As
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 29, 2009
Registration
No.
333-
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
F-1
REGISTRATION
STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
AUTOCHINA
INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Cayman
Islands
|
5500
|
Not
Applicable
|
(State
or other jurisdiction of
incorporation
or organization)
|
(Primary
Standard Industrial
Classification
Code Number)
|
(I.R.S.
Employer
Identification
Number)
|
No.322,
Zhongshan East Road
Shijiazhuang,
Hebei
People’s
Republic of China
Tel: +86
311 8382 7688
Fax: +86
311 8381 9636
(Address,
including zip code, and telephone number, including
area
code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Yong Hui
Li
No.322,
Zhongshan East Road
Shijiazhuang,
Hebei
People’s
Republic of China
Tel: +86
311 8382 7688
Fax: +86
311 8381 9636
(Address,
including zip code, and telephone number,
including
area code, of agent for service)
With
copies to:
Mitchell
S. Nussbaum, Esq.
|
Loeb
& Loeb LLP
|
345
Park Avenue
|
New
York, New York 10154
|
(212)
407-4000
|
(212)
407-4990 — Facsimile
|
|
Approximate
date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
As soon
as practicable 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.
ý
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.
¨
CALCULATION
OF REGISTRATION FEE CHART
Title of Each Class of Security Being Registered
|
|
Amount
Being
Registered
(1)
|
|
Proposed
Maximum
Offering
Price
Per
Security(2)
|
|
|
Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering
Price(2)
|
|
|
Amount
of
Registration
Fee
|
|
Ordinary
Shares, par value $0.001 (3)
|
|
|
8,606,250
|
|
Shares
|
|
$
|
7.39
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(4)
|
|
$
|
63,600,187.50
|
|
|
$
|
3,548.89
|
|
Ordinary
Shares, par value $0.001 (5)
|
|
|
1,030,314
|
|
Shares
|
|
$
|
7.39
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(4)
|
|
$
|
7,614,020.46
|
|
|
$
|
424.86
|
|
Ordinary
Shares underlying warrants, par value $0.001 (6)
|
|
|
1,430,000
|
|
Shares
|
|
$
|
7.39
|
(7)
|
|
$
|
10,567,700.00
|
|
|
$
|
589.68
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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$
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81,781,907.96
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|
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$
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4,563.43
|
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(1)
|
Pursuant
to Rule 416 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the ordinary shares
offered hereby also include such presently indeterminate number of shares
of the Registrant’s ordinary shares as a result of stock splits, stock
dividends or similar transactions.
|
(2)
|
Estimated
solely for the purpose of calculating the registration
fee.
|
(3)
|
Represents
ordinary shares of the Registrant being registered for resale that have
been issued to Honest Best Int’l Ltd., as described in this registration
statement.
|
(4)
|
Calculated
pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
based on the average high and low price of the ordinary shares as quoted
through the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board on May 26,
2009.
|
(5)
|
Represents
ordinary shares of the Registrant being registered for resale that have
been issued to the founding shareholders named in this registration
statement.
|
(6)
|
Represents
ordinary shares of the Registrant underlying warrants being registered for
resale that have been issued to the founding shareholders name in this
registration statement.
|
(7)
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Calculated
pursuant to Rule 457(c) and Rule 457(g) under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, based on the average high and low price of the ordinary shares
as quoted through the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board on May 26,
2009.
|
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 or until the registration statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.
The
information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may
not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an
offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any state where the offer or sale is not
permitted.
|
|
|
PRELIMINARY
PROSPECTUS
|
SUBJECT
TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 29, 2009
|
11,066,564
Ordinary Shares
AutoChina
International Limited
This
prospectus relates to 11,066,564 ordinary shares of AutoChina International
Limited Cayman Island exempted company, that may be sold from time to time
by the Selling Shareholders named in this prospectus. This includes (i)
8,606,250 ordinary shares held by Honest Best Int’l Ltd., (ii) 1,030,314
ordinary shares purchased by AutoChina’s founding shareholders (its pre-initial
public offering shareholders), and (iii) 1,430,000 ordinary shares underlying
warrants purchased by AutoChina’s founding shareholders in a private placement
immediately prior to the initial public offering. AutoChina will not receive any
of the proceeds from the sale of the shares under this prospectus, although
AutoChina could receive up to $7,150,000 upon the exercise of all of the
warrants held by the founding shareholders, the underlying ordinary
shares of which are being registered hereunder, assuming the
warrants are not exercised on a cashless basis.
The
prices at which the Selling Shareholders may sell their shares will be
determined by the prevailing market price for the shares or pursuant to
privately negotiated transactions. Information regarding the Selling
Shareholders and the times and manner in which they may offer and sell the
shares under this prospectus is provided under “Selling Shareholders” in this
prospectus.
AutoChina’s
ordinary shares, warrants and units (defined as consisting of one ordinary share
and one warrant to purchase one ordinary share) are traded on the
Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbols SCRQF, SCRWF and SCRUF,
respectively. On May 26, 2009, the closing sale price of the ordinary shares,
warrants and units was $7.39, $1.10 and $7.95, respectively. You are urged to
obtain current market quotations of AutoChina’s ordinary shares before
purchasing any of the shares being offered for sale pursuant to this
prospectus.
The
Selling Shareholders, and any broker-dealer executing sell orders on behalf of
the Selling Shareholders, may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning
of the Securities Act of 1933. Commissions received by any broker-dealer may be
deemed to be underwriting commissions under the Securities Act of
1933.
INVESTING
IN OUR ORDINARY SHARES IS HIGHLY RISKY. YOU SHOULD INVEST IN OUR ORDINARY SHARES
ONLY IF YOU CAN AFFORD TO LOSE YOUR ENTIRE INVESTMENT. FOR A DISCUSSION OF SOME
OF THE RISKS INVOLVED, SEE “RISK FACTORS” BEGINNING ON PAGE 4 OF THIS
PROSPECTUS.
Neither
the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has
approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or
accuracy of the prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
The
date of this prospectus is May 29, 2009.
This
prospectus is not an offer to sell any securities other than the ordinary shares
offered hereby. This prospectus is not an offer to sell securities in any
circumstances in which such an offer is unlawful.
You
should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not
authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making
an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You
should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate
as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus.
We
obtained statistical data, market data and other industry data and forecasts
used throughout this prospectus from publicly available information. While we
believe that the statistical data, industry data, forecasts and market research
are reliable, we have not independently verified the data, and we do not make
any representation as to the accuracy of the information.
ENFORCEABILITY
OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
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1
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PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY
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2
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RISK
FACTORS
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4
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THE
OFFERING
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26
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PER
SHARE MARKET INFORMATION
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27
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CAUTIONARY
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
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28
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USE
OF PROCEEDS
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29
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EXPENSES
RELATED TO THIS OFFERING
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29
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CAPITALIZATION
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30
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MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
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31
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UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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44
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BUSINESS
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50
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DIRECTORS,
SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
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67
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PRINCIPAL
SHAREHOLDERS
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79
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SHARES
ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
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81
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CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
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83
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DESCRIPTION
OF SECURITIES
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88
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SELLING
SHAREHOLDERS
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93
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PLAN
OF DISTRIBUTION
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95
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TAXATION
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96
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LEGAL
MATTERS
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102
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EXPERTS
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103
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WHERE
YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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103
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ENFORCEABILITY
OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
AutoChina
International Limited is a Cayman Island exempted company and most of its
executive offices are located outside of the United States in the People’s
Republic of China. Most of its directors, officers and some of the experts named
in this prospectus reside outside the United States. In addition, a substantial
portion of its assets and the assets of its directors, officers and experts are
located outside of the United States. As a result, you may have difficulty
serving legal process within the United States upon AutoChina International
Limited or any of these persons. You may also have difficulty enforcing, both in
and outside the United States, judgments you may obtain in U.S. courts against
AutoChina International Limited or these persons in any action, including
actions based upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. federal or state
securities laws.
Furthermore,
there is substantial doubt that the courts of the Cayman Islands or the People’s
Republic of China would enter judgments in original actions brought in those
courts predicated on U.S. federal or state securities laws.
PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY
This
summary highlights key information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and is
qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information and financial
statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. It may not contain all of the
information that is important to you. You should read the entire prospectus,
including “Risk Factors,” our consolidated financial statements and the related
notes thereto and condensed consolidated financial statements and the related
notes thereto, and the other documents to which this prospectus refers, before
making an investment decision.
Unless
otherwise stated in this prospectus,
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·
|
references to “we,” “us” or
“our company” refer to AutoChina International
Limited;
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|
·
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references to “ACG” refer to
AutoChina Group Inc. (together with its subsidiaries and affiliated
entities);
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·
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references to “founding
shareholders” refer collevtively to James Cheng-Jee Sha, Diana Chia-Huei
Liu, William Tsu-Cheng Yu, Jimmy (Jim) Yee-Ming Wu and Gary Han Ming
Chang, each of whom purchased AutoChina shares and warrants prior to our
initial public offering;
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·
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references to “PRC” or “China”
refer to the People’s Republic of
China;
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·
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references to “dollars” or “$”
refer to the legal currency of the United
States;
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·
|
references to “public
shareholders” refer to the holders of shares purchased in AutoChina’s
initial public offering; and
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|
·
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references to “business
combination” refer to AutoChina’s acquisition of AutoChina Group Inc. on
April 9, 2009.
|
Overview
AutoChina
International Limited (“AutoChina”) is a holding company whose primary business
operations are conducted through its wholly owned subsidiary, AutoChina Group
Inc. (together with its subsidiaries and affiliated entities,
“ACG”).
AutoChina
was incorporated in the Cayman Islands on October 16, 2007 under the name
“Spring Creek Acquisition Corp.” as a blank check company for the purpose of
acquiring, through a stock exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business
combination, or controlling, through contractual arrangements, an operating
business, that had its principal operations in Greater China (including Hong
Kong, Macau and Taiwan).
On April
9, 2009, we acquired all of the outstanding securities of ACG from Honest Best
Int’l Ltd., resulting in ACG becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of AutoChina.
Promptly after the acquisition of ACG, we changed our name to “AutoChina
International Limited.”
Prior to
the acquisition of ACG, AutoChina had no operating business.
ACG is a
leading one-stop commercial vehicle sales and leasing and consumer automobile
sales company in China. Founded in 2005 by Chairman and CEO, Yong Hui Li, ACG
operates in two primary business segments: commercial vehicle sales and leasing
business; and sales of branded automobiles through its nationally recognized
dealer network.
AutoChina’s
principal executive office is located at No.322, Zhongshan East Road;
Shijiazhuang, Hebei; People’s Republic of China. Its telephone number is +86 311
8382 7688.
Risks
Affecting AutoChina
In
evaluating the resale of the shares of AutoChina’s ordinary shares, you should
carefully read this prospectus and especially consider the factors discussed in
the section titled “Risk Factors” commencing on page 4.
RISK
FACTORS
You
should carefully consider the following risk factors, together with all of the
other information included in this prospectus.
Risks
related to ACG’s Business
ACG
depends on its ability to enter into and renew leases for most of its
properties. In addition, certain lands or buildings where ACG operates its
business in China do not have proper title or the head lessor’s consent for a
sub-lease and ACG may fail to, or need to incur further expenses or time to,
secure legal right to use certain lands or buildings which it leases in
China.
ACG
requires substantial storage facilities to store its inventory for motor
vehicles (i.e. cars and commercial vehicles). ACG rents or leases most of its
storage facilities and dealership lots from third parties under tenancy or lease
agreements. Depending on market conditions for real estate, landlords or lessors
may increase rentals to a rate not acceptable by ACG and which may lead to ACG
not renewing the tenancies or leases upon their expirations. If these tenancies
or leases are terminated and if there are no ready alternative locations of
storage facilities and dealership lots for ACG to store its inventory and/or
sell motor vehicles or if ACG is forced to accept the increased rentals or are
not able to relocate to a suitable place, ACG’s business, results of operations
and financial conditions could be materially and adversely
affected.
Approximately
117 of 129 parcels of land and/or buildings in China leased and occupied by ACG
for its business operations have certain title defects or lack documentation
supporting claim to title and the use of the leased premises may be challenged
and ACG may need to relocate its existing business operations.
Furthermore,
if such plots of land leased to ACG are collectively-owned land and ACG operates
its business on them for non-agricultural uses without special permission,
subject to the Land Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China, the
administrative departments at or above county level may order the termination of
such leases.
In any of
the above events, ACG may be required to terminate the existing leases and
relocate its existing business operations. There can be no assurance that ACG
can replace the existing leases with other comparative alternative premises
without any material adverse effect on its operations.
The
automotive and truck retailing industry is sensitive to changing economic
conditions and various other factors. ACG’s business and results of operations
are substantially dependent on new vehicle sales levels in China and in its
particular geographic markets and the level of gross profit margins that it can
achieve on its sales of new vehicles, all of which are very difficult to
predict.
ACG
believes that many
factors affect sales of new vehicles and automotive retailers’ gross profit
margins in China and in its particular geographic markets, including the
economy, inflation, recession or economic slowdown, consumer confidence, housing
markets, fuel prices, credit availability, the level of manufacturers’
production capacity, manufacturer incentives (and consumers’ reaction to such
offers), intense industry competition, interest rates, the level of personal
discretionary spending, product quality, affordability and innovation,
employment/unemployment rates, the number of consumers whose vehicle leases are
expiring, and the length of consumer loans on existing vehicles. Changes in
interest rates could significantly impact industry new vehicle sales and vehicle
affordability, due to the direct relationship between interest rates and monthly
loan payments, a critical factor for many vehicle buyers, and the impact
interest rates can have on customers’ borrowing capacity and disposable income.
If there is a decline in the availability of credit for car purchasers provided
by third-party financing companies or if ACG has insufficient resources to
purchase adequate numbers of commercial vehicles and to finance their
installment sales to customers, the ability of certain customers to purchase
vehicles could be limited, resulting in a decline in sales or profits. In
addition, the levels of commercial vehicle sales is significantly dependent on
the level of shipping of basic materials, such as coal and
grain.
The
overall demand for vehicles increased significantly in China from 2001 to 2008.
However, recently, certain adverse financial developments have impacted the
global financial markets. Theses developments include a general slowing of
economic growth both in China and globally, substantial volatility in equity
securities markets, and volatility and tightening of liquidity in credit
markets. While ACG conducts market research on the demand for automobiles in
China, it is difficult for industry participants, including ACG, to predict how
long these conditions will exist and how they will affect the automobile
industry and its business. As a result, these developments could continue to
present risks for an extended period of time for ACG, including a potential
slowdown in its sales to customers, increase in interest expense on its bank
borrowings, or reduction of the amount of banking facilities currently available
to it.
If this
economic downturn continues, ACG’s business, financial condition and results of
operations would likely be adversely affected, its cash position may further
erode and it may be required to seek new financing, which may not be obtainable
on acceptable terms or at all. ACG may also be required to reduce its capital
expenditures, which in turn could hinder its ability to implement its business
plan and to improve its productivity.
ACG
is dependent upon the success and continued financial viability of the vehicle
manufacturers and distributors with which it holds franchises.
The
success of ACG’s stores is dependent on vehicle manufacturers in several key
respects. First, ACG relies exclusively on the various vehicle manufacturers for
its new vehicle inventory. ACG’s ability to sell new vehicles is dependent on a
vehicle manufacturer’s ability to produce and allocate to its stores an
attractive, high quality, and desirable product mix at the right time in order
to satisfy customer demand. Second, manufacturers generally support their
franchisees by providing direct financial assistance in various areas,
including, among others, inventory financing assistance and advertising
assistance. Third, manufacturers provide product warranties and, in some cases,
service contracts, to customers. ACG’s stores perform warranty and service
contract work for vehicles under manufacturer product warranties and service
contracts, and directly bill the manufacturer as opposed to invoicing the store
customer. At any particular time, it has significant receivables from
manufacturers for warranty and service work performed for customers. In
addition, ACG relies on manufacturers to varying extents for original equipment
manufactured replacement parts, training, product brochures and point of sale
materials, and other items for its stores.
The core
brands of vehicles that ACG sells are manufactured by BMW, Audi, Hyundai, Ford,
General Motors (Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac), ROEWE, Mazda, Ruida Kia, FAW
Car, Qingling, Peugeot and FAW Toyota. In particular, Audi represented over 24%
of ACG’s new vehicle revenue in 2008. ACG is subject to a concentration of risk
in the event of financial distress, including potential bankruptcy, of a major
vehicle manufacturer. In the event of such a bankruptcy, among other things, (i)
the manufacturer could attempt to terminate all or certain of its franchises,
and ACG may not receive adequate compensation for them, (ii) ACG may not be able
to collect some or all of its significant receivables that are due from such
manufacturers and it may be subject to preference claims relating to payments
made by manufacturers prior to bankruptcy, (iii) ACG may not be able to obtain
financing for its new vehicle inventory, or arrange financing for its customers
for their vehicle purchases and leases, with the manufacturer’s captive finance
subsidiary, which may cause ACG to finance its new vehicle inventory, and
arrange financing for its customers, with alternate finance sources on less
favorable terms, and (iv) consumer demand for their products could be reduced.
These events may result in receivables due from such manufacturers and adversely
impact its results of operations. In addition, vehicle manufacturers may be
adversely impacted by economic downturns or recessions, significant declines in
the sales of their new vehicles, increases in interest rates, declines in their
credit ratings, labor strikes or similar disruptions (including within their
major suppliers), supply shortages or rising raw material costs, rising employee
benefit costs, adverse publicity that may reduce consumer demand for their
products (including due to bankruptcy), product defects, vehicle recall
campaigns, litigation, poor product mix or unappealing vehicle design,
governmental laws and regulations, or other adverse events.
ACG’s
new vehicle sales are impacted by the consumer incentive and marketing programs
of vehicle manufacturers.
Most
vehicle manufacturers from time to time have established various incentive and
marketing programs designed to spur consumer demand for their vehicles. In
addition, certain manufacturers offer extended product warranties or free
service programs to consumers. From time to time, manufacturers modify and
discontinue these dealer assistance and consumer incentive and marketing
programs, which could significantly reduce ACG’s new vehicle and aftermarket
product sales, consolidated results of operations, and cash
flows.
ACG
is subject to restrictions imposed by, and significant influence from, vehicle
manufacturers that may adversely impact its business, financial condition,
results of operations, cash flows, and prospects, including its ability to
acquire additional stores.
Vehicle
manufacturers and distributors with whom ACG holds franchises have significant
influence over the operations of ACG’s stores. The terms and conditions of its
framework, franchise, and related agreements and the manufacturers’ interests
and objectives may, in certain circumstances, conflict with its interests and
objectives.
ACG’s
framework, franchise, and related agreements also grant the manufacturer the
right to terminate or compel ACG to sell its franchise for a variety of reasons
(including uncured performance deficiencies, any unapproved change of ownership
or management, or any unapproved transfer of franchise rights or impairment of
financial standing or failure to meet capital requirements), subject to
applicable franchise laws. From time to time, certain major manufacturers assert
sales and customer satisfaction performance deficiencies under the terms of such
framework and franchise agreements. Additionally, ACG’s framework agreements
contain restrictions regarding a change in control, which may be outside of its
control. While ACG believes that it will be able to renew all of its franchise
agreements, it cannot guarantee that all of its franchise agreements will be
renewed or that the terms of the renewals will be favorable to it. ACG cannot
assure you that its stores will be able to comply with manufacturers’ sales,
customer satisfaction performance, and other requirements in the future, which
may affect its ability to acquire new stores or renew its franchise agreements,
or subject it to other adverse actions, including termination or compelled sale
of a franchise, any of which would significantly impact its ability to sell
affected vehicles. Furthermore, ACG relies on the protection of state franchise
laws in the states in which it operates and if those laws are repealed or
weakened, its framework and related agreements may become more susceptible to
termination, non-renewal, or renegotiation.
ACG’s
operations, including, without limitation, its sales of finance and insurance,
are subject to extensive governmental laws and regulations.
The
automotive retailing industry, including ACG’s facilities and operations, is
subject to a wide range of central and local laws and regulations, such as those
relating to motor vehicle sales, retail installment sales, leasing, sales of
finance and insurance, licensing, consumer protection, consumer privacy,
escheatment, environmental, vehicle emissions and fuel economy, health and
safety, wage-hour and other employment practices. Specifically with respect to
motor vehicle sales, retail installment sales, leasing, and the sale of finance
and insurance at its stores, ACG is subject to various laws and regulations, the
violation of which could subject it to lawsuits or governmental investigations
and adverse publicity, in addition to administrative, civil, or criminal
sanctions. The violation of other laws and regulations to which ACG are subject
also can result in administrative, civil, or criminal sanctions against it,
which may include a cease and desist order against the subject operations or
even revocation or suspension of its license to operate the subject business, as
well as significant fines and penalties.
ACG
may be subject to broad liabilities arising from environmental protection
laws.
ACG may
be subject to broad liabilities arising out of contamination at its currently
and formerly owned or operated facilities, at locations to which hazardous
substances were transported from such facilities, and at such locations related
to entities formerly affiliated with it. Although for some such liabilities ACG
believes it is entitled to indemnification from other entities, ACG cannot
assure you that such entities will view their obligations as it does, or will be
able to satisfy them.
ACG’s
growth is dependent upon the availability of suitable sites.
ACG
leases a majority of the properties where its stores are located. If and when
ACG decides to open new stores, the inability to acquire suitable real estate,
either through lease or purchase, at favorable terms could limit the expansion
of its lot base and could limit its expansion strategy.
ACG’s
businesses are subject to seasonal fluctuations.
The third
quarter has historically been the slowest period for car and truck sales.
Conversely, the fourth quarter has historically been the busiest time for car
and truck sales. Therefore, ACG generally realizes a higher proportion of its
revenue and operating profit during the fourth quarter. The demand for repair,
maintenance and parts is not highly seasonal. If conditions arise that impair
vehicle sales during the fourth quarter, revenues for that year will be
significantly reduced.
Any
security breach involving the misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized
disclosure of confidential information, whether by ACG or by third-party service
providers, could damage its reputation, expose it to the risks of litigation and
liability, disrupt its business or otherwise harm its results of
operations.
In the
normal course of business, ACG collects, processes and retains sensitive and
confidential customer information. Despite the security measures it has in
place, its facilities and systems, and those of third-party service providers,
could be vulnerable to security breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses,
misplaced or lost data, programming or human errors or other similar events. Any
security breach involving the misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized
disclosure of confidential information, whether by ACG or by third-party service
providers, could damage its reputation, expose it to the risks of litigation and
liability, disrupt its business or otherwise harm its results of
operations.
Automotive
manufacturers exercise significant control over ACG’s operations and ACG depends
on them in order to operate its business.
Manufacturers
exercise a great degree of control over ACG’s operations. For example,
manufacturers can require ACG to meet specified standards of appearance, require
it to meet specified financial criteria such as maintenance of minimum net
working capital and, in some cases, minimum net worth, impose minimum customer
service and satisfaction standards, set standards regarding the maintenance of
inventories of vehicles and parts and govern the extent to which its businesses
can utilize the manufacturers’ names and trademarks. In many cases the
manufacturer must consent to the replacement of the principal.
ACG’s
manufacturers generally require that the premises meet defined image and
facility standards and may direct it to implement costly capital improvements as
a condition for renewing certain franchise agreements. All of these requirements
could impose significant capital expenditures on ACG in the future.
Pursuant
to ACG’s franchise agreements, its operations are required to maintain a certain
minimum working capital, as determined by the manufacturers. This requirement
could force ACG to utilize available capital to maintain manufacturer-required
working capital levels thereby limiting its ability to apply profits generated
from one subsidiary for use in other subsidiaries or, in some cases, at the
parent company. These factors, either alone or in combination, could cause ACG
to divert its financial resources to capital projects from uses that management
believes may be of higher long-term value to it.
ACG
is subject to a number of risks associated with importing vehicles.
ACG’s
business involves the sale of new and used vehicles, vehicle parts or vehicles
composed of parts that are manufactured outside China. As a result, ACG’s
operations are subject to customary risks associated with imported merchandise,
including fluctuations in the value of currencies, import duties, exchange
controls, differing tax structures, trade restrictions, transportation costs,
work stoppages and general political and economic conditions in foreign
countries.
The
countries from which ACG’s vehicles and/or parts are imported may, from time to
time, impose new quotas, duties, tariffs or other restrictions, or adjust
presently prevailing quotas, duties or tariffs on imported merchandise. Any of
those impositions or adjustments could affect ACG’s operations and its ability
to purchase imported vehicles and parts at reasonable prices.
Substantial
competition in automotive sales and services may adversely affect ACG’s
profitability due to its need to lower prices to sustain sales and
profitability.
The
automotive retail industry in China is highly competitive. Depending on the
geographic market, ACG competes with:
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franchised
automotive dealerships in its markets that sell similar makes of new and
used vehicles that it offers, occasionally at lower prices than it
does;
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other
national or regional affiliated groups of franchised
dealerships;
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private
market buyers and sellers of used vehicles;
and
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independent
service and repair shops.
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ACG may
face significant competition as it strives to gain market share. Some of ACG’s
competitors may have greater financial, marketing and personnel resources and
lower overhead and sales costs than it has. ACG typically relies on advertising,
merchandising, sales expertise, service reputation and dealership location in
order to sell new vehicles. Although its franchise agreements with manufacturers
grant ACG the right to sell their products within certain geographic areas, its
revenues and profitability may be materially and adversely affected if competing
dealerships expand their market share or are awarded additional franchises by
manufacturers that supply its dealerships. Additionally, market practice in the
PRC allows multiple non-exclusive dealerships distributing the same brand of
motor vehicles in the same city or region.
ACG also
competes with other independent dealers, and to a lesser degree with (i) the
used vehicle retail operations of franchised automotive dealerships, (ii)
independent used vehicle dealers, and (iii) individuals who sell used vehicles
in private transactions. ACG competes for both the purchase and resale of used
vehicles. ACG’s competitors may sell the same or similar makes of vehicles that
it offers in the same or similar markets at competitive prices. Increased
competition in the market, including new entrants to the market, could result in
increased wholesale costs for used vehicles and lower-than expected vehicle
sales and margins. Further, if any of ACG’s competitors seek to gain or retain
market share by reducing prices for used vehicles, it would likely reduce its
prices in order to remain competitive, which may result in a decrease in its
sales and profitability and require a change in its operating
strategies.
In
addition to competition for vehicle sales, ACG’s dealerships compete with
independent garages for non-warranty repair and routine maintenance business.
ACG’s dealerships compete with other automotive dealers, service stores and
automobile parts retailers in their parts operations. ACG believes that the
principal competitive factors in service and parts sales are the quality of
customer service, the use of factory-approved replacement parts, familiarity
with a manufacturer’s brands and models, convenience, the competence of
technicians, location, and price.
Claims
that the software products and information systems that ACG relies on are
infringing on the intellectual property rights of others could increase its
expenses or inhibit it from offering certain services, which could adversely
affect its results of operations.
A number
of entities, including some of ACG’s competitors, have sought, or may in the
future obtain, patents and other intellectual property rights that cover or
affect software products and other components of information systems that ACG
relies on to operate its business.
Litigation
may be necessary to determine the validity and scope of third-party rights or to
defend against claims of infringement. If a court determines that one or more of
the software products or other components of information systems ACG uses
infringe on intellectual property owned by others or ACG agrees to settle such a
dispute, it may be liable for money damages. In addition, ACG may be required to
cease using those products and components unless it obtains licenses from the
owners of the intellectual property, redesign those products and components in
such a way as to avoid infringement or cease altogether the use of those
products and components. Each of these alternatives could increase ACG’s
expenses materially or impact the marketability of its services. Any litigation,
regardless of the outcome, could result in substantial costs and diversion of
resources and could have a material adverse effect on ACG’s business. In
addition, a third-party intellectual property owner might not allow ACG to use
its intellectual property at any price, or on terms acceptable to it, which
could compromise ACG’s competitive position.
ACG
relies on an adequate supply of skilled field personnel.
In order
to continue to provide high quality repair and maintenance services, ACG
requires an adequate supply of skilled field managers and technicians. Trained
and experienced automotive field personnel are in high demand, and may be in
short supply in some areas. ACG cannot assure that it will be able to attract,
motivate and maintain an adequate skilled workforce necessary to operate its
existing and future stores efficiently, or that labor expenses will not increase
as a result of a shortage in the supply of skilled field personnel, thereby
adversely impacting its financial performance. While the automotive repair
industry generally operates with high field employee turnover, any material
increases in employee turnover rates in ACG’s stores or any widespread employee
dissatisfaction could also have a material adverse effect on its business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Store
closings result in unexpected costs that could adversely affect ACG’s results of
operations.
From time
to time, in the ordinary course of ACG’s business, it closes certain stores,
generally based on considerations of store profitability, competition, strategic
factors and other considerations. Closing a store could subject ACG to costs
including the write-down of leasehold improvements, equipment, furniture and
fixtures. In addition, ACG could remain liable for future lease
obligations.
ACG’s
business is affected by advances in automotive technology.
The
demand for ACG’s parts and repair and maintenance services could be adversely
affected by continuing developments in automotive technology. Automotive
manufacturers are producing cars that last longer and require service and
maintenance at less frequent intervals in certain cases. Quality improvement of
manufacturers’ original equipment parts has in the past reduced, and may in the
future reduce, demand for ACG’s products and services, adversely affecting its
sales. For example, manufacturers’ use of stainless steel exhaust components has
significantly increased the life of those parts, thereby decreasing the demand
for exhaust repairs and replacements. Longer and more comprehensive warranty or
service programs offered by automobile manufacturers and other third parties
also could adversely affect the demand for ACG’s non-warranty repair and
maintenance services. In addition, advances in automotive technology continue to
require ACG to incur additional costs to update its diagnostic capabilities and
technical training programs.
Significant
defaults by financing customers could significantly reduce ACG’s
revenues.
ACG’s
commercial vehicle sales and leasing business generates income from financing
customers. Although ACG does extensive pre-sale credit research on its customers
and has a security interest in its leased vehicles, if customers fail to make
payments when due ACG may not be able to fully recover the outstanding fee and
it could significantly reduce ACG’s revenues.
A
loss of distribution rights granted by ACG's suppliers, or any material disputes
between ACG and its suppliers may adversely affect the results of operations and
financial condition of ACG.
ACG
relies on dealership rights granted by motor vehicle manufacturers for
distribution of their products. All of these dealership or supply agreements are
not on an exclusive basis and have an expiration date.
These
dealership contracts are generally for one to three year terms and are subject
to termination by ACG or the principal with prior written notice in accordance
with the terms of such contracts. Complete or partial termination of these
distribution rights agreements could materially and adversely affect ACG's
business operations and financial performance. For example, such termination
could result from disagreements regarding differences between sales targets and
actual achievements, disputes regarding advertising and promotion expenses or
changes in business strategy. There can be no assurance that any particular
supplier will not terminate these distribution rights in the future. ACG may
also be unable to obtain or renew these dealership supply agreements on
commercially acceptable terms and may not be able to continue to distribute
these products after the expiration date.
In
addition, there may be a material dispute between ACG and a supplier in
connection with the performance of a party's obligations or the scope of a
party's responsibilities under the relevant dealership or supply agreements with
its motor vehicle principals or consumer product supplier.
If any of
the above happens, the business and operations of ACG may suffer and the
dealership agreements may even be terminated by mutual consent of the parties,
unilaterally or as a result of a material breach by one of them.
The
loss of any key members of the management team may impair ACG’s ability to
identify and secure new contracts with customers or otherwise manage its
business effectively.
ACG’s
success depends, in part, on the continued contributions of its senior
management. In particular, Mr. Yong Hui Li has been appointed by the Board of
Directors to oversee and supervise the strategic direction and overall
performance of ACG.
ACG
relies on its senior management to manage its business successfully. In
addition, the relationships and reputation that members of ACG’s management team
have established and maintained with its customers contribute to ACG’s ability
to maintain good customer relations, which is important to the direct selling
strategy that ACG adopts. Employment contracts entered into between ACG and its
senior management cannot prevent its senior management from terminating their
employment, and the death, disability or resignation of Mr. Yong Hui Li or any
other member of ACG’s senior management team may impair ACG’s ability to
maintain business growth and identify and develop new business opportunities or
otherwise to manage its business effectively.
ACG
relies on its information technology, billing and credit control systems, and
any problems with these systems could interrupt ACG’s operations.
ACG’s
business cannot be managed effectively without its integrated information
technology system. Accordingly, ACG runs various “real time” integrated
information technology management systems for its motor vehicle sales and
financing business. These systems include ACG Information Management System.
ACG’s operations are heavily dependent on its integrated information technology
system to enable it to manage its sales and services effectively.
In
addition, sophisticated billing and credit control systems are critical to ACG’s
ability to increase revenue streams, avoid revenue loss and potential credit
problems, and bill customers in a proper and timely manner. If adequate billing
and credit control systems and programs are unavailable, or if upgrades are
delayed or not introduced in a timely manner, or if ACG is unable to integrate
such systems and software programs into its billing and credit systems, ACG may
experience delayed billing which may negatively affect ACG’s cash flow and the
results of its operations.
In case
of a failure of ACG’s data storage system, ACG may lose critical operational or
billing data or important email correspondence with its customers and suppliers.
Any such data stored in the core data center may be lost if there is a lapse or
failure of the disaster recovery system in backing up these data, or if the
periodic offline backup is insufficient in frequency or scope. An interruption
or breakdown in ACG’s integrated information technology system may have a
material adverse effect on its business, financial conditions and results of
operations due to disruption of its operations.
Natural
disasters and adverse weather events can disrupt ACG’s business.
ACG’s
stores are concentrated in provinces and regions in China, including primarily
Hebei, Shanxi, Shandong, Henan, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Tianjin, in
which actual or threatened natural disasters and severe weather events (such as
severe snowstorms, earthquakes, fires and landslides) may disrupt store
operations, which may adversely impact its business, results of operations,
financial condition, and cash flows. In addition to business interruption, the
automotive retailing business is subject to substantial risk of property loss
due to the significant concentration of property values at store locations.
Although ACG has, subject to certain deductibles, limitations, and exclusions,
substantial insurance, it cannot assure you that it will not be exposed to
uninsured or underinsured losses that could have a material adverse effect on
its business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Additionally, ACG generally relies on third-party transportation operators and
distributors for the delivery of vehicles from the manufacturer to ACG’s stores.
Delivery may be disrupted for various reasons, many of which are beyond ACG’s
control, including natural disasters, weather conditions or social unrest and
strikes, which could lead to delayed or lost deliveries. For example, recently
the southern regions of China experienced the most severe winter weather in
nearly 50 years, causing, among other things, severe disruptions to all forms of
transportation for several weeks in late January and early February 2008. This
natural disaster also impacted the delivery of vehicles to stores. In addition,
transportation conditions are often generally difficult in some of the regions
where ACG sells automobiles and commercial vehicles. ACG currently does not have
business interruption insurance to offset these potential losses, delays and
risks, so a material interruption of its business operations could severely
damage its business.
ACG’s
ongoing expansion into commercial vehicle sales and leasing may be costly,
time-consuming and difficult. If ACG does not successfully expand this business,
its results of operations and prospects would not be as positive as
anticipated.
ACG’s
future success is dependent upon its ability to successfully expand its
commercial vehicle sales and leasing business which it commenced in April 2008.
ACG opened 103 commercial vehicle financing centers in 2008 and 2 additional
commercial vehicle financing centers in January 2009, and it plans to open an
additional 45 centers in China in 2009. ACG has limited experience with this
business and may not be able to expand its sales in its existing or new markets
due to a variety of factors, including the risk that customers in some areas may
be unfamiliar with its brand or the commercial vehicle sales and leasing
business model. Furthermore, ACG may fail to anticipate and address competitive
conditions in the commercial vehicle sales and lease market. These competitive
conditions may make it difficult or impossible for ACG to effectively expand
this business. If ACG’s expansion efforts in existing and new markets are
unsuccessful, its results of operations and prospects would be materially and
adversely affected.
If
required financing for ACG’s commercial leasing business were not available or
not available on acceptable terms, the commercial leasing business might not be
able to expand as quickly as expected, reducing ACG’s operating
results.
ACG’s
ability to expand its commercial truck financing business is dependent on its
ability to purchase commercial trucks for resale. Presently, such financing is
arranged through financing arrangements with Beiguo Commercial Building Limited
(“Beiguo”). The terms provided by Beiguo are on terms which are more favorable
than ACG has historically been able to obtain from PRC commercial banks. However
there can be no assurance that ACG can continue to receive such financing from
Beiguo on such commercially favorable terms, or at all.
If
financing from Beiguo were not available, ACG would fund its commercial vehicle
purchases from its own cash reserves or financing provided by third-party
financial institutions. There can be no assurance that ACG will have sufficient
resources or be able to obtain adequate third party financing on as commercially
favorable terms as that provided by Beiguo or at all. If suitable financing were
not available, ACG would not be able to expand its commercial leasing business
in as quickly as expected.
ACG
may not succeed in identifying suitable acquisition targets, which could limit
its ability to expand its operations and service offerings and enhance its
competitiveness.
ACG has
pursued and may in the future pursue strategic acquisition opportunities to
increase its scale and geographic presence and expand the number of its product
offerings. However, ACG may not be able to identify suitable acquisition or
investment candidates, or, even if it does identify suitable candidates, it may
not be able to complete those transactions on terms commercially favorable to it
or at all, which could limit its competitiveness and its growth
prospects.
ACG
may face unforeseen liabilities and have difficulty integrating the operations
of companies it acquires in the future.
If ACG
acquires other companies in the future, it could face the following
risks:
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difficulty
in assimilating the target company’s personnel, operations, products,
services and technology into its
operations;
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the
presence of unforeseen or unrecorded
liabilities;
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entry
into unfamiliar markets;
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inability
to generate sufficient revenues to offset acquisition
costs;
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tax
and accounting issues;
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incurrence
of significantly higher capital expenditures and operating
expenses;
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disrupting
its ongoing business;
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impairing
relationships with employees, manufacturers and
customers;
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incorrectly
valuing acquired entities; and
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failing
to obtain or retain key personnel at new or acquired
dealerships.
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In
addition, employees from acquired companies may decide not to work with ACG or
to leave shortly after joining it. These difficulties could disrupt ACG’s
ongoing business, distract its management and current employees and increase its
expenses, including write-offs or impairment charges. Acquired companies also
may not perform to ACG’s expectations for various reasons, including the loss of
key personnel, key distributors, key suppliers or key customers, and its
strategic focus may change. As a result, ACG may not realize the benefits it
anticipated from the acquisition. If ACG fails to integrate acquired businesses
or realize the expected benefits, it may lose the return on the investment in
these acquisitions or incur additional transaction costs and its operations may
be negatively impacted as a result. Further, any acquisition or investment that
ACG attempts, whether or not completed, or any media reports or rumors with
respect to any such transactions, may adversely affect its competitiveness, its
growth prospects, and the value of its ordinary shares.
ACG’s
business is capital intensive and ACG’s growth strategy may require additional
capital that may not be available on favorable terms or at all.
ACG has,
in the past, entered into loan agreements in order to raise additional capital.
ACG’s business requires significant capital and although it believes that its
current cash, cash flow from operations and the cash of AutoChina will be
sufficient to meet its present and reasonably anticipated cash needs, it may, in
the future, require additional cash resources due to changed business
conditions, implementation of its strategy to expand its store network or other
investments or acquisitions it may decide to pursue. If ACG’s own financial
resources are insufficient to satisfy its capital requirements, it may seek to
sell additional equity or debt securities or obtain additional credit facilities
following the acquisition. The sale of additional equity securities could result
in dilution to ACG’s shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result
in increased debt service obligations and could require ACG to agree to
operating and financial covenants that would restrict its operations. Financing
may not be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to ACG, if at all. Any
failure by ACG to raise additional funds on terms favorable to it, or at all,
could limit its ability to expand its business operations and could harm its
overall business prospects.
Due
to ACG’s rapid growth in recent years, its past results may not be indicative of
its future performance and evaluating its business and prospects may be
difficult.
AutoChina’s
business has grown and evolved rapidly in recent years as demonstrated by its
growth in net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 to $6.1
million, from $2.2 million for the prior period in 2007. AutoChina may not be
able to achieve similar growth in future periods, and its historical operating
results may not provide a meaningful basis for evaluating its business,
financial performance and prospects. Therefore, you should not rely on
AutoChina’s past results or its historical rate of growth as an indication of
its future performance.
ACG
requires various approvals, licenses, authorizations, certificates, filings and
permits to operate its business and the loss of or failure to obtain or renew
any or all of these approvals, licenses, authorizations, certificates, filings
and permits could limit its ability to conduct its business.
In
accordance with the laws and regulations of the PRC, ACG is required to maintain
various approvals, licenses, authorizations, certificates, filings and permits
in order to operate ACG’s business. ACG’s business could be affected by the
promulgation of new laws and regulations introducing new requirements (such as
new approvals, licenses, authorizations, certificates filings and/or permits).
In addition, companies incorporated in the PRC will be required to pass an
annual inspection conducted by the respective Administration of Industry and
Commerce in order to retain valid business approvals, license, authorizations,
certificates, filings and permits for their operations. As the PRC’s legislative
system evolves, it is also not uncommon for new laws and regulations to be
promulgated and put into effect on short notice. Failure to comply with these
laws and regulations, pass these inspections, or the loss of or failure to renew
its licenses, permits and certificates or any change in the government policies,
could lead to temporary or permanent suspension of some of ACG’s business
operations or the imposition of penalties on ACG, which could limit its ability
to conduct its business.
Failure
by ACG’s suppliers to introduce new models that are accepted by the market may
cause it to lose market share and fail to gain the anticipated economic benefits
of such new products.
ACG’s
future success will be largely dependent on the ability of ACG’s motor vehicles
suppliers to launch new models to suit changing customers’ needs in China and to
continually enhance the performance and reliability of their existing automobile
models. If the vehicles manufactured by ACG’s suppliers do not receive the
anticipated market reception or customer preferences or the market for its
products change, ACG’s future development and market share in the industry, and
therefor its overall financial condition, may be materially and adversely
affected.
AutoChina’s
ability to pay dividends and utilize cash resources of its subsidiaries is
dependent upon the earnings of, and distributions by, AutoChina’s subsidiaries
and jointly-controlled enterprises.
AutoChina
a holding company with substantially all of ACG’s business operations conducted
through its subsidiaries and jointly-controlled enterprises. AutoChina’s ability
to make dividend payments depends upon the receipt of dividends, distributions
or advances from its subsidiaries and jointly-controlled enterprises. The
ability of its subsidiaries and jointly-controlled enterprises to pay dividends
or other distributions may be subject to their earnings, financial position,
cash requirements and availability, applicable laws and regulations and to
restrictions on making payments to AutoChina or ACG contained in financing or
other agreements. These restrictions could reduce the amount of dividends or
other distributions that AutoChina receives from its subsidiaries and
jointly-controlled enterprises, which could restrict its ability to fund its
business operations and to pay dividends to its shareholders. AutoChina’s future
declaration of dividends may or may not reflect its historical declarations of
dividends and will be at the absolute discretion of the Board of
Directors.
Wang
Yan, the wife of Yong Hui Li, the chairman and chief executive officer of ACG
and a director and the chairman and chief executive officer of AutoChina,
is the beneficial owner of a substantial amount of AutoChina’s ordinary shares
and Ms. Wang may take actions with respect to such shares which are not
consistent with the interests of the other shareholders.
Wang Yan,
the wife of Yong Hui Li, the chairman and chief executive officer of ACG and a
director and the chairman and chief executive officer of AutoChina, beneficially
owns approximately 80.31% of the outstanding ordinary shares of AutoChina as of
the date of this registration statement, without taking into account AutoChina’s
outstanding warrants and assuming that there are no other changes to the number
of ordinary shares outstanding. Under SEC rules, Mr. Li can be deemed to
beneficially own such shares. Ms. Wang may take actions with respect to such
shares without the approval of other shareholders and which are not consistent
with the interests of the other shareholders, including the election of the
directors and other corporate actions of AutoChina such as:
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its
merger with or into another
company;
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a
sale of substantially all of its assets;
and
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amendments
to its memorandum and articles of
incorporation.
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The
decisions of Ms. Wang may conflict with AutoChina’s interests or the interests
of AutoChina’s other shareholders.
Prior
to AutoChina’s acquisition of ACG on April 9, 2009, AutoChina had not had
operations, and ACG had not operated as a public company. Fulfilling AutoChina’s
obligations incident to being a public company will be expensive and time
consuming.
Prior to
AutoChina’s acquisition of ACG on April 9, 2009, AutoChina had not had
operations, and ACG had not operated as a public company. Each of AutoChina and
ACG have maintained relatively small finance and accounting staffs. Neither
AutoChina nor ACG currently has an internal audit group. Although AutoChina has
maintained disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over
financial reporting as required under the Federal securities laws with respect
to its very limited activities, it has not been required to maintain and
establish these disclosure controls and procedures and internal control as will
be required with respect to businesses such as ACG with substantial operations.
Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the related rules and regulations of
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), AutoChina will need to
implement additional corporate governance practices and adhere to a variety of
reporting requirements and complex accounting rules. Compliance with these
obligations will require significant management time, place significant
additional demands on AutoChina’s and ACG’s finance and accounting staffs and on
their financial, accounting and information systems, and increase their
insurance, legal and financial compliance costs. AutoChina may also need to hire
additional accounting and financial staff with appropriate public company
experience and technical accounting knowledge.
Risks Relating to
the Motor Vehicle Industry in China
Excess
supply in the PRC automobile market could reduce ACG’s profits and
growth.
Automobile
sales in the PRC have been growing rapidly between 2001 and 2007, and this
growth has encouraged industry participants to enter the automobile retail
market through import or expansion of production capacities. This may have
resulted, and may continue to result, in an excess supply of automobiles in the
market, particularly in light of the recent economic slowdown in China and
around the world, which in turn can reduce ACG’s car and truck
sales.
Imposition
of fuel economy standards on PRC automotive manufacturers and the proposed
imposition of higher automobile consumption taxes may have a negative effect on
the revenues and profits of PRC automobile importers, dealers and distributors,
including ACG.
The PRC
government adopted new automobile consumption taxes on April 1, 2006 which
increased the consumption tax rate on passenger cars with cylinder capacity of
more than 2.0 litres. In particular, the tax on passenger cars with a cylinder
capacity of more than 2.0 litres and up to 2.5 litres has been increased by 1%;
those with a cylinder capacity of more than 2.5 litres and up to 3.0 litres has
been increased by 4%; those with a cylinder capacity of more than 3.0 litres and
up to 4.0 litres has been increased by 7%; and those with a cylinder capacity of
more than 4.0 litres has been increased by 12%. AutoChina cannot assure you that
the automobile consumption tax rate will not be raised in the future, which
would increase the costs of vehicles with relatively large cylinder capacity.
Car importers, dealers and distributors in the PRC might not be able to
successfully pass on the tax increase as higher prices to customers. Even if
such increased costs are added to selling prices, such increase in prices could
result in a decline in vehicle sales. Such an increase in cost of good sold or
decline in demand may have an adverse effect on the revenues and profits of car
importers, dealers and distributors in the PRC, including ACG.
Automobile
importers, dealers and distributors in the PRC, including ACG, may expend
considerable resources in order to comply with the Regulations on Recall of
Defective Automotive Products, which took effect in October 2004.
The PRC’s
Regulations on Recall of Defective Automotive Products came into effect on
October 1, 2004. This regulation requires automotive distributors to assist
automobile manufacturers to undertake service actions or recall campaigns. Any
such actions or campaigns may require automotive distributors to expend
considerable resources in detecting and reporting to the regulatory authorities
of any potential design defects, defective component parts or assembly defects
in the automobile-related products distributed, which could influence purchasing
decisions of potential purchasers of the vehicles distributed by ACG or
adversely affect the reputation of the products distributed by ACG, thereby
negatively affecting sales and profitability of ACG. Material failures by
automobile distributors to perform their obligations under such regulations may
also subject the distributors to certain penalties and fines.
The
proposed adoption of the “three guarantees” policy on vehicles sold in the PRC
may have a negative effect on the revenues and profits of ACG.
The PRC
government is considering adopting the Regulations on Non-Commercial Passenger
Vehicle Repair, Exchange and Return Responsibilities (commonly referred to as
the “three guarantees” policy) in the near future. The new regulations are
designed to make it easier for buyers of vehicles which are to be used for
non-commercial purposes to hold the dealers primarily responsible for quality
defects in motor vehicles, regardless of the contractual allocation of such
liabilities between the manufacturers and dealers. These regulations provide,
among other things, that a purchaser can return a vehicle to the dealers at no
cost or, in some circumstances, at a nominal cost, if (i) a major quality
problem occurs within 30 days of the purchase or, (ii) such vehicle has the same
quality problem after five repair attempts or (iii) the aggregate time for all
quality-related repairs of such vehicle exceeds 35 days over a specified term
(usually two years).
If these
regulations are introduced as described above or in a similar form, the costs of
compliance with such regulations and the potential product defect liability, if
it occurs, could reduce ACG’s profitability. Even if ACG passes along such costs
to consumers in the form of higher selling prices, the increase in sales prices
could cause a decline in market demand and result in a material adverse effect
on the revenues and profits of ACG.
Any
trade or other political disputes between countries may affect ACG’s selection
of motor vehicles to be imported and sales turnover.
Approximately
2.1% of the motor vehicles sold by ACG are imported from Japan, Europe and U.S.
There may be occasions when trade or other political disputes or tensions arise
between countries of imports and the countries of exports which are beyond ACG’s
control. Depending on the response of society to the government’s stance to such
disputes, the demand for the products imported from the countries which are
subject to the trade disputes may be affected, and hence affect ACG’s selection
of the product as well as the overall sales turnover. There is no assurance that
the customers would prefer one brand over the other or the vehicles made by one
country over the other country. In any of such events, this will cause a decline
in ACG’s sales turnover and affect ACG’s financial condition and results of
operations.
Fuel
shortages and fluctuations in fuel prices may adversely affect the demand for
automobiles.
Fuel
prices are inherently volatile and have experienced significant rise from 2001
to 2008. Any surge in fuel prices will have an adverse effect on world economies
and, in particular, on the world’s automobile industries. For example, in 2007,
rising global oil prices and rising demand for fuel have led to fuel shortages
in China. This is due in part to increased automobile ownership as well as
government controls over fuel prices.
If the
PRC central government continues to control the price of domestic refined oil to
stabilize the market and demand for fuel in China continues to increase in line
with rising annual GDP, it is possible that further shortages will occur. If the
cost of fuel in the China continues to increase, consumers may elect to use
alternative means of transportation, and demand for automobiles, particularly
those with larger engine capacities, may decline.
Risks
to AutoChina’s Shareholders
If
outstanding warrants are exercised, the underlying ordinary shares will be
eligible for future resale in the public market. “Market overhang” from the
warrants results in dilution and could reduce the market price of the ordinary
shares.
Outstanding
warrants and unit purchase options to purchase an aggregate of 8,962,500
ordinary shares issued in connection with AutoChina’s initial public offering
and the private placement that took place immediately prior to the initial
public offering became exercisable after AutoChina’s acquisition of ACG on April
9, 2009. If they are exercised, a substantial number of additional shares of
AutoChina’s ordinary shares will be eligible for resale in the public market,
which may reduce the market price.
Because
AutoChina does not intend to pay dividends on its ordinary shares, shareholders
will benefit from an investment in AutoChina’s ordinary shares only if it
appreciates in value.
AutoChina
has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its ordinary shares. AutoChina
currently intends to retain all future earnings, if any, for use in the
operations and expansion of the business. As a result, AutoChina does not
anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future
determination as to the declaration and payment of cash dividends will be at the
discretion of AutoChina’s Board of Directors and will depend on factors
AutoChina’s Board of Directors deems relevant, including among others,
AutoChina’s results of operations, financial condition and cash requirements,
business prospects, and the terms of AutoChina’s credit facilities and other
financing arrangements. Accordingly, realization of a gain on shareholders’
investments will depend on the appreciation of the price of AutoChina’s ordinary
shares. There is no guarantee that AutoChina’s ordinary shares will appreciate
in value.
AutoChina’s
securities are quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board, which may limit the liquidity
and price of its securities more than if the securities were quoted or listed on
the Nasdaq market.
AutoChina’s
securities are quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board, a NASD-sponsored and operated
inter-dealer automated quotation system. Quotation of AutoChina’s securities on
the OTC Bulletin Board will limit the liquidity and price of its securities more
than if the securities were quoted or listed on Nasdaq. AutoChina is in the
process of applying for listing on Nasdaq, however there can be no assurance
that AutoChina will be approved for listing on Nasdaq or that such listing, if
approved, will be maintained.
AutoChina
may choose to redeem its outstanding warrants at a time that is disadvantageous
to the warrant holders.
Subject
to there being a current prospectus under the Securities Act of 1933, AutoChina
may redeem all of its outstanding warrants at any time at a price of $.01 per
warrant, upon a minimum of 30 days prior written notice of redemption if, and
only if, the last sale price of AutoChina’s ordinary shares equals or exceeds
$11.50 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading day period ending
three business days before AutoChina sends the notice of redemption. Calling all
of AutoChina’s outstanding warrants for redemption could force the warrant
holders:
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to
exercise the warrants and pay the exercise price for such warrants at a
time when it may be disadvantageous for the holders to do
so;
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to
sell the warrants at the then current market price when they might
otherwise wish to hold the warrants;
or
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to
accept the nominal redemption price which, at the time the warrants are
called for redemption, is likely to be substantially less than the market
value of the warrants.
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AutoChina’s
warrant holders may not be able to exercise their warrants, which may create
liability for AutoChina.
Holders
of the warrants AutoChina issued in its initial public offering and private
placement will be able to receive shares upon exercise of the warrants only if
(i) a current registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 relating
to the shares of its ordinary shares underlying the warrants is then effective
and (ii) such shares are qualified for sale or exempt from qualification under
the applicable securities laws of the states in which the various holders of
warrants reside. Although AutoChina has agreed to use its best efforts to
maintain a current registration statement covering the shares underlying the
warrants to the extent required by federal securities laws, and AutoChina
intends to comply with such agreement, AutoChina cannot assure you that it will
be able to do so. In addition, some states may not permit AutoChina to register
the shares issuable upon exercise of its warrants for sale. The value of the
warrants will be greatly reduced if a registration statement covering the shares
issuable upon the exercise of the warrants is not kept current or if the
securities are not qualified, or exempt from qualification, in the states in
which the holders of warrants reside. Holders of warrants who reside in
jurisdictions in which the shares underlying the warrants are not qualified and
in which there is no exemption will be unable to exercise their warrants and
would either have to sell their warrants in the open market or allow them to
expire unexercised. If and when the warrants become redeemable by AutoChina,
AutoChina may exercise its redemption right even if AutoChina is unable to
qualify the underlying securities for sale under all applicable state securities
laws. Since AutoChina’s obligations in this regard are subject to a “best
efforts” standard, it is possible that, even if AutoChina is able to
successfully assert a defense to a claim by warrant holders due to the
impossibility of registration, a court may impose monetary damages on AutoChina
to compensate warrant holders due to the change in circumstances that led to
AutoChina being unable to fulfill its obligations.
Risks
Related to AutoChina’s Corporate Structure and Restrictions on its
Industry
Contractual
arrangements in respect of certain companies in the PRC may be subject to
challenge by the relevant governmental authorities and may affect ACG’s
investment and control over these companies and their operations.
According
to Foreign Investment Industries Guidance Catalogue, which was introduced in
1995 and was later amended in 1997 (the “1995 Catalogue”), ACG’s motor vehicle
distribution business was classified as “restricted,” and foreign enterprises
were not allowed to own controlling equity stakes in restricted
businesses. Because ACG is a Cayman Islands company and it holds the
equity interests of its PRC subsidiaries indirectly through Fancy Think, a Hong
Kong company, its PRC subsidiaries are treated as foreign invested enterprises
under PRC laws and regulations. To comply with PRC laws and regulations, ACG
conducts its operations in China through a series of contractual arrangements
entered into with the Auto Kaiyuan Companies and their shareholder (the
“Enterprise Agreements”). Pursuant to the Enterprise Agreements, ACG has
exclusive rights to obtain the economic benefits and assume the business risks
of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies from their shareholders, and generally has control
of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies. The Auto Kaiyuan Companies are considered
variable interest entities, and AutoChina is the primary beneficiary. ACG’s
relationships with the Auto Kaiyuan Companies and their shareholder are governed
by the Enterprise Agreements between Chuanglian, a wholly owned subsidiary of
ACG, and each of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies, which are the operating companies
of ACG in the PRC. The Auto Kaiyuan Companies hold and its subsidiaries hold the
relevant business licenses to carry out the business. The Enterprise
Agreements generally profollowing rights:
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(i)
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the
right to enjoy the economic benefits of these companies, to exercise
management control over the operations of these companies, and to prevent
leakages of assets and values to the registered owners of these companies;
and
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(ii)
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the
right to acquire, if and when permitted by PRC law, the equity interests
in these companies at no consideration or for a nominal
price.
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Pursuant
to these Enterprise Agreements, ACG is able to consolidate the financial results
of Huiyin Investment, Hua An Investment, Kaiyuan Logistics and Kaiyuan Auto
Trade (collectively referred to as the “the Auto Kaiyuan Companies”), which are
accounted for as subsidiaries of ACG under the prevailing accounting principles.
There can be no assurance that the relevant governmental authority will not
challenge the validity of these contractual arrangements or that the
governmental authorities in the PRC will not promulgate laws or regulations to
invalidate such arrangements in the future.
If
AutoChina’s ownership structure, contractual arrangements and businesses, its
PRC subsidiaries and Auto Kaiyuan Companies are found to be in violation of any
existing or future PRC laws or regulations, the relevant regulatory authorities
would have broad discretion in dealing with such violations,
including:
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revoking
the business and operating licenses of AutoChina’s PRC subsidiaries or
Auto Kaiyuan Companies, which business and operating licenses are
essential to the operation of AutoChina’s
business;
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confiscating
AutoChina’s or ACG’s income or the income of its PRC subsidiaries or Auto
Kaiyuan Companies;
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shutting
down its commercial vehicle sales and leasing and sales of branded
automobiles businesses;
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discontinuing
or restricting its operations or the operations of AutoChina’s PRC
subsidiaries or Auto Kaiyuan
Companies;
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imposing
conditions or requirements with which AutoChina, ACG, AutoChina’s PRC
subsidiaries or Auto Kaiyuan Companies may not beable to
comply;
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requiring
AutoChina, AutoChina’s PRC subsidiaries or Auto Kaiyuan Companies to
restructure their relevant ownership structure, operations or contractual
arrangements;
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restricting
or prohibiting AutoChina’s use of the proceeds from AutoChina’s initial
public offering to finance its business and operations in China;
and
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taking
other regulatory or enforcement actions that could be harmful to the
business of the Auto Kaiyuan
Companies.
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In March
2002, the State Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce
jointly promulgated a revised “Foreign Investment Industries Guidance Catalogue”
(the “2002 Catalogue”) to replace the 1995 Catalogue. The 2002 Catalogue came
into effect on April 1, 2002. In the 2002 Catalogue, general trading (excluding
dealerships) and logistics businesses were added to the encouraged category.
Enterprises falling under this category can be wholly owned by foreign
enterprises. The 2002 Catalogue allows motor vehicle distribution businesses to
be wholly owned by foreign enterprises by the end of 2006. In November 2004, a
newly revised “Foreign Investment Industries Guidance Catalogue” (the “2004
Catalogue”) was promulgated to replace the 2002 Catalogue. The 2004 Catalogue
came into effect on January 1, 2005 and did not amend the provisions in the 2002
Catalogue with respect to motor vehicle distribution. ACG intends to and is in
the process of converting the existing contractual arrangements into direct
equity interests owned by ACG.
ACG’s PRC
Counsel, Zhong Lun Law Firm, advised that there is no foreseeable legal
impediment to the conversion of these contractual arrangements to a direct
ownership structure, or to the conversion of all of ACG’s other contractual
arrangements since the applicable foreign investment restrictions have been
lifted and conversion of all such arrangements would not adversely affect the
tax payments and other financial matters of ACG. Due to the various necessary
submission and approval procedures, the conversion for the above-mentioned
companies is still in process. If before the completion of such conversion, any
of these contractual arrangements is challenged by the governmental authorities,
or the contracts for such arrangements are breached by the counterparties and
ACG is unable to obtain a judgment to its favor to enforce its contractual
rights, or if there is any change of the PRC laws or regulations to explicitly
prohibit such arrangements, ACG may lose control over, and revenues from, these
companies, which will materially affect ACG’s financial condition and results of
operations. Such conversion may include various approvals from governmental
authorities and submissions of related documents (e.g. proper land use rights
certificates and/or tenancy agreements for buildings), therefore there can be no
assurance that such approval may be obtained in due course.
The
shareholder of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies may have potential conflicts of
interest with AutoChina, which may materially and adversely affect AutoChina’s
business and financial condition.
ACG has
contractual arrangements with respect to operating the business with the Auto
Kaiyuan Companies, and the shareholder of Auto Kaiyuan Companies is Kaiyuan Real
Estate, a company registered in the PRC and wholly owned by ACG’s Chairman and
CEO, Mr. Yong Hui Li. Although Auto Kaiyuan Companies and Kaiyuan Real Estate
have given undertakings to act in the best interests of ACG, AutoChina cannot
assure you that when conflicts arise, these individuals will act in AutoChina’s
best interests or that conflicts will be resolved in AutoChina’s
favor.
AutoChina
may lose the ability to use and enjoy assets held by the Auto Kaiyuan Companies
that are important to the operation of its business if such entity goes bankrupt
or becomes subject to a dissolution or liquidation proceeding.
As part
of ACG’s contractual arrangements with the Auto Kaiyuan Companies and their
shareholders, the Auto Kaiyuan Companies hold certain assets that are important
to the operation of AutoChina’s business. If the Auto Kaiyuan Companies go
bankrupt and all or part of its assets become subject to liens or rights of
third-party creditors, ACG may be unable to continue some or all of its business
activities, which could materially and adversely affect ACG’s or AutoChina’s
business, financial condition and results of operations. If the Auto Kaiyuan
Companies undergo a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, the
unrelated third-party creditors may claim rights to some or all of these assets,
thereby hindering ACG’s ability to operate ACG’s business, which could
materially and adversely affect ACG’s and AutoChina’s business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Contractual
arrangements ACG has entered into among its subsidiaries and the Auto Kaiyuan
Companies may be subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities and a finding
that AutoChina, ACG or the Auto Kaiyuan Companies owe additional taxes could
substantially reduce AutoChina’s consolidated net income and the value of your
investment.
Under PRC
laws and regulations, arrangements and transactions among related parties may be
subject to audit or challenge by the PRC tax authorities. AutoChina or ACG could
face adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities determine that the
contractual arrangements and transactions among its subsidiaries and the Auto
Kaiyuan Companies do not represent an arm’s length price and adjust the income
of AutoChina’s subsidiaries or that of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies in the form of
a transfer pricing adjustment. A transfer pricing adjustment could, among other
things, result in a reduction, for PRC tax purposes, of expense deductions
recorded by the Auto Kaiyuan Companies, which could in turn increase its
respective tax liabilities. In addition, the PRC tax authorities may impose late
payment fees and other penalties on AutoChina’s affiliated entity for
underpayment of taxes. AutoChina’s consolidated net income may be materially and
adversely affected if its affiliated entities’ tax liabilities increase or if it
is found to be subject to late payment fees or other penalties.
General
Risks Relating to Conducting Business in China
Adverse
changes in political and economic policies of the PRC government could impede
the overall economic growth of China, which could reduce the demand for
automobiles and trucks and damage AutoChina’s business and
prospects.
ACG
conducts substantially all of its operations and generates most of its sales in
China. Accordingly, AutoChina’s business, financial condition, results of
operations and prospects are affected significantly by economic, political and
legal developments in China. The PRC economy differs from the economies of most
developed countries in many respects, including:
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the
higher level of government involvement and
regulation;
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the
early stage of development of the market-oriented sector of the
economy;
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the
higher rate of inflation;
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the
higher level of control over foreign exchange;
and
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government
control over the allocation of many
resources.
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As the
PRC economy has been transitioning from a planned economy to a more
market-oriented economy, the PRC government has implemented various measures to
encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. While these
measures may benefit the overall PRC economy, they may also have a negative
effect on AutoChina.
Although
the PRC government has in recent years implemented measures emphasizing the
utilization of market forces for economic reform, the PRC government continues
to exercise significant control over economic growth in China through the
allocation of resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated
obligations, setting monetary policy and imposing policies that impact
particular industries or companies in different ways.
In the
past 20 years, the PRC has been one of the world’s fastest growing economies
measured in gross domestic product. However, in conjunction with recent
slowdowns in economies of the United States and European Union, the growth rate
in China has declined in recent quarters. Any further adverse change in the
economic conditions or any adverse change in government policies in China could
have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth and the level of
consumer spending in China, which in turn could lead to a reduction in demand
for automobiles and consequently have a material adverse effect on AutoChina’s
business and prospects.
The
PRC legal system embodies uncertainties that could limit the legal protections
available to AutoChina and its shareholders.
Unlike
common law systems, the PRC legal system is based on written statutes and
decided legal cases have little precedential value. In 1979, the PRC government
began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing
economic matters in general. The overall effect of legislation since then has
been to significantly enhance the protections afforded to various forms of
foreign investment in China. AutoChina’s PRC operating subsidiary, Chuanglian,
is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise, and both will be subject to laws and
regulations applicable to foreign investment in China in general and laws and
regulations applicable to wholly foreign-owned enterprises in particular.
AutoChina’s PRC affiliated entities, the Auto Kaiyuan Companies, will be subject
to laws and regulations governing the formation and conduct of domestic PRC
companies. Relevant PRC laws, regulations and legal requirements may change
frequently, and their interpretation and enforcement involve uncertainties. For
example, AutoChina may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to
enforce the legal protection that AutoChina enjoys either by law or contract.
However, since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant
discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it
may be more difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court
proceedings and the level of legal protection AutoChina enjoys than under more
developed legal systems. Such uncertainties, including the inability to enforce
AutoChina’s or ACG’s contracts and intellectual property rights, could
materially and adversely affect AutoChina’s or ACG’s business and operations. In
addition, confidentiality protections in China may not be as effective as in the
United States or other countries. Accordingly, AutoChina cannot predict the
effect of future developments in the PRC legal system, particularly with respect
to the automobile sales and financing sectors, including the promulgation of new
laws, changes to existing laws or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, or
the preemption of local regulations by national laws. These uncertainties could
limit the legal protections available to AutoChina and other foreign investors,
including you.
Fluctuations
in exchange rates could result in foreign currency exchange losses.
Because
substantially all of ACG’s revenues and expenditures are denominated in Renminbi
and the cash of AutoChina is denominated in U.S. dollars, fluctuations in the
exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Renminbi will affect the relative
purchasing power of such amounts and the amount ACG will spend in importing
automobiles from overseas and ACG’s balance sheet and earnings per share in U.S.
dollars. In addition, AutoChina and ACG report their financial results in U.S.
dollars, and appreciation or depreciation in the value of the Renminbi relative
to the U.S. dollar would affect their financial results reported in U.S. dollars
terms without giving effect to any underlying change in their business or
results of operations. Fluctuations in the exchange rate will also affect the
relative value of earnings from and the value of any U.S. dollar-denominated
investments AutoChina or ACG make in the future.
Since
July 2005, the Renminbi has no longer been pegged to the U.S. dollar. Although
currently the Renminbi exchange rate versus the U.S. dollar is restricted to a
rise or fall of no more than 0.5% per day and the People’s Bank of China
regularly intervenes in the foreign exchange market to prevent significant
short-term fluctuations in the exchange rate, the Renminbi 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 Renminbi exchange rate and lessen
intervention in the foreign exchange market.
Very
limited hedging transactions are available in China to reduce AutoChina’s
exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date, neither AutoChina nor ACG have
entered into any hedging transactions in an effort to reduce their exposure to
foreign currency exchange risk. While AutoChina may decide to enter into hedging
transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these hedging
transactions may be limited and AutoChina may not be able to successfully hedge
AutoChina’s exposure at all. In addition, AutoChina’s currency exchange losses
may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict AutoChina’s
ability to convert Renminbi into foreign currency.
The
discontinuation of any of the preferential tax treatments currently available to
AutoChina’s PRC subsidiaries and the Auto Kaiyuan Companies could materially
increase AutoChina’s tax liabilities.
