SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FORM F-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Hong Kong
4812
Not applicable
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
Building C, No. 156 Fuxingmennei Avenue
CT Corporation System
With copies to:
Gregory G.H. Miao
Jon L Christianson
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
East Wing Office, Level 4
China World Trade Center
No. 1, Jianguomenwai Dajie
Beijing 100004, PRC
Tel: (86-10) 6505-5511
Fax: (86-10) 6505-5522
Matthew Bersani
Shearman & Sterling LLP
12/ F, Gloucester Tower
The Landmark
11 Pedder Street
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2978-8000
Fax: (852) 2978-8099
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
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. o
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) 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. o
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. o
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. o
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, check the following box. o
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Proposed | Amount of | |||
Title of each class of | maximum aggregate | registration | ||
securities to be registered | offering price (1)(2) | fee | ||
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Ordinary shares, par value US$0.04 per
share
(3)
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US$1,500,000,000 | US$190,050 | ||
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(1) | Includes (a) shares that may be purchased by the underwriters pursuant to an over-allotment option and (b) all shares initially offered and sold outside the United States that may be resold from time to time in the United States. The shares are not being registered for the purpose of sales outside the United States. See Underwriting. |
(2) | Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933. |
(3) | American Depositary Shares issuable on deposit of the shares registered hereby will be registered under a separate registration statement on Form F-6. Each American Depositary Share represents ordinary shares. |
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 preliminary 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 preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it 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)
Issued October 15, 2004
China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
This preliminary prospectus relates to an offering of American depositary shares, or ADSs, representing the ordinary shares, or shares, of China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited. Each ADS represents shares. We are selling ADSs, representing 846,297,000 shares. China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited, which is our controlling shareholder, and five other shareholders are also selling an aggregate of ADSs, representing 95,089,000 shares. This is our initial public offering. We currently estimate that the initial public offering price per ADS will be between US$ and US$ , equivalent to between HK$ and HK$ per share at the exchange rate of HK$ to US$1.00, the noon buying rate on , 2004.
This offering of ADSs is part of a global offering of an aggregate of 1,045,984,000 shares, including a Hong Kong public offering of 104,598,000 shares.
We have applied to list the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CN. We have applied for the listing of the shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code .
Investing in the ADSs involves risks. See Risk Factors beginning on page 15.
Underwriting | ||||||||||||||||
Discounts | Proceeds to | |||||||||||||||
Price to | and | Proceeds to | Selling | |||||||||||||
Public | Commissions | Us | Shareholders | |||||||||||||
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Per ADS
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US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||||
Total
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US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||||
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The information in the above table excludes shares offered in the Hong Kong public offering, with aggregate proceeds to us of HK$ . We and the selling shareholders have granted to the U.S. and international underwriters an option to purchase up to an aggregate of 156,897,000 additional ADSs to cover over-allotments.
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission and state securities regulators have not approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this preliminary prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The underwriters expect to deliver the ADSs to purchasers in New York on , 2004. The ADSs are expected to commence trading on the New York Stock Exchange on , 2004. You may not be able to sell or otherwise deal in these securities prior to the commencement of trading.
China International | Citigroup | Goldman Sachs |
Capital Corporation | (Asia) L.L.C. |
(in alphabetical order)
, 2004
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You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus. We are offering to sell these securities and seeking offers to buy these securities only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of the securities offered by this prospectus.
Until , 2004, 25 days after the date of this prospectus, all dealers that buy, sell or trade shares or ADSs, whether or not participating in the global offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
We have not taken any action to permit a public offering of the shares or ADSs, or the possession or distribution of this prospectus, outside of the United States. Persons outside of the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about and observe any restrictions relating to the global offering of the shares and ADSs and the possession or distribution of this prospectus outside of the United States.
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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
Because this is only a summary, it does not
contain all the information that may be important to you. You
should read this entire document, including Risk
Factors and our consolidated financial statements and
unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements and notes
to those statements included in this document, before making an
investment decision. Unless the context otherwise indicates, in
the following summary financial data for periods prior to
July 1, 2004 and as of any date prior to June 30, 2004
include financial data related to businesses retained by China
Netcom Group as part of Our Included Businesses, as that term is
defined and explained in Restructuring. See
Restructuring for further information.
Our Company
We are a leading fixed-line telecommunications
operator in China and a leading international data
communications operator in the Asia-Pacific region. Our northern
service region in China consists of Beijing Municipality,
Tianjin Municipality, Hebei Province, Henan Province, Shandong
Province and Liaoning Province. Our southern service region in
China consists of Shanghai Municipality and Guangdong Province.
We are the dominant provider of fixed-line telephone services,
broadband and other Internet-related services, and business and
data communications services in our northern service region in
China. We primarily target business and residential customers in
selected high-density areas in our southern service region in
China. We are also the only telecommunications company in China
that operates an extensive network and offers international data
services in the Asia-Pacific region.
We offer a full range of fixed-line
telecommunications services, including:
We own and operate extensive local networks in
our northern service region, including the last mile
infrastructure, which is costly for our competitors to
replicate. We also own and operate limited local networks in
selected major cities in our southern service region. We operate
a high-speed and reliable intra- and inter-provincial transport
network in our northern and southern service regions. We also
operate an advanced fiber-optic network connecting major cities
in the Asia-Pacific region. This network infrastructure enables
us to provide a wide range of fixed-line telecommunications
services.
We have an extensive customer base in our
northern service region in China, with a total of
77.6 million fixed-line subscribers as of June 30,
2004. As of June 30, 2004, our market share in our northern
service region in China was 94.6% in terms of numbers of
fixed-line subscribers. We are capitalizing on this large
customer base and extensive fixed-line network to develop our
fast growing broadband and PHS services in China. The number of
our broadband subscribers grew from approximately 116,900 at the
end of 2001 to approximately 4.2 million as of
June 30, 2004. Our broadband market share in our northern
service region increased from 75.3% at the end of 2001 to 92.9%
as of June 30, 2004. However, we are facing increasing
competition in many aspects of our business, which has reduced
our average realized tariffs, usage volume per subscriber and
revenue growth rate. Our regional connectivity, combined with
our dominant position in Beijing, which serves as headquarters
for many large Chinese corporations and the China operations of
many large multinationals, provides us with a strong base for
further expanding our corporate and international
telecommunications businesses.
Our Restructuring
Our current principal operating subsidiary, China
Netcom (Group) Company Limited, or CNC China, was incorporated
as a domestic limited liability company in August 1999 as a
facilities-based
1
In November 2001, Chinas State Council
approved a comprehensive restructuring plan relating to the
fixed-line telecommunications sector. Pursuant to the
restructuring plan, the telecommunications assets of the former
China Telecommunications Group Corporation, or China Telecom
Group, in ten northern provinces in China were combined with
China Netcom (Holdings) Company Limited, or China Netcom
Holdings and Jitong Communications Company Limited to form China
Network Communications Group Corporation, or China Netcom Group.
China Telecom Group retained the telecommunications assets in
the remaining 21 provinces. Under the restructuring plan,
both China Netcom Group and China Telecom Group were permitted
to operate nationwide fixed-line telecommunications networks and
provide nationwide fixed-line telecommunications services.
As a result of a series of asset and share
transfers and ownership restructurings in anticipation of the
global offering, our business is now comprised of China Netcom
Groups and China Netcom Holdings former operations
in Beijing Municipality, Tianjin Municipality, Hebei Province,
Henan Province, Shandong Province, Liaoning Province, Shanghai
Municipality and Guangdong Province and their international
operations (including most of those of Asia Netcom Corporation
Limited, or Asia Netcom).
Relationship with China Netcom Group
We are a subsidiary of, and are controlled by,
China Netcom Group, a wholly state-owned enterprise. Upon
completion of the global offering, China Netcom Group will
indirectly own 72.3% of our issued share capital (or 70.5% if
the underwriters exercise the over-allotment option in full). In
addition, a number of our senior management members and
directors also serve as officers of China Netcom Group. The PRC
government controls China Netcom Group, and exercises control
over us through China Netcom Group, as our ultimate controlling
shareholder primarily by appointing members of our board,
subject to our articles of association.
Following our restructuring, China Netcom Group
has retained the ownership, and continues to control most
aspects of the operation, of the fixed-line telecommunications
networks outside our northern and southern service regions and
provides telecommunications services using those networks. In
connection with our restructuring, we have entered into various
agreements with China Netcom Group relating to the provision of
ongoing telecommunications and other services, including
agreements for interconnection settlement, engineering and
information technology services, materials procurement,
telecommunications facilities leasing and property leasing.
General Information
Our principal executive offices are located at
Building C, No. 156 Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng
District, Beijing, PRC 100031. Our telephone number is
(86-10) 6642-9253.
2
fixed-line telephone services (including Personal
Handyphone System, or PHS, service), consisting of local,
domestic long distance and international long distance services;
broadband and other Internet-related services,
including DSL and LAN services;
business and data communications services,
including managed data and leased line services; and
international telecommunications services,
including international voice, managed data and leased line
services.
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THE GLOBAL OFFERING
Unless otherwise indicated, information in
this document assumes that the underwriters will not exercise
the over-allotment option to purchase additional ADSs. See
Underwriting.
3
4
5
6
CONVENTIONS
Definitions
References in this document to we,
us, the company or CNC Hong
Kong mean China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong)
Limited and, as the context may require, its subsidiaries.
References to China Netcom Group mean China Network
Communications Group Corporation and, as the context may
require, its subsidiaries, other than us and our subsidiaries.
As used in this document:
Presentation of Information Relating to Assets
Retained or Held by China Netcom Group
Unless the text otherwise indicates, all
financial information prior to and for the year ended
December 31, 2003 includes Our Restructured Assets and
Liabilities and the Distributed Assets and Liabilities and the
related operations, as those terms are defined and explained in
Restructuring. However, the Distributed Assets and
Liabilities have been distributed to China Netcom Group, which
was reflected as a net distribution of
RMB 6,047 million to China Netcom Group on
June 30, 2004. These assets and liabilities and associated
operations are not ours and will not be available to generate
revenues for us in the current or future periods except to the
extent we have leased or otherwise acquired the right to use
these distributed assets. Therefore, to more accurately reflect
our operations and businesses going forward, other than the
company data presented in Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,
or unless the context otherwise indicates or requires, all
company data provided in this document including, among other
things, usage, number of access lines, market share and number
of subscribers, reflects Our Included Businesses, as the term is
defined and explained in Restructuring, and does not
include those assets and businesses distributed to China Netcom
Group on June 30, 2004.
Translations for Convenience
Unless otherwise indicated, translations of
Renminbi and Hong Kong dollar amounts into U.S. dollars in
this document are for convenience of the reader only and were
made at the rate of US$1.00 to RMB 8.2766 and US$1.00 to
HK$7.8000, the noon buying rates in The City of New York for
cable transfers payable in foreign currencies as certified for
customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on
June 30, 2004. No representation is made that Renminbi or
Hong Kong dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted
into U.S. dollars at that rate on June 30, 2004, on
any other date or at all.
Market Share Data Convention
The statistical and market share information
contained in this document has been derived from government and
private sources, including the information published by the MII.
Unless otherwise indicated, the information has not been
verified by us independently. This statistical information may
not be consistent with other statistical information from other
sources within or outside China.
