to acquire equity ownership of Gansu QLS, the ownership transfer may subject us to certain limitation and substantial costs.

 

Pursuant to the contractual arrangements, WFOE has the exclusive right to purchase all or any part of the equity interests in Gansu QLS from Gansu QLS’s shareholders for a nominal price, unless the relevant government authorities or then applicable PRC laws request that a minimum price amount be used as the purchase price, in such case the purchase price shall be the lowest amount under such request. The shareholders of Gansu QLS will be subject to PRC individual income tax on the difference between the equity transfer price and the then current registered capital of Gansu QLS. Additionally, if such a transfer takes place, the competent tax authority may require WFOE to pay enterprise income tax for ownership transfer income with reference to the market value, in which case the amount of tax could be substantial.

 

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Risks Related to the Offering and Our Ordinary Shares

 

The initial public offering price of our Ordinary Shares may not be indicative of the market price of our Ordinary Shares after this offering. In addition, an active, liquid and orderly trading market for our Ordinary Shares may not develop or be maintained, and our stock price may be volatile.

 

Prior to this offering, our Ordinary Shares were not traded on any market. An active, liquid and orderly trading market for our Ordinary Shares may not develop or be maintained after this offering. Active, liquid and orderly trading markets usually result in less price volatility and more efficiency in carrying out investors’ purchase and sale orders. The market price of our Ordinary Shares could vary significantly as a result of a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control. In the event of a drop in the market price of our Ordinary Shares, you could lose a substantial part or all of your investment in our Ordinary Shares. The initial public offering price will be determined by us, based on numerous factors and may not be indicative of the market price of our Ordinary Shares after this offering. Consequently, you may not be able to sell shares of our Ordinary Shares at prices equal to or greater than the price paid by you in this offering.

 

The following factors could affect our share price:

 

our operating and financial performance;
     
quarterly variations in the rate of growth of our financial indicators, such as net income per share, net income and revenues;
     
the public reaction to our press releases, our other public announcements and our filings with the SEC;
     
strategic actions by our competitors;
     
changes in revenue or earnings estimates, or changes in recommendations or withdrawal of research coverage, by equity research analysts;
     
speculation in the press or investment community;
     
the failure of research analysts to cover our Ordinary Shares;
     
sales of our Ordinary Shares by us or other shareholders, or the perception that such sales may occur;
     
changes in accounting principles, policies, guidance, interpretations or standards;
     
additions or departures of key management personnel;
     
actions by our shareholders;
     
domestic and international economic, legal and regulatory factors unrelated to our performance; and
     
the realization of any risks described under this “Risk Factors” section.

 

The stock markets in general have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our Ordinary Shares. Securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the overall market and in the market price of a company’s securities. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could result in very substantial costs, divert our management’s attention and resources and harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

Since our Directors and Executive Officers will own at least 61.67% of our Ordinary Shares following the initial public offering, they will have the ability to elect directors and approve matters requiring shareholder approval by way of resolution of members.

 

Mr. Zhanchang Xin, our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, and Acting Principal Financial Officer, is currently the beneficial owner of 13,839,000, or 46.13% of our outstanding Ordinary Shares, of which 6.13% are directly held by Ahanzhai Development Co., Ltd., an entity 100% owned by Mr. Xin. Ms. Haiping Shi, our Director Nominee, is currently the beneficial owner of 7,131,000, or 23.77% of our outstanding Ordinary Shares through Zhijiu Holdings Ltd., an entity 100% owned by Ms. Shi. If we complete the initial public offering of our Ordinary Shares, excluding any shares issuable upon the exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters, Mr.Xin and Ms. Shi will collectively have the right to vote 61.67% of the Ordinary Shares. They are expected to have the power to elect all directors and approve all matters requiring shareholder approval without the votes of any other shareholder. They are expected to have significant influence over a decision to enter into any corporate transaction and have the ability to prevent any transaction that requires the approval of shareholders, regardless of whether or not our other shareholders believe that such transaction is in our best interests. Such concentration of voting power could have the effect of delaying, deterring, or preventing a change of control or other business combination, which could, in turn, have an adverse effect on the market price of our Ordinary Shares or prevent our shareholders from realizing a premium over the then-prevailing market price for their Ordinary Shares.

 

For as long as we are an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with certain reporting requirements, including those relating to accounting standards and disclosure about our executive compensation, that apply to other public companies.

 

In April 2012, President Obama signed into law the JOBS Act. We are classified as an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act. For as long as we are an emerging growth company, which may be up to five full fiscal years, unlike other public companies, we will not be required to, among other things, (i) provide an auditor’s attestation report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our system of internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, (ii) comply with any new requirements adopted by the PCAOB requiring mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report in which the auditor would be required to provide additional information about the audit and the financial statements of the issuer, (iii) provide certain disclosure regarding executive compensation required of larger public companies or (iv) hold nonbinding advisory votes on executive compensation. We will remain an emerging growth company for up to five years, although we will lose that status sooner if we have more than $1.07 billion of revenues in a fiscal year, have more than $700 million in market value of our Ordinary Shares held by non-affiliates, or issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period.

 

To the extent that we rely on any of the exemptions available to emerging growth companies, you will receive less information about our executive compensation and internal control over financial reporting than issuers that are not emerging growth companies. If some investors find our Ordinary Shares to be less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our Ordinary Shares and our stock price may be more volatile.

 

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If we fail to establish and maintain proper internal financial reporting controls, our ability to produce accurate financial statements or comply with applicable regulations could be impaired.

 

Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we will be required to file a report by our management on our internal control over financial reporting, including an attestation report on internal control over financial reporting issued by our independent registered public accounting firm. However, while we remain an emerging growth company, we will not be required to include an attestation report on internal control over financial reporting issued by our independent registered public accounting firm. The presence of material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting could result in financial statement errors which, in turn, could lead to errors in our financial reports and/or delays in our financial reporting, which could require us to restate our operating results. We might not identify one or more material weaknesses in our internal controls in connection with evaluating our compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In order to maintain and improve the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting, we will need to expend significant resources and provide significant management oversight. Implementing any appropriate changes to our internal controls may require specific compliance training of our directors and employees, entail substantial costs in order to modify our existing accounting systems, take a significant period of time to complete and divert management’s attention from other business concerns. These changes may not, however, be effective in maintaining the adequacy of our internal control.

 

If we are unable to conclude that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting, investors may lose confidence in our operating results, the price of the Ordinary Shares could decline and we may be subject to litigation or regulatory enforcement actions. In addition, if we are unable to meet the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Ordinary Shares may not be able to remain listed on NYSE American.

 

As a foreign private issuer, we are not subject to certain U.S. securities law disclosure requirements that apply to a domestic U.S. issuer, which may limit the information publicly available to our shareholders.

 

As a foreign private issuer we are not required to comply with all of the periodic disclosure and current reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and therefore there may be less publicly available information about us than if we were a U.S. domestic issuer. For example, we are not subject to the proxy rules in the United States and disclosure with respect to our annual general meetings will be governed by Cayman Islands’ requirements. In addition, our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and “short-swing” profit recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder. Therefore, our shareholders may not know on a timely basis when our officers, directors and principal shareholders purchase or sell our Ordinary Shares.

 

Because we are a foreign private issuer and are exempt from certain NYSE corporate governance standards applicable to U.S. issuers, you will have less protection than you would have if we were a domestic issuer.

 

The NYSE Listed Company Manual requires listed companies to have, among other things, a majority of its board members be independent. As a foreign private issuer, however, we are permitted to, and we may follow home country practice in lieu of the above requirements, or we may choose to comply with the above requirement within one year of listing. The corporate governance practice in our home country, the Cayman Islands, does not require a majority of our board to consist of independent directors. Thus, although a director must act in the best interests of the Company, it is possible that fewer board members will be exercising independent judgment and the level of board oversight on the management of our company may decrease as a result. In addition, the NYSE Listed Company Manual also requires U.S. domestic issuers to have a compensation committee, a nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors, and an audit committee with a minimum of three members. We, as a foreign private issuer, may not be subject to all these requirements. The NYSE Listed Company Manual may require shareholder approval for certain corporate matters, such as requiring that shareholders be given the opportunity to vote on all equity compensation plans and material revisions to those plans, certain ordinary share issuances. We intend to comply with the requirements of the NYSE Listed Company Manual in determining whether shareholder approval is required on such matters and to appoint a nominating and corporate governance committee. However, we may consider following home country practice in lieu of the requirements under the NYSE Listed Company Manual with respect to certain corporate governance standards which may afford less protection to investors.

 

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We may lose our foreign private issuer status in the future, which could result in significant additional costs and expenses.

 

As discussed above, we are a foreign private issuer, and therefore, we are not required to comply with all of the periodic disclosure and current reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. The determination of foreign private issuer status is made annually on the last business day of an issuer’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, and, accordingly, the next determination with respect to our status will be made on March 31, 2020. We would lose our foreign private issuer status if, for example, more than 50% of our Ordinary Shares are directly or indirectly held by residents of the U.S. and we fail to meet additional requirements necessary to maintain our foreign private issuer status. If we lose our foreign private issuer status on this date, we will be required to file with the SEC periodic reports and registration statements on U.S. domestic issuer forms beginning on January 1, 2020, which are more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer. We will also have to mandatorily comply with U.S. federal proxy requirements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders will become subject to the short-swing profit disclosure and recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we will lose our ability to rely upon exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements under the NYSE listing rules. As a U.S. listed public company that is not a foreign private issuer, we will incur significant additional legal, accounting and other expenses that we will not incur as a foreign private issuer, and accounting, reporting and other expenses in order to maintain a listing on a U.S. securities exchange. 

 

The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources and divert management’s attention.

 

As a public company, we will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Act, the listing requirements of the securities exchange on which we list, and other applicable securities rules and regulations. Despite recent reforms made possible by the JOBS Act, compliance with these rules and regulations will nonetheless increase our legal, accounting, and financial compliance costs and investor relations and public relations costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly and increase demand on our systems and resources, particularly after we are no longer an “emerging growth company.” The Exchange Act requires, among other things, that we file annual, quarterly, and current reports with respect to our business and operating results as well as proxy statements.

 

As a result of disclosure of information in this prospectus and in filings required of a public company, our business and financial condition will become more visible, which we believe may result in threatened or actual litigation, including by competitors and other third parties. If such claims are successful, our business and operating results could be harmed, and even if the claims do not result in litigation or are resolved in our favor, these claims, and the time and resources necessary to resolve them, could divert the resources of our management and adversely affect our business, brand and reputation and results of operations.

 

We also expect that being a public company and these new rules and regulations will make it more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. These factors could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our board of directors, particularly to serve on our audit committee and compensation committee, and qualified executive officers.

 

We have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from our initial public offering and may not use them effectively.

 

To the extent (i) we raise more money than required for the purposes explained in the section titled “Use of Proceeds” or (ii) we determine that the proposed uses set forth in that section are not no longer in the best interests of our Company, we cannot specify with any certainty the particular uses of such net proceeds that we will receive from our initial public offering. Our management will have broad discretion in the application of such net proceeds, including working capital, possible acquisitions, and other general corporate purposes, and we may spend or invest these proceeds in a way with which our shareholders disagree. The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could harm our business and financial condition. Pending their use, we may invest the net proceeds from our initial public offering in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value.

 

We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.

 

We currently intend to retain any future earnings to finance the operation and expansion of our business. Even though we declared and paid cash and stock dividends during 2018, we do not expect to declare or pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. As a result, you may only receive a return on your investment in our Ordinary Shares if we are successfully listed and the market price of our Ordinary Shares increases.

 

The price of the Ordinary Shares and other terms of this offering have been determined by us along with our underwriters.

 

If you purchase our Ordinary Shares in this offering, you will pay a price that was not established in a competitive market. Rather, you will pay a price that was determined by us along with our underwriters. The offering price for our Ordinary Shares may bear no relationship to our assets, book value, historical results of operations or any other established criterion of value. The trading price, if any, of the Ordinary Shares that may prevail in any market that may develop in the future, for which there can be no assurance, may be higher or lower than the price you paid for our Ordinary Shares.

 

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There may not be an active, liquid trading market for our Ordinary Shares.

 

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our Ordinary Shares. An active trading market for our Ordinary Shares may not develop or be sustained following this offering. You may not be able to sell your shares at the market price if trading in our shares is not active. The initial public offering price was determined by negotiations between us and our advisors based upon a number of factors. The initial public offering price may not be indicative of prices that will prevail in the trading market.

 

The obligation to disclose information publicly may put us at a disadvantage to competitors that are private companies.

 

Upon completion of this offering, we will be a public company in the United States. As a public company, we will be required to file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission upon the occurrence of matters that are material to our Company and shareholders. Although we may be able to attain confidential treatment of some of our developments, in some cases, we will need to disclose material agreements or results of financial operations that we would not be required to disclose if we were a private company. Our competitors may have access to this information, which would otherwise be confidential. This may give them advantages in competing with our Company. Similarly, as a U.S. public company, we will be governed by U.S. laws that our competitors, which are mostly private Chinese companies, are not required to follow. To the extent compliance with U.S. laws increases our expenses or decreases our competitiveness against such companies, our public Company status could affect our results of operations.

 

Shares eligible for future sale may adversely affect the market price of our Ordinary Shares if the shares are successfully listed on NYSE or other stock markets, as the future sale of a substantial amount of outstanding Ordinary Shares in the public marketplace could reduce the price of our Ordinary Shares.

 

The market price of our shares could decline as a result of sales of substantial amounts of our shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur. In addition, these factors could make it more difficult for us to raise funds through future offerings of our Ordinary Shares. An aggregate of 30,000,000 Ordinary Shares will be outstanding before the consummation of this offering all of which, except those held by management, are or will be freely tradable immediately upon effectiveness of this registration statement. All of the shares sold in the offering will be freely transferable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act. The remaining shares will be “restricted securities” as defined in Rule 144. These shares may be sold without registration under the Securities Act to the extent permitted by Rule 144 or other exemptions under the Securities Act. See “Shares Eligible for Future Sale.”

 

If you purchase our Ordinary Shares in this offering, you will incur immediate and substantial dilution in the book value of your shares.

 

Investors purchasing our Ordinary Shares in this offering will pay a price per share that substantially exceeds the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share. As a result, investors purchasing Ordinary Shares in this offering will incur immediate dilution of $4.74 per share, representing the difference between our assumed initial public offering price of $6 per share and our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share as of March 31, 2019. For more information on the dilution you may experience as a result of investing in this offering, see the section of this prospectus entitled “Dilution.”

 

A sale or perceived sale of a substantial number of shares of our Ordinary Shares may cause the price of our Ordinary Shares to decline.

 

All of our executive officers and directors and all of our shareholders have agreed not to sell shares of our Ordinary Shares for a period of six months following this offering, subject to extension under specified circumstances. See “Lock-Up Agreements.” Ordinary shares subject to these lock-up agreements will become eligible for sale in the public market upon expiration of these lock-up agreements, subject to limitations imposed by Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. If our shareholders sell substantial amounts of our Ordinary Shares in the public market, the market price of our Ordinary Shares could fall. Moreover, the perceived risk of this potential dilution could cause shareholders to attempt to sell their shares and investors to short our Ordinary Shares. These sales also may make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate.

 

The laws of the Cayman Islands may not provide our shareholders with benefits comparable to those provided to shareholders of corporations incorporated in the United States.

 

Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, by the Companies Law (Revised) of the Cayman Islands and by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against our directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law in the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands and from English common law. Decisions of the Privy Council (which is the final Court of Appeal for British overseas territories such as the Cayman Islands) are binding on a court in the Cayman Islands. Decisions of the English courts, and particularly the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal are generally of persuasive authority but are not binding in the courts of the Cayman Islands. Decisions of courts in other Commonwealth jurisdictions are similarly of persuasive but not binding authority. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedents in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws relative to the United States. Therefore, our public shareholders may have more difficulty protecting their interests in the face of actions by our management, directors or controlling shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction in the United States.

 

You may be unable to present proposals before annual general meetings or extraordinary general meetings not called by shareholders.

 

Cayman Islands law provides shareholders with only limited rights to requisition a general meeting, and does not provide shareholders with any right to put any proposal before a general meeting. These rights, however, may be provided in a company’s articles of association. Our articles of association allow our shareholders holding shares representing in aggregate not less than 10% of our voting share capital in issue, to requisition a general meeting of our shareholders, in which case our directors are obliged to call such meeting. Advance notice of at least twenty-one clear days is required for the convening of our annual general shareholders’ meeting and at least 14 clear days’ notice any other general meeting of our shareholders. A quorum required for a meeting of shareholders consists of at least one shareholder present or by proxy, representing not less than one-third of the total issued shares carrying the right to vote at a general meeting of the Company.

 

Economic Substance Legislation of the Cayman Islands

 

The Cayman Islands, together with several other non-European Union jurisdictions, have recently introduced legislation aimed at addressing concerns raised by the Council of the European Union (the "EU") as to offshore structures engaged in certain activities which attract profits without real economic activity. With effect from January 1, 2019, the International Tax Co-operation (Economic Substance) Law, 2018 (the “Substance Law”) came into force in the Cayman Islands introducing certain economic substance requirements for in-scope Cayman Islands entities which are engaged in certain “relevant activities,” which in the case of exempted companies incorporated before January 1, 2019, will apply in respect of financial years commencing July 1, 2019, onwards. On March 12, 2019, the EU, as part of this ongoing initiative, announced the results of its assessment of the 2018 implementation efforts by various countries under its review. Cayman Islands was not on the announced list of non-cooperative jurisdictions, but was referenced in the report (along with 33 other jurisdictions) as being among countries requiring adjustments to their legislation to meet EU concerns by December 31, 2019 to avoid being moved to the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions.

 

Based on the Substance Law currently and announced guidance in effect, it is anticipated that the Company will be subject to limited substance requirements applicable to a holding company. At present, it is unclear what the Company will be expected to do in order to satisfy these requirements, but to the extent we are required to increase our substance in Cayman Islands, it could result in additional costs, which we do not presently expect to be material. Although it is presently anticipated that the Substance Law (including the ongoing EU review of Cayman Islands' implementation of such law), will have little material impact on us or our operations, as the legislation is new and remains subject to further clarification, adjustment, interpretation and EU review, it is not currently possible to ascertain the precise impact of these developments on the Company.

 

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Risks Related to Doing Business in China

 

PRC regulation of loans to, and direct investments in, PRC entities by offshore holding companies may delay or prevent us from using proceeds from this offering and/or future financing activities to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC operating subsidiaries.

 

As an offshore holding company with PRC subsidiaries, we may transfer funds to our PRC subsidiaries or finance our operating entity by means of loans or capital contributions. Any capital contributions or loans that we, as an offshore entity, make to our Company’s PRC subsidiaries, including from the proceeds of this offering, are subject to PRC regulations. Any loans to our PRC subsidiaries, which are foreign-invested enterprises, cannot exceed statutory limits based on the difference between the amount of our investments and registered capital in such subsidiaries, and shall be registered with China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange (“SAFE”), or its local counterparts. Furthermore, any capital increase contributions we make to our PRC subsidiaries, which are foreign-invested enterprises, shall be approved by China’s Ministry of Commerce (“MOFCOM”), or its local counterparts. We may not be able to obtain these government registrations or approvals on a timely basis, if at all. If we fail to obtain such approvals or make such registration, our ability to make equity contributions or provide loans to our Company’s PRC subsidiaries or to fund their operations may be negatively affected, which may adversely affect their liquidity and ability to fund their working capital and expansion projects and meet their obligations and commitments. As a result, our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business may be negatively affected.

 

We must remit the offering proceeds to China before they may be used to benefit our business in China, and this process may take several months to complete.

 

The proceeds of this offering must be sent back to China, and the process for sending such proceeds back to China may take as long as six months after the closing of this offering. In utilizing the proceeds of this offering in the manner described in “Use of Proceeds,” as an offshore holding company of our PRC operating subsidiaries, we may make loans to our PRC subsidiaries, or we may make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries. Any loans to our PRC subsidiaries are subject to PRC regulations. For example, loans by us to our subsidiaries in China, which are foreign-invested enterprises, to finance their activities cannot exceed statutory limits and must be registered with SAFE.

 

To remit the proceeds of the offering, we must take the following steps:

 

First, we will open a special foreign exchange account for capital account transactions. To open this account, we must submit to SAFE certain application forms, identity documents, transaction documents, form of foreign exchange registration of overseas investments of the domestic residents, and foreign exchange registration certificate of the invested company.

 

Second, we will remit the offering proceeds into this special foreign exchange account.

 

Third, we will apply for settlement of the foreign exchange. In order to do so, we must submit to SAFE certain application forms, identity documents, payment order to a designated person, and a tax certificate.

 

The timing of the process is difficult to estimate because the efficiencies of different SAFE branches can vary significantly. Ordinarily the process takes several months but is required by law to be accomplished within 180 days of application.

 

We may also decide to finance our subsidiaries by means of capital contributions. These capital contributions must be approved by MOFCOM or its local counterpart. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain these government approvals on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future capital contributions by us to our subsidiaries. If we fail to receive such approvals, our ability to use the proceeds of this offering and to capitalize our Chinese operations may be negatively affected, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business. If we fail to receive such approvals, our ability to use the proceeds of this offering and to capitalize our Chinese operations may be negatively affected, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.

 

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Adverse changes in political and economic policies of the PRC government could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of China, which could reduce the demand for our products and materially and adversely affect our competitive position.

 

Substantially all of our business operations are conducted in China. Accordingly, our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects are subject to economic, political and legal developments in China. Although the Chinese economy is no longer a planned economy, the PRC government continues to exercise significant control over China’s economic growth through direct allocation of resources, monetary and tax policies, and a host of other government policies such as those that encourage or restrict investment in certain industries by foreign investors, control the exchange between RMB and foreign currencies, and regulate the growth of the general or specific market. These government involvements have been instrumental in China’s significant growth in the past 30 years. In response to the recent global and Chinese economic downturn, the PRC government has adopted policy measures aimed at stimulating the economic growth in China. If the PRC government’s current or future policies fail to help the Chinese economy achieve further growth or if any aspect of the PRC government’s policies limits the growth of our industry or otherwise negatively affects our business, our growth rate or strategy, our results of operations could be adversely affected as a result.

 

Under the Enterprise Income Tax Law, we may be classified as a “Resident Enterprise” of China. Such classification will likely result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC stockholders.

 

China passed the Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, and its implementing rules, both of which became effective on January 1, 2008. Under the EIT Law, an enterprise established outside of China with “de facto management bodies” within China is considered a “resident enterprise,” meaning that it can be treated in a manner similar to a Chinese enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes. The implementing rules of the EIT Law define de facto management as “substantial and overall management and control over the production and operations, personnel, accounting, and properties” of the enterprise.

 

On April 22, 2009, the State Administration of Taxation of China issued the Notice Concerning Relevant Issues Regarding Cognizance of Chinese Investment Controlled Enterprises Incorporated Offshore as Resident Enterprises pursuant to Criteria of de facto Management Bodies, or the Notice, further interpreting the application of the EIT Law and its implementation to offshore entities controlled by a Chinese enterprise or group. Pursuant to the Notice, an enterprise incorporated in an offshore jurisdiction and controlled by a Chinese enterprise or group will be classified as a “non-domestically incorporated resident enterprise” if (i) its senior management in charge of daily operations reside or perform their duties mainly in China; (ii) its financial or personnel decisions are made or approved by bodies or persons in China; (iii) its substantial assets and properties, accounting books, corporate stamps, board and stockholder minutes are kept in China; and (iv) all of its directors with voting rights or senior management reside in China. A resident enterprise would be subject to an enterprise income tax rate of 25% on its worldwide income and must pay a withholding tax at a rate of 10% when paying dividends to its non-PRC stockholders. Because substantially all of our operations and senior management are located within the PRC and are expected to remain so for the foreseeable future, we may be considered a PRC resident enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes and therefore subject to the PRC enterprise income tax at the rate of 25% on its worldwide income. However, it remains unclear as to whether the Notice is applicable to an offshore enterprise controlled by a Chinese natural person. Therefore, it is unclear how tax authorities will determine tax residency based on the facts of each case.

 

If the PRC tax authorities determine that we are a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, a number of unfavorable PRC tax consequences could follow. First, we may be subject to the enterprise income tax at a rate of 25% on our worldwide taxable income as well as PRC enterprise income tax reporting obligations. In our case, this would mean that income such as non-China source income would be subject to PRC enterprise income tax at a rate of 25%. Currently, we do not have any non-China source income, as we conduct our sales in China. However, under the EIT Law and its implementing rules, dividends paid to us from our PRC subsidiaries would be deemed as “qualified investment income between resident enterprises” and therefore qualify as “tax-exempt income” pursuant to the clause 26 of the EIT Law. Second, it is possible that future guidance issued with respect to the new “resident enterprise” classification could result in a situation in which the dividends we pay with respect to our Ordinary Shares, or the gain our non-PRC stockholders may realize from the transfer of our Ordinary Shares, may be treated as PRC-sourced income and may therefore be subject to a 10% PRC withholding tax. The EIT Law and its implementing regulations are, however, relatively new and ambiguities exist with respect to the interpretation and identification of PRC-sourced income, and the application and assessment of withholding taxes. If we are required under the EIT Law and its implementing regulations to withhold PRC income tax on dividends payable to our non-PRC stockholders, or if non-PRC stockholders are required to pay PRC income tax on gains on the transfer of their Ordinary Shares, our business could be negatively impacted and the value of your investment may be materially reduced. Further, if we were treated as a “resident enterprise” by PRC tax authorities, we would be subject to taxation in both China and such countries in which we have taxable income, and our PRC tax may not be creditable against such other taxes.

 

We may be exposed to liabilities under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Chinese anti-corruption law.

 

In connection with this offering, we will become subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”), and other laws that prohibit improper payments or offers of payments to foreign governments and their officials and political parties by U.S. persons and issuers as defined by the statute for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We are also subject to Chinese anti-corruption laws, which strictly prohibit the payment of bribes to government officials. We have operations, agreements with third parties, and make sales in China, which may experience corruption. Our activities in China create the risk of unauthorized payments or offers of payments by one of the employees, consultants or distributors of our Company, because these parties are not always subject to our control.

 

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Although we believe to date we have complied in all material respects with the provisions of the FCPA and Chinese anti-corruption law, our existing safeguards and any future improvements may prove to be less than effective, and the employees, consultants or distributors of our Company may engage in conduct for which we might be held responsible. Violations of the FCPA or Chinese anti-corruption law may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, and we may be subject to other liabilities, which could negatively affect our business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, the government may seek to hold our Company liable for successor liability FCPA violations committed by companies in which we invest or that we acquire.

 

Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could adversely affect us.

 

We conduct all of our business through our subsidiaries and variable interests entities in China. Our operations in China are governed by PRC laws and regulations. Our PRC subsidiaries and variable interests entities are generally subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investments in China and, in particular, laws and regulations applicable to wholly foreign-owned enterprises. The PRC legal system is based on statutes. Prior court decisions may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value.

 

Since 1979, PRC legislation and regulations have significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investments in China. However, China has not developed a fully integrated legal system and recently enacted laws and regulations may not sufficiently cover all aspects of economic activities in China. In particular, because these laws and regulations are relatively new, and because of the limited volume of published decisions and their nonbinding nature, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involve uncertainties. In addition, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules (some of which are not published on a timely basis or at all) that may have a retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. In addition, any litigation in China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.

 

PRC regulation of loans and direct investment by offshore holding companies to PRC entities may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of this offering to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.

 

In utilizing the proceeds of this offering in the manner described in “Use of Proceeds,” as an offshore holding company of our PRC operating subsidiaries, we may make loans to our PRC subsidiaries, or we may make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries.

 

Any loans to our PRC subsidiaries are subject to PRC regulations. For example, loans by us to our subsidiaries in China, which are foreign invested entities (“FIEs”), to finance their activities cannot exceed statutory limits and must be registered with SAFE. On March 30, 2015, SAFE promulgated Hui Fa [2015] No.19, a notice regulating the conversion by a foreign-invested company of foreign currency into RMB. The foreign exchange capital, for which the monetary contribution has been confirmed by the foreign exchange authorities (or for which the monetary contribution has been registered for account entry) in the capital account of a foreign-invested enterprise may be settled at a bank as required by the enterprise’s actual management needs. Foreign-invested enterprises with investment as their main business (including foreign-oriented companies, foreign-invested venture capital enterprises and foreign-invested equity investment enterprises) are allowed to, under the premise of authenticity and compliance of their domestic investment projects, carry out based on their actual investment scales direct settlement of foreign exchange capital or transfer the RMB funds in the foreign exchange settlement account for pending payment to the invested enterprises’ accounts.

 

On May 10, 2013, SAFE released Circular 21, which came into effect on May 13, 2013. According to Circular 21, SAFE has simplified the foreign exchange administration procedures with respect to the registration, account openings and conversions, settlements of FDI-related foreign exchange, as well as fund remittances.

 

Circular 21 may significantly limit our ability to convert, transfer and use the net proceeds from this offering and any offering of additional equity securities in China, which may adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business in the PRC.

 

We may also decide to finance our subsidiaries by means of capital contributions. These capital contributions must be approved by MOFCOM or its local counterpart, which usually takes no more than 30 working days to complete. We may not be able to obtain these government approvals on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future capital contributions by us to our PRC subsidiaries. If we fail to receive such approvals, we will not be able to capitalize our PRC operations, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.

 

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Governmental control of currency conversion may affect the value of your investment.

 

The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of the RMB into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. We receive substantially all of our revenues in RMB. Under our current corporate structure, our income is primarily derived from dividend payments from our PRC subsidiaries. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends or other payments to us, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currency denominated obligations. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and expenditures from trade-related transactions can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. However, approval from appropriate government authorities is required where RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. The PRC government may also at its discretion restrict access in the future to foreign currencies for current account transactions. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currency to satisfy our currency demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our security-holders.

 

We are a holding company and we rely for funding on dividend payments from our subsidiaries, which are subject to restrictions under PRC laws.

 

We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and we operate our core businesses through our VIE and its subsidiaries in the PRC. Therefore, the availability of funds for us to pay dividends to our shareholders and to service our indebtedness depends upon dividends received from our VIE and its subsidiaries. If our VIE and its subsidiaries incur debt or losses, their ability to pay dividends or other distributions to us may be impaired. As a result, our ability to pay dividends and to repay our indebtedness will be restricted. PRC laws require that dividends be paid only out of the after-tax profit of our PRC subsidiaries calculated according to PRC accounting principles, which differ in many aspects from generally accepted accounting principles in other jurisdictions. PRC laws also require enterprises established in the PRC to set aside part of their after-tax profits as statutory reserves. These statutory reserves are not available for distribution as cash dividends. In addition, restrictive covenants in bank credit facilities or other agreements that we or our subsidiaries may enter into in the future may also restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to us. These restrictions on the availability of our funding may impact our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders and to service our indebtedness.

 

Our business may be materially and adversely affected if any of our PRC subsidiaries declare bankruptcy or become subject to a dissolution or liquidation proceeding.

 

The Enterprise Bankruptcy Law of the PRC, or the Bankruptcy Law, came into effect on June 1, 2007. The Bankruptcy Law provides that an enterprise will be liquidated if the enterprise fails to settle its debts as and when they fall due and if the enterprise’s assets are, or are demonstrably, insufficient to clear such debts.

 

Our PRC subsidiaries hold certain assets that are important to our business operations. If any of our PRC subsidiaries undergoes a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, unrelated third-party creditors may claim rights to some or all of these assets, thereby hindering our ability to operate our business, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

According to SAFE’s Notice of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies for Direct Investment, effective on 17 December 2012, and the Provisions for Administration of Foreign Exchange Relating to Inbound Direct Investment by Foreign Investors, effective May 13, 2013, if any of our PRC subsidiaries undergoes a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, prior approval from SAFE for remittance of foreign exchange to our shareholders abroad is no longer required, but we still need to conduct a registration process with the SAFE local branch. It is not clear whether “registration” is a mere formality or involves the kind of substantive review process undertaken by SAFE and its relevant branches in the past.

 

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Substantial uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation of the PRC Foreign Investment Law and how it may impact the viability of our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations.

 

The Ministry of Commerce published a discussion draft of the proposed Foreign Investment Law in January 2015, or the 2015 FIL Draft, which expands the definition of foreign investment and introduces the principle of “actual control” in determining whether a company is considered a foreign-invested enterprise, or an FIE. Under the 2015 FIL Draft, VIEs that are controlled via contractual arrangement would also be deemed as foreign invested enterprises, if they are ultimately “controlled” by foreign investors.

 

On March 15, 2019, the National People’s Congress approved the Foreign Investment Law of the PRC, or the FIL, which will come into effect on January 1, 2020, repealing simultaneously the Law of the PRC on Sino-foreign Equity Joint Ventures, the Law of the PRC on Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprises and the Law of the PRC on Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Ventures, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations. Pursuant to the FIL, foreign investment refers to any investment activity directly or indirectly carried out by foreign natural persons, enterprises, or other organizations, including investment in new construction project, establishment of foreign funded enterprise or increase of investment, merger and acquisition, and investment in any other way stipulated under laws, administrative regulations, or provisions of the State Council. Although the FIL has deleted the particular reference to the concept of “actual control” and contractual arrangements compared to the 2015 FIL Draft, there is still uncertainty regarding whether our VIE would be identified as a FIE in the future.

 

Even if our VIE were to be identified as a FIE in the future, we believe that our current business would not be adversely affected. However, if we were to engage in any business conduct involving third parties identified as prohibited or restricted on the Negative List, our VIE as well as Gansu QLS and its subsidiaries may be subject to laws and regulations on foreign investment. Such might be the case for Gansu QLS’s proposed acquisition of enterprises manufacturing traditional Chinese medicine pieces. In addition, our shareholders would also be prohibited or restricted to invest in certain sectors on the Negative List. However, even if our VIE were to be identified as a FIE, the validity of our contractual arrangements with Gansu QLS and its shareholders as well as our corporate structure would not be adversely affected. We would still be able to receive benefits from our VIE in accordance with the contractual agreements. In addition, as the Chinese government has been updating the Negative List in recent years and reducing the sectors prohibited or restricted for foreign investment, it is probable in the future that, even if our VIE is identified as a FIE, it is still allowed to acquire or hold equity of enterprises in sectors currently prohibited or restricted for foreign investment.

 

Fluctuations in exchange rates could adversely affect our business and the value of our securities.

 

Changes in the value of the RMB against the U.S. dollar, Euro and other foreign currencies are affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political and economic conditions. Any significant revaluation of the RMB may have a material adverse effect on our revenues and financial condition, and the value of, and any dividends payable on our shares in U.S. dollar terms. For example, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars we receive from our initial public offering into RMB for our operations, appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on RMB amount we would receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert our RMB into U.S. dollars for the purpose of paying dividends on our Ordinary Shares or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the RMB would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amount available to us. In addition, fluctuations of the RMB against other currencies may increase or decrease the cost of imports and exports, and thus affect the price-competitiveness of our products against products of foreign manufacturers or products relying on foreign inputs.

 

Since July 2005, the RMB is no longer pegged to the U.S. dollar. Although the People’s Bank of China regularly intervenes in the foreign exchange market to prevent significant short-term fluctuations in the exchange rate, the RMB may appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar in the medium to long term. Moreover, it is possible that in the future PRC authorities may lift restrictions on fluctuations in the RMB exchange rate and lessen intervention in the foreign exchange market.

 

Increases in labor costs in the PRC may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

The currently effective PRC Labor Contract Law, or the Labor Contract Law was first adopted on June 29, 2007 and later amended on December 28, 2012. The PRC Labor Contract Law has reinforced the protection of employees who, under the Labor Contract Law, have the right, among others, to have written employment contracts, to enter into employment contracts with no fixed term under certain circumstances, to receive overtime wages and to terminate or alter terms in labor contracts. Furthermore, the Labor Contract Law sets forth additional restrictions and increases the costs involved with dismissing employees. To the extent that we need to significantly reduce our workforce, the Labor Contract Law could adversely affect our ability to do so in a timely and cost-effective manner, and our results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, for employees whose employment contracts include noncompetition terms, the Labor Contract Law requires us to pay monthly compensation after such employment is terminated, which will increase our operating expenses.

 

We expect that our labor costs, including wages and employee benefits, will continue to increase. Unless we are able to pass on these increased labor costs to our customers by increasing the prices of our products and services, our financial conditions and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.

 

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Part of our shareholders are not in compliance with the PRC’s regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents, and as a result, the shareholders may be subject to penalties if we are not able to remediate the non-compliance.

 

In July 2014, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange promulgated the Circular on Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration over the Overseas Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment by Domestic Residents via Special Purpose Vehicles, or “Circular 37” . According to Circular 37, prior registration with the local SAFE branch is required for Chinese residents to contribute domestic assets or interests to offshore companies, known as SPVs. Circular 37 further requires amendment to a PRC resident’s registration in the event of any significant changes with respect to the SPV, such as an increase or decrease in the capital contributed by PRC individuals, share transfer or exchange, merger, division, or other material event. Further, foreign investment enterprises established by way of round-tripping shall complete the relevant foreign exchange registration formalities pursuant to the prevailing foreign exchange control provisions for direct investments by foreign investors, and disclose the relevant information such as actual controlling party of the shareholders truthfully.

 

70 of our beneficial owners, who are PRC residents and hold a total of 5.28% of shares of Gansu QLS, have not completed the Circular 37 Registration. We have asked our shareholders who are Chinese residents to make the necessary applications and filings as required under Circular 37. We attempt to comply, and attempt to ensure that our shareholders who are subject to these rules comply, with the relevant requirements. We cannot, however, provide any assurances that all of our shareholders who are Chinese residents will comply with our request to make or obtain any applicable registration or comply with other requirements required by Circular 37 or other related rules. The Chinese resident shareholders’ failure to comply with the SAFE Circular 37 Registration would not impose penalties on our company, while it may result in restrictions being imposed on part of foreign exchange activities of the offshore special purpose vehicles, including restrictions on its ability to receive registered capital as well as additional capital from Chinese resident shareholders who fail to complete the Circular 37 Registration; and repatriation of profits and dividends derived from special purpose vehicles to China, by the Chinese resident shareholders who fail to complete the Circular 37 Registration, are also illegal. In addition, the failure of the Chinese resident shareholders to complete the SAFE Circular 37 Registration may subject each of the shareholders to fines less than RMB50,000. We cannot assure you that each of our Chinese resident shareholders will in the future complete the registration process as required by the Circular 37.

 

We are not in compliance with the PRC’s regulations relating to employee’s social insurance and housing funds, and as a result, Gansu QLS and its subsidiaries may be subject to penalties if we are not able to remediate the non-compliance.

 

Pursuant to the Social Security Law of the PRC, or the Social Security Law, which was promulgated by the SCNPC on October 28, 2010 and amended on December 29, 2018, employers shall pay the basic pension insurance, medical insurance, work-related injury insurance, unemployment insurance and maternity insurance for employees. Gansu QLS has not deposited social security premium for part of employees in accordance with the Social Security Law. Although Gansu QLS has failed to deposit social security premiums in full, we believes that no additional amount is required to be paid by Gansu QLS since (i) some of the employees of Gansu QLS are over the age limit to be paid social insurance fees, and some chose to waive receiving social insurance fees deposited by Gansu QLS and decided to participate in their own voluntary social insurance plans instead; and (ii) pursuant to the Emergency Notice on Practicing Principles of the State Council Executive Meeting and Stabilizing Work on Collecting Social Insurance Premiums promulgated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on 21 September 2018, local authorities are prohibited from recovering the unpaid social insurance premiums from enterprises. Thus it is unlikely that the overdue social insurance premiums would be ordered to be repaid by Gansu QLS.

 

In accordance with the Regulations on Management of Housing Provident Fund (the “Regulations of HPF”), which were promulgated by the PRC State Council on April 3, 1999, and last amended on March 24, 2002, employers must register at the designated administrative centers and open bank accounts for employees’ housing funds deposits. Employers and employees are also required to pay and deposit housing funds in an amount no less than 5% of the monthly average salary of each of the employees in the preceding year in full and on time. Gansu QLS had not opened such bank accounts or deposited its employees’ housing funds until August 2019. On the basis that: (i) Gansu QLS has opened the account for housing funds and deposited housing funds for staff since August 2019; and (ii) according to the interview with local housing fund administration authorities by our PRC Legal Counsel, the local authorities had not taken enforceable measures to collect housing funds from local enterprises; we think it is unlikely that the overdue unpaid housing fund would be ordered to be recovered from Gansu QLS. However, Chengdu QLS has not opened bank accounts for its employees’ housing funds deposits, nor has it deposited employees’ housing funds in accordance with the Regulations of HPF. Thus, Chengdu QLS may be ordered by PRC authorities to open a housing funds account, make the payment, and deposit an amount required by the PRC authorities within a prescribed time limit. Chengdu QLS may be required to pay an aggregate amount of RMB 73,002 for its failure to deposit housing funds. If Chengdu QLS fails to comply to PRC authorities’ order within the prescribed time limit, a court ordered compulsory enforcement may be adopted and a fine of no less than RMB10,000 but no more than RMB50,000 shall be imposed.

 

Since we failed to make adequate social insurance and housing fund contributions, we may be subject to fines and legal sanctions, and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

If we become directly subject to the recent scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity involving U.S.-listed Chinese companies, we may have to expend significant resources to investigate and resolve the matter which could harm our business operations, this offering and our reputation and could result in a loss of your investment in our stock, especially if such matter cannot be addressed and resolved favorably.

 

Recently, U.S. public companies that have substantially all of their operations in China, have been the subject of intense scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity by investors, financial commentators and regulatory agencies, such as the SEC. Much of the scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity has centered around financial and accounting irregularities, a lack of effective internal controls over financial accounting, inadequate corporate governance policies or a lack of adherence thereto and, in many cases, allegations of fraud. As a result of the scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity, the publicly traded stock of many U.S. listed Chinese companies has sharply decreased in value and, in some cases, has become virtually worthless. Many of these companies are now subject to shareholder lawsuits and SEC enforcement actions and are conducting internal and external investigations into the allegations. It is not clear what effect this sector-wide scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity will have on our Company, our business and this offering. If we become the subject of any unfavorable allegations, whether such allegations are proven to be true or untrue, we will have to expend significant resources to investigate such allegations and/or defend the Company. This situation may be a major distraction to our management. If such allegations are not proven to be groundless, our Company and business operations will be severely hampered and your investment in our stock could be rendered worthless.

 

You may face difficulties in protecting your interests and exercising your rights as a stockholder since we conduct substantially all of our operations in China, and almost all of our officers and directors reside outside the U.S.

 

Although we are incorporated in the Cayman Islands, we conduct substantially all of our operations in China. All of our current officers and almost all of our directors reside outside the U.S. and substantially all of the assets of those persons are located outside of the U.S. It may be difficult for you to conduct due diligence on the Company or such directors in your election of the directors and attend shareholders meeting if the meeting is held in China. We plan to have one shareholder meeting each year at a location to be determined, potentially in China. As a result of all of the above, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests through actions against our management, directors or major shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation doing business entirely or predominantly within the U.S.

 

28

 

  

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current expectations and views of future events, all of which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. You can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions in this prospectus. These statements are likely to address our growth strategy, financial results and product and development programs. You must carefully consider any such statements and should understand that many factors could cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements. These factors may include inaccurate assumptions and a broad variety of other risks and uncertainties, including some that are known and some that are not. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

 

· future financial and operating results, including revenues, income, expenditures, cash balances and other financial items;
     
· our ability to execute our growth, and expansion, including our ability to meet our goals;
     
· current and future economic and political conditions;
     
· our ability to compete in an industry with low barriers to entry;
     
· our ability to continue to operate through our VIE structure;
     
· our capital requirements and our ability to raise any additional financing which we may require;
     
· our ability to attract clients, win primary agency sale bids, and further enhance our brand recognition; and
     

· our ability to hire and retain qualified management personnel and key employees in order to enable us to develop our business;

 

· our ability to retain the services of Mr. Zhanchang Xin, our chief executive officer;

 

· trends and competition in the advertising industry; and
     
· other assumptions described in this prospectus underlying or relating to any forward-looking statements.

 

We describe material risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could affect our business, including our financial condition and results of operations, under “Risk Factors.” We base our forward-looking statements on our management’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available to our management at the time the statements are made. We caution you that actual outcomes and results may, and are likely to, differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecast by our forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you should be careful about relying on any forward-looking statements. Except as required under the federal securities laws, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements after the distribution of this prospectus, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, or otherwise.

 

Industry Data and Forecasts

 

This prospectus contains data related to the pharmaceutical and chemical industries in China. These industry data include projections that are based on a number of assumptions which have been derived from industry and government sources which we believe to be reasonable. The pharmaceutical and chemical industries may not grow at the rate projected by industry data, or at all. The failure of this industry to grow as anticipated is likely to have a material adverse effect on our business and the market price of our Ordinary Shares. In addition, the rapidly changing nature of the advertising industry subjects any projections or estimates relating to the growth prospects or future condition of our industry to significant uncertainties. Furthermore, if any one or more of the assumptions underlying the industry data turns out to be incorrect, actual results may, and are likely to, differ from the projections based on these assumptions.

 

29

 

 

ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

 

We are incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands as an exempted company with limited liability since February 7, 2019. We are incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands because of certain benefits associated with being a Cayman Islands company, such as political and economic stability, an effective judicial system, a favorable tax system, the absence of foreign exchange control or currency restrictions and the availability of professional and support services. However, the Cayman Islands have a less developed body of securities laws as compared to the United States and provide significantly less protection for investors than the United States. Additionally, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to sue before the Federal courts of the United States.

 

Substantially all of our assets are located in the PRC. In addition, all of our directors and officers are nationals or residents of the PRC and all or a substantial portion of their assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon us or these persons or to enforce against us or them judgments obtained in United States courts, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States.

 

We have appointed Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC as our agent to receive service of process with respect to any action brought against us in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York under the federal securities laws of the United States or of any state in the United States or any action brought against us in the Supreme Court of the State of New York in the County of New York under the securities laws of the State of New York.

 

Ogier, our counsel with respect to the laws of the Cayman Islands, and Dentons Law Offices, LLP, our counsel with respect to PRC law, have advised us that there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands or the PRC would (i) recognize or enforce judgments of United States courts obtained against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States or (ii) entertain original actions brought in the Cayman Islands or the PRC against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States.

 

Ogier has further advised us that there is currently no statutory enforcement or treaty between the United States and the Cayman Islands providing for enforcement of judgments. A judgment obtained in the United States, however, may be recognized and enforced in the courts of the Cayman Islands at common law, without any re-examination on the merits of the underlying dispute, by an action commenced on the foreign judgment debt in the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, provided such judgment: (i) is given by a foreign court of competent jurisdiction; (ii) is final; (iii) is not in respect of taxes, a fine or a penalty; and (iv) was not obtained in a manner and is not of a kind the enforcement of which is contrary to natural justice or public policy of the Cayman Islands. Furthermore, it is uncertain that the Cayman Islands courts would enforce: (1) judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions against us or other persons that are predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws; or (2) original actions brought against us or other persons predicated upon the Securities Act. Ogier has informed us that there is uncertainty with regard to Cayman Islands law relating to whether a judgment obtained from the U.S. courts under civil liability provisions of the securities laws will be determined by the courts of the Cayman Islands as penal or punitive in nature.

 

Dentons Law Offices, LLP has further advised us that the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are provided for under the PRC Civil Procedure Law. PRC courts may recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordance with the requirements of the PRC Civil Procedure Law based either on treaties between China and the country where the judgment is made or on reciprocity between jurisdictions. Dentons Law Offices, LLP has advised us further that there are no treaties or other forms of reciprocity between China and the United States for the mutual recognition and enforcement of court judgments, thus making the recognition and enforcement of a U.S. court judgment in China difficult. 

 

30

 

 

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of 4,000,000 Ordinary Shares in this offering will be approximately $19,970,000, after deducting the underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by us, based on the assumed initial public offering price of $6 per Ordinary Share. If the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full, we estimate that the net proceeds to us from this offering will be approximately $23,368,000, after deducting the underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $6 per Ordinary Share would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by $1.53 million, assuming that the number of Ordinary Shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by us. An increase (decrease) of 1 million in the number of Ordinary Shares we are offering would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by $5.58 million, assuming the assumed initial public offering price remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering as follows, and we have ordered the specific uses of proceeds in order of priority.

 

Description of Use   US$  
Fixed asset investment in Oxytetracycline API production facilities     18 million  
Construction of organic-waste treatment facility     1.28 million  
Fixed asset investment in Heparin Sodium Preparation facilities     128,000  
Marketing expenses for Gan Di Xin     600,000  
Total     20 million   

 

The primary purposes of this offering are to create a public market for our shares for the benefit of all shareholders and obtain additional capital. We plan to use the net proceeds of this offering as follows:

 

 

approximately 96.64% for increasing production capacities, including expanding our production lines and facilities;

 

  approximately 3% for marketing purposes, mainly for Gan Di Xin®; and

 

  the remainder for acquiring upstream and downstream companies manufacturing traditional Chinese medicine pieces.

 

This expected use of the net proceeds from this offering represents our intentions based upon our current plans and prevailing business conditions, which could change in the future as our plans and prevailing business conditions evolve. Predicting the cost necessary to develop product candidates can be difficult and the amounts and timing of our actual expenditures may vary significantly depending on numerous factors, including the progress of our development, the status of and results from clinical trials, any collaborations that we may enter into with third parties for our product candidates and any unforeseen cash needs. As a result, our management will retain broad discretion over the allocation of the net proceeds from this offering.

 

Regarding our use of the proceeds from this initial public offering, we will use the majority of proceeds received in expanding the manufacturing capacity for our oxytetracycline products, our fertilizer products, and our Heparin Sodium Preparations. We will also use the proceeds to support our planned marketing efforts for Gan Di Xin®.

 

More specifically, for our Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline API, we plan to increase our oxytetracycline API production capabilities and hire more experienced marketing specialists in order to carry out our strategic expansions into additional geographical locations in China, which we believe would result in us acquiring a bigger share of the Chinese market for this product. We are committed to prioritizing investment in our infrastructure capabilities in order to support the strategic expansions into additional geographical markets in China. We plan to relocate our current oxytetracycline API production facilities and purchase additional state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities to further increase our production capacity. We plan to increase our production capacity to 10,000 tons by 2024, and we estimate that our fixed assets investment will be approximately $18 million. We will focus on hiring more experienced professionals in our sales, marketing, and production departments to support our continued market growth while reducing costs.

 

For our XiongguanTM Organic FertilizerTM, we plan to build an organic waste treatment facility that will allow us to increase fertilizer production capacity through turning waste into high quality production materials. We believe this strategy will reduce the cost of our organic fertilizer production while increasing the efficiency of our organic fertilizer production each year. We expect to invest approximately $1.28 million in this project.

 

For our Heparin Sodium Preparation, we intend to implement two primary strategies to expand and grow the production capacity of our Heparin Sodium Preparation: (i) upgrade the production efficiency of our existing manufacturing facilities, and (ii) increase our production lines for Heparin Sodium Preparation. While we have earned our reputation through the consistent quality of our products, we believe that sustained improvements in the production efficiency and increasing production lines are vital to maintaining such reputation and acquire more shares in the Chinese heparin sodium markets. We expect to invest approximately $128,000 in implementing these two strategies.

 

For our Gan Di Xin®, we plan to reach a larger customer base beyond Gansu Province by enrolling in the National Medical Insurance Coverage Program, which will allow Gan Di Xin® to enter medical institutions and insurance-covered pharmacies on national level. We also plan to invest more on our marketing efforts for Gan Di Xin®, and we estimate that we will spend approximately $118,000 annually on marketing expenses in the near future.

 

For acquiring traditional Chinese medicine enterprises in the future, the Company will adopt non-cash acquisition methods and it currently does not have any commitments or agreements to acquire any specific traditional Chinese medicine enterprises.

 

Pending any use described above, we plan to invest the net proceeds in short-term, interest-bearing, debt instruments.

 

The net proceeds from this offering must be remitted to China before we will be able to use the funds to grow our business. The procedure to remit funds may take several months after completion of this offering, and we will be unable to use the offering proceeds in China until remittance is completed. See “Risk Factors” for further information.

 

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DIVIDEND POLICY 

 

We intend to keep any future earnings to finance the expansion of our business. We do not anticipate that any cash dividends will be paid in the foreseeable future, even though we had declared and paid cash and stock dividends during 2018.

 

Under Cayman Islands law, a Cayman Islands company may pay a dividend on its shares out of either profit or share premium amount, provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in the company being unable to pay its debts due in the ordinary course of business.

 

If we determine to pay dividends on any of our Ordinary Shares in the future, as a holding company, we will depend on receipt of funds from our Hong Kong subsidiary, Qilian HK.

 

Current PRC regulations permit our indirect PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to Qilian HK only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. In addition, each of our subsidiaries in China is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund a statutory reserve until such reserve reaches 50% of its registered capital. Although the statutory reserves can be used, among other ways, to increase the registered capital and eliminate future losses in excess of retained earnings of the respective companies, the reserve funds are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event of liquidation.

 

The PRC government also imposes controls on the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies and the remittance of currencies out of the PRC. Therefore, we may experience difficulties in completing the administrative procedures necessary to obtain and remit foreign currency for the payment of dividends from our profits, if any. Furthermore, if our subsidiaries and affiliates in the PRC incur debt on their own in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other payments. If we or our subsidiaries are unable to receive all of the revenues from our operations through the current contractual arrangements, we may be unable to pay dividends on our Ordinary Shares.

 

Cash dividends, if any, on our Ordinary Shares will be paid in U.S. dollars. Qilian HK may be considered a non-resident enterprise for tax purposes, so that any dividends WFOE pays to Qilian HK may be regarded as China-sourced income and as a result may be subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of up to 10%. See “Taxation—People’s Republic of China Enterprise Taxation.”

 

In order for us to pay dividends to our shareholders, we will rely on payments made from Gansu QLS to WFOE, pursuant to contractual arrangements between them, and the distribution of such payments to Qilian HK as dividends from WFOE. Certain payments from our Gansu QLS to WFOE are subject to PRC taxes, including VAT, urban maintenance and construction tax, educational surcharges. In addition, if Gansu QLS or its subsidiaries or branches incur debt on their own behalves in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us.

 

Pursuant to the Arrangement between Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Tax Evasion on Income, or the Double Tax Avoidance Arrangement, the 10% withholding tax rate may be lowered to 5% if a Hong Kong resident enterprise owns no less than 25% of a PRC project. However, the 5% withholding tax rate does not automatically apply and certain requirements must be satisfied, including without limitation that (a) the Hong Kong project must be the beneficial owner of the relevant dividends; and (b) the Hong Kong project must directly hold no less than 25% share ownership in the PRC project during the 12 consecutive months preceding its receipt of the dividends.

 

32

 

 

CAPITALIZATION

  

The following table sets forth our capitalization as of March 31, 2019 on:

 

an actual basis; and

 

  a pro forma as adjusted basis to give effect to the sale of 4,000,000 Ordinary Shares in this offering at the assumed initial public offering price of $6 per Ordinary Share after deducting the underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

You should read this information together with our audited consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus and the information set forth under the sections titled “Selected Consolidated Financial Data,” “Use of Proceeds” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

    

  As of March 31, 2019 (unaudited)  
  Actual       Pro Forma
As

Adjusted (1) 
 
  US$       US$  
Shareholders’ Equity            
Ordinary shares, $0.00166667 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized; 30,000,000 shares issued and outstanding; 34,000,000 shares issued and outstanding pro forma 50,000       56,667  
Additional paid-in capital 12,252,077       33,749,938  
Statutory reserves 1,773,817       1,773,817  
Retained earnings 6,520,424       6,520,424  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (552,691)       (552,691)  
Noncontrolling interest 3,094,084       3,094,084  
             
Total shareholders’ equity 23,137,711       44,642,239  
Total capitalization 23,137,711       44,642,239  

 

(1) Reflects the sale of Ordinary Shares in this offering (excluding any over-allotment shares that may be sold pursuant to the over-allotment option) at an assumed initial public offering price of $6 per share, and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The pro forma as adjusted information is illustrative only, and we will adjust this information based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. Additional paid-in capital reflects the net proceeds we expect to receive, after deducting the underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We estimate that such net proceeds will be approximately $21,504,528.

 

Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $6 per Ordinary Share would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted amount of total capitalization by $3,720,000, assuming that the number of Ordinary Shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by us. An increase (decrease) of 1 million in the number of Ordinary Shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted amount of total capitalization by $5,580,000, assuming no change in the assumed initial public offering price per Ordinary Share as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.

 

33

 

 

DILUTION 

 

If you invest in our Ordinary Shares in this offering, your interest will be immediately diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per Ordinary Share in this offering and the net tangible book value per Ordinary Share after this offering. Dilution results from the fact that the initial public offering price per Ordinary Share is substantially in excess of the net tangible book value per Ordinary Share. As of March 31, 2019, we had a historical net tangible book value of $21,161,918, or $0.71 per Ordinary Share. Our net tangible book value per share represents total tangible assets less total liabilities, all divided by the number of Ordinary Shares outstanding on March 31, 2019.

 

After giving effect to the sale of 4,000,000 Ordinary Shares in this offering at the assumed initial public offering price of $6 per Ordinary Share and after deducting the underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value at March 31, 2019 would have been $42,666,446, or $1.25 per Ordinary Share. This represents an immediate increase in pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value of $0.55 per Ordinary Share to existing investors and immediate dilution of $4.75 per Ordinary Share to new investors. The following table illustrates this dilution to new investors purchasing Ordinary Shares in this offering:

 

    Offering without
Over-allotment
Option
   

Offering with Full

Exercise

of Over-

allotment

Option

 
Assumed initial public offering price per Ordinary Share   $ 6     $ 6  
Net tangible book value per Ordinary Share as of March 31, 2019   $ 0.71     $ 0.71  
Increase in pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per Ordinary Share attributable to new investors purchasing Ordinary Shares in this offering   $ 0.55     $ 0.62  
Pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per Ordinary Share after this offering   $ 1.25     $ 1.33  
Dilution per Ordinary Share to new investors in this offering   $ 4.75     $ 4.67  

 

Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $6 per Ordinary Share would increase (decrease) our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of March 31, 2019 after this offering by approximately $0.11 per Ordinary Share, and would increase (decrease) dilution to new investors by $0.89 per Ordinary Share, assuming that the number of Ordinary Shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by us. An increase (decrease) of 1 million in the number of Ordinary Shares we are offering would increase (decrease) our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of March 31, 2019 after this offering by approximately $0.12 per Ordinary Share, and would decrease (increase) dilution to new investors by approximately $0.12 per Ordinary Share, assuming the assumed initial public offering price per Ordinary Share, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus remains the same, and after deducting the estimate underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The pro forma as adjusted information is illustrative only, and we will adjust this information based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.

 

If the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full, the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per Ordinary Share after the offering would be $1.33, the increase in net tangible book value per Ordinary Share to existing shareholders would be $0.08, and the immediate dilution in net tangible book value per Ordinary Share to new investors in this offering would be $4.67.

 

The following table summarizes, on a pro forma as adjusted basis as of March 31, 2019, the differences between existing shareholders and the new investors with respect to the number of Ordinary Shares purchased from us, the total consideration paid and the average price per Ordinary Share before deducting the estimated commissions to the underwriters and the estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

    Ordinary Shares
purchased
    Total consideration     Average
price per
Ordinary
 
    Number     Percent     Amount     Percent     Share  
    ($ in thousands)  
Existing shareholders (1)     30,000,000       88.24 %   $  12,302,077            33.89 %   $             0.41  
New investors     4,000,000        11.76 %   $ 24,000,000        66.11 %   $ 6.00  
Total     34,000,000        100 %   $ 36,302,077        100 %   $ 1.07  

 

(1) Not including over-allotment shares

 

The pro forma as adjusted information as discussed above is illustrative only. Our net tangible book value following the completion of this offering is subject to adjustment based on the actual initial public offering price of our Ordinary Shares and other terms of this offering determined at the pricing.

 

34

 

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED 

 

You should read the following description of Qilian International Holding Group Limited’s results of operations and financial condition in conjunction with its consolidated audited financial statements for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 and condensed financial statements for the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

Overview

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited (the “Company”) is principally engaged in the research, development, and production of licorice products, oxytetracycline products, traditional Chinese medicine derivatives (“TCMD”) product, heparin product, sausage casings, and fertilizers.

 

The Company was originally incorporated in the Cayman Islands on February 7, 2019. Our business is conducted by Gansu Qilianshan Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (“Gansu QLS”), our variable interest entity (“VIE”) in the PRC, and its subsidiaries, using RMB, the currency of China.

 

On May 20, 2019, the Company, through its wholly foreign-owned entity Chengdu Qilian Trading Co., Ltd (“WFOE” or “Chengdu Trading”), entered into a series of contractual agreements with Gansu QLS, which include an Exclusive Service Agreement, an Equity Pledge Agreement, a Call Option Agreement, a Shareholders’ Voting Rights Proxy Agreement and Powers of Attorney (together, the “VIE agreements”). Pursuant to the VIE agreements, WFOE provides Gansu QLS with technical support, consulting services and other management services and is entitled to receive 98.297% of Gansu QLS’ net profits, this percentage being the number of shares of Gansu QLS held by shareholders having signed the VIE Agreements over the total issued and outstanding shares of Gansu QLS. In addition, Gansu QLS’s shareholders have pledged 98.297% of their equity interests in Gansu QLS to WFOE, irrevocably granted WFOE an exclusive option to purchase, to the extent permitted under PRC law, all or part of the equity interests in Gansu QLS, and agreed to entrust all the rights to exercise their voting power to the person(s) appointed by WFOE. Through the VIE agreements, Qilian Chengdu holds all the variable interests of Gansu QLS. Therefore, Qilian Chengdu is the primary beneficiary of Gansu QLS.

 

Based on the VIE arrangements, Gansu QLS is considered a VIE of Qilian Chengdu under U.S. GAAP. As the above entities were under common control before and after the consummation of the VIE agreements, the restructuring was accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control and consolidated financial statements were prepared as if the reorganization occurred at the beginning of the first period presented. Thus, the financial results presented here include those of VIEs from the first period presented.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, there were 30,000,000 Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding.

  

Outlook

 

We plan to continue to develop our business by expanding our marketing network and investing in pharmaceutical and chemical facilities, which heavily depend on sufficient capital. If we are not able to obtain equity or debt financing, we may not be able to execute our plan to expand our markets and numbers of our manufacturing facilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and future operating performance.

 

The Company’s net revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2019 was $27.2 million, an increase of $2.1 million, or 8%, from $25.1 million for the six months ended March 31, 2018. Net income attributable to the Company’s shareholders for the six months ended March 31, 2019 was $4.3 million, an increase of $1.7 million, or 67%, from $2.6 million for the six months ended March 31, 2018. EBITDA for the six months ended March 31, 2019 was $6.6 million, an increase of $2.8 million, or 75%, from $3.8 million for the six months ended March 31, 2018.

 

The Company’s net revenue for the year ended September 30, 2018 was $50.4 million, an increase of $27.8 million, or 123%, from $22.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2017. Net income attributable to the Company’s shareholders for the year ended September 30, 2018 was $5.2 million, an increase of $3.8 million, or 265%, from $1.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2017. Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended September 30, 2018 was $7.6 million, an increase of $4.2 million, or 125%, from $3.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2017. For additional information on EBITDA, see the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—EBITDA” below.

 

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How to Assess the Company’s Performance

 

In assessing performance, the Company considers a variety of performance and financial measures, including principal growth in net revenue, gross profit, distribution, general and administrative expenses, and EBITDA (Non-GAAP). The key measures that we use to evaluate the performance of the Company’s business are set forth below:

 

Net Revenue

 

Net revenue is equal to gross sales minus sales returns; sales incentives that the Company offers to its customers, such as discounts that are offset to gross sales. The Company’s net sales are driven by changes in the number of customers, product varieties, selling price, and mix of products sold.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit is equal to net sales minus cost of goods sold. Cost of goods sold primarily includes inventory costs (net of supplier consideration), inbound freight, custom clearance fees, and other miscellaneous expenses. Cost of goods sold generally changes as the Company incurs higher or lower costs from suppliers and as the customer and product mix changes.

  

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses primarily consist of salaries and benefits for employees, shipping expense, utilities, maintenance and repairs expenses, insurance expense, depreciation and amortization expenses, selling and marketing expenses, professional fees, and other operating expenses.

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures-EBITDA

 

Management uses certain financial measures to evaluate our operating performance which is calculated and presented on the basis of methodologies other than in accordance with GAAP (“Non-GAAP”). These measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP, and our calculations thereof may not be comparable to similarly entitled measures reported by other companies. The Company believes that EBITDA is a useful performance measure and can be used to facilitate a comparison of the Company’s operating performance on a consistent basis from period to period and to provide for a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting the Company’s business than GAAP measures alone can provide. The Company’s management believes that EBITDA is less susceptible to variances in actual performance resulting from depreciation, amortization and other non-cash charges and more reflective of other factors that affect its operating performance. The Company’s management believes that the use of these Non-GAAP financial measures provides an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating ongoing operating results and trends and in comparing the company’s financial measures with the companies in the same industry, many of which present similar Non-GAAP financial measures to investors. The Company presents EBITDA in order to provide supplemental information that Management considers relevant for the readers of its consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Filing, and such information is not meant to replace or supersede U.S. GAAP measures.

 

The Company’s management defines EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is not defined under U.S. GAAP and is subject to important limitations as analytical tools, you should not consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of the Company results as reported under U.S. GAAP. For example, EBITDA:

 

  excludes certain tax payments that may represent a reduction in cash available to the Company;
     
  does not reflect any cash capital expenditure requirements for the assets being depreciated and amortized that may have to be replaced in the future;
     
  does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, the Company’ working capital needs; and

 

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  does not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements, necessary to service the Company’s debt.

 

Results of Operations for the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018

 

The following table sets forth a summary of the Company’s consolidated results of operations for the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period.

 

    For the six months ended              
    March 31     Changes  
    2019     2018     Amount     %  
Net revenue   $ 27,160,302     $ 25,064,198     $ 2,096,104       8 %
Cost of revenue     19,772,589       21,258,787       (1,486,198 )     -7 %
Gross profit     7,387,713       3,805,411       3,582,302       94 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses     1,732,288       972,250       760,038       78 %
Income from operations     5,655,425       2,833,161       2,822,264       100 %
Interest expense     (104,282 )     (92,442 )     (11,840 )     13 %
Other income     354,884       280,332       74,552       27 %
Income before income tax provision     5,906,027       3,021,051       2,884,976       95 %
Provision for income taxes     881,726       508,554       373,172       73 %
Net income     5,024,301       2,512,497       2,511,804       100 %
Less: net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest     (732,190 )     51,916       (784,106 )     (1510 )%
Net income attributable to Qilian International Holding Group Limited   $ 4,292,111     $ 2,564,413     $ 1,727,698       67 %

 

Net Revenue

 

The Company’s net revenue was $27.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2019, which increased by $2.1 million, an 8% increase from net revenue of $25.1 million for the six months ended March 31, 2018.

 

The following table sets forth the breakdown of the Company’s net revenue:

 

    For the six months ended March 31        
    2019     2018     Changes  
    Amount     %     Amount     %     Amount     %  
Net revenue                                                
Oxytetracycline & Licorice products and TCMD   $ 16,305,675       60 %   $ 16,558,538       66 %   $ (252,863 )     -2 %
Heparin products and Sausage casing     10,615,044       39 %     7,994,239       32 %     2,620,805       33 %
Fertilizer   $ 239,583       1 %   $ 511,421       2 %   $ (271,838 )     -53 %
Total   $ 27,160,302       100 %   $ 25,064,198       100 %   $ 2,096,104       8 %

  

Compared with net revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2018, the Company’s net revenue increased by $2.1 million, or an 8% increase, for the six months ended March 31, 2019, which was primarily attributable to a $2.6 million increase in sales from heparin products and sausage casing products, and the other two segments, fertilizer and oxytetracycline and licorice products and TCMD slightly decreased by $0.5 million in total.

 

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Oxytetracycline & Licorice products and TCMD

 

The sales from oxytetracycline products, licorice products and TCMD accounted for 93.9%, 6.0% and 0.1% within this segment for the six months ended March 31, 2019, respectively, and 96.8%, 3.1% and 0.1% for the six months ended March 31, 2018, respectively. For the six months ended March 31, 2019, total segment sales decreased by $0.3 million or 2% from $16.6 million for the six months ended March 31, 2018 to $16.3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2019. This is the combined effect of increasing RMB sales and depreciation of RMB against USD. The sales amount dominated in RMB for the six months ended March 31, 2019 increased by 4 million, equivalent to $0.6 million mainly due to the increase of sales price. The sales increase is mainly from the sales of oxytetracycline products. As the government has new environmental standards for manufacturing entities, the supplies of the products has decreased due to shut down of certain competitors permanently or temporarily to upgrade the manufacturing lines. As a result, average sales price for the oxytetracycline products in the segment increased by 22%, but sales quantity decreased by 15% due to the weak demands results from the increased selling price. However, due to the depreciation of RMB against USD from 6.48 RMB to 1 dollar for the six months ended March 31, 2018 to 6.83 RMB to 1 dollar for the six months ended March 31, 2019, the sales amount dominated in USD decreased by $0.9 million, leading to a net decrease of revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period ended March 31, 2018. The oxytetracycline sales highly depend on the supply and demand relationship in the market and the management expect oxytetracycline sales will increase in the future periods.

 

Heparin products and Sausage casing

 

Sales from heparin products increased by $2.6 million, or a 33% increase from $8.0 million for the six months ended March 31, 2018, to $10.6 million for the six months ended March 31, 2019, due to the following reasons: (1) heparin products sales increased by $0.4 million from six months ended March 31, 2018 to the same period in 2019. Due to the African Swine fever outbreak from August 2018, the supply of pork intestine decreased significantly so did our production. Sales quantity of heparin product decreased by 12.4%, however sales price increased by 42.9% also due to the decrease of supply but increased demand at the same time, increasing the sales amount by 15%; and (2) sausage casing sales increased by $2.2 million due to the significant increase of demand in the market. Due to the trade friction between US and China, it is expected that the supplies of pork and related products will decrease and the price will go up. As sausages can be preserved over a relatively long period, the demand of the sausage casing was increased significantly due to people stocking pork products through sausage making, thus our sales quantity increased by 80%.

 

Fertilizer

 

Sales from fertilizer decreased by $0.3 million, or 53%, from $0.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 2018 to $0.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2019. The decrease is due to the weather condition in Tibet area which is where majority of our customers locate. The temperature from December 2018 to February 2019 was the coldest in 19 years and the average precipitation is the highest in 39 years in the history. This has significant impact on the cultivation as well as the demand our products.

 

Cost of Revenue and Gross Profit

 

The following tables set forth the calculation of gross profit and gross margin for the each of the Company’s segments:

 

    For the six months ended March 31,     Changes  
    2019     2018     Amount     %  
Oxytetracycline & Licorice products and TCMD                                
Net revenue   $ 16,305,675     $ 16,558,538     $ (252,863 )     -2 %
Cost of revenue     11,045,694       13,031,083       (1,985,389 )     -15 %
Gross profit   $ 5,259,981     $ 3,527,455     $ 1,732,526       49 %
Gross Margin     32.3 %     21.3 %     11 %        
Heparin products and Sausage casing                                
Net revenue   $ 10,615,044     $ 7,994,239     $ 2,620,805       33 %
Cost of revenue     8,657,866       8,065,704       592,162       7 %
Gross profit   $ 1,957,178     $ (71,465 )   $ 2,028,643       -2839 %
Gross Margin     18.4 %     -0.9 %     19.3 %        
Fertilizer                                
Net revenue   $ 239,583     $ 511,421     $ (271,838 )     -53 %
Cost of revenue     69,029       162,000       (92,971 )     -57 %
Gross profit   $ 170,554     $ 349,421     $ (178,867 )     -51 %
Gross Margin     71.2 %     68.3 %     2.9 %        
Total sales                                
Net revenue   $ 27,160,302     $ 25,064,198     $ 2,096,104       8 %
Cost of revenue     19,772,589       21,258,787       (1,486,198 )     -7 %
Gross profit   $ 7,387,713     $ 3,805,411     $ 3,582,302       94 %
Gross Margin     27.2 %     15.2 %     12.0 %        

 

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Oxytetracycline & Licorice products and TCMD 

 

Cost of revenue was $11.0 million for the six months ended March 31, 2019, a decrease of $2.0 million, or 15.2%, from $13.0 million for the six months ended March 31, 2018, which was primarily attributable to a decrease in Oxytetracycline sales quantity by 17%. Even with cost per unit increasing by 8%, total cost decreased by $1.2 million. Also due to the exchange rate change, the translated cost dominated in USD decreased by $0.8 million. As discussed above, sales price increased by 22%, leading in an increase in the gross margin of 11%. Due to the increasingly strict environmental regulation of the industry, manufacturers are gradually upgrading manufacturing facility to comply with the new standards, as a consequence we observed a significant decrease in supply for the six months ended March 31, 2019 which then caused the sales price to increase significantly.

 

Heparin products and Sausage casing

 

Cost of revenue was $8.7 million for the six months ended March 31, 2019, an increase of $0.6 million, or 7.3%, from $8.1 million for the six months ended March 31, 2018, which was primarily attributable to an increase of sales for 32.8% or $2.6 million. Gross margin increased from -0.9%  to 18.4% primary due to a significant drop of sales price for sausage casings during the six months ended March 31, 2018. Gross margin for sausage casings for the six months ended March 31, 2019 was 14.1%, compared to -7.6% for the six months ended March 31, 2018. Due to the African Swine Fever which spread nationwide in China, the government strictly restrained the transportation of pork products between provinces. As the Company’s subsidiary was located in the largest pig breeding province, supplies of sausage casings were significantly in excess of demand within the province, forcing the Company to sell the product at loss. The epidemic was controlled in 2019 and the demand of sausage consequently went up. Also due to the expected supply of pork going down in 2019 due to trade friction between US and China, price went up slightly. Heparin products gross margin increased from 2.6% to 22.8% for the same periods due to increased market demand but decreased supply for the products.

 

Fertilizer

 

Cost of revenue was approximately $69,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2019, a decrease of approximately $93,000, or 57.4%, from approximately $162,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease was mainly due to the fact that sales quantity decreased while cost of sales per unit remained consistent in the two years. The gross margin increased by 2.9% is considered as normal fluctuation.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $1.7 million for the six months ended March 31, 2019, an increase of approximately $760,000, or 78%, from $1 million for the six months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease was mainly attributable to: (a) an increase of approximately $243,000 for selling expenses, primarily shipping expense due to the increased sausage casing sales volume in 2019 compared to the sales volume in 2018, (b), an increase of approximately $500,000 in professional fees related to the Company’s effort to go public.

 

Interest Expenses and Bank Charges

 

Interest expenses and bank charges are primarily generated from the bank borrowings including bank loans and bank notes payable. Interest expenses were approximately $104,000 and $92,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The expense is consistent in these two periods since the loan balance and interest rate is consistent.

 

39

 

 

Other Income

 

Other income primarily consists of government grant and other non-operating income. Other income was approximately $355,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2019 as compared to $280,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2018, representing an increase of $75,000, which was primarily attributable to the increased government subsidy income for the six months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended March 31, 2018.

 

Income taxes Provision

 

Provision for income taxes increased by $0.4 million, or 73%, from $0.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 2018 to $0.9 million for the six months ended March 31, 2019, as a result of the increasing income before income tax provision from $3.0 million for the six months ended March 31, 2018 to $5.9 million for the six months ended March 31, 2019.

 

Net Income (loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling interest

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest increased by $0.8 million, from $0.1 million of loss for the six months ended March 31, 2018 to approximately $0.7 million of income for the six months ended March 31, 2019, as a result of the increase of net income of Chengdu QLS, which is partially owned by noncontrolling interest holders. Chegndu QLS’s net loss was approximately $184,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2018 compared to net income of approximately $1.4 million for the six months ended March 31, 2019.

 

Net Income Attributable to the Company’s Shareholders

 

As a result of the above, the Company’s net income attributable to the Company’s shareholders increased by $1.7 million, or 67%, from $2.6 million for the six months ended March 31, 2018 to $4.3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2019.

 

EBITDA

 

The following table sets forth the calculation of the Company’s adjusted EBITDA:

 

    For the six months ended
March 31,
    Changes  
    2019     2018     Amount     %  
Net income   $ 5,024,301     $ 2,512,497     $ 2,511,804       100 %
Interests expenses     104,282       92,442       11,840       13 %
Income tax provision     881,726       508,554       373,172       73 %
Depreciation & Amortization     600,119       654,552       (54,433 )     -8 %
EBITDA   $ 6,610,428     $ 3,768,045     $ 2,842,383       75 %
Percentage of EBITDA to revenue     24.3 %     15.0 %     9.3 %        

 

The Company’s EBITDA was $6.6 million for the six months ended March 31, 2019, an increase of $2.8 million, or 75%, compared to $3.8 million for the six months ended March 31, 2018. This was mainly due to the increase of gross profit resulting from increased sales, offset by the increase of selling and administrative expenses and income tax provision. The percentage of EBITDA to revenue was 24.3% and 15.0% for the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 respectively.

 

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Results of Operations for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

 

The following table sets forth a summary of the Company’s consolidated results of operations for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period.

 

    For the years ended              
    September 30     Changes  
    2018     2017     Amount     %  
Net revenue   $ 50,369,013     $ 22,537,345     $ 27,831,668       123 %
Cost of revenue     42,236,773       19,155,083       23,081,690       120 %
Gross profit     8,132,240       3,382,262       4,749,978       140 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses     2,160,873       2,251,750       (90,877 )     (4 )%
Income from operations     5,971,367       1,130,512       4,840,855       428 %
Interest expense     (216,187 )     (282,842 )     66,655       (24 )%
Other income     390,792       1,011,760       (620,968 )     (61 )%
Income before income tax provision     6,145,972       1,859,430       4,286,542       231 %
Provision for income taxes     943,363       321,458       621,905       193 %
Net income     5,202,609       1,537,972       3,664,637       238 %
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest     33,102       123,206       (90,104 )     (73 )%
Net income attributable to Qilian International Holding Group Limited   $ 5,169,507     $ 1,414,766     $ 3,754,741       265 %

 

Net Revenue

 

The Company’s net revenue was $50.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2018, which was increased by $27.8 million, a 123% increase from net revenue of $22.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2017.