Prior to
January 1, 2008, under applicable PRC tax laws, companies established in China
were generally subject to a state and local enterprise income tax, or EIT, at
statutory rates of 30% and 3%, respectively. Under the then applicable PRC tax
laws, certain of AutoChina’s dealership subsidiaries were granted tax incentives
in connection with compliance with the Employment Promotion Law and the
Regulation for the Employment of Disabled Persons whereby the qualified
subsidiaries were exempted from paying any income taxes for a period of two to
three years or enjoyed a 50% discounted income tax rate. Effective January 1,
2008, the National People’s Congress of China enacted a new PRC Enterprise
Income Tax Law (the “EIT Law”), under which foreign invested enterprises and
domestic companies are subject to enterprise income tax at a uniform rate of
25%. Any increase in the enterprise income tax rate applicable to AutoChina
could adversely affect AutoChina’s business, operating results and financial
condition.
Under
the EIT Law, AutoChina and ACG each may be classified as a “resident
enterprise” of the PRC. Such classification could result in unfavorable tax
consequences to AutoChina, ACG and AutoChina’s non-PRC
shareholders.
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, although the dividends paid to one resident
enterprise from another may qualify as “tax-exempt income.” 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. The EIT Law and its
implementing rules are relatively new and ambiguous in terms of some
definitions, requirements and detailed procedures, and currently no official
interpretation or application of this new “resident enterprise” classification
is available; 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 either AutoChina or ACG is a “resident
enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, a number of unfavorable PRC
tax consequences could follow. First, either AutoChina or ACG may be
subject to enterprise income tax at a rate of 25% on its worldwide taxable
income, as well as PRC enterprise income tax reporting obligations. Second,
although under the EIT Law and its implementing rules, dividends paid to
AutoChina from ACG’s PRC subsidiaries through ACG’s Hong Kong sub-holding
company, assuming each such company is a “resident enterprise,” should qualify
as “tax-exempt income,” AutoChina cannot guarantee that such dividends will not
be subject to withholding tax. Finally, the new “resident enterprise”
classification could result in a situation in which a 10% withholding tax is
imposed on dividends AutoChina pays to its non-PRC shareholders and with respect
to gains derived by AutoChina’s non-PRC shareholders from transferring
AutoChina’s shares, if such income is considered PRC-sourced income by the
relevant PRC authorities.
If any
such PRC taxes apply, a non-PRC shareholder may be entitled to a reduced rate of
PRC taxes under an applicable income tax treaty and/or a foreign tax credit
against such shareholder’s domestic income tax liability (subject to applicable
conditions and limitations). You should consult with your own tax advisors
regarding the applicability of any taxes, the effects of any applicable income
tax treaties, and any available foreign tax credits.
In
addition to the uncertainty in how the new “resident enterprise” classification
could apply, it is also possible that the rules may change in the future,
possibly with retroactive effect. AutoChina and ACG are actively monitoring the
possibility of “resident enterprise” treatment for the 2008 tax year and
AutoChina and ACG are evaluating appropriate organizational changes to avoid
this treatment, to the extent possible.
PRC
regulation of loans and direct investment by offshore holding companies to PRC
entities may delay or prevent AutoChina from using the proceeds AutoChina
receives from its acquisition of ACG to make loans to AutoChina’s PRC
subsidiaries and PRC affiliated entity or to make additional capital
contributions to AutoChina’s PRC subsidiaries, which could materially and
adversely affect AutoChina’s liquidity and AutoChina’s ability to fund and
expand its business.
AutoChina
is a Cayman Islands holding company conducting its operations though ACG, which
is a Cayman Islands holding company conducting its operations in China through
its PRC subsidiaries and its PRC affiliated entity, the Auto Kaiyuan Companies.
Any loans AutoChina or ACG make to the PRC subsidiaries cannot exceed statutory
limits and must be registered with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange,
or SAFE, or its local counterparts. Under applicable PRC law, the government
authorities must approve a foreign-invested enterprise’s registered capital
amount, which represents the total amount of capital contributions made by the
shareholders that have registered with the registration authorities. In
addition, the authorities must also approve the foreign-invested enterprise’s
total investment, which represents the total statutory capitalization of the
company, equal to the company’s registered capital plus the amount of loans it
is permitted to borrow under the law. The ratio of registered capital to total
investment cannot be lower than the minimum statutory requirement and the excess
of the total investment over the registered capital represents the maximum
amount of borrowings that a foreign invested enterprise is permitted to have
under PRC law. AutoChina or ACG might have to make capital contributions to the
PRC subsidiaries to maintain the statutory minimum registered capital and total
investment ratio, and such capital contributions involve uncertainties of their
own, as discussed below. Furthermore, even if AutoChina or ACG make loans to
their PRC subsidiaries that do not exceed their current maximum amount of
borrowings, AutoChina or ACG will have to register each loan with SAFE or its
local counterpart for the issuance of a registration certificate of foreign
debts. In practice, it could be time-consuming to complete such SAFE
registration process.
Any loans
AutoChina or ACG make to the PRC affiliated entity, which is treated as a PRC
domestic company rather than a foreign-invested enterprise under PRC law, are
also subject to various PRC regulations and approvals. Under applicable PRC
regulations, international commercial loans to PRC domestic companies are
subject to various government approvals.
AutoChina
cannot assure you that it will be able to complete the necessary government
registrations or obtain the necessary government approvals on a timely basis, if
at all, with respect to future loans by AutoChina or ACG to the PRC subsidiaries
or PRC affiliated entity or with respect to future capital contributions by
AutoChina to its PRC subsidiaries. If AutoChina fails to complete such
registrations or obtain such approvals, AutoChina’s ability to capitalize or
otherwise fund its PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could
adversely and materially affect its liquidity and its ability to fund and expand
its business.
A
failure by AutoChina’s shareholders or beneficial owners who are PRC citizens or
residents to comply with certain PRC foreign exchange regulations could restrict
AutoChina’s ability to distribute profits, restrict AutoChina’s overseas and
cross-border investment activities or subject AutoChina to liability under PRC
laws, which could adversely affect AutoChina’s business and financial
condition.
In
October 2005, SAFE issued the Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign
Exchange Administration for PRC Residents Engaging in Financing and Roundtrip
Investments via Overseas Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 75. SAFE
Circular 75 states that PRC citizens or residents must register with SAFE or its
local branch in connection with their establishment or control of an offshore
entity established for the purpose of overseas equity financing involving a
roundtrip investment whereby the offshore entity acquires or controls onshore
assets or equity interests held by the PRC citizens or residents. In addition,
such PRC citizens or residents must update their SAFE registrations when the
offshore SPV undergoes material events relating to increases or decreases in
investment amount, transfers or exchanges of shares, mergers or divisions,
long-term equity or debt investments, external guarantees, or other material
events that do not involve roundtrip investments. To further clarify the
implementation of SAFE Circular 75, SAFE issued SAFE Circular 106 on May 29,
2007. Under SAFE Circular 106, PRC subsidiaries of an offshore company governed
by SAFE Circular 75 are required to coordinate and supervise the filing of SAFE
registrations in a timely manner by the offshore holding company’s shareholders
who are PRC residents. If these shareholders fail to comply, the PRC
subsidiaries are required to report to the local SAFE authorities. If
AutoChina’s shareholders who are PRC citizens or residents do not complete their
registration with the local SAFE authorities, AutoChina’s PRC subsidiaries will
be prohibited from distributing their profits and proceeds from any reduction in
capital, share transfer or liquidation to AutoChina, and AutoChina may be
restricted in its ability to contribute additional capital to its PRC
subsidiaries.
AutoChina
is committed to complying, and to ensuring that AutoChina’s shareholders, who
are PRC citizens or residents, comply with the SAFE Circular 75 requirements.
AutoChina believes that all of its PRC citizen or resident shareholders and
beneficial owners have completed their required registrations with SAFE, or are
otherwise in the process of registering. However, AutoChina may not at all times
be fully aware or informed of the identities of all AutoChina’s beneficial
owners who are PRC citizens or residents, and AutoChina may not always be able
to compel AutoChina’s beneficial owners to comply with the SAFE Circular 75
requirements. As a result, AutoChina cannot assure you that all of its
shareholders or beneficial owners who are PRC citizens or residents will at all
times comply with, or in the future make or obtain any applicable registrations
or approvals required by, SAFE Circular 75 or other related regulations. Failure
by any such shareholders or beneficial owners to comply with SAFE Circular 75
could subject AutoChina to fines or legal sanctions, restrict AutoChina’s
overseas or cross-border investment activities, limit AutoChina’s subsidiaries’
ability to make distributions or pay dividends or affect AutoChina’s ownership
structure, which could adversely affect AutoChina’s business and
prospects.
Restrictions
on currency exchange may limit ACG’s ability to utilize ACG’s revenues
effectively and the ability of ACG’s PRC subsidiaries to obtain
financing.
Substantially
all of ACG’s revenues and operating expenses are denominated in Renminbi.
Restrictions on currency exchange imposed by the PRC government may limit ACG’s
ability to utilize revenues generated in Renminbi to fund ACG’s business
activities outside China, if any, or expenditures denominated in foreign
currencies. Under current PRC regulations, Renminbi may be freely converted into
foreign currency for payments relating to “current account transactions,” which
include among other things dividend payments and payments for the import of
goods and services, by complying with certain procedural requirements. ACG’s PRC
subsidiaries may also retain foreign exchange in their respective current
account bank accounts, subject to a cap set by SAFE or its local counterpart,
for use in payment of international current account transactions.
However,
conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies, and of foreign currencies into
Renminbi, for payments relating to “capital account transactions,” which
principally includes investments and loans, generally requires the approval of
SAFE and other relevant PRC governmental authorities. Restrictions on the
convertibility of the Renminbi for capital account transactions could affect the
ability of ACG’s PRC subsidiaries to make investments overseas or to obtain
foreign exchange through debt or equity financing, including by means of loans
or capital contributions from the parent entity.
Any
existing and future restrictions on currency exchange may affect the ability of
ACG’s PRC subsidiaries or affiliated entity to obtain foreign currencies, limit
ACG’s ability to utilize revenues generated in Renminbi to fund ACG’s business
activities outside China that are denominated in foreign currencies, or
otherwise materially and adversely affect ACG’s business.
You
may experience difficulties in effecting service of legal process, enforcing
foreign judgments or bringing original actions in China based on U.S. judgments
against AutoChina, ACG, their subsidiaries and variable interest entities,
officers, directors and shareholders, and others.
Substantially
all of AutoChina’s assets are located outside of the United States. Most of
AutoChina’s current directors and executive officers reside outside of the
United States. As a result, it may not be possible for investors in the United
States to effect service of process within the United States or elsewhere
outside the PRC on AutoChina, ACG, their subsidiaries and variable interest
entities, officers, directors and shareholders, and others, including with
respect to matters arising under United States federal or state securities laws.
The PRC does not have treaties providing for reciprocal recognition and
enforcement of judgments of courts with the United States or many other
countries. As a result, recognition and enforcement in the PRC of these
judgments in relation to any matter, including United States securities laws and
the laws of the Cayman Islands, may be difficult or impossible. Furthermore, an
original action may be brought in the PRC against AutoChina’s assets, its
subsidiaries, officers, directors, shareholders and advisors only if the actions
are not required to be arbitrated by PRC law and the facts alleged in the
complaint give rise to a cause of action under PRC law. In connection with such
an original action, a PRC court may award civil liabilities, including monetary
damages.
AutoChina
may qualify as a passive foreign investment company, or “PFIC,” which could
result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S.
investors.
In
general, AutoChina will be classified as a PFIC for any taxable year in which
either (1) at least 75% of its gross income (looking through certain corporate
subsidiaries) is passive income or (2) at least 50% of the average value of its
assets (looking through certain corporate subsidiaries) is attributable to
assets that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. Passive
income generally includes, without limitation, dividends, interest, rents,
royalties, and gains from the disposition of passive assets. If AutoChina is
determined to be a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder (as
defined in the section of this registration statement captioned
‘‘Taxation–United States Federal Income Taxation–General’’) held AutoChina’s
ordinary shares, the U.S. Holder may be subject to increased U.S. federal income
tax liability and may be subject to additional reporting requirements. Based on
the composition of its assets to date, which have largely consisted of cash and
other investment assets, it is likely that AutoChina qualified as a PFIC in 2007
and 2008. AutoChina’s actual PFIC status for any subsequent taxable year,
however, will not be determinable until after the end of the taxable year, and
accordingly there can be no assurance with respect to its status as a PFIC for
the current taxable year or any future taxable year. We urge U.S. investors to
consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible application of the PFIC
rules. For a more detailed explanation of the tax consequences of PFIC
classification to U.S. Holders, see the section of this registration statement
captioned ‘‘Taxation—United States Federal Income Taxation—Tax Consequences to
U.S. Holders of Ordinary Shares of AutoChina—Passive Foreign Investment Company
Rules.’’
THE
OFFERING
This
prospectus relates to the resale by the Selling Shareholders identified in this
prospectus of up to 11,066,564 ordinary shares of AutoChina International
Limited which consists of the following: (i) 8,606,250 ordinary shares held by
Honest Best Int’l Ltd., the former sole shareholder of ACG, (ii) 1,030,314
ordinary shares purchased by AutoChina’s founding shareholders (its pre-initial
public offering shareholders), and (iii) 1,430,000 ordinary share underlying
warrants purchased by AutoChina’s founding shareholders in a private placement
immediately before its initial public offering.
The
prices at which the Selling Shareholders may sell their shares will be
determined by the prevailing market price for the shares or pursuant to
privately negotiated transactions. Information regarding the Selling
Shareholders and the times and manner in which they may offer and sell the
shares under this prospectus is provided under “Selling Shareholders” in this
prospectus.
AutoChina
is authorized to issue 50,000,000 ordinary shares, par value $.001, and
1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.001. As of the date of this
registration statement, 10,716,720 ordinary shares are outstanding, held by 8
holders of record. No shares of preferred stock are currently outstanding.
AutoChina will not receive any proceeds from any sale of ordinary shares by the
Selling Shareholders, although if the 1,430,000 warrants are converted into
ordinary shares, AutoChina will receive $7,150,000 upon exercise and will have
12,146,720 ordinary shares issued and outstanding, subject to any warrants being
exercised on a cashless basis. Any amounts AutoChina receives from such exercise
will be used for general working capital purposes.
PER
SHARE MARKET INFORMATION
AutoChina
AutoChina’s
ordinary shares, warrants and units are quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under
the symbols SCRQF, SCRWF and SCRUF, respectively. The units have been quoted on
the Bulletin Board since February 28, 2008 and the ordinary shares and warrants
since March 28, 2008. AutoChina’s securities did not trade on any market or
exchange prior to February 28, 2008.
The table
below sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the high and low bid
prices for AutoChina’s units for the period from February 28, 2008 through May
26, 2009 and AutoChina’s ordinary shares and warrants for the period from March
28, 2008 through May 26, 2009. The OTC Bulletin Board quotations reflect
inter-dealer prices, are without retail markup, markdowns or commissions, and
may not represent actual transactions.
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High
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Low
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High
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Low
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High
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Low
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Annual Highs and Lows
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2008
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$
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7.30
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$
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6.50
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$
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0.75
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$
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0.13
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$
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8.15
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$
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6.75
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2009
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14.00
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6.50
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1.48
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0.10
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12.00
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6.85
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Quarterly Highs and
Lows
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2008
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First
Quarter
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$
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7.30
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$
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7.20
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$
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0.75
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$
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0.75
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$
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8.15
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$
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7.92
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Second
Quarter
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7.30
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7.15
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0.75
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0.60
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7.99
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7.76
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Third
Quarter
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7.18
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7.00
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0.73
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0.40
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7.90
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7.50
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Fourth
Quarter
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7.15
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6.50
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0.40
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0.13
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7.35
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6.75
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2009
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First
Quarter
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$
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8.00
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$
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6.60
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$
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0.42
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$
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0.10
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$
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12.00
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$
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6.85
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Second
Quarter (through May 26)
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14.00
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6.50
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1.48
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0.35
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7.95
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7.95
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Monthly Highs and Lows
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November
2008
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$
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6.87
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$
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6.55
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$
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0.40
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$
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0.13
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$
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7.25
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$
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6.90
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December
2008
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6.60
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6.50
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0.14
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0.13
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7.00
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6.75
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January
2009
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8.00
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6.60
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0.16
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0.14
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6.95
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6.85
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February
2009
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7.80
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7.00
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0.15
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0.10
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12.00
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6.95
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March
2009
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7.87
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7.00
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0.42
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0.16
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7.95
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7.50
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April
2009
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14.00
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6.50
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1.01
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0.35
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7.95
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7.95
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May
2009 (through May 26)
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7.39
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7.00
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1.48
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0.70
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7.95
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7.95
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CAUTIONARY
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The
statements contained in this prospectus that are not purely historical are
forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements include, but are not
limited to, statements regarding our or our management’s expectations, hopes,
beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any
statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of
future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are
forward-looking statements. The words “anticipates,” “believe,” “continue,”
“could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,”
“potential,” “predicts,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions
may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not
mean that a statement is not forward-looking.
Important
factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the
forward-looking statements include, among others: changing principles of
generally accepted accounting principles; outcomes of government reviews,
inquiries, investigations and related litigation; compliance with government
regulations; legislation or regulatory environments, requirements or changes
adversely affecting the automobile business in China; fluctuations in customer
demand; management of rapid growth; changes in government policy; the
fluctuations in sales of consumer and commercial vehicles in China; China’s
overall economic conditions and local market economic conditions; ACG’s ability
to expand through strategic acquisitions and establishment of new locations; and
geopolitical events.
The
forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus are based on our current
expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential
effects on us. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us
will be those that we have anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve
a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) or other
assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially
different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.
These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those factors
described under the heading “Risk Factors.” Should one or more of these risks or
uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect,
actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these
forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws
and/or if and when management knows or has a reasonable basis on which to
conclude that previously disclosed projections are no longer reasonably
attainable.
USE
OF PROCEEDS
AutoChina
will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the shares under this
prospectus, although AutoChina could receive up to $7,150,000 upon the exercise
of all of the warrants held by the founding
shareholders, the underlying ordinary shares of which are being
registered hereunder, assuming the warrants are not exercised on
a cashless basis. Any amounts we receive from such exercise will be used for
general working capital purposes.
EXPENSES
RELATED TO THIS OFFERING
Set forth
below is an itemization of the total expenses that we expect to incur in
connection with this distribution.
SEC
registration fee
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$
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4,563.43
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Legal
fees and expenses
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$
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35,000
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Accounting
fees and expenses
|
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$
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15,000
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Miscellaneous
|
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$
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2,000
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Total
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$
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56,563.43
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CAPITALIZATION
OF
AUTOCHINA
INTERNATIONAL LIMITED (FORMERLY SPRING CREEK ACQUISITION CORP.)
AND
AUTOCHINA GROUP INC.
(In
thousands of U.S. Dollars, except per share amounts, and U.S. GAAP, unless
otherwise noted)
The
following table sets forth the capitalization as of December 31, 2008 as
described below:
·
|
of
AutoChina International Limited (formerly Spring Creek Acquisition Corp.)
on an actual basis;
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·
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of
AutoChina International Limited (formerly Spring Creek Acquisition Corp.)
and AutoChina Group Inc. on an as adjusted basis, giving effect to the
following;
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·
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the
business combination with AutoChina Group
Inc.,
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·
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the
redemption of 1,040,934 ordinary shares in connection with the business
combination,
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·
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the
repurchase of 3,053,910 ordinary
shares,
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·
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the
obligation to repurchase 1,004,790 ordinary shares pursuant to certain put
agreements,
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·
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the
repurchase of warrants to acquire 1,522,892 ordinary shares, and
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·
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the
surrender and cancellation of 263,436 ordinary shares issued to the
founders.
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You
should read this capitalization table together with "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations", the financial
statements and related notes, and the unaudited pro forma condensed combined
financial statements and related notes, all appearing elsewhere in this
document.
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As
of December 31, 2008
(in
thousands)
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Debt
|
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$
|
–
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|
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$
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–
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
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|
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Ordinary
shares subject to possible redemption
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|
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16,270
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|
|
–
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Minority
interests
|
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–
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|
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6,950
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Stockholders'
equity:
|
|
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|
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|
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Preferred
shares, $0.001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized, none
issued
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–
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–
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Ordinary
shares, $0.001 par value, authorized - 50,000,000 shares; issued and
outstanding - 6,468,750 shares, inclusive of shares subject to possible
redemption actual, and 10,716,720 shares, inclusive of shares subject to
repurchase agreements, as adjusted
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
Additional
paid-in capital
|
|
|
23,040
|
|
|
|
33,274
|
|
Statutory
reserves
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
741
|
|
Retained
earnings (deficit accumulated during the development
stage)
|
|
|
(169
|
)
|
|
|
17,850
|
|
Accumulated
other comprehensive income
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
6,185
|
|
Total
stockholders' equity
|
|
|
22,878
|
|
|
|
58,061
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
capitalization
|
|
$
|
39,148
|
|
|
$
|
65,011
|
|
MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
AutoChina
International Limited (f/k/a Spring Creek Acquisition Corp.) (“AutoChina” or the
“Company”) is a Cayman Islands exempted company that was incorporated on October
16, 2007, organized as a blank check company for the purpose of acquiring,
through a stock exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business
combination, or controlling, through contractual arrangements, an operating
business that had its principal operations in the People’s Republic of China, or
PRC, as well as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Macau Special
Administrative Region and Taiwan, which is referred to as Greater China.
AutoChina’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association provided
that it could not consummate a business combination with a business that had its
principal operations outside of Greater China. To avoid being required to
liquidate, as provided in its charter, AutoChina needed, by September 4, 2009,
to consummate a business combination or enter into a letter of intent, agreement
in principle or definitive agreement relating to a business combination, in
which case AutoChina would have been allowed an additional twelve months to
complete a business combination. Under its charter as then in effect, if
AutoChina did not acquire at least majority control of a target business by, at
latest, September 4, 2010, AutoChina would have been required to dissolve and
distribute to its public shareholders the amount in the trust account plus any
remaining net assets.
On April
9, 2009, pursuant to the terms of a share exchange agreement dated February 4,
2009 and amended March 11, 2009, AutoChina acquired all of the outstanding
securities of AutoChina Group Inc. (“ACG”).
ACG, a
company incorporated in Cayman Islands, is an integrated automotive dealership
engaged in sales of automobiles and spare parts and after sales services
consisting of 13 new automobile franchises located primarily in Hebei Province
of China. ACG offers an extensive range of automotive products and services,
including new automobiles, automobile maintenance, replacement parts, collision
repair services, financing, and insurance consulting and other aftermarket
service contracts. In April 2008, ACG commenced providing commercial vehicle
sales and leasing services, which provides financing to customers to acquire
heavy trucks in China. As of September 30, 2008, ACG operated 48 commercial
vehicle financing centers and 26 automotive dealership stores located primarily
in various cities and towns throughout the Northern regions of China. By
December 31, 2008, ACG’s commercial vehicle financing facilities expanded to 103
centers primarily located in major areas in Hebei, Henan, Shanxi and Shandong
provinces, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Tianjin.
ACG was
incorporated on July 26, 2007, but its automotive dealership business (through
predecessor entities) has been in operation since 2000. ACG’s automotive
dealership revenues grew between 80% and 93% per annum over the past three
years.
As of
December 31, 2008, ACG’s commercial vehicle financing network consisted of the
following number of facilities in the indicated regions: (i) Hebei Province (12
commercial vehicle financing centers), (ii) Shanxi Province (29 commercial
vehicle financing centers), (iii) Shandong Province (24 commercial vehicle
financing centers), (iv) Henan Province (21 commercial vehicle financing
centers), (v) Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (16 commercial vehicle financing
centers), (vi) Tianjin (1 commercial vehicle financing center). Each region is
managed by a regional general manager reporting directly to the vice president
of the commercial vehicle financing business and a regional financial controller
reporting directly to ACG’s Chief Financial Officer. In additional, all the
dealership stores are located in Hebei province and managed by the general
manager of dealership who reports to the Chief Executive Officer directly. The
finance manager in charge of dealerships also reports to ACG’s Chief Financial
Officer directly.
During
the past years, ACG grew its dealership business primarily through acquisitions.
ACG typically seeks to acquire large, profitable, well-established and
well-managed dealerships that are leaders in their respective market areas. From
January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2008, ACG acquired 23 dealership stores and
disposed of or terminated 3 dealership stores. All of the 103 commercial vehicle
financing centers are newly established in fiscal 2008. In January 2009, ACG
established 2 additional commercial vehicle financing centers in Beijing and
Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
Each
acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase and the corresponding results
of operations of these dealerships are included in ACG’s financial statements
from the date of acquisition. Details of the acquisitions and disposal of
dealerships are shown in Note 4 and Note 5 to the accompanying consolidated
financial statements.
ACG’s
operating results reflect the combined performance of each of its interrelated
business activities, which include the sale of vehicles, commercial vehicle
sales and leasing and insurance products, and parts, service and collision
repair services. Historically, each of these activities has been directly or
indirectly impacted by a variety of supply/demand factors, including vehicle
inventories, consumer confidence, discretionary spending, availability and
affordability of consumer credit, manufacturer incentives, fuel prices and
interest rates. For example, during periods of sustained economic downturn or
significant supply/demand imbalances, new vehicle sales may be negatively
impacted as consumers tend to shift their purchases to used vehicles. Some
consumers may even delay their purchasing decisions altogether, electing instead
to repair their existing vehicles. In such cases, however, ACG believes the new
vehicle sales impact on ACG’s overall business is mitigated by its ability to
offer other products and services, such as used vehicles and parts, service and
collision repair services.
ACG
generally experiences higher volumes of vehicle sales for dealerships in the
first and fourth calendar quarters of each year. This seasonality is generally
attributable to consumer buying trends and the timing of manufacturer new
vehicle model introductions.
As a
result, ACG’s revenues, cash flows and operating income are typically lower in
the second and third quarters and higher in the first and fourth quarters. Other
factors unrelated to seasonality, such as changes in economic condition and
manufacturer incentive programs, may exaggerate seasonal or cause
counter-seasonal fluctuations in ACG’s revenues and operating
income.
ACG’S
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The
following discussion and financial information relates to periods prior to the
acquisition of ACG by AutoChina.
Overview
For the
years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, ACG realized net income of $8.0
million, $4.8 million and $2.7 million, respectively.
ACG’s
gross margins as a percentage of sales have been fairly consistent from year to
year. Over the last three fiscal years, ACG’s gross margins as a percentage of
sales have ranged between approximately 5.3% and 5.9%. ACG’s gross margins are
set based upon the cost of the vehicle purchased, with higher-priced vehicles
typically having higher gross margin percentages. In recent years, ACG’s gross
margins have been improved by the increase in the average retail sales price (a
function of a higher purchase price) and the tightened operating costs, mostly
related to economy of scale and the tightened vehicle repair costs.
Additionally, the newly commenced commercial vehicle sales and leasing
business has enjoyed a gross margin of approximately 5.8%. ACG expects
that the gross margin percentage will not change significantly in the near
term.
Hiring,
training and retaining qualified associates are critical to ACG’s success. The
rate at which ACG adds new stores and is able to implement operating initiatives
is limited by the number of trained managers ACG has at its disposal. Excessive
turnover, particularly at the store/center manager level, could impact the
ability to add new stores and to meet operational initiatives. ACG has added
resources to recruit, train and develop personnel, especially manager positions.
ACG expects to continue to invest in the development of ACG’s workforce in
fiscal 2009 and beyond to meet the growth of the business
network.
Very
limited hedging transactions are available in China to reduce AutoChina’s
exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date, neither AutoChina nor ACG have
entered into any hedging transactions in an effort to reduce their exposure to
foreign currency exchange risk. While AutoChina may decide to enter into hedging
transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these hedging
transactions may be limited and AutoChina may not be able to successfully hedge
AutoChina’s exposure at all. In addition, AutoChina’s currency exchange losses
may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict AutoChina’s
ability to convert Renminbi into foreign currency.
2008
Compared to 2007
Revenues
increased $145.9 million, or 49.5%, in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007,
principally as a result of (i) revenue growth from an additional five automotive
dealership stores acquired during the period ($27.1 million), (ii) increased
demand for automobiles ($84.7 million), and (iii) revenues from the newly
commenced commercial vehicle sales and leasing business ($34.1
million).
Cost of
sales increased 49.6% in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. Gross margins
are set based upon the cost of the vehicle purchased, with higher-priced
vehicles typically having higher gross margin percentages. Gross margins were
maintained at similar level in recent periods as the average retail
sales price of vehicles (a function of a higher purchase price) were considered
stable and to a lesser extent by reduced operating costs resulted from economies
of scale and ACG’s effort to reduce vehicle repair costs.
Selling
and marketing expenses, as a percentage of sales, increased 0.2% to 1.5% in
fiscal 2008 as compared to 1.3% in the same period in 2007. In dollar terms, the
selling and marketing expenses increased by $2.7 million. ACG experienced an
increase in expenditures associated with the opening of new branch/stores for
the commercial vehicle sales and leasing business. ACG has also incurred
additional promotion costs in the automotive dealership business to attract
higher sales volumes.
General
and administrative expense, as a percentage of sales, slightly decreased 0.1% to
1.7% in fiscal 2008 from 1.8% in the same period in 2007. The percentage
decrease was principally the result of higher sales levels as a large majority
of ACG’s general and administrative expenses are generally fixed in nature.
In dollar terms, overall expenses increased $2.1 million which consisted
primarily of increased payroll costs. Payroll costs increased due
to increased office staff, which mostly relates to the newly commenced
commercial vehicle sales and leasing business.
Interest
expense, as a percentage of sales, slightly decreased 0.1% to 0.6% in fiscal
2008 from 0.7% in the same period in 2007, although the total amount increased
by $0.7 million (32.9%). The decrease principally resulted from the result of
lower average borrowing levels and lower average interest rates on the credit
during the year.
Interest
income, as a percentage of sales, increased 0.5% to 0.6% in fiscal 2008 from
0.1% in the same period in 2007. The increase was primarily due to the interest
income derived from the commercial vehicle sales and leasing business commenced
in April 2008.
The
effective income tax rate in fiscal 2008 was 26.9%. This rate is higher than the
fiscal 2007 of 17.7% due to the distribution of profits among ACG’s operating
subsidiaries.
2007
Compared to 2006
Revenues
increased $142.0 million, or 93.0%, in fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006,
principally as a result of (i) revenue growth from four automotive
dealership stores acquired during the fiscal 2007, (ii) increased demand for
automobiles, and (iii) revenues from dealerships established in fiscal 2006 that
operated a full 12 months in fiscal 2007.
Cost of
sales increased 91.6% in fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006. ACG’s gross
margins are set based upon the cost of the vehicle purchased, with higher-priced
vehicles typically having higher gross margin percentages. ACG’s gross margins
have been slightly improved by the increase in the average retail sales price (a
function of a higher purchase price) and to a lesser extent by reduced operating
costs resulting primarily from economies of scale and cost control initiatives.
This resulted in gross margins increasing from 5.3% in fiscal 2006 to 5.9% in
fiscal 2007.
Selling
and marketing expenses, as a percentage of sales, decreased 0.3% to 1.3% in
fiscal 2007 as compared to 1.6% in fiscal 2006. In dollar terms, the selling and
marketing expenses increased by $1.5 million. ACG experienced an increase in
expenditures associated with additional promotional costs.
General
and administrative expense, as a percentage of sales, was 1.6% in fiscal 2006
and 1.8% in fiscal 2007. In dollar terms, overall expenses increased $3.0
million, which consisted primarily of increased payroll and office costs.
Payroll costs increased due to the increase number of staff and related costs,
in relation to the increased number of dealership stores.
Interest
expense, as a percentage of sales, increased 0.2% to 0.7% in fiscal 2007 from
0.5% in fiscal 2006. In dollar terms, it has been increased by $1.4 million
(192.0%). The increase was principally the result of increased average borrowing
levels and increased average interest rates on the credit during the period.
Interest income, as a percentage of sales, maintained at 0.1 % for both
years.
The
effective income tax rate in fiscal 2007 was 17.7%, while it was (1.0%) in
fiscal 2006. This rate is higher than historical rates since most of the income
generated prior to 2007 was non-taxable.
Financial
Condition
The
following table sets forth the major balance sheet accounts of ACG at December
31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted
cash
|
|
$
|
40,824
|
|
|
$
|
24,734
|
|
|
$
|
25,885
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
37,463
|
|
|
|
26,910
|
|
|
|
24,807
|
|
Net
investment in sales-type leases
|
|
|
23,359
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Property,
equipment and improvements, net
|
|
|
26,907
|
|
|
|
18,030
|
|
|
|
14,359
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Floor
plan notes payable—manufacturer affiliated
|
|
$
|
12,379
|
|
|
$
|
10,808
|
|
|
$
|
7,238
|
|
Trade
notes payable
|
|
|
60,134
|
|
|
|
35,828
|
|
|
|
32,318
|
|
Restricted
cash increased in line with the trade notes payable, as ACG used
financing to purchase vehicles. In December 31, 2008, restricted
cash increased by $16.1 million (65.1%) compared with December 31,
2007. The increment of the trade notes payables was slightly higher,
increasing $24.3 million (67.8%).
Inventory
balances continuously increased throughout the period. As
of December 31, 2008, inventory was $37.4 as compared to $26.9 million
on December 31, 2007 (39.2%), while revenue increased 49.5%. The
growth was due to the increased number of dealerships from 21 to
25.
Net
investment in leases began in April 2008 as a result of the commercial vehicle
sales and leasing business under which ACG enters into monthly installment
arrangements with customers for a 2-year period.
Property,
equipment and improvements increased significantly to $26.9 million in December
31, 2008, an increase of $8.9 million (49.2%) as compared with December 31,
2007. The increased expenditures primarily relate to costs associated with
expanding a number of existing dealership stores and the commercial vehicle
financing centers.
Floor plan notes
payable—manufacturer affiliated
relates to the committed facility lines
entered into with several financial institutions affiliated with automobile
manufacturers to finance most of the new automobile inventories. It increased to
$12.4 million in December 31, 2008, (an increase of $1.6 million (14.5%)
compared with December 31, 2007). This increased as a result of the
increased level of automobile inventories.
Trade
notes payable were promissory notes which were secured by cash deposits with
banks (restricted cash) and certain automobile inventories. Trade notes
payable was $60.1 million in December 31, 2008, which increased by $24.3
million (67.8%) compared with December 31, 2007. This increase was a
result of the increased level of automobile inventories and revenue
growth.
ACG’s
borrowings fluctuate primarily based upon a number of factors including (i)
revenues, (ii) changes in account and notes receivables, (iii) capital
expenditures, and (iv) inventory changes. Historically, income from continuing
operations, as well as borrowings on the revolving credit facilities, has
funded account and notes receivables growth, inventory growth and capital
expenditures.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
The
following table sets forth certain historical information with respect to ACG’s
statements of cash flows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities
|
|
$
|
21,325
|
|
|
$
|
(732
|
)
|
|
$
|
3,498
|
|
Net
cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(26,349
|
)
|
|
|
(3,315
|
)
|
|
|
(16,425
|
)
|
Net
cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
8,169
|
|
|
|
9,768
|
|
|
|
16,132
|
|
Effect
of exchange rate change
|
|
$
|
1,441
|
|
|
$
|
(350
|
)
|
|
$
|
(285
|
)
|
Net
increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
4,586
|
|
|
$
|
5,371
|
|
|
$
|
2,920
|
|
Operating Activities.
ACG
generated $21.3 million from operating activities in fiscal 2008 and $3.5
million in fiscal 2006, while it used $0.7 million in fiscal 2007. Since ACG
continued to expand its automotive dealership business since 2006 and commenced
its commercial vehicle sales and leasing business in 2008, cash flow from
operating activities increased throughout the period.
Investing Activities.
Net
cash used in investing activities was $26.3 million in fiscal 2008, $3.3 million
in fiscal 2007 and $16.4 million in fiscal 2006.
In
addition to purchase of property, equipment and improvement, capital
expenditures for all periods included the cash paid for the acquisition of
the automotive dealerships. Furthermore, the change in restricted cash, which
was pledged to banks for borrowings, has also affected the net cash used in
investing activities.
Financing Activities.
Net
cash provided by financing activities was $8.2 million in fiscal 2008, $9.8
million in fiscal 2007 and $16.1 million in fiscal 2006. In fiscal 2008, ACG
increased total net borrowings by $1.3 million and had a capital contribution of
$11.4 million from its shareholders. ACG increased total net
borrowings by $0.6 million and $5.4 million during fiscal 2007 and 2006,
respectively. In addition, it had capital contributions of $8.4 million and
$10.0 million from its shareholders, during the fiscal 2007 and 2006,
respectively.
Historically,
most or all of available cash is used to fund notes receivable, inventory
growth and for capital expenditures. To the extent notes receivables and
inventory growth and capital expenditures exceed income from operations,
generally ACG increases the borrowings under facilities and from
affiliates.
ACG
leased most of the properties where the dealership stores and commercial vehicle
financing centers are located. ACG expects to continue to lease the majority of
the properties where ACG’s stores or centers are located.
ACG
expanded dealerships significantly in 2006, and the capital expenditures have
continuously increased thereafter. After ACG restructured its dealerships
in 2007, cash used in investing activities declined. Since April 2008, a
significant amount of capital ($2.1 million) has been used in connection with
the commencement of ACG’s commercial vehicle sales and leasing business.
Additional capital expenditures were required for existing
dealerships.
At
December 31, 2008, ACG had $17.4 million of cash on hand, with $17.3 million of
cash held in Renminbi. On a short-term basis, ACG’s principal sources of
liquidity includes income from operations and short-term borrowings from
financial institutions including notes payables and trade notes payable. On a
longer-term basis, ACG expects its principal sources of liquidity to consist of
income from operations, borrowings from financial institutions and/or fixed
interest term loans. Further, while ACG has no specific plans to issue debt or
equity securities, ACG believes, if necessary, it could raise additional capital
through the issuance of such securities or shareholders loans.
ACG
expects to use cash to (i) increase its notes receivables in line with its
revenue growth, and (ii) purchase property and equipment and
make improvements on existing property in the next 12 months in
connection with adding 45 commercial vehicle financing centers. ACG believes
that it has adequate liquidity to satisfy its capital needs for the foreseeable
future.
ACG’s
borrowings primarily consisted of (i) Floor plan notes payable—manufacturer
affiliated; and (ii) Trade notes payable.
Floor plan notes payable—manufacturer
affiliated
relates to the committed facility lines entered into with
several financial institutions affiliated with automobile manufacturers to
finance most of the new automobile inventories. It was $12.4 million in December
31, 2008, (an increase of $1.6 million (14.5%) compared with December 31, 2007).
It increased as a result of the increased level of automobile inventories. The
floor plan notes payables bear interest at rates in the range of 6.64% to 9.36%
as of December 31, 2008 and are generally for a term in a range of 6 months to 1
year. However, certain floor plan notes payable are interest free in
the event the note is repaid in 60-90 days.
Trade notes payable
were bank guaranteed
promissory notes which were secured by cash deposits with banks (restricted
cash) and certain automobile inventories. It was $60.1 million on December 31,
2008, which increased by $24.3 million (67.8%) as compared with December 31,
2007. The increase resulted from the increased level of automobile
inventories and revenue growth. The trade notes payable are non-interest bearing
and generally mature within six months.
ACG’s
borrowings fluctuate primarily based upon a number of factors including (i)
revenues, (ii) account and notes receivables changes, (iii) capital
expenditures, and (iv) inventory changes. Historically, income from continuing
operations, as well as borrowings on the revolving credit facilities, have
driven account and notes receivables growth, inventory growth and capital
expenditures.
Cash and
cash equivalents as of December 31, 2008 are held by ACG’s subsidiaries and
variable interest entities. These cash balances cannot be transferred to
AutoChina by loan or advance according to existing PRC laws and regulations.
However, these cash balances can be utilized by AutoChina for its normal
operations pursuant to the Enterprise Agreements.
Regulations
on Dividend Distribution
The
principal laws and regulations in China governing distribution of dividends by
foreign-invested companies include:
|
·
|
The
Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Law (1979), as
amended;
|
|
·
|
The
Regulations for the Implementation of the Sino-foreign Equity Joint
Venture Law (1983), as amended;
|
|
·
|
The
Sino-foreign Cooperative Enterprise Law (1988), as
amended;
|
|
·
|
The
Detailed Rules for the Implementation of the Sino-foreign Cooperative
Enterprise Law (1995), as amended;
|
|
·
|
The
Foreign Investment Enterprise Law (1986), as amended;
and
|
|
·
|
The
Regulations of Implementation of the Foreign Investment Enterprise Law
(1990), as amended.
|
Under
these regulations, foreign-invested enterprises in China may pay dividends only
out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese
accounting standards and regulations. In addition, wholly foreign-owned
enterprises in China are required to set aside at least 10% of their respective
accumulated profits each year, if any, to fund certain reserve funds unless such
reserve funds have reached 50% of their respective registered capital. These
reserves are not distributable as cash dividends.
Contractual
Payment Obligations
The
following is a summary of ACG’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2008,
including renewal periods under operating leases that are reasonably assured (in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade
notes payable
|
|
$
|
60,134
|
|
|
$
|
60,134
|
|
|
$
|
–
|
|
|
$
|
–
|
|
|
$
|
–
|
|
Operating
leases
|
|
|
25,106
|
|
|
|
1,748
|
|
|
|
3,132
|
|
|
|
2,627
|
|
|
|
17,599
|
|
Floor
plan notes payable manufacturer affiliated
|
|
|
12,379
|
|
|
|
12,379
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Notes
payable
|
|
|
3,921
|
|
|
|
3,921
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Capital
commitment
|
|
|
45
|
|
|
|
45
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
101,585
|
|
|
$
|
78,227
|
|
|
$
|
3,132
|
|
|
$
|
2,627
|
|
|
$
|
17,599
|
|
ACG
leases certain facilities under long-term, non-cancelable leases and
month-to-month leases. These leases are accounted for as operating
leases.
For a
description of the anticipated sources of funds needed to fulfill these
commitments, please refer to “-Liquidity and Capital Resources” in this
registration statement.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
ACG has
entered into operating leases for all of its dealership and commercial vehicle
financing stores and office facilities. Generally, the leases for its commercial
vehicle financing stores are for periods of one to three years. The leases for
its dealership stores and office facilities are typically for periods over ten
years. ACG uses leasing arrangements to maintain flexibility in its commercial
vehicle financing store locations and to preserve capital. ACG expects to
continue to lease the majority of its store and office facilities under
arrangements substantially consistent with the past.
Rent
expense for all operating leases amounted to $1,348,000, $871,000 and $563,000
for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Other
than its operating leases, ACG is not a party to any off-balance sheet
arrangement.
Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates
The
discussion and analysis of ACG’s financial condition and results of operations
is based upon its consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. The preparation of these financial statements requires ACG to make
estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities,
revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities. On an ongoing basis, ACG evaluates its estimates, including those
related to accounts receivable and the related provision for doubtful accounts,
tangible and intangible long-lived assets, the assessment of the valuation
allowance on deferred tax assets, the purchase price allocation on acquisitions,
and contingencies and litigation, among others. ACG bases its estimates on
historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believes to be
reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for
making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are
not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these
estimates under different assumptions or conditions. ACG believes that the
following critical accounting policies affect the more significant judgments and
estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements:
goodwill, intangible assets and long-lived assets, income taxes and accounts
receivable.
Goodwill,
Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets. Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS No. 142), requires
purchased intangible assets other than goodwill to be amortized over their
useful lives unless these lives are determined to be indefinite. SFAS No. 142
requires goodwill to be tested for impairment at least on an annual basis and
more often under certain circumstances, and written down when impaired. An
interim impairment test is required if an event occurs or conditions change that
would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below the
carrying value.
Impairment
losses are limited to the carrying value of the goodwill, which represents the
excess of the carrying amount of a reporting unit’s goodwill over the implied
fair value of that goodwill. In determining the estimated future cash flows, ACG
considers current and projected future levels of income based on management’s
plans for that business, as well as business trends, prospects and market and
economic conditions.
ACG
accounts for the impairment of long-lived assets, such as property and equipment
and intangible assets, under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (SFAS No.
144). SFAS No. 144 establishes the accounting for impairment of long-lived
tangible and intangible assets other than goodwill and for the disposal of a
business. Pursuant to SFAS No. 144, ACG periodically evaluates, at least
annually, whether facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of its
depreciable assets to be held and used may not be recoverable. If such
circumstances are determined to exist, an estimate of undiscounted future cash
flows produced by the long-lived asset, or the appropriate grouping of assets,
is compared to the carrying value to determine whether impairment exists. In the
event that the carrying amount of long-lived assets exceeds the undiscounted
future cash flows, then the carrying amount of such assets is adjusted to their
fair value. ACG reports an impairment cost as a charge to operations at the time
it is recognized.
Income
Taxes. ACG accounts for income taxes under Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (SFAS No. 109). SFAS No. 109
requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected
future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial
statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their
respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using
enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which
those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect
on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in
the statement of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. A
valuation allowance is established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax
assets to the amount expected to be realized.
Accounts
Receivable. Accounts receivable, which are unsecured, are stated at the amount
ACG expects to collect. ACG maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for
estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required
payments. ACG evaluates the collectability of its accounts receivable based on a
combination of factors, including customer credit-worthiness and historical
collection experience. Management reviews the receivable aging and adjusts the
allowance based on historical experience, financial condition of the customer
and other relevant current economic factors. As of December 31, 2008, 2007 and
2006, a majority of the trade receivable balances were due from governmental
agencies which ACG believed are collectible in full and a majority of the
accounts receivable related to warranty claims are primarily due from
manufacturers. Therefore, the management determined no allowance for
uncollectible amounts is required. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to
accounts receivables from the sale of automobiles are limited because a large
number of diverse customers comprise ACG’s customer base, thus spreading the
trade credit risk.
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
In March
2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities, which requires additional disclosures related to derivatives
instruments and hedging activities. These enhanced disclosures will discuss (a)
how and why a company uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative
instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and
its related interpretations and (c) how derivative instruments and related
hedged items affect a company’s financial position, results of operations and
cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after
November 15, 2008, with earlier adoption allowed. ACG is currently evaluating
the impact of adopting SFAS No. 161 and anticipates that this statement will not
have a significant impact on the reporting of ACG’s results of
operations.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business
Combinations (SFAS No.141(R)), which replaces SFAS No. 141, Business
Combinations. SFAS No.141(R) retains the underlying concepts of SFAS 141 in that
all business combinations are still required to be accounted for at fair value
under the acquisition method of accounting but SFAS No.141(R) changed the method
of applying the acquisition method in a number of significant aspects.
Acquisition costs will generally be expensed as incurred; non-controlling
interests will be valued at fair value at the acquisition date; in-process
research and development will be recorded at fair value as an indefinite-lived
intangible asset at the acquisition date; restructuring costs associated with a
business combination will generally be expensed subsequent to the acquisition
date; and changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax
uncertainties after the acquisition date generally will affect income tax
expense. SFAS No.141(R) is effective on a prospective basis for all business
combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the
first annual period subsequent to December 15, 2008, with the exception of the
accounting for valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax
contingencies. SFAS No.141(R) amends SFAS No. 109 such that adjustments made to
valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies associated
with acquisitions that closed prior to the effective date of SFAS No.141(R)
would also apply the provisions of SFAS No.141(R). Early adoption is not
permitted.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Non-controlling Interests in
Consolidated Financial Statements-an amendment of ARB No. 51. This statement is
effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years,
beginning on or after December 15, 2008, with earlier adoption prohibited. This
statement requires the recognition of a non-controlling interest (minority
interest) as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from
the parent’s equity. The amount of net income attributable to the
non-controlling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face
of the income statement. It also amends certain of ARB No. 51s consolidation
procedures for consistency with the requirements of SFAS No.141(R). This
statement also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests
of the parent and its non-controlling interest. ACG is currently evaluating the
impact of this new statement on ACG's financial condition and results of
operations.
Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest
Rate Risk
AutoChina’s
exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates to its outstanding debts and
interest income generated by excess cash, which is mostly held in
interest-bearing bank deposits. AutoChina has not used derivative financial
instruments in its investment portfolio. Interest-earning instruments carry a
degree of interest rate risk. As of March 31, 2009, AutoChina’s total
outstanding loans amounted to $29.9 million with interest rates in the range of
6.6% to 9.1% per annum. AutoChina has not been exposed, nor does it
anticipate being exposed, to material risks due to changes in market interest
rates.
Foreign
Currency Risk
Substantially
all of AutoChina’s revenues and expenditures are denominated in Renminbi. As a
result, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollars and Renminbi
will affect AutoChina’s financial results in U.S. dollars terms without giving
effect to any underlying change in AutoChina’s business or results of
operations. The Renminbi’s exchange rate with the U.S. dollar and other
currencies is affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political and
economic conditions. The exchange rate for conversion of Renminbi into foreign
currencies is heavily influenced by intervention in the foreign exchange market
by the People’s Bank of China. From 1995 until July 2005, the People’s Bank of
China intervened in the foreign exchange market to maintain an exchange rate of
approximately 8.3 Renminbi per U.S. dollar. On July 21, 2005, the PRC
government changed this policy and began allowing modest appreciation of the
Renminbi versus the U.S. dollar. However, the Renminbi is restricted to a rise
or fall of no more than 0.5% per day versus the U.S. dollar, and the
People’s Bank of China continues to intervene in the foreign exchange market to
prevent significant short-term fluctuations in the Renminbi exchange rate.
Nevertheless, under China’s current exchange rate regime, the Renminbi may
appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar in the
medium to long term. There remains significant international pressure on the PRC
government to adopt a substantial liberalization of its currency policy, which
could result in a further and more significant appreciation in the value of the
Renminbi against the U.S. dollar.
Very
limited hedging transactions are available in China to reduce AutoChina’s
exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date, AutoChina has not entered into
any hedging transactions in an effort to reduce its exposure to foreign currency
exchange risk. While AutoChina may decide to enter into hedging transactions in
the future, the availability and effectiveness of these hedging transactions may
be limited and it may not be able to successfully hedge its exposure at all. In
addition, AutoChina’s currency exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange
control regulations that restrict its ability to convert Renminbi into foreign
currency.
Seasonality
ACG’s
second and third fiscal quarters (April through September) have historically
been slower for dealership sales. Conversely, ACG’s first and fourth fiscal
quarters (January through March and October through December) have historically
been the busiest times for car sales. Therefore, ACG generally realize a higher
proportion of its revenue and operating profit during the first and fourth
fiscal quarters. ACG expects this trend to continue in future periods. If
conditions arise that impair vehicle sales during the first or fourth fiscal
quarters, the adverse effect on ACG’s revenues and operating profit for the year
could be disproportionately large.
Impact
of Inflation
Inflation
has not historically been a significant factor impacting ACG’s
results.
AUTOCHINA’S
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The
following discussion and financial information relates to periods prior to the
acquisition of ACG by AutoChina.
Critical
Accounting Policies
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
Deferred
income taxes are provided for the differences between bases of assets and
liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes. A valuation
allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the
amount expected to be realized.
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
In
September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”
(“SFAS No. 157”), which establishes a framework for measuring fair value in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, clarifies the
definition of fair value within that framework and expands disclosures about
fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies whenever other
standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair
value, except for the measurement of share-based payments. AutoChina adopted
SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2008. Additional disclosure required as a
result of AutoChina’s implementation of SFAS No. 157 in 2008 is presented in
Note 4 to AutoChina’s December 31, 2008 financial
statements. However, since the issuance of SFAS No. 157, the FASB has
issued several FASB Staff Positions (FSPs) to clarify the application of SFAS
No. 157. FSPs apply to financial assets within the scope of
accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements in
accordance with SFAS No. 157. In February 2008, the FASB released FSP
No. 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157”, which delayed the
effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial
liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the
financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). In
October 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a
Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active”, which clarifies
the application of SFAS No. 157 in a market that is not active and provides
guidance in key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial
asset when the market for that financial asset is not active. FSP No.
157-3 became effective immediately, and includes prior period financial
statements that have not yet been issued. In April 2009, the FASB
issued FSP No. 157-4, “Determining the Fair Value When the Volume and Level of
Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying
Transactions That Are Not Orderly”, which provides additional guidance for
estimating fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 157, when the volume and level
of activity for the asset or liability have significantly
decreased. FSP No. 157-4 also provides guidance on identifying
circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. FSP No.
157-4 is effective for interim and periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall
be applied prospectively. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 and the related FSP’s did
not have any impact on AutoChina’s consolidated financial statements, except for
additional disclosures as described in Note 4 to AutoChina’s December 31, 2008
financial statements.
In
February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial
Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”), which provides companies with an option to
report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. SFAS
No. 159’s objective is to reduce both complexity in accounting for
financial instruments and the volatility in earnings caused by measuring related
assets and liabilities differently. Generally accepted accounting principles
have required different measurement attributes for different assets and
liabilities that can create artificial volatility in earnings. SFAS No. 159
helps to mitigate this type of accounting-induced volatility by enabling
companies to report related assets and liabilities at fair value, which would
likely reduce the need for companies to comply with detailed rules for
hedge accounting. SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure
requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose
different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities.
SFAS No. 159 requires companies to provide additional information that will
help investors and other users of financial statements to more easily understand
the effect of AutoChina’s choice to use fair value on its earnings. SFAS
No. 159 also requires companies to display the fair value of those assets
and liabilities for which AutoChina has chosen to use fair value on the face of
the balance sheet. SFAS No. 159 does not eliminate disclosure requirements
included in other accounting standards, including requirements for disclosures
about fair value measurements included in SFAS No. 157 and SFAS
No. 107. AutoChina adopted SFAS No. 159 on January 1, 2008,
but did not elect the fair value option for any financial assets or liabilities.
Accordingly, the adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have any impact on AutoChina’s
consolidated financial statement presentation or disclosures.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141(R)”), which
requires an acquirer to recognize in its financial statements as of the
acquisition date (i) the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities
assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, measured at their fair
values on the acquisition date, and (ii) goodwill as the excess of the
consideration transferred plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in
the acquiree at the acquisition date over the fair values of the identifiable
net assets acquired. Acquisition-related costs, which are the costs an acquirer
incurs to effect a business combination, will be accounted for as expenses in
the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received,
except that costs to issue debt or equity securities will be recognized in
accordance with other applicable GAAP. SFAS No. 141(R) makes
significant amendments to other Statement of Financial Accounting Standards and
other authoritative guidance to provide additional guidance or to conform the
guidance in that literature to that provided in SFAS No. 141(R). SFAS
No. 141(R) also provides guidance as to what information is to be
disclosed to enable users of financial statements to evaluate the nature and
financial effects of a business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) is
effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning on or after
December 15, 2008. AutoChina adopted SFAS No. 141(R) on January
1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) affected how AutoChina
accounted for the acquisition of AutoChina Group Inc., as described in Note 10
to AutoChina’s December 31, 2008 financial statements.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements —
an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS No. 160”), which requires that
ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, and
the amount of consolidated net income, be clearly identified, labeled and
presented in the consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 160 also
requires that once a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling
equity investment in the former subsidiary be initially measured at fair
value. Sufficient disclosures are required to clearly identify and
distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the
noncontrolling owners. SFAS No. 160 amends FASB No. 128 to
provide that the calculation of earnings per share amounts in the consolidated
financial statements will continue to be based on the amounts attributable to
the parent. SFAS No. 160 is effective for financial statements issued for
fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or
after December 15, 2008, and requires retroactive adoption of the
presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority interests.
All other requirements are applied prospectively. AutoChina adopted SFAS
No. 160 on January 1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS No. 160 did not have any
impact on AutoChina’s consolidated financial statement presentation or
disclosures.
In
March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities —
an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS No. 161”). SFAS
No. 161 amends and expands the disclosure requirements of SFAS
No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”
(“SFAS No. 133”). The objective of SFAS No. 161 is to provide users of
financial statements with an enhanced understanding of how and why an entity
uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items
are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations, and
how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial
position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS No. 161
requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using
derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and
losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related
contingent features in derivative agreements. SFAS No. 161 applies to
all derivative financial instruments, including bifurcated derivative
instruments (and nonderivative instruments that are designed and qualify as
hedging instruments pursuant to paragraphs 37 and 42 of SFAS No. 133) and
related hedged items accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related
interpretations. SFAS No. 161 also amends certain provisions of SFAS
No. 133. SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for
fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with
early application encouraged. SFAS No. 161 encourages, but does not
require, comparative disclosures for earlier periods at initial adoption.
AutoChina adopted SFAS No. 161 on January 1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS
No. 161 did not have any impact on AutoChina’s consolidated financial statement
presentation or disclosures.
In
May 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“SFAS
No. 162”). SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting
principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the
preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are
presented in conformity with GAAP. SFAS No. 162 became effective on
November 15, 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 162 did not have any impact on
AutoChina’s consolidated financial statement presentation or
disclosures.
In
June 2008, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue
No. 07-05, “Determining Whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) is
Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock” (“EITF 07-05”). EITF 07-05 mandates a two-step
process for evaluating whether an equity-linked financial instrument or embedded
feature is indexed to the entity’s own stock. Warrants that a company issues
that contain a strike price adjustment feature, upon the adoption of EITF 07-05,
results in the instruments no longer being considered indexed to the company’s
own stock. Accordingly, adoption of EITF 07-05 will change the current
classification (from equity to liability) and the related accounting for such
warrants outstanding at that date. EITF 07-05 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal
years. AutoChina adopted EITF 07-05 on January 1, 2009. The adoption of
EITF 07-05 did not have any impact on AutoChina’s consolidated financial
statement presentation or disclosures.
In April
2009, the FASB issued FSP 107-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of
Financial Instruments”, which requires disclosures about fair value of financial
instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies as well
as in annual financial statements. FSP 107-1 also amends APB Opinion
No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting”, to require those disclosures in
summarized financial information at interim reporting. FSP 107-1 is effective
for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption
permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. AutoChina is
currently evaluating the potential impact of FSP 107-1 on its consolidated
financial statement presentation and disclosures.
Management
does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective,
accounting standards or pronouncements, if currently adopted, would have a
material effect on AutoChina’s consolidated financial statement presentation or
disclosures.
Results
of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2008
AutoChina
reported a net loss of $145,541 for the year ended December 31, 2008. Prior to
acquiring ACG, AutoChina’s only significant income was from interest generated
in the trust account.
Overall,
for the year ended December 31, 2008, AutoChina incurred fees and expenses of
$492,355 in connection with the acquisition of ACG and general and
administrative expenses of $327,935. For the year ended December 31, 2008,
AutoChina’s trust account earned interest of $733,745 before the allocation of
$58,996 in interest to shares subject to possible redemption.
Results
of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2007
AutoChina
had a net loss of $23,428 for the year ended December 31, 2007 as a result of
formation and operating costs. Additionally, deferred offering costs of $199,957
were incurred in 2007. These costs consisted of professional fees of $189,437
and regulatory and filing fees of approximately $10,520. AutoChina had no income
in 2007. Prior to acquiring ACG, AutoChina had no revenues and incurred losses
due to management’s expenses relating to locating a target business to
acquire.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
On
February 27, 2008, AutoChina completed a private placement of 1,430,000 warrants
to James Cheng-Jee Sha, AutoChina’s former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
and current director, Diana Chia-Huei Liu, AutoChina’s former President and
current director, William Tsu-Cheng Yu, AutoChina’s former Chief Financial
Officer and director, Jimmy (Jim) Yee-Ming Wu, AutoChina’s former Chief
Operating Officer and director and Gary Han Ming Chang, AutoChina’s former
Special Advisor, collectively referred to as AutoChina’s “founding
shareholders,” and received net proceeds of $1,430,000. On March 4, 2008,
AutoChina consummated its initial public offering of 4,500,000 units. On March
13, 2008, the underwriters of AutoChina’s initial public offering exercised
their overallotment option in full, for a total of an additional 675,000 units
(over and above the 4,500,000 units sold in the initial public offering) for an
aggregate offering of 5,175,000 units. Each unit in the public offering
consisted of one ordinary share and one redeemable ordinary share purchase
warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase from AutoChina one
ordinary share at an exercise price of $5.00. AutoChina’s ordinary shares and
warrants started trading separately as of March 28, 2008.
The net
proceeds from the sale of AutoChina’s warrants and units, after deducting
certain offering expenses of approximately $3,458,000, including underwriting
discounts of approximately $2,898,000, were approximately $39,372,000.
Approximately $40,671,000 of the proceeds from the initial public offering and
the private placement was placed in a trust account for AutoChina’s benefit. The
trust account contained $1,449,000 of the underwriter’s compensation which was
paid to them upon the consummation of the business combination. Except for up to
$1,050,000 in interest that was earned on the funds contained in the trust
account that was able to be released to AutoChina to be used as working capital,
of which approximately $450,000 had been released as of December 31, 2008,
AutoChina was not otherwise able to access the amounts held in the trust until
AutoChina consummated a business combination. The amounts held outside of the
trust account were available to be used by AutoChina to provide for business,
legal and accounting due diligence on prospective acquisitions and continuing
general and administrative expenses. From October 16, 2007 (the date of
AutoChina’s inception) through December 31, 2007, AutoChina had operating
expenses of $23,428 and deferred offering costs of $199,957. From January 1,
2008 through March 4, 2008 (the date on which AutoChina consummated its initial
public offering), AutoChina had operating expenses of $356 and offering costs of
$196,659, exclusive of the $2,898,000 in underwriting discounts. As of December
31, 2007, AutoChina had no amount held in the trust account and as of December
31, 2008 there was approximately $40,855,000 held in the trust account, which
included deferred underwriting fees of $1,449,000. Additionally, as of December
31, 2008, AutoChina held approximately $77,000 outside of the trust account to
fund its working capital requirements.
AutoChina
used substantially all of the net proceeds of the initial public offering to
acquire ACG, including identifying and evaluating prospective acquisition
candidates, selecting the target business, and structuring, negotiating and
consummating the business combination including various equity based
transactions that utilized most of the amounts held in trust at the
closing.
Commencing
on February 27, 2008 through April 9, 2009, AutoChina incurred a fee of $7,500
per month for office space. The office space was provided by LiveABC of Beijing,
China, an affiliate of James Cheng-Jee Sha, AutoChina’s then-Chief Executive
Officer and director.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
Prior to
its acquisition of ACG on April 9, 2009, AutoChina never entered into any
off-balance sheet financing arrangements, never established any special purpose
entities, and had not guaranteed any debt or commitments of other entities or
entered into any options on non-financial assets.
Contractual
Obligations
Prior to
its acquisition of ACG on April 9, 2009, AutoChina did not have any long term
debt, capital lease obligations, operating lease obligations, purchase
obligations or other long term liabilities. However, as discussed above,
AutoChina had entered into a lease with the landlord of AutoChina’s office
facilities at a monthly rental of approximately $7,500, which lease terminated
upon the acquisition of ACG on April 9, 2009.
UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The
following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been
prepared assuming that the business combination had occurred (i) at January 1,
2008 for the pro forma condensed combined statement of operations and (ii) at
December 31, 2008 for the pro forma condensed combined balance
sheet.
The
unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is provided for
illustrative purposes only. The historical financial information has
been adjusted to give effect to pro forma events that are directly attributable
to the business combination, are factually supportable, and are expected to have
a continuing impact on the combined results.
You
should not rely on the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as
being indicative of the historical financial position that would have been
achieved had the business combination been consummated as of December 31, 2008,
or the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations as being
indicative of the historical financial results of operations that would have
been achieved had the business combination been consummated on January 1,
2008.
We are
providing the following information to aid you in your analysis of the financial
aspects of the business combination. We derived the historical
financial information of AutoChina Group, Inc. (“ACG”) from the audited
consolidated financial statements of ACG for the year ended December 31, 2008
and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this document. We derived
the historical financial information of AutoChina International Limited
(formerly Spring Creek Acquisition Corp.) (“AutoChina”) from the audited
financial statements of AutoChina for the year ended December 31, 2008 and the
notes thereto included elsewhere in this document. This information
should be read together with AutoChina’s and ACG’s audited financial statements
and related notes, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations” for AutoChina and ACG, and other financial
information included elsewhere in this document.
The
business combination will be accounted for as a reverse acquisition since,
immediately following completion of the transaction, the shareholders of ACG
immediately prior to the business combination will have effective control of
AutoChina through (1) their majority shareholder interest in the combined
entity, (2) significant representation on the Board of Directors (initially two
out of five members), with three of the board members being
independent of both AutoChina and ACG, and (3) being named to all of the senior
executive positions. For accounting purposes, ACG will be deemed to
be the accounting acquirer in the transaction and, consequently, the transaction
will be treated as a recapitalization of ACG (i.e., a capital transaction
involving the issuance of stock by AutoChina for the stock of ACG). Accordingly,
the combined assets, liabilities and results of operations of ACG will become
the historical financial statements of AutoChina at the closing of the
transaction, and AutoChina’s assets (primarily cash and cash equivalents),
liabilities and results of operations will be consolidated with ACG beginning on
the acquisition date. No step-up in basis or intangible assets or
goodwill will be recorded in this transaction. All direct costs of
the transaction are being charged to operations as incurred.
Actual
results could differ from the pro forma information presented and depend on
several variables, including, pursuant to an earn-out provision in the share
exchange agreement, the issuance to ACG’s prior shareholders of between 5% and
20% of the number of ordinary shares of the Company’s outstanding as of December
31 of the fiscal year immediately prior to such earn-out issuance for achieving
certain Targeted EBITDA Growth (as defined in the share exchange agreement) in
each of the five fiscal years ending December 31, 2009 through December 31,
2013. Upon issuance, such shares will be recorded as an adjustment to
the accounting acquiree’s basis in the reverse acquisition (i.e., as an
adjustment at par value to ordinary shares and additional paid-in capital), and
will be included in the calculations of earnings per share from that
date.
In order
to ensure that the business combination was approved by the shareholders,
AutoChina, ACG and their respective affiliates entered into various transactions
to purchase or facilitate the purchase of ordinary shares of AutoChina from
shareholders who had indicated their intention to vote against the business
combination and seek redemption of their shares for cash. These
agreements reflected immediate or short-term cash commitments as summarized
below, which were in excess of the amount in AutoChina’s trust account at
December 31, 2008 ($40,855,363) and at the closing of the business
combination.
|
|
|
|
Purchase
of shares
|
|
$
|
24,217,506
|
|
Payment
of deferred underwriting and advisory fees -
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
|
1,200,000
|
|
Short-term
note payable
|
|
|
429,000
|
|
Short-term
put and call agreements -
|
|
|
|
|
Fully
funded
|
|
|
4,986,696
|
|
Partially
funded
|
|
|
1,114,629
|
|
Unfunded
|
|
|
2,541,500
|
|
Redemption
of shares
|
|
|
8,181,741
|
|
Repurchase
of warrants
|
|
|
1,026,425
|
|
Legal
fees and other
|
|
|
410,124
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
44,107,621
|
|
Such
transactions resulted in substantially all of AutoChina’s trust fund being
expended at the closing, which resulted in ACG not receiving any significant
working capital from the trust account to fund its post-transaction business
operations. The lack of trust funds available to fund ACG’s business
operations could have a material adverse effect on ACG’s future operations and
business prospects.
A
substantial portion of the funds held in AutoChina’s trust account were used to
purchase ordinary shares of AutoChina from holders who would have otherwise
voted against the business combination. However, AutoChina does not
believe that holders of its public stock who purchased such shares in its
February 2008 initial public offering have grounds to seek rescission of the
purchase of the units the holder acquired in the initial public offering, since
most of such holders participated in the various transactions summarized above
at the closing.
AUTOCHINA
INTERNATIONAL LIMITED (FORMERLY SPRING CREEK ACQUISITION CORP.)
AND
AUTOCHINA GROUP INC.