7
Offering by us (including 104,598,000 shares
offered to the public in Hong Kong)
950,895,000 shares.
Offering by the selling shareholders
China Netcom Group Corporation
(BVI) Limited; the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Information
and Network Center of the State Administration of Radio, Film
and Television; China Railways Telecommunications Center;
Shanghai Alliance Investment Limited; and Shandong Provincial
State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission are
selling an aggregate of 95,089,000 shares in the global
offering. As a result of the global offering, the selling
shareholders aggregate ownership interest in us will be
reduced from 91.9% to 76.9%, or 75.0% if the
underwriters over-allotment option is exercised in full.
Global offering
The global offering consists of a
U.S. offering, an international offering and a Hong Kong
public offering of an aggregate of 1,045,984,000 shares,
accounting for approximately 16.2% of the total number of shares
outstanding immediately after the completion of the global
offering.
U.S. offering
470,693,000 shares in the form of shares or
ADSs in a public offering in the United States and on a private
placement basis in Canada.
International
offering
470,693,000 shares in the form of shares or
ADSs offered outside of the United States and Canada, and
to professional and institutional investors in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong public
offering
104,598,000 shares offered for public
subscription in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong public offering is
conditional upon the listing committee of the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange granting the listing of and permission to trade in the
shares offered in the global offering. If the number of shares
validly applied for in the Hong Kong public offering represents
a multiple of: (1) 15 times or more but less than
50 times, (2) 50 times or more but less than 100
times, or (3) 100 times or more, of the number of
shares initially available in such offering, then an additional
209,196,000 shares, 313,794,000 shares or
418,392,000 shares, respectively, will be reallocated to
the Hong Kong public offering, such that the additional shares,
when aggregated with the shares initially available in the Hong
Kong public offering, will represent approximately 30% in
the case of (1) above, approximately 40% in the case
of (2) above and approximately 50% in the case of
(3) above, respectively, of the total number of shares
initially available in the global offering, without giving
effect to the underwriters over-allotment option. In such
case, the number of ADSs allocated to the U.S. offering
and/or the international offering will be correspondingly
reduced in such manner as the joint global coordinators deem
appropriate. Any unsold shares in the Hong Kong public offering
may be reallocated to the
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U.S. offering and the international
offering. The joint global coordinators also have discretion to
reallocate additional shares to the Hong Kong public offering
from the U.S. offering and/or the international offering.
Joint global coordinators and joint global
bookrunners
China International Capital Corporation Limited,
Citigroup Global Markets Asia Limited and Goldman Sachs (Asia)
L.L.C. (in alphabetical order).
Over-allotment option
We and the selling shareholders have granted an
option to the U.S. and international underwriters to purchase an
aggregate
of additional
ADSs representing 156,897,000 shares, at the initial public
offering price, exercisable in whole or in part by the joint
global coordinators on behalf of the U.S. and international
underwriters.
Shares
Our ordinary shares, par value US$0.04 per
share, which will be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
ADSs
Each ADS
represents shares.
To understand the terms of the ADSs, you should carefully read
the section in this document entitled Description of
American Depositary Shares. We also encourage you to read
the deposit agreement, which is on file with the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Price per ADS or share in the U.S. and
international offerings
The initial public offering price per ADS is
expected to be between
US$ and
US$ ,
equivalent to between
HK$ and
HK$ per
share at the exchange rate of
HK$ to
US$1.00, the noon buying rate
on ,
2004. The initial public offering price for ADSs in the U.S. and
international offerings is payable in U.S. dollars and the
initial public offering price for shares in the Hong Kong public
offering is payable in Hong Kong dollars. The price per ADS and
price per share will include any brokerage fees, Hong Kong
Securities and Futures Commission transaction levies, investor
compensation levies and Hong Kong Stock Exchange trading fees
payable in connection with the initial sale and purchase of the
shares and ADSs. These fees and levies will be paid to the
relevant authorities or brokers by us and the selling
shareholders.
Price per share in the Hong Kong public offering
The initial public offering price per share in
the Hong Kong public offering, when increased by a 1% brokerage
fee, a 0.005% Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission
transaction levy, a 0.002% investor compensation levy and a
0.005% Hong Kong Stock Exchange trading fee payable by
purchasers, is effectively equivalent to the initial public
offering price per ADS in the U.S. and international offerings,
based on an exchange rate of
HK$ to
US$1.00, the noon buying rate
on ,
2004, and adjusted for the ratio
of shares
per ADS.
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Shares outstanding immediately after this global
offering
shares,
including shares represented by ADSs,
or shares
if the underwriters over-allotment option is exercised in
full.
Timing of global offering
The following is a tentative timetable of key
events in the global offering:
Hong Kong public offering commences
November 4, 2004 (Hong Kong Time)
Hong Kong public offering closes
November 9, 2004 (Hong Kong Time)
Pricing of global offering
November 9, 2004 (New York Time)
Final allocation of shares
November , 2004 (New York Time)
Trading of ADSs commences on the New York Stock
Exchange
November 16, 2004 (New York Time)
Trading of shares commences on the Hong Kong
Stock Exchange
November 17, 2004 (Hong Kong Time)
Business day gap between pricing and trading of
shares
The shares offered in the global offering will
not commence trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange until all
of the conditions contained in the underwriting agreement for
the Hong Kong public offering have been satisfied, which is
expected to be five Hong Kong business days after the date of
pricing of the shares. The ADSs offered in the global offering
are expected to commence trading on the New York Stock Exchange
on the business day in New York immediately preceding the day
when trading of the shares commences on the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange. You will not be able to sell or otherwise deal in the
shares or ADSs prior to the commencement of their trading on the
Hong Kong Stock Exchange or the New York Stock Exchange.
Payment and delivery
The underwriters expect to deliver the ADSs in
New York, New York to purchasers
on ,
2004.
Use of proceeds
We estimate that the net proceeds received by us
from the global offering will be approximately
US$ million,
after deducting the underwriting discounts and expenses payable
by us in the global offering and assuming an initial public
offering price of
US$ per
ADS, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of
this document. Of the net proceeds, we expect up to 50% of the
net proceeds, or
US$ million,
will be used for expansion and upgrading of our
telecommunications network infrastructure, including support and
information systems; 30% of the net proceeds, or up to
US$ million,
will be used for repayment of debt; 10% of the net proceeds, or
up to
US$ million,
will be used for development of new applications and services;
and the remaining net proceeds will be used for general
corporate purposes, such as working capital and business
expansion. We estimate that the net proceeds received by the
selling shareholders from the global offering will be
approximately
US$ million,
after deducting
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the underwriting discounts and expenses payable
by the selling shareholders. We will not receive any of the
proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling shareholders.
Dividend policy
We intend to declare and pay annual dividends to
shareholders in 2004 and in future periods. The dividend payment
to the public shareholders for 2004 will be pro rated based on
the period from the date of listing to December 31, 2004.
Our decision to pay any dividend will depend on our results of
operations, cash flows, financial condition, future prospects,
statutory and regulatory restrictions on the payment of
dividends by us and other factors that our board of directors
deems relevant. See Dividend Policy.
Lock-ups
We, China Netcom Group and China Netcom Group
Corporation (BVI) Limited have, subject to certain limited
exceptions, agreed to a lock-up of our securities for a period
of 180 days after the date of commencement of trading. CNC
Fund, L.P. has also separately agreed with us to a similar
180-day lock-up.
In addition, each of the Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Information and Network Center of the State
Administration of Radio, Film and Television, China Railways
Telecommunications Center, Shanghai Alliance Investment Limited
and Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and
Administration Commission has agreed with China Netcom Group:
not to sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any of our shares during the two-year period after
the commencement of trading; and
following the expiration of the
two-year period after the commencement of trading, not to sell
or transfer any of such shares without:
necessary
approvals from the relevant government authorities; and
consent from
China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited, which has a right
of first refusal to purchase such shares.
See Underwriting for further details
of these and other lock-up arrangements relating to our shares.
Listings
We have applied to list our ADSs on the New York
Stock Exchange under the symbol CN and our shares on
the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code
.
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references to China or
PRC mean the Peoples Republic of China,
excluding, for purposes of this document, Hong Kong, Macau and
Taiwan, and references to the central government
mean the central government of the PRC;
references to State Council mean the
State Council of the PRC;
references to our northern service
region mean the six municipalities and provinces where we
operate in northern China, consisting of Beijing and Tianjin
Municipalities, and Hebei, Henan, Shandong and Liaoning
Provinces, and references to our southern service
region mean Shanghai Municipality and Guangdong Province;
references to Ministry of Information
Industry and MII mean the Ministry of
Information Industry of the PRC government and references to the
National Development and Reform Commission and the
NDRC mean the National Development and Reform
Commission of the PRC government;
references to HKSE or Hong Kong
Stock Exchange mean The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong
Limited, and references to NYSE or New York
Stock Exchange mean New York Stock Exchange, Inc;
references to Renminbi or
RMB are to the currency of the PRC, references to
U.S. dollars or US$ are to the
currency of the United States of America, and references to
HK dollars or HK$ are to the currency of
the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC; and
references to U.S. GAAP mean the
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States,
references to Hong Kong GAAP mean the generally
accepted accounting principles in Hong Kong, and references to
PRC GAAP mean the PRC Accounting Standards for
Business Enterprises and the implementing rules thereof.
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SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following tables present our summary
consolidated financial data as of and for the years ended
December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and as of and for the six
months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004.
You should read the summary consolidated
financial data below together with our consolidated financial
statements, including the notes thereto, included elsewhere in
this document, and Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Our consolidated financial statements report our
results as if (1) Our Restructured Assets and Liabilities
and the Distributed Assets and Liabilities, as defined and
explained in Restructuring, and related operations
had been transferred to us as of January 1, 2001, and
(2) we had owned those assets and liabilities and conducted
those operations throughout the relevant periods. See
Restructuring and Managements Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Factors Affecting Our Results of
Operations for a further discussion of our restructuring.
We publish our financial statements in Renminbi. We have derived
the summary consolidated income statement data for the years
ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and for the six
months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, the summary
consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2001,
2002 and 2003 and as of June 30, 2004 and the summary
consolidated cash flow statement data for the years ended
December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and for the six months
ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 from our consolidated
financial statements. Our consolidated financial statements have
been prepared in accordance with Hong Kong GAAP, which differ in
significant respects from U.S. GAAP. For a discussion of
material differences between Hong Kong GAAP and U.S. GAAP,
see Note 36 to our consolidated financial statements
included elsewhere in this document.
8
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Summary Consolidated Financial
Information
9
10
SUMMARY UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
The following tables present our summary
unaudited pro forma consolidated income statement data under
Hong Kong GAAP and U.S. GAAP for the year ended
December 31, 2003 and for the six months ended
June 30, 2004, which give effect to the adjustments
described below.