 

The following table sets forth the breakdown of the Company’s net revenue:

 

    For the years ended September 30,              
    2018     2017     Changes  
    Amount     %     Amount     %     Amount     %  
Net revenue                                                
Oxytetracycline & Licorice products and TCMD   $ 33,429,330       66 %   $ 17,352,605       77 %   $ 16,076,725       93 %
Heparin products and Sausage casing     16,225,787       32 %     4,833,271       21 %     11,392,516       236 %
Fertilizer   $ 713,896       2 %   $ 351,469       2 %   $ 362,427       103 %
Total   $ 50,369,013       100.0 %   $ 22,537,345       100.0 %   $ 27,831,668       123 %

 

Compared with net revenue for the year ended September 30, 2017, the Company’s net revenue was increased by $27.8 million, or a 123% increase, for the year ended September 30, 2018, which was primarily attributable to a $16.1 million increase in sales from oxytetracycline products and licorice products, and $11.4 million increase in sales from heparin products and sausage casing.

 

41

 

 

Oxytetracycline &  Licorice products and TCMD

 

For the year ended September 30, 2018, oxytetracycline products, licorice products and TCMD sales increased by $16.1 million or 93% from $17.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2017 to $33.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2018. The sales from these three categories accounted for 96.1%, 3.8% and 0.1% for the year ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and 92.8%, 7.1% and 0.1% for the year ended September 30, 2017, respectively. The sales increase is mainly from the sales of oxytetracycline products. In the beginning of fiscal year 2017, the Company started to upgrade its manufacturing lines to comply with the government’s new environmental standards and production was shut down for four months. As normal production resumed, production and sales quantity of oxytetracycline products increased by 60% in fiscal year 2018 due to an expanded customers base with 33 newly gained customers. The increasing sales quantity led to sales increase by $11.6 million. In addition, selling price for oxytetracycline increased by 24% in the fiscal year 2018, which contributed $4.5 million of sales increase for the year ended September 30, 2018. The oxytetracycline sales highly depend on the supply and demand relationship in the market and the management expect oxytetracycline sales will increase in the future periods.

 

Heparin products and Sausage casing

 

Sales from heparin products increased by $11.4 million, or a 236% increase from $4.8 million for the year ended September 30, 2017, to $16.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2018, due to the following reasons: (1) the Company upgraded its production lines and increased its manufacturing capacity; (2) supplies of pork intestines were stable and in sufficient quantities in Sichuan province, the largest pig breeding province in China; (3) demand for heparin products increased year over year, from 8%-12% in the global market. Heparin product sales has increased by $3.7 million due to the quantity increase from the year ended September 30, 2017 to the year ended September, 30, 2018. Selling price of heparin has increased by 130% from 2017 to 2018, which contributed heparin sales increase by $3.0 million from the year ended September 30, 2017 to the year ended September, 30, 2018; (4) sausage casing sales increased by $4.7 million. Sausage casing is the by-product of heparin products manufacturing process. The sales increase is consistent with the heparin product sales increase.

 

Fertilizer

 

Sales from fertilizer increased by $0.36 million, or a 103% increase, from $0.35 million for the year ended September 30, 2017 to $0.71 million for the year ended September 30, 2018. The increase in sales was due to selling price increase and new customers the Company developed in the Tibet area which contributed to 73% of fertilizer sales for the year ended September 30, 2018. Although sales quantity has decreased by 28% due to the logistics difficulties in Tibet, the Company sells the products at a much higher price compared to 2017 to include the shipping and handling costs, which accounted for 60% of the selling price, resulting in the sales increase perceived.

 

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Cost of Revenue and Gross Profit

 

The following tables set forth the calculation of gross profit and gross margin for the each of the Company’s segments:

 

    For the years ended September 30,     Changes  
    2018     2017     Amount     %  
                         
Oxytetracycline & Licorice products and TCMD                                
Net revenue   $ 33,429,330     $ 17,352,604     $ 16,076,726       93 %
Cost of revenue     26,159,584       14,677,242       11,482,342       78 %
Gross profit   $ 7,269,746     $ 2,675,362     $ 4,594,384       172 %
Gross Margin     21.7 %     15.4 %     6.3 %        
                                 
Heparin products and Sausage casing                                
Net revenue   $ 16,225,787     $ 4,833,272     $ 11,392,515       236 %
Cost of revenue     15,841,870       4,199,384       11,642,486       277 %
Gross profit   $ 383,917     $ 633,888     $ (249,971 )     (39 )%
Gross Margin     2.4 %     13.1 %     (10.7 )%        
                                 
Fertilizer                                
Net revenue   $ 713,896     $ 351,469     $ 362,427       103 %
Cost of revenue     235,319       278,457       (43,138 )     (16 )%
Gross profit   $ 478,577     $ 73,012     $ 405,565       556 %
Gross Margin     67.0 %     20.8 %     46.2 %        
                                 
Total sales                                
Net revenue   $ 50,369,013     $ 22,537,345     $ 27,831,668       124 %
Cost of revenue     42,236,773       19,155,083       23,081,690       121 %
Gross profit   $ 8,132,240     $ 3,382,262     $ 4,749,978       140 %
Gross Margin     16.1 %     15 %     1.1 %        

 

Oxytetracycline & Licorice products and TCMD 

 

Cost of revenue was $26.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $11.5 million, or 78.2%, from $14.7 million for the year ended September 30, 2017, which was primarily attributable to an increase in sales for 93% or $16.1 million and an increase in gross margin. Gross margin increased from 15.4% to 21.7% primary due to the increased market price of oxytetracycline products in 2018. Due to the increasingly strict environmental regulation of the industry, manufacturers are gradually upgrading manufacturing facility to comply with the new standards, as a consequence we observed a significant decrease in supply in 2018 which then caused the sales price to increase significantly. As our sales price increased by 24% compared to 2017, the overall gross margin of this segment increased to 21.7%.

 

Heparin products and Sausage casing

 

Cost of revenue was $15.8 million for the year ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $11.6 million, or 277.2%, from $4.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2017, which was primarily attributable to an increase of sales for 236% or $11.4 million. Gross margin decreased from 13.1% to 2.4% primary due to a significant drop of sales price for sausage casings in 2018. Gross profit for sausage casings for the year ended September 30, 2018 was 18%, compared to 15% for the year end September 30, 2017. Due to the African Swine Fever which spread nationwide in China, the government strictly restrains the transportation of pork products between provinces. As the Company’s subsidiary was located in the largest pig breeding province, supplies of sausage casings were significantly in excess of demand within the province, forcing the Company to sell the product at loss. Heparin products gross margin increased from 13% to 16% for the same periods due to increased market demand and prices for the products.

 

Fertilizer

 

Cost of revenue was approximately $235,000 for the year ended September 30, 2018, a decrease of approximately $43,000, or 15.5%, from approximately $278,000 for the year ended September 30, 2017. The decrease was mainly due to the fact that sales quantity decreased while cost of sales per unit remained consistent in the two years. Because of the logistics difficulties in Tibet, the Company sells the products at a much higher price compared to 2017 to include the shipping and handling costs, which accounted for 60% of the selling price, as a result, gross margin increased by 46.2% from 20.8% for the year ended September 30, 2017 to 67% for the year ended September 30, 2018.

 

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $2.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2018, a decrease of approximately $90,000, or 4%, from $2.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2017. The decrease was mainly attributable to: (a) an increase of approximately $153,000 for shipping expense due to the increased sales volume in 2018 compared to the sales volume in 2017, (b), an increase of $100,000 in professional fees related to the Company’s effort to go public, and (c) offset by decrease of salary expense, depreciation expense and other operating expense of $369,000 given the fact that in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017, one of our manufacturing facilities was upgrading the product line and production was shut down for several months. All operating costs of that facility were recorded as administrative expenses instead of being capitalized as inventory cost when production is normal.

 

Interest Expenses and Bank Charges

 

Interest expenses and bank charges are primarily generated from the bank borrowings including bank loans and bank notes payable. Interest expenses were approximately $216,000 and $283,000 for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease was due to the decreased average loan outstanding from $6 million for the year ended September 30, 2017 to $4.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2018.

 

Other Income

 

Other income primarily consists of government grant and other non-operating income. Other income was $0.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2018 as compared to $1.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2017, representing a decrease of $0.6 million, which was primarily attributable to the non-operating income of $0.7 million for building demolition in 2017 while no such compensation was received for the year ended September 30, 2018.

 

Income taxes Provision

 

Provision for income taxes increased by $0.6 million, or 193%, from $0.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2017 to $0.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2018, as a result of the increased income before income tax provision. Income before income tax provision was $6.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2018, compared to $1.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2017.

 

Net Income (loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling interest

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest decreased by approximately $90,000, or 73%, from approximately $123,000 for the year ended September 30, 2017 to approximately $33,000 for the year ended September 30, 2018, as a result of the decrease of net income of Chengdu QLS, which is partially owned by noncontrolling interest holders. Chegndu QLS’s net loss was approximately $90,000 for the year ended September 30,2018 compared to net income of approximately $209,000 for the year ended September 30, 2017.

 

Net Income Attributable to the Company’s Shareholders

 

As a result of the above, the Company’s net income attributable to the Company’s shareholders increased by $3.8 million, or 265%, from $1.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2017 to $5.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2018.

 

EBITDA

 

The following table sets forth of the calculation of the Company’s adjusted EBITDA:

 

    For the years ended
September 30,
    Changes  
    2018     2017     Amount     %  
                         
Net income   $ 5,202,609     $ 1,537,972     $ 3,664,637       238 %
Interests expenses     216,187       282,842       (66,655 )     -24 %
Income tax provision     943,363       321,458       621,905       193 %
Depreciation & Amortization     1,254,098       1,242,013       12,085       1 %
EBITDA   $ 7,616,257     $ 3,384,285     $ 4,231,972       125 %
Percentage of EBITDA to revenue     15.1 %     15.0 %     0.1 %        

 

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The Company’s EBITDA was $7.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $4.2 million, or 125%, compared to $3.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2017. This was mainly due to the increase of gross profit resulting from increased sales, a decrease of selling and administrative expenses, offset by the decrease of other income. The percentage of EBITDA to revenue was 15.1% and 15.0% for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of March 31, 2019 the Company had cash of approximately $2.9 million. The Company has funded working capital and other capital requirements primarily by equity contribution from shareholders, cash flow from operations, and bank loans. Cash is required to pay purchase costs for inventory, salaries, selling expenses, rental expenses, income taxes, other operating expenses and repay debts.

 

Although the Company’s management believes that the cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet its normal working capital needs for at least the next twelve months, its ability to repay its current obligations will depend on the future realization of its current assets. The Company’s management has considered the historical experience, the economy, trends in the pharmaceutical industry, the expected collectability of accounts receivable and the realization of the inventories as of March 31, 2019. Based on these considerations, the Company’s management believes that the Company has sufficient funds to meet its working capital requirements and debt obligations as they become due for at least the next twelve months from the financial reporting release date. However, there is no assurance that management will be successful in their plan. There are a number of factors that could potentially arise that could result in shortfalls to the Company’s plan, such as the demand for its products, economic conditions, the competitive pricing in the industry and its banks and suppliers being able to provide continued supports. If the future cash flow from operations and other capital resources are insufficient to fund its liquidity needs, the Company may be forced to reduce or delay its expected acquisition plan, sell assets, obtain additional debt or equity capital or refinance all or a portion of its debt.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s cash flow data for the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:

 

    For the six months ended
March 31,
 
    2019     2018  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   $ (2,173,232 )   $ 2,061,690  
Net cash used in investing activities     (577,366 )     (965,918 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     159,132       (3,749,795 )
Effect of exchange rate on cash     108,421       219,331  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   $ (2,483,045 )   $ (2,434,692 )

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities consists primarily of net income adjusted for non-cash items, including depreciation and amortization, account receivables and inventory reserve, and adjusted for the effect of working capital changes. Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $2.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2019, a decrease of $4.2 million, or 205%, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $2.1 million for the six months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease was a result of $6.6 million from change of working capital mainly resulting from the change in accounts receivable, inventory and advances from customers, offset by increase of net income of $2.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 2019.

 

Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities was approximately $0.6 million for the six months ended March 31, 2019, a decrease of $0.4 million, or 40%, compared to $1.0 million net cash used investing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease was mainly due to the decreased cash paid for the purchase of property and equipment of $0.2 million and decrease of $0.1 million of cash paid for long term investments.

 

Financing Activities

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $0.2 million for the six months ended March 31 2019, an increase of $3.9 million, or 104%, compared with cash used in financing activities of $3.7 million for the six months ended March 31, 2018. The increase was result of repayment for bank loan and notes payable of $3.6 million and $0.7 million payment made for the cash dividend to shareholders for the six months ended March 31, 2018.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s cash flow data for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

 

    For the years ended
September 30,
 
    2018     2017  
Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 4,446,318     $ 2,681,760  
Net cash used in investing activities     (1,394,383 )     (1,688,530 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     (2,984,715 )     1,253,393  
Effect of exchange rate on cash     (172,396 )     60,575  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   $ (105,176 )   $ 2,307,198  

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash provided by operating activities consists primarily of net income adjusted for non-cash items, including depreciation and amortization, account receivables and inventory reserve, and adjusted for the effect of working capital changes. Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $4.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $1.7 million, or 65%, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $2.7 million for the year ended September 30, 2017. The increase was a result of increase of $3.7 million in net income, increase of cash provided by inventory change for $10 million, offset by $12.1 million from change of working capital mainly resulting from the change in accounts receivable, bank notes receivable, accounts payable and advances from customers.

 

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Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities was approximately $1.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2018, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 18%, compared to $1.7 million net cash used in investing activities for the year ended September 30, 2017. The decrease was mainly due to the decreased cash paid for the purchase of property and equipment of $0.4 million.

 

Financing Activities

 

Net cash used in financing activities was approximately $3.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2018, a decrease of $4.2 million, or 338%, compared with cash provided by financing activities of $1.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2017. The decrease was a combined result of changes in bank loan and notes payable of $4.3 million and $0.7 million payment made for the cash dividend to shareholders, offset by $0.6 million of change in restricted cash, as well as increased capital contribution from shareholders by $0.2 million.

 

Commitments and Contractual Obligations

 

The following table presents the company’s material contractual obligations as of March 31, 2019:

 

Contractual Obligations   Total     Less than
1 year
    1-3 years     3-5 years     More than  
Bank loans   $ 3,724,728     $ 3,724,728     $     $     $  
Bank notes payable     893,935       893,935     $     $     $  
Total   $

4,618,663

    $ 4,618,663     $     $     $  

 

Off -balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company is not a party to any off -balance sheet arrangements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based upon its financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. These principles require the Company’s management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales and expenses, cash flow and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The estimates include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable, revenue recognition, impairment of long-lived assets and income taxes. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and the actual results, future financial statements will be affected.

 

The Company’s management believes that among their significant accounting policies, which are described in Note 2 to the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company included in this Registration Statement, the following accounting policies involve a greater degree of judgment and complexity. Accordingly, the Company’s management believes these are the most critical to fully understand and evaluate its financial condition and results of operations.

  

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Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. Such estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company’s critical accounting estimates included, but are not limited to: allowance for estimated uncollectible receivables, inventory valuations, impairment of long-lived assets, impairment of intangible assets, and income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

Accounts receivable are recognized and carried at original invoiced amount less an estimated allowance for uncollectible accounts. The Company usually grants credit to customers with good credit standing with a maximum of 90 days and determines the adequacy of reserves for doubtful accounts based on individual account analysis and historical collection trends. The Company establishes a provision for doubtful receivables when there is objective evidence that the Company may not be able to collect amounts due. The allowance is based on management’s best estimates of specific losses on individual exposures, as well as a provision on historical trends of collections. The provision is recorded against accounts receivables balances, with a corresponding charge recorded in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Actual amounts received may differ from management’s estimate of credit worthiness and the economic environment. Delinquent account balances are written-off against the allowance for doubtful accounts after management has determined that the likelihood of collection is not probable. As of March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018, the allowances for doubtful accounts were $45,211 and $18,890, respectively.

 

Inventories, net

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Costs include the cost of raw materials, freight, direct labor and related production overhead. The cost of inventories is calculated using the weighted average method. Any excess of the cost over the net realizable value of each item of inventories is recognized as a provision for diminution in the value of inventories. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the normal course of business less any costs to complete and sell products.

 

Revenue recognition

 

Before October 1, 2018, the Company recognizes revenues from the sale of products under FAS Codification Topic 605 (“ASC 605”) when title and risk of loss passes and the customer accepts the goods, which generally occurs at delivery. Revenue is recognized when all of the following have occurred: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (iii) the price is fixed or determinable, and (iv) the ability to collect is reasonably assured. Historically, sales returns have been minimal. The payments received from customers before revenue recognition criteria have been met are recorded as advances from customers on balance sheets.

 

On October 1, 2018 the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (FASB ASC Topic 606) using the modified retrospective method for contracts that were not completed as of October 1, 2018. The results of applying Topic 606 using the modified retrospective approach were insignificant and did not have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets, statement of income, cash flows, business process, controls or systems.

 

The core principle underlying the revenue recognition ASU is that the Company will recognize revenue to represent the transfer of goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in such exchange. This will require the Company to identify contractual performance obligations and determine whether revenue should be recognized at a point in time or over time, based on when control of goods and services transfers to a customer. The majority of our contracts have one single performance obligation as the promise to transfer the individual goods is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts and is, therefore, not distinct. The Company’s revenue streams are recognized at a point in time when title and risk of loss passes and the customer accepts the goods, which generally occurs at delivery. Our products is sold with no right of return and we do not provide other credits or sales incentive, which are accounted for as variable consideration. Sales taxes invoiced to customers and remitted to government authorities are excluded from net sales. 

 

The contract assets and contract liabilities are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as accounts receivable and customer deposits as of March 31, 2019. For the six months ended March 31, 2019, revenue recognized from performance obligations related to prior periods was insignificant.

 

Revenue expected to be recognized in any future periods related to remaining performance obligations is also insignificant.

 

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

 

The Company assesses its long-lived assets such as property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Factors which may indicate potential impairment include a significant underperformance related to the historical or projected future operating results or a significant negative industry or economic trend. Recoverability of these assets is measured by comparison of their carrying amounts to future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate. If property and equipment are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized equals the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds their fair value.

 

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Income taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, we determine deferred tax assets and liabilities on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities by using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets to the extent that we believe that these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

 

The Company records uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. The Company does not believe that there was any uncertain tax position at September 30, 2018, and 2017.

 

Recent accounting pronouncements

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases” to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet with a corresponding liability and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. For public business entities, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim reporting periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim reporting periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this revised guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income”. The amendments eliminate the stranded tax effects resulting from the United States Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. ASU No. 2018-02 is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 requires companies to measure credit losses utilizing a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires a consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including those interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adopting this standard, but based on a preliminary assessment, does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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INDUSTRY

 

Unless otherwise noted, all the information and data presented in this section have been derived from a February 2019 industry report from Frost & Sullivan (Beijing) Inc., Shanghai Branch Co. (“Frost & Sullivan”) entitled “The PRC Pharmaceutical Industry Independent Market Research” (the “Frost & Sullivan Report”). Frost & Sullivan has advised us that the statistical and graphical information contained herein is drawn from its database and other sources. The following discussion projections for future growth, which may not occur at the rates that are projected or at all.

 

OVERVIEW OF THE MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT IN THE PRC

 

Nominal GDP and Nominal GDP per Capita

 

 

 

 

Source: International Monetary Fund, Frost & Sullivan Report

 

According to the International Monetary Fund, during the past five years, total nominal gross domestic product (“GDP”) in the PRC rose from RMB64.7 trillion in 2014 to RMB88.7 trillion in 2018, representing a compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of approximately 8.2%. The growth was mainly due to the favorable government policies stimulating the development of the domestic economy. Further, with the economic reform from an investment-driven economy to a consumption-driven economy, the nominal GDP in the PRC is expected to increase with a CAGR of approximately 8.2% from 2019 to 2023. In line with the rapid growth of the nominal GDP, nominal GDP per capita in the PRC was RMB63,568.9 in 2018, representing a CAGR of 7.7% from 2014.

 

Population and Urbanization Rate

 

 

 

Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China, Frost & Sullivan Report

 

According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, rapid economic growth in the PRC has supported the urbanization process from 2014 to 2018. The urban population rose from 742.7 million in 2014 to 834.4 million in 2018, with a CAGR of approximately 3.0%. The urbanization rate increased from 54.3% to 59.8% during the same period. With the issue of “The National Plan of New-type Urbanization (2014-2020)” in 2014, the urbanization is expected to rise further from 2019 to 2023. The increasing population implies steady demand for pharmaceutical products in the PRC, which will further stimulate the growth of the market.

 

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Population Aged 65 years or Older

 

 

 

Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China, Frost & Sullivan Report

 

With the increasing life expectancy and “One Child Policy” from 1980 to 2016 in the PRC, population is aging rapidly with people aged 65 or above reaching 166.6 million in 2018 with a CAGR of approximately 4.9% from 2014, per the National Bureau of Statistics of China. It is expected that the population aged 65 or above will grow at a CAGR of approximately 5.0% to 212.1 million by the end of 2023, accounting for 15.0% of the total population in the PRC. As a result, it is expected that the aging society will support the demand for pharmaceutical products including oxytetracycline products and compound licorice products in the PRC.

 

OVERVIEW OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL MARKET IN THE PRC

 

Manufacturing Process of Pharmaceutical Products

 

 

 

Source: Frost & Sullivan Report

 

Major raw materials for pharmaceutical manufacturing include chemicals, animal and plant tissues, which will be used to derive pharmaceutical intermediates. The production of pharmaceutical intermediates will employ natural and biochemical processes, including fermentation, synthesis and extraction. Afterwards, pharmaceutical intermediates will be purified and concentrated to active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), which will be used to produce final pharmaceutical products through proportioning and packaging approved and registered with National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).

 

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Value Chain Analysis

 

 

 

Note: The Company is a vertically integrated pharmaceutical and chemical company supplying both API and pharmaceutical products.

 

Source: Frost & Sullivan Report

 

The value chain of the pharmaceutical market in the PRC consists of upstream, midstream and downstream participants. The upstream of the pharmaceutical market in the PRC mainly involves suppliers of chemicals, animal and plant tissues and etc., and API manufacturers who produce and sell active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmaceutical product distributors, as being the midstream along the value chain, manufacture and distribute final pharmaceutical products to downstream consumers. Downstream healthcare consumers can purchase pharmaceutical products from medical service providers including hospitals, clinics and etc.

 

Market Size Analysis

 

 

 

Note: Oxytetracycline and compound licorice are categorized as chemical medicines.

 

Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China, Frost & Sullivan Report

 

In October 25 2016, the State Council of the PRC issued the “Health China 2030 Planning Outline”, as a guideline for the PRC government to establish universal health care (UHC). From 2013 to 2017, the total output volume of chemical medicines in the PRC rose from 2,633.0 thousand tons in 2013 to 3,554.4 thousand tons in 2017, representing a CAGR of approximately 7.8% during the period. With a series of supportive government policies including the Belt and Road Initiative and rising demand for pharmaceutical products in the PRC, the total output volume of chemical medicines in the PRC is expected to reach 5,252.8 thousand tons in 2022, with a CAGR of approximately 8.2% from 2018, according to the National Bureau of Statistic of China and the Frost & Sullivan Report.

 

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Source: Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China, Frost & Sullivan Report

 

The pharmaceutical market in the PRC started to play an increasingly large role in the global market supply, particularly in relation to active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Attributed to the lower cost structure for rent, labor, materials and equipment, and the easy access to a wide variety of intermediates and chemicals, the API market in the PRC grew significantly during the past five years. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China, during the period from 2014 to 2018, revenue generated from manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients grew with a CAGR of approximately 10.7% from RMB424.0 billion in 2014 to RMB637.6 billion in 2018. With the increasing demand from downstream manufacturers of chemical medicines, it is expected that the revenue from the manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients) will reach RMB1,106.7 billion in 2023, representing a CAGR of approximately 11.8%.

 

Overview of Compound Licorice Products

 

Licorice is the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant and a type of traditional Chinese medicine which is widely accepted by Chinese people. Its main functions consist of expelling heat from the body, detoxifying, and relieving cough. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and food preparation through procedures including drying, slicing, grinding and extracting. Compound licorice product is a type of Chinse medicine and has been frequently used as an antitussive and expectorant medicine with wide applications in clinics for years. Compound licorice products on the market are usually sold in liquid or solid forms. Compound licorice tablet is favored by a number of Chinese patients given its curative effectiveness and low price.

 

Growing areas for Glycyrrhiza glabra in the PRC are mainly located in the northwestern arid regions of the PRC, such as Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Gansu and Shanxi. The supply of licorice from these regions is relatively stable with increasing yield over the past few years, which is expected to support the continuous development of compound licorice in the PRC in the next five years.

 

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Source: Frost & Sullivan Report

 

Supported by the stable market demand, the issue of Development Plan for Traditional Chinese Medicine under Belt and Road Initiative (《中医药一带一路发展规划( 2016-2020) ) and the problem of an aging population, according to Frost & Sullivan Report, production volume of compound licorice products recorded 7.6 thousand tons in 2018 with a CAGR of approximately 3.2% from 2014. In the next five years, with the expansion of the National Medical Insurance Coverage Program to cover additional compound licorice products, the market demand for compound licorice products is expected to grow continuously. It is expected that the production volume of compound licorice products will grow at a CAGR of approximately 3.4% from 7.9 thousand tons in 2019 to 9.0 thousand tons in 2023.

 

Overview of Oxytetracycline Products

 

Oxytetracycline (C22H24N2O9), a tetracycline derivative generated by streptomyces rimosus, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic designed to prevent infections that occur due to bacterial invasion in the body. It is widely used in human and animal medicine, and as a pesticide. Oxytetracycline can be used as an antibacterial medicine for human diseases to treat a host of bacterial infections, including acute otitis media infection, pharyngitis, pneumonia, skin infection, trachoma, and etc. The use of oxytetracycline in stock farming for preventing and controlling bacterial pathogens including gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, eperythrozoon, chlamydia, mycoplasma, rickettsia, spirochete, actinobacteria, vibrio, and etc. is frequent in the PRC. Meanwhile, the byproducts generated during the fermentation of Oxytetracycline can also be used as raw materials for the production of organic fertilizers.

  

 

 

Source: Frost & Sullivan Report

 

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The rising number of people aged 65 or above and the end of “One Child Policy” in 2016 have stimulated the market demand for oxytetracycline products in the PRC. According to the Frost & Sullivan Report, production volume of oxytetracycline has increased from 24.9 thousand tons in 2013 to 27.3 thousand tons in 2017, representing a CAGR of approximately 2.3%. Given the low price of oxytetracycline products, its effectiveness in enhancing disease resistance and preventing pathogens, and its use as an environmentally-friendly raw material for organic fertilizer, it is expected that the demand for oxytetracycline product will rise, driving the steady growth of the production volume of oxytetracycline in the PRC. It is forecasted that the production volume of oxytetracycline will attain 30.8 thousand tons by the end of 2022, representing a CAGR of approximately 2.5% from 2018.

 

Raw material used to produce oxytetracycline refers to corn starch which is the starch derived from corn. According the National Bureau of Statistics of China (NBS), from 2013 to 2017, producer price index for corn in the PRC decreased from 100.2 in 2013 to 82.9 in 2017, representing a CAGR of approximately -4.6% during the period. There was a slight increase in the price of corn from 100.2 in 2013 to 101.9 in 2014. The fall from 2013 to 2017 was mainly due to the rising import volume and oversupply of corn products in the PRC.

 

 

 

Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China, Frost & Sullivan Report

 

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Overview of Heparin Sodium Products

 

Heparin is one of the most widely used anticoagulants to prevent and treat thrombosis, and is usually used in the treatment of heart attack and unstable angina. Standard heparin has been commonly used for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Various heparin products are manufactured and marketed in the PRC, including heparin calcium, heparin sodium, and etc. Heparin sodium, among all heparin products, is used in preventing conditions caused by blood coagulation and widely used in the world.

 

Pharmaceutical-grade heparin is usually obtained from mucosal tissues, such as pig intestines and cow lungs. Pig intestine mucosa is currently the most accepted or even the only approved raw material for producing heparin in most of the world. The PRC is one of the largest countries for the production and consumption of pigs. According to National Bureau of Statistics, in 2017, total number of pigs slaughtered and number of pig stock reached 688.6 million and 433.3 million respectively. Benefiting from the abundant supply of raw materials for the production of heparin in the PRC, it is expected that the overall heparin market in the PRC will maintain steady growth in the future.

 

The manufacturing process of crude heparin sodium can be roughly divided into five stages which are illustrated in the following diagram.

 

 

 

Source: Frost & Sullivan Report

 

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Market Drivers

 

Rising healthcare awareness. Due to the continuous economic growth and the increasing number of aging population, a larger number of consumers in the PRC are paying closer attention to healthcare and pharmaceutical products. With the rise in total expenditure in healthcare and better access to pharmaceutical products in the PRC, the pharmaceutical market in the PRC kept expanding during the past few years. Further, with the healthcare reform and the implementation of the 13th Five-Year Plan, healthcare expenditure in the PRC is expected to grow continuously in the next five years.

 

Supportive governmental policies. Recently, the implementation of supportive governmental policies has been stimulating the sales growth of the pharmaceutical market in the PRC. As stated in the “State Council’s opinion on consolidation of basic medical insurance systems for residents in urban and rural areas” (国务院关于整合城乡居民基本医疗保险制度的意见) in 2016, the number of pharmaceutical products that can be reimbursed in rural public medical insurance programs match those in urban public medical insurance programs by 2017. The reimbursement provided by the PRC government is expected to support the future development of pharmaceutical market. Further, manufacturing of oxytetracycline product and compound licorice is expected to grow continuously, supported by the Outline for the Strategic Development of Chinese Medicine (2016-2030) (《中医药发展战略规划纲要( 2016-2030) 》) and the Outline of the 13th Five-Year Plan for the National Economic and Social Development of the People’s Republic of China (《中华人民共和国国民经济和社会发展第十三个五年规划纲要》) which highlight the importance of chemical medicine and traditional Chinese medicine in the pharmaceutical market in the PRC.

 

Expanding aging population. According to the National Bureau Statistics of China, China has entered an aging society with the aging population growing at a CAGR of approximately 4.7% during the period from 2013 to 2017. The aging population will create higher market demand for healthcare services and healthcare products, as they usually have weaker immune systems and increased chances of becoming ill. It is expected that this rising demand will contribute to the solid growth of pharmaceutical market and the manufacturing of oxytetracycline product and compound licorice in the next five years.

 

Improving regulation system. Starting from 2016, with the issue of Notice of the General Office of the States Council on Issuing the Plan for the Pilot Program of the System of the Holders of Drug Marketing Licenses (“国务院关于印发药品上市许可持有人制度试点方案的通知”), the PRC government has been trying to improve the regulation system of the pharmaceutical market in the PRC. Further in 2019, the Notice by the General Office of the State Council of Issuing the Pilot Program of the Centralized Procurement and Use Drugs Organized by the State (“国务院办公厅关于印发国家组织药品集中采购和使用试点方案的通知”) is expected to deepen the reform of pharmaceutical and healthcare systems in the PRC, improve the pricing mechanism of pharmaceutical products, and support the continuous development of pharmaceutical market in the PRC.

 

OVERVIEW OF ORGANIC FERTILIZER MARKET IN THE PRC

According to Frost & Sullivan Report, from 2013 to 2017, total volume of effective component of chemical fertilizer used in the PRC decreased from 59.1 million tons in 2013 to 58.6 million tons in 2017, representing a CAGR of approximately -0.2%. The trend is mainly due to the fall in volumes of effective component of nitrogenous, phosphate and potash fertilizers. Compound fertilizer, on the other hand, has rose from 20.1 million tons in 2013 to 22.2 million tons in 2017, with a CAGR of approximately 1.9%. Looking forward, with the implementation of government policies targeting zero growth in the use of chemical fertilizer by 2020, the total consumption of chemical fertilizer in the PRC is expected to decrease further, implying opportunities for the market of compound fertilizer and organic fertilizer in the PRC. It is expected that the market size of organic fertilizer will grow with a CAGR of approximately 7.7% from 2018 to 2022

 

 

 

Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China, Frost & Sullivan Report

 

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Market Drivers

 

Improving crop yields. The PRC is one of the largest agricultural producers in the world with limited arable area to support around 20% of the world’s population. Moreover, according to the Frost & Sullivan Report, the arable land has declined at a CAGR of -0.1% from 135.2 million hectares to 134.9 million hectares over the period from 2013 to 2017, adding to the pressure of producing increased yield per area to feed to the growing population. This increasing demand for food emphasizes the importance of increasing crop yields by using fertilizer in more efficient ways. Benefiting form a series of measures taken by the PRC government which increased the incomes of farmers and investment in agriculture, it is expected that organic and compound fertilizer consumption in the PRC would experience steady growth.

 

Favorable government policies. Agriculture in the PRC has been growing rapidly on a limited area with heavy inputs of fertilizers since 1980s when chemical fertilizers were developed and produced heavily to boost crop yields and scale up agricultural production. With limited arable land and growing population, protecting China’s polluted and artificially fertilized soil remains a major concern to the government. Therefore, the PRC government is targeting zero growth in the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides by 2020 and encouraging the use of compound fertilizer instead of straight fertilizer, as stated in the Action Plan of Zero Growth on Chemical Fertilizer by 2020 (《到2020年化肥施用量零增长行动方案》). In addition, in 2018, the Ministry of Agriculture announced policies stimulating the development of organic fertilizer market in the PRC, including providing rewards and subsidies to the manufacturers and consumers of organic fertilizer. These policies have created opportunities for organic fertilizer market since compared to chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizer usually contains comprehensive nutrients and are more environmentally friendly. Therefore, the penetration of organic fertilizer is expected to increase with the government policies and the incentive to improve fertilizer performance.

 

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE OF PHARMACEUTICAL MARKET IN THE PRC

 

Overview of Competitive Landscape

 

According to the Frost & Sullivan Report, the pharmaceutical market in the PRC is highly fragmented with more than 4,000 pharmaceutical companies and a total market size of RMB1,430.4 billion in terms of sales in 2017. In 2017, top 20 pharmaceutical companies accounted for 20.5% of the total pharmaceutical market in the PRC. In particular, major market participants in oxytetracycline, compound licorice and heparin sodium market are small and medium companies with no particular market leader with significant market share to dominate or influence the market. With the structural reform on the supply side of pharmaceutical industry implemented by the PRC government, the improvements on regulations and standards for environment protection, and the advancements in production technologies, it is expected that pharmaceutical companies with competitive products, well-established business relationship and distribution networks, and access to industry professionals will expand market share and become leading market participants in the pharmaceutical market in the PRC.

 

Entry Barrier Analysis

 

Access to industry professionals. The pharmaceutical market in the PRC relies heavily on professionals and talents for medicine research, development and production. Well-established and sizable market participants are more likely to acquire and retain professionals with extensive knowledge and expertise in pharmaceutical research, development and production. Therefore, access to industry professionals serve as a key entry barrier for new market entrants without tracking records and the ability to attract professionals.

 

Established business relationship. Business relationship with stakeholders becomes a key entry barrier for new entrants, as extensive distribution network and stable supply of raw materials are essential for market participants in the pharmaceutical market in the PRC. Established market participants generally possess good business relationship with their upstream suppliers and downstream customers, which enable them to source raw materials and provide desired products and services, and even obtain information on recent market trends.

 

Significant capital investment. Pharmaceutical companies generally require significant investment in the research and development of new products, expanding along the industry value chain, upgrading of manufacturing and production facilities, and recruiting industry professionals and talents. Established market participants tend to have sufficient capital investment and a good track record to raise funds, which in contrast will hinder the development of new market entrants.

 

 

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BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

Through our wholly owned indirect subsidiaries and the contractual arrangements described below, we are a pharmaceutical and chemical company based in China that focuses on the development, manufacture, marketing, and sale of oxytetracycline products, licorice products, traditional Chinese medicine derivatives (“TCMD”) product, heparin product, sausage casings, and fertilizers. We independently developed all of our products within our research and development department. Our products are sold in more than 20 provinces in China.

 

· Our licorice products include Gan Di Xin®, Qilian Shan® Licorice Extract, and Qilian Shan® Licorice Liquid Extract. Our Gan Di Xin® is an innovative antitussive and expectorant medicine made from raw licorice materials. Our Qilian Shan® Licorice Extract is a primary ingredient for pharmaceutical companies to manufacture traditional licorice tablets. Our Qilian Shan® Licorice Liquid Extract is the primary ingredient for medical preparation companies to produce compound licorice oral solutions.

 

· Our oxytetracycline products include Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline Tablets and Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (“API”). Our Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline Tablets are used to prevent and treat a wide range of diseases in chickens, turkeys, cattle, swine, and human. Our Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline APIs are used by pharmaceutical companies in the manufacturing of medications that use oxytetracycline as an active ingredient.

 

· Our TCMD product includes Ahan® antibacterial paste, which is made from a mixture of 11 traditional Chinese herbal ingredients. It is used to treat refractory chronic skin diseases.

 

· Our heparin product includes Heparin Sodium Preparation. It is a primary ingredient for pharmaceutical companies to produce medications used in treating cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and hemodialysis.

 

· Our sausage casings include Zhu XiaochangTM Sausage Casings, which are all-natural food products used for culinary purposes.

 

· Our fertilizer products include XiongguanTM Organic Fertilizer and XiongguanTM Organic-Inorganic Compound Fertilizer. Our XiongguanTM Organic Fertilizer is designed to improve crop yield, increase soil’s chemical properties, and reduce soil compaction. Our XiongguanTM Organic-Inorganic Compound Fertilizer is made from both organic materials and traditional chemical fertilizer, and is designed to increased plant growth.

 

Our History and Corporate Structure

 

We were incorporated in the Cayman Islands on February 7, 2019. Qilian International (Hong Kong) Holdings Limited. (“Qilian HK”), our wholly-owned subsidiary, was incorporated in Hong Kong on January 30, 2019. Chengdu Qilian Trading Co., Ltd. (“WFOE”), Qilian HK’s wholly owned subsidiary, was organized pursuant to PRC laws on May 15, 2019 Our variable interest entity, Gansu Qilianshan Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., which we refer to as Gansu QLS, was established in August 30, 2006, by restructuring from Gansu State-operated Qilianshan Pharmaceutical Factory, which was incorporated in July 1969 in Jiuquan, Gansu Province, PRC pursuant to PRC laws. Gansu QLS’s shareholders include certain PRC residents and corporate entities controlled by PRC residents.

 

Pursuant to PRC laws, each entity formed under PRC law shall have certain business scope approved by the Administration of Industry and Commerce or its local counterpart. As such, WFOE’s business scope is to primarily engage in business development, technology service, technology consulting, intellectual property service and business management consulting. Since the sole business of WFOE is to provide Gansu QLS with technical support, consulting services and other management services relating to its day-to-day business operations and management in exchange for a consulting fee solely at WFOE’s discretion and can be the net income of Gansu QLS, such business scope is necessary and appropriate under the PRC laws. Gansu QLS, on the other hand, has been granted a business scope different from WFOE to enable it to manufacture products.

 

Since we intend to acquire upstream and downstream companies manufacturing traditional Chinese medicine pieces, which is prohibited to be invested in by foreign investors, our WFOE cannot hold equity of Gansu QLS. We control Gansu QLS through contractual agreements, which are described under “Business — Contractual Agreements between WFOE and Gansu QLS”. Qilian International is a holding company with no business operation other than holding the shares in Qilian HK and Qilian HK is a pass-through entity with no business operation. WFOE is exclusively engaged in the business of managing the operation of Gansu QLS and its subsidiaries.

 

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Gansu QLS, our VIE, was established in August 30, 2006, by restructuring from Gansu State-operated Qilianshan Pharmaceutical Factory, which was incorporated in July 1969 in Jiuquan, Gansu Province, PRC pursuant to PRC laws.

 

The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure as of the date of this prospectus and upon completion of the Offering based on 4,000,000 Ordinary Shares being offered:

 

 

 

Contractual Arrangements between WFOE and Gansu QLS

 

Due to PRC legal restrictions on foreign ownership in the pharmaceutical sector, neither we nor our subsidiaries own any equity interest in Gansu QLS. Instead, we control and receive the economic benefits of Gansu QLS’s business operation through a series of contractual arrangements. WFOE, Gansu QLS and its shareholders entered into a series of contractual arrangements, also known as VIE Agreements, on May 20, 2019. The VIE agreements are designed to provide WFOE with the power, rights and obligations equivalent in all material respects to those it would possess as the sole equity holder of Gansu QLS, including absolute control rights and the rights to the assets, property and revenue of Gansu GLS.

 

Each of the VIE Agreements is described in detail below:

 

Exclusive Service Agreement

 

Pursuant to the Exclusive Service Agreement between Gansu QLS and WFOE, WFOE provides Gansu QLS with technical support, consulting services and other management services relating to its day-to-day business operations and management, on an exclusive basis, utilizing its advantages in technology, business management and information. For services rendered to Gansu QLS by WFOE under this agreement, WFOE is entitled to collect a service fee that shall be equal to 98.297% of the net profits of Gansu QLS, as reflected in the “ARTICLE 3 - SERVICE FEES” section on page 6 of the Amended Exclusive Service Agreement executed on August 27, 2019. This percentage represents the number of shares of Gansu QLS held by shareholders having signed the VIE Agreement over the total number of issued and outstanding shares of Gansu QLS.

 

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The Exclusive Service Agreement shall remain in effect for ten years unless earlier terminated upon written confirmation from both WFOE and Gansu QLS before expiration. Otherwise, this agreement shall be extended by another ten years automatically. Gansu QLS does not have the right to terminate the agreement unilaterally.

 

WFOE is currently managing Gansu QLS pursuant to the terms of the Exclusive Service Agreement. WFOE has absolute authority relating to the management of Gansu QLS, including but not limited to decisions with regard to expenses, salary raises and bonuses, hiring, firing and other operational functions. The Exclusive Service Agreement does not prohibit related party transactions. Upon establishment of the audit committee at the consummation of this offering, the audit committee of the registrant will be required to review and approve in advance any related party transactions, including transactions involving WFOE or Gansu QLS. 

 

Equity Pledge Agreement

 

Under the Equity Pledge Agreement between WFOE and certain shareholders of Gansu QLS together holding 75,492,128 shares, or 98.297% of the total issued and outstanding shares, of Gansu QLS (“Gansu QLS Shareholders”), the Gansu QLS Shareholders pledged all of their equity interests in Gansu QLS to WFOE to guarantee the performance of Gansu QLS’ obligations under the Exclusive Service Agreement. Under the terms of the Equity Pledge Agreement, in the event that Gansu QLS breaches its contractual obligations under the Exclusive Service Agreement, WFOE, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including, but not limited to, the right to collect dividends generated by the pledged equity interests. The Gansu QLS Shareholders also agreed that upon occurrence of any event of default, as set forth in the Equity Pledge Agreement, WFOE is entitled to dispose of the pledged equity interest in accordance with applicable PRC laws. The Gansu QLS Shareholders further agree not to dispose of the pledged equity interests or take any actions that would prejudice WFOE’s interest.

 

The Equity Pledge Agreement shall be effective until the latest date of the following: (1) the secured debt in the scope of pledge is cleared off; (2) WFOE exercises its pledge rights pursuant to provisions and conditions of the Equity Pledge Agreement; and (3) the Gansu QL Shareholders transfer all the pledged equity interests to WFOE according to the Call Option Agreement, or other entity or individual designated by it.

 

The purposes of the Equity Pledge Agreement are to (1) guarantee the performance of Gansu QLS’s obligations under the Exclusive Service Agreement, (2) ensure the Gansu QLS Shareholders do not transfer or assign the pledged equity interests, or create or allow any encumbrance that would prejudice WFOE’s interests without WFOE’s prior written consent and (3) provide WFOE control over Gansu QLS. Under the Call Option Agreement, WFOE may be able to acquire the equity interests or the assets in Gansu QLS any time to the extent permitted by the PRC Law. In the event Gansu QLS breaches its contractual obligations under the Exclusive Service Agreement, WFOE will be entitled to foreclose on the Gansu QLS Shareholders’ equity interests in Gansu QLS and may (1) exercise its option to purchase or designate third parties to purchase part or all of their equity interests or the assets in Gansu QLS and in this situation, WFOE may terminate the Exclusive Service Agreement, Equity Pledge Agreement and Call Option Agreement after acquisition of all equity interests or assets in Gansu QLS or form new VIE structure with the third parties designated by WFOE; or (2) dispose the pledged equity interests or assets and be paid in priority out of proceed from the disposal in which case the VIE structure will be terminated.

 

Call Option Agreement

 

Under the Call Option Agreement, the Gansu QLS Shareholders irrevocably granted WFOE (or its designee) an exclusive right to purchase, to the extent permitted under PRC law, once or at multiple times, at any time, a portion or whole of the equity interests or assets in Gansu QLS held by the Gansu QLS Shareholders. The purchase price should be no more than $1.00 subject to any appraisal or restrictions required by applicable PRC laws and regulations.

 

The agreement remains effective till all the transferred equity or transferred asset of Gansu QLS is legally transferred under the name of WFOE and/or other entity or individual designated by it.

 

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Shareholders’ Voting Rights Proxy Agreement and Powers of Attorney

 

Under the Shareholders’ Voting Rights Proxy Agreement and each Power of Attorney, each Gansu QLS Shareholder authorizes WFOE to act on their behalf as their exclusive agent and attorney with respect to all rights as shareholders, including but not limited to: (a) the attendance of the shareholder’s meeting and the execution of relative Shareholder Resolution(s) of Gansu QLS; (b) exercising all the shareholder’s rights, including voting, that shareholders are entitled to under the laws of China and the Articles of Association, including but not limited to the sale or transfer or pledge or disposition of shares in part or in whole; and (c) designating and appointing on behalf of shareholders the legal representative, the executive director, supervisor, the chief executive officer and other senior management members of Gansu QLS.

 

Each Power of Attorney is coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable and continuously valid from the date of its execution, so long as the relevant Gansu QLS Shareholder is a shareholder of Gansu QLS.

 

Spousal Consent

 

The spouses  of Gansu QLS Shareholders who have executed the “Transaction Documents”, agree, via a spousal consent, to the execution of the “Transaction Documents” including: (a) the Call Option Agreement entered into with WFOE and Gansu QLS; (b) the Shareholders’ Voting Rights Proxy Agreement entered into with WFOE and Gansu QLS; (c) the Equity Pledge Agreement entered into with WFOE; and (d) the Power of Attorney executed by each Gansu QLS Shareholder , and the disposal of the equity interests of Gansu QLS held by each Gansu QLS Shareholder and registered in his/her name.

 

The spouses further undertake not to make any assertions in connection with the equity interests of Gansu QLS which are held by the Gansu QLS Shareholders. They confirm that Gansu QLS Shareholders can perform, amend, or terminate the Transaction Documents without their authorization or consent. They undertake to execute all necessary documents and take all necessary actions to ensure appropriate performance of the agreements.

 

Our Business Strategies

 

Our overall strategy is to leverage our considerable industry experience, our deep understanding of PRC markets and our R&D expertise to capture additional shares of the PRC markets. We plan to fulfill increasing medical and agricultural needs in the Chinese market with our Gan Di Xin®, Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline API, XiongguanTM Organic Fertilizer, and Heparin Sodium Preparation. According to the Frost & Sullivan Report, the total output volume of chemical medicines in the PRC is expected to reach 5,252.8 thousand tons in 2022, with a CAGR of approximately 8.2% from 2018, according to the National Bureau of Statistic of China and the Frost & Sullivan Report. The pharmaceutical market in the PRC started to play an increasingly large role in the global market supply, particularly in relation to APIs. It is expected that the revenue from the manufacturing of APIs will reach RMB1,106.7 billion in 2023, representing a CAGR of approximately 11.8%. According to the Frost & Sullivan Report, the pharmaceutical market in the PRC is highly fragmented with more than 4,000 pharmaceutical companies and a total market size of RMB1,430.4 billion in terms of sales in 2017. In 2017, top 20 pharmaceutical companies accounted for 20.5% of the total pharmaceutical market in the PRC. The market alternatives for Gan Di Xin®, Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline API, XiongguanTM Organic Fertilizer, and Heparin Sodium Preparation are widely available. In particular, major market participants in oxytetracycline, compound licorice and heparin sodium market are small and medium companies with no particular market leader with significant market share to dominate or influence the market.

 

In addition, we have an experienced management team with significant industry and regulatory knowledge. With combined scientific and business expertise, we expect our management team to lead us through future development and commercialization of our products. Our product-specific business strategy is as follows:

 

Our Business Strategies for Gan Di Xin®

 

We plan to further enhance market awareness of Gan Di Xin® brand in the PRC markets. Our Company’s Gan Di Xin® has been included in the National Essential Medicines Category and Gansu Province’s Essential Medicines Category, which are pharmaceutical prescription guidances for medical institutions in the scope of PRC and Gansu Province. Gan Di Xin® has also been enrolled in Gansu Province’s Class B Medical Insurance Coverage Program, which allows Gan Di Xin® to enter insurance-covered pharmacies in Gansu Province. Our branding strategy is to conduct a pilot marketing program in Gansu Province, and then reach a larger customer base in other provinces with wider insurance coverage product offerings by enrolling Gan Di Xin® in the National Medical Insurance Coverage Program. The process of enrolling Gan Di Xin® in the National Medical Insurance Coverage Program is relatively straight forward— we will submit the application materials required by the National Medical Insurance Bureau to Jiuquan City Level Insurance Bureau. We will then submit the application approved by the Jiuquan City Level Insurance Bureau to Gansu Provincial Insurance Bureau, which will further review our application. With Gansu Provincial Insurance Bureau’s approval, we will submit our application further to the National Insurance Bureau, which will have the final say on Gan Di Xin®’s enrollment into the National Medical Insurance Coverage Program. We will amend our application materials if any level of the insurance bureau has any questions regarding our products and applications. Such enrollment will allow Gan Di Xin® to enter medical institutions and insurance-covered pharmacies on a national level.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, Gan Di Xin® product has been approved to be enrolled into the National Essential Medicines Category (2018 Edition), which was promulgated by PRC National Health Commission and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In addition, we have applied with the competent authorities for our Gan Di Xin® product to be included in the National Medical Insurance Coverage Program. As of the date of this prospectus, the Administration of Healthcare Security and the Administration of Human Resources and Social Security of Gansu Province have filed a request to the National Administration of Healthcare Security and the PRC Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security respectively for Gan Di Xin’s enrollment.  There are no express rules or provisions in China regarding the minimum or maximum period required to obtain any approval for the enrollment process. The Company intends to submit all required information and handle the application process internally, and therefore does not expect to incur any ongoing expenses with respect to such application. In addition, under the Provisional Administration Rules on Drugs for Basic Medical Insurance for Urban Workers, there are no administrative or other application expenses required to be paid for the approval process, nor are there any ongoing expenses required to maintain the enrollment status.

 

We believe that our existing production capacity for Gan Di Xin® will be able to meet our future business objectives and that there is no need to further invest in facility and production line expansion. Rather, we intend to invest more on our marketing efforts for Gan Di Xin® and we estimate that we will spend approximately $118,000 annually on marketing expenses in the near future.

 

Our Business Strategies For Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline API

 

We plan to increase our oxytetracycline API production capabilities and hire more experienced marketing specialists in order to carry out our strategic expansions into additional geographical locations in China, which we believe would result in us acquiring a bigger share of the Chinese market for this product. We are committed to prioritizing investment in our infrastructure and marketing capabilities in order to support the strategic expansions into additional geographical markets in China. We are committed to prioritizing investment in our infrastructure capabilities in order to support our strategic expansions into additional geographical markets in China. We plan to relocate our current oxytetracycline API production facilities and purchase additional state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities to further increase our production capacity. We plan to increase our production capacity to 10,000 tons by 2024 and we estimate that our fixed assets investment will be approximately $18 million. We will focus on hiring more experienced professionals in our sales, marketing, and production departments to support our continued market growth while reducing costs.

 

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Our Business Strategies For XiongguanTM Organic Fertilizer

 

We believe our current production equipment and components are adequate to meet current demand and limited future demand. However, to meet the demand anticipated in 2020 and beyond according to the “Zero Growth of Chemical Fertilizer and Pesticide Use by 2020” proposed by Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, we will need to move to a larger production capacity in order to reap substantial business benefits from this Chinese government proposal. Our plan is to build an organic waste treatment facility with the capability to process 36,000 tons of oxytetracycline slags, 1,400 tons of sludge, 68,000 tons of livestock and poultry manure, 54,000 tons of straw wastes, and 7,000 tons of vegetable wastes every year. This organic waste treatment facility will allow us to increase fertilizer production capacity through turning waste into high quality production materials, which will reduce the cost of our organic fertilizer production while increasing the efficiency of our organic fertilizer production each year. We anticipate to complete building our new organic waste treatment facility by 2020. We expect to invest approximately $1.28 million in this project.

 

Our Business Strategies For Heparin Sodium Preparation

 

We intend to implement two primary strategies to expand and grow the production capacity of our Heparin Sodium Preparation: (i) upgrade the production efficiency of our existing manufacturing facilities, and (ii) increase our production lines for Heparin Sodium Preparation. While we have earned our reputation through the consistent quality of our products, we believe that sustained improvements in the production efficiency and increasing production lines are vital to maintaining such reputation and acquire more shares in the Chinese heparin sodium markets.

 

For upgrading the production technology of our existing manufacturing facilities, we plan to improve staff trainings with respect to production, maintenance and quality control procedures in order to increase production speed while lowering production costs. We plan to make equipment and production upgrades to take advantage of quality and cost improvements that new technologies can offer in order to stay ahead of competition. On the other hand, we also plan to improve our information gathering capability to fully understand current market and customer information, which in turn can help better our marketing positioning. Our goal is to increase our heparin sodium preparation’s production capacity to one billion tons per year in three years.

 

We expect to invest approximately $128,000 in implementing these two strategies.

 

Our Products

 

The Company currently manufactures ten products. We independently developed all of our products within our research and development department. Our products are sold in more than 20 provinces in China. The following list outlines the Company’s current products under six categories— oxytetracycline products, licorice products, TCMD product, heparin product, sausage casings, and fertilizers.

 

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Product Category   Product Name   Intended Use   Government Agency Approval
Licorice Products   Gan Di Xin® (1)   Used orally as antitussive and expectorant medicine.  

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Permit approved by Gansu Food and Drug Administration on August 14, 2018

 

GMP Certificate approved by Gansu Food and Drug Administration on August 20, 2015;

 

Re-registration approved by the Gansu Provincial Food and Drug Administration on May 14, 2015.April 30, 2004. 

    Qilian Shan® Licorice Exact (1)   Used for treating bronchitis, pharyngitis, bronchial asthma and chronic adrenal insufficiency.  

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Permit approved by Gansu Food and Drug Administration on August 14, 2018;

 

GMP Certificate approved by Gansu Food and Drug Administration on August 20, 2015;

 

Re-registration approved by Gansu Food and Drug Administration on May 14, 2015. 

   

Qilian Shan® Licorice Liquid Extract (1)

 

  Used for treating bronchitis, pharyngitis, bronchial asthma and chronic adrenal insufficiency.  

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Permit approved by Gansu Food and Drug Administration on August 14, 2018

GMP Certificate approved by Gansu Food and Drug Administration on August 20, 2015;

Re-registration approved by the Gansu Provincial Food and Drug Administration on May 14, 2015.April 30, 2004.

Oxytetracycline Products   Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline API (1)   Used for treating following diseases: Rickettsia, Mycoplasma infection, Chlamydia infection, Regression fever, Brucellosis cholera, Rabbit fever and Plague.  

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Permit approved by Gansu Food and Drug Administration on August 14, 2018;

GMP Certificate approved by Gansu Food and Drug Administration on March 2, 2015;

Re-registration approved by Gansu Food and Drug Administration on May 14, 2015. 

    Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline Tablets (1)   Used orally for treating the following diseases: Rickettsia, Mycoplasma infection, Chlamydia infection, Regression fever, Brucellosis cholera, Rabbit fever and Plague.  

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Permit approved by Gansu Food and Drug Administration on August 14, 2018;

GMP Certificate approved by Gansu Food and Drug Administration on August 20, 2015;

Re-registration approved by Gansu Provincial Food and Drug Administration on May 14, 2015.September 19, 2010.

TCMD Product   Ahan® Antibacterial Paste (2)   Designed as a rubbing ointment to kill Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Escherichia coli. It treats psoriasis, various dermatitis and eczema, mites, onychomycosis, and genital itching.   Sanitary License for Manufactures of Disinfectant Products approved by Health and Family Planning Commission of Gansu Province  and Shaanxi Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention on June 1,  2017.
Heparin Product   Heparin Sodium Preparations (3)   Designed for the prevention of thrombosis and embolism; treatment of diffuse intravascular coagulation (DIC) caused by various causes; and other anticoagulation purposes.   Business license issued by Chengdu Administration for Industry and Commerce on June 23, 2014
Sausage Casings   Zhu XiaochangTM Sausage Casing (3)   Used for culinary purposes.   Business license issued by Chengdu Administration for Industry and Commerce on June 23, 2014
Fertilizers   XiongguanTM Organic Fertilizer (4)   Designed as a base application fertilizer. It is used to improve soil quality, increases crop yield and improves agricultural products’ quality.   National Manufacturing License for Industrial Products approved by Gansu Provincial Agriculture and Animal Husbandry on August 5, 2016
    XiongguanTM Organic-Inorganic compound Fertilizer (4)   Designed as a base and top application fertilizer. It is used to improve soil structure, prevents soil compaction, increases soil’s water retention capacity, improves crops’ drought/cold weather resistance, and enhances crops’ rooting.   National Manufacturing License for Industrial Products approved by Gansu Provincial Quality Inspection Bureau and Gansu Provincial Agriculture and Animal Husbandry on August 5, 2016

 

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(1) This product is manufactured by our operating subsidiary, Gansu GLS.

 

(2) This product is manufactured by our operating subsidiary, Ahan.

 

(3) This product is manufactured by our operating subsidiary, Chengdu QLS.

 

(4) This product is manufactured by our operating subsidiary, Qiming.

 

The following is a detailed description of the Company’s current products and products in development.

 

Our Licorice Products

 

Gan Di Xin® — As an enhanced type of compound licorice tablet, Gan Di Xin is an antitussive and expectorant medicine made from raw licorice materials. We have independently researched and developed Gan Di Xin using our patented purification, thin-film coating and inclusion technology (the “3 in 1 technology”, Patent Number ZL 200410030776.4, issued on October 25, 2006). The effective medical ingredients in compound licorice tablets become active only when they are absorbed by the bloodstream. However, traditional licorice tablets’ efficacy is drastically reduced when the effective medical ingredients are swallowed and enter the gastrointestinal tract. Rather than being absorbed by the bloodstream directly, the effective medical ingredients go through the liver’s metabolism process first, which renders the ingredients ineffective. Such phenomenon is called “first pass effect”. Our 3 in 1 technology has helped our Gan Di Xin bypass the so called “first pass effect”—i by allowing our Gan Di Xi to be dissolved slowly in patients’ mouths, whereby the active ingredients are absorbed through oral mucosa, enabling them to enter blood circulation directly rather than being metabolized by the liver. In this way, Gan Di Xin’s effectiveness can be preserved.

 

Gan Di Xin is currently categorized as a chemical medicine that falls under China’s State Category V New Drug. According to the New Drug Approval Methods promulgated on July 1985 and revised on April 1999 by the State Drug Administration of PRC, claims of new indications for marketed chemical drugs shall be categorized as a V Category New Drug in the application for approval. Since we applied to have Gan Di Xin approved as a marketed drug reducing dosages, thus adding new indications to already marketed drugs, when Gan Di Xin was approved, it was approved as a Category V New Drug. The application and approval procedures for Category V New Drugs are divided into two stages: clinical research and production and sale. The application for a Category V New Drug is pre-examined by the provincial branches of the National Medical Products Administration, and re-examined by the National Medical Products Administration. Gan Di Xin was issued the National New Drug Certificate (No. H20040463) on 30 April 2004, and the Drug Registration Approval (No. 20040640). As a pharmaceutical manufacturer, Gansu QLS is subject to the national medicine quality standard of WS1-(X-001)-2015Z in the process of registration for approval as well as production.

 

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Our Gan Di Xin® is innovative in terms of its unconventional administration methods, taste, and efficacy. Our unique manufacturing process, the abundance of local source materials and our geographical location are crucial elements contributing to the success our Gan Di Xin®.

 

We introduced Gan Di Xin® to the Chinese market in 2004. Gan Di Xin® has enjoyed growing popularity in recent years due to its easy administration method, strong efficacy, and soothing taste. We sold approximately 106 million pieces in 2016, approximately 108 million pieces in 2017, and 310 million pieces in 2018. Gan Di Xin® was awarded “Famous Trademark of Gansu Province” in 2011 by the Gansu Famous Brand Strategy Promotion Committee of the Gansu government. Gan Di Xin® was also awarded “China Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry’s Excellent Product Brand” in 2013 by the China Chemical Pharmaceutical Industry Association, China Pharmaceutical Business Association, China Non-Prescription Drug Association, and China Pharmaceutical Enterprise Development and Promotion Association. Currently, we sell Gan Di Xin® in more than 20 provinces in China.

 

Qilian Shan® Licorice Extract and Qilian Shan® Licorice Liquid Extract — Our licorice extract is a type of API made from processed high quality licorice. Our licorice liquid extract is a type of API made from fluid extract of further processed licorice extract. Our licorice extract is the primary product for pharmaceutical companies to manufacture traditional licorice tablets. Our licorice liquid extract is the primary product for medical preparation companies to produce compound licorice oral solutions. Both the traditional compound licorice tablets and compound licorice oral solutions are prescriptive palliatives that help to relieve the symptoms of mucosa irritations and gastrointestinal smooth muscle spasms; they are also used in treating bronchitis, bronchial asthma, throat inflammation and chronic adrenal insufficiency.

 

Our Oxytetracycline Products

 

Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline Tablets – Oxytetracycline is a yellow crystalline broad-spectrum antibiotic C22H24N2O9, which is active against a wide variety of bacteria. Oxytetracycline works by interfering with the ability of bacteria to produce essential proteins. Without these proteins, the bacteria cannot grow, multiply and increase in numbers. Oxytetracycline therefore stops the spread of the infection and the remaining bacteria are killed by the immune system or eventually die.

 

The Company uses the active ingredient oxytetracycline to manufacture oxytetracycline tablets. Our Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline Tablets are used to prevent and treat a wide range of diseases in chickens, turkeys, cattle, swine, and human. We sell our Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline tablets in more than 20 provinces. Most of the customers who purchase our oxytetracycline tablets are pharmaceutical companies.

 

Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline APIs— Pharmaceutical companies use our oxytetracycline APIs in the manufacture of other medications that use oxytetracycline as an active ingredient in such pharmaceutical products.

 

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Our Company is the only producer in China manufacturing both oxytetracycline tablets and oxytetracycline APIs. Both Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline tablets and Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline APIs are certified by the State Food and Drug Administration (“CFDA”), which has been superseded as National Medical Products Administration (“NMPA”). Our operating subsidiary, Gansu QLS, has obtained the Pharmaceutical Production License, the Good Manufacturing Practice (“GMP”) Standard Certificate, and the re-registration approval for the production of our oxytetracycline products. All registrations and qualifications for production are within their validity period.

 

While our domestic competitors’ oxytetracycline products are certified for veterinary use only by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture (“CMA”), our products are also qualified for human consumption by the CFDA. The Company relies on an established production system as well as a quality control process for its product manufacturing process. Our key productions indicators such as fermentation unit, fermentation yield, and bacterial infection rate have given our Company distinctive advantages over our competitors, such as excellent per unit production rate, stable and premium quality of products, or large scale production capability.

 

Our TCMD Product

 

Ahan® Antibacterial Paste— Categorized as a disinfecting product under the Law of the PRC on Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Disease, Ahan® antibacterial paste is made from a mixture of 11 traditional Chinese herbal ingredients including Scutellariae Radix, Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex, Rhei Radix Et Rhizoma, Cnidii Fructus and Dictamni Cortex. It is used to treat refractory chronic skin diseases caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Moniliaalbican, and Escherichia coli. It is also prescribed for people suffering from skin infections such as psoriasis, eczema and onychomycosis. Since its introduction to the Chinese public in November 2017, Ahan® antibacterial paste has been praised by Chinese customers for its curative effect and soothing relief according to online product rating, offline surveys and personal interviews by the Company.

 

Our Heparin Product

 

Heparin Sodium Preparations- Heparin sodium is a prescription drug that has multiple biological and medical functions such as anticoagulation, antithrombotic, hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerosis. It is used in treating cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and hemodialysis. Heparin sodium decreases the risk of coagulation, which is the formation of blood clots in the blood vessels. Heparin sodium is used in preventing blood clotting during open-heart surgery, bypass surgery, kidney dialysis, and blood transfusions. In low doses, it can help prevent and reduce coagulation in certain patients, especially those who underwent surgeries or must remain in bed for a long time. Heparin sodium is also valuable in diagnosing and treating disseminated intravascular coagulation, a serious blood condition in which increased clotting depletes the clotting factors needed to control bleeding, causing excessive bleeding. Heparin sodium has been one of the most effective and most widely used anticoagulants in the world since its first use in 1935.

 

Chengdu QLS, a subsidiary of the Company, purchases healthy, locally raised pigs and extracts heparin-rich organic materials from their small intestinal mucosa. Chengdu QLS then processes extracted heparin materials into heparin crude products, which are then sent to manufacturers of heparin sodium raw material for further preparations. Our crude heparin is intended for use as a component of other drugs in the Chinese biochemical and medical industry such as Enoxaparin Sodium Injection and Nadroparin Calcium Injection.

 

Our Sausage Casings

 

Zhu XiaochangTM Sausage Casings – Our sausage casings are soft cylindrical containers made from small intestines of locally raised pigs. They can be used to contain sausage mixes or for certain medical uses. Our all-natural sausage casings are strong and flexible enough to resist the pressure produced by filling them with sausage mix and are permeable to water vapor and gases. Our sausage casings offer resistance at low or high temperatures and under customary culinary or medical preparations.

 

Our Heparin Sodium Preparations and Zhu XiaochangTM sausage casings are resource-based products. Chengdu QLS enjoys high quality, low cost, and abundant local resources, which enables it to focus on production technologies and quality control procedures.

 

Our Fertilizers

 

XiongguanTM Organic Fertilizer— Our organic fertilizer combines functional microorganisms and composites of organic materials such as animal and plant residues. In addition to its high nutrient efficiency, our organic fertilizer is designed to improve crop yield, increase soil’s chemical properties, and reduce soil compaction.

 
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XiongguanTM Organic-Inorganic Compound Fertilizer— Primarily sold in six Western Chinese provinces, our organic-inorganic compound fertilizer contains both organic materials and composites from traditional chemical fertilizer. The organic materials are a mixture of animal feces and peat moss, which are then treated by microbial fermentation process. The organic materials are further mixed with composites from traditional chemical fertilizer, along with humic acid, amino acid and beneficial microbial bacteria. The final product is a granulated nutritious blend designed to increased plant growth.

 

Products Currently in Development

 

Microbial Fertilizer — Microbial fertilizer is a type of multi-element fertilizer containing various strains of living microorganisms. It is a mixture of peat, cow dung, sheep manure carefully cultivated with beneficial bacteria such as lactobacillus, photosynthetic bacteria, and Bacillus. It is a compound bacterial fertilizer rich in various antioxidant substances, amino acids, and digestive enzymes. Microbial fertilizer’s bio-mechanism is creating positive influence upon crops and plants through solubilization of phosphorus, nitrogen fixation, production of plant nutrients and phytohormones, protection from pathogens and recovery from stressful environmental conditions. Functionally, microbial fertilizer enhances crops and plants’ resilience against pests, diseases, and harsh environmental conditions, thus reducing yield loss over time. In addition to providing essential nutrients for crops, it stimulates the growth of roots through chemical substances released by living microorganisms, creating a virtuous cycle of nutrients accumulation that increases crop yields.

 

Bio-organic Fertilizer — bio-organic fertilizer is a combination of functional microorganisms and organic materials mainly composed of animal and plant residues (such as mixtures of livestock manure and straws). Manufactured through environmental-friendly processes, our product is expected to have the following benefits— high nutrient utilization efficiency, the capability to improve crop yield and quality, and the ability to improve soil’s physical and chemical properties.

 

Our two products in development must be registered with the PRC Ministry of Agriculture before they can be produced, sold, or advertised. We have applied for the registration of our new fertilizers with the Agriculture Administration of Gansu Province and the Agriculture Administration of Gansu Province has finished its preliminary examination on our microbial fertilizer and the bio-organic fertilizer. We estimate that the Agriculture Administration of Gansu Province will submit our reviewed application to the PRC Ministry of Agriculture in October 2019. It may take up to 3 months for the PRC Ministry of Agriculture to complete its final review process. We cannot give any guarantee that we will be able to complete the registration process for our new fertilizers.

 

Manufacturing Process

 

The following is a brief description of the manufacturing process of the Company’s current products.

 

Our Licorice Products

 

Gan Di Xin®Our facilities produce licorice tablets by combining Licorice Extract, hydrochloric acid, and diluted ammonia. The resulting paste-like mixture is then dried and pulverized into fine powder. That powder is then mixed with camphor extract, star anise oil, and betacyclodextrin. The mixture is further stirred, refrigerated, filtered, dried, combined with more ingredients before final granulation, pressure forming and packaging processes.

 

Qilian Shan® Licorice Extract and Qilian Shan® Licorice Liquid Extract— To make Licorice Extract, we boil and purify a mixture of water and licorice raw materials. We then extract the clear liquid lying above solid licorice residue after precipitation and process the clear liquid into a thick, paste-like solid concentration called Licorice Extract.

 

To make Licorice Liquid Extract, we first apply heat to a mixture of water and Licorice Extract Power. We then add ethanol to the heated solutions, stir, let stand overnight, and extract the clear liquid lying above solid residue. Such procedures are repeated three times before mixing all the clear liquid that was extracted. After removing the residues and ethanol content in the clear liquid, we then add other chemicals to the clear liquid mixture to ensure that the content of glycyrrhizic acid and alcohol in the clear liquid mixture is in compliance with relevant industry regulations. Our facilities then purify the clear liquid mixture before packaging.

 

Our Oxytetracycline Products

 

Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline Tablets— we mix oxytetracycline and starch evenly, producing a soft material that later goes through granulation and drying procedures. We then add magnesium stearate to the mixture as a “flow agent”, which prevents the ingredients in each individual tablet from sticking to each other. Then we pressure form, sugar-coat and finally package the tablets.

 

Qilian Shan® Oxytetracycline APIs— we carefully cultivate and reproduce Streptomyces Rimosus under specific conditions. Antibiotic materials are produced and accumulated during this fermentation process. We extract antibiotic materials from the fermentation products. We then purify and refine the extractions before finally formulating and packaging the product.

 

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Our TCMD Product

 

Ahan® Antibacterial Paste— We produce Ahan Antibacterial Paste by mixing water and various Chinese herbal medicine. We then prepare an herbal decoction by heating, purifying and concentrating the mixture. After emulsification, the final products are packaged.

 

Our Heparin Product

 

Heparin Sodium Preparations- We scrape cleaned pigs’ intestines and collect intestinal mucosa. We then heat the intestinal mucosa with water and filter the solution, which is then further processed and dried before packaging.

 

Our Sausage Casings

 

Zhu XiaochangTM Sausage Casings – We salt, dry and package scraped clean pigs’ intestine.

 

Our Fertilizers

 

XiongguanTM Organic Fertilizer and XiongguanTM Organic-Inorganic Compound Fertilizer— We start with processing and crushing a mixture of compost and chemical materials. We then granulate the crushed composted materials and dry the granulated pellet, use coating machines to add a protection layer on the surface of the pellets and finally package our fertilizer products.

 

Quality Control and Assurance

 

In China, each pharmaceutical manufacturer is required to comply with the Good Manufacturing Practice (“GMP”) standards and obtain Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Permits and GMP Certificates granted by the NMPA or its local branches before it engages in any pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution. GMP standards regulate whole processes and procedures in generating pharmaceutical products to ensure the quality in China.

 

We are a GMP-certified company and have obtained the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Permit with the product manufacturing scopes covering our licorice products and oxytetracycline products. We have obtained the National Manufacturing License for Industrial Products that covers the manufacturing of our fertilizer products. We have obtained the Sanitary License for Manufactures of Disinfectant Products that allows us to manufacture our antibacterial paste. The Chinese authorities currently do not require the Company to obtain specific qualification or licenses for our sausage casings manufacturing. We have well-qualified and trained professional employees for manufacturing and quality control procedures. Our quality control starts with procurement and continues in our manufacturing, packaging, storage capabilities, and cost competitiveness to ensure that all of our products meet the requirements.

 

Distribution and Marketing of Products

 

Our Company’s products are sold in more than 20 provinces nationwide to our qualified distributors, dealers and corporate customers. Currently, we have 13 corporate customers buying our heparin product throughout China; we have 15 corporate customers buying our sausage casings throughout China; we have 30 distributors and seven dealers buying our fertilizer products throughout China; we have 31 distributors and two dealers buying our oxytetracycline API throughout China; and we have 86 distributors and one dealer buying our oxytetracycline tablets and licorice products throughout China. A qualified distributor is a merchant with a pharmaceutical business qualification certificate, awarded and authorized by the NMPA. We intend to engage more qualified distributors and dealers in order to strengthen our distribution network.

 

We understand the importance of branding and packaging. Packed in unique packaging, our products bear distinctive trademarks that help them stand out in the market. Our Company designs packaging for our products and engages third-party manufacturers to produce the packaging.

 

We conduct marketing activities to publicize and enhance our image and brand name. Our marketing efforts are concentrated on attending national meetings, seminars, symposiums, exhibitions for veterinary healthcare and medical industries and other related industries where we can showcase our brand and products.

 

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Customers

 

Our customers are consisted of qualified distributors, dealers and corporate customers. We have several large customers with whom we generated substantial revenue each year, and the composition of our largest customers has changed from year to year. For the six months ended March 31, 2019, two customers represented approximately 12.0% and 10.0% of the Company’s sales, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2018, three customers represented approximately 19%, 14.7% and 14.2% of the Company’s sales, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2017, three customers represented approximately 12.9%, 8.9% and 6.2% of the Company’s sales, respectively. While we believe that one or more of our major customers could account for a significant portion of our sales for the foreseeable future, we anticipate that our customer base will continue to expand and that we will become less dependent on major customers.

 

Suppliers; Sources and Availability of Raw Materials

 

We research, design and manufacture our products at our manufacturing facilities located at Jiuquan City of Gansu Province and Qionglai City of Sichuan Province in China. Our principal raw materials include various chemical and biological materials including, but not limited to, starch, pig intestine, oxalic acid, liquid alkali, liquid ammonia, sodium ferrocyanide, and defoamer agent. None of our current products requires any raw materials that are scarce, and our raw materials in general are readily available from a wide range of local sources. Accordingly, we do not have any continuing or long-term supply agreements with any of these suppliers. We purchase our raw materials from our suppliers on a per purchase order basis. The prices for these raw materials are nevertheless subject to market forces largely beyond our control, including energy costs, organic chemical feedstock, market demand, and freight costs. The prices for these raw materials have varied significantly in the past and may vary significantly in the future.

 

For the six months ended March 31, 2019, two of our suppliers accounted for 15.2% and 10.5% of the total purchases. For the year ended September 30, 2018, five of our suppliers accounted for 19.2%, 14.1%, 9.4%, 5.1% and 4.1% of the total purchases, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2017, five of our suppliers accounted for 22.9%, 9.0%, 5.2%, 4.6% and 4.1% of the total purchases, respectively.

 

Competition

 

We have competitors in China that manufacture products similar to ours. These companies sell products similar to ours and some of them may have more assets, resources and a larger market share. We believe we are able to compete with these competitors because of our geographical location in West China, our unique combination of products and our products’ lower prices.

 

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Products   Competitors
Compound Licorice Tablets (a pharmaceutical product that has similar medical efficacy compared to our award winning Gan Di Xin®)   Jiangxi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (the only company in China that manufacture compound licorice tablets)
Oxytetracycline Tablets   Shanxi Datong Tongxing Antibiotics Co., Ltd.; Chifeng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; Hebei Shengxue Dacheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Oxytetracycline APIs   Yunnan Baiyao Group Co., Ltd.; Kunming Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd.; Hunan Jianlang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; Hainan Pharmaceutical Factory Co., Ltd. No. 2 Pharmaceutical Factory; Anhui Fengyuan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Licorice Extract and Liquid Extract   Baoji Jinsen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; Xinjiang Tarim Agricultural Comprehensive Development Co., Ltd.; Jiangxi Jin Furong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; Fuzhou Haiwang Jinxiang Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; Xinjiang Sinopharm Group Co., Ltd.
Organic Fertilizer   Gansu Shikefeng New Fertilizer Co., Ltd.; Beijing Century Arms Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; Ningxia Yipin Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; Shijiazhuang Golden Sun Bio-organic Fertilizer Co., Ltd.; Ningxia Beite Fertilizer Co., Ltd.
Organic-Inorganic Compound Fertilizer   Gansu Shikefeng New Fertilizer Co., Ltd.; Gansu Jinhua Group Corporation; Jinzhengda Ecological Engineering Group Co., Ltd.; Stanley Fertilizer Co., Ltd.; Hubei Xinyangfeng Fertilizer Co., Ltd.
Heparin Sodium Preparations   Chengdu Shenrui Animal Products Co., Ltd.; Guanghan Jinghuang Meat Food Co., Ltd.; Sichuan Xinkang Green Food Co., Ltd.; Yibin Lihao Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
Sausage Casings   Chengdu Shenrui Animal Products Co., Ltd.; Guanghan Jinghuang Meat Food Co., Ltd.; Sichuan Xinkang Green Food Co., Ltd.; Yibin Lihao Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
Chinese Herbal Anti-bacterial Paste   Wuhan Laowantong Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; Wuhan Runhe Biomedical Co., Ltd.; Jiangxi Jiarun Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; Jiangxi Cihetang Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; Jiangxi Jianyuantang Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

 

Our Competitive Advantages

 

We believe our principal competitive strengths are as follows:

 

Recognized Brand Name

 

With over 50 years of history, “Qilian Shan (祁连山)” is a well-known medical and chemical product brand in China. We have received many awards from government agencies such as the Gansu Province “Specialized New Technology” Enterprise Status granted by Gansu Provincial Industry and Information Technology Commission in November 2017. Please see “Business- Honors, Awards, and Qualifications” for more detailed information regarding the awards we have received in the past years and selective criteria for each award. In addition, our TCMD product have been available in hospitals and drug stores for years and have received positive feedback from our customers over time.