Unaudited
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations
Year
Ended December 31, 2008
(In
thousands of U.S. Dollars, except per share amounts, and U.S. GAAP, unless
otherwise noted)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro
Forma
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Combined
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Companies
|
|
|
|
AutoChina
|
|
|
AutoChina
|
|
|
Pro
Forma
|
|
|
(With
Actual
|
|
|
|
International
|
|
|
Group
|
|
|
Adjustments
and Eliminations
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
|
Limited
|
|
|
Inc.
|
|
|
Debit
|
|
|
Credit
|
|
|
Redemption)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
sales
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
440,585
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
440,585
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
of sales
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
414,672
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
414,672
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
profit
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
25,913
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,913
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling and
marketing
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
6,692
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,692
|
|
General and
administrative
|
|
|
328
|
|
|
|
7,506
|
|
|
|
1,452
|
(2)
|
|
|
328
|
(1)
|
|
|
9,168
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
210
|
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income, net
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(836
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(836
|
)
|
Total operating
expenses
|
|
|
328
|
|
|
|
13,362
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
(loss) from operations
|
|
|
(328
|
)
|
|
|
12,551
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,889
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
income (expense)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
734
|
|
|
|
2,799
|
|
|
|
734
|
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,799
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(2,805
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,805
|
)
|
Accretion of share repurchase
obligations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
664
|
(5)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(664
|
)
|
Equity in loss of unconsolidated
subsidiaries
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(40
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(40
|
)
|
Acquisition-related
costs
|
|
|
(492
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
898
|
(6)
|
|
|
1,390
|
(1)
|
|
|
-
|
|
Minority
interests
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(1,309
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,309
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
(loss) before income taxes
|
|
|
(86
|
)
|
|
|
11,196
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,870
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
tax provision
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
447
|
(4)
|
|
|
2,562
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
|
|
(86
|
)
|
|
|
8,187
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,308
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss
from discontinued operations, net of taxes
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(144
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(144
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
(loss) before allocation of trust account interest
|
|
|
(86
|
)
|
|
|
8,043
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,164
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allocation
of trust account interest relating to ordinary shares subject to possible
redemption
|
|
|
(59
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
59
|
(1)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income (loss) available to ordinary stockholders
|
|
$
|
(145
|
)
|
|
$
|
8,043
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
6,164
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income per common share -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.63
|
|
Diluted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.53
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
average number of common shares outstanding (Note B) -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,711,930
|
|
Diluted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,565,253
|
|
AUTOCHINA
INTERNATIONAL LIMITED (FORMERLY SPRING CREEK ACQUISITION CORP.)
AND
AUTOCHINA GROUP INC.
UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Year
Ended December 31, 2008
(In
thousands of U.S. Dollars, except per share amounts, and U.S. GAAP, unless
otherwise noted)
Pro
Forma Adjustments and Eliminations (In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for
share and per share data, unless otherwise noted):
(1)
|
To
eliminate historical operations of the accounting acquiree (a
non-operating public shell) as the transaction is being accounted for as a
reverse acquisition.
|
(2)
|
To
provide for estimated incremental expenses of the parent public company
based upon contracts, engagement letters, actual invoices and/or currently
updated fee estimates as follows:
|
Public
company legal fees
|
|
$
|
250
|
|
Sarbanes-Oxley
implementation, documentation and testing
|
|
|
200
|
|
Financial
audit /review fees
|
|
|
220
|
|
Directors
fees and expenses
|
|
|
250
|
|
Directors
and officers liability insurance
|
|
|
100
|
|
Listing
fees
|
|
|
27
|
|
Printing
|
|
|
30
|
|
Public
and investor relations
|
|
|
150
|
|
Transfer
agent fees
|
|
|
120
|
|
Travel
|
|
|
100
|
|
Other
|
|
|
5
|
|
Total
estimated annual incremental public company expenses
|
|
$
|
1,452
|
|
(3)
|
To
provide for the estimated annual incremental cost of post-merger
compensation agreements.
|
(4)
|
To
provide for the income tax benefit resulting from incremental post-merger
compensation and public company costs, at AutoChina's marginal income tax
rate for the period presented.
|
(5)
|
To
accrete share repurchase obligation over the obligation period to the
amount of the liability.
|
(6)
|
To
record additional acquisition-related costs of the accounting acquiree
(see pro forma balance sheet entries (6) and
(11)).
|
Pro
Forma Notes (In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data,
unless otherwise noted):
(A)
|
Pro
forma entries are recorded to the extent they are a direct result of the
business combination, are factually supportable, and are expected to have
a continuing impact on the combined
results.
|
(B)
|
As
the transaction is being accounted for as a reverse acquisition, the
calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted
earnings per share assumes that the shares issued in conjunction with
the business combination have been outstanding for the entire
period. Shares redeemed, repurchased, under obligations to be
repurchased, and shares surrendered and cancelled have been excluded from
the calculation of earnings per share for the entire period. The impact of
warrants repurchased prior to the closing of the business combination on
the calculation of common stock equivalents have been retroactively
adjusted to eliminate their effect for the entire period. Basic and
diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding is calculated
as follows:
|
|
|
Pro
Forma
|
|
|
Share
|
|
|
|
Balance
|
|
|
with
Actual
|
|
|
|
Sheet
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actual
number of common shares outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,468,750
|
|
Pro
forma share adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
issued to selling shareholders in share exchange
transaction
|
|
|
(5)
|
|
|
|
8,606,250
|
|
Surrender
and cancellation of founders shares
|
|
|
(12)
|
|
|
|
(263,436
|
)
|
Shares
repurchased by AutoChina
|
|
|
(10)
|
|
|
|
(3,053,910
|
)
|
Shares
subject to repurchase obligations
|
|
|
(14)
|
|
|
|
(1,004,790
|
)
|
Shares
redeemed by public shareholders
|
|
|
(9)
|
|
|
|
(1,040,934
|
)
|
Pro
forma weighted average number of common shares outstanding –
Basic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,711,930
|
|
Common
stock equivalents:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
issuable from actual "in the money" warrants outstanding:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From
Public Offering warrants, net of 1,522,892 warrants repurchased by
AutoChina
prior
to the closing
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,652,108
|
|
From
Private Placement warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,430,000
|
|
Less
number of shares available "on the market" pursuant to the treasury stock
method
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,228,785
|
)
|
Number
of "new" shares to be issued pursuant to the treasury stock
method
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,853,323
|
|
Pro
forma weighted average number of common shares outstanding –
Diluted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,565,253
|
|
(C)
|
AutoChina
has not adjusted the 2008 pro forma financial statements for the impact of
SFAS No. 160, "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial
Statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51", as AutoChina did not adopt such
accounting pronouncement until January 1,
2009.
|
AUTOCHINA
INTERNATIONAL LIMITED (FORMERLY SPRING CREEK ACQUISITION CORP.)
AND
AUTOCHINA GROUP INC.
Unaudited
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet
December
31, 2008
(In
thousands of U.S. Dollars, except per share amounts, and U.S. GAAP, unless
otherwise noted)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro
Forma
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Combined
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Companies
|
|
|
|
AutoChina
|
|
|
AutoChina
|
|
|
Pro
Forma
|
|
|
(With
Actual
|
|
|
|
International
|
|
|
Group
|
|
|
Adjustments
and Eliminations
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
|
Limited
|
|
|
Inc.
|
|
|
Debit
|
|
|
Credit
|
|
|
Redemption)
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
77
|
|
|
$
|
17,406
|
|
|
|
40,855
|
(1)
|
|
|
1,200
|
(2)
|
|
$
|
18,188
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,182
|
(9)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,218
|
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
57
|
(11)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
928
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,987
|
(13)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
578
|
(15)
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted
cash
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
40,824
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,824
|
|
Restricted
cash held in escrow
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,987
|
(13)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,987
|
|
Funds
held in trust
|
|
|
40,855
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,855
|
(1)
|
|
|
–
|
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
4,272
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,272
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
37,463
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,463
|
|
Deposits
for inventories
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
21,621
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,621
|
|
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
5,474
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,484
|
|
Due
from unconsolidated subsidiary
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
529
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
529
|
|
Current
maturities of net investment in sales-type leases
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
14,867
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,867
|
|
Deferred
income tax assets
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
1,020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,020
|
|
Total current
assets
|
|
|
40,942
|
|
|
|
143,476
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
149,255
|
|
Investment
in unconsolidated subsidiaries
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
229
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
229
|
|
Property,
equipment and leasehold improvements, net
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
26,907
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,907
|
|
Net
investment in sales-type leases, net of current maturities
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
8,492
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,492
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
941
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
941
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
40,942
|
|
|
$
|
180,045
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
185,824
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Floor
plan notes payable - manufacturer affiliated
|
|
$
|
–
|
|
|
$
|
12,379
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,379
|
|
Notes
payable
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
3,921
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,921
|
|
Trade
notes payable
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
60,134
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,134
|
|
Note
payable to EarlyBirdCapital
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
249
|
(2)
|
|
|
429
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
180
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
payable
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
19,637
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,656
|
|
Other
payables and accrued liabilities
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
5,189
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,189
|
|
Accrued
acquisition costs
|
|
|
267
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
1,108
|
(8)
|
|
|
841
|
(6)
|
|
|
–
|
|
Share
repurchase obligations
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,908
|
(14)
|
|
|
7,908
|
|
Due
to affiliates
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
5,894
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,894
|
|
Customer
deposits
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
3,224
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,224
|
|
Income
tax payable
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
1,674
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,674
|
|
Deferred
underwriting fees
|
|
|
1,449
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
1,449
|
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Deferred
interest on funds held in trust
|
|
|
59
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
59
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Total current
liabilities
|
|
|
1,794
|
|
|
|
112,052
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
120,408
|
|
Net
deferred income tax liabilities
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
405
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
405
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
1,794
|
|
|
|
112,457
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
120,813
|
|
Ordinary
shares, subject to possible redemption
|
|
|
16,270
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
8,088
|
(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,182
|
(9)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AUTOCHINA
INTERNATIONAL LIMITED (FORMERLY SPRING CREEK ACQUISITION CORP.)
AND
AUTOCHINA GROUP INC.
Unaudited
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet
December
31, 2008
(In
thousands of U.S. Dollars, except per share amounts, and U.S. GAAP, unless
otherwise noted)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro
Forma
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Combined
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Companies
|
|
|
|
AutoChina
|
|
|
AutoChina
|
|
|
Pro
Forma
|
|
|
(With
Actual
|
|
|
|
International
|
|
|
Group
|
|
|
Adjustments
and Eliminations
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
|
Limited
|
|
|
Inc.
|
|
|
Debit
|
|
|
Credit
|
|
|
Redemption)
|
|
Minority
interests
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
6,950
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,950
|
|
Stockholders’
equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred
shares, $0.001 par value
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary
shares, $0.001 par value
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
1
|
(9)
|
|
|
9
|
(5)
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
(12)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
(10)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional
paid-in capital
|
|
|
23,040
|
|
|
|
35,921
|
|
|
|
9
|
(5)
|
|
|
8,088
|
(4)
|
|
|
33,274
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,215
|
(10)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
578
|
(15)
|
|
|
1
|
(9)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,908
|
(14)
|
|
|
0
|
(12)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,067
|
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statutory
reserves
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
741
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
741
|
|
Retained
earnings (deficit accumulated during the development
stage)
|
|
|
(169
|
)
|
|
|
17,791
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
59
|
(7)
|
|
|
17,850
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
57
|
(11)
|
|
|
1,067
|
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
841
|
(6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
other comprehensive income
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
6,185
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,185
|
|
Total stockholders'
equity
|
|
|
22,878
|
|
|
|
60,638
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
58,061
|
|
Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity
|
|
$
|
40,942
|
|
|
$
|
180,045
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
185,824
|
|
Pro
Forma Adjustments and Eliminations (In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for
share and per share data, unless otherwise noted):
(1)
|
To
liquidate investments held in
trust.
|
(2)
|
To
record payment of deferred underwriting fees of $1,449 charged to
additional paid-in capital at time of initial public offering but
contingently payable until the consummation of a business combination, and
investment advisors fee of $180 relating to the business combination, paid
in the form of cash of $1,200 and a note payable of $429. The note payable
is non-interest bearing and due no later than October 9,
2009. Also placed into escrow as additional security were
446,250 ordinary shares held by the former sole shareholder of AutoChina
Group Inc.
|
(3)
|
To
eliminate historical retained earnings, as adjusted, of accounting
acquiree.
|
(4)
|
To
reclassify common stock subject to possible redemption relating to shares
not redeemed to permanent equity (see also entry
(9)).
|
(5)
|
To
record issuance of Net Upfront Consideration Shares and Holdback
Consideration Shares to the selling shareholders in the business
combination, calculated as
follows:.
|
Purchase
Price
|
|
$
|
68,850
|
|
Divided
by Net Upfront Consideration Average Price
|
|
$
|
8.00
|
|
Total
Net Upfront Consideration Shares and Holdback Consideration Shares
(see
notes (B) and (C))
|
|
|
8,606,250
|
|
(6)
|
To
accrue balance of estimated direct costs for the preparation and
negotiation of the business combination based upon engagement letters,
actual invoices and/or currently updated fee estimates as
follows:
|
Investment
banking fees
|
|
$
|
180
|
|
Financial
advisor fees
|
|
|
76
|
|
Legal
fees
|
|
|
688
|
|
Fairness
opinion fees
|
|
|
20
|
|
Accounting
fees
|
|
|
165
|
|
Registration
and listing costs
|
|
|
75
|
|
Printing
costs
|
|
|
45
|
|
Roadshow,
travel and other
|
|
|
84
|
|
Total
estimated costs
|
|
|
1,333
|
|
Less
costs incurred to-date
|
|
|
(492
|
)
|
Balance
to accrue
|
|
$
|
841
|
|
|
Total
estimated costs do not include contingent underwriting fees of $1,449 that
are payable upon consummation of the business combination, as these costs
were incurred in connection with AutoChina's IPO and have already been
provided for on AutoChina's
books.
|
(7)
|
To
eliminate deferred interest on funds held in trust as a result of the
drawdown of all permitted interest earned for working capital
purposes.
|
AUTOCHINA
INTERNATIONAL LIMITED (FORMERLY SPRING CREEK ACQUISITION CORP.)
AND
AUTOCHINA GROUP INC.
Unaudited
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet
December
31, 2008
(In
thousands of U.S. Dollars, except per share amounts, and U.S. GAAP, unless
otherwise noted)
(8)
|
To
record payment of costs related to the business
combination.
|
(9)
|
To
record redemption of 1,040,934 ordinary shares issued in AutoChina's IPO,
at December 31, 2008 redemption value of $7.86 per share, for an aggregate
of $8,182 (see note (D)).
|
(10)
|
To
record purchase and subsequent cancellation of 3,053,910 ordinary shares
for $24,218.
|
(11)
|
To
record payment of option fees relating to the Victory Park share
repurchase obligation.
|
(12)
|
To
record forfeiture and cancellation of 263,436 ordinary shares held by
AutoChina International Limited founding stockholders as required in
connection with the redemption of 1,040,934 ordinary shares subject to
possible redemption (see entry
(9)).
|
(13)
|
To
record placement of funds into escrow, as required pursuant to AutoChina's
share repurchase agreements. Also placed into escrow as additional
security were 7,745,625 ordinary shares held by the former sole
shareholder of AutoChina Group Inc.
|
(14)
|
To
record liability to repurchase 1,004,790 ordinary
shares.
|
(15)
|
To
record repurchase of warrants occurring prior to the closing date of the
business combination (April 9, 2009) to acquire 1,522,892 ordinary shares
sold in AutoChina's IPO at an aggregate price of
$578.
|
Pro
Forma Notes (In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data,
unless otherwise noted):
(A)
|
Pro
forma entries are recorded to the extent they are a direct result of the
business combination and are factually
supportable.
|
(B)
|
Concurrent
with the closing, 10% of the shares to be issued at that time (see entry
(5)), defined as Holdback Consideration Shares, shall be delivered into an
escrow account and be subject to release to the selling shareholders in
two equal installments upon the attainment of certain income thresholds in
2008 and 2009. See “Business—The Acquisition” elsewhere in this
document.
|
(C)
|
The
selling shareholders will be eligible to earn additional shares, based
upon the achievement of certain income targets for the years 2008 through
2013. See “Business—The Acquisition” elsewhere in this document. Upon
issuance, the shares will be recorded as an adjustment to the accounting
acquiree's basis in the reverse acquisition, and will be included in the
calculations of earnings per share from such
date.
|
(D)
|
On
April 9, 2009, stockholders of AutoChina approved the business
combination, with holders of 1,040,934 shares voting against the business
combination. Of the stockholders voting against the business
combination, holders of 1,040,934 shares properly demanded redemption of
their shares and were paid $8,182, or $7.86 per
share.
|
(E)
|
AutoChina
has not adjusted the 2008 pro forma financial statements for the impact of
SFAS No. 160, "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial
Statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51", as AutoChina did not adopt such
accounting pronouncement until January 1,
2009.
|
BUSINESS
AutoChina’s
History
AutoChina
International Limited (f/k/a Spring Creek Acquisition Corp.) is a Cayman Islands
exempted company that was incorporated on October 16, 2007, and organized as a
blank check company for the purpose of acquiring, through a stock exchange,
asset acquisition or other similar business combination, or controlling, through
contractual arrangements, an operating business, that has its principal
operations in the People’s Republic of China, or PRC, as well as the Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region, the Macau Special Administrative Region and
Taiwan, which is also referred to as Greater China. AutoChina’s Amended and
Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association at the time provided that we
could not consummate a business combination with a business that had its
principal operations outside of Greater China.
On
February 27, 2008, we completed a private placement of 1,430,000 warrants to
James Cheng-Jee Sha, AutoChina’s former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman and
current director, Diana Chia-Huei Liu, AutoChina’s former President and current
director, William Tsu-Cheng Yu, AutoChina’s former Chief Financial Officer and
director, Jimmy (Jim) Yee-Ming Wu, AutoChina’s former Chief Operating Officer
and Director and Gary Han Ming Chang, AutoChina’s former Special Advisor,
collectively referred to as the founding shareholders, as a result of which
AutoChina received net proceeds of $1,430,000.
The
Initial Public Offering
On March
4, 2008, AutoChina consummated its initial public offering of 4,500,000 units.
On March 13, 2008, the underwriters of AutoChina’s initial public offering
exercised their over-allotment option in full, for a total of an additional
675,000 units (over and above the 4,500,000 units sold in the initial public
offering) for an aggregate offering of 5,175,000 units. Each unit in the
offering consisted of one ordinary share and one redeemable ordinary share
purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase from AutoChina
one ordinary share in AutoChina at an exercise price of $5.00. AutoChina’s
ordinary shares and warrants started trading separately as of March 28,
2008.
In
connection with the initial public offering and the private placement,
AutoChina’s officers and directors placed all the shares owned by them before
the private placement and the initial public offering into an escrow account.
Except in certain circumstances, these shares will not be released from escrow
until January 9, 2010 (nine months after AutoChina’s consummation of a business
combination) with respect to 50% of the shares and April 9, 2010 (one year after
AutoChina’s consummation of a business combination) with respect to the
remaining 50% of the shares.
The
Acquisition
On April
9, 2009, pursuant to the terms of a share exchange agreement dated February 4,
2009 and amended March 11, 2009, we acquired all of the outstanding securities
of AutoChina Group Inc. (“ACG”). On that day, we filed Second Amended
and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association that, among other things,
changed our name to “AutoChina International Limited” and removed certain
provisions that, giving effect to AutoChina’s acquisition of ACG, were no longer
applicable.
Pursuant
to the share exchange agreement, upon AutoChina’s acquisition of ACG, AutoChina
issued 8,606,250 ordinary shares in AutoChina to Honest Best Int’l Ltd., ACG’s
prior shareholder, in upfront consideration, of which 10% was held back and
placed in escrow. The release of 50% of the holdback consideration is
conditioned on AutoChina’s exceeding $22.5 million EBITDA and 30% EBITDA Growth
(each as defined in the share exchange agreement) for the 2009 fiscal year, and
the remaining 50% of the holdback consideration will be released on the later of
20 days following delivery of the 2009 audited financial statements for
AutoChina and one year from the date of the closing of the transactions
contemplated in the share exchange agreement, in each case less any damages
claimed pursuant to the indemnification provisions of the share exchange
agreement at the time of such release. In addition, pursuant to an earn-out
provision in the share exchange agreement, AutoChina agreed to issue to Honest
Best Int’l Ltd., ACG’s prior shareholder, between 5% and 20% of the number of
ordinary shares outstanding as of December 31 of the fiscal year immediately
prior to such earn-out issuance for achieving a minimum EBITDA and certain
Targeted EBITDA Growth (each as defined in the Share Exchange Agreement) in each
of the next five years, through the year ended December 31,
2013.
In
connection with the acquisition, as of April 9, 2009, after the closing of the
acquisition, AutoChina closed on its previously announced agreements to purchase
3,053,910 ordinary shares for an aggregate of $24,217,506.30. Such
shares were voted in favor of the acquisition and other related
proposals.
Also in
connection with the acquisition, on April 7, 2009, AutoChina entered into
certain Put and Call Agreements with four of its shareholders. Pursuant to such
agreements, AutoChina agreed to be obligated to purchase (the “put option”) from
the shareholders, and the shareholders have agreed to be obligated to sell (the
“call option”) to AutoChina, an aggregate of 156,990 ordinary shares at an
exercise price of $9.05 per ordinary share, less the per share portion of any
cash dividend or other cash distribution paid to AutoChina’s shareholders prior
to the exercise of the put option or the call option. The put options are
exercisable during the two week period commencing on October 9, 2009. The call
options are exercisable until October 9, 2009, subject to certain limitations.
In connection with these agreements, AutoChina entered into an Escrow Agreement,
dated April 7, 2009, with the shareholders, Honest Best Int’l Ltd., the sole
shareholder of ACG prior to the acquisition, and Loeb & Loeb LLP, as the
escrow agent, pursuant to which the escrow agent will hold 7,745,625 ordinary
shares of AutoChina issued to Honest Best Int’l Ltd. in connection with
acquisition, together with $376,776 in cash provided by AutoChina, to secure
payment of the exercise price by AutoChina.
On April
7, 2009, AutoChina entered into certain Put and Call Agreements with four of its
shareholders. Pursuant to the agreements, AutoChina agreed to be obligated to
purchase (the “put option”) from the shareholders, and the shareholders have
agreed to be obligated to sell (the “call option”) to AutoChina, an aggregate of
299,000 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $8.50 per share, less the per
share portion of any cash dividend or other cash distribution paid to
AutoChina’s shareholders prior to the exercise of the put option or the call
option. The put options are exercisable during the two week period commencing on
October 9, 2009. The call options are exercisable until October 9, 2009, subject
to certain limitations.
On April
8, 2009, AutoChina entered into a Put and Call Agreement with two of its
shareholders. Simultaneously with the execution of the agreement, the
shareholders purchased an aggregate of 548,800 ordinary shares of AutoChina at a
purchase price of $7.865 per ordinary share. Pursuant to the agreement,
AutoChina agreed to be obligated to purchase (the “put option”) from the
shareholders, and the shareholders have agreed to be obligated to sell (the
“call option”), an aggregate of 548,800 ordinary shares at an exercise price of
$8.40 per share, less the per share portion of any cash dividend or other cash
distribution paid to AutoChina’s shareholders prior to the exercise of the put
option or the call option. AutoChina also paid the shareholders an aggregate of
$57,624 in connection with the agreement. The put options are
exercisable during the two week period commencing on October 9, 2009. The call
options are exercisable until October 9, 2009, subject to certain
limitations. In connection with this agreement, AutoChina entered
into an Escrow Agreement, dated April 8, 2009 with the shareholders, ACG and
Loeb & Loeb LLP, as the escrow agent, pursuant to which the escrow agent
will hold $4,609,920 in cash provided by AutoChina to secure payment of the
exercise price by AutoChina.
AutoChina’s
principal place of business is located at No.322, Zhongshan East Road,
Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People’s Republic of China, and its telephone number is +86
311 8382 7688.
ACG’s
History and Current Business
Overview
AutoChina
Group Inc. (“ACG”) was incorporated in the Cayman Islands on July 26, 2007 and
currently consists of two primary reportable segments: the commercial vehicle
sales and leasing segment and the automotive dealership segment. ACG currently
conducts business through over 180 subsidiaries, all of which are majority or
wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by it. Its principal offices are located
at 322 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, 050011, People’s
Republic of China, and its telephone number is +86 311 8382
7688.
ACG is a
full-service, integrated retailer of consumer automobiles and related services
and provider of commercial vehicle sales and leasing and related services under
the “Kaiyuan Auto” brand name. ACG’s automotive dealerships sell new and used
automobiles manufactured by Audi, Toyota, First Auto Works (“FAW”), Hyundai,
Buick, Ford, BMW, Chevrolet, ROEWE, Qingling, Cadillac, Peugeot, and Ruida Kia.
ACG also operates commercial vehicle financing centers. Through its
strategically located network of automotive dealerships and commercial vehicle
financing centers, ACG provides one-stop service for the needs of its customers,
including retail sales of new and used consumer automobiles, aftermarket parts
sales, service and repair facilities, commercial vehicle sales and leasing and
related administrative services.
ACG’s
automotive dealerships and commercial vehicle financing centers are principally
located in high traffic areas throughout Hebei, Shanxi, Shandong and Henan
provinces, the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Beijing and Tianjin regions
of China. Since commencing operations in 2005, ACG has grown to operate 25
automotive dealerships and an insurance brokerage center. Commencing in March
2008 with its first commercial vehicle financing center operated by its
subsidiary, Gaocheng Kaiyuan Transportation Service Co., Ltd., ACG has quickly
grown its network of commercial vehicle financing centers to include 105 centers
as of May 15, 2009.
ACG’s
business strategy consists of providing its customers with competitively-priced
products supported with timely and reliable service through its integrated
automotive dealership and commercial vehicle financing center network. ACG
intends to continue to implement its business strategy, reinforce customer
loyalty and remain a market leader by continuing to develop its automotive
dealerships and commercial vehicle financing centers as its extends its
geographic presence through strategic acquisitions of new locations and
expansions of its existing facilities.
Automotive Dealerships.
ACG’s
automotive dealerships are located in the Hebei and Shanxi provinces and Tianjin
region of China. All of AutoChina’s retail automotive dealerships are “4S
dealerships,” which means that they sell new and used consumer automobiles,
repair and service consumer automobiles and sell spare parts. Each automotive
dealership is dedicated to and serves only one brand of automobile and is
certified by the relevant manufacturer. In addition, each automotive dealership
complies with strict technical specifications and facilities requirements,
procures vehicles and parts from the manufacturer, and receives training and
technical support from the manufacturer. This relationship between each
automotive dealership and manufacturer means manufacturers can ensure that
genuine spare parts are distributed to end-users directly (circumventing
unauthorized dealers and repair shops) and have better control over the
aftermarket for their products. Prior to receiving a franchise from an
automobile manufacturer, ACG has to satisfy certain qualification criteria from
the applicable automobile manufacturer, including having funding available and
agreeing to minimum purchase requirements. The franchises granted to ACG are
non-exclusive and the terms are ranged from one to three years and subject to
extension. Automobile manufacturers provide marketing assistance through
incentives and promotional materials. ACG has entered into committed facilities
line with several financial institutions affiliated with automobile
manufacturers to finance the new automobile inventories at market interest
rates.
In
connection with the sales of new automobiles, ACG may also act as insurance
agent and receive commissions from insurance institutions for the referral of
customers that buy auto insurance.
The
following chart reflects ACG’s franchise at each of its automotive dealership
locations:
Automotive Dealership
|
|
Franchise
|
Baoding
Tianhua Auto Trading Co., Ltd.
|
|
Hyundai
|
Cangzhou
Deyuan Auto Trading Co., Ltd.
|
|
Ford
|
Cangzhou
Hengyuan Auto Sales & Service Co., Ltd.
|
|
Hyundai
|
Cangzhou
Yichang Auto Sales & Service Co., Ltd.
|
|
Buick
|
Handan
Aohua Auto Sales & Service Co., Ltd.
|
|
Audi
|
Handan
Baohe Auto Sales & Service Co., Ltd.
|
|
BMW
|
Handan
Defeng Auto Sales & Service Co., Ltd.
|
|
Peugeot
|
Handan
Yacheng Auto Sales & Service Co., Ltd.
|
|
Ruida
Kia
|
Hebei
Anchang Auto Sales & Service Co., Ltd.
|
|
ROEWE
|
Hebei
Liantuo Auto Trading Co., Ltd.
|
|
Audi
|
Automotive Dealership
|
|
Franchise
|
Hebei
Meifeng Auto Sales & Service Co., Ltd.
|
|
Qingling
|
Hebei
Shengda Auto Trading Co., Ltd.
|
|
Ford
|
Hebei
Shengkang Auto Trading Co., Ltd.
|
|
Chevrolet
|
Hebei
Shengmei Auto Trading Co., Ltd.
|
|
FAW
|
Hebei
Shengwen Auto Trading Co., Ltd.
|
|
Hyundai
|
Hebei
Yitong Auto Sales & Service Co., Ltd.
|
|
Buick
|
Hebei
Yuanxinghang Auto Sales & Service Co., Ltd.
|
|
Cadillac
|
Hengshui
Dechang Auto Trading Co., Ltd.
|
|
Hyundai
|
Hengshui
Yuhua Toyota Auto Sales & Service Co., Ltd.
|
|
FAW
Toyota
|
Qinhuangdao
Jianda Auto Sales & Service Co., Ltd.
|
|
Ford
|
Shijiazhuang
Baohe Auto Sales & Service Co., Ltd.
|
|
BMW
|
Shijiazhuang
Xinhua Toyota Auto Sales & Service Co., Ltd.
|
|
FAW
Toyota
|
Shijiazhuang
Yuhua Toyota Auto Sales & Service Co., Ltd.
|
|
FAW
Toyota
|
Tangshan
Yachang Auto Sales & Service Co., Ltd.
|
|
Ruida
Kia
|
Zhangjiakou
Meihua Auto Trading Co., Ltd.
|
|
Hyundai
|
Hebei
Tianmei Insurance Agents Co., Ltd.
|
|
Insurance
Services
|
Commercial Vehicle Financing
Centers.
ACG’s commercial vehicle financing centers are located
throughout Hebei, Shanxi, Shandong and Henan provinces, the Inner Mongolia
Autonomous Region and Beijing and Tianjin regions of China. At each commercial
vehicle financing center, ACG provides financing to assist customers in
purchasing new commercial vehicles. ACG employs a “three full/one quick” service
concept at all its commercial vehicle financing centers, which refers to its
customers’ ability to purchase a commercial vehicle through its full-service
commercial vehicle sales and leasing services, administrative services and
365-day vehicle services in a single convenient transaction. Customers wishing
to purchase a commercial vehicle can go to any ACG commercial vehicle financing
center and select a commercial vehicle from the catalogues and informational
literature provided by ACG. The customer then arranges for financing and related
services with ACG, which involves a credit check and a down payment of 20-30% of
the purchase price. The commercial vehicles are then purchased by ACG from local
third-party dealers and provided to ACG’s customers. During the term of the
financing, which is typically two years, ACG retains title to the commercial
vehicle and in addition provides administrative services for the customers,
including all registration and license processing, payment of surcharges, toll
pass, transportation fees, licenses and insurance, and monthly renewal of the
government-mandated commercial vehicle permits to the customer. Following the
end of the financing period, ACG transfers title to the vehicle to the customer
and provides the customer the option to continue to use ACG to manage the
administrative and vehicle services for a fee. Additionally, ACG sells, as
agent, a complete line of property and casualty insurance, including collision
and liability insurance on the commercial vehicles.
The
following chart indicates the number of ACG commercial vehicle financing centers
in each of the provinces/regions where ACG conducts its business as of May 15,
2007
Chinese Province / Region
|
|
Number of Commercial Vehicle Financing
Centers
|
Hebei:
|
|
12
|
Shanxi:
|
|
29
|
Tianjin:
|
|
1
|
Beijing:
|
|
1
|
Shandong:
|
|
24
|
Henan:
|
|
21
|
Inner
Mongolia Autonomous Region:
|
|
17
|
Total:
|
|
105
|
ACG
leased most of the properties where the dealership stores and commercial vehicle
financing centers are located. ACG expects to continue to lease the majority of
the properties where ACG’s stores or centers are located.
ACG
expects to use cash to purchase property, equipment and improvement in the next
12 months in connection with adding 45 commercial vehicle financing centers. ACG
intends to use cash on hand to finance these purchases. See “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—ACG’s
Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources”
for further information.
Corporate
Development and History
ACG,
which was formerly known as KYF Inc., was a holding company incorporated in the
Cayman Islands on July 26, 2007 by Mr. Yong Hui Li with 50,000,000 ordinary
shares at $0.0001 each. On the date of incorporation, 1,000 ordinary shares
at $0.0001 each were issued, outstanding and fully paid by Mr. Yong Hui Li. Mr.
Yong Hui Li has subsequently transferred all of the issued, outstanding and
fully paid shares to his affiliates. On the date immediately prior to ACG’s
acquisition of ACG, the sole shareholder of ACG was Honest Best Int’l Ltd., a
company which is wholly owned by Ms. Yan Wang, Mr. Li’s wife.
ACG was
initially engaged solely in the automotive dealership business, which was
primarily located in Hebei Province of China. Prior to the incorporation of ACG
in 2007, ACG conducted business through its major variable interest entities,
Hua An Investment and Huiyin Investment since 2005. ACG (including its
subsidiaries and variable interest entities) is an integrated automotive
dealership company engaged in sales of automobiles, spare parts and after sales
services, consisting of 15 new automobile franchises in 25 auto dealerships,
which are located primarily in Hebei Province of the PRC. ACG offers an
extensive range of automotive products and services, including new automobiles,
auto maintenance, replacement parts, collision repair services, financing, and
insurance consulting and other aftermarket service contracts.
In April
2008, ACG commenced its full-service commercial vehicle sales and leasing
business pursuant to which it provides sales-type leasing services for customers
to acquire commercial vehicles in China. On August 8, 2008, ACG changed its name
from KYF Inc. to AutoChina Group Inc.
ACG’s
business is mainly operated by the Auto Kaiyuan Companies, which consists
primarily of four companies: Hua An Investment, Huiyin Investment, Kaiyuan
Logistics and Kaiyuan Auto Trade. Each is a limited liability corporation
established under the laws of the PRC.
On
November 26, 2008, through ACG’s wholly owned subsidiary, Hebei Chuanglian Trade
Co., Ltd., ACG executed a series of contractual arrangements with the Auto
Kaiyuan Companies and their shareholder (the “Enterprise Agreements”). Pursuant
to the Enterprise Agreements, ACG has exclusive rights to obtain the economic
benefits and assume the business risks of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies from their
shareholder, and generally has control of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies. The Auto
Kaiyuan Companies are considered variable interest entities, and ACG is the
primary beneficiary of those entities. ACG’s relationships with the Auto Kaiyuan
Companies and their shareholder are governed by the Enterprise Agreements
between Hebei Chuanglian Trade Co., Ltd. and each of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies,
which are the operating companies of ACG in the PRC.
As a
result, the Auto Kaiyuan Companies are deemed to be subsidiaries of ACG under
FASB Interpretation - FIN 46(R): Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (as
amended). Details of the Enterprise Agreements are as follows:
Assignment of Voting Rights.
The shareholder of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies irrevocably agreed to
assign all of its voting rights to ACG for all business resolutions. As a
result, ACG has direct control of the Board of Directors and has authority to
appoint the majority of the Board of Directors which makes it the primary
controlling shareholder of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies.
Management and Operating Agreement.
ACG was engaged to exclusively manage and operate the sales and service
of the 25 automotive dealerships held by the Auto Kaiyuan Companies, including
the development of sales and marketing strategy, management of customer
services, daily operations, financial management, employment issues and all
other related operating and consulting services. Furthermore, the Auto Kaiyuan
Companies agree that without the prior consent of ACG, the Auto Kaiyuan
Companies will not engage in any transactions that could materially affect their
respective assets, liabilities, rights or operations, including, without
limitation, incurrence or assumption of any indebtedness, sale or purchase of
any assets or rights, incurrence of any encumbrance on any of their assets or
intellectual property rights in favor of a third party or transfer of any
agreements relating to their business operation to any third party. The
management and operating agreement has a term of 10 years and will be extended
for another 10 years automatically unless ACG files a written notice at least 3
months prior to the expiration of this agreement.
Equity Interest Transfer Agreement.
The shareholder of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies agreed to transfer all of
its assets to ACG and ACG has an exclusive, irrevocable and unconditional right
to purchase, or cause ACG’s designated party to purchase, from such shareholder,
at ACG’s sole discretion, part or all of the shareholders’ equity interests in
the Auto Kaiyuan Companies when and, to the extent that, applicable PRC Laws
permit ACG to own part or all of such equity interests in the Auto Kaiyuan
Companies. According to the Exclusive Equity Interest Transfer Agreement, the
purchase price to be paid by ACG to the shareholder of the Auto Kaiyuan
Companies will be the minimum amount of consideration permitted by applicable
PRC Law at the time when such share transfer occurs.
Equity Pledge Agreement.
Pursuant to the Equity Pledge Agreement, the Auto Kaiyuan Companies and
their shareholder agreed to pledge all of its equity interest and operating
profits to guarantee the performance of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies in the
obligation under the Equity Interest Transfer Agreement. In the event of the
breach of any conditions of the Equity Interest Transfer Agreement, ACG is
entitled to enforce its pledge rights over the equity interests of the Auto
Kaiyuan Companies for any losses suffered from the breach.
Business
Strategy
Operating Strategy.
ACG’s
strategy is to operate an integrated automotive dealership network that
primarily markets middle-to high-end consumer automobiles from various
manufacturers and an integrated commercial vehicle financing center network that
provides commercial vehicle sales and leasing business and in each case also
provide consumer automobile customers and commercial vehicle sales and leasing
customers with complementary products and services. ACG’s strategy includes the
following key elements:
|
·
|
One-Stop
Centers
. ACG has developed its automotive dealerships and
commercial vehicle financing centers as “one-stop centers” where, at one
convenient location, its customers can do the following: purchase new and
used automobile or new commercial vehicles; finance their purchases;
purchase aftermarket parts and accessories; and have service performed by
certified technicians. ACG believes that this full-service strategy also
helps to mitigate cyclical economic fluctuations because parts and service
sales at its automotive dealerships generally tend to be less volatile
than its new and used consumer automobile sales and new commercial vehicle
sales and leasing businesses.
|
|
·
|
Branding
Program
. ACG employs a branding program for its automotive
dealerships and commercial vehicle financing centers through distinctive
signage and uniform marketing programs to take advantage of its existing
name recognition and to communicate the high quality of its products and
reliability of its services throughout its automotive dealership and
commercial vehicle financing center
networks.
|
|
·
|
Centralized Management
Systems
. In order to efficiently operate each of the business units
within each automotive dealership, ACG relies upon its centralized
management systems to determine and monitor appropriate inventory levels
and product mix at each automotive dealership. All sales, and financing
materials utilized by the commercial vehicle financing centers are
prepared by ACG’s corporate office, which increases efficiency and
uniformity among ACG’s commercial vehicle financing centers. In addition,
by actively monitoring market conditions, assessing product and expansion
strategies and remaining abreast of changes within the market, ACG is able
to proactively address changes in customer needs or in the offerings of
competitors and adjust its services by, for example, adding product lines
and models.
|
Growth Strategy.
ACG’s
expansion and acquisition initiatives have enabled it to grow a large,
full-service network of automotive dealerships and commercial vehicle financing
centers. ACG intends to continue to grow its business internally and through
acquisitions by expanding into new geographic areas, expanding its product
offerings and opening new one-stop commercial vehicle financing centers in
existing markets.
|
·
|
Expansion Into New
Geographic Areas
. ACG plans to continue to expand its commercial
vehicle financing center network by developing additional centers in
geographic areas contiguous to its current operations. ACG has
successfully expanded its network of commercial vehicle financing centers
from its first center in March 2008 into a multi-province network of 105
commercial vehicle financing centers. ACG believes the geographic
diversity of this network has significantly expanded its customer base
while reducing the effects of local economic
cycles.
|
|
·
|
Expansion of Product
Offerings
. ACG intends to continue to expand its product lines
within its automotive dealership and commercial vehicle financing centers
by adding product categories that are both complementary to its existing
product lines and well suited to its operating model. ACG believes that
there are many additional product and service offerings that would
complement its primary product lines, such as emergency vehicle support
services. In addition, ACG’s commercial vehicle financing centers entered
into a sales agreement with a third-party contractor for multiple
commercial construction vehicles and equipment for approximately RMB 11
million in December 2008. ACG expects any other product category expansion
that it pursues to satisfy its requirements
that:
|
|
o
|
the
products serve an existing and expanding customer
base;
|
|
o
|
the
products provide opportunities for incremental income through related
aftermarket sales, service or financing;
and
|
|
o
|
ACG
operating controls can be implemented to enhance the financial performance
of the business.
|
|
·
|
Open New Commercial
Vehicle Financing Centers in Existing Areas of Operation
. ACG
believes that there are opportunities to increase its share of the
commercial vehicle sales and leasing market by introducing its one-stop
centers to underserved markets within its current areas of operation. The
introduction of additional one-stop centers enables ACG to enhance
revenues from its existing customer base as well as increase the awareness
of the “Kaiyuan Auto” brand name for new
customers.
|
In
identifying new areas for expansion, ACG analyzes the target market’s level of
new commercial vehicle registrations, customer buying trends and the existence
of competing franchises. ACG also assesses the potential performance of a parts
and service center to determine whether a market is suitable for an automotive
dealership or commercial vehicle financing center. After a market has been
strategically reviewed, ACG surveys the region for a well-situated location.
Whether ACG acquires existing automotive dealerships or opens a new automotive
dealership or commercial vehicle financing center, it will introduce its
branding program and implement its integrated management
system.
Management
of Automotive Dealerships
ACG’s
automotive dealerships are responsible for sales of new and used consumer
automobiles, as well as related parts and services.
ACG
manages its automotive dealerships as described below.
New Vehicle Sales.
In 2008,
ACG sold 17,313 new vehicles representing 12 brands in retail transactions at
its automotive dealerships. ACG retail sales of new vehicles accounted for
approximately 57.4% of its gross profit in 2008. In addition to the initial sale
of the vehicle, a typical new vehicle sale creates the following additional
profit opportunities for an automotive dealership:
|
·
|
manufacturer
incentives, if any;
|
|
·
|
the
resale of any trade-in purchased by the automotive
dealership;
|
|
·
|
the
sale of insurance contracts in connection with the retail sale;
and
|
|
·
|
the
service and repair of the vehicle both during and after the warranty
period.
|
Brand
diversity is one of ACG’s strengths. The following table sets forth new vehicle
sales revenue by brand and the number of new vehicle retail units sold in the
year ended, and the number of franchises ACG owned as of December 31,
2008:
|
|
New
Vehicle
Revenues
FY2008
|
|
|
New
Vehicle
Unit
Sales
FY
2008
|
|
|
Franchises
Owned
as
of
December
31,
2008
|
|
|
|
(In
thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audi
|
|
$
|
106,365
|
|
|
|
1,626
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
BMW
|
|
|
28,552
|
|
|
|
401
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
Buick
|
|
|
34,813
|
|
|
|
2,266
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
Cadillac
|
|
|
3,678
|
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
Chevrolet
|
|
|
13,234
|
|
|
|
1,120
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
FAW/Toyota
(1)
|
|
|
61,716
|
|
|
|
3,380
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
Ford
|
|
|
32,682
|
|
|
|
1,882
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
Hyundai
|
|
|
69,593
|
|
|
|
5,729
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
Peugeot
|
|
|
1,792
|
|
|
|
148
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
Qingling
|
|
|
6,285
|
|
|
|
378
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
Ruida
Kia(2)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
ROEWE
|
|
|
7,206
|
|
|
|
320
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
$
|
365,916
|
|
|
|
17,313
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
(1)
Toyota automotive dealerships are operated out of three of ACG’s FAW automotive
dealerships pursuant to a joint venture agreement between FAW and
Toyota.
(2) Under
construction in 2008.
ACG’s mix
of domestic and import sales for the year ended December 31, 2008 (unaudited) is
set forth below:
|
|
New
Vehicle
Revenues
|
|
|
New
Vehicle
Unit
Sales
|
|
|
Percentage
of
Total
Units Sold
|
|
|
|
(In
thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Import
|
|
$
|
29,129
|
|
|
|
345
|
|
|
|
2.1
|
%
|
Domestic
|
|
|
336,787
|
|
|
|
16,968
|
|
|
|
97.9
|
%
|
|
|
$
|
365,916
|
|
|
|
17,313
|
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
Used Vehicle Sales.
ACG sells
used vehicles at each of its franchised automotive dealerships. In 2008, ACG
sold 66 used vehicles at its automotive dealerships representing approximately
0.1% of its gross profit in 2008. Used vehicles sold at retail typically
generate higher gross margins on a percentage basis than new vehicles because
ACG can acquire these vehicles at favorable prices due to the nature of their
valuation, which is dependent on a vehicle’s age, mileage and condition, among
other things. Valuations also vary based on supply and demand factors, the level
of new vehicle incentives, the availability of retail financing, and general
economic conditions.
Profit
from the sale of used vehicles depends primarily on an automotive dealership’s
ability to obtain a high-quality supply of used vehicles at reasonable prices
and to effectively manage that inventory. ACG’s new vehicle operations provide
its used vehicle operations with a supply of generally high-quality trade-ins
and off-lease vehicles, the best sources of high-quality used vehicles. The
sales of the used vehicles is small in comparison with ACG’s overall sales of
consumer automobiles because ACG has many first time buyers and the second hand
automobile trade-in market in China was not fully developed.
Parts and Service Sales.
ACG
sells replacement parts and provides maintenance and repair services at each of
its franchised automotive dealerships. ACG’s parts and service business
accounted for approximately 31.8% of its gross profit in 2008. ACG performs both
warranty and non-warranty service work at its automotive dealerships, primarily
for the vehicle models sold at a particular automotive dealership. Warranty work
accounted for approximately 35.9% of the revenues from its parts and service
business in 2008. ACG’s parts and service departments also perform used vehicle
reconditioning and new vehicle preparation services for which they realize a
profit when such vehicle is sold to a retail customer.
A
majority of automobile maintenance and repair is performed by dealerships in
China. ACG has made investments in obtaining, training and retaining qualified
technicians to work in its service and repair facilities and in state-of-the art
diagnostic and repair equipment utilized by these technicians. Additionally,
manufacturers permit warranty work to be performed only at franchised automotive
dealerships, and there is a trend in the consumer automobile industry towards
longer new vehicle warranty periods. As a result, ACG believes that a majority
of all maintenance and repair work will continue to be performed at franchised
automotive dealerships that have the sophisticated equipment and skilled
personnel necessary to perform repairs and warranty work on increasingly complex
vehicles.
ACG’s
strategy to capture an increasing share of the parts and service work performed
by franchised automotive dealerships includes the following
elements:
|
·
|
Focus on Customer
Relationships; Emphasize Preventative Maintenance.
ACG’s automotive
dealerships seek to convert new and used vehicle customers into customers
of its parts and service departments. To accomplish this goal, ACG uses
computer systems that track customers’ maintenance records and provide
advance notice to owners of vehicles purchased or serviced at its
automotive dealerships when their vehicles are due for periodic service.
ACG’s use of computer-based customer relationship management tools
increases the reach and effectiveness of its marketing efforts, allowing
ACG to target its promotional offerings to areas in which service capacity
is underutilized or profit margins are greatest. ACG continues to train
its service personnel to establish relationships with their service
customers to promote a long-term business relationship. ACG believes its
parts and service activities are an integral part of the customer service
experience, allowing it to create ongoing relationships with its
automotive dealerships’ customers thereby deepening customer loyalty to
the automotive dealership as a
whole.
|
|
·
|
Efficient Management
of Parts Inventory.
ACG’s automotive dealerships’ parts departments
support their sales and service departments through selling
factory-approved parts for the vehicle makes and models sold by a
particular automotive dealership. Such parts are either used in repairs
made in the service department, sold at retail to customers, or sold at
wholesale to independent repair shops and other franchised automotive
dealerships. ACG’s automotive dealerships employ parts managers who
oversee parts inventories and sales and its automotive dealerships also
frequently share parts with each other. ACG uses centralized software
programs to monitor parts inventory to avoid obsolete and unused parts to
maximize sales as well as to take advantage of manufacturer return
procedures.
|
Management
of Commercial Vehicle Financing Centers
ACG’s
commercial vehicle financing centers are responsible for financing of sales of
new commercial vehicles, as well as related services. Most of the customers of
ACG’s commercial vehicle sales and leasing business are independent contractors,
who finance one commercial vehicle to engage transportation and logistic
business in the PRC. In December 2008, ACG’s commercial vehicle financing
centers entered into a sales agreement with a third-party contractor for
multiple commercial construction vehicles and equipment for approximately RMB 11
million.
ACG
manages its commercial vehicle financing centers as described
below.
Finance and Sales.
Revenues
from ACG’s financing operations consist primarily of fees for the arranging
financing and purchase of commercial vehicles, administrative services, vehicle
service, and acting as an agent for insurance companies in connection with the
purchase of new commercial vehicles. ACG’s commercial vehicle finance business
accounted for approximately 8.0% of its gross revenues in 2008. Through its
one-stop commercial vehicle financing centers ACG offers vehicle purchase
financings, administrative services and vehicle services in a convenient manner
and at competitive prices. To increase transparency to its customers, ACG offers
all of its products on menus that display pricing and other information,
allowing customers to choose the products that suit their needs.
Once a
customer has selected a model to purchase and has qualified for financing, ACG
purchases the commercial vehicle from a third-party vendor with which it has a
pre-existing relationship. Beiguo, a PRC-based operator of grocery stores,
purchases vehicles from time to time from third-party vendors pursuant to ACG’s
requirements. ACG purchases the vehicles from third-party vendors at wholesale.
ACG has entered into short-term financing arrangements with a PRC commercial
bank and Beiguo so that ACG will be able to pay commercial vehicle vendors or
Beiguo. With respect to Beiguo, the purchase price for the commercial vehicles
is required to be paid within six months after the execution of the purchase
contract at a 2% premium. Such short-term financing usually requires a guarantee
undertaken by Yong Hui Li in favor of ACG for the benefit of the PRC commercial
bank. In addition, Yong Hui Li and Kaiyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd., for which Yong
Hui Li serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, have provided
guarantees to Beiguo with respect to ACG’s obligation to pay for commercial
vehicles purchased from Beiguo. These financing arrangements help ACG expand its
commercial vehicle sales and leasing business while minimizing its upfront cash
expenditures. Yong Hui Li involved Beiguo in this purchase and sale of
commercial vehicles because Beiguo is able to obtain cost-effective financing
from PRC commercial banks to acquire commercial vehicles on behalf of ACG. ACG
intends to increase its volume of purchases of commercial vehicles directly from
third-party vendors, though there can be no assurance that it will continue to
have sufficient assets or financing from third-parties to acquire adequate
supplies of vehicles to meet its customers’ demands or expand its
business.
Upon
receipt of the commercial vehicle, ACG then makes the vehicle available for use
to the customer in exchange for 24 monthly payments (each year ACG allows
customers to defer payments during Chinese New Year celebrations so the term
typically lasts a total of 26 months). At the end of the term of the financing,
the vehicle is paid for, and ACG transfers the title of the vehicle to the
customer. Additionally, ACG sells, as agent, a complete line of property and
casualty insurance, including collision and liability insurance on the
commercial vehicles.
Administrative and Vehicle Services.
At the time a commercial vehicle is purchased and financed through an ACG
commercial vehicle financing center, ACG handles all registration and license
processing, payment of surcharges, toll pass, transportation fees, licenses and
insurance, for which it charges the customer service fees. In addition, during
the term of the financing arrangements ACG also charges its customers for
administrative services and vehicle services, including the monthly permit
renewals required by the Chinese government for each commercial vehicle and
providing 365-day vehicle maintenance and roadside assistance services. ACG
believes that the requirement that permits for commercial vehicles be renewed on
a monthly basis (which is controlled by ACG during the term of the financing),
the substantial initial down payments (typically 20-30%) it requires, retaining
title to a vehicle during the term of the lease, and the traditionally low level
of auto loan default rates in China results in a relatively low risk of default
by customers in this segment.
As part
of its 365-day vehicle maintenance and roadside assistance services, ACG
customers can stop in or call the nearest commercial vehicle financing center in
the event they need emergency or maintenance repair services. ACG believes this
service will increase in value to its customers as it continues to expand its
network of commercial vehicle financing centers. Following the end of the
financing term, ACG continues to offer its administrative and vehicle services
to its customers which it believes will provide steady revenue streams in the
future. ACG only provides these administrative and vehicle services to those
customers who purchase and finance vehicles though it, which ACG believes will
serve as an incentive for customers to purchase and finance vehicles though ACG
and thus increase customer loyalty.
In order
to take advantage of certain tax laws in China, AutoChina is considering
entering into certain arrangements pursuant to which a third party trustee will
hold cash to purchase vehicles and have legal title to the vehicles leased to
customers in AutoChina’s commercial vehicle leasing
business. Although these arrangements may result in tax savings to
AutoChina, because the vehicles will not be owned by AutoChina, it will be
relying on a third party trustee (which AutoChina will not control) to act in
accordance with various agreements between it and
AutoChina. Therefore, if AutoChina enters into such arrangements and
the third party trustee does not act in accordance with the terms of the
applicable agreements, AutoChina may (a) incur significant legal expenses in
enforcing the arrangements or in having the vehicles returned to it or (b)
suffer significant losses if funds are misappropriated.
Sales
and Marketing
ACG’s
expansion and acquisition strategy and history of operations in the consumer
automobile business have resulted in a strong customer base. ACG generally
promotes its products and related services through direct customer contact by
its sales personnel, advertisements in trade magazines and attendance at
industry shows. ACG hires approximately 20 to 40 sales and marketing staff in
automotive dealerships. The salaries of most of such employees are based on
commission.
ACG
believes that its reliable service to its customers, its history and its
geographic diversity have resulted in increased market recognition of the
Kaiyuan Auto brand name and have served to reinforce customer loyalty. In an
effort to enhance ACG’s name recognition and to communicate the high level of
quality products and services provided at its automotive dealerships and
commercial vehicle financing centers, ACG will continue to implement its Kaiyuan
Auto brand name concept at each of its automotive dealerships and commercial
vehicle financing centers. Each of ACG’s automotive dealerships or commercial
vehicle financing centers is identified as a Kaiyuan Auto location.
Facility
Management
Personnel.
Each automotive
dealership and commercial vehicle financing center is typically managed by a
general manager who oversees the operations, personnel and the financial
performance of the location, subject to the direction of ACG’s corporate office.
Additionally, each automotive dealership is typically staffed by a sales
manager, parts manager, service manager, sales representatives, parts employees,
and other service employees, as appropriate, and given the services offered. The
sales staff of each commercial vehicle financing center consists of sales
representatives and other service employees.
On an
annual basis, general managers prepare detailed monthly profit and loss
forecasts by end of prior fiscal year based upon historical information and
projected trends. A portion of each general manager’s performance bonus is based
upon whether they meet or exceed their operating plans. During the year, general
managers regularly review their facility’s progress with senior management and
revise bonuses as needed. Most of ACG’s employees receive annual performance
evaluations.
Members
of senior management regularly travel to each location to provide on-site
management and support. Each location is audited regularly for compliance with
corporate policies and procedures. These routine unannounced internal audits
objectively measure automotive dealership and commercial vehicle financing
center performance with respect to corporate expectations.
Purchasing and Suppliers.
ACG
believes that pricing is an important element of its marketing strategy. Because
of its size, ACG automotive dealerships and commercial vehicle financing centers
benefit from volume purchases at favorable prices that enable them to achieve a
competitive pricing position in the industry. ACG automotive dealerships
purchase their consumer vehicle inventory and parts and accessories directly
from the manufacturers. Commercial vehicle purchases financed through a
commercial vehicle financing center are purchased through wholesale vendors and
retail vendors located nears each commercial vehicle financing center. All
purchasing commitments are negotiated by personnel at ACG’s corporate
headquarters. ACG believes that it has been able to negotiate favorable pricing
levels and terms, which enables it to offer competitive prices for its
products.
Capital
Expenditures
ACG’s
capital expenditures include expenditures to extend the useful life of current
facilities and expenditures to start or expand operations. In general,
expenditures relating to the construction or expansion of dealership facilities
are driven by new franchises being granted to ACG by a manufacturer, significant
growth in sales at an existing facility, dealership acquisition activity, or
manufacturer marketing campaigns. The estimated cost of establishing a new
dealership is approximately RMB10 million. Expenditures relating to the
establishment of a new commercial vehicle financing center include leasing of
commercial retail space, branding and other fixtures and machinery and
equipment. The estimated cost of establishing a commercial vehicle financing
center is approximately RMB225,000.
ACG plans
to invest approximately RMB10.6 million in 2009 to establish approximately 47
new commercial vehicle financing centers, and approximately RMB13.5 million in
2010 to establish approximately 60 new commercial vehicle financing centers,
with the goal of operating a total of 210 commercial vehicle financing centers
by the end of 2010. These expansion efforts will generally be funded from excess
cash and additional financing.
Competition
General
The
markets for ACG’s services are highly competitive. The most important factors
affecting competition for ACG’s business include the following:
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professional
and quality of services;
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attractiveness
and breadth of portfolio of products and services
offered;
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quality
of customer services support; and
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ability
to timely source new products and/or provide customized services to meet
customers needs.
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Automotive
Dealership Business
ACG is
not the exclusive franchise automotive dealers for the brands it sells and it is
not the only multi-brands motor group in Hebei and Shanxi provinces of China.
Based on the management’s industry knowledge, ACG faces competition from other
dealers distributing the same brand as well as other brands within the
authorized territory since there are usually multiple dealers for each brand
within in each authorized territory. Nonetheless, the barriers to entry into the
motor vehicle industry are quite high as a dealership agreement must have been
first granted by the automobile manufacturer prior to commencement of sale of
such automobiles.
For ACG’s
parts and repairing services, levels of competition and the barriers to entry
vary from one segment to another. Based on the management’s industry knowledge,
ACG faces high competition for the parts and repairing services in China where
there are many substitutable products by various brands for the same type of
products available on the market. Even though the barriers to entry are high as
the trading of genuine parts must be authorized by the automobile manufacturer
under a dealership agreement, ACG faces competition from other automotive
dealers and distributors located in Hebei and Shanxi provinces of
China.
Commercial
Vehicle Sales and Leasing Business
ACG’s
commercial vehicle sales and leasing business in northern regions of China faces
relatively low competition as there are not many large-scale operators in the
area and the barriers to entry are relatively high as such business requires
significant working capital to set up the business network.
Trademarks
and Intellectual Property
Kaiyuan
Auto is a trademark, service mark and trade name of ACG. ACG does not have any
other trademarks, service marks and trade names.
The Audi,
Toyota, FAW, Hyundai, Buick, Ford, BMW, Chevrolet, ROEWE, Qingling, Cadillac,
Peugeot and Ruida Kia trademarks and trade names, which are used in connection
with ACG’s marketing and sales efforts, are subject to limited licenses included
in its dealership agreements with each manufacturer. The licenses are for the
same periods as its dealership agreements. These trademarks and trade names are
recognized internationally and are important in the marketing of its products.
Each licensor engages in a continuous program of trademark and trade name
protection.
Employees
On
December 31, 2008, ACG had 1,565 employees, of which 238 employees were members
of management (including managers at each facility). ACG has no contracts or
collective bargaining agreements with labor unions and has never experienced
work stoppages. ACG considers its relations with its employees to be
good.
Seasonality
ACG’s
second and third fiscal quarters (April through September) have historically
been slower for dealership sales. Conversely, ACG’s first and fourth fiscal
quarters (January through March and October through December) have historically
been the busiest times for car sales. Therefore, ACG generally realizes a higher
proportion of its revenue and operating profit during the first and fourth
fiscal quarters. ACG expects this trend to continue in future periods. If
conditions arise that impair vehicle sales during the first or fourth fiscal
quarters, the adverse effect on ACG’s revenues and operating profit for the year
could be disproportionately large.
Governmental
Regulations
Automotive
and Other Laws and Regulations
ACG
operates in a regulated industry in China. Numerous laws and regulations affect
ACG’s businesses. In each province, territory and/or locality which ACG does
business, it must obtain various approvals, licenses, authorizations,
certificates, filings and permits in order to operate its vehicle sales,
commercial truck financing and service and maintenance businesses, including 4S
qualification, road transportation operation permits and insurance agency
permits. Numerous laws and regulations govern ACG’s conduct of its businesses,
including those relating to its sales, operations, financing, advertising and
insurance practices. These laws and regulations include, among others, consumer
protection laws, laws and regulations pertaining to new and used motor vehicle
dealers, laws and regulations pertaining to vehicle repair and road
transportation, as well as a variety of other laws and regulations. These laws
also include employment practices laws.
ACG’s
dealership and service and maintenance operations are subject to the National
Transportation Laws or other relevant rules and regulations. Pursuant to the
National Transportation Laws, a road transportation operation permit is required
for the operation of transportation and auto repair businesses. ACG’s dealership
and service and maintenance operations are also subject to relevant rules and
regulations, including Provisions on the Administration of Motor Vehicle
Maintenance, or Maintenance Provisions, and the Regulations on Recall of
Defective Automotive Products. See “Risk Factors Risks Relating to the Motor
Vehicle Industry in China – Automobile importers, dealers and distributors in
the PRC, including ACG, may expend considerable resources in order to comply
with the Regulations on Recall of Defective Automotive Products, which took
effect in October 2004.” The Maintenance Provisions define the three grades of
licenses for motor vehicle repair personnel (i.e. Grade I licensees can conduct
major repair, unit repair, small repair, maintenance aids, special repair and
the examination work after the completion of maintenance of cor
r
esponding
vehicle types, Grade II can undertakes major repair, unit repair, small repair,
maintenance aids, special repair and the examination work after the completion
of maintenance of corresponding vehicle types, etc.) and sets forth the
requirements for establishing vehicle repair establishments (such as personnel
qualification, equipment requirements and having passed relevant
inspection).
ACG’s
used vehicle sales operations are subject to the Measures for Administration of
the Circulation of Second-Hand Automobiles, or Second- Hand Car Measures and the
Specifications for Second-hand Automobile Trade, or Second-Hand Specifications.
The Second-Hand Car Measures provides a definition of second-hand automobiles
(i.e. automobiles that are traded and whose ownership is transferred in the
duration from the completion of the registration formalities to when the state
compulsory vehicle discarding standards are satisfied, including three-wheeled
automobiles, low-speed motor trucks (i.e. former agricultural transport
vehicles), trailers and motorcycles) and sets forth the procedures and
requirements for establishing a used automobile market operator, including
specific requirements for business scope, license, filings with the provincial
commerce authority. The Second-hand Car Measures also define the various types
of second-hand automobile activities (i.e. retail sale of second-hand
automobiles, auction of second-hand automobiles, brokerage of second-hand
automobiles, authentication and evaluation of second-hand automobiles and direct
transaction of second-hand automobiles) and sets forth separate and/or
additional regulations governing such activities. The Second-Hand Specifications
sets forth additional detailed implementing rules and requirements for the above
activities, including documentation required for sale and purchase transactions,
restrictions on certain unethical broker practices and auction procedures. In
addition to the damages and penalties noted below, violators of the Second-Hand
Measures shall also be published in a public list circulated by the
administrative department for industry and commerce of the PRC State Council.
Additionally, the Peoples Republic of China National Road Traffic Safety Laws,
or Road Safety Laws imposes fines on sellers (including second-hand dealers) of
automobiles that have been determined to require disposal.
ACG’s new
vehicle 4S sales operations are subject to the Implementing Measures for the
Administration of Automobile Brand Sales, or Brand Sales Measures. Pursuant to
the Brand Sales Measures, the establishment of each new 4S store must follow
certain registration procedures for establishing a dealership company for the
sale of cars of a particular brand, including the following:
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Obtaining
written authorization from the auto supplier (manufacturer or general
dealer);
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Registering
the company with the State Administration of Industry and Commerce, or
SAIC, as a 4S store by submitting various documents and information,
including the company’s business license, written authorization from the
auto supplier, a description of after-sale service methods (i.e. the
service station, return and refund policy, replacement policy, and repair
and maintenance services, etc.), a Brand Car Dealer Registration Form and
other information;
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Presenting
the evidence of registration with SAIC to the local branch of SAIC to
expand its business scope to include a given brand car sales;
and
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Registering
with the local bureau of commerce (local branch of MOFCOM) within two
months from obtaining the business license that includes a given brand car
sales and providing various
documentation.
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The Road
Safety Laws prohibit the sales of new automobiles that have determined to be
subject to disposal (i.e. rejected cars). ACG’s new vehicle sales operations may
also be subject to new regulations under consideration for adoption by the PRC
Government. In addition, expansion of a 4S store to a second brand may also be
subject to applicable rules and regulations.
Claims
arising out of actual or alleged violations of the regulations and laws noted
above may be asserted against ACG by individuals or government entities and may
expose it to significant damages or other penalties, including revocation or
suspension of ACG’s licenses, certificates, and/or permits to conduct commercial
truck financing operations and fines.
Environmental,
Health and Safety Laws and Regulations
ACG’s
operations involve the use, handling, storage and contracting for recycling
and/or disposal of materials such as motor oil and filters, transmission fluids,
antifreeze, refrigerants, paints, thinners, batteries, cleaning products,
lubricants, degreasing agents, tires and fuel. Consequently, ACG’s business is
subject to a variety of PRC laws and regulations governing management and
disposal of materials and wastes, protection of the environment and public
health and safety. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result
in the assessment of penalties and imposition of remedial obligations. ACG may
not be able to recover some or any of these costs from insurance.
ACG may
be subject to water quality protection programs under the Regulations for on
Collecting and Using Pollution Discharge, or Pollution Discharge Regulations.
Pursuant to the Pollution Discharge Regulations, in the event that a PRC company
fails to pay the pollutant discharge fees in accordance with law, it shall be
ordered to pay such fees within a prescribed time limit by the administrative
department for environmental protection of the peoples governments of the county
level and above within their power and function or else a fine no less than one
time but no more than three times of such payable pollutant discharge fees shall
be imposed, and such PRC company shall be ordered to stop its business for
rectification. Additionally, ACG is subject to the Measures of Hebei Province
for Administration of Pollutant Discharge Permits (for Trial Implementation), or
the Hebei Measures, pursuant to which each and every entity that may discharge
pollutants in Hebei province shall apply to the competent environmental
protection administration authority for a permit for the discharge of
pollutants, or pollutant discharge permit in accordance with the Hebei Measures,
and shall not discharge pollutants before obtaining a pollutant discharge
permit. Under the Hebei measures, pollutant-discharging entities in Hebei
province shall be punished in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations
if such entity has discharged pollutants before obtaining a pollutant discharge
permit.
The trend
in environmental regulation in China is to place more restrictions and
limitations on activities that may affect the environment, and thus any changes
in environmental laws and regulations that result in more stringent and costly
waste handling, storage, transport, disposal or remediation requirements could
have a material adverse effect on ACG’s results of operations or financial
condition. For example, the PRC government has approved revised fuel economy
requirements and may further revise fuel economy requirements in order to
promote the production and sales of more environmentally-friendly and
energy-saving automobiles. These requirements may adversely affect demand for
the vehicles ACG sells. See “Risk Factors Risks Relating to the Motor Vehicle
Industry in China – Imposition of fuel economy standards on PRC automotive
manufacturers and the proposed imposition of higher automobile consumption taxes
may have a negative effect on the revenues and profits of PRC automobile
importers, dealers and distributors, including ACG.”
ACG
incurs significant costs to comply with applicable environmental, health and
safety laws and regulations in the ordinary course of its business. ACG does not
anticipate, however, that the costs of such compliance will have a material
adverse effect on its business, results of operations, cash flows or financial
condition, although such outcome is possible given the nature of its operations
and the extensive environmental, public health and safety regulatory
framework.
Government
Regulations Relating to Foreign Exchange Controls
The
principal regulation governing foreign exchange in the PRC is the Foreign
Currency Administration Rules (IPPS), as amended. Under these rules, the
Renminbi, the PRC’s currency, is freely convertible for trade and service
related foreign exchange transactions (such as normal purchases and sales of
goods and services from providers in foreign countries), but not for direct
investment, loan or investment in securities outside of China unless the prior
approval of the State Administration for Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, of the PRC
is obtained. Foreign investment enterprises, or FIEs, are required to apply to
the SAFE for Foreign Exchange Registration Certificates for FIEs. AutoChina will
be an FIE as a result of the acquisition. With such registration certificates,
which need to be renewed annually, FIEs are allowed to open foreign currency
accounts including a basic account and capital account. Currency translation
within the scope of the basic account, such as remittance of foreign currencies
for payment of dividends, can be effected without requiring the approval of the
SAFE. Such transactions are subject to the consent of investment banks which are
authorized by the SAFE to review basic account currency transactions. However,
conversion of currency in the capital account, including capital items such as
direct investment, loans and securities, still require approval of the SAFE. On
November 21, 2005, the SAFE issued Circular No. 75 on Relevant Issues Concerning
Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents Corporate Financing and Roundtrip
Investment Through Offshore Special Purpose Vehicles. Circular No. 75 confirms
that the use of offshore special purpose vehicles as holding companies for PRC
investments are permitted, but proper foreign exchange registration applications
are required to be reviewed and accepted by the SAFE.