The summary unaudited pro forma consolidated
financial information was prepared by us to illustrate
(1) the estimated effects of a reduction in depreciation
charges for the year ended December 31, 2003 resulting from
the revaluation of our fixed assets as if the revaluation had
been recorded on January 1, 2003 (no such pro forma
adjustment to the income statement is required for the six
months ended June 30, 2004 since the revaluation results on
fixed assets were incorporated into the financial statements on
December 31, 2003); (2) the exclusion of results of
operations attributable to the Distributed Assets and
Liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2003 and for
the six months ended June 30, 2004, including reductions in
the depreciation charges associated with fixed assets that were
distributed, the effects of entering into the leases between
China Netcom Group and us for those assets that we lease from it
after the restructuring, the reductions in income and expenses
from the distribution of investments, interests in associated
companies and interest-bearing loans, the effects of the
Management Services Agreement and our purchases and leases of
certain capacity from China Netcom Group; (3) the effects
for the year ended December 31, 2003, of the acquisitions
of substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of
Asia Global Crossing, or AGC, through Asia Netcom Corporation
Limited, or Asia Netcom in transactions on March 10 and
December 31, 2003, as if they had occurred on
January 1, 2003, except that results from January 1,
2003 through March 9, 2003 are not reflected due to lack of
historical data (no such pro forma adjustment to the income
statement is required for the six months ended June 30,
2004 since Asia Netcom became our wholly owned subsidiary on
December 31, 2003 and the results of Asia Netcom have been
fully consolidated since January 1, 2004); and (4) the
tax effects of the foregoing adjustments, all as further
described in the notes to the unaudited pro forma consolidated
financial information included elsewhere in this document as an
appendix beginning on page P-1. The unaudited pro forma
consolidated income statement data does not purport to represent
what our results of operations would have been if such
transactions and other changes had in fact occurred on
January 1, 2003 or to project our results of operations for
any future period. The pro forma adjustments have been made to
reflect only the effects of our revaluation and restructurings
that are (1) directly attributable to transactions
associated with the revaluation and restructurings,
(2) expected to have a continuing impact on us; and
(3) factually supportable. You should read the unaudited
pro forma income statement data set forth below together with
the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information and
its notes set forth in this document beginning on page P-1
and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations.
11
12
SUMMARY OPERATING DATA
The following table sets forth our selected
operating data as of and for the years ended December 31,
2001, 2002 and 2003 and for the six months ended June 30,
2004. This operating data only relates to Our Included
Businesses, as defined in Restructuring.
13
N/A means not available.
14
For the Six Months Ended
For the Year Ended December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2003
2003
2004
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
RMB
US$
(in millions, except per share and per ADS information)
42,545
47,135
50,533
6,104
24,768
26,714
3,228
1,384
2,189
3,493
423
1,619
2,428
293
2,986
3,373
3,661
442
1,724
1,567
189
1,539
1,174
832
101
350
514
62
178
572
1,379
167
601
1,275
154
48,632
54,443
59,898
7,237
29,062
32,498
3,926
(16,153
)
(18,808
)
(20,483
)
(2,475
)
(9,967
)
(9,552
)
(1,154
)
(9,313
)
(10,578
)
(11,990
)
(1,448
)
(4,827
)
(5,167
)
(624
)
(5,030
)
(6,433
)
(7,547
)
(912
)
(3,563
)
(4,294
)
(519
)
(4,997
)
(5,682
)
(7,053
)
(852
)
(2,907
)
(4,199
)
(507
)
(1,536
)
(1,521
)
(1,660
)
(201
)
(599
)
(724
)
(88
)
11,603
11,421
11,165
1,349
7,199
8,562
1,034
339
160
124
15
70
39
5
(25,778
)
(3,114
)
11,942
11,581
(14,489
)
(1,750
)
7,269
8,601
1,039
(1,979
)
(2,848
)
(3,026
)
(366
)
(1,548
)
(1,604
)
(194
)
4
(1
)
(416
)
(50
)
(87
)
(1
)
9,967
8,732
(17,931
)
(2,166
)
5,634
6,996
845
(2,568
)
(2,212
)
6,819
824
(1,362
)
(2,121
)
(256
)
7,399
6,520
(11,112
)
(1,342
)
4,272
4,875
589
1
1
7,400
6,520
(11,111
)
(1,342
)
4,272
4,875
589
1.35
1.19
(2.02
)
(0.24
)
0.78
0.89
0.11
7,272
6,474
6,160
744
4,258
3,754
454
1.32
1.18
1.12
0.14
0.78
0.68
0.08
(1)
Revenues from fixed-line telephone services
include local usage fees, monthly fees, upfront installation
fees, domestic and international long distance service charges,
value-added service charges, interconnection fees from domestic
carriers and upfront connection fees.
(2)
Revenues from business and data communications
services include fees charged for managed data and leased line
services.
(3)
See Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Factors Affecting Our Results of
Operations Our Recent Restructurings
Revaluation of our fixed assets for a discussion of this
revaluation.
(4)
Basic earnings/(losses) per share for the years
ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and for the six
months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 set forth above has
been computed by dividing profit/(loss) for the year/period by
the weighted average number of ordinary shares during the
year/period, which was 5,492 million in each of these
years/periods.
(5)
Basic earnings/(losses) per ADS for the years
ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and for the six
months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 set forth above have
been computed by multiplying basic earnings/(losses) per share
for the year/period
by ,
which is the number of shares represented by each ADS.
Table of Contents
As of December 31,
As of June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2003
2004
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
US$
(in millions)
6,952
6,802
6,316
763
3,119
377
3,907
4,775
6,343
766
6,732
814
17,692
17,391
17,492
2,113
12,954
1,565
161,209
163,947
149,614
18,076
131,534
15,892
187,039
190,917
179,534
21,691
156,223
18,875
14,223
13,302
14,786
1,786
13,990
1,690
27,243
40,460
47,933
5,791
37,886
4,578
57,599
68,829
86,871
10,496
74,879
9,047
37,446
29,480
22,309
2,695
20,464
2,473
19,355
15,781
14,604
1,764
13,394
1,618
127,829
128,700
136,155
16,450
113,354
13,695
59,206
62,213
43,376
5,241
42,869
5,180
56,581
59,562
56,000
6,766
54,538
6,588
For the Six Months Ended
For the Year Ended December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2003
2003
2004
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
RMB
US$
(in millions)
22,874
23,928
25,332
3,061
14,017
14,075
1,700
(41,461
)
(25,922
)
(27,001
)
(3,262
)
(10,322
)
(8,128
)
(982
)
(40,163
)
(25,814
)
(28,528
)
(3,446
)
(11,092
)
(8,947
)
(1,081
)
18,420
1,734
1,262
152
(2,701
)
(9,114
)
(1,101
)
Table of Contents
For the Year Ended December 31, 2003
Pro Forma
Pro
Pro
Historical
Adjustments
Forma
Forma
RMB
RMB
RMB
US$
(in millions, except per share and per ADS
data)
59,898
123
60,021
7,252
11,165
2,814
13,979
1,689
(11,111
)
2,740
(8,371
)
(1,011
)
(2.02
)
(1.52
)
(1)
(0.18
)
6,160
597
6,757
818
1.12
1.23
(1
)
0.15
Table of Contents
(1)
The pro forma basic earnings per share for the
year ended December 31, 2003 set forth above has been
computed by dividing pro forma profit/(loss) for the year
by 5,500 million shares, assuming the one-to-one conversion
of the redeemable preference shares into 7,741,782 ordinary
shares had taken place on January 1, 2003.
(2)
The pro forma basic earnings per ADS for the year
ended December 31, 2003 set forth above has been computed
by dividing pro forma profit/(loss) for the year
by million
ADSs, assuming the one-to-one conversion of the redeemable
preference shares into 7,741,782 ordinary shares had taken place
on January 1, 2003.
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2004
Pro Forma
Pro
Pro
Historical
Adjustments
Forma
Forma
RMB
RMB
RMB
US$
(in millions, except per share and per ADS
data)
32,498
(489
)
32,009
3,867
8,562
312
8,874
1,072
4,875
753
5,628
680
0.89
1.02
(1)
0.12
3,754
753
4,507
544
0.68
0.82
(1)
0.10
(1)
The pro forma basic earnings per share for the
six months ended June 30, 2004 set forth above has been
computed by dividing pro forma profit for the six months
ended June 30, 2004 by 5,500 million shares, assuming
the one-to-one conversion of the redeemable preference shares
into 7,741,782 ordinary shares had taken place on
January 1, 2003.
(2)
The pro forma basic earnings per ADS for the six
months ended June 30, 2004 set forth above has been
computed by dividing pro forma profit for the six months ended
June 30, 2004
by million
ADSs, assuming the one-to-one conversion of the redeemable
preference shares into 7,741,782 ordinary shares had taken place
on January 1, 2003.
Table of Contents
As of and For
As of and For the Year
the Six Months
Ended December 31,
Ended June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
51.1
58.4
69.6
77.6
0.4
1.4
7.4
12.5
158.9
173.3
179.0
89.6
14.9
17.1
20.4
11.7
11.5
12.2
12.1
6.1
3.4
4.9
8.2
5.6
286.5
349.7
419.5
227.9
210.0
191.2
167.2
77.4
76.5
158.6
252.3
150.5
116.9
577.4
2,535.2
4,185.6
33.4
318.2
1,990.0
3,275.4
83.2
258.0
544.5
910.0
37.2
33.0
25.1
6.7
101,720
120,634
134,045
136,673
23,079
32,981
46,268
54,839
1,039
1,655
2,537
2,929
60,434
72,764
78,739
81,169
N/A
N/A
970
900
N/A
N/A
943
1,432
N/A
N/A
12,035
13,336
99.0%
97.0%
96.0%
94.6%
58.1%
48.2%
46.3%
44.6%
67.1%
60.6%
59.6%
62.5%
75.3%
86.5%
89.2%
92.9%
(1)
Including PHS subscribers.
(2)
Fixed-line subscribers consist of all access
lines in service as well as PHS subscribers. We calculate PHS
subscribers based on the number of active telephone numbers for
our PHS services. In cases where a PHS subscriber uses the same
telephone number as an access line in service, the designation
as a PHS subscriber or access line in service depends on which
service is first activated. We increase our total number of
fixed-line subscribers as soon as practicable after activation
of the service. We remove a fixed-line subscriber from the total
number of fixed-line subscribers as soon as practicable after
the fixed-line subscriber deactivates the service voluntarily or
three months after the date on which the fixed-line
subscribers bill becomes overdue. Prepaid and postpaid
telephone card customers are not counted toward our fixed-line
subscribers.
(3)
Pulse is the billing unit for local telephone
usage. See Regulation Tariff Setting.
Table of Contents
(4)
We calculate DSL subscribers based on the number
of active accounts. LAN subscribers consist of end-users and
dedicated line users. We calculate LAN end-users based on the
number of ports subscribed for. The number of LAN dedicated line
users equals total monthly fees paid by such users divided by a
set average revenue per unit. The current set revenue per unit
is RMB 90. We consider an account active or a service
subscribed for as soon as practicable after activations of the
applicable service. We remove a subscriber from the total number
of subscribers as soon as practicable after that subscriber
deactivates the service voluntarily or three months after the
date on which that subscribers bill becomes overdue.
(5)
Calculated by dividing our fixed-line subscribers
as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and as of
June 30, 2004 by combined fixed-line subscribers in our
northern service region, as measured by the provincial
telecommunications administrations.
(6)
Calculated by dividing our domestic long distance
usage as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and as of
June 30, 2004 by combined domestic long distance usage,
including fixed-line and mobile services, in our northern
service region, as measured by the provincial telecommunications
administrations.