 

Our fertilizer products enjoy customer loyalty and goodwill because they are designed to significantly increase soil organic matter contents, improve soil physical and chemical properties and enhance soil fertility, thereby increasing crop yields and yield quality. Our fertilizer products have been well received in China for years and individual farmers as well as farm owners have well received them. In addition, as Chinese consumers are becoming better informed and more aware of the environmental impact of consumer products, we have actively cultivated a positive sustainability brand image through our operating subsidiary Qiming which uses oxytetracycline waste materials to produce fertilizer, saving resources, protecting our environment and promoting the sustainable development of the fertilizer industry.

 

Unique Geographical Location And Beneficial National Policy

 

Situated in one of the most important cities of the ancient Silk Road, Jiuquan City of Gansu Province, Gansu QLS enjoys unique business and policy advantages bestowed by the Belt and Road Initiative, which is a Chinese government’s international infrastructure development and investment strategy that has a particular focus on Western China. Such advantages include exemptions for land transaction fees, exemptions for newly added construction land users’ fees, exemptions for enterprise income tax, and priorities in using certain public lands. Spearheaded by the Chinese government since President Xi Jinping first announced this initiative in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative aims to recreate the ancient Silk Road geopolitical economy, reshaping global economic through trading coverage of more than 65 countries, half of the world’s population, and about one-third of global GDP. In addition, Gansu QLS and its operating subsidiaries enjoy high quality, low cost, and abundant local resources due to their locations in remote Western China, which enables them to allocate more financial resources on improving production technologies, advancing research and development, and guaranteeing quality control procedures.

 

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Strong Research And Development Capability

 

We believe that our research and development capabilities allow us to respond to our customers’ evolving needs. Our research and development team has demonstrated its success in using sophisticated research methods and modern technologies to develop innovative TCMD products that we believe give us certain advantage. We have a strong technical team of 103 highly qualified individuals, amongst whom we have 14 individuals dedicated to the Company’s research and development projects. There are 17 engineers, one senior engineer, and 18 individuals with bachelor’s and advanced degrees in our technical team. Our research and development personnel have successfully developed two innovative TCMD products (Gan Di Xin® and Ahan® Antibacterial Paste), both of which have been fully commercialized. We have received a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Permit, a Pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practices Certificate (“GMP Certificate”) and national drug registration approval from Gansu Provincial Food and Drug Administration for Gan Di Xin®. We have also obtained the Sanitary License for Manufactures of Disinfectant Products for the production of our Ahan® Antibacterial Paste.

 

High Production Capacity

 

Our Company has a maximum annual production capacity of 4,000 tons of oxytetracycline APIs, 3 billion oxytetracycline tablets, 1,000 tons of licorice APIs, 5,000 kilograms of heparin sodium, 4 million sausage casings and 100,000 tons of fertilizers. We believe that such production capacity of antibiotic raw materials gives us an advantage over our competitors in China. In addition, we believe that we have the largest fermentation and extraction manufacturing units in the country, which we believe offers a distinctive advantage over our competitors.

 

Experienced and Accomplished Leadership Team with a Proven Track Record

 

We have an experienced management team, and a majority of our members possess more than a decade of pharmaceutical, biomedical, chemical and related industry experience. We believe that our leadership team is well-positioned to lead us through development, regulatory approval and commercialization of our future products. Collectively, our management team has extensive experience in R&D, manufacturing and commercialization in Chinese biomedical and chemical industry. Our success in our current products reflects the significant experience that members of our management team have in their respective fields of expertise and their in-depth knowledge in the Chinese biomedical and chemical business.

 

Honors, Awards, and Qualifications

 

Honors

 

Honors   Individual or
Entity

Honored
  Agency   Date
Vice Presiding Entity of Northwestern Natural Herbal Medicine Technology Innovation Strategical Alliance   Gansu QLS   Northwestern Natural Herbal Medicine Technology Innovation Strategical Alliance   August 2010
Vice Presiding Entity for Gansu Province Medical Industry Association   Gansu QLS   Gansu Province Medical Industry Association   May 2013
The 3rd Governing Entity of China Narcotics Association   Gansu GLS   China Association of Narcotic Drugs   October 2014
Vice Presiding Entity for Jiuquan City Environmental Protection Industrial Association   Gansu QLS   Jiuquan City Environmental Protection Industrial Association   March 2015

 

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Awards

 

Awards   Individual or Entity
Awarded
  Agency   Date
Gansu Provincial Excellent Engineering Consulting Award (awarded to our CEO)   Zhanchang Xin, our CEO.   Gansu Provincial Development and Reform Commission   August 2010
Gansu Province’s Famous Brand   Gansu QLS   Gansu Famous Brand Strategy Promotion Committee   December 2011
Suzhou District Science and Technology Progress Award   Gansu QLS   Government of Suzhou District, Jiuquan City   August 2012
2013 China Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry’s Excellent Product Brand (awarded to our Gan Di Xin® product)   Gansu QLS   China Chemical Pharmaceutical Industry Association, China Pharmaceutical Business Association, China Non-Prescription Drug Association, China Pharmaceutical Enterprise Development and Promotion Association   November 2013
Famous Trademark of Gansu Province (awarded to our trademark Qilian Shan®)   Gansu QLS   Gansu Provincial Administration for Industry and Commerce   November 2014
Gansu Province Circular Economy Exemplar Enterprise   Gansu QLS   Gansu Provincial Industry and Information Technology Commission   July 2015
Nationally Recognized Enterprise Technology Center Status, Provincial Level   Gansu QLS   Gansu Provincial Industry and Information Commission, Gansu Provincial Development and Reform Commission, Gansu Provincial Science and Technology Department, Gansu Provincial Finance Department, Gansu Provincial State Taxation Bureau, Gansu Provincial Local Taxation Bureau   December 2015
Famous Trademark of Gansu Province (awarded to our Gan Di Xin® product)   Gansu QLS   Gansu Provincial Administration for Industry and Commerce   December 2015
Excellent Entrepreneur Award (awarded to our CEO)   Zhanchang Xin   China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Committee   July 2016
Gansu Province “Specialized New Technology” Enterprise   Gansu QLS   Gansu Provincial Industry and Information Technology Commission   November 2017
Strategic Emerging Growth Exemplar Enterprise   Gansu QLS   Gansu Provincial Development and Reform Commission   December 2018

 

Selective Criteria for the Awards

 

Gansu Provincial Excellent Engineering Consulting Award (awarded to our CEO Mr. Zhanchang Xin)

 

The Gansu Provincial Excellent Engineering Consulting Award is awarded by the Gansu Provincial Development and Reform Commission based on the comprehensive evaluation of the engineering consulting achievements accomplished by the applicant and such recognition is only awarded to engineering projects that have reached high level of ingenuity and economic potential within certain industry. Our “Gan Di Xin Industrialization Project” was recognized as such engineering project and Mr. Zhanchang Xin was recognized as having made outstanding contributions to the project during its establishment, implementation and completion stages.

 

Gansu Province’s Famous Brand

 

Gansu Province’s Famous Brand is awarded by Gansu Famous Brand Strategy Promotion Committee in accordance with the “Product Quality Law of the People’s Republic of China”, the “Quality Control Guideline of the State Council” and the “Quality Control Implementation Plan of Gansu Province”. In an effort to promote and cultivate excellent local brand of Gansu province, Gansu Famous Brand Strategy Promotion Committee carefully evaluates the applicant’s qualifications based on the following guidelines, which include but not limited to: brand-name strategy, products quality control, market share, customer satisfaction, annual profit and tax contribution, production cost and annual profit, applicant’s technological innovation and product development capabilities, and customer service.

 

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Suzhou District Science and Technology Progress Award

 

In August 2012, the Company’s project “Research and development of oxalic acid extracted from oxytetracycline raw material production waste liquid” was awarded the first prize of “Science and Technology Progress” by the People’s Government of Suzhou County, Jiuquan City. The award is given by the local people’s government after comprehensive evaluation of our project’s key quantitative and qualitative indicators such as technological innovation, project scale, overall technical difficulties involved, economic benefits conferred, and the promotion of scientific and technological progress in related industrial fields.

 

2013 China Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry’s Excellent Product Brand (awarded to our Gan Di Xin®)

 

The Company’s product, Gan Di Xin®, was awarded “2013 China Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry’s Excellent Product Brand” after a joint review process conducted by the China Chemical Pharmaceutical Industry Association, the China Pharmaceutical Business Association, and the China Pharmaceutical Enterprise Development Promotion Association. The review process was based on the following qualifications, which include but are not limited to, the Company’s R&D capabilities, marketing capabilities, technological innovation, and production scale.

 

Famous Trademark of Gansu Province (awarded to our trademark Qilian Shan®)

 

According to the “Trademark Law of the People’s Republic of China”, the “Regulations on the Implementation of the Trademark Law of the People’s Republic of China” and other laws and administrative regulations, the Gansu Provincial Administration for Industry and Commerce is authorized to award the “Famous Trademark of Gansu Province” title to eligible applicants based on the following qualifications, which include but not limited to: whether the trademark is publicly recognized and legally owned by the applicant, whether the trademark has high reputation/credibility and is well-known to the general public, whether the product behind the trademark is of superior quality than its competitors, and whether the customer service is satisfactory. The Gansu Provincial Administration for Industry and Commerce also evaluate the applicant’s key business indicators such as sales volume, local tax contribution, and annual profit increase in the past three years.

 

Gansu Province Circular Economy Exemplar Enterprise

 

According to the “Management Measures for the Identification and Assessment of Key Enterprises in Strategic Emerging Industries in Gansu Province” provided by the Provincial Development and Reform Commission, the Commission has the authority to award the Strategic Emerging Growth Exemplar Enterprise status to local enterprises with the following qualifications, which include but not limited to: well-known brand name within certain industry, high business growth, high contribution to local tax revenue, market competitiveness, and future development potential.

 

Nationally Recognized Enterprise Technology Center Status, Provincial Level

 

According to the “Gansu Provincial Level Nationally Recognized Enterprise Technology Center Recognition Measures”, Gansu Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology, together with Gansu Provincial Development and Reform Commission, Gansu Provincial Department of Finance, State Taxation Bureau, and Gansu Provincial Taxation Bureau commissioned certain third-party institutions to conduct a comprehensive review of the applicant’s qualifications based on the following criteria, which include but not limited to: annual sales revenue, net profit, capitalization, production scales, competitive strength such as technological innovation, research and development capabilities, and ownership of intellectual property rights.

 

Famous Trademark of Gansu Province (awarded to our Gan Di Xin®)

 

According to the “Trademark Law of the People’s Republic of China”, the “Regulations on the Implementation of the Trademark Law of the People’s Republic of China” and other laws and administrative regulations, the Gansu Provincial Administration for Industry and Commerce is authorized to award the “Famous Trademark of Gansu Province” title to eligible applicants based on the following qualifications, which include but not limited to: whether the trademark is publicly recognized and legally owned by the applicant, whether the trademark has high reputation/credibility and is well-known to the general public, whether the product behind the trademark is of superior quality than its competitors, and whether the customer service is satisfactory. The Gansu Provincial Administration for Industry and Commerce also evaluate the applicant’s key business indicators such as sales volume, local tax contribution, and annual profit increase in the past three years.

 

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Excellent Entrepreneur Award (awarded to our CEO, Mr. Zhanchang Xin)

 

China National Petroleum Corporation and China Chemical Industry Federation jointly reviewed the qualification of Mr. Zhanchang Xin based on the following standards, which include but not limited to: the Company’s R&D capacity, the Company’s annual profit increase in the past five years, the Company’s major products, and the Company’s local and national tax contributions.

 

Gansu Province “Specialized New Technology” Enterprise

 

According to the “Guiding Opinions on Promoting the Development of Specialized New Technology Enterprises” and “Plans on Promoting the Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises” provided by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Gansu Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology has the authority to award the “Specialized New Technology Enterprise” status to enterprises with the following qualifications, which include but not limited to: good operating status, complete and organized financial management system, high-tech industrial products encouraged by the local and central governments, high average annual growth rate of net profit (no less than 10%), low asset-liability ratio (less than 70%), high level of proficiency in business operation and management, high R&D capacity, high product quality, safe manufacturing environment, high financial credit, and high social credit.

 

Strategic Emerging Growth Exemplar Enterprise

 

According to the “Management Measures for the Identification and Assessment of Key Enterprises in Strategic Emerging Industries in Gansu Province” provided by the Provincial Development and Reform Commission, the Commission has the authority to award the Strategic Emerging Growth Exemplar Enterprise status to local enterprises with the following qualifications, which include but not limited to: well-known brand name within certain industry, high business growth, high contribution to local tax revenue, market competitiveness, and future development potential.

 

Qualifications

 

Qualifications   Individual or Entity
Qualified
  Agency   Date
GMP Certificate for our Oxytetracycline Products   Gansu QLS   Gansu Provincial Food and Drug Administration   March 2015
GMP Certificate for our Licorice Products   Gansu QLS   Gansu Provincial Food and Drug Administration   August 2015
National Permit for Industrial Products Manufacturers   Qiming   Gansu Provincial Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision   August 2016
Production Permit for Disinfection Product Manufacturers   Ahan   Gansu Provincial Health and Family Planning Commission   June 2017
China’s High-tech Enterprise Certificate   Gansu QLS   Gansu Provincial Department of Science and Technology, Gansu Provincial Department of Finance, Gansu Provincial Department of Taxation, Gansu Provincial Local Taxation Bureau   November 2017
Pollutant Discharge Permits   Gansu QLS   Jiuquan City Environmental Protection Bureau   December 2017
Gansu Province Fertilizer Official Registration Certificate   Qiming   Gansu Provincial Agriculture and Animal Husbandry   December 2017
Pharmaceutical Production License   Gansu QLS   Gansu Provincial Food and Drug Administration   August 2018

 

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Regulations, Certificates and Permits

 

All pharmaceutical manufacturers, including TCMD and API manufacturers, must obtain pharmaceutical manufacturing permits from the NMPA’s relevant provincial branch. This permit is valid for five years and is renewable for an additional five-year period upon its expiration. Our current pharmaceutical manufacturing permit, issued by the CFDA, will expire on February 17, 2021. We will file a renewal request six months before the expiration date. In general, as long as a business entity operates legally and in good standing, its renewal request will be approved.

 

Good Manufacturing Practice (“GMP”) Standard — A pharmaceutical manufacturer must meet the GMP standards for each of its production facilities in China for each form of pharmaceutical product it produces. GMP standards include staff qualifications, production premises and facilities, equipment, raw materials, environmental hygiene, production management, quality control and customer complaint administration. If a manufacturer meets the GMP standards, the NMPA will issue to the manufacturer a GMP certificate with a five-year validity period. The New GMP Standards became effective on March 1, 2011 and pharmaceutical manufacturers (except manufacturers of injectables, blood products or vaccines, which have a three-year grace period) had a five-year grace period to upgrade existing facilities to comply with the new standards.

 

We have obtained all necessary GMP certificates for our manufacturing facilities to produce our products. We are required to renew the certificates every five years and our current GMPs expires in March 1, 2020 and August 19, 2020. There is no guarantee we will be able to renew the GMPs when they next expire.

 

In China, Category I Fertilizers are those fertilizers that have been used for many years domestically and have been established with national or industrial product executive standard. Category I Fertilizers are exempted from registration. These fertilizers include a vast majority of traditional chemical fertilizers such as ammonia sulfate, urea, calcium cyanimide, ammonium phosphate (mono and di), phosphor nitrate, superphosphate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate and many others. Category II Fertilizers need to be registered with provincial agricultural department, which include: compound fertilizer; formula fertilizer (no foliar fertilizer), refined organic fertilizer and soil acid regulating agents. Fertilizers that do not fit in the above mentioned two categories should be registered with the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China, or the MoA.

 

Our XiongguanTM Organic-Inorganic Compound Fertilizer is a Category I fertilizer and our XiongguanTM Organic Fertilizer is a Category II fertilizer. We have obtained Gansu Province Fertilizer Official Registration Certificates on January 1, 2018, which are valid till December 2022, and National Manufacturing License for Industrial Products on August 5, 2016, which is valid till September 2021. The certificates and license enable us to legally manufacture our fertilizer products.

 

Intellectual Property

 

Protection of our intellectual property is a strategic priority for our business. We rely on a combination of patent, trademark and trade secret laws, as well as confidentiality agreements, to establish and protect our proprietary rights. We do not rely on third-party licenses of intellectual property for use in our business.

 

Through Gansu QLS, we currently have eight Chinese patents. Gansu QLS’s current Chinese issued patents expire at various times from 2026 through 2027 and Ahan currently has one Chinese patent applications pending. We have exclusive rights to utilize the processes issued patent rights within the valid term. As for other products of us and the related manufacturing processes, since the technology information has been published to public domain by national or local product standard, we are able to utilize such technology information without need to obtain any patent license. And we do not violate existing patent rights of any other party.

 

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The following table sets forth a brief description of the Company’s issued Chinese patents, including their respective publication numbers, application filing date, issue date, expiration date and title.

 

Patent Number   File Date   Issue Date   Expiration
Date*
  Title   Status
ZL 200410030776.4   2004.04.09   2006.10.25   2026.10.25   Purification, thin-film coating and inclusion technology for the manufacturing of Gan Di Xin®.   Effective
ZL 2015 2 1133480.5   2015.12.30   2016.06.22   2026.06.22   A dust removal process.   Effective
ZL 2015 2 1133504.7   2015.12.30   2016.08.24   2026.08.24   A device for processing oxytetracycline residue.     Effective
ZL 2015 2 1129906.X   2015.12.30   2016.06.29   2026.06.29   A treatment system for waste-water residues.   Effective
ZL 2015 2 1133522.5   2015.12.30   2016.08.10   2026.08.10   Double-effect concentrator.   Effective
ZL 206 2 1459387.8   2016.12.28   2017.07.07   2027.07.07   A new type of oxytetracycline fermenter.   Effective
ZL 2016 2 1454988.X   2016.12.28   2017.07.07   2027.07.07   A traditional Chinese medicine extracting device for ulcerative colitis treatments.   Effective
ZL 2016 2 1464545.9   2016.12.28   2017.08.25   2027.08.25   An insecticide spraying device for vegetables.   Effective
201810214947.0   2018.03.15           A production process of traditional Chinese herb based antibacterial cream.   PENDING
201822114750.8   2018.12.17           An oxytetracycline residue neutralizer.   PENDING
201822121674.3   2018.12.18           A sterilization filter for oxytetracycline fermentation liquid.   PENDING
201822114757.x   2018.12.17           An oxytetracycline crystallization mother liquor retriever.   PENDING

 

*Patent expiration dates are routinely subject to dispute in patent infringement actions. No assurance can be given that third parties infringing our patents will not dispute the expiration dates of our patents or that we will be successful in defending against such disputes.

 

Through Gansu QLS, we currently have nine Chinese trademarks. Gansu QLS’s current Chinese issued trademarks expire at various times from 2020 through 2028. Gansu QLS currently does not have any Chinese trademarks applications pending.

 

Trademark Number   Issue Date   Expiration Date*   Trademark Title
6084468   2010.02.14   2020.02.13   祁连山 (Qilian Shan)
3792776   2006.03.14   2026.03.13   甘帝欣 (Gan Di Xin)
13679211   2015.03.07   2025.03.06   沙门果 (Shamen Guo)
13679213   2015.03.07   2025.03.06   甘帝康 (Gan Di Kang)
13679212   2015.03.07   2025.03.06   阿含 (Ahan)
22534753   2018.04.07   2028.04.06   阿含斋 (Ahan Zhai)
20810590   2017.09.21   2027.09.20   陌上发 (Moshangfa)
10336012   2013.02.28   2023.02.27   雄关 (Xiongguan)
27770670   2018.11.14   2028.11.13   猪小常 (Zhuxiaochang)

 

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*Trademark expiration dates are routinely subject to dispute in trademark infringement actions. No assurance can be given that third parties infringing our trademark will not dispute the expiration dates of our trademarks or that we will be successful in defending against such disputes.

 

Research and Development

 

Our Company established a research and development department in 2015, with its Nationally Recognized Enterprise Technology Center status assessed and approved by the Gansu Provincial Industry and Information Commission, the Gansu Provincial Development and Reform Commission, the Gansu Provincial Science and Technology Department, Gansu Provincial Finance Department, the Gansu Provincial State Taxation Bureau, the Gansu Provincial Local Taxation Bureau in December 2015. A competitive honor awarded by Chinese government agencies, such recognition reflects the Company’s comprehensive strength in technological innovation and robust research and development (“R&D”) activities. After years of continued development, our R&D department has become the core of the Company’s technological innovation efforts, dramatically improving the Company’s R&D capabilities, enhancing the Company’s industry competitiveness, and, we believe, improving the Company’s overall business outlook.

 

R&D Achievements

 

Our research and development activities are project based and the number of projects we work on varies annually. As of September 30, 2018, we had 14 research and development professionals, three of whom have advanced degrees in Medicine and Traditional Medicine. The Director of our R&D department, Mr. Zhanchang Xin, is also the chairman and legal representative of Gansu QLS. Under Mr. Zhanchang Xin’s leadership, our R&D department contributed to the following recent accomplishments:

 

In the beginning of October 2016, Ahan established a TCMD research project borrowing ideas from medicines of Chinese Dai ethnicities. This research project created our innovative Ahan® antibacterial paste for the treatment of psoriasis, neurodermatitis and other skin ailments. The Company has completed all necessary filing procedure as required by PRC laws and the Ahan® Antibacterial Paste has been on the Chinese market since November 2017. We have filed a patent application on March 15, 2018 under patent number 201810214947.0, and the application is currently in the stage of substantive examination.

 

Gansu QLS has invested approximately RMB 1,000,000 for its mutational breeding experiment of oxytetracycline-producing bacteria. Currently, the Company has selected and bred superior strains and has successfully increased the average fermentation unit of oxytetracycline from 32000 U/ml to 35000 U/ml and beyond, thereby greatly improving our oxytetracycline product yield while reducing our production cost.

 

R&D Development Plan

 

The Company intends to continue focusing on R&D to improve the quality of its products. The Company also intends to develop new products and exploit unmet market demand in the near future.

 

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With the aid of advanced production technology and manufacturing facilities, our production capacity of oxytetracycline has reached its industrial upper limit. After thorough research and investigation, our R&D department has concluded that only through improving the quality of oxytetracycline strains can we lead to industrial break-through of oxytetracycline production capacity.

 

Regarding our fertilizer, our operating subsidiary Qiming will continue utilizing its advantage of abundant local raw material sources and expect to develop liquid-flushing fertilizer, crops fertilizer and pharmaceutical fertilizer that fulfills the agricultural production demands of various crops.

 

Our R&D department will further develop our Ahan® antibacterial paste to suit different skin types of our customers and appeal to customers from different ethnic and cultural regions in China. In addition, we will create more products so as to provide our customers with more choices. Pursuant to the Regulations on Sanitary and Safety Evaluation of Disinfectant Products issued by the National Health and Family Planning Committee on June 27, 2014, the Company shall file the sanitary and safety evaluation reports of its modified Ahan® antibacterial paste to the provincial health administrative branch before such product can be introduced to the Chinese market. The local authorities shall publish the filing information excluding commercial secrets. The Company’s filing procedures do not involve approval from the relevant authorities, and enterprises are not required to obtain any certificate in order to complete the filing procedure. We have completed the required filing process for our current version of Ahan® antibacterial paste in May 2017. We will also update the sanitary and safety evaluation report and file the updated report to the competent authorities for any modified Ahan antibacterial paste in the future.

 

Employees

 

We had 279 employees in total as of November 27, 2019. There are 216 employees in Gansu QLS, 19 employees in Qiming, and 44 employees in Chengdu QLS and they work in the following capacities: management, administration, supplement, production, quality control, R&D, strain cultivation, chemical residue cleaning, ingredient combination, disinfection, tablet making, drug preparation, packaging, equipment operator, plate framing, boiler management, bottle making, biochemistry monitoring, powder making, crystalizing, decolorization, docking, product loading, facility repair, air compressor management, water pump management, water treatment, plumbing, welding, hygiene, intestine cleaning, salting, salt disintegration, vehicle management and financial management.

 

As of November 27, 2019, our employees were located in Jiuquan City and Qionglai City, China.

 

The following table sets forth a breakdown of employees by activity in Jiuquan City and Qionlai City for Gansu QLS, Qiming and Chengdu QLS as of November 27, 2019:

 

Gansu QLS   Number of
Employees
 
General Management   20  
Manufacturing Management   5  
Facility Management   5  
Financial Management   5  
Warehouse Management   3  
Operators   98  
Assay and Quality Control Department   15  
Logistics Department   6  
Laboratory and Facilities   47  
Facility Maintenance   6  
Sales Department   5  
Procurement   1  
Total   216  
Qiming   Number of
Employees
 
General Management   4  
Sales Department   1  
Statistics   1  
Drivers   4  
Facility Management   1  
Operators   8  
Total   19  
       
Chengdu QLS   Number of Employees  
General Management   9  
Financial Department   2  
Warehouse Management   2  
Assay and Quality Control Department   4  
Operators   26  
Driver   1  
Total   44  

 

As required by PRC laws and regulations, we participate in various employee social security plans that are organized by municipal and provincial governments, including housing, pension, medical insurance and unemployment insurance programs. We are required under Chinese law to make contributions to employee benefit plans at specified percentages of the salaries, bonuses and certain allowances of our employees, up to a maximum amount specified by the local government from time to time. As of the date of this prospectus, we have failed to make full contributions to social insurance and housing funds for part of our employees. Please see “Risk Factor - We are not in compliance with the PRC’s regulations to employee’s social insurance and housing funds, and as a result, Gansu QLS and Chengdu QLS may be subject to penalties if we are not able to mediate the non-compliance.”  This failure does not constitute any breach of our VIE agreements, nor will it affect the validity of out VIE agreements.

 

We believe that we maintain a good working relationship with our employees, and we are not in the process of any labor disputes.

 

Properties

 

We own our principal executive office, which is located at Jiuquan Economic and Technological Development Zone (formerly named No. 2 Dadeli Road, Nanjiao Industrial Park), Jiuquan City, Gansu, China. We use our principal executive office not only for corporate and administrative purposes, but also for manufacturing our oxytetracycline products and licorice TCMD products.

 

The Company also currently owns the following land use rights and properties for its operations:

 

Land Use Right
Holder
    Address   Legal Use   Area in Square
Meters
  Terms of Use 
Gansu Qilianshan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.     No. 71, Jiujindong Road, Suzhou, Jiuquan, Gansu   Industrial   40456.33   Until June 28, 2057
Gansu Qilianshan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.     No. 71, Jiujindong Road, Suzhou, Jiuquan, Gansu   Industrial   29519.37   June 28, 2057
Gansu Qilianshan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.     No.2, Da Deli Road, Industrial Park, Jiuquan, Gansu   Industrial   30610.14   Until January 7, 2043
Gansu Qilianshan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.     No.2, Da Deli Road, Industrial Park, Jiuquan, Gansu   Industrial   24464.59   Until January 7, 2043
Gansu Qilianshan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.     No.2, Da Deli Road, Industrial Park, Jiuquan, Gansu   Industrial   61972.6   Until January 7, 2043
Chengdu Qilianshan Biotechnology Co., Ltd.     No. 8, Yujian Road, Linqiong Town Industrial Park, Qiong Lai City, Chengdu   Industrial   14008.00   Until January 1, 2059

 

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Property Title Holder   Address   Legal Use   Area in Square Meters
Gansu Qilianshan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.   No. 71, Jiujin East Road, Suzhou District, Jiuquan City, Gansu   Industrial   20243.26
Gansu Qilianshan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.   No. 71, Jiujin East Road, Suzhou District, Jiuquan City, Gansu   Industrial   11836.27
Gansu Qilianshan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.   No.2, Da Deli Road, Industrial Park, Jiuquan, Gansu   Industrial   1669.33
Gansu Qilianshan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.   No.2, Da Deli Road, Industrial Park, Jiuquan, Gansu   Industrial   63.44
Gansu Qilianshan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.   No.2, Da Deli Road, Industrial Park, Jiuquan, Gansu   Industrial   9845.25
Chengdu Qilianshan Biotechnology Co.,Ltd.   No. 8, Yujian Road, Linqiong Town Industrial Park, Qiong Lai City, Chengdu*   Industrial   1082.84
Chengdu Qilianshan Biotechnology Co., Ltd.   No. 8, Yujian Road, Linqiong Town Industrial Park, Qiong Lai City, Chengdu*   Industrial   664.08
Chengdu Qilianshan Biotechnology Co., Ltd.   No. 8, Yujian Road, Linqiong Town Industrial Park, Qiong Lai City, Chengdu*   Industrial   168.34
Chengdu Qilianshan Biotechnology Co., Ltd.   No. 8, Yujian Road, Linqiong Town Industrial Park, Qiong Lai City, Chengdu*   Industrial   738.09
Chengdu Qilianshan Biotechnology Co., Ltd.   No. 8, Yujian Road, Linqiong Town Industrial Park, Qiong* Lai City, Chengdu   Industrial   40.77
Chengdu Qilianshan Biotechnology Co., Ltd.   No. 8, Yujian Road, Linqiong Town Industrial Park, Qiong Lai City, Chengdu*   Industrial   1130.03

 

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* Chengdu Qilianshan Biotechnology Co., Ltd. obtained its current property from judicial auctions. It has yet to receive a property ownership certificate for this property.

 

We believe that our current facilities are adequate and suitable for our operations.

 

Legal Proceedings 

 

We are currently not a party to any material legal or administrative proceedings. We may from time to time be subject to various legal or administrative claims and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Litigation or any other legal or administrative proceeding, regardless of the outcome, is likely to result in substantial cost and diversion of our resources, including our management’s time and attention.

 

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REGULATIONS

 

This section sets forth a summary of the principal PRC laws and regulations relevant to our business and operations in China.

 

PRC Laws and Regulations on Pharmaceutical Manufacture

 

General Regulations Relating to Pharmaceutical Industry

 

The pharmaceutical industry in China is highly regulated. We operate our business in China under a legal regime consisting of the National People’s Congress, which is the country’s highest legislative body, the State Council, which is the highest authority of the executive branch of the PRC central government, and several ministries and agencies under its authority, including the State Administration of Market Regulation (“SAMR”), the National Medical Products Administration (“NMPA”), the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (“MIIT”), and their respective local offices.

 

As a developer and producer of medicinal products, we are mainly subject to regulation and oversight by the NMPA and its provincial and local branches. These regulations set forth detailed rules with respect to pharmaceutical companies in China. The Drug Administration Law of the PRC, or the Drug Administration Law, which was first promulgated in 1984 and last amended on 26 August 2019, provides the basic legal framework for the administration of the production and sale of pharmaceutical products in China and covers the manufacturing, distribution, packaging, pricing and advertising of pharmaceutical products. We are also subject to other PRC laws and regulations that are applicable to business operators, manufacturers and distributors in general.

 

Pharmaceutical Marketing Permit Holders

 

The last amended version of the Drug Administration Law, which was promulgated on 26 August 2019 and will take effect on December 1, 2019, adopts the drug marketing authorization holder system and further tightens and expands supervision of drugs to cover the entire processes, including the research and development, production, sale, use and management processes of drugs. Pharmaceutical marketing permit holders shall mean enterprises or pharmaceutical research and development institutes which have obtained a pharmaceutical registration certificate. Pharmaceutical marketing permit holders shall be liable for non-clinical study, clinical trial, manufacturing and business operation, post-market launch study, monitoring, reporting and handling of adverse reactions of the pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutical marketing permit holders may engage in pharmaceutical manufacturing on their own, and may entrust a pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprise to manufacture. Pharmaceutical marketing permit holders engaging in manufacturing pharmaceutical on their own shall obtain a pharmaceutical manufacturing permit; for entrusted manufacturing, the pharmaceutical marketing permit holder shall entrust a qualified pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprise. The pharmaceutical marketing permit holder and the entrusted manufacturing enterprise shall enter into an entrustment agreement and a quality agreement, and strictly perform the obligations agreed in the agreements. Pharmaceutical marketing permit holders may sell on their own the pharmaceuticals for which they have obtained a pharmaceutical registration certificate, or entrust a pharmaceutical business enterprise to sell. Pharmaceutical marketing permit holders engaging in pharmaceutical retail activities shall obtain a pharmaceutical business permit.

 

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Permit

 

According to the Drug Administration Law and the Implementation Rules, no pharmaceutical products can be produced in the PRC without a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Permit. A local pharmaceutical manufacturer must obtain a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Permit from one of the NMPA’s provincial level branches in order to commence production of pharmaceutical products. Prior to granting such license, the relevant government authority will inspect the manufacturer’s production facilities, and decide whether the sanitary conditions, quality assurance system, management structure and manufacturing equipment have met the standards and criteria. Among other things, such a permit sets forth the permit number, the name, legal representative and registered address of the enterprise, the site and scope of production, issuing institution, date of issuance and effective period.

 

Each Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Permit issued to a pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprise is effective for a period of five years. Any enterprise holding a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Permit is subject to review by the relevant regulatory authorities on an annual basis. Such enterprise is required to apply for renewal of such permit within six months prior to its expiry and will be subject to re-assessment by the issuing authorities in accordance with the then effective legal and regulatory requirements for the purposes of such renewal.

 

Our PRC entity Gansu QLS has obtained a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Permit, which expires on February 17, 2021 and allows us to sell all types of pharmaceutical products we are currently selling. We will file a renewal request six months before the expiration date. In general, as long as a business entity operates legally and in good standing, its renewal request will be approved.

 

GMP Certificates

 

A pharmaceutical manufacturer must meet the Good Manufacturing Practice standards, or GMP standards, for each factor that influence the quality of drugs, in respect of each form of pharmaceutical product it produces. GMP standards include staff qualifications, production premises and facilities, equipment, raw materials, environmental hygiene, production management, quality control and customer complaint administration. If a manufacturer meets the GMP standards, the NMPA will issue to the manufacturer a Good Manufacturing Practice certificate, or a GMP certificate, with a five-year validity period. However, for a newly-established pharmaceutical manufacturer that meets the GMP standards, the NMPA will issue a GMP certificate with only a one-year validity period. The New GMP Standards became effective on March 1, 2011 and pharmaceutical manufacturers (except manufacturers of injectables, blood products or vaccines, which have a three-year grace period) have a five-year grace period to upgrade existing facilities to comply with the revisions.

 

Gansu QLS obtained the GMP certificates for its quality management system in respect of scope of oxytetracycline products, which is valid until March 1, 2020 and in respect of scope of tablets extract and fluid extract, which is valid until August 19, 2020.

 

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Registration and Approval of Medicine

 

Pursuant to the PRC Provisions for Drug Registration, a medicine must be registered and approved by the NMPA before it can be manufactured and sold. The registration and approval process requires the manufacturer to submit to the NMPA a registration application containing detailed information concerning the efficacy and quality of the medicine and the manufacturing process and the production facilities the manufacturer expects to use. This process generally takes two to five years and could be longer, depending on the nature of the medicine under review, the quality of the data provided and the workload of the NMPA.

 

The valid term of a drug approval number is five years. To continue its drug production, the applicant shall submit a re-registration application six months prior to the expiry date. When making re-registration of a drug, the relevant data shall be submitted according to the provisions of the NMPA. If no application for the re-registration of a drug is made upon expiration of the valid term, or the application fails to comply with the provisions on re-registration of the NMPA upon review, the drug approval number shall be withdrawn.

 

Our variable interest entity, Gansu QLS has obtained the approval numbers for its products and completed the re-registration procedures to ensure each approval number is valid.

 

National Drug Standard

 

The national drug standards in China include the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, drug registration standard, and other drug standards published by the NMPA, of which the contents consist of technical requirements, testing methods and manufacturing processes, etc.. Pharmaceutical manufacturers shall be subject to the drug registration standard, which refers to the specified specifications of the applied drug approved by the NMPA and shall not be lower than those required by the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

 

The Chinese Pharmacopoeia (Latest Version 2015) became effective on December 1, 2015 and has been codified into law with the purpose of providing clear guidance on the pharmaceutical products manufacturing process. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia applies to all aspects of the pharmaceutical products manufacturing process including research and development, production (import), management, use and supervision of pharmaceutical products. It provides standard language that can be used by pharmaceutical companies to draft description, identification, processing, assay, property and flavor, meridian tropism, actions, indications, storage, administration and dosage, precautions and warnings of pharmaceutical products.

 

Our pharmaceutical products have been issued approval numbers and completed registration procedures, which certifies that our pharmaceutical products comply with the national drug standards.

 

Continuing NMPA Regulation

 

Pharmaceutical manufacturers in China are subject to continuing regulation by the NMPA. If the labeling or manufacturing process of an approved medicine is significantly modified, a new pre-market approval or pre-market approval supplement will be required by the NMPA. Pursuant to the Drug Administration Law, we should also be subject to periodic inspection and safety monitoring by the NMPA to determine compliance with regulatory requirements.

 

If the NMPA approves a medicine, it will issue a new medicine certificate to the manufacturer and impose a monitoring period not more than five years. During the monitoring period, the NMPA will monitor the safety of the new medicine, and will neither accept new medicine certificate applications for an identical medicine by another pharmaceutical company, nor approve the production or import of an identical medicine by other pharmaceutical companies. As a result of these regulations, the holder of a new medicine certificate has the exclusive right to manufacture the new medicine during the monitoring period.

 

The NMPA has a variety of enforcement actions available to enforce its regulations and rules, including fines and injunctions, recall or seizure of products, the imposition of operating restrictions, partial suspension or complete shutdown of production and criminal prosecution.

 

PRC Laws and Regulations on Pharmaceutical Product Packages

 

Insert Sheet and Labels of Products

 

According to the Provisions for the Administration of the Insert Sheets and Labels of Drugs, which became effective on June 1, 2006, the insert sheets and labels of drugs should be reviewed and approved by the NMPA. A drug insert sheet should include the scientific data, conclusions and information concerning drug safety and efficacy in order to direct the safe and rational use of drugs. The inner label of a drug should bear information such as the drug’s name, indication and function, strength, dose and usage, production date, batch number, expiration date and drug manufacturer; and the outer label of a drug should indicate information such as the drug’s name, ingredients, description, indication or function, strength, dose and usage and adverse event. As our pharmaceutical products have been issued approval numbers and completed registration procedures, the insert sheets and labels of our pharmaceutical products have been reviewed and approved.

 

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Use of Pharmaceutical Product Packages

 

Pharmaceutical products packages must, in accordance with applicable regulations, be labeled and have an instruction booklet attached to them. The name of the drug, its ingredients, specifications, the manufacturing enterprise, approval number, product batch number, date of production, expiry date, suitability for symptoms or main function, methods of use, dosage, contraindications, side-effects and points to note must be clearly indicated on the label or in the instruction booklet. The labels of narcotic drugs, psychotropic drugs, poisonous drugs, radioactive drugs, drugs for external use only and non-prescription drugs must bear the prescribed mark. Drug packaging must comply with the national and professional standards. If no national or professional standards are available, an enterprise can formulate its own standards and put into implementation after obtaining the approval of the food and drug administration bureau at provincial level. Such enterprise must reapply with the relevant authorities if it needs to change its own packaging standards. Pharmaceuticals that have not developed or received approval for, packing standards must not be sold or traded its drugs in China (except for drugs for the military).

 

Currently, all of our marketed products meet the packaging requirements.

 

Drug Packaging Manufacturing

 

On June 18, 2004, the Ministry of Health promulgated the Administration Rules for Packaging Material and Containers Directly Contacting Drugs, which stipulates that enterprises producing packaging material and containers directly containing drugs shall apply for registration after completion of trial work and re-registration 6 months before the expiration of the registration certificate.

 

Our PRC entity Qiming has registered for the drug containers it produces and obtained the re-registration certificate.

 

PRC Laws and Regulations on Advertising of Drug Products

 

Pursuant to the Criteria for Censoring Drug Advertisements, which was promulgated and came into effect in 2007, an enterprise seeking to advertise its drugs must apply for an advertisement approval code. The valid term of an advertisement approval code for pharmaceuticals is one year. The content of an approved advertisement may not be altered without prior approval. Where any alteration to the advertisement is needed, a new advertisement approval code shall be obtained. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not advertised for our pharmaceutical products, thus not needing to apply for any approval.

 

PRC Laws and Regulations on Disinfectant Products

 

The SCNPC promulgated the Law of the PRC on Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Disease on February 21, 1989, which took effect on September 1, 1989, and revised it on August 28, 2004 as well as June 29, 2013. Pursuant to the Law of the PRC on Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Disease, disinfectant products used for prevention and treatment of infectious diseases shall measure up to the sanitary standards and specifications of the State. Manufacturers of disinfectant products and disinfectant products to be manufactured for prevention and treatment of infectious diseases shall be subject to examination and approval by the health administration department under the people’s governments at or above the provincial level. 

 

Our PRC operating subsidiary, Ahan, has obtained the Sanitary License for Manufactures of Disinfectant Products for the Ahan® antibacterial paste it produces.

 

According to the Regulations on Sanitary and Safety Evaluation of Disinfectant Products issued by the National Health and Family Planning Committee on June 27, 2014, our Ahan® antibacterial paste is categorized as disinfectant products with risks of middle level, whose sanitary and safety evaluation reports shall be filed for record to the provincial health administrative branch before the product firstly be published to market. Pursuant to the Regulations on Sanitary and Safety Evaluation of Disinfectant Products issued by the National Health and Family Planning Committee on June 27, 2014, the Company shall file the sanitary and safety evaluation reports of its modified Ahan® antibacterial paste to the provincial health administrative branch before such product can be introduced to the Chinese market. The local competent authorities shall publish the filing information excluding commercial secrets. The filing procedure does not involve approval from the competent authorities, and enterprises are not required to obtain any certificate in order to complete the filing procedure. We have completed the required filing process for our current version of Ahan® antibacterial paste in June 2017.

 

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PRC Laws and Regulations on Fertilizer Production and Registration

 

Fertilizer usually refers to organic, inorganic and microbial substances and mixture of substances which offer, maintain or improve the nutritional status, output, quality and stress tolerance (abiotic) of crops or the physical, chemical and biological performance of soils or plants, increase the output and quality of agricultural produce or increase stress resistance of plants.

 

Production License

 

On September 23, 2018, the Decisions of the State Council on Further Reducing the Categories in the Catalogue of Industrial Products Subject to Production License Administration and Simplifying the Approval Procedures were issued. Chemical fertilizers are still on the catalogue of industrial products subject to Production License Administration.

 

Our PRC entity Qiming has obtained the Production License for Industrial Products for the chemical fertilizer it produces, which is valid from August 5, 2016 to September 20, 2021.

 

Fertilizer Registration

 

Fertilizers cannot be imported, produced, sold, or advertised without prior registration with the competent authorities at a ministerial or provincial level. From a registration prospective, fertilizers can be divided into 3 types:

 

Exempted from Registration-Fertilizers that have been used for many years domestically and have been established with national or industrial product executive standard are exempted from registration: ammonia sulfate, urea, calcium cyanamide, ammonium phosphate(mono and di), phosphor nitrate, superphosphate, potassium chloride; potassium sulfate, potassium nitrate ,ammonium chloride ,ammonium bicarbonate, calcium magnesium phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, single microelement fertilizer, high concentration compound fertilizer;

 

Registered with provincial agricultural department-compound fertilizer; formula fertilizer (no foliar fertilizer); refined organic fertilizer and soil acid regulating agents should be registered with provincial agricultural department and can be only sold within the administration area of the province. If the producer or distributor files a provincially registered fertilizer to the department at another province, the fertilizer can be sold in that province too.

 

Other Fertilizers – Fertilizers that do not comply with the above two criteria should be registered with the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture (the “MoA”). Fertilizer-pesticide mixtures and the homemade organic fertilizer produced by the farmers are also beyond the scope of fertilizer registration management. Homemade organic fertilizers are usually for self-use purpose and fertilizer-pesticide mixtures are controlled under China’s pesticide registration system.

 

MOA Decree No. 32, the Administrative Measures of Fertilizer Registration in China by MOA, was published on June 23, 2006. This decree specifies China fertilizer registration obligations, product types/registration types and data requirements. Fertilizer products are regulated by the Decree. Companies are required to register fertilizer products in China prior to importing, manufacturing, selling and using in China.

 

On November 30, 2017, the MOA issued Order 8 to abolish and revise a series of existing ministerial regulations, of which two sections are an amendment to the current fertilizer registration: removal of temporary registration and broadened acceptance scope of field trial report. On December 29, 2017, the MOA released Announcement 2636, the Service Guide to the Administrative Approval of MOA (Batch 2: Fertilizer Registration and Pesticide Registration), which standardizes administrative procedures and further clarifies data requirements including qualification of applicant, timeline, list of required documents, means of submission and administration fee. Depending on the market circulation stage, fertilizer registrations can be classified into registration, registration renewal (each 5 years) and registration amendment (only applicable to crop range and administrative information). Domestic products and imported fertilizer are subject to different assessment criteria and approval procedures.

  

Our XiongguanTM Organic Fertilizer and XiongguanTM Organic-Inorganic Compound Fertilizer are Category II fertilizers, which shall be registered with provincial agricultural department. We have obtained Gansu Province Fertilizer Official Registration Certificates, covering our compound fertilizer and organic fertilizer, which have been renewed for one time and will expire on December 2022.

 

Data Requirements of Fertilizer Registration Application

 

The registration application materials consist of an application form, credential documents, test reports, position paper/ evaluation form, safety data, product executive standard, label sample, enterprise information and product samples. Field trials and one quality inspection test are performed prior to the application and another quality inspection and safety tests will be organized by the Secretariat afterward. Domestic applicants are subject to additional preliminary review and product executive standard filing formality at their provincial department. For imported fertilizers, qualification/identity of overseas producers and business relationship with its domestic agent are particularly reviewed. Technical data and sample requirements may vary depending on product nature, as summarized in the table.

 

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Renewal of a registration certificate should be applied for six months prior to the expiration and two new reports are required from us: annual report on product quality and report on product application situation. Product quality report consists of quality inspection test report issued by qualified labs and relevant information on quality management, certification and inspection. Product application situation report includes the area, acreage, crop and effects of the fertilizer. If the registrant alters the crop range, product trade name or company name, he should update corresponding field trial report, label sample or credential documents in amendment application. Qiming has renewed its registration certificates for one time, during which Qiming has submitted the required documents.

  

PRC Laws and Regulations on Natural Sausage Casings

 

The production of natural sausage casing must comply with the national standard Natural Sausage Casings (GB/T 7740-2006) promulgated by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (the “AQSIQ”) and the Standardization Administration of the PRC, which provides the definitions, categories, manufacturing requirements, quarantine methods, labels, packages, preservation and transportation of natural sausage casings. According to the circular of the AQSIQ, natural sausage casings shall not be categorized as food, and Chengdu QLS does not need to apply for the Food Production License.

 

PRC Laws and Regulations on Environmental Protection

 

The Ministry of Ecology and Environment is responsible for the uniform supervision and control of environmental protection in the PRC. It formulates national environmental quality and discharge standards and monitors the PRC’s environmental system. Ecology and Environment bureaus at the county level and above are responsible for environmental protection within their areas of jurisdiction.

 

Pursuant to the Law on Environmental Impact Evaluation of the PRC promulgated on October 28, 2002 and effective from September 1, 2003, manufacturers must prepare and file an environmental impact report setting forth the impact that the proposed construction project may have on the environment and the measures to prevent or mitigate the impact for approval by the relevant PRC government authority prior to commencement of construction of the relevant project. Gansu QLS and its subsidiaries have obtained approval for their environmental impact reports as required.

 

Pursuant to the Environmental Protection Law of the PRC, or the Environmental Protection Law, promulgated on and effective from December 26, 1989, the environmental protection department of the State Council is in charge of promulgating national standards for environmental protection. The Environmental Protection Law requires any facility that produces pollutants or other hazards to incorporate environmental protection measures in its operations and establish an environmental protection responsibility system. Any entity that discharges pollution must obtain the Pollution Discharging License from the relevant environmental protection authority. Remedial measures for breaches of the Environmental Protection Law include a warning, payment of damages or imposition of a fine. Criminal liability may be imposed for a material violation of environmental laws and regulations that causes loss of property, personal injuries or death.

  

Pursuant to the Air Pollution Prevention Law of the PRC promulgated by the NPC on September 5, 1987, last amended on April 29, 2000 and effective from September 1, 2000, the environmental protection authorities above the county level are in charge of exercising unified supervision and administration of prevention and control of air pollution. Manufacturers discharging polluted air must comply with applicable national and local standards. Manufacturers discharging polluted air must pay polluted air discharging fees. If a manufacturer emits polluted air exceeding national or local standards, it must correct its action during a prescribed period of time and the manufacturer may be subject to penalties.

 

Pursuant to the Water Pollution Prevention Law of the PRC promulgated by the NPC on May 11, 1984, amended on May 15, 1996 and February 28, 2008, and effective from June 1, 2008, manufacturers must discharge water pollutants in accordance with national and local standards. If the water pollutants discharged exceed national or local standards, the manufacturer would be subject to fines amounting to two to five times the water pollutants treatment fees. In addition, the environmental protection authority has the right to order such manufacturer to correct their actions by reducing the amount of discharge during a stipulated period of time by restricting or suspending their operations. If the manufacturer fails to correct its action at the expiration of the stipulated period, the environmental protection authority may, subject to approval by the relevant level of the PRC government, shut down the manufacturer.

 

 

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Gansu QLS has obtained its Pollutant Discharging License valid from 29 December 2017 to 28 December 2020, and Chengdu QLS has obtained the Pollutant Discharging License valid from 30 May 2019 to 29 May 2022, as required by the Air Pollution Prevention Law of the PRC as well as the Water Pollution Prevention Law of the PRC.

 

PRC Laws and Regulations on Foreign Investment

 

Investment in the PRC by foreign investors and foreign-invested enterprises shall comply with the Catalogue for the Guidance of Foreign Investment Industries (2017 Revision) (the “Catalogue”), which was last amended and issued by MOFCOM and NDRC on June 28, 2017 and became effective since July 28, 2017, and the Special Management Measures for Foreign Investment Access (2018 version), or the Negative List, which came into effect on July 30, 2019. The Catalogue and the Negative List contains specific provisions guiding market access for foreign capital and stipulates in detail the industry sectors grouped under the categories of encouraged industries, restricted industries and prohibited industries. Any industry not listed on the Negative List is a permitted industry unless otherwise prohibited or restricted by other PRC laws or regulations. The pharmaceutical industry, except for the production of confidential prescription products of proprietary Chinese medicines and the application of steaming, frying, simmering and calcining and other processing techniques for traditional Chinese medicine pieces, which are prohibited to be invested in by foreign capital, falls within the permitted category in accordance with the Catalogue and the Negative List. As of the date of this prospectus, our current production and operation do not fall within any items on the Negative List. However, we may in the future acquire upstream and downstream companies manufacturing traditional Chinese medicine pieces, and as result it is likely that our production and operation would be subject to the Negative List. As a result, we would not be able to hold any equity of Gansu QLS and its subsidiaries.

 

On March 15, 2019, the National People’s Congress approved the Foreign Investment Law of the PRC, or the Foreign Investment Law, which will come into effect on January 1, 2020, repealing simultaneously the Law of the PRC on Sino-foreign Equity Joint Ventures, the Law of the PRC on Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprises and the Law of the PRC on Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Ventures. The Foreign Investment Law adopts the management system of pre-establishment national treatment and negative list for foreign investment. Policies in support of enterprises shall apply equally to foreign-funded enterprises according to laws and regulations. Foreign investment enterprises shall be guaranteed that they could equally participate in the setting of standards, and the compulsory standards formulated by the State shall be equally applied. Fair competition for foreign investment enterprises to participate in government procurement activities shall be protected. The Foreign Investment Law also stipulates the protection on intellectual property rights and trade secrets. The State also establishes information reporting system and national security review system according to the Foreign Investment Law.

  

PRC Laws and Regulations on Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprises

 

The establishment, operation and management of corporate entities in China are governed by the PRC Company Law, which was promulgated by the SCNPC on December 29, 1993 and became effective on July 1, 1994. It was last amended on October 26, 2018 and the amendments became effective on October 26, 2018. Under the PRC Company Law, companies are generally classified into two categories, namely, limited liability companies and joint stock limited companies. The PRC Company Law also applies to limited liability companies and joint stock limited companies with foreign investors. Where there are otherwise different provisions in any law on foreign investment, such provisions shall prevail.

 

The Law of the PRC on Wholly Foreign-invested Enterprises was promulgated and became effective on April 12, 1986, and was last amended and became effective on October 1, 2016. The Implementing Regulations of the PRC Law on Foreign-invested Enterprises were promulgated by the State Council on October 28, 1990. They were last amended on February 19, 2014 and the amendments became effective on March 1, 2014. The Provisional Measures on Administration of Filing for Establishment and Change of Foreign Investment Enterprises were promulgated by MOFCOM and became effective on October 8, 2016, and were last amended on July 20, 2017 with immediate effect. The above-mentioned laws form the legal framework for the PRC Government to regulate WFOEs. These laws and regulations govern the establishment, modification, including changes to registered capital, shareholders, corporate form, merger and split, dissolution and termination of WFOEs.

 

According to the above regulations, a WFOE should get approval by MOFCOM before its establishment and operation. Chengdu Qilian Trading Co., Ltd. is a WFOE since established, and has obtained the approval of the local administration of MOFCOM. Its establishment and operation are in compliance with the above-mentioned laws. Gansu QLS is a PRC domestic company, and it is not subject to the record-filling or examination applicable to FIEs.

 

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PRC Laws and Regulations on Intellectual Property Rights

 

Regulations on Trademarks

 

The Trademark Law of the PRC was adopted at the 24th meeting of the SCNPC on August 23, 1982. Three amendments were made on February 22, 1993, October 27, 2001 and August 30, 2013. The last amendment was implemented on May 1, 2014. The Regulations on the Implementation of the Trademark Law of the PRC were promulgated by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China on August 3, 2002, which took effect on September 15, 2002. It was revised on April 29, 2014 and became effective as of May 1, 2014. According to the Trademark Law and the implementing regulations, a trademark which has been approved and registered by the trademark office is a registered trademark, including a trademark of goods, services, collective trademark and certification trademark. The trademark registrant shall enjoy the exclusive right to use the trademark and shall be protected by law. The trademark law also specifies the scope of registered trademarks, procedures for registration of trademarks and the rights and obligations of trademark owners. We are currently holding 9 registered trademarks in China and enjoy the corresponding rights.

  

Regulations on Patents

 

Pursuant to the Patent Law of the PRC, or the Patent Law, promulgated by the SCNPC on March 12, 1984, as latest amended on December 27, 2008, and effective from October 1, 2009 and the Implementation Rules of the Patent Law of the PRC, promulgated by the State Council on June 15, 2001 and latest amended on January 9, 2010, there are three types of patent in the PRC: invention patent, utility model patent and design patent. The protection period is 20 years for invention patent and 10 years for utility model patent and design patent, commencing from their respective application dates. Any individual or entity that utilizes a patent or conducts any other activity in infringement of a patent without prior authorization of the patentee shall pay compensation to the patentee and is subject to a fine imposed by relevant administrative authorities and, if constituting a crime, shall be held criminally liable in accordance with the law. In the event that a patent is owned by two or more co-owners without an agreement regarding the distribution of revenue generated from the exploitation of any co-owner of the patent, such revenue shall be distributed among all the co-owners.

 

Existing patents can become narrowed, invalid or unenforceable due to a variety of grounds, including lack of novelty, creativity, and deficiencies in patent application. In China, a patent must have novelty, creativity and practical applicability. Under the Patent Law, novelty means that before a patent application is filed, no identical invention or utility model has been publicly disclosed in any publication in China or overseas or has been publicly used or made known to the public by any other means, whether in or outside of China, nor has any other person filed with the patent authority an application that describes an identical invention or utility model and is recorded in patent application documents or patent documents published after the filing date. Creativity means that, compared with existing technology, an invention has prominent substantial features and represents notable progress, and a utility model has substantial features and represents any progress. Practical applicability means an invention or utility model can be manufactured or used and may produce positive results. Patents in China are filed with the State Intellectual Property Office, or SIPO. Normally, the SIPO publishes an application for an invention patent within 18 months after the filing date, which may be shortened at the request of applicant. The applicant must apply to the SIPO for a substantive examination within 3 years from the date of application.

 

Our variable interest entity, Gansu QLS is currently holding 8 patents in China and enjoying the corresponding rights. In addition, Gansu QLS and Ahan have separately filed 3 and 1 patent applications with the Patent Administration Department of the PRC. We have exclusive rights to manufacture the products and utilize the processes issued patent rights within the valid term. As for other products of us and the related manufacturing processes, since the technology information has been published to public domain by national or local product standard, we are able to utilize such technology information without need to obtain any patent license. To our knowledge, we do not violate the existing patent rights of any third party.

 

Regulations on Domain Names

 

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the PRC, or the MIIT, promulgated the Measures on Administration of Internet Domain Names, or the Domain Name Measures, on August 24, 2017, which took effect on November 1, 2017 and replaced the Administrative Measures on China Internet Domain Name promulgated by the MIIT on November 5, 2004. According to the Domain Name Measures, the MIIT is in charge of the administration of PRC internet domain names. The domain name registration follows a first-to-file principle. Applicants for registration of domain names shall provide true, accurate and complete information of their identities to domain name registration service institutions. The applicant will become the holder of such domain names upon completion of the registration procedure. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not completed filing for record for our domain name of “qlsyy.net” as a provider of non-commercial internet-based information services. The administrative organ may order us to rectify within a time limit. If we failed to rectify and complete filing for record within the prescribed time limit, our website may be ordered to be closed. 

 

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PRC Laws and Regulations on Foreign Exchange

 

General Administration of Foreign Exchange

 

The principal regulation governing foreign currency exchange in the PRC is the Administrative Regulations of the PRC on Foreign Exchange (the “Foreign Exchange Regulations”), which were promulgated on January 29, 1996, became effective on April 1, 1996 and were last amended on August 5, 2008. Under these rules, Renminbi is generally freely convertible for payments of current account items, such as trade- and service-related foreign exchange transactions and dividend payments, but not freely convertible for capital account items, such as capital transfer, direct investment, investment in securities, derivative products or loans unless prior approval by competent authorities for the administration of foreign exchange is obtained. Under the Foreign Exchange Regulations, foreign-invested enterprises in the PRC may purchase foreign exchange without the approval of SAFE to pay dividends by providing certain evidentiary documents, including board resolutions, tax certificates, or for trade- and services-related foreign exchange transactions, by providing commercial documents evidencing such transactions.

 

Registration of Foreign Investment Enterprises

 

Pursuant to the Notice of State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Promulgation of the Provisions on Foreign Exchange Control on Direct Investments in China by Foreign Investors promulgated by the SAFE, or the Notice, upon establishment of a foreign investment enterprise pursuant to the law, registration formalities shall be completed with the foreign exchange bureau. Upon completion of registration formalities by the entities involved in direct investments in China, the entities may open accounts for direct investments in China such as preliminary expense account, capital fund account and asset realization account, etc. with the bank based on the actual needs. Upon completion of such registration formalities, foreign investment enterprises could also conduct settlement when contributing foreign exchange funds, and remit funds overseas in the event of capital reduction, liquidation, advance recovery of investment, profit distribution, etc.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, our WFOE has completed the foreign exchange registration formalities upon establishment. Subsequently, Qilian International (Hong Kong) Holdings Limited, the sole shareholder of WFOE, is able to contribute capital to or receive distributions and dividends from WFOE.

 

Circular No. 37 and Circular No. 13

 

Circular 37 was released by SAFE on July 4, 2014 and abolished Circular 75 which had been in effect since November 1, 2005. Pursuant to Circular 37, a PRC resident should apply to SAFE for foreign exchange registration of overseas investments before it makes any capital contribution to a special purpose vehicle, or SPV, using his or her legitimate domestic or offshore assets or interests. SPVs are offshore enterprises directly established or indirectly controlled by domestic residents for the purpose of investment and financing by utilizing domestic or offshore assets or interests they legally hold. Following any significant change in a registered offshore SPV, such as capital increase, reduction, equity transfer or swap, consolidation or division involving domestic resident individuals, the domestic individuals shall amend the registration with SAFE. Where an SPV intends to repatriate funds raised after completion of offshore financing to the PRC, it shall comply with relevant PRC regulations on foreign investment and foreign debt management. A foreign-invested enterprise established through return investment shall complete relevant foreign exchange registration formalities in accordance with the prevailing foreign exchange administration regulations on foreign direct investment and truthfully disclose information on the actual controller of its shareholders.

 

If any shareholder who is a PRC resident (as determined by the Circular No. 37) holds any interest in our SPV and fails to fulfil the required foreign exchange registration with the local SAFE branches, capital contribution to the SPV by the shareholder failing to comply with the Circular No.37, as well as the distribution of profits and dividends derived from the SPV to such shareholder may be prohibited. However, even if such shareholder fails to fulfil the required foreign exchange registration with the local SAFE branches, Qilian International and Qilian HK are not restricted in their ability to contribute additional capital to WFOE. Since Gansu QLS and its subsidiaries are only controlled by WFOE through contractual arrangements, and since WFOE is not a shareholder of Gansu QLS, neither Gansu QLS nor any of its subsidiaries have any obligations to contribute capital to WFOE, nor have they any rights to receive distributions or dividends from WFOE. Only capital contributions to a special purpose vehicle by its shareholders failing to comply with Circular 37, as well as the repatriation of profits and dividends derived from such special purpose vehicle to China by its shareholders are limited. Our WFOE is not prohibited from distributing its profits and dividends to Qilian International or Qilian HK or from carrying out other subsequent cross-border foreign exchange activities because WFOE has completed the foreign exchange registration formalities as required upon its establishment. Where a domestic resident fails to complete relevant foreign exchange registration as required, fails to truthfully disclose information on the actual controller of the enterprise involved in the return investment or otherwise makes false statements, the foreign exchange administration authority may order them to take remedial actions, issue a warning, and impose a fine of less than RMB 300,000 on an institution or less than RMB 50,000 on an individual.

  

Circular 13 was issued by SAFE on February 13, 2015, and became effective on June 1, 2015. Pursuant to Circular 13, a domestic resident who makes a capital contribution to an SPV using his or her legitimate domestic or offshore assets or interests is no longer required to apply to SAFE for foreign exchange registration of his or her overseas investments. Instead, he or she shall register with a bank in the place where the assets or interests of the domestic enterprise in which he or she has interests are located if the domestic resident individually seeks to make a capital contribution to the SPV using his or her legitimate domestic assets or interests; or he or she shall register with a local bank at his or her permanent residence if the domestic resident individually seeks to make a capital contribution to the SPV using his or her legitimate offshore assets or interests.

 

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As of the date of this prospectus, 81 shareholders of Gansu QLS, whose shares account for 96.36% of the total shares of Gansu QLS shareholders who have executed the VIE Agreements, have completed registrations in accordance with Circular 37, while 70 shareholders of Gansu QLS, whose shares account for 3.64% of the total shares of Gansu QLS shareholders who have executed the VIE Agreements, have not.  The failure of our beneficial shareholders to comply with the registration procedures may subject each of our beneficial shareholders to fines of less than RMB 50,000 (approximately US$7,199). Shareholders of offshore SPV who are PRC residents and who have not completed their registrations in accordance with Circular 37 are subject to certain absolute restrictions, under which they cannot contribute any registered or additional capital to such SPV for offshore financing purposes. In addition, these shareholders cannot repatriate any profits and dividends from the SPV to China either.

 

Shareholders who have completed the Circular 37 registration would not be adversely affected and are allowed to contribute assets into the offshore special purpose vehicle and repatriate profits and dividends from them. Since our WFOE has completed its foreign exchange registration as a foreign investment enterprise, its ability to receive capital contribution, make distributions and pay dividends is not restricted.

 

Circular 19 and Circular 16

 

Circular 19 was promulgated by SAFE on March 30, 2015, and became effective on June 1, 2015. According to Circular 19, the foreign exchange capital in the capital account of foreign-invested enterprises, meaning the monetary contribution confirmed by the foreign exchange authorities or the monetary contribution registered for account entry through banks, shall be granted the benefits of Discretional Foreign Exchange Settlement (“Discretional Foreign Exchange Settlement”). With Discretional Foreign Exchange Settlement, foreign capital in the capital account of a foreign-invested enterprise for which the rights and interests of monetary contribution have been confirmed by the local foreign exchange bureau, or for which book-entry registration of monetary contribution has been completed by the bank, can be settled at the bank based on the actual operational needs of the foreign-invested enterprise. The allowed Discretional Foreign Exchange Settlement percentage of the foreign capital of a foreign-invested enterprise has been temporarily set to be 100%. The Renminbi converted from the foreign capital will be kept in a designated account and if a foreign-invested enterprise needs to make any further payment from such account, it will still need to provide supporting documents and to complete the review process with its bank.

 

Furthermore, Circular 19 stipulates that foreign-invested enterprises shall make bona fide use of their capital for their own needs within their business scopes. The capital of a foreign-invested enterprise and the Renminbi it obtained from foreign exchange settlement shall not be used for the following purposes:

  

directly or indirectly used for expenses beyond its business scope or prohibited by relevant laws or regulations;

 

directly or indirectly used for investment in securities unless otherwise provided by relevant laws or regulations;

 

directly or indirectly used for entrusted loan in Renminbi (unless within its permitted scope of business), repayment of inter-company loans (including advances by a third party) or repayment of bank loans in Renminbi that have been sub-lent to a third party; or

 

directly or indirectly used for expenses related to the purchase of real estate that is not for self-use (except for foreign-invested real estate enterprises).

 

Circular 16 was issued by SAFE on June 9, 2016. Pursuant to Circular 16, enterprises registered in the PRC may also convert their foreign debts from foreign currency to Renminbi on a self-discretionary basis. Circular 16 provides an integrated standard for conversion of foreign exchange capital items (including but not limited to foreign currency capital and foreign debts) on a self-discretionary basis applicable to all enterprises registered in the PRC. Circular 16 reiterates the principle that an enterprise’s Renminbi capital converted from foreign currency-denominated capital may not be directly or indirectly used for purposes beyond its business scope or purposes prohibited by PRC laws or regulations, and such converted Renminbi capital shall not be provided as loans to non-affiliated entities.

 

PRC Laws and Regulations on Taxation

 

Enterprise Income Tax

 

The Enterprise Income Tax Law of the People’s Republic of China (the “EIT Law”) was promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on March 16, 2007 and became effective on January 1, 2008, and was later amended on February 24, 2017. The Implementation Rules of the EIT Law (the “Implementation Rules”) were promulgated by the State Council on December 6, 2007 and became effective on January 1, 2008. According to the EIT Law and the Implementation Rules, enterprises are divided into resident enterprises and non-resident enterprises. Resident enterprises shall pay enterprise income tax on their incomes obtained in and outside the PRC at the rate of 25%. Non-resident enterprises setting up institutions in the PRC shall pay enterprise income tax on the incomes obtained by such institutions in and outside the PRC at the rate of 25%. Non-resident enterprises with no institutions in the PRC, and non-resident enterprises whose incomes having no substantial connection with their institutions in the PRC, shall pay enterprise income tax on their incomes obtained in the PRC at a reduced rate of 10%.

  

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The Arrangement between the PRC and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income (the “Arrangement”) was promulgated by the State Administration of Taxation (“SAT”) on August 21, 2006 and came into effect on December 8, 2006. According to the Arrangement, a company incorporated in Hong Kong will be subject to withholding tax at the lower rate of 5% on dividends it receives from a company incorporated in the PRC if it holds a 25% interest or more in the PRC company. The Notice on the Understanding and Identification of the Beneficial Owners in the Tax Treaty (the “Notice”) was promulgated by SAT and became effective on October 27, 2009. According to the Notice, a beneficial ownership analysis will be used based on a substance-over-form principle to determine whether or not to grant tax treaty benefits.

 

Gansu GLS and its subsidiaries are resident enterprises and pay EIT tax at the rate of 25% in the PRC. It is more likely than not that the Company and its offshore subsidiary would be treated as a non-resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes. Please see “Taxation - People’s Republic of China Enterprise Taxation”.

 

Value-added Tax

 

Pursuant to the Provisional Regulations on Value-added Tax of the PRC, or the VAT Regulations, which were promulgated by the State Council on December 13, 1993, took effect on January 1, 1994, and were amended on November 10, 2008, February 6, 2016, and November 19, 2017, respectively, and the Rules for the Implementation of the Provisional Regulations on Value-added Tax of the PRC, which were promulgated by the MOF on December 25, 1993, and were amended on December 15, 2008, and October 28, 2011, respectively, entities and individuals that sell goods or labor services of processing, repair or replacement, sell services, intangible assets, or immovables, or import goods within the territory of the People’s Republic of China are taxpayers of value-added tax. The VAT rate is 17% for taxpayers selling goods, labor services, or tangible movable property leasing services or importing goods, except otherwise specified; 11% for taxpayers selling services of transportation, postal, basic telecommunications, construction and lease of immovable, selling immovable, transferring land use rights, selling and importing other specified goods including fertilizers; 6% for taxpayers selling services or intangible assets.

 

According to the Notice on the Adjustment to the Value-added Tax Rates issued by the SAT and the MOF on April 4, 2018, where taxpayers make VAT taxable sales or import goods, the applicable tax rates shall be adjusted from 17% to 16% and from 11% to 10%, respectively. Subsequently, the Notice on Policies for Deepening Reform of Value-added Tax was issued by the SAT, the MOF and the General Administration of Customs on March 30, 2019 and took effective on April 1, 2019, which further adjusted the applicable tax rate for taxpayers making VAT taxable sales or importing goods. The applicable tax rates shall be adjusted from 16% to 13% and from 10% to 9%, respectively.

 

Currently, Gansu QLS and its subsidiaries are paying VAT at the rate of 13% for pharmaceutical manufacture and sales, health materials and medical consumable products manufacture, soy products manufacture, selling Heparin Sodium Preparations; 9% for lease of immovable, use of land and second-hand buildings, soy products manufacture, pollution disposing, selling of sausage casing; and 6% for human resource services.

 

Dividend Withholding Tax

 

The Enterprise Income Tax Law provides that since January 1, 2008, an income tax rate of 10% will normally be applicable to dividends declared to non-PRC resident investors that do not have an establishment or place of business in the PRC, or that have such establishment or place of business but the relevant income is not effectively connected with the establishment or place of business, to the extent such dividends are derived from sources within the PRC.

 

Pursuant to an Arrangement Between the Mainland of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Incomes (“Double Tax Avoidance Arrangement”) and other applicable PRC laws, if a Hong Kong resident enterprise is determined by the competent PRC tax authority to have satisfied the relevant conditions and requirements under such Double Tax Avoidance Arrangement and other applicable laws, the 10% withholding tax on the dividends the Hong Kong resident enterprise receives from a PRC resident enterprise may be reduced to 5%. However, based on the Circular on Certain Issues with Respect to the Enforcement of Dividend Provisions in Tax Treaties (the “SAT Circular 81”) issued on February 20, 2009 by SAT, if the relevant PRC tax authorities determine, in their discretion, that a company benefits from such reduced income tax rate due to a structure or arrangement that is primarily tax-driven, such PRC tax authorities may adjust the preferential tax treatment. According to the Circular on Several Questions regarding the “Beneficial Owner” in Tax Treaties, which was issued on February 3, 2018 by the SAT and took effect on April 1, 2018, when determining the applicant’s status of the “beneficial owner” regarding tax treatments in connection with dividends, interests or royalties in the tax treaties, several factors, including without limitation, whether the applicant is obligated to pay more than 50% of his or her income in twelve months to residents in third country or region, whether the business operated by the applicant constitutes the actual business activities, and whether the counterparty country or region to the tax treaties does not levy any tax or grant tax exemption on relevant incomes or levy tax at an extremely low rate, will be taken into account, and it will be analyzed according to the actual circumstances of the specific cases. This circular further provides that applicants who intend to prove his or her status of the “beneficial owner” shall submit the relevant documents to the relevant tax bureau according to the Announcement on Issuing the Measures for the Administration of Non-Resident Taxpayers’ Enjoyment of the Treatment under Tax Agreements.

  

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We have not commenced the application process for a Hong Kong tax resident certificate from the relevant Hong Kong tax authority, and there is no assurance that we will be granted such a Hong Kong tax resident certificate. We have not filed required forms or materials with the relevant PRC tax authorities to prove that we should enjoy the 5% PRC withholding tax rate.

 

PRC Laws and Regulations on Employment and Social Welfare

 

Labor Law of the PRC

 

Pursuant to the Labor Law of the PRC, which was promulgated by the Standing Committee of the NPC on July 5, 1994 with an effective date of January 1, 1995 and was last amended on August 27, 2009 and the Labor Contract Law of the PRC, which was promulgated on June 29, 2007, became effective on January 1, 2008 and was last amended on December 28, 2012, with the amendments coming into effect on July 1, 2013, enterprises and institutions shall ensure the safety and hygiene of a workplace, strictly comply with applicable rules and standards on workplace safety and hygiene in China, and educate employees on such rules and standards. Furthermore, employers and employees shall enter into written employment contracts to establish their employment relationships. Employers are required to inform their employees about their job responsibilities, working conditions, occupational hazards, remuneration and other matters with which the employees may be concerned. Employers shall pay remuneration to employees on time and in full accordance with the commitments set forth in their employment contracts and with the relevant PRC laws and regulations. Gansu QLS and its subsidiary company have entered into written employment contracts with all the employees and performed their obligations under the relevant PRC laws and regulations.

 

Social Insurance and Housing Fund

 

Pursuant to the Social Insurance Law of the PRC, which was promulgated by the Standing Committee of the NPC on October 28, 2010 and became effective on July 1, 2011, employers in the PRC shall provide their employees with welfare schemes covering basic pension insurance, basic medical insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance, and occupational injury insurance. Gansu QLS has not deposited the social insurance fees in full for all the employees in compliance with the relevant regulations. Gansu QLS may be ordered by the social security premium collection agency to make or supplement contributions within a stipulated period, and shall be subject to a late payment fine computed from the due date at the rate of 0.05% per day; where payment is not made within the stipulated period, the relevant administrative authorities shall impose a fine ranging from one to three times the amount of the amount in arrears. Gansu QLS’s subsidiaries have deposited the social insurance fees as required by relevant regulations. See “Risk Factors-We are not in compliance with the PRC’s regulations relating to employee’s social insurance and housing funds, and as a result, Gansu QLS and its subsidiaries may be subject to penalties if we are not able to remediate the non-compliance.”

 

In accordance with the Regulations on Management of Housing Provident Fund, which were promulgated by the State Council on April 3, 1999 and last amended on March 24, 2002, employers must register at the designated administrative centers and open bank accounts for depositing employees’ housing funds. Employers and employees are also required to pay and deposit housing funds, with an amount no less than 5% of the monthly average salary of the employee in the preceding year in full and on time. Gansu QLS has opened bank accounts and deposited housing provident funds as required since August 2019. However, Chengdu QLS have not opened bank accounts for its employees’ housing funds deposits, or deposited employees’ housing funds, which may be ordered by the relevant PRC authorities to open the housing funds account, make the payment, and deposit within a prescribed time limit. If Chengdu QLS fails to go through the formalities to open the account within the prescribed time limit, a fineof not less than RMB10,000 nor more than RMB50,000 shall be imposed. If Chengdu QLS fails to make the payment and deposit within the prescribed time limit, an application may be made to the people’s court for compulsory enforcement.

 

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MANAGEMENT

 

The following individuals are members of our Board and/or executive management .

 

Name   Age   Position(s)
Zhanchang Xin   53   Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, Acting Principal Financial Officer
Haiping Shi   47   Director Nominee
Lina Lu   34   Independent Director Nominee
Ming Jing   56   Independent Director Nominee
Li Han   54   Independent Director Nominee

 

Mr. Zhanchang Xin has been our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since our incorporation. Since August 2006, Mr. Xin has served as Chairman of the Board for Gansu Qilianshan Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (“Gansu QLS”). Mr. Xin has over 30 years of research and engineering in the pharmaceutical industry. He has worked for Gansu QLS for 33 years and has published pharmaceutical research papers in Chinese medical journals such as “China Medical Industry Journal” and “Gansu Pharmaceutical”. In June 1986, Mr. Xin received a Bachelor Degree in Pharmacy from the School of Medicine at Lanzhou University. Mr. Xin received his Master Degree in Business Administration from Beijing Technology and Business University in December 2004.

 

Ms. Haipin Shi will be appointed as our Director upon closing of this offering. Since April 2018, Ms. Shi has served as the Chief Financial Officer and Head of Financial Department for Gansu QLS. From February 2014 to March 2018, Ms. Shi served as the Head of Financial Department for Gansu QLS. From February 2012 to January 2014, Ms. Shi served as the Deputy General of Financial Department of Gansu QLS. Ms. Shi received a Three-Year College Degree from Gansu Radio and Television University in July 1995. She received an Accounting Intermediate Qualification Certificate awarded by China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and China’s Ministry of Finance in May 2008.

  

Ms. Lina Lu will be appointed as our Independent Director, within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance rules, upon closing of this offering. Since January 2017, Ms. Lu has worked as Risk Manager at Asia Equity Exchange, Inc. From December 2010 to December 2016, Ms. Lu worked in the Financial Department at Torin Jacks, Inc. Ms. Lu holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Beijing International Finance University. Ms. Lu earned her Degree of Master of Business Administration from University of California, Irvine in 2010.

 

Mr. Ming Jing will be appointed as our Independent Director, within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance rules, upon closing of this offering. From 2003 to present, Mr. Jing has been a professor, doctorate degree tutor and associate Dean of the School of Pharmacy at Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and published more than seventy research papers on prominent science journals such as Science Citation Index (SCI) and Chinese Science Citation Database (CSCD). To date, Mr. Jing has also obtained 6 National Patent Certificates as a first inventor. Mr. Jing earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Lanzhou University in 1986.

 

Ms. Li Han will be appointed as our Independent Director, within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance rules, upon closing of this offering. Since July 2003, she has been a professor and doctorate degree tutor at the School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine from Lanzhou University in 1986. In the past years, Ms. Han has published and co-authored 22 books and has led 7 national level research projects. Ms. Han earned her Master’s Degree in Pharmaceutics from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2000. In 2003, She obtained a Doctorate Degree in Chinese Pharmacy from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

 

Family Relationships

 

None of the directors or executive officers has a family relationship as defined in Item 401 of Regulation S-K.

 

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

 

To the best of our knowledge, none of our directors or executive officers has, during the past 10 years, been involved in any legal proceedings described in subparagraph (f) of Item 401 of Regulation S-K.

 

Board of Directors

 

Our board of directors will consist of five directors upon closing of this offering, three of whom shall be “independent” within the meaning of the corporate governance standards of NYSE American.