Government
Regulations Relating to Taxation
Prior to
January 1, 2008, the standard enterprise income tax rate was 33%, which was
consisting of a 30% national income tax and a 3% local surcharge, for a
company’s domestic and overseas incomes. Certain of ACG’s automotive dealership
subsidiaries were granted tax incentives in connection with the compliance with
the Employment Promotion Law and the Regulation for the Employment of Disabled
Persons whereby these qualified subsidiaries were fully exempted or allowed a
50% reduction from enterprise income tax for a range of two to three
years.
On March
16, 2007, the National People’s Congress approved and promulgated the EIT law,
which took effect on January 1, 2008. Under the EIT Law, companies are subject
to a uniform tax rate of 25%. The EIT Law provides a five-year transition period
starting from its effective date for those enterprises which were established
before the promulgation date of the EIT Law and which were entitled to a
preferential lower tax rate under the then-effective tax laws or regulations. In
accordance with regulations issued by the State Council, the tax rate of such
enterprises may gradually transition to the uniform tax rate within the
transition period. For those enterprises which are enjoying tax holidays, such
tax holidays may continue until their expiration in accordance with the
regulations issued by the State Council, but where the tax holiday has not yet
started because of losses, such tax holiday shall be deemed to commence from the
first effective year of the EIT Law. Preferential tax treatment would
continue to be given to companies in certain encouraged sectors and to entities
classified as high-technology companies supported by the PRC government.
According to the EIT Law, entities that qualify as high-technology
companies especially supported by the PRC government are expected to benefit
from a tax rate of 15% as compared to the uniform tax rate of 25%. Nevertheless,
there can be no assurances that any particular company will continue to qualify
as a high-technology company supported by the PRC government in the future, and
benefit from such preferential tax rate. Following the effectiveness of
the EIT law, a company’s effective tax rate may increase, unless it is
otherwise eligible for preferential treatment.
Additionally,
under the EIT Law, the income tax rate for dividends payable to non-PRC
investors and derived from sources within the PRC may be increased to 20%. It is
currently unclear in what circumstances a source will be considered as located
within the PRC.
The EIT
Law provides only a framework of the enterprise tax provisions, leaving many
details on the definitions of numerous terms as well as the interpretation and
specific applications of various provisions unclear and unspecified. Any
increase in AutoChina’s tax rate in the future could have a material adverse
effect on its financial conditions and results of operations.
Regulation
of Foreign Currency Exchange and Dividend Distribution
Foreign Currency
Exchange
. Foreign currency exchange in the PRC is governed by a series of
regulations, including the Foreign Currency Administrative Rules (1996), as
amended, and the Administrative Regulations Regarding Settlement, Sale and
Payment of Foreign Exchange (1996), as amended. Under these regulations, the
Renminbi is freely convertible for trade and service-related foreign exchange
transactions, but not for direct investment, loans or investments in securities
outside China without the prior approval of the SAFE. Pursuant to the
Administrative Regulations Regarding Settlement, Sale and Payment of Foreign
Exchange, foreign-invested enterprises in China may purchase foreign exchange
without the approval of the SAFE for trade and service-related foreign exchange
transactions by providing commercial documents evidencing these transactions.
They may also retain foreign exchange, subject to a cap approved by SAFE, to
satisfy foreign exchange liabilities or to pay dividends. However, the relevant
Chinese government authorities may limit or eliminate the ability of
foreign-invested enterprises to purchase and retain foreign currencies in the
future. In addition, foreign exchange transactions for direct investment, loan
and investment in securities outside China are still subject to limitations and
require approvals from the SAFE.
Dividend
Distribution
. The principal laws and regulations in China governing
distribution of dividends by foreign-invested companies include:
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The
Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Law (1979), as
amended;
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The
Regulations for the Implementation of the Sino-foreign Equity Joint
Venture Law (1983), as amended;
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The
Sino-foreign Cooperative Enterprise Law (1988), as
amended;
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The
Detailed Rules for the Implementation of the Sino-foreign Cooperative
Enterprise Law (1995), as amended;
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The
Foreign Investment Enterprise Law (1986), as amended;
and
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The
Regulations of Implementation of the Foreign Investment Enterprise Law
(1990), as amended.
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Under
these regulations, foreign-invested enterprises in China may pay dividends only
out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese
accounting standards and regulations. In addition, wholly foreign-owned
enterprises in China are required to set aside at least 10% of their respective
accumulated profits each year, if any, to fund certain reserve funds unless such
reserve funds have reached 50% of their respective registered capital. These
reserves are not distributable as cash dividends.
Periodic
Reporting and Audited Financial Statements.
AutoChina
has registered its securities under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and has
reporting obligations, including the requirement to file annual reports with the
SEC. In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
AutoChina’s annual report contains financial statements audited and reported on
by AutoChina’s independent registered public accounting firm.
Legal
Proceedings
Neither
AutoChina nor ACG is currently a party to any pending material legal
proceeding.
DIRECTORS,
SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
Directors
and Senior Management
AutoChina’s
current directors, executive officers and key employees are as
follows:
Name
|
Age
|
Position
|
Yong
Hui Li
|
47
|
Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and Director
|
Chen
Lei
|
43
|
Senior
Vice President
|
Johnson
Lau
|
35
|
Chief
Financial Officer
|
Wei
Xing
|
48
|
Chief
Operating Officer
|
Hui
Kai Yan
|
44
|
Director
and Secretary
|
James
Cheng-Jee Sha
|
57
|
Director
|
Diana
Chia-Huei Liu
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43
|
Director
|
Thomas
Luen-Hung Lau
|
55
|
Director
|
Yong Hui Li
has served as AutoChina’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and as a
member of AutoChina’s Board of Directors since April 9, 2009. Mr. Li
is
the founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ACG and Kaiyuan Real Estate
Development Co., Ltd. which was previously the second largest shareholder of
Shijiazhuang International Building, a construction company traded on the
Shenzhen Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CN: 000600. From February 2001
to May 2006, Mr. Li helped oversee Kaiyuan Real Estate Development Co., Ltd’s
development of the largest steel-framed construction in Hebei Province,
consisting of residential complexes, office towers and an upscale shopping mall,
which covered over one million square feet. In 1994, Mr. Li founded Shijiazhuang
Hi-tech Zone Kaiyuan Auto Trade Co., which was a pioneer in the commercial
vehicle leasing business in Hebei Province. He graduated from Tianjin University
in June 1985 with a bachelor degree in Optical Physics.
Chen
Lei
has
served as AutoChina’s Senior Vice President since April 9, 2009. Mr. Lei has
served as a Senior Vice President in charge of the finance department and
investor relations services for ACG since September 2008. From January 1996 to
September 2008, Mr. Lei served as a Senior Vice President in charge of the
finance department and investor relations services for Hebei Kaiyuan Auto
Trading Co., Ltd., a company affiliated with Yong Hui Li. Mr. Lei received a
Bachelor of Economics degree from Hebei Finance and Economics University,
China.
Johnson Shun-Pong
Lau
has
served as AutoChina’s Chief Financial Officer since April 9, 2009. Mr. Lau has
served as the Chief Financial Officer of ACG since October 2008. From March 2006
to October 2008, he was the Chief Financial Officer of Haike Chemical Group
Ltd., a petrochemical and specialty chemical company. Mr. Lau served as the
Chief Operating Officer of Kiwa Bio-Tech Products Group Corp., a company quoted
on the OTC Bulletin Board (KWBT) which engaged in bio-technological products for
agriculture products, from January 2005 to March 2006. Mr. Lau serves on the
Board of Directors of Haike Chemical Group Ltd., which is a company public in
the United Kingdom (AIM: HAIK). From May 1997 to August 2004, Mr. Lau worked for
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu in Hong Kong and Beijing. Mr. Lau received a Bachelor
of Commerce degree from Monash University.
Wei
Xing
has
served as AutoChina’s Chief Operating Officer since April 9, 2009. Mr. Xing has
served as Chief Operating Officer of ACG since September 2008. From January 1996
to September 2008, Mr. Xing served as Chief Operating Officer for Hebei Kaiyuan
Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., a company affiliated with Yong Hui Li. Mr.
Xing received a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Hebei Building Engineering
University and a Bachelor of Economics degree from Hebei
University.
Hui Kai Yan
has served as AutoChina’s Secretary and as a member of AutoChina’s Board
of Directors since April 9, 2009. Mr. Yan has been Senior Vice-President of ACG
and Kaiyuan Real Estate Development Corp. since August 1997. He is responsible
for Finance, Administration and Human Resources at each company. Prior to
joining Kaiyuan, from April 1994 to July 1997, Mr. Yan was a member of the
Economic and Trade Commission of Hebei provincial government and was responsible
for guiding state-owned enterprises through restructuring process and
modernization. From March 1989 to April 1994, he was at the Economic Commission
of Shijiazhuang city government (Shijiazhuang is the capital of Hebei province).
Mr. Yan is certified as a Senior Economist by Hebei provincial government. He
graduated from Hebei University of Technology in June 1985 with a bachelor
degree in Management Science.
James Cheng-Jee
Sha
has served as a member of AutoChina’s Board of Directors since its
inception. Mr. Sha served as Chairman of AutoChina’s Board of Directors and
Chief Executive Officer from its inception to April 9, 2009. Mr. Sha founded and
has been a partner of Spring Creek Investments since December 1999. Spring Creek
Investments is a private investment firm specializing in principal investments
and business consultations with internet and infrastructure companies. Mr. Sha
also has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Optoplex Corporation, a
communication networks company, since December 2002. From September 2005 to
February 2007, Mr. Sha served as Chief Executive Officer of AppStream, a
software application virtualization company. From February 1999 to September
1999, Mr. Sha served as the Chief Executive Officer for Sina.com (NASDAQ: SINA),
a global Chinese on-line media company and value added information service
provider. From July 1996 to August 1998, Mr. Sha served as the Chief Executive
Officer of Actra Business Systems, a joint venture between Netscape
Communications Corporation and GE Information Services (GEIS), providing
next-generation internet commerce application solutions for both
business-to-consumer and business-to-business commerce markets. From August 1994
to August 1998, Mr. Sha served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of
Netscape Communications Corporation, a computer services company until its
merger with AOL. From May 1990 to August 1994, Mr. Sha was a Vice President at
Oracle Corporation (NASDAQ:ORCL), a database management and development systems
software company. From June 1986 to May 1990, Mr. Sha was a Vice President at
Wyse Technology, Inc., a hardware, software and services computing company. Mr.
Sha currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Tom.com (HK:
8282), a wireless internet company in the PRC providing value-added multimedia
products and services. Mr. Sha also serves as a trustee of the University of
California at Berkeley Foundation and is a Board member of the Berkeley Chinese
Alumni International Association. Mr. Sha graduated from National Taiwan
University with a BS in Electrical Engineering, the University of California at
Berkeley with an MS in EECS and from Santa Clara University with an
MBA.
Diana Chia-Huei
Liu
has
served as a member of AutoChina’s Board of Directors since its inception. Ms.
Liu served as President of AutoChina from its inception to April 9, 2009. Ms.
Liu has served as the President and Managing Director of Cansbridge Capital, a
private investment firm specializing in early stage investments along the west
coast of North America (namely U.S. and Canada) and Asia, since August 1998.
Prior to Cansbridge, Ms. Liu served as the Executive Vice-President at Polaris
Securities Group (TW: 6011), an investment firm in Taiwan, where she founded and
managed its North American operations from April 1994 to August 1998. From
August 1991 to April 1994, Ms. Liu was an account portfolio manager in global
private banking at the Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE:RY), a full-service banking
firm. From October 1988 to August 1991, Ms. Liu served as the regional sales
manager for the province of British Columbia, Canada, at CIBC Securities, a
subsidiary of CIBC (NYSE:CM), a full- service banking firm, where she founded
and managed the mutual funds promotion division. Ms. Liu has served since June
2006 as a member of the Executive Committee and the Chair of the Investment
Committee at the Asia Pacific Foundation, a Canadian federal government created
think tank and policy advisory board where she works closely with the co-CEOs on
operational issues and investment of its endowment funds. In addition, she also
currently serves as a director of the Vancouver Goh Ballet Society and BaySpec,
Inc., a supplier of optical components. Ms. Liu graduated with a BA in economics
from the University of British Columbia in Canada. Ms. Liu is the spouse of Mr.
William Yu, AutoChina’s prior Chief Financial Officer.
Thomas Luen-Hung
Lau
has served as a member of AutoChina’s Board of Directors since April
9, 2009. He is the Managing Director and Executive Director of Lifestyle
International Holdings Limited (HK: 1212), a company listed on The Stock
Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “HK Stock Exchange”) involved in department
store business in Hong Kong and China. From 1985 to 2006, Mr. Lau was the
Chairman of Chinese Estates Holdings Limited (HK: 127) and Chi Cheung Investment
Company Limited (HK: 112), both companies listed on the HK Stock Exchange. Mr.
Lau was the co-founder of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc in the U.S.A. Mr.
Lau obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Toronto and a
Master Degree of Business Administration from the University of
Windsor.
The term
of each director is until the next election of directors or their earlier
resignation or removal.
The terms of Yong Hui Li
as Chief Executive Officer, Chen Lei as Senior Vice President, Wei Xing as Chief
Operating Officer and Johnson Lau as Chief Financial Officer are until April 9,
2012, unless terminated or extended pursuant to such person’s employment
contract with AutoChina.
Pursuant
to the share exchange agreement entered into on February 4, 2009 and amended on
March 11, 2009, James Cheng-Jee Sha and Diana Chia-Huei Liu were nominated as
members of AutoChina’s Board of Directors by the SCAC Shareholders’
Representative (as defined in the share exchange agreement) and Yong Hui Li and
Hui Kai Yan were nominated as members of AutoChina’s Board of Directors by the
AutoChina Shareholders’ Representative (as defined in the share exchange
agreement). Thomas Luen-Hung Lau was nominated upon the mutual agreement of the
SCAC Shareholders’ Representative and the AutoChina Shareholders’
Representative, pursuant to the share exchange agreement.
None of
the officers or directors of AutoChina are related.
The
business address of each party described above is No.322, Zhongshan East Road,
Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People’s Republic of China.
Compensation
Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During
the last fiscal year, no officer and employee of AutoChina, and no former
officer of AutoChina participated in deliberations of AutoChina’s Board of
Directors concerning executive officer compensation.
AutoChina
Director Compensation
To date,
AutoChina has not provided any compensation to any of its directors. AutoChina
is in the process of formulating policies that will determine compensation of
its directors, which it expects to include a per diem for each board meeting
attended, an annual fee, reimbursement of expenses incurred in attending
meetings and equity awards. The amounts of compensation, numbers of shares
subject to awards and other terms of director compensation have not been finally
determined.
However,
directors were reimbursed for all business-related expenses incurred while
helping AutoChina to identify potential target businesses and perform due
diligence on suitable business combinations.
Under
Yong Hui Li’s employment contract with AutoChina under which he serves as
AutoChina’s Chief Executive Officer, (i) if Mr. Li’s employment is terminated by
AutoChina without cause, he is entitled to receive 3 months' base salary
severance to the extent that he is not otherwise employed during the severance
period, and (ii) if Mr. Li terminates his employment for cause, he is entitled
to 1 month base salary severance to the extent he is not otherwise employed
during the severance period. Mr. Li also serves as a director of AutoChina. No
other director of AutoChina is entitled to receive any benefits from either
AutoChina, ACG or any of their subsidiaries upon termination of
employment.
AutoChina’s
Executive Officers and Employees
Executive
Officers
Since
AutoChina did not have an operating business prior to the acquisition on April
9, 2009, its officers did not receive any compensation for their service to
AutoChina; and, since it had no other employees, AutoChina did not have any
compensation policies, procedures, objectives or programs in place.
Upon
consummation of the acquisition of ACG, AutoChina entered into employment
agreements with certain of its executive officers. The following discussion
summarizes the material terms of employment agreements entered into between
AutoChina and its executive officers:
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·
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The
term of the employment agreements is from April 9, 2009 until April 9,
2012, 3 years from the date of the consummation of the acquisition, unless
earlier terminated as described
below;
|
|
·
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Yong
Hui Li will receive US$1 per year as compensation for serving as Chief
Executive Officer, Johnson Lau will receive US$50,000 per year as
compensation for serving as Chief Financial Officer, Wei Xing will receive
US$60,000 per year as compensation for serving as Chief Operating Officer
and Chen Lei will receive US$50,000 per year as compensation for serving
as Senior Vice President. No executive officers is entitled to a bonus,
unless otherwise approved by the board of
directors;
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·
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The
employment agreements may be terminated by the company (i) upon
termination of the executive “for cause”, which is defined as (A) the
failure of the executive to properly carry out his duties after notice by
the company of the failure to do so and a reasonable opportunity for the
executive to correct the same within a reasonable period specified by the
company; (B) any breach by the executive of one or more provisions of any
written agreement with, or written policies of, the company or his
fiduciary duties to the company likely to cause material harm to the
company and its affiliates, at the company's reasonable discretion, or (C)
any theft, fraud, dishonesty or serious misconduct by the executive
involving his duties or the property, business, reputation or affairs of
the company and its affiliates, (ii) due to the executives death, (iii) in
the event the executive becomes eligible for the company’s long-term
disability benefits or if the executive is unable to carry out his
responsibilities as a result of a physical or mental impairment for more
that 90 consecutive days or for more than 120 days in any 12-month period,
subject to applicable laws, and (iv) without cause upon one month written
notice, in which case the executive will be entitled to 3 months base
salary severance to the extent the executive is not otherwise employed
during the severance period;
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·
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The
employment agreements may be terminated by the respective executives: (i)
for any reason or no reason at all upon 3 months’ advanced notice, or (ii)
for “good reason” upon notice of the reason within 3 months of the event
causing such reason and subject to a 20-day cure period for the
company. “Good reason” is defined as: a material reduction in
the executive's base salary, except for reductions that are comparable to
reductions generally applicable to similarly situated executives
of AutoChina if (i) such reduction is effected by the company
without the consent of the executive and (ii) such event occurs within 3
months after a change in control. If the agreement is
terminated by the executive for “good reason” then 1 month base salary
severance to the extent the executive is not otherwise employed during the
severance period;
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Each
executive is subject to the non-compete, non-solicitation provisions of
the agreement for a term of one year following termination of the
employment agreement;
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Except
for “prior inventions” (which is defined as all inventions, original works
of authorship, developments, improvements, and trade secrets which were
made by the executive prior to the executive's employment with the
company), all inventions and other intellectual property created by the
executive during the term of employment are the property of the company,
and the executive agrees to assist the company to secure such intellectual
property rights; and
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·
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The
employment agreements include other customary terms and conditions, and
are governed by the laws of Hong
Kong.
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Other
Employees
AutoChina
will adopt appropriate compensation policies, procedures, objectives or programs
after AutoChina’s management team has had the opportunity to fully understand
the operations of the business. However, it is anticipated that the compensation
for senior executives of AutoChina will be comprised of four elements: a base
salary, an annual performance bonus, equity and benefits.
In
developing salary ranges, potential bonus payouts, equity awards and benefit
plans, it is anticipated that the Compensation Committee will take into account:
1) competitive compensation among comparable companies and for similar positions
in the market, 2) relevant ways to incentivize and reward senior management for
improving shareholder value while building AutoChina into a successful company,
3) individual performance, 4) how best to retain key executives, 5) the overall
performance of AutoChina and its various key component entities, 6) AutoChina’s
ability to pay and 7) other factors deemed to be relevant at the
time.
AutoChina
and ACG senior management have discussed AutoChina’s above mentioned planned
process for executive compensation after the acquisition is complete and the
four compensation components. Specific compensation plans for ACG’s key
executives will be negotiated and established by the Compensation Committee.
This will include, but may not be limited to, the four ACG executives who
currently have employment contracts (which will be modified, if necessary, to
reflect any additions to or changes in compensation).
ACG
Director and Executive Officer Compensation
Prior to
the acquisition on April 9, 2009, ACG did not have employment agreements with
any of its officers and directors.
The
following table shows information concerning the annual compensation for
services provided to ACG by its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial
Officer. No person made more than $100,000 in 2008.
Name and Principal Position
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|
Year
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|
Salary ($)
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|
Bonus ($)
|
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All other
Compensation
($)
|
|
|
Total
Compensation
($)
|
|
Yong
Hui Li, Chief Executive Officer
|
|
2008
|
|
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1
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
Johnson
Lau, Chief Financial Officer (1)
|
|
2008
|
|
|
15,250
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
15,250
|
|
(1) Mr.
Lau joined ACG on October 16, 2008. Prior to that time, ACG did not have a Chief
Financial Officer.
AutoChina
International Limited 2009 Equity Incentive Plan
The
AutoChina International Limited 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (referred to below as
the “incentive plan”) was approved and took effect on April 8, 2009, upon the
approval by the shareholders of AutoChina International
Limited.
Under the
terms of the incentive plan, 1,675,000 AutoChina ordinary shares are reserved
for issuance in accordance with its terms (provided, however, that dividend
equivalent rights are payable solely in cash and therefore do not reduce the
number of shares that may be granted under the incentive plan and that stock
appreciation rights only reduce the number of shares available for grant under
the plan by the number of shares actually received by the grantee). AutoChina
currently anticipates that it will grant awards to acquire up to
approximately 30,000 shares pursuant to the incentive plan to Johnson Lau,
AutoChina’s Chief Financial Officer. Any other awards under the plan will be
made by the Board of Directors.
Assuming
that the anticipated grants are made, there would be at least approximately
1,645,000 shares remaining for issuance in accordance with the incentive plan’s
terms. The purpose of the incentive plan is to assist AutoChina in attracting,
retaining and providing incentives to its employees, directors and consultants,
or the employees, directors and consultants of its affiliates, whose past,
present and/or potential future contributions to AutoChina have been, are or
will be important to the success of AutoChina and to align the interests of such
persons with AutoChina’s shareholders. It is also designed to motivate employees
and to significantly contribute toward growth and profitability, to provide
incentives to AutoChina’s directors, employees and consultants who, by their
position, ability and diligence are able to make important contributions to
AutoChina’s growth and profitability. The various types of incentive awards that
may be issued under the incentive plan will enable AutoChina to respond to
changes in compensation practices, tax laws, accounting regulations and the size
and diversity of its business.
All
directors, employees and consultants of the company are eligible to be granted
awards under the incentive plan. All awards will be subject to the approval of
AutoChina’s Board of Directors or its Compensation Committee.
Description
of the Incentive Plan
A summary of the principal features of
the incentive plan is provided below, but is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the full text of the incentive plan, a copy of which is attached as
Exhibit 10.16 to this registration statement.
Awards
The
incentive plan provides for the authority to grant any type of arrangement to a
qualified person, which involves shares, cash, options or stock appreciation
rights, or a similar right with a fixed or variable price related to the fair
market value of the ordinary shares and with an exercise or conversion privilege
related to the passage of time, the occurrence of one or more events, or the
satisfaction of performance criteria or other conditions. Such awards include,
without limitation, incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock
appreciation rights, sales or bonuses of restricted shares, restricted share
units or dividend equivalent rights, or any two or more of such awards in
combination, for an aggregate of not more than 1,675,000 of AutoChina’s ordinary
shares, to directors, employees and consultants of AutoChina or its affiliates.
If any award expires, is cancelled, or terminates unexercised or is forfeited,
the number of shares subject thereto, if any, is again available for grant under
the incentive plan. The number of ordinary shares with respect to which stock
options or stock appreciation rights may be granted to a grantee under the
incentive plan in any calendar year cannot exceed 500,000. The number of
ordinary shares with respect to which restricted shares or restricted share
units may be granted to a grantee under the incentive plan in any calendar year
cannot exceed 500,000.
There are
approximately 1,600 employees, directors and consultants who are eligible to
receive awards under the incentive plan. New directors, employees and
consultants are eligible to participate in the incentive plan as
well.
AutoChina
does not currently have any outstanding options or any intention, agreement or
obligation to issue any options outside the incentive plan.
Administration
of the Incentive Plan
The
incentive plan will be administered by either AutoChina’s Board of Directors or
a committee (referred to as the committee), if the Board of Directors delegates
the ability to administrate the plan. Among other things, the Board of Directors
or, if the Board of Directors delegates its authority to the committee, the
committee, has complete discretion, subject to the express limits of the
incentive plan, to determine the employees, directors and consultants to be
granted awards, the types of awards to be granted, the number of AutoChina
ordinary shares subject to each award, if any, the exercise price under each
option, the base price of each stock appreciation right, the term of each award,
the vesting schedule and/or performance goals for each award that utilizes such
a schedule or provide for performance goals, whether to accelerate vesting, the
value of the ordinary shares, and any required withholdings. The Board of
Directors or the committee may amend, modify or terminate any outstanding award,
provided that the grantee’s consent to such action is required if the action
would materially and adversely affect the grantee. The Board of Directors or the
committee is also authorized to construe the award agreements and may prescribe
rules relating to the incentive plan. The Board of Directors or committee may
reduce the exercise price of options or reduce the base appreciation amount of
any stock appreciation right without shareholder approval. Except as specified
below, no award that was intended to qualify as performance based compensation
may have an exercise or purchase price, if any, of less than 100% of the fair
market value of AutoChina’s ordinary shares.
Special
terms relating to Stock Options
The
incentive plan provides for the grant of stock options, which may be either
“incentive stock options” (ISOs), which are intended to meet the requirements
for special U.S. federal income tax treatment under the Code, or “nonqualified
stock options” (NQSOs). Options may be granted on such terms and conditions as
the Board of Directors or the committee may determine; provided, however, that
the exercise price of an option may not be less than 100% of the fair market
value of the underlying stock on the date of grant, and the term of an ISO may
not exceed ten years (110% of such value and five years in the case of an ISO
granted to an employee who owns (or is deemed to own) more than 10% of the total
combined voting power of all classes of capital stock of AutoChina or a parent
or subsidiary of AutoChina). ISOs may only be granted to employees. In addition,
the aggregate fair market value of ordinary shares underlying one or more ISOs
(determined at the time of grant) which are exercisable for the first time by
any one employee during any calendar year may not exceed $100,000. The Board of
Directors or the committee may permit a cashless “net exercise” of the options
(which is attached to the incentive plan attached hereto).
Additional
Terms
ISOs may
not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any
manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be
exercised, during the lifetime of the grantee, only by the grantee. Other awards
are transferable (i) by will and by the laws of descent and distribution and
(ii) during the lifetime of the grantee: (a) to a Holding Company (as defined in
the incentive plan) of such grantee, or (B) to the extent and in the manner
authorized by the Board of Directors or the committee. No shares will be
delivered under the incentive plan to any grantee or other person until such
grantee or other person has made arrangements acceptable to the Board of
Directors or the committee for the satisfaction of any national, provincial or
local income and employment tax withholding obligations, including, without
limitation, obligations incident to the receipt of Shares. A grantee is not
considered a shareholder with respect to the shares underlying an award until
the shares are issued to the grantee.
Amendments
AutoChina’s
Board of Directors may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the
incentive plan; provided, that no amendment requiring shareholder approval will
be effective unless such approval has been obtained, and provided further that
no amendment of the incentive plan or its termination may be effected if it
would materially and adversely affect the rights of a grantee without the
grantee’s consent.
Certain
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Incentive Plan
The
following is a general summary of the U.S. federal income tax consequences under
current tax law to AutoChina and to individual grantees in the incentive plan
who are individual citizens or residents of the United States of ISOs, NQSOs,
restricted stock awards, unrestricted stock awards, distribution equivalent
right awards and SARs granted pursuant to the incentive plan. It does not
purport to cover all of the special rules that may apply, including special
rules relating to limitations on the ability of AutoChina to deduct certain
compensation, special rules relating to deferred compensation, golden
parachutes, grantees subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act and the
exercise of an option with previously-acquired shares. In addition, this summary
does not address the state or local income or other tax consequences inherent in
the acquisition, ownership, vesting, exercise, termination or disposition of an
award under the incentive plan or AutoChina ordinary shares issued pursuant
thereto.
A grantee
generally does not recognize taxable income upon the grant of an NQSO or an ISO.
Upon the exercise of an NQSO, the grantee generally recognizes ordinary income
in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the shares
acquired on the date of exercise over the exercise price thereunder, and
AutoChina will generally be entitled to a deduction for such amount at that
time. If the grantee later sells shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an
NQSO, the grantee generally recognizes a long-term or a short-term capital gain
or loss, depending on the period for which the shares were held.
A
long-term capital gain is generally subject to more favorable tax treatment than
ordinary income or a short-term capital gain. The deductibility of capital
losses is subject to certain limitations. Upon the exercise of an ISO, the
grantee generally does not recognize taxable income. If the grantee disposes of
the shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO more than two years after
the date of grant and more than one year after the transfer of the shares to the
grantee, the grantee generally recognizes a long-term capital gain or loss, and
AutoChina is not entitled to a deduction. However, if the grantee disposes of
such shares prior to the end of the required holding period, all or a portion of
the gain is treated as ordinary income, and AutoChina is generally entitled to
deduct such amount.
In
addition to the tax consequences described above, a grantee may be subject to
the alternative minimum tax, which is payable to the extent it exceeds the
grantee’s regular tax. For this purpose, upon the exercise of an ISO, the excess
of the fair market value of the shares over the exercise price thereunder is a
preference item for purposes of the alternative minimum tax. In addition, the
grantee’s basis in such shares is increased by such excess for purposes of
computing the gain or loss on the disposition of the shares for alternative
minimum tax purposes. If a grantee is required to pay an alternative minimum
tax, the amount of such tax which is attributable to deferral preferences
(including any ISO adjustment) generally may be allowed as a credit against the
grantee’s regular tax liability (and, in certain cases, may be refunded to the
grantee) in subsequent years. To the extent the credit is not used, it is
carried forward.
A grantee
who receives an unrestricted stock award recognizes ordinary compensation income
upon receipt of the award equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value
of the shares over any amount paid by the grantee for the shares, and AutoChina
is generally entitled to deduct such payment at such time.
A grantee
who receives a restricted stock award that is subject to a substantial risk of
forfeiture and certain transfer restrictions generally recognizes ordinary
compensation income at the time the restriction lapses in an amount equal to the
excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock at such time over any
amount paid by the grantee for the shares. Alternatively, the grantee may elect
to be taxed upon receipt of the restricted stock based on the value of the
shares at the time of grant. AutoChina is generally entitled to a deduction at
the same time as ordinary compensation income is required to be included by the
grantee and in the same amount. Dividends received with respect to such
restricted stock are generally treated as compensation, unless the grantee
elects to be taxed on the receipt (rather than the vestings) of the restricted
stock. Other restricted stock awards are taxed in the same manner as an
unrestricted stock award. A grantee generally does not recognize income upon the
grant of an SAR. The grantee has ordinary compensation income upon exercise of
the SAR equal to the increase in the value of the underlying shares, and
AutoChina will generally be entitled to a deduction for such amount. A grantee
generally does not recognize income for a dividend equivalent right award until
payments are received. At such time, the grantee recognizes ordinary
compensation income equal to the amount of any cash payments and the fair market
value of any AutoChina ordinary shares received, and AutoChina is generally
entitled to deduct such amount at such time.
Retirement
Benefits
As of
December 31, 2008, ACG’s subsidiaries in the PRC have participated the
government-mandated employee welfare and retirement benefit contribution and
provided pension, retirement or similar benefits to its employees. The PRC
regulations require ACG’s PRC subsidiaries to pay the local labor administration
bureau a monthly contribution at a stated contribution rate based on the monthly
basic compensation of qualified employees. The local labor
administration bureau, which manages various investment funds, will take care of
employee retirement, medical and other fringe benefits. ACG’s
subsidiaries have no further commitments beyond its monthly
contribution.
AutoChina
does not have employees and is not required to accrue pension, retirement
or similar benefits.
Board
Committees
AutoChina’s
Board of Directors has an audit committee, governance and nominating committee,
and compensation committee, and has adopted a charter for each committee. Each
committee consists of Thomas Lau, James Sha and Diana Liu, each of whom is an
independent director. James Sha has been designated an “Audit Committee
Financial Expert” under SEC rules and the current listing standards of the
Nasdaq Marketplace Rules.
Audit Committee
The audit
committee, consisting of Messrs. Sha and Lau and Ms. Liu, oversees our financial
reporting process on behalf of the board of directors. The audit committee was
established in May 2009. The committee’s responsibilities include the following
functions:
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·
|
appoint
and replace the independent auditors to conduct the annual audit of our
books and records;
|
|
·
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review
the proposed scope and results of the
audit;
|
|
·
|
review
and pre-approve the independent auditors’ audit and non-audited services
rendered;
|
|
·
|
approve
the audit fees to be paid;
|
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·
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review
accounting and financial controls with the independent auditors and our
internal auditors and financial and accounting
staff;
|
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·
|
review
and approve related party
transactions;
|
|
·
|
meeting
separately and periodically with management and our internal auditor and
independent auditors.
|
Our board
of directors has determined that Mr. Sha, the Chair of the Audit Committee, is
an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the SEC’s
rules.
Governance and Nominating
Committee
The
governance and nominating committee, consisting of Messrs. Sha and Lau and Ms.
Liu, is responsible for identifying potential candidates to serve on our board
and its committees. The governance and nominating committee was established in
May 2009. The committee’s responsibilities include the following
functions:
|
·
|
developing
the criteria and qualifications for membership on the
board;
|
|
·
|
recruiting,
reviewing and nominating candidates for election to the board or to fill
vacancies on the Board;
|
|
·
|
reviewing
candidates for election to the board proposed by shareholders, and
conducting appropriate inquiries into the background and qualifications of
any such candidates;
|
|
·
|
establishing
subcommittees for the purpose of evaluating special or unique
matters;
|
|
·
|
monitoring
and making recommendations regarding board committee functions,
contributions and composition; and
|
|
·
|
evaluating,
on an annual basis, the governance and nominating committee’s
performance.
|
The
governance and nominating committee will consider director candidates
recommended by shareholders. Shareholders who wish to recommend to the
governance and nominating committee a candidate for election to the board should
send their letters to AutoChina International Limited, No. 322 Zhongshan East
Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, 050011, People’s Republic of China,
Attention: Governance and Nominating Committee. The corporate secretary will
promptly forward all such letters to the members of the governance and
nominating committee. Shareholders must follow certain procedures to recommend
to the governance and nominating committee candidates for election as directors.
In general, in order to provide sufficient time to enable the governance and
nominating committee to evaluate candidates recommended by shareholders in
connection with selecting candidates for nomination in connection with
AutoChina’s annual meeting of shareholders, the corporate secretary must receive
the shareholder’s recommendation no later than thirty (30) days after the end of
AutoChina’s fiscal year. For a list of information required to be submitted with
a recommendation, please contact AutoChina’s secretary at the address listed
above.
Compensation
Committee
The
compensation committee, consisting of Messrs. Sha and Lau and Ms. Liu, is
responsible for making recommendations to the board concerning salaries and
incentive compensation for our officers and employees and administers our stock
option plans. The compensation committee was established in May
2009. Its responsibilities include the following
functions:
|
·
|
at
least annually review AutoChina’s corporate goals and objectives relevant
to the executives’ compensation; evaluate the executives’ performance in
light of such goals and objectives; and, either as a compensation
committee or, together with the other independent directors (as directed
by the board), determine and approve the executives’ compensation level
based on this evaluation. In determining the long-term
incentive component of the executives’ compensation, the compensation
committee will consider AutoChina’s performance, the value of similar
incentive awards to the executives at comparable companies, the awards
given to the executives in past years and any relevant legal requirements
and associated guidance of the applicable
law;
|
|
·
|
at
least annually review and make recommendations to the board with respect
to non-executive officer and independent director compensation to assist
the board in making the final determination as to non-executive officer
and independent director
compensation;
|
|
·
|
attempt
to ensure that AutoChina’s compensation program is effective in attracting
and retaining key employees, reinforce business strategies and objectives
for enhanced shareholder value, and administer the compensation program in
a fair and equitable manner consistent with established policies and
guidelines;
|
|
·
|
administer
AutoChina’s incentive-compensation plans and equity-based plans, insofar
as provided therein;
|
|
·
|
make
recommendations to the board regarding approval, disapproval,
modification, or termination of existing or proposed employee benefit
plans;
|
|
·
|
approve
any stock option award or any other type of award as may be required for
complying with any tax, securities, or other regulatory requirement, or
otherwise determined to be appropriate or desirable by the compensation
committee or board;
|
|
·
|
approve
the policy for authorizing claims for expenses from the
executives;
|
|
·
|
review
and assess the adequacy of this charter annually;
and
|
|
·
|
review
and approve the compensation disclosure and analysis prepared by
AutoChina’s management, as required to be included in AutoChina’s proxy
statement or annual report on Form 20-F, or equivalent, filed with the
SEC.
|
Compensation
Committee Interlocks And Insider Participation
No member
of our compensation committee has at any time been an officer or employee of
ours, or our subsidiaries. No interlocking relationship exists between our board
of directors or compensation committee and the board of directors or
compensation committee of any other company, nor has any interlocking
relationship existed in the past.
Director
Independence
AutoChina’s
Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Sha and Lau and Ms. Liu qualify
as independent directors under the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market because they
do not currently own a large percentage of ACG's capital stock, are not
currently employed by ACG, have not been actively involved in the management of
ACG and do not fall into any of the enumerated categories of people who cannot
be considered independent in the Nasdaq Share Market Rules.
Employees
On
December 31, 2008, ACG’s subsidiaries had 1,565 employees, of which 238
employees are members of management (including managers at each
facility).
AutoChina
has no contracts or collective bargaining agreements with labor unions and has
never experienced work stoppages. AutoChina considers its relations with its
employees to be good.
Auditors
During
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, AutoChina’s principal independent
registered public accounting firm was UHY LLP, located at 19 West 44
th
street,
12
th
Floor; New York, NY 10036-6101. The firm of UHY LLP acted as AutoChina’s
principal independent registered public accounting firm from AutoChina’s
inception through September 19, 2008. On September 19, 2008, AutoChina
terminated UHY LLP and appointed Grobstein, Horwath & Company LLP, located
at 15233 Ventura Boulevard, Ninth Floor; Sherman Oaks, California 91403-2201, as
its principal independent registered public accounting firm.
UHY LLP
leases all its personnel, who work in the control of UHY LLP partners, from
wholly owned subsidiaries of UHY Advisors, Inc. in an alterative practice
structure.
On
December 8, 2008, Crowe Horwath LLP, 70 West Madison Street, Suite 700, Chicago,
Illinois, 60602-4903, acquired certain assets of Grobstein, Horwath &
Company LLP and many of the partners of Grobstein, Horwath & Company LLP
became partners of Crowe Horwath LLP. On January 12, 2009, AutoChina engaged
Crowe Horwath LLP as its principal independent registered public accounting firm
and Crowe Horwath LLP conducted the audit of AutoChina’s fiscal year ended
December 31, 2008 financial statements. Audit fees pertaining to the year ended
December 31, 2008 totaled $260,000.
Legal
Advisers
AutoChina
International Limited’s principal legal adviser in the United States is Loeb
& Loeb LLP, located at 345 Park Avenue; New York, NY 10154. AutoChina’s
principal legal adviser in the Cayman Islands is Harney Westwood & Riegels,
located at 4th Floor, Genesis Building; 13 Genesis Close; PO Box 10240; Grand
Cayman; KY1-1002; Cayman Islands. AutoChina International Limited’s principal
legal adviser in the People’s Republic of China is Zhong Lun Law Firm, located
at 36-37/F, SK Tower, 6A Jianguomenwai Avenue, Beijing 100022, People’s Republic
of China.
Indemnification
AutoChina’s
Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association provides that
no director will be personally liable to AutoChina or its shareholders for
monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the
extent this limitation or exemption is not permitted by the Cayman Islands law.
As currently enacted, the Cayman Islands law permits a corporation to provide in
its Memorandum and Articles of Association that a director will not be
personally liable to the corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages
for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability for: (i) any
breach of the directors duty of loyalty; (ii) acts or omissions not in good
faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law,
(iii) payments of unlawful dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or
redemptions or (iv) any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit.
The
principal effect of this provision is that a shareholder will be unable to
recover monetary damages against a director for breach of fiduciary duty unless
the shareholder can demonstrate that one of the exceptions listed above applies.
This provision, however, will not eliminate or limit liability arising under
federal securities laws. AutoChina’s charter does not eliminate its director’s
fiduciary duties. The inclusion of this provision in the charter may, however,
discourage or deter shareholders or management from bringing a lawsuit against
directors for a breach of their fiduciary duties, even though such an action, if
successful, might otherwise have benefited AutoChina and its shareholders. This
provision should not affect the availability of equitable remedies such as
injunction or rescission based upon a director’s breach of his or her fiduciary
duties.
The
Cayman Islands law provides that a corporation may indemnify its directors and
officers as well as its other employees and agents against judgments, fines,
amounts paid in settlement and expenses, including attorneys fees, in connection
with various proceedings, other than an action brought by or in the right of the
corporation, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, if he or
she had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. A
similar standard is applicable in the case of an action brought by or in the
right of the corporation (commonly known as derivative suits), except that
indemnification in such a case may only extend to expenses, including attorneys
fees, incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such actions, and
the statute requires court approval before there can be any indemnification
where the person seeking indemnification has been found liable to the
corporation. AutoChina’s charter and, with regard to its officers, its bylaws
provide that AutoChina will indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest
extent permitted by Cayman Islands law. Under these provisions and subject to
the Cayman Islands law, AutoChina will be required to indemnify its directors
and officers for all judgments, fines, settlements, legal fees and other
expenses incurred in connection with pending or threatened legal proceedings
because of the directors or officers position with AutoChina or another entity
that the director or officer serves as a director, officer, employee or agent at
AutoChina’s request, subject to various conditions, and to advance funds to
AutoChina’s directors and officers before final disposition of such proceedings
to enable them to defend against such proceedings. To receive indemnification,
the director or officer must have been successful in the legal proceeding or
have acted in good faith and in what was reasonably believed to be a lawful
manner in the best interest of AutoChina. The bylaws also specifically authorize
AutoChina to maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was or has
agreed to become a director, officer, employee or agent of AutoChina, or is or
was serving at AutoChina’s request as a director, officer, employee or agent of
another entity, against certain liabilities.
PRINCIPAL
SHAREHOLDERS
The
following table sets forth, as of May 26, 2009, certain information regarding
beneficial ownership of AutoChina’s ordinary shares by each person who is known
by AutoChina to beneficially own more than 5% of AutoChina’s ordinary shares.
The table also identifies the stock ownership of each of AutoChina’s directors,
each of AutoChina’s named executive officers, and all directors and officers as
a group. Except as otherwise indicated, the shareholders listed in the table
have sole voting and investment powers with respect to the shares indicated.
AutoChina’s major shareholders do not have different voting rights than any
other holder of AutoChina’s ordinary shares.
Ordinary
shares which an individual or group has a right to acquire within 60 days
pursuant to the exercise or conversion of options, warrants or other similar
convertible or derivative securities are deemed to be outstanding for the
purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such individual or group, but
are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage
ownership of any other person shown in the table.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
(1)
|
|
Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership
|
|
|
|
|
|
Approximate
Percentage of
Outstanding Ordinary
Shares (2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Honest
Best Int'l Ltd.
|
|
|
8,606,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
80.31
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yong
Hui Li (3)
|
|
|
8,606,250
|
|
(3)
|
|
|
|
80.31
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James
Cheng-Jee Sha
|
|
|
1,295,157
|
|
(4)
|
|
|
|
11.27
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diana
Chia-Huei Liu
|
|
|
918,126
|
|
(5)
|
|
|
|
8.19
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chen
Lei
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Johnson
Lau
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wei
Xing
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hui
Kai Yan
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas
Luen-Hung Lau
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Victory
Park Capital Advisors, LLC (6)
|
|
|
548,800
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.12
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All
directors and executive officers as a group (eight
individuals)
|
|
|
10,819,533
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90.19
|
%
|
(1)
Unless indicated otherwise, the business address of each of the individuals is
No.322, Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People’s Republic of
China.
(2) Based
on 10,716,720 ordinary shares of AutoChina issued and outstanding as of the date
of this prospectus.
(3) Consists of 8,606,250 ordinary shares of AutoChina owned by
Honest Best Int’l Ltd., whose sole shareholder is Yan Wang, Mr. Li’s wife.
(4)
Consists of 515,157 ordinary shares of AutoChina and 780,000 ordinary shares of
AutoChina issuable upon the exercise of warrants, which became exercisable on
April 9, 2009 for $5.00 per share and which expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City
time on February 27, 2013.
(5)
Consists of (i) 209,063 ordinary shares of AutoChina and 250,000 ordinary shares
of AutoChina issuable upon the exercise of warrants, and (ii) 209,063 ordinary
shares of AutoChina owned by Diana Chia-Huei Liu, William Tsu-Cheng Yu’s wife,
and 250,000 ordinary shares of AutoChina issuable upon the exercise of warrants
owned by William Tsu-Cheng Yu, Diana Chia-Huei Liu’s husband. The warrants
became exercisable on April 9, 2009 for $5.00 per share and which expire at 5:00
p.m., New York City time on February 27, 2013.
(6) Based
on a Schedule 13D filed by: (i) Victory Park Capital Advisors, LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company (“Capital Advisors”); (ii) Victory Park
Credit Opportunities Master Fund, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company (
“Credit Opportunities Fund”); (iii) Victory Park Special Situations Master
Fund, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company ( “Special Situations Fund”, and,
together with Credit Opportunities Fund, the “Funds”); (iv) Jacob Capital,
L.L.C., an Illinois limited liability company (“Jacob Capital”); and
(v) Richard Levy, a citizen of the United States of America. The business
address for each such entity, other than the Funds, is 227 West Monroe Street,
Suite 3900, Chicago, Illinois 60606. The business address for the Funds is
c/o Walkers SPV Limited, Walker House, 87 Mary Street, George Town, Grand
Cayman, KY1 9002 Cayman Islands. Capital Advisors, as the investment manager of
the Funds, may be deemed to have the shared power to vote or direct the vote of
(and the shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the ordinary
shares. As the manager of Capital Advisors, Jacob Capital may be deemed to have
the shared power to vote or direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose
or direct the disposition of) the ordinary shares. By virtue of Richard Levy’s
position as sole member of Jacob Capital, Richard Levy may be deemed to have the
shared power to vote or direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose or
direct the disposition of) the ordinary shares, and, therefore, Richard Levy may
be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the ordinary shares. Capital Advisors,
Jacob Capital and Richard Levy disclaim beneficial ownership of the reported
securities except to the extent of their pecuniary interest
therein.
SHARES
ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
AutoChina
has 10,716,720 ordinary shares outstanding as of May 26, 2009. Of these shares,
all but 1,030,314 shares held by AutoChina’s initial shareholders and 8,606,250
shares issued to Honest Best Int’l Ltd., ACG’s prior shareholder, under the
share exchange agreement are freely tradable without restriction or further
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended except for any
ordinary shares purchased by one of AutoChina’s affiliates within the meaning of
Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. In addition, pursuant to
an earn-out provision in the share exchange agreement, AutoChina has agreed to
issue to Honest Best Int’l Ltd., ACG’s prior shareholder, between 5% and 20% of
the number of ordinary shares outstanding as of December 31 of the fiscal year
immediately prior to such earn-out issuance for achieving a certain minimum
EBITDA and certain Targeted EBITDA Growth (each as defined in the share exchange
agreement) in each of the next five years, through the year ended December 31,
2013.
There are
5,175,000 outstanding warrants that were issued in AutoChina’s initial public
offering, each for the purchase of one share. The shares issuable upon exercise
of the warrants will also be freely tradable, provided that there is a
registration statement in effect at the time of their exercise. AutoChina
intends to use its best efforts to cause such a registration statement to be in
effect at that time that the warrants become exercisable. In addition, in
connection with AutoChina’s initial public offering, AutoChina issued a unit
purchase option to the representative of the underwriters which is exercisable
for 450,000 units, consisting of one share and one warrant to purchase one share
at $5.50 per share, at an exercise price of $8.80 per unit. The securities
underlying the representatives unit purchase option and underlying securities
have registration rights and may be sold according to Rule 144.
On April
22, 2009, AutoChina announced that its Board of Directors had authorized a
warrant repurchase program. Pursuant to the authorization of the Board of
Directors, AutoChina may repurchase any number of ordinary share purchase
warrants (the exercise price of which is $5.00 per ordinary share) on the open
market or in negotiated transactions at a price per warrant of no more than
$1.00 per warrant. The timing and the amount of any repurchases will
be determined by the AutoChina’s management based on its evaluation of market
conditions and other factors. Under the repurchase program, there is no time
limit for the warrant repurchases, nor is there a minimum number of warrants
that AutoChina intends to repurchase. The repurchase program may be suspended or
discontinued at any time without prior notice.
As of May 15, 2009,
AutoChina and its affiliates had repurchased
a total of
2,432,892
warrants.
In
addition, AutoChina’s founding shareholders own warrants to purchase 1,430,000
ordinary shares, which warrants and the underlying ordinary shares are also
restricted securities under Rule 144. Furthermore, all of the 1,030,314
founders’ shares have been placed in escrow. These shares will not be released
from escrow until January 9, 2010 (nine months after AutoChina’s consummation of
a business combination) with respect to 50% of the initial shares and April 9,
2010 (one year after AutoChina’s consummation of a business combination) with
respect to the remaining 50% of the initial shares. These shares may only be
released earlier if AutoChina engages in a transaction resulting in AutoChina’s
shareholders having the right to exchange their shares for cash or other
securities.
Therefore,
as of May 15, 2009, there are an aggregate of 5,072,108 shares that may be
issued in the future upon exercise of outstanding warrants and unit purchase
options.
Rule 144.
Rule 144 is
unavailable for the resale of restricted securities initially issued by a
blank-check or shell company, both before and after an initial business
combination, despite technical compliance with the requirements of Rule 144.
Accordingly, such restricted securities can be resold only through a registered
offering or pursuant to another exemption from registration. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, a person who beneficially owns restricted securities of a company
which:
|
1.
|
has
ceased to qualify as a blank-check or shell
company;
|
|
2.
|
is
subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act;
|
|
3.
|
has
filed all reports and other materials required to be filed by Section 13
or 15(d), as applicable, during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter
period that the company was required to file such reports and materials);
and
|
|
4.
|
has
filed certain information with the SEC (Form 10 information) reflecting
that it is no longer a blank-check or shell
company
|
may,
after one year has elapsed from the filing of the Form 10 information, sell
securities pursuant to Rule 144, subject to the conditions therein.
Sales
under Rule 144 are also limited based on the availability of current public
information about AutoChina, and, in the case of sales by affiliates, by manner
of sale provisions and notice requirements.
CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
AutoChina
In
October 2007, AutoChina issued 1,293,750 ordinary shares to the individuals set
forth below for $25,000 in cash, at a purchase price of approximately $0.02 per
share, as follows:
Shareholder
|
|
Number of Shares
|
|
James
Cheng-Jee Sha
|
|
|
646,875
|
|
Diana
Chia-Huei Liu
|
|
|
258,750
|
|
William
Tsu-Cheng Yu
|
|
|
258,750
|
|
Jimmy
(Jim) Yee-Ming Wu
|
|
|
90,563
|
|
Gary
Han Ming Chang
|
|
|
38,812
|
|
Such
shares were issued pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in
Section 4(2) of the Securities Act as they were sold to sophisticated, wealthy
individuals. No underwriting discounts or commissions were paid with respect to
such sales.
On May 4,
2009, pursuant to the terms of a share escrow agreement dated February 27, 2008
between AutoChina, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company and the founding
shareholders, the founding shareholders forfeited and AutoChina cancelled an
aggregate of 263,463 ordinary shares of AutoChina as a result of more than 20%
of public shareholders of AutoChina voting against the acquisition of ACG by
AutoChina and exercising their conversion rights, as described further in the
share escrow agreement.
On
October 24, 2007, James Sha, Diana Liu and William Wu loaned AutoChina an
aggregate of $100,000 to cover expenses related to AutoChina’s initial public
offering. The loans were repaid without interest on March 4, 2007 from a portion
of the proceeds of AutoChina’s initial public offering and the private placement
of the insider warrants not placed in trust.
On
February 27, 2008, AutoChina completed a private placement of 1,430,000 warrants
to its founding shareholders and received net proceeds of $1,430,000. AutoChina
refers to the warrants sold in this private placement as the insider warrants.
The insider warrants are identical to the warrants underlying the units sold in
the initial public offering except that if AutoChina calls the warrants for
redemption, the insider warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis so long as
such warrants are held by AutoChina’s founding shareholders or their affiliates.
The securities were sold in reliance on the exemption from registration
contained in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act since they were sold to
sophisticated, wealthy individuals. No underwriting discounts or commissions
were paid with respect to such securities.
On
February 27, 2008, AutoChina sold options to purchase up to an aggregate of
450,000 units to the underwriter (and certain of its affiliates) in AutoChina’s
initial public offering for an aggregate of $100. The exercise price per unit is
$8.80, and each unit consists of one ordinary share and a warrant to purchase
one ordinary share, exercisable at $5.00 per share. The securities were sold in
reliance on the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act since they were sold to the underwriters in AutoChina’s initial
public offering. No underwriting discounts or commissions were paid with respect
to such securities.
Commencing
on February 27, 2008 through AutoChina’s acquisition of ACG on April 9, 2009,
AutoChina paid Live ABC Interactive Co., Ltd. Beijing, an affiliate of James
Sha, a fee of $7,500 per month for providing AutoChina with office space and
certain office and secretarial services. However, this arrangement was solely
for AutoChina’s benefit and was not intended to provide AutoChina’s officers and
directors compensation in lieu of a salary.
AutoChina
reimbursed its founding shareholders, officers, directors, special advisors or
their affiliates for any reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses incurred by
them in connection with certain activities on its behalf such as identifying and
investigating possible target businesses and business combinations. There was no
limit on the amount of out-of-pocket expenses reimbursable by AutoChina, which
will be reviewed only by its board or a court of competent jurisdiction if such
reimbursement is challenged. To the extent that such expenses exceeded the
available proceeds not deposited in the trust account and interest income that
was released to AutoChina from the trust account, such out-of-pocket expenses
are a liability of the post-combination business and will treated in a manner
similar to any other account payable of AutoChina. AutoChina’s officers and
directors may, as part of any such combination, negotiate the repayment of some
or all of any such expenses.
Other
than the $7,500 per-month administrative fee payable to Live ABC Interactive
Co., Ltd and reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses payable to AutoChina’s officers
and directors, no compensation or fees of any kind, including finders fees,
consulting fees or other similar compensation, was paid to any of AutoChina’s
founding shareholders, officers, directors or special advisors who owned
AutoChina’s ordinary shares prior to this offering, or to any of their
respective affiliates, prior to or with respect to the business
combination.
ACG
During
the years presented, ACG had borrowed from various companies affiliated with Mr.
Yong Hui Li, ACG’s Chairman and CEO, and certain affiliates of Mr. Yong Hui Li
including certain companies controlled by ACG’s ultimate shareholder prior to
AutoChina’s acquisition of ACG, Ms. Yan Wang. Each of these loans is
non-interest bearing and was entered into to satisfy the ACG’s short term
capital needs. In addition, the payable balances of each loan are unsecured and
due on demand by the lender. The outstanding amounts due to related parties as
of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:
|
|
Notes
|
|
|
December
31,
|
|
$
in thousands
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due
to affiliates:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr.
Yong Hui Li
|
|
|
(3)
|
|
|
$
|
5,125
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Hebei
Shengrong Auto parts Co., Ltd.
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
1,895
|
|
|
|
919
|
|
Hebei
Kaiyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd.
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
|
|
769
|
|
|
|
136
|
|
|
|
127
|
|
Shijiazhuang
Yiyuan Auto Trading Co., Ltd.
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
41
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Baoding
Tianfu Auto Trading Co., Ltd.
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Beijing
Tonghe Shengyuan Trade Co., Ltd.
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
628
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
5,894
|
|
|
$
|
2,075
|
|
|
$
|
1,674
|
|
Notes:
(1)
Companies controlled by ACG’s ultimate shareholder prior to AutoChina’s
acquisition of ACG, Ms. Yan Wang.
(2)
Companies that were formerly owned by ACG.
(3) ACG’s
chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and the ultimate shareholder of Hebei
Kaiyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd.
During
the years presented, ACG has paid certain operating expenses on behalf of
various companies affiliated with Mr. Yong Hui Li, including certain companies
controlled by ACG’s ultimate shareholder prior to AutoChina’s acquisition of
ACG, Ms. Yan Wang (Mr. Yong Hui Li’s wife), and companies which are formally
controlled by ACG. ACG has advanced these funds, to each of these companies on a
non-interest bearing and unsecured basis, and such funds are due on demand by
ACG. The outstanding amounts due from related parties as of December 31, 2008,
2007 and 2006 were as follows:
|
|
Notes
|
|
|
December
31,
|
|
$
in thousands
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due
from affiliates:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shijiazhuang
Zhicheng Property Management Co., Ltd.
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
2,634
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Kinbow
Capital & Holding Group Co., Ltd.
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,615
|
|
|
|
1,076
|
|
Beijing
Qianbo Auto Trading Co., Ltd.
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,033
|
|
|
|
437
|
|
Beijing
Tonghe Shengyuan Business & Trading Co., Ltd.
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
205
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Hebei
Kaiyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd.
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,164
|
|
Hebei
Beiguo Kaiyuan Shopping Mall Co., Ltd.
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,836
|
|
Shijiazhuang
Yiyuan Auto Trading Co., Ltd.
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
79
|
|
Baoding
Tianfu Auto Trading Co., Ltd.
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
49
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
5,487
|
|
|
$
|
5,641
|
|
|
|
Notes
|
|
|
December
31,
|
|
$
in thousands
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due
from unconsolidated subsidiary:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cangzhou
Hengyuan Auto Trading Co., Ltd.
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
|
$
|
529
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
(1)
Companies controlled by ACG’s ultimate shareholder prior to AutoChina’s
acquisition of ACG, Ms. Yan Wang.
(2)
Companies that were formerly owned by ACG.
As of May
15, 2009, there is nil outstanding due from affiliates under these related party
loans. All of the outstanding balances on these loans were repaid upon the
consummation of the acquisition.
During
the period presented, ACG sold and purchased automobiles and spare parts to and
from its affiliates. The details of the related party transactions were as
follows:
|
|
|
|
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
Notes
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Related
Parties Transactions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hebei
Kaiyuan Doors & Windows Manufacturing Co., Ltd
|
|
(1)
(a)
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
8,649
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Shijiazhuang
Zhicheng Property Management Co., Ltd
|
|
(1)
(b)
|
|
|
3,937
|
|
|
|
2,529
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Shijiazhuang
Zhicheng Property Management Co., Ltd
|
|
(1)
(a)
|
|
|
3,911
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Hebei
Beiguo Kaiyuan Shopping Mall Co., Ltd
|
|
(2)
(b)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,058
|
|
|
|
10,577
|
|
Hebei
Kaiyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd
|
|
(1)
(a)
|
|
|
39,553
|
|
|
|
1,958
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Hebei
Kaiyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd
|
|
(1)
(b)
|
|
|
2,770
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,853
|
|
Hebei
Kaiyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd
|
|
(1)
(e)
|
|
|
757
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,129
|
|
Kinbow
Capital & Holding Group Co., Ltd
|
|
(1)
(b)
|
|
|
374
|
|
|
|
973
|
|
|
|
1,054
|
|
Beijing
Tonghe Shenyuan Business & Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
(1)
(a)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
615
|
|
Beijing
Tonghe Shenyuan Business & Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
(1) (b)
|
|
|
360
|
|
|
|
460
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Beijing
Qianbo Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
(1)
(b)
|
|
|
3,009
|
|
|
|
394
|
|
|
|
571
|
|
Beijing
Qianbo Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
(1)
(c)
|
|
|
81
|
|
|
|
183
|
|
|
|
35
|
|
Beijing
Qianbo Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
(1)
(d)
|
|
|
271
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
232
|
|
Beijing
Qianbo Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
(1)
(e)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
176
|
|
Baoding
Tianfu Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
(2)
(b)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
100
|
|
Baoding
Tianfu Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
(2)
(c)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
84
|
|
|
|
58
|
|
Baoding
Tianfu Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
(2)
(d)
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
48
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
Shijiazhuang
Yiyuan Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
(2)
(a)
|
|
|
420
|
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Shijiazhuang
Yiyuan Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
(2)
(b)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
125
|
|
Beijing
Kinbow Sunshine Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
(1)
(a)
|
|
|
144
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Beijing
Kinbow Sunshine Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
(1)
(d)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
126
|
|
Hebei
Xinchang Shengyuan Auto Sales Co., Ltd
|
|
(2)
(b)
|
|
|
576
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Cangzhou
Hengyuan Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
(2)
(b)
|
|
|
648
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Cangzhou
Hengyuan Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
(2)
(c)
|
|
|
1,831
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Cangzhou
Hengyuan Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
(2)
(d)
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Hebei
Xuwei Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
(1)
(a)
|
|
|
2,476
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Hebei
Xuwei Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
(1)
(b)
|
|
|
2,476
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Hebei
Shengrong Auto parts Co., Ltd
|
|
(2)
(b)
|
|
|
12,369
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Hebei
Guangdehang Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
(2)
(c)
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Hebei
Guangdehang Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
(2)
(d)
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Notes:
(1)
Companies controlled by ACG’s ultimate shareholder prior to AutoChina’s
acquisition of ACG, Ms. Yan Wang.
(2)
Companies that are formerly owned by ACG.
Nature of
transaction:
(a) Loan
to ACG during the period. The amounts were interest-free, unsecured and
repayable on demand.
(b)
Short-term advance from ACG. The amounts were interest-free, unsecured and
payable on demand.
(c) Sale
of automobiles to ACG during the period.
(d)
Purchase of automobiles from ACG during the period.
(e) Sales
of investments in subsidiary / affiliates during the period.
Mr. Li,
ACG's Chairman and CEO, is the indirect beneficial owner of approximately 15.28%
of Beiguo Commercial Building Limited. Commencing in September 2008, Beiguo
began to provide short term financing for ACG's commercial vehicle sales and
leasing business. ACG pays a financing charge of approximately 4% per annum
premium to Beiguo for the funds obtained due to this financing arrangement, in
part, because the financing is guaranteed by Mr. Li, who has a long term
business relationship with Beiguo, on behalf of ACG.
DESCRIPTION
OF SECURITIES
General
AutoChina
is authorized to issue 50,000,000 ordinary shares, par value $.001, and
1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.001. As of the date of this
registration statement, 10,716,720 ordinary shares are outstanding, held by 8
holders of record. No shares of preferred stock are currently
outstanding.
Ordinary
Shares
AutoChina’s
shareholders of record are entitled to one vote for each ordinary share held on
all matters to be voted on by shareholders.
Members
of AutoChina’s Board of Directors serve for indefinite terms. There is no
cumulative voting with respect to the election of directors, with the result
that the holders of more than 50% of the shares eligible to vote for the
election of directors can elect all of the directors.
AutoChina’s
shareholders have no conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights and
there are no sinking fund or redemption provisions applicable to the ordinary
shares.
Preferred
Shares
AutoChina’s
Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association authorizes
the issuance of 1,000,000 preferred shares with such designation, rights and
preferences as may be determined from time to time by its Board of Directors.
Accordingly, AutoChina’s Board of Directors is empowered, without shareholder
approval, to issue preferred shares with dividend, liquidation, conversion,
redemption voting or other rights which could adversely affect the voting power
or other rights of the holders of ordinary shares. The preferred shares could be
utilized as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control
of AutoChina. Although AutoChina does not currently intend to issue any
preferred shares, AutoChina cannot assure you that it will not do so in the
future.
As of the
date of this document, there are no outstanding shares of preferred stock of any
series.
Warrants
AutoChina
has 4,172,108 warrants outstanding as of May 15, 2009, entitling the registered
holder to purchase one ordinary share at $5.00 per share. As of
May
26, 2009, 3,000
of
such
warrants are held by insiders of AutoChina. AutoChina also has one unit purchase
option outstanding, entitling the holder to purchase 450,000 units, consisting
of one ordinary share and one warrant to purchase one ordinary share at $5.50
per share, at an exercise price of $8.80 per unit. The warrants are each subject
to adjustment as discussed below, and became exercisable on April 9, 2009, upon
the consummation of a business combination. The warrants will expire at 5:00
p.m., New York City time on February 27, 2013.
AutoChina
may call the warrants for redemption (including the insider warrants and any
warrants issued upon exercise of the unit purchase option issued to
EarlyBirdCapital), with the prior consent of EarlyBirdCapital,
|
·
|
in
whole and not in part,
|
|
·
|
at
a price of $0.01 per warrant at any time while the warrants are
exercisable (which will only occur if a registration statement relating to
the ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants is effective
and current),
|
|
·
|
upon
not less than 30 days prior written notice of redemption to each warrant
holder, and
|
|
·
|
if,
and only if, the reported last sale price of the ordinary shares equals or
exceeds $11.50 per share, for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day
period ending on the third business day prior to the notice of redemption
to warrant holders.
|
The
redemption criteria for AutoChina’s warrants had been established at a price
which is intended to provide warrant holders a reasonable premium to the initial
exercise price and provide a sufficient degree of liquidity to cushion the
market reaction to AutoChina’s redemption call.
Since
AutoChina may redeem the warrants only with the prior consent of
EarlyBirdCapital and EarlyBirdCapital may hold warrants subject to redemption,
EarlyBirdCapital may have a conflict of interest in determining whether or not
to consent to such redemption. AutoChina cannot assure you that EarlyBirdCapital
will consent to such redemption if it is not in its best interests even if it is
in AutoChina’s best interests.
If
AutoChina calls the warrants for redemption as described above, its management
will have the option to require all holders that wish to exercise AutoChina’s
warrants (not including the insider warrants) to do so on a cashless basis,
though the public shareholders are not eligible to do so at their own option. In
such event, each holder would pay the exercise price by surrendering the
warrants for that number of AutoChina’s ordinary shares equal to the quotient
obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of ordinary shares underlying
the warrants, multiplied by the difference between the exercise price of the
warrants and the fair market value of an ordinary share by (y) the fair market
value of an ordinary share. The fair market value is the average reported last
sale price of the ordinary shares for the 10 trading days ending on the third
trading day prior to the date on which the notice of redemption is sent to the
holders of warrants. If AutoChina’s management takes advantage of this option,
the notice of redemption will contain the information necessary to calculate the
number of ordinary shares to be received upon exercise of the warrants,
including the fair market value in such case. Requiring a cashless exercise in
this manner will reduce the number of shares to be issued and thereby lessen the
dilutive effect of a warrant redemption. AutoChina believes that this feature is
an attractive option to AutoChina if AutoChina does not need the cash from the
exercise of the warrants after a business combination. Regardless of the
election of AutoChina’s management, the purchasers of the insider warrants will
be entitled to exercise any insider warrants for cash or on a cashless basis
using the formula described above. The reason that AutoChina has agreed that
these warrants will be exercisable on a cashless basis so long as they are held
by AutoChina’s officers, directors, special advisor or their affiliates is
because it is not known at this time whether they will be affiliated with
AutoChina following a business combination. If they remain an insider, their
ability to sell AutoChina’s securities in the open market will be significantly
limited. AutoChina expects to have policies in place that prohibit insiders from
selling AutoChina’s securities except during specific periods of time. Even
during such periods of time when insiders will be permitted to sell AutoChina’s
securities, an insider cannot trade in AutoChina’s securities if he is in
possession of material non-public information. Accordingly, unlike public
shareholders who could exercise their warrants and sell the ordinary shares
received upon such exercise freely in the open market in order to recoup the
cost of such exercise, the insiders could be significantly restricted from
selling such securities. As a result, AutoChina believes that allowing the
holders to exercise such warrants on a cashless basis is
appropriate.
The
warrants have been issued in registered form under a warrant agreement between
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent, and
AutoChina.
The
exercise price and number of ordinary shares issuable on exercise of the
warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances including in the event of a
stock dividend, or AutoChina’s recapitalization, reorganization, merger or
consolidation. However, the warrants will not be adjusted for issuances of
ordinary shares at a price below their respective exercise prices.
The
warrants may be exercised upon surrender of the warrant certificate on or prior
to the expiration date at the offices of the warrant agent, with the exercise
form on the reverse side of the warrant certificate completed and executed as
indicated, accompanied by full payment of the exercise price, by certified or
official bank check payable to AutoChina, for the number of warrants being
exercised. The warrant holders do not have the rights or privileges of holders
of ordinary shares and any voting rights until they exercise their warrants and
receive ordinary shares. After the issuance of ordinary shares upon exercise of
the warrants, each holder will be entitled to one vote for each share held of
record on all matters to be voted on by shareholders.