(7)
Calculated by dividing our international long
distance usage as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and
as of June 30, 2004 by combined international long distance
usage, including fixed-line and mobile services, in our northern
service region, as measured by the provincial telecommunications
administrations.
(8)
Calculated by dividing the number of our
broadband subscribers as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and
2003 and as of June 30, 2004 by the total number of
broadband subscribers in our northern service region, as
measured by provincial telecommunications administrations.
(9)
Any discrepancies between totals and the sums of
the amounts listed are due to rounding.
Table of Contents
RISK FACTORS
Risks Relating to Our Business
Increasing competition in each of our service regions and markets may have an adverse effect on our business growth and financial condition.
The telecommunications industry in China is rapidly evolving. In recent years, the central government has implemented a number of measures to restructure, and encourage fair and orderly competition in, the telecommunications industry. As a result, we face increasing competition from other licensed telecommunications operators in China, including China Telecom Group, or China Telecom; China Mobile Communications Corporation, or China Mobile; China United Telecommunications Corporation, or China Unicom; China Railway Communications Corporation Limited, or China Railcom; and China Satellite Communications Corporation, or China Satcom. We expect our competitors to further expand their network coverage and increase their sales and marketing efforts in our northern and southern service regions. We will also face competition from foreign-invested telecommunications operators as a result of Chinas accession into the World Trade Organization, or the WTO, and the entry of foreign telecommunications companies into the Chinese market. In addition, we face competition from other telecommunications operators in our Asia-Pacific markets. As we operate in an increasingly competitive market, we have experienced and may continue to experience pressure on operating revenues and operating margins for some of our telecommunications services.
In our northern service region, competition in fixed-line services and in broadband and data services may result in lower tariffs, a smaller customer base and lower usage for our services, thereby adversely affecting our business growth and financial condition. |
We compete with other fixed-line service providers, including China Telecom, China Unicom and China Railcom, each of which has been licensed to provide fixed-line telephone services in our northern service region. Within our northern service region, China Unicom operates local fixed-line telephone services only in Tianjin Municipality. We have experienced limited competition to date in the market for local telephone services, primarily because our competitors have not built significant local access infrastructure. However, competition for the provision of these services may increase in the future as our competitors develop their own networks, including through the use of alternative technologies. In the markets for domestic and international long distance telephone services, we face strong competition from voice over Internet protocol, or VoIP services, provided by China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom and China Railcom. Tariffs for VoIP services are market-based and therefore not subject to minimum pricing restrictions. Increased competition from these operators may force us to lower our tariffs or may reduce the size of our customer base and the usage of our networks. Any of these developments may materially adversely affect our business growth and financial condition.
Mobile service substitution for our fixed-line telephone services has also created considerable competition in the markets for local and long distance telephone services. Consistent with trends in global markets in recent years, an increasing proportion of total voice traffic is being carried by mobile networks. Currently, China Mobile and China Unicom are the only licensed providers of mobile communications services in China and, in recent years, some of the traffic from our fixed-line networks has been diverted to the networks of these two companies.
For managed data services and broadband Internet access services, or broadband services, we primarily compete with China Unicom, China Telecom and China Railcom on the basis of pricing, the coverage and quality of networks, ability to provide end-to-end connectivity, quality of network management and customer service. While other major telecommunications operators in China have been leasing transport facilities from us to serve their customers, some of them, such as China Mobile and China Unicom, have in recent years begun to build their own long distance networks for voice services and fiber-optic networks for data services. Increased competition from these domestic telecommunications providers may result in lower revenues for us due to competitive pricing policies and increased sales and marketing costs to attract or retain subscribers.
15
In our southern service region, if we do not compete effectively against China Telecom and other operators, we may achieve lower returns on our investments than expected and our business growth may be adversely affected. |
In our southern service region, we compete primarily against China Telecom in the provision of VoIP services, broadband services and data services. China Telecom has a competitive advantage over us in our southern service region in terms of its larger customer base, broader network coverage and greater brand recognition. China Telecom controls most of the local access network, including the last mile access network, in our southern service region. Despite our efforts to build a local access network over the past five years, China Telecom is still the dominant service provider in our southern service region. As a result, we may not be able to compete effectively against China Telecom and realize acceptable returns on our investments and our business growth prospects may be adversely affected. In addition to China Telecom, we are faced with increased competition from other operators in our southern service region.
In the Asia-Pacific markets, continuing pricing pressure or our inability to meet the requirements of our business customers may reduce our revenues and net income derived from these markets. |
The telecommunications services market for business and carrier customers in the Asia-Pacific region is highly competitive, and our success in the region will depend on our ability to compete against a variety of other telecommunications operators, including regional as well as global telecommunications operators. Some of our competitors may have competitive advantages over us, including greater name recognition in a particular market, greater resources, larger customer bases and better relationships with our current and potential customers.
Due to substantial excess transport capacity in the Asia-Pacific carrier market, we face intense competition from other providers of telecommunications services in the Asia-Pacific region, including Reach Telecom Ltd., C2C Pte. Ltd. and the FLAG Telecom Group Limited. As a result of strong competition, prices of data and bandwidth products and services in our target markets have experienced continual declines in recent years. Competition also exists in the business customer segment, in which we face strong competition from international providers such as AT&T Corp. and local incumbent providers such as Singapore Telecommunications Limited, Japans Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corporation, or NTT, and KT Corp. The incumbent providers in particular tend to have better control of local networks. Any continued decrease in price or our inability to meet the requirements of business customers may have a material adverse impact on our revenues and net income derived from our international telecommunications services.
Competition from foreign-invested operators and other new entrants may further increase the competition for employees, exacerbate price competition and increase our operating expenses, thereby adversely affecting our financial condition and growth prospects. |
As a result of Chinas accession to the WTO in December 2001, and the adoption of the Regulations on the Administration of Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Enterprises in January 2002, which implement Chinas commitments to the WTO, the PRC government has agreed to gradually liberalize the various segments and regions of the telecommunications market in China to foreign investors. Both the percentage of ownership of Sino-foreign joint ventures offering telecommunications services in China and the regions where those joint ventures are permitted to offer telecommunications services will be increased over several years. For example, foreign operators are permitted, subject to various ownership and licensing restrictions, to establish joint venture enterprises in the municipalities of Beijing and Shanghai and the city of Guangzhou to provide domestic and international voice, packet-switched and circuit-switched data transmission and other services. Foreign-invested operators entering Chinas telecommunications market as a result of this liberalization may have greater financial, managerial and technical resources and more expertise in network management and sales and marketing than we do.
Increased competition from these and other new entrants into the Chinese telecommunications market may further increase the competition for skilled and experienced employees, exacerbate price competition and increase our customer acquisition costs and other operating expenses, and thereby adversely affect our financial condition and growth prospects.
16
Competition from alternative technologies to our PHS business and an introduction of TD-SCDMA technology may cause our PHS services to be less competitive, and adversely affect our growth prospects and revenues.
We currently provide personal handyphone system, or PHS, services in most cities in our northern service region to reduce the impact of mobile substitution on our fixed-line operations. PHS is a telecommunications technology that allows us to offer to our customers wireless local access services with mobility within the local network. Our ability to realize acceptable returns from our investment in PHS technology will depend on continued customer adoption of this technology. However, this market may not continue to develop, since potential customers are and will be able to choose from a variety of alternative fixed-line and wireless communication technologies, including both existing technologies and new technologies to be offered in the future, such as third generation, or 3G, mobile telephone services. In particular, if China Mobile or China Unicom reduce the tariffs for mobile telecommunications services, our existing and potential PHS customers may choose to use these services instead of our PHS services to take advantage of the less geographically restricted service scope and other features of mobile technology.
Furthermore, part of the radio spectrum currently used by our PHS services may be reallocated by the PRC government to time division synchronization code division multiple access technology, or TD-SCDMA technology, which is one of the three technologies adopted by the International Telecommunications Union and is under review by the PRC government for use in providing 3G mobile telephone services. The MII is currently conducting tests on TD-SCDMA related products. The PRC government has not publicly announced its decisions on issues such as the timing of the grant of the 3G licenses, the number of 3G licenses to be granted, any technical requirements, or any selection of preferred technologies. If TD-SCDMA technology is introduced, our ability to use the existing PHS spectrum may be restricted, thereby limiting the volume of usage we can handle and adversely affecting our revenues.
Any of the risks described above may cause our PHS services to become less competitive and thereby materially and adversely affect our growth prospects and revenues.
Because we rely on certain arrangements with other telecommunications operators, changes to the terms or availability of these arrangements may result in disruptions to our services and operations.
Our ability to provide telecommunications services depends upon certain arrangements with other telecommunications operators. In particular, interconnection is necessary to complete all calls between our subscribers and subscribers of other telecommunications operators. We, either through ourselves or through China Netcom Group, have entered into interconnection and transmission line leasing agreements with other fixed-line operators, including our parent company, China Netcom Group, mobile telephone operators and other telecommunications providers, as required to conduct our current business. Any disruption to our interconnection with the networks of those operators or other international telecommunications carriers with which we interconnect due to technical or competitive reasons may affect our operations, service quality and customer satisfaction, thus adversely affecting our business. Furthermore, we are generally not entitled to collect indirect or consequential damages resulting from disruptions in the networks to which we are interconnected. Our failure to renew our existing interconnection and leased line agreements on commercially acceptable terms may result in disruptions to our services. In addition, in our southern service region, we may need to lease local access network facilities from other operators in order to provide services to our customers. If we are unable to enter into arrangements with such operators in a timely manner or on acceptable terms, it may result in a delay in providing services to our customers and disrupt our operations, as we may need to seek alternative arrangements with other operators, which may adversely affect our financial condition and our results of operations.
Disruptions to our network or operating systems, or to those with which we interconnect, may result in customer dissatisfaction and reduced revenues from operations.
Our network infrastructure and the networks with which we interconnect are vulnerable to potential damage or interruption from floods, wind, storms, fires, power loss, severed cables, acts of terrorism and
17
Failure to successfully respond to technological and industry developments may hinder our revenue growth and adversely affect our competitive position.
The telecommunications sector has recently experienced rapid increases in the diversity and sophistication of the technologies and services offered. As a result, we expect that we will need to constantly upgrade our telecommunications technologies and services in order to respond to competitive industry conditions and customer requirements. For example, the next generation network has the capability of providing new value-added services and content that combine voice, data and images with increased efficiency and flexibility. Next generation networks may replace the traditional public switched telephone networks in the future. We have not experienced significant difficulties in upgrading new technologies and equipment in the past, but if we fail to smoothly upgrade or achieve a balanced transition of our existing network to the next generation network, we may lose our customers and market share, which may adversely affect our operations and financial condition. Furthermore, if the new technologies adopted by us do not perform as expected, or if we are unable to effectively deliver new services based on these technologies in a commercially viable manner, our revenue growth may decline and our competitive position may be adversely affected.
Our failure to successfully integrate our operations will adversely affect our customer and employee relationships, financial condition and operations.