 

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Duties of Directors 

 

Under Cayman Islands law, all of our directors owe three types of duties to us: (i) statutory duties, (ii) fiduciary duties, and (iii) common law duties. The Companies Law (2018 Revision) of the Cayman Islands imposes a number of statutory duties on a director. A Cayman Islands director’s fiduciary duties are not codified, however the courts of the Cayman Islands have held that a director owes the following fiduciary duties: (a) a duty to act in what the director bona fide considers to be in the best interests of the company, (b) a duty to exercise their powers for the purposes they were conferred, (c) a duty to avoid fettering his or her discretion in the future and (d) a duty to avoid conflicts of interest and of duty. The common law duties owed by a director are those to act with skill, care and diligence that may reasonably be expected of a person carrying out the same functions as are carried out by that director in relation to the company and, also, to act with the skill, care and diligence in keeping with a standard of care commensurate with any particular skill they have which enables them to meet a higher standard than a director without those skills. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our amended articles of association, as amended and restated from time to time. We have the right to seek damages if a duty owed by any of our directors is breached.

 

Terms of Directors and Executive Officers

 

Each of our directors holds office until a successor has been duly elected and qualified unless the director was appointed by the board of directors, in which case such director holds office until the next following annual meeting of shareholders at which time such director is eligible for re-election. All of our executive officers are appointed by and serve at the discretion of our board of directors.

 

Qualification

 

There is currently no shareholding qualification for directors, although a shareholding qualification for directors may be fixed by our shareholders by ordinary resolution.

 

Insider Participation Concerning Executive Compensation

 

The Board of Directors of the Company, which includes the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Zhanchang Xin, will be making all determinations regarding executive officer compensation. The Company first started hiring executives in June 6, 2019. 

 

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Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating Committee and Corporate Governance Committee

 

Upon the initial closing of this offering, our Board of Directors will have an Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee.

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

Our board of directors has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics, which is applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees. We will make our code of business conduct and ethics publicly available on our website prior to the initial closing of this offering.

 

Foreign Private Issuer Exemption

 

We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). As such, we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to United States domestic public companies. For example:

 

  we are not required to provide as many Exchange Act reports, or as frequently, as a U.S. domestic public company;
     
  for interim reporting, we are permitted to comply solely with our home country requirements, which are less rigorous than the rules that apply to domestic public companies;
     
  we are not required to provide the same level of disclosure on certain issues, such as executive compensation;
     
  we are exempt from provisions of Regulation FD aimed at preventing issuers from making selective disclosures of material information;
     
  we are not required to comply with the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents, or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act; and
     
  we are not required to comply with Section 16 of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their share ownership and trading activities and establishing insider liability for profits realized from any “short-swing” trading transaction.

 

We intend to comply with the NYSE corporate governance rules applicable to foreign private issuers, which permit us to follow certain corporate governance rules that conform to the Cayman Islands requirements in lieu of many of the NYSE corporate governance rules applicable to U.S. companies. As a result, our corporate governance practices may differ from those you might otherwise expect from a U.S. company listed on NYSE. 

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to compensation for the years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, earned by or paid to our chief executive officer and principal executive officer, our principal financial officer, and our other most highly compensated executive officers whose total compensation exceeded US$100,000 (the “named executive officers”).

 

Name and Principal Position   Year     Salary
(US$)
    Bonus
(US$)
    Stock
Awards
(US$)
    Option
Awards
(US$)
    Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
    Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
    Other     Total
(US$)
 
                                                       
Zhanchang Xin, Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Gansu QLS     2019       15,715       0       0       0       0       0       0       15,715  
      2018       15,322       0       0       0       0       0       0       15,322  

 

Agreements with Named Executive Officers

 

On June 6, 2019, we entered into an employment agreements with our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Zhanchang Xin. Pursuant to employment agreements, the form of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Registration Statement, we will agree to employ our Chief Executive Officer for a specified time period, which will be renewed upon both parties’ agreement 30 days before the end of the current employment term, and payment of cash compensation and benefits shall become payable when the Company becomes a public reporting company in the US. We may terminate the employment for cause, at any time, without notice or remuneration, for certain acts of the executive officer, including but not limited to the commitments of any serious or persistent breach or non-observance of the terms and conditions of the employment, conviction of a criminal offense, willful disobedience of a lawful and reasonable order, fraud or dishonesty, receipt of bribery, or severe neglect of his or her duties. Our Chief Executive Officer may terminate his employment at any time with a one-month prior written notice. Our Chief Executive Officer has agreed to hold, both during and after the employment agreement expires, in strict confidence and not to use or disclose to any person, corporation or other entity without written consent, any confidential information. 

 

Our employment agreement with Zhanchang Xin, our CEO, is for a term of five years beginning on June 6, 2019, and provides for an annual salary of US$90,000. The employment will be renewed automatically for an additional one-year term if neither the Company nor the CEO provides a notice of termination of the Employment to the other party or otherwise proposes to re-negotiate the terms of the employment with the other party within three months prior to the expiration of the applicable term.

 

Compensation of Directors

 

For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, we did not compensate our directors for their services other than to reimburse them for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with their attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors.

 

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PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership, within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, of our Ordinary Shares as of the date of this prospectus, and as adjusted to reflect the sale of the Ordinary Shares offered in this offering for

 

  · each of our directors and executive officers who beneficially owns our Ordinary Shares; and
  · each person known to us to own beneficially more than 5% of our Ordinary Shares.

 

Beneficial ownership includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities. Except as indicated below, and subject to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all Ordinary Shares shown as beneficially owned by them. Percentage of beneficial ownership of each listed person prior to this offering is based on (i) 30,000,000 Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding as of the date of this prospectus immediately prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and (ii) Ordinary Shares underlying options, warrants or convertible securities held by each such person that are exercisable or convertible within 60 days of the date of this prospectus. Percentage of beneficial ownership of each listed person after this offering includes (i) Ordinary Shares outstanding immediately after the completion of this offering and (ii) Ordinary Shares underlying options, warrants or convertible securities held by each such person that are exercisable or convertible within 60 days of the date of this prospectus, but excludes any shares issuable upon the exercise of the over-allotment option.

 

Information with respect to beneficial ownership has been furnished by each director, officer or beneficial owner of 5% or more of our Ordinary Shares.

 

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally requires that such person have voting or investment power with respect to securities. In computing the number of Ordinary Shares beneficially owned by a person listed below and the percentage ownership of such person, Ordinary Shares underlying options, warrants or convertible securities held by each such person that are exercisable or convertible within 60 days of the date of this prospectus are deemed outstanding, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table, or as required by applicable community property laws, all persons listed have sole voting and investment power for all Ordinary Shares shown as beneficially owned by them. As of the date of the prospectus, we have 6 shareholders of record, none of which are located in the United States. We will be required to have at least 400 shareholders at closing in order to satisfy the NYSE American listing standards.

 

    Ordinary Shares
Beneficially Owned
Prior to this Offering
    Ordinary Shares
Beneficially Owned
After this Offering
    Percentage of
Votes Held
After this
Offering
 
    Number     Percent     Number     Percent     Percent  
Directors and Executive Officers:                                        
Zhanchang Xin (1)     13,839,000       46.13 %     13,839,000       40.70 %     40.70 %
Haiping Shi (2)     7,131,000       23.77 %     7,131,000       20.97 %     20.97 %
All directors and executive officers as a group:     20,970,000       69.9 %     20,970,000       61.67 %     61.67 %
                                         
5% Shareholders:                                        
Zhijiu Holdings Ltd. (3)     7,131,000       23.77 %     7,131,000       20.97 %     20.97 %
Gandikang Holdings Ltd. (4)     6,717,000       22.39 %     6,717,000       19.76 %     19.76 %
Ahanzhai Development Co., Ltd. (5)     1,839,000       6.13 %     1,839,000       5.40 %     5.40 %

 

(1) Includes 1,839,000 shares of the Company’s shares held of record by Ahanzhai Development Co., Ltd., an entity controlled by Zhanchang Xin, our CEO.
(2) Includes 7,131,000 shares of the Company’s shares held of record by Zhijiu Holdings Ltd., an entity controlled by Haiping Shi, our Director.
(3) Haiping Shi is the sole shareholder and sole director of this company.
(4) Dingqian Liu is the sole shareholder and sole director of this company.
(5) Zhanchang Xin is the sole shareholder and sole director of this company.

 

History of Share Capital

 

The Company was incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands on February 7, 2019.

 

On October 16, 2019, our shareholders approved and effected a reverse split of our outstanding Ordinary Shares at a ratio of 1-for-1.67 shares. In addition, on October 16, 2019, our shareholders approved and effected an increase of the Company’s authorized share capital from US$50,000 consisting of 50,000,000 ordinary shares of US$0.001 par value to US$166,667 consisting of 100,000,000 ordinary shares of US$0.00166667 par value. All references to Ordinary Shares, options to purchase Ordinary Shares, share data, per share data, and related information have been retroactively adjusted, where applicable, in this prospectus to reflect the reverse split of our issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares and the increase of our authorized Ordinary Shares as if these events had occurred at the beginning of the earlier period presented.

 

We are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our company.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, our authorized share capital consists of US$166,667 divided into 100,000,000 Ordinary Shares, par value US$0.00166667 per share, with 30,000,000 Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding. Holders of Ordinary Shares are entitled to one vote per share. We will issue Ordinary Shares in this offering.

 

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Upon completion of this offering, beneficial owners will hold 88.04%  of the combined total of our outstanding Ordinary Shares. Following the completion of this offering, the beneficial owners will continue to have the power to act alone in approving any action requiring a vote of the majority of our Ordinary Shares and to elect all of our directors.

 

Contractual Arrangements with WFOE, Gansu QLS and Its Shareholders

 

We conduct our pharmaceutical and chemical product manufacturing business through Gansu QLS, a VIE that we control through a series of contractual arrangements between our PRC subsidiary WFOE, Gansu QLS, and its shareholders including but not limited to our principal shareholders, Zhanchang Xin, Dingqian Liu, who is the sole shareholder and sole director of Gandikang Holdings Ltd., and Haiping Shi, who is the sole shareholder and sole director of Zhijiu Holdings Ltd.  Such contractual arrangements provide us (i) the power to control Gansu QLS, (ii) the exposure or rights to variable returns from our involvement with Gansu QLS, and (iii) the ability to affect those returns through use of our power over Gansu QLS to affect the amount of our returns. Therefore, we control Gansu QLS. For a description of these contractual arrangements, see “Business — Corporate History and Structure.”

 

Material Transactions with Related Parties

 

During the normal course of business, we made purchase and sales to affiliated companies controlled by its major shareholders or subsidiaries. For the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we made sales to affiliated companies in the amount of $5,312 and $Nil, respectively, and purchased from affiliated companies in the amount of $Nil and $6,992, respectively. For the years ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, we made sales to affiliated companies in the amount of $148,417 and $73,969, respectively. For the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we made sales to affiliated companies in the amount of $5,312 and $Nil, respectively, and purchased from affiliated companies in the amount of $Nil and $6,992, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2018, we purchased from affiliated companies in the amount of $27,260. For the year ended September 30, 2017, we purchased $54,976 from Jiuquan Fungong Biological Agriculture Development Co., Ltd. and returned $895,794 to Chongzhou Luyuan Vegetable and Fruit Cooperative, both of which were our affiliates.

 

As of September 30, 2017, we made advances to an affiliate Chongzhou Luyuan Vegetable and Fruit Cooperative (“Luyuan”) for $235,119. Luyuan was partially owned by our majority shareholder Mr. Zhangchang Xin. Luyuan ceased to be an affiliate of ours on May 22, 2017. As of September 30, 2018, the advances have been fully utilized.

 

Employment Agreements

 

See “Executive Compensation — Agreements with Named Executive Officers.”

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL 

 

A copy of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part (and which is referred to in this section as, respectively, the “memorandum” and the “articles”).

 

We were incorporated as an exempted company with limited liability under the Companies Law (2018 Revision) of the Cayman Islands, or the “Cayman Islands Companies Law,” on February 7, 2019. A Cayman Islands exempted company:

 

  · is a company that conducts its business mainly outside the Cayman Islands;
  · is prohibited from trading in the Cayman  Islands with any person, firm or corporation except in furtherance of the business of the exempted company carried on outside the Cayman Islands (and for this purpose can effect and conclude contracts in the Cayman Islands and exercise in the Cayman Islands all of its powers necessary for the carrying on of its business outside the Cayman Islands);
  · does not have to hold an annual general meeting;
  · does not have to make its register of members open to inspection by shareholders of that company;
  · may obtain an undertaking against the imposition of any future taxation;
  · may register by way of continuation in another jurisdiction and be deregistered in the Cayman Islands;
  · may register as a limited duration company; and
  · may register as a segregated portfolio company.

 

Assuming that we obtain the requisite shareholder approval, we will adopt our post-offering memorandum and articles of association which will become effective and replace our current memorandum and articles of association in its entirety immediately prior to the completion of this offering. We will include summaries of material provisions of our post-offering memorandum and articles of association and the Companies Law insofar as they relate to the material terms of our share capital. 

 

Ordinary Shares

 

All of our issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares are fully paid and non-assessable. Our Ordinary Shares are issued in registered form, and are issued when registered in our register of members. Unless the Board of Directors determine otherwise, each holder of our Ordinary Shares will not receive a certificate in respect of such Ordinary Shares. Our shareholders who are non-residents of the Cayman Islands may freely hold and vote their Ordinary Shares. We may not issue shares or warrants to bearer.

 

Our authorized share capital is US$166,667 divided into 100,000,000 Ordinary shares, par value US$0.00166667 per share. Subject to the provisions of the Cayman Islands Companies Law and our articles regarding redemption and purchase of the shares, the directors have general and unconditional authority to allot (with or without confirming rights of renunciation), grant options over or otherwise deal with any unissued shares to such persons, at such times and on such terms and conditions as they may decide. Such authority could be exercised by the directors to allot shares which carry rights and privileges that are preferential to the rights attaching to Ordinary Shares. No share may be issued at a discount except in accordance with the provisions of the Cayman Islands Companies Law. The directors may refuse to accept any application for shares, and may accept any application in whole or in part, for any reason or for no reason.

 

At the completion of this offering assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option, there will be 34,000,000 Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding held by at least 400 shareholders and beneficial owners, which is the minimum requirement by NYSE American. Shares sold in this offering will be delivered against payment from the underwriters upon the closing of the offering in New York, New York, on or about [●], 2019.

 

Listing

 

We plan to list the Ordinary Shares on NYSE American under the symbol “QLI”. Although our application could be rejected by the NYSE, this offering may not close until we have received NYSE’s approval for our application.

 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

The transfer agent and registrar for the Ordinary Shares is [•].

 

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Dividends

 

Subject to the provisions of the Cayman Islands Companies Law and any rights attaching to any class or classes of shares under and in accordance with the Articles:

 

(a) the directors may declare dividends or distributions out of our funds which are lawfully available for that purpose; and

(b) the Company’s shareholders may, by ordinary resolution, declare dividends but no such dividend shall exceed the amount recommended by the directors.

 

Subject to the requirements of the Cayman Islands Companies Law regarding the application of a company’s share premium account and with the sanction of an ordinary resolution, dividends may also be declared and paid out of any share premium account. The directors when paying dividends to shareholders may make such payment either in cash or in specie.

Unless provided by the rights attached to a share, no dividend shall bear interest.

 

Voting Rights

 

Subject to any rights or restrictions as to voting attached to any shares, unless any share carries special voting rights, on a show of hands every shareholder who is present in person and every person representing a shareholder by proxy shall have one vote. On a poll, every shareholder who is present in person and every person representing a shareholder by proxy shall have one vote for each share of which he or the person represented by proxy is the holder. In addition, all shareholders holding shares of a particular class are entitled to vote at a meeting of the holders of that class of shares. Votes may be given either personally or by proxy.

 

Variation of Rights of Shares

 

Whenever our capital is divided into different classes of shares, the rights attaching to any class of share (unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class) may be varied either with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the issued shares of that class, or with the sanction of a resolution passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the holders of shares of the class present in person or by proxy at a separate general meeting of the holders of shares of that class.

 

Unless the terms on which a class of shares was issued state otherwise, the rights conferred on the shareholder holding shares of any class shall not be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu with the existing shares of that class.

 

Alteration of Share Capital

 

Subject to the Cayman Islands Companies Law, our shareholders may, by ordinary resolution:

 

(a) increase our share capital by new shares of the amount fixed by that ordinary resolution and with the attached rights, priorities and privileges set out in that ordinary resolution;

(b) consolidate and divide all or any of our share capital into shares of larger amount than our existing shares;

(c) convert all or any of our paid up shares into stock, and reconvert that stock into paid up shares of any denomination;

(d) sub-divide our shares or any of them into shares of an amount smaller than that fixed, so, however, that in the sub-division, the proportion between the amount paid and the amount, if any, unpaid on each reduced share shall be the same as it was in case of the share from which the reduced share is derived; and

(e) cancel shares which, at the date of the passing of that ordinary resolution, have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person and diminish the amount of our share capital by the amount of the shares so cancelled or, in the case of shares without nominal par value, diminish the number of shares into which our capital is divided.

 

Subject to the Cayman Islands Companies Law and to any rights for the time being conferred on the shareholders holding a particular class of shares, our shareholders may, by special resolution, reduce its share capital in any way.

 

Calls on Shares and Forfeiture

 

Subject to the terms of allotment, the directors may make calls on the shareholders in respect of any monies unpaid on their shares including any premium and each shareholder shall (subject to receiving at least 14 clear days’ notice specifying when and where payment is to be made), pay to us the amount called on his shares. Shareholders registered as the joint holders of a share shall be jointly and severally liable to pay all calls in respect of the share. If a call remains unpaid after it has become due and payable the person from whom it is due and payable shall pay interest on the amount unpaid from the day it became due and payable until it is paid at the rate fixed by the terms of allotment of the share or in the notice of the call or if no rate is fixed, at the rate of 10 percent per annum. The directors may, at their discretion, waive payment of the interest wholly or in part.

 

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We have a first and paramount lien on all shares (whether fully paid up or not) registered in the name of a shareholder (whether solely or jointly with others). The lien is for all monies payable to us by the shareholder or the shareholder’s estate:

 

(a) either alone or jointly with any other person, whether or not that other person is a shareholder; and

(b) whether or not those monies are presently payable.

 

At any time the directors may declare any share to be wholly or partly exempt from the lien on shares provisions of the articles.

 

We may sell, in such manner as the directors may determine, any share on which the sum in respect of which the lien exists is presently payable, if due notice that such sum is payable has been given (as prescribed by the articles) and, within 14 days of the date on which the notice is deemed to be given under the articles, such notice has not been complied with.

 

Unclaimed Dividend

 

A dividend that remains unclaimed for a period of six years after it became due for payment shall be forfeited to, and shall cease to remain owing by, the company.

 

Forfeiture or Surrender of Shares

 

If a shareholder fails to pay any call the directors may give to such shareholder not less than 14 clear days’ notice requiring payment and specifying the amount unpaid including any interest which may have accrued, any expenses which have been incurred by us due to that person’s default and the place where payment is to be made. The notice shall also contain a warning that if the notice is not complied with, the shares in respect of which the call is made will be liable to be forfeited.

 

If such notice is not complied with, the directors may, before the payment required by the notice has been received, resolve that any share the subject of that notice be forfeited (which forfeiture shall include all dividends or other monies payable in respect of the forfeited share and not paid before such forfeiture).

 

A forfeited share may be sold, re-allotted or otherwise disposed of on such terms and in such manner as the directors determine and at any time before a sale, re-allotment or disposition the forfeiture may be cancelled on such terms as the directors think fit.

 

A person whose shares have been forfeited shall cease to be a shareholder in respect of the forfeited shares, but shall, notwithstanding such forfeit, remain liable to pay to us all monies which at the date of forfeiture were payable by him to us in respect of the shares, together with all expenses and interest from the date of forfeiture or surrender until payment, but his liability shall cease if and when we receive payment in full of the unpaid amount.

 

A declaration, whether statutory or under oath, made by a director or the secretary shall be conclusive evidence that the person making the declaration is a director or secretary of us and that the particular shares have been forfeited or surrendered on a particular date.

 

Subject to the execution of an instrument of transfer, if necessary, the declaration shall constitute good title to the shares.

 

Share Premium Account

 

The directors shall establish a share premium account and shall carry the credit of such account from time to time to a sum equal to the amount or value of the premium paid on the issue of any share or capital contributed or such other amounts required by the Cayman Islands Companies Law.

 

Redemption and Purchase of Own Shares

 

Subject to the Cayman Islands Companies Law and any rights for the time being conferred on the shareholders holding a particular class of shares, we may by our directors:

 

  (a) issue shares that are to be redeemed or liable to be redeemed, at our option or the shareholder holding those redeemable shares, on the terms and in the manner its directors determine before the issue of those shares;
  (b) with the consent by special resolution of the shareholders holding shares of a particular class, vary the rights attaching to that class of shares so as to provide that those shares are to be redeemed or are liable to be redeemed at our option on the terms and in the manner which the directors determine at the time of such variation; and
  (c) purchase all or any of our own shares of any class including any redeemable shares on the terms and in the manner which the directors determine at the time of such purchase.

 

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We may make a payment in respect of the redemption or purchase of its own shares in any manner authorized by the Cayman Islands Companies Law, including out of any combination of capital, our profits and the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares.

 

When making a payment in respect of the redemption or purchase of shares, the directors may make the payment in cash or in specie (or partly in one and partly in the other) if so authorized by the terms of the allotment of those shares or by the terms applying to those shares, or otherwise by agreement with the shareholder holding those shares.

 

Transfer of Shares

 

Provided that a transfer of Ordinary Shares complies with applicable rules of the NYSE American, a shareholder may transfer Ordinary Shares to another person by completing an instrument of transfer in a common form or in a form prescribed by NYSE American or in any other form approved by the directors, executed:

 

(a) where the Ordinary Shares are fully paid, by or on behalf of that shareholder; and

 

(b) where the Ordinary Shares are partly paid, by or on behalf of that shareholder and the transferee.

 

The transferor shall be deemed to remain the holder of an Ordinary Share until the name of the transferee is entered into the register of members of the Company.

 

Where the Ordinary Shares in question are not listed on or subject to the rules of NYSE American, our board of directors may, in its absolute discretion, decline to register any transfer of any Ordinary Share that has not been fully paid up or is subject to a company lien. Our board of directors may also decline to register any transfer of such Ordinary Share unless:

 

  (a) the instrument of transfer is lodged with us, accompanied by the certificate for the Ordinary Shares to which it relates and such other evidence as our board of directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer;
  (b) the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of Ordinary Shares;
  (c) the instrument of transfer is properly stamped, if required;
  (d) the Ordinary Share transferred is fully paid and free of any lien in favor of us;
  (e) any fee related to the transfer has been paid to us; and
  (f) the transfer is not to more than four joint holders.

 

If our directors refuse to register a transfer, they are required, within one month after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged, to send to each of the transferor and the transferee notice of such refusal.

 

The registration of transfers may, on 14 calendar days’ notice being given by advertisement in such one or more newspapers or by electronic means, be suspended and our register of members closed at such times and for such periods as our board of directors may from time to time determine. The registration of transfers, however, may not be suspended, and the register may not be closed, for more than 30 calendar days in any year.

 

Inspection of Books and Records

 

Holders of our Ordinary Shares will have no general right under the Cayman Islands Companies Law to inspect or obtain copies of our register of members or our corporate records.

 

General Meetings

 

As a Cayman Islands exempted company, we are not obligated by the Cayman Islands Companies Law to call shareholders’ annual general meetings; accordingly, we may, but shall not be obliged to, in each year hold a general meeting as an annual general meeting. Any annual general meeting held shall be held at such time and place as may be determined by our board of directors. All general meetings other than annual general meetings shall be called extraordinary general meetings.

 

The directors may convene general meetings whenever they think fit. General meetings shall also be convened on the written requisition of one or more of the shareholders entitled to attend and vote at our general meetings who (together) hold not less than 10 percent of the rights to vote at such general meeting in accordance with the notice provisions in the articles, specifying the purpose of the meeting and signed by each of the shareholders making the requisition. If the directors do not convene such meeting for a date not later than 21 clear days’ after the date of receipt of the written requisition, those shareholders who requested the meeting may convene the general meeting themselves within three months after the end of such period of 21 clear days in which case reasonable expenses incurred by them as a result of the directors failing to convene a meeting shall be reimbursed by us.

 

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At least 14 days’ notice of an extraordinary general meeting and 21 days’ notice of an annual general meeting shall be given to shareholders entitled to attend and vote at such meeting. The notice shall specify the place, the day and the hour of the meeting and the general nature of that business. In addition, if a resolution is proposed as a special resolution, the text of that resolution shall be given to all shareholders. Notice of every general meeting shall also be given to the directors and our auditors.

 

Subject to the Cayman Islands Companies Law and with the consent of the shareholders who, individually or collectively, hold at least 90 percent of the voting rights of all those who have a right to vote at a general meeting, a general meeting may be convened on shorter notice.

 

A quorum shall consist of the presence (whether in person or represented by proxy) of one or more shareholders holding shares that represent not less than one-third of the outstanding shares carrying the right to vote at such general meeting.

 

If, within 15 minutes from the time appointed for the general meeting, or at any time during the meeting, a quorum is not present, the meeting, if convened upon the requisition of shareholders, shall be cancelled. In any other case it shall stand adjourned to the same time and place seven days or to such other time or place as is determined by the directors.

 

The chairman may, with the consent of a meeting at which a quorum is present, adjourn the meeting. When a meeting is adjourned for seven days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given in accordance with the articles.

 

At any general meeting a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be decided on a show of hands, unless a poll is (before, or on, the declaration of the result of the show of hands) demanded by the chairman of the meeting or by at least two shareholders having the right to vote on the resolutions or one or more shareholders present who together hold not less than 10 percent of the voting rights of all those who are entitled to vote on the resolution. Unless a poll is so demanded, a declaration by the chairman as to the result of a resolution and an entry to that effect in the minutes of the meeting, shall be conclusive evidence of the outcome of a show of hands, without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favor of, or against, that resolution.

 

If a poll is duly demanded it shall be taken in such manner as the chairman directs and the result of the poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the meeting at which the poll was demanded.

 

In the case of an equality of votes, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, the chairman of the meeting at which the show of hands takes place or at which the poll is demanded, shall not be entitled to a second or casting vote.

 

Directors

 

We may by ordinary resolution, from time to time, fix the maximum and minimum number of directors to be appointed. Under the Articles, we are required to have a minimum of one director and the maximum number of Directors shall be unlimited.

 

A director may be appointed by ordinary resolution or by the directors. Any appointment may be to fill a vacancy or as an additional director.

 

Unless the remuneration of the directors is determined by the shareholders by ordinary resolution, the directors shall be entitled to such remuneration as the directors may determine.

 

The shareholding qualification for directors may be fixed by our shareholders by ordinary resolution and unless and until so fixed no share qualification shall be required.

 

Unless removed or re-appointed, each director shall be appointed for a term expiring at the next-following annual general meeting, if one is held. At any annual general meeting held, our directors will be elected by an ordinary resolution of our shareholders. At each annual general meeting, each director so elected shall hold office for a one-year term and until the election of their respective successors in office or removed.

 

A director may be removed by ordinary resolution.

 

A director may at any time resign or retire from office by giving us notice in writing. Unless the notice specifies a different date, the director shall be deemed to have resigned on the date that the notice is delivered to us.

 

Subject to the provisions of the articles, the office of a director may be terminated forthwith if:

 

  (a) he is prohibited by the law of the Cayman  Islands from acting as a director;
  (b) he is made bankrupt or makes an arrangement or composition with his creditors generally;

 

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  (c) he resigns his office by notice to us;
  (d) he only held office as a director for a fixed term and such term expires;
  (e) in the opinion of a registered medical practitioner by whom he is being treated he becomes physically or mentally incapable of acting as a director;
  (f) he is given notice by the majority of the other directors (not being less than two in number) to vacate office (without prejudice to any claim for damages for breach of any agreement relating to the provision of the services of such director);
  (g) he is made subject to any law relating to mental health or incompetence, whether by court order or otherwise; or
  (h) without the consent of the other directors, he is absent from meetings of directors for continuous period of six months.

 

Each of the compensation committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee shall consist of at least three directors and the majority of the committee members shall be independent within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance rules. The audit committee shall consist of at least three directors, all of whom shall be independent within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance rules and will meet the criteria for independence set forth in Rule 10A-3 or Rule 10C-1 of the Exchange Act.

 

Powers and Duties of Directors

 

Subject to the provisions of the Cayman Islands Companies Law and our amended and restated memorandum and articles, our business shall be managed by the directors, who may exercise all our powers. No prior act of the directors shall be invalidated by any subsequent alteration of our amended and restated memorandum or articles of association. However, to the extent allowed by the Cayman Islands Companies Law, shareholders may by special resolution validate any prior or future act of the directors which would otherwise be in breach of their duties.

 

The directors may delegate any of their powers to any committee consisting of one or more persons who need not be shareholders and may include non-directors so long as the majority of those persons are directors; any committee so formed shall in the exercise of the powers so delegated conform to any regulations that may be imposed on it by the directors. Upon the initial closing of this offering, our board of directors will have established an audit committee, compensation committee, and nomination and corporate governance committee.

 

The board of directors may establish any local or divisional board of directors or agency and delegate to it its powers and authorities (with power to sub-delegate) for managing any of our affairs whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere and may appoint any persons to be members of a local or divisional board of directors, or to be managers or agents, and may fix their remuneration.

 

The directors may from time to time and at any time by power of attorney or in any other manner they determine appoint any person, either generally or in respect of any specific matter, to be our agent with or without authority for that person to delegate all or any of that person’s powers.

 

The directors may from time to time and at any time by power of attorney or in any other manner they determine appoint any person, whether nominated directly or indirectly by the directors, to be our attorney or our authorized signatory and for such period and subject to such conditions as they may think fit. The powers, authorities and discretions, however, must not exceed those vested in, or exercisable, by the directors under the articles.

 

The board of directors may remove any person so appointed and may revoke or vary the delegation.

 

The directors may exercise all of our powers to borrow money and to mortgage or charge its undertaking, property and assets both present and future and uncalled capital or any part thereof, to issue debentures and other securities whether outright or as collateral security for any debt, liability or obligation of ours or our parent undertaking (if any) or any subsidiary undertaking of us or of any third party.

 

A director shall not, as a director, vote in respect of any contract, transaction, arrangement or proposal in which he has an interest which (together with any interest of any person connected with him) is a material interest (otherwise then by virtue of his interests, direct or indirect, in shares or debentures or other securities of, or otherwise in or through, us) and if he shall do so his vote shall not be counted, nor in relation thereto shall he be counted in the quorum present at the meeting, but (in the absence of some other material interest than is mentioned below) none of these prohibitions shall apply to:

 

(a) the giving of any security, guarantee or indemnity in respect of:

(i) money lent or obligations incurred by him or by any other person for our benefit or any of our subsidiaries; or

 

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(ii) a debt or obligation of ours or any of our subsidiaries for which the director himself has assumed responsibility in whole or in part and whether alone or jointly with others under a guarantee or indemnity or by the giving of security;

(b) where we or any of our subsidiaries is offering securities in which offer the director is or may be entitled to participate as a holder of securities or in the underwriting or sub-underwriting of which the director is to or may participate;

(c) any contract, transaction, arrangement or proposal affecting any other body corporate in which he is interested, directly or indirectly and whether as an officer, shareholder, creditor or otherwise howsoever, provided that he (together with persons connected with him) does not to his knowledge hold an interest representing one percent or more of any class of the equity share capital of such body corporate (or of any third body corporate through which his interest is derived) or of the voting rights available to shareholders of the relevant body corporate;

(d) any act or thing done or to be done in respect of any arrangement for the benefit of the employees of us or any of our subsidiaries under which he is not accorded as a director any privilege or advantage not generally accorded to the employees to whom such arrangement relates; or

(e) any matter connected with the purchase or maintenance for any director of insurance against any liability or (to the extent permitted by the Cayman Islands Companies Law) indemnities in favor of directors, the funding of expenditure by one or more directors in defending proceedings against him or them or the doing of anything to enable such director or directors to avoid incurring such expenditure.

 

A director may, as a director, vote (and be counted in the quorum) in respect of any contract, transaction, arrangement or proposal in which he has an interest which is not a material interest or as described above.

 

Capitalization of Profits

 

The directors may resolve to capitalize:

 

(a) any part of our profits not required for paying any preferential dividend (whether or not those profits are available for distribution); or

(b) any sum standing to the credit of our share premium account or capital redemption reserve, if any.

 

The amount resolved to be capitalized must be appropriated to the shareholders who would have been entitled to it had it been distributed by way of dividend and in the same proportions.

 

Liquidation Rights

 

If we are wound up, the shareholders may, subject to the articles and any other sanction required by the Cayman Islands Companies Law, pass a special resolution allowing the liquidator to do either or both of the following:

 

(a) to divide in specie among the shareholders the whole or any part of our assets and, for that purpose, to value any assets and to determine how the division shall be carried out as between the shareholders or different classes of shareholders; and

(b) to vest the whole or any part of the assets in trustees for the benefit of shareholders and those liable to contribute to the winding up.

 

The directors have the authority to present a petition for our winding up to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands on our behalf without the sanction of a resolution passed at a general meeting.

 

Register of Members

 

Under the Cayman Islands Companies Law, we must keep a register of members and there should be entered therein:

 

  · the names and addresses of our shareholders, a statement of the shares held by each shareholder, and of the amount paid or agreed to be considered as paid, on the shares of each shareholder;
  · the date on which the name of any person was entered on the register as a shareholder; and
  · the date on which any person ceased to be a shareholder.

 

Under the Cayman Islands Companies Law, the register of members of our company is prima facie evidence of the matters set out therein (that is, the register of members will raise a presumption of fact on the matters referred to above unless rebutted) and a shareholder registered in the register of members is deemed as a matter of the Cayman Islands Companies Law to have legal title to the shares as set against its name in the register of members. Upon the completion of this offering, the register of members will be immediately updated to record and give effect to the issuance of shares by us to the custodian or its nominee. Once our register of members has been updated, the shareholders recorded in the register of members will be deemed to have legal title to the shares set against their name.

 

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If the name of any person is incorrectly entered in or omitted from our register of members, or if there is any default or unnecessary delay in entering on the register the fact of any person having ceased to be a shareholder of our company, the person or shareholder aggrieved (or any shareholder of our company or our company itself) may apply to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands for an order that the register be rectified, and the Court may either refuse such application or it may, if satisfied of the justice of the case, make an order for the rectification of the register.

 

Differences in Corporate Law

 

The Cayman Islands Companies Law is derived, to a large extent, from the older Companies Acts of England and Wales but does not follow recent United Kingdom statutory enactments, and accordingly there are significant differences between the Cayman Islands Companies Law and the current Companies Act of England and Wales. In addition, the Cayman Islands Companies Law differs from laws applicable to United States corporations and their shareholders. Set forth below is a summary of certain significant differences between the provisions of the Cayman Islands Companies Law applicable to us and the comparable laws applicable to companies incorporated in the State of Delaware in the United States.

 

Mergers and Similar Arrangements

 

The Cayman Islands Companies Law permits mergers and consolidations between Cayman Islands companies and between Cayman Islands companies and non-Cayman Islands companies. For these purposes, (a) “merger” means the merging of two or more constituent companies and the vesting of their undertaking, property and liabilities in one of such companies as the surviving company, and (b) a “consolidation” means the combination of two or more constituent companies into a consolidated company and the vesting of the undertaking, property and liabilities of such companies to the consolidated company. In order to effect such a merger or consolidation, the directors of each constituent company must approve a written plan of merger or consolidation, which must then be authorized by (a) a special resolution of the shareholders of each constituent company, and (b) such other authorization, if any, as may be specified in such constituent company’s articles of association. The plan must be filed with the Registrar of Companies together with a declaration as to the solvency of the consolidated or surviving company, a list of the assets and liabilities of each constituent company and an undertaking that a copy of the certificate of merger or consolidation will be given to the shareholders and creditors of each constituent company and that notification of the merger or consolidation will be published in the Cayman Islands Gazette. Court approval is not required for a merger or consolidation which is effected in compliance with these statutory procedures.

 

A merger between a Cayman Islands parent company and its Cayman Islands subsidiary or subsidiaries does not require authorization by a resolution of shareholders. For this purpose a subsidiary is a company of which at least 90% of the issued shares entitled to vote are owned by the parent company.

 

The consent of each holder of a fixed or floating security interest of a constituent company is required unless this requirement is waived by a court in the Cayman Islands.

 

Except in certain limited circumstances, a dissenting shareholder of a Cayman Islands constituent company is entitled to payment of the fair value of his or her shares upon dissenting from a merger or consolidation. The exercise of such dissenter rights will preclude the exercise by the dissenting shareholder of any other rights to which he or she might otherwise be entitled by virtue of holding shares, except for the right to seek relief on the grounds that the merger or consolidation is void or unlawful.

 

In addition, there are statutory provisions that facilitate the reconstruction and amalgamation of companies, provided that the arrangement is approved by a majority in number of each class of shareholders and creditors with whom the arrangement is to be made, and who must, in addition, represent three-fourths in value of each such class of shareholders or creditors, as the case may be, that are present and voting either in person or by proxy at a meeting, or meetings, convened for that purpose. The convening of the meetings and subsequently the arrangement must be sanctioned by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands. While a dissenting shareholder has the right to express to the court the view that the transaction ought not to be approved, the court can be expected to approve the arrangement if it determines that:

 

(a) the statutory provisions as to the required majority vote have been met;

(b) the shareholders have been fairly represented at the meeting in question and the statutory majority are acting bona fide without coercion of the minority to promote interests adverse to those of the class;

(c) the arrangement is such that may be reasonably approved by an intelligent and honest man of that class acting in respect of his interest; and

(d) the arrangement is not one that would more properly be sanctioned under some other provision of the Cayman Islands Companies Law.

 

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When a takeover offer is made and accepted by holders of 90% of the shares affected within four months the offeror may, within a two-month period commencing on the expiration of such four month period, require the holders of the remaining shares to transfer such shares on the terms of the offer. An objection can be made to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands but this is unlikely to succeed in the case of an offer which has been so approved unless there is evidence of fraud, bad faith or collusion.

 

If an arrangement and reconstruction is thus approved, or if a takeover offer is made and accepted, a dissenting shareholder would have no rights comparable to appraisal rights, which would otherwise ordinarily be available to dissenting shareholders of Delaware corporations, providing rights to receive payment in cash for the judicially determined value of the shares.

 

Shareholders’ Suits

 

In principle, we will normally be the proper plaintiff to sue for a wrong done to us as a company and as a general rule, a derivative action may not be brought by a minority shareholder. However, based on English law authorities, which would in all likelihood be of persuasive authority in the Cayman Islands, the Cayman Islands courts can be expected to follow and apply the common law principles (namely the rule in Foss v. Harbottle and the exceptions thereto) so that a non-controlling shareholder may be permitted to commence a class action against or derivative actions in the name of the company to challenge:

 

(a) an act which is illegal or ultra vires with respect to the company and is therefore incapable of ratification by the shareholders;

(b) an act which, although not ultra vires, requires authorization by a qualified (or special) majority (that is, more than a simple majority) which has not been obtained; and

(c) an act which constitutes a “fraud on the minority” where the wrongdoers are themselves in control of the company.

 

Indemnification of Directors and Executive Officers and Limitation of Liability

 

The Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. Our amended and restated articles of association provide to the extent permitted by law, we shall indemnify each existing or former secretary, director (including alternate director), and any of our other officers (including an investment adviser or an administrator or liquidator) and their personal representatives against:

 

(a) all actions, proceedings, costs, charges, expenses, losses, damages or liabilities incurred or sustained by the existing or former director (including alternate director), secretary or officer in or about the conduct of our business or affairs or in the execution or discharge of the existing or former director (including alternate director), secretary’s or officer’s duties, powers, authorities or discretions; and

 

(b) without limitation to paragraph (a) above, all costs, expenses, losses or liabilities incurred by the existing or former director (including alternate director), secretary or officer in defending (whether successfully or otherwise) any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative proceedings (whether threatened, pending or completed) concerning us or our affairs in any court or tribunal, whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere.

 

No such existing or former director (including alternate director), secretary or officer, however, shall be indemnified in respect of any matter arising out of his own dishonesty.

 

To the extent permitted by law, we may make a payment, or agree to make a payment, whether by way of advance, loan or otherwise, for any legal costs incurred by an existing or former director (including alternate director), secretary or any of our officers in respect of any matter identified in above on condition that the director (including alternate director), secretary or officer must repay the amount paid by us to the extent that it is ultimately found not liable to indemnify the director (including alternate director), the secretary or that officer for those legal costs.

 

This standard of conduct is generally the same as permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law for a Delaware corporation. In addition, we intend to enter into indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers that will provide such persons with additional indemnification beyond that provided in our articles.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers or persons controlling us under the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

 

Anti-Takeover Provisions in Our Articles

 

Some provisions of our articles may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company or management that shareholders may consider favorable, including provisions that authorize our board of directors to issue shares at such times and on such terms and conditions as the board of directors may decide without any further vote or action by our shareholders.

 

Under the Cayman Companies Law, our directors may only exercise the rights and powers granted to them under our articles for what they believe in good faith to be in the best interests of our company and for a proper purpose.

 

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Directors’ Fiduciary Duties

 

Under Delaware corporate law, a director of a Delaware corporation has a fiduciary duty to the corporation and its shareholders. This duty has two components: the duty of care and the duty of loyalty. The duty of care requires that a director act in good faith, with the care that an ordinarily prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances. Under this duty, a director must inform himself of, and disclose to shareholders, all material information reasonably available regarding a significant transaction. The duty of loyalty requires that a director act in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation. He or she must not use his or her corporate position for personal gain or advantage. This duty prohibits self-dealing by a director and mandates that the best interests of the corporation and its shareholders take precedence over any interest possessed by a director, officer or controlling shareholder and not shared by the shareholders generally. In general, actions of a director are presumed to have been made on an informed basis, in good faith and in the honest belief that the action taken was in the best interests of the corporation. However, this presumption may be rebutted by evidence of a breach of one of the fiduciary duties. Should such evidence be presented concerning a transaction by a director, a director must prove the procedural fairness of the transaction, and that the transaction was of fair value to the corporation.

 

As a matter of Cayman Islands law, a director owe three types of duties to the company: (i) statutory duties, (ii) fiduciary duties, and (iii) common law duties. The Cayman Companies Law imposes a number of statutory duties on a director. A Cayman Islands director’s fiduciary duties are not codified, however the courts of the Cayman Islands have held that a director owes the following fiduciary duties (a) a duty to act in what the director bona fide considers to be in the best interests of the company, (b) a duty to exercise their powers for the purposes they were conferred, (c) a duty to avoid fettering his or her discretion in the future and (d) a duty to avoid conflicts of interest and of duty. The common law duties owed by a director are those to act with skill, care and diligence that may reasonably be expected of a person carrying out the same functions as are carried out by that director in relation to the company and, also, to act with the skill, care and diligence in keeping with a standard of care commensurate with any particular skill they have which enables them to meet a higher standard than a director without those skills. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our amended articles of association, as amended and restated from time to time. We have the right to seek damages if a duty owed by any of our directors is breached.’

 

Shareholder Proposals

 

Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a shareholder has the right to put any proposal before the annual meeting of shareholders, provided it complies with the notice provisions in the governing documents. The Delaware General Corporation Law does not provide shareholders an express right to put any proposal before the annual meeting of shareholders, but in keeping with common law, Delaware corporations generally afford shareholders an opportunity to make proposals and nominations provided that they comply with the notice provisions in the certificate of incorporation or bylaws. A special meeting may be called by the board of directors or any other person authorized to do so in the governing documents, but shareholders may be precluded from calling special meetings.

 

The Cayman Islands Companies Law provides shareholders with only limited rights to requisition a general meeting, and does not provide shareholders with any right to put any proposal before a general meeting. However, these rights may be provided in a company’s articles of association. Our articles provide that general meetings shall be convened on the written requisition of one or more of the shareholders entitled to attend and vote at our general meetings who (together) hold not less than 10 percent of the rights to vote at such general meeting in accordance with the notice provisions in the articles, specifying the purpose of the meeting and signed by each of the shareholders making the requisition. If the directors do not convene such meeting for a date not later than twenty-one clear days’ after the date of receipt of the written requisition, those shareholders who requested the meeting may convene the general meeting themselves within three months after the end of such period of twenty-one clear days in which case reasonable expenses incurred by them as a result of the directors failing to convene a meeting shall be reimbursed by us. Our articles provide no other right to put any proposals before annual general meetings or extraordinary general meetings. As a Cayman Islands exempted company, we are not obligated by law to call shareholders’ annual general meetings. However, our corporate governance guidelines require us to call such meetings every year.

 

Cumulative Voting

 

Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, cumulative voting for elections of directors is not permitted unless the corporation’s certificate of incorporation specifically provides for it. Cumulative voting potentially facilitates the representation of minority shareholders on a board of directors since it permits the minority shareholder to cast all the votes to which the shareholder is entitled on a single director, which increases the shareholder’s voting power with respect to electing such director. As permitted under the Cayman Companies Law, our articles do not provide for cumulative voting. As a result, our shareholders are not afforded any less protections or rights on this issue than shareholders of a Delaware corporation.

 

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Removal of Directors

 

Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a director of a corporation with a classified board may be removed only for cause with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Subject to the provisions of our articles (which include the removal of a director by ordinary resolution), the office of a director may be terminated forthwith if (a) he is prohibited by the laws of the Cayman Islands from acting as a director, (b) he is made bankrupt or makes an arrangement or composition with his creditors generally, (c) he resigns his office by notice to us, (d) he only held office as a director for a fixed term and such term expires, (e) in the opinion of a registered medical practitioner by whom he is being treated he becomes physically or mentally incapable of acting as a director, (f) he is given notice by the majority of the other directors (not being less than two in number) to vacate office (without prejudice to any claim for damages for breach of any agreement relating to the provision of the services of such director), (g) he is made subject to any law relating to mental health or incompetence, whether by court order or otherwise, or (h) without the consent of the other directors, he is absent from meetings of directors for continuous period of six months.

 

Transactions with Interested Shareholders

 

The Delaware General Corporation Law contains a business combination statute applicable to Delaware public corporations whereby, unless the corporation has specifically elected not to be governed by such statute by amendment to its certificate of incorporation or bylaws that is approved by its shareholders, it is prohibited from engaging in certain business combinations with an “interested shareholder” for three years following the date that such person becomes an interested shareholder. An interested shareholder generally is a person or a group who or which owns or owned 15% or more of the target’s outstanding voting stock or who or which is an affiliate or associate of the corporation and owned 15% or more of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock within the past three years. This has the effect of limiting the ability of a potential acquirer to make a two-tiered bid for the target in which all shareholders would not be treated equally. The statute does not apply if, among other things, prior to the date on which such shareholder becomes an interested shareholder, the board of directors approves either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the person becoming an interested shareholder. This encourages any potential acquirer of a Delaware corporation to negotiate the terms of any acquisition transaction with the target’s board of directors.

 

The Cayman Islands Companies Law has no comparable statute. As a result, we cannot avail ourselves of the types of protections afforded by the Delaware business combination statute. However, although the Cayman Islands Companies Law does not regulate transactions between a company and its significant shareholders, under Cayman Islands law such transactions must be entered into bona fide in the best interests of the company and for a proper corporate purpose and not with the effect of constituting a fraud on the minority shareholders.

 

Dissolution; Winding Up

 

Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, unless the board of directors approves the proposal to dissolve, dissolution must be approved by shareholders holding 100% of the total voting power of the corporation. Only if the dissolution is initiated by the board of directors may it be approved by a simple majority of the corporation’s outstanding shares. Delaware law allows a Delaware corporation to include in its certificate of incorporation a supermajority voting requirement in connection with dissolutions initiated by the board of directors.

 

Under the Cayman Islands Companies Law and our articles, the Company may be wound up by a special resolution of our shareholders, or if the winding up is initiated by our board of directors, by either a special resolution of our members or, if our company is unable to pay its debts as they fall due, by an ordinary resolution of our members. In addition, a company may be wound up by an order of the courts of the Cayman Islands. The court has authority to order winding up in a number of specified circumstances including where it is, in the opinion of the court, just and equitable to do so.

 

Variation of Rights of Shares

 

Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation may vary the rights of a class of shares with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of such class, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under the Cayman Islands Companies Law and our articles, if our share capital is divided into more than one class of shares, the rights attaching to any class of share (unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class) may be varied either with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the issued shares of that class, or with the sanction of a resolution passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the holders of shares of the class present in person or by proxy at a separate general meeting of the holders of shares of that class.

 

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Amendment of Governing Documents

 

Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation’s certificate of incorporation may be amended only if adopted and declared advisable by the board of directors and approved by a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, and the bylaws may be amended with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote and may, if so provided in the certificate of incorporation, also be amended by the board of directors. Under the Cayman Islands Companies Law, our articles may only be amended by special resolution of our shareholders.

 

Anti-money Laundering—Cayman Islands

 

In order to comply with legislation or regulations aimed at the prevention of money laundering, we may be required to adopt and maintain anti-money laundering procedures, and may require subscribers to provide evidence to verify their identity. Where permitted, and subject to certain conditions, we may also delegate the maintenance of our anti-money laundering procedures (including the acquisition of due diligence information) to a suitable person.

 

We reserve the right to request such information as is necessary to verify the identity of a subscriber. In the event of delay or failure on the part of the subscriber in producing any information required for verification purposes, we may refuse to accept the application, in which case any funds received will be returned without interest to the account from which they were originally debited.

 

We also reserve the right to refuse to make any redemption payment to a shareholder if our directors or officers suspect or are advised that the payment of redemption proceeds to such shareholder might result in a breach of applicable anti-money laundering or other laws or regulations by any person in any relevant jurisdiction, or if such refusal is considered necessary or appropriate to ensure our compliance with any such laws or regulations in any applicable jurisdiction.

 

If any person resident in the Cayman Islands knows or suspects or has reason for knowing or suspecting that another person is engaged in criminal conduct or is involved with terrorism or terrorist property and the information for that knowledge or suspicion came to their attention in the course of their business in the regulated sector, or other trade, profession, business or employment, the person will be required to report such knowledge or suspicion to (i) a nominated officer (appointed in accordance with the Proceeds of Crime Law (Revised) of the Cayman Islands) or the Financial Reporting Authority of the Cayman Islands, pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Law (Revised), if the disclosure relates to criminal conduct or money laundering or (ii) to a police constable or a nominated officer (pursuant to the Terrorism Law (Revised) of the Cayman Islands) or the Financial Reporting Authority, pursuant to the Terrorism Law (Revised), if the disclosure relates to involvement with terrorism or terrorist financing and terrorist property. Such a report shall not be treated as a breach of confidence or of any restriction upon the disclosure of information imposed by any enactment or otherwise.

 

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

 

Before this offering, there has not been a public market for our Ordinary Shares, and while we plan to list our Ordinary Shares on the NYSE American, we cannot assure you that a significant public market for the Ordinary Shares will develop or be sustained after this offering. Future sales of substantial amounts of our Ordinary Shares in the public markets after this offering, or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect market prices prevailing from time to time. As described below, only a limited number of our Ordinary Shares currently outstanding will be available for sale immediately after this offering due to contractual and legal restrictions on resale. Nevertheless, after these restrictions lapse, future sales of substantial amounts of our Ordinary Shares, including Ordinary Shares issued upon exercise of outstanding options, in the public market in the United States, or the possibility of such sales, could negatively affect the market price in the United States of our Ordinary Shares and our ability to raise equity capital in the future.

 

Upon the closing of the offering, we will have 34,000,000 outstanding Ordinary Shares, assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. Of that amount, 4,000,000 Ordinary Shares will be publicly held by investors participating in this offering, and 30,000,000 Ordinary Shares will be held by our existing shareholders, some of whom may be our “affiliates” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. As defined in Rule 144, an “affiliate” of an issuer is a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the issuer.

 

All of the Ordinary Shares sold in the offering will be freely transferable by persons other than our “affiliates” in the United States without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act. Ordinary shares purchased by one of our “affiliates” may not be resold, except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an exemption from registration, including an exemption under Rule 144 under the Securities Act described below.

 

The Ordinary Shares held by existing shareholders are, and any Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of options outstanding following the completion of this offering will be, “restricted securities,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. These restricted securities may be sold in the United States only if they are registered or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rule 144 or Rule 701 under the Securities Act. These rules are described below.

 

Rule 144

 

All of our Ordinary Shares outstanding prior to this offering are “restricted securities” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act and may be sold publicly in the United States only if they are subject to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirement such as those provided by Rule 144 and Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, a person who is not deemed to have been our affiliate at any time during the three months preceding a sale and who has beneficially owned restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 for more than six months would be entitled to sell an unlimited number of those shares, subject only to the availability of current public information about us. A non-affiliate who has beneficially owned restricted securities for at least one year from the later of the date these shares were acquired from us or from our affiliate would be entitled to freely sell those shares.

 

A person who is deemed to be an affiliate of ours and who has beneficially owned “restricted securities” for at least six months would be entitled to sell, within any three-month period, a number of shares that is not more than the greater of:

 

  · 1% of the number of Ordinary Shares then outstanding, in the form of Ordinary Shares or otherwise, which will equal approximately shares immediately after this offering; or
     
  · the average weekly trading volume of the Ordinary Shares on NYSE American during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to such sale.

 

Sales under Rule 144 by our affiliates or persons selling shares on behalf of our affiliates are also subject to certain manner of sale provisions and notice requirements and to the availability of current public information about us.

 

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TAXATION

 

People’s Republic of China Enterprise Taxation

 

Unless otherwise noted in the following discussion, this section is the opinion of Dentons Law Offices, LLP, our PRC counsel, insofar as it relates to legal conclusions with respect to matters of People’s Republic of China Enterprise Taxation below.

 

The following brief description of Chinese enterprise laws is designed to highlight the enterprise-level taxation on our earnings, which will affect the amount of dividends, if any, we are ultimately able to pay to our shareholders. See “Dividend Policy.”

 

We are a holding company incorporated in Cayman Islands and we gain income by way of dividends paid to us from our PRC subsidiaries. The EIT Law and its implementation rules provide that China-sourced income of foreign enterprises, such as dividends paid by a PRC subsidiary to its equity holders that are non-resident enterprises, will normally be subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of 10%, unless any such foreign investor’s jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty with China that provides for a preferential tax rate or a tax exemption.

 

Under the EIT Law, an enterprise established outside of China with a “de facto management body” within China is considered a “resident enterprise,” which means that it is treated in a manner similar to a Chinese enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes. Although the implementation rules of the EIT Law define “de facto management body” as a managing body that actually, comprehensively manage and control the production and operation, staff, accounting, property and other aspects of an enterprise, the only official guidance for this definition currently available is set forth in SAT Notice 82, which provides guidance on the determination of the tax residence status of a Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated enterprise, defined as an enterprise that is incorporated under the laws of a foreign country or territory and that has a PRC enterprise or enterprise group as its primary controlling shareholder. Although Qilian International Holding Group Limited does not have a PRC enterprise or enterprise group as our primary controlling shareholder and is therefore not a Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated enterprise within the meaning of SAT Notice 82, in the absence of guidance specifically applicable to us, we have applied the guidance set forth in SAT Notice 82 to evaluate the tax residence status of Qilian International Holding Group Limited and its subsidiaries organized outside the PRC.

 

According to SAT Notice 82, a Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated enterprise will be regarded as a PRC tax resident by virtue of having a “de facto management body” in China and will be subject to PRC enterprise income tax on its worldwide income only if all of the following criteria are met: (i) the places where senior management and senior management departments that are responsible for daily production, operation and management of the enterprise perform their duties are mainly located within the territory of China; (ii) financial decisions (such as money borrowing, lending, financing and financial risk management) and personnel decisions (such as appointment, dismissal and salary and wages) are decided or need to be decided by organizations or persons located within the territory of China; (iii) main property, accounting books, corporate seal, the board of directors and files of the minutes of shareholders’ meetings of the enterprise are located or preserved within the territory of China; and (iv) one half  (or more) of the directors or senior management staff having the right to vote habitually reside within the territory of China.

 

Currently, we are not aware of any offshore holding companies with a corporate structure similar to ours that has been deemed a PRC “resident enterprise” by the PRC tax authorities. Accordingly, we believe that Qilian International Holding Group Limited and its offshore subsidiaries should not be treated as a “resident enterprise” for PRC tax purposes if the criteria for “de facto management body” as set forth in SAT Notice 82 were deemed applicable to us. However, as the tax residency status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation of the term “de facto management body” as applicable to our offshore entities, we will continue to monitor our tax status.

 

The implementation rules of the EIT Law provide that, (i) if the enterprise that distributes dividends is domiciled in the PRC or (ii) if gains are realized from transferring equity interests of enterprises domiciled in the PRC, then such dividends or gains are treated as China-sourced income. It is not clear how “domicile” may be interpreted under the EIT Law, and it may be interpreted as the jurisdiction where the enterprise is a tax resident. Therefore, if we are considered as a PRC tax resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes, any dividends we pay to our overseas shareholders which are non-resident enterprises as well as gains realized by such shareholders from the transfer of our shares may be regarded as China-sourced income and as a result become subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of up to 10%. We are unable to provide a “will” opinion because Dentons Law Offices, LLP, our PRC counsel, believes that it is more likely than not that the Company and its offshore subsidiaries would be treated as a non-resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes because we are not aware of any offshore holding companies with a corporate structure similar to ours that has been deemed a PRC “resident enterprise” by the PRC tax authorities as of the date of the prospectus. Therefore we believe that it is possible but highly unlikely that the income received by our overseas shareholders will be regarded as China-sourced income.

 

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See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Doing Business in China” — Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, we may be classified as a “resident enterprise” of China, which could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders.

 

Our company pays an EIT rate of 25% for WFOE and its subsidiaries. The EIT is calculated based on the entity’s global income as determined under PRC tax laws and accounting standards. If the PRC tax authorities determine that we are a PRC resident enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes, we may be required to withhold a 10% withholding tax from dividends we pay to our shareholders that are non-resident enterprises. In addition, non-resident enterprise shareholders may be subject to a 10% PRC withholding tax on gains realized on the sale or other disposition of our Ordinary Shares, if such income is treated as sourced from within the PRC. It is unclear whether our non-PRC individual shareholders would be subject to any PRC tax on dividends or gains obtained by such non-PRC individual shareholders in the event we are determined to be a PRC resident enterprise. If any PRC tax were to apply to dividends or gains realized by non-PRC individuals, it would generally apply at a rate of 20% unless a reduced rate is available under an applicable tax treaty. However, it is also unclear whether non-PRC shareholders of the Company would be able to claim the benefits of any tax treaties between their country of tax residence and the PRC in the event that the Company is treated as a PRC resident enterprise. There is no guidance from the PRC government to indicate whether or not any tax treaties between the PRC and other countries would apply in circumstances where a non-PRC company was deemed to be a PRC tax resident, and thus there is no basis for expecting how tax treaty between the PRC and other countries may impact non-resident enterprises.

 

Hong Kong Taxation

 

Entities incorporated in Hong Kong are subject to profits tax in Hong Kong at the rate of 16.5% for each of the years ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

Cayman Islands Taxation

 

The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. There are no other taxes likely to be material to the Company levied by the Government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties which may be applicable on instruments executed in, or, after execution, brought within the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands. No stamp duty is payable in the Cayman Islands on the issue of shares by, or any transfers of shares of, Cayman Islands companies (except those which hold interests in land in the Cayman Islands). There are no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.

 

Payments of dividends and capital in respect of our Ordinary Shares will not be subject to taxation in the Cayman Islands and no withholding will be required on the payment of a dividend or capital to any holder of our Ordinary Shares, as the case may be, nor will gains derived from the disposal of our Ordinary Shares be subject to Cayman Islands income or corporation tax.

 

United States Federal Income Taxation

 

WE URGE POTENTIAL PURCHASERS OF OUR ORDINARY SHARES TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS CONCERNING THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF OUR ORDINARY SHARES.

 

The following does not address the tax consequences to any particular investor or to persons in special tax situations such as:

 

  · banks;
     
  · financial institutions;
     
  · insurance companies;
     
  · regulated investment companies;
     
  · advertising investment trusts;
     
  · broker-dealers;
     
  · persons that elect to mark their securities to market;
     
  · U.S. expatriates or former long-term residents of the U.S.;
     
  · governments or agencies or instrumentalities thereof;
     
  · tax-exempt entities;
     
  · persons liable for alternative minimum tax;
     
  · persons holding our Ordinary Shares as part of a straddle, hedging, conversion or integrated transaction;
     
  · persons that actually or constructively own 10% or more of our voting power or value (including by reason of owning our Ordinary Shares);
     
  · persons who acquired our Ordinary Shares pursuant to the exercise of any employee share option or otherwise as compensation;
     
  · persons holding our Ordinary Shares through partnerships or other pass-through entities;
     
  · beneficiaries of a Trust holding our Ordinary Shares; or
     
  · persons holding our Ordinary Shares through a Trust.

 

The discussion set forth below is addressed only to U.S. Holders that purchase Ordinary Shares in this offering. Prospective purchasers are urged to consult their own tax advisors about the application of the U.S. federal income tax rules to their particular circumstances as well as the state, local, foreign and other tax consequences to them of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our Ordinary Shares.

 

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Material Tax Consequences Applicable to U.S. Holders of Our Ordinary Shares

 

The following sets forth the material U.S. federal income tax consequences related to the ownership and disposition of our Ordinary Shares. It is directed to U.S. Holders (as defined below) of our Ordinary Shares and is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this prospectus, all of which are subject to change. This description does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to ownership and disposition of our Ordinary Shares or U.S. tax laws, other than the U.S. federal income tax laws, such as the tax consequences under non-U.S. tax laws, state, local and other tax laws.

 

The following brief description applies only to U.S. Holders (defined below) that hold Ordinary Shares as capital assets and that have the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. This brief description is based on the federal income tax laws of the United States in effect as of the date of this prospectus and on U.S. Treasury regulations in effect or, in some cases, proposed, as of the date of this prospectus, as well as judicial and administrative interpretations thereof available on or before such date. All of the foregoing authorities are subject to change, which change could apply retroactively and could affect the tax consequences described below.

 

The brief description below of the U.S. federal income tax consequences to “U.S. Holders” will apply to you if you are a beneficial owner of Ordinary Share and you are, for U.S. federal income tax purposes,

 

  · an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;
     
  · a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
     
  · an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
     
  · a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and the control of one or more U.S. persons for all substantial decisions or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

 

Taxation of Dividends and Other Distributions on our Ordinary Shares

 

Subject to the passive foreign investment company (PFIC) rules (defined below) discussed below, the gross amount of distributions made by us to you with respect to the Ordinary Shares (including the amount of any taxes withheld therefrom) will generally be includable in your gross income as dividend income on the date of receipt by you, but only to the extent that the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). With respect to corporate U.S. Holders, the dividends will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations in respect of dividends received from other U.S. corporations.

 

With respect to non-corporate U.S. Holders, including individual U.S. Holders, dividends will be taxed at the lower capital gains rate applicable to qualified dividend income, provided that (1) the Ordinary Shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States, or we are eligible for the benefits of an approved qualifying income tax treaty with the United States that includes an exchange of information program, (2) we are not a PFIC (defined below) for either our taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year, and (3) certain holding period requirements are met. Because there is no income tax treaty between the United States and the Cayman Islands, clause (1) above can be satisfied only if the Ordinary Shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Under U.S. Internal Revenue Service authority, Ordinary Shares are considered for purpose of clause (1) above to be readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States if they are listed on certain exchanges, which presently include the NYSE. You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the availability of the lower rate for dividends paid with respect to our Ordinary Shares, including the effects of any change in law after the date of this prospectus.

 

Dividends will constitute foreign source income for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. If the dividends are taxed as qualified dividend income (as discussed above), the amount of the dividend taken into account for purposes of calculating the foreign tax credit limitation will be limited to the gross amount of the dividend, multiplied by the reduced rate divided by the highest rate of tax normally applicable to dividends. The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. For this purpose, dividends distributed by us with respect to our Ordinary Shares will constitute “passive category income” but could, in the case of certain U.S. Holders, constitute “general category income.”

 

To the extent that the amount of the distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles), it will be treated first as a tax-free return of your tax basis in your Ordinary Shares, and to the extent the amount of the distribution exceeds your tax basis, the excess will be taxed as capital gain. We do not intend to calculate our earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles. Therefore, a U.S. Holder should expect that a distribution will be treated as a dividend even if that distribution would otherwise be treated as a non-taxable return of capital or as capital gain under the rules described above.

 

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Taxation of Dispositions of Ordinary Shares

 

Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, you will recognize taxable gain or loss on any sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of a share equal to the difference between the amount realized (in U.S. dollars) for the share and your tax basis (in U.S. dollars) in the Ordinary Shares. The gain or loss will be capital gain or loss. If you are a non-corporate U.S. Holder, including an individual U.S. Holder, who has held the Ordinary Shares for more than one year, you will generally be eligible for reduced tax rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Any such gain or loss that you recognize will generally be treated as United States source income or loss for foreign tax credit limitation purposes which will generally limit the availability of foreign tax credits.

 

Passive Foreign Investment Company (“PFIC”)

 

A non-U.S. corporation is considered a PFIC, as defined in Section 1297(a) of the US Internal Revenue Code, for any taxable year if either:

 

  · at least 75% of its gross income for such taxable year is passive income; or
     
  · at least 50% of the value of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets during a taxable year) is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income (the “asset test”).

 

Passive income generally includes dividends, interest, rents and royalties (other than rents or royalties derived from the active conduct of a trade or business) and gains from the disposition of passive assets. We will be treated as owning our proportionate share of the assets and earning our proportionate share of the income of any other corporation in which we own, directly or indirectly, at least 25% (by value) of the stock. In determining the value and composition of our assets for purposes of the PFIC asset test, (1) the cash we raise in this offering will generally be considered to be held for the production of passive income and (2) the value of our assets must be determined based on the market value of our Ordinary Shares from time to time, which could cause the value of our non-passive assets to be less than 50% of the value of all of our assets (including the cash raised in this offering) on any particular quarterly testing date for purposes of the asset test.

 

Based on our operations and the composition of our assets we do not expect to be treated as a PFIC under the current PFIC rules. However, we must make a separate determination each year as to whether we are a PFIC, and there can be no assurance with respect to our status as a PFIC for our current taxable year or any future taxable year. Depending on the amount of cash we raise in this offering, together with any other assets held for the production of passive income, it is possible that, for our current taxable year or for any subsequent taxable year, more than 50% of our assets may be assets held for the production of passive income. We will make this determination following the end of any particular tax year. Although the law in this regard is unclear, we are treating Gansu QLS as being owned by us for United States federal income tax purposes, not only because we control their management decisions, but also because we are entitled to the economic benefits associated with Gansu QLS, and as a result, we are treating Gansu QLS as our wholly-owned subsidiary for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If we are not treated as owning Gansu QLS for United States federal income tax purposes, we would likely be treated as a PFIC. In addition, because the value of our assets for purposes of the asset test will generally be determined based on the market price of our Ordinary Shares and because cash is generally considered to be an asset held for the production of passive income, our PFIC status will depend in large part on the market price of our Ordinary Shares and the amount of cash we raise in this offering.

 

Accordingly, fluctuations in the market price of the Ordinary Shares may cause us to become a PFIC. In addition, the application of the PFIC rules is subject to uncertainty in several respects and the composition of our income and assets will be affected by how, and how quickly, we spend the cash we raise in this offering. We are under no obligation to take steps to reduce the risk of our being classified as a PFIC, and as stated above, the determination of the value of our assets will depend upon material facts (including the market price of our Ordinary Shares from time to time and the amount of cash we raise in this offering) that may not be within our control. If we are a PFIC for any year during which you hold Ordinary Shares, we will continue to be treated as a PFIC for all succeeding years during which you hold Ordinary Shares. However, if we cease to be a PFIC and you did not previously make a timely “mark-to-market” election as described below, you may avoid some of the adverse effects of the PFIC regime by making a “purging election” (as described below) with respect to the Ordinary Shares.

 

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If we are a PFIC for your taxable year(s) during which you hold Ordinary Shares, you will be subject to special tax rules with respect to any “excess distribution” that you receive and any gain you realize from a sale or other disposition (including a pledge) of the Ordinary Shares, unless you make a “mark-to-market” election as discussed below. Distributions you receive in a taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions you received during the shorter of the three preceding taxable years or your holding period for the Ordinary Shares will be treated as an excess distribution. Under these special tax rules:

 

  · the excess distribution or gain will be allocated ratably over your holding period for the Ordinary Shares;
     
  · the amount allocated to your current taxable year, and any amount allocated to any of your taxable year(s) prior to the first taxable year in which we were a PFIC, will be treated as ordinary income, and
     
  · the amount allocated to each of your other taxable year(s) will be subject to the highest tax rate in effect for that year and the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed on the resulting tax attributable to each such year.

 

The tax liability for amounts allocated to years prior to the year of disposition or “excess distribution” cannot be offset by any net operating losses for such years, and gains (but not losses) realized on the sale of the Ordinary Shares cannot be treated as capital, even if you hold the Ordinary Shares as capital assets.

 

A U.S. Holder of “marketable stock” (as defined below) in a PFIC may make a mark-to-market election under Section 1296 of the US Internal Revenue Code for such stock to elect out of the tax treatment discussed above. If you make a mark-to-market election for first taxable year which you hold (or are deemed to hold) Ordinary Shares and for which we are determined to be a PFIC, you will include in your income each year an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Ordinary Shares as of the close of such taxable year over your adjusted basis in such Ordinary Shares, which excess will be treated as ordinary income and not capital gain. You are allowed an ordinary loss for the excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of the Ordinary Shares over their fair market value as of the close of the taxable year. However, such ordinary loss is allowable only to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains on the Ordinary Shares included in your income for prior taxable years. Amounts included in your income under a mark-to-market election, as well as gain on the actual sale or other disposition of the Ordinary Shares, are treated as ordinary income. Ordinary loss treatment also applies to any loss realized on the actual sale or disposition of the Ordinary Shares, to the extent that the amount of such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously included for such Ordinary Shares. Your basis in the Ordinary Shares will be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amounts. If you make a valid mark-to-market election, the tax rules that apply to distributions by corporations which are not PFICs would apply to distributions by us, except that the lower applicable capital gains rate for qualified dividend income discussed above under “— Taxation of Dividends and Other Distributions on our Ordinary Shares” generally would not apply.

 

The mark-to-market election is available only for “marketable stock,” which is stock that is traded in other than de minimis quantities on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter (“regularly traded”) on a qualified exchange or other market (as defined in applicable U.S. Treasury regulations), including the NYSE. If the Ordinary Shares are regularly traded on the NYSE American and if you are a holder of Ordinary Shares, the mark-to-market election would be available to you were we to be or become a PFIC.

 

Alternatively, a U.S. Holder of stock in a PFIC may make a “qualified electing fund” election under Section 1295(b) of the US Internal Revenue Code with respect to such PFIC to elect out of the tax treatment discussed above. A U.S. Holder who makes a valid qualified electing fund election with respect to a PFIC will generally include in gross income for a taxable year such holder’s pro rata share of the corporation’s earnings and profits for the taxable year. However, the qualified electing fund election is available only if such PFIC provides such U.S. Holder with certain information regarding its earnings and profits as required under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations. We do not currently intend to prepare or provide the information that would enable you to make a qualified electing fund election. If you hold Ordinary Shares in any taxable year in which we are a PFIC, you will be required to file U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form 8621 in each such year and provide certain annual information regarding such Ordinary Shares, including regarding distributions received on the Ordinary Shares and any gain realized on the disposition of the Ordinary Shares.

 

If you do not make a timely “mark-to-market” election (as described above), and if we were a PFIC at any time during the period you hold our Ordinary Shares, then such Ordinary Shares will continue to be treated as stock of a PFIC with respect to you even if we cease to be a PFIC in a future year, unless you make a “purging election” for the year we cease to be a PFIC. A “purging election” creates a deemed sale of such Ordinary Shares at their fair market value on the last day of the last year in which we are treated as a PFIC. The gain recognized by the purging election will be subject to the special tax and interest charge rules treating the gain as an excess distribution, as described above. As a result of the purging election, you will have a new basis (equal to the fair market value of the Ordinary Shares on the last day of the last year in which we are treated as a PFIC) and holding period (which new holding period will begin the day after such last day) in your Ordinary Shares for tax purposes.

 

You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the application of the PFIC rules to your investment in our Ordinary Shares and the elections discussed above.

 

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Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

Dividend payments with respect to our Ordinary Shares and proceeds from the sale, exchange or redemption of our Ordinary Shares may be subject to information reporting to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and possible U.S. backup withholding under Section 3406 of the US Internal Revenue Code with at a current flat rate of 24%. Backup withholding will not apply, however, to a U.S. Holder who furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number and makes any other required certification on U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 or who is otherwise exempt from backup withholding. U.S. Holders who are required to establish their exempt status generally must provide such certification on U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the U.S. information reporting and backup withholding rules.

 

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, and you may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules by filing the appropriate claim for refund with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and furnishing any required information. We do not intend to withhold taxes for individual shareholders. However, transactions effected through certain brokers or other intermediaries may be subject to withholding taxes (including backup withholding), and such brokers or intermediaries may be required by law to withhold such taxes.

 

Under the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act of 2010, certain U.S. Holders are required to report information relating to our Ordinary Shares, subject to certain exceptions (including an exception for Ordinary Shares held in accounts maintained by certain financial institutions), by attaching a complete Internal Revenue Service Form 8938, Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets, with their tax return for each year in which they hold Ordinary Shares.

 

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UNDERWRITING

 

Under the terms and subject to the conditions of an underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus, the underwriters named below, for whom Univest Securities, LLC is acting as the representative and sole book-running manager, have severally agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to them, the number of our Ordinary Shares at the initial public offering price, less the underwriting discounts, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and as indicated below:

 

Underwriters   Number
of Shares
 
Univest Securities, LLC        
         
Total     4,000,000  

 

The underwriters are offering the shares subject to their acceptance of the shares from us and subject to prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the Ordinary Shares offered by this prospectus are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all of the Ordinary Shares offered by this prospectus if any such shares are taken. However, the underwriters are not required to take or pay for the shares covered by the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares described below.

 

The underwriters will offer the shares to the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus and to selected dealers at the initial public offering price less a selling concession not in excess of $[●] per share. After this offering, the initial public offering price, concession and reallowance to dealers may be reduced by the representative. No change in those terms will change the amount of proceeds to be received by us as set forth on the cover of this prospectus. The securities are offered by the underwriters as stated herein, subject to receipt and acceptance by them and subject to their right to reject any order in whole or in part.

 

Over-Allotment Option

 

We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 45 days from the closing of this offering, to purchase up to 15% additional Ordinary Shares at the initial public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus, less underwriting discounts. The underwriters may exercise this option solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the offering contemplated by this prospectus. To the extent the option is exercised, each underwriters will become obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase about the same percentage of the additional Ordinary Shares as the number listed next to the underwriters’ name in the preceding table bears to the total number of Ordinary Shares listed next to the names of all underwriters in the preceding table. 

 

Discounts, Fees and Expenses

 

The underwriting discounts are equal to 7% of the initial public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus.

 

The following table shows the per share and total initial public offering price, underwriting discounts, and proceeds before expenses to us. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase up to an additional 600,000 Ordinary Shares.

 

    Per Share     Total Without
Exercise of Over-
allotment Option
    Total With Full
Exercise of Over-
allotment Option
 
Initial public offering price(1)   $ 6     $ 24,000,000     $ 27,600,000  
Underwriting discounts (7%)(2)   $ 0.42     $ 1,680,000     $ 1,932,000  
Proceeds, before expenses, to us   $ 5.58     $ 22,320,000     $ 25,668,000  

  

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(1) Initial public offering price per share is assumed as $6.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.

(2) We shall pay to the underwriters discounts of 7% of the public offering price; provided, however, for Ordinary Shares sold to investors sourced through the Company, and as mutually agreed upon by the Company and the underwriters, we shall pay to the underwriters discounts of 4% of the first $10,000,000 of the gross proceeds of this offering, 3% of the second $10,000,000 of the gross proceeds, 2% of the third $10,000,000 of the gross proceeds, and 1% of the $10,000,000 of the gross proceeds in excess of $30,000,000. This represents the maximum underwriting discount if none of the investors in the offering is introduced by us.

 

We have agreed to pay an advisory fee of $50,000 to the representative upon the closing of this offering.

 

We have agreed to reimburse the representative up to a maximum of $150,000 for out-of-pocket accountable expenses, including (i) all filing fees and communication expenses relating to the registration of the shares to be sold in this offering with the SEC and the filing of the offering materials with FINRA; (ii) all reasonable travel and lodging expenses incurred by the representative or its counsel in connection with visits to, and examinations of, our company; (iii) translation costs for due diligence purpose; (iv) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to the registration or qualification of such shares under the “blue sky” securities laws of such states and other jurisdictions as the representative may reasonably designate (including, without limitation, all filing and registration fees, and the reasonable fees and disbursements of representative’s counsel); (v) the costs of all mailing and printing of the placement documents, registration statements, prospectuses and all amendments, supplements and exhibits thereto and as many preliminary and final prospectuses as the representative may reasonably deem necessary; (vi) the costs of preparing, printing and delivering certificates representing the shares and the fees and expenses of the transfer agent for such shares; and (vii) the reasonable cost for road show meetings and preparation of a power point presentation.

 

We have agreed to pay an expense deposit of $50,000 to the representative, for the representative’s anticipated out-of-pocket expenses; any expense deposits will be returned to us to the extent the representative’s out-of-pocket accountable expenses are not actually incurred in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(C).

 

We estimate that the total expenses of the offering payable by us, excluding the underwriting discounts, will be approximately $[●], including a maximum aggregate reimbursement of $150,000 of representative’s accountable expenses.

 

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Underwriters’ Warrants

 

In addition, we have agreed to sell warrants (the “Underwriters’ Warrants”) to the underwriters, for a nominal consideration of $0.00166667 per warrant, to purchase a number of Ordinary Shares equal to 6% of the total number of Ordinary Shares sold in this offering (not including any over-allotment shares sold in the over-allotment option). The Underwriters’ Warrants shall have an exercise price equal to 110% of the offering price of the Ordinary Shares sold in this offering. The Underwriters’ Warrants may be exercised in cash or via cashless exercise, will be exercisable for five (5) years from the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and will terminate on the fifth anniversary of the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(G). The Underwriters’ Warrants can be exercised in whole or in part. The Underwriters’ Warrants and the underlying shares will be deemed compensation by FINRA, and therefore will be subject to FINRA Rule 5110(g)(1). In accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(1), and except as otherwise permitted by FINRA rules, neither the Underwriters’ Warrants nor any of our shares issued upon exercise of the Underwriters’ Warrants may be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated, or be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of such securities by any person, for a period of 180 days immediately following the effectiveness or commencement of sales of this offering. In addition, although the Underwriters’ Warrants and the underlying Ordinary Shares will be registered in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, we have also agreed that the Underwriters’ Warrants will provide for registration rights in certain cases. These registration rights apply to all of the securities directly and indirectly issuable upon exercise of the Underwriters’ Warrants. The piggyback registration right provided will not be greater than five years from the effective date of the offering in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(G)(v).