No
warrants will be exercisable unless at the time of exercise a prospectus
relating to ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants is current
and the ordinary shares have been registered or qualified or deemed to be exempt
under the securities laws of the state of residence of the holder of the
warrants. Under the terms of the warrant agreement, AutoChina has agreed to meet
these conditions and use its best efforts to maintain a current prospectus
relating to ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants until the
expiration of the warrants. However, AutoChina cannot assure you that AutoChina
will be able to do so, and if it does not maintain a current prospectus related
to the ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants, holders will be
unable to exercise their warrants and AutoChina will not be required to net cash
settle or cash settle any such warrant exercise. If the prospectus relating to
the ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of the warrants is not current or
if the ordinary shares are not qualified or exempt from qualification in the
jurisdictions in which the holders of the warrants reside, the warrants may have
no value, the market for the warrants may be limited and the warrants may expire
worthless. If the warrants expire worthless, this would mean that a person who
paid $8.00 for a unit in AutoChina’s initial public and who did not sell the
warrants included in the unit would have effectively paid $8.00 for one ordinary
share. Because the warrants will not be exercisable without an effective
registration statement covering the shares underlying the warrants, AutoChina
will not call the warrants for redemption unless there is an effective
registration statement in place.
No
fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of the warrants. If, upon
exercise of the warrants, a holder would be entitled to receive a fractional
interest in a share, AutoChina will, upon exercise, round up to the nearest
whole number the number of ordinary shares to be issued to the warrant
holder.
Purchase
Option
AutoChina
sold to the underwriters of its initial public offering an option to purchase up
to a total of 450,000 units at $8.80 per unit. The units issuable upon exercise
of this option are identical to those offered in AutoChina’s initial public
offering.
Unissued
Shares of Capital Stock
Ordinary shares.
AutoChina currently has 10,716,720 ordinary shares outstanding. The
remaining authorized and unissued ordinary shares will be available for future
issuance without additional shareholder approval. While the additional shares
are not designed to deter or prevent a change of control, under some
circumstances AutoChina could use them to create voting impediments or to
frustrate persons seeking to effect a takeover or otherwise gain control, by,
for example, issuing shares in private placements to purchasers who might side
with the Board of Directors in opposing a hostile takeover bid.
Under the
terms of the AutoChina International Limited 2009 Equity Incentive Plan,
1,675,000 AutoChina ordinary shares are reserved for issuance in accordance with
its terms (provided, however, that dividend equivalent rights are payable solely
in cash and therefore do not reduce the number of shares that may be granted
under the incentive plan and that stock appreciation rights only reduce the
number of shares available for grant under the plan by the number of shares
actually received by the grantee). AutoChina currently anticipates that it will
grant awards to acquire up to approximately 30,000 shares pursuant to the
incentive plan to Johnson Lau, AutoChina’s Chief Financial Officer. Any other
awards under the plan will be made by the Board of Directors. Assuming that the
anticipated grants are made, there would be at least approximately 1,645,000
shares remaining for issuance in accordance with the incentive plan’s terms. For
more information about the AutoChina International Limited 2009 Equity Incentive
Plan, please refer to “Directors, Senior Management and Employees - AutoChina
International Limited 2009 Equity Incentive Plan” in this
prospectus.
Preferred Stock.
AutoChina’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association
grants the Board of Directors the authority, without any further vote or action
by shareholders, to issue preferred stock in one or more series, fix the number
of shares constituting the series and establish the preferences, limitations and
relative rights, including dividend rights, dividend rate, voting rights, terms
of redemption, redemption price or prices, redemption rights and liquidation
preferences of the shares of the series. The existence of authorized but
unissued preferred stock could reduce the our attractiveness as a target for an
unsolicited takeover bid, since the company could, for example, issue preferred
stock to parties who might oppose such a takeover bid, or issue shares with
terms the potential acquirer may find unattractive. This may have the effect of
delaying or preventing a change in control, discourage bids for the ordinary
shares at a premium over the market price, and adversely affect the market
price, and voting and other rights of holders of ordinary
shares.
Markets
AutoChina’s
ordinary shares, warrants and units are quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under
the symbols SCRQF, SCRWF and SCRUF, respectively. The units have been quoted on
the Bulletin Board since February 28, 2008 and the ordinary shares and warrants
since March 28, 2008. AutoChina’s securities did not trade on any market or
exchange prior to February 28, 2008.
AutoChina
has applied for admission to the Nasdaq market, though such listing will not
necessarily be approved.
History
of Share Capital
For a
history of AutoChina’s share capital since it inception, identifying the events
during such period which have changed the amount of the issued capital, please
refer to “Business – AutoChina’s History” in this prospectus.
Memorandum
and Articles of Association
Objects
of AutoChina
Under
AutoChina’s Second Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association, the objects
for which AutoChina is established are unlimited.
Directors
Directors
materially interested in a proposal, arrangement or contract may be counted in
determining the presence of a quorum and may vote at a meeting of the Board of
Directors of AutoChina, so long as (i) the material facts as to the director’s
interest are disclosed to the Board of Directors, and the Board authorizes the
transaction in good faith by the affirmative votes of a majority of the
disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors be less than a
quorum; or (ii) the transaction is fair to the Company as of the time it is
authorized, approved or ratified.
Subject
to certain restrictions further described in AutoChina’s Second Amended and
Restated Articles of Association, the Board of Directors may exercise all the
powers of AutoChina to raise or borrow money and to mortgage or charge all or
any part of the undertaking, property and assets (present and future) and
uncalled capital of AutoChina and, subject to the law, to issue debentures,
bonds and other securities, whether outright or as collateral security for any
debt, liability or obligation of AutoChina or of any third party.
There are
no age restrictions on AutoChina’s directors. No director is required to hold
any shares in AutoChina by way of qualification.
Shareholder
Rights
Any class
of shares of AutoChina may, unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of
the shares of that class, be varied, modified or abrogated with the sanction of
a special resolution passed at a separate general meeting of the holders of the
shares of that class.
Annual
General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings
An annual
general meeting and any extraordinary general meeting may be called by not less
than ten (10) clear days notice, but a general meeting may be called by shorter
notice, subject to the law, if it is so agreed (i) in the case of an annual
general meeting, by all members entitled to attend and vote thereat; and (ii) in
the case of any other meeting, by a majority in the number of the members having
the right to attend and vote at the meeting, being a majority together holding
not less than ninety-five percent (95%) in nominal value of the issued shares
giving that right.
Transfer
Agent and Registrar
The
Transfer Agent and Registrar for the shares of AutoChina ordinary shares,
warrants and units is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 59 Maiden
Lane, Plaza Level, New York, NY 10038, (212) 936-5100.
SELLING
SHAREHOLDERS
The
Selling Shareholders may from time to time offer and sell any or all of
AutoChina’s ordinary shares set forth below pursuant to this prospectus. When we
refer to ‘‘Selling Shareholders” in this prospectus, we mean the persons listed
in the table below, and the pledgees, donees, permitted transferees, assignees,
successors and others who later come to hold any of the Selling Shareholders’
interests AutoChina’s ordinary shares other than through a public
sale.
The
following table sets forth, as of May 26, 2009:
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·
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the
name of the Selling Shareholders for whom we are registering shares for
resale to the public,
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·
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the
number of ordinary shares that the Selling Shareholders beneficially owned
prior to the offering for resale of the shares under this
prospectus,
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·
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the
number of ordinary shares that may be offered for resale for the account
of the Selling Shareholders pursuant to this prospectus,
and
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·
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the
number and percentage of ordinary shares to be beneficially owned by the
Selling Shareholders after the offering of the resale shares (assuming all
of the offered resale shares are sold by the Selling
Shareholders).
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We cannot
advise you as to whether the Selling Shareholders will in fact sell any or all
of such ordinary shares. In addition, the Selling Shareholders may have sold,
transferred or otherwise disposed of, or may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose
of, at any time and from time to time, the ordinary shares in transactions
exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act after the date
on which it provided the information set forth on the table below.
This
table is prepared solely based on information supplied to us by the listed
Selling Shareholders, any Schedules 13D or 13G and Forms 3 and 4, and other
public documents filed with the SEC, and assumes the sale of all of the shares
offered hereby.
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Ordinary Shares
Beneficially Owned Before
the Offering
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Number
of
Shares
to
Be
Sold
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|
|
Ordinary Shares
Beneficially Owned After
the Offering
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Name of Selling Shareholder
(1)
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Number
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Percent
(2)
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Number
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Percent
(2)
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Honest
Best Int’l Ltd. (3)
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8,606,250
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80.31
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%
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8,606,250
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0
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0
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James
Cheng-Jee Sha (4)
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1,295,157
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(5)
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11.27
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%
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1,295,157
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(5)
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0
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0
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Diana
Chia-Huei Liu (6)
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918,126
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(7)
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8.19
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%
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459,063
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(8)
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0
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0
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William
Tsu-Cheng Yu (9)
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918,126
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(7)
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8.19
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%
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459,063
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(10)
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0
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0
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Jimmy
(Jim) Yee-Ming Wu (11)
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167,922
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(12)
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1.55
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%
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167,922
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(12)
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0
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0
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Gary
Han Ming Chang (13)
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79,109
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(14)
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0.73
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%
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79,109
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(14)
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0
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|
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0
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(1)
Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each of the shareholders is
No.322, Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People’s Republic of
China.
(2) Based
on 10,716,720 ordinary shares of AutoChina issued and outstanding as of the date
of this prospectus. For purposes of calculating the percentage ownership, any
shares that each selling shareholder has the right to acquire within
60 days under warrants or options have been included in the total number of
shares outstanding for that person, in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the
Exchange Act.
(3)
Honest Best Int’l Ltd. was the sole shareholder of ACG immediately prior to
AutoChina’s acquisition of all of the outstanding securities in ACG. Ms. Wang
Yan is the sole shareholder of Honest Best Int’l Ltd. Ms. Wang Yan is the wife
of Mr. Yong Hui Li, our Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer.
(4) James
Cheng-Jee Sha was chief executive officer and a director of AutoChina prior to
its acquisition of ACG, and is currently a director of AutoChina.
(5)
Consists of 515,157 ordinary shares of AutoChina and 780,000 ordinary shares of
AutoChina issuable upon the exercise of warrants, which became exercisable on
April 9, 2009 for $5.00 per share and which expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City
time on February 27, 2013.
(6) Diana
Chia-Huei Liu was the president and a director of AutoChina prior to its
acquisition of ACG, and is currently a director of AutoChina.
(7) Consists of (i) 209,063 ordinary shares of AutoChina and
250,000 ordinary shares of AutoChina issuable upon the exercise of warrants, and
(ii) 209,063 ordinary shares of AutoChina owned by Diana Chia-Huei Liu, William
Tsu-Cheng Yu’s wife, and 250,000 ordinary shares of AutoChina issuable upon the
exercise of warrants owned by William Tsu-Cheng Yu, Diana Chia-Huei Liu’s
husband. The warrants became exercisable on April 9, 2009 for $5.00 per share
and which expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time on February 27, 2013.
(8)
Consists of 209,063 ordinary shares of AutoChina and 250,000 ordinary shares of
AutoChina issuable upon the exercise of warrants, which became exercisable on
April 9, 2009 for $5.00 per share and which expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City
time on February 27, 2013.
(9)
William Tsu-Cheng Yu was a director of AutoChina prior to its acquisition of
ACG.
(10)
Consists of 209,063 ordinary shares of AutoChina and 250,000 ordinary shares of
AutoChina issuable upon the exercise of warrants, which became exercisable on
April 9, 2009 for $5.00 per share and which expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City
time on February 27, 2013.
(11)
Jimmy (Jim) Yee-Ming Wu was a director of AutoChina prior to its acquisition of
ACG.
(12)
Consists of 67,922 ordinary shares of AutoChina and 100,000 ordinary shares of
AutoChina issuable upon the exercise of warrants, which became exercisable on
April 9, 2009.
(13) Gary
Han Ming Chang was chief investment officer and a director of AutoChina prior to
its acquisition of ACG.
(14)
Consists of 29,109 ordinary shares of AutoChina and 50,000 ordinary shares of
AutoChina issuable upon the exercise of warrants, which became exercisable on
April 9, 2009 for $5.00 per share and which expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City
time on February 27, 2013.
PLAN
OF DISTRIBUTION
The
Selling Shareholders and any of their pledgees, donees, transferees, assignees
and successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell any or all of their
ordinary shares on any stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the
ordinary shares are traded or in private transactions. These sales may be at
fixed or negotiated prices. The Selling Shareholders may use any one or more of
the following methods when selling shares:
|
i.
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ordinary
brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer
solicits purchasers;
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ii.
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block
trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent
but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to
facilitate the transaction;
|
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iii.
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purchases
by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its
account;
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iv.
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an
exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable
exchange;
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v.
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privately
negotiated transactions;
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vi.
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short
sales made after the date that the registration statement of which this
prospectus is a part is declared effective by the
SEC;
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vii.
|
broker-dealers
may agree with the Selling Shareholders to sell a specified number of such
shares at a stipulated price per
share;
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viii.
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a
combination of any such methods of sale;
and
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ix.
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any
other method permitted pursuant to applicable
law.
|
The
Selling Shareholders may also sell shares under Rule 144 under the Securities
Act, if available, rather than under this prospectus.
Broker-dealers
engaged by the Selling Shareholders may arrange for other brokers-dealers to
participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts from
the Selling Shareholders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as agent for the
purchaser of shares, from the purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated. The
Selling Shareholders do not expect these commissions and discounts to exceed
what is customary in the types of transactions involved.
The
Selling Shareholders may from time to time pledge or grant a security interest
in some or all of the shares owned by them and, if they default in the
performance of their secured obligations, the pledges or secured parties may
offer and sell ordinary shares from time to time under this prospectus, or under
an amendment to this prospectus under Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable
provision of the Securities Act of 1933 amending the list of Selling
Shareholders to include the pledge, transferee or other successors in interest
as Selling Shareholders under this prospectus.
The
Selling Shareholders also may transfer the ordinary shares in other
circumstances, in which case the transferees, pledges or other successors in
interest will be the selling beneficial owners for purposes of this
prospectus.
The
Selling Shareholders and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in
selling the shares may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the
Securities Act in connection with such sales. In such event, any commissions
received by such broker-dealers or agents and any profit on the resale of the
shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or
discounts under the Securities Act. Discounts, concessions, commissions and
similar selling expenses, if any, that can be attributed to the sale of
securities will be paid by the Selling Shareholder and/or the purchasers. At the
time a particular offer of shares is made by the Selling Shareholders, to the
extent required, a prospectus will be distributed. Each Selling Shareholder has
represented and warranted to AutoChina that it acquired the securities subject
to this registration statement in the ordinary course of such Selling
Shareholder’s business and, at the time of its purchase of such securities such
Selling Shareholder had no agreements or understandings, directly or indirectly,
with any person to distribute any such securities.
The
Selling Shareholders and any other persons participating in the sale or
distribution of the shares offered under this prospectus will be subject to
applicable provisions of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations under
that act, including Regulation M. These provisions may restrict activities of,
and limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the shares by, the Selling
Shareholders or any other person. Furthermore, under Regulation M, persons
engaged in a distribution of securities are prohibited from simultaneously
engaging in market making and other activities with respect to those securities
for a specified period of time prior to the commencement of such distributions,
subject to specified exceptions or exemptions. All of these limitations may
affect the marketability of the shares.
We
entered into a registration rights agreement for the benefit of the Selling
Shareholders to register the ordinary shares under applicable federal and state
securities laws. The registration rights agreement provides for
cross-indemnification of the Selling Shareholders and us and our respective
Directors, officers and controlling persons against specific liabilities in
connection with the offer and sale of the ordinary shares, including liabilities
under the Securities Act. We will pay substantially all of the expenses incurred
by the Selling Shareholders incident to the registration of the offering and
sale of the ordinary shares.
We may
suspend the use of this prospectus on a limited basis if we learn of any event
that causes this prospectus to include an untrue statement of material fact or
omit to state a material fact required to be stated in the prospectus or
necessary to make the statements in the prospectus not misleading in light of
the circumstances then existing. If this type of event occurs, a prospectus
supplement or post-effective amendment, if required, will be distributed to each
Selling Shareholder.
TAXATION
Cayman
Islands Taxation
The
Government of the Cayman Islands will not, under existing legislation, impose
any income, corporate or capital gains tax, estate duty, inheritance tax, gift
tax or withholding tax upon the company or its shareholders. The Cayman Islands
are not party to any double taxation treaties.
No Cayman
Islands stamp duty will be payable by you in respect of the issue or transfer of
ordinary shares. However, an instrument transferring title to an ordinary share,
if brought to or executed in the Cayman Islands, would be subject to Cayman
Islands stamp duty.
We have
applied for and can expect to receive an undertaking from the
Governor-in-Cabinet of the Cayman Islands that, in accordance with section 6 of
the Tax Concessions Law (1999 Revision) of the Cayman Islands, for a period of
20 years from the date of the undertaking, no law which is enacted in the Cayman
Islands imposing any tax to be levied on profits, income, gains or appreciations
shall apply to us or our operations and, in addition, that no tax to be levied
on profits, income, gains or appreciations or which is in the nature of estate
duty or inheritance tax shall be payable (i) on the shares, debentures or other
obligations of AutoChina or (ii) by way of the withholding in whole or in
part of a payment of dividend or other distribution of income or capital by
AutoChina to its members or a payment of principal or interest or other sums due
under a debenture or other obligation of AutoChina.
United
States Federal Income Taxation
General
The
following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of
owning and disposing of our ordinary shares. The discussion below of the U.S.
federal income tax consequences to “U.S. Holders” will apply to a beneficial
owner of ordinary shares that is for U.S. federal income tax
purposes:
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·
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an
individual citizen or resident of the United
States;
|
|
·
|
a
corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal
income tax purposes) that is created or organized (or treated as created
or organized) in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof
or the District of Columbia;
|
|
·
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an
estate whose income is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income
tax purposes regardless of its source;
or
|
|
·
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a
trust if (i) a U.S. court can exercise primary supervision over the
trust’s administration and one or more U.S. persons are authorized to
control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (ii) it has a valid
election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be
treated as a U.S. person.
|
If a
beneficial owner of our ordinary shares is not described as a U.S. Holder and is
not an entity treated as a partnership or other pass- through entity for U.S.
federal income tax purposes, such owner will be considered a “Non-U.S. Holder.”
The U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable specifically to Non-U.S.
Holders is described below under the heading “Non-U.S.
Holders.”
This
summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)
its legislative history, existing and proposed Treasury regulations promulgated
thereunder, published rulings and court decisions, all as currently in effect.
These authorities are subject to change or differing interpretations, possibly
on a retroactive basis.
This
discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may
be relevant to any particular holder based on such holder’s individual
circumstances. In particular, this discussion considers only holders that own
our ordinary shares as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the
Code, and does not address the potential application of the alternative minimum
tax or the U.S. federal income tax consequences to holders that are subject to
special rules, including:
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·
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financial
institutions or financial services
entities;
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|
·
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taxpayers
who have elected mark-to-market
accounting;
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·
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governments
or agencies or instrumentalities
thereof;
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·
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regulated
investment companies;
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·
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real
estate investment trusts;
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·
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certain
expatriates or former long-term residents of the United
States;
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·
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persons
that actually or constructively own 5% or more of our voting
shares;
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·
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persons
that acquired our ordinary shares pursuant to an exercise of employee
stock options, in connection with employee stock incentive plans or
otherwise as compensation;
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·
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persons
that hold our ordinary shares as part of a straddle, constructive sale,
hedging, conversion or other integrated transaction;
or
|
|
·
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persons
whose functional currency is not the U.S.
dollar.
|
This
discussion does not address any aspect of U.S. federal non-income tax laws, such
as gift or estate tax laws, or state, local or non-U.S. tax laws. Additionally,
the discussion does not consider the tax treatment of partnerships or other
pass-through entities or persons who hold our ordinary shares through such
entities. If a partnership (or other entity classified as a partnership for U.S.
federal income tax purposes) is the beneficial owner of our ordinary shares, the
U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally
depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the
partnership.
We have
not sought, and will not seek, a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service
(“IRS”) or an opinion of counsel as to any U.S. federal income tax consequence
described herein. The IRS may disagree with the description herein, and its
determination may be upheld by a court. Moreover, there can be no assurance that
future legislation, regulations, administrative rulings or court decisions will
not adversely affect the accuracy of the statements in this
discussion.
BECAUSE
OF THE COMPLEXITY OF THE TAX LAWS AND BECAUSE THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO ANY
PARTICULAR HOLDER OF OUR ORDINARY SHARES MAY BE AFFECTED BY MATTERS
NOT DISCUSSED HEREIN, EACH HOLDER OF OUR ORDINARY SHARES IS URGED TO
CONSULT WITH ITS TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES OF
THE ACQUISITION AND THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR ORDINARY SHARES,
INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX LAWS, AS
WELL AS U.S. FEDERAL TAX LAWS.
Tax
Consequences to U.S. Holders of Ordinary Shares of AutoChina
Taxation
of Distributions Paid on Ordinary Shares
Subject
to the passive foreign investment company, or “PFIC”, rules discussed below, a
U.S. Holder will be required to include in gross income as ordinary income the
amount of any dividend paid on our ordinary shares. A distribution on our
ordinary shares will be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax
purposes to the extent the distribution is paid out of our current or
accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for U.S. federal income tax
purposes). Such dividend will not be eligible for the dividends-received
deduction generally allowed to U.S. corporations in respect of dividends
received from other U.S. corporations. Distributions in excess of such earnings
and profits will be applied against and reduce the U.S. Holder’s basis in its
ordinary shares and, to the extent in excess of such basis, will be treated as
gain from the sale or exchange of such ordinary shares.
With
respect to non-corporate U.S. Holders for taxable years beginning before January
1, 2011, dividends may be taxed at the lower applicable long term capital gains
rate (see “— Taxation on the Disposition of Ordinary Shares” below) provided
that (1) our ordinary shares are readily tradable on an established securities
market in the United States, (2) we are not a PFIC, as discussed below, for
either the taxable year in which the dividend was paid or the preceding taxable
year, and (3) certain holding period requirements are met. Under recently
published IRS authority, ordinary shares are considered for purposes of clause
(1) above to be readily tradable on an established securities market in the
United States only if they are listed on certain exchanges, which presently do
not include the OTC Bulletin Board. Because our ordinary shares are listed
and traded only on the OTC Bulletin Board, any dividends paid on our
ordinary shares currently are not expected to qualify for the lower rate. U.S.
Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of the
lower rate for any dividends paid with respect to our ordinary
shares.
If PRC
taxes apply to dividends paid to a U.S. Holder on our ordinary shares, such
taxes may be treated as foreign taxes eligible for credit against such holder’s
U.S. federal income tax liability (subject to certain limitations), and a U.S.
Holder may be entitled to certain benefits under the income tax treaty
between the United States and the PRC. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax
advisors regarding the creditability of any such PRC tax and their eligibility
for the benefits of the income tax treaty between the United States and the
PRC.
Taxation
on the Disposition of Ordinary Shares
Upon a
sale or other taxable disposition of our ordinary shares, and subject to the
PFIC rules discussed below, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain
or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized and the
U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the ordinary shares.
Capital
gains recognized by U.S. Holders generally are subject to U.S. federal income
tax at the same rate as ordinary income, except that long-term capital gains
recognized by non-corporate U.S. Holders are generally subject to U.S. federal
income tax at a maximum rate of 15% for taxable years beginning before January
1, 2011 (and 20% thereafter). Capital gain or loss will constitute long-term
capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ordinary shares
exceeds one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to various
limitations.
If PRC
taxes apply to any gain from the disposition of our ordinary shares by a U.S.
Holder, such taxes may be treated as foreign taxes eligible for credit against
such holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability (subject to certain
limitations), and a U.S. Holder may be entitled to certain benefits under the
income tax treaty between the United States and the PRC. U.S. Holders should
consult their own tax advisors regarding the creditability of any such PRC tax
and their eligibility for the benefits of the income tax treaty between the
United States and the PRC.
Passive
Foreign Investment Company Rules
A foreign
corporation will be a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, if at least
75% of its gross income in a taxable year, including its pro rata share of the
gross income of any company in which it is considered to own at least 25% of the
shares by value, is passive income. Alternatively, a foreign corporation will be
a PFIC if at least 50% of its assets in a taxable year, ordinarily determined
based on fair market value and averaged quarterly over the year, including its
pro rata share of the assets of any company in which it is considered to own at
least 25% of the shares by value, are held for the production of, or produce,
passive income. Passive income generally includes dividends, interest, rents and
royalties (other than certain rents or royalties derived from the active conduct
of a trade or business), and gains from the disposition of passive
assets.
Based on
the composition of our assets to date, which have largely consisted of cash and
other investment assets, it is likely that we qualified as a PFIC in 2007 and
2008. Our actual PFIC status for any subsequent taxable year, however, will not
be determinable until after the end of the taxable year, and accordingly there
can be no assurance with respect to our status as a PFIC for the current taxable
year or any future taxable year.
If we
qualified as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder held our
ordinary shares and the U.S. Holder did not make either a timely qualified
electing fund (“QEF”) election for the first taxable year of its holding period
for our ordinary shares or a mark-to-market election, as described below, such
holder will be subject to special rules with respect to:
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·
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any
gain recognized by the U.S. Holder on the sale or other disposition of its
ordinary shares; and
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|
·
|
any
“excess distribution” made to the U.S. Holder (generally, any
distributions to such U.S. Holder during a taxable year that are greater
than 125% of the average annual distributions received by such U.S. Holder
in respect of the ordinary shares during the three preceding taxable years
or, if shorter, such U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ordinary
shares).
|
Under
these rules,
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·
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the
U.S. Holder’s gain or excess distribution will be allocated ratably over
the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ordinary
shares;
|
|
·
|
the
amount allocated to the taxable year in which the U.S. Holder recognized
the gain or received the excess distribution, or to any taxable year prior
to the first taxable year in which we qualified as a PFIC, will be taxed
as ordinary income;
|
|
·
|
the
amount allocated to other taxable years will be taxed at the highest tax
rate in effect for that year and applicable to the U.S. Holder;
and
|
|
·
|
the
interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be
imposed in respect of the tax attributable to each such
year.
|
In
addition, if we are a PFIC, a U.S. Holder who acquires our ordinary shares from
a deceased U.S. Holder who dies before January 1, 2010 and who had not made a
timely QEF election for the ordinary shares generally will be denied the step-up
of U.S. federal income tax basis in such shares to their fair market value at
the date of the deceased holder’s death. Instead, such U.S. Holder would have a
tax basis in such shares equal to the deceased holder’s tax basis, if
lower.
In
general, a U.S. Holder may avoid the PFIC tax consequences described above in
respect to our ordinary shares by making a timely QEF election to include in
income its pro rata share of our net capital gains (as long-term capital gain)
and other earnings and profits (as ordinary income), on a current basis, in each
case whether or not distributed. A U.S. Holder may make a separate election to
defer the payment of taxes on undistributed income inclusions under the QEF
rules, but if deferred, any such taxes will be subject to an interest
charge.
The QEF
election is made on a stockholder-by-stockholder basis and, once made, can be
revoked only with the consent of the IRS. A U.S. Holder generally makes a QEF
election by attaching a completed IRS Form 8621 (Return by a Shareholder of a
Passive Foreign Investment Company or Qualified Electing Fund), including the
information provided in a PFIC annual information statement, to a timely filed
U.S. federal income tax return for the tax year to which the election relates.
Retroactive QEF elections generally may be made only by filing a protective
statement with such return and if certain other conditions are met or with the
consent of the IRS.
In order
to comply with the requirements of a QEF election, a U.S. Holder must receive
certain information from us. Upon request from a U.S. Holder, we will endeavor
to provide to the U.S. Holder no later than 90 days after the request such
information as the IRS may require, including a PFIC annual information
statement, in order to enable the U.S. Holder to make and maintain a QEF
election. However, there is no assurance that we will have timely knowledge of
our status as a PFIC in the future or of the required information to be
provided.
If a U.S.
Holder has elected the application of the QEF rules to our ordinary shares, and
the special tax and interest charge rules do not apply to such shares (because
of a timely QEF election for the first tax year of the U.S. Holder’s holding
period for our ordinary shares or a purge of the PFIC taint pursuant to a
purging election, as described below), any gain recognized on the appreciation
of our ordinary shares generally will be taxable as capital gain and no interest
charge will be imposed. As discussed above, U.S. Holders of a QEF are currently
taxed on their pro rata shares of its earnings and profits, whether or not
distributed. In such case, a subsequent distribution of such earnings and
profits that were previously included in income generally will not be taxable as
a dividend. The tax basis of a U.S. Holder’s shares in a QEF will be increased
by amounts that are included in income, and decreased by amounts distributed but
not taxed as dividends, under the above rules. Similar basis adjustments apply
to property if by reason of holding such property the U.S. Holder is treated
under the applicable attribution rules as owning shares in a QEF.
Although
a determination as to our PFIC status will be made annually, an initial
determination that our company is a PFIC will generally apply for subsequent
years to a U.S. Holder who held ordinary shares while we were a PFIC, whether or
not we meet the test for PFIC status in those years. A U.S. Holder who makes the
QEF election discussed above for our first tax year in which the U.S. Holder
holds (or is deemed to hold) our ordinary shares and for which we are determined
to be a PFIC, however, will not be subject to the PFIC tax and interest charge
rules (or the denial of basis step-up at death) discussed above in respect to
such shares. In addition, such U.S. Holder will not be subject to the QEF
inclusion regime with respect to such shares for the tax years in which we are
not a PFIC. On the other hand, if the QEF election is not effective for each of
our tax years in which we are a PFIC and the U.S. Holder holds (or is deemed to
hold) our ordinary shares, the PFIC rules discussed above will continue to apply
to such shares unless the holder makes a “purging election”. A purging election
creates a deemed sale of such shares at their fair market value. 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, the U.S. Holder will have a new
basis and holding period in its ordinary shares.
Alternatively,
if a U.S. Holder owns ordinary shares in a PFIC that is treated as marketable
stock, the U.S. Holder may make a mark-to-market election. If the U.S. Holder
makes a valid mark-to-market election for the first tax year in which the U.S.
Holder holds (or is deemed to hold) ordinary shares in AutoChina and for which
it is determined to be a PFIC, such holder generally will not be subject to the
PFIC rules described above in respect to its ordinary shares. Instead, in
general, the U.S. Holder will include as ordinary income each year the excess,
if any, of the fair market value of its ordinary shares at the end of its
taxable year over the adjusted basis in its ordinary shares. The U.S. Holder
also will be allowed to take an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any,
of the adjusted basis of its ordinary shares over the fair market value of its
ordinary shares at the end of its taxable year (but only to the extent of the
net amount of previously included income as a result of the mark-to-market
election). The U.S. Holder’s basis in its ordinary shares will be adjusted to
reflect any such income or loss amounts, and any further gain recognized on a
sale or other taxable disposition of the ordinary shares will be treated as
ordinary income.
The
mark-to-market election is available only for stock that is regularly traded on
a national securities exchange that is registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or on a foreign exchange or market that the IRS determines
has rules sufficient to ensure that the market price represents a legitimate and
sound fair market value. Because our ordinary shares are listed and
traded only on the OTC Bulletin Board, they may not currently qualify
as marketable stock for purposes of this election. U.S. Holders should consult
their own tax advisors regarding the availability and tax consequences of a
mark-to-market election in respect to our ordinary shares under their particular
circumstances.
If we are
a PFIC and, at any time, have a non-U.S. subsidiary that is classified as a
PFIC, U.S. Holders generally would be deemed to own a portion of the shares of
such lower-tier PFIC, and generally could incur liability for the deferred tax
and interest charge described above if we receive a distribution from, or
dispose of all or part of our interest in, the lower-tier PFIC. Upon request, we
will endeavor to cause any lower-tier PFIC to provide to a U.S. Holder no later
than 90 days after the request the information that may be required to make or
maintain a QEF election with respect to the lower-tier PFIC. U.S. Holders are
urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax issues raised by
lower-tier PFICs.
If a U.S.
Holder owns (or is deemed to own) shares during any year in a PFIC, such holder
may have to file an IRS Form 8621 (whether or not a QEF election or
mark-to-market election is made).
The rules
dealing with PFICs and with the QEF and mark-to-market elections are very
complex and are affected by various factors in addition to those described
above. Accordingly, U.S. Holders of our ordinary shares should consult their own
tax advisors concerning the application of the PFIC rules to our ordinary shares
under their particular circumstances.
Tax
Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders of Ordinary Shares in AutoChina
Dividends
paid to a Non-U.S. Holder in respect to its ordinary shares generally will not
be subject to U.S. federal income tax, unless the dividends are effectively
connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the
United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are
attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base that such holder
maintains in the United States).
In
addition, a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income
tax on any gain attributable to a sale or other disposition of our ordinary
shares unless such gain is effectively connected with its conduct of a trade or
business in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax
treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base that such
holder maintains in the United States) or the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual
who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of
sale or other disposition and certain other conditions are met (in which case,
such gain from United States sources generally is subject to tax at a 30% rate
or a lower applicable tax treaty rate).
Dividends
and gains that are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a
trade or business in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income
tax treaty, are attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base in the
United States) generally will be subject to tax in the same manner as for a U.S.
Holder and, in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation for U.S.
federal income tax purposes, may also be subject to an additional branch profits
tax at a 30% rate or a lower applicable tax treaty rate.
Backup
Withholding and Information Reporting
In
general, information reporting for U.S. federal income tax purposes will apply
to distributions made on our ordinary shares within the United States to a
non-corporate U.S. Holder and to the proceeds from sales and other dispositions
of our ordinary shares by a non-corporate U.S. Holder to or through a U.S.
office of a broker. Payments made (and sales and other dispositions effected at
an office) outside the United States will be subject to information reporting in
limited circumstances.
In
addition, backup withholding of United States federal income tax, currently at a
rate of 28%, generally will apply to dividends paid on our ordinary shares to a
non-corporate U.S. Holder and the proceeds from sales and other dispositions of
shares by a non-corporate U.S. Holder, in each case who:
|
·
|
fails
to provide an accurate taxpayer identification
number;
|
|
·
|
is
notified by the IRS that backup withholding is required;
or
|
|
·
|
in
certain circumstances, fails to comply with applicable certification
requirements.
|
A
Non-U.S. Holder generally may eliminate the requirement for information
reporting and backup withholding by providing certification of its foreign
status, under penalties of perjury, on a duly executed applicable IRS Form W-8
or by otherwise establishing an exemption.
Backup
withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the amount of any backup
withholding will be allowed as a credit against a U.S. Holder’s or a Non-U.S.
Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle such holder to a
refund, provided that certain required information is timely furnished to the
IRS.
LEGAL
MATTERS
The
validity of the securities offered in this prospectus is being passed upon for
us by Harney Westwood & Riegels, Hong Kong.
EXPERTS
The
consolidated balance sheets of ACG and its subsidiaries as of December
31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income,
stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two year
period ended December 31, 2007 appearing in this registration statement have
been audited by Grobstein, Horwath & Company LLP, an independent registered
public accounting firm, to the extent and for the period set forth in their
report appearing elsewhere in this prospectus and in the registration statement.
On December 8, 2008, Crowe Horwath LLP, an independent registered public
accounting firm, acquired certain assets of Grobstein, Horwath & Company LLP
and many of the partners of Grobstein, Horwath & Company LLP became partners
of Crowe Horwath LLP. On December 22, 2008, ACG engaged Crowe Horwath LLP as its
independent registered public accounting firm. Crowe Horwath LLP conducted the
audit of ACG’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2008, and the
related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows
for the year ended December 31, 2008 appearing in this registration statement,
to the extent and for the period set forth in their report appearing elsewhere
in this prospectus and in the registration statement. The financial statements
and the report of Crowe Horwath LLP are included in reliance upon their report
given upon the authority of Crowe Horwath LLP as experts in auditing and
accounting.
The
balance sheet of AutoChina International Limited (f/k/a Spring Creek Acquisition
Corp.) as of December 31, 2007, and the related statements of operations,
changes in stockholders equity and cash flows for the period from October 16,
2007 (inception) to December 31, 2007 have been audited by UHY LLP, independent
registered public accounting firm, to the extent and for the period set forth in
their report appearing elsewhere in this prospectus and in the registration
statement. The financial statements and the report of UHY LLP are included in
reliance upon their report given upon the authority of UHY LLP as experts in
auditing and accounting. On September 19, 2008, AutoChina terminated UHY LLP and
appointed Grobstein, Horwath & Company LLP as its independent registered
public accounting firm. On December 8, 2008, Crowe Horwath LLP acquired certain
assets of Grobstein, Horwath & Company LLP and many of the partners of
Grobstein, Horwath & Company LLP became partners of Crowe Horwath LLP. On
January 12, 2009, AutoChina engaged Crowe Horwath LLP as its independent
registered public accounting firm and Crowe Horwath LLP conducted the audit of
AutoChina’s financial statemenets as of and for the year ended December 31,
2008. The financial statements and the report of Crowe Horwath LLP are included
in reliance upon their report given upon the authority of Crowe Horwath LLP as
experts in auditing and accounting.
WHERE
YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have
filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-1, which includes
exhibits, schedules and amendments, under the Securities Act, with respect to
the shares to be sold in this offering. Although this prospectus, which forms a
part of the registration statement, contains all material information included
in the registration statement, parts of the registration statement have been
omitted as permitted by rules and regulations of the SEC. We refer you to the
registration statement and its exhibits for further information about us, our
securities and this offering. The registration statement and its exhibits, as
well as our other reports filed with the SEC, can be inspected and copied at the
SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549-1004.
The public may obtain information about the operation of the public reference
room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains a web
site at http://www.sec.gov which contains the Form F-1 and other reports, proxy
and information statements and information regarding issuers that file
electronically with the SEC. We are subject to the information reporting
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and we will file reports,
proxy statements and other information with the SEC.
INDEX
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
|
Page
|
|
|
AUTOCHINA
GROUP INC.
|
F-2
|
|
|
|
|
REPORTS
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMS
|
F-3
|
|
|
|
|
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
|
F-5
|
|
|
|
|
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
|
F-7
|
|
|
|
|
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME
|
F-9
|
|
|
|
|
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
|
F-10
|
|
|
|
|
NOTES
TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
F-12
|
|
|
AUTOCHINA
INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
|
F-35
|
|
|
|
|
REPORTS
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMS
|
F-36
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE
SHEETS
|
F-38
|
|
|
|
|
STATEMENTS
OF OPERATIONS
|
F-39
|
|
|
|
|
STATEMENTS
OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
|
F-40
|
|
|
|
|
STATEMENTS
OF CASH FLOWS
|
F-41
|
|
|
|
|
NOTES
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
F-42
|
AUTOCHINA
GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEX
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
|
Page
|
|
REPORTS
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMS
|
|
|
F-3
|
|
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
|
F-5
|
|
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
|
|
|
F-7
|
|
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME
|
|
|
F-9
|
|
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
|
|
|
F-10
|
|
NOTES
TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
|
|
F-12
|
|
REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the
Stockholders and Board of Directors
AutoChina
Group Inc.
We have
audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of AutoChina Group Inc. and
Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2008, and the related
consolidated statements of income, shareholders equity and comprehensive income,
and cash flows for the year then ended. These consolidated financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial
statements based on our audit.
We
conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
consolidated financial statements are free of material
misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we
engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial
reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over
financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, 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. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our
opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as
of December 31, 2008, and the consolidated results of its operations and its
cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ Crowe
Horwath LLP
Sherman
Oaks, California
May 7,
2009
REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the
Board of Directors and Shareholders
AutoChina
Group Inc.
We have
audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of AutoChina Group Inc. and
Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2007, and the related
consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive
income, and cash flows for each of the years in the two year period ended
December 31, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility
of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We
conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company
was not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its
internal controls over financial reporting. Our audits included
consideration of internal controls over financial reporting as a basis for
designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not
for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s
internal controls over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express
no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe
that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our
opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of AutoChina Group
Inc, and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007, and the consolidated results of
their operations and cash flows for each of the years in the two year period
ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America.
/s/
Grobstein, Horwath & Company LLP
Sherman
Oaks, California
November
26, 2008
AUTOCHINA
GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
(In
thousands, except share data)
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
17,406
|
|
|
$
|
12,820
|
|
Restricted
cash
|
|
|
40,824
|
|
|
|
24,734
|
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
4,272
|
|
|
|
2,104
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
37,463
|
|
|
|
26,910
|
|
Deposits
for inventories
|
|
|
21,621
|
|
|
|
21,524
|
|
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
5,474
|
|
|
|
9,396
|
|
Due
from affiliates
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
5,487
|
|
Due
from unconsolidated subsidiary
|
|
|
529
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Current
maturities of net investment in sales-type leases
|
|
|
14,867
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Deferred
income tax assets
|
|
|
1,020
|
|
|
|
177
|
|
Assets
of discontinued operations
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
6,755
|
|
Total
current assets
|
|
|
143,476
|
|
|
|
109,907
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment
in unconsolidated subsidiaries
|
|
|
229
|
|
|
|
770
|
|
Property,
equipment and leasehold improvements, net
|
|
|
26,907
|
|
|
|
18,030
|
|
Net
investment in sales-type leases, net of current maturities
|
|
|
8,492
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Net
non-current deferred income tax assets
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
941
|
|
|
|
170
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
assets
|
|
$
|
180,045
|
|
|
$
|
128,883
|
|
AUTOCHINA
GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)
(In
thousands, except share data)
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Current
liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Floor
plan notes payable - manufacturer affiliated
|
|
$
|
12,379
|
|
|
$
|
10,808
|
|
Floor
plan notes payable - non - manufacturer affiliated
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
685
|
|
Notes
payable
|
|
|
3,921
|
|
|
|
6,725
|
|
Trade
notes payable
|
|
|
60,134
|
|
|
|
35,828
|
|
Notes
payable, related parties
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
12,538
|
|
Accounts
payables
|
|
|
19,637
|
|
|
|
1,324
|
|
Other
payables and accrued liabilities
|
|
|
5,189
|
|
|
|
3,101
|
|
Due
to affiliates
|
|
|
5,894
|
|
|
|
2,075
|
|
Customer
deposits
|
|
|
3,224
|
|
|
|
5,527
|
|
Income
tax payable
|
|
|
1,674
|
|
|
|
725
|
|
Liabilities
of discontinued operations
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
5,281
|
|
Total
current liabilities
|
|
|
112,052
|
|
|
|
84,617
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long
term debt:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
deferred income tax liabilities
|
|
|
405
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Total
liabilities
|
|
|
112,457
|
|
|
|
84,617
|
|
Minority
interests
|
|
|
6,950
|
|
|
|
6,461
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders’
equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
stock - $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 1,000 shares
issued and outstanding
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Additional
paid-in capital
|
|
|
35,921
|
|
|
|
24,479
|
|
Statutory
reserves
|
|
|
741
|
|
|
|
62
|
|
Accumulated
other comprehensive income
|
|
|
6,185
|
|
|
|
2,837
|
|
Retained
earnings
|
|
|
17,791
|
|
|
|
10,427
|
|
Total
shareholders’ equity
|
|
|
60,638
|
|
|
|
37,805
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
liabilities and shareholders’ equity
|
|
$
|
180,045
|
|
|
$
|
128,883
|
|
AUTOCHINA
GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In
thousands, except share and per share data)
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Sales:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New
automobiles
|
|
$
|
365,916
|
|
|
$
|
270,508
|
|
|
$
|
145,960
|
|
Commercial
vehicles
|
|
|
34,059
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Parts
and services
|
|
|
40,218
|
|
|
|
24,003
|
|
|
|
6,682
|
|
Insurance
service, net
|
|
|
392
|
|
|
|
154
|
|
|
|
54
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
sales
|
|
|
440,585
|
|
|
|
294,665
|
|
|
|
152,696
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
of sales:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New
automobiles
|
|
|
351,037
|
|
|
|
258,610
|
|
|
|
139,437
|
|
Commercial
vehicles
|
|
|
31,970
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Parts
and services
|
|
|
31,665
|
|
|
|
18,571
|
|
|
|
5,209
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
cost of sales
|
|
|
414,672
|
|
|
|
277,181
|
|
|
|
144,646
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
profit
|
|
|
25,913
|
|
|
|
17,484
|
|
|
|
8,050
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling
and marketing
|
|
|
6,692
|
|
|
|
3,944
|
|
|
|
2,439
|
|
General
and administrative
|
|
|
7,506
|
|
|
|
5,402
|
|
|
|
2,444
|
|
Other
income, net
|
|
|
(836
|
)
|
|
|
(355
|
)
|
|
|
(97
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
operating expenses
|
|
|
13,362
|
|
|
|
8,991
|
|
|
|
4,786
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
from operations
|
|
|
12,551
|
|
|
|
8,493
|
|
|
|
3,264
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance
income (expenses) :
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Floor
plan interest expense
|
|
|
(1,020
|
)
|
|
|
(601
|
)
|
|
|
(255
|
)
|
Other
interest expense
|
|
|
(1,785
|
)
|
|
|
(1,510
|
)
|
|
|
(468
|
)
|
Interest
income
|
|
|
2,799
|
|
|
|
288
|
|
|
|
125
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
finance expenses, net
|
|
$
|
(6
|
)
|
|
$
|
(1,823
|
)
|
|
$
|
(598
|
)
|
AUTOCHINA
GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF INCOME (CONTINUED)
(In
thousands, except share and per share data)
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity
in (loss) earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
|
|
$
|
(40
|
)
|
|
$
|
139
|
|
|
$
|
417
|
|
Minority
interests
|
|
|
(1,309
|
)
|
|
|
(1,260
|
)
|
|
|
(283
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
before income taxes
|
|
|
11,196
|
|
|
|
5,549
|
|
|
|
2,800
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
tax provision (benefit)
|
|
|
3,009
|
|
|
|
983
|
|
|
|
(29
|
)
|
Income
from continuing operations
|
|
|
8,187
|
|
|
|
4,566
|
|
|
|
2,829
|
|
(Loss)
income from discontinued operations, net of taxes
|
|
|
(144
|
)
|
|
|
209
|
|
|
|
(87
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
8,043
|
|
|
$
|
4,775
|
|
|
$
|
2,742
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings
(Loss) Per share – basic and diluted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing
operations
|
|
$
|
8,187
|
|
|
$
|
4,566
|
|
|
$
|
2,829
|
|
Discontinued
operations
|
|
$
|
(144
|
)
|
|
$
|
209
|
|
|
$
|
(87
|
)
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
8,043
|
|
|
$
|
4,775
|
|
|
$
|
2,742
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
average number of common shares – basic and diluted
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
AUTOCHINA
GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND
COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME
(In
thousands, except share and per share data)
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
Additional
Paid-in
|
|
|
Statutory
|
|
|
Retained
|
|
|
Accumulated
Other Compre-
hensive
|
|
|
Total Share-
holders’
|
|
|
Compre-
hensive
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Capital
|
|
|
Reserves
|
|
|
Earnings
|
|
|
Income
|
|
|
Equity
|
|
|
Income
|
|
Balance
as of January 1, 2006
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
6,095
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,972
|
|
|
$
|
78
|
|
|
$
|
9,145
|
|
|
|
|
Capital
contributions
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
10,002
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
10,002
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Net
income
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,742
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,742
|
|
|
$
|
2,742
|
|
Other
comprehensive income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign
currency translation adjustments
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
646
|
|
|
|
646
|
|
|
|
646
|
|
Appropriations
to statutory reserves
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
(5
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Balance
as of December 31, 2006
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
16,097
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
5,709
|
|
|
|
724
|
|
|
|
22,535
|
|
|
$
|
3,388
|
|
Capital
contributions
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
8,382
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
8,382
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Net
income
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
4,775
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
4,775
|
|
|
|
4,775
|
|
Other
comprehensive income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign
currency translation adjustments
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,113
|
|
|
|
2,113
|
|
|
|
2,113
|
|
Appropriations
to statutory reserves
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
57
|
|
|
|
(57
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Balance
as of December 31, 2007
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
24,479
|
|
|
|
62
|
|
|
|
10,427
|
|
|
|
2,837
|
|
|
|
37,805
|
|
|
$
|
6,888
|
|
Capital
contributions
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
11,442
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
11,442
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Net
income
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
8,043
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
8,043
|
|
|
|
8,043
|
|
Other
comprehensive income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign
currency translation adjustments
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,348
|
|
|
|
3,348
|
|
|
|
3,348
|
|
Appropriations
to statutory reserves
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
679
|
|
|
|
(679
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Balance
as of December 31, 2008
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
35,921
|
|
|
$
|
741
|
|
|
$
|
17,791
|
|
|
$
|
6,185
|
|
|
$
|
60,638
|
|
|
$
|
11,391
|
|
AUTOCHINA
GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
(In
thousands)
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
Cash
flow from operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
8,043
|
|
|
$
|
4,775
|
|
|
$
|
2,742
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
3,164
|
|
|
|
1,707
|
|
|
|
1,073
|
|
Gain
on disposal of property, equipment and leasehold
improvements
|
|
|
27
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Deferred
income taxes
|
|
|
(432
|
)
|
|
|
(129
|
)
|
|
|
(86
|
)
|
Equity
in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
|
|
|
(190
|
)
|
|
|
(139
|
)
|
|
|
(417
|
)
|
Minority
interests
|
|
|
1,309
|
|
|
|
1,260
|
|
|
|
283
|
|
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and
divestitures:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
(606
|
)
|
|
|
(234
|
)
|
|
|
(988
|
)
|
Net
investment in sales-type leases
|
|
|
(23,712
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
(6,615
|
)
|
|
|
(2,103
|
)
|
|
|
(10,576
|
)
|
Deposits
for inventories
|
|
|
2,122
|
|
|
|
(9,016
|
)
|
|
|
5,260
|
|
Prepaid
expense and other current assets
|
|
|
5,797
|
|
|
|
(1,310
|
)
|
|
|
(4,610
|
)
|
Floor
plan notes payable - manufacturer affiliated
|
|
|
(3,813
|
)
|
|
|
3,569
|
|
|
|
2,388
|
|
Trade
notes payable
|
|
|
22,786
|
|
|
|
3,510
|
|
|
|
12,083
|
|
Accounts
payable
|
|
|
13,734
|
|
|
|
373
|
|
|
|
(4,812
|
)
|
Other
payable and accrued liabilities
|
|
|
2,086
|
|
|
|
(3,350
|
)
|
|
|
328
|
|
Customers
deposits
|
|
|
(3,133
|
)
|
|
|
179
|
|
|
|
654
|
|
Income
tax payable
|
|
|
758
|
|
|
|
399
|
|
|
|
137
|
|
Net
cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(223
|
)
|
|
|
39
|
|
Net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities
|
|
$
|
21,325
|
|
|
$
|
(732
|
)
|
|
$
|
3,498
|
|
AUTOCHINA
GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW (CONTINUED)
(In
thousands)
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
Cash
flow from investing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Business
acquisitions, net of cash acquired
|
|
$
|
(3,638
|
)
|
|
$
|
(1,848
|
)
|
|
$
|
4,867
|
|
Investment
in unconsolidated subsidiaries
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(205
|
)
|
|
|
(487
|
)
|
Purchase
of property, equipment, and leasehold improvements
|
|
|
(11,029
|
)
|
|
|
(3,766
|
)
|
|
|
(3,470
|
)
|
Proceeds
from the sale of property, equipment and leasehold
improvements
|
|
|
1,726
|
|
|
|
96
|
|
|
|
64
|
|
Cash
received from sale of unconsolidated subsidiaries’ equity
|
|
|
432
|
|
|
|
924
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Cash
received from sales of discontinued subsidiaries’ equity
|
|
|
1,986
|
|
|
|
332
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Cash
relinquished upon sales of discontinued subsidiaries’
equity
|
|
|
(5,368
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
(Increase)
decrease in restricted cash
|
|
|
(10,458
|
)
|
|
|
1,152
|
|
|
|
(17,399
|
)
|
Net
cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(26,349
|
)
|
|
|
(3,315
|
)
|
|
|
(16,425
|
)
|
Cash
flow from financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Floor
plan borrowings - non - manufacturer affiliated, net
|
|
|
(720
|
)
|
|
|
44
|
|
|
|
640
|
|
Proceeds
from borrowings
|
|
|
21,710
|
|
|
|
2,937
|
|
|
|
1,563
|
|
Repayments
of borrowings
|
|
|
(20,458
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(9,067
|
)
|
Notes
payable, related parties
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(2,404
|
)
|
|
|
12,283
|
|
Capital
contributions
|
|
|
11,442
|
|
|
|
8,382
|
|
|
|
10,002
|
|
Dividends
paid to minority shareholders
|
|
|
(3,805
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Others
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
809
|
|
|
|
711
|
|
Net
cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
8,169
|
|
|
|
9,768
|
|
|
|
16,132
|
|
Effect
of foreign currency translation on cash
|
|
|
1,441
|
|
|
|
(350
|
)
|
|
|
(285
|
)
|
Net
increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
4,586
|
|
|
|
5,371
|
|
|
|
2,920
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents, beginning of years
|
|
|
12,820
|
|
|
|
7,449
|
|
|
|
4,529
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents, end of years
|
|
$
|
17,406
|
|
|
$
|
12,820
|
|
|
$
|
7,449
|
|
Supplemental
Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
paid
|
|
$
|
406
|
|
|
$
|
1,890
|
|
|
$
|
873
|
|
Income
taxes paid
|
|
$
|
2,856
|
|
|
$
|
873
|
|
|
$
|
37
|
|
NOTES
TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In
thousands, except share and per share data)
(1)
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
AutoChina
Group Inc. (“AutoChina” or the “Company”) which was formerly known as KYF Inc.,
is a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands on July 26, 2007. The
Company and its subsidiaries and variable interest entities (“VIE”)
(collectively referred to as the “Group”) are an integrated automotive
dealership engaged in sales of automobiles and spare parts and after sales
services consisting of 15 new automobile franchises in 25 auto dealerships,
which are located primarily in Hebei Province of the People’s Republic of China
(the “PRC” or “China”). The Group offers an extensive range of automotive
products and services, including new automobiles, auto maintenance, replacement
parts, collision repair services, financing, and insurance consulting and other
aftermarket service contracts. In April 2008, the Company commenced the business
of commercial vehicle sales and leasing, which provides leasing services for
customers to acquire heavy trucks in China, which the leases generally expire
over 2 years. On August 8, 2008, the Company changed its name from KYF Inc. to
AutoChina Group Inc.
The
Company’s business is mainly operated by four companies, Hebei Hua An Investment
Co., Ltd, Hebei Huiyin Investment Co., Ltd, Hebei Shijie Kaiyuan Logistics Co.,
Ltd. and Hebei Shijie Kaiyuan Auto Trade Co., Ltd. (collectively referred to as
the “Auto Kaiyuan Companies”) which are limited liability corporations
established under the laws of the PRC. On November 26, 2008, through the
Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Hebei Chuanglian Trade Co., Ltd., the Company
executed a series of contractual arrangements with the Auto Kaiyuan Companies
and their shareholder (the “Enterprise Agreements”). Pursuant to the Enterprise
Agreements, the Company has exclusive rights to obtain the economic benefits and
assume the business risks of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies from their shareholders,
and generally has control of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies. The Auto Kaiyuan
Companies are considered VIEs and the Company is the primary beneficiary. The
Company’s relationships with the Auto Kaiyuan Companies and their shareholder
are governed by the Enterprise Agreements between Hebei Chuanglian Trade Co.,
Ltd. and each of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies, which are the operating companies
of the Company in the PRC.
As a
result, the Auto Kaiyuan Companies are deemed to be subsidiaries of the Company
under FASB Interpretation - FIN 46(R): Consolidation of Variable Interest
Entities (as amended) (“FIN 46 (R)”). Details of the Enterprise Agreements are
as follows:
Assignment
of Voting Rights
The
shareholder of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies irrevocably agreed to assign all of
its voting rights to the Company for all business resolutions. As a result, the
Company has direct control of the Board of Directors and has authority to
appoint the majority of the Board of Directors which makes it the primary
controlling shareholder of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies.
Management
and Operating Agreement
The
Company is engaged to exclusively manage and operate the sales and service of
the 25 automotive dealerships held by the Auto Kaiyuan Companies, including the
development of sales and marketing strategy, management of customer services,
daily operations, financial management, employment issues and all other related
operating and consulting services. Furthermore, the Auto Kaiyuan Companies agree
that without the prior consent of the Company, the Auto Kaiyuan Companies will
not engage in any transactions that could materially affect their respective
assets, liabilities, rights or operations, including, without limitation,
incurrence or assumption of any indebtedness, sale or purchase of any assets or
rights, incurrence of any encumbrance on any of their assets or intellectual
property rights in favor of a third party or transfer of any agreements relating
to their business operation to any third party. The management and operating
agreement was entered on November 26, 2008, has a term of 10 years
and will be extended for another 10 years automatically unless the Company files
a written notice at least 3 months prior to the expiration of this
agreement.
Equity
Interest Transfer Agreement
The
shareholder of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies agreed to transfer all of its assets
to the Company and the Company has an exclusive, irrevocable and unconditional
right to purchase, or cause the Company’s designated party to purchase, from
such shareholder, at the Company’s sole discretion, part or all of the
shareholders’ equity interests in the Auto Kaiyuan Companies when and, to the
extent that, applicable PRC Laws permit the Company to own part or all of such
equity interests in the Auto Kaiyuan Companies. According to the Exclusive
Equity Interest Transfer Agreement, the purchase price to be paid by the Company
to the shareholder of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies will be the minimum amount of
consideration permitted by applicable PRC Law at the time when such share
transfer occurs.
Equity
Pledge Agreement
Pursuant
to the Equity Pledge Agreement, the Auto Kaiyuan Companies and their shareholder
agreed to pledge all of its equity interest and operating profits to guarantee
the performance of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies in the obligation under the Equity
Interest Transfer Agreement. In the event of the breach of any conditions of the
Equity Interest Transfer Agreement, the Company is entitled to enforce its
pledge rights over the equity interests of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies for any
losses suffered from the breach.
(2)
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis
of Presentation
The
accounts of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies are consolidated in the accompanying
financial statements pursuant to FIN 46(R). As a VIE, the Auto Kaiyuan
Companies’ sales are included in the Company's total sales, its income from
operations is consolidated with the Company’s, the assets and liabilities of the
Auto Kaiyuan Companies are consolidated with the Company’s, and the Company’s
net income includes all of the Auto Kaiyuan Companies’ net
income.
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
(“GAAP”), and reflect the consolidated accounts of the Company and its wholly
owned subsidiaries and VIEs. All significant inter-company balances and
transactions have been eliminated. Investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries,
typically representing an ownership interest in the voting stock of the
subsidiaries of between 20% and 50%, are stated at cost of acquisition plus the
Company’s equity in undistributed net income or proportionate share of net
losses since acquisition.
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date
of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the periods presented. The most significant estimates and related
assumptions include the assessment of the provision for doubtful accounts, the
assessment of the impairment of tangible and intangible long-lived assets, the
assessment of the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, and the purchase
price allocation on acquisitions. Actual results could differ from these
estimates.
Consolidation
of Affiliate
Pursuant
to FIN 46 (R), a VIE is required to be consolidated if a party with an
ownership, contractual or other financial interest in the VIE, is obligated to
absorb a majority of the risk of loss from the VIE’s activities, is entitled to
receive a majority of the VIE’s residual returns (if no party absorbs a majority
of the VIE’s losses), or both. A variable interest holder that consolidates the
VIEs is called the primary beneficiary. Upon consolidation, the primary
beneficiary generally must initially record all of the VIE’s assets,
liabilities, and non-controlling interests at fair value and subsequently
account for the VIE as if it were consolidated based on majority voting
interest. FIN 46(R) provides a new framework for identifying VIEs and
determining when a company should include the assets, liabilities,
non-controlling interests and results of activities of a VIE in its consolidated
financial statements.
A VIE is
a corporation, partnership, limited liability corporation, trust or any other
legal structure used to conduct activities or hold assets that either (1) has an
insufficient amount of equity to carry out its principal activities without
additional subordinated financial support, (2) has a group of equity owners that
are unable to make significant decisions about its activities, or (3) has a
group of equity owners that do not have the obligation to absorb losses or the
right to receive returns generated by its operations.
The
Company consolidated the Auto Kaiyuan Companies as the Auto Kaiyuan Companies
were deemed to be the VIEs and the Company the primary beneficiary of the Auto
Kaiyuan Companies as a result of the execution of a series of enterprise
agreements.
Currency
Reporting
The
Company’s operations in China use the local currency - Renminbi (“RMB”) as its
functional currency whereas amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated
financial statements and disclosures are stated in U.S. dollars, the reporting
currency of the Company, unless stated otherwise. As such, the consolidated
balance sheets of the Company have been translated into U.S. dollars at the
current rates as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the consolidated statements
of operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 have been
translated into U.S. dollars at the average rates during the periods the
transactions were recognized. The resulting translation gain adjustments are
recorded as other comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of
shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income and as a separate component of
shareholders’ equity.
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
For
purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash equivalents include
all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or
less which are not securing any corporate obligations. As of December 31, 2008
and 2007, the majority of cash, including restricted cash, was in RMB on deposit
in PRC financial institutions under the Company’s PRC subsidiaries. Cash
remittance in or out of the PRC are subject to the PRC foreign exchange control
regulations pursuant to which PRC government approval is required for the
Company to receive funds from or distribute to outside the PRC.
Cash and
cash equivalents as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 are held by the Company’s
VIEs. These cash balances cannot be transferred to the Company by dividend, loan
or advance according to existing PRC laws and regulations. However, these cash
balances can be utilized by the Group for its normal operations pursuant to the
Enterprise Agreements.
Restricted
Cash
As of
December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company was required to maintain a fixed deposit
of $40,824 and $24,734, respectively as a condition to borrow under bank loan
agreements.
Accounts
Receivable
Accounts
receivable, which are unsecured, are stated at the amount the Company expects to
collect. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated
losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments.
The Company evaluates the collectability of its accounts receivable based on a
combination of factors, including customer credit-worthiness and historical
collection experience. Management reviews the receivable aging and adjusts the
allowance based on historical experience, financial condition of the customer
and other relevant current economic factors. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, a
majority of the trade receivable balances were due from governmental agencies
which the Company believed are collectible in full and a majority of the
accounts receivable related to warranty claims are primarily due from
manufacturers. Therefore, the management determined no allowance for
uncollectible amounts is required.
Concentration
of Credit Risk
Financial
instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk
consist principally of accounts receivable from sales of automobiles and
investment in sales-type leases. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to
accounts receivables are reduced because a large number of diverse customers
make up the Company’s customer base, thus spreading the trade credit
risk.
Inventories
Inventories
are stated at the lower of cost or market. The Company uses the specific
identification method to value automobile inventories and the first-in,
first-out method (“FIFO”) to account for parts inventories. A reserve of
specific inventory units and parts inventories is maintained where the cost
exceeds the estimated fair value.
Deposits
for Inventories
Deposits
for inventories are cash advances made to automobile manufacturers for down
payments for automobile purchases.
Investment
in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
Investment
in unconsolidated subsidiaries is accounted for under the equity method, under
which the amount of the investment is recorded at cost, with adjustments to
recognize the Group’s share of the earnings or losses of the unconsolidated
subsidiaries from the date of acquisition. The amount recorded in income is
adjusted to eliminate intercompany gains and losses, and to amortize, if
appropriate, any difference between the Group’s cost and the underlying equity
in net assets of the affiliate at the date of investment. The investment amount
is also adjusted to reflect the Group's share of changes in the unconsolidated
subsidiaries' capital. Dividends received from the unconsolidated subsidiaries
reduce the carrying amount of the investment.
Property,
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Property
and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line
method over their estimated useful lives. All depreciation is included in
operating expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over the lesser of the life
of the lease or the useful life of the related asset.
The
estimated service lives of property, equipment and leasehold improvements are as
follows:
|
Useful
life
|
Land
use rights
|
50
years
|
Buildings
and leasehold improvements
|
20
years
|
Machinery
and equipment
|
10
years
|
Furniture
and fixtures
|
5-10
years
|
Company
automobiles
|
3-5
years
|
Expenditures
for major additions or improvements that extend the useful lives of assets are
capitalized. Minor replacements, maintenance and repairs that do not improve or
extend the lives of such assets are expensed as incurred. The Company determined
that there was no impairment of property, equipment and improvements as of
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.
Goodwill
Goodwill
is the excess of cost over the fair value of tangible and identified intangible
assets acquired in business acquisitions.
The
following is a summary of the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during
the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006:
Balance —
January 1, 2006
|
|
$
|
153
|
|
Additions
|
|
|
7
|
|
Foreign
currency translation
|
|
|
5
|
|
Balance —
December 31, 2006
|
|
|
165
|
|
Dispositions
|
|
|
(7
|
)
|
Foreign
currency translation
|
|
|
12
|
|
Balance —
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
170
|
|
Additions
|
|
|
780
|
|
Dispositions
|
|
|
(22
|
)
|
Foreign
currency translation
|
|
|
13
|
|
Balance —
December 31, 2008
|
|
$
|
941
|
|
In
accordance with Statement on Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”)
No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill should be tested
for impairment annually or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate
that impairment may have occurred. The Company completed impairment tests of
goodwill as of December 31, 2008 and 2007. The goodwill test includes
determining the fair value the reporting unit and comparing it to the carrying
value of the net assets allocated to the reporting unit. The Company determined
that there was no impairment of goodwill as of December 31, 2008 and
2007.
Vendor
Program
Incentive
arrangements such as volume incentive rebates or other vendor programs are
accounted for in accordance with the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue
No. 02-16, Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Certain
Consideration Received from a Vendor and EITF Issue No. 03-10, Application
of Issue No. 02-16 by Resellers to Sales Incentives Offered to Consumers by
Manufacturers. Volume incentive rebates are consideration received from the
automotive manufacturers when purchases or sell-through targets are attained or
exceeded within a specific time period. The amount of rebates earned in any
financial reporting period is recorded as an increase of deposits paid. This
same amount is recorded as a reduction of inventory cost or a reduction of cost
of sales for those items already sold. Volume rebates to date have been
determined based on actual negotiated volume discounts. When there is
uncertainty regarding the use of these rebates, the amounts are reserved
accordingly. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the incentive
rebates totaled approximately $16,848, $10,031 and $5,429,
respectively.
Fair
Value of Financial Instruments
Financial
instruments consist primarily of cash, accounts receivable, lease receivables,
accounts payable, floor plans notes payable, notes payable and trade notes
payable. The carrying amounts of these items at December 31, 2008 and 2007
approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments
or existence of variable interest rates, which reflect current market
rates.
Comprehensive
Income
SFAS No.
130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, establishes standards for the reporting and
display of comprehensive income and its components in the financial statements.
For all periods presented, other comprehensive income consisted solely of
foreign currency translation adjustments.
Commitments
and Contingencies
Liabilities
for loss contingencies arising from claim assessments and litigation and other
sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and
the amount of assessment can be determined. In the opinion of management, after
consultation with legal counsel, there are no claims assessments or litigation
against the Company.
Revenue
Recognition
Revenues
from sale of new automobiles and commercial vehicles are recognized upon
delivery, passage of risk and benefit, and signing of the sales contract.
Revenue from the sale of parts, service and collision repair is recognized upon
delivery of parts to the customer or at the time automobile service or repair
work is completed.
Revenue
from financing service is recognized as interest income by using the interest
method. Certain origination costs on receivables are deferred and amortized,
using the interest method, over the term of the related receivable as a
reduction in financing revenue. The interest on receivables is discontinued at
the time a receivable is determined to be uncollectible.
The
Company also receives commissions from insurance institutions for referring its
customers to buy auto insurance. Commission income is recorded when the referral
transactions are closed. Value Added Taxes represent amounts collected on behalf
of specific regulatory agencies that require remittance by a specified date.
These amounts are collected at the time of sales and are detailed on invoices
provided to customers. In compliance with the Emerging Issues Task Force
consensus on EITF Issue No. 06-03, the Company accounts for value added taxes on
a net basis.
Cost
of Sales
For new
automobile and commercial vehicle sales, cost of sales consists primarily of the
Company’s actual purchase price, less manufacturer’s incentives. For the
sales of parts and accessories, cost of sales consists primarily of the actual
purchase price. For service and body shop operations, technician labor cost is
the primary component of cost of sales.
Advertising
The
Company expenses advertising costs as incurred, net of certain advertising
credits and other discounts. Advertising expenses from continuing operations
totaled approximately $2,013, $2,090 and $988 for the years ended
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively and are included in selling
and marketing expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of
operations.
Income
Taxes
The
Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for
Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN
48”), on January 1, 2007. The Company did not have any material unrecognized tax
benefits and there was no effect on its financial condition or results of
operations as a result of implementing FIN 48.
Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of
existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax
assets, including tax loss and credit carry forwards, and liabilities are
measured using enacted tax rates in the applicable tax jurisdiction expected to
apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are
expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and
liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized as income in the period that
includes the enactment date. Deferred income tax expense represents the change
during the period in the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities. The
components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are individually
classified as current and non-current based on their characteristics.
Realization of the deferred tax asset is dependent on generating sufficient
taxable income in future years.
Segment
Reporting
SFAS
No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information, established standards for reporting information about operating
segments in financial statements. Operating segments are defined as components
of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is
evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making
group, in deciding how to allocate resources and assessing performance. The
Company’s total assets and results of operations have been considered to be
comprised of two reportable segments: automotive retailing and commercial
vehicles sales/leasing. All of the Company’s sales are generated in the PRC and
substantially all of the Company’s assets are located in the PRC.
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
In March
2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities, which requires additional disclosures related to derivatives
instruments and hedging activities. These enhanced disclosures will discuss (a)
how and why a company uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative
instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and
its related interpretations and (c) how derivative instruments and related
hedged items affect a company’s financial position, results of operations and
cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after
November 15, 2008, with earlier adoption allowed. The Company is currently
evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No. 161 and anticipates that this
statement will not have a significant impact on the reporting of our results of
operations.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business
Combinations (“SFAS No.141(R)”), which replaces SFAS No. 141, Business
Combinations. SFAS No.141(R) retains the underlying concepts of SFAS 141 in that
all business combinations are still required to be accounted for at fair value
under the acquisition method of accounting but SFAS No.141(R) changed the method
of applying the acquisition method in a number of significant aspects.
Acquisition costs will generally be expensed as incurred; non-controlling
interests will be valued at fair value at the acquisition date; in-process
research and development will be recorded at fair value as an indefinite-lived
intangible asset at the acquisition date; restructuring costs associated with a
business combination will generally be expensed subsequent to the acquisition
date; and changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax
uncertainties after the acquisition date generally will affect income tax
expense. SFAS No.141(R) is effective on a prospective basis for all business
combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the
first annual period subsequent to December 15, 2008, with the exception of the
accounting for valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax
contingencies. SFAS No.141(R) amends SFAS No.109 such that adjustments made to
valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies associated
with acquisitions that closed prior to the effective date of SFAS No.141(R)
would also apply the provisions of SFAS No.141(R). Early adoption is not
permitted.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Non-controlling Interests in
Consolidated Financial Statements-an amendment of ARB No. 51. This statement is
effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years,
beginning on or after December 15, 2008, with earlier adoption prohibited. This
statement requires the recognition of a non-controlling interest (minority
interest) as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from
the parent’s equity. The amount of net income attributable to the
non-controlling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face
of the income statement. It also amends certain of ARB No. 51’s consolidation
procedures for consistency with the requirements of SFAS No.141(R). This
statement also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests
of the parent and its non-controlling interest. The Company is currently
evaluating the impact of this new statement on our financial condition and
results of operations.
(3) INVESTMENTS IN
UNCONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
The
Company’s investments in the following entities are accounted for on the equity
method:
|
|
Percentage
owned at
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hebei
Junda Auto Sales & Service Co., Ltd
|
|
<C>
|
|
|
|
50%
|
|
Tian
Mei Insurance Agency Co., Ltd
|
|
<A>
|
|
|
|
49%
|
|
Cangzhou
Hengyuan Auto Sales & Service Co., Ltd
|
|
|
30%
|
|
|
|
30%
|
|
Baoding
Tianfu Auto Sales & Service Co., Ltd
|
|
<B>
|
|
|
<B>
|
|
Shijiazhuang
Yiyuan Sales & Service Co., Ltd
|
|
<B>
|
|
|
<B>
|
|
Baoding
Tianhong Auto Sales & Service Co., Ltd
|
|
<B>
|
|
|
<B>
|
|
<A>
During the periods presented, the Company acquired a majority equity interest in
this entity and the incremental acquired ownership has been accounted for using
the purchase method of accounting. A summary of acquisitions is listed in Note
4.
<B>
The investments in the companies were disposed in November 2007 for an aggregate
sales price of $887. Details of the gain (loss) on disposition of investments
are disclosed in Note 16.
<C>
The investment in the company was disposed in June 2008 for a sales price of
$432. Details in gain on disposition of investment are disclosed in Note
16.
All of
these operations, except Tian Mei Insurance Agency Co., Ltd, which is an
insurance agency, are engaged in the sale and servicing of automobiles. The
Company’s investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries accounted for under the
equity method and cost method amounted to $229 and $770 as of December 31, 2008
and 2007, respectively.
The
combined results of operations and financial position of the Company’s equity
basis investments are summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
7,468
|
|
|
$
|
24,957
|
|
|
$
|
98,166
|
|
Gross
margin
|
|
|
223
|
|
|
|
1,050
|
|
|
|
4,754
|
|
Net
(loss) income
|
|
|
(75
|
)
|
|
|
608
|
|
|
|
861
|
|
Equity
in (loss) earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
|
|
$
|
(40
|
)
|
|
$
|
139
|
|
|
$
|
417
|
|
|
|
December
31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
assets
|
|
$
|
644
|
|
|
$
|
1,475
|
|
Non-current
assets
|
|
|
446
|
|
|
|
469
|
|
Total
assets
|
|
|
1,090
|
|
|
|
1,944
|
|
Current
liabilities
|
|
|
327
|
|
|
|
371
|
|
Equity
|
|
|
763
|
|
|
|
1,573
|
|
Total
liabilities and equity
|
|
$
|
1,090
|
|
|
$
|
1,944
|
|
(4) BUSINESS
ACQUISITIONS
The
Company acquired various automotive retail franchises and related assets during
the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006. The Company paid in cash
approximately $2,992, $3,265 and $3,018 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively for
automotive retail acquisitions. The following is a summary of entities acquired
and the respective equity interests acquired during the periods
presented:
|
|
Total
%of
Equity
Interest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
% of
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Entities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Baoding
Tianhua Auto Trade Co., Ltd
|
|
|
100%
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
30
|
%
|
|
$
|
82
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
70
|
%
|
Hebei
Meifeng Auto Sales and Service Co., Ltd
|
|
|
100%
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
30
|
%
|
|
|
82
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
70
|
%
|
Hebei
Shenkang Auto Trade Co., Ltd
|
|
|
100%
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
25
|
%
|
|
|
342
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
75
|
%
|
Yuhua
Fengtian Auto Sales and Service Co., Ltd
|
|
|
100%
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
10
|
%
|
|
|
274
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
90
|
%
|
Hebei
Shengmei Auto Trade Co., Ltd
|
|
|
96%
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
10
|
%
|
|
|
68
|
|
|
|
86
|
%
|
|
|
525
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Hebei
Shenwen Auto Trade Co., Ltd
|
|
|
95%
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
5
|
%
|
|
|
68
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
90
|
%
|
Guangdehang
Auto Trade Co., Ltd
|
|
<A>
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
88
|
%
|
|
|
1,205
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Hebei
Liantuo Auto Trade Co., Ltd
|
|
|
90%
|
|
|
|
10
|
%
|
|
|
834
|
|
|
|
10
|
%
|
|
|
685
|
|
|
|
30
|
%
|
|
|
1,537
|
|
|
|
40
|
%
|
Xinghua
Fengtian Auto Trade Co., Ltd
|
|
<B>
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
79
|
%
|
Cangzhou
Yicang Auto Sales and Service Co., Ltd
|
|
|
55%
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
15
|
%
|
|
|
199
|
|
|
|
40
|
%
|
Hebei
Junda Auto Trade Co., Ltd
|
|
|
50%
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
50
|
%
|
|
|
411
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Tian
Mei Insurance Agency Co., Ltd
|
|
|
100%
|
|
|
|
51
|
%
|
|
|
37
|
|
|
|
49
|
%
|
|
|
34
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Hebei
Yitong Auto Trade Co., Ltd
|
|
|
60%
|
|
|
|
55
|
%
|
|
|
1,975
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
5
|
%
|
|
|
98
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Hebei
Shengjie Auto Trade Co., Ltd
|
|
<C>
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1
|
%
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
|
19
|
%
|
|
|
243
|
|
|
|
80
|
%
|
Baoding
Tianhong Auto Sales & Service Co., Ltd
|
|
<D>
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
20
|
%
|
|
|
256
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Shijiazhuang
Yiyuan Sales & Service Co., Ltd
|
|
<D>
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
25
|
%
|
|
|
160
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Baoding
Tianfu Sales & Service Co., Ltd
|
|
<D>
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
35
|
%
|
Hebei
Shengda Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
80%
|
|
|
|
10
|
%
|
|
|
146
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
70
|
%
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,992
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
3,265
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
3,018
|
|
|
|
|
|
<A>
All of the acquired equity interest was disposed in March 2008 for an aggregate
sales price of $1,267; and the transactions were classified as discontinued
operations. (See Note 5)
<B>
12% of equity interest was disposed in 2007 for a total consideration of $140.
(See Note 16)
<C>
All of the acquired equity interest was disposed in November 2007 for an
aggregate sales price of $1,314; and the transactions were classified as
discontinued operations. (See Note 5)
<D>
All of the acquired equity interest was disposed and the gain (loss) on disposal
was recorded as other income (loss) in the consolidated statement of operations.
(See Note 16)
The
acquisitions were made to increase the asset portfolio to meet for the growing
market demand. They were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting
in the periods when the Company acquires a majority of the voting rights (i.e.
over 50% of equity interest) of the entities whereby the total purchase price,
including transaction expenses, was allocated to tangible and intangible assets
acquired based on estimated fair market values, with the remainder classified as
goodwill. Net tangible assets were valued at their respective fair values.
Acquisitions of less than 50% and more than 20% equity interest are accounted
for using the equity method (Note 3). The cost method is used for an equity
interest of less than 20%.
Purchase
price allocations for business combinations accounted for under the purchase
method of accounting for the periods ended were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
$
|
731
|
|
|
$
|
3,145
|
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
562
|
|
Inventory
|
|
|
2,508
|
|
|
|
825
|
|
Prepayment
|
|
|
2,316
|
|
|
|
647
|
|
Prepaid
expenses and current assets
|
|
|
404
|
|
|
|
145
|
|
Property,
equipment and leasehold improvements
|
|
|
1,489
|
|
|
|
522
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
780
|
|
|
|
214
|
|
Total
assets acquired
|
|
|
8,252
|
|
|
|
6,060
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Floor
plan notes payable
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(3,701
|
)
|
Accounts
payable and accrued liabilities
|
|
|
2,090
|
|
|
|
(1,019
|
)
|
Notes
payable
|
|
|
3,080
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
assets acquired
|
|
|
3,082
|
|
|
|
1,340
|
|
Less
cash acquired
|
|
|
731
|
|
|
|
(3,145
|
)
|
Assets
acquired, net of cash
|
|
$
|
2,351
|
|
|
$
|
(1,805
|
)
|
The pro
forma consolidated results of continuing operations assuming the 2008, 2007, and
2006 acquisitions had occurred at January 1, 2006, are as
follows:
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
446,844
|
|
|
$
|
324,468
|
|
|
$
|
255,747
|
|
Gross
profit
|
|
|
25,706
|
|
|
|
19,653
|
|
|
|
14,408
|
|
Operating
profit
|
|
|
12,050
|
|
|
|
7,271
|
|
|
|
4,848
|
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
7,542
|
|
|
$
|
5,385
|
|
|
$
|
4,528
|
|
The pro
forma information is presented for information purposes and may not necessarily
reflect the future results of the Company or the results that would have
occurred had the acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2006.
(5) DISCONTINUED
OPERATIONS
On
November 7, 2007, the Company sold its 100% interest of an automotive dealer,
Hebei Shengjie Auto Trade Co., Ltd, to an unrelated individual for an aggregate
sales price of approximately $1,314. On March 27, 2008, an 88% interest of
Guangdehang Auto Trade Co., Ltd was sold to an unrelated entity for an aggregate
sales price of approximately $1,267. On December 10, 2008, a 100% interest of
Tangshan Boan Auto Trade Co., Ltd. was sold to an unrelated entity for an
aggregate sales price of approximately $720. Generally, the sale of an
automobile dealership is completed within 60 to 90 days after the date of a
sales agreement. The operation of the disposed automotive dealers has been
segregated and reported as discontinued operations for all the periods presented
in the Company’s consolidated statement of operation presented herein. The
results of discontinued operation are as follows:
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
3,715
|
|
|
$
|
6,195
|
|
|
$
|
3,877
|
|
(Loss)
income from discontinued
operations
(before income taxes)
|
|
|
(327
|
)
|
|
|
(98
|
)
|
|
|
(87
|
)
|
Gain
on disposal of discontinued operations
|
|
|
183
|
|
|
|
307
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
(Loss)
income from Discontinued operations, net of tax
|
|
$
|
(144
|
)
|
|
$
|
209
|
|
|
$
|
(87
|
)
|
The
assets and liabilities of these businesses have been classified as from
discontinued operations for the consolidated balance sheets presented
herein. The assets and liabilities associated with discontinued operations
as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Cash
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
3,519
|
|
Inventory
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
923
|
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
629
|
|
Other
current assets
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,100
|
|
Property,
equipment and leasehold improvements
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
584
|
|
Total
assets
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
6,755
|
|
Floor
plan notes payable
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
4,141
|
|
Other
current liabilities
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,140
|
|
Total
liabilities
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
5,281
|
|
(6) ACCOUNTS
RECEIVABLE
A summary
of accounts receivable is as follows:
|
|
December
31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Trade
accounts receivable from sales of automobiles
|
|
$
|
4,014
|
|
|
$
|
1,489
|
|
Contracts-in-transit
|
|
|
43
|
|
|
|
487
|
|
Warranty
receivable
|
|
|
215
|
|
|
|
128
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
4,272
|
|
|
$
|
2,104
|
|
Contracts-in-transit
represent receivables from unrelated finance companies for the portion of the
automobiles purchase price financed by customers. These contracts-in-transit are
normally collected within the first week following the sale of the related
automobiles but not usually longer than 30 days.
The
Company performs warranty service work for automobiles sold under a limited
warranty provided by manufacturers. The cost of warranty work is reimbursed by
the applicable manufacturer at retail consumer rates.
(7) INVENTORIES
A summary
of inventories is as follows:
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
New
automobiles
|
|
$
|
31,068
|
|
|
$
|
23,359
|
|
Commercial
vehicles
|
|
|
1,232
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Parts
and accessories
|
|
|
4,839
|
|
|
|
3,440
|
|
Others
|
|
|
324
|
|
|
|
111
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
37,463
|
|
|
$
|
26,910
|
|
(8) PREPAID
EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
A summary
of
p
repaid
expenses and other current assets is as follows:
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Short
term advances
|
|
$
|
525
|
|
|
$
|
7,998
|
|
Temporary
advance to staff
|
|
|
126
|
|
|
|
401
|
|
Bid
bonds and deposit for new dealership
|
|
|
1,259
|
|
|
|
273
|
|
Prepaid
rental for land
|
|
|
387
|
|
|
|
249
|
|
Deposits
for construction-in-progress
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
232
|
|
Prepaid
other taxes
|
|
|
2,522
|
|
|
|
158
|
|
Others
|
|
|
655
|
|
|
|
85
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
5,474
|
|
|
$
|
9,396
|
|
Short-term
advances are advances made to third parties. They are interests-free, unsecured
and repayable on demand.
(9) NET
INVESTMENT IN SALES-TYPE LEASES
The
following lists the components of the net investment in sales-type
leases:
|
|
December
31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Minimum
lease payments receivable
|
|
$
|
26,409
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Less:
unearned income
|
|
|
(3,050
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
Net
investment in sales-type leases
|
|
|
23,359
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Less:
Current maturities of net investment in sales-type leases
|
|
|
(14,867
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
Net
investment in sales-type leases, net of current maturities
|
|
$
|
8,492
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Net
investment in sales-type leases arises from the sales of commercial vehicles,
under which the Company has entered into monthly installment arrangements with
the customers for 2 years. The legal titles of the commercial vehicles are not
transferred to the customer until the outstanding lease payments are fully
settled. Such business segment commenced in April 2008. At December 31, 2008,
minimum lease payments for each of the two succeeding fiscal years are $14,867
in 2009 and $8,492 in $2010, respectively.
(10) PROPERTY,
EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS, NET
A summary
of property, equipment and leasehold improvements is as follows:
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
Land
use rights
|
|
$
|
2,554
|
|
|
$
|
264
|
|
Buildings
and leasehold improvements
|
|
|
13,927
|
|
|
|
10,057
|
|
Furniture
and fixtures
|
|
|
3,123
|
|
|
|
1,371
|
|
Machinery
and equipment
|
|
|
4,448
|
|
|
|
3,060
|
|
Company
automobiles
|
|
|
7,579
|
|
|
|
5,345
|
|
Construction-in-progress
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
301
|
|
Others
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
38
|
|
Total
|
|
|
31,647
|
|
|
|
20,436
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
accumulated depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
4,740
|
|
|
|
2,406
|
|
Property,
equipment and leasehold improvements, net
|
|
$
|
26,907
|
|
|
$
|
18,030
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization expense was approximately $3,164, $1,707 and $1,073 for the
years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Construction-in-progress represented the cost of construction work of automotive
dealerships which had not yet been completed as of the last day of each
reporting period. No depreciation expense is recorded for the
construction-in-progress until the assets are placed in service.
(11) OTHER
PAYABLES AND ACCRUED LIABILITES
Other
payables and accrued liabilities consist of the following:
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term
advances
|
|
$
|
529
|
|
|
$
|
935
|
|
Deposits
received
|
|
|
1,430
|
|
|
|
831
|
|
Amounts
due to construction-in-progress contractors
|
|
|
368
|
|
|
|
327
|
|
Accrued
expenses
|
|
|
186
|
|
|
|
138
|
|
Salary
payable
|
|
|
311
|
|
|
|
123
|
|
Dividend
payable
|
|
|
292
|
|
|
|
44
|
|
Other
current liabilities
|
|
|
2,073
|
|
|
|
703
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
5,189
|
|
|
$
|
3,101
|
|
Dividend
payable represents the amount due to the minority shareholders of the Company’s
VIEs, which is non-interest bearing, unsecured and will be paid in 2009.
Deposits received represented security deposits received from staff, retention
fee for constructors and customer deposits. Other current liabilities mainly
include payables to office equipment suppliers.
(12) FLOOR
PLAN NOTES PAYABLE
The
Company entered into committed facility lines with several financial
institutions affiliated with automobile manufacturers to finance substantially
all new automobile inventory purchases. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the
committed facility lines provided for a maximum borrowing capacity of up to
approximately $23,630 and $18,769, respectively for purchases of new automobiles
from the automobile manufacturers. These committed facility lines usually have a
term of one year with options of extension.
The
Company also had financing under floor plan arrangements for a term in a range
of 180 days to one year with various lenders not affiliated with
manufacturers.
Both of
the committed facility lines and floor plan arrangements are collateralized by
the inventory purchased and/or guaranteed by certain assets owned by affiliates
and are required to be repaid upon the sale of the automobiles that have been
financed when the sale proceeds are collected by the Company. Interest rates
under the committed facility lines and the floor plan arrangements are charged
at the bank’s prime rate and payable on a monthly basis. The floor plan
borrowings bear interest at rates in the range of 6.64% to 9.36% as of December
31, 2008. However, certain floor plan notes payable-manufacturer affiliated were
interest free in the event the note is repaid in 60-90 days.
The
Company considered committed facility lines to a party that is affiliated with
auto manufacturers from which the Company purchased new automobile inventory to
be “Floor plan notes payable-manufacturer affiliated” and all other floor plan
notes payable to be “Floor plan notes payable - non - manufacturer
affiliated”.
(13) NOTES
PAYABLE
Notes
payable represent loans from financial institutions that were used for working
capital and capital expenditures purposes. The notes bear interest at rates in
the range of 6.24% to7.56% as of December 31, 2008 and have a term within one
year.
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Note
payable - bank
|
|
$
|
3,628
|
|
|
$
|
5,407
|
|
Note
payable - manufacturer affiliated
|
|
|
293
|
|
|
|
1,318
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
3,921
|
|
|
$
|
6,725
|
|
(14) NOTES
PAYABLE, RELATED PARTIES
Historically,
the Company has obtained funding from the Company’s executive management and
employees to finance the existing operations, including acquisition of new
automobiles. The note agreements are repayable on demand or have a term of one
year, and bear an interest rate in a range of 5% to 6%. Since 2007, the Company
has been gradually repaying the outstanding balances and it was fully repaid in
2008.
(15) TRADE
NOTES PAYABLE
Trade
notes payable are presented to certain automotive manufacturers of the Company
as a payment against the outstanding trade payables. These notes payable are
bank guarantee promissory notes which are non-interest bearing and generally
mature within six months. The outstanding bank guarantee promissory notes are
secured by restricted cash deposited in banks and automobile
inventories.
(16) SALE
OF INVESTMENT IN AUTOMOTIVE DEALERS
During
the years presented, the Company sold investments in certain non-consolidated
subsidiaries. The results of operations of the non-consolidated subsidiaries
have been included in the consolidated financial statements through the date of
disposal. The following table summarizes the investment in the non-consolidated
subsidiaries as of the date of sale and the gain on disposal:
|
|
Hebei Junda
Auto Trading
Co., Ltd
|
|
|
Xinghua
Fengtian
Auto
Trading
Co.,
Ltd
|
|
|
Baoding
Tianfu
Auto Sales
&
Service
Co., Ltd
|
|
|
Baoding
Tian
-hong
Auto
Sales &
Service
Co.,
Ltd
|
|
|
Shijia-
zhuang
Yiyuan
Sales
& Service
Co., Ltd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Disposal Date
|
|
Jun.
200
8
|
|
|
Dec. 2007
|
|
|
Nov.
2007
|
|
|
Nov.
2007
|
|
|
Nov.
2007
|
|
Current
assets
|
|
$
|
1,615
|
|
|
$
|
4,636
|
|
|
$
|
3,237
|
|
|
$
|
5,138
|
|
|
$
|
2,403
|
|
Property,
equipment and improvement, net
|
|
|
672
|
|
|
|
1,104
|
|
|
|
764
|
|
|
|
631
|
|
|
|
196
|
|
Total
assets
|
|
|
2,287
|
|
|
|
5,740
|
|
|
|
4,001
|
|
|
|
5,769
|
|
|
|
2,599
|
|
Total
liabilities
|
|
|
1,520
|
|
|
|
4,030
|
|
|
|
2,580
|
|
|
|
4,310
|
|
|
|
2,023
|
|
Net
assets
|
|
|
767
|
|
|
|
1,710
|
|
|
|
1,421
|
|
|
|
1,459
|
|
|
|
576
|
|
%
of equity interest disposed
|
|
|
50
|
%
|
|
|
12
|
%
|
|
|
35
|
%
|
|
|
20
|
%
|
|
|
25
|
%
|
Investment
in entities
|
|
|
384
|
|
|
|
230
|
|
|
|
470
|
|
|
|
304
|
|
|
|
143
|
|
Consideration
|
|
|
432
|
|
|
|
140
|
|
|
|
460
|
|
|
|
263
|
|
|
|
164
|
|
Gain
(loss) on sales (included in other income)
|
|
$
|
48
|
|
|
$
|
(90
|
)
|
|
$
|
(10
|
)
|
|
$
|
(41
|
)
|
|
$
|
21
|
|
(17) INCOME
TAXES
Cayman
Islands
Under the
current tax laws of the Cayman Islands, the Company and its subsidiaries are not
subject to tax on their income or capital gains.
Hong
Kong
The
Company’s subsidiary in Hong Kong did not have assessable profits that were
derived from Hong Kong during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.
Therefore, no Hong Kong profit tax has been provided for in the years
presented.
China
The
regular federal income tax in China is 33%. Certain of the Company’s dealership
subsidiaries were granted tax incentives in connection with the compliance with
the Employment Promotion Law and the Regulation for the Employment of Disabled
Persons whereby the qualified subsidiaries were exempted from paying any income
taxes for a period of two to three years or enjoyed a 50% discounted income tax
rate. Effective January 1, 2008, the National People’s Congress of China enacted
a new PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, under which foreign invested enterprises
and domestic companies would be subject to enterprise income tax at a uniform
rate of 25%.
The
income tax provision (benefit) in the consolidated statements of income is as
follows:
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
|
|
$
|
3,441
|
|
|
$
|
1,112
|
|
|
$
|
57
|
|
Deferred
|
|
|
(432
|
)
|
|
|
(129
|
)
|
|
|
(86
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
3,009
|
|
|
$
|
983
|
|
|
$
|
(29
|
)
|
The tax
effects of temporary differences representing deferred income tax assets
(liabilities) result principally from the following:
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Current
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred
income tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued
liabilities
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
57
|
|
Deferred
expenses
|
|
|
86
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Tax
loss carry forward
|
|
|
934
|
|
|
|
120
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
deferred income tax assets - current
|
|
$
|
1,020
|
|
|
$
|
177
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Non-current
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred
income tax assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
$
|
230
|
|
|
$
|
65
|
|
Appraisal
of assets acquired
|
|
|
112
|
|
|
|
98
|
|
Total
deferred income tax assets – non-current
|
|
|
342
|
|
|
|
163
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred
income tax liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Appraisal
of assets acquired
|
|
|
273
|
|
|
|
157
|
|
Deferred
income
|
|
|
474
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Total
deferred income tax liabilities – non-current
|
|
|
747
|
|
|
|
157
|
|
Net
deferred income tax (liabilities) assets – non-current
|
|
$
|
(405
|
)
|
|
$
|
6
|
|
At
December 31, 2008, the Company had $3,298 of taxable loss carry forwards
that expire through December 31, 2012.
The
difference between the effective income tax rate and the expected statutory rate
was as follows:
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statutory
rate
|
|
|
25.0
|
%
|
|
|
33.0
|
%
|
|
|
33.0
|
%
|
Non-taxable
income
|
|
|
(2.0
|
)
|
|
|
(14.9
|
)
|
|
|
(38.5
|
)
|
Tax
effect of tax losses recognized (utilized)
|
|
|
7.3
|
|
|
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
|
2.7
|
|
Tax
effect of unrecognized temporary differences
|
|
|
(3.4
|
)
|
|
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effective
tax rate
|
|
|
26.9
|
%
|
|
|
17.7
|
%
|
|
|
(1.0
|
)%
|
On
January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48. This
interpretation requires companies to determine whether it is more likely than
not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate
taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the
financial statements.
Management
has performed an analysis of its tax positions, in accordance with FIN 48, and
has determined that the Company has no material uncertain tax positions that are
more-likely than-not of being sustained for the full amount claimed, or to be
claimed, on its applicable tax returns for the year ended December 31,
2008.
(18) DIVIDEND
PAYMENT RESTRICTIONS
Substantially
all of the Company’s retained earnings as well as net assets are attributable to
its VIEs. Pursuant to the relevant accounting principles and financial
regulations applicable to companies established in the PRC, certain percentage
of the after-tax net income is restricted and required to be allocated to a
general statutory reserve until the balance of the fund has reached 50% of the
Company’s registered capital. The statutory reserve fund can be used to increase
the registered capital and eliminate future losses of the companies; it cannot
be distributed to shareholders except in the event of a solvent liquidation of
the companies.
(19) COMMITMENTS
Dealership
Agreements
The
Company operates dealerships under franchise agreements with a number of
automotive manufacturers. These agreements are non-exclusive agreements that
allow the Company to stock, sell and service cars, equipment and products of the
automotive manufacturers in the Company’s defined market. The agreements allow
the Company to use the Manufacturers’ names, trade symbols and intellectual
property. The manufacturers have the right to approve the changes of ownership
of the dealers and the agreements expire as follows:
Distributor
|
|
Expiration Date
|
|
|
Percentage of sales for the Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audi
|
|
|
2008
- 2009
|
|
|
|
26%
|
|
|
|
29%
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Toyota
|
|
|
2008
- 2009
|
|
|
|
17%
|
|
|
|
17%
|
|
|
|
25%
|
|
Beijing
Hyundai
|
|
2009
- Indefinite
|
|
|
|
18%
|
|
|
|
16%
|
|
|
|
30%
|
|
Buick
|
|
|
2008
- 2010
|
|
|
|
10%
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
BMW
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
11%
|
|
|
|
13%
|
|
Ford
|
|
2010
- Indefinite
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
15%
|
|
Chevrolet
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
MAZDA
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
ROEWE
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
ISUZU
|
|
Indefinite
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Cadillac
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Peugeot
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
*
represented less than 10% of sales generated for the periods.
Capital
Commitments
From time
to time, the Company engages in construction contracts to add new and expanded
dealership capacity which typically involve a significant capital commitment.
Future minimum payments under the construction contracts as of December 31, 2008
are $45.
Lease
Commitments
The
Company leases certain facilities under long-term, non-cancelable leases and
month-to- month leases. These leases are accounted for as operating leases. Rent
expense amounted to $1,348, $871 and $563 for the years ended 2008, 2007 and
2006, respectively.
Future
minimum payments under long-term, non-cancelable leases as of December 31,
2008, are as follows:
Years Ending
December 31,
|
|
Future minimum
payments
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
$
|
1,748
|
|
2010
|
|
|
1,659
|
|
2011
|
|
|
1,473
|
|
2012
|
|
|
1,299
|
|
2013
|
|
|
1,328
|
|
2014
and later
|
|
|
17,599
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
25,106
|
|
(20) SEGMENT
REPORTING
The
Company measures segment profit (loss) as operating profit (loss) less
depreciation and amortization. The reportable segments are components of
the Company which offer different products or services and are separately
managed, with separate financial information available that is separately
evaluated regularly by the chief financial officer in determining the
performance of the business. Prior to January 1, 2008, the Company had
operated in a single operation and reporting segment of automotive retail sales
and service. During 2008, the Company developed another business segment –
commercial vehicles sales/leasing. Information regarding the two operating
segments is presented in the following tables:
|
|
Year
ended
December
31,
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Automotive
retailing
|
|
|
Commercial
vehicles
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$
|
406,526
|
|
|
$
|
34,059
|
|
|
$
|
440,585
|
|
Interest
revenue
|
|
|
549
|
|
|
|
2,250
|
|
|
|
2,799
|
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
2,800
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
2,805
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
2,913
|
|
|
|
251
|
|
|
|
3,164
|
|
Total
profit from reportable segments
|
|
|
11,175
|
|
|
|
1,370
|
|
|
|
12,545
|
|
Equity
in loss of unconsolidated subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(40
|
)
|
Minority
interest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,309
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
before income taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
11,196
|
|
(21) RELATED
PARTY BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS
During
the years presented, the Company paid certain operating expenses on behalf of
various companies affiliated with the Company’s Chairman and CEO, Mr. Yong Hui
Li (“Mr. Li”), and companies which were formerly controlled by the Company. The
Company has advanced these funds to each of these companies on a non-interest
bearing and unsecured basis. Such advances are due on demand by the
Company. The outstanding amounts due from related parties as of December 31,
2008 and 2007 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
Notes
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due
from affiliates:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shijazhuang
Zhicheng Property Management Co., Ltd.
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
2,634
|
|
Kinbow
Capital & Holding Group Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,615
|
|
Beijing
Qianbo Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,033
|
|
Beijing
Tonghe Shenyuan Business & Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
205
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
5,487
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
Notes
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due
from unconsolidated subsidiary:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cangzhou
Hengyuan Auto Trading Co., Ltd.
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
|
$
|
529
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
Notes:
(1) Companies
controlled by the Company’s ultimate shareholder prior to Spring Creek
Acquisition Corp.’s (“Spring Creek”) acquisition of the Company, Ms. Yan
Wang.
(2) Companies
that were formerly owned by the Company.
During
the years presented, the Company has borrowed from various companies affiliated
with Mr. Li, and companies which are formerly controlled by the Company. Each of
these loans was entered into to satisfy the Company’s short-term capital needs
and is non-interest bearing. In addition, the payable balances of each loan are
unsecured and due on demand by the lender. The outstanding amounts due to
related parties as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
Notes
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due
to affiliates:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr.
Li
|
|
|
(3)
|
|
|
$
|
5,125
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Hebei
Kaiyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
|
|
769
|
|
|
|
136
|
|
Hebei
Shengrong Auto Parts Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,895
|
|
Shijiazhuang
Yiyuan Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
41
|
|
Baoding
Tianfu Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
3
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
5,894
|
|
|
$
|
2,075
|
|
Notes:
(1) Companies
controlled by the Company’s ultimate shareholder prior to Spring Creek’s
acquisition of the Company, Ms. Yan Wang.
(2)
Companies that were formerly owned by the Company.
(3) The
Company’s Chairman and CEO.
During
the years presented, the Company sold and purchased automobiles and spare parts
to and from affiliates. The details of the related party transactions were as
follows:
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
Notes
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Related
Parties Transactions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hebei
Kaiyuan Doors & Windows Manufacturing Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
(a)
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
8,649
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Shijiazhuang
Zhicheng Property Management Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
3,937
|
|
|
|
2,529
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Shijiazhuang
Zhicheng Property Management Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
3,911
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Hebei
Beiguo Kaiyuan Shopping Mall Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,058
|
|
|
|
10,577
|
|
Hebei
Kaiyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
39,553
|
|
|
|
1,958
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Hebei
Kaiyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
2,770
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,853
|
|
Hebei
Kaiyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
757
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,129
|
|
Kinbow
Capital & Holding Group Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
374
|
|
|
|
973
|
|
|
|
1,054
|
|
Beijing
Tonghe Shenyuan Business & Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
615
|
|
Beijing
Tonghe Shenyuan Business & Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
360
|
|
|
|
460
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Beijing
Qianbo Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
3,009
|
|
|
|
394
|
|
|
|
571
|
|
Beijing
Qianbo Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
81
|
|
|
|
183
|
|
|
|
35
|
|
Beijing
Qianbo Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
271
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
232
|
|
Beijing
Qianbo Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
176
|
|
Baoding
Tianfu Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
100
|
|
Baoding
Tianfu Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
84
|
|
|
|
58
|
|
Baoding
Tianfu Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
48
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
Shijiazhuang
Yiyuan Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
420
|
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Shijiazhuang
Yiyuan Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
125
|
|
Beijing
Kinbow Sunshine Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
144
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Beijing
Kinbow Sunshine Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
126
|
|
Hebei
Xinchang Shengyuan Auto Sales Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
576
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Cangzhou
Hengyuan Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
648
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Cangzhou
Hengyuan Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
1,831
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Cangzhou
Hengyuan Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Hebei
Xuwei Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
2,476
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Hebei
Xuwei Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
2,476
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Hebei
Shengrong Auto parts Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
12,369
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Hebei
Guangdehang Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Hebei
Guangdehang Auto Trading Co., Ltd
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Notes:
(1) Companies
controlled by the Company’s ultimate shareholder prior Spring Creek’s
acquisition of the Company, Ms. Yan Wang.
(2) Companies
that were formerly owned by the Company.
Nature
of transaction:
(a) Loan
to the Company during the period. The amounts were interest-free, unsecured and
repayable on demand.
(b)
Short-term advance from the Company. The amounts were interest-free, unsecured
and payable on demand.
(c) Sale
of automobiles to the Company during the year.
(d)
Purchase of automobiles from AutoChina during the year.
(e) Sales
of investments in subsidiary / affiliates during the year.
Mr. Li,
AutoChina’s Chairman and CEO, is the indirect beneficial owner of approximately
15.28% of Beiguo Commercial Building Limited. Commencing in September 2008,
Beiguo began to provide short term financing for the Company’s commercial
vehicle financing business. The Company pays a financing charge of approximately
4% per annum premium to Beiguo for the funds obtained due to this financing
arrangement, in part, because the financing arrangement is guaranteed by Mr. Li,
who has a long term business relationship with Beiguo, on behalf of the
Company.
(22) SUBSEQUENT
EVENTS
On
February 4, 2009, the Company entered into a definitive share exchange agreement
with Spring Creek Acquisition Corporation, a company quoted on OTC Bulletin
Board (“Spring Creek”), whereby Spring Creek will issue 8,606,250 ordinary
shares in exchange for 100% of the Company, subject to Spring Creek’s
shareholder approval. After the closing, Spring Creek will have approximately
15.1 million basic and 17.7 million fully diluted ordinary shares outstanding.
The Company’s current shareholders will then own approximately 48.7% of the
total issued and outstanding shares in the pro-forma company on a fully diluted
basis based on a share price of $8.00 each.
On April
9, 2009, the shareholders approved the merger, and the merger became
effective.
AUTOCHINA
INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
(FORMERLY
SPRING CREEK ACQUISITION CORP.)
(a
corporation in the development stage)
FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
INDEX
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
Page
|
REPORTS
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMS
|
F-36
|
BALANCE
SHEETS
|
F-38
|
STATEMENTS
OF OPERATIONS
|
F-39
|
STATEMENTS
OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY FOR THE PERIOD FROM OCTOBER 16, 2007 (INCEPTION)
TO DECEMBER 31, 2008
|
F-40
|
STATEMENTS
OF CASH FLOWS
|
F-41
|
NOTES
TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
F-42
|
REPORT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the
Shareholders and Board of Directors
AutoChina
International Limited
We have
audited the accompanying balance sheet of AutoChina International Limited
(formerly
Spring
Creek Acquisition Corp.) (a development stage company) as of December 31,
2008, and the related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash
flows for the periods from January 1, 2008 to December 31,
2008, and October 16, 2007 (date of inception) to December 31, 2008
(cumulative). These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audit.
We
conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to
have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over
financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over
financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, 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. An audit includes examining,
on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our
opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of AutoChina International Limited as
of December 31, 2008, and the results of its operations and its cash flows
for the periods from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008, and
October 16, 2007 (date of inception) to December 31, 2008 (cumulative), in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America.
/s/ Crowe
Horwath LLP
Sherman
Oaks, California
May 27,
2009
REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the
Board of Directors
AutoChina
International Limited
Formerly
Spring Creek Acquisition Corp.
We have
audited the accompanying balance sheet of AutoChina International Limited
(formerly Spring Creek Acquisition Corp.) (a corporation in the development
stage) as of December 31, 2007, and the related statements of operations,
stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the period from October 16, 2007
(inception) to December 31, 2007. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We
conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to
have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over
financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over
financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, 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. An audit also includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our
opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of AutoChina International Limited
(formerly Spring Creek Acquisition Corp.) as of December 31, 2007, and the
results of its operations and its cash flows for the period from October 16,
2007 (inception) to December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ UHY
LLP
New York,
New York
March 5,
2008
AUTOCHINA
INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
(FORMERLY
SPRING CREEK ACQUISITION CORP.)
(a
corporation in the development stage)
BALANCE
SHEETS
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
$
|
77,128
|
|
|
$
|
628
|
|
Money
market funds - held in trust
|
|
|
40,855,363
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Prepaid
expenses
|
|
|
9,538
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Deferred
offering costs
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
199,957
|
|
Total
assets (all current)
|
|
$
|
40,942,029
|
|
|
$
|
200,585
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES
AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
payable and accrued expenses
|
|
$
|
286,306
|
|
|
$
|
99,013
|
|
Deferred
underwriting fees payable
|
|
|
1,449,000
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Deferred
interest on funds held in trust
|
|
|
58,996
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Notes
payable to stockholders
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
Total
current liabilities
|
|
|
1,794,302
|
|
|
|
199,013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary
shares subject to possible redemption – 2,069,999 shares at redemption
value
|
|
|
16,270,192
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments
and contingencies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders’
equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred
shares, $0.001 par value,
authorized
- 1,000,000 shares
issued
- none
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Ordinary
shares, $0.001 par value
authorized
- 50,000,000 shares
issued
and outstanding -
6,468,750
shares (inclusive of 2,069,999 shares subject to
possible
redemption)
at December 31, 2008, and 1,293,750 shares at December
31,
2007
|
|
|
6,469
|
|
|
|
1,294
|
|
Additional
paid-in capital
|
|
|
23,040,035
|
|
|
|
23,706
|
|
Deficit
accumulated during the development stage
|
|
|
(168,969
|
)
|
|
|
(23,428
|
)
|
Total
stockholders’ equity
|
|
|
22,877,535
|
|
|
|
1,572
|
|
Total
liabilities and stockholders’ equity
|
|
$
|
40,942,029
|
|
|
$
|
200,585
|
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
AUTOCHINA
INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
(FORMERLY
SPRING CREEK ACQUISITION CORP.)
(a corporation in the
development stage)
STATEMENTS
OF OPERATIONS
|
|
Year
Ended
December 31,
|
|
|
Period from
October 16,
2007
(Inception) to
December 31,
|
|
|
Period from
October 16,
2007
(Inception) to
December 31,
2008
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
(Cumulative)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Operating
expenses
|
|
|
327,935
|
|
|
|
23,428
|
|
|
|
351,363
|
|
Operating
loss
|
|
|
(327,935
|
)
|
|
|
(23,428
|
)
|
|
|
(351,363
|
)
|
Interest
income
|
|
|
733,745
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
733,745
|
|
Acquisition
costs
|
|
|
(492,355
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(492,355
|
)
|
Loss
before allocation of trust account interest
|
|
|
(86,545
|
)
|
|
|
(23,428
|
)
|
|
|
(109,973
|
)
|
Trust
account interest allocable to shares subject to possible
redemption
|
|
|
(58,996
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(58,996
|
)
|
Net
loss attributable to ordinary stockholders
|
|
$
|
(145,541
|
)
|
|
$
|
(23,428
|
)
|
|
$
|
(168,969
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss per ordinary share — Basic and diluted
|
|
$
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
average ordinary shares outstanding — Basic and diluted
|
|
|
5,635,143
|
|
|
|
1,293,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
(FORMERLY
SPRING CREEK ACQUISITION CORP.)
(a corporation in the
development stage)
STATEMENT
OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR
THE PERIOD FROM OCTOBER 16, 2007 (INCEPTION) TO DECEMBER 31, 2008
|
|
Ordinary Shares
|
|
|
Additional
Paid-in
|
|
|
Deficit
Accumulated
During the
Development
|
|
|
Total
Stockholders’
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Capital
|
|
|
Stage
|
|
|
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance,
October 16, 2007 (inception)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Sale
of ordinary shares to initial stockholders for cash at $0.02 per
share
|
|
|
1,293,750
|
|
|
|
1,294
|
|
|
|
23,706
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
Net
loss for the period from October 16, 2007 (inception) to December 31,
2007
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(23,428
|
)
|
|
|
(23,428
|
)
|
Balance,
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
1,293,750
|
|
|
|
1,294
|
|
|
|
23,706
|
|
|
|
(23,428
|
)
|
|
|
1,572
|
|
Sale
of shares and warrants in private placement and public offering, net of
offering costs of $3,538,403
|
|
|
5,175,000
|
|
|
|
5,175
|
|
|
|
39,286,421
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
39,291,596
|
|
Sale
of unit purchase option to underwriters
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
100
|
|
Shares
reclassified to “Ordinary shares subject to possible
redemption”
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(16,270,192
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(16,270,192
|
)
|
Net
loss attributable to ordinary stockholders for the year ended
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(145,541
|
)
|
|
|
(145,541
|
)
|
Balance,
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
6,468,750
|
|
|
$
|
6,469
|
|
|
$
|
23,040,035
|
|
|
$
|
(168,969
|
)
|
|
$
|
22,877,535
|
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
AUTOCHINA
INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
(FORMERLY
SPRING CREEK ACQUISITION CORP.)
(a corporation in the
development stage)
STATEMENTS
OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
Year
Ended
December 31,
|
|
|
Period from
October 16,
2007
(Inception) to
December 31,
|
|
|
Period from
October 16,
2007
(Inception) to
December 31,
2008
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
(Cumulative)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
flows from operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss attributable to ordinary stockholders
|
|
$
|
(145,541
|
)
|
|
$
|
(23,428
|
)
|
|
$
|
(168,969
|
)
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss attributable to ordinary stockholders to net cash
provided by operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Increase)
decrease in -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid
expenses
|
|
|
(9,538
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(9,538
|
)
|
Increase
(decrease) in -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
payable and accrued expenses
|
|
|
187,293
|
|
|
|
99,013
|
|
|
|
286,306
|
|
Net
cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
32,214
|
|
|
|
75,585
|
|
|
|
107,799
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
flows from investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funds
placed in trust account from offerings
|
|
|
(40,671,000
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(40,671,000
|
)
|
Increase
in trust account from interest income earned, net of allocation to shares
subject to possible redemption
|
|
|
(674,750
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(674,750
|
)
|
Withdrawals
from trust account
|
|
|
549,382
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
549,382
|
|
Net
cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(40,796,368
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(40,796,368
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
flows from financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds
from initial sale of ordinary shares
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
Gross
proceeds from private placement
|
|
|
1,430,000
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
1,430,000
|
|
Gross
proceeds from public offering
|
|
|
41,400,000
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
41,400,000
|
|
Payments
of offering costs
|
|
|
(1,889,446
|
)
|
|
|
(199,957
|
)
|
|
|
(2,089,403
|
)
|
Proceeds
from underwriter’s purchase option
|
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
100
|
|
Proceeds
from stockholders loan
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
Repayment
of stockholders loan
|
|
|
(100,000
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(100,000
|
)
|
Net
cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
40,840,654
|
|
|
|
(74,957
|
)
|
|
|
40,765,697
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
increase in cash
|
|
|
76,500
|
|
|
|
628
|
|
|
|
77,128
|
|
Balance
at beginning of period
|
|
|
628
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Balance
at end of period
|
|
$
|
77,128
|
|
|
$
|
628
|
|
|
$
|
77,128
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
paid for:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Income
taxes
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental
schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase
in deferred underwriting fees payable
|
|
$
|
1,449,000
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,449,000
|
|
Ordinary
shares subject to possible redemption
|
|
$
|
16,270,192
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
16,270,192
|
|
Allocation
of trust account interest relating to ordinary shares subject to possible
redemption
|
|
$
|
58,996
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
58,996
|
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
AUTOCHINA
INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
(FORMERLY
SPRING CREEK ACQUISITION CORP.)
(a
corporation in the development stage)
NOTES
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year
Ended December 31, 2008, Period from October 16, 2007 (Inception) to December
31, 2007,
and
Period from October 16, 2007 (Inception) to December 31, 2008
(Cumulative)
1.
Organization and Proposed Business Operations
AutoChina
International Limited (formerly Spring Creek Acquisition Corp.) (the “Company”)
was incorporated in the Cayman Islands on October 16, 2007 as a “blank check”
company formed for the purpose of acquiring, through a merger, stock exchange,
asset acquisition or other similar business combination, or control through
contractual arrangements, one or more operating business located in the Greater
China region, which includes Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan (“Greater
China”).
At
December 31, 2008, the Company had not yet commenced any business
operations and is therefore considered a “corporation in the development
stage.” All activity through December 31, 2008 has been related to
the Company’s formation, capital raising efforts (as described below), and
efforts to acquire a business. The Company is subject to the risks associated
with development stage companies. The Company has selected December 31 as
its fiscal year-end.
The
Company’s ability to acquire an operating business was contingent upon obtaining
adequate financial resources through a private placement in accordance with
Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Private
Placement”), and an initial public offering (the “Public Offering”, and together
with the Private Placement, the “Offerings”), which are discussed in Note 3. The
Company’s management has broad discretion with respect to the specific
application of the net proceeds of the Offerings, although substantially all of
the net proceeds of the Offerings are intended to be generally applied toward
consummating a business combination with an operating company located in the
Greater China region. As used herein, a “target business” shall include one or
more operating business located in the Greater China region, and a “business
combination” shall mean the acquisition by the Company of such a target
business.
If the
Company had been unable to complete a business combination by August 27, 2009,
the Company's Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association
provided for mandatory liquidation of the Company, without stockholder approval,
unless the Company's existence was extended or made permanent by an amendment to
the Articles of Association authorized by the vote of holders of a majority of
all outstanding shares entitled to vote.
On
February 4, 2009, the Company entered into a share exchange agreement with
AutoChina Group Inc. (“AutoChina”) and the selling shareholders party thereto
(“Sellers”), which owned 100% of the issued and outstanding equity securities of
AutoChina. On April 9, 2009, the Company completed its definitive
share exchange agreement. The acquisition was completed after the Company’s
shareholders voted to approve the acquisition at its special meeting of
stockholders on April 8, 2009. In conjunction with the acquisition, the Company
subsequently changed its name to AutoChina International
Limited. Additional information with regard to this transaction is
provided at Note 10.
2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Income
Taxes
The
Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS No. 109”),
which establishes financial accounting and reporting standards for the effects
of income taxes that result from an enterprise’s activities during the current
and preceding years. SFAS No. 109 requires an asset and liability approach
for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes.
Effective
October 16, 2007 (inception), the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48,
“Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement
No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 addresses the
determination of whether tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax
return should be recorded in the financial statements. Under FIN 48, the Company
may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more
likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the
taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax
benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are
measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent
likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. FIN 48 also provides
guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties on income
taxes, accounting in interim periods and requires increased disclosures.
The adoption of the provisions of FIN 48 did not have a material effect on the
Company’s financial statements. As of December 31, 2008, no liability for
unrecognized tax benefits was required to be recorded. The Company’s policy is
to record interest and penalties on uncertain tax provisions as income tax
expense. As of December 31, 2008, the Company has no accrued interest or
penalties related to uncertain tax positions.
Under
current Cayman Island laws, the Company is not subject to income taxes in the
Cayman Islands. In addition, the Company is not currently subject to
income taxes in any other jurisdiction. Accordingly, no income tax expense
(benefit) has been recognized with respect to the Company’s net income (loss)
incurred from October 16, 2007 (Inception) through December 31,
2008.
Earnings
Per Share
The
Company computes earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) in accordance with Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings per Share” (“SFAS
No. 128”) and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 98 (“SAB 98”).
SFAS No. 128 requires companies with complex capital structures to present
basic and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is measured as the income available to
ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average ordinary shares
outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS but
presents the dilutive effect on a per share basis of potential ordinary shares
(e.g., convertible securities, options and warrants) as if they had been
converted at the beginning of the periods presented, or issuance date, if
later. Potential ordinary shares that have an anti-dilutive effect (i.e.,
those that increase income per share or decrease loss per share) are excluded
from the calculation of diluted EPS.
Loss per
common share is computed by dividing net loss available to ordinary stockholders
by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the
respective periods. Basic and diluted loss per common share are the same for all
periods presented because all potentially dilutive securities are
anti-dilutive.
At
December 31, 2008, potentially dilutive securities consisted of outstanding
warrants and options to acquire an aggregate of 7,505,000 ordinary shares, as
follows:
Insider
warrants
|
|
|
1,430,000
|
|
Public
warrants
|
|
|
5,175,000
|
|
Underwriters’
unit purchase option
|
|
|
900,000
|
|
Total
|
|
|
7,505,000
|
|
Concentration
of Credit Risk
Financial
instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit
risk consist of cash accounts in a financial institution, which at times exceed
the Federal depository insurance coverage of $250,000 through December 31, 2008.
The Company has not experienced losses on these accounts to date and management
believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such
accounts.
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
Fair
Value of Financial Instruments
The
carrying amounts of all of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash,
prepaid expenses, accounts payable and accrued expenses, deferred underwriting
fees payable, and deferred interest on funds held in trust approximate their
respective fair values, due to the short-term nature of these
items.
Share-Based
Payments
The
Company accounts for share-based payments pursuant to Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS
No. 123R”). SFAS No. 123R requires all share-based payments, including
grants of employee stock options to employees, to be recognized in the financial
statements based on their fair values. The Company adopted SFAS No. 123R on
October 16, 2007 (inception). The Company expects that SFAS No. 123R could
have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements to the extent that
the Company grants stock-based compensation in future periods. As of
December 31, 2008, the Company had not granted any stock options.
Acquisition
Costs
Acquisition
costs of $492,355 consist principally of legal fees, accounting fees, consulting
and advisory fees, and other outside costs that were incurred by the Company
during 2008 and are related to the business combination (see Note
10). As a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) effective January
1, 2009, as well as the completion of the reverse acquisition transaction
completed on April 9, 2009, such costs were charged to operations as incurred
during the year ended December 31, 2008.
Ordinary
Shares Subject to Possible Redemption
Ordinary
shares subject to possible redemption of $16,270,192 is presented outside of
stockholders’ equity on the Company’s balance sheet at December 31, 2008, and
represents 40% less one share sold in the Company’s initial public offering in
February and March 2008 (equivalent to 2,069,999 shares) at $7.86 per share,
which is the per share net offering proceeds received by the Company. This
represents the maximum amount of shares that the company would have been
required to redeem upon consummation of a business combination. The amount not
so redeemed will be reclassified to equity.
Deferred
Interest on Funds Held in Trust
Deferred
interest on funds held in trust consists of the 40% less one share portion of
the interest earned on the funds held in trust, reduced by certain permitted
withdrawals, including income taxes and up to $1,050,000 of interest earned on
the trust account that can be released to the Company to fund the working
capital needs of the Company. This is the maximum amount that the
Company would be obligated to pay to stockholders who elect to have their stock
redeemed by the Company without resulting in a rejection of a business
combination.
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
In
September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”
(“SFAS No. 157”), which establishes a framework for measuring fair value in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, clarifies the
definition of fair value within that framework and expands disclosures about
fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies whenever other
standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair
value, except for the measurement of share-based payments. The Company adopted
SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2008. Additional disclosure required as a
result of the Company’s implementation of SFAS No. 157 in 2008 is presented at
Note 4. However, since the issuance of SFAS No. 157, the FASB has
issued several FASB Staff Positions (FSPs) to clarify the application of SFAS
No. 157. FSPs apply to financial assets within the scope of
accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements in
accordance with SFAS No. 157. In February 2008, the FASB released FSP
No. 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157”, which delayed the
effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial
liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the
financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). In
October 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a
Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active”, which clarifies
the application of SFAS No. 157 in a market that is not active and provides
guidance in key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial
asset when the market for that financial asset is not active. FSP No.
157-3 became effective immediately, and includes prior period financial
statements that have not yet been issued. In April 2009, the FASB
issued FSP No. 157-4, “Determining the Fair Value When the Volume and Level of
Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying
Transactions That Are Not Orderly”, which provides additional guidance for
estimating fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 157, when the volume and level
of activity for the asset or liability have significantly
decreased. FSP No. 157-4 also provides guidance on identifying
circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. FSP No.
157-4 is effective for interim and periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall
be applied prospectively. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 and the related FSP’s did
not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, except
for additional disclosures as described at Note 4.
In
February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial
Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”), which provides companies with an option to
report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. SFAS
No. 159’s objective is to reduce both complexity in accounting for
financial instruments and the volatility in earnings caused by measuring related
assets and liabilities differently. Generally accepted accounting principles
have required different measurement attributes for different assets and
liabilities that can create artificial volatility in earnings. SFAS No. 159
helps to mitigate this type of accounting-induced volatility by enabling
companies to report related assets and liabilities at fair value, which would
likely reduce the need for companies to comply with detailed rules for
hedge accounting. SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure
requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose
different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities.
SFAS No. 159 requires companies to provide additional information that will
help investors and other users of financial statements to more easily understand
the effect of the Company’s choice to use fair value on its earnings. SFAS
No. 159 also requires companies to display the fair value of those assets
and liabilities for which the Company has chosen to use fair value on the face
of the balance sheet. SFAS No. 159 does not eliminate disclosure
requirements included in other accounting standards, including requirements for
disclosures about fair value measurements included in SFAS No. 157 and SFAS
No. 107. The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 on January 1,
2008, but did not elect the fair value option for any financial assets or
liabilities. Accordingly, the adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have any impact
on the Company’s consolidated financial statement presentation or
disclosures.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141(R)”), which
requires an acquirer to recognize in its financial statements as of the
acquisition date (i) the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities
assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, measured at their fair
values on the acquisition date, and (ii) goodwill as the excess of the
consideration transferred plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in
the acquiree at the acquisition date over the fair values of the identifiable
net assets acquired. Acquisition-related costs, which are the costs an acquirer
incurs to effect a business combination, will be accounted for as expenses in
the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received,
except that costs to issue debt or equity securities will be recognized in
accordance with other applicable GAAP. SFAS No. 141(R) makes
significant amendments to other Statement of Financial Accounting Standards and
other authoritative guidance to provide additional guidance or to conform the
guidance in that literature to that provided in SFAS No. 141(R). SFAS
No. 141(R) also provides guidance as to what information is to be
disclosed to enable users of financial statements to evaluate the nature and
financial effects of a business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) is
effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning on or after
December 15, 2008. The Company adopted SFAS No. 141(R) on January
1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) affected how the Company
accounted for the acquisition of AutoChina Group Inc., as described at Note
10. In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated
Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS No. 160”),
which requires that ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other
than the parent, and the amount of consolidated net income, be clearly
identified, labeled and presented in the consolidated financial
statements. SFAS No. 160 also requires that once a subsidiary is
deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former
subsidiary be initially measured at fair value. Sufficient disclosures are
required to clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent
and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. SFAS No. 160 amends
FASB No. 128 to provide that the calculation of earnings per share amounts
in the consolidated financial statements will continue to be based on the
amounts attributable to the parent. SFAS No. 160 is effective for financial
statements issued for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal
years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and requires retroactive
adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority
interests. All other requirements are applied prospectively. The
Company adopted SFAS No. 160 on January 1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS No.
160 did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statement
presentation or disclosures.
In
March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities —
an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS No. 161”). SFAS
No. 161 amends and expands the disclosure requirements of SFAS
No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”
(“SFAS No. 133”). The objective of SFAS No. 161 is to provide users of
financial statements with an enhanced understanding of how and why an entity
uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items
are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations, and
how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial
position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS No. 161
requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using
derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and
losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related
contingent features in derivative agreements. SFAS No. 161 applies to
all derivative financial instruments, including bifurcated derivative
instruments (and nonderivative instruments that are designed and qualify as
hedging instruments pursuant to paragraphs 37 and 42 of SFAS No. 133) and
related hedged items accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related
interpretations. SFAS No. 161 also amends certain provisions of SFAS
No. 133. SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for
fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with
early application encouraged. SFAS No. 161 encourages, but does not
require, comparative disclosures for earlier periods at initial adoption.
The Company adopted SFAS No. 161 on January 1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS
No. 161 did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial
statement presentation or disclosures.
In
May 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“SFAS
No. 162”). SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting
principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the
preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are
presented in conformity with GAAP. SFAS No. 162 became effective on
November 15, 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 162 did not have any impact on
the Company’s consolidated financial statement presentation or
disclosures.
In
June 2008, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue
No. 07-05, “Determining Whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) is
Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock” (“EITF 07-05”). EITF 07-05 mandates a two-step
process for evaluating whether an equity-linked financial instrument or embedded
feature is indexed to the entity’s own stock. Warrants that a company issues
that contain a strike price adjustment feature, upon the adoption of EITF 07-05,
results in the instruments no longer being considered indexed to the company’s
own stock. Accordingly, adoption of EITF 07-05 will change the current
classification (from equity to liability) and the related accounting for such
warrants outstanding at that date. EITF 07-05 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal
years. The Company adopted EITF 07-05 on January 1, 2009. The adoption of
EITF 07-05 did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial
statement presentation or disclosures.
In April
2009, the FASB issued FSP 107-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of
Financial Instruments”, which requires disclosures about fair value of financial
instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies as well
as in annual financial statements. FSP 107-1 also amends APB Opinion
No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting”, to require those disclosures in
summarized financial information at interim reporting. FSP 107-1 is effective
for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption
permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company is
currently evaluating the potential impact of FSP 107-1 on its consolidated
financial statement presentation and disclosures.
Management
does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective,
accounting standards or pronouncements, if currently adopted, would have a
material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statement presentation
or disclosures.
Reclassification
Certain
reclassifications have been made to prior year balances to conform to the
presentation for the year ended December 31, 2008. Such reclassifications
did not have any effect on results of operations.
3.
Private Placement and Public Offering
On
February 27, 2008, the Company completed its Public Offering of 4,500,000 units
at a price of $8.00 per unit. Each unit consisted of one share of the Company’s
ordinary stock, $0.001 par value, and one redeemable ordinary stock purchase
warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase from the Company one share
of ordinary stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per share commencing six months
after the completion of a business combination with a target business, and
expires on February 26, 2013, or earlier upon redemption. The warrants may be
redeemed, with the prior consent of EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. (“EBC”), the
representative of the underwriters in the Public Offering, at a price of $0.01
per warrant upon 30 days notice after the warrants become exercisable, only in
the event that the last sale price of the ordinary stock is at least $11.50 per
share for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading day period ending on the third
day prior to date on which notice of redemption is given. If the Company
redeems the warrants as described above, management will have the option to
require any holder who wishes to exercise his warrant to do so on a “cashless
basis.” In such event, the holder would pay the exercise price by surrendering
his warrants for the number of ordinary shares equal to the quotient obtained by
dividing (x) the product of the number of ordinary shares underlying the
warrants, multiplied by the difference between the exercise price of the
warrants and the “fair market value” by (y) the fair market value. The “fair
market value” shall mean the average reported last sale price of the ordinary
shares for the 10 trading days ending on the third trading day prior to the date
on which the notice of redemption is sent to holders of warrants.
The
Company paid the underwriters in the Public Offering an underwriting discount of
3.5% of the gross proceeds and upon the consummation of a business combination,
the underwriters will receive an additional underwriting discount equal to 3.5%
of the gross proceeds. The Company also issued a unit purchase option, for $100,
upon consummation of the Public Offering, to EBC to purchase up to a total of
450,000 units at $8.80 per unit. The units issuable upon exercise of this option
are identical to those sold in the Public Offering. This option is exercisable
for cash, or on a cashless basis, at the option of the holder (except in the
case of a forced cashless exercise upon the Company’s redemption of the warrants
as described above) such that the holder may use the appreciated value of the
unit purchase option (the difference between the exercise price of the unit
purchase option and the underlying Warrants and the market price of the Units
and underlying ordinary shares) to exercise the unit purchase option without the
payment of any cash. The Company will have no obligation to net cash settle the
exercise of the unit purchase option or the warrants underlying the unit
purchase option. The holder of the unit purchase option will not be entitled to
exercise the unit purchase option or the Warrants underlying the unit purchase
option unless a registration statement covering the securities underlying the
unit purchase option is effective or an exemption from registration is
available. If the holder is unable to exercise the unit purchase option or
underlying Warrants, the unit purchase option or warrants, as applicable, will
expire worthless. The estimated fair value of this unit purchase option on the
grant date was determined to be approximately $701,005 ($1.56 per unit) using a
Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
(1) expected volatility of 17.5%, (2) risk-free interest rate of 3.7%,
(3) expected life of 5 years, and (4) dividend rate of zero. The
Company accounted for the fair value of the unit purchase option as a cost of
the Public Offering and has included the instrument as equity in its financial
statements. Accordingly, the unit purchase option had no accounting
impact on the Company’s financial statements, except for the increase in
shareholders’ equity resulting from the cash proceeds of $100 received from the
sale of the unit purchase option.
Concurrent
with the consummation of the Public Offering, the Company’s initial stockholders
purchased from the Company an aggregate of 1,430,000 warrants (the “Insider
Warrants”) at $1.00 per warrant in a Private Placement. All Insider Warrants
issued in the Private Placement were substantially identical to the warrants in
the units sold in the Public Offering, except that if the Company calls the
warrants for redemption, the Insider Warrants may be exercisable on a “cashless
basis,” at the holder’s option (except in the case of a forced cashless exercise
upon the Company’s redemption of the warrants, as described above), so long as
such securities are held by such purchasers or their affiliates. Furthermore,
the purchasers have agreed that the Insider Warrants will not be sold or
transferred by them until after the Company has completed a business
combination. The $1,430,000 of proceeds from the sale of the Insider Warrants
were added to the portion of the proceeds from the Public Offering held in the
Trust Account pending completion of the Company’s initial business combination.
The Company determined, based on a review of the trading price of the public
warrants of other blank check companies similar to the Company, that the
purchase price of $1.00 per Insider Warrant was not less than the approximate
fair value of such warrants on the date of issuance. Therefore, the Company did
not record compensation expense upon the sale of the Insider
Warrants.
On
February 27, 2008, the closing date of the Private Placement and Public Offering
(the “Offerings”), $35,460,000 of the proceeds of the Offerings ($7.88 per unit
sold), including $1,260,000 ($0.28 per unit sold) of contingent underwriting
compensation which will be paid in full to the underwriter if a business
combination is consummated (without any reduction for payments to redeeming
shareholders), but which will be forfeited in full if a business combination is
not consummated, was placed in a trust account (the “Trust Account”) at HSBC
Bank USA maintained by American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, and invested
until the earlier of (i) the consummation of the Company’s first business
combination or (ii) the liquidation of the Company. However, up to
$1,050,000 of the interest earned on the Trust Account is permitted to be
released to the Company to fund working capital requirements as set forth in the
Investment Management Trust Agreement. Therefore, unless and until a business
combination is consummated, the proceeds held in the Trust Account (other than
up to $1,050,000 of the interest earned and amounts necessary to pay taxes) will
not be available for the Company’s use for any expenses related to the Offerings
or expenses which may be incurred related to the investigation and selection of
a target business and the negotiation of an agreement to acquire a target
business.
On
March 13, 2008, the underwriters of the Public Offering exercised their
option to purchase an additional 675,000 units to cover over-allotments. In
connection with the exercise of the over-allotment option, the underwriters
received an underwriting discount of 3.5% of the gross proceeds and upon the
consummation of a business combination the underwriters will receive an
additional underwriting discount equal to 3.5% of the gross proceeds.
Consequently, on March 13, 2008, the closing date of the overallotment exercise,
an additional $5,211,000 ($7.72 per over-allotment unit sold) of the proceeds
from the exercise, including $189,000 ($0.28 per over-allotment unit sold) of
contingent underwriting compensation which will be paid to the underwriter if a
business combination is consummated, but which will be forfeited in full if a
business combination is not consummated, was placed in the Trust
Account.
As of
December 31, 2008, total net Offering proceeds of $40,671,000 ($7.86 per unit
sold in the aggregate), including $1,449,000 ($0.28 per unit sold in the
aggregate) of contingent underwriting compensation which will be paid in full to
the underwriter if a business combination is consummated (without any reduction
for payments to redeeming shareholders), but which will be forfeited in full if
a business combination is not consummated, was being held in the Trust
Account.
The
ordinary stock and warrants included in the units began to trade separately on
May 22, 2008.
After the
Company signs a definitive agreement for the acquisition of a target business,
it will submit such transaction for stockholder approval. In the event that
holders of the shares sold in the Public Offering (the “Public Stockholders”)
owning 40% or more of the outstanding stock sold in the Public Offering vote
against the business combination and elect to have the Company redeem their
shares for cash, the business combination will not be consummated. All of the
Company’s stockholders prior to the Offerings, including the officers and
directors of the Company (the “Initial Stockholders”), have agreed to vote their
1,293,750 founding shares of ordinary stock in accordance with the vote of the
majority of shares purchased in the Public Offering with respect to any business
combination, but not any shares they acquire in the Public Offering, or in the
aftermarket. After consummation of the Company’s first business combination, all
of these voting safeguards will no longer be applicable (see Note
10).
With
respect to the first business combination which is approved and consummated, any
Public Stockholders who vote against the business combination may demand that
the Company redeem their shares for a pro rata share of the Trust Account. The
per share redemption price will equal the amount in the Trust Account,
calculated as of two business days prior to the consummation of the proposed
business combination
,
divided by the
number of ordinary shares held by Public Stockholders at the consummation of the
Offering. Accordingly, Public Stockholders holding up to 2,069,999 shares (one
share less than 40% of the aggregate number of shares sold in the offerings) may
seek redemption of their shares in the event of a business combination (a
greater number would not be able to since the Business Combination would not be
able to be consummated with such greater number of shares choosing to redeem).
Such Public Stockholders are entitled to receive their per share interest in the
Trust Account computed without regard to the shares held by Initial Stockholders
(see Note 10). The payment of a portion of the underwriters’ deferred
contingent fee to the redeeming shareholders does not reduce the amount payable
to the underwriters if a business combination is consummated.
The
Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association were amended prior to the
Offering to provide that the Company will continue in existence only until 18
months from the effective date of the Offering (August 27, 2009) or until 30
months (August 27, 2010) if a letter of intent, agreement in principle or
definitive agreement has been executed within 18 months after consummation of
the Offering and the business combination has not been consummated within such
18 month period. If the Company has not completed a business combination by such
dates, its corporate existence will cease and it will dissolve and liquidate its
assets (see Note 10).
4.