Our business operations are the result of a series of transfers and combinations of the telecommunications assets formerly owned by China Telecommunications Group Corporation, China Netcom Holdings and Jitong Communications Company Limited. The fixed-line business in northern China of the former China Telecom Group was combined with China Netcom Holdings and Jitong Communications Company Limited to form China Netcom Group in 2002. See Restructuring Formation of China Netcom Group. These entities historically operated independently and previously had overlapping products, customers and networks, as well as inconsistent business strategies. Furthermore, our businesses in the six northern municipalities and provinces that constitute our northern service region were each historically operated with a considerable degree of autonomy. The process of successfully integrating these diverse operations that have, in most respects, previously operated independently presents significant challenges. Integration of personnel and the various businesses, technologies, networks, management systems and corporate cultures will require the continued development of financial and management controls and new information systems, which may strain our management resources or require significant expenditures. Furthermore, the cross-border nature of our operations among China and other jurisdictions in the Asia-Pacific region adds to the difficulty of achieving this integration. If we do not successfully integrate our operations, our customer and employee relationships, financial condition and operations may be adversely affected.
If we fail to successfully implement our business strategies, we may not achieve acceptable investment returns or manage growth in certain services and markets, and our financial condition may be adversely affected.
We may not be able to successfully implement all of our business strategies. See Business Business Strategies. For example, we have made substantial investments in developing our broadband network infrastructure and technology. However, the broadband market in China may not continue to expand at recent
18
Our internal controls and management systems are not currently consistent with international practices in certain respects and we are in the process of improving these controls and systems to enable us to certify the effectiveness of our internal controls under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Our failure to timely and successfully upgrade these controls and systems could subject us to regulatory actions and harm the price of our stock.
Our internal control and management systems were designed to meet the standards generally adopted by private Hong Kong companies and the internal control and management systems of our PRC subsidiaries were designed to the standards generally adopted by large state-owned companies in China. These standards are different from the standards and best practices adopted by companies listed in Hong Kong and the United States. We have identified areas in which our current internal control and management systems do not meet international standards and practices. In addition, during their recent audit, our external auditors brought to our attention a number of areas in which our current internal controls and management systems do not reduce to a relatively low level the risk of undetected material errors or fraud and could adversely affect our ability to accurately and timely record, process, summarize and report financial data. Pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the various rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto or in conjunction therewith, we are required, for fiscal year 2004, to perform an evaluation of our internal controls over financial reporting and file an assessment of its effectiveness with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the Commission. For fiscal year 2005, our external auditors are required to attest to such evaluation. Unless we successfully upgrade our controls and systems, we will not be able to satisfactorily comply with our obligations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and our external auditors will be unable to provide a satisfactory certification. We have prepared an internal plan of action for compliance, which includes a schedule of activities to address our need to meet these standards and best practices. If we fail to successfully complete the improvements we have scheduled on a timely basis or if the activities fail to raise our internal controls and management systems to the levels required by international standards or legal requirements or if we fail to implement required new or improved controls, then we may fail to meet our reporting obligations and our auditors may be unable to certify the managements assertion of the effectiveness of our internal controls as required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. This could subject us to regulatory scrutiny and result in a loss of public confidence in our management, which could, among other things, adversely affect our stock price.
We rely substantially on short-term borrowings and our inability to obtain sufficient funding may adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition.
Similar to many enterprises in China, a significant percentage of our funding requirements is satisfied through short-term borrowings. This has resulted in a significant increase in our net current liabilities. As of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and June 30, 2004, our short-term bank loans and the current portion of our long-term bank and other loans were RMB 27,243 million, RMB 40,460 million, RMB 47,933 million and RMB 37,886 million, respectively, representing 42.1%, 57.8%, 68.2% and 64.9% of the sum of total long-term and short-term bank loans and other borrowings as of the respective dates. Although, in our experience, a substantial portion of our short-term borrowings is rolled over upon maturity and these borrowings have been, in the past, a stable source of funding, no assurances can be given that this will continue to be the case. If our lenders do not roll over our short-term borrowings, or if we are unable to secure sufficient borrowings, our liquidity position would be adversely affected, and we may be required to seek more expensive sources of short-term or long-term funding to finance our operations.
Implementing our strategies may require substantial capital expenditures. To the extent these expenditures exceed our cash resources, we will be required to seek additional debt or equity financing. Our ability to
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| our financial condition; | |
| general economic and capital market conditions; | |
| availability of credit from banks or lenders and conditions in the financial markets; | |
| investor confidence in us; | |
| economic, political and other conditions in China; and | |
| the PRC governments policies relating to foreign currency borrowings. |
If we are unable to obtain sufficient funding for our operations or development plans on commercially acceptable terms, or at all, our liquidity and financial condition may be adversely affected.
Our ultimate controlling shareholder, China Netcom Group, may cause us to enter into transactions or take (or fail to take) other actions or make decisions that conflict with the best interests of our other shareholders.
Upon the completion of the global offering, China Netcom Group will own approximately 72.3% of our outstanding shares, or 70.5% if the underwriters over-allotment option is exercised in full. As a result, China Netcom Group, subject to our articles of association and applicable laws and regulations, will effectively be able to control our management, policies and business by controlling the composition of our board of directors, determining the timing and amount of our dividend payments, approving significant corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, and approving our annual budgets. Therefore, China Netcom Group may cause us to enter into transactions or take (or fail to take) other actions or make decisions that conflict with the best interests of our other shareholders.
We rely on China Netcom Group to provide certain services and facilities for which we currently have limited alternative sources of supply. Changes in the availability, pricing or quality of these services or facilities may have a material adverse effect on our business and profitability.
Pursuant to various agreements and arrangements, China Netcom Group provides us with services and facilities necessary for our business activities, including but not limited to, the use of fiber-optic networks in our northern and southern service regions, submarine cables in the Asia-Pacific region, international gateways, leases for properties located in our northern and southern service regions and the Asia-Pacific region.
The interests of China Netcom Group as provider of these services and facilities may conflict with our interests. We currently have limited alternative sources of supply for these services and facilities and, as a result, may have limited ability to negotiate with China Netcom Group regarding the terms for providing these services and facilities. Changes in the availability, pricing or quality of these services or facilities may have a material adverse effect on our business and profitability.
Failure by China Netcom Group to fulfill its obligations under certain arrangements entered into in connection with our restructuring in preparation for the global offering may have a material adverse effect on our business operations, growth prospects and profitability.
China Netcom Group has committed to certain arrangements in connection with our restructuring in preparation for the global offering to support our existing operations and future development, including through a letter of undertakings, a non-competition agreement and a restructuring agreement. See Relationship with China Netcom Group for a description of these arrangements. In the letter of undertakings, China Netcom Group agreed to, among other things, extend its full support to our current operations and future developments. China Netcom Group has also entered into a non-competition agreement whereby China Netcom Group has agreed not to compete with us in our service regions and the international markets without our consent. In addition, under a restructuring agreement, China Netcom Group agreed to
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The PRC National Audit Office is auditing our ultimate controlling shareholder, and the outcome of this audit may adversely affect our corporate image, the reputation and credibility of our management, our business and financial condition and the prices of our shares and ADSs.
PRCs National Audit Office, or the NAO, from time to time performs audits on state-owned companies, such as China Netcom Group, our ultimate controlling shareholder. We understand that China Netcom Group is currently being audited by the NAO. Many of the business operations, assets and liabilities that are the subject of this audit were transferred to our company as a result of our IPO restructuring. See Restructuring. We cannot predict the timing of completion or the outcome of this audit. If, as a result of this audit, material irregularities are found within China Netcom Group or China Netcom Group becomes the target of any negative publicity, there would be a material adverse effect on our corporate image, the reputation and credibility of our management, our business and financial condition and the prices of our shares and ADSs.
We do not possess the title certificates in respect of certain properties owned by us.
As of August 31, 2004, we owned and occupied 1,351 parcels of land, 3,908 buildings and 318 buildings and structures under construction. Of these properties, 1,360 parcels of land, 3,900 buildings and 318 buildings and structures under construction were transferred to us from China Netcom Group. China Netcom Group does not have vested legal title to 16 parcels of land and 57 buildings and it does not have relevant construction approvals for 45 of the buildings and structures under construction. The remaining parcels of land and buildings are still registered in the name of China Netcom Group, which has undertaken to us to have the titles registered in our name within six months after the global offering, and to assist us in obtaining the title certificates in our name upon completion of construction of such buildings and structures. For more details, see Business Properties. We cannot predict with certainty how our rights as owner or occupier of these properties may be adversely affected as a result of the absence of these title certificates.
Risks Relating to the PRC Telecommunications Industry
Extensive government regulation of the telecommunications industry in China may restrict our ability to respond to market conditions or competition, and may have a material adverse effect on our operations, business and financial condition.
As a telecommunications operator in China, we are subject to extensive regulation by and under the supervision of the MII, which is the primary telecommunications industry regulator in China. The MII is responsible for formulating policies and regulations for the telecommunications industry, granting telecommunications licenses, allocating frequency spectrum and numbers, formulating interconnection and settlement arrangements between telecommunications operators, and enforcing industry regulations. Other PRC governmental authorities also regulate tariff policies, capital investment and foreign investment in the telecommunications industry. See Regulation. The regulatory framework within which we operate may constrain our ability to implement our business strategies and limit our ability to respond to market conditions or to changes in our cost structure. Moreover, we operate our businesses pursuant to approvals granted by the State Council and under licenses granted by the MII. If these approvals or licenses were revoked or suspended, our business and operations would be materially and adversely affected. In addition, we are subject to various regulatory requirements as to service quality, pricing and other actions, and failure to comply with such requirements may subject us to mandatory penalties or other punitive measures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.
In addition, some of our competitors, such as China Unicom and China Railcom, enjoy preferential treatment from the PRC government with respect to tariff setting. These companies are currently permitted to set their respective tariffs for certain services, such as long distance calls over the public switched telephone
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Future changes to the regulations and policies governing the telecommunications industry in China, including possible future industry restructurings, may have a material adverse effect on our businesses.
Possible future changes to regulations and policies governing the telecommunications industry in China may have a material adverse effect on our businesses and operations. As part of the comprehensive plan to restructure the telecommunications industry in China, as approved by the State Council in 2001, the central government stated its intention to further adjust and improve its regulatory oversight of the telecommunications industry, including gradual further deregulation of telecommunications tariffs.
The Ministry of Information Industry, or the MII, under the direction of the State Council, is currently preparing a telecommunications law to provide a uniform regulatory framework for the telecommunications industry. If and when the telecommunications law is adopted by the National Peoples Congress, it will provide a new framework for telecommunications regulations in China. The proposed nature and scope of the telecommunications law have not yet been announced by the PRC government. The telecommunications law and other new telecommunications regulations or rules, or future changes thereto, such as enforcement of existing regulations and policies, may materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.
Issues may also arise regarding the interpretation and enforcement of Chinas WTO commitments regarding telecommunications services, which may affect telecommunications regulations and the telecommunications industry in China. Any future regulatory changes, such as those relating to the issuance of additional telecommunications licenses, tariff setting, interconnection and settlement arrangements, changes in technical and service standards, universal service obligations and spectrum and number allocations, may have a material adverse effect on our business and operations. In particular, it is expected that the MII will impose fees on all telecommunications operators, including us, relating to the use of telephone numbers. The rules implementing these usage fees for telephone numbers have not been issued. If such fees are imposed and we are not able to raise our prices sufficiently to pass on such fees to our customers, our profitability may be adversely affected.