 

We will bear all fees and expenses attendant to registering the Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of the Underwriters’ Warrants. The exercise price and number of Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of the Underwriters’ Warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances, including in the event of a stock dividend, extraordinary cash dividend or our recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation.

 

Right of First Refusal

 

We have agreed to grant the underwriter for the 12-month period following the company’s first day of trading, a right of first refusal to co-manage any public underwriting or private placement of debt or equity securities, merger, business combination, recapitalization or sale of some or all of the equity or assets of the Company.

 

Lock-Up Agreement

 

We have agreed that, subject to certain exceptions, we will not, without the prior written consent of the underwriter, from the date of execution of this Agreement and continuing for a period of 6 months from the commencement of the Company’s first day of trading, (i) offer, pledge, announce the intention to sell, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file with the Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to, any Ordinary Shares or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Ordinary Shares, or (ii) enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Ordinary Shares or any such other securities.

 

Pursuant to certain “lock-up” agreement, our executive officers, directors and all holders of our Ordinary Shares have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to offer, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, contract to sell, or otherwise dispose of or announce the intention to otherwise dispose of, or enter into any swap, hedge or similar agreement or arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic risk of ownership of, directly or indirectly, engage in any short selling of any ordinary shares or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any ordinary shares, whether currently owned or subsequently acquired, without the prior written consent of the underwriters, for a period of 180 days from the date of effectiveness of the offering.

 

The lock-up period described herein will be automatically extended if: (1) during the last 17 days of the restricted period, we issue an earnings release or announce material news or a material event; or (2) prior to the expiration of the lock-up period, we announce that it will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the lock-up period, in which case the restrictions described in the preceding paragraph will continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the date of the earnings release, unless the underwriters waive this extension in writing; provided, however, that this lock-up period extension shall not apply to the extent that FINRA has amended or repealed NASD Rule 2711(f)(4), or has otherwise provided written interpretive guidance regarding such rule, in each case, so as to eliminate the prohibition of any broker, dealer, or member of a national securities association from publishing or distributing any research report, with respect to the securities of an emerging growth company (as defined in the JOBS Act) prior to or after the expiration of any agreement between the broker, dealer, or member of a national securities association and the emerging growth company or its stockholders that restricts or prohibits the sale of securities held by the emerging growth company or its stockholders after the initial public offering date.

  

Pricing of the Offering

 

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our Ordinary Shares. The initial public offering price of the shares has been negotiated between us and the underwriters. Among the factors considered in determining the initial public offering price of the shares, in addition to the prevailing market conditions, are our historical performance, estimates of our business potential and earnings prospects, an assessment of our management and the consideration of the above factors in relation to market valuation of companies in related businesses.

  

No Sales of Similar Securities

 

We have agreed not to offer, pledge, announce the intention to sell, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any Ordinary Shares or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Ordinary Shares or enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of our Ordinary Shares, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of Ordinary Shares or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the representative, for a period of 180 days from the closing of this offering.

 

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Electronic Offer, Sale and Distribution of Securities

 

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the websites maintained by the underwriters or selling group members, if any, participating in this offering and the underwriters may distribute prospectuses electronically. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of Ordinary Shares to selling group members for sale to their online brokerage account holders. The Ordinary Shares to be sold pursuant to internet distributions will be allocated on the same basis as other allocations. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on these websites is not part of, nor incorporated by reference into, this prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been approved or endorsed by us or the underwriters, and should not be relied upon by investors.

 

Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids

 

In connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of our Ordinary Shares. Specifically, the underwriters may sell more shares than they are obligated to purchase under the underwriting agreement, creating a short position. A short sale is covered if the short position is no greater than the number of shares available for purchase by the underwriters under option to purchase additional shares. The underwriters can close out a covered short sale by exercising the option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out a covered short sale, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the open market price of shares compared to the price available under the option to purchase additional shares. The underwriters may also sell shares in excess of the option to purchase additional shares, creating a naked short position. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering.

 

The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriters or dealer repays selling concessions allowed to it for distributing our Ordinary Shares in this offering because such underwriters repurchases those shares in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

 

Finally, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, our Ordinary Shares in market making transactions, including “passive” market making transactions as described below.

 

These activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of our Ordinary Shares at a price that is higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the absence of these activities. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may discontinue any of these activities at any time without notice. These transactions may be effected on the NYSE, in the over-the-counter market, or otherwise.

 

Passive Market Making

 

In connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in passive market making transactions in our Ordinary Shares on the NYSE in accordance with Rule 103 of Regulation M under the Exchange Act, during a period before the commencement of offers or sales of the shares and extending through the completion of the distribution. A passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid of that security. However, if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid, then that bid must then be lowered when specified purchase limits are exceeded.

 

Potential Conflicts of Interest

 

The underwriters and their affiliates may, from time to time, engage in transactions with and perform services for us in the ordinary course of their business for which they may receive customary fees and reimbursement of expenses. In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own accounts and for the accounts of their customers and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of our Company. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

 

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Other Relationships

 

The underwriters and certain of their affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. Some of the underwriters and certain of their affiliates may in the future engage in investment banking and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us and our affiliates, for which they may in the future receive customary fees, commissions and expenses.

 

In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

 

Selling Restrictions

 

No action may be taken in any jurisdiction other than the United States that would permit a public offering of the shares or the possession, circulation or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Accordingly, the Ordinary Shares offered by this prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus comes are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.

 

In addition to the public offering of the Ordinary Shares in the United States, the underwriters may, subject to applicable foreign laws, also offer the Ordinary Shares in certain countries.

 

Offers outside of the United States

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong

 

The Ordinary Shares have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than (a) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the Ordinary Shares has been or may be issued or has been or may be in the possession of any person for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to Ordinary Shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in the People’s Republic of China

 

This prospectus may not be circulated or distributed in the PRC and the Ordinary Shares may not be offered or sold, and will not offer or sell to any person for re-offering or resale directly or indirectly to any resident of the PRC except pursuant to applicable laws, rules and regulations of the PRC. For the purpose of this paragraph only, the PRC does not include Taiwan and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in Taiwan

 

The Ordinary Shares have not been and will not be registered with the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan pursuant to relevant securities laws and regulations and may not be sold, issued or offered within Taiwan through a public offering or in circumstances which constitutes an offer within the meaning of the Securities and Exchange Act of Taiwan that requires a registration or approval of the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan. No person or entity in Taiwan has been authorized to offer, sell, give advice regarding or otherwise intermediate the offering and sale of the Ordinary Shares in Taiwan.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in the Cayman Islands

 

No invitation, whether directly or indirectly may be made to the public in the Cayman Islands to subscribe for our Ordinary Shares.

 

Stamp Taxes

 

If you purchase Ordinary Shares offered in this prospectus, you may be required to pay stamp taxes and other charges under the laws and practices of the country of purchase, in addition to the offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus.

 

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EXPENSES RELATING TO THIS OFFERING

 

Set forth below is an itemization of the total expenses, excluding underwriting discounts and advisory fees, that we expect to incur in connection with this offering. With the exception of the SEC registration fee, the FINRA filing fee, and the NYSE American listing fee, all amounts are estimates.

 

Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee   $ 4,455  
         
NYSE American Listing Fee   $ 5,000  
         
FINRA   $ 6,017  
         
Legal Fees and Expenses   $ 500,000  
         
Accounting Fees and Expenses   $ 35,000  
         
Printing and Engraving Expenses   $ 15,000  
         
Miscellaneous Expenses   $ 250,000  
         
Total Expenses   $ 815,472  

 

These expenses will be borne by us. Underwriting discounts will be borne by us in proportion to the numbers of Ordinary Shares sold in the offering. 

 

122

 

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

The validity of the Ordinary Shares and certain other legal matters as to United States Federal and New York State law in connection with this offering will be passed upon for us by Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC. The validity of the Ordinary Shares offered in this offering and certain other legal matters as to Cayman Islands law will be passed upon for us by Ogier, our counsel as to Cayman Islands law. Legal matters as to PRC law will be passed upon for us by Dentons Law Offices, LLP (Guangzhou). Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP is acting as counsel to the Representative of the underwriters.

 

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None.

 

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated financial statements for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, included in this Registration Statement have been so included in reliance on the report of Friedman LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm in auditing and accounting. The office of Friedman LLP is located at One Liberty Plaza, 165 Broadway 21st Floor, New York, NY 10006. 

  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-1, including relevant exhibits and schedules under the Securities Act, covering the Ordinary Shares offered by this prospectus. You should refer to our registration statements and their exhibits and schedules if you would like to find out more about us and about the Ordinary Shares. This prospectus summarizes material provisions of contracts and other documents that we refer you to. Since the prospectus may not contain all the information that you may find important, you should review the full text of these documents.

 

Immediately upon the completion of this offering, we will be subject to periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act, as applicable to foreign private issuers. Accordingly, we will be required to file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the SEC. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules of the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements to shareholders under the federal proxy rules contained in Sections 14(a), (b) and (c) of the Exchange Act, and our executive officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

 

The registration statements, reports and other information so filed can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can request copies of these documents upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference rooms. The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about issuers, such as us, who file electronically with the SEC. The address of that website is http://www.sec.gov. The information on that website is not a part of this prospectus.

 

No dealers, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or representations. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of its date.

 

123

 

  

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 AND 2017

 

AND

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

124

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-1
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2018 and 2017 F-2
   
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 F-3
   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 F-4
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 F-5
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-6 – F-22
   
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2019 and 2018 (Unaudited) F-23
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 (Unaudited) F-24
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 (Unaudited) F-25
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 (Unaudited) F-26

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) F-27 – F-44

 

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Qilian International Holding Group Limited

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Qilian International Holding Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statement. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ Friedman LLP

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2018.

 

New York, New York

June 14, 2019, except for Note 2, as to which the date is September 6, 2019, and Notes 11, 13, and 14, as to which the date is November 1, 2019.

 

F-1  

 

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

    As of  
    September 30,  
    2018     2017  
             
ASSETS                
CURRENT ASSETS:                
Cash   $ 5,260,788     $ 5,365,964  
Restricted Cash     363,991       504,891  
Accounts receivable, net     1,321,085       315,907  
Accounts receivable – related parties, net     6,185       -  
Bank notes receivable     3,518,047       692,560  
Inventories, net     9,586,360       12,854,824  
Advances to suppliers, net     1,649,492       1,548,968  
Advances to suppliers – related parties, net     -       235,119  
Other current assets     463,218       439,114  
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS     22,169,166       21,957,347  
                 
Property and equipment, net     8,488,726       8,844,812  
Intangible assets, net     1,956,008       2,073,721  
Long term investment     407,345       163,031  
Deferred tax assets     318,296       344,028  
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 33,339,541     $ 33,382,939  
                 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:                
Bank loans   $ 3,639,911     $ 5,259,283  
Accounts payable     3,757,550       4,685,868  
Accounts payable – related parties     3,046       5,626  
Advance from customers     4,222,490       4,620,791  
Advance from customers – related parties     -       11,492  
Bank notes payable     582,386       1,682,970  
Deferred revenue-current     407,003       415,997  
Taxes payable     1,196,811       598,207  
Accrued expenses and other payables     478,557       689,863  
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES     14,287,754       17,970,097  
                 
LONG TERM LIABILITIES                
Deferred revenue – noncurrent     1,330,451       1,755,639  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES     15,618,205       19,725,736  
                 
Commitments and contingencies                
                 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:                

Ordinary shares, $0.00166667 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized , 30,000,000 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively

    50,000       50,000  
Additional paid-in capital     12,252,077       7,696,956  
Statutory Reserve     1,132,636       838,873  
Retained earnings     2,869,494       3,055,904  
Accumulated other comprehensive income     (982,277 )     (398,546 )
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to Qilian International     15,321,930       11,243,187  
Noncontrolling interest     2,399,406       2,414,016  
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     17,721,336       13,657,203  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   $ 33,339,541       33,382,939  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-2

 

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income

 

    For the years ended September 30,  
    2018     2017  
             
NET REVENUE   $ 50,369,013     $ 22,537,345  
                 
COST OF REVENUE     42,236,773       19,155,083  
                 
GROSS PROFIT     8,132,240       3,382,262  
                 
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES     2,160,873       2,251,750  
                 
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS     5,971,367       1,130,512  
                 
Other Income (Expenses)                
Interest expense     (216,187 )     (282,842 )
Other income     390,792       1,011,760  
Total Other income (expense)     174,605       728,918  
                 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION     6,145,972       1,859,430  
                 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES     943,363       321,458  
                 
NET INCOME     5,202,609       1,537,972  
                 
Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest     33,102       123,206  
                 
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED   $ 5,169,507     $ 1,414,766  
                 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME                
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)     (652,232 )     33,797  
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME     4,550,377       1,571,769  
Less: comprehensive income attributable to non - controlling interest     (35,398 )     124,664  
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED   $ 4,585,776     $ 1,447,105  
                 
Earnings per ordinary share - basic and diluted   $ 0.17     $ 0.05  
Weighted average shares - basic and diluted     30,000,000       30,000,000  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-3

 

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

 

   

Ordinary
Shares

    Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Statutory
Reserve
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
    Shareholders’
Equity
    Non-
controlling
Interest
    Total
Equity
 
                                                 
Balance at September 30 2016   $ 50,000     $ 7,696,956     $ 1,679,054     $ 800,957     $ (430,885 )   $ 9,796,082     $ 2,289,352       12,085,434  
Net income for the year                     1,414,766                       1,414,766       123,206       1,537,972  
Appropriation for statutory reserve                     (37,916 )     37,916               -               -  
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                     32,339       32,339       1,458       33,797  
Balance at September 30, 2017     50,000     $ 7,696,956     $ 3,055,904     $ 838,873     $ (398,546 )   $ 11,243,187     $ 2,414,016     $ 13,657,203  
                                                                 
Capital contribution from shareholders             216,132                               216,132       31,568       247,700  
Net income for the year                     5,169,507                       5,169,507       33,102       5,202,609  
Appropriation for statutory reserve                     (293,763 )     293,763               -               -  
Stock dividend appropriation to shareholders             4,338,989       (4,338,989 )                     -               -  
Cash dividend paid to shareholders                     (723,165 )                     (723,165 )     (10,779 )     (733,944 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                     (583,731 )     (583,731 )     (68,501 )     (652,232 )
Balance at September 30, 2018   $ 50,000     $ 12,252,077     $ 2,869,494     $ 1,132,636     $ (982,277 )   $ 15,321,930     $ 2,399,406     $ 17,721,336  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-4

 

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash flows

 

    For the years ended September 30,  
    2018     2017  
             
Cash flows from operating activities:                
Net Income   $ 5,202,609       1,537,972  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                
Depreciation and amortization     1,254,098       1,242,013  
Loss from disposal of  property and equipment     4,389       -  
Provision of doubtful accounts     8,329       3,268  
Inventory reserve     201,053       68,598  
Deferred tax expense     15,799       57,510  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Accounts receivable     (1,072,933 )     169,993  
Bank notes receivable     (2,989,921 )     1,691,298  
Inventories     2,812,032       (7,261,889 )
Advances to suppliers     (156,114 )     (889,460 )
Advances to suppliers - related parties, net     239,250       200,619  
Other current assets     (32,169 )     (167,292 )
Accounts payable     (822,019 )     2,719,076  
Accounts payable - related parties     (2,526 )     5,495  
Advance from customers     (267,520 )     2,766,345  
Advance from customers - related parties     (11,694 )     25  
Deferred revenue     (385,118 )     (33,216 )
Tax payables     648,173       271,903  
Accrued expenses and other payables     (199,400 )     299,502  
Net cash provided by operating activities     4,446,318       2,681,760  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:                
Purchase of property and equipment     (1,117,175 )     (1,522,169 )
Purchase of intangible assets     -       (7,125 )
Payment made for long term investment     (261,899 )     (159,236 )
Proceeds from disposal of marketable securities     (15,309 )     -  
Net cash used in investing activities     (1,394,383 )     (1,688,530 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:                
Proceeds from (repayment of)  bank loans     (1,529,052 )     102,737  
Proceeds from (repayment of)  bank notes payable     (1,100,917 )     1,643,795  
Capital contribution from shareholders     247,700       -  
Dividend paid to shareholders     (733,944 )     -  
Change in restricted cash     131,498       (493,139 )
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities     (2,984,715 )     1,253,393  
                 
Effect of exchange rate change on Cash     (172,396 )     60,575  
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     (105,176 )     2,307,198  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year     5,365,964       3,058,766  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year   $ 5,260,788       5,365,964  
                 
                 
Supplemental cash flow information                
Cash paid for interest   $ 223,773     $ 281,701  
Cash paid for income taxes   $ 658,409     $ 48,003  
Stock dividend appropriation to shareholders   $ 4,403,670     $ -  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited (“Qilian International”) is a Cayman Islands exempted company incorporated on February 7, 2019 as a holding company to develop business opportunities in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC” or “China”).

 

Qilian International (Hong Kong) Holdings Ltd (“Qilian HK”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qilian International formed in accordance with the laws and regulations of Hong Kong on January 30, 2019.

 

Qilian International and its subsidiary Qilian HK are holding companies whose only asset, held through a subsidiary, is 100% of the registered capital of Chengdu Qilian Trading Co., Ltd (“Qilian Chengdu”), a wholly foreign-owned entity (“WFOE”) organized under the laws of the PRC. Qilian International and Qilian HK do not have any substantive operations of their own, but conduct their primary business operations through Qilian Chengdu’s variable interest entity (“VIE”), Gansu Qilianshan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (“Gansu QLS”).

 

Gansu QLS was established in August 2006 under the laws of the People’s Republic of China (“China” or “PRC”) with initial capital of $0.27 million. After several registered capital increases and capital contributions, the registered capital of Gansu QLS was increased to $12.2 million as of September 30, 2018. Over the years, Gansu QLS has established five subsidiaries:

 

  · Jiuquan Qiming Biotechnology Co., Ltd (“Qiming”), 100% owned;
  · Chengdu Qilianshan Biotechnology Co., Ltd (“Chengdu QLS”), 51.43% owned;
  · Jiuquan Ahan Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (“Ahan”), 50% owned and controlled by Gansu QLS;
  · Tibet Samen Trading Co., Ltd (“Samen”), 100% owned;
  · Tibet Cangmen Trading Co., Ltd (“Cangmen”), 100% owned;

 

On May 20, 2019, Qilian International, through its WFOE, Qilian Chengdu, entered into a series of agreements with Gansu QLS and its shareholders, including an Exclusive Services Agreement, Call Option Agreement, Shareholders’ Voting Rights Proxy and Equity Pledge Agreement, Powers of Attorney, and the Spousal Consents (collectively “VIE agreements”). These contractual agreements obligate Qilian Chengdu to absorb a majority of the risk of loss from Gansu QLS’s activities and entitle Qilian Chengdu to receive a majority of their residual returns. In essence, Qilian Chengdu has gained effective control over Gansu QLS. In addition, 98.297% of Gansu QLS’s shareholders have pledged their equity interest in Gansu QLS to Qilian Chengdu, irrevocably granted Qilian Chengdu an exclusive option to purchase, to the extent permitted under PRC law, all or part of the equity interests in Gansu QLS, and agreed to entrust all the rights to exercise their voting power to the person(s) appointed by Qilian Chengdu. Through these contractual arrangements, Qilian Chengdu holds 98.297% of the variable interests of Gansu QLS, therefore, Qilian Chengdu is the primary beneficiary of Gansu QLS.

 

Based on these contractual arrangements, Gansu QLS is considered as a VIE of Qilian Chengdu under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 810 (“ASC 810”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No.51”, because the equity investors in Gansu QLS do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. In addition, Qilian Chengdu is the primary beneficiary of Gansu QLS, and, as such, Gansu QLS’s books and records are consolidated into those of Qilian Chengdu under ASC 810.

 

F-6

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS (Continued)

 

As the above entities were under common control before and after the consummation of the VIE agreements, the restructuring was accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control and the consolidation of Qilian International and its subsidiaries, the VIE and its subsidiaries has been accounted for at historical cost and prepared on the basis as if the aforementioned transactions had become effective as of the beginning of the first period presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

Qilian International, its subsidiaries and its VIE (collectively the “Group”) are principally engaged in the development, manufacture, marketing, and sale of licorice products, oxytetracycline products, traditional Chinese medicine derivatives (“TCMD”) product, heparin product, sausage casings, and fertilizers.

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Qilian International, and its subsidiaries, its VIE and its subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

The ownership structure of the Company, its subsidiaries, VIE and its subsidiaries are in compliance with existing PRC laws and regulations and the contractual arrangements with the VIE and its shareholders are valid and binding. However, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws and regulations. Accordingly, the Company cannot be assured that PRC regulatory authorities will not ultimately take a contrary view to its opinion. If the current ownership structure of the Group and its contractual arrangements with its VIE are found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws and regulations, the Group may be required to restructure its ownership structure and operations in the PRC to comply with the changing and new PRC laws and regulations. Further we rely on the contractual agreements with Gansu QLS. Under the current contractual agreements, as a legal matter, if Gansu QLS or any of its shareholders fails to perform their respective obligations, we may have to rely on PRC law. In the opinion of management, the likelihood of loss in respect of the Group’s current ownership structure or the contractual arrangements with its VIE is remote based on current facts and circumstances.

 

The carrying amounts of the assets, liabilities, the results of operations and cash flows of the VIE and its subsidiaries included in the Group’s consolidated balance sheets, statements of income and comprehensive income and statements of cash flows are as follows:

 

F-7

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

    September
30,
    September
30,
 
    2018     2017  
ASSETS                
Current assets:                
Cash   $ 5,260,788     $ 5,365,964  
Restricted cash     363,991       504,891  
Accounts receivable, net     1,321,085       315,907  
Accounts receivable - related parties, net     6,185       -  
Bank notes receivable     3,518,047     $ 692,560  
Inventories, net     9,586,360       12,854,824  
Advances to suppliers, net     1,649,492       1,548,968  
Advances to suppliers - related parties, net     -       235,119  
Other current assets     463,218       439,114  
Total current assets     22,169,166       21,957,347  
Property and equipment, net     8,488,726       8,844,812  
Intangible assets, net     1,956,008       2,073,721  
Long term investment     407,345       163,031  
Deferred tax assets     318,296       344,028  
Total assets   $ 33,339,541     $ 33,382,939  
LIABILITIES                
Current liabilities:                
Bank loans   $ 3,639,911     $ 5,259,283  
Accounts payable     3,757,550       4,685,868  
Accounts payable – related parties     3,046       5,626  
Advance from customers     4,222,490       4,620,791  
Advance from customers - related parties     -       11,492  
Bank notes payable     582,386       1,682,970  
Deferred government grants - current     407,003       415,997  
Taxes payable     1,196,811       598,207  
Accrued expenses and other payables     478,557       689,863  
Total current liabilities     14,287,754       17,970,097  
Deferred government grants - noncurrent     1,330,451       1,755,639  
Total liabilities     15,618,205       19,725,736  

 

    For the years ended September 30,  
    2018     2017  
Net revenue   $ 50,369,013     $ 22,537,345  
Net income     5,202,609       1,537,972  

 

    For the years ended September 30,  
    2018     2017  
Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 4,446,318     $ 2,681,760  
Net cash used in investing activities     (1,394,383 )     (1,688,530 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     (2,984,715 )     1,253,393  
Effect of exchange rate on cash     (172,396 )     60,575  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   $ (105,176 )   $ 2,307,198  

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. Such estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company’s critical accounting estimates included, but are not limited to: allowance for estimated uncollectible receivables, inventory valuations, impairment of long-lived assets, impairment of intangible assets, and income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

F-8

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investment instruments with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

 

Restricted Cash

 

Restricted cash consists of cash equivalents used as collateral to secure short-term bank notes payable. The Company is required to keep amounts equal to 30%-50% of the notes payable value on deposit that are subject to withdrawal restrictions. Upon the maturity of the bank acceptance notes, the Company is required to deposit the remainder to the escrow account to settle the bank notes payable. The notes payable are generally short term in nature due to their short maturity period of three months to one year; thus, restricted cash is classified as a current asset.

 

As of September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company had restricted cash of $363,991 and $504,891, respectively, related to the bank notes payable (see Note 8).

 

Accounts Receivable, net

 

Accounts receivable are recognized and carried at original invoiced amount less an estimated allowance for uncollectible accounts. The Company usually grants credit to customers with good credit standing with a maximum of 90 days and determines the adequacy of reserves for doubtful accounts based on individual account analysis and historical collection trends. The Company establishes a provision for doubtful receivables when there is objective evidence that the Company may not be able to collect amounts due. The allowance is based on management’s best estimates of specific losses on individual exposures, as well as a provision on historical trends of collections. Actual amounts received may differ from management’s estimate of credit worthiness and the economic environment. Delinquent account balances are written-off against the allowance for doubtful accounts after management has determined that the likelihood of collection is not probable.

 

Inventories, net

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Costs include the cost of raw materials, freight, direct labor and related production overhead. The cost of inventories is calculated using the weighted average method. Any excess of the cost over the net realizable value of each item of inventories is recognized as a provision for diminution in the value of inventories. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the normal course of business less any costs to complete and sell products. Allowances for obsolescence are also assessed based on expiration dates, as applicable, taking into consideration historical and expected future product sales.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost. The straight-line depreciation method is used to compute depreciation over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows:

 

Items Useful life
Property and buildings 20–25 years
Leasehold improvement Lesser of useful life and lease term
Machinery and equipment 5–10 years
Automobiles 3–5 years
Office and electric equipment 3–5 years

 

F-9

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Expenditures for maintenance and repairs, which do not materially extend the useful lives of the assets, are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments which substantially extend the useful life of assets are capitalized. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of assets retired or sold are removed from the respective accounts, and any gain or loss is recognized in the statement of income in other income and expenses.

 

Intangible Assets

 

Intangible assets consist primarily of land use rights, software and license for drug manufacturing. Under the PRC law, all land in the PRC is owned by the government and cannot be sold to an individual or company. The government grants individuals and companies the right to use parcels of land for specified periods of time. Land use rights are stated at cost less accumulated amortization. Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method with the following estimated useful lives:

 

Items Useful life
   
Land use rights 50 years
Software 10 years
License for drug manufacturing 10 years

 

Long Term Investment

 

Investments in entities in which the Company can exercise significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or control are accounted for using the equity method of accounting in accordance with ASC 323 (“ASC 323”), “Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures”. Under the equity method, the Company initially records its investment at cost and the difference between the cost and the fair value of the underlying equity in the net assets of the equity investee is recognized as equity method goodwill, which is included in the equity method investment on the consolidated balance sheets. The equity method goodwill is not subsequently amortized and is not tested for impairment under ASC 350. The Company evaluates the equity method investments for impairment under ASC 323. An impairment loss on the equity method investments is recognized in earnings when the decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary. The Company subsequently adjusts the carrying amount of the investment to recognize the Company’s proportionate share of each equity investee’s net income or loss into earnings after the date of investment.

 

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

 

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the estimated cash flows from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are below the asset’s carrying value, then the asset is deemed to be impaired and written down to its fair value. There were no indicators of impairment of these assets as of September 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

F-10

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Non-controlling interests

 

Non-controlling interests are recognized to reflect the portion of their equity that is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the Company as the controlling shareholder. For the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries, VIE and VIE’ s subsidiaries, non-controlling interests represent a minority shareholder’s 1.703% ownership interest in Gansu QLS, 48.57% ownership interest in Chengdu QLS and 50% ownership interest in Ahan as of September 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

The following table summarizes non-controlling interest from each subsidiaries that is not 100% owned by the Company:

 

 

    As of  
    September 30,
2018
    September 30,
2017
 
Gansu QLS   $ 233,493     $ 171,916  
Chengdu QLS     2,170,387       2,244,380  
Ahan     (4,474 )     (2,280 )
Total   $ 2,399,406     $ 2,414,016  

 

Non-controlling interest in the equity of a subsidiary is reported in equity in the consolidated statement of balance sheets. Net income and losses attributable to the non-controlling interest is reported as described above in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes revenues from the sale of products under FAS Codification Topic 605 (“ASC 605”) when title and risk of loss passes and the customer accepts the goods, which generally occurs at delivery. Revenue is recognized when all of the following have occurred: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (iii) the price is fixed or determinable, and (iv) the ability to collect is reasonably assured. Historically, sales returns have been minimal. The payments received from customers before revenue recognition criteria have been met are recorded as advances from customers on balance sheets.

 

Beginning October 1, 2018, the Company adopted the Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (FASB ASC Topic 606) using the modified retrospective method for contracts that were not completed as of October 1, 2018. The Company has set up an implementation schedule and is currently in the process of analyzing each of the Company’s revenue streams in accordance with the new revenue standard to determine the impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Government grants

 

Government grants are recognized when there is reasonable assurance that the attached conditions will be complied with. When the grant relates to an expense item, it is recognized in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income over the period necessary to match the grant on a systematic basis to the related costs. Where the grant relates to an asset acquisition, it is recognized in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income in proportion to the depreciation of the related assets.

 

Research and development expenses

 

The Company expense all internal research costs as incurred, which primarily comprise employee costs, internal and external costs related to execution of studies, including manufacturing costs, facility costs of the research center, and amortization, depreciation to intangible assets and property, plant and equipment used in the research and development activities. For the year ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, total research and development expense were approximately $173,000 and $84,000, respectively, which were recorded in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, we determine deferred tax assets and liabilities on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities by using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets to the extent that we believe that these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

 

The Company records uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. The Company does not believe that there were any uncertain tax positions at September 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

F-11

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

The Company’s principal country of operations is the PRC. The financial position and results of its operations are determined using RMB, the local currency, as the functional currency. Our financial statements are reported using U.S. Dollars. The results of operations and the statement of cash flows denominated in foreign currency are translated at the average rate of exchange during the reporting period. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated at the applicable rates of exchange in effect at that date. The equity denominated in the functional currency is translated at the historical rate of exchange at the time of capital contribution. Because cash flows are translated based on the average translation rate, amounts related to assets and liabilities reported on the statement of cash flows will not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the balance sheet. Translation adjustments arising from the use of different exchange rates from period to period are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income included in statement of changes in equity. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income.

 

The value of RMB against US$ and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in the PRC’s political and economic conditions. Any significant revaluation of RMB may materially affect the Company’s financial condition in terms of US$ reporting. The following table outlines the currency exchange rates that were used in creating the consolidated financial statements in this report:

 

    September 30, 2018     September 30, 2017  
             
Year-end spot rate   US$1=RMB 6.8683     US$1=RMB 6.6549  
             
Average rate   US$1=RMB 6.5400     US$1=RMB 6.8135  

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company records its financial assets and liabilities in accordance with the framework for measuring fair value in accordance with U.S GAAP. This framework establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1: Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

 

Level 2: Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.

 

Level 3: Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

 

Fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities are primarily used in the impairment analysis of intangible assets and long-lived assets.

 

F-12

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, bank notes receivable, advances to suppliers, other current assets, accounts payable, deferred revenue, advances from customers and accrued expenses and other payables approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. Based on comparable open market transactions, the fair value of the bank loans, bank notes payable and other liabilities, including current maturities, approximated their carrying value as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company’s estimates of the fair value of bank loans and notes payable and other liabilities (including current maturities) were classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

Concentrations and Credit Risk

 

A majority of the Company’s expense transactions are denominated in RMB and a significant portion of the Company and its subsidiaries’ assets and liabilities are denominated in RMB. RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currencies. In the PRC, certain foreign exchange transactions are required by law to be transacted only by authorized financial institutions at exchange rates set by the People’s Bank of China (“PBOC”). Remittances in currencies other than RMB by the Company in China must be processed through the PBOC or other China foreign exchange regulatory bodies which require certain supporting documentation in order to affect the remittance.

 

As of September 30, 2018 and 2017, $5,624,520 and $5,869,524 of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit and restricted cash were on deposit at financial institutions in the PRC where there currently is no rule or regulation requiring such financial institutions to maintain insurance to cover bank deposits in the event of bank failure.

 

Substantially all of the Company’s sales are made to customers that are located primarily in China. The Company has a concentration of its revenues and receivables with specific customers. For the year ended September 30, 2018, three customers accounting for 19%, 15% and 14% of the Company’s total revenue, respectively. One customer accounted for 13% of the Company’s total revenue for the year ended September 30, 2017. For the year ended September 30, 2018, two vendors accounted for 19% and 14% of the Company’s total purchase, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2017, one vendor accounted for 23% of the Company’s total purchase. As of September 30, 2018, two customers’ account receivable accounted for 45% and 24% of the total outstanding accounts receivable balance, four major customers’ account receivable accounted for 21%, 16%, 15% and 11% of the total account receivable balance as of September 30, 2017.

 

A loss of any of these customers or suppliers could adversely affect the operating results or cash flows of the Company.

 

F-13

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. For public entities, the guidance in ASU 2014-09 will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (including interim reporting periods within those periods), and for all other entities, ASU 2014-09 will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, “Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue versus Net)” (“ASU 2016-08”), which clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations in the new revenue recognition standard. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, “Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing” (“ASU 2016-10”), which reduces the complexity when applying the guidance for identifying performance obligations and improves the operability and understandability of the license implementation guidance. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12 “Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients” (“ASU 2016-12”), which amends the guidance on transition, collectability, noncash consideration and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes. The Company adopted Topic 606 using the modified retrospective transition method beginning October 1, 2018. The Company’s revenue recognition policies are generally consistent with the new revenue recognition standards set forth in ASU 2014-09. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases” to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet with a corresponding liability and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. For public business entities, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim reporting periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim reporting periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this revised guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

 

F-14

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash”, which requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU apply to all entities that have restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents and are required to present a statement of cash flows under Topic 230. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The adoption of this guidance will increase cash and cash equivalents by the amount of the restricted cash on the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows.

 

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income”. The amendments eliminate the stranded tax effects resulting from the United States Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. ASU No. 2018-02 is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 requires companies to measure credit losses utilizing a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires a consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including those interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adopting this standard, but based on a preliminary assessment, does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.   

 

F-15

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 3 – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET

 

Accounts receivable consisted of the following:

 

    As of     As of  
    September 30, 2018     September 30, 2017  
Trade accounts receivable   $ 1,339,975     $ 334,919  
Less: allowances for doubtful accounts     (18,890 )     (19,012 )
Accounts receivable, net   $ 1,321,085     $ 315,907  

 

NOTE 4 – INVENTORY, NET

 

Inventories consisted of the following:

 

    As of     As of  
    September 30, 2018     September 30, 2017  
Raw materials   $ 4,280,869     $ 4,950,961  
Work-in-progress     424,418       356,995  
Finished goods     5,140,566       7,617,101  
Inventory valuation allowance     (259,493 )     (70,233 )
Total inventory   $ 9,586,360     $ 12,854,824  

 

NOTE 5 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following:

 

    As of     As of  
    September 30, 2018     September 30, 2017  
Property and Buildings   $ 8,489,230     $ 8,617,028  
Machinery and equipment     17,154,386       16,635,579  
Automobiles     597,687       604,190  
Office and electric equipment     103,646       100,619  
Subtotal     26,344,949       25,957,416  
Construction in progress     511,264       748,359  
Less: accumulated depreciation     (18,367,487 )     (17,860,963 )
Property and equipment, net   $ 8,488,726     $ 8,844,812  

 

Depreciation expense was $1,198,142 and $1,185,606 for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Construction in progress represents costs of construction incurred for the Company’s upgrading its manufacturing facilities.

 

F-16

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 6 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

 

Intangible assets, net consisted of the following:

 

    As of     As of  
    September 30, 2018     September 30, 2017  
Land use rights   $ 2,371,007     $ 2,447,037  
Software     29,926       30,886  
License for drug manufacturing     58,239       60,106  
Total     2,459,172       2,538,029  
Less: accumulated amortization     (503,164 )     (464,308 )
Intangible assets, net   $ 1,956,008     $ 2,073,721  

 

Amortization expense was $55,956 and $56,407 for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows:

 

Years ending September 30,     Amortization expense  
       
2019   $ 56,884  
2020     53,648  
2021     50,413  
2022     48,698  
2023     48,127  
Thereafter     1,698,238  
    $ 1,956,008  

 

NOTE 7 – Bank Loans

 

Bank loans represent amounts due to various banks normally due within one year. The principal of the loans are due at maturity. Accrued interest is due either monthly or quarterly.

 

F-17

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 7 –BANK LOANS (Continued)

 

Bank loans consisted of the following:

 

    As of     As of  
    September 30, 2018     September 30, 2017  
Agricultural Bank of China (“ABC”) (1)   $ 3,639,911     $ 3,756,630  
Bank of China (“BOC”) (2)     -       1,502,653  
Total   $ 3,639,911     $ 5,259,283  

 

(1) In 2017 and 2018, Gansu QLS entered into a series of short-term bank loan agreements with ABC with a loan period of twelve months. The loans bear fixed interest rates ranging from 5.45% to 5.67% per annum. The loans are guaranteed by Mr. Zhanchang Xin, principal shareholder of the Company. The loans expire in January to May of 2019. The Company have fully repaid the loans upon expiration and obtained the same amounts of new loans from ABC after the repayments.

 

(2) In November 2016, the Company entered into a short term bank loan agreement with BOC for RMB 10,000,000, equivalent to $1,502,653. This loan bears a fixed interest rate of 5.45% per annum. This loan is also guaranteed by the Company’s principal shareholder, Mr. Zhanchang Xin. In addition, the Company had pledged land use right, properties and buildings as the collaterals for this loan. The loan was fully repaid in November 2017 and the pledge removed.

 

NOTE 8 – BANK NOTES PAYABLE

 

Bank notes payable are lines of credit extended by banks that can be endorsed and assigned to vendors as payments for purchases. The notes payable are generally payable within six months. These short-term notes payable are guaranteed by the bank for their full face value. In addition, the banks usually require the Company to deposit a certain amount of cash (usually in the range of 30% to 50% of the face value of the notes) at the bank as a guarantee deposit, which is classified on the balance sheet as restricted cash.

 

The Company had the following bank notes payable as of September 30, 2018:

 

    As of     As of  
    September 30, 2018     September 30, 2017  
Agricultural Bank of China (“ABC”), due November 15, 2017 and December 7, 2017   $ -     $ 1,682,970  
Lanzhou Bank (“LZ Bank”), due December 20, 2018     582,386       -  
Total   $ 582,386     $ 1,682,970  

 

As of September 30, 2018 and 2017, $363,991 and $504,891 in cash deposits were held by banks as a guaranty for the notes payable, respectively. In addition, notes payable are guaranteed by the Company’s majority shareholder and secured by the Company’s buildings and land.

 

F-18

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 9 –TAXES

 

  (a) Corporate Income Taxes

 

The Company is subject to income taxes on an entity basis on income arising in or derived from the tax jurisdiction in which each entity is domiciled.

 

The Company’s operating subsidiaries are all incorporated in the PRC and are subject to PRC income tax, which is computed according to the relevant laws and regulations in the PRC. Under the Corporate Income Tax Law of PRC, current corporate income tax rate of 25% is applicable to all companies, including both domestic and foreign-invested companies. However, according to Tax Preferential Policies for the Development of the Western Region, Gansu QLS and its subsidiary Chengdu QLS are eligible for a favorable income tax rate of 15% and Qiming is eligible for a favorable income tax rate of 10%. The favorable tax rate will expire on December 31, 2021 and 2020 for Chengdu QLS and Qiming, respectively.

 

Significant components of the provision for income taxes were as follows:

 

    For the year ended     For the year ended  
    September 30, 2018     September 30, 2017  
Current income taxes   $ 927,564     $ 263,948  
Deferred income taxes     15,799       57,510  
Total   $ 943,363     $ 321,458  

 

The impact of these tax holidays decreased our taxes by $623,455 and $186,492 for the year ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The benefit of the tax holidays on net income per share was $0.013 and $0.004 for the year ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net effects of temporary difference between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial statement purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.

 

Temporary differences and carryforwards of the Company that created significant deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

    As of
September 30, 2018
    As of
September 30, 2017
 
Deferred tax assets:                
Allowance for doubtful accounts   $ 42,736     $ 14,164  
NOL Carryforwards     14,942       4,119  
Deferred government grants     260,618       325,745  
Total deferred tax assets   $ 318,296     $ 344,028  

 

F-19

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 9 –TAXES (Continued)

 

The Company periodically evaluates the likelihood of the realization of deferred tax assets, and reduces the carrying amount of the deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance to the extent it believes a portion will not be realized. Based upon management’s assessment of all available evidence, there was no valuation allowance provided as of September 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

As of September 30, 2018, the tax years ended September 30, 2013 through September 30, 2018 for the Company’s PRC entities remain open for statutory examination by PRC tax authorities.

 

The following table reconciles the statutory rates to the Company’s effective tax rate:

 

    September 30,     September 30,  
    2018     2017  
China Statutory income tax rate     25.0 %     25.0 %
Effect of favorable income tax rate in the PRC     (10.1 )%     (10 )%
Non-deductible permanent difference     0.4 %     2.3 %
Effective tax rate     15.3 %     17.3 %

 

  (b) Taxes Payable

 

The Company’s taxes payable consists of the following:

 

    September 30,     September 30,  
    2018     2017  
             
VAT tax payable   $ 618,454     $ 276,807  
Corporate income tax payable     455,315       205,457  
Business and other taxes payable     123,042       115,943  
Total   $ 1,196,811     $ 598,207  

 

NOTE 10 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

During the normal course of business, the Company made purchase and sales to affiliated companies controlled by its major shareholders or subsidiaries. For the years ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, the Company made sales to affiliated companies in the amount of $148,417 and $73,969, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Company purchased from affiliated companies in the amount of $27,260. For the year ended September 30, 2017, the Company purchased $54,976 from Jiuquan Fungong Biological Agriculture Development Co., Ltd. and returned $895,794 to Chongzhou Luyuan Vegetable and Fruit Cooperative, both of which were Company’s affiliates.

 

As of September 30, 2017, the Company made advances in the amount of $235,119 to its affiliate, Chongzhou Luyuan Vegetable and Fruit Cooperative (“Luyuan”). Luyuan was partially owned by the Company’s majority shareholder, Mr. Xin Zhangchang. Luyuan ceased to be an affiliate of the Company on May 22, 2017. As of September 30, 2018, the advances have been fully utilized.

 

F-20

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 11 EQUITY

 

Ordinary Shares

 

Qilian International was incorporated on February 7, 2019, with 50,000,000 ordinary shares, $0.001 par value, authorized and issued.

 

On October 16, 2019, our shareholders approved a reverse split of our outstanding ordinary shares at a ratio of 1-for-1.66667 shares, which resulted in 30,000,000 ordinary shares issued and outstanding. In addition, on the same day, our shareholders approved an increase of the Company's authorized shares from 50,000,000 ordinary shares at par value of $0.001 per share to 100,000,000 ordinary shares at par value of $0.00166667 per share.

 

The above actions are collectively referred to as the “reserve split.” As a result of this reverse split, the maximum number of shares that the Company is authorized to issue is 100,000,000 ordinary shares, of $0.00166667 par value per share, of which 30,000,000 ordinary shares are issued and outstanding.

 

All share information included in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been retroactively adjusted as if the stock reserve split occurred on the first day of the first period presented.

 

Statutory reserve

 

The Company is required to make appropriations to certain reserve funds, comprising the statutory surplus reserve and the discretionary surplus reserve, based on after-tax net income determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the PRC (“PRC GAAP”). Appropriations to the statutory surplus reserve are required to be at least 10% of the after-tax net income determined in accordance with PRC GAAP until the reserve is equal to 50% of the entity’s registered capital. Appropriations to the surplus reserve are made at the discretion of the Board of Directors. As of September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, the balance of statutory reserve was $1,132,636 and $838,873, respectively.

 

Dividend

 

On March 5, 2018, the board of directors of Gansu QLS declared a dividend of $5,137,615 to its shareholders, including cash dividend of $733,945 and stock dividend of $4,403,670. All dividends have been paid as of September 30, 2018.

 

NOTE 12 – SEGMENT REPORTING

 

ASC 280, “Segment Reporting”, establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments on a basis consistent with the Company’s internal organizational structure as well as information about geographical areas, business segments and major customers in financial statements for details on the Company’s business segments. The Company uses the “management approach” in determining reportable operating segments. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the source for determining the Company’s reportable segments. Management, including the chief operating decision maker, reviews operation results by the revenue of different products. Based on management’s assessment, the Company has determined that it has three operating segments as defined by ASC 280.

 

The Company mainly manufactures and distributes active pharmaceutical ingredients and TCMD products as well as other by-products in China. Currently no revenue is derived from international markets. The following table presents segment information for years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively:

 

    For the year ended September 30, 2018  
    Oxytetracycline
& Licorice
products and
TCMD
    Fertilizer     Heparin
products and
Sausage casing
    Total  
Revenue   $ 33,429,330     $ 713,896     $ 16,225,787     $ 50,369,013  
Cost of revenue     26,159,584       235,319       15,841,870       42,236,773  
Gross profit   $ 7,269,746     $ 478,577     $ 383,917     $ 8,132,240  
Depreciation and amortization   $ 1,070,824     $ 38,097     $ 145,177     $ 1,254,098  
Capital expenditures   $ 628,604     $ 486,501     $ 2,070     $ 1,117,175  

 

F-21

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 12 – SEGMENT REPORTING (Continued)

 

    For the year ended September 30, 2017  
    Oxytetracycline
& Licorice
products and
TCMD
    Fertilizer     Heparin
products and
Sausage casing
    Total  
Revenue   $ 17,352,605     $ 351,469     $ 4,833,271     $ 22,537,345  
Cost of revenue     14,677,242       278,457       4,199,384       19,155,083  
Gross profit   $ 2,675,363     $ 73,012     $ 633,887     $ 3,382,262  
Depreciation and amortization   $ 1,085,164     $ 28,058     $ 128,791     $ 1,242,013  
Capital expenditures   $ 1,277,251     $ 139,546     $ 105,373     $ 1,522,170  

 

    September 30,     September 30,  
    2018     2017  
Total Assets                
Oxytetracycline & Licorice products and TCMD   $ 23,557,675     $ 21,760,531  
Fertilizer   $ 1,841,894     $ 1,791,539  
Heparin products and Sausage casing   $ 7,939,972     $ 9,830,869  
Total   $ 33,339,541     $ 33,382,939  

 

NOTE 13 – COMMITMENTS

 

In 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with third party for research and development project of Streptomyces rimosus. The total fee for the project is RMB 3 million (equivalent to approximately $450,000). Three installment payments are due when certain milestone is achieved. As of the date of this report, the Company has paid RMB 200,000 (equivalent to approximately $30,000) according to the payment term in the agreement and no additional milestone has been achieved. The agreement has expired on July 19, 2018 and the Company was released from any further payment obligations.

 

NOTE 14 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

In January to May of 2019, the Company borrowed loans of 35,000,000 RMB (approximately $3.6 million) from Agricultural Bank of China after their loans expired and fully repaid (refer to Note 7). The new loans are due in one year after the date of borrowing and bears interest of 5.35% to 5.62%. The loans are guaranteed by Mr. Zhanchang Xin, principal shareholder of the Company.

 

In July of 2019, the Company borrowed a new loan of RMB 10,000,000 (approximately US$1.5 million) from Agricultural Bank of China. The new loan is due in one year after the date of borrowing and bears interest of 5.34%. The loan is guaranteed by Mr. Zhanchang Xin, principal shareholder of the Company. 

 

The Company’s management reviewed all material events that have occurred after the balance sheet date through the date which these financial statements were issued. Based upon this review, the Company did not identify any subsequent events except disclosed in above that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

F-22

 

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

    As of  
    March 31     September 30  
    2019     2018  
     (Unaudited)        
ASSETS                
CURRENT ASSETS:                
Cash   $ 2,873,554     $ 5,260,788  
Restricted Cash     268,180       363,991  
Accounts receivable, net     3,925,730       1,321,085  
Accounts receivable - related parties, net     -       6,185  
Bank notes receivable     4,080,613       3,518,047  
Inventories, net     11,746,399       9,586,360  
Advances to suppliers, net     2,146,839       1,649,492  
Other current assets     459,825       463,218  
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS     25,501,140       22,169,166  
                 
Property and equipment, net     8,645,749       8,488,726  
Intangible assets, net     1,975,793       1,956,008  
Long term investment     475,163       407,345  
Deferred tax assets     256,269       318,296  
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 36,854,114     $ 33,339,541  
                 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:                
Bank loans   $ 3,724,728     $ 3,639,911  
Accounts payable     3,554,342       3,757,550  
Accounts payable - related parties     -       3,046  
Advance from customers     962,743       4,222,490  
Bank notes payable     893,935       582,386  
Deferred government grants-current     416,487       407,003  
Taxes payable     1,981,254       1,196,811  
Accrued expenses and other payables     1,029,706       478,557  
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES     12,563,195       14,287,754  
                 
LONG TERM LIABILITIES                
Deferred government grants - noncurrent     1,153,208       1,330,451  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES     13,716,403       15,618,205  
                 
Commitments and contingencies                
                 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:                

Ordinary shares, $0.00166667 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized , 30,000,000 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively

    50,000       50,000  
Additional paid-in capital     12,252,077       12,252,077  
Statutory Reserve     1,773,817       1,132,636  
Retained earnings     6,520,424       2,869,494  
Accumulated other comprehensive income     (552,691 )     (982,277 )
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to Qilian International     20,043,627       15,321,930  
Noncontrolling interest     3,094,084       2,399,406  
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     23,137,711       17,721,336  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   $ 36,854,114       33,339,541  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

F-23

 

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

 

    For the six months ended March 31  
    2019     2018  
             
NET REVENUE   $ 27,160,302     $ 25,064,198  
                 
COST OF REVENUE     19,772,589       21,258,787  
                 
GROSS PROFIT     7,387,713       3,805,411  
                 
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES     1,732,288       972,250  
                 
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS     5,655,425       2,833,161  
                 
Other Income (Expenses)                
Interest expense     (104,282 )     (92,442 )
Other income     354,884       280,332  
Total Other income (expense)     250,602       187,890  
                 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION     5,906,027       3,021,051  
                 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES     881,726       508,554  
                 
NET INCOME     5,024,301       2,512,497  
                 
Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest     732,190       (51,916 )
                 
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED   $ 4,292,111     $ 2,564,413  
                 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME                
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)     525,626       873,256  
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME     5,549,927       3,385,753  
Less: comprehensive income attributable to non - controlling interest     828,230       84,495  
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED   $ 4,721,697     $ 3,301,258  
                 
Earnings per ordinary share - basic and diluted   $ 0.14     $ 0.09  
Weighted average shares - basic and diluted     30,000,000       30,000,000  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

F-24

 

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)

 

    Common
Stock
    Additional
Paid-in Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Statutory
Reserve
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
    Shareholders’
Equity
    Non-
controlling
Interest
    Total
Equity
 
                                                 
Balance at September 30, 2017     50,000     $ 7,696,956     $ 3,055,904     $ 838,873     $ (398,546 )   $ 11,243,187     $ 2,414,016     $ 13,657,203  
                                                                 
Capital contribution from shareholders             216,131                               216,131       -       216,131  
Net income for the year                     2,564,413                       2,564,413       (51,916 )     2,512,497  
Appropriation for statutory reserve                     (308,902 )     308,902                               -  
Stock dividend appropriation to shareholders             4,338,989       (4,338,989 )                                     -  
Cash dividend paid to shareholders                     (723,165 )                     (723,165 )     (10,780 )     (733,945 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                     736,847       736,847       136,411       873,258  
Balance at March 31, 2018   $ 50,000     $ 12,252,076     $ 249,261     $ 1,147,775     $ 338,301     $ 14,037,413     $ 2,487,731     $ 16,525,144  
                                                                 
Balance at September 30, 2018     50,000     $ 12,252,077     $ 2,869,494     $ 1,132,636     $ (982,277 )   $ 15,321,930     $ 2,399,406     $ 17,721,336  
Capital contribution from shareholders             -                               -               -  
Net income for the year                     4,292,111                       4,292,111       732,190       5,024,301  
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest                                                     (133,552 )     (133,552 )
Appropriation for statutory reserve                     (641,181 )     641,181                               -  
Stock dividend appropriation to shareholders             -       -                                       -  
Cash dividend paid to shareholders                                             -               -  
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                     429,586       429,586       96,040       525,626  
Balance at March 31, 2019   $ 50,000     $ 12,252,077     $ 6,520,424     $ 1,773,817     $ (552,691 )   $ 20,043,627     $ 3,094,084     $ 23,137,711  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-25

 

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash flows

(Unaudited)

 

    For the six months ended March 31  
    2019     2018  
             
Cash flows from operating activities:                
Net Income   $ 5,024,301       2,512,497  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                
Depreciation and amortization     600,119       654,552  
Provision of doubtful accounts     55,034       195  
Inventory reserve     (241,689 )     (28,060 )
Deferred tax expense (benefit)     68,210       (36,136 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Accounts receivable     (2,547,339 )     (267,595 )
Bank notes receivable     (472,050 )     (1,077,882 )
Inventories     (1,660,563 )     3,011,670  
Advances to suppliers     (450,757 )     276,146  
Advances to suppliers - related parties, net     -       241,197  
Other current assets     (30,331 )     (131,101 )
Accounts payable     (285,601 )     (1,166,208 )
Accounts payable - related parties     (3,061 )     36,389  
Advance from customers     (3,298,479 )     (1,932,287 )
Advance from customers - related parties     -       (11,789 )
Deferred revenue     (204,544 )     (172,796 )
Tax payables     743,114       426,376  
Accrued expenses and other payables     530,404       (273,478 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     (2,173,232 )     2,061,690  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:                
Purchase of property and equipment     (534,729 )     (776,841 )
Payment made for long term investment     (57,289)       (173,644 )
Proceeds from disposal of marketable securities     14,652       (15,433 )
Net cash used in investing activities     (577,366 )     (965,918 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:                
Repayment of bank loans     -       (1,541,497 )
Proceeds from (repayment of) bank notes payable     292,684       (1,726,477 )
Capital contribution from shareholders     -       252,123  
Cash dividend paid     -       (733,944 )
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest     (133,552 )     -  
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities     159,132       (3,749,795 )
                 
Effect of exchange rate change on Cash     108,421       219,331  
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     (2,483,045 )     (2,434,692 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year     5,624,779       5,870,855  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year   $ 3,141,734       3,436,163  
                 
Supplemental cash flow information                
Cash paid for interest   $ 46,197     $ 108,272  
Cash paid for income taxes   $ 328,364     $ -  
Stock dividend appropriation to shareholders   $ -     $ 4,403,670  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

F-26

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited (“Qilian International”) is a Cayman Islands exempted company incorporated on February 7, 2019 as a holding company to develop business opportunities in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC” or “China”). 

 

Qilian International (Hong Kong) Holdings Ltd (“Qilian HK”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qilian International formed in accordance with the laws and regulations of Hong Kong on January 30, 2019.

 

Qilian International and its subsidiary Qilian HK are holding companies whose only asset, held through a subsidiary, is 100% of the registered capital of Chengdu Qilian Trading Co., Ltd (“Qilian Chengdu”), a wholly foreign-owned entity (“WFOE”) organized under the laws of the PRC. Qilian International and Qilian HK do not have any substantive operations of their own, but conduct their primary business operations through Qilian Chengdu’s variable interest entity (“VIE”), Gansu Qilianshan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (“Gansu QLS”).

 

Gansu QLS was established in August 2006 under the laws of the People’s Republic of China (“China” or “PRC”) with initial capital of $0.27 million. After several registered capital increases and capital contributions, the registered capital of Gansu QLS was increased to $12.2 million as of March 31, 2019. Over the years, Gansu QLS has established five subsidiaries:

 

  · Jiuquan Qiming Biotechnology Co., Ltd (“Qiming”), 100% owned;
     
  · Chengdu Qilianshan Biotechnology Co., Ltd (“Chengdu QLS”), 71.75% owned;
     
  · Jiuquan Ahan Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (“Ahan”), 50% owned and controlled by Gansu QLS;
     
  · Tibet Samen Trading Co., Ltd (“Samen”), 100% owned;
     
  · Tibet Cangmen Trading Co., Ltd (“Cangmen”), 100% owned;

 

On May 20, 2019, Qilian International, through its WFOE, Qilian Chengdu, entered into a series of agreements with Gansu QLS and its shareholders, including an Exclusive Services Agreement, Call Option Agreement, Shareholders’ Voting Rights Proxy and Equity Pledge Agreement, Powers of Attorney, and the Spousal Consents (collectively “VIE agreements”). These contractual agreements obligate Qilian Chengdu to absorb a majority of the risk of loss from Gansu QLS’s activities and entitle Qilian Chengdu to receive a majority of their residual returns. In essence, Qilian Chengdu has gained effective control over Gansu QLS. In addition, 98.297% of Gansu QLS’s shareholders have pledged their equity interest in Gansu QLS to Qilian Chengdu, irrevocably granted Qilian Chengdu an exclusive option to purchase, to the extent permitted under PRC law, all or part of the equity interests in Gansu QLS, and agreed to entrust all the rights to exercise their voting power to the person(s) appointed by Qilian Chengdu. Through these contractual arrangements, Qilian Chengdu holds 98.297% of the variable interests of Gansu QLS, therefore, Qilian Chengdu is the primary beneficiary of Gansu QLS.

 

Based on these contractual arrangements, Gansu QLS is considered as a VIE of Qilian Chengdu under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 810 (“ASC 810”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No.51”, because the equity investors in Gansu QLS do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. In addition, Qilian Chengdu is the primary beneficiary of Gansu QLS, and, as such, Gansu QLS’s books and records are consolidated into those of Qilian Chengdu under ASC 810.

 

F-27

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS (Continued)

 

As the above entities were under common control before and after the consummation of the VIE agreements, the restructuring was accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control and the consolidation of Qilian International and its subsidiaries, the VIE and its subsidiaries has been accounted for at historical cost and prepared on the basis as if the aforementioned transactions had become effective as of the beginning of the first period presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

Qilian International, its subsidiaries and its VIE (collectively the “Group”) are principally engaged in the development, manufacture, marketing, and sale of licorice products, oxytetracycline products, traditional Chinese medicine derivatives (“TCMD”) product, heparin product, sausage casings, and fertilizers.

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Preparation

 

The Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Qilian International and its subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

The unaudited interim financial information as of March 31, 2019 and for the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures, which are normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, have been omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations. The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The ownership structure of the Company, its subsidiaries, VIE and its subsidiaries are in compliance with existing PRC laws and regulations and the contractual arrangements with the VIE and its shareholders are valid and binding. However, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws and regulations. Accordingly, the Company cannot be assured that PRC regulatory authorities will not ultimately take a contrary view to its opinion. If the current ownership structure of the Group and its contractual arrangements with its VIE are found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws and regulations, the Group may be required to restructure its ownership structure and operations in the PRC to comply with the changing and new PRC laws and regulations. Further we rely on the contractual agreements with Gansu QLS. Under the current contractual agreements, as a legal matter, if Gansu QLS or any of its shareholders fails to perform their respective obligations, we may have to rely on PRC law. In the opinion of management, the likelihood of loss in respect of the Group’s current ownership structure or the contractual arrangements with its VIE is remote based on current facts and circumstances.

 

The carrying amounts of the assets, liabilities, the results of operations and cash flows of the VIE and its subsidiaries included in the Group’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, statements of income and comprehensive income and statements of cash flows are as follows:

 

F-28

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

    March 31,     September 30,  
    2019     2018  
ASSETS                
Current assets:                
Cash   $ 2,873,554     $ 5,260,788  
Restricted cash     268,180       363,991  
Accounts receivable, net     3,925,730       1,321,085  
Accounts receivable - related parties, net     -       6,185  
Bank notes receivable     4,080,613     $ 3,518,047  
Inventories, net     11,746,399       9,586,360  
Advances to suppliers, net     2,146,839       1,649,492  
Advances to suppliers - related parties, net     -       -  
Other current assets     459,825       463,218  
Total current assets     25,501,140       22,169,166  
Property and equipment, net     8,645,749       8,488,726  
Intangible assets, net     1,975,793       1,956,008  
Long term investment     475,163       407,345  
Deferred tax assets     256,269       318,296  
Total assets   $ 36,854,114     $ 33,339,541  
LIABILITIES                
Current liabilities:                
Bank loans   $ 3,724,728     $ 3,639,911  
Accounts payable     3,554,342       3,757,550  
Accounts payable – related parties     -       3,046  
Advance from customers     962,743       4,222,490  
Advance from customers - related parties     -       -  
Bank notes payable     893,935       582,386  
Deferred government grants - current     416,487       407,003  
Taxes payable     1,981,254       1,196,811  
Accrued expenses and other payables     1,029,706       478,557  
Total current liabilities     12,563,195       14,287,754  
Deferred government grants - noncurrent     1,153,208       1,330,451  
Total liabilities     13,716,403       15,618,205  

 

    For the six months ended March 31,  
    2019     2018  
Net revenue   $ 27,160,302     $ 25,064,198  
Net income     5,024,301       2,512,497  

 

    For the six months ended March 31,  
    2019     2018  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   $ (2,173,232 )   $ 2,061,690  
Net cash used in investing activities     (577,366 )     (965,918 )
Net cash used in financing activities     159,132       (3,749,795 )
Effect of exchange rate on cash     108,421       219,331  
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash   $ (2,483,045 )   $ (2,434,692 )

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. Such estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company’s critical accounting estimates included, but are not limited to: allowance for estimated uncollectible receivables, inventory valuations, impairment of long-lived assets, impairment of intangible assets, and income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

F-29

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investment instruments with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

 

Restricted Cash

 

Restricted cash consists of cash equivalents used as collateral to secure short-term bank notes payable. The Company is required to keep amounts equal to 30%-50% of the notes payable value on deposit that are subject to withdrawal restrictions. Upon the maturity of the bank acceptance notes, the Company is required to deposit the remainder to the escrow account to settle the bank notes payable. The notes payable are generally short term in nature due to their short maturity period of three months to one year; thus, restricted cash is classified as a current asset.

 

As of March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018, the Company had restricted cash of $268,180 and $363,991, respectively, related to the bank notes payable (see Note 8).

 

Accounts Receivable, net

 

Accounts receivable are recognized and carried at original invoiced amount less an estimated allowance for uncollectible accounts. The Company usually grants credit to customers with good credit standing with a maximum of 90 days and determines the adequacy of reserves for doubtful accounts based on individual account analysis and historical collection trends. The Company establishes a provision for doubtful receivables when there is objective evidence that the Company may not be able to collect amounts due. The allowance is based on management’s best estimates of specific losses on individual exposures, as well as a provision on historical trends of collections. Actual amounts received may differ from management’s estimate of credit worthiness and the economic environment. Delinquent account balances are written-off against the allowance for doubtful accounts after management has determined that the likelihood of collection is not probable.

 

Inventories, net

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Costs include the cost of raw materials, freight, direct labor and related production overhead. The cost of inventories is calculated using the weighted average method. Any excess of the cost over the net realizable value of each item of inventories is recognized as a provision for diminution in the value of inventories. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the normal course of business less any costs to complete and sell products. Allowances for obsolescence are also assessed based on expiration dates, as applicable, taking into consideration historical and expected future product sales.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost. The straight-line depreciation method is used to compute depreciation over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows:

 

Items Useful life
Property and buildings 20–25 years
Leasehold improvement Lesser of useful life and lease term
Machinery and equipment 5–10 years
Automobiles 3–5 years
Office and electric equipment 3–5 years

 

F-30

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Expenditures for maintenance and repairs, which do not materially extend the useful lives of the assets, are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments which substantially extend the useful life of assets are capitalized. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of assets retired or sold are removed from the respective accounts, and any gain or loss is recognized in the statement of income in other income and expenses.

 

Intangible Assets

 

Intangible assets consist primarily of land use rights, software and license for drug manufacturing. Under the PRC law, all land in the PRC is owned by the government and cannot be sold to an individual or company. The government grants individuals and companies the right to use parcels of land for specified periods of time. Land use rights are stated at cost less accumulated amortization. Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method with the following estimated useful lives:

 

Items Useful life
   
Land use rights 50 years
Software 10 years
License for drug manufacturing 10 years

 

Long Term Investment

 

Investments in entities in which the Company can exercise significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or control are accounted for using the equity method of accounting in accordance with ASC 323 (“ASC 323”), “Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures”. Under the equity method, the Company initially records its investment at cost and the difference between the cost and the fair value of the underlying equity in the net assets of the equity investee is recognized as equity method goodwill, which is included in the equity method investment on the consolidated balance sheets. The equity method goodwill is not subsequently amortized and is not tested for impairment under ASC 350. The Company evaluates the equity method investments for impairment under ASC 323. An impairment loss on the equity method investments is recognized in earnings when the decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary. The Company subsequently adjusts the carrying amount of the investment to recognize the Company’s proportionate share of each equity investee’s net income or loss into earnings after the date of investment.

 

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

 

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the estimated cash flows from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are below the asset’s carrying value, then the asset is deemed to be impaired and written down to its fair value. There were no indicators of impairment of these assets as of March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018.

 

F-31

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Non-controlling interests

 

Non-controlling interests are recognized to reflect the portion of their equity that is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the Company as the controlling shareholder. For the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries, VIE and VIE’ s subsidiaries, non-controlling interests represent a minority shareholder’s 1.703% ownership interest in Gansu QLS, 28.25% ownership interest in Chengdu QLS and 50% ownership interest in Ahan as of March 31, 2019.

 

In December 2018, the Company acquired equity interest in Chengdu QLS from its non-controlling interest holders for RMB 825,000 (approximately $134,000). In March 2019, the Company additionally contributed RMB 20,000,000 (approximately $2.9 million) capital into Chengdu QLS. These transactions resulted that the ownership interest of minority shareholders in Chengdu QLS reduced from 48.57% as of September 30, 2018 to 28.25% of as of March 31, 2019.

 

The following table summarizes non-controlling interest from each subsidiaries that is not 100% owned by the Company:

 

    As of  
    March 31,
2019
    September 30,
2018
 
Gansu QLS   $ 302,727     $ 233,493  
Chengdu QLS     2,794,044       2,170,387  
Ahan     (2,687 )     (4,474 )
Total   $ 3,094,084     $ 2,399,406  

 

Non-controlling interest in the equity of a subsidiary is reported in equity in the consolidated statement of balance sheets. Net income and losses attributable to the non-controlling interest is reported as described above in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Before October 1, 2018, the Company recognizes revenues from the sale of products under FAS Codification Topic 605 (“ASC 605”) when title and risk of loss passes and the customer accepts the goods, which generally occurs at delivery. Revenue is recognized when all of the following have occurred: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (iii) the price is fixed or determinable, and (iv) the ability to collect is reasonably assured. Historically, sales returns have been minimal. The payments received from customers before revenue recognition criteria have been met are recorded as advances from customers on balance sheets.

 

On October 1, 2018 the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (FASB ASC Topic 606) using the modified retrospective method for contracts that were not completed as of October 1, 2018. The results of applying Topic 606 using the modified retrospective approach were insignificant and did not have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets, statement of income, cash flows, business process, controls or systems.

 

F-32

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

The core principle underlying the revenue recognition ASU is that the Company will recognize revenue to represent the transfer of goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in such exchange. This will require the Company to identify contractual performance obligations and determine whether revenue should be recognized at a point in time or over time, based on when control of goods and services transfers to a customer. The majority of our contracts have one single performance obligation as the promise to transfer the individual goods is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts and is, therefore, not distinct. The Company’s revenue streams are recognized at a point in time when title and risk of loss passes and the customer accepts the goods, which generally occurs at delivery. Our products is sold with no right of return and we do not provide other credits or sales incentive, which are accounted for as variable consideration. Sales taxes invoiced to customers and remitted to government authorities are excluded from net sales.

 

The contract assets and contract liabilities are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as accounts receivable and customer deposits as of March 31, 2019. For the six months ended March 31, 2019, revenue recognized from performance obligations related to prior periods was insignificant.

 

Revenue expected to be recognized in any future periods related to remaining performance obligations is also insignificant. Refer to Note 12 for disaggregated revenue information.

 

Government grants

 

Government grants are recognized when there is reasonable assurance that the attached conditions will be complied with. When the grant relates to an expense item, it is recognized in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income over the period necessary to match the grant on a systematic basis to the related costs. Where the grant relates to an asset acquisition, it is recognized in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income in proportion to the depreciation of the related assets.

 

Research and development expenses

 

The Company expense all internal research costs as incurred, which primarily comprise employee costs, internal and external costs related to execution of studies, including manufacturing costs, facility costs of the research center, and amortization, depreciation to intangible assets and property, plant and equipment used in the research and development activities. For the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, total research and development expense were approximately $40,000 and $41,000, respectively, which were recorded in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, we determine deferred tax assets and liabilities on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities by using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets to the extent that we believe that these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

 

The Company records uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. The Company does not believe that there were any uncertain tax positions at March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018.

 

F-33

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

The Company’s principal country of operations is the PRC. The financial position and results of its operations are determined using RMB, the local currency, as the functional currency. Our financial statements are reported using U.S. Dollars. The results of operations and the statement of cash flows denominated in foreign currency are translated at the average rate of exchange during the reporting period. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated at the applicable rates of exchange in effect at that date. The equity denominated in the functional currency is translated at the historical rate of exchange at the time of capital contribution. Because cash flows are translated based on the average translation rate, amounts related to assets and liabilities reported on the statement of cash flows will not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the balance sheet. Translation adjustments arising from the use of different exchange rates from period to period are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income included in statement of changes in equity. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income.

 

The value of RMB against US$ and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in the PRC’s political and economic conditions. Any significant revaluation of RMB may materially affect the Company’s financial condition in terms of US$ reporting. The following table outlines the currency exchange rates that were used in creating the consolidated financial statements in this report:

 

  March 31, 2019 September 30, 2018 March 31, 2018
       
Period-end spot rate US$1=RMB 6.7119 US$1= RMB 6.8683 US$1= RMB 6.2807
       
Average rate US$1=RMB 6.8333 US$1= RMB 6.5400 US$1= RMB 6.4872

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company records its financial assets and liabilities in accordance with the framework for measuring fair value in accordance with U.S GAAP. This framework establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1: Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

 

Level 2: Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.

 

Level 3: Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

 

Fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities are primarily used in the impairment analysis of intangible assets and long-lived assets.

 

F-34

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, bank notes receivable, advances to suppliers, other current assets, accounts payable, deferred revenue, advances from customers and accrued expenses and other payables approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. Based on comparable open market transactions, the fair value of the bank loans, bank notes payable and other liabilities, including current maturities, approximated their carrying value as of March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively. The Company’s estimates of the fair value of bank loans and notes payable and other liabilities (including current maturities) were classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

Concentrations and Credit Risk

 

A majority of the Company’s expense transactions are denominated in RMB and a significant portion of the Company and its subsidiaries’ assets and liabilities are denominated in RMB. RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currencies. In the PRC, certain foreign exchange transactions are required by law to be transacted only by authorized financial institutions at exchange rates set by the People’s Bank of China (“PBOC”). Remittances in currencies other than RMB by the Company in China must be processed through the PBOC or other China foreign exchange regulatory bodies which require certain supporting documentation in order to affect the remittance.

 

As of March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018, $3,141,105 and $5,624,520 of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit and restricted cash were on deposit at financial institutions in the PRC where there currently is no rule or regulation requiring such financial institutions to maintain insurance to cover bank deposits in the event of bank failure.

 

Substantially all of the Company’s sales are made to customers that are located primarily in China. The Company has a concentration of its revenues and receivables with specific customers. For the six months ended March 31, 2018, three customers accounting for 16.0%, 13.5% and 13.3% of the Company’s total revenue, respectively. Two customer accounted for 12.0% and 10.0% of the Company’s total revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2019. For the six months ended March 31, 2018, three vendors accounted for 25.6% and 21.3% and 11.6% of the Company’s total purchase, respectively. For the six months ended March 31, 2019, two vendor accounted for 15.2% and 10.5% of the Company’s total purchase. As of September 30, 2018, two customers’ account receivable accounted for 45% and 24% of the total outstanding accounts receivable balance. One major customers’ account receivable accounted for 69.8% of the total account receivable balance as of March 31, 2019.

 

A loss of any of these customers or suppliers could adversely affect the operating results or cash flows of the Company.

 

F-35

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases” to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet with a corresponding liability and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. For public business entities, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim reporting periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim reporting periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this revised guidance does not have material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

F-36

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income”. The amendments eliminate the stranded tax effects resulting from the United States Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. ASU No. 2018-02 is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 requires companies to measure credit losses utilizing a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires a consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including those interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adopting this standard, but based on a preliminary assessment, does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

F-37

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 3 – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET

 

Accounts receivable consisted of the following:

 

    As of     As of  
    March 31, 2019     September 30, 2018  
Trade accounts receivable   $ 3,970,941     $ 1,339,975  
Less: allowances for doubtful accounts     (45,211 )     (18,890 )
Accounts receivable, net   $ 3,925,730     $ 1,321,085  

 

NOTE 4 – INVENTORY, NET

 

Inventories consisted of the following:

 

    As of     As of  
    March 31, 2019     September 30, 2018  
Raw materials   $ 5,186,864     $ 4,280,869  
Work-in-progress     602,347       424,418  
Finished goods     5,976,667       5,140,566  
Inventory valuation allowance     (19,479 )     (259,493 )
Total inventory   $ 11,746,399     $ 9,586,360  

 

NOTE 5 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following:

 

    As of     As of  
    March 31, 2019     September 30, 2018  
Property and Buildings   $ 8,693,467     $ 8,489,230  
Machinery and equipment     17,784,398       17,154,386  
Automobiles     611,615       597,687  
Office and electric equipment     106,565       103,646  
Subtotal     27,196,045       26,344,949  
Construction in progress     830,368       511,264  
Less: accumulated depreciation     (19,380,664 )     (18,367,487 )
Property and equipment, net   $ 8,645,749     $ 8,488,726  

 

Depreciation expense was $574,784 and $624,782 for the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Construction in progress represents costs of construction incurred for the Company’s upgrading its manufacturing facilities.

 

F-38

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 6 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

 

Intangible assets, net consisted of the following:

 

    As of     As of  
    March 31, 2019     September 30, 2018  
Land use rights   $ 2,426,256     $ 2,371,007  
Software     30,624       29,926  
License for drug manufacturing     59,595       58,239  
Total     2,516,475       2,459,172  
Less: accumulated amortization     (540,682 )     (503,164 )
Intangible assets, net   $ 1,975,793     $ 1,956,008  

 

Amortization expense was $25,335 and $29,770 for the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows:

 

Twelve months ending March 31,   Amortization expense  
       
2020   $ 60,354  
2021     55,388  
2022     53,810  
2023     52,055  
2024     52,055  
Thereafter     1,702,131  
    $ 1,975,793  

 

NOTE 7 – Bank Loans

 

Bank loans represent amounts due to various banks normally due within one year. The principal of the loans are due at maturity. Accrued interest is due either monthly or quarterly.

 

F-39

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 7 –BANK LOANS (Continued)

 

Bank loans consisted of the following:

 

    As of     As of  
    March 31, 2019     September 30, 2018  
Agricultural Bank of China (“ABC”)   $ 3,724,728     $ 3,639,911  
Total   $ 3,724,728     $ 3,639,911  

 

In 2017 and 2018, Gansu QLS entered into a series of short-term bank loan agreements with ABC with a loan period of twelve months. The loans bear fixed interest rates ranging from 5.35% to 5.67% per annum. The loans as of September 30, 2018 expire in January to May of 2019. The Company have fully repaid the loans expired in the year of 2019 and obtained the same amounts of new loans from ABC after the repayments. The newly obtained loans in 2019 bear fixed interest rates ranging from 5.35% to 5.65% per annum expire between January 2020 to May 2020. All the loans are guaranteed by Mr. Zhanchang Xin, principal shareholder of the Company.

 

NOTE 8 – BANK NOTES PAYABLE

 

Bank notes payable are lines of credit extended by banks that can be endorsed and assigned to vendors as payments for purchases. The notes payable are generally payable within six months. These short-term notes payable are guaranteed by the bank for their full face value. In addition, the banks usually require the Company to deposit a certain amount of cash (usually in the range of 30% to 50% of the face value of the notes) at the bank as a guarantee deposit, which is classified on the balance sheet as restricted cash.

 

The Company had the following bank notes payable as of March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018:

 

    As of     As of  
    March 31, 2019     September 30, 2018  
Lanzhou Bank (“LZ Bank”), due December 20, 2018   $ -     $ 582,386  
Lanzhou Bank (“LZ Bank”), due June 19 to June 25, 2019     893,935       -  
Total   $ 893,935     $ 582,386  

 

As of March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018, $268,180 and $363,991 in cash deposits were held by banks as a guaranty for the notes payable, respectively. In addition, notes payable are guaranteed by the Company’s majority shareholder and secured by the Company’s buildings and land. The balance as of March 31, 2019 have been fully repaid on their due dates.

 

F-40

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 9 –TAXES

 

  (a) Corporate Income Taxes

 

The Company is subject to income taxes on an entity basis on income arising in or derived from the tax jurisdiction in which each entity is domiciled.

 

The Company’s operating subsidiaries are all incorporated in the PRC and are subject to PRC income tax, which is computed according to the relevant laws and regulations in the PRC. Under the Corporate Income Tax Law of PRC, current corporate income tax rate of 25% is applicable to all companies, including both domestic and foreign-invested companies. However, according to Tax Preferential Policies for the Development of the Western Region, Gansu QLS and its subsidiary Chengdu QLS are eligible for a favorable income tax rate of 15% and Qiming is eligible for a favorable income tax rate of 10%. The favorable tax rate will expire on December 31, 2021 and 2020 for Chengdu QLS and Qiming, respectively.

 

Significant components of the provision for income taxes were as follows:

 

    For the six months ended     For the six months ended  
    March 31, 2019     March 31, 2018  
Current income taxes   $ 813,516     $ 473,074  
Deferred income taxes     68,210       35,480  
Total   $ 881,726     $ 508,554  

 

The impact of these tax holidays decreased our taxes by $596,727 and $315,709 for the six months ended March 31, 2019, and 2018, respectively. The benefit of the tax holidays on net income per share was $0.012 and $0.006 for the six months ended March 31, 2019, and 2018, respectively.

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net effects of temporary difference between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial statement purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.