Money Market Funds — Held In Trust
Money
market funds held in trust consisted of an investment in HSBC Investor New York
Tax-Free Money Market Funds with a market value of $40,855,363 and a 7-day
average yield of 1.14% per annum at December 31, 2008. The money
market fund invests in a portfolio of money market instruments issued by New
York State and municipal government and public authorities which are short-term,
high quality and tax-exempt. As of April 30, 2009, the 7-day average yield was
0.39% per annum.
The
Company adopted SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2008, delaying, as
permitted, application for non-financial assets and non-financial
liabilities. SFAS No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair
value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS
No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to
valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels, and requires
that assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed
in one of the following three categories:
Level
1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for an identical asset or
liability that the Company has the ability to access as of the measurement
date.
Level
2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are
directly observable for the asset or liability or indirectly observable through
corroboration with observable market data.
Level
3: unobservable inputs for the asset or liability are only used when there
is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement
date.
In
accordance with SFAS No. 157, the Company determines the level in the fair
value hierarchy within which each fair value measurement falls in its entirety,
based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value
measurement in its entirety. In determining the appropriate levels,
the Company performs an analysis of the assets and liabilities that are subject
to SFAS No. 157 at each reporting period end.
The money
market funds - held in trust, as described above, is the only financial
instrument that is measured and recorded at fair value on the Company’s balance
sheet on a recurring basis. The following table presents the money market
funds - held in trust at its level within the fair value hierarchy at December
31, 2008.
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Level 1
|
|
|
Level 2
|
|
|
Level 3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Money
Market Funds – Held In Trust
|
|
$
|
40,855,363
|
|
|
$
|
40,855,363
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
40,855,363
|
|
|
$
|
40,855,363
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
5.
Related Party Transactions
Notes
Payable to Stockholders
On
October 24, 2007, the Company issued unsecured promissory notes of $100,000 to
certain officers and Initial Stockholders. The notes were non-interest bearing
and were repaid in full from the net proceeds of the Offerings.
Management
Fees and Other Costs
The
Company occupies office space in Beijing, China provided by an affiliate of the
Company’s Chief Executive Officer and director. The affiliate has agreed that,
until the Company consummates a business combination, it will make such office
space, as well as certain office and secretarial services, available to the
Company, as may be required by the Company from time to time. The Company has
agreed to pay the affiliate $7,500 per month for such services commencing
February 27, 2008, the effective date of the Offerings. During the
year ended December 31, 2008, the Company incurred $75,740 of costs under this
agreement.
6.
Ordinary Stock
The
Company is authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of its ordinary stock with a
par value $0.001 per share.
On
October 16, 2007, the Company’s Initial Stockholders subscribed to
1,293,750 shares of ordinary stock for a total of $25,000.
In the
event that holders of more than 20% of the ordinary shares sold in the Public
Offering elect their right to redeem their shares, the Company’s Initial
Stockholders have agreed to forfeit a proportional percentage of the ordinary
shares held by them so that the initial shares would never exceed 23.81% of the
Company’s outstanding ordinary shares post business combination, up to a maximum
of 323,450 shares.
The
Company’s Initial Stockholders have placed the ordinary shares owned by them
before the Public Offering into an escrow account maintained by American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company, acting as escrow agent. Subject to certain
limited exceptions, these shares are not transferable during the escrow period.
These shares will not be released from escrow until nine months after the
Company’s consummation of a business combination with respect to 50% of the
initial shares and one year after the Company’s consummation of a business
combination with respect to the remaining 50% of the initial shares. These
shares may only be released earlier if the Company engages in a subsequent
transaction resulting in the Company’s shareholders having the right to exchange
their shares for cash or other securities.
7.
Preferred Stock
The
Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par
value $0.0001 per share, with such designations, voting and other rights and
preferences, as may be determined from time to time by the Company’s board of
directors.
The
agreement with the underwriters prohibits the Company, prior to a business
combination, from issuing preferred stock which participates in the proceeds of
the Trust Account or which votes as a class with the ordinary shares on a
business combination.
8.
Commitments and Contingencies
The
Company will not proceed with a business combination if Public Stockholders
owning 40% or more of the shares sold in the Public Offering vote against the
business combination and exercise their redemption rights. Accordingly, the
Company may effect a business combination if Public Stockholders owning up to
one share less than 40% of the aggregate shares sold in the Public Offering
exercise their redemption rights. If this occurred, the Company would be
required to redeem for cash up to one share less than 40% of the 5,175,000
shares of ordinary stock included in the units, or 2,069,999 shares of ordinary
stock, at an expected initial per share redemption price of $7.86 (initially
$7.88 per share). However, the ability of stockholders to receive $7.86 per unit
is subject to any valid claims by the Company’s creditors which are not covered
by amounts held in the Trust Account or the indemnities provided by certain of
the Company’s officers and directors. The expected redemption price per share is
greater than each stockholder’s initial pro rata share of the Trust Account of
approximately $7.60 per share. Of the excess redemption price, approximately
$0.28 per share represents the underwriters’ deferred contingent
fee. The payment of a portion of the underwriters’ deferred
contingent fee to the redeeming shareholders does not reduce the amount payable
to the underwriters if a business combination is consummated. Even if less than
40% of the stockholders exercise their redemption rights, the Company may be
unable to consummate a business combination if such redemption leaves the
Company with funds insufficient to acquire or merge with a business with a fair
market value greater than 80% of the Company’s net assets at the time of such
acquisition, which would be in violation of a condition to the consummation of
the Company’s initial business combination, and as a consequence, the Company
may be forced to find additional financing to consummate such a business
combination, consummate a different business combination or liquidate (see Note
10).
The
Company has engaged the representative of the underwriters, on a non-exclusive
basis, as its agent for the solicitation of the exercise of the warrants. To the
extent not inconsistent with the guidelines of the NASD and the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company has agreed to
pay the representative for bona fide services rendered a cash commission equal
to 5% of the exercise price for each warrant exercised more than one year after
the effective date of the prospectus if the exercise was solicited by the
representative. In addition to soliciting, either orally or in writing, the
exercise of the warrants, the representative's services may also include
disseminating information, either orally or in writing, to warrant holders about
the Company or the market for the Company's securities, and assisting in the
processing of the exercise of the warrants. No compensation will be paid to the
representative upon the exercise of the warrants if: (i) the market price of the
underlying ordinary shares is lower than the exercise price; (ii) the holder of
the warrants has not confirmed in writing that the representative solicited the
exercise; (iii) the warrants are held in a discretionary account; (iv) the
warrants are exercised in an unsolicited transaction; or (v) the arrangement to
pay the commission is not disclosed in the prospectus provided to warrant
holders at the time of exercise.
9.
Registration Rights
Under the
terms of the Company's warrant agreement, no public warrants will be exercisable
unless at the time of exercise a registration statement relating to ordinary
stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is effective and current, a
prospectus is available for use by the public stockholders and those shares of
ordinary stock have been registered or been deemed to be exempt from
registration under the securities laws of the state of residence of the holder
of the warrants.
The
Initial Stockholders and the holders of the Insider Warrants (or underlying
ordinary shares) received registration rights with respect to their founding
shares and Insider Warrants (or underlying ordinary shares). The holders of the
founding shares are entitled to demand that the Company register 50% of these
shares at any time commencing three months prior to nine months after the
consummation of the business combination and the balance of these shares at any
time commencing three months prior to the first anniversary of the consummation
of a business combination. The holders of the Insider Warrants (or underlying
ordinary shares) are entitled to demand that the Company register these
securities at any time after the Company consummates a business combination. In
addition, the Initial Stockholders and holders of the Insider Warrants (or
underlying ordinary shares) have certain “piggy-back” registration rights on
registration statements filed after the Company’s consummation of a business
combination.
In
addition, in no event will the registered holders of the warrants issued in the
Public Offering or the Private Placement be entitled to receive a net cash
settlement of stock or other consideration in lieu of physical settlement in
shares of the Company's ordinary stock.
The
Company will use its best efforts to cause a registration statement to become
effective on or prior to the commencement of the warrant exercise period and to
maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement until the expiration
of the warrants. If the Company is unable to maintain the effectiveness of such
registration statement until the expiration of the warrants and therefore is
unable to deliver registered shares, the warrants may become
worthless.
10. Subsequent
Events
On April
9, 2009, pursuant to the terms of a share exchange agreement, dated as of
February 4, 2009, as amended (the “Share Exchange Agreement”), by and among Yong
Hui Li, Yan Wang, Honest Best Int’l Ltd., AutoChina Group Inc. (together with
its subsidiaries and affiliated entities, “AutoChina”), Fancy Think Limited,
Hebei Chuanglian Trade Co., Ltd., Hebei Kaiyuan Real Estate Development Co.,
Ltd., Hebei Huiyin Investment Co., Ltd., Hebei Hua An Investment Co., Ltd.,
Hebei Tianmei Insurance Agency Co., Ltd., Hebei Shijie Kaiyuan Logistics Co.,
Ltd., Hebei Shijie Kaiyuan Auto Trade Co., Ltd., Shanxi Chuanglian Auto Trade
Co., Ltd., and AutoChina International Limited (formerly Spring Creek
Acquisition Corp.) (the “Company”), the Company acquired all of the outstanding
securities of AutoChina, resulting in AutoChina becoming a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company (the “Business Combination”).
AutoChina
consists of two primary reportable segments: the commercial vehicle
financing segment and the automotive dealership segment. AutoChina is a
full-service, integrated retailer of consumer automobiles and related services
and provider of commercial vehicle financing and related services under the
“Kaiyuan Auto” brand name. Through its strategically located network of
automotive dealerships and commercial vehicle financing centers located in the
People’s Republic of China, AutoChina provides one-stop service for the needs of
its customers, including retail sales of new and used consumer automobiles,
aftermarket parts sales, service and repair facilities, commercial vehicle
financing and related administrative services.
Pursuant
to the Share Exchange Agreement, at the closing of the Business Combination, the
Company issued 8,606,250 ordinary shares in the Company in upfront
consideration, of which 10% was held back and placed in escrow. The release of
50% of the holdback consideration is conditioned on the combined company
exceeding $22.5 million EBITDA and 30% EBITDA Growth (each as defined in the
Share Exchange Agreement) for the 2009 fiscal year, and the remaining 50% of the
holdback consideration will be released on the later of 20 days following
delivery of the 2009 audited financial statements for the combined company and
one year from the date of the closing of the transactions contemplated in the
Share Exchange Agreement, in each case less any damages claimed pursuant to the
indemnification provisions of the Share Exchange Agreement at the time of such
release. In addition, pursuant to an earn-out provision in the Share Exchange
Agreement, the Company agreed to issue to AutoChina’s prior shareholder between
5% and 20% of the number of ordinary shares of the Company outstanding as of
December 31 of the fiscal year immediately prior to such earn-out issuance for
achieving a minimum EBITDA and certain Targeted EBITDA Growth (each as defined
in the Share Exchange Agreement) in each of the next five years, through the
year ended December 31, 2013.
In
connection with the approval of the Business Combination at the April 8, 2009
Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company, the Company’s
shareholders also approved (i) the election of three (3) directors to the Board
of Directors of the Company, each to serve until his or her term has expired and
until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified; (ii) the adoption of
the AutoChina International Limited 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, which provides
for the grant of the right to purchase up to 1,675,000 ordinary shares of the
Company, representing up to approximately 10% of the Company’s share capital
upon the completion of the acquisition, plus the shares issuable pursuant to the
incentive plan, to directors, officers, employees and/or consultants of the
Company and its subsidiaries; (iii) an amendment to the Company’s Amended and
Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association to change the Company’s
corporate name to AutoChina International Limited; and (iv) an amendment to the
Company’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association to remove
certain provisions containing procedures and approvals applicable to the Company
prior to the consummation of a business combination that will no longer be
operative upon consummation of the acquisition.
On April
7, 2009, the Company entered into certain Put and Call Agreements with four of
its shareholders. Pursuant to such agreements, the Company agreed to be
obligated to purchase (the “Put Option”) from the shareholders, and the
shareholders have agreed to be obligated to sell (the “Call Option”) to the
Company, an aggregate of 156,990 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $9.05
per ordinary share, less the per share portion of any cash dividend or other
cash distribution paid to the Company’s shareholders prior to the exercise of
the Put Option or the Call Option. The Put Options are exercisable during the
two week period commencing on October 9, 2009. The Call Options are exercisable
until October 9, 2009, subject to certain limitations. In connection with these
agreements, the Company entered into an Escrow Agreement, dated April 7, 2009,
with the shareholders, Honest Best Int’l Ltd., the sole shareholder of AutoChina
prior to the Business Combination, and Loeb & Loeb LLP, as the escrow agent,
pursuant to which the escrow agent will hold 7,745,625 ordinary shares of the
Company issued to Honest Best Int’l Ltd. in connection with the Business
Combination, together with $376,776 in cash provided by the Company, to secure
payment of the exercise price by the Company.
On April
7, 2009, the Company entered into certain Put and Call Agreements with four of
its shareholders. Pursuant to the agreements, the Company agreed to be obligated
to purchase (the “Put Option”) from the shareholders, and the shareholders have
agreed to be obligated to sell (the “Call Option”) to the Company, an aggregate
of 299,000 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $8.50 per share, less the per
share portion of any cash dividend or other cash distribution paid to the
Company’s shareholders prior to the exercise of the Put Option or the Call
Option. The Put Options are exercisable during the two week period commencing on
October 9, 2009. The Call Options are exercisable until October 9, 2009, subject
to certain limitations.
On April
8, 2009, the Company entered into a Put and Call Agreement with two of its
shareholders. Simultaneously with the execution of the agreement, the
shareholders purchased an aggregate of 548,800 ordinary shares of the Company
originally issued in the Company’s initial public offering at a purchase price
of $7.865 per ordinary share. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company agreed to
be obligated to purchase (the “Put Option”) from the shareholders, and the
shareholders have agreed to be obligated to sell (the “Call Option”), an
aggregate of 548,800 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $8.40 per share,
less the per share portion of any cash dividend or other cash distribution paid
to the Company’s shareholders prior to the exercise of the Put Option or the
Call Option. The Company also paid the shareholders an aggregate of $57,624 in
connection with the agreement. The Put Options are exercisable during
the two week period commencing on October 9, 2009. The Call Options are
exercisable until October 9, 2009, subject to certain limitations. In
connection with this agreement, the Company entered into an Escrow Agreement,
dated April 8, 2009 with the shareholders, AutoChina and Loeb & Loeb LLP, as
the escrow agent, pursuant to which the escrow agent will hold $4,609,920 in
cash provided by the Company to secure payment of the exercise price by the
Company.
As of
April 9, 2009, exclusive of the aforementioned Put and Call Agreements, the
Company had agreed to purchase 3,053,910 ordinary shares of the Company, after
the closing of the transaction with AutoChina, for an aggregate of $24,217,506,
which agreements were completed after the closing of the Business
Combination. Such shares were voted in favor of the Business
Combination.
Accordingly,
as a result of these transactions, the holders of less than 40% of the ordinary
shares issued in the Company’s initial public offering elected to convert such
shares into a pro rata portion of the trust account. Pursuant to
redemption rights granted to stockholders who owned common stock issued in the
Company’s initial public offering, 1,040,934 shares were redeemed. The Company
utilized funds totaling $8,181,741 held in the trust account established in
connection with its initial public offering to consummate the
redemptions.
In
conjunction with the Business Combination, during April 2009, pursuant to the
terms of the Company’s initial public offering, certain founding shareholders of
the Company delivered an aggregate of 263,436 shares to the Company for
cancellation. No consideration was paid for such
cancellation.
In
conjunction with the closing of the Business Combination, the Company was
obligated to pay EarlyBird Capital, Inc. deferred underwriting fees of
$1,449,000, which had been previously accrued, and an additional investment
advisory fee of $180,000, which was charged to operations at closing, for an
aggregate amount of $1,629,000. The Company paid $1,200,000 of such
fees in cash at closing, and issued a short-term promissory note for the
remaining $429,000. The promissory note is non-interest bearing and
due on October 9, 2009. In connection with the promissory note, the
Company entered into an Escrow Agreement, dated April 9, 2009, with the
shareholders, Honest Best Int’l Limited, the sole shareholder of AutoChina prior
to the Transaction, and Loeb & Loeb LLP, as the escrow agent, pursuant to
which the escrow agent will hold 446,250 ordinary shares of the Company issued
to Honest Best Int’l Ltd. in connection with the Business Combination, to secure
payment of the promissory note.
From
March 16, 2009 through April 6, 2009, AutoChina purchased 1,522,892 warrants for
the purchase of ordinary shares of the Company for an aggregate cash
consideration of $577,627. An additional 40,000 warrants were
purchased on April 13, 2009 for $29,103.
On April
22, 2009, the Company announced that the Company’s Board of Directors had
authorized a warrant repurchase program. Pursuant to the
authorization of the Board of Directors, the Company may repurchase any number
of ordinary share purchase warrants (the exercise price of which is $5.00 per
ordinary share) on the open market or in negotiated transactions at a price per
warrant of no more than $1.00 per warrant. The timing and the amount
of any repurchases will be determined by the Company’s management based on its
evaluation of market conditions and other factors. Under the repurchase program,
there is no time limit for the warrant repurchases, nor is there a minimum
number of warrants that the Company intends to repurchase. The repurchase
program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior
notice. From April 22, 2009 through May 15, 2009, the Company had
repurchased a total of 870,000 warrants for an aggregate cash consideration of
$419,695.
In
conjunction with the Business Combination, the Company and AutoChina entered
into agreements reflecting immediate or short-term cash commitments as
summarized below, which were in excess of the amount in the Company’s trust
account at December 31, 2008 ($40,855,363) and at the closing of the Business
Combination.
Purchase
of shares
|
|
$
|
24,217,506
|
|
Payment
of deferred underwriting and advisory fees -
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
|
1,200,000
|
|
Short-term
note payable
|
|
|
429,000
|
|
Short-term
put and call agreements -
|
|
|
|
|
Fully
funded
|
|
|
4,986,696
|
|
Partially
funded
|
|
|
1,114,629
|
|
Unfunded
|
|
|
2,541,500
|
|
Redemption
of shares
|
|
|
8,181,741
|
|
Repurchase
of warrants
|
|
|
1,026,425
|
|
Legal
fees and other
|
|
|
410,124
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
44,107,621
|
|
The
following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been
prepared assuming that the Business Combination had occurred (i) at January 1,
2008 for the pro forma condensed combined statement of operations and (ii) at
December 31, 2008 for the pro forma condensed combined balance
sheet. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
information is provided for illustrative purposes only. The
historical financial information has been adjusted to give effect to pro forma
events that are directly attributable to the Business Combination, are factually
supportable, and are expected to have a continuing impact on the combined
results.
The
unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet is not necessarily
indicative of the historical financial position that would have been achieved
had the Business Combination been consummated as of December 31, 2008, and the
unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations is not
necessarily indicative of the historical financial results of operations that
would have been achieved had the Business Combination been consummated on
January 1, 2008.
The
historical financial information of AutoChina was derived from the audited
consolidated financial statements of AutoChina for the year ended December 31,
2008 and the notes thereto. The historical financial information of
the Company was derived from the audited financial statements of the Company for
the year ended December 31, 2008 and the notes thereto.
The
Business Combination will be accounted for as a reverse acquisition since,
immediately following completion of the transaction, the shareholders of
AutoChina immediately prior to the Business Combination will have effective
control of the Company through (1) their majority shareholder interest in the
combined entity, (2) significant representation on the Board of Directors
(initially two out of five members), with three other board members being
independent of both the Company and AutoChina, and (3) being named to all of the
senior executive positions. For accounting purposes, AutoChina will
be deemed to be the accounting acquirer in the transaction and, consequently,
the transaction will be treated as a recapitalization of AutoChina (i.e., a
capital transaction involving the issuance of stock by the Company for the stock
of AutoChina). Accordingly, the combined assets, liabilities and
results of operations of AutoChina will become the historical financial
statements of the Company at the closing of the transaction, and the Company’s
assets (primarily cash and cash equivalents), liabilities and results of
operations will be consolidated with AutoChina beginning on the acquisition
date. No step-up in basis or intangible assets or goodwill will be
recorded in this transaction. All direct costs of the transaction are
being charged to operations as incurred.
Actual
results could differ from the pro forma information presented and depends on
several variables, including, pursuant to an earn-out provision in the share
exchange agreement, the issuance to AutoChina’s prior shareholders of between 5%
and 20% of the number of ordinary shares of the Company outstanding as of
December 31 of the fiscal year immediately prior to such earn-out issuance for
achieving certain Targeted EBITDA Growth (as defined in the share exchange
agreement) in each of the five fiscal years ending December 31, 2009 through
December 31, 2013. Upon issuance, such shares will be recorded as an
adjustment to the accounting acquiree’s basis in the reverse acquisition (i.e.,
as an adjustment at par value to ordinary shares and additional paid-in
capital), and will be included in the calculations of earnings per share from
that date.
AutoChina
International Limited (formerly Spring Creek Acquisition Corp.) and AutoChina
Group, Inc.
Unaudited
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet
December
31, 2008
Assets
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
18,188,000
|
|
Restricted
cash
|
|
|
40,824,000
|
|
Restricted
cash held in escrow
|
|
|
4,987,000
|
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
4,272,000
|
|
Inventories
and deposits for inventories
|
|
|
59,084,000
|
|
Other
current assets
|
|
|
21,900,000
|
|
Investment
in unconsolidated subsidiaries
|
|
|
229,000
|
|
Property,
equipment and leasehold improvements, net
|
|
|
26,907,000
|
|
Net
investment in sales-type leases, net of current maturities
|
|
|
8,492,000
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
941,000
|
|
Total
Assets
|
|
$
|
185,824,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
and Stockholders’ Equity
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Floor
plan notes payable - manufacturer affiliated
|
|
$
|
12,379,000
|
|
Trade
notes payable
|
|
|
60,134,000
|
|
Other
notes payable
|
|
|
4,350,000
|
|
Accounts
payable and accrued liabilities
|
|
|
24,845,000
|
|
Share
repurchase obligations
|
|
|
7,908,000
|
|
Due
to affiliates
|
|
|
5,894,000
|
|
Other
current liabilities
|
|
|
4,898,000
|
|
Net
deferred income tax liabilities - non-current
|
|
|
405,000
|
|
Minority
interests
|
|
|
6,950,000
|
|
Total
Liabilities
|
|
|
127,763,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders’
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary
shares
|
|
|
11,000
|
|
Additional
paid-in capital
|
|
|
33,274,000
|
|
Statutory
reserves
|
|
|
741,000
|
|
Retained
earnings
|
|
|
17,850,000
|
|
Accumulated
other comprehensive income
|
|
|
6,185,000
|
|
Total
Stockholders’ Equity
|
|
|
58,061,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
|
|
$
|
185,824,000
|
|
AutoChina
International Limited (formerly Spring Creek Acquisition Corp.) and AutoChina
Group, Inc.
Unaudited
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations
Year
Ended December 31, 2008
Net
sales
|
|
$
|
440,585,000
|
|
Cost
of sales
|
|
|
414,672,000
|
|
Gross
profit
|
|
|
25,913,000
|
|
Selling
and marketing
|
|
|
6,692,000
|
|
General
and administrative
|
|
|
9,168,000
|
|
Other
income, net
|
|
|
(836,000
|
)
|
Income
from operations
|
|
|
10,889,000
|
|
Other
expense, net
|
|
|
(2,019,000
|
)
|
Income
before income taxes
|
|
|
8,870,000
|
|
Income
tax provision
|
|
|
2,562,000
|
|
Income
from continuing operations
|
|
|
6,308,000
|
|
Loss
from discontinued operations, net of taxes
|
|
|
(144,000
|
)
|
Net
Income
|
|
$
|
6,164,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income per common share -
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$
|
0.63
|
|
Diluted
|
|
$
|
0.53
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
average common shares outstanding -
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
9,711,930
|
|
Diluted
|
|
|
11,565,253
|
|
PART
II-INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item
6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
AutoChina’s
Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association provides that
no director will be personally liable to AutoChina or its shareholders for
monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the
extent this limitation or exemption is not permitted by the Cayman Islands law.
As currently enacted, the Cayman Islands law permits a corporation to provide in
its Memorandum and Articles of Association that a director will not be
personally liable to the corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages
for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability for: (i) any
breach of the directors duty of loyalty; (ii) acts or omissions not in good
faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law,
(iii) payments of unlawful dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or
redemptions or (iv) any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit.
The
principal effect of this provision is that a shareholder will be unable to
recover monetary damages against a director for breach of fiduciary duty unless
the shareholder can demonstrate that one of the exceptions listed above applies.
This provision, however, will not eliminate or limit liability arising under
federal securities laws. AutoChina’s charter does not eliminate its directors’
fiduciary duties. The inclusion of this provision in the charter may, however,
discourage or deter shareholders or management from bringing a lawsuit against
directors for a breach of their fiduciary duties, even though such an action, if
successful, might otherwise have benefited AutoChina and its shareholders. This
provision should not affect the availability of equitable remedies such as
injunction or rescission based upon a director’s breach of his or her fiduciary
duties.
Cayman
Islands law provides that a corporation may indemnify its directors and officers
as well as its other employees and agents against judgments, fines, amounts paid
in settlement and expenses, including attorneys fees, in connection with various
proceedings, other than an action brought by or in the right of the corporation,
if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed
to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with
respect to any criminal action or proceeding, if he or she had no reasonable
cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. A similar standard is
applicable in the case of an action brought by or in the right of the
corporation (commonly known as derivative suits), except that indemnification in
such a case may only extend to expenses, including attorneys fees, incurred in
connection with the defense or settlement of such actions, and the statute
requires court approval before there can be any indemnification where the person
seeking indemnification has been found liable to the corporation. AutoChina’s
charter and, with regard to its officers, its bylaws provide that AutoChina will
indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Cayman
Islands law. Under these provisions and subject to the Cayman Islands law,
AutoChina will be required to indemnify its directors and officers for all
judgments, fines, settlements, legal fees and other expenses incurred in
connection with pending or threatened legal proceedings because of the directors
or officers position with AutoChina or another entity that the director or
officer serves as a director, officer, employee or agent at AutoChina’s request,
subject to various conditions, and to advance funds to AutoChina’s directors and
officers before final disposition of such proceedings to enable them to defend
against such proceedings. To receive indemnification, the director or officer
must have been successful in the legal proceeding or have acted in good faith
and in what was reasonably believed to be a lawful manner in the best interest
of AutoChina. The bylaws also specifically authorize AutoChina to maintain
insurance on behalf of any person who is or was or has agreed to become a
director, officer, employee or agent of AutoChina, or is or was serving at
AutoChina’s request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another entity,
against certain liabilities.
Item
7. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
In
October 2007, AutoChina issued 1,293,750 ordinary shares to the individuals set
forth below for $25,000 in cash, at a purchase price of approximately $0.02 per
share, as follows:
Shareholder
|
|
Number of Shares
|
James
Cheng-Jee Sha
|
|
646,875
|
Diana
Chia-Huei Liu
|
|
258,750
|
William
Tsu-Cheng Yu
|
|
258,750
|
Jimmy
(Jim) Yee-Ming Wu
|
|
90,563
|
Gary
Han Ming Chang
|
|
38,812
|
Such
shares were issued pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in
Section 4(2) of the Securities Act as they were sold to sophisticated, wealthy
individuals. No underwriting discounts or commissions were paid with respect to
such sales. On May 4, 2009, pursuant to the terms of a share escrow agreement
dated February 27, 2008 between AutoChina, American Stock Transfer & Trust
Company and the founding shareholders, the founding shareholders forfeited and
AutoChina cancelled an aggregate of 263,463 ordinary shares of AutoChina as a
result of more than 20% of public shareholders of AutoChina voting against the
acquisition of ACG by AutoChina and exercising their conversion rights, as
described further in the share escrow agreement.
On
February 27, 2008, AutoChina completed a private placement of 1,430,000 warrants
to its founding shareholders and received net proceeds of $1,430,000. AutoChina
refers to the warrants sold in this private placement as the insider warrants.
The insider warrants are identical to the warrants underlying the units sold in
AutoChina’s initial public offering except that if AutoChina call the warrants
for redemption, the insider warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis so
long as such warrants are held by our founding shareholders or their affiliates.
The securities were sold in reliance on the exemption from registration
contained in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act since they were sold to
sophisticated, wealthy individuals. No underwriting discounts or commissions
were paid with respect to such securities.
On
February 27, 2008, AutoChina sold options to purchase up to an aggregate of
450,000 units to the representative of the underwriter (and certain of its
affiliates) in its initial public offering for an aggregate of $100. The
exercise price per unit is $8.80, and each unit consists of one ordinary share
and a warrant to purchase one ordinary share, exercisable at $5.00 per share.
The securities were sold in reliance on the exemption from registration
contained in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act since they were sold to the
underwriters in AutoChina’s initial public offering. No underwriting discounts
or commissions were paid with respect to such securities.
On April
9, 2009, pursuant to the terms of a share exchange agreement dated February 4,
2009 and amended March 11, 2009, AutoChina acquired all of the outstanding
securities of AutoChina Group Inc. (“ACG”). On that day, we filed our Second
Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association that, among other
things, changed our name to “AutoChina International Limited” and removed
certain provisions that, giving effect to AutoChina’s acquisition of ACG, were
no longer applicable.
Pursuant
to the share exchange agreement, upon AutoChina’s acquisition of ACG, AutoChina
issued 8,606,250 ordinary shares in AutoChina to Honest Best Int’l Ltd., ACG’s
prior shareholder, in upfront consideration, of which 10% was held back and
placed in escrow. The release of 50% of the holdback consideration is
conditioned on AutoChina’s exceeding $22.5 million EBITDA and 30% EBITDA Growth
(each as defined in the share exchange agreement) for the 2009 fiscal year, and
the remaining 50% of the holdback consideration will be released on the later of
20 days following delivery of the 2009 audited financial statements for
AutoChina and one year from the date of the closing of the transactions
contemplated in the share exchange agreement, in each case less any damages
claimed pursuant to the indemnification provisions of the share exchange
agreement at the time of such release. In addition, pursuant to an earn-out
provision in the share exchange agreement, AutoChina agreed to issue to Honest
Best Int’l Ltd., ACG’s prior shareholder, between 5% and 20% of the number of
ordinary shares outstanding as of December 31 of the fiscal year immediately
prior to such earn-out issuance for achieving a minimum EBITDA and certain
Targeted EBITDA Growth (each as defined in the Share Exchange Agreement) in each
of the next five years, through the year ended December 31,
2013.
Item
8. Exhibits.
Exhibit
No.
|
|
Description
|
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
Certificate
of Incorporation*
|
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
Second
Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of
Association
|
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
Specimen
Ordinary Share Certificate*
|
|
|
|
4.2
|
|
Specimen
Unit Certificate*
|
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
Specimen
Warrant Certificate*
|
|
|
|
5.1
|
|
Opinion
of
Harney
Westwood
&
Riegels
†
|
Exhibit
No.
|
|
Description
|
|
|
|
10.1
|
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. and James Cheng-Jee
Sha*
|
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. and William
Tsu-Cheng Yu*
|
|
|
|
10.3
|
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. and Diana Chia-Huei
Liu*
|
|
|
|
10.4
|
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. and Jimmy (Jim)
Yee-Ming Wu*
|
|
|
|
10.5
|
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. and Gary Han Ming
Chang*
|
|
|
|
10.6
|
|
Form
of Investment Management Trust Agreement between American Stock Transfer
& Trust Company and the Registrant*
|
|
|
|
10.7
|
|
Form
of Share Escrow Agreement between the Registrant, American Stock Transfer
& Trust Company and the Founding Shareholders*
|
|
|
|
10.8
|
|
Form
of Letter Agreement between Live ABC Interactive Co., Ltd. Beijing and
Registrant regarding administrative support*
|
|
|
|
10.9
|
|
Form
of Promissory Note, dated as of October 24, 2007, issued to James
Sha*
|
|
|
|
10.10
|
|
Form
of Promissory Note, dated as of October 24, 2007, issued to Diana
Liu*
|
|
|
|
10.11
|
|
Form
of Promissory Note, dated as of October 24, 2007, issued to William
Yu*
|
|
|
|
10.12
|
|
Share
Exchange Agreement**
|
|
|
|
10.13
|
|
Form
of Indemnification Agreement**
|
|
|
|
10.14
|
|
Form
of Registration Rights Agreement among the Registrant and the Founding
Shareholders**
|
|
|
|
10.15
|
|
Guarantee
Agreements**
|
|
|
|
10.16
|
|
Form
of AutoChina International Limited 2009 Equity Incentive
Plan***
|
|
|
|
10.17
|
|
Executive
Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Yong Hui Li, dated April
9, 2009
|
|
|
|
10.18
|
|
Executive
Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Johnson Lau, dated April
9, 2009
|
|
|
|
10.19
|
|
Executive
Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Wei Xing, dated April 9,
2009
|
|
|
|
10.20
|
|
Executive
Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Chen Lei, dated April 9,
2009
|
|
|
|
21.1
|
|
Subsidiaries
of the
Registrant**
|
Exhibit
No.
|
|
Description
|
|
|
|
23.1
|
|
Consent
of Harney
Westwood
&
Riegels
(included in
Exhibit 5.1)
|
|
|
|
23.2
|
|
Consent of UHY LLP, independent
registered public accounting firm
|
|
|
|
23.3
|
|
Consent of Grobstein, Horwath
& Company LLP, independent registered public accounting
firm
|
|
|
|
23.4
|
|
Consent of Crowe Horwath LLP,
independent registered public accounting
firm
|
|
|
|
23.5
|
|
Consent of Crowe Horwath LLP,
independent registered public accounting firm
for AutoChina
Group Inc.
|
|
|
|
24.1
|
|
Power
of Attorney (included on signature
page)
|
*
Incorporated by
reference to AutoChina’s Registration Statement, filed with the SEC on Form S-1
dated February 4, 2008.
**
Incorporated by reference to AutoChina’s Share Exchange Agreement, filed as
Exhibit 10.1 to AutoChina’s Form 6-K filed with the SEC on February 4,
2009.
***Incorporated
by reference to AutoChina’s Final Proxy Statement, filed with the SEC on Form
6-K filed March 11, 2009.
†
To be
filed by amendment.
Item
9. Undertakings.
(a) The
undersigned hereby undertakes:
|
(1)
|
To
file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration
statement:
|
|
(i)
|
To
include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act
of 1933;
|
|
(ii)
|
To
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective
date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective
amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a
fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration
statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in
volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities
offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from
the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be
reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to
Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price
represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price
set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective
registration statement.
|
|
(iii)
|
To
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution
not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material
change to such information in the registration
statement;
|
|
(2)
|
That,
for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
1933, each such post-effective amendment 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)
|
To
remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the
securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.
|
|
(4)
|
If
the registrant is a foreign private issuer, to file a post-effective
amendment to the registration statement to include any financial
statements required by Item 8.A. of Form 20-F at the start of any delayed
offering or throughout a continuous offering. Financial statements and
information otherwise required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Act need not be
furnished,
provided
that the
registrant includes in the prospectus, by means of a post-effective
amendment, financial statements required pursuant to this paragraph (a)(4)
and other information necessary to ensure that all other information in
the prospectus is at least as current as the date of those financial
statements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to registration
statements on Form F-3, a post-effective amendment need not be filed to
include financial statements and information required by Section 10(a)(3)
of the Act or Rule 3-19 of this chapter if such financial statements and
information are contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to
the Commission by the registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference
in the Form F-3.
|
|
(5)
|
That,
for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the
Securities Act of 1933 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.
|
(b)
|
Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of
1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the registrant has been
informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
is therefore unenforceable.
|
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
Shijiazhuang, Country of People’s Republic of China on May 29,
2009.
AUTOCHINA
INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
|
|
By:
|
|
|
Yong
Hui Li
|
|
Chief
Executive
Officer
|
POWER OF
ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL
MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints Yong Hui Li, in his individual capacity, as his true
and lawful attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution and resubstitution
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any
and all amendments including post-effective amendments to this registration
statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents
in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact or his substitute, each
acting alone, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
thereof.
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/
Yong Hui Li
|
|
Chief
Executive Officer, Chairman and Director
(principal
executive officer)
|
|
May
29, 2009
|
Yong
Hui Li
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Johnson
Lau
|
|
Chief
Financial Officer
(principal
accounting and financial officer)
|
|
May
29, 2009
|
Johnson
Lau
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Hui
Kai
Yan
|
|
Secretary
and Director
|
|
May
29, 2009
|
Hui
Kai
Yan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
James
Cheng-Jee
Sha
|
|
Director
|
|
May
29, 2009
|
James
Cheng
-Jee Sha
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Diana Chia-Huei Liu
|
|
Director
|
|
May
29, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Thomas Luen-Hung Lau
|
|
Director
|
|
May
29, 2009
|
Thomas
Luen-Hung Lau
|
|
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 AutoChina International Limited, has
signed this registration statement or amendment thereto in Atherton, CA on May
29, 2009.
Authorized
U.S. Representative
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/
Diana Chia-Huei Liu
|
Name:
Diana Chia-Huei
Liu
|
THE
COMPANIES LAW
EXEMPTED
COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
AMENDED
AND RESTATED MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION
OF
AUTOCHINA
INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
(Amended
by Special Resolution on April 8, 2009)
1.
|
The
name of the Company is AutoChina International
Limited.
|
2.
|
The
Registered Office of the Company shall be at the Registered Office of ATC
Trustees (Cayman) Limited, in George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-1203, Cayman
Islands, currently located on the second floor of Cayside, Harbour Drive,
P.O. Box 30592.
|
3.
|
Subject
to the following provisions of this Memorandum, the objects for which the
Company is established are
unrestricted.
|
4.
|
Subject
to the following provisions of this Memorandum, the Company shall have and
be capable of exercising all the functions of a natural person of full
capacity irrespective of any question of corporate benefit, as provided by
Section 27(2) of The Companies Law.
|
5.
|
Nothing
in this Memorandum shall permit the Company to carry on a business for
which a licence is required under the laws of the Cayman Islands unless
duly licensed.
|
6.
|
The
Company shall not trade in the Cayman Islands with any person, firm or
corporation except in furtherance of the business of the Company carried
on outside the Cayman Islands; provided that nothing in this clause shall
be construed as to prevent the Company effecting and concluding contracts
in the Cayman Islands, and exercising in the Cayman Islands all of its
powers necessary for the carrying on of its business outside the Cayman
Islands.
|
7.
|
The
liability of each member is limited to the amount from time to time unpaid
on such members shares.
|
8.
|
The
share capital of the Company is US$51,000 divided into 50,000,000 ordinary
shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.001 each and 1,000,000 preferred
shares of US$0.001 each.
|
9.
|
The
Company may exercise the power contained in the Companies Law to
deregister in the Cayman Islands and be registered by way of continuation
in another jurisdiction.
|
The
Companies Law (Revised)
Company
Limited by Shares
THE
AMENDED AND RESTATED
ARTICLES
OF ASSOCIATION
OF
AUTOCHINA
INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
(Adopted
by way of a special resolution passed on April 8, 2009)
INDEX
SUBJECT
|
|
Article No.
|
|
|
|
Table
A
|
|
1
|
Interpretation
|
|
2
|
Share
Capital
|
|
3
|
Alteration
Of Capital
|
|
4-7
|
Share
Rights
|
|
8-9
|
Variation
Of Rights
|
|
10-11
|
Shares
|
|
12-15
|
Share
Certificates
|
|
16-21
|
[Intentionally
Omitted]
|
|
22-42
|
Register
Of Members
|
|
43-44
|
Record
Dates
|
|
45
|
[Intentionally
Omitted]
|
|
46-51
|
Transmission
Of Shares
|
|
52
|
[Intentionally
Omitted]
|
|
53-54
|
Untraceable
Members
|
|
55
|
General
Meetings
|
|
56-58
|
Notice
Of General Meetings
|
|
59-60
|
Proceedings
At General Meetings
|
|
61-65
|
Voting
|
|
66,
68-69, 71-77
|
[Intentionally
Omitted]
|
|
67-70
|
Proxies
|
|
78-83
|
Corporations
Acting By Representatives
|
|
84
|
No
Action By Written Resolutions Of Members
|
|
85
|
Board
Of Directors
|
|
86
|
[Intentionally
Omitted]
|
|
87-88
|
Disqualification
Of Directors
|
|
89
|
Executive
Directors
|
|
90-91
|
[Intentionally
Omitted]
|
|
92-95
|
Directors
Fees and Expenses
|
|
96-99
|
Directors
Interests
|
|
100
|
[Intentionally
Omitted]
|
|
101-103
|
General
Powers Of The Directors
|
|
104-109
|
Borrowing
Powers
|
|
110-113
|
Proceedings
Of The Directors
|
|
114-125
|
[Intentionally
Omitted]
|
|
126
|
Officers
|
|
127-130
|
Register
of Directors and Officers
|
|
131
|
Minutes
|
|
132
|
Seal
|
|
133
|
Authentication
Of Documents
|
|
134-135
|
Dividends
and Other Payments
|
|
136-145
|
Reserves
|
|
146
|
Capitalization
|
|
147-148
|
Subscription
Rights Reserve
|
|
149
|
Accounting
Records
|
|
150-154
|
Audit
|
|
155-157,
159-160
|
[Intentionally
Omitted]
|
|
158
|
Notices
|
|
161-163
|
Signatures
|
|
164
|
Winding
Up
|
|
165-166
|
Indemnity
|
|
167
|
Amendment
to Memorandum and Articles of Association and Name of
Company
|
|
168
|
Information
|
|
169
|
TABLE A
1. The
regulations in Table A in the Schedule to the Companies Law (Revised) do not
apply to the Company.
INTERPRETATION
2. 2.1
Certain of the terms contained in these Articles that are listed in the first
column of the table below, unless the context otherwise requires, shall bear the
meaning set opposite them respectively in the second column.
|
|
MEANING
|
|
|
|
Auditor
|
|
the
independent auditor of the Company which shall be a firm of independent
accountants registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board.
|
|
|
|
Articles
|
|
these
Articles in their present form or as supplemented or amended or
substituted from time to time.
|
|
|
|
AutoChina
|
|
AutoChina
Group Inc
|
|
|
|
AutoChina
Acquisition
|
|
the
Companys acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of AutoChina from
the AutoChina Shareholders pursuant to the Share Exchange
Agreement.
|
|
|
|
AutoChina
Shareholders
|
|
Honest
Best Intl Ltd (FounderCo) and any other registered owner of share capital
of AutoChina immediately prior to the consummation of the AutoChina
Acquisition and the transactions contemplated by the Share Exchange
Agreement.
|
|
|
|
AutoChina
Shareholders
|
|
|
Representative
|
|
Yan
Wang or such other individual as designated by FounderCo in writing, who
has been irrevocably and fully authorized to act on behalf of all of the
AutoChina Shareholders with respect to such matters as designated
herein.
|
|
|
|
Board
or Directors
|
|
the
board of directors of the Company or the directors present at a meeting of
directors of the Company at which a quorum is present.
|
|
|
|
capital
|
|
the
share capital from time to time of the Company.
|
|
|
|
clear
days
|
|
in
relation to the period of a notice, that period excluding the day when the
notice is given or deemed to be given and the day for which it is given or
on which it is to take
effect.
|
clearing
house
|
|
a
clearing house recognized by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the
shares of the Company (or depositary receipts therefor) are listed or
quoted on a stock exchange or interdealer quotation system in such
jurisdiction.
|
|
|
|
Company
|
|
AutoChina
International Limited.
|
|
|
|
Company
Shareholders
|
|
|
Representative
|
|
shall
mean James Sha or such other individual as designated by a majority of the
existing shareholders of the Company that were also shareholders of the
Company immediately prior to the AutoChina Acquisition, such designation
in writing, who has been irrevocably and fully authorized to act on behalf
of all of the shareholders of the Company with respect to such matters as
designated herein.
|
|
|
|
competent
regulatory authority
|
|
a
competent regulatory authority in the territory where the shares of the
Company (or depositary receipts therefor) are listed or quoted on a stock
exchange or interdealer quotation system in such
territory.
|
|
|
|
debenture
|
|
and
include debenture stock and debenture stockholder debenture holder
respectively.
|
|
|
|
Designated
Stock Exchange
|
|
the
OTC Bulletin Board or such other exchange or interdealer quotation system
upon which the Companys securities are listed or
quoted.
|
|
|
|
dollars
and $
|
|
dollars,
the legal currency of the United States of America.
|
|
|
|
head
office
|
|
such
office of the Company as the Directors may from time to time determine to
be the principal office of the Company.
|
|
|
|
Law
|
|
The
Companies Law, Cap. 22 (Law 3 of 1961, as consolidated and revised) of the
Cayman Islands.
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
a
duly registered holder from time to time of the shares in the capital of
the Company.
|
|
|
|
month
|
|
a
calendar month.
|
|
|
|
Notice
|
|
written
notice unless otherwise specifically stated and as further defined in
these
Articles.
|
Office
|
|
the
registered office of the Company for the time being.
|
|
|
|
ordinary
resolution
|
|
a
resolution shall be an ordinary resolution when it has been passed by a
simple majority of votes cast by such Members as, being entitled so to do,
vote in person or, in the case of any Member being a corporation, by its
duly authorized representative or, where proxies are allowed, by proxy at
a general meeting of which not less than ten (10) clear days Notice has
been duly given.
|
|
|
|
paid
up
|
|
paid
up or credited as paid up.
|
|
|
|
Register
|
|
the
principal register and, where applicable, any branch register of Members
of the Company to be maintained at such place within or outside the Cayman
Islands as the Board shall determine from time to time.
|
|
|
|
Registration
Office
|
|
in
respect of any class of share capital such place as the Board may from
time to time determine to keep a branch register of Members in respect of
that class of share capital and where (except in cases where the Board
otherwise directs) the transfers or other documents of title for such
class of share capital are to be lodged for registration and are to be
registered.
|
|
|
|
Seal
|
|
common
seal or any one or more duplicate seals of the Company (including a
securities seal) for use in the Cayman Islands or in any place outside the
Cayman Islands.
|
|
|
|
Secretary
|
|
any
person, firm or corporation appointed by the Board to perform any of the
duties of secretary of the Company and includes any assistant, deputy,
temporary or acting secretary.
|
|
|
|
Share
Exchange Agreement
|
|
a
Share Exchange Agreement dated February 4, 2009, made by and among Li
Yonghui, Yan Wang, FounderCo, AutoChina, Fancy Think Limited, the entities
listed on Schedule A6 thereto, and the Company, with respect to the
Companys acquisition of 1,000 shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.001
each in the capital of AutoChina from
FounderCo.
|
special
resolution
|
|
a
resolution shall be a special resolution when it has been passed by not
less than two-thirds (2/3) of votes cast by such Members as, being
entitled so to do, vote in person or, in the case of such Members as are
corporations, by their respective duly authorized representative or, where
proxies are allowed, by proxy at a general meeting of which not less than
ten (10) clear days Notice, specifying (without prejudice to the power
contained in these Articles to amend the same) the intention to propose
the resolution as a special resolution, has been duly given. Provided
that, except in the case of an annual general meeting, if it is so agreed
by a majority in number of the Members having the right to attend and vote
at any such meeting, being a majority together holding not less than
ninety-five (95) percent in nominal value of the shares giving that right
and in the case of an annual general meeting, if it is so agreed by all
Members entitled to attend and vote thereat, a resolution may be proposed
and passed as a special resolution at a meeting of which less than ten
(10) clear days Notice has been given; a special resolution shall be
effective for any purpose for which an ordinary resolution is expressed to
be required under any provision of these Articles or the
Statutes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
the
Law and every other law of the Legislature of the Cayman Islands for the
time being in force applying to or affecting the Company, its Memorandum
of Association and/or these Articles.
|
|
|
|
year"
|
|
a
calendar year.
|
2.2 In
these Articles, unless there be something within the subject or context
inconsistent with such construction:
(a) words
importing the singular include the plural and vice versa;
(b) words
importing a gender include both genders and the neuter;
(c) words
importing persons include companies, associations and bodies of persons whether
corporate or not;
(d) the
words:
(i) may
shall be construed as permissive;
(ii) shall or
will shall be construed as imperative;
(e) expressions
referring to writing shall, unless the contrary intention appears, be construed
as including printing, lithography, photography and other modes of representing
words or figures in a visible form, and including where the representation takes
the form of electronic display, provided that both the mode of service of the
relevant document or notice and the Members election comply with all applicable
Statutes, rules and regulations;
(f) references
to any law, ordinance, statute or statutory provision shall be interpreted as
relating to any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof for the time
being in force;
(g) save as
aforesaid words and expressions defined in the Statutes shall bear the same
meanings in these Articles if not inconsistent with the subject in the
context;
(h) references
to a document being executed include references to it being executed under hand
or under seal or by electronic signature or by any other method and references
to a notice or document include a notice or document recorded or stored in any
digital, electronic, electrical, magnetic or other retrievable form or medium
and information in visible form whether having physical substance or
not.
SHARE
CAPITAL
3.
3.1 The
share capital of the Company at the date on which these Articles come into
effect shall be divided into shares of a par value of $0.001 each.
3.2 Subject to
the Law, the Companys Memorandum and Articles of Association and, where
applicable, the rules of the Designated Stock Exchange and/or any competent
regulatory authority, the Company shall have the power to purchase or otherwise
acquire its own shares and such power shall be exercisable by the Board in such
manner, upon such terms and subject to such conditions as it in its absolute
discretion thinks fit and any determination by the Board of the manner of
purchase shall be deemed authorised by these Articles for purposes of the
Law.
3.3 No share
shall be issued to bearer.
ALTERATION OF
CAPITAL
4.
The Company may from time to time by ordinary resolution in accordance with the
Law alter the conditions of its Memorandum of Association to:
(a) increase
its capital by such sum, to be divided into shares of such amounts, as the
resolution shall prescribe;
(b) consolidate
and divide all or any of its capital into shares of larger amount than its
existing shares;
(c) without
prejudice to the powers of the Board under Article 12, divide its shares into
several classes and without prejudice to any special rights previously conferred
on the holders of existing shares attach thereto respectively any preferential,
deferred, qualified or special rights, privileges, conditions or such
restrictions which in the absence of any such determination by the Company in
general meeting, as the Directors may determine provided always that, for the
avoidance of doubt, where a class of shares has been authorized by the Company
no resolution of the Company in general meeting is required for the issuance of
shares of that class and the Directors may issue shares of that class and
determine such rights, privileges, conditions or restrictions attaching thereto
as aforesaid, and further provided that where the Company issues shares which do
not carry voting rights, the words non-voting shall appear in the designation of
such shares and where the equity capital includes shares with different voting
rights, the designation of each class of shares, other than those with the most
favorable voting rights, must include the words restricted voting or limited
voting;
(d) sub-divide
its shares, or any of them, into shares of smaller amount than is fixed by the
Memorandum of Association (subject, nevertheless, to the Law), and may by such
resolution determine that, as between the holders of the shares resulting from
such sub-division, one or more of the shares may have any such preferred,
deferred or other rights or be subject to any such restrictions as compared with
the other or others as the Company has power to attach to unissued or new
shares;
(e) cancel any
shares which, at the date of the passing of the resolution, have not been taken,
or agreed to be taken, by any person, and diminish the amount of its capital by
the amount of the shares so cancelled or, in the case of shares, without par
value, diminish the number of shares into which its capital is
divided.
5.
The Board may settle as it considers expedient any difficulty which arises in
relation to any consolidation and division under the last preceding Article and
in particular but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing may issue
certificates in respect of fractions of shares or arrange for the sale of the
shares representing fractions and the distribution of the net proceeds of sale
(after deduction of the expenses of such sale) in due proportion amongst the
Members who would have been entitled to the fractions, and for this purpose the
Board may authorize some person to transfer the shares representing fractions to
their purchaser or resolve that such net proceeds be paid to the Company for the
Companys benefit. Such purchaser will not be bound to see to the application of
the purchase money nor will his title to the shares be affected by any
irregularity or invalidity in the proceedings relating to the sale.
6.
The Company may from time to time by special resolution, subject to
any confirmation or consent required by the Law, reduce its share capital or any
capital redemption reserve or other undistributable reserve in any manner
permitted by law.
7.
Except so far as otherwise provided by the conditions of issue, or
by these Articles, any capital raised by the creation of new shares shall be
treated as if it formed part of the original capital of the Company, and such
shares shall be subject to the provisions contained in these Articles with
reference to the payment of calls and installments, transfer and transmission,
forfeiture, lien, cancellation, surrender, voting and otherwise.
SHARE
RIGHTS
8.
Subject to the provisions of the Law, the rules of the Designated Stock
Exchange and the Memorandum and Articles of Association and to any special
rights conferred on the holders of any shares or class of shares, and without
prejudice to Article 12 hereof, any share in the Company (whether forming part
of the present capital or not) may be issued with or have attached thereto such
rights or restrictions whether in regard to dividend, voting, return of capital
or otherwise as the Board may determine, including without limitation on terms
that they may be, or at the option of the Company or the holder are, liable to
be redeemed on such terms and in such manner, including out of capital, as the
Board may deem fit.
9.
Subject to the Law, any preferred shares may be issued or converted
into shares that, at a determinable date or at the option of the Company or the
holder if so authorized by its Memorandum of Association, are liable to be
redeemed on such terms and in such manner as the Company before the issue or
conversion may by ordinary resolution of the Members determine. Where the
Company purchases for redemption a redeemable share, purchases not made through
the market or by tender shall be limited to a maximum price as may from time to
time be determined by the Board, either generally or with regard to specific
purchases. If purchases are by tender, tenders shall comply with applicable
laws.
VARIATION OF
RIGHTS
10. Subject
to the Law and without prejudice to Article 8, all or any of the special rights
for the time being attached to the shares or any class of shares may, unless
otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class, from time
to time (whether or not the Company is being wound up) be varied, modified or
abrogated with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate general
meeting of the holders of the shares of that class. To every such separate
general meeting all the provisions of these Articles relating to general
meetings of the Company shall, mutatis mutandis, apply, but so
that:
(a) the
necessary quorum (whether at a separate general meeting or at its adjourned
meeting) shall be a person or persons (or in the case of a Member being a
corporation, its duly authorized representative) together holding or
representing by proxy not less than one-third in nominal value of the issued
shares of that class;
(b) every
holder of shares of the class shall be entitled on a poll to one vote for every
such share held by him; and
(c) any holder
of shares of the class present in person or by proxy or authorized
representative may demand a poll.
11. The
special rights conferred upon the holders of any shares or class of shares shall
not, unless otherwise expressly provided in the rights attaching to or the terms
of issue of such shares, be deemed to be varied, modified or abrogated by the
creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu therewith.
SHARES
12. 12.1 Subject
to the Law, these Articles (including without limitation the provisions of
Article 105) and, where applicable, the rules of the Designated Stock Exchange
and without prejudice to any special rights or restrictions for the time being
attached to any shares or any class of shares, the unissued shares of the
Company (whether forming part of the original or any increased capital) shall be
at the disposal of the Board, which may offer, allot, grant options over or
otherwise dispose of them to such persons, at such times and for such
consideration and upon such terms and conditions as the Board may in its
absolute discretion determine but so that no shares shall be issued at a
discount. In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the
foregoing, the Board is hereby empowered to authorize by resolution or
resolutions from time to time the issuance of one or more classes or series of
preferred shares and to fix the designations, powers, preferences and relative,
participating, optional and other rights, if any, and the qualifications,
limitations and restrictions thereof, if any, including, without limitation, the
number of shares constituting each such class or series, dividend rights,
conversion rights, redemption privileges, voting powers, full or limited or no
voting powers, and liquidation preferences, and to increase or decrease the size
of any such class or series (but not below the number of shares of any class or
series of preferred shares then outstanding) to the extent permitted by Law.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the resolution or resolutions
providing for the establishment of any class or series of preferred shares may,
to the extent permitted by law, provide that such class or series shall be
superior to, rank equally with or be junior to the preferred shares of any other
class or series.
12.2 Neither the Company
nor the Board shall be obliged, when making or granting any allotment of, offer
of, option over or disposal of shares, to make, or make available, any such
allotment, offer, option or shares to Members or others with registered
addresses in any particular territory or territories being a territory or
territories where, in the absence of a registration statement or other special
formalities, this would or might, in the opinion of the Board, be unlawful or
impracticable. Members affected as a result of the foregoing sentence shall not
be, or be deemed to be, a separate class of members for any purpose whatsoever.
Except as otherwise expressly provided in the resolution or resolutions
providing for the establishment of any class or series of preferred shares, no
vote of the holders of preferred shares of or ordinary shares shall be a
prerequisite to the issuance of any shares of any class or series of the
preferred shares authorized by and complying with the conditions of the
Memorandum and Articles of Association.
12.3 Subject to the
provisions of Article 105, the Board may issue options, warrants or convertible
securities or securities of similar nature conferring the right upon the holders
thereof to subscribe for, purchase or receive any class of shares or securities
in the capital of the Company on such terms as it may from time to time
determine.
13. The
Company may in connection with the issue of any shares exercise all powers of
paying commission and brokerage conferred or permitted by the Law. Subject to
the Law, the commission may be satisfied by the payment of cash or by the
allotment of fully or partly paid shares or partly in one and partly in the
other.
14. Except
as required by law, no person shall be recognized by the Company as holding any
share upon any trust and the Company shall not be bound by or required in any
way to recognize (even when having notice thereof) any equitable, contingent,
future or partial interest in any share or any fractional part of a share or
(except only as otherwise provided by these Articles or by law) any other rights
in respect of any share except an absolute right to the entirety thereof in the
registered holder.
15. Subject
to the Law and these Articles, the Board may at any time after the allotment of
shares but before any person has been entered in the Register as the holder,
recognize a renunciation thereof by the allottee in favor of some other person
and may accord to any allottee of a share a right to effect such renunciation
upon and subject to such terms and conditions as the Board considers fit to
impose.
SHARE
CERTIFICATES
16. Every
share certificate shall be issued under the Seal or a facsimile thereof and
shall specify the number and class and distinguishing numbers (if any) of the
shares to which it relates, and the amount paid up thereon and may otherwise be
in such form as the Directors may from time to time determine. No certificate
shall be issued representing shares of more than one class. The Board may by
resolution determine, either generally or in any particular case or cases, that
any signatures on any such certificates (or certificates in respect of other
securities) need not be autographic but may be affixed to such certificates by
some mechanical means or may be printed thereon.
17. 17.1 In
the case of a share held jointly by several persons, the Company shall not be
bound to issue more than one certificate therefor and delivery of a certificate
to one of several joint holders shall be sufficient delivery to all such
holders.
17.2 Where a share stands
in the names of two or more persons, the person first named in the Register
shall as regards service of notices and, subject to the provisions of these
Articles, all or any other matters connected with the Company, except the
transfer of the shares, be deemed the sole holder thereof.
18. Every
person whose name is entered, upon an allotment of shares, as a Member in the
Register shall be entitled, without payment, to receive one certificate for all
such shares of any one class or several certificates each for one or more of
such shares of such class upon payment for every certificate after the first of
such reasonable out-of-pocket expenses as the Board from time to time
determines.
19. Share
certificates shall be issued within the relevant time limit as prescribed by the
Law or as the Designated Stock Exchange may from time to time determine,
whichever is the shorter, after allotment or, except in the case of a transfer
which the Company is for the time being entitled to refuse to register and does
not register, after lodgment of a transfer with the Company.
20. 20.1 Upon
every transfer of shares the certificate held by the transferor, if any, shall
be given up to be cancelled, and shall forthwith be cancelled accordingly, and a
new certificate shall be issued to the transferee in respect of the shares
transferred to him at such fee as is provided in paragraph (2) of this Article.
If any of the shares included in the certificate so given up shall be retained
by the transferor a new certificate for the balance shall be issued to him at
the aforesaid fee payable by the transferor to the Company in respect
thereof.
20.2 The fee referred to in
paragraph (1) above shall be an amount not exceeding the relevant maximum amount
as the Designated Stock Exchange may from time to time determine provided that
the Board may at any time determine a lower amount for such fee.
21. If
a share certificate shall be damaged or defaced or alleged to have been lost,
stolen or destroyed a new certificate representing the same shares may be issued
to the relevant Member upon request and on payment of such fee as the Company
may determine and, subject to compliance with such terms (if any) as to evidence
and indemnity and to payment of the costs and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
of the Company in investigating such evidence and preparing such indemnity as
the Board may think fit and, in case of damage or defacement, on delivery of the
old certificate to the Company provided always that where share warrants have
been issued, no new share warrant shall be issued to replace one that has been
lost unless the Board has determined that the original has been
destroyed.
22. [Intentionally
Omitted]
23. [Intentionally
Omitted]
24. [Intentionally
Omitted]
25. [Intentionally
Omitted]
26. [Intentionally
Omitted]
27. [Intentionally
Omitted]
28. [Intentionally
Omitted]
29. [Intentionally
Omitted]
30. [Intentionally
Omitted]
31. [Intentionally
Omitted]
32. [Intentionally
Omitted]
33. [Intentionally
Omitted]
34. [Intentionally
Omitted]
35. [Intentionally
Omitted]
36. [Intentionally
Omitted]
37. [Intentionally
Omitted]
38. [Intentionally
Omitted]
39. [Intentionally
Omitted]
40. [Intentionally
Omitted]
41. [Intentionally
Omitted]
42. [Intentionally
Omitted]
REGISTER OF
MEMBERS
43. 43.1 The
Company shall keep in one or more books a Register of its Members and shall
enter therein the following particulars, that is to say:
(a) the name
and address of each Member, the number and class of shares held by him and the
amount paid or agreed to be considered as paid on such shares;
(b) the date on
which each person was entered in the Register; and
(c) the date on
which any person ceased to be a Member.
43.2 The Company may keep an overseas
or local or other branch register of Members resident in any place, and the
Board may make and vary such regulations as it determines in respect of the
keeping of any such register and maintaining a Registration Office in connection
therewith.
44. The
Register and branch register of Members, as the case may be, shall be open to
inspection for such times and on such days as the Board shall determine by
Members without charge, at the Office or such other place as determined by the
Board. The Register including any overseas or local or other branch register of
Members may, after notice has been given by advertisement in an appointed
newspaper or any other newspapers in accordance with the requirements of the
Designated Stock Exchange or by any electronic means in such manner as may be
accepted by the Designated Stock Exchange to that effect, be closed at such
times or for such periods not exceeding in the whole thirty (30) days in each
year as the Board may determine and either generally or in respect of any class
of shares.
RECORD
DATES
45. For
the purpose of determining the Members entitled to notice of or to vote at any
general meeting, or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to express consent to
corporate action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of
any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to
exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of shares
or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board may fix, in advance, a
date as the record date for any such determination of Members, which date shall
not be more than sixty (60) days nor less than ten (10) days before the date of
such meeting, nor more than sixty (60) days prior to any other such
action.
If
the Board does not fix a record date for any general meeting, the record date
for determining the Members entitled to a notice of or to vote at such meeting
shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which
notice is given, or, if in accordance with these Articles notice is waived, at
the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is
held. If corporate action without a general meeting is to be taken, the record
date for determining the Members entitled to express consent to such corporate
action in writing, when no prior action by the Board is necessary, shall be the
first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or
proposed to be taken is delivered to the Company by delivery to its head office.
The record date for determining the Members for any other purpose shall be at
the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution
relating thereto.
A
determination of the Members of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a
meeting of the Members shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided,
however, that the Board may fix a new record date for the adjourned
meeting.
46. [Intentionally
Omitted]
47. [Intentionally
Omitted]
48. [Intentionally
Omitted]
49. [Intentionally
Omitted]
50. [Intentionally
Omitted]
51. [Intentionally
Omitted]
TRANSMISSION OF
SHARES
52. If
a Member dies, the survivor or survivors where the deceased was a joint holder,
and his legal personal representatives where he was a sole or only surviving
holder, will be the only persons recognized by the Company as having any title
to his interest in the shares; but nothing in this Article will release the
estate of a deceased Member (whether sole or joint) from any liability in
respect of any share which had been solely or jointly held by him.
53. [Intentionally
Omitted]
54. [Intentionally
Omitted]
UNTRACEABLE
MEMBERS
55. 55.1 Without
prejudice to the rights of the Company under paragraph (2) of this Article, the
Company may cease sending checks for dividend entitlements or dividend warrants
by post if such checks or warrants have been left uncashed on two consecutive
occasions. However, the Company may exercise the power to cease sending checks
for dividend entitlements or dividend warrants after the first occasion on which
such a check or warrant is returned undelivered.
55.2 The Company shall have
the power to sell, in such manner as the Board thinks fit, any shares of a
Member who is untraceable, but no such sale shall be made unless:
(a) all checks
or warrants in respect of dividends of the shares in question, being not less
than three in total number, for any sum payable in cash to the holder of such
shares in respect of them sent during the relevant period in the manner
authorized by the Articles of the Company have remained uncashed;
(b) so far as
it is aware at the end of the relevant period, the Company has not at any time
during the relevant period received any indication of the existence of the
Member who is the holder of such shares or of a person entitled to such shares
by death, bankruptcy or operation of law; and
(c) the
Company, if so required by the rules governing the listing of shares on the
Designated Stock Exchange, has given notice to, and caused advertisement in
newspapers to be made in accordance with the requirements of, the Designated
Stock Exchange of its intention to sell such shares in the manner required by
the Designated Stock Exchange, and a period of three months or such shorter
period as may be allowed by the Designated Stock Exchange has elapsed since the
date of such advertisement.
For the purpose of the foregoing, the relevant period means the period
commencing twelve (12) years before the date of publication of the advertisement
referred to in paragraph (c) of this Article and ending at the expiry of the
period referred to in that paragraph.
55.3 To give effect to any
such sale the Board may authorize some person to transfer the said shares and an
instrument of transfer signed or otherwise executed by or on behalf of such
person shall be as effective as if it had been executed by the registered holder
or the person entitled by transmission to such shares, and the purchaser shall
not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money nor shall his title
to the shares be affected by any irregularity or invalidity in the proceedings
relating to the sale. The net proceeds of the sale will belong to the Company
and upon receipt by the Company of such net proceeds it shall become indebted to
the former Member for an amount equal to such net proceeds. No trust shall be
created in respect of such debt and no interest shall be payable in respect of
it and the Company shall not be required to account for any money earned from
the net proceeds which may be employed in the business of the Company or as it
thinks fit. Any sale under this Article shall be valid and effective
notwithstanding that the Member holding the shares sold is dead, bankrupt or
otherwise under any legal disability or incapacity.
GENERAL
MEETINGS
56. An
annual general meeting of the Company shall be held in each year other than the
year of the Companys incorporation at such time and place as may be determined
by the Board.
57. Each
general meeting, other than an annual general meeting, shall be called an
extraordinary general meeting. General meetings may be held at such times and in
any location in the world as may be determined by the Board.
58. Only
a majority of the Board or the Chairman of the Board may call extraordinary
general meetings, which extraordinary general meetings shall be held at such
times and locations (as permitted hereby) as such person or persons shall
determine.
NOTICE OF GENERAL
MEETINGS
59. 59.1 An
annual general meeting and any extraordinary general meeting may be called by
not less than ten (10) clear days Notice but a general meeting may be called by
shorter notice, subject to the Law, if it is so agreed:
(a) in
the case of a meeting called as an annual general meeting, by all the Members
entitled to attend and vote thereat; and
(b) in
the case of any other meeting, by a majority in number of the Members having the
right to attend and vote at the meeting, being a majority together holding not
less than ninety-five percent (95%) in nominal value of the issued shares giving
that right.
59.2 The notice shall
specify the time and place of the meeting and, in case of special business, the
general nature of the business. The notice convening an annual general meeting
shall specify the meeting as such. Notice of every general meeting shall be
given to all Members other than to such Members as, under the provisions of
these Articles or the terms of issue of the shares they hold, are not entitled
to receive such notices from the Company, to all persons entitled to a share in
consequence of the death or bankruptcy or winding-up of a Member and to each of
the Directors and the Auditors.
60. The
accidental omission to give Notice of a meeting or (in cases where instruments
of proxy are sent out with the Notice) to send such instrument of proxy to, or
the non-receipt of such Notice or such instrument of proxy by, any person
entitled to receive such Notice shall not invalidate any resolution passed or
the proceedings at that meeting.
PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL
MEETINGS
61. 61.1 All
business shall be deemed special that is transacted at an extraordinary general
meeting, and also all business that is transacted at an annual general meeting,
with the exception of:
(a) the
declaration and sanctioning of dividends;
(b) consideration
and adoption of the accounts and balance sheet and the reports of the Directors
and Auditors and other documents required to be annexed to the balance
sheet;
(c) the
election of Directors;
(d) appointment
of Auditors (where special notice of the intention for such appointment is not
required by the Law) and other officers;
(e) the
fixing of the remuneration of the Auditors, and the voting of remuneration or
extra remuneration to the Directors;
(f) the
granting of any mandate or authority to the Directors to offer, allot, grant
options over or otherwise dispose of the unissued shares in the capital of the
Company representing not more than 20 percent (20%) in nominal value of its
existing issued share capital; and
(g) the
granting of any mandate or authority to the Directors to repurchase securities
of the Company.