The PRC government may issue additional mobile telecommunications licenses in the future. The timing of issuance and terms of these licenses, if any, have not yet been announced. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain a mobile license. In addition, if we do obtain a mobile license, we may not be able to effectively establish mobile operations or that our mobile operations will generate satisfactory returns for our shareholders. The issuance of additional licenses would also increase the competition we face.
The PRC telecommunications industry has been extensively restructured in recent years and may be subject to further restructuring. Such further industry restructuring may materially affect the operations of all telecommunications operators in China, including us. Accordingly, we cannot predict the scope and effect of any further restructuring on our operations.
New regulations, regulatory changes or changes in enforcement policies relating to telecommunications tariffs may adversely affect our competitiveness, business and profitability.
Tariffs are the prices we charge our customers for our telecommunications services. We are subject to extensive government regulations on tariffs, especially those relating to our basic telecommunications services, such as local and long distance fixed-line telephone services, managed data services, leased line services and interconnection agreements. The relevant provincial telecommunications administrations and provincial price bureaus currently determine the monthly fees and usage fees for our fixed-line local telephone services based on a fixed tariff set by the MII in consultation with the National Development and Reform Commission, or NDRC. The MII and the NDRC jointly set tariffs for all long distance services using the traditional network, leased lines and data services. We derive a substantial portion of our revenues from services that are subject to tariffs
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In 2002, the MII indicated in writing that it did not intend to initiate any adjustment to tariffs for local fixed-line telephone services during the three to five years commencing in September 2002. However, we cannot predict with accuracy the timing, likelihood or magnitude of tariff adjustments or the extent or potential impact on our business of future tariff adjustments. If the government substantially lowers the tariffs for local fixed-line telephone services, our business and profitability may be adversely affected.
In addition, the tariffs for some of our services in certain locations have been set at levels below the minimum levels mandated by the government. While we believe these tariffs are consistent with the tariff levels set by our competitors for these same services, the MII may order us to raise these tariffs and may impose fines on us for repeated failures to comply with the minimum mandated tariff levels for these services, or even suspend our business where the situation becomes serious, as determined at the discretion of the MII. The MII recently issued a regulatory circular in which it reaffirmed its intention to strictly enforce these minimum tariff levels. In addition, such enforcement may be undertaken in a selective manner, such that we, and not our competitors, are affected. The enforcement of such minimum tariff levels and the imposition of fines or other penalties, whether done on a selective or industry-wide basis, may materially and adversely affect our competitiveness and, consequently, our business and profitability.
The PRC government may require major operators, including us, to provide universal services with specified obligations, and we may not be compensated adequately for providing such services.
Under the Telecommunications Regulations, as promulgated by the State Council on September 25, 2000, telecommunications operators in China are required to fulfill universal service obligations in accordance with relevant regulations to be promulgated by the PRC government, and the MII has the authority to delineate the scope of universal service obligations. The MII, together with governmental finance and pricing authorities, is also responsible for formulating administrative rules relating to the establishment of a universal service fund and compensation schemes for universal services. These rules have not yet been promulgated, and there are currently no specific regulatory requirements relating to the provision of universal services in China.
While the scope of specific universal services obligations is not yet clear, we believe that such services may include mandatory provision of basic telecommunications services in less economically developed areas in China. We may not be adequately compensated by the government or be able to realize an adequate return on investments for expanding networks to, and providing telecommunications services in, those less economically developed areas due to potentially higher capital expenditure requirements, lower usage by customers and lack of flexibility in setting our tariffs.
The MII has recently required China Telecom, China Netcom Group, China Mobile, China Unicom, China Railcom and China Satcom to participate in a project to provide telephone services in a number of remote villages in China as transitional measures prior to the formalization of a universal service obligation framework. In order to fulfill such obligations under these transitional measures, China Netcom Group has agreed with us that it will assume the responsibility for investing in and constructing the necessary network facilities. If we operate and maintain such network facilities in our northern and southern service regions, China Netcom Group has agreed to compensate us for the related expenses based on their fair market value. However, China Netcom Group may fail to fulfill its obligations under this project, and we may not be adequately compensated by China Netcom Group for the cost and expenses resulting from our operation and maintenance of any such network. Either of these events may adversely affect our financial condition.
We face regulatory uncertainties associated with our Asia-Pacific operations that may disrupt our operations.
Our Asia-Pacific telecommunications operations are subject to extensive government regulation, which may limit our flexibility to respond to market conditions, competition, new technologies or changes in our cost structure. In most countries and regions, we are required to obtain one or more telecommunications
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Risks Relating to China and Asia
Our operations may be adversely affected by Chinas economic, political and social conditions.
Most of our assets are located in China and most of our revenues are derived from our operations in China. Accordingly, our results of operations and prospects are subject, to a significant extent, to economic, political and social developments in China. In particular, our operating results may be adversely affected by:
| changes in Chinas political, economic and social conditions; | |
| changes in policies of the government or changes in laws and regulations, or the interpretation of laws and regulations; | |
| changes in foreign exchange regulations; | |
| measures that may be introduced to control inflation, such as interest rate increases; and | |
| changes in the rate or method of taxation. |
The Chinese economy has historically been a planned economy. The majority of productive assets in China is still owned by various levels of the PRC government. In recent years the government has implemented economic reform measures emphasizing decentralization, utilization of market forces in the development of the economy and a high level of management autonomy. Such economic reform measures may be inconsistent or ineffectual, and we may not benefit from all such reforms. Furthermore, these measures may be adjusted or modified, possibly resulting in such economic liberalization measures being applied inconsistently from industry to industry, or across different regions of the country.
In the past twenty years, China has been one of the worlds fastest growing economies in gross domestic product, or GDP. We cannot assure you that such growth will be sustained in the future. Moreover, a slowdown in the economies of the United States, the European Union and certain Asian countries may adversely affect economic growth in China. Our financial condition and results of operations, as well as our future prospects, would be materially and adversely affected by an economic downturn in China.
Economic growth in China has also historically been accompanied by periods of high inflation. The government has implemented various policies from time to time to control the rate of economic growth, limit inflation and otherwise regulate economic expansion. Some of these measures benefit the overall economy of China, but may also have a negative effect on us. For example, our operating results and financial condition may be adversely affected by government control over capital investments or by changes in the tax regulations applicable to us.
Political and economic conditions in the Asia-Pacific region are unpredictable and our operations may be disrupted if these conditions become unfavorable to our business.
A key element of our international business strategy involves the expansion of our operations in the Asia-Pacific region. Substantially all of our business activities outside China are concentrated in the Asia-
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Our Asia-Pacific operations also expose us to additional risks inherent in international operations, including:
| difficulties enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through some Asian legal systems; | |
| fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect our results of operations and the value of our Asian assets and investments; | |
| implementation of foreign exchange controls or other restrictions; and | |
| difficulties in obtaining licenses or interconnection arrangements on acceptable terms, or at all. |
Any of the above risks may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Further, some of the countries in the Asia-Pacific region in which we operate and have investments have experienced or continue to experience political instability. The continuation or re-emergence of such political instability may have a material adverse effect on economic or social conditions in those countries and may result in outbreaks of civil unrest in the affected areas, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations or on the ownership, control and condition of our assets in those areas.
The PRC legal system has inherent uncertainties that may limit the legal protections available to you as an investor or to us in the event of any claims or disputes with third parties.
The Chinese legal system is based on written statutes. Prior court decisions may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value. Since 1979, the central government has promulgated laws and regulations dealing with economic matters such as foreign investment, corporate organization and governance, commerce, taxation and trade. In particular, legislation over the past twenty-five years has significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investment in China. CNC China, our primary operating subsidiary, was incorporated in China as a wholly foreign-owned enterprise. Although we are the sole shareholder of, and therefore have full control over, CNC China, the exercise of our shareholder rights in CNC China are subject to its articles of association and PRC laws applicable to foreign investment enterprises in China, which may be different from the laws of the United States. For example, unlike in the United States, under PRC laws, shareholders do not have the right to sue the directors or officers for misconduct on our behalf if we fail to commence such a lawsuit ourselves. As Chinese foreign investment laws and regulations are relatively new and the Chinese legal system is still evolving, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform and enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules involve uncertainties, which may limit the remedies available to you as an investor and to us in the event of any claims or disputes with third parties. In addition, any litigation in China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.
Since we are a Hong Kong company, you will not have certain investor rights as our shareholder, such as the right to bring legal action against other shareholders on behalf of the company.
We are incorporated in Hong Kong. Under the Company Ordinance of Hong Kong, shareholders do not have the right to bring legal action against any other shareholders, including CNC BVI, our controlling shareholder, on our behalf to enforce any claim against such party or parties if we fail to enforce such claim ourselves.
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You may experience difficulties in effecting service of legal process and enforcing judgments against us and our management.
Most of our current operations are conducted in China and most of our assets are located in China. In addition, most of our directors, executive officers and some of the underwriters and experts named in this document reside within China, and substantially all of the assets of these persons are located within China. As a result, it may not be possible to effect service of process within the United States or elsewhere outside China upon our directors or executive officers or some of the underwriters and experts named in this document, including with respect to matters arising under U.S. federal securities laws or applicable state securities laws. Moreover, our PRC counsel, Haiwen & Partners, has advised us that China does not have treaties with the United States or many other countries providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of court judgments. Our Hong Kong counsel, Linklaters, has also advised us that Hong Kong has no arrangement for the reciprocal enforcement of judgments with the United States. As a result, recognition and enforcement in China of judgments of a court of the United States or any other jurisdiction, including judgments against us or our directors, executive officers, underwriters or experts, may be difficult or impossible. See Enforceability of Civil Liabilities.
Government control of currency conversion may adversely affect our operations and financial results.
We receive substantially all of our revenues in Renminbi, which is not a freely convertible currency. A portion of such revenues will need to be converted into other currencies to meet our foreign currency obligations. Our foreign currency requirements primarily include:
| debt service on foreign currency-denominated debt; | |
| purchases of imported equipment; and | |
| payment of any dividends declared in respect of our shares. |
Our primary operating subsidiary will be permitted to undertake current account foreign exchange transactions by producing commercial documents evidencing such transactions, provided that they are processed through certain banks in China. However, foreign exchange transactions under the capital account, including principal payments with respect to foreign currency-denominated obligations, will be subject to limitations of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. These limitations may affect our ability to obtain foreign exchange through debt or equity financing, or to obtain foreign exchange for capital expenditures.
In the future, we expect to derive an increasing proportion of our revenues from our Asia-Pacific operations. The governments of some of the Asian countries in which we operate have in the past imposed various forms of foreign exchange controls. We cannot assure you that foreign exchange controls will not be imposed again in the future. If imposed, these restrictions may adversely affect our ability to meet our foreign currency obligations.
Fluctuations in exchange rates may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and the prices of our shares and ADSs or any dividends payable on our shares and ADSs in foreign currency terms.