 

Temporary differences and carryforwards of the Company that created significant deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

    As of
March 31, 2019
    As of
September 30, 2018
 
Deferred tax assets:                
Allowance for doubtful accounts   $ 15,243     $ 42,736  
NOL Carryforwards     5,572       14,942  
Deferred government grants     235,454       260,618  
Total deferred tax assets   $ 256,269     $ 318,296  

 

F-41

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 9 –TAXES (Continued)

 

The Company periodically evaluates the likelihood of the realization of deferred tax assets, and reduces the carrying amount of the deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance to the extent it believes a portion will not be realized. Based upon management’s assessment of all available evidence, there was no valuation allowance provided as of March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018.

 

As of March 31, 2019, the tax years ended September 30, 2013 through September 30, 2018 for the Company’s PRC entities remain open for statutory examination by PRC tax authorities.

 

The following table reconciles the statutory rates to the Company’s effective tax rate:

 

    March 31,     March 31,  
    2019     2018  
China Statutory income tax rate     25.0 %     25.0 %
Effect of favorable income tax rate in the PRC     (10.1 )%     (10.5 )%
Non-deductible permanent difference     - %     2.3 %
Effective tax rate     14.9 %     16.8 %

 

  (b) Taxes Payable

 

The Company’s taxes payable consists of the following:

 

    September 30,     September 30,  
    2018     2018  
             
VAT tax payable   $ 896,145     $ 618,454  
Corporate income tax payable     957,447       455,315  
Business and other taxes payable     127,662       123,042  
Total   $ 1,981,254     $ 1,196,811  

 

NOTE 10 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

During the normal course of business, the Company made purchase and sales to affiliated companies controlled by its major shareholders or subsidiaries. For the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company made sales to affiliated companies in the amount of $5,312 and $Nil, respectively, and purchased from affiliated companies in the amount of $Nil and $6,992, respectively.

 

F-42

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 11 –EQUITY

 

Ordinary Shares

 

Qilian International was incorporated on February 7, 2019, with 50,000,000 ordinary shares, $0.001 par value, authorized and issued.

 

On October 16, 2019, our shareholders approved a reverse split of our outstanding ordinary shares at a ratio of 1-for-1.66667 shares, which resulted in 30,000,000 ordinary shares issued and outstanding. In addition, on the same day, our shareholders approved an increase of the Company's authorized shares from 50,000,000 ordinary shares at par value of $0.001 per share to 100,000,000 ordinary shares at par value of $0.00166667 per share.

 

The above actions are collectively referred to as the “reserve split.” As a result of this reverse split, the maximum number of shares that the Company is authorized to issue is 100,000,000 ordinary shares, of $0.00166667 par value per share, of which 30,000,000 ordinary shares are issued and outstanding.

 

All share information included in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been retroactively adjusted as if the stock reserve split occurred on the first day of the first period presented.

 

Statutory reserve

 

The Company is required to make appropriations to certain reserve funds, comprising the statutory surplus reserve and the discretionary surplus reserve, based on after-tax net income determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the PRC (“PRC GAAP”). Appropriations to the statutory surplus reserve are required to be at least 10% of the after-tax net income determined in accordance with PRC GAAP until the reserve is equal to 50% of the entity’s registered capital. Appropriations to the surplus reserve are made at the discretion of the Board of Directors. As of September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, the balance of statutory reserve was $1,132,636 and $838,873, respectively.

 

Dividend

 

On March 5, 2018, the board of directors of Gansu QLS declared a dividend of $5,137,615 to its shareholders, including cash dividend of $733,945 and stock dividend of $4,403,670. All dividends have been paid as of September 30, 2018.

 

NOTE 12 – SEGMENT REPORTING

 

ASC 280, “Segment Reporting”, establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments on a basis consistent with the Company’s internal organizational structure as well as information about geographical areas, business segments and major customers in financial statements for details on the Company’s business segments. The Company uses the “management approach” in determining reportable operating segments. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the source for determining the Company’s reportable segments. Management, including the chief operating decision maker, reviews operation results by the revenue of different products. Based on management’s assessment, the Company has determined that it has three operating segments as defined by ASC 280.

 

The Company mainly manufactures and distributes active pharmaceutical ingredients and TCMD products as well as other by-products in China. Currently no revenue is derived from international markets. The following table presents segment information for the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively:

 

    For the six months ended March 31, 2019  
    Oxytetracycline
& Licorice
products and
TCMD
    Fertilizer     Heparin
products and
Sausage casing
    Total  
Revenue   $ 16,305,675     $ 239,583     $ 10,615,044     $ 27,160,302  
Cost of revenue     11,045,694       69,029       8,657,866       19,772,589  
Gross profit   $ 5,259,981     $ 170,554     $ 1,957,178     $ 7,387,713  
Depreciation and amortization   $ 500,661     $ 19,331     $ 80,127     $ 600,119  
Capital expenditures   $ 441,156     $ 5,136     $ 88,436     $ 534,728  

 

F-43

 

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 12 – SEGMENT REPORTING (Continued)

 

    For the six months ended March 31, 2018  
    Oxytetracycline
& Licorice
products and
TCMD
    Fertilizer     Heparin
products and
Sausage casing
    Total  
Revenue   $ 16,558,538     $ 511,421     $ 7,994,239     $ 25,064,198  
Cost of revenue     13,031,083       162,000       8,065,704       21,258,787  
Gross profit   $ 3,527,455     $ 349,421     $ (71,465 )   $ 3,805,411  
Depreciation and amortization   $ 566,960     $ 18,129     $ 69,463     $ 654,552  
Capital expenditures   $ 518,622     $ 4,018     $ 254,201     $ 776,841  

 

    March 31,     September 30,  
    2019     2018  
Total Assets                
Oxytetracycline & Licorice products and TCMD   $ 22,193,492     $ 23,557,675  
Fertilizer   $ 2,262,297     $ 1,841,894  
Heparin products and Sausage casing   $ 12,398,325     $ 7,939,972  
Total   $ 36,854,114     $ 33,339,541  

 

NOTE 13 – COMMITMENTS

 

In 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with third party for research and development project of Streptomyces rimosus. The total fee for the project is RMB 3 million (equivalent to approximately $450,000). Three installment payments are due when certain milestone is achieved. As of the date of this report, the Company has paid RMB 200,000 (equivalent to approximately $30,000) according to the payment term in the agreement and no additional milestone has been achieved. The agreement expired on July 19, 2018 and the Company was released from any further payment obligations.

 

NOTE 14 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS 

 

In May of 2019, the Company borrowed loans of RMB 10,000,000 (approximately US$1.5 million) from Agricultural Bank of China after the loans expired and fully repaid (refer to Note 7). The new loan is due in one year after the date of borrowing and bears interest of 5.35%. The loan is guaranteed by Mr. Zhanchang Xin, principal shareholder of the Company.

 

In July of 2019, the Company borrowed loans of RMB 10,000,000 (approximately US$1.5 million) from Agricultural Bank of China. The new loan is due in one year after the date of borrowing and bears interest of 5.34%. The loan is guaranteed by Mr. Zhanchang Xin, principal shareholder of the Company.

 

The Company’s management reviewed all material events that have occurred after the balance sheet date through the date which these financial statements were issued. Based upon this review, the Company did not identify any subsequent events except disclosed in above that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

F-44

 

 

Until [●] all dealers that effect transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers' obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.

 

 

4,000,000 Ordinary Shares

 

 

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited

 

Prospectus dated November 27, 2019 

 

125

 

 

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

ITEM 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. 

 

Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. Our amended and restated articles of association, which will become effective upon completion of this offering, provide to the extent permitted by law, we shall indemnify each existing or former secretary, director (including alternate director), and any of our other officers (including an investment adviser or an administrator or liquidator) and their personal representatives against:

 

(a) all actions, proceedings, costs, charges, expenses, losses, damages or liabilities incurred or sustained by the existing or former secretary or officer in or about the conduct of our business or affairs or in the execution or discharge of the existing or former secretary’s or officer’s duties, powers, authorities or discretions; and

 

(b) without limitation to paragraph (a) above, all costs, expenses, losses or liabilities incurred by the existing or former secretary or officer in defending (whether successfully or otherwise) any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative proceedings (whether threatened, pending or completed) concerning us or our affairs in any court or tribunal, whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere.

 

No such existing or former secretary or officer, however, shall be indemnified in respect of any matter arising out of his own dishonesty.

 

To the extent permitted by law, we may make a payment, or agree to make a payment, whether by way of advance, loan or otherwise, for any legal costs incurred by an existing or former secretary or any of our officers in respect of any matter identified in above on condition that the secretary or officer must repay the amount paid by us to the extent that it is ultimately found not liable to indemnify the secretary or that officer for those legal costs.

 

The Underwriting Agreement, the form of which has been filed as Exhibit 1.1 to this Registration Statement, will also provide for indemnification of us and our officers and directors. 

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

 

ITEM 7. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.

 

On February 7, 2019, the Company issued 50,000,000 Ordinary Shares to the following persons and entities in a private transaction under the Cayman Islands laws, 20,000,000 Ordinary Shares to Zhanchang Xin, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 2,355,000 Ordinary Shares to Chen Xin, 11,885,000 Ordinary Shares to Zhijiu Holdings Limited, 11,195,000 Ordinary Shares to Gandikang Holdings Limited, 3,065,000 Ordinary Shares to Ahanzhai Development Limited, and 1,500,000 Ordinary Shares to Asia Times Holdings Limited.

 

ITEM 8. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

 

  (a) Exhibits

See Exhibit Index beginning on page 126 of this registration statement.

  (b) Financial Statement Schedules

Schedules have been omitted because the information required to be set forth therein is not applicable or is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the Notes thereto.

 

ITEM 9. UNDERTAKINGS.

 

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

 

126

 

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the provisions described in Item 6, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

 

(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant under Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3) For the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(4) For the purpose of determining any liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii) any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii) the portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 

127

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-1 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Jiuquan, Gansu, China, on November 27, 2019.

 

  Qilian International Holding Group Limited
     
  By: /s/ Zhanchang Xin
    Mr. Zhanchang Xin
    Chief Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

 

Title

 

Date

     

/s/ Zhanchang Xin

  Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Director   November 27, 2019
Name: Zhanchang Xin   (Principal Executive Officer, Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)    
         

/s/ Haiping Shi

  Director   November 27, 2019
Name: Haiping Shi        
         

/s/ Lina Lu

  Independent Director   November 27, 2019
Name: Lina Lu        
         

/s/ Ming Jing

  Independent Director   November 27, 2019
Name: Ming Jing        
         

/s/ Li Han

  Independent Director   November 27, 2019
Name: Li Han        

 

SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED STATES

 

Pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 as amended, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of America, has signed this registration statement thereto in New York, NY on November 27, 2019.

 

Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC.

 

  By: /s/ Ying Li
    Name: Ying Li
    Title: Partner and Member

 

128

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

Exhibit No.   Description
1.1   Form of Underwriting Agreement*
3.1   Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association*
4.1   Specimen Certificate for Ordinary Shares**
5.1   Opinion of Ogier regarding the validity of the Ordinary Shares being registered*
8.1   Opinion of Dentons Law Offices, LLP regarding certain PRC tax matters (included in Exhibit 99.3)**
10.1   Employment Agreement by and between CEO Zhanchang Xin and the Company on June 6, 2019**
10.2 Indemnification Agreement**
10.3   Amended Exclusive Service Agreement**
10.4   Equity Pledge Agreement**
10.5   Call Option Agreement**
10.6   Shareholders’ Voting Rights Proxy Agreement**
10.7   Form of Power of Attorney (included in Exhibit 10.6)**
10.8   From of Spousal Consents**
14.1   Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of the Registrant**
21.1   List of Subsidiaries**
23.1   Consent of Friedman LLP*
23.2   Consent of Ogier (included in Exhibit 8.1)*
23.3   Consent of Dentons Law Offices, LLP (included in Exhibit 8.1 and 99.3)**
99.1   The PRC Pharmaceutical Industry Market Study by Frost & Sullivan**
99.2   Frost & Sullivan Consent Letter**
99.3   Opinion of Dentons Law Offices, LLP, People’s Republic of China counsel to the Registrant, regarding certain PRC law matters and the validity of the VIE Agreements**
99.4   Request for Waiver and Representation under Item 8.A.4 of Form 20-F*

 

* Filed herewith.
** Previously filed.
*** To be filed by amendment.

 

129

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED

 

UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

 

[ ], 2020

 

Univest Securities, LLC

375 Park Avenue, 15th Floor

New York, NY 10152

 

As Representative of the Underwriters

named on Schedule A hereto

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

The undersigned, QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED, a Cayman Islands exempted company (collectively with its subsidiaries and affiliates, including, without limitation, all entities disclosed or described in the Registration Statement (as hereinafter defined) as being subsidiaries or affiliates of the Company, the “Company”), hereby confirms its agreement (this “Agreement”) with several underwriters (such underwriters, including the Representative (as defined below), the “Underwriters” and each an “Underwriter”) named in Schedule A hereto for which Univest Securities, LLC acting as the representative to the several Underwriters (in such capacity, the “Representative”) to issue and sell an aggregate of four million (4,000,000) ordinary shares of the Company (“Firm Shares”), par value $0.001 per share (“Ordinary Shares”). The Company has also granted to the several Underwriters an option to purchase up to six hundred thousand (600,000) additional Ordinary Shares, on the terms and for the purposes set forth in Section 2(c) hereof (the “Additional Shares”). The Firm Shares and any Additional Shares purchased pursuant to this Agreement are herein collectively referred to as the “Securities.” The offering and sale of the Securities contemplated by this Agreement is referred to herein as the “Offering.”

 

The Company confirms its agreement with the Underwriters as follows:

 

SECTION 1. Representations and Warranties of the Company.

 

The Company represents and warrants to the Underwriters as follows with the understanding that the same may be relied upon by the Underwriters in this offering, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date (as defined below) and each Option Closing Date (as defined below), if any:

 

(a)       Filing of the Registration Statement. The Company has prepared and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333- [●]), which contains a form of prospectus to be used in connection with the public offering and sale of the Shares. Such registration statement, as amended, including the financial statements, exhibits and schedules thereto contained in the registration statement at the time such registration statement became effective, in the form in which it was declared effective by the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Securities Act Regulations”), and including any required information deemed to be a part thereof at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A under the Securities Act, or pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (collectively, the “Exchange Act”) and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Exchange Act Regulations”), is called the “Registration Statement.” Any registration statement filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act is called the “Rule 462(b) Registration Statement,” and from and after the date and time of filing of the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, the term “Registration Statement” shall include the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement. Such prospectus, in the form first filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act after the date and time that this Agreement is executed and delivered by the parties hereto, or, if no filing pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act is required, the form of final prospectus relating to the Shares included in the Registration Statement at the effective date of the Registration Statement, is called the “Prospectus.” All references in this Agreement to the Registration Statement, the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, the preliminary prospectus included in the Registration Statement (each, a “preliminary prospectus”), the Prospectus, or any amendments or supplements to any of the foregoing, shall include any copy thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System (“EDGAR”). The preliminary prospectus, dated [●], 2020, that was included in the Registration Statement immediately prior to the Applicable Time (as defined below) is hereinafter called the “Pricing Prospectus.” Any reference to the “most recent preliminary prospectus” shall be deemed to refer to the latest preliminary prospectus included in the registration statement. Any reference herein to any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus or any supplement or amendment to either thereof shall be deemed to refer to and include any documents incorporated by reference therein as of the date of such reference.

 

 

 

 

(b)       “Applicable Time” means 5:00pm, Eastern time, on the date of this Agreement.

 

(c)       Compliance with Registration Requirements. The Registration Statement has been declared effective by the Commission under the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations on [●], 2020. The Company has complied, to the Commission’s satisfaction, with all requests of the Commission for additional or supplemental information. No stop order preventing or suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement is in effect and no proceedings for such purpose have been instituted or are pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company, are contemplated or threatened by the Commission.

 

Each preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus when filed complied or will comply in all material respects with the Securities Act and, if filed by electronic transmission pursuant to EDGAR (except as may be permitted by Regulation S-T under the Securities Act), was identical in content to the copy thereof delivered to the Underwriters for use in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares, other than with respect to any artwork and graphics that were not filed. Each of the Registration Statement, any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, and any post-effective amendment to either the Registration Statement or the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, at the time it became effective and at all subsequent times until the expiration of the prospectus delivery period required under Section 4(3) of the Securities Act, complied and will comply in all material respects with the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations and did not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. The Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, as of its date and at all subsequent times until the Underwriters have completed the placement of the offering of the Shares, did not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The representations and warranties set forth in the two immediately preceding sentences do not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration Statement or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, or any post-effective amendment to either the Registration Statement or the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, or in the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to the Underwriters furnished to the Company in writing expressly for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished on behalf of any of the Underwriters consists of (i) the name of the Underwriters contained on the cover page of the Pricing Prospectus and Prospectus and (ii) the sub-sections titled “Underwriter’s Warrant,” “Lock-Up Agreement,” “Price Stabilization,” “Determination of the Offering Price,” “Electronic Offer, Sale and Distribution of Securities,” “Indemnification,” and “Offer restrictions outside the United States” in each case under the caption “Underwriting” in the Prospectus (the “Underwriter Information”). There are no contracts or other documents required to be described in the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that have not been fairly and accurately described in all material respects or filed as required.

 

(d)       Disclosure Package. The term “Disclosure Package” shall mean (i) the Pricing Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, (ii) each issuer free writing prospectus, as defined in Rule 433 under the Securities Act (each, an “Issuer Free Writing Prospectus”), if any, identified in Schedule A hereto, (iii) the pricing terms set forth in Schedule B to this Agreement, and (iv) any other free writing prospectus that the parties hereto shall hereafter expressly agree in writing to treat as part of the Disclosure Package. As of the Applicable Time, the Disclosure Package did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The preceding sentence does not apply to statements in or omissions from the Disclosure Package based upon and in conformity with the Underwriter’s Information.

 

 

 

 

(e)       Company Not Ineligible Issuer. (i) At the time of filing the Registration Statement and (ii) as of the date of the execution and delivery of this Agreement (with such date being used as the determination date for purposes of this clause (ii)), the Company was not and is not an Ineligible Issuer (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act), without taking account of any determination by the Commission pursuant to Rule 405 under the Securities Act that it is not necessary that the Company be considered an Ineligible Issuer.

 

(f)       Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses. No Issuer Free Writing Prospectus includes any information that conflicts with the information contained in the Registration Statement, including any document incorporated by reference therein that has not been superseded or modified. The foregoing sentence does not apply to statements in or omissions from any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus based upon and in conformity with the Underwriter’s Information.

 

(g)       Offering Materials Furnished to the Underwriters. The Company has delivered to the Underwriters conformed copies of the Registration Statement and of each consent and certificate of experts filed as a part thereof, and each preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, in such quantities and at such places as the Underwriters has reasonably requested.

 

(h)       Distribution of Offering Material By the Company. The Company has not distributed and will not distribute, prior to the completion of the Underwriters’ purchase of the Shares, any offering material in connection with the offering and sale of the Shares other than a preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus reviewed and consented to by the Underwriters, and the Registration Statement.

 

(i)       The Underwriting Agreement. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by, and is a valid and binding agreement of, the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as rights to indemnification hereunder may be limited by applicable law and except as the enforcement hereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws relating to or affecting the rights and remedies of creditors or by general equitable principles.

 

(j)       Authorization of the Shares. The Shares to be sold by the Company through the Underwriters have been duly and validly authorized by all required corporate action and have been reserved for issuance and sale pursuant to this Agreement and, when so issued and delivered by the Company, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free and clear of all Liens imposed by the Company. The Ordinary Shares underlying the Underwriter’s Warrants (the “Underlying Shares”) are duly authorized and, when issued and paid for in accordance the terms of the Underwriter’s Warrants, as applicable, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free and clear of all Liens imposed by the Company. The Company has sufficient Ordinary Shares for the issuance of the maximum number of Securities and Underlying Shares issuable pursuant to the Offering as described in the Prospectus.

 

(k)       No Applicable Registration or Other Similar Rights. There are no persons with registration or other similar rights to have any securities of the Company registered for sale under the Registration Statement or included in the offering contemplated by this Agreement.

 

(l)       No Material Adverse Change. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Disclosure Package, subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in the Disclosure Package: (i) there has been no material adverse change, or any development that could reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business or operations, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, of the Company (any such change, a “Material Adverse Change”); (ii) the Company has not incurred any material liability or obligation, indirect, direct or contingent, not in the ordinary course of business nor entered into any material transaction or agreement not in the ordinary course of business; and (iii) there has been no dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made by the Company in respect of its capital stock.

 

 

 

 

(m)       Independent Accountant. Friedman LLP (the “Accountant”), which has expressed its opinions with respect to the audited financial statements (which term as used in this Agreement includes the related notes thereto) of the Company filed with the Commission as a part of the Registration Statement and included in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, is an independent registered public accounting firm as required by the Securities Act and the Exchange Act.

 

(n)       Preparation of the Financial Statements. Each of the historical financial statements of the Company, respectively, filed with the Commission as a part of the Registration Statement and included in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, presents fairly the information provided as of and at the dates and for the periods indicated. Such financial statements comply as to form with the applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations and have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved, except as may be expressly stated in the related notes thereto. No other financial statements or supporting schedules are required to be included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement. Each item of historical financial data relating to the operations, assets or liabilities of the Company set forth in summary form in each of the preliminary prospectuses and the Prospectus fairly presents such information on a basis consistent with that of the complete financial statements contained in the Registration Statement.

 

(o)       Incorporation and Good Standing. The Company has been duly incorporated or formed and is validly existing as a company limited by shares under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation and has corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. As of the Closing, the Company does not own or control, directly or indirectly, any corporation, association or other entity that is not otherwise disclosed in the Disclosure Package.

 

(p)       Capitalization and Other Capital Stock Matters. The authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company is as set forth in each of the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (other than for subsequent issuances, if any, pursuant to employee benefit plans described in each of the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or upon exercise of outstanding options or warrants described in the Disclosure Package and Prospectus, as the case may be). The Ordinary Shares conform, and, when issued and delivered as provided in this Agreement, the Shares will conform, in all material respects to the description thereof contained in each of the Disclosure Package and Prospectus. All of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and have been issued in compliance with applicable laws. None of the outstanding Ordinary Shares were issued in violation of any preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or other similar rights to subscribe for or purchase securities of the Company. There are no authorized or outstanding options, warrants, preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or other rights to purchase, or equity or debt securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for, any capital stock of the Company other than those described in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. The description of the Company’s stock option and other stock plans or arrangements, and the options or other rights granted thereunder, set forth in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus accurately and fairly presents the information required to be shown with respect to such plans, arrangements, options and rights. No further approval or authorization of any shareholder, the Board of Directors or others is required for the issuance and sale of the Securities and the Underlying Shares. Except as set forth in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there are no shareholders agreements, voting agreements or other similar agreements with respect to the Company’s Ordinary Shares to which the Company is a party or, to the knowledge of the Company, between or among any of the Company’s shareholders.

 

(q)       Non-Contravention of Existing Instruments; No Further Authorizations or Approvals Required. The Company is not in violation of its memorandum of association or in default (or, with the giving of notice or lapse of time, would be in default) (“Default”) under any indenture, mortgage, loan or credit agreement, note, contract, franchise, lease or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it may be bound (including, without limitation, any agreement or contract filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or to which any of the property or assets of the Company are subject (each, an “Existing Instrument”)), except for such Defaults as would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Change. The Company’s execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (i) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and will not result in any violation of the provisions of the memorandum of association of the Company, (ii) will not conflict with or constitute a breach of, or Default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company pursuant to, or require the consent of any other party to, any Existing Instrument and (iii) will not result in any violation of any law, administrative regulation or administrative or court decree applicable to the Company, except in the case of each of clauses (ii) and (iii), to the extent such conflict, breach Default or violation could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No consent, approval, authorization or other order of, or registration or filing with, any court or other governmental or regulatory authority or agency, is required for the Company’s execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, except the registration or qualification of the Shares under the Securities Act and applicable state securities or blue sky laws and from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”).

 

 

 

 

(r)       Subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities. Each of the Company’s direct and indirect subsidiaries (each a Subsidiary” and collectively, the “Subsidiaries”) has been identified on Schedule D hereto, and each of the entities which the Company directly or indirectly controls through contractual arrangements (each an “Consolidated Affiliated Entity” and collectively, the “Consolidated Affiliated Entities”) has been identified on Schedule E hereto. Each of the Subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities has been duly incorporated, is validly existing under the laws of Hong Kong or the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”), as the case may be, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, has full power and authority (corporate or otherwise) to own its property and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus, and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of property requires such qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; all of the equity interests of each Subsidiary have been duly and validly authorized and issued, are owned directly or indirectly by the Company, are fully paid in accordance with its articles of association and non-assessable and are free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities or claims; all of the equity or sponsorship interests in each Consolidated Affiliated Entity have been duly and validly authorized and issued, are fully paid in accordance with its articles of association and non-assessable and are owned as described in the Prospectus, and, except as described in the Prospectus, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities or claims. None of the outstanding share capital or equity interest in any Subsidiary was issued in violation of preemptive or similar rights of any security holder of such Subsidiary. All of the constitutive or organizational documents of each of the Subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities comply with the requirements of applicable laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization and are in full force and effect. Apart from the Subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities, the Company has no direct or indirect subsidiaries or any other company over which it has direct or indirect effective control.

 

(s)       No Material Actions or Proceedings. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there are no legal or governmental actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened (i) against the Company, (ii) which have as the subject thereof any officer or director (in such capacities) of, or property owned or leased by, the Company, where in any such case (A) there is a reasonable possibility that such action, suit or proceeding might be determined adversely to the Company and (B) any such action, suit or proceeding, if so determined adversely, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change or adversely affect the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, no material labor dispute with the employees of the Company exists or, to the Company’s knowledge, is threatened or imminent. None of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ employees is a member of a union that relates to such employee’s relationship with the Company or such Subsidiary or Consolidated Affiliated Entity, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries or Consolidated Affiliated Entities is a party to a collective bargaining agreement, and the Company and its Subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities believe that their relationships with their employees are good. No executive officer, to the knowledge of the Company, is in violation of any material term of any employment contract, confidentiality, disclosure or proprietary information agreement or non-competition agreement, or any other contract or agreement or any restrictive covenant in favor of any third party, and the continued employment of each such executive officer does not subject the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any liability with respect to any of the foregoing matters. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations relating to employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours, except where the failure to be in compliance could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company or any Subsidiary or Consolidated Affiliated Entity, nor any director or officer thereof, is or has within the last 10 years been the subject of any Action involving a claim of violation of or liability under federal or state securities laws or a claim of breach of fiduciary duty. There has not been, and to the knowledge of the Company, there is not pending or contemplated, any investigation by the Commission involving the Company or any current or former director or officer of the Company.

 

 

 

 

(t)       Intellectual Property Rights. The Company owns, possesses or licenses, and otherwise has legally enforceable rights to use all patents, patent applications, trademarks, trade names, copyrights, domain names, licenses, approvals and trade secrets (collectively, “Intellectual Property Rights”) reasonably necessary to conduct its business as now conducted or, otherwise, as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, except to the extent such failure to own, possess or have other rights to use such Intellectual Property would not be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus: (i) the Company has not received any written notice of infringement or conflict with asserted Intellectual Property Rights of others; (ii) the Company is not a party to or bound by any options, licenses or agreements with respect to the Intellectual Property Rights of any other person or entity that are required to be set forth in the Registration Statement, Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and are not described in all material respects; (iii) none of the technology employed by the Company has been obtained or is being used by the Company in violation of any contractual obligation binding on the Company or, to the Company’s knowledge, in violation of the rights of any persons;(iv) the Company is not subject to any judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree of any court or any governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, or any arbitrator, nor has it entered into nor is it a party to any agreement made in settlement of any pending or threatened litigation, which materially restricts or impairs its use of any Intellectual Property Rights.

 

(u)       All Necessary Permits, etc. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company possesses such valid and current certificates, authorizations or permits issued by the applicable regulatory agencies or bodies necessary to conduct its business, and the Company has not received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of, or non-compliance with, any such certificate, authorization or permit.

 

(v)       Title to Properties. The Company has good and marketable title to all the properties and assets reflected as owned by it in the financial statements referred to in Section 1(n) above (or elsewhere in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus), in each case free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, lien, encumbrance, equity, adverse claim or other defect, except such as do not materially and adversely affect the value of such property and do not materially interfere with the use made or proposed to be made of such property by the Company. The real property, improvements, equipment and personal property held under lease by the Company are held under valid and enforceable leases, with such exceptions as are not material and do not materially interfere with the use made or proposed to be made of such real property, improvements, equipment or personal property by the Company.

 

(w)       Tax Law Compliance. The Company has filed all necessary income tax returns or has timely and properly filed requested extensions thereof and has paid all taxes required to be paid by it and, if due and payable, any related or similar assessment, fine or penalty levied against it. Specifically, each of WFOE, Gansu QLS, Chengdu QLS, Ahan, Qiming, Cangmen and Samen (each defined in Section 1(ll) below) has filed its tax returns for the fiscal years 2018 and 2017 and no taxes or duties are payable in China to any Chinese taxing authority. The Company has made adequate charges, accruals and reserves in the applicable financial statements referred to in Section 1(n) above in respect of all federal, state and foreign income and franchise taxes for all periods as to which the tax liability of the Company has not been finally determined.

 

 

 

 

(x)       Company Not an “Investment Company.” The Company is not, and after giving effect to payment for the Shares and the application of the proceeds as contemplated under the caption “Use of Proceeds” in each of the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus will not be, required to register as an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”).

 

(y)       Insurance. The Company is insured by institutions believed to be recognized, financially sound and reputable, with policies in such amounts and with such deductibles and covering such risks as the Company reasonably believes are adequate and customary for its business including. The Company reasonably believes that it will be able (i) to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such policies expire or (ii) to obtain comparable coverage from similar institutions as may be necessary or appropriate to conduct its business as now conducted

 

(z)       No Price Stabilization or Manipulation. The Company has not taken and will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to, or that might be reasonably expected to cause or result in, stabilization or manipulation of the price of any securities of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Shares.

 

(aa) Related Party Transactions. There are no business relationships or related-party transactions involving the Company or any other person required to be described or filed in the Registration Statement, or described in the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, that have not been as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the Pricing Prospectus.

 

(bb) Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act Regulations) designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms.. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company is not aware of (a) any significant deficiency in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data or any material weaknesses in internal controls or (b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal controls.

 

(cc) Company’s Accounting System. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company maintains a system of accounting controls designed to provide reasonable assurances that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain accountability for assets; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

 

(dd) Money Laundering Law Compliance. The operations of the Company are and have been conducted at all times in material compliance with all applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including those of the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT Act), and the applicable anti-money laundering statutes of jurisdictions where the Company conducts business, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any competent governmental agency (collectively, the “Anti-Money Laundering Laws”), and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company with respect to the Anti-Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened.

 

 

 

 

(ee) OFAC. (i) Neither the Company nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, employee or affiliate of the Company, of any other person authorized to act on behalf of the Company, is an individual or entity (“Person”) that is, or is owned or controlled by a Person that is:

 

A.       the subject of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), the United Nations Security Council (“UNSC”), the European Union (“EU”), Her Majesty’s Treasury (“HMT”), or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions”), nor

 

B.       located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject of Sanctions (including, without limitation, Burma/Myanmar, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria).

 

(ii)       The Company will not, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of the offering, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any Subsidiary or Consolidated Affiliated Entity, joint venture partner or other Person:

 

A.       to fund or facilitate any activities or business of or with any Person or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is the subject of Sanctions; or

 

B.       in any other manner that will result in a violation of Sanctions by any Person (including any Person participating in the offering, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise).

 

(ff) Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Neither the Company nor, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, any director, officer, employee or affiliate of the Company or any other person authorized to act on behalf of the Company has, directly or indirectly, knowingly given or agreed to give any money, gift or similar benefit (other than legal price concessions to customers in the ordinary course of business) to any customer, supplier, employee or agent of a customer or supplier, or official or employee of any governmental agency or instrumentality of any government (domestic or foreign) or any political party or candidate for office (domestic or foreign) or other person who was, is, or may be in a position to help or hinder the business of the Company (or assist it in connection with any actual or proposed transaction) that might subject the Company to any damage or penalty in any civil, criminal or governmental litigation or proceeding.

 

(gg) Compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Company has taken all necessary actions to ensure that, upon the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, it has been in compliance with any provision applicable to it of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) and the rules and regulations promulgated in connection therewith, including, without limitation, Section 402 related to loans and Sections 302 and 906 related to certifications of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

(hh) Exchange Act Filing. A registration statement in respect of the Ordinary Shares has been filed on Form 8-A pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, which registration statement complies in all material respects with the Exchange Act, and the Company has taken no action designed to, or which to its knowledge is likely to have the effect of, terminating the registration of the Ordinary Shares under the Exchange Act nor has the Company received any notification that the Commission is contemplating terminating such registration.

 

(ii)       Foreign Private Issuer Status. The Company is a “foreign private issuer” within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Act.

 

(jj) Earning Statements. The Company will make generally available (which includes filings pursuant to the Exchange Act made publicly through the EDGAR system) to its security holders as soon as practicable, but in any event not later than 16 months after the end of the Company’s current fiscal year, an earnings statement (which need not be audited) covering a 12-month period that shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 of the Rules and Regulations.

 

 

 

 

(kk) Periodic Reporting Obligations. During the Prospectus Delivery Period, the Company shall file, on a timely basis, with the Commission all reports and documents required to be filed under the Exchange Act. Additionally, the Company shall report the use of proceeds from the issuance of the Firm Shares as may be required under Rule 463 under the Securities Act.

 

(ll) VIE Structure and Valid Title. Each of Chengdu Qilian Trading Co., Ltd. (“WFOE”), Gansu Qilianshan Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (“Gansu QLS”), Chengdu Qilianshan Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (“Chengdu QLS”), Jiuquan Ahan Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (“Ahan”), Jiuquan Qiming Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (“Qiming”), Tibet Cangmen Trading Co., Ltd. (“Cangmen”) and Tibet Samen Trading Co., Ltd. (“Samen”) is a limited liability company organized under the laws of the PRC and has legal and valid title to all of its properties and assets, free and clear of all liens, charges, encumbrances, equities, claims, options and restrictions except such as do not materially and adversely affect the value of such property and do not materially interfere with the use made or proposed to be made of such property by such entity; each lease agreement to which it is a party is duly executed and legally binding; its leasehold interests are set forth in and governed by the terms of any lease agreements, and, to the best of the Company’s knowledge such agreements are valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their respective terms under PRC law; and, none of WFOE, Gansu QLS, Chengdu QLS, Ahan, Qiming, Cangmen or Samen owns, operates, manages or has any other right or interest in any other material real property of any kind, except as described in the Prospectus or the Disclosure Package.

 

(mm) VIE Agreements.

 

(i)       The description of the corporate structure of the Company and each of the contracts among WFOE, and Gansu QLS and Gansu QLS’s shareholders (each a “VIE Agreement” and collectively the “VIE Agreements”), as set forth in the Prospectus under the captions “Our History and Corporate Structure” and “Related Party Transactions” and filed as Exhibits 10.3 through 10.6 to the Registration Statement, is true and accurate in all material respects and nothing has been omitted from such description which would make it misleading. There is no other material agreement, contract or other document relating to the corporate structure or the operation of the Company together with its Subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities taken as a whole, which has not been previously disclosed or made available to the Underwriters and disclosed in the Prospectus.

 

(ii)       Each VIE Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by WFOE and Gansu QLS and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of WFOE and Gansu QLS, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforceability, to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles. No consent, approval, authorization, or order of, or filing or registration with, any person (including any governmental agency or body or any court) is required for the performance of the obligations under any VIE Agreement by the parties thereto, other than those as described in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; and no consent, approval, authorization, order, filing or registration that has been obtained is being withdrawn or revoked or is subject to any condition precedent which has not been fulfilled or performed. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, the corporate structure of the Company complies with all applicable laws and regulations of the PRC, and neither the corporate structure nor the VIE Agreements violate, breach, contravene or otherwise conflict with any applicable laws of the PRC. There is no legal or governmental proceeding, inquiry or investigation pending against the Company, the Subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities or, to the Company’s knowledge, against the shareholders of the Consolidated Affiliated Entities in any jurisdiction challenging the validity of any of the VIE Agreements, and to the knowledge of the Company, no such proceeding, inquiry or investigation is threatened in any jurisdiction.

 

 

 

 

(iii) The execution, delivery and performance of each VIE Agreement by the parties thereto do not and will not result in a breach or violation of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the imposition of any lien, encumbrance, equity or claim upon any property or assets of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities pursuant to (A) the constitutive or organizational documents of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities, (B) any statute, rule, regulation or order of any governmental agency or body or any court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or any of the Subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities or any of their properties, or any arbitration award, or (C) any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other material agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities is a party or by which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities is bound or to which any of the properties of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities is subject. Each VIE Agreement is in full force and effect and none of WFOE and Gansu QLS is in breach or default in the performance of any of the terms or provisions of such VIE Agreement. None of WFOE and Gansu QLS has sent or received any communication regarding termination of, or intention not to renew, any of the VIE Agreements, and no such termination or non-renewal has been threatened by any of the parties thereto.

 

(iv) The Company possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the Consolidated Affiliated Entities, through the rights of its Subsidiary, to which the voting rights of Consolidated Affiliated Entities are entrusted to.

 

(nn) Foreign Tax Compliance. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, including the risk factor set forth in “Risk Factors—Under the Enterprise Income Tax Law, we may be classified as a “Resident Enterprise” of China. Such classification will likely result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC stockholders” no transaction, stamp, capital or other issuance, registration, transaction, transfer or withholding taxes or duties are payable in China, Hong Kong or the Cayman Islands to any Chinese, Hong Kong or Cayman Islands taxing authority in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of the Shares, and the delivery of the Shares to or for the account of the Investors.

 

(oo)       Compliance with SAFE Rules and Regulations. Except as otherwise disclosed in Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company has taken reasonable steps to cause the Company’s shareholders who are residents or citizens of the PRC, to comply with any applicable rules and regulations of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (“SAFE”) relating to such shareholders’ shareholding with the Company (the “SAFE Rules and Regulations”), including, without limitation, taking reasonable steps to require each shareholder that is, or is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by, a resident or citizen of the PRC to complete any registration and other procedures required under applicable SAFE Rules and Regulations.

 

(pp) M&A Rules. The Company is aware of and has been advised as to the content of the Rules on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors jointly promulgated by the Ministry of Commerce, the State Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, the State Tax Administration, the State Administration of Industry and Commerce, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (“CSRC”) and SAFE on August 8, 2006 (the “M&A Rules”), in particular the relevant provisions thereof that purport to require offshore special purpose vehicles formed for the purpose of obtaining a stock exchange listing outside of the PRC and controlled directly or indirectly by companies or natural persons of the PRC, to obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to the listing and trading of their securities on a stock exchange located outside of the PRC; the Company has received legal advice specifically with respect to the M&A Rules from its PRC counsel and based on such legal advice, the Company confirms with the Underwriters:

 

(qq) Except as disclosed in the Disclosure Materials, Registration Statement and the Prospectus, the issuance and sale of the Shares, the listing and trading of the Shares on the New York Stock Exchange and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are not and will not be, as of the date hereof, at the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, materially affected by the M&A Rules or any official clarifications, guidance, interpretations or implementation rules in connection with or related to the M&A Rules as amended as of the date hereof (collectively, the “M&A Rules and Related Clarifications”).

 

 

 

 

(rr) Except as disclosed in the Disclosure Materials, Registration Statement and the Prospectus, as of the date hereof, the M&A Rules and Related Classifications did not and do not require the Company to obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to the issuance and sale of the Shares, the listing and trading of the Shares on the New York Stock Exchange, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

(ss) D&O Questionnaires. To the Company’s knowledge, all information contained in the questionnaires (the “Questionnaires”) completed by each of the Company’s directors and officers prior to the Offering  (the “Insiders”) as well as in the Lock-Up Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B provided to the Representative is true and correct in all respects and the Company has not become aware of any information which would cause the information disclosed in the Questionnaires completed by each Insider to become inaccurate and incorrect.

 

Any certificate signed by an officer of the Company and delivered to the Representative or to counsel for the Representative shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Company to the Underwriters as to the matters set forth therein. The Company acknowledges that the Underwriters and, for purposes of the opinions to be delivered pursuant to Section 5 hereof, counsel to the Company, will rely upon the accuracy and truthfulness of the foregoing representations and hereby consents to such reliance.

 

(tt) Solvency. Based on the consolidated financial condition of the Company as of each Closing Date, after giving effect to the receipt by the Company of the proceeds from the sale of the Offered Securities hereunder, the current cash flow of the Company, together with the proceeds the Company would receive, were it to liquidate all of its assets, after taking into account all anticipated uses of the cash, are sufficient to pay all amounts on or in respect of its liabilities when such amounts are required to be paid. The Company does not intend to incur debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature (taking into account the timing and amounts of cash to be payable on or in respect of its debt). Except as set forth in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, the Company has no knowledge of any facts or circumstances which lead it to believe that it will file for reorganization or liquidation under the bankruptcy or reorganization laws of any jurisdiction within one year from each Closing Date. The Registration Statement and the Prospectus set forth as of the date hereof all outstanding secured and unsecured Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary or Consolidated Affiliated Entity, or for which the Company or any Subsidiary or Consolidated Affiliated Entity has commitments. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Indebtedness” means (x) any liabilities for borrowed money or amounts owed in excess of $50,000 (other than trade accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business), (y) all guaranties, endorsements and other contingent obligations in respect of indebtedness of others, whether or not the same are or should be reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet (or the notes thereto), except guaranties by endorsement of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection or similar transactions in the ordinary course of business; and (z) the present value of any lease payments in excess of $50,000 due under leases required to be capitalized in accordance with GAAP. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary or Consolidated Affiliated Entity is in default with respect to any Indebtedness.

 

(uu) Regulation M Compliance. The Company has not, and to its knowledge no one authorized to act on its behalf has, (i) taken, directly or indirectly, any action designed to cause or to result in the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of any of the Securities or Underlying Shares, (ii) sold, bid for, purchased, or, paid any compensation for soliciting purchases of, any of the Offered Securities of the Underlying Shares, or (iii) paid or agreed to pay to any Person any compensation for soliciting another to purchase any other securities of the Company, other than, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), compensation paid to the Underwriter in connection with the Offering.

 

(vv) Testing the Waters Communications. The Company (a) has not alone engaged in any Testing-the-Waters Communication other than Testing-the-Waters Communications with the consent of the Underwriter with entities that are qualified institutional buyers within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act or institutions that are accredited investors within the meaning of Rule 501 under the Securities Act and (b) has not authorized anyone other than the Underwriter to engage in Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company reconfirms that the Underwriter has been authorized to act on its behalf in undertaking Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company has not distributed any Written Testing-the-Waters Communications.

 

 

 

 

(ww) Bank Holding Company Act. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”) and to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries owns or controls, directly or indirectly, five percent or more of the outstanding shares of any class of voting securities or 25 percent or more of the total equity of a bank or any entity that is subject to the BHCA and to regulation by the Federal Reserve. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries exercises a controlling influence over the management or policies of a bank or any entity that is subject to the BHCA and to regulation by the Federal Reserve.

 

(xx)        U.S. Real Property Holding Corporation. The Company is not and has never been a U.S. real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the Company shall so certify upon the Underwriters’ request.

 

(yy) Margin Securities. The Company owns no “margin securities” as that term is defined in Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”), and none of the proceeds of Offering will be used, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin security, for the purpose of reducing or retiring any indebtedness which was originally incurred to purchase or carry any margin security or for any other purpose which might cause any of the Shares or Warrants to be considered a “purpose credit” within the meanings of Regulation T, U or X of the Federal Reserve Board.

 

(zz) Integration. Neither the Company, nor any of its affiliates, nor any person acting on its or their behalf has, directly or indirectly, made any offers or sales of any security or solicited any offers to buy any security, under circumstances that would cause the Offering to be integrated with prior offerings by the Company for purposes of the Securities Act that would require the registration of any such securities under the Securities Act.

 

(aaa) No Fiduciary Duties. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Underwriter’s responsibility to the Company is solely contractual in nature and that none of the Underwriter or its affiliates or any selling agent shall be deemed to be acting in a fiduciary capacity, or otherwise owes any fiduciary duty to the Company or any of its affiliates in connection with the Offering and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company acknowledges that the Underwriter may have financial interests in the success of the Offering that are not limited to the difference between the price to the public and the purchase price paid to the Company by the Underwriter for the Shares and the Warrants and the Underwriter has no obligation to disclose, or account to the Company for, any of such additional financial interests. The Company hereby waives and releases, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims that the Company may have against the Underwriter with respect to any breach or alleged breach of fiduciary duty.

 

SECTION 2. Firm Shares; Additional Shares and Underwriter’s Warrants.

 

(a)       Purchase of Firm Shares. On the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, but subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company agrees to issue and sell to the Underwriters an aggregate of 4,000,000Ordinary Shares (the “Firm Shares”) at a purchase price (net of discount and commissions) of $[●] per Share. The Underwriters agree to purchase from the Company the Firm Shares.

 

(b)       Delivery of and Payment for Firm Shares. Delivery of and payment for the Firm Shares shall be made at 10:00 A.M., Eastern time, on the third (3nd) Business Day following the Applicable Time, or at such time as shall be agreed upon by the Underwriters and the Company, at the offices of the Representative’s counsel or at such other place as shall be agreed upon by the Underwriters and the Company. The hour and date of delivery of and payment for the Firm Shares is called the “Closing Date.” The closing of the payment of the purchase price for, and delivery of certificates representing, the Firm Shares is referred to herein as the “Closing.” Payment for the Firm Shares shall be made on the Closing Date by wire transfer in Federal (same day) funds upon delivery to the Underwriters of certificates (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Underwriters) representing the Firm Shares (or if uncertificated through the full fast transfer facilities of the Depository Trust Company (the “DTC”)) for the account of the Underwriters. The Firm Shares shall be registered in such names and in such denominations as the Underwriters may request in writing at least two Business Days prior to the Closing Date. If certificated, the Company will permit the Underwriters to examine and package the Firm Shares for delivery at least one full Business Day prior to the Closing Date. The Company shall not be obligated to sell or deliver the Firm Shares except upon tender of payment by the Underwriters for all the Firm Shares.

 

 

 

 

(c)       Additional Shares. The Company hereby grants to the Underwriters an option (the “Over-allotment Option”) to purchase up to an additional 600,000 Ordinary Shares (the “Additional Shares”), in each case solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments of such securities, if any. The Over-allotment Option is, at the Underwriters’ sole discretion, for Additional Shares.

 

(d)       Exercise of Options. The Over-allotment Option granted pursuant to Section 2(c) hereof within 45 days after the Closing Date. The purchase price to be paid per Additional Shares shall be equal to the price per Firm Share in Section 2(a). The Underwriters shall not be under any obligation to purchase any Additional Shares prior to the exercise of the Over-allotment Option. The Over-allotment Option granted hereby may be exercised by the giving of oral notice to the Company from the Underwriters, which shall be confirmed in writing via overnight mail or facsimile or other electronic transmission, setting forth the number of Additional Shares to be purchased and the date and time for delivery of and payment for the Additional Shares (the “Option Closing Date”), which shall not be later than five (5) full Business Days after the date of the notice or such other time as shall be agreed upon by the Company and the Underwriters, at the offices of the Representative’s counsel or at such other place (including remotely by facsimile or other electronic transmission) as shall be agreed upon by the Company and the Underwriters. If such delivery and payment for the Additional Shares does not occur on the Closing Date, the Option Closing Date will be as set forth in the notice. Upon exercise of the Over-allotment Option with respect to all or any portion of the Additional Shares, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (i) the Company shall become obligated to sell to the Underwriters the number of Additional Shares specified in such notice and (ii) the Underwriters shall purchase that portion of the total number of Additional Shares.

 

(e)       Delivery and Payment of Additional Shares. Payment for the Additional Shares shall be made on the Option Closing Date by wire transfer in Federal (same day) funds, upon delivery to the Underwriters of certificates (in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters) representing the Additional Shares (or through the facilities of DTC) for the account of the Underwriters. The Additional Shares shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denominations as the Underwriters may request in writing at least two (2) full Business Days prior to the Option Closing Date. The Company shall not be obligated to sell or deliver the Additional Shares except upon tender of payment by the Underwriters for applicable Additional Shares. The Option Closing Date may be simultaneous with, but not earlier than, the Closing Date; and in the event that such time and date are simultaneous with the Closing Date, the term “Closing Date” shall refer to the time and date of delivery of the Firm Shares and Additional Shares.

 

(f)       Underwriting Discount. In consideration of the services to be provided for hereunder, the Company shall pay to the Underwriters, with respect to any Firm Shares sold to investors in this Offering, a seven percent (7%) underwriting discount. For Company-sourced investors, the Company shall pay to the Underwriters an underwriting discount calculated as a percentage of the gross proceeds follows: (i) four percent (4%) of the first $10,000,000; (ii) three percent (3%) of the second $10,000,000, (iii) two percent (2%) of the third $10,000,000; and (iv) one percent (1%) of the gross proceeds in excess.

 

(g)       Underwriter’s Warrant. The Company hereby agrees to issue to the Underwriter (and/or its designees) on the applicable Closing Date, Warrants to purchase such number of Shares equal to six percent (6%) of the Firm Shares issued at the Closing (for the avoidance of doubt, not including the Additional Shares) (the “Underwriter’s Warrant”). The Underwriter’s Warrant shall be exercisable, in whole or in part, commencing anytime from the date of issuance and expiring on the fifth-year anniversary of the effective date of the Offering at an initial exercise price of $[●] per Ordinary Share, which is equal to one hundred ten percent (110%) of the initial public offering price of a Firm Share. The Underwriter’s Warrant and the Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of the Underwriter’s Warrant are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Underwriter’s Securities.”

 

 

 

 

The Firm Shares, the Additional Shares and the Underwriter’s Securities are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Securities.”

 

SECTION 3. Covenants of the Company.

 

The Company covenants and agrees with the Underwriters as follows:

 

(a)       Underwriter’s Review of Proposed Amendments and Supplements. During the period beginning at the Applicable Time and ending on the later of the Closing Date or such date as, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, the Prospectus is no longer required by law to be delivered in connection with sales by the Underwriters or selected dealers, including under circumstances where such requirement may be satisfied pursuant to Rule 172 under the Securities Act (the “Prospectus Delivery Period”), prior to amending or supplementing the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, including any amendment or supplement through incorporation by reference of any report filed under the Exchange Act, the Company shall furnish to the Underwriters for review a copy of each such proposed amendment or supplement, and the Company shall not file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which the Underwriters reasonably objects.

 

(b)       Securities Act Compliance. After the date of this Agreement, during the Prospectus Delivery Period, the Company shall promptly advise the Underwriters in writing (i) of the receipt of any comments of, or requests for additional or supplemental information from, the Commission, (ii) of the time and date of any filing of any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, (iii) of the time and date that any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement becomes effective and (iv) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto or of any order or notice preventing or suspending the use of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, or of any proceedings to remove, suspend or terminate from listing or quotation the Shares from any securities exchange upon which it is listed for trading or included or designated for quotation, or of the threatening or initiation of any proceedings for any of such purposes. If the Commission shall enter any such stop order or order or notice of prevention or suspension at any time, the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the lifting of such order at the earliest possible moment, or will file a new registration statement and use commercially reasonable efforts to have such new registration statement declared effective as soon as practicable. Additionally, the Company agrees that it shall comply with the provisions of Rules 424(b) and 430A, as applicable, under the Securities Act, including with respect to the timely filing of documents thereunder, and will confirm that any filings made by the Company under such Rule 424(b) were received in a timely manner by the Commission.

 

(c)       Exchange Act Compliance. During the Prospectus Delivery Period, to the extent the Company becomes subject to reporting obligation under the Exchange Act, the Company will file all documents required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13, 14 or 15 of the Exchange Act in the manner and within the time periods required by the Exchange Act.

 

(d)       Amendments and Supplements to the Registration Statement, Prospectus and Other Securities Act Matters. If, during the Prospectus Delivery Period, any event or development shall occur or condition exist as a result of which the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, as the case may be, not misleading, or if it shall be necessary to amend or supplement the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, as the case may be, not misleading, or if in the opinion of the Underwriters it is otherwise necessary to amend or supplement the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, or to file a new registration statement containing the Prospectus, in order to comply with law, including in connection with the delivery of the Prospectus, the Company agrees to (i) notify the Underwriters of any such event or condition (unless such event or condition was previously brought to the Company’s attention by the Underwriters during the Prospectus Delivery Period) and (ii) promptly prepare (subject to Section 3(a) and Section 3(f) hereof), file with the Commission (and use its commercially reasonable efforts to have any amendment to the Registration Statement or any new registration statement to be declared effective) and furnish at its own expense to the Underwriters and to dealers, amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, or any new registration statement, necessary in order to make the statements in the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, as the case may be, not misleading or so that the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with law.

 

 

 

 

(e)       Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses. The Company represents that it has not made, and agrees that, unless it obtains the prior written consent of the Underwriters, it will not make, any offer relating to the Shares that would constitute an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or that would otherwise constitute a “free writing prospectus” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) required to be filed by the Company with the Commission or retained by the Company under Rule 433 under the Securities Act; provided that the prior written consent of the Underwriters hereto shall be deemed to have been given in respect of each free writing prospectuses listed on Schedule A hereto. Any such free writing prospectus consented to by the Underwriters is hereinafter referred to as a “Permitted Free Writing Prospectus.” The Company agrees that (i) it has treated and will treat, as the case may be, each Permitted Free Writing Prospectus as an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, and (ii) has complied and will comply, as the case may be, with the requirements of Rules 164 and 433 under the Securities Act applicable to any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, including in respect of timely filing with the Commission, legending and record keeping.

 

(f)       Copies of any Amendments and Supplements to the Prospectus. The Company agrees to furnish the Underwriters, without charge, during the Prospectus Delivery Period, as many copies of each of the preliminary prospectuses, the Prospectus and the Disclosure Package and any amendments and supplements thereto (including any documents incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference therein) as the Underwriters may reasonably request.

 

(g)       Use of Proceeds. The Company shall apply the net proceeds from the sale of the Shares sold by it in the manner described under the caption “Use of Proceeds” in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

 

(h)       Transfer Agent. The Company shall engage and maintain, at its expense, a registrar and transfer agent for the Shares.

 

(i)       Internal Controls. The Company will maintain a system of internal accounting controls designed to provide reasonable assurances that: (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary in order to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and to maintain accountability for assets; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. The internal controls, upon consummation of the offering of the Shares, will be, overseen by the Audit Committee (the “Audit Committee”) of the Board in accordance with the rules of the New York Stock Exchange.

 

(j)       [Intentionally omitted]

 

 

 

 

(k)       Exchange Listing. The Ordinary Shares has been duly authorized for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance. The Company is in material compliance with the provisions of the rules and regulations promulgated by the New York Stock Exchange and has no reason to believe that it will not in the foreseeable future continue to be, in compliance with all such listing and maintenance requirements (to the extent applicable to the Company as of the date hereof, the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date; and subject to all exemptions and exceptions from the requirements thereof as are set forth therein, to the extent applicable to the Company). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and subject to the qualifications above: (i) all members of the Company’s board of directors who are required to be “independent” (as that term is defined under applicable laws, rules and regulations), including, without limitation, all members of each of the audit committee, compensation committee and nominating committee of the Company’s board of directors, meet the qualifications of independence as set forth under such laws, rules and regulations, (ii) the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors has at least one member who is an “audit committee financial expert” (as that term is defined under such laws, rules and regulations), and (iii) that, based on discussions with the New York Stock Exchange, the Company meets all requirements for listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

(l)       Future Reports to the Underwriters. For two years after the date of this Agreement, the Company will furnish, if not otherwise available on EDGAR, to the Representative at 375 Park Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10152, Attention: Edric Guo, COO: (i) as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year, copies of the Annual Report of the Company containing the balance sheet of the Company as of the close of such fiscal year and statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended and the opinion thereon of the Company’s independent public or certified public accountants; (ii) as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, copies of each proxy statement, Annual Report on Form 20-F, quarterly financial statements using a Form 6-K or other report filed by the Company with the Commission; and (iii) as soon as available, copies of any report or communication of the Company mailed generally to holders of its capital stock.

 

(m)       No Manipulation of Price. The Company will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to cause or result in, or that has constituted or might reasonably be expected to constitute, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any securities of the Company.

 

(n)       Existing Lock-Up Agreements. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there are no existing agreements between the Company and its security holders that prohibit the sale, transfer, assignment, pledge or hypothecation of any of the Company’s securities. The Company will direct the transfer agent to place stop transfer restrictions upon the securities of the Company that are bound by such “lock-up” agreements for the duration of the periods contemplated therein.

 

(o)       Company Lock-Up.

 

(i)       The Company will not, without the prior written consent of the Underwriter, from the date of execution of this Agreement and continuing for a period of 6 months from the commencement of the Company’s first day of trading (the “Lock-Up Period”), (i) offer, pledge, announce the intention to sell, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file with the Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to, any Ordinary Shares or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Ordinary Shares, or (ii) enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Ordinary Shares or any such other securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Ordinary Shares or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, except to the Underwriter pursuant to this Agreement. The Company agrees not to accelerate the vesting of any option or warrant or the lapse of any repurchase right prior to the expiration of the Lock-Up Period.

 

(ii) The restrictions contained in Section 3(o)(i) hereof shall not apply to: (A) the Shares, (B) Ordinary Shares underlying the Underwriter’s Warrants, (C) any Ordinary Shares issued under Company Stock Plans or warrants issued by the Company, in each case, described as outstanding in the Offering Materials, (D) any options and other awards granted under a Company Stock Plan or Ordinary Shares issued pursuant to an employee stock purchase plan, in each case, as described in the Offering Materials, and (E) Ordinary Shares or other securities issued in connection with a transaction with an unaffiliated third party that includes a bona fide commercial relationship (including joint ventures, marketing or distribution arrangements, collaboration agreements or intellectual property license agreements) or any acquisition of assets or acquisition of not less than a majority or controlling portion of the equity of another entity; provided that (x) the aggregate number of Ordinary Shares issued pursuant to clause (E) shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the total number of outstanding Ordinary Shares immediately following the issuance and sale of the Underwritten Shares pursuant hereto and (y) the recipient of any such Ordinary Shares or other securities issued or granted pursuant to clauses (C), (D) and (E) during the Lock-Up Period shall enter into an agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto.

 

 

 

 

(p) Restriction on Continuous Offerings. Notwithstanding the restrictions contained in Section 3(o), the Company, on behalf of itself and any successor entity, agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Underwriter, it will not, for a period of 6 months from the commencement of the Company’s first day of trading, directly or indirectly in any “at-the-market” or continuous equity transaction, offer to sell, sell, contract to sell, grant any option to sell or otherwise dispose of shares of the Company or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of the Company.

 

SECTION 4. Payment of Fees and Expenses.

 

(a)       Whether or not the transactions contemplated in this Agreement are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, the Company agrees to pay all costs, fees and expenses incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including without limitation (i) all of the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Representative in an aggregate amount not to exceed $150,000, (ii) all expenses incident to the issuance and delivery of the Shares (including all printing and engraving costs, if any), (iii) all fees and expenses of the clearing firm, registrar and transfer agent of the Shares, (iv) all necessary issue, transfer and other stamp taxes in connection with the issuance and sale of the Shares placed by the Representative, (v) all fees and expenses of the Company’s counsel, independent public or certified public accountants and other advisors, (vi) all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, printing, filing, shipping and distribution of the Registration Statement (including financial statements, exhibits, schedules, consents and certificates of experts), each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, each preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus, and all amendments and supplements thereto, and this Agreement, and (vii) all filing fees, attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by the Company, or the Representative, in connection with qualifying or registering (or obtaining exemptions from the qualification or registration of) all or any part of the Shares for offer and sale under the state securities or blue sky laws, and, if requested by the Representative, preparing and printing a “Blue Sky Survey” or memorandum, and any supplements thereto, advising the Representative of such qualifications, registrations and exemptions. The Company has advanced $50,000 to the Representative to cover its out-of-pocket expenses. The advance will be returned to the Company to the extent such out-of-pocket accountable expenses are not actually incurred in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(C).

 

(b)       We have also agreed to pay the Underwriter an advisory fee of $50,000 upon closing of the Offering.

 

SECTION 5. Conditions of the Obligations of the Underwriters. The obligations of the Underwriters to purchase the Shares as provided herein on the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date shall be subject to (1) the accuracy of the representations and warranties on the part of the Company set forth in Section 1 hereof as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date as though then made; (2) the timely performance by the Company of its covenants and other obligations hereunder; and (3) each of the following additional conditions:

 

(a)       Accountant’s Comfort Letter. On the date hereof, the Representative shall have received from the Accountant, a letter dated the date hereof addressed to the Representative, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants’ “comfort letters” to Representative, delivered according to Statement of Auditing Standards No. 72 (or any successor bulletin), with respect to the audited and unaudited financial statements and certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.

 

 

 

 

(b)       Effectiveness of Registration Statement; Compliance with Registration Requirements; No Stop Order. During the period from and after the execution of this Agreement to and including the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as applicable:

 

(i)       the Company shall have filed the Prospectus with the Commission (including the information required by Rule 430A under the Securities Act) in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act; or the Company shall have filed a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement containing the information required by such Rule 430A, and such post-effective amendment shall have become effective; and

 

(ii)       no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, or any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement, shall be in effect and no proceedings for such purpose shall have been instituted or threatened by the Commission.

 

(c)       No Material Adverse Change. For the period from and after the date of this Agreement to and including the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, in the reasonable judgment of the Representative there shall not have occurred any Material Adverse Change.

 

(d)       CFO Certificate. On the Closing Date and/or the Option Closing Date, the Representative shall have received a written certificate executed by the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, dated as of such date, on behalf of the Company, with respect to certain financial data contained in the Registration Statement, Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, providing “management comfort” with respect to such information, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Underwriter.

 

(e)       Officers’ Certificate. On the Closing Date and/or the Option Closing Date, the Representative shall have received a written certificate executed by the Chairman of the Board and Acting Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, dated as of such date, to the effect that the signers of such certificate have reviewed the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and this Agreement, to the effect that:

 

(i)       The representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement are true and correct, as if made on and as of such Closing Date, and the Company has complied with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to such Closing Date;

(ii)       No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the use of the Prospectus has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened under the Securities Act; no order having the effect of ceasing or suspending the distribution of the Underwritten Shares or any other securities of the Company has been issued by any securities commission, securities regulatory authority or stock exchange in the United States and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, contemplated by any securities commission, securities regulatory authority or stock exchange in the United States; and

 

(iii) Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, there has not been: (a) any Material Adverse Effect; (b) any transaction that is material to the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, except transactions entered into in the ordinary course of business; (c) any obligation, direct or contingent, that is material to the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, incurred by the Company or any Subsidiary or Consolidated Affiliated Entity, except obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business; (d) any material change in the capital stock (except changes thereto resulting from the exercise of outstanding options or warrants or conversion of outstanding indebtedness into Ordinary Shares of the Company) or outstanding indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary or Consolidated Affiliated Entity (except for the conversion of such indebtedness into Ordinary Shares of the Company); (e) any dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made on Ordinary Shares of the Company; or (f) any loss or damage (whether or not insured) to the property of the Company or any Subsidiary or Consolidated Affiliated Entity which has been sustained or will have been sustained which has a Material Adverse Effect

 

 

 

 

(f)       Secretary’s Certificate. As of each Closing Date, the Representative shall have received a certificate of the Company signed by the Secretary of the Company, dated such Closing Date, certifying: (i) that each of the Company’s Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association attached to such certificate is true and complete, has not been modified and is in full force and effect; (ii) that each of the Subsidiaries Articles of Association, Memorandum of Association or charter documents attached to such certificate is true and complete, has not been modified and is in full force and effect; (iii) that the resolutions of the Company’s Board of Directors relating to the Offering attached to such certificate are in full force and effect and have not been modified; and (iv) the good standing of the Company and each of the Subsidiaries. The documents referred to in such certificate shall be attached to such certificate.

 

(g)       Bring-down Comfort Letter. On the Closing Date and/or the Option Closing Date, the Representative shall have received from the Accountant, a letter dated such date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative, to the effect that the Accountant reaffirms the statements made in the letter furnished by it pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section 5, except that the specified date referred to therein for the carrying out of procedures shall be no more than three business days prior to the Closing Date and/or the Option Closing Date.

 

(h)       Lock-Up Agreement from Certain Securityholders of the Company. On or prior to the date hereof, the Company shall have furnished to the Representative an agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto from each of the Company’s officers, directors, security holders of 5% or more of the Company’s Ordinary Shares or securities convertible into or exercisable for the Company’s Ordinary Shares listed on Schedule C hereto..

 

(i)       Exchange Listing. The Shares to be delivered on the Closing Date shall have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance.

 

(j)       Company Counsel Opinions. On the Closing Date and/or the Option Closing Date, the Representative shall have received

 

(i) the favorable opinion of Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC, U.S. securities counsel to the Company, dated as of such date, addressed to the Representative, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative;
(ii) the favorable opinion of Ogier, Cayman Islands counsel to the Company, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative; and
(iii) the favorable opinion of Dentons Law Offices, PRC counsel to the Company, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative.

The Underwriter shall rely on the opinions of (i) the Company’s Cayman Islands counsel, Ogier, filed as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement, as to the due incorporation, validity of the Securities and due authorization, execution and delivery of the Agreement and (ii) the Company’s PRC counsel, Dentons Law Offices, filed as Exhibit 8.1 to the Registration Statement.

 

(k)        Additional Documents. On or before the Closing Date and/or the Option Closing Date, the Representative and counsel for the Representative shall have received such information, documents and opinions as they may reasonably require for the purposes of enabling them to pass upon the issuance and sale of the Shares as contemplated herein, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations and warranties, or the satisfaction of any of the conditions or agreements, herein contained.

 

If any condition specified in this Section 5 is not satisfied when and as required to be satisfied, this Agreement may be terminated by the Representative by written notice to the Company at any time on or prior to the Closing Date and/or the Option Closing Date, which termination shall be without liability on the part of any party to any other party, except that Section 4 (with respect to the reimbursement of out-of-pocket accountable, bona fide expenses actually incurred by the Representative) and Section 7 shall at all times be effective and shall survive such termination.

 

 

 

 

SECTION 6. Effectiveness of this Agreement. This Agreement shall not become effective until the later of (i) the execution of this Agreement by the parties hereto and (ii) notification (including by way of oral notification from the reviewer at the Commission) by the Commission to the Company of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement under the Securities Act.

 

SECTION 7. Indemnification.

 

(a)       Indemnification by the Company. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Underwriters, its affiliates and each of their respective directors, officers, members, employees and agents and each person, if any, who controls such Underwriters within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act of or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (collectively the “Underwriter Indemnified Parties,” and each a “Underwriter Indemnified Party”) from and against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (including in settlement of any litigation if such settlement is effected with the prior written consent of the Company) arising out of (i) an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, including the information deemed to be a part of the Registration Statement at the time of effectiveness and at any subsequent time pursuant to Rules 430A and 430B of the Securities Act Regulations, or arise out of or are based upon the omission from the Registration Statement, or alleged omission to state therein, a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; or (ii) an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or in any other materials used in connection with the Offering, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and will reimburse such Underwriter Indemnified Party for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by it in connection with evaluating, investigating or defending against such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, however, that the Company shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage, expense or liability arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement in, or omission from any preliminary prospectus, any Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or any such amendment or supplement thereto, or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company through the Underwriters expressly for use therein, which information the parties hereto agree is limited to the Underwriter’s Information. The indemnification obligations under this Section 7(a) are not exclusive and will be in addition to any liability, which the Company might otherwise have and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available at law or in equity to each Underwriter Indemnified Party.

 

(b)       Indemnification by the Underwriters. The Underwriters shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company and the Company’s affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (collectively the “Company Indemnified Parties” and each a “Company Indemnified Party”) against any loss, claim, damage, expense or liability whatsoever (or any action, investigation or proceeding in respect thereof), to which such Company Indemnified Party may become subject, under the Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such loss, claim, damage, expense, liability, action, investigation or proceeding arises out of or is based upon (i) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in any preliminary prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any “issuer information” filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) of the Securities Act Regulations, any Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto, or (ii) the omission to state in any preliminary prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any “issuer information” filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) of the Securities Act Regulations, any Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto, a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but in each case only to the extent that the untrue statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company through the Underwriters expressly for use therein, which information the parties hereto agree is limited to the Underwriters’ Information and shall reimburse the Company for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with investigating or preparing to defend or defending against or appearing as third party witness in connection with any such loss, claim, damage, liability, action, investigation or proceeding, as such fees and expenses are incurred. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7(b), in no event shall any indemnity by the Underwriters under this Section 7(b) exceed the total discount received by the Underwriters in connection with the Offering. The indemnification obligations under this Section 7(b) are not exclusive and will be in addition to any liability, which the Company might otherwise have and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available at law or in equity to each Company Indemnified Party.

 

 

 

 

(c)       Procedure. Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 7 of notice of the commencement of any action, the indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against an indemnifying party under this Section 7, notify such indemnifying party in writing of the commencement of that action; provided, however, that the failure to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have under this Section 7 except to the extent it has been materially adversely prejudiced by such failure; and, provided, further, that the failure to notify an indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have to an indemnified party otherwise than under this Section 7. If any such action shall be brought against an indemnified party, and it shall notify the indemnifying party thereof, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it wishes, jointly with any other similarly notified indemnifying party, to assume the defense of such action with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party (which counsel shall not, except with the written consent of the indemnified party, be counsel to the indemnifying party). After notice from the indemnifying party to the indemnified party of its election to assume the defense of such action, except as provided herein, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to the indemnified party under Section 7(a) or 7(b), as applicable, for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the defense of such action other than reasonable costs of investigation; provided, however, that any indemnified party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such action and to participate in the defense of such action but the fees and expenses of such counsel (other than reasonable costs of investigation) shall be at the expense of such indemnified party unless (i) the employment thereof has been specifically authorized in writing by the Company in the case of a claim for indemnification under Section 7(a), (ii) such indemnified party shall have been advised by its counsel that there may be one or more legal defenses available to it which are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party, or (iii) the indemnifying party has failed to assume the defense of such action and employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party within a reasonable period of time after notice of the commencement of the action or the indemnifying party does not diligently defend the action after assumption of the defense, in which case, if such indemnified party notifies the indemnifying party in writing that it elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of (or, in the case of a failure to diligently defend the action after assumption of the defense, to continue to defend) such action on behalf of such indemnified party and the indemnifying party shall be responsible for legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense of such action; provided, however, that the indemnifying party shall not, in connection with any one such action or separate but substantially similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys at any time any such indemnified party (in addition to any local counsel), which firm shall be designated in writing by the Underwriters if the indemnified party under this Section 7 is an Underwriter Indemnified Party or by the Company if an indemnified party under this Section 7 is a Company Indemnified Party. Subject to this Section 7(c), the amount payable by an indemnifying party under Section 7 shall include, but not be limited to, (x) reasonable legal fees and expenses of counsel to the indemnified party and any other expenses in investigating, or preparing to defend or defending against, or appearing as a third party witness in respect of, or otherwise incurred in connection with, any action, investigation, proceeding or claim, and (y) all amounts paid in settlement of any of the foregoing. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified parties, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of judgment with respect to any pending or threatened action or any claim whatsoever, in respect of which indemnification or contribution could be sought under this Section 7 (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or potential parties thereto), unless such settlement, compromise or consent (i) includes an unconditional release of each indemnified party in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party from all liability arising out of such action or claim and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party. Subject to the provisions of the following sentence, no indemnifying party shall be liable for settlement of any pending or threatened action or any claim whatsoever that is effected without its written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), but if settled with its written consent, if its consent has been unreasonably withheld or delayed or if there be a judgment for the plaintiff in any such matter, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless any indemnified party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. In addition, if at any time an indemnified party shall have requested that an indemnifying party reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses of counsel, such indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of the nature contemplated herein effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than forty-five (45) days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the request for reimbursement, (ii) such indemnifying party shall have received notice of the terms of such settlement at least thirty (30) days prior to such settlement being entered into and (iii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed such indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement.

 

 

 

 

(d)       Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under Section 7(a) or Section 7(b), then each indemnifying party shall, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, contribute to the amount paid, payable or otherwise incurred by such indemnified party as a result of such loss, claim, damage, expense or liability (or any action, investigation or proceeding in respect thereof), as incurred, (i) in such proportion as shall be appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the indemnifying party or parties on the one hand and the indemnified parry or parties on the other hand from the offering of the Shares, or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) of this Section 7(d) is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) of this Section 7(d) but also the relative fault of the indemnifying party or parties on the one hand and the indemnified party or parties on the other with respect to the statements, omissions, acts or failures to act which resulted in such loss, claim, damage, expense or liability (or any action, investigation or proceeding in respect thereof) as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other with respect to such offering shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total proceeds from the offering of the Shares purchased by investors as contemplated by this Agreement (before deducting expenses) received by the Company bear to the total underwriting discounts received by the Underwriters in connection with the Offering, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus. The relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company on the one hand or the Underwriters on the other, the intent of the parties and their relative knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement, omission, act or failure to act; provided that the parties hereto agree that the written information furnished to the Company by the Underwriters for use in any preliminary prospectus, any Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto, consists solely of the Underwriter’s Information. The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this Section 7(d) be determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take into account the equitable considerations referred to herein. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the loss, claim, damage, expense, liability, action, investigation or proceeding referred to above in this Section 7(d) shall be deemed to include, for purposes of this Section 7(d), any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating, preparing to defend or defending against or appearing as a third party witness in respect of, or otherwise incurred in connection with, any such loss, claim, damage, expense, liability, action, investigation or proceeding. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7(d), the Underwriters shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the total discounts received in cash by the Underwriters in connection with the Offering less the amount of any damages that the Underwriters have otherwise paid or become liable to pay by reason of any untrue or alleged untrue statement, omission or alleged omission, act or alleged act or failure to act or alleged failure to act. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

 

 

 

 

SECTION 8. Termination of this Agreement. Prior to the Closing Date, whether before or after notification by the Commission to the Company of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement under the Securities Act, this Agreement may be terminated by the Underwriters by written notice given to the Company if at any time (i) trading or quotation in any of the Company’s securities shall have been suspended or limited by the Commission or by the New York Stock Exchange; (ii) a general banking moratorium shall have been declared by any of federal, New York or Cayman Islands authorities; or (iii) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of national or international hostilities or any crisis or calamity, or any change in the United States or international financial markets, or any substantial change or development involving a prospective substantial change in United States’ or international political, financial or economic conditions that, in the reasonable judgment of the Underwriters, is material and adverse and makes it impracticable to market the Shares in the manner and on the terms described in the Prospectus or to enforce contracts for the sale of securities. Any termination pursuant to this Section 8 shall be without liability on the part of (a) the Company to any of the Underwriters, except that the Company shall be, subject to demand by the Underwriters, obligated to reimburse the Underwriters for only those out-of-pocket expenses (including the reasonable fees and expenses of their counsel, and expenses associated with a due diligence report), actually incurred by the Underwriters in connection herewith as allowed under FINRA Rule 5110, less any amounts previously paid by the Company; provided, however, that all such expenses shall not exceed $150,000 in the aggregate, (b) the Underwriters to the Company, or (c) of any party hereto to any other party except that the provisions of Section 4 (with respect to the reimbursement of out-of-pocket accountable, bona fide expenses actually incurred by the Underwriters) and Section 7 shall at all times be effective and shall survive such termination.

 

SECTION 9. No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility. The Company hereby acknowledges that the Underwriters are acting solely as underwriters in connection with the offering of the Company’s Securities. The Company further acknowledges that the Underwriters are acting pursuant to a contractual relationship created solely by this Agreement entered into on an arm’s-length basis and in no event do the parties intend that the Underwriters act or be responsible as a fiduciary to the Company, its management, shareholders, creditors or any other person in connection with any activity that the Underwriters may undertake or have undertaken in furtherance of the offering of the Company’s Securities, either before or after the date hereof. The Underwriters hereby expressly disclaim any fiduciary or similar obligations to the Company, either in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any matters leading up to such transactions, and the Company hereby confirms its understanding and agreement to that effect. The Company hereby further confirms its understanding that no Underwriter has assumed an advisory or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Company with respect to the Offering contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto, including, without limitation, any negotiation related to the pricing of the Securities; and the Company has consulted its own legal and financial advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate in connection with this Agreement and the Offering. The Company and the Underwriters agree that they are each responsible for making their own independent judgments with respect to any such transactions, and that any opinions or views expressed by the Underwriters to the Company regarding such transactions, including but not limited to any opinions or views with respect to the price or market for the Company’s securities, do not constitute advice or recommendations to the Company. The Company hereby waives and releases, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims that the Company may have against the Underwriters with respect to any breach or alleged breach of any fiduciary or similar duty to the Company in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any matters leading up to such transactions.

 

This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (whether written or oral) between the Company and the Underwriters, solely with respect to the offering contemplated by this Agreement.

 

SECTION 10. Representations and Indemnities to Survive Delivery; Third Party Beneficiaries. The respective indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties and other statements of the Company, of its officers, and of the Underwriters set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement will remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Underwriters or the Company or any of its or their partners, officers or directors or any controlling person, as the case may be, and will survive delivery of and payment for the Shares sold hereunder and any termination of this Agreement. Each Investor shall be a third party beneficiary with respect to the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the Company set forth herein.

 

Section 11. Right of First Refusal. The Company agrees that it shall provide the Underwriter the right of first refusal ("Right of First Refusal") for one (1) year from the date of commencement of the Company’s first day of trading to act as financial advisor or to act as joint financial advisor on at least equal economic terms on any public or private financing (debt or equity), (collectively, "Future Services"). In the event the Company notifies the Underwriter of its intention to pursue an activity that would enable the Underwriter to exercise its Right of First Refusal to provide Future Services, the Underwriter shall notify the Company of its election to provide such Future Services, including notification of the compensation and other terms to which the Underwriter claims to be entitled, within seven (7) days of written notice by the Company. In the event the Company engages the Underwriter to provide such Future Services, the Underwriter will be compensated as mutually agreed by the Company and the Underwriter.

 

 

 

 

SECTION 12. Notices. All communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed, hand delivered or telecopied and confirmed to the parties hereto as follows:

 

If to the Underwriters:

 

Univest Securities, LLC

375 Park Avenue, 15th Floor

New York, NY 10152

Attn: Edric Guo

Email: yguo@univest.us

Phone No.: 212 343-8888

Fax No.: 212-966-0648

 

With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP

366 Madison Avenue, 3rd Floor

New York, NY 10017

Attn: William S. Rosenstadt, Esq.