61.2 No business other than
the appointment of a chairman of a meeting shall be transacted at any general
meeting unless a quorum is present at the commencement of the business. At any
general meeting of the Company, Members entitled to vote and present in person
or by proxy or (in the case of a Member being a corporation) by its duly
authorized representative representing not less than one-third in nominal value
of the total issued voting shares in the Company throughout the meeting shall
form a quorum for all purposes.
62. If
within thirty (30) minutes (or such longer time not exceeding one hour as the
chairman of the meeting may determine to wait) after the time appointed for the
meeting a quorum is not present, the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same
day in the next week at the same time and place or to such time and place as the
Board may determine. If at such adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within
half an hour from the time appointed for holding the meeting, the meeting shall
be dissolved.
63. The
chairman of the Company shall preside as chairman at every general meeting. If
at any meeting the chairman is not present within fifteen (15) minutes after the
time appointed for holding the meeting, or is not willing to act as chairman,
the Directors present shall choose one of their number to act, or if one
Director only is present he shall preside as chairman if willing to act. If no
Director is present, or if each of the Directors present declines to take the
chair, or if the chairman chosen shall retire from the chair, the Members
present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote shall elect one of their
number to be chairman.
64. The
chairman may adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place, but
no business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting other than the business
which might lawfully have been transacted at the meeting had the adjournment not
taken place. When a meeting is adjourned for fourteen (14) days or more, at
least seven (7) clear days notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given
specifying the time and place of the adjourned meeting but it shall not be
necessary to specify in such notice the nature of the business to be transacted
at the adjourned meeting and the general nature of the business to be
transacted. Save as aforesaid, it shall be unnecessary to give notice of an
adjournment.
65. If
an amendment is proposed to any resolution under consideration but is in good
faith ruled out of order by the chairman of the meeting, the proceedings on the
substantive resolution shall not be invalidated by any error in such ruling. In
the case of a resolution duly proposed as a special resolution, no amendment
thereto (other than a mere clerical amendment to correct a patent error) may in
any event be considered or voted upon.
VOTING
66. Subject
to any special rights or restrictions as to voting for the time being attached
to any shares by or in accordance with these Articles, at any general meeting on
a show of hands every Member present in person (or being a corporation, is
present by a duly authorized representative), or by proxy shall have one vote
and on a poll every Member present in person or by proxy or, in the case of a
Member being a corporation, by its duly authorized representative shall have one
vote for every fully paid share of which he is the holder but so that no amount
paid up or credited as paid up on a share in advance of calls or installments is
treated for the foregoing purposes as paid up on the share. A resolution put to
the vote of a meeting shall be decided by a poll.
67. [Intentionally
Omitted]
68. If
a poll is duly demanded the result of the poll shall be deemed to be the
resolution of the meeting at which the poll was demanded. The Company shall only
be required to disclose the voting figures on a poll if such disclosure is
required by the rules of the Designated Stock Exchange.
69. A
poll demanded on the election of a chairman, or on a question of adjournment,
shall be taken forthwith. A poll demanded on any other question shall be taken
in such manner (including the use of ballot or voting papers or tickets) and
either forthwith or at such time (being not later than thirty (30) days after
the date of the demand) and place as the chairman directs. It shall not be
necessary (unless the chairman otherwise directs) for notice to be given of a
poll not taken immediately.
70. [Intentionally
Omitted]
71. Votes
may be given either personally or by proxy.
72. A
person entitled to more than one vote need not use all his votes or cast all the
votes he uses in the same way.
73. All
questions submitted to a meeting shall be decided by a simple majority of votes
except where a greater majority is required by these Articles or by the Law. In
the case of an equality of votes, the chairman of such meeting shall not be
entitled to a second or casting vote and the resolution shall fail.
74. Where
there are joint holders of any share any one of such joint holder may vote,
either in person or by proxy, in respect of such share as if he were solely
entitled thereto, but if more than one of such joint holders be present at any
meeting the vote of the senior who tenders a vote, whether in person or by
proxy, shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other joint
holders, and for this purpose seniority shall be determined by the order in
which the names stand in the Register in respect of the joint holding. Several
executors or administrators of a deceased Member in whose name any share stands
shall for the purposes of this Article be deemed joint holders
thereof.
75. 75.1 A
Member who is a patient for any purpose relating to mental health or in respect
of whom an order has been made by any court having jurisdiction for the
protection or management of the affairs of persons incapable of managing their
own affairs may vote, by his receiver, committee, curator horns or other person
in the nature of a receiver, committee or curator bonis appointed by such court,
and such receiver, committee, curator bonis or other person may vote on a poll
by proxy, and may otherwise act and be treated as if he were the registered
holder of such shares for the purposes of general meetings, provided that such
evidence as the Board may require of the authority of the person claiming to
vote shall have been deposited at the Office, head office or Registration
Office, as appropriate, not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the time
appointed for holding the meeting, or adjourned meeting or poll, as the case may
be.
75.2 Any person entitled
under Article 53 to be registered as the holder of any shares may vote at any
general meeting in respect thereof in the same manner as if he were the
registered holder of such shares, provided that forty-eight (48) hours at least
before the time of the holding of the meeting or adjourned meeting, as the case
may be, at which he proposes to vote, he shall satisfy the Board of his
entitlement to such shares, or the Board shall have previously admitted his
right to vote at such meeting in respect thereof.
76. No
Member shall, unless the Board otherwise determines, be entitled to attend and
vote and to be reckoned in a quorum at any general meeting unless he is duly
registered.
77. If:
(a) any
objection shall be raised to the qualification of any voter; or
(b) any
votes have been counted which ought not to have been counted or
which
might have been rejected; or
(c) any
votes are not counted which ought to have been counted;
the
objection or error shall not vitiate the decision of the meeting or adjourned
meeting on any resolution unless the same is raised or pointed out at the
meeting or, as the case may be, the adjourned meeting at which the vote objected
to is given or tendered or at which the error occurs. Any objection or error
shall be referred to the chairman of the meeting and shall only vitiate the
decision of the meeting on any resolution if the chairman decides that the same
may have affected the decision of the meeting. The decision of the chairman on
such matters shall be final and conclusive.
PROXIES
78. Any
Member entitled to attend and vote at a meeting of the Company shall be entitled
to appoint another person as his proxy to attend and vote instead of him. A
Member who is the holder of two or more shares may appoint more than one proxy
to represent him and vote on his behalf at a general meeting of the Company or
at a class meeting. A proxy need not be a Member. In addition, a proxy or
proxies representing either a Member who is an individual or a Member which is a
corporation shall be entitled to exercise the same powers on behalf of the
Member which he or they represent as such Member could exercise.
79. The
instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing under the hand of the
appointor or of his attorney duly authorized in writing or, if the appointor is
a corporation, either under its seal or under the hand of an officer, attorney
or other person authorized to sign the same. In the case of an instrument of
proxy purporting to be signed on behalf of a corporation by an officer thereof
it shall be assumed, unless the contrary appears, that such officer was duly
authorized to sign such instrument of proxy on behalf of the corporation without
further evidence of the facts.
80. The
instrument appointing a proxy and (if required by the Board) the power of
attorney or other authority (if any) under which it is signed, or a certified
copy of such power or authority, shall be delivered to such place or one of such
places (if any) as may be specified for that purpose in or by way of note to or
in any document accompanying the notice convening the meeting (or, if no place
is so specified at the Registration Office or the Office, as may be appropriate)
not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the time appointed for holding the
meeting or adjourned meeting at which the person named in the instrument
proposes to vote or, in the case of a poll taken subsequently to the date of a
meeting or adjourned meeting, not less than twenty-four (24) hours before the
time appointed for the taking of the poll and in default the instrument of proxy
shall not be treated as valid. No instrument appointing a proxy shall be valid
after the expiration of twelve (12) months from the date named in it as the date
of its execution, except at an adjourned meeting or on a poll demanded at a
meeting or an adjourned meeting in cases where the meeting was originally held
within twelve (12) months from such date. Delivery of an instrument appointing a
proxy shall not preclude a Member from attending and voting in person at the
meeting convened and in such event, the instrument appointing a proxy shall be
deemed to be revoked.
81. Instruments
of proxy shall be in any common form or in such other form as the Board may
approve (provided that this shall not preclude the use of the two-way form) and
the Board may, if it thinks fit, send out with the notice of any meeting forms
of instrument of proxy for use at the meeting. The instrument of proxy shall be
deemed to confer authority to demand or join in demanding a poll and to vote on
any amendment of a resolution put to the meeting for which it is given as the
proxy thinks fit. The instrument of proxy shall, unless the contrary is stated
therein, be valid as well for any adjournment of the meeting as for the meeting
to which it relates.
82. A
vote given in accordance with the terms of an instrument of proxy shall be valid
notwithstanding the previous death or insanity of the principal, or revocation
of the instrument of proxy or of the authority under which it was executed,
provided that no intimation in writing of such death, insanity or revocation
shall have been received by the Company at the Office or the Registration Office
(or such other place as may be specified for the delivery of instruments of
proxy in the notice convening the meeting or other document sent therewith) two
hours at least before the commencement of the meeting or adjourned meeting, or
the taking of the poll, at which the instrument of proxy is used.
83. Anything
which under these Articles a Member may do by proxy he may likewise do by his
duly appointed attorney and the provisions of these Articles relating to proxies
and instruments appointing proxies shall apply mutatis mutandis in relation to
any such attorney and the instrument under which such attorney is
appointed.
CORPORATIONS ACTING BY
REPRESENTATIVES
84. 84.1 Any
corporation which is a Member may by resolution of its directors or other
governing body authorize such person as it thinks fit to act as its
representative at any meeting of the Company or at any meeting of any class of
Members. The person so authorized shall be entitled to exercise the same powers
on behalf of such corporation as the corporation could exercise if it were an
individual Member and such corporation shall for the purposes of these Articles
be deemed to be present in person at any such meeting if a person so authorized
is present thereat.
84.2 If a clearing house
(or its nominee(s)), being a corporation, is a Member, it may authorize such
persons as it thinks fit to act as its representatives at any meeting of the
Company or at any meeting of any class of Members provided that the
authorization shall specify the number and class of shares in respect of which
each such representative is so authorized. Each person so authorized under the
provisions of this Article shall be deemed to have been duly authorized without
further evidence of the facts and be entitled to exercise the same rights and
powers on behalf of the clearing house (or its nominee(s)) as if such person was
the registered holder of the shares of the Company held by the clearing house
(or its nominee(s)) including the right to vote individually on a show of
hands.
84.3 Any reference in these
Articles to a duly authorized representative of a Member being a corporation
shall mean a representative authorized under the provisions of this
Article.
ACTION BY WRITTEN
RESOLUTIONS OF MEMBERS
85. A
resolution in writing signed (in such manner as to indicate, expressly or
impliedly, unconditional approval) by or on behalf of all persons for the time
being entitled to receive notice of and to attend and vote at general meetings
of the Company shall, for the purposes of these Articles, be treated as a
resolution duly passed at a general meeting of the Company and, where relevant,
as a special resolution so passed. Any such resolution shall be deemed to have
been passed at a meeting held on the date on which it was signed by the last
Member to sign, and where the resolution states a date as being the date of his
signature thereof by any Member the statement shall be prima facie evidence that
it was signed by him on that date. Such a resolution may consist of
several documents in the like form, each signed by one or more relevant
Members.
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
86. 86.1 At
all times prior to December 31, 2011 (the Concerned Period), unless otherwise
determined by the Company in general meeting, the number of Directors shall not
be less than two (2) and not more than seven (7). Following the Concerned
Period, the number of Directors shall be such number as determined from time to
time by the Members in general meeting. The Directors shall be elected or
appointed in the first place by the subscribers to the Memorandum of Association
or by a majority of them and shall hold office until their successors are
elected or appointed.
86.2 Subject to the
Articles and the Law, during the Concerned Period, the Directors shall consist
of two (2) persons nominated by the AutoChina Shareholders Representative, two
(2) persons nominated by the Company Shareholders Representative and three (3)
persons as independent non-executive directors (the Independent Non-Executive
Directors), provided that the Independent Non-Executive Director candidates who
are actually nominated shall be mutually agreed upon by the AutoChina
Shareholders Representative and the Company Shareholders
Representative.
86.3 Subject to the
provisions of Article 86.2, the Directors shall have the power from time to time
and at any time to appoint any person as a Director to fill a casual vacancy on
the Board or as an addition to the existing Board. Any Director so appointed by
the Board shall hold office only until the next following annual general meeting
of the Company and shall then be eligible for re-election.
86.4 No Director shall be
required to hold any shares of the Company by way of qualification and a
Director who is not a Member shall be entitled to receive notice of and to
attend and speak at any general meeting of the Company and of all classes of
shares of the Company.
86.5 Subject to any
provision to the contrary in these Articles, a Director may be removed by way of
(i) an ordinary resolution of the Members at any time before the expiration of
his period of office notwithstanding anything in these Articles or in any
agreement between the Company and such Director (but without prejudice to any
claim for damages under any such agreement), or (ii) a two-thirds vote of the
Board of Directors if such removal is for cause at any time before the
expiration of his period of office notwithstanding anything in these Articles or
in any agreement between the Company and such Director (but without prejudice to
any claim for damages under any such agreement).
86.6 Subject to the
provisions of Article 86.2, a vacancy on the Board created by the removal of a
Director under the provisions of subparagraph (5) above may be filled by the
election or appointment by ordinary resolution of the Members at the meeting at
which such Director is removed or by the affirmative vote of a simple majority
of the remaining Directors present and voting at a Board meeting.
86.7 [Intentionally
Omitted]
86.8 [Intentionally
Omitted]
87. [Intentionally
Omitted]
88. [Intentionally
Omitted]
DISQUALIFICATION OF
DIRECTORS
89. The
office of a Director shall be vacated if the Director:
89.1 resigns his office by
notice in writing delivered to the Company at the Office or tendered at a
meeting of the Board;
89.2 becomes of unsound
mind or dies;
89.3 without special leave
of absence from the Board, is absent from meetings of the Board for six
consecutive months and the Board resolves that his office be vacated;
or
89.4 becomes bankrupt or
has a receiving order made against him or suspends payment or compounds with his
creditors;
89.5 is prohibited by law
from being a Director; or
89.6 ceases to be a
Director by virtue of any provision of the Statutes or is removed from office
pursuant to these Articles.
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTORS
90. The
Board may from time to time appoint any one or more of its body to hold any
employment or executive office with the Company for such period (subject to
their continuance as Directors) and upon such terms as the Board may determine
and the Board may revoke or terminate any of such appointments. Any such
revocation or termination as aforesaid shall be without prejudice to any claim
for damages that such Director may have against the Company or the Company may
have against such Director. A Director appointed to an office under this Article
shall be subject to the same provisions as to removal as the other Directors of
the Company, and he shall (subject to the provisions of any contract between him
and the Company) ipso facto and immediately cease to hold such office if he
shall cease to hold the office of Director for any cause.
91. Notwithstanding
Articles 96, 97, 98 and 99, an executive director appointed to an office under
Article 90 hereof shall receive such remuneration (whether by way of salary,
commission, participation in profits or otherwise or by all or any of those
modes) and such other benefits (including pension and/or gratuity and/or other
benefits on retirement) and allowances as the Board may from time to time
determine, and either in addition to or in lieu of his remuneration as a
Director.
92. [Intentionally
Omitted]
93. [Intentionally
Omitted]
94. [Intentionally
Omitted)
95. [Intentionally
Omitted]
DIRECTORS FEES AND
EXPENSES
96. The
Directors shall receive such remuneration as the Board may from time to time
determine. The ordinary remuneration of the Directors shall from time to time be
determined by the Board and shall (unless otherwise directed by the resolution
by which it is voted) be divided amongst the Board in such proportions and in
such manner as the Board may agree or, failing agreement, equally, except that
any Director who shall hold office for part only of the period in respect of
which such remuneration is payable shall be entitled only to rank in such
division for a proportion of remuneration related to the period during which he
has held office. Such remuneration shall be deemed to accrue from day to
day.
97. Each
Director shall be entitled to be repaid or prepaid all traveling, hotel and
incidental expenses reasonably incurred or expected to be incurred by him in
attending meetings of the Board or committees of the Board or general meetings
or separate meetings of any class of shares or of debentures of the Company or
otherwise in connection with the discharge of his duties as a
Director.
98. Any
Director who, by request, goes or resides abroad for any purpose of the Company
or who performs services which in the opinion of the Board go beyond the
ordinary duties of a Director may be paid such extra remuneration (whether by
way of salary, commission, participation in profits or otherwise) as the Board
may determine and such extra remuneration shall be in addition to or in
substitution for any ordinary remuneration provided for by or pursuant to any
other Article.
99. The
Board shall obtain the approval of the Company in general meeting before making
any payment to any Director or past Director of the Company by way of
compensation for loss of office, or as consideration for or in connection with
his retirement from office (not being payment to which the Director is
contractually entitled).
DIRECTORS'
INTERESTS
100.
100.1 No contract or transaction
between the Company and one or more of its Directors or officers, or between the
Company and any other corporation, partnership, association, or other
organization in which one or more of its Directors or officers, are directors or
officers, or have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for
this reason, or solely because the Director or officer is present at or
participates in the meeting of the Board or committee which authorizes the
contract or transaction, or solely because any such Directors or officers votes
are counted for such purpose, if:
(a) The
material facts as to the Directors or officers relationship or interest and as
to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the Board of
Directors or the committee, and the Board or committee in good faith authorizes
the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a majority of the
disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors be less than a
quorum; or
(b) The
material facts as to the Directors or officers relationship or interest and as
to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the Shareholders
entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically
approved in good faith by vote of the Shareholders; or
(c) The
contract or transaction is fair as to the Company as of the time it is
authorized, approved or ratified, by the Board, a committee or the
Shareholders.
100.2 Common or interested Directors
may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum and may vote at a meeting
of the Board or of a committee which authorizes the contract or
transaction.
101. [Intentionally
Omitted]
102. [Intentionally
Omitted]
103. [Intentionally
Omitted]
GENERAL POWERS OF THE
DIRECTORS
104. 104.1 Subject
to the provisions of Article 105, the business of the Company shall be managed
and conducted by the Board, which may pay all expenses incurred in forming and
registering the Company and may exercise all powers of the Company (whether
relating to the management of the business of the Company or otherwise) which
are not by the Statutes or by these Articles required to be exercised by the
Company in general meeting, subject nevertheless to the provisions of the
Statutes and of these Articles and to such regulations being not inconsistent
with such provisions, as may be prescribed by the Company in general meeting,
but no regulations made by the Company in general meeting shall invalidate any
prior act of the Board which would have been valid if such regulations had not
been made. The general powers given by this Article shall not be limited or
restricted by any special authority or power given to the Board by any other
Article.
104.2 Subject to the provisions of
Article 105, without prejudice to the general powers conferred by these Articles
it is hereby expressly declared that the Board shall have the following
powers:
(a) To
give to any person the right or option of requiring at a future date that an
allotment shall be made to him of any share at par or at such premium as may be
agreed.
(b) To
give to any Directors, officers or employees of the Company an interest in any
particular business or transaction or participation in the profits thereof or in
the general profits of the Company either in addition to or in substitution for
a salary or other remuneration.
(c) To
resolve that the Company be deregistered in the Cayman Islands and continued in
a named jurisdiction outside the Cayman Islands subject to the provisions of the
Law.
105. No
director, officer, committee member, employee, agent of the Company or any Group
Company (hereinafter, as defined in the Share Exchange Agreement) or any of
their respective delegates shall, without a resolution of the board of directors
approved with the affirmative consent or approval of (i) at least six (6)
members of the Board or (ii) in the event there are less than six (6) members of
the Board then in office, all of the members of the Board then in office, take,
nor shall they cause or permit the Company or any Group Company to take, any of
the following actions (whether in a single transaction or a series of related
transactions):
105.1 the authorization, creation or
issuance of any equity or debt securities, warrants, options or other rights to
acquire shares of the Company or any Group Company, other than grants of
securities, stock options or warrants to directors or employees of the Company
or any Group Company pursuant to the Equity Incentive Plan (hereinafter, as
defined in the Share Exchange Agreement) and the issuance of shares upon the
exercise of such options or warrants;
105.2 the declaration or payment of a
distribution or dividend with respect to any of the shares in the Company or any
Group Company, including, without limitation, the repurchase or redemption of
any such shares or equity interest (or any warrants, options or other rights to
acquire any such shares or equity interest);
105.3 the merger, amalgamation or
consolidation of the Company or any Group Company with any person or any
transaction in which the Company or any Group Company immediately before such
transaction together with their affiliates do not own or control at least a
majority of the voting power of the surviving entity immediately after such
transaction (excluding any transaction effected solely for tax purposes or to
change the Companys or any Group Companys domicile);
105.4 the sale, lease, exchange,
transfer, contribution, mortgage, pledge, encumbrance or other disposition of
all or substantially all of the Assets (hereinafter, as defined in the Share
Exchange Agreement) and Properties (hereinafter, as defined in the Share
Exchange Agreement) of the Company or any Group Company (other than mortgages of
Assets and Properties to banks to secure loans in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice and sound business practice), or the
purchase or other acquisition by the Company or any Group Company (whether
individually or collectively) of all or substantially all of the Assets and
Properties of another Person (hereinafter, as defined in the Share Exchange
Agreement) (except for such purchase or acquisition within the amount set forth
in the annual business plan approved by the Board);
105.5 the making of any joint venture
or partnership arrangement, or the formation of any subsidiary, each involving
capital commitment of RMB5,000,000 or more (except for such joint venture or
partnership arrangement made or any subsidiary formed involving capital
commitment within the amount set forth in the annual business plan approved by
the Board), or any voluntary dissolution, winding-up, liquidation of any
subsidiary;
105.6 the reduction of the authorized
share capital or the registered capital, as the case may be, of the Company or
any Group Company;
105.7 the effectuation of any
recapitalization, reclassification, reorganization, split-off, spin-off, or
filing for bankruptcy with respect to the Company or any Group
Company;
105.8 the approval or material
amendment of the annual budget, business plan, or operating plan (including any
capital expenditure budget, operating budget and financial plan) of the Company
or any Group Company;
105.9 the incurrence of any
indebtedness for borrowed money or the issuance, assumption, guarantee or
creation of any liability for borrowed money, the aggregate outstanding amount
of which at any given time equal to RMB5,000,000 or more unless such liability
is incurred pursuant to the then current business plan;
105.10 any change in the size or composition of the
Board or any Group Company or any committee thereof;
105.11 any material amendment to the terms of the
Share Exchange Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement (hereinafter, as
defined in the Share Exchange Agreement), any executive employment agreement or
any indemnification agreement; or
105.12 any material amendment to the Corporate
Governance Rules (as defined below) then in effect.
106. The
Board may by power of attorney appoint any company, firm or person or any
fluctuating body of persons, whether nominated directly or indirectly by the
Board, to be the attorney or attorneys of the Company for such purposes and with
such powers, authorities and discretions (not exceeding those vested in or
exercisable by the Board under these Articles) and for such period and subject
to such conditions as it may think fit, and any such power of attorney may
contain such provisions for the protection and convenience of persons dealing
with any such attorney as the Board may think fit, and may also authorize any
such attorney to sub-delegate all or any of the powers, authorities and
discretions vested in him. Such attorney or attorneys may, if so authorized
under the Seal of the Company, execute any deed or instrument under their
personal seal with the same effect as the affixation of the Companys
Seal.
107. The
Board may entrust to and confer upon a managing director, joint managing
director, deputy managing director, an executive director or any Director any of
the powers exercisable by it upon such terms and conditions and with such
restrictions as it thinks fit, and either collaterally with, or to the exclusion
of, its own powers, and may from time to time revoke or vary all or any of such
powers but no person dealing in good faith and without notice of such revocation
or variation shall be affected thereby.
108. All
checks, promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange and other instruments,
whether negotiable or transferable or not, and all receipts for moneys paid to
the Company shall be signed, drawn, accepted, endorsed or otherwise executed, as
the case may be, in such manner as the Board shall from time to time by
resolution determine. The Companys banking accounts shall be kept with such
banker or bankers as the Board shall from time to time determine.
109. 109.1 The
Board may establish or concur or join with other companies (being subsidiary
companies of the Company or companies with which it is associated in business)
in establishing and making contributions out of the Companys moneys to any
schemes or funds for providing pensions, sickness or compassionate allowances,
life assurance or other benefits for employees (which expression as used in this
and the following paragraph shall include any Director or ex-Director who may
hold or have held any executive office or any office of profit under the Company
or any of its subsidiary companies) and ex-employees of the Company and their
dependants or any class or classes of such person.
109.2 The Board may pay, enter into
agreements to pay or make grants of revocable or irrevocable pensions or other
benefits to employees and ex-employees and their dependants, or to any of such
persons, including pensions or benefits additional to those, if any, to which
such employees or ex-employees or their dependants are or may become entitled
under any such scheme or fund as mentioned in the last preceding paragraph. Any
such pension or benefit may, as the Board considers desirable, be granted to an
employee either before and in anticipation of or upon or at any time after his
actual retirement, and may be subject or not subject to any terms or conditions
as the Board may determine.
BORROWING
POWERS
110. Subject
to the provisions of Article 105, the Board may exercise all the powers of the
Company to raise or borrow money and to mortgage or charge all or any part of
the undertaking, property and assets (present and future) and uncalled capital
of the Company and, subject to the Law, to issue debentures, bonds and other
securities, whether outright or as collateral security for any debt, liability
or obligation of the Company or of any third party.
111. Debentures,
bonds and other securities may be made assignable free from any equities between
the Company and the person to whom the same may be issued.
112. Any
debentures, bonds or other securities may be issued at a discount (other than
shares), premium or otherwise and with any special privileges as to redemption,
surrender, drawings, allotment of shares, attending and voting at general
meetings of the Company, appointment of Directors and otherwise.
113. 113.1 Where
any uncalled capital of the Company is charged, all persons taking any
subsequent charge thereon shall take the same subject to such prior charge, and
shall not be entitled, by notice to the Members or otherwise, to obtain priority
over such prior charge.
113.2 The Board shall cause a proper
register to be kept, in accordance with the provisions of the Law, of all
charges specifically affecting the property of the Company and of any series of
debentures issued by the Company and shall duly comply with the requirements of
the Law in regard to the registration of charges and debentures therein
specified and otherwise.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
DIRECTORS
114. The
Board may meet for the dispatch of business, adjourn and otherwise regulate its
meetings as it considers appropriate. Questions arising at any meeting shall be
determined by a majority of votes. In the case of any equality of votes the
chairman of the meeting shall not have an additional or casting vote and the
resolution shall fail.
115. A
meeting of the Board may be convened by the Secretary on request of a Director
or by any Director. The Secretary shall convene a meeting of the Board of which
notice may be given in writing or by telephone or in such other manner as the
Board may from time to time determine whenever he shall be required so to do by
the president or chairman, as the case may be, or any Director.
116. 116.1 The
quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the Board shall be equal
to a majority of the Board.
116.2 Directors may participate in any
meeting of the Board by means of a conference telephone or other communications
equipment through which all persons participating in the meeting can communicate
with each other simultaneously and instantaneously and, for the purpose of
counting a quorum, such participation shall constitute presence at a meeting as
if those participating were present in person.
116.3 Any Director who ceases to be a
Director at a Board meeting may continue to be present and to act as a Director
and be counted in the quorum until the termination of such Board meeting if no
other Director objects and if otherwise a quorum of Directors would not be
present.
117. The
continuing Directors or a sole continuing Director may act notwithstanding any
vacancy in the Board, however, if and so long as the number of Directors is
reduced below the minimum number fixed by or in accordance with these Articles,
the continuing Directors or Director, notwithstanding that the number of
Directors is below the number fixed by or in accordance with these Articles as
the quorum or that there is only one continuing Director, may act for the
purpose of filling vacancies in the Board or of summoning general meetings of
the Company but not for any other purpose.
118. The
Chairman of the Board shall be the chairman of all meetings of the Board. If the
Chairman of the Board is not present at any meeting within five (5) minutes
after the time appointed for holding the same, the Directors present may choose
one of their number to be chairman of the meeting.
119. A
meeting of the Board at which a quorum is present shall be competent to exercise
all the powers, authorities and discretions for the time being vested in or
exercisable by the Board.
120. 120.1 Subject
to the provisions of Article 105, The Board may delegate any of its powers,
authorities and discretions to committees, consisting of such Director or
Directors and other persons as it thinks fit, and they may, from time to time,
revoke such delegation or revoke the appointment of and discharge any such
committees either wholly or in part, and either as to persons or purposes. Any
committee so formed shall, in the exercise of the powers, authorities and
discretions so delegated, conform to any regulations which may be imposed on it
by the Board.
120.2 All acts done by any such
committee in conformity with such regulations, and in fulfillment of the
purposes for which it was appointed, but not otherwise, shall have like force
and effect as if done by the Board, and the Board (or if the Board delegates
such power, the committee) shall have power to remunerate the members of any
such committee, and charge such remuneration to the current expenses of the
Company.
121. The
meetings and proceedings of any committee consisting of two or more members
shall be governed by the provisions contained in these Articles for regulating
the meetings and proceedings of the Board so far as the same are applicable and
are not superseded by any regulations imposed by the Board under the last
preceding Article, indicating, without limitation, any committee charter adopted
by the Board for purposes or in respect of any such committee.
122. A
resolution in writing signed by all the Directors shall (provided that such
number is sufficient to constitute a quorum and further provided that a copy of
such resolution has been given or the contents thereof communicated to all the
Directors for the time being entitled to receive notices of Board meetings in
the same manner as notices of meetings are required to be given by these
Articles) be as valid and effectual as if a resolution had been passed at a
meeting of the Board duly convened and held. Such resolution may be contained in
one document or in several documents in like form each signed by one or more of
the Directors and for this purpose a facsimile signature of a Director shall be
treated as valid.
123. All
acts bona fide done by the Board or by any committee or by any person acting as
a Director or members of a committee, shall, notwithstanding that it is
afterwards discovered that there was some defect in the appointment of any
member of the Board or such committee or person acting as aforesaid or that they
or any of them were disqualified or had vacated office, be as valid as if every
such person had been duly appointed and was qualified and had continued to be a
Director or member of such committee.
124. The
Board shall establish an audit committee, a nomination committee and a
compensation committee.
During
the Concerned Period, in the event there is only one (1) Independent
Non-Executive Director in office, each such committee shall consist of one (1)
member, who shall be such Independent Non-Executive Director.
During
the Concerned Period, in the event there is more than one (1)
Independent Non-Executive Director, each such committee shall consist of two (2)
members, one being an Independent Non-Executive Director nominated to such
committee based on the recommendation of the AutoChina Shareholders
Representative and the other being an Independent Non-Executive Director
nominated to such committee based on the recommendation of the Company
Shareholders Representative. In any event that the two (2) members in
any such committee fail to reach a consensus with respect to any matter, such
matter shall be submitted to and decided by the Board by a resolution of the
board of directors approved with the affirmative consent or approval of (i) at
least six (6) members of the Board or (ii) in the event there are less than six
(6) members of the Board then in office, all of the members of the Board then in
office.
125. The
Company and each Director shall fully comply with, and shall cause to be
complied with, the code of business conduct, the insider trading policy, the
related party transaction procedures, the anti-corruption manual, the audit
committee charter, the compensation committee charter and the nomination
committee charter and other corporate governance policies, procedures, rules and
requirements of the Company adopted or to be adopted from time to time by the
Board (collectively, the Corporate Governance Rules).
126. [Intentionally
Omitted]
OFFICERS
127. 127.1 The
officers of the Company shall consist of the Chairman of the Board and Secretary
and such additional officers (who may or may not be Directors) as the Board may
from time to time determine, all of whom shall be deemed to be officers for the
purposes of the Law and these Articles.
127.2 The Directors shall, as soon as
may be after each appointment or election of Directors, elect amongst the
Directors a chairman and if more than one Director is proposed for this office,
the election to such office shall take place in such manner as the Directors may
determine.
127.3 The officers shall receive such
remuneration as the Directors may from time to time determine.
128. 128.1
The Secretary and additional officers, if any, shall be appointed by the Board
and shall hold office on such terms and for such period as the Board may
determine. If thought fit, two or more persons may be appointed as joint
Secretaries. The Board may also appoint from time to time on such terms as it
thinks fit one or more assistant or deputy Secretaries.
128.2 The Secretary shall attend all
meetings of the Members and shall keep correct minutes of such meetings and
enter the same in the proper books provided for the purpose. He shall perform
such other duties as are prescribed by the Law or these Articles or as may be
prescribed by the Board.
129. The
officers of the Company shall have such powers and perform such duties in the
management, business and affairs of the Company as may be delegated to them by
the Directors from time to time.
130. A
provision of the Law or of these Articles requiring or authorizing a thing to be
done by or to a Director and the Secretary shall not be satisfied by its being
done by or to the same person acting both as Director and as or in place of the
Secretary.
REGISTER OF DIRECTORS AND
OFFICERS
131. The
Company shall cause to be kept in one or more books at its Office a Register of
Directors and officers in which there shall be entered the full names and
addresses of the Directors and officers and such other particulars as required
by the Law or as the Directors may determine. The Company shall send to the
Registrar of Companies in the Cayman Islands a copy of such register, and shall
from time to time notify to the said Registrar of any change that takes place in
relation to such Directors and officers as required by the Law.
MINUTES
132. 132.1 The
Board shall cause minutes to be duly entered in books provided for the
purpose:
(a) of
all elections and appointments of officers;
(b) of
the names of the Directors present at each meeting of the Directors and of any
committee of the Directors;
(c) of
all resolutions and proceedings of each general meeting of the Members, meetings
of the Board and meetings of committees of the Board and where there are
managers, of all proceedings of meetings of the managers.
132.2 Minutes shall be kept by the
Secretary at the Office.
SEAL
133.
133.1 The Company shall have one or more
Seals, as the Board may determine. For the purpose of sealing documents creating
or evidencing securities issued by the Company, the Company may have a
securities seal which is a facsimile of the Seal of the Company with the
addition of the word Securities on its face or in such other form as the Board
may approve. The Board shall provide for the custody of each Seal and no Seal
shall be used without the authority of the Board or of a committee of the Board
authorized by the Board in that behalf. Subject as otherwise provided in these
Articles, any instrument to which a Seal is affixed shall be signed
autographically by any officer of the Company, save that as regards any
certificates for shares or debentures or other securities of the Company the
Board may by resolution determine that such signatures or either of them shall
be dispensed with or affixed by some method or system of mechanical
signature.
Every instrument executed in manner provided by this Article shall be deemed to
be sealed and executed with the authority of the Board previously
given.
133.2 Where the Company has a Seal for
use abroad, the Board may by writing under the Seal appoint any agent or
committee abroad to be the duly authorized agent of the Company for the purpose
of affixing and using such Seal and the Board may impose restrictions on the use
thereof as may be thought fit. Wherever in these Articles reference is made to
the Seal, the reference shall, when and so far as may be applicable, be deemed
to include any such other Seal as aforesaid.
AUTHENTICATION OF
DOCUMENTS
134. Any
Director or the Secretary or any person appointed by the Board for the purpose
may authenticate any documents affecting the constitution of the Company and any
resolution passed by the Company or the Board or any committee, and any books,
records, documents and accounts relating to the business of the Company, and to
certify copies thereof or extracts therefrom as true copies or extracts, and if
any books, records, documents or accounts are elsewhere than at the Office or
the head office the local manager or other officer of the Company having the
custody thereof shall be deemed to be a person so appointed by the Board. A
document purporting to be a copy of a resolution, or an extract from the minutes
of a meeting, of the Company or of the Board or any committee which is so
certified shall be conclusive evidence in favor of all persons dealing with the
Company upon the faith thereof that such resolution has been duly passed or, as
the case may be, that such minutes or extract is a true and accurate record of
proceedings at a duly constituted meeting.
135. 135.1 The
Company shall be entitled to destroy the following documents at the following
times
(a) any
share certificate which has been cancelled at any time after the expiry of one
(1) year from the date of such cancellation;
(b) any
dividend mandate or any variation or cancellation thereof or any notification of
change of name or address at any time after the expiry of two (2)
years from the date such mandate variation cancellation or notification was
recorded by the Company;
(c) any
instrument of transfer of shares which has been registered at any time after the
expiry of seven (7) years from the date of registration;
(d) any
allotment letters after the expiry of seven (7) years from the date of issue
thereof; and
(e) copies of
powers of attorney, grants of probate and letters of administration at any time
after the expiry of seven (7) years after the account to which the relevant
power of attorney, grant of probate or letters of administration related has
been closed;
and it shall conclusively be presumed in favour of the Company that every
entry in the Register purporting to be made on the basis of any such documents
so destroyed was duly and properly made and every share certificate so destroyed
was a valid certificate duly and properly cancelled and that every instrument of
transfer so destroyed was a valid and effective instrument duly and properly
registered and that every other document destroyed hereunder was a valid and
effective document in accordance with the recorded particulars thereof in the
books or records of the Company. Provided always that: (1) the
foregoing provisions of this Article shall apply only to the destruction of a
document in good faith and without express notice to the Company that the
preservation of such document was relevant to a claim; (2) nothing contained in
this Article shall be construed as imposing upon the Company any liability in
respect of the destruction of any such document earlier than as aforesaid or in
any case where the conditions of proviso (1) above are not fulfilled; and (3)
references in this Article to the destruction of any document include references
to its disposal in any manner.
135.2 Notwithstanding any provision
contained in these Articles, the Directors may, if permitted by applicable law,
authorise the destruction of documents set out in sub-paragraphs (a) to (e) of
paragraph (1) of this Article and any other documents in relation to share
registration which have been microfilmed or electronically stored by the Company
or by the share registrar on its behalf provided always that this Article shall
apply only to the destruction of a document in good faith and without express
notice to the Company and its share registrar that the preservation of such
document was relevant to a claim.
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER
PAYMENTS
136. Subject
to the Law, the Company in general meeting or the Board may from time to time
declare dividends in any currency to be paid to the Members but no dividend
shall be declared in excess of the amount recommended by the Board.
137. Dividends
may be declared and paid out of the profits of the Company, realized or
unrealized, or from any reserve set aside from profits which the Directors
determine is no longer needed. The Board may also declare and pay dividends out
of share premium account or any other fund or account which can be authorized
for this purpose in accordance with the Law.
138. Except
in so far as the rights attaching to, or the terms of issue of, any share
otherwise provide:
(a) all
dividends shall be declared and paid according to the amounts paid up on the
shares in respect of which the dividend is paid; and
(b) all
dividends shall be apportioned and paid pro rata according to the amounts paid
up on the shares during any portion or portions of the period in respect of
which the dividend is paid.
139. The
Board may from time to time pay to the Members such interim dividends as appear
to the Board to be justified by the profits of the Company and in particular
(but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing) if at any time the
share capital of the Company is divided into different classes, the Board may
pay such interim dividends in respect of those shares in the capital of the
Company which confer on the holders thereof deferred or non-preferential rights
as well as in respect of those shares which confer on the holders thereof
preferential rights with regard to dividend and provided that the Board acts
bona fide the Board shall not incur any responsibility to the holders of shares
conferring any preference for any damage that they may suffer by reason of the
payment of an interim dividend on any shares having deferred or non-preferential
rights and may also pay any fixed dividend which is payable on any shares of the
Company half-yearly or on any other dates, whenever such profits, in the opinion
of the Board, justifies such payment.
140. The
Board may deduct from any dividend or other moneys payable to a Member by the
Company on or in respect of any shares all sums of money (if any) presently
payable by him to the Company.
141. No
dividend or other moneys payable by the Company on or in respect of any share
shall bear interest against the Company.
142. Any
dividend, interest or other sum payable in cash to the holder of shares may be
paid by check or warrant sent through the post addressed to the holder at his
registered address or, in the case of joint holders, addressed to the holder
whose name stands first in the Register in respect of the shares at his address
as appearing in the Register or addressed to such person and at such address as
the holder or joint holders may in writing direct. Every such check or warrant
shall, unless the holder or joint holders otherwise direct, be made payable to
the order of the holder or, in the case of joint holders, to the order of the
holder whose name stands first on the Register in respect of such shares, and
shall be sent at his or their risk and payment of the check or warrant by the
bank on which it is drawn shall constitute a good discharge to the Company
notwithstanding that it may subsequently appear that the same has been stolen or
that any endorsement thereon has been forged. Any one of two or more joint
holders may give effectual receipts for any dividends or other moneys payable or
property distributable in respect of the shares held by such joint
holders.
143. All
dividends or bonuses unclaimed for one (1) year after having been declared may
be invested or otherwise made use of by the Board for the benefit of the Company
until claimed. Any dividend or bonuses unclaimed after a period of six (6) years
from the date of declaration shall be forfeited and shall revert to the Company.
The payment by the Board of any unclaimed dividend or other sums payable on or
in respect of a share into a separate account shall not constitute the Company a
trustee in respect thereof.
144. Whenever
the Board or the Company in general meeting has resolved that a dividend be paid
or declared, the Board may further resolve that such dividend be satisfied
wholly or in part by the distribution of specific assets of any kind and in
particular of paid up shares, debentures or warrants to subscribe securities of
the Company or any other company, or in any one or more of such ways, and where
any difficulty arises in regard to the distribution the Board may settle the
same as it thinks expedient, and in particular may issue certificates in respect
of fractions of shares, disregard fractional entitlements or round the same up
or down, and may fix the value for distribution of such specific assets, or any
part thereof, and may determine that cash payments shall be made to any Members
upon the footing of the value so fixed in order to adjust the rights of all
parties, and may vest any such specific assets in trustees as may seem expedient
to the Board and may appoint any person to sign any requisite instruments of
transfer and other documents on behalf of the persons entitled to the dividend,
and such appointment shall be effective and binding on the Members. The Board
may resolve that no such assets shall be made available to Members with
registered addresses in any particular territory or territories where, in the
absence of a registration statement or other special formalities, such
distribution of assets would or might, in the opinion of the Board, be unlawful
or impracticable and in such event the only entitlement of the Members aforesaid
shall be to receive cash payments as aforesaid. Members affected as a result of
the foregoing sentence shall not be or be deemed to be a separate class of
Members for any purpose whatsoever.
145. 145.1 Whenever
the Board or the Company in general meeting has resolved that a dividend be paid
or declared on any class of the share capital of the Company, the Board may
further resolve either:
(a) that
such dividend be satisfied wholly or in part in the form of an allotment of
shares credited as fully paid up, provided that the Members entitled thereto
will be entitled to elect to receive such dividend (or part thereof if the Board
so determines) in cash in lieu of such allotment. In such case, the following
provisions shall apply:
(i) the basis
of any such allotment shall be determined by the Board;
(ii) the Board, after
determining the basis of allotment, shall give not less than ten (10) days
Notice to the holders of the relevant shares of the right of election accorded
to them and shall send with such notice forms of election and specify the
procedure to be followed and the place at which and the latest date and time by
which duly completed forms of election must be lodged in order to be
effective;
(iii) the right of election
may be exercised in respect of the whole or part of that portion of the dividend
in respect of which the right of election has been accorded; and
(iv) the dividend (or that
part of the dividend to be satisfied by the allotment of shares as aforesaid)
shall not be payable in cash on shares in respect whereof the cash election has
not been duly exercised (the non-elected shares) and in satisfaction thereof
shares of the relevant class shall be allotted credited as fully paid up to the
holders of the non-elected shares on the basis of allotment determined as
aforesaid and for such purpose the Board shall capitalize and apply out of any
part of the undivided profits of the Company (including profits carried and
standing to the credit of any reserves or other special account, share premium
account, capital redemption reserve other than the Subscription Rights Reserve)
as the Board may determine, such sum as may be required to pay up in full the
appropriate number of shares of the relevant class for allotment and
distribution to and amongst the holders of the non-elected shares on such basis;
or
(b) that the
Members entitled to such dividend shall be entitled to elect to receive an
allotment of shares credited as fully paid up in lieu of the whole or such
part
of the
dividend as the Board may think fit. In such case, the following provisions
shall apply;
(i) the basis
of any such allotment shall be determined by the Board;
(ii) the Board, after
determining the basis of allotment, shall give not less than ten (10) days
Notice to the holders of the relevant shares of the right of election accorded
to them and shall send with such notice forms of election and specify the
procedure to be followed and the place at which and the latest date and time by
which duly completed forms of election must be lodged in order to be
effective;
(iii) the right of election
may be exercised in respect of the whole or part of that portion of the dividend
in respect of which the right of election has been accorded; and
(iv) the dividend (or that
part of the dividend in respect of which a right of election has been accorded)
shall not be payable in cash on shares in respect whereof the share election has
been duly exercised (the elected shares) and in lieu thereof shares of the
relevant class shall be allotted credited as fully paid up to the holders of the
elected shares on the basis of allotment determined as aforesaid and for such
purpose the Board shall capitalize and apply out of any part of the undivided
profits of the Company (including profits carried and standing to the credit of
any reserves or other special account, share premium account, capital redemption
reserve other than the Subscription Rights Reserve) as the Board may determine,
such sum as may be required to pay up in full the appropriate number of shares
of the relevant class for allotment and distribution to and amongst the holders
of the elected shares on such basis.
145.2
(a) The
shares allotted pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of this Article
shall rank pari passu in all respects with shares of the same class (if any)
then in issue save only as regards participation in the relevant dividend or in
any other distributions, bonuses or rights paid, made, declared or announced
prior to or contemporaneously with the payment or declaration of the relevant
dividend unless, contemporaneously with the announcement by the Board of their
proposal to apply the provisions of sub-paragraph (a) or (b) of paragraph (2) of
this Article in relation to the relevant dividend or contemporaneously with
their announcement of the distribution, bonus or rights in question, the Board
shall specify that the shares to be allotted pursuant to the provisions of
paragraph (1) of this Article shall rank for participation in such distribution,
bonus or rights.
(b) The
Board may do all acts and things considered necessary or expedient to give
effect to any capitalization pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of this
Article, with full power to the Board to make such provisions as it thinks fit
in the case of shares becoming distributable in fractions (including provisions
whereby, in whole or in pant, fractional entitlements are aggregated and sold
and the net proceeds distributed to those entitled, or are disregarded or
rounded up or down or whereby the benefit of fractional entitlements accrues to
the Company rather than to the Members concerned). The Board may authorize any
person to enter into on behalf of all Members interested, an agreement with the
Company providing for such capitalization and matters incidental thereto and any
agreement made pursuant to such authority shall be effective and binding on all
concerned.
145.3 The Company may upon the
recommendation of the Board by ordinary resolution resolve in respect of any one
particular dividend of the Company that notwithstanding the provisions of
paragraph (1) of this Article a dividend may be satisfied wholly in the form of
an allotment of shares credited as fully paid up without offering any right to
shareholders to elect to receive such dividend in cash in lieu of such
allotment.
145.4 The Board may on any occasion
determine that rights of election and the allotment of shares under paragraph
(I) of this Article shall not be made available or made to any shareholders with
registered addresses in any territory where, in the absence of a registration
statement or other special formalities, the circulation of an offer of such
rights of election or the allotment of shares would or might, in the opinion of
the Board, be unlawful or impracticable, and in such event the provisions
aforesaid shall be read and construed subject to such determination. Members
affected as a result of the foregoing sentence shall not be or be deemed to be a
separate class of Members for any purpose whatsoever.
145.5 Any resolution declaring a
dividend on shares of any class, whether a resolution of the Company in general
meeting or a resolution of the Board, may specify that the same shall be payable
or distributable to the persons registered as the holders of such shares at the
close of business on a particular date, notwithstanding that it may be a date
prior to that on which the resolution is passed, and thereupon the dividend
shall be payable or distributable to them in accordance with their respective
holdings so registered, but without prejudice to the rights inter se in respect
of such dividend of transferors and transferees of any such shares. The
provisions of this Article shall mutatis mutandis apply to bonuses,
capitalization issues, distributions of realized capital profits or offers or
grants made by the Company to the Members.
RESERVES
146. 146.1 The
Board shall establish an account to be called the share premium account and
shall carry to the credit of such account from time to time a sum equal to the
amount or value of the premium paid on the issue of any share in the Company.
Unless otherwise provided by the provisions of these Articles, the Board may
apply the share premium account in any manner permitted by the Law. The Company
shall at all times comply with the provisions of the Law in relation to the
share premium account.
146.2 Before recommending any dividend,
the Board may set aside out of the profits of the Company such sums as it
determines as reserves which shall, at the discretion of the Board, be
applicable for any purpose to which the profits of the Company may be properly
applied and pending such application may, also at such discretion, either be
employed in the business of the Company or be invested in such investments as
the Board may from time to time think fit and so that it shall not be necessary
to keep any investments constituting the reserve or reserves separate or
distinct from any other investments of the Company. The Board may also without
placing the same to reserve carry forward any profits which it may think prudent
not to distribute.
CAPITALISATION
147. The
Company may, upon the recommendation of the Board, at any time and from time to
time pass an ordinary resolution to the effect that it is desirable to
capitalize all or any part of any amount for the time being standing to the
credit of any reserve or fund (including a share premium account and capital
redemption reserve and the profit and loss account) whether or not the same is
available for distribution and accordingly that such amount be set free for
distribution among the Members or any class of Members who would be entitled
thereto if it were distributed by way of dividend and in the same proportions,
on the footing that the same is not paid in cash but is applied in paying up in
full unissued shares, debentures or other obligations of the Company, to be
allotted and distributed credited as fully paid up among such Members and the
Board shall give effect to such resolution provided that, for the purposes of
this Article, a share premium account and any capital redemption reserve or fund
representing unrealized profits, may be applied only in paying up in full
unissued shares of the Company to be allotted to such Members credited as fully
paid.
148. The
Board may settle, as it considers appropriate, any difficulty arising in regard
to any distribution under the last preceding Article and in particular may issue
certificates in respect of fractions of shares or authorize any person to sell
and transfer any fractions or may resolve that the distribution should be as
nearly as may be practicable in the correct proportion but not exactly so or may
ignore fractions altogether, and may determine that cash payments shall be made
to any Members in order to adjust the rights of all parties, as may seem
expedient to the Board. The Board may appoint any person to sign on behalf of
the persons entitled to participate in the distribution any contract necessary
or desirable for giving effect thereto and such appointment shall be effective
and binding upon the Members.
SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS
RESERVE
149. The
following provisions shall have effect to the extent that they are not
prohibited by and are in compliance with the Law:
149.1 If, so long as any of the rights
attached to any warrants issued by the Company to subscribe for shares of the
Company shall remain exercisable, the Company does any act or engages in any
transaction which, as a result of any adjustments to the subscription price in
accordance with the provisions of the conditions of the warrants, would reduce
the subscription price to below the par value of a share, then the following
provisions shall apply:
(a) as
from the date of such act or transaction the Company shall establish and
thereafter (subject as provided in this Article) maintain in accordance with the
provisions of this Article a reserve (the Subscription Rights Reserve) the
amount of which shall at no time be less than the sum which for the time being
would be required to be capitalized and applied in paying up in full the nominal
amount of the additional shares required to be issued and allotted credited as
fully paid pursuant to sub-paragraph (c) below on the exercise in full of all
the subscription rights outstanding and shall apply the Subscription Rights
Reserve in paying up such additional shares in full as and when the same are
allotted;
(b) the
Subscription Rights Reserve shall not be used for any purpose other than that
specified above unless all other reserves of the Company (other than share
premium account) have been extinguished and will then only be used to make good
losses of the Company if and so far as is required by law;
(c) upon
the exercise of all or any of the subscription rights represented by any
warrant, the relevant subscription rights shall be exercisable in respect of a
nominal amount of shares equal to the amount in cash which the holder of such
warrant is required to pay on exercise of the subscription rights represented
thereby (or, as the case may be the relevant portion thereof in the event of a
partial exercise of the subscription rights) and, in addition, there shall be
allotted in respect of such subscription rights to the exercising warrantholder,
credited as fully paid, such additional nominal amount of shares as is equal to
the difference between:
(i) the
said amount in cash which the holder of such warrant is required to pay on
exercise of the subscription rights represented thereby (or, as the case may be,
the relevant portion thereof in the event of a partial exercise of the
subscription rights); and
(ii) the
nominal amount of shares in respect of which such subscription rights would have
been exercisable having regard to the provisions of the conditions of the
warrants, had it been possible for such subscription rights to represent the
right to subscribe for shares at less than par and immediately upon such
exercise so much of the sum standing to the credit of the Subscription Rights
Reserve as is required to pay up in full such additional nominal amount of
shares shall be capitalized and applied in paying up in full such additional
nominal amount of shares which shall forthwith be allotted credited as fully
paid to the exercising warrantholders; and
(d) if,
upon the exercise of the subscription rights represented by any warrant, the
amount standing to the credit of the Subscription Rights Reserve is not
sufficient to pay up in full such additional nominal amount of shares equal to
such difference as aforesaid to which the exercising warrantholder is entitled,
the Board shall apply any profits or reserves then or thereafter becoming
available (including, to the extent permitted by law, share premium account) for
such purpose until such additional nominal amount of shares is paid up and
allotted as aforesaid and until then no dividend or other distribution shall be
paid or made on the fully paid shares of the Company then in issue. Pending such
payment and allotment, the exercising warrantholder shall be issued by the
Company with a certificate evidencing his right to the allotment of such
additional nominal amount of shares. The rights represented by any such
certificate shall be in registered form and shall be transferable in whole or in
part in units of one share in the like manner as the shares for the time being
are transferable, and the Company shall make such arrangements in relation to
the maintenance of a register therefor and other matters in relation thereto as
the Board may think fit and adequate particulars thereof shall be made known to
each relevant exercising warrantholder upon the issue of such
certificate.
149.2 Shares allotted pursuant to the
provisions of this Article shall rank pari passu in all respects with the other
shares allotted on the relevant exercise of the subscription rights represented
by the warrant concerned. Notwithstanding anything contained in paragraph (1) of
this Article, no fraction of any share shall be allotted on exercise of the
subscription rights.
149.3 The provision of this Article as
to the establishment and maintenance of the Subscription Rights Reserve shall
not be altered or added to in any way which would vary or abrogate, or which
would have the effect of varying or abrogating the provisions for the benefit of
any warrantholder or class of warrantholders under this Article without the
sanction of a special resolution of such warrantholders or class of
warrantholders.
149.4 A certificate or report by the
auditors for the time being of the Company as to whether or not the Subscription
Rights Reserve is required to be established and maintained and if so the amount
thereof so required to be established and maintained, as to the purposes for
which the Subscription Rights Reserve has been used, as to the extent to which
it has been used to make good losses of the Company, as to the additional
nominal amount of shares required to be allotted to exercising warrantholders
credited as fully paid, and as to any other matter concerning the Subscription
Rights Reserve shall (in the absence of manifest error) be conclusive and
binding upon the Company and all warrantholders and shareholders.
ACCOUNTING
RECORDS
150. The
Board shall cause true accounts to be kept of the sums of money received and
expended by the Company, and the matters in respect of which such receipt and
expenditure take place, and of the property, assets, credits and liabilities of
the Company and of all other matters required by the Law or necessary to give a
true and fair view of the Companys affairs and to explain its
transactions.
151. The
accounting records shall be kept at the Office or, at such other place or places
as the Board decides and shall always be open to inspection by the Directors. No
Member (other than a Director) shall have any right of inspecting any accounting
record or book or document of the Company except as conferred by law or
authorized by the Board or the Company in general meeting.
152. Subject
to the provisions of Article 153, a printed copy of the Directors report,
accompanied by the balance sheet and profit and loss account, including every
document required by law to be annexed thereto, made up to the end of the
applicable financial year and containing a summary of the assets and liabilities
of the Company under convenient heads and a statement of income and expenditure,
together with a copy of the Auditors report, shall be sent to each person
entitled thereto at least ten (10) days before the date of the general meeting
and laid before the Company at the annual general meeting held in accordance
with Article 56 provided that this Article shall not require a copy of those
documents to be sent to any person whose address the Company is not aware or to
more than one of the joint holders of any shares or debentures.
153. Subject
to due compliance with all applicable Statutes, rules and regulations,
including, without limitation, the rules of the Designated Stock Exchange, and
to obtaining all necessary consents, if any, required thereunder, the
requirements of Article 152 shall be deemed satisfied in relation to any person
by sending to the person in any manner not prohibited by the Statutes, a summary
financial statement derived from the Companys annual accounts and the directors
report which shall be in the form and containing the information required by
applicable laws and regulations, provided that any person who is otherwise
entitled to the annual financial statements of the Company and the directors
report thereon may, if he so requires by notice in writing served on the
Company, demand that the Company sends to him, in addition to a summary
financial statement, a complete printed copy of the Companys annual financial
statement and the directors report thereon.
154. The
requirement to send to a person referred to in Article 152 the documents
referred to in that article or a summary financial report in accordance with
Article 153 shall be deemed satisfied where, in accordance with all applicable
Statutes, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the rules of the
Designated Stock Exchange, the Company publishes copies of the documents
referred to in Article 152 and, if applicable, a summary financial report
complying with Article 153, on the Companys computer network or in any other
permitted manner (including by sending any form of electronic communication),
and that person has agreed or is deemed to have agreed to treat the publication
or receipt of such documents in such manner as discharging the Companys
obligation to send to him a copy of such documents.
AUDIT
155. Subject
to applicable law and rules of the Designated Stock Exchange:
155.1 At the annual general meeting or
at a subsequent extraordinary general meeting in each year, the Members shall
appoint an auditor to audit the accounts of the Company and such auditor shall
hold office until the Members appoint another auditor. Such auditor
may be a Member but no Director or officer or employee of the Company shall,
during his continuance in office, be eligible to act as an auditor of the
Company.
155.2 A person, other than a retiring
Auditor, shall not be capable of being appointed Auditor at an annual general
meeting unless notice in writing of an intention to nominate that person to the
office of Auditor has been given not less than fourteen (14) days before the
annual general meeting and furthermore, the Company shall send a copy of any
such notice to the retiring Auditor.
155.3 The Members may, at any general
meeting convened and held in accordance with these Articles, by ordinary
resolution remove the Auditor at any time before the expiration of his term of
office and shall by ordinary resolution at that meeting appoint another Auditor
in his stead for the remainder of his term.
156. Subject
to the Law the accounts of the Company shall be audited at least once in every
year.
157. The
remuneration of the Auditor shall be fixed by the Board.
158. If
the office of auditor becomes vacant by the resignation or death of the Auditor,
or by his becoming incapable of acting by reason of illness or other disability
at a time when his services are required, the Directors shall fill the vacancy
and determine the remuneration of such Auditor.
159. The
Auditor shall at all reasonable times have access to all books kept by the
Company and to all accounts and vouchers relating thereto; and he may call on
the Directors or officers of the Company for any information in their possession
relating to the books or affairs of the Company.
160. The
statement of income and expenditure and the balance sheet provided for by these
Articles shall be examined by the Auditor and compared by him with the books,
accounts and vouchers relating thereto; and he shall make a written report
thereon stating whether such statement and balance sheet are drawn up so as to
present fairly the financial position of the Company and the results of its
operations for the period under review and, in case information shall have been
called for from Directors or officers of the Company, whether the same has been
furnished and has been satisfactory. The financial statements of the Company
shall be audited by the Auditor in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. The Auditor shall make a written report thereon in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards and the report of the Auditor shall be
submitted to the Members in general meeting. The generally accepted auditing
standards referred to herein may be those of a country or jurisdiction other
than the Cayman Islands. If so, the financial statements and the report of the
Auditor should disclose this act and name such country or
jurisdiction.
NOTICES
161. Any
Notice or document, whether or not, to be given or issued under these Articles
from the Company to a Member shall be in writing or by cable, telex or facsimile
transmission message or other form of electronic transmission or communication
and any such Notice and document may be served or delivered by the Company on or
to any Member either personally or by sending it through the post in a prepaid
envelope addressed to such Member at his registered address as appearing in the
Register or at any other address supplied by him to the Company for the purpose
or, as the case may be, by transmitting it to any such address or transmitting
it to any telex or facsimile transmission number or electronic number or address
or website supplied by him to the Company for the giving of Notice to him or
which the person transmitting the notice reasonably and bona fide believes at
the relevant time will result in the Notice being duly received by the Member or
may also be served by advertisement in appropriate newspapers in accordance with
the requirements of the Designated Stock Exchange or, to the extent permitted by
the applicable laws, by placing it on the Companys website and giving to the
member a notice stating that the notice or other document is available there (a
notice of availability). The notice of availability may be given to the Member
by any of the means set out above. In the case of joint holders of a share all
notices shall be given to that one of the joint holders whose name stands first
in the Register and notice so given shall be deemed a sufficient service on or
delivery to all the joint holders.
162. Any
Notice or other document:
(a) if
served or delivered by post, shall where appropriate be sent by airmail and
shall be deemed to have been served or delivered on the day following that on
which the envelope containing the same, properly prepaid and addressed, is put
into the post; in proving such service or delivery it shall be sufficient to
prove that the envelope or wrapper containing the notice or document was
properly addressed and put into the post and a certificate in writing signed by
the Secretary or other officer of the Company or other person appointed by the
Board that the envelope or wrapper containing the notice or other document was
so addressed and put into the post shall be conclusive evidence
thereof,
(b) if
sent by electronic communication, shall be deemed to be given on the day on
which it is transmitted from the server of the Company or its agent. A notice
placed on the Companys website is deemed given by the Company to a Member on the
day following that on which a notice of availability is deemed served on the
Member; and
(c) if
served or delivered in any other manner contemplated by these Articles, shall be
deemed to have been served or delivered at the time of personal service or
delivery or, as the case may be, at the time of the relevant dispatch or
transmission; and in proving such service or delivery a certificate in writing
signed by the Secretary or other officer of the Company or other person
appointed by the Board as to the act and time of such service, delivery,
dispatch or transmission shall be conclusive evidence thereof.
163. 163.1 Any
Notice or other document delivered or sent by post to or left at the registered
address of any Member in pursuance of these Articles shall, notwithstanding that
such Member is then dead or bankrupt or that any other event has occurred, and
whether or not the Company has notice of the death or bankruptcy or other event,
be deemed to have been duly served or delivered in respect of any share
registered in the name of such Member as sole or joint holder unless his name
shall, at the time of the service or delivery of the notice or document, have
been removed from the Register as the holder of the share, and such service or
delivery shall for all purposes be deemed a sufficient service or delivery of
such Notice or document on all persons interested (whether jointly with or as
claiming through or under him) in the share.
163.2 A notice may be given by the
Company to the person entitled to a share in consequence of the death, mental
disorder or bankruptcy of a Member by sending it through the post in a prepaid
letter, envelope or wrapper addressed to him by name, or by the title of
representative of the deceased, or trustee of the bankrupt, or by any like
description, at the address, if any, supplied for the purpose by the person
claiming to be so entitled, or (until such an address has been so supplied) by
giving the notice in any manner in which the same might have been given if the
death, mental disorder or bankruptcy had not occurred.
163.3 Any person who by operation of
law, transfer or other means whatsoever shall become entitled to any share shall
be bound by every notice in respect of such share which prior to his name and
address being entered on the Register shall have been duly given to the person
from whom he derives his title to such share.
SIGNATURES
164. For
the purposes of these Articles, a cable or telex or facsimile or electronic
transmission message purporting to come from a holder of shares or, as the case
may be, a Director, or, in the case of a corporation which is a holder of shares
from a director or the secretary thereof or a duly appointed attorney or duly
authorized representative thereof for it and on its behalf, shall in the absence
of express evidence to the contrary available to the person relying thereon at
the relevant time be deemed to be a document or instrument in writing signed by
such holder or Director in the terms in which it is received.
WINDING
UP
165. The
Board shall have power in the name and on behalf of the Company to present a
petition to the court for the Company to be wound up. A resolution that the
Company be wound up by the court or be wound up voluntarily shall be a special
resolution.
166. 166.1 Subject
to any special rights, privileges or restrictions as to the distribution of
available surplus assets on liquidation for the time being attached to any class
or classes of shares (i) if the Company shall be wound up and the assets
available for distribution amongst the Members of the Company shall be more than
sufficient to repay the whole of the capital paid up at the commencement of the
winding up, the excess shall be distributed pari passu amongst such members in
proportion to the amount paid up on the shares held by them respectively and
(ii) if the Company shall be wound up and the assets available for distribution
amongst the Members as such shall be insufficient to repay the whole of the
paid-up capital such assets shall be distributed so that, a nearly as may be,
the losses shall be borne by the Members in proportion to the capital paid up,
or which ought to have been paid up, at the commencement of the winding up on
the shares held by them respectively.
166.2 If the Company shall be wound up
(whether the liquidation is voluntary or by the court) the liquidator may, with
the authority of a special resolution and any other sanction required by the
Law, divide among the Members in specie or kind the whole or any part of the
assets of the Company and whether or not the assets shall consist of properties
of one kind or shall consist of properties to be divided as aforesaid of
different kinds, and may for such purpose set such value as he deems fair upon
any one or more class or classes of property and may determine how such division
shall be carried out as between the Members or different classes of Members. The
liquidator may, with the like authority, vest any part of the assets in trustees
upon such trusts for the benefit of the Members as the liquidator with the like
authority shall think fit, and the liquidation of the Company may be closed and
the Company dissolved, but so that no contributory shall be compelled to accept
any shares or other property in respect of which there is a
liability.
166.3 In the event of winding-up of the
Company in the Peoples Republic of China, every Member of the Company who is not
for the time being in the Peoples Republic of China shall be bound, within 14
days after the passing of an effective resolution to wind up the Company
voluntarily, or the making of an order for the winding-up of the Company, to
serve notice in writing on the Company appointing some person resident in the
Peoples Republic of China and stating that persons full name, address and
occupation upon whom all summonses, notices, process, orders and judgments in
relation to or under the winding-up of the Company may be served, and in default
of such nomination the liquidator of the Company shall be at liberty on behalf
of such Member to appoint some such person, and service upon any such appointee,
whether appointed by the Member or the liquidator, shall be deemed to be good
personal service on such Member for all purposes, and, where the liquidator
makes any such appointment, he shall with all convenient speed give notice
thereof to such Member by advertisement as he shall deem appropriate or by a
registered letter sent through the post and addressed to such Member at his
address as appearing in the register, and such notice shall be deemed to be
service on the day following that on which the advertisement first appears or
the letter is posted.
INDEMNITY
167. 167.1 The
Directors, Secretary and other officers and every Auditor for the time being of
the Company and the liquidator or trustees (if any) for the time being acting in
relation to any of the affairs of the Company and everyone of them, and everyone
of their heirs, executors and administrators, shall be indemnified and secured
harmless out of the assets and profits of the Company from and against all
actions, costs, charges, losses, damages and expenses which they or any of them,
their or any of their heirs, executors or administrators, shall or may incur or
sustain by or by reason of any act done, concurred in or omitted in or about the
execution of their duty, or supposed duty, in their respective offices or
trusts; and none of them shall be answerable for the acts, receipts, neglects or
defaults of the other or others of them or for joining in any receipts for the
sake of conformity, or for any bankers or other persons with whom any moneys or
effects belonging to the Company shall or may be lodged or deposited for safe
custody, or for insufficiency or deficiency of any security upon which any
moneys of or belonging to the Company shall be placed out on or invested, or for
any other loss, misfortune or damage which may happen in the execution of their
respective offices or trusts, or in relation thereto; PROVIDED THAT this
indemnity shall not extend to any matter in respect of any fraud or dishonesty
which may attach to any of said persons.
167.2 Each Member agrees to waive any
claim or right of action he might have, whether individually or by or in the
right of the Company, against any Director on account of any action taken by
such Director, or the failure of such Director to take any action in the
performance of his duties with or for the Company; PROVIDED THAT such waiver
shall not extend to any matter in respect of any fraud or dishonesty which may
attach to such Director.
AMENDMENT TO MEMORANDUM AND
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
AND NAME OF
COMPANY
168. No
Article shall be rescinded, altered or amended and no new Article shall be made
until the same has been approved by an ordinary resolution of the Members. An
ordinary resolution shall be required to alter the provisions of the Memorandum
of Association or to change the name of the Company.
INFORMATION
169. No
Member shall be entitled to require discovery of or any information respecting
any detail of the Companys trading or any matter which is or may be in the
nature of a trade secret or secret process which may relate to the conduct of
the business of the Company and which in the opinion of the Directors it will be
inexpedient in the interests of the members of the Company to communicate to the
public.