Although the official exchange rate for the conversion of Renminbi to U.S. dollars has been stable, with the Renminbi appreciating slightly against the U.S. dollar in recent years, the exchange rate of the Renminbi may become volatile against the U.S. dollar or other currencies in the future. Substantially all of our revenues are denominated in Renminbi, while a portion of our capital expenditures are denominated in foreign currencies, such as U.S. dollars and Hong Kong dollars. Future movements in the exchange rate of Renminbi and other currencies may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, particularly our international long distance services and Asia-Pacific telecommunications services. In addition, any revaluation of the Renminbi may adversely affect the prices of our shares and ADSs or any dividends payable on our shares and ADSs in foreign currency terms.
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Our corporate structure may restrict our ability to receive dividends from, and transfer funds to, our Chinese operating subsidiary, which may restrict our ability to act in response to changing market conditions.
Substantially all of our operations are conducted through our Chinese operating subsidiary, China Netcom (Group) Company Limited, or CNC China. The ability of our Chinese subsidiary to make dividend and other payments to us may be restricted by factors that include changes in applicable foreign exchange and other laws and regulations. As a wholly foreign-owned enterprise in China, CNC China is required to provide for a reserve fund and a staff and workers bonus and welfare fund, each of which is appropriated from net profit after taxation but before dividend distribution according to the prevailing accounting rules and regulations in the PRC. CNC China is required to allocate at least 10% of its net profit to the reserve fund until the balance of this fund has reached 50% of its registered capital. In addition, the profit available for distribution from our Chinese subsidiary is determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in China. This calculation may differ from one performed in accordance with either Hong Kong GAAP or U.S. GAAP. As a result, we may not receive sufficient distributions from our Chinese subsidiary to enable us to make dividend distributions to our shareholders in the future, even if our Hong Kong GAAP or U.S. GAAP financial statements indicate that our operations have been profitable.
Distributions by our Chinese subsidiary to us other than as dividends may be subject to governmental approval and taxation. Any transfer of funds from our company to our Chinese subsidiary, either as a shareholder loan or as an increase in registered capital, is subject to registration or approval with or by Chinese governmental authorities, including the relevant administration of foreign exchange and/or other relevant examining and approval authorities. These limitations on the free flow of funds between us and our Chinese subsidiary may restrict our ability to act in response to changing market conditions.
Risks Relating to the ADSs and the Shares
There has been no prior market for our shares or ADSs and the global offering may not result in an active or liquid market for these securities.
Prior to the global offering, there has not been a public market for our shares or ADSs. If an active public market for our shares or ADSs does not develop after the global offering, the market price and liquidity of our shares and ADSs may be adversely affected. Although applicable stock exchange rules may require underwriters or other brokers to make a market for our shares or ADSs for a limited period following the global offering, a liquid public market for our shares and ADSs may not develop or be sustained.
Holders of our ADSs will not have the same voting rights as the holders of our shares and may not receive voting materials in time to be able to exercise their right to vote.
Except as described in this document and in the deposit agreement, holders of our ADSs will not be able to exercise voting rights attaching to the shares evidenced by our ADSs on an individual basis. Holders of our ADSs will receive proxy materials with respect to matters to be voted on at a meeting of shareholders through the depositary and may only exercise voting rights by appointing the depositary or its nominee as their representative to exercise the voting rights attaching to the shares represented by the ADSs. Consequently, if the materials are slow to be forwarded to holders of ADS by the depositary or are otherwise delayed or if the depositary sets deadlines by which holders of ADSs must give their instructions regarding how to vote that fall too soon after mailing of the proxy materials, you may not receive voting materials in time to instruct the depositary to vote. Thus, it is possible that you, or persons who hold their ADSs through brokers, dealers or other third parties, may not have the opportunity to exercise a right to vote.
Because the initial offering prices of our shares and ADSs issued in the global offering are higher than the net tangible values per share and per ADS, respectively, you will incur immediate dilution.
The initial offering prices of the shares and ADSs are higher than the net tangible book value per share of the shares issued to China Netcom Group and other shareholders prior to the global offering. Persons
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The projected financial information and capital expenditure plans included in this document may differ materially from our actual results and capital expenditures.
The financial projections included under Prospective Financial Information are our projections of the results of operations for the year ending December 31, 2004. Our capital expenditure plans included under the section entitled Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Liquidity and Capital Resources Capital expenditures represent our plans for the years ending December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006. The rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange relating to financial projections only require us to disclose the principal assumptions on which we base the projections and plans. Although we will become a reporting company after the global offering and have ongoing disclosure obligations under U.S. federal securities laws, we do not intend to update or otherwise revise the projections and plans in this document to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. We have prepared the projections and plans in accordance with customary practices in securities offerings in Hong Kong but not in compliance with published guidelines of the Commission, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, which contain different requirements. Our independent auditors have not examined, compiled nor otherwise applied procedures to the projections and plans for the purpose of their inclusion in this document. The projections and plans are based upon a number of assumptions (including the success of our business strategies), some of which may not materialize or may change. In addition, unanticipated events may adversely affect the actual results that we achieve in 2004. Consequently, our actual results and expenditures may vary materially from these projections and plans. See Forward-looking Statements.
The future sales, or perceived sales, by our existing shareholders of a substantial number of our shares or ADSs in the public market may adversely affect the price of our shares and ADSs.
If our existing shareholders sell, or are perceived to sell, substantial amounts of our shares or ADSs in the public market following the global offering, the market price of our shares and ADSs may fall. Such sales might make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate. The 1,045,984,000 shares represented by the ADSs offered in this offering will be eligible for immediate resale in the public market without restrictions, and those held by our existing shareholders may also be sold in the public market in the future, subject to the restrictions contained in Rule 144 of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and applicable lock-up agreements. If any existing shareholder or shareholders sell, or are perceived to sell, a substantial amount of shares after the expiration of the lock-up period, the prevailing market price for our shares or ADSs may be adversely affected. See Underwriting for additional information regarding resale restrictions.
Since there will be a gap of several business days between pricing and trading of the shares and ADSs offered in the global offering, shareholders and ADS holders are subject to the risk that the trading prices of our shares and ADSs may fall during the period before trading of the shares and ADSs begins.
The initial prices to the public of the shares and ADSs sold in the global offering will be determined on the date of pricing. However, the shares will not commence trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange until they are delivered, which is expected to be five Hong Kong business days after the pricing date. Trading of the ADSs on the NYSE will not commence until one day prior to commencement of trading of the shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. As a result, investors may not be able to sell or otherwise deal in the shares or ADSs during such period prior to the beginning of trading. Accordingly, shareholders and ADS holders are subject to the risk that the trading prices of our shares and ADSs may fall during this period before trading begins.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This document contains forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and therefore you should not place undue reliance on them. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update any of them in light of new information or future events. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. We caution you that a number of important factors could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. These factors include, but are not limited to, certain risks described in this document and the following:
| the level of demand for telecommunications services, particularly with regard to access lines, traffic and new value-added services; | |
| competitive forces in more liberalized markets, including pricing pressures and our ability to retain market share in the face of competition from existing telecommunications companies and potential new market entrants; | |
| the effects of tariff reduction initiatives, particularly in our core fixed-line telephone business; | |
| changes in the regulatory policies of the Ministry of Information Industry of China and other relevant government authorities, which could affect, among other things, the granting of requisite government approvals, licenses and permits, interconnection and transmission line arrangements, tariff policies, capital investment priorities, and spectrum allocation; | |
| the success of new business initiatives, some of which involve start-up costs, and new systems and applications, particularly with regard to the integration of our service offerings; | |
| our ability to secure or renew the licenses we need to offer telecommunications services and the cost of these licenses and related network infrastructure build-outs; | |
| the success of our Asia-Pacific investments; | |
| the availability, terms and deployment of capital, and the impact of regulatory and competitive developments on capital outlays; | |
| changes in the assumptions upon which we have prepared our projected financial information and capital expenditure plans; | |
| changes in the general political, economic, legal and social conditions in China, including the PRC governments specific policies with respect to new entrants in the telecommunications industry, the entry of foreign operators into Chinas telecommunications market, economic growth, foreign exchange and the availability of credit; and | |
| risks and uncertainties associated with doing business in many countries in the Asia-Pacific region. |
29
EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION
We prepare our financial statements in Renminbi. Solely for the convenience of the reader, this document contains translations of Renminbi and Hong Kong dollar amounts into U.S. dollars, and vice versa, at RMB 8.2766 = US$1.00 and HK$7.8000 = US$1.00, the noon buying rates on June 30, 2004 in the City of New York for cable transfers as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. You should not assume that Renminbi and Hong Kong dollar amounts could actually be converted into U.S. dollars at these rates or at all.
Although central governments policies were introduced in 1996 to reduce restrictions on the convertibility of Renminbi into foreign currency for current account items, conversion of Renminbi into foreign exchange for capital items, such as foreign direct investment, loans or security, requires the approval of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange and other relevant authorities.
Since January 1, 1994, the government has used a unitary managed floating rate system to set foreign exchange rates. Under this system, the Peoples Bank of China publishes a daily base exchange rate with reference primarily to the supply and demand of Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies in the market during the previous day. Authorized banks and financial institutions are allowed to quote buy and sell rates for Renminbi within a specified band around the central banks daily exchange rate. With the adoption of the managed floating rate system, the government announced that the Peoples Bank of China would attempt to balance the demand for and supply of foreign currencies in China and stabilize the Renminbi exchange rate through macroeconomic measures, including prudent management of monetary policy and interest rates, while still using open market operations.
The following table sets forth the high and low
noon buying rates between Renminbi and U.S. dollars and
between Hong Kong dollars and U.S. dollars for each of the
periods shown.
Noon Buying Rate
RMB per
HK$ per
US$
US$
High
Low
High
Low
8.2772
8.2768
7.8000
7.7870
8.2773
8.2768
7.8010
7.7895
8.2768
8.2766
7.8000
7.7947
8.2769
8.2766
7.8008
7.7990
8.2770
8.2766
7.8005
7.7970
8.2768
8.2766
7.8002
7.7970
The following table sets forth the period-end
noon buying rates and the average noon buying rates between
Renminbi and U.S. dollars and between Hong Kong dollars and
U.S. dollars for each of 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and
2004 (through September 30). The average noon buying rates
for the periods shown are calculated by averaging the noon
buying rates on the last day of each month in the period.
Period-End Noon
Average Noon
Buying Rate
Buying Rate
RMB
HK$
RMB
HK$
per
per
per
per
US$
US$
US$
US$
8.2795
7.7740
8.2785
7.7599
8.2774
7.7999
8.2784
7.7936
8.2766
7.7980
8.2772
7.7996
8.2800
7.7988
8.2772
7.7996
8.2767
7.7640
8.2771
7.7864
8.2766
7.7984
8.2769
7.7917
30
USE OF PROCEEDS
We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from the global offering of approximately US$ million (RMB million), after deducting the underwriting discounts and expenses payable by us in the global offering and assuming an initial public offering price of US$ per ADS, or HK$ per share, the midpoint of the estimated range of the initial public offering prices. We intend to use these net proceeds for the following purposes:
| up to 50% of the net proceeds, or approximately US$ million (RMB million), for the expansion and upgrading of our telecommunications network infrastructure, including support and information systems; | |
| up to 30% of the net proceeds, or approximately US$ million (RMB million), for repayment of (i) the bank loans with interest rates ranging from 4.78% to 5.49% and due dates on or before December 31, 2005 and (ii) a term loan facility dated July 27, 2004 between Asia Netcom and a syndicate of financial institutions to release Asia Netcoms obligation as guarantor and co-obligor of certain debts owed to suppliers of Asia Netcom, with an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.573% and due dates between July 30, 2007 and July 30, 2009; and | |
| up to 10% of the net proceeds, or approximately US$ million (RMB million), for development of new applications and services including new IP-based data communication applications and services and voice value-added services. |
We anticipate that we will use the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes, such as working capital and business expansion. Accordingly, our management will have broad discretion in applying the net proceeds of the global offering. To the extent that the net proceeds of the global offering are not immediately applied to the above purposes, we intend to deposit the net proceeds into interest-bearing bank accounts.