Attn: Mengyi “Jason” Ye, Esq.

Email: wsr@orllp.legal

jye@orllp.legal

Fax No.: (212) 826-9307

 

If to the Company:

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited

Jiuquan Economic and Technological Development Zone

Jiuquan City, Gansu Province

People’s Republic of China

Attn: Zhanchang Xin, CEO and Chairman of the Board

Email: xinzc@163.com

Fax No.: +86-0937-2688019

 

With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li, LLC

1450 Broadway, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Attn: Ying Li, Esq.

Email: yli@htflawyers.com

Fax No.: 212 202 6380

 

Any party hereto may change the address for receipt of communications by giving written notice to the others.

 

SECTION 13. Successors. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and to the benefit of the employees, officers and directors and controlling persons referred to in Section 7, and in each case their respective successors, and no other person will have any right or obligation hereunder. The term “successors” shall not include any purchaser of the Shares as such merely by reason of such purchase.

 

 

 

 

SECTION 14. Partial Unenforceability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any Section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other Section, paragraph or provision hereof. If any Section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement is for any reason determined to be invalid or unenforceable, there shall be deemed to be made such minor changes (and only such minor changes) as are necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

 

SECTION 15. Governing Law Provisions. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York.

 

SECTION 16. General Provisions. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties to this Agreement and supersedes all prior written or oral and all contemporaneous oral agreements, understandings and negotiations with respect to the offering contemplated by this Agreement, except for the Engagement Letter not related to the transactions contemplated by the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, each of which provisions shall remain in full force and effect for the term of the Engagement Letter. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each one of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument. This Agreement may not be amended or modified unless in writing by all of the parties hereto, and no condition herein (express or implied) may be waived unless waived in writing by each party whom the condition is meant to benefit. The section headings herein are for the convenience of the parties only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that it is a sophisticated business person who was adequately represented by counsel during negotiations regarding the provisions hereof, including, without limitation, the indemnification and contribution provisions of Section 7, and is fully informed regarding said provisions. Each of the parties hereto further acknowledges that the provisions of Section 7 hereto fairly allocate the risks in light of the ability of the parties to investigate the Company, its affairs and its business in order to assure that adequate disclosure has been made in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus (and any amendments and supplements thereto), as required by the Securities Act and the Exchange Act.

 

The respective indemnities, contribution agreements, representations, warranties and other statements of the Company and the Underwriters set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of (i) any investigation, or statement as to the results thereof, made by or on behalf of the Underwriters, the officers or employees of the Underwriters, any person controlling any of the Underwriters, the Company, the officers or employees of the Company, or any person controlling the Company, (ii) acceptance of the Shares and payment for them as contemplated hereby and (iii) termination of this Agreement.

 

Except as otherwise provided, this Agreement has been and is made solely for the benefit of and shall be binding upon the Company, the Underwriters, the Underwriters’ officers and employees, any controlling persons referred to herein, the Company’s directors and the Company’s officers who sign the Registration Statement and their respective successors and assigns, all as and to the extent provided in this Agreement, and no other person shall acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this Agreement. The term “successors and assigns” shall not include a purchaser of any of the Shares from the Underwriters merely because of such purchase.

If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, kindly sign and return to the Company the enclosed copies hereof, whereupon this instrument, along with all counterparts hereof, shall become a binding agreement in accordance with its terms.

 

  Very truly yours,
   
  Qilian International Holding Group Limited
     
     
  By:  
    Name: Zhanchang Xin
    Title: Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board

 

The foregoing Underwriting Agreement is hereby confirmed and accepted by the Underwriters as of the date first above written.

 

For itself and on behalf of the several  
Underwriters listed on Schedule A hereto  
   
   
UNIVEST SECURITIES, LLC  
   
     
By:    
  Name: Edric Guo  
  Title:  COO  

 

 

 

  

SCHEDULE A

 

Underwriter  
Univest Securities, LLC  
   
   
   
   
Total  

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE B

 

Issuer Free Writing Prospectus(es)

 

 

 

  

SCHEDULE C

 

Lock-Up Parties

 

Name # of Shares
   
   
   

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE D

 

Subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE E

 

Consolidated Affiliated Entities

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Form of Warrant

 

THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS PURCHASE WARRANT BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT SELL, TRANSFER OR ASSIGN THIS PURCHASE WARRANT EXCEPT AS HEREIN PROVIDED AND THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS PURCHASE WARRANT AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT SELL, TRANSFER, ASSIGN, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATE THIS PURCHASE WARRANT FOR A PERIOD OF ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY (180) DAYS FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO ANYONE OTHER THAN (I) UNIVEST SECURITIES, LLC, OR A REPRESENTATIVE OR A SELECTED DEALER IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING, OR (II) A BONA FIDE OFFICER OR PARTNER OF UNIVEST SECURITIES, LLC, OR OF ANY SUCH UNDERWRITERS OR SELECTED DEALER.

 

THIS PURCHASE WARRANT IS NOT EXERCISABLE PRIOR TO [●], 20[__]. VOID AFTER 5:00 P.M., EASTERN TIME, [●], 20[__].

 

UNDERWRITER’S WARRANT

 

FOR THE PURCHASE OF [●] ORDINARY SHARES

 

OF

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED

 

1.           Purchase Warrant. THIS CERTIFIES THAT, pursuant to that certain Underwriting Agreement by and between Qilian International Holding Group Limited, a Cayman Islands company limited by shares (the “Company”), on one hand, and Univest Securities, LLC (the “Holder”), on the other hand, dated [●], 2019 (the “Underwriting Agreement”), the Holder, as registered owner of this Purchase Warrant, is entitled, at any time or from time to time from [●], 20[__] (the “Exercise Date”), and at or before 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on [●], 20[__] (the “Expiration Date”)[1], but not thereafter, to subscribe for, purchase and receive, in whole or in part, up to such number of ordinary shares of the Company, par value $0.001 per ordinary share (the “Ordinary Shares”) as equates to six percent (6%) of the Ordinary Shares sold in the Offering (the “Shares”), excluding any Ordinary Shares sold as result of the exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 6 hereof. If the Expiration Date is a day on which banking institutions are authorized by law to close, then this Purchase Warrant may be exercised on the next succeeding day which is not such a day in accordance with the terms herein. During the period ending on the Expiration Date, the Company agrees not to take any action that would terminate this Purchase Warrant. This Purchase Warrant is initially exercisable at $[●] per Ordinary Share (110% of the price of the Ordinary Shares sold in the Offering); provided, however, that upon the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 6 hereof, the rights granted by this Purchase Warrant, including the exercise price per Ordinary Share and the number of Ordinary Shares to be received upon such exercise, shall be adjusted as therein specified. The term “Exercise Price” shall mean the initial exercise price as set forth above or the adjusted exercise price as a result of the events set forth in Section 6 below, depending on the context. Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Underwriting Agreement. 

 

2.           Exercise.

 

2.1           Exercise Form. In order to exercise this Purchase Warrant, the exercise form attached hereto as Exhibit A must be duly executed and completed and delivered to the Company, together with this Purchase Warrant and payment of the Exercise Price for the Ordinary Shares being purchased payable in cash by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Company or by certified check. If the subscription rights represented hereby shall not be exercised at or before 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Expiration Date, this Purchase Warrant shall become and be void without further force or effect, and all rights represented hereby shall cease and expire.

 

 

 

[1] Which shall be the five-year anniversary of the effective date of this offering. 

 

 

 

 

2.2           Cashless Exercise. At any time after the Exercise Date and until the Expiration Date, Holder may elect to receive the number of Ordinary Shares equal to the value of this Purchase Warrant (or the portion thereof being exercised), by surrender of this Purchase Warrant to the Company, together with the exercise form attached hereto, in which event the Company shall issue to Holder, Shares in accordance with the following formula:

 

X = Y(A-B)    
A    
       
Where, X = The number of Ordinary Shares to be issued to Holder;
  Y = The number of Ordinary Shares for which the Purchase Warrant is being exercised;
  A = The fair market value of one Ordinary Share; and
  B = The Exercise Price.

 

For purposes of this Section 2.2, the “fair market value” of an Ordinary Share is defined as follows:

 

(i) if the Ordinary Shares are traded on a national securities exchange, the value shall be deemed to be the closing price on such exchange for the five consecutive trading days ending on the day immediately prior to the exercise form being submitted in connection with the exercise of the Purchase Warrant; or

 

(ii) if the Ordinary Shares are actively traded over-the-counter, the value shall be deemed to be the weighted average price of the Ordinary Shares for the five consecutive trading days ending on the trading day immediately prior to the exercise form being submitted in connection with the exercise of the Purchase Warrant; or

 

(iii) if there is no market for the Ordinary Shares, the value shall be the fair market value thereof, as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

2.3           Legend. Each certificate for the securities purchased under this Purchase Warrant shall bear the following legends unless such securities have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), or are exempt from registration under the Act:

 

(i) “THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”), OR APPLICABLE STATE LAW. NEITHER THE SECURITIES NOR ANY INTEREST THEREIN MAY BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT, OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE LAW WHICH, IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE COMPANY, IS AVAILABLE.”

 

(ii) Any legend required by the securities laws of any state to the extent such laws are applicable to the Shares represented by a certificate, instrument, or book entry so legended.

  

3.           Transfer.

 

3.1           General Restrictions. The registered Holder of this Purchase Warrant agrees by his, her or its acceptance hereof, that such Holder will not: (a) sell, transfer, assign, pledge or hypothecate this Purchase Warrant for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of the Registration Statement (the “Effective Date”) to anyone other than: (i) the Underwriter or a selected dealer participating in the Offering, or (ii) a bona fide officer or partner of the Underwriter or of any such selected dealer, in each case in accordance with FINRA Conduct Rule 5110(g)(1), or (b) cause this Purchase Warrant or the securities issuable hereunder to be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of this Purchase Warrant or the securities hereunder, except as provided for in FINRA Rule 5110(g)(2). On and after that date that is one hundred eighty (180) days after the Effective Date, transfers to others may be made subject to compliance with or exemptions from applicable securities laws. In order to make any permitted assignment, the Holder must deliver to the Company the assignment form attached hereto as Exhibit B duly executed and completed, together with this Purchase Warrant and payment of all transfer taxes, if any, payable in connection therewith. The Company shall within five (5) Business Days transfer this Purchase Warrant on the books of the Company and shall execute and deliver a new Purchase Warrant or Purchase Warrants of like tenor to the appropriate assignee(s) expressly evidencing the right to purchase the aggregate number of Ordinary Shares purchasable hereunder or such portion of such number as shall be contemplated by any such assignment.

 

 

 

 

3.2           Restrictions Imposed by the Act. The securities evidenced by this Purchase Warrant shall not be transferred unless and until: (i) the Company has received the opinion of counsel for the Company that the securities may be transferred pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Act and applicable state securities laws, the availability of which is established to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company, (ii) a registration statement or a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement relating to the offer and sale of such securities that has been declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) and includes a current prospectus or (iii) a registration statement, pursuant to which the Holder has exercised its registration rights pursuant to Sections 4.1 and 4.2 herein, relating to the offer and sale of such securities has been filed and declared effective by the Commission and compliance with applicable state securities law has been established.

 

4.           Registration Rights.

 

4.1           “Piggy-Back” Registration. Unless all of the Ordinary Shares underlying the Purchase Warrants (collectively, the “Registrable Securities”) are included in an effective registration statement with a current prospectus, and to the extent the cashless exercise provided by Section 2.2 is not available to Holder, the Holder shall have the right, until the Expiration Date, to include the remaining Registrable Securities as part of any other registration of securities filed by the Company (other than in connection with a transaction contemplated by Rule 145 promulgated under the Act or pursuant to Forms S-8, F-3 or any equivalent forms); provided, however, that if, solely in connection with any primary underwritten public offering for the account of the Company, the managing underwriter(s) thereof shall, in its reasonable discretion, impose a limitation on the number of ordinary shares of Registrable Securities which may be included in the registration statement because, in such underwriter(s)’ judgment, marketing or other factors dictate such limitation is necessary to facilitate public distribution, then the Company shall be obligated to include in such registration statement only such limited portion of the Registrable Securities with respect to which the Holder requested inclusion hereunder as the underwriter shall reasonably permit; and further provided that ) no such piggy-back rights shall exist for so long as the Registrable Securities (which term shall include those paid as consideration pursuant to the cashless exercise provisions of this Warrant) may be sold pursuant to Rule 144 of the Act without restriction. Any exclusion of Registrable Securities shall be made pro rata among the Holders seeking to include Registrable Securities in proportion to the number of Registrable Securities sought to be included by such Holders; provided, however, that the Company shall not exclude any Registrable Securities unless the Company has first excluded all outstanding securities, the holders of which are not entitled to inclusion of such securities in such Registration Statement or are not entitled to pro rata inclusion with the Registrable Securities. In the event of such a proposed registration, the Company shall furnish the then Holders of outstanding Registrable Securities with not less than fifteen (15) days written notice prior to the proposed date of filing of such registration statement. Such notice to the Holders shall continue to be given for each registration statement filed by the Company until such time as all of the Registrable Securities have been sold by the Holder. The holders of the Registrable Securities shall exercise the “piggy-back” rights provided for herein by giving written notice, within seven (7) days of the receipt of the Company’s notice of its intention to file a registration statement. Except as otherwise provided in this Purchase Warrant, there shall be no limit on the number of times the Holder may request registration under this Section 4.1.

 

4.2           General Terms.

 

4.2.1           Expenses of Registration. The Company shall bear all fees and expenses attendant to registering the Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 4 hereof, but the Holders shall pay any and all underwriting commissions and the expenses of any legal counsel selected by the Holders to represent them in connection with the sale of the Registrable Securities.

 

 

 

 

4.2.2           Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify the Holder(s) of the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to any registration statement hereunder and each person, if any, who controls such Holders within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 (a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), against all loss, claim, damage, expense or liability (including all reasonable attorneys’ fees and other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any claim whatsoever) to which any of them may become subject under the Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, arising from such registration statement but only to the same extent and with the same effect as the provisions pursuant to which the Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriter contained in Section 7 of the Underwriting Agreement.

 

4.2.3           Exercise of Purchase Warrants. Nothing contained in this Purchase Warrant shall be construed as requiring the Holder(s) to exercise their Purchase Warrants prior to or after the initial filing of any registration statement or the effectiveness thereof.

  

4.2.4           Documents to be Delivered by Holder(s). Each of the Holder(s) participating in any of the registration statement filed by the Company shall furnish to the Company a completed and executed questionnaire provided by the Company requesting information customarily sought of selling security holders.

 

4.2.5           Damages. Should the registration or the effectiveness thereof required by Section 4 hereof be delayed by the Company or the Company otherwise fails to comply with such provisions, the Holder(s) shall, in addition to any other legal or other relief available to the Holder(s), be entitled to obtain specific performance or other equitable (including injunctive) relief against the threatened breach of such provisions or the continuation of any such breach, without the necessity of proving actual damages and without the necessity of posting bond or other security.

 

5.           New Purchase Warrants to be Issued.

 

5.1           Partial Exercise or Transfer. Subject to the restrictions in Section 3 hereof, this Purchase Warrant may be exercised or assigned in whole or in part. In the event of the exercise or assignment hereof in part only, upon surrender of this Purchase Warrant for cancellation, together with the duly executed exercise or assignment form and funds sufficient to pay any Exercise Price and/or transfer tax if exercised pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof, the Company shall cause to be delivered to the Holder without charge a new Purchase Warrant of like tenor to this Purchase Warrant in the name of the Holder evidencing the right of the Holder to purchase the number of Ordinary Shares purchasable hereunder as to which this Purchase Warrant has not been exercised or assigned.

 

5.2           Lost Certificate. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Purchase Warrant and of reasonably satisfactory indemnification or the posting of a bond, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Purchase Warrant of like tenor and date. Any such new Purchase Warrant executed and delivered as a result of such loss, theft, mutilation or destruction shall constitute a substitute contractual obligation on the part of the Company.

 

6.           Adjustments.

 

6.1           Adjustments to Exercise Price and Number of Ordinary Shares. The Exercise Price and the number of Ordinary Shares underlying this Purchase Warrant shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as hereinafter set forth:

 

6.1.1           Share Dividends; Split Ups. If, after the date hereof, and subject to the provisions of Section 6.3 below, the number of outstanding Ordinary Shares is increased by a stock dividend payable in Ordinary Shares or by a split up of Ordinary Shares or other similar event, then, on the effective day thereof, the number of Ordinary Shares purchasable hereunder shall be increased in proportion to such increase in outstanding Ordinary Shares, and the Exercise Price shall be proportionately decreased.

 

6.1.2           Aggregation of Ordinary Shares. If, after the date hereof, and subject to the provisions of Section 6.3 below, the number of outstanding Ordinary Shares is decreased by a consolidation, combination or reclassification of Ordinary Shares or other similar event, then, on the effective date thereof, the number of Ordinary Shares purchasable hereunder shall be decreased in proportion to such decrease in outstanding shares, and the Exercise Price shall be proportionately increased.

  

 

 

 

6.1.3           Replacement of Ordinary Shares upon Reorganization, etc. In case of any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding Ordinary Shares other than a change covered by Section 6.1.1 or Section 6.1.2 hereof or that solely affects the par value of such Ordinary Shares, or in the case of any share reconstruction or amalgamation or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation (other than a consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation in which the Company is the continuing corporation and that does not result in any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding Ordinary Shares), or in the case of any sale or conveyance to another corporation or entity of the property of the Company as an entirety or substantially as an entirety in connection with which the Company is dissolved, the Holder of this Purchase Warrant shall have the right thereafter (until the expiration of the right of exercise of this Purchase Warrant) to receive upon the exercise hereof, for the same aggregate Exercise Price payable hereunder immediately prior to such event, the kind and amount of ordinary shares or other securities or property (including cash) receivable upon such reclassification, reorganization, share reconstruction or amalgamation, or consolidation, or upon a dissolution following any such sale or transfer, by a Holder of the number of Ordinary Shares of the Company obtainable upon exercise of this Purchase Warrant immediately prior to such event; and if any reclassification also results in a change in Ordinary Shares covered by Section 6.1.1 or Section 6.1.2, then such adjustment shall be made pursuant to Section 6.1.1Section 6.1.2 and this Section 6.1.3. The provisions of this Section 6.1.3 shall similarly apply to successive reclassifications, reorganizations, share reconstructions or amalgamations, or consolidations, sales or other transfers.

 

6.1.4        Fundamental Transaction. If, at any time while this Purchase Warrant is outstanding, (i) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person, (ii) the Company, directly or indirectly, effects any sale, lease, license, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (iii) any direct or indirect purchase offer, tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Ordinary Shares are permitted to sell, tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property and has been accepted by the holders of 50% or more of the outstanding Ordinary Shares, (iv) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any reclassification, reorganization or recapitalization of the Ordinary Shares or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Ordinary Shares is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property, or (v) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions consummates a stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination (including, without limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spinoff or scheme of arrangement) with another Person or group of Persons whereby such other Person or group acquires more than 50% of the outstanding Ordinary Shares (not including any Ordinary Shares held by the other Person or other Persons making or party to, or associated or affiliated with, the other Persons making or party to such stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination) (each a "Fundamental Transaction"), then, upon any subsequent exercise of this Purchase Warrant, the Holder shall have the right to receive, for each Purchase Warrant Share that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Transaction, the number Ordinary Shares of the successor or acquiring corporation or of the Company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional or alternative consideration (the "Alternative Consideration") receivable as a result of such Fundamental Transaction by a holder of the number of Ordinary Shares for which this Purchase Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction. For purposes of any such exercise, the determination of the Exercise Price shall be appropriately adjusted to apply to such Alternative Consideration based on the amount of Alternative Consideration issuable in respect of one Ordinary Share in such Fundamental Transaction, and the Company shall apportion the Exercise Price among the Alternative Consideration in a reasonable manner reflecting the relative value of any different components of the Alternative Consideration. If holders of Ordinary Shares are given any choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a Fundamental Transaction, then the Holder shall be given the same choice as to the Alternative Consideration it receives upon any exercise of this Purchase Warrant following such Fundamental Transaction. The Company shall cause any successor entity in a Fundamental Transaction in which the Company is not the survivor (the "Successor Entity") to assume in writing all of the obligations of the Company under this Purchase Warrant, and to deliver to the Holder in exchange for this Purchase Warrant a security of the Successor Entity evidenced by a written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to this Purchase Warrant which is exercisable for a corresponding number of shares of capital stock of such Successor Entity (or its parent entity) equivalent to the Ordinary Shares acquirable and receivable upon exercise of this Purchase Warrant prior to such Fundamental Transaction, and with an exercise price which applies the Exercise Price hereunder to such shares of capital stock (but taking into account the relative value of the Ordinary Shares pursuant to such Fundamental Transaction and the value of such shares of capital stock, such number of shares of capital stock and such exercise price being for the purpose of protecting the economic value of this Purchase Warrant immediately prior to the consummation of such Fundamental Transaction). Upon the occurrence of any such Fundamental Transaction, the Successor Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such Fundamental Transaction, the provisions of this Purchase Warrant and the other Transaction Documents referring to the "Company" shall refer instead to the Successor Entity), and may exercise every right and power of, the Company and shall assume all of the obligations of the Company, under this Purchase Warrant and the other Transaction Documents with the same effect as if such Successor Entity had been named as the Company herein.

 

 

 

 

6.1.5   Changes in Form of Purchase Warrant. This form of Purchase Warrant need not be changed because of any change pursuant to this Section 6.1, and Purchase Warrants issued after such change may state the same Exercise Price and the same number of Ordinary Shares as are stated in the Purchase Warrants initially issued pursuant to this Agreement. The acceptance by any Holder of the issuance of new Purchase Warrants reflecting a required or permissive change shall not be deemed to waive any rights to an adjustment occurring after the date hereof or the computation thereof.

 

6.2           Substitute Purchase Warrant. In case of any consolidation of the Company with, or share reconstruction or amalgamation of the Company with or into, another corporation (other than a consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation which does not result in any reclassification or change of the outstanding Ordinary Shares), the corporation formed by such consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation shall execute and deliver to the Holder a supplemental Purchase Warrant providing that the holder of each Purchase Warrant then outstanding or to be outstanding shall have the right thereafter (until the stated expiration of such Purchase Warrant) to receive, upon exercise of such Purchase Warrant, the kind and amount of Ordinary Shares and other securities and property receivable upon such consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation, by a holder of the number of Ordinary Shares of the Company for which such Purchase Warrant might have been exercised immediately prior to such consolidation, share reconstruction or amalgamation, sale or transfer. Such supplemental Purchase Warrant shall provide for adjustments which shall be identical to the adjustments provided for in this Section 6. The above provision of this Section 6 shall similarly apply to successive consolidations or share reconstructions or amalgamations. 

 

6.3           Elimination of Fractional Interests. The Company shall not be required to issue certificates representing fractions of Ordinary Shares upon the exercise of the Purchase Warrant, nor shall it be required to issue scrip or pay cash in lieu of any fractional interests, it being the intent of the parties that all fractional interests shall be eliminated by rounding any fraction up or down, as the case may be, to the nearest whole number of Ordinary Shares or other securities, properties or rights.

 

7.           Reservation and Listing. The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized Ordinary Shares, solely for the purpose of issuance upon exercise of this Purchase Warrant, such number of Ordinary Shares or other securities, properties or rights as shall be issuable upon the exercise thereof. The Company covenants and agrees that, upon exercise of this Purchase Warrant and payment of the Exercise Price therefor, in accordance with the terms hereby, all Ordinary Shares and other securities issuable upon such exercise shall be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and not subject to preemptive rights of any shareholder. The Company further covenants and agrees that upon exercise of this Purchase Warrant and payment of the exercise price therefor, all Ordinary Shares and other securities issuable upon such exercise shall be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and not subject to preemptive rights of any shareholder. As long as this Purchase Warrant shall be outstanding, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of this Purchase Warrant to be listed (subject to official notice of issuance) on all national securities exchanges (or, if applicable, on the OTCQB Market or any successor quotation system) on which the Ordinary Shares issued to the public in the Offering may then be listed and/or quoted (if at all).

 

8.           Certain Notice Requirements.

 

8.1           Holder’s Right to Receive Notice. Nothing herein shall be construed as conferring upon the Holders the right to vote or consent or to receive notice as a shareholder for the election of directors or any other matter, or as having any rights whatsoever as a shareholder of the Company. If, however, at any time prior to the expiration of the Purchase Warrants and their exercise, any of the events described in Section 8.2 shall occur, then, in one or more of said events, the Company shall give written notice of such event at least fifteen days prior to the date fixed as a record date or the date of closing the transfer books (the “Notice Date”) for the determination of the shareholders entitled to such dividend, distribution, conversion or exchange of securities or subscription rights, or entitled to vote on such proposed dissolution, liquidation, winding up or sale. Such notice shall specify such record date or the date of the closing of the transfer books, as the case may be. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall deliver to each Holder a copy of each notice given to the other shareholders of the Company at the same time and in the same manner that such notice is given to the shareholders.

 

 

 

 

8.2           Events Requiring Notice. The Company shall be required to give the notice described in this Section 8 upon one or more of the following events: (i) if the Company shall take a record of the holders of its Ordinary Shares for the purpose of entitling them to receive a dividend or distribution payable otherwise than in cash, or a cash dividend or distribution payable otherwise than out of retained earnings, as indicated by the accounting treatment of such dividend or distribution on the books of the Company, (ii) the Company shall offer to all the holders of its Ordinary Shares any additional shares of capital stock of the Company or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of the Company, or any option, right or warrant to subscribe therefor, or (iii) a dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company (other than in connection with a consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation) or a sale of all or substantially all of its property, assets and business shall be proposed. 

 

8.3           Notice of Change in Exercise Price. The Company shall, promptly after an event requiring a change in the Exercise Price pursuant to Section 6 hereof, send notice to the Holders of such event and change (“Price Notice”). The Price Notice shall describe the event causing the change and the method of calculating same and shall be certified as being true and accurate by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.

 

8.4           Transmittal of Notices. All notices, requests, consents and other communications under this Purchase Warrant shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly made if made in accordance with the notice provisions of the Underwriting Agreement to the addresses and contact information set forth below:.

 

If to the Holder, then to:

 

Univest Securities, LLC

375 Park Avenue, 15th Floor

New York, NY 10152

Attn: Edric Guo

Email: yguo@univest.us

 

With a copy to:

 

Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP

366 Madison Avenue, 3rd Floor

New York, NY 10017

Attn: William S. Rosenstadt, Esq.

Attn: Mengyi “Jason” Ye, Esq.

Email: wsr@orllp.legal

jye@orllp.legal

 

If to the Company:

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited

Jiuquan Economic and Technological Development Zone

Jiuquan City, Gansu Province

People’s Republic of China

Attn: Zhanchang Xin, CEO and Chairman of the Board

Email: xinzc@163.com

 

 

 

 

With a copy to:

 

Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC

1450 Broadway, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Attn: Ying Li, Esq.

Email: yli@htflawyers.com

 

9.           Miscellaneous.

 

9.1           Amendments. The Company and the Underwriter may from time to time supplement or amend this Purchase Warrant without the approval of any of the Holders in order to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision contained herein that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provisions herein, or to make any other provisions in regard to matters or questions arising hereunder that the Company and the Underwriter may deem necessary or desirable and that the Company and the Underwriter deem shall not adversely affect the interest of the Holders. All other modifications or amendments shall require the written consent of and be signed by the party against whom enforcement of the modification or amendment is sought.

 

9.2           Headings. The headings contained herein are for the sole purpose of convenience of reference, and shall not in any way limit or affect the meaning or interpretation of any of the terms or provisions of this Purchase Warrant.

 

9.3.           Entire Agreement. This Purchase Warrant (together with the other agreements and documents being delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Purchase Warrant) constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the parties, oral and written, with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

9.4           Binding Effect. This Purchase Warrant shall inure solely to the benefit of and shall be binding upon, the Holder and the Company and their permitted assignees, respective successors, legal representative and assigns, and no other person shall have or be construed to have any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of or by virtue of this Purchase Warrant or any provisions herein contained.

 

9.5           Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Trial by Jury. This Purchase Warrant shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflict of laws principles thereof. The Company hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against it arising out of, or relating in any way to this Purchase Warrant shall be brought and enforced in the New York Supreme Court, County of New York, or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction, which jurisdiction shall be exclusive. The Company hereby waives any objection to such exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts represent an inconvenient forum. Any process or summons to be served upon the Company may be served by transmitting a copy thereof by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to it at the address set forth in Section 8 hereof. Such mailing shall be deemed personal service and shall be legal and binding upon the Company in any action, proceeding or claim. The Company and the Holder agree that the prevailing party(ies) in any such action shall be entitled to recover from the other party(ies) all of its reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses relating to such action or proceeding and/or incurred in connection with the preparation therefor. The Company (on its behalf and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on behalf of its stockholders and affiliates) and the Holder hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

9.6           Waiver, etc. The failure of the Company or the Holder to at any time enforce any of the provisions of this Purchase Warrant shall not be deemed or construed to be a waiver of any such provision, nor to in any way affect the validity of this Purchase Warrant or any provision hereof or the right of the Company or any Holder to thereafter enforce each and every provision of this Purchase Warrant. No waiver of any breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment of any of the provisions of this Purchase Warrant shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument executed by the party or parties against whom or which enforcement of such waiver is sought; and no waiver of any such breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment shall be construed or deemed to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment.

 

9.7           Exchange Agreement. As a condition of the Holder’s receipt and acceptance of this Purchase Warrant, Holder agrees that, at any time prior to the complete exercise of this Purchase Warrant by Holder, if the Company and the Underwriter enter into an agreement (“Exchange Agreement”) pursuant to which they agree that all outstanding Purchase Warrants will be exchanged for securities or cash or a combination of both, then Holder shall agree to such exchange and become a party to the Exchange Agreement.

 

 

 

 

9.8       Execution in Counterparts. This Purchase Warrant may be executed in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more counterparts has been signed by each of the parties hereto and delivered to each of the other parties hereto. Such counterparts may be delivered by facsimile transmission or other electronic transmission.

 

9.9       Holder Not Deemed a Shareholder. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the Holder, solely in its capacity as a holder of this Purchase Warrant, shall not be entitled to vote or receive dividends or be deemed the holder of share capital of the Company for any purpose, nor shall anything contained in this Purchase Warrant be construed to confer upon the Holder, solely in its capacity as the Holder of this Purchase Warrant, any of the rights of a shareholder of the Company or any right to vote, give or withhold consent to any corporate action (whether any reorganization, issue of share, reclassification of share, consolidation, merger, conveyance or otherwise), receive notice of meetings, receive dividends or subscription rights, or otherwise, prior to the issuance to the Holder of the Shares which it is then entitled to receive upon the due exercise of this Purchase Warrant. In addition, nothing contained in this Purchase Warrant shall be construed as imposing any liabilities on the Holder to purchase any securities (upon exercise of this Purchase Warrant or otherwise) or as a shareholder of the Company, whether such liabilities are asserted by the Company or by creditors of the Company.

 

9.10       Restrictions. The Holder acknowledges that the Shares acquired upon the exercise of this Purchase Warrant, if not registered, and the Holder does not utilize cashless exercise, will have restrictions upon resale imposed by state and federal securities laws.

 

9.10       Severability. Wherever possible, each provision of this Purchase Warrant shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Purchase Warrant shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Purchase Warrant.

 

[Signature Page to Follow]

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Purchase Warrant to be signed by its duly authorized officer as of the ____ day of _______, 2019.

 

  QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED
     
  By:   
    Name: Zhanchang Xin
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

Exercise Notice

 

Form to be used to exercise Purchase Warrant:

 

Date: __________, 20___

 

The undersigned hereby elects irrevocably to exercise the Purchase Warrant for ______ Ordinary Shares of Qilian International Holding Group Limited, a Cayman Islands company (the “Company”) and hereby makes payment of $____ (at the rate of $____ per Ordinary Share) in payment of the Exercise Price pursuant thereto. Please issue the Ordinary Shares as to which this Purchase Warrant is exercised in accordance with the instructions given below and, if applicable, a new Purchase Warrant representing the number of Ordinary Shares for which this Purchase Warrant has not been exercised.

 

or

 

The undersigned hereby elects irrevocably to convert its right to purchase ___ Ordinary Shares under the Purchase Warrant for ______ Ordinary Shares, as determined in accordance with the following formula:

 

   X = Y(A-B)  
  A  
Where, X = The number of Ordinary Shares to be issued to Holder;
  Y = The number of Ordinary Shares for which the Purchase Warrant is being exercised;
  A = The fair market value of one Ordinary Share which is equal to $_____; and
  B = The Exercise Price which is equal to $______ per Ordinary Share

 

The undersigned agrees and acknowledges that the calculation set forth above is subject to confirmation by the Company and any disagreement with respect to the calculation shall be resolved by the Company in its sole discretion.

 

Please issue the Ordinary Shares as to which this Purchase Warrant is exercised in accordance with the instructions given below and, if applicable, a new Purchase Warrant representing the number of Ordinary Shares for which this Purchase Warrant has not been converted.

 

Signature

 

Signature Guaranteed

 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES

 

Name:

(Print in Block Letters)

Address:

 

NOTICE: The signature to this form must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the Purchase Warrant without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever, and must be guaranteed by a bank, other than a savings bank, or by a trust company or by a firm having membership on a registered national securities exchange.

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

Assignment Notice

 

Form to be used to assign Purchase Warrant:

 

ASSIGNMENT

 

(To be executed by the registered Holder to effect a transfer of the within Purchase Warrant):

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED,                                                      does hereby sell, assign and transfer unto the right to purchase [●] ordinary shares of Qilian International Holding Group Limited, a Cayman Islands company (the “Company”), evidenced by the Purchase Warrant and does hereby authorize the Company to transfer such right on the books of the Company.

 

Dated:           , 2019

 

Signature

 

Signature Guaranteed

 

NOTICE: The signature to this form must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the within Purchase Warrant without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever, and must be guaranteed by a bank, other than a savings bank, or by a trust company or by a firm having membership on a registered national securities exchange.

 

 

 

  

EXHIBIT B

 

Form of Lock-Up Agreement

 

______________, 2019

 

Univest Securities, LLC

375 Park Avenue, 27th Floor

New York, NY 10152

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

This Lock-Up Agreement (this “Agreement”) is being delivered to Univest Securities, LLC (the “Underwriter”) in connection with the proposed Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) between Qilian International Holding Group Limited, a Cayman Islands company limited by shares (the “Company”), and the Underwriter, relating to the proposed public offering (the “Offering”) of ordinary shares, par value $0.00166667 per share (the “Ordinary Shares”), of the Company.

 

In order to induce the Underwriter to continue its efforts in connection with the Offering, and in light of the benefits that the offering of the Ordinary Shares will confer upon the undersigned in its capacity as a shareholder and/or an officer, director or employee of the Company, and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the undersigned agrees with the Underwriter that, during the period beginning on and including the date of this Agreement through and including the date that is 180 days following the effective date of the registration statement for the Offering (the “Lock-Up Period”), the undersigned will not, without the prior written consent of Underwriter, directly or indirectly, (i) offer, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, contract to sell, or otherwise dispose of, or announce the intention to otherwise dispose of, any shares of Ordinary Shares now owned or hereafter acquired by the undersigned or with respect to which the undersigned has or hereafter acquires the power of disposition (including, without limitation, Ordinary Shares which may be deemed to be beneficially owned by the undersigned in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and as the same may be amended or supplemented on or after the date hereof from time to time (the “Securities Act”) (such shares, the “Beneficially Owned Shares”) or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Ordinary Shares, (ii) enter into any swap, hedge or similar agreement or arrangement that transfers in whole or in part, the economic risk of ownership of the Beneficially Owned Shares or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Ordinary Shares, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by the undersigned or with respect to which the undersigned has or hereafter acquires the power of disposition, or (iii) engage in any short selling of the Ordinary Shares.

 

The restrictions set forth in the immediately preceding paragraph shall not apply to:

 

(1) if the undersigned is a natural person, any transfers made by the undersigned (a) as a bona fide gift to any member of the immediate family (as defined below) of the undersigned or to a trust the beneficiaries of which are exclusively the undersigned or members of the undersigned’s immediate family, (b) by will or intestate succession upon the death of the undersigned, (c) as a bona fide gift to a charity or educational institution, (d) any transfer pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order or in connection with a divorce; or (e) if the undersigned is or was an officer, director or employee of the Company, to the Company pursuant to the Company’s right of repurchase upon termination of the undersigned’s service with the Company;

 

(2) if the undersigned is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other business entity, any transfers to any shareholder, partner or member of, or owner of a similar equity interest in, the undersigned, as the case may be, if, in any such case, such transfer is not for value;

 

(3) if the undersigned is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other business entity, any transfer made by the undersigned (a) in connection with the sale or other bona fide transfer in a single transaction of all or substantially all of the undersigned’s capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests or other similar equity interests, as the case may be, or all or substantially all of the undersigned’s assets, in any such case not undertaken for the purpose of avoiding the restrictions imposed by this Agreement or (b) to another corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other business entity so long as the transferee is an affiliate (as defined below) of the undersigned and such transfer is not for value;

 

 

 

 

(4) (a) exercises of stock options or equity awards granted pursuant to an equity incentive or other plan or warrants to purchase Ordinary Shares or other securities (including by cashless exercise to the extent permitted by the instruments representing such stock options or warrants so long as such cashless exercise is effected solely by the surrender of outstanding stock options or warrants to the Company and the Company’s cancellation of all or a portion thereof to pay the exercise price), provided that in any such case the securities issued upon exercise shall remain subject to the provisions of this Agreement (as defined below); (b) transfers of Ordinary Shares or other securities to the Company in connection with the vesting or exercise of any equity awards granted pursuant to an equity incentive or other plan and held by the undersigned to the extent, but only to the extent, as may be necessary to satisfy tax withholding obligations pursuant to the Company’s equity incentive or other plans;

 

(5) the exercise by the undersigned of any warrant(s) issued by the Company prior to the date of this Agreement, including any exercise effected by the delivery of shares of Ordinary Shares of the Company held by the undersigned; provided, that, the Ordinary Shares received upon such exercise shall remain subject to the restrictions provided for in this Agreement;

 

(6) the occurrence after the date hereof of any of (a) an acquisition by an individual or legal entity or “group” (as described in Rule 13d-5(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) of effective control (whether through legal or beneficial ownership of capital stock of the Company, by contract or otherwise) of 100% of the voting securities of the Company, (b) the Company merges into or consolidates with any other entity, or any entity merges into or consolidates with the Company, (c) the Company sells or transfers all or substantially all of its assets to another person, or (d) provided, that, the Ordinary Shares received upon any of the events set forth in clauses (a) through (c) above shall remain subject to the restrictions provided for in this Agreement;

 

(7) the Offering;

 

(8) transfers consented to, in writing by Underwriter;

 

(9) transactions relating to Ordinary Shares acquired in open market transactions after the completion of the Public Offering; provided that, no filing by any party under the Exchange Act or other public announcement shall be required or shall be voluntarily made in connection with such transfer;

 

provided however, that in the case of any transfer described in clause (1), (2) or (3) above, it shall be a condition to the transfer that the transferee executes and delivers to Underwriter, acting on behalf of the Underwriter, not later than one business day prior to such transfer, a written agreement, in substantially the form of this Agreement (it being understood that any references to “immediate family” in the agreement executed by such transferee shall expressly refer only to the immediate family of the undersigned and not to the immediate family of the transferee) and otherwise satisfactory in form and substance to Underwriter.

 

In addition, the restrictions set forth herein shall not prevent the undersigned from entering into a sales plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act after the date hereof, provided that (i) a copy of such plan is provided to Underwriter promptly upon entering into the same and (ii) no sales or transfers may be made under such plan until the Lock-Up Period ends or this Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms. For purposes of this paragraph, “immediate family” shall mean a spouse, child, grandchild or other lineal descendant (including by adoption), father, mother, brother or sister of the undersigned; and “affiliate” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act;

 

If (i) during the last 17 days of the Lock-Up Period, the Company issues an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to the Company occurs, or (ii) prior to the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, the Company announces that it will release earnings results or becomes aware that material news or a material event will occur during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the Lock-Up Period, the restrictions imposed by this Agreement shall continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of such material news or material event, as applicable, unless the Underwriter waives, in writing, such extension.

 

 

 

 

If the undersigned is an officer or director of the Company, (i) Underwriter agrees that, at least three business days before the effective date of any release or waiver of the foregoing restrictions in connection with a transfer of Ordinary Shares, Underwriter will notify the Company of the impending release or waiver Any release or waiver granted by Underwriter hereunder to any such officer or director shall only be effective two business days after the publication date of such press release; provided, that such press release is not a condition to the release of the aforementioned lock-up provisions due to the expiration of the Lock-Up Period. The provisions of this paragraph will also not apply if (a) the release or waiver is effected solely to permit a transfer not for consideration and (b) the transferee has agreed in writing to be bound by the same terms described in this Agreement to the extent and for the duration that such terms remain in effect at the time of such transfer.

 

In furtherance of the foregoing, (1) the undersigned also agrees and consents to the entry of stop transfer instructions with any duly appointed transfer agent for the registration or transfer of the securities described herein against the transfer of any such securities except in compliance with the foregoing restrictions, and (2) the Company, and any duly appointed transfer agent for the registration or transfer of the securities described herein, are hereby authorized to decline to make any transfer of securities if such transfer would constitute a violation or breach of this Agreement.

 

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and that this Agreement has been duly authorized (if the undersigned is not a natural person), executed and delivered by the undersigned and is a valid and binding agreement of the undersigned. This Agreement and all authority herein conferred are irrevocable and shall survive the death or incapacity of the undersigned (if a natural person) and shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns of the undersigned for the term of the Lock-Up Period.

 

This Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the earliest to occur, if any, of (1) either the Underwriter, on the one hand, or the Company, on the other hand, advising the other in writing, they have determined not to proceed with the Offering, (2) termination of the Underwriting Agreement before the sale of Ordinary Shares, (3) the withdrawal of the Registration Statement, or (4) the Offering has not closed by the termination date of the Offering or such other date as may be agreed as the final date of the Offering if the Company and the Underwriter extend the Offering.

 

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to the conflict of laws principles thereof.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

 

  Very truly yours,
     
   
  (Name - Please Print)
     
   
  (Signature)
     
   
  (Name of Signatory, in the case of entities - Please Print)
     
   
  (Title of Signatory, in the case of entities - Please Print)
     
     
  Address:  
     
     
  # of Ordinary Shares Held by Signatory:  

 

 

 

Exhibit 3.1

 

Companies Law (Revised)

 

Company Limited by Shares

 

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED
memorandum of association
OF
QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED

祁连国际控股集团有限公司

 

 

(Adopted by special resolution passed on 16 October 2019) 

 

 

 

 

Companies Law (Revised)

 

Company Limited by Shares

 

Memorandum of Association

 

of

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED

 

祁连国际控股集团有限公司

 

(Adopted by special resolution passed on 16 October 2019)

 

1 The name of the Company is Qilian International Holding Group Limited 祁连国际控股集团有限公司.

 

2 The Company's registered office will be situated at the office of Avalon Trust & Corporate Services Ltd., Landmark Square, 1st Floor, 64 Earth Close, PO Box 715, Grand Cayman KY1-1107, Cayman Islands or at such other place in the Cayman Islands as the directors may at any time decide.

 

3 The Company's objects are unrestricted. As provided by section 7(4) of the Companies Law (Revised), the Company has full power and authority to carry out any object not prohibited by any law of the Cayman Islands.

 

4 The Company has unrestricted corporate capacity. Without limitation to the foregoing, as provided by section 27 (2) of the Companies Law (Revised), the Company has and is capable of exercising all the functions of a natural person of full capacity irrespective of any question of corporate benefit.

 

5 Nothing in any of the preceding paragraphs permits the Company to carry on any of the following businesses without being duly licensed, namely:

 

(a) the business of a bank or trust company without being licensed in that behalf under the Banks and Trust Companies Law (Revised); or

 

(b) insurance business from within the Cayman Islands or the business of an insurance manager, agent, sub-agent or broker without being licensed in that behalf under the Insurance Law (Revised);or

 

(c) the business of company management without being licensed in that behalf under the Companies Management Law (Revised).

 

6 The Company will not trade in the Cayman Islands with any person, firm or corporation except in furtherance of its business carried on outside the Cayman Islands. Despite this, the Company may effect and conclude contracts in the Cayman Islands and exercise in the Cayman Islands any of its powers necessary for the carrying on of its business outside the Cayman Islands.

 

  1  

 

7 The Company is a company limited by shares and accordingly the liability of each member is limited to the amount (if any) unpaid on that member's shares.

 

8 The share capital of the Company is US $166,667 divided into 100,000,000 ordinary shares of US$0.00166667 par value each. There is no limit on the number of shares of any class which the Company is authorised to issue. However, subject to the Companies Law (Revised) and the Company's articles of association, the Company has power to do any one or more of the following:

 

(a) to redeem or repurchase any of its shares; and

 

(b) to increase or reduce its capital; and

 

(c) to issue any part of its capital (whether original, redeemed, increased or reduced):

 

(i) with or without any preferential, deferred, qualified or special rights, privileges or conditions; or

 

(ii) subject to any limitations or restrictions

 

    and unless the condition of issue expressly declares otherwise, every issue of shares (whether declared to be ordinary, preference or otherwise) is subject to this power; or

 

(d) to alter any of those rights, privileges, conditions, limitations or restrictions.

 

9 The Company has power to register by way of continuation as a body corporate limited by shares under the laws of any jurisdiction outside the Cayman Islands and to be deregistered in the Cayman Islands.

 

  2  

 

Companies Law (Revised)

 

Company Limited By Shares

 

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED
articles of association
of
QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED

祁连国际控股集团有限公司

 

 

(Adopted by special resolution passed on 16 October 2019)

 

 

 

 

Contents

 

1        Definitions, interpretation and exclusion of Table A     1  
Definitions     1  
Interpretation     3  
Exclusion of Table A Articles     4  
         
2        Shares     5  
Power to issue Shares and options, with or without special rights     5  
Power to pay commissions and brokerage fees     5  
Trusts not recognised     5  
Security interests     6  
Power to vary class rights     6  
Effect of new Share issue on existing class rights     6  
No bearer Shares or warrants     6  
Treasury Shares     6  
Rights attaching to Treasury Shares and related matters     7  
Register of Members     7  
Annual Return     7  
         
3        Share certificates     8  
Issue of share certificates     8  
Renewal of lost or damaged share certificates     8  
         
4        Lien on Shares     9  
Nature and scope of lien     9  
Company may sell Shares to satisfy lien     9  
Authority to execute instrument of transfer     9  
Consequences of sale of Shares to satisfy lien     10  
Application of proceeds of sale     10  
         
5        Calls on Shares and forfeiture     10  
Power to make calls and effect of calls     10  
Time when call made     11  
Liability of joint holders     11  
Interest on unpaid calls     11  
Deemed calls     11  
Power to accept early payment     11  
Power to make different arrangements at time of issue of Shares     11  
Notice of default     12  
Forfeiture or surrender of Shares     12  
Disposal of forfeited or surrendered Share and power to cancel forfeiture or surrender     12  
Effect of forfeiture or surrender on former Member     12  
Evidence of forfeiture or surrender     13  
Sale of forfeited or surrendered Shares     13  
         
6        Transfer of Shares     13  
Form of Transfer     13  
Power to suspend registration     14  
Company may retain instrument of transfer     14  
Notice of refusal to register     14  
         
7        Transmission of Shares     15  
Persons entitled on death of a Member     15  
Registration of transfer of a Share following death or bankruptcy     15  

 

 

 

 

Indemnity     15  
Rights of person entitled to a Share following death or bankruptcy     16  
         
8        Alteration of capital     16  
Increasing, consolidating, converting, dividing and cancelling share capital     16  
Dealing with fractions resulting from consolidation of Shares     16  
Reducing share capital     17  
         
9        Redemption and purchase of own Shares     17  
Power to issue redeemable Shares and to purchase own Shares     17  
Power to pay for redemption or purchase in cash or in specie     17  
Effect of redemption or purchase of a Share     18  
         
10      Meetings of Members     18  
Annual and extraordinary general meetings     18  
Power to call meetings     18  
Content of notice     19  
Period of notice     20  
Persons entitled to receive notice     20  
Accidental omission to give notice or non-receipt of notice     20  
         
11      Proceedings at meetings of Members     21  
Quorum     21  
Lack of quorum     21  
Chairman     21  
Right of a Director to attend and speak     21  
Accommodation of Members at meeting     21  
Security     22  
Adjournment     22  
Method of voting     22  
Outcome of vote by show of hands     23  
Withdrawal of demand for a poll     23  
Taking of a poll     23  
Chairman’s casting vote     23  
Written resolutions     23  
Sole-Member Company     24  
         
12      Voting rights of Members     24  
Right to vote     24  
Rights of joint holders     25  
Representation of corporate Members     25  
Member with mental disorder     25  
Objections to admissibility of votes     26  
Form of proxy     26  
How and when proxy is to be delivered     26  
Voting by proxy     28  
         
13      Number of Directors     28  
         
14      Appointment, disqualification and removal of Directors     28  
First Directors     28  
No age limit     28  
Corporate Directors     29  
No shareholding qualification     29  
Appointment of Directors     29  
Board’s power to appoint Directors     29  

 

 

 

Eligibility     29  
Appointment at annual general meeting     30  
Removal of Directors     30  
Resignation of Directors     30  
Termination of the office of Director     30  
         
15      Alternate Directors     31  
Appointment and removal     31  
Notices     32  
Rights of alternate Director     32  
Appointment ceases when the appointor ceases to be a Director     32  
Status of alternate Director     32  
Status of the Director making the appointment     32  
         
16      Powers of Directors     33  
Powers of Directors     33  
Directors below the minimum number     33  
Appointments to office     33  
Provisions for employees     34  
Exercise of voting rights     34  
Remuneration     34  
Disclosure of information     35  
         
17      Delegation of powers     35  
Power to delegate any of the Directors’ powers to a committee     35  
Local boards     36  
Power to appoint an agent of the Company     36  
Power to appoint an attorney or authorised signatory of the Company     36  
Borrowing Powers     37  
Corporate Governance     37  
         
18      Meetings of Directors     37  
Regulation of Directors’ meetings     37  
Calling meetings     37  
Notice of meetings     37  
Use of technology     37  
Quorum     38  
Chairman or deputy to preside     38  
Voting     38  
Recording of dissent     38  
Written resolutions     38  
Validity of acts of Directors in spite of formal defect     39  
         
19      Permissible Directors' interests and disclosure     39  
         
20      Minutes     40  
         
21      Accounts and audit     40  
Auditors     41  
         
22      Record dates     41  
         
23      Dividends     41  
Source of dividends     41  
Declaration of dividends by Members     42  
Payment of interim dividends and declaration of final dividends by Directors     42  
Apportionment of dividends     43  

 

 

 

Right of set off     43  
Power to pay other than in cash     43  
How payments may be made     43  
Dividends or other monies not to bear interest in absence of special rights     44  
Dividends unable to be paid or unclaimed     44  
         
24     Capitalisation of profits     44  
Capitalisation of profits or of any share premium account or capital redemption reserve;     44  
Applying an amount for the benefit of Members     45  
         
25     Share Premium Account     45  
Directors to maintain share premium account     45  
Debits to share premium account     45  
         
26     Seal     45  
Company seal     45  
Duplicate seal     46  
When and how seal is to be used     46  
If no seal is adopted or used     46  
Power to allow non-manual signatures and facsimile printing of seal     46  
Validity of execution     46  
         
27     Indemnity     47  
Release     47  
Insurance     47  
         
28     Notices     48  
Form of notices     48  
Electronic communications     48  
Persons entitled to notices     49  
Persons authorised to give notices     49  
Delivery of written notices     50  
Joint holders     50  
Signatures     50  
Giving notice to a deceased or bankrupt Member     50  
Date of giving notices     51  
Saving provision     51  
         
29     Authentication of Electronic Records     51  
Application of Articles     51  
Authentication of documents sent by Members by Electronic means     51  
Authentication of document sent by the Secretary or Officers of the Company by Electronic means     52  
Manner of signing     52  
Saving provision     52  
         
30     Transfer by way of continuation     53  
         
31     Winding up     53  
Distribution of assets in specie     53  
No obligation to accept liability     54  
         
32     Amendment of Memorandum and Articles     54  
Power to change name or amend Memorandum     54  
Power to amend these Articles     54  

 

 

 

Companies Law (Revised)

 

Company Limited by Shares

 

Amended and Restated
Articles of Association

 

of

 

QILIAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP LIMITED

祁连国际控股集团有限公司

 

(Adopted by special resolution passed on 16 October 2019)

 

1 Definitions, interpretation and exclusion of Table A

 

Definitions

 

1.1 In these Articles, the following definitions apply:

 

ADS means an American depository share representing an Ordinary Share;

 

Articles means, as appropriate:

 

(a) these articles of association as amended from time to time: or

 

(b) two or more particular articles of these Articles;

 

and Article refers to a particular article of these Articles;

 

Auditors means the auditor or auditors for the time being of the Company;

 

Board means the board of Directors from time to time;

 

Business Day means a day when banks in Grand Cayman, the Cayman Islands are open for the transaction of normal banking business and for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday in the Cayman Islands;

 

Cayman Islands means the British Overseas Territory of the Cayman Islands;

 

Clear Days, in relation to a period of notice, means that period excluding:

 

(a) the day when the notice is given or deemed to be given; and

 

(b) the day for which it is given or on which it is to take effect;

 

Commission means Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America or other federal agency for the time being administering the U.S. Securities Act;

 

  1  

 

Company means the above-named company;

 

Default Rate means ten per cent per annum;

 

Designated Stock Exchanges means the New York Stock Exchange in the United States of America for so long as the Company’s Shares or ADSs are there listed and any other stock exchange on which the Company’s Shares or ADSs are listed for trading;

 

Designated Stock Exchange Rules means the relevant code, rules and regulations, as amended, from time to time, applicable as a result of the original and continued listing of any Shares or ADSs on the Designated Stock Exchanges;

 

Directors means the directors for the time being of the Company and the expression Director shall be construed accordingly;

 

Electronic has the meaning given to that term in the Electronic Transactions Law (Revised) of the Cayman Islands;

 

Electronic Record has the meaning given to that term in the Electronic Transactions Law (Revised) of the Cayman Islands;

 

Electronic Signature has the meaning given to that term in the Electronic Transactions Law (Revised) of the Cayman Islands;

 

Fully Paid Up means:

 

(a) in relation to a Share with par value, means that the par value for that Share and any premium payable in respect of the issue of that Share, has been fully paid or credited as paid in money or money’s worth; and

 

(b) in relation to a Share without par value, means that the agreed issue price for that Share has been fully paid or credited as paid in money or money’s worth;

 

General Meeting means a general meeting of the Company duly constituted in accordance with the Articles;

 

Independent Director means a Director who is an independent director as defined in the Designated Stock Exchange Rules as determined by the Board;

 

Law means the Companies Law (Revised) of the Cayman Islands, including any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof for the time being in force;

 

Member means any person or persons entered on the register of Members from time to time as the holder of a Share;

 

Memorandum means the memorandum of association of the Company as amended from time to time;

 

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month means a calendar month;

 

Officer means a person appointed to hold an office in the Company including a Director, alternate Director or liquidator and excluding the Secretary;

 

Ordinary Resolution means a resolution of a General Meeting passed by a simple majority of Members who (being entitled to do so) vote in person or by proxy at that meeting. The expression includes a unanimous written resolution;

 

Ordinary Share means an ordinary share in the capital of the Company;

 

Partly Paid Up means:

 

(a) in relation to a Share with par value, that the par value for that Share and any premium payable in respect of the issue of that Share, has not been fully paid or credited as paid in money or money’s worth; and

 

(b) in relation to a Share without par value, means that the agreed issue price for that Share has not been fully paid or credited as paid in money or money’s worth;

 

Secretary means a person appointed to perform the duties of the secretary of the Company, including a joint, assistant or deputy secretary;

 

Share means a share in the capital of the Company and the expression:

 

(a) includes stock (except where a distinction between shares and stock is expressed or implied); and

 

(b) where the context permits, also includes a fraction of a Share;

 

Special Resolution means a resolution of a General Meeting or a resolution of a meeting of the holders of any class of Shares in a class meeting duly constituted in accordance with the Articles in each case passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of Members who (being entitled to do so) vote in person or by proxy at that meeting. The expression includes a unanimous written resolution;

 

Treasury Shares means Shares held in treasury pursuant to the Law and Article 2.12; and

 

U.S. Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933 of the United States of America, as amended, or any similar federal statute and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time.

 

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Interpretation

 

1.2 In the interpretation of these Articles, the following provisions apply unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a) A reference in these Articles to a statute is a reference to a statute of the Cayman Islands as known by its short title, and includes:

 

(i) any statutory modification, amendment or re-enactment; and

 

(ii) any subordinate legislation or regulations issued under that statute.

 

Without limitation to the preceding sentence, a reference to a revised Law of the Cayman Islands is taken to be a reference to the revision of that Law in force from time to time as amended from time to time.

 

(b) Headings are inserted for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of these Articles, unless there is ambiguity.

 

(c) If a day on which any act, matter or thing is to be done under these Articles is not a Business Day, the act, matter or thing must be done on the next Business Day.

 

(d) A word which denotes the singular also denotes the plural, a word which denotes the plural also denotes the singular, and a reference to any gender also denotes the other genders.

 

(e) A reference to a person includes, as appropriate, a company, trust, partnership, joint venture, association, body corporate or government agency.

 

(f) Where a word or phrase is given a defined meaning another part of speech or grammatical form in respect to that word or phrase has a corresponding meaning.

 

(g) All references to time are to be calculated by reference to time in the place where the Company’s registered office is located.

 

(h) The words written and in writing include all modes of representing or reproducing words in a visible form, but do not include an Electronic Record where the distinction between a document in writing and an Electronic Record is expressed or implied.

 

(i) The words including, include and in particular or any similar expression are to be construed without limitation.

 

1.3 The headings in these Articles are intended for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of these Articles.

 

Exclusion of Table A Articles

 

1.4 The regulations contained in Table A in the First Schedule of the Law and any other regulations contained in any statute or subordinate legislation are expressly excluded and do not apply to the Company.

 

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2 Shares

 

Power to issue Shares and options, with or without special rights

 

2.1 Subject to the provisions of the Law and these Articles about the redemption and purchase of the Shares, the Directors have general and unconditional authority to allot (with or without confirming rights of renunciation), grant options over or otherwise deal with any unissued Shares to such persons, at such times and on such terms and conditions as they may decide. No Share may be issued at a discount except in accordance with the provisions of the Law.

 

2.2 Without limitation to the preceding Article, the Directors may so deal with the unissued Shares:

 

(a) either at a premium or at par; or

 

(b) with or without preferred, deferred or other special rights or restrictions, whether in regard to dividend, voting, return of capital or otherwise.

 

2.3 Without limitation to the two preceding Articles, the Directors may refuse to accept any application for Shares, and may accept any application in whole or in part, for any reason or for no reason.

 

Power to pay commissions and brokerage fees

 

2.4 The Company may pay a commission to any person in consideration of that person:

 

(a) subscribing or agreeing to subscribe, whether absolutely or conditionally; or

 

(b) procuring or agreeing to procure subscriptions, whether absolute or conditional,

 

for any Shares. That commission may be satisfied by the payment of cash or the allotment of Fully Paid Up or Partly Paid Up Shares or partly in one way and partly in another.

 

2.5 The Company may employ a broker in the issue of its capital and pay him any proper commission or brokerage.

 

Trusts not recognised

 

2.6 Except as required by Law:

 

(a) no person shall be recognised by the Company as holding any Share on any trust; and

 

(b) no person other than the Member shall be recognised by the Company as having any right in a Share.

 

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Security interests

 

2.7 Notwithstanding the preceding Article, the Company may (but shall not be obliged to) recognise a security interest of which it has actual notice over shares. The Company shall not be treated as having recognised any such security interest unless it has so agreed in writing with the secured party.

 

Power to vary class rights

 

2.8 If the share capital is divided into different classes of Shares then, unless the terms on which a class of Shares was issued state otherwise, the rights attaching to a class of Shares may only be varied if one of the following applies:

 

(a) the Members holding not less than two-thirds of the issued Shares of that class consent in writing to the variation; or

 

(b) the variation is made with the sanction of a Special Resolution passed at a separate general meeting of the Members holding the issued Shares of that class.

 

2.9 For the purpose of Article 2.8(b), all the provisions of these Articles relating to general meetings apply, mutatis mutandis, to every such separate meeting except that:

 

(a) the necessary quorum shall be one or more persons holding, or representing by proxy, not less than one third of the issued Shares of the class; and

 

(b) any Member holding issued Shares of the class, present in person or by proxy or, in the case of a corporate Member, by its duly authorised representative, may demand a poll.

 

Effect of new Share issue on existing class rights

 

2.10 Unless the terms on which a class of Shares was issued state otherwise, the rights conferred on the Member holding Shares of any class shall not be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further Shares ranking pari passu with the existing Shares of that class.

 

No bearer Shares or warrants

 

2.11 The Company shall not issue Shares or warrants to bearers.

 

Treasury Shares

 

2.12 Shares that the Company purchases, redeems or acquires by way of surrender in accordance with the Law shall be held as Treasury Shares and not treated as cancelled if:

 

(a) the Directors so determine prior to the purchase, redemption or surrender of those shares; and

 

(b) the relevant provisions of the Memorandum and Articles and the Law are otherwise complied with.

 

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Rights attaching to Treasury Shares and related matters

 

2.13 No dividend may be declared or paid, and no other distribution (whether in cash or otherwise) of the Company’s assets (including any distribution of assets to Members on a winding up) may be made to the Company in respect of a Treasury Share.

 

2.14 The Company shall be entered in the register of Members as the holder of the Treasury Shares. However:

 

(a) the Company shall not be treated as a Member for any purpose and shall not exercise any right in respect of the Treasury Shares, and any purported exercise of such a right shall be void; and

 

(b) a Treasury Share shall not be voted, directly or indirectly, at any meeting of the Company and shall not be counted in determining the total number of issued shares at any given time, whether for the purposes of these Articles or the Law.

 

2.15 Nothing in Article 2.14 prevents an allotment of Shares as Fully Paid Up bonus shares in respect of a Treasury Share and Shares allotted as Fully Paid Up bonus shares in respect of a Treasury Share shall be treated as Treasury Shares.

 

2.16 Treasury Shares may be disposed of by the Company in accordance with the Law and otherwise on such terms and conditions as the Directors determine.

 

Register of Members

 

2.17 The Directors shall keep or cause to be kept a register of Members as required by the Law and may cause the Company to maintain one or more branch registers as contemplated by the Law, provided that where the Company is maintaining one or more branch registers, the Directors shall ensure that a duplicate of each branch register is kept with the Company's principal register of Members and updated within such number of days of any amendment having been made to such branch register as may be required by the Law.

 

Annual Return

 

2.18 The Directors in each calendar year shall prepare or cause to be prepared an annual return and declaration setting forth the particulars required by the Law and shall deliver a copy thereof to the registrar of companies for the Cayman Islands.

 

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3 Share certificates

 

Issue of share certificates

 

3.1 A Member shall only be entitled to a share certificate if the Directors resolve that share certificates shall be issued. Share certificates representing Shares, if any, shall be in such form as the Directors may determine. If the Directors resolve that share certificates shall be issued, upon being entered in the register of Members as the holder of a Share, the Directors may issue to any Member:

 

(a) without payment, one certificate for all the Shares of each class held by that Member (and, upon transferring a part of the Member’s holding of Shares of any class, to a certificate for the balance of that holding); and

 

(b) upon payment of such reasonable sum as the Directors may determine for every certificate after the first, several certificates each for one or more of that Member’s Shares.

 

3.2 Every certificate shall specify the number, class and distinguishing numbers (if any) of the Shares to which it relates and whether they are Fully Paid Up or Partly Paid Up. A certificate may be executed under seal or executed in such other manner as the Directors determine.

 

3.3 Every certificate shall bear legends required under the applicable laws, including the U.S. Securities Act.

 

3.4 The Company shall not be bound to issue more than one certificate for Shares held jointly by several persons and delivery of a certificate for a Share to one joint holder shall be a sufficient delivery to all of them.

 

Renewal of lost or damaged share certificates

 

3.5 If a share certificate is defaced, worn-out, lost or destroyed, it may be renewed on such terms (if any) as to:

 

(a) evidence;

 

(b) indemnity;

 

(c) payment of the expenses reasonably incurred by the Company in investigating the evidence; and

 

(d) payment of a reasonable fee, if any for issuing a replacement share certificate,

 

as the Directors may determine, and (in the case of defacement or wearing-out) on delivery to the Company of the old certificate.

 

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4 Lien on Shares

 

Nature and scope of lien

 

4.1 The Company has a first and paramount lien on all Shares (whether Fully Paid Up or not) registered in the name of a Member (whether solely or jointly with others). The lien is for all monies payable to the Company by the Member or the Member’s estate:

 

(a) either alone or jointly with any other person, whether or not that other person is a Member; and

 

(b) whether or not those monies are presently payable.

 

4.2 At any time the Board may declare any Share to be wholly or partly exempt from the provisions of this Article.

 

Company may sell Shares to satisfy lien

 

4.3 The Company may sell any Shares over which it has a lien if all of the following conditions are met:

 

(a) the sum in respect of which the lien exists is presently payable;

 

(b) the Company gives notice to the Member holding the Share (or to the person entitled to it in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of that Member) demanding payment and stating that if the notice is not complied with the Shares may be sold; and

 

(c) that sum is not paid within fourteen Clear Days after that notice is deemed to be given under these Articles,

 

and Shares to which this Article 4.3 applies shall be referred to as Lien Default Shares.

 

4.4 The Lien Default Shares may be sold in such manner as the Board determines.

 

4.5 To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Directors shall incur no personal liability to the Member concerned in respect of the sale.

 

Authority to execute instrument of transfer

 

4.6 To give effect to a sale, the Directors may authorise any person to execute an instrument of transfer of the Lien Default Shares sold to, or in accordance with the directions of, the purchaser.

 

4.7 The title of the transferee of the Lien Default Shares shall not be affected by any irregularity or invalidity in the proceedings in respect of the sale.

 

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Consequences of sale of Shares to satisfy lien

 

4.8 On a sale pursuant to the preceding Articles:

 

(a) the name of the Member concerned shall be removed from the register of Members as the holder of those Lien Default Shares; and

 

(b) that person shall deliver to the Company for cancellation the certificate (if any) for those Lien Default Shares.

 

4.9 Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 4.8, such person shall remain liable to the Company for all monies which, at the date of sale, were presently payable by him to the Company in respect of those Lien Default Shares. That person shall also be liable to pay interest on those monies from the date of sale until payment at the rate at which interest was payable before that sale or, failing that, at the Default Rate. The Board may waive payment wholly or in part or enforce payment without any allowance for the value of the Lien Default Shares at the time of sale or for any consideration received on their disposal.

 

Application of proceeds of sale

 

4.10 The net proceeds of the sale, after payment of the costs, shall be applied in payment of so much of the sum for which the lien exists as is presently payable. Any residue shall be paid to the person whose Lien Default Shares have been sold:

 

(a) if no certificate for the Lien Default Shares was issued, at the date of the sale; or

 

(b) if a certificate for the Lien Default Shares was issued, upon surrender to the Company of that certificate for cancellation

 

but, in either case, subject to the Company retaining a like lien for all sums not presently payable as existed on the Lien Default Shares before the sale.

 

5 Calls on Shares and forfeiture

 

Power to make calls and effect of calls

 

5.1 Subject to the terms of allotment, the Board may make calls on the Members in respect of any monies unpaid on their Shares including any premium. The call may provide for payment to be by instalments. Subject to receiving at least 14 Clear Days' notice specifying when and where payment is to be made, each Member shall pay to the Company the amount called on his Shares as required by the notice.

 

5.2 Before receipt by the Company of any sum due under a call, that call may be revoked in whole or in part and payment of a call may be postponed in whole or in part. Where a call is to be paid in instalments, the Company may revoke the call in respect of all or any remaining instalments in whole or in part and may postpone payment of all or any of the remaining instalments in whole or in part.

 

5.3 A Member on whom a call is made shall remain liable for that call notwithstanding the subsequent transfer of the Shares in respect of which the call was made. He shall not be liable for calls made after he is no longer registered as Member in respect of those Shares.

 

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Time when call made

 

5.4 A call shall be deemed to have been made at the time when the resolution of the Directors authorising the call was passed.

 

Liability of joint holders

 

5.5 Members registered as the joint holders of a Share shall be jointly and severally liable to pay all calls in respect of the Share.

 

Interest on unpaid calls

 

5.6 If a call remains unpaid after it has become due and payable the person from whom it is due and payable shall pay interest on the amount unpaid from the day it became due and payable until it is paid:

 

(a) at the rate fixed by the terms of allotment of the Share or in the notice of the call; or

 

(b) if no rate is fixed, at the Default Rate.

 

The Directors may waive payment of the interest wholly or in part.

 

Deemed calls

 

5.7 Any amount payable in respect of a Share, whether on allotment or on a fixed date or otherwise, shall be deemed to be payable as a call. If the amount is not paid when due the provisions of these Articles shall apply as if the amount had become due and payable by virtue of a call.

 

Power to accept early payment

 

5.8 The Company may accept from a Member the whole or a part of the amount remaining unpaid on Shares held by him although no part of that amount has been called up.

 

Power to make different arrangements at time of issue of Shares

 

5.9 Subject to the terms of allotment, the Directors may make arrangements on the issue of Shares to distinguish between Members in the amounts and times of payment of calls on their Shares.

 

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Notice of default

 

5.10 If a call remains unpaid after it has become due and payable the Directors may give to the person from whom it is due not less than 14 Clear Days' notice requiring payment of:

 

(a) the amount unpaid;

 

(b) any interest which may have accrued;

 

(c) any expenses which have been incurred by the Company due to that person’s default.

 

5.11 The notice shall state the following:

 

(a) the place where payment is to be made; and

 

(b) a warning that if the notice is not complied with the Shares in respect of which the call is made will be liable to be forfeited.

 

Forfeiture or surrender of Shares

 

5.12 If the notice given pursuant to Article 5.10 is not complied with, the Directors may, before the payment required by the notice has been received, resolve that any Share the subject of that notice be forfeited. The forfeiture shall include all dividends or other monies payable in respect of the forfeited Share and not paid before the forfeiture. Despite the foregoing, the Board may determine that any Share the subject of that notice be accepted by the Company as surrendered by the Member holding that Share in lieu of forfeiture.

 

Disposal of forfeited or surrendered Share and power to cancel forfeiture or surrender

 

5.13 A forfeited or surrendered Share may be sold, re-allotted or otherwise disposed of on such terms and in such manner as the Board determine either to the former Member who held that Share or to any other person. The forfeiture or surrender may be cancelled on such terms as the Directors think fit at any time before a sale, re-allotment or other disposition. Where, for the purposes of its disposal, a forfeited or surrendered Share is to be transferred to any person, the Directors may authorise some person to execute an instrument of transfer of the Share to the transferee.

 

Effect of forfeiture or surrender on former Member

 

5.14 On forfeiture or surrender:

 

(a) the name of the Member concerned shall be removed from the register of Members as the holder of those Shares and that person shall cease to be a Member in respect of those Shares; and

 

(b) that person shall surrender to the Company for cancellation the certificate (if any) for the forfeited or surrendered Shares.

 

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5.15 Despite the forfeiture or surrender of his Shares, that person shall remain liable to the Company for all monies which at the date of forfeiture or surrender were presently payable by him to the Company in respect of those Shares together with:

 

(a) all expenses; and

 

(b) interest from the date of forfeiture or surrender until payment:

 

(i) at the rate of which interest was payable on those monies before forfeiture; or

 

(ii) if no interest was so payable, at the Default Rate.

 

The Directors, however, may waive payment wholly or in part.

 

Evidence of forfeiture or surrender

 

5.16 A declaration, whether statutory or under oath, made by a Director or the Secretary shall be conclusive evidence of the following matters stated in it as against all persons claiming to be entitled to forfeited Shares:

 

(a) that the person making the declaration is a Director or Secretary of the Company, and

 

(b) that the particular Shares have been forfeited or surrendered on a particular date.

 

Subject to the execution of an instrument of transfer, if necessary, the declaration shall constitute good title to the Shares.

 

Sale of forfeited or surrendered Shares

 

5.17 Any person to whom the forfeited or surrendered Shares are disposed of shall not be bound to see to the application of the consideration, if any, of those Shares nor shall his title to the Shares be affected by any irregularity in, or invalidity of the proceedings in respect of, the forfeiture, surrender or disposal of those Shares.

 

6 Transfer of Shares

 

Form of Transfer

 

6.1 Subject to the following Articles about the transfer of Shares, and provided that such transfer complies with applicable rules of the Designated Stock Exchange, a Member may transfer Shares to another person by completing an instrument of transfer in a common form or in a form prescribed by the Designated Stock Exchange or in any other form approved by the directors, executed:

 

(a) where the Shares are Fully Paid, by or on behalf of that Member; and

 

(b) where the Shares are partly paid, by or on behalf of that Member and the transferee.

 

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6.2 The transferor shall be deemed to remain the holder of a Share until the name of the transferee is entered into the Register of Members.

 

Power to refuse registration for Shares not listed on a Designated Stock Exchange

 

6.3 Where the Shares in question are not listed on or subject to the rules of any Designated Stock Exchange, the Directors may in their absolute discretion decline to register any transfer of such Shares which are not Fully Paid Up or on which the Company has a lien. The Directors may also, but are not required to, decline to register any transfer of any such Share unless:

 

(a) the instrument of transfer is lodged with the Company, accompanied by the certificate (if any) for the Shares to which it relates and such other evidence as the Board may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer;

 

(b) the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of Shares;

 

(c) the instrument of transfer is properly stamped, if required;

 

(d) in the case of a transfer to joint holders, the number of joint holders to whom the Share is to be transferred does not exceed four;

 

(e) the Shares transferred are Fully Paid Up and free of any lien in favour of the Company; and

 

(f) any applicable fee of such maximum sum as the Designated Stock Exchanges may determine to be payable, or such lesser sum as the Board may from time to time require, related to the transfer is paid to the Company.

 

Power to suspend registration

 

6.4 The registration of transfers may, on 14 days’ notice being given by advertisement in such one or more newspapers or by electronic means, be suspended and the register of Members closed at such times and for such periods as the Directors may, in their absolute discretion, from time to time determine, provided always that such registration of transfer shall not be suspended nor the register of Members closed for more than 30 days in any year.

 

Company may retain instrument of transfer

 

6.5 All instruments of transfer that are registered shall be retained by the Company.

 

Notice of refusal to register

 

6.6 If the Directors refuse to register a transfer of any Shares not listed on a Designated Stock Exchange, they shall within three months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged with the Company send to each of the transferor and the transferee notice of the refusal.

 

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7 Transmission of Shares

 

Persons entitled on death of a Member

 

7.1 If a Member dies, the only persons recognised by the Company as having any title to the deceased Members’ interest are the following:

 

(a) where the deceased Member was a joint holder, the survivor or survivors; and

 

(b) where the deceased Member was a sole holder, that Member’s personal representative or representatives.

 

7.2 Nothing in these Articles shall release the deceased Member’s estate from any liability in respect of any Share, whether the deceased was a sole holder or a joint holder.

 

Registration of transfer of a Share following death or bankruptcy

 

7.3 A person becoming entitled to a Share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of a Member may elect to do either of the following:

 

(a) to become the holder of the Share; or

 

(b) to transfer the Share to another person.

 

7.4 That person must produce such evidence of his entitlement as the Directors may properly require.

 

7.5 If the person elects to become the holder of the Share, he must give notice to the Company to that effect. For the purposes of these Articles, that notice shall be treated as though it were an executed instrument of transfer.

 

7.6 If the person elects to transfer the Share to another person then:

 

(a) if the Share is Fully Paid Up, the transferor must execute an instrument of transfer; and

 

(b) if the Share is nil or Partly Paid Up, the transferor and the transferee must execute an instrument of transfer.

 

7.7 All the Articles relating to the transfer of Shares shall apply to the notice or, as appropriate, the instrument of transfer.

 

Indemnity

 

7.8 A person registered as a Member by reason of the death or bankruptcy of another Member shall indemnify the Company and the Directors against any loss or damage suffered by the Company or the Directors as a result of that registration.

 

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Rights of person entitled to a Share following death or bankruptcy

 

7.9 A person becoming entitled to a Share by reason of the death or bankruptcy of a Member shall have the rights to which he would be entitled if he were registered as the holder of the Share. But, until he is registered as Member in respect of the Share, he shall not be entitled to attend or vote at any meeting of the Company or at any separate meeting of the holders of that class of Shares.

 

8 Alteration of capital

 

Increasing, consolidating, converting, dividing and cancelling share capital

 

8.1 To the fullest extent permitted by the Law, the Company may by Ordinary Resolution do any of the following and amend its Memorandum for that purpose:

 

(a) increase its share capital by new Shares of the amount fixed by that Ordinary Resolution and with the attached rights, priorities and privileges set out in that Ordinary Resolution;

 

(b) consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital into Shares of larger amount than its existing Shares;

 

(c) convert all or any of its Paid Up Shares into stock, and reconvert that stock into Paid Up Shares of any denomination;

 

(d) sub-divide its Shares or any of them into Shares of an amount smaller than that fixed by the Memorandum, so, however, that in the sub-division, the proportion between the amount paid and the amount, if any, unpaid on each reduced Share shall be the same as it was in case of the Share from which the reduced Share is derived; and

 

(e) cancel Shares which, at the date of the passing of that Ordinary Resolution, have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person, and diminish the amount of its share capital by the amount of the Shares so cancelled or, in the case of Shares without nominal par value, diminish the number of Shares into which its capital is divided.

 

Dealing with fractions resulting from consolidation of Shares

 

8.2 Whenever, as a result of a consolidation of Shares, any Members would become entitled to fractions of a Share the Directors may on behalf of those Members deal with the fractions as it thinks fit, including (without limitation):

 

(a) sell the Shares representing the fractions for the best price reasonably obtainable to any person (including, subject to the provisions of the Law, the Company); and

 

(b) distribute the net proceeds in due proportion among those Members.

 

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8.3 For the purposes of Article 8.2, the Directors may authorise some person to execute an instrument of transfer of the Shares to, in accordance with the directions of, the purchaser. The transferee shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money nor shall the transferee’s title to the Shares be affected by any irregularity in, or invalidity of, the proceedings in respect of the sale.

 

Reducing share capital

 

8.4 Subject to the Law and to any rights for the time being conferred on the Members holding a particular class of Shares, the Company may, by Special Resolution, reduce its share capital in any way.

 

9 Redemption and purchase of own Shares

 

Power to issue redeemable Shares and to purchase own Shares

 

9.1 Subject to the Law and to any rights for the time being conferred on the Members holding a particular class of Shares, the Company may by its Directors:

 

(a) issue Shares that are to be redeemed or liable to be redeemed, at the option of the Company or the Member holding those redeemable Shares, on the terms and in the manner its Directors determine before the issue of those Shares;

 

(b) with the consent by Special Resolution of the Members holding Shares of a particular class, vary the rights attaching to that class of Shares so as to provide that those Shares are to be redeemed or are liable to be redeemed at the option of the Company on the terms and in the manner which the Directors determine at the time of such variation; and

 

(c) purchase all or any of its own Shares of any class including any redeemable Shares on the terms and in the manner which the Directors determine at the time of such purchase.

 

The Company may make a payment in respect of the redemption or purchase of its own Shares in any manner authorised by the Law, including out of any combination of the following: capital, its profits and the proceeds of a fresh issue of Shares.

 

Power to pay for redemption or purchase in cash or in specie

 

9.2 When making a payment in respect of the redemption or purchase of Shares, the Directors may make the payment in cash or in specie (or partly in one and partly in the other) if so authorised by the terms of the allotment of those Shares or by the terms applying to those Shares in accordance with Article 9.1, or otherwise by agreement with the Member holding those Shares.

 

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Effect of redemption or purchase of a Share

 

9.3 Upon the date of redemption or purchase of a Share:

 

(a) the Member holding that Share shall cease to be entitled to any rights in respect of the Share other than the right to receive:

 

(i) the price for the Share; and

 

(ii) any dividend declared in respect of the Share prior to the date of redemption or purchase;

 

(b) the Member’s name shall be removed from the register of Members with respect to the Share; and

 

(c) the Share shall be cancelled or held as a Treasury Share, as the Directors may determine.

 

9.4 For the purpose of Article 9.3, the date of redemption or purchase is the date when the Member's name is removed from the register of Members with respect to the Shares the subject of the redemption or purchase.

 

10 Meetings of Members

 

Annual and extraordinary general meetings

 

10.1 The Company may, but shall not (unless required by the Designated Stock Exchange Rules) be obligated to, in each year hold a general meeting as an annual general meeting, which, if held, shall be convened by the Board, in accordance with these Articles.

 

10.2 All general meetings other than annual general meetings shall be called extraordinary general meetings.

 

Power to call meetings

 

10.3 The Directors may call a general meeting at any time.

 

10.4 If there are insufficient Directors to constitute a quorum and the remaining Directors are unable to agree on the appointment of additional Directors, the Directors must call a general meeting for the purpose of appointing additional Directors.

 

10.5 The Directors must also call a general meeting if requisitioned in the manner set out in the next two Articles.

 

10.6 The requisition must be in writing and given by one or more Members who together hold at least ten per cent of the rights to vote at such general meeting.

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10.7 The requisition must also:

 

(a) specify the purpose of the meeting.

 

(b) be signed by or on behalf of each requisitioner (and for this purpose each joint holder shall be obliged to sign). The requisition may consist of several documents in like form signed by one or more of the requisitioners; and

 

(c) be delivered in accordance with the notice provisions.

 

10.8 Should the Directors fail to call a general meeting within 21 Clear Days’ from the date of receipt of a requisition, the requisitioners or any of them may call a general meeting within three months after the end of that period.

 

10.9 Without limitation to the foregoing, if there are insufficient Directors to constitute a quorum and the remaining Directors are unable to agree on the appointment of additional Directors, any one or more Members who together hold at least five per cent of the rights to vote at a general meeting may call a general meeting for the purpose of considering the business specified in the notice of meeting which shall include as an item of business the appointment of additional Directors.

 

10.10 If the Members call a meeting under the above provisions, the Company shall reimburse their reasonable expenses.

 

Content of notice

 

10.11 Notice of a general meeting shall specify each of the following:

 

(a) the place, the date and the hour of the meeting;

 

(b) if the meeting is to be held in two or more places, the technology that will be used to facilitate the meeting;

 

(c) subject to paragraph (d) and the requirements of (to the extent applicable) the Designated Stock Exchange Rules, the general nature of the business to be transacted; and

 

(d) if a resolution is proposed as a Special Resolution, the text of that resolution.

 

10.12 In each notice there shall appear with reasonable prominence the following statements:

 

(a) that a Member who is entitled to attend and vote is entitled to appoint one or more proxies to attend and vote instead of that Member; and

 

(b) that a proxyholder need not be a Member.

 

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Period of notice

 

10.13 At least twenty-one Clear Days' notice of an annual general meeting must be given to Members. For any other general meeting, at least fourteen Clear Days’ notice must be given to Members.

 

10.14 Subject to the Law, a meeting may be convened on shorter notice, subject to the Law with the consent of the Member or Members who, individually or collectively, hold at least ninety per cent of the voting rights of all those who have a right to vote at that meeting.

 

Persons entitled to receive notice

 

10.15 Subject to the provisions of these Articles and to any restrictions imposed on any Shares, the notice shall be given to the following people:

 

(a) the Members

 

(b) persons entitled to a Share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of a Member;

 

(c) the Directors; and

 

(d) the Auditors.

 

10.16 The Board may determine that the Members entitled to receive notice of a meeting are those persons entered on the register of Members at the close of business on a day determined by the Board.

 

Accidental omission to give notice or non-receipt of notice

 

10.17 Proceedings at a meeting shall not be invalidated by the following:

 

(a) an accidental failure to give notice of the meeting to any person entitled to notice; or

 

(b) non-receipt of notice of the meeting by any person entitled to notice.

 

10.18 In addition, where a notice of meeting is published on a website proceedings at the meeting shall not be invalidated merely because it is accidentally published:

 

(a) in a different place on the website; or

 

(b) for part only of the period from the date of the notification until the conclusion of the meeting to which the notice relates.

 

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11 Proceedings at meetings of Members

 

Quorum

 

11.1 Save as provided in the following Article, no business shall be transacted at any meeting unless a quorum is present in person or by proxy. A quorum is as follows:

 

(a) if the Company has only one Member: that Member;

 

(b) if the Company has more than one Member: one or more Members holding Shares that represent not less than one-third of the outstanding Shares carrying the right to vote at such general meeting.

 

Lack of quorum

 

11.2 If a quorum is not present within fifteen minutes of the time appointed for the meeting, or if at any time during the meeting it becomes inquorate, then the following provisions apply:

 

(a) If the meeting was requisitioned by Members, it shall be cancelled.

 

(b) In any other case, the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same time and place seven days hence, or to such other time or place as is determined by the Directors. If a quorum is not present within fifteen minutes of the time appointed for the adjourned meeting, then the Members present in person or by proxy shall constitute a quorum.

 

Chairman

 

11.3 The chairman of a general meeting shall be the chairman of the Board or such other Director as the Directors have nominated to chair Board meetings in the absence of the chairman of the Board. Absent any such person being present within fifteen minutes of the time appointed for the meeting, the Directors present shall elect one of their number to chair the meeting.

 

11.4 If no Director is present within fifteen minutes of the time appointed for the meeting, or if no Director is willing to act as chairman, the Members present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote shall choose one of their number to chair the meeting.

 

Right of a Director to attend and speak

 

11.5 Even if a Director is not a Member, he shall be entitled to attend and speak at any general meeting and at any separate meeting of Members holding a particular class of Shares.

 

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Accommodation of Members at meeting

 

11.6 lf it appears to the chairman of the meeting that the meeting place specified in the notice convening the meeting is inadequate to accommodate all Members entitled and wishing to attend, the meeting will be duly constituted and its proceedings valid if the chairman is satisfied that adequate facilities are available to ensure that a Member who is unable to be accommodated is able (whether at the meeting place or elsewhere):

 

(a) to participate in the business for which the meeting has been convened;

 

(b) to hear and see all persons present who speak (whether by the use of microphones, loud-speakers, audio-visual communications equipment or otherwise); and

 

(c) to be heard and seen by all other persons present in the same way.

 

Security

 

11.7 In addition to any measures which the Board may be required to take due to the location or venue of the meeting, the Board may make any arrangement and impose any restriction it considers appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances to ensure the security of a meeting including, without limitation, the searching of any person attending the meeting and the imposing of restrictions on the items of personal property that may be taken into the meeting place. The Board may refuse entry to, or eject from, a meeting a person who refuses to comply with any such arrangements or restrictions.

 

Adjournment

 

11.8 The chairman may at any time adjourn a meeting with the consent of the Members constituting a quorum. The chairman must adjourn the meeting if so directed by the meeting. No business, however, can be transacted at an adjourned meeting other than business which might properly have been transacted at the original meeting.

 

11.9 Should a meeting be adjourned for more than 7 Clear Days, whether because of a lack of quorum or otherwise, Members shall be given at least seven Clear Days' notice of the date, time and place of the adjourned meeting and the general nature of the business to be transacted. Otherwise it shall not be necessary to give any notice of the adjournment.

 

Method of voting

 

11.10 A resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be decided on a show of hands unless before, or on, the declaration of the result of the show of hands, a poll is duly demanded. Subject to the Law, a poll may be demanded:

 

(a) by the chairman of the meeting;

 

(b) by at least two Members having the right to vote on the resolutions;

 

(c) by any Member or Members present who, individually or collectively, hold at least ten per cent of the voting rights of all those who have a right to vote on the resolution.

 

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Outcome of vote by show of hands

 

11.11 Unless a poll is duly demanded, a declaration by the chairman as to the result of a resolution and an entry to that effect in the minutes of the meeting shall be conclusive evidence of the outcome of a show of hands without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favour of or against the resolution.

 

Withdrawal of demand for a poll

 

11.12 The demand for a poll may be withdrawn before the poll is taken, but only with the consent of the chairman. The chairman shall announce any such withdrawal to the meeting and, unless another person forthwith demands a poll, any earlier show of hands on that resolution shall be treated as the vote on that resolution; if there has been no earlier show of hands, then the resolution shall be put to the vote of the meeting.

 

Taking of a poll

 

11.13 A poll demanded on the question of adjournment shall be taken immediately.

 

11.14 A poll demanded on any other question shall be taken either immediately or at an adjourned meeting at such time and place as the chairman directs, not being more than thirty Clear Days after the poll was demanded.

 

11.15 The demand for a poll shall not prevent the meeting continuing to transact any business other than the question on which the poll was demanded.

 

11.16 A poll shall be taken in such manner as the chairman directs. He may appoint scrutineers (who need not be Members) and fix a place and time for declaring the result of the poll. If, through the aid of technology, the meeting is held in more than place, the chairman may appoint scrutineers in more than place; but if he considers that the poll cannot be effectively monitored at that meeting, the chairman shall adjourn the holding of the poll to a date, place and time when that can occur.

 

Chairman’s casting vote

 

11.17 In the case of an equality of votes, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, the Chairman of the meeting at which the show of hands takes place or at which the poll is demanded shall not be entitled to a second or casting vote.

 

Written resolutions

 

11.18 Members may pass a resolution in writing without holding a meeting if the following conditions are met:

 

(a) all Members entitled to vote are given notice of the resolution as if the same were being proposed at a meeting of Members;

 

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(b) all Members entitled so to vote;

 

(i) sign a document; or

 

(ii) sign several documents in the like form each signed by one or more of those Members; and

 

(c) the signed document or documents is or are delivered to the Company, including, if the Company so nominates, by delivery of an Electronic Record by Electronic means to the address specified for that purpose.

 

(d) Such written resolution shall be as effective as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Members entitled to vote duly convened and held.

 

11.19 If a written resolution is described as a Special Resolution or as an Ordinary Resolution, it has effect accordingly.

 

11.20 The Directors may determine the manner in which written resolutions shall be put to Members. In particular, they may provide, in the form of any written resolution, for each Member to indicate, out of the number of votes the Member would have been entitled to cast at a meeting to consider the resolution, how many votes he wishes to cast in favour of the resolution and how many against the resolution or to be treated as abstentions. The result of any such written resolution shall be determined on the same basis as on a poll.

 

Sole-Member Company

 

11.21 If the Company has only one Member, and the Member records in writing his decision on a question, that record shall constitute both the passing of a resolution and the minute of it.

 

12 Voting rights of Members

 

Right to vote

 

12.1 Unless their Shares carry no right to vote, or unless a call or other amount presently payable has not been paid, all Members are entitled to vote at a general meeting, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, and all Members holding Shares of a particular class of Shares are entitled to vote at a meeting of the holders of that class of Shares.

 

12.2 Members may vote in person or by proxy.

 

12.3 On a show of hands, every Member shall have one vote. For the avoidance of doubt, an individual who represents two or more Members, including a Member in that individual’s own right, that individual shall be entitled to a separate vote for each Member.

 

12.4 On a poll a Member shall have one vote for each Share he holds, unless any Share carries special voting rights.

 

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12.5 No Member is bound to vote on his Shares or any of them; nor is he bound to vote each of his Shares in the same way.

 

Rights of joint holders

 

12.6 If Shares are held jointly, only one of the joint holders may vote. If more than one of the joint holders tenders a vote, the vote of the holder whose name in respect of those Shares appears first in the register of Members shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other joint holder.

 

Representation of corporate Members

 

12.7 Save where otherwise provided, a corporate Member must act by a duly authorised representative.

 

12.8 A corporate Member wishing to act by a duly authorised representative must identify that person to the Company by notice in writing.

 

12.9 The authorisation may be for any period of time, and must be delivered to the Company before the commencement of the meeting at which it is first used.

 

12.10 The Directors of the Company may require the production of any evidence which they consider necessary to determine the validity of the notice.

 

12.11 Where a duly authorised representative is present at a meeting that Member is deemed to be present in person; and the acts of the duly authorised representative are personal acts of that Member.

 

12.12 A corporate Member may revoke the appointment of a duly authorised representative at any time by notice to the Company; but such revocation will not affect the validity of any acts carried out by the duly authorised representative before the Directors of the Company had actual notice of the revocation.

 

Member with mental disorder

 

12.13 A Member in respect of whom an order has been made by any court having jurisdiction (whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere) in matters concerning mental disorder may vote, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, by that Member’s receiver, curator bonis or other person authorised in that behalf appointed by that court.

 

12.14 For the purpose of the preceding Article, evidence to the satisfaction of the Directors of the authority of the person claiming to exercise the right to vote must be received not less than 24 hours before holding the relevant meeting or the adjourned meeting in any manner specified for the delivery of forms of appointment of a proxy, whether in writing or by Electronic means. In default, the right to vote shall not be exercisable.

 

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Objections to admissibility of votes

 

12.15 An objection to the validity of a person’s vote may only be raised at the meeting or at the adjourned meeting at which the vote is sought to be tendered. Any objection duly made shall be referred to the chairman whose decision shall be final and conclusive.

 

Form of proxy

 

12.16 An instrument appointing a proxy shall be in any common form or in any other form approved by the Directors.

 

12.17 The instrument must be in writing and signed in one of the following ways:

 

(a) by the Member; or

 

(b) by the Member’s authorised attorney; or

 

(c) if the Member is a corporation or other body corporate, under seal or signed by an authorised officer, secretary or attorney.

 

If the Directors so resolve, the Company may accept an Electronic Record of that instrument delivered in the manner specified below and otherwise satisfying the Articles about authentication of Electronic Records.

 

12.18 The Directors may require the production of any evidence which they consider necessary to determine the validity of any appointment of a proxy.

 

12.19 A Member may revoke the appointment of a proxy at any time by notice to the Company duly signed in accordance with Article 12.17.

 

12.20 No revocation by a Member of the appointment of a proxy made in accordance with Article 12.19 will affect the validity of any acts carried out by the relevant proxy before the Directors of the Company had actual notice of the revocation.

 

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How and when proxy is to be delivered

 

12.21 Subject to the following Articles, the Directors may, in the notice convening any meeting or adjourned meeting, or in an instrument of proxy sent out by the Company, specify the manner by which the instrument appointing a proxy shall be deposited and the place and the time (being not later than the time appointed for the commencement of the meeting or adjourned meeting to which the proxy relates) at which the instrument appointing a proxy shall be deposited. In the absence of any such direction from the Directors in the notice convening any meeting or adjourned meeting or in an instrument of proxy sent out by the Company, the form of appointment of a proxy and any authority under which it is signed (or a copy of the authority certified notarially or in any other way approved by the Directors) must be delivered so that it is received by the Company before the time for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the person named in the form of appointment of proxy proposes to vote. They must be delivered in either of the following ways:

 

(a) In the case of an instrument in writing, it must be left at or sent by post:

 

(i) to the registered office of the Company; or

 

(ii) to such other place within the Cayman Islands specified in the notice convening the meeting or in any form of appointment of proxy sent out by the Company in relation to the meeting.

 

(b) If, pursuant to the notice provisions, a notice may be given to the Company in an Electronic Record, an Electronic Record of an appointment of a proxy must be sent to the address specified pursuant to those provisions unless another address for that purpose is specified:

 

(i) in the notice convening the meeting; or

 

(ii) in any form of appointment of a proxy sent out by the Company in relation to the meeting; or

 

(iii) in any invitation to appoint a proxy issued by the Company in relation to the meeting.

 

(c) Notwithstanding Article 12.21(a) and Article 12.21(b), the chairman of the Company may, in any event at his discretion, direct that an instrument of proxy shall be deemed to have been duly deposited.

 

12.22 Where a poll is taken:

 

(a) if it is taken more than seven Clear Days after it is demanded, the form of appointment of a proxy and any accompanying authority (or an Electronic Record of the same) must be delivered in accordance with Article 12.21 before the time appointed for the taking of the poll;

 

(b) if it to be taken within seven Clear Days after it was demanded, the form of appointment of a proxy and any accompanying authority (or an Electronic Record of the same) must be delivered in accordance with Article 12.21 before the time appointed for the taking of the poll.

 

12.23 If the form of appointment of proxy is not delivered on time, it is invalid.

 

12.24 When two or more valid but differing appointments of proxy are delivered or received in respect of the same Share for use at the same meeting and in respect of the same matter, the one which is last validly delivered or received (regardless of its date or of the date of its execution) shall be treated as replacing and revoking the other or others as regards that Share. lf the Company is unable to determine which appointment was last validly delivered or received, none of them shall be treated as valid in respect of that Share.

 

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12.25 The Board may at the expense of the Company send forms of appointment of proxy to the Members by post (that is to say, pre-paying and posting a letter), or by Electronic communication or otherwise (with or without provision for their return by pre-paid post) for use at any general meeting or at any separate meeting of the holders of any class of Shares, either blank or nominating as proxy in the alternative any one or more of the Directors or any other person. lf for the purpose of any meeting invitations to appoint as proxy a person or one of a number of persons specified in the invitations are issued at the Company’s expense, they shall be issued to all (and not to some only) of the Members entitled to be sent notice of the meeting and to vote at it. The accidental omission to send such a form of appointment or to give such an invitation to, or the non-receipt of such form of appointment by, any Member entitled to attend and vote at a meeting shall not invalidate the proceedings at that meeting

 

Voting by proxy

 

12.26 A proxy shall have the same voting rights at a meeting or adjourned meeting as the Member would have had except to the extent that the instrument appointing him limits those rights. Notwithstanding the appointment of a proxy, a Member may attend and vote at a meeting or adjourned meeting. If a Member votes on any resolution a vote by his proxy on the same resolution, unless in respect of different Shares, shall be invalid.

 

12.27 The instrument appointing a proxy to vote at a meeting shall be deemed also to confer authority to demand or join in demanding a poll and, for the purposes of Article 11.11, a demand by a person as proxy for a Member shall be the same as a demand by a Member. Such appointment shall not confer any further right to speak at the meeting, except with the permission of the chairman of the meeting.

 

13 Number of Directors

 

13.1 There shall be a Board consisting of not less than one person provided however that the Company may by Ordinary Resolution increase or reduce the limits in the number of Directors. Unless fixed by Ordinary Resolution, the maximum number of Directors shall be unlimited.

 

14 Appointment, disqualification and removal of Directors

 

First Directors

 

14.1 The first Directors shall be appointed in writing by the subscriber or subscribers to the Memorandum, or a majority of them.

 

No age limit

 

14.2 There is no age limit for Directors save that they must be at least eighteen years of age.

 

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Corporate Directors

 

14.3 Unless prohibited by law, a body corporate may be a Director. If a body corporate is a Director, the Articles about representation of corporate Members at general meetings apply, mutatis mutandis, to the Articles about Directors’ meetings.

 

No shareholding qualification

 

14.4 Unless a shareholding qualification for Directors is fixed by Ordinary Resolution, no Director shall be required to own Shares as a condition of his appointment.

 

Appointment of Directors

 

14.5 A Director may be appointed by Ordinary Resolution or by the Directors. Any appointment may be to fill a vacancy or as an additional Director.

 

14.6 A remaining Director may appoint a Director even though there is not a quorum of Directors.

 

14.7 No appointment can cause the number of Directors to exceed the maximum (if one is set); and any such appointment shall be invalid.

 

14.8 For so long as Shares or ADSs are listed on a Designated Stock Exchange, the Directors shall include at least such number of Independent Directors as applicable law, rules or regulations or the Designated Stock Exchange Rules require as determined by the Board.

 

Board’s power to appoint Directors

 

14.9 Without prejudice to the Company’s power to appoint a person to be a Director pursuant to these Articles, the Board shall have power at any time to appoint any person who is willing to act as a Director, either to fill a vacancy or as an addition to the existing Board, subject to the total number of Directors not exceeding any maximum number fixed by or in accordance with these Articles.

 

14.10 Any Director so appointed shall, if still a Director, retire at the next annual general meeting after his appointment and be eligible to stand for election as a Director at such meeting.

 

Eligibility

 

14.11 No person (other than a Director retiring in accordance with these Articles) shall be appointed or re-appointed a Director at any general meeting unless:

 

(a) he is recommended by the Board; or

 

(b) not less than seven nor more than forty-two Clear Days before the date appointed for the meeting, a Member (other than the person to be proposed) entitled to vote at the meeting has given to the Company notice of his intention to propose a resolution for the appointment of that person, stating the particulars which would, if he were so appointed, be required to be included in the Company’s register of Directors and a notice executed by that person of his willingness to be appointed.

 

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Appointment at annual general meeting

 

14.12 Unless re-appointed pursuant to the provisions of Article 14.5 or removed from office pursuant to the provisions of Article 14.13, each Director shall be appointed for a term expiring at the next-following annual general meeting of the Company. At any such annual general meeting, Directors will be elected by Ordinary Resolution. At each annual general meeting of the Company, each Director elected at such meeting shall be elected to hold office for a one-year term and until the election of their respective successors in office or removal pursuant to Articles 14.5 and 14.13.

 

Removal of Directors

 

14.13 A Director may be removed by Ordinary Resolution.

 

Resignation of Directors

 

14.14 A Director may at any time resign office by giving to the Company notice in writing or, if permitted pursuant to the notice provisions, in an Electronic Record delivered in either case in accordance with those provisions.

 

14.15 Unless the notice specifies a different date, the Director shall be deemed to have resigned on the date that the notice is delivered to the Company.

 

Termination of the office of Director

 

14.16 A Director may retire from office as a Director by giving notice in writing to that effect to the Company at the registered office, which notice shall be effective upon such date as may be specified in the notice, failing which upon delivery to the registered office.

 

14.17 Without prejudice to the provisions in these Articles for retirement (by rotation or otherwise), a Director’s office shall be terminated forthwith if:

 

(a) he is prohibited by the law of the Cayman Islands from acting as a Director; or

 

(b) he is made bankrupt or makes an arrangement or composition with his creditors generally; or

 

(c) he resigns his office by notice to the Company; or

 

(d) he only held office as a Director for a fixed term and such term expires; or

 

(e) in the opinion of a registered medical practitioner by whom he is being treated he becomes physically or mentally incapable of acting as a Director; or

 

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(f) he is given notice by the majority of the other Directors (not being less than two in number) to vacate office (without prejudice to any claim for damages for breach of any agreement relating to the provision of the services of such Director); or

 

(g) he is made subject to any law relating to mental health or incompetence, whether by court order or otherwise; or

 

(h) without the consent of the other Directors, he is absent from meetings of Directors for a continuous period of six months.

 

15 Alternate Directors

 

Appointment and removal

 

15.1 Any Director may appoint any other person, including another Director, to act in his place as an alternate Director. No appointment shall take effect until the Director has given notice of the appointment to the Board.

 

15.2 A Director may revoke his appointment of an alternate at any time. No revocation shall take effect until the Director has given notice of the revocation to the Board.

 

15.3 A notice of appointment or removal of an alternate Director shall be effective only if given to the Company by one or more of the following methods:

 

(a) by notice in writing in accordance with the notice provisions contained in these Articles;

 

(b) if the Company has a facsimile address for the time being, by sending by facsimile transmission to that facsimile address a facsimile copy or, otherwise, by sending by facsimile transmission to the facsimile address of the Company's registered office a facsimile copy (in either case, the facsimile copy being deemed to be the notice unless Article 29.7 applies), in which event notice shall be taken to be given on the date of an error-free transmission report from the sender’s fax machine;

 

(c) if the Company has an email address for the time being, by emailing to that email address a scanned copy of the notice as a PDF attachment or, otherwise, by emailing to the email address provided by the Company's registered office a scanned copy of the notice as a PDF attachment (in either case, the PDF version being deemed to be the notice unless Article 29.7 applies), in which event notice shall be taken to be given on the date of receipt by the Company or the Company's registered office (as appropriate) in readable form; or

 

(d) if permitted pursuant to the notice provisions, in some other form of approved Electronic Record delivered in accordance with those provisions in writing.

 

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Notices

 

15.4 All notices of meetings of Directors shall continue to be given to the appointing Director and not to the alternate.

 

Rights of alternate Director

 

15.5 An alternate Director shall be entitled to attend and vote at any Board meeting or meeting of a committee of the Directors at which the appointing Director is not personally present, and generally to perform all the functions of the appointing Director in his absence. An alternate Director, however, is not entitled to receive any remuneration from the Company for services rendered as an alternate Director.

 

Appointment ceases when the appointor ceases to be a Director

 

15.6 An alternate Director shall cease to be an alternate Director if:

 

(a) the Director who appointed him ceases to be a Director; or

 

(b) the Director who appointed him revokes his appointment by notice delivered to the Board or to the registered office of the Company or in any other manner approved by the Board; or

 

(c) in any event happens in relation to him which, if he were a Director of the Company, would cause his office as Director to be vacated.

 

Status of alternate Director

 

15.7 An alternate Director shall carry out all functions of the Director who made the appointment.

 

15.8 Save where otherwise expressed, an alternate Director shall be treated as a Director under these Articles.

 

15.9 An alternate Director is not the agent of the Director appointing him.

 

15.10 An alternate Director is not entitled to any remuneration for acting as alternate Director.

 

Status of the Director making the appointment

 

15.11 A Director who has appointed an alternate is not thereby relieved from the duties which he owes the Company.

 

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16 Powers of Directors

 

Powers of Directors

 

16.1 Subject to the provisions of the Law, the Memorandum and these Articles the business of the Company shall be managed by the Directors who may for that purpose exercise all the powers of the Company.

 

16.2 No prior act of the Directors shall be invalidated by any subsequent alteration of the Memorandum or these Articles. However, to the extent allowed by the Law, Members may, by Special Resolution, validate any prior or future act of the Directors which would otherwise be in breach of their duties.

 

Directors below the minimum number

 

16.3 lf the number of Directors is less than the minimum prescribed in accordance with these Articles, the remaining Director or Directors shall act only for the purposes of appointing an additional Director or Directors to make up such minimum or of convening a general meeting of the Company for the purpose of making such appointment. lf there are no Director or Directors able or willing to act, any two Members may summon a general meeting for the purpose of appointing Directors. Any additional Director so appointed shall hold office (subject to these Articles) only until the dissolution of the annual general meeting next following such appointment unless he is re-elected during such meeting.

 

Appointments to office

 

16.4 The Directors may appoint a Director:

 

(a) as chairman of the Board;

 

(b) as managing Director;

 

(c) to any other executive office,

 

for such period, and on such terms, including as to remuneration as they think fit.

 

16.5 The appointee must consent in writing to holding that office.

 

16.6 Where a chairman is appointed he shall, unless unable to do so, preside at every meeting of Directors.

 

16.7 If there is no chairman, or if the chairman is unable to preside at a meeting, that meeting may select its own chairman; or the Directors may nominate one of their number to act in place of the chairman should he ever not be available.

 

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16.8 Subject to the provisions of the Law, the Directors may also appoint and remove any person, who need not be a Director:

 

(a) as Secretary; and

 

(b) to any office that may be required

 

for such period and on such terms, including as to remuneration, as they think fit. In the case of an Officer, that Officer may be given any title the Directors decide.

 

16.9 The Secretary or Officer must consent in writing to holding that office.

 

16.10 A Director, Secretary or other Officer of the Company may not the hold the office, or perform the services, of auditor.

 

Provisions for employees

 

16.11 The Board may make provision for the benefit of any persons employed or formerly employed by the Company or any of its subsidiary undertakings (or any member of his family or any person who is dependent on him) in connection with the cessation or the transfer to any person of the whole or part of the undertaking of the Company or any of its subsidiary undertakings.

 

Exercise of voting rights

 

16.12 The Board may exercise the voting power conferred by the Shares in any body corporate held or owned by the Company in such manner in all respects as it thinks fit (including, without limitation, the exercise of that power in favour of any resolution appointing any Director as a Director of such body corporate, or voting or providing for the payment of remuneration to the Directors of such body corporate).

 

Remuneration

 

16.13 Every Director may be remunerated by the Company for the services he provides for the benefit of the Company, whether as Director, employee or otherwise, and shall be entitled to be paid for the expenses incurred in the Company’s business including attendance at Directors’ meetings.

 

16.14 Until otherwise determined by the Company by Ordinary Resolution, the Directors (other than alternate Directors) shall be entitled to such remuneration by way of fees for their services in the office of Director as the Directors may determine.

 

16.15 Remuneration may take any form and may include arrangements to pay pensions, health insurance, death or sickness benefits, whether to the Director or to any other person connected to or related to him.

 

16.16 Unless his fellow Directors determine otherwise, a Director is not accountable to the Company for remuneration or other benefits received from any other company which is in the same group as the Company or which has common shareholdings.

 

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Disclosure of information

 

16.17 The Directors may release or disclose to a third party any information regarding the affairs of the Company, including any information contained in the register of Members relating to a Member, (and they may authorise any Director, Officer or other authorised agent of the Company to release or disclose to a third party any such information in his possession) if:

 

(a) the Company or that person, as the case may be, is lawfully required to do so under the laws of any jurisdiction to which the Company is subject; or

 

(b) such disclosure is in compliance with the Designated Stock Exchange Rules; or

 

(c) such disclosure is in accordance with any contract entered into by the Company; or

 

(d) the Directors are of the opinion such disclosure would assist or facilitate the Company’s operations.

 

17 Delegation of powers

 

Power to delegate any of the Directors’ powers to a committee

 

17.1 The Directors may delegate any of their powers to any committee consisting of one or more persons who need not be Members. Persons on the committee may include non-Directors so long as the majority of those persons are Directors. Any such committee shall be made up of such number of Independent Directors as required from time to time by the Designated Stock Exchange Rules or otherwise required by applicable law.

 

17.2 The delegation may be collateral with, or to the exclusion of, the Directors’ own powers.

 

17.3 The delegation may be on such terms as the Directors think fit, including provision for the committee itself to delegate to a sub-committee; save that any delegation must be capable of being revoked or altered by the Directors at will.

 

17.4 Unless otherwise permitted by the Directors, a committee must follow the procedures prescribed for the taking of decisions by Directors.

 

17.5 The Board shall establish an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee. Each of these committees shall be empowered to do all things necessary to exercise the rights of such committee set forth in these Articles. Each of the audit committee, compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee shall consist of at least three Directors (or such larger minimum number as may be required from time to time by the Designated Stock Exchange Rules). The majority of the committee members on each of the compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee shall be Independent Directors. The audit committee shall be made up of such number of Independent Directors as required from time to time by the Designated Stock Exchange Rules or otherwise required by applicable law.

 

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Local boards

 

17.6 The Board may establish any local or divisional board or agency for managing any of the affairs of the Company whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere and may appoint any persons to be members of a local or divisional Board, or to be managers or agents, and may fix their remuneration.

 

17.7 The Board may delegate to any local or divisional board, manager or agent any of its powers and authorities (with power to sub-delegate) and may authorise the members of any local or divisional board or any of them to fill any vacancies and to act notwithstanding vacancies.

 

17.8 Any appointment or delegation under this Article 17.8 may be made on such terms and subject to such conditions as the Board thinks fit and the Board may remove any person so appointed, and may revoke or vary any delegation.

 

Power to appoint an agent of the Company

 

17.9 The Directors may appoint any person, either generally or in respect of any specific matter, to be the agent of the Company with or without authority for that person to delegate all or any of that person’s powers. The Directors may make that appointment:

 

(a) by causing the Company to enter into a power of attorney or agreement; or

 

(b) in any other manner they determine.

 

Power to appoint an attorney or authorised signatory of the Company

 

17.10 The Directors may appoint any person, whether nominated directly or indirectly by the Directors, to be the attorney or the authorised signatory of the Company. The appointment may be:

 

(a) for any purpose;

 

(b) with the powers, authorities and discretions;

 

(c) for the period; and

 

(d) subject to such conditions

 

as they think fit. The powers, authorities and discretions, however, must not exceed those vested in, or exercisable, by the Directors under these Articles. The Directors may do so by power of attorney or any other manner they think fit.

 

17.11 Any power of attorney or other appointment may contain such provision for the protection and convenience for persons dealing with the attorney or authorised signatory as the Directors think fit. Any power of attorney or other appointment may also authorise the attorney or authorised signatory to delegate all or any of the powers, authorities and discretions vested in that person.

 

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17.12 The Board may remove any person appointed under Article 17.10 and may revoke or vary the delegation.

 

Borrowing Powers

 

17.13 The Directors may exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge its undertaking, property and assets both present and future and uncalled capital, or any part thereof, and to issue debentures and other securities, whether outright or as collateral security for any debt, liability or obligation of the Company or its parent undertaking (if any) or any subsidiary undertaking of the Company or of any third party.

 

Corporate Governance

 

17.14 The Board may, from time to time, and except as required by applicable law or the Designated Stock Exchange Rules, adopt, institute, amend, modify or revoke the corporate governance policies or initiatives of the Company, which shall be intended to set forth the guiding principles and policies of the Company and the Board on various corporate governance related matters as the Board shall determine by resolution from time to time.

 

18 Meetings of Directors

 

Regulation of Directors’ meetings

 

18.1 Subject to the provisions of these Articles, the Directors may regulate their proceedings as they think fit.

 

Calling meetings

 

18.2 Any Director may call a meeting of Directors at any time. The Secretary must call a meeting of the Directors if requested to do so by a Director.

 

Notice of meetings

 

18.3 Notice of a Board meeting may be given to a Director personally or by word of mouth or given in writing or by Electronic communications at such address as he may from time to time specify for this purpose (or, if he does not specify an address, at his last known address). A Director may waive his right to receive notice of any meeting either prospectively or retrospectively.

 

Use of technology

 

18.4 A Director may participate in a meeting of Directors through the medium of conference telephone, video or any other form of communications equipment providing all persons participating in the meeting are able to hear and speak to each other throughout the meeting.

 

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18.5 A Director participating in this way is deemed to be present in person at the meeting.

 

Quorum

 

18.6 The quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of Directors shall be two unless the Directors fix some other number.

 

Chairman or deputy to preside

 

18.7 The Board may appoint a chairman and one or more deputy chairman or chairmen and may at any time revoke any such appointment.

 

18.8 The chairman, or failing him any deputy chairman (the longest in office taking precedence if more than one is present), shall preside at all Board meetings. If no chairman or deputy chairman has been appointed, or if he is not present within five minutes after the time fixed for holding the meeting, or is unwilling to act as chairman of the meeting, the Directors present shall choose one of their number to act as chairman of the meeting.

 

Voting

 

18.9 A question which arises at a Board meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes. If votes are equal the chairman may, if he wishes, exercise a casting vote.

 

Recording of dissent

 

18.10 A Director present at a meeting of Directors shall be presumed to have assented to any action taken at that meeting unless:

 

(a) his dissent is entered in the minutes of the meeting; or

 

(b) he has filed with the meeting before it is concluded signed dissent from that action; or

 

(c) he has forwarded to the Company as soon as practical following the conclusion of that meeting signed dissent.

 

A Director who votes in favour of an action is not entitled to record his dissent to it.

 

Written resolutions

 

18.11 The Directors may pass a resolution in writing without holding a meeting if all Directors sign a document or sign several documents in the like form each signed by one or more of those Directors.

 

18.12 A written resolution signed by a validly appointed alternate Director need not also be signed by the appointing Director.

 

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18.13 A written resolution signed personally by the appointing Director need not also be signed by his alternate.

 

18.14 A resolution in writing passed pursuant to Article 18.11, Article 18.12 and/or Article 18.13 shall be as effective as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Directors duly convened and held; and it shall be treated as having been passed on the day and at the time that the last Director signs (and for the avoidance of doubt, such day may or may not be a Business Day).

 

Validity of acts of Directors in spite of formal defect

 

18.15 All acts done by a meeting of the Board, or of a committee of the Board, or by any person acting as a Director or an alternate Director, shall, notwithstanding that it is afterwards discovered that there was some defect in the appointment of any Director or alternate Director or member of the committee, or that any of them were disqualified or had vacated office or were not entitled to vote, be as valid as if every such person had been duly appointed and qualified and had continued to be a Director or alternate Director and had been entitled to vote.

 

19 Permissible Directors' interests and disclosure

 

19.1 A Director shall not, as a Director, vote in respect of any contract, transaction, arrangement or proposal in which he has an interest which (together with any interest of any person connected with him) is a material interest (otherwise then by virtue of his interests, direct or indirect, in Shares or debentures or other securities of, or otherwise in or through, the Company) and if he shall do so his vote shall not be counted, nor in relation thereto shall he be counted in the quorum present at the meeting, but (in the absence of some other material interest than is mentioned below) none of these prohibitions shall apply to:

 

(a) the giving of any security, guarantee or indemnity in respect of:

 

(i) money lent or obligations incurred by him or by any other person for the benefit of the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or

 

(ii) a debt or obligation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries for which the Director himself has assumed responsibility in whole or in part and whether alone or jointly with others under a guarantee or indemnity or by the giving of security;

 

(b) where the Company or any of its subsidiaries is offering securities in which offer the Director is or may be entitled to participate as a holder of securities or in the underwriting or sub-underwriting of which the Director is to or may participate;

 

(c) any contract, transaction, arrangement or proposal affecting any other body corporate in which he is interested, directly or indirectly and whether as an officer, shareholder, creditor or otherwise howsoever, provided that he (together with persons connected with him) does not to his knowledge hold an interest representing one per cent or more of any class of the equity share capital of such body corporate (or of any third body corporate through which his interest is derived) or of the voting rights available to members of the relevant body corporate (any such interest being deemed for the purposes of this Article 19.1 to be a material interest in all circumstances);

 

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(d) any act or thing done or to be done in respect of any arrangement for the benefit of the employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries under which he is not accorded as a Director any privilege or advantage not generally accorded to the employees to whom such arrangement relates; or

 

(e) any matter connected with the purchase or maintenance for any Director of insurance against any liability or (to the extent permitted by the Law) indemnities in favour of Directors, the funding of expenditure by one or more Directors in defending proceedings against him or them or the doing of any thing to enable such Director or Directors to avoid incurring such expenditure.

 

19.2 A Director may, as a Director, vote (and be counted in the quorum) in respect of any contract, transaction, arrangement or proposal in which he has an interest which is not a material interest or which falls within Article 19.1.

 

20 Minutes

 

20.1 The Company shall cause minutes to be made in books of:

 

(a) all appointments of Officers and committees made by the Board and of any such Officer’s remuneration; and

 

(b) the names of Directors present at every meeting of the Directors, a committee of the Board, the Company or the holders of any class of shares or debentures, and all orders, resolutions and proceedings of such meetings.

 

20.2 Any such minutes, if purporting to be signed by the chairman of the meeting at which the proceedings were held or by the chairman of the next succeeding meeting or the Secretary, shall be prima facie evidence of the matters stated in them.

 

21 Accounts and audit

 

21.1 The Directors must ensure that proper accounting and other records are kept, and that accounts and associated reports are distributed in accordance with the requirements of the Law.

 

21.2 The books of account shall be kept at the registered office of the Company and shall always be open to inspection by the Directors. No Member (other than a Director) shall have any right of inspecting any account or book or document of the Company except as conferred by the Law or as authorised by the Directors or by Ordinary Resolution.

 

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21.3 Unless the Directors otherwise prescribe, the financial year of the Company shall end on 30 September in each year and begin on 1 October in each year.

 

Auditors

 

21.4 The Directors may appoint an Auditor of the Company who shall hold office on such terms as the Directors determine.

 

21.5 At any general meeting convened and held at any time in accordance with these Articles, the Members may, by Ordinary Resolution, remove the Auditor before the expiration of his term of office. If they do so, the Members shall, by Ordinary Resolution, at that meeting appoint another Auditor in his stead for the remainder of his term.

 

21.6 The Auditors shall examine such books, accounts and vouchers; as may be necessary for the performance of their duties.

 

21.7 The Auditors shall, if so requested by the Directors, make a report on the accounts of the Company during their tenure of office at the next annual general meeting following their appointment, and at any time during their term of office, upon request of the Directors or any general meeting of the Company.

 

22 Record dates

 

22.1 Except to the extent of any conflicting rights attached to Shares, the resolution declaring a dividend on Shares of any class, whether it be an Ordinary Resolution of the Members or a Director’s resolution, may specify that the dividend is payable or distributable to the persons registered as the holders of those Shares at the close of business on a particular date, notwithstanding that the date may be a date prior to that on which the resolution is passed.

 

22.2 If the resolution does so specify, the dividend shall be payable or distributable to the persons registered as the holders of those Shares at the close of business on the specified date in accordance with their respective holdings so registered, but without prejudice to the rights inter se in respect of the dividend of transferors and transferees of any of those Shares.

 

22.3 The provisions of this Article apply, mutatis mutandis, to bonuses, capitalisation issues, distributions of realised capital profits or offers or grants made by the Company to the Members.

 

23 Dividends

 

Source of dividends

 

23.1 Dividends may be declared and paid out of any funds of the Company lawfully available for distribution.

 

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23.2 Subject to the requirements of the Law regarding the application of a company’s Share premium account and with the sanction of an Ordinary Resolution, dividends may also be declared and paid out of any share premium account.

 

Declaration of dividends by Members

 

23.3 Subject to the provisions of the Law, the Company may by Ordinary Resolution declare dividends in accordance with the respective rights of the Members but no dividend shall exceed the amount recommended by the Directors.

 

Payment of interim dividends and declaration of final dividends by Directors

 

23.4 The Directors may declare and pay interim dividends or recommend final dividends in accordance with the respective rights of the Members if it appears to them that they are justified by the financial position of the Company and that such dividends may lawfully be paid.

 

23.5 Subject to the provisions of the Law, in relation to the distinction between interim dividends and final dividends, the following applies:

 

(a) Upon determination to pay a dividend or dividends described as interim by the Directors in the dividend resolution, no debt shall be created by the declaration until such time as payment is made.

 

(b) Upon declaration of a dividend or dividends described as final by the Directors in the dividend resolution, a debt shall be created immediately following the declaration, the due date to be the date the dividend is stated to be payable in the resolution.

 

If the resolution fails to specify whether a dividend is final or interim, it shall be assumed to be interim.

 

23.6 In relation to Shares carrying differing rights to dividends or rights to dividends at a fixed rate, the following applies:

 

(a) If the share capital is divided into different classes, the Directors may pay dividends on Shares which confer deferred or non-preferred rights with regard to dividends as well as on Shares which confer preferential rights with regard to dividends but no dividend shall be paid on Shares carrying deferred or non-preferred rights if, at the time of payment, any preferential dividend is in arrears.

 

(b) The Directors may also pay, at intervals settled by them, any dividend payable at a fixed rate if it appears to them that there are sufficient funds of the Company lawfully available for distribution to justify the payment.

 

(c) If the Directors act in good faith, they shall not incur any liability to the Members holding Shares conferring preferred rights for any loss those Members may suffer by the lawful payment of the dividend on any Shares having deferred or non-preferred rights.

 

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Apportionment of dividends

 

23.7 Except as otherwise provided by the rights attached to Shares all dividends shall be declared and paid according to the amounts Paid Up on the Shares on which the dividend is paid. All dividends shall be apportioned and paid proportionately to the amount Paid Up on the Shares during the time or part of the time in respect of which the dividend is paid. But if a Share is issued on terms providing that it shall rank for dividend as from a particular date, that Share shall rank for dividend accordingly.

 

Right of set off

 

23.8 The Directors may deduct from a dividend or any other amount payable to a person in respect of a Share any amount due by that person to the Company on a call or otherwise in relation to a Share.

 

Power to pay other than in cash

 

23.9 If the Directors so determine, any resolution declaring a dividend may direct that it shall be satisfied wholly or partly by the distribution of assets. If a difficulty arises in relation to the distribution, the Directors may settle that difficulty in any way they consider appropriate. For example, they may do any one or more of the following:

 

(a) issue fractional Shares;

 

(b) fix the value of assets for distribution and make cash payments to some Members on the footing of the value so fixed in order to adjust the rights of Members; and

 

(c) vest some assets in trustees.

 

How payments may be made

 

23.10 A dividend or other monies payable on or in respect of a Share may be paid in any of the following ways:

 

(a) if the Member holding that Share or other person entitled to that Share nominates a bank account for that purpose - by wire transfer to that bank account; or

 

(b) by cheque or warrant sent by post to the registered address of the Member holding that Share or other person entitled to that Share.

 

23.11 For the purposes of Article 23.10(a), the nomination may be in writing or in an Electronic Record and the bank account nominated may be the bank account of another person. For the purposes of Article 23.10(b), subject to any applicable law or regulation, the cheque or warrant shall be made to the order of the Member holding that Share or other person entitled to the Share or to his nominee, whether nominated in writing or in an Electronic Record, and payment of the cheque or warrant shall be a good discharge to the Company.

 

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23.12 If two or more persons are registered as the holders of the Share or are jointly entitled to it by reason of the death or bankruptcy of the registered holder (Joint Holders), a dividend (or other amount) payable on or in respect of that Share may be paid as follows:

 

(a) to the registered address of the Joint Holder of the Share who is named first on the register of Members or to the registered address of the deceased or bankrupt holder, as the case may be; or

 

(b) to the address or bank account of another person nominated by the Joint Holders, whether that nomination is in writing or in an Electronic Record.

 

23.13 Any Joint Holder of a Share may give a valid receipt for a dividend (or other amount) payable in respect of that Share.

 

Dividends or other monies not to bear interest in absence of special rights

 

23.14 Unless provided for by the rights attached to a Share, no dividend or other monies payable by the Company in respect of a Share shall bear interest.

 

Dividends unable to be paid or unclaimed

 

23.15 If a dividend cannot be paid to a Member or remains unclaimed within six weeks after it was declared or both, the Directors may pay it into a separate account in the Company’s name. If a dividend is paid into a separate account, the Company shall not be constituted trustee in respect of that account and the dividend shall remain a debt due to the Member.

 

23.16 A dividend that remains unclaimed for a period of six years after it became due for payment shall be forfeited to, and shall cease to remain owing by, the Company.

 

24 Capitalisation of profits

 

Capitalisation of profits or of any share premium account or capital redemption reserve;

 

24.1 The Directors may resolve to capitalise:

 

(a) any part of the Company’s profits not required for paying any preferential dividend (whether or not those profits are available for distribution); or

 

(b) any sum standing to the credit of the Company's share premium account or capital redemption reserve, if any.

 

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24.2 The amount resolved to be capitalised must be appropriated to the Members who would have been entitled to it had it been distributed by way of dividend and in the same proportions. The benefit to each Member so entitled must be given in either or both of the following ways::

 

(a) by paying up the amounts unpaid on that Member's Shares;

 

(b) by issuing Fully Paid Up Shares, debentures or other securities of the Company to that Member or as that Member directs. The Directors may resolve that any Shares issued to the Member in respect of Partly Paid Up Shares (Original Shares) rank for dividend only to the extent that the Original Shares rank for dividend while those Original Shares remain Partly Paid Up.

 

Applying an amount for the benefit of Members

 

24.3 The amount capitalised must be applied to the benefit of Members in the proportions to which the Members would have been entitled to dividends if the amount capitalised had been distributed as a dividend.

 

24.4 Subject to the Law, if a fraction of a Share, a debenture or other security is allocated to a Member, the Directors may issue a fractional certificate to that Member or pay him the cash equivalent of the fraction.

 

25 Share Premium Account

 

Directors to maintain share premium account

 

25.1 The Directors shall establish a share premium account in accordance with the Law. They shall carry to the credit of that account from time to time an amount equal to the amount or value of the premium paid on the issue of any Share or capital contributed or such other amounts required by the Law.

 

Debits to share premium account

 

25.2 The following amounts shall be debited to any share premium account:

 

(a) on the redemption or purchase of a Share, the difference between the nominal value of that Share and the redemption or purchase price; and

 

(b) any other amount paid out of a share premium account as permitted by the Law.

 

25.3 Notwithstanding the preceding Article, on the redemption or purchase of a Share, the Directors may pay the difference between the nominal value of that Share and the redemption purchase price out of the profits of the Company or, as permitted by the Law, out of capital.

 

26 Seal

 

Company seal

 

26.1 The Company may have a seal if the Directors so determine.

 

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Duplicate seal

 

26.2 Subject to the provisions of the Law, the Company may also have a duplicate seal or seals for use in any place or places outside the Cayman Islands. Each duplicate seal shall be a facsimile of the original seal of the Company. However, if the Directors so determine, a duplicate seal shall have added on its face the name of the place where it is to be used.

 

When and how seal is to be used

 

26.3 A seal may only be used by the authority of the Directors. Unless the Directors otherwise determine, a document to which a seal is affixed must be signed in one of the following ways:

 

(a) by a Director (or his alternate) and the Secretary; or

 

(b) by a single Director (or his alternate).

 

If no seal is adopted or used

 

26.4 If the Directors do not adopt a seal, or a seal is not used, a document may be executed in the following manner:

 

(a) by a Director (or his alternate) and the Secretary; or

 

(b) by a single Director (or his alternate); or

 

(c) in any other manner permitted by the Law.

 

Power to allow non-manual signatures and facsimile printing of seal

 

26.5 The Directors may determine that either or both of the following applies:

 

(a) that the seal or a duplicate seal need not be affixed manually but may be affixed by some other method or system of reproduction;

 

(b) that a signature required by these Articles need not be manual but may be a mechanical or Electronic Signature.

 

Validity of execution

 

26.6 If a document is duly executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Company, it shall not be regarded as invalid merely because, at the date of the delivery, the Secretary, or the Director, or other Officer or person who signed the document or affixed the seal for and on behalf of the Company ceased to be the Secretary or hold that office and authority on behalf of the Company.

 

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27 Indemnity

 

27.1 To the extent permitted by law, the Company shall indemnify each existing or former Director (including alternate Director), Secretary and other Officer of the Company (including an investment adviser or an administrator or liquidator) and their personal representatives against:

 

(a) all actions, proceedings, costs, charges, expenses, losses, damages or liabilities incurred or sustained by the existing or former Director (including alternate Director), Secretary or Officer in or about the conduct of the Company's business or affairs or in the execution or discharge of the existing or former Director's (including alternate Director's), Secretary’s or Officer’s duties, powers, authorities or discretions; and

 

(b) without limitation to paragraph (a), all costs, expenses, losses or liabilities incurred by the existing or former Director (including alternate Director), Secretary or Officer in defending (whether successfully or otherwise) any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative proceedings (whether threatened, pending or completed) concerning the Company or its affairs in any court or tribunal, whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere.

 

No such existing or former Director (including alternate Director), Secretary or Officer, however, shall be indemnified in respect of any matter arising out of his own dishonesty.

 

27.2 To the extent permitted by Law, the Company may make a payment, or agree to make a payment, whether by way of advance, loan or otherwise, for any legal costs incurred by an existing or former Director (including alternate Director), Secretary or Officer of the Company in respect of any matter identified in Article 27.1 on condition that the Director (including alternate Director), Secretary or Officer must repay the amount paid by the Company to the extent that it is ultimately found not liable to indemnify the Director (including alternate Director), Secretary or that Officer for those legal costs.

 

Release

 

27.3 To the extent permitted by Law, the Company may by Special Resolution release any existing or former Director (including alternate Director), Secretary or other Officer of the Company from liability for any loss or damage or right to compensation which may arise out of or in connection with the execution or discharge of the duties, powers, authorities or discretions of his office; but there may be no release from liability arising out of or in connection with that person’s own dishonesty.

 

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Insurance

 

27.4 To the extent permitted by Law, the Company may pay, or agree to pay, a premium in respect of a contract insuring each of the following persons against risks determined by the Directors, other than liability arising out of that person’s own dishonesty:

 

(a) an existing or former Director (including alternate Director), Secretary or Officer or auditor of:

 

(i) the Company;

 

(ii) a company which is or was a subsidiary of the Company;

 

(iii) a company in which the Company has or had an interest (whether direct or indirect); and

 

(b) a trustee of an employee or retirement benefits scheme or other trust in which any of the persons referred to in paragraph (a) is or was interested.

 

28 Notices

 

Form of notices

 

28.1 Save where these Articles provide otherwise, and subject to the Designated Stock Exchange Rules, any notice to be given to or by any person pursuant to these Articles shall be:

 

(a) in writing signed by or on behalf of the giver in the manner set out below for written notices; or

 

(b) subject to the next Article, in an Electronic Record signed by or on behalf of the giver by Electronic Signature and authenticated in accordance with Articles about authentication of Electronic Records; or

 

(c) where these Articles expressly permit, by the Company by means of a website.

 

Electronic communications

 

28.2 A notice may only be given to the Company in an Electronic Record if:

 

(a) the Directors so resolve;

 

(b) the resolution states how an Electronic Record may be given and, if applicable, specifies an email address for the Company; and

 

(c) the terms of that resolution are notified to the Members for the time being and, if applicable, to those Directors who were absent from the meeting at which the resolution was passed.

 

If the resolution is revoked or varied, the revocation or variation shall only become effective when its terms have been similarly notified.

 

28.3 A notice may not be given by Electronic Record to a person other than the Company unless the recipient has notified the giver of an Electronic address to which notice may be sent.

 

48

 

 

28.4 Subject to the Law, the Designated Stock Exchange Rules and to any other rules which the Company is bound to follow, the Company may also send any notice or other document pursuant to these Articles to a Member by publishing that notice or other document on a website where:

 

(a) the Company and the Member have agreed to his having access to the notice or document on a website (instead of it being sent to him);

 

(b) the notice or document is one to which that agreement applies;

 

(c) the Member is notified (in accordance with any requirements laid down by the Law and, in a manner for the time being agreed between him and the Company for the purpose) of:

 

(i) the publication of the notice or document on a website;

 

(ii) the address of that website; and

 

(iii) the place on that website where the notice or document may be accessed, and how it may be accessed; and

 

(d) the notice or document is published on that website throughout the publication period, provided that, if the notice or document is published on that website for a part, but not all of, the publication period, the notice or document shall be treated as being published throughout that period if the failure to publish that notice of document throughout that period is wholly attributable to circumstances which it would not be reasonable to have expected the Company to prevent or avoid. For the purposes of this Article 28.4 "publication period" means a period of not less than twenty-one days, beginning on the day on which the notification referred to in Article 28.4(c) is deemed sent.

 

Persons entitled to notices

 

28.5 Any notice or other document to be given to a Member may be given by reference to the register of Members as it stands at any time within the period of twenty-one days before the day that the notice is given or (where and as applicable) within any other period permitted by, or in accordance with the requirements of, (to the extent applicable) the Designated Stock Exchange Rules and/or the Designated Stock Exchanges. No change in the register of Members after that time shall invalidate the giving of such notice or document or require the Company to give such item to any other person.

 

Persons authorised to give notices

 

28.6 A notice by either the Company or a Member pursuant to these Articles may be given on behalf of the Company or a Member by a Director or company secretary of the Company or a Member.

 

49

 

 

Delivery of written notices

 

28.7 Save where these Articles provide otherwise, a notice in writing may be given personally to the recipient, or left at (as appropriate) the Member’s or Director’s registered address or the Company’s registered office, or posted to that registered address or registered office.

 

Joint holders

 

28.8 Where Members are joint holders of a Share, all notices shall be given to the Member whose name first appears in the register of Members.

 

Signatures

 

28.9 A written notice shall be signed when it is autographed by or on behalf of the giver, or is marked in such a way as to indicate its execution or adoption by the giver.

 

28.10 An Electronic Record may be signed by an Electronic Signature.

 

Evidence of transmission

 

28.11 A notice given by Electronic Record shall be deemed sent if an Electronic Record is kept demonstrating the time, date and content of the transmission, and if no notification of failure to transmit is received by the giver.

 

28.12 A notice given in writing shall be deemed sent if the giver can provide proof that the envelope containing the notice was properly addressed, pre-paid and posted, or that the written notice was otherwise properly transmitted to the recipient.

 

28.13 A Member present, either in person or by proxy, at any meeting of the Company or of the holders of any class of Shares shall be deemed to have received due notice of the meeting and, where requisite, of the purposes for which it was called.

 

Giving notice to a deceased or bankrupt Member

 

28.14 A notice may be given by the Company to the persons entitled to a Share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of a Member by sending or delivering it, in any manner authorised by these Articles for the giving of notice to a Member, addressed to them by name, or by the title of representatives of the deceased, or trustee of the bankrupt or by any like description, at the address, if any, supplied for that purpose by the persons claiming to be so entitled.

 

28.15 Until such an address has been supplied, a notice may be given in any manner in which it might have been given if the death or bankruptcy had not occurred.

 

50

 

 

Date of giving notices

 

28.16 A notice is given on the date identified in the following table

 

Method for giving notices When taken to be given
(A) Personally At the time and date of delivery
(B) By leaving it at the Member's registered address At the time and date it was left
(C) By posting it by prepaid post to the street or postal address of that recipient 48 hours after the date it was posted
(D) By Electronic Record (other than publication on a website), to recipient's Electronic address 48 hours after the date it was sent
(E) By publication on a website 24 hours after the date on which the Member is deemed to have been notified of the publication of the notice or document on the website

 

Saving provision

 

28.17 None of the preceding notice provisions shall derogate from the Articles about the delivery of written resolutions of Directors and written resolutions of Members.

 

29 Authentication of Electronic Records

 

Application of Articles

 

29.1 Without limitation to any other provision of these Articles, any notice, written resolution or other document under these Articles that is sent by Electronic means by a Member, or by the Secretary, or by a Director or other Officer of the Company, shall be deemed to be authentic if either Article 29.2 or Article 29.4 applies.

 

Authentication of documents sent by Members by Electronic means

 

29.2 An Electronic Record of a notice, written resolution or other document sent by Electronic means by or on behalf of one or more Members shall be deemed to be authentic if the following conditions are satisfied:

 

(a) the Member or each Member, as the case may be, signed the original document, and for this purpose Original Document includes several documents in like form signed by one or more of those Members; and

 

(b) the Electronic Record of the Original Document was sent by Electronic means by, or at the direction of, that Member to an address specified in accordance with these Articles for the purpose for which it was sent; and

 

(c) Article 29.7 does not apply.

 

51

 

 

29.3 For example, where a sole Member signs a resolution and sends the Electronic Record of the original resolution, or causes it to be sent, by facsimile transmission to the address in these Articles specified for that purpose, the facsimile copy shall be deemed to be the written resolution of that Member unless Article 28.7 applies.

 

Authentication of document sent by the Secretary or Officers of the Company by Electronic means

 

29.4 An Electronic Record of a notice, written resolution or other document sent by or on behalf of the Secretary or an Officer or Officers of the Company shall be deemed to be authentic if the following conditions are satisfied:

 

(a) the Secretary or the Officer or each Officer, as the case may be, signed the original document, and for this purpose Original Document includes several documents in like form signed by the Secretary or one or more of those Officers; and

 

(b) the Electronic Record of the Original Document was sent by Electronic means by, or at the direction of, the Secretary or that Officer to an address specified in accordance with these Articles for the purpose for which it was sent; and

 

(c) Article 29.7 does not apply.

 

This Article 29.4 applies whether the document is sent by or on behalf of the Secretary or Officer in his own right or as a representative of the Company.

 

29.5 For example, where a sole Director signs a resolution and scans the resolution, or causes it to be scanned, as a PDF version which is attached to an email sent to the address in these Articles specified for that purpose, the PDF version shall be deemed to be the written resolution of that Director unless Article 29.7 applies.

 

Manner of signing

 

29.6 For the purposes of these Articles about the authentication of Electronic Records, a document will be taken to be signed if it is signed manually or in any other manner permitted by these Articles.

 

Saving provision

 

29.7 A notice, written resolution or other document under these Articles will not be deemed to be authentic if the recipient, acting reasonably:

 

(a) believes that the signature of the signatory has been altered after the signatory had signed the original document; or

 

52

 

 

(b) believes that the original document, or the Electronic Record of it, was altered, without the approval of the signatory, after the signatory signed the original document; or

 

(c) otherwise doubts the authenticity of the Electronic Record of the document

 

and the recipient promptly gives notice to the sender setting the grounds of its objection. If the recipient invokes this Article, the sender may seek to establish the authenticity of the Electronic Record in any way the sender thinks fit.

 

30 Transfer by way of continuation

 

30.1 The Company may, by Special Resolution, resolve to be registered by way of continuation in a jurisdiction outside:

 

(a) the Cayman Islands; or

 

(b) such other jurisdiction in which it is, for the time being, incorporated, registered or existing.

 

30.2 To give effect to any resolution made pursuant to the preceding Article, the Directors may cause the following:

 

(a) an application be made to the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands to deregister the Company in the Cayman Islands or in the other jurisdiction in which it is for the time being incorporated, registered or existing; and

 

(b) all such further steps as they consider appropriate to be taken to effect the transfer by way of continuation of the Company.

 

31 Winding up

 

Distribution of assets in specie

 

31.1 If the Company is wound up the Members may, subject to these Articles and any other sanction required by the Law, pass a Special Resolution allowing the liquidator to do either or both of the following:

 

(a) to divide in specie among the Members the whole or any part of the assets of the Company and, for that purpose, to value any assets and to determine how the division shall be carried out as between the Members or different classes of Members; and/or

 

(b) to vest the whole or any part of the assets in trustees for the benefit of Members and those liable to contribute to the winding up.

 

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No obligation to accept liability

 

31.2 No Member shall be compelled to accept any assets if an obligation attaches to them.

 

31.3 The Directors are authorised to present a winding up petition

 

31.4 The Directors have the authority to present a petition for the winding up of the Company to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands on behalf of the Company without the sanction of a resolution passed at a general meeting.

 

32 Amendment of Memorandum and Articles

 

Power to change name or amend Memorandum

 

32.1 Subject to the Law, the Company may, by Special Resolution:

 

(a) change its name; or

 

(b) change the provisions of its Memorandum with respect to its objects, powers or any other matter specified in the Memorandum.

 

Power to amend these Articles

 

32.2 Subject to the Law and as provided in these Articles, the Company may, by Special Resolution, amend these Articles in whole or in part.

 

54

 

 

 

Exhibit 5.1

 

 

 

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited   D  +1 345 815 1877
c/o Avalon Trust & Corporate Services Ltd.   E  bradley.kruger@ogier.com
Landmark Square, 1st Floor    
64 Earth Close, PO Box 715   Reference: BKR/RZD/426800.00001
Grand Cayman KY1-1107    
Cayman Islands    
     
    27 November 2019

 

Dear Sirs

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited (the Company)

 

We have acted as Cayman Islands legal advisers to the Company in connection with the Company’s registration statement on Form F-1, including all amendments or supplements thereto (the Registration Statement), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission) under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Act) to date, relating to the offering by the Company of up to 4,840,000 ordinary shares (including the ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the underwriters' warrants and the ordinary shares issuable upon exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option) of the Company of par value US$0.00166667 each (the Shares). This opinion is given in accordance with the terms of the legal matters section of the Registration Statement.

 

Unless a contrary intention appears, all capitalised terms used in this opinion have the respective meanings set forth in the Registration Statement. A reference to a Schedule is a reference to a schedule to this opinion and the headings herein are for convenience only and do not affect the construction of this opinion.

 

1 Documents examined

 

For the purposes of giving this opinion, we have examined a copy of the Registration Statement. In addition, we have examined the corporate and other documents listed in Schedule 1. We have not made any searches or enquiries concerning, and have not examined any documents entered into by or affecting the Company or any other person, save for the searches, enquiries and examinations expressly referred to in Schedule 1.

  

{HTFL00051696; 1} Ogier

89 Nexus Way

Camana Bay

Grand Cayman, KY1-9009

Cayman Islands

 

T +1 345 949 9876

F +1 345 949 9877

ogier.com

  A list of Partners may be inspected on our website

 

BTLG3-9904025-3

 

 

 

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited

27 November 2019

  

 

2 Assumptions

 

In giving this opinion we have relied upon the assumptions set forth in Schedule 2 without having carried out any independent investigation or verification in respect of those assumptions.

 

3 Opinions

 

On the basis of the examinations and assumptions referred to above and subject to the qualifications set forth in Schedule 3 and the limitations set forth below, we are of the opinion that:

 

Corporate status

 

(a) The Company has been duly incorporated as an exempted company and is validly existing and in good standing with the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands (the Registrar).

 

Corporate power

 

(b) The Company has all requisite capacity and power under its M&A to issue the Shares as contemplated by the Registration Statement.

 

No conflict

 

(c) The issue of the Shares by the Company as contemplated by the Registration Statement do not contravene:

 

(i) the M&A; or

 

(ii) any law of the Cayman Islands applicable to the Company.

 

Share Capital

 

(d) Based solely on our review of the M&A, the authorised share capital of the Company is US$166,667 divided into 100,000,000 ordinary shares of US$0.00166667 par value (the Ordinary Shares).

 

(e) Based solely on our review of the Register of Members, a total of 30,000,000 Ordinary Shares are currently in issue as at the date thereof. Accordingly, based solely on our review of the M&A and Register of Members, the Company has sufficient number of Ordinary Shares within its authorized share capital to ensure it is able to issue the Shares as contemplated by the Registration Statement.

 

Issue of Shares

 

(f) The issue and allotment of the Shares has been authorised by all requisite corporate action of the Company and when allotted, issued and paid for as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Shares will be validly issued and allotted, fully paid and non-assessable. As a matter of Cayman Islands law, the Shares are only issued when they have been entered into the register of members of the Company.

  

2

 

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited

27 November 2019

 

 

Enforcement of foreign judgments

 

(g) Although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments or orders obtained in foreign courts (other than certain courts of Australia and its external territories), the courts of the Cayman Islands will recognise and enforce a foreign judgment or order, without re-examination or re-litigation of the matters adjudicated upon, if the judgment or order:

 

(i) is given by a foreign court of competent jurisdiction;

 

(ii) is final and conclusive;

 

(iii) is not in respect of a tax, fine or other penalty;

 

(iv) was not obtained by fraud; and

 

(v) is not of a kind, the enforcement of which is contrary to public policy in the Cayman Islands.

 

The courts of the Cayman Islands will apply the rules of Cayman Islands private international law to determine whether the foreign court is a court of competent jurisdiction. Subject to these limitations, the courts of the Cayman Islands will recognise and enforce a foreign judgment for a liquidated sum and may also give effect in the Cayman Islands to other kinds of foreign judgments, such as declaratory orders, orders for performance of contracts and injunctions.

 

Registration Statement – “Cayman Islands Taxation”

 

(h) Insofar as the statements set forth in the Registration Statement under the caption “Cayman Islands Taxation” purport to summarise certain tax laws of the Cayman Islands, such statements are accurate in all material respects and such statements constitute our opinion.

 

No litigation revealed

 

(i) Based solely on our investigation of the Register of Writs and Other Originating Process (Register of Writs), no litigation was pending in the Cayman Islands against the Company, nor had any petition been presented or order made for the winding up of the Company, as of the close of business on the day before our inspection.

 

4 Matters not covered

 

We offer no opinion:

 

(a) as to any laws other than the laws of the Cayman Islands, and we have not, for the purposes of this opinion, made any investigation of the laws of any other jurisdiction, and we express no opinion as to the meaning, validity, or effect of references in the Registration Statement to statutes, rules, regulations, codes or judicial authority of any jurisdiction other than the Cayman Islands;

  

BTLG3-9904025-3

 

3

 

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited

27 November 2019

 

 

(a) except to the extent that this opinion expressly provides otherwise, as to the commercial terms of, or the validity or effect of the Registration Statement (or as to how the commercial terms of the Registration Statement reflect the intentions of the parties), the accuracy of representations, the fulfilment of warranties or conditions or the existence of any conflicts or inconsistencies among the Registration Statement and any other agreements into which the Company may have entered or any other documents; or

 

(b) as to whether the issue of the Shares as contemplated by the Registration Statement will result in the breach of or infringe any other agreement, deed or document (other than the M&A) entered into by or binding on the Company.

 

5 Governing law of this opinion

 

5.1 This opinion is:

 

(a) governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, the laws of the Cayman Islands;

 

(b) limited to the matters expressly stated in it; and

 

(c) confined to, and given on the basis of, the laws and practice in the Cayman Islands at the date of this opinion.

 

5.2 Unless otherwise indicated, a reference to any specific Cayman Islands legislation is a reference to that legislation as amended to, and as in force at, the date of this opinion.

 

6 Consent

 

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the references to our firm in the Registration Statement. In the giving of our consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the Rules and Regulations of the Commission thereunder.

 

Yours faithfully

 

Ogier

 

BTLG3-9904025-3

 

4

 

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited

27 November 2019

 

Schedule 1 

 

Documents examined

 

1 The Certificate of Incorporation of the Company dated 7 February 2019 (the Certificate of Incorporation).

 

2 The amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of the Company adopted by special resolution passed on 16 October 2019 (the M&A).

 

3 A Certificate of Good Standing dated 21 November 2019 issued by the Registrar in respect of the Company (the Good Standing Certificate).

 

4 The written resolutions of the sole director of the Company passed on 16 October 2019 (the Board Resolutions).

 

5 The register of members of the Company dated 19 November 2019 (the Register of Members).

 

6 The Register of Writs at the office of the Clerk of Courts in the Cayman Islands as inspected by us on 27 November 2019.

 

BTLG3-9904025-3

 

5

 

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited

27 November 2019

 

Schedule 2 

 

Assumptions

 

Assumptions of general application

 

1 All original documents examined by us are authentic and complete.

 

2 All copy documents examined by us (whether in facsimile, electronic or other form) conform to the originals and those originals are authentic and complete.

 

3 All signatures, seals, dates, stamps and markings (whether on original or copy documents) are genuine.

 

4 Each of the Certificate of Incorporation, the M&A, the Register of Members, the Good Standing Certificate and the Board Resolutions is accurate and complete as at the date of this opinion.

 

5 The M&A is in full force and effect and has not been amended, varied, supplemented or revoked in any respect.

 

Status and Authorisation

 

6 In authorising the issue and allotment of Shares, the sole director of the Company has acted in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Company and has exercised the standard of care, diligence and skill that is required of him.

 

7 Any individuals who sign or have signed documents or give information on which we rely, have the legal capacity under all relevant laws (including the laws of the Cayman Islands) to sign such documents and give such information.

 

8 No steps have been taken by the Company to wind up the Company and no resolutions have been passed by the shareholders of the Company (the Shareholders) to wind up the Company.

 

9 The Company is not subject to any legal, arbitral, administration or other proceedings and no notice of an application or order for the appointment of a liquidator or receiver of the Company or any of its assets or of a winding-up of the Company has been received by the Company.

 

10 The powers and authority of the directors of the Company as set out in the M&A have not been varied or restricted by resolution or direction of the Shareholders.

 

11 There have been no sealing regulations made by the directors of the Company, any committee of directors of the Company or the Shareholders pursuant to the M&A.

 

12 The sole director of the Company has disclosed to the Company all of his direct or indirect interests that conflict or may conflict to a material extent with the interests of the Company.

 

13 The sole director of the Company at the date of the Board Resolutions, was and is Jiang Bo.

 

BTLG3-9904025-3

 

6

 

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited

27 November 2019

 

 

14 The Board Resolutions have been duly signed by the sole director of the Company and were passed in accordance with the M&A.

 

15 The Board Resolutions are in full force and effect, have not been amended, revoked or rescinded in any way and are the only resolutions passed by the sole director of the Company relating to the matters referred to therein.

 

16 None of the opinions expressed herein will be adversely affected by the laws or public policies of any jurisdiction other than the Cayman Islands. In particular, but without limitation to the previous sentence, the laws or public policies of any jurisdiction other than the Cayman Islands will not adversely affect the capacity or authority of the Company.

 

17 There are no agreements, documents or arrangements (other than the documents expressly referred to in this opinion as having been examined by us) that materially affect or modify the Registration Statement or the transactions contemplated by it or restrict the powers and authority of the Company in any way.

 

Sovereign immunity

 

18 The Company is not a sovereign entity of any state and does not have sovereign immunity for the purposes of the UK State Immunity Act 1978 (which has been extended by statutory instrument to the Cayman Islands).

  

BTLG3-9904025-3

 

7

 

 

Qilian International Holding Group Limited

27 November 2019

 

Schedule 3 

 

Qualifications

 

Good Standing

 

1 Under the Companies Law (Revised) (Companies Law) of the Cayman Islands annual returns in respect of the Company must be filed with the Registrar, together with payment of annual filing fees. A failure to file annual returns and pay annual filing fees may result in the Company being struck off the Register of Companies, following which its assets will vest in the Financial Secretary of the Cayman Islands and will be subject to disposition or retention for the benefit of the public of the Cayman Islands.

 

2 In good standing means only that as of the date of the Good Standing Certificate the Company is up-to-date with the filing of its annual returns and payment of annual fees with the Registrar. We have made no enquiries into the Company's good standing with respect to any filings or payment of fees, or both, that it may be required to make under the laws of the Cayman Islands other than the Companies Law.

 

3 In this opinion the phrase “non-assessable” means, with respect to Shares, that a member of the Company shall not, by virtue of its status as a member of the Company, be liable for additional assessments or calls on the Shares by the Company or its creditors (except in exceptional circumstances, such as involving fraud, the establishment of an agency relationship or an illegal or improper use or other circumstance in which a court may be prepared to pierce or lift the corporate veil).

 

Register of Writs

 

4 Our examination of the Register of Writs cannot conclusively reveal whether or not there is:

 

(a) any current or pending litigation in the Cayman Islands against the Company; or

 

(b) any application for the winding up or dissolution of the Company or the appointment of any liquidator or trustee in bankruptcy in respect of the Company or any of its assets,

 

as notice of these matters might not be entered on the Register of Writs immediately or the court file associated with the matter may not be accessible (for example, due to sealing orders having been made). Furthermore, we have not conducted a search of the summary court. Claims in the summary court are limited to a maximum of CI $20,000.

 

 

BTLG3-9904025-3

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.1

 

 

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

We hereby consent to the inclusion in this amendment No.1 to the Form F-1 (File No. 333-234460) of our report dated June 14, 2019, except for Note 2, as to which the date is September 6, 2019 and Notes 11, 13 and 14, as to which the date is November 1, 2019, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Qilian International Holding Group Limited as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, and for the years then ended. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.

  

 

/s/ Friedman LLP

 

 

New York, New York

November 27, 2019

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.4

 

November 27, 2019

 

VIA EDGAR

Ms. Bonnie Baynes

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Division of Corporation Finance

Office of Healthcare & Insurance

100 F Street, N.E.

Mail Stop 4631

Washington, DC 20549

 

Re: Qilian International Holding Group Ltd.
 

Amended Registration Statement on Form F-1

CIK No. 0001779578

  Request for Waiver and Representation under Item 8.A.4 of Form 20-F

  

Dear Ms. Baynes:

 

The undersigned, Qilian International Holding Group Ltd., a foreign private issuer organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “Company”), is submitting this letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) in connection with the Company’s amended registration statement on Form F-1 filed on November 27, 2019 (the “Amendment No.1”) relating to a proposed initial public offering and listing in the United States of the Company’s ordinary shares.

 

The Company has included in the Amendment No.1 its audited consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, and for each of the two fiscal years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, and unaudited interim consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2019, and for each of the six-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

The Company respectfully requests that the Commission waive the requirement of Item 8.A.4 of Form 20-F, which states that in the case of a company’s initial public offering, the registration statement on Form F-1 must contain audited financial statements of a date not older than 12 months from the date of the offering (the “12-Month Requirement”). See also Division of Corporation Finance, Financial Reporting Manual, Section 6220.3.

 

The Company is submitting this waiver request pursuant to Instruction 2 to Item 8.A.4 of Form 20-F, which provides that the Commission will waive the 12-Month Requirement “in cases where the company is able to represent adequately to us that it is not required to comply with this requirement in any other jurisdiction outside the United States and that complying with this requirement is impracticable or involves undue hardship.” See also the 2004 release entitled International Reporting and Disclosure Issues in the Division of Corporation Finance (available on the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov/divisions/corpfin/internatl/cfirdissues1104.htm) by the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of the Commission at Section III.B.c, in which the staff notes that:

 

“the instruction indicates that the staff will waive the 12-month requirement where it is not applicable in the registrant’s other filing jurisdictions and is impracticable or involves undue hardship. As a result, we expect that the vast majority of IPOs will be subject only to the 15-month rule. The only times that we anticipate audited financial statements will be filed under the 12-month rule are when the registrant must comply with the rule in another jurisdiction, or when those audited financial statements are otherwise readily available.”

 

In connection with this waiver request, the Company represents to the Commission that:

 

  1. The Company is not required by any jurisdiction outside the United States to prepare consolidated financial statements audited under any generally accepted auditing standards for any interim period.
  2. Full compliance with Item 8.A.4 of Form 20-F at present is impracticable and involves undue hardship for the Company.
  3. The Company does not anticipate that its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, will be available until December 2019.
  4. In no event will the Company seek effectiveness of the Amendment No.1 if its audited financial statements are older than 15 months at the time of the Company’s initial public offering.

 

 

 

 

The Company will file this letter as an exhibit to the Amendment No.1 pursuant to Instruction 2 to Item 8.A.4 of Form 20-F.

 

  Sincerely,
  /s/ Zhanchang Xin
  Zhanchang Xin, Chief Executive Officer