We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares or ADSs by the selling shareholders in the global offering. See Principal and Selling Shareholders.
31
DIVIDEND POLICY
We intend to declare and pay dividends in the future. The payment and the amount of any dividends will depend on our results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, statutory and regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends by us, future prospects and other factors that our directors may consider relevant. In addition, as our controlling shareholder, China Netcom Group, will be able to influence our dividend policy. Holders of our shares will be entitled to receive such dividends pro rata according to the amounts paid up or credited as paid up on the shares.
Subject to the factors described above, our board of directors currently intends to recommend at the relevant shareholders meeting an annual dividend of approximately 35% to 40% of our net profit after deducting revenues from upfront connection fees for the year 2004 and 2005. As we would not have been listed for the whole of the year ending December 31, 2004, the dividend payment to public shareholders for 2004 will be pro rated based on the period from the date of listing to December 31, 2004.
Dividends may be paid only out of our distributable profits as permitted under Hong Kong law, which does not restrict the payment of dividends to non-resident holders of our securities. To the extent profits are distributed as dividends, such portion of profits will not be available to be reinvested in our operations. See Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Description of Share Capital.
Holders of our ADSs will be entitled to receive dividends, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, to the same extent as holders of our shares, less the fees and expenses payable under the deposit agreement and any withholding taxes. Cash dividends will be paid to the depositary in Hong Kong dollars and, except as otherwise described under Description of American Depositary Shares Limitations on Obligations and Liability, will be converted by the depositary into U.S. dollars and paid to holders of ADSs.
Our ability to pay dividends depends substantially on the payment of dividends to us by CNC China. CNC China must follow the laws and regulations of the PRC and its articles of association in declaring and paying dividends to us. As a wholly foreign-owned enterprise in China, CNC China is required to provide for a reserve fund and staff and workers bonus and welfare fund, each of which is appropriated from net profit after taxation but before dividend distribution according to the prevailing accounting rules and regulations in the PRC. CNC China is required to allocate at least 10% of its net profit to the reserve fund until the balance of this fund has reached 50% of its registered capital. Appropriations to the staff and workers bonus and welfare fund, which are determined at the discretion of CNC Chinas directors, are charged to expense as incurred in the consolidated financial statements. None of CNC Chinas contributions to these statutory funds may be used for dividend purposes.
32
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our consolidated short-term debt and capitalization as of June 30, 2004. Our capitalization is presented:
on an actual basis; and
on an as adjusted basis to reflect the net
proceeds of
RMB million
from the global offering at the initial offering price of
US$ per
ADS, or
HK$ per
share, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of
this document, and after deducting estimated underwriters
discounts and commissions and other estimated expenses of the
global offering, as if such sale had occurred, and assuming no
exercise of the underwriters over-allotment option.
You should read this table in conjunction with
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations and the consolidated
financial statements and the accompanying notes included
elsewhere in this document.
As of June 30, 2004
Actual
As adjusted
RMB
US$
RMB
US$
(in millions)
29,744
3,594
8,142
984
37,886
4,578
20,464
2,472
1,819
220
41,050
4,960
42,869
5,180
63,333
7,652
(1) | Of the total long-term bank and other loans as of June 30, 2004, secured loans amounted to RMB 1,121 million and unsecured loans amounted to RMB 25,902 million. Of RMB 1,121 million in secured loans, RMB 578 million is guaranteed by China Netcom Group and RMB 538 million is guaranteed by unaffiliated parties. |
(2) | These Series A convertible preference shares were converted to 7,741,782 ordinary shares on August 30, 2004. |
For more information on our short- and long-term debts, see Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Liquidity and Capital Resources Contractual obligations and commitments, including off-balance sheet arrangements and Note 23 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this document.
33
DILUTION
Our net tangible book value as of , 2004 was US$ million, which equates to a net tangible book value of US$ per ADS. Net tangible book value per ADS represents:
| the amount of our tangible assets, meaning total assets less intangible assets; | |
| reduced by our total liabilities and minority interests; and | |
| divided by the ADS equivalent of the total number of shares outstanding. |
Dilution in net tangible book value per ADS represents the difference between the amount per ADS paid by purchasers of our shares and ADSs in the global offering and the net tangible book value per share immediately following the global offering.
After giving effect to the sale of 1,045,984,000 shares by us and the selling shareholders in the global offering, based on the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this document, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses, our pro forma adjusted net tangible book value as of , 2004 would have been approximately US$ million, or US$ per ADS, or US$ per ADS if the underwriters exercise the over-allotment option in full. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of US$ per ADS to our existing shareholders, and an immediate dilution of per ADS to new investors purchasing shares in the global offering. This dilution will be US$ per ADS if the underwriters exercise the over-allotment option in full.
The following table illustrates the dilution per
share on the basis that the underwriters do not exercise the
over-allotment option and that they exercise the over-allotment
option in full:
Over-
Over-
allotment
allotment
Option Not
Option Fully
Exercised
Exercised
(US$)
Assuming the global offering had occurred on
June 30, 2004, the following table summarizes the
differences between the total consideration paid and the average
price per share paid by China Netcom Group and our other
existing shareholders and the investors in the global offering
with respect to the number of shares purchased from us:
Shares Purchased
Total Consideration
Average
Price per
Number
Percent
Amount
Percent
Share
US$
%
US$
US$
%
US$
100
%
US$
100
%
US$
34
RESTRUCTURING
Our Shareholding Structure
The following chart sets forth our main operational and shareholding structure following our restructuring and the completion of the global offering, assuming that the over-allotment option is not exercised by the underwriters.
(1) | China Netcom Group is a wholly state-owned enterprise. China Netcom Group is the parent of wholly owned subsidiaries that, following the restructuring, include China Netcom Holdings Corporation, or China Netcom Holdings, an investment holding company, and telecommunications companies outside our northern and southern service regions. None of these subsidiary companies have any ownership interest in us, nor do we have any ownership interest in them. |
(2) | The principal business is provision of telecommunications services. |
(3) | Our five PRC shareholders, all of which are established in the PRC, are: |
| the Chinese Academy of Sciences, or the Academy of Sciences; | |
| Information and Network Center of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, or INC-SARFT; | |
| China Railways Telecommunications Center, or CRTC; | |
| Shanghai Alliance Investment Limited, or Shanghai Alliance; and | |
| Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, or Shandong SASAC. |
(4) | The principal business is investment holding. |
(5) | All of the ordinary shares owned by our five PRC shareholders are registered in the name of China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited, or CNC BVI, which holds such ordinary shares in trust for each of the five PRC shareholders. Consequently, the ownership percentages of our five PRC shareholders in the chart above reflect the aggregate beneficial interests of these shareholders as held through CNC BVI. The ownership of CNC BVI as indicated in the table above reflects CNC BVIs own beneficial ownership. |
(6) | Indicates jurisdiction of incorporation. |
Our History
Our current principal operating subsidiary, CNC China, was incorporated as a domestic limited liability company in August 1999 by its four founders and shareholders, the Academy of Sciences, INC-SARFT,
35
| CNC BVI became a majority shareholder in us; | |
| CNC Fund, L.P. became a minority shareholder in us; | |
| Our principal asset became our ownership of the interests in CNC China; and | |
| The legal form of CNC China became a wholly foreign-owned enterprise. |
We, through China Netcom Corporation International Limited, established Asia Netcom in 2002. Asia Netcom remained inactive until it acquired substantially all the assets, including cash, and most of the subsidiaries, of the former Asia Global Crossing Ltd, or AGC, in March 2003. The transaction was consummated under Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The transaction consisted of the assumption of certain contracts and liabilities, including selected customer contracts and vendor liabilities, and the payment of cash to AGC. The assets included submarine cable and network assets connecting Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore and Australia, as well as sales operations in these countries and regions. We held a 51% equity interest in Asia Netcom after the acquisition of AGC. In December 2003, we acquired the remaining 49% interest in Asia Netcom for cash consideration of US$61 million.
Formation of the China Netcom Group
Pursuant to a PRC government-issued directive in 2001 to restructure the PRC fixed-line telecommunications industry, which has been in operation for decades, China Telecom Group, the then incumbent fixed-line carrier, in May 2002, divided its operations between:
| China Telecom Group, which retained: |
| the principal fixed-line networks that were located in 21 southern and western provinces and municipalities of China; and | |
| the assets constituting 70% of the bandwidth of the nationwide inter-provincial fiber-optic network that were owned by the former China Telecom Group; and |
| China Netcom Group, which was established with: |
| the principal fixed-line networks that were located in the Beijing and Tianjin Municipalities and the provinces of Hebei, Henan, Shandong, Liaoning, Shanxi, Jilin and Heilongjiang and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region; and | |
| assets constituting 30% of the bandwidth of the nationwide inter-provincial fiber-optic network that were owned by the former China Telecom Group. |
Pursuant to the same directive, China Netcom Group purchased the entire equity interest in Jitong Communications Company Limited on May 28, 2003. In April 2004, the shareholders of China Netcom Holdings agreed to transfer their respective interests in China Netcom Holdings to China Netcom Group, as described below.
Restructuring in Anticipation of the Global Offering
In April 2004, each of the Academy of Sciences, INC-SARFT, CRTC and Shanghai Alliance entered into a share transfer agreement with China Netcom Group to transfer their respective interests in China Netcom Holdings before the restructuring to China Netcom Group in consideration for the transfer to each of them by CNC BVI approximately 38 million of our ordinary shares of par value US$0.04 each after the
36
Also in April 2004, the predecessor of Shandong SASAC and China Netcom Group entered into an asset transfer agreement whereby Shandong SASAC agreed to transfer its interests, assets and liabilities relating to telecommunications operations in rural areas in Shandong Province to China Netcom Group in consideration for the transfer to it by CNC BVI approximately 153 million of our ordinary shares of par value US$0.04 each after the restructuring described below, which represents approximately 2.8% of our outstanding share capital prior to the global offering.
Pursuant to trust agreements entered into between CNC BVI and each of the Academy of Sciences, INC-SARFT, CRTC, Shanghai Alliance and Shandong SASAC, the ordinary shares owned by these five shareholders are held in trust in the name of CNC BVI.
Pursuant to a share purchase and exchange agreement entered into between CNC BVI, CNC Fund and us in June 2004, CNC Fund, L.P. sold to CNC BVI all of the preferred shares and ordinary shares in our company that it owned before the restructuring. In exchange, CNC Fund, L.P. received an option to receive (a) 445.5 million ordinary shares of our company from CNC BVI, or 8.1% of our shares on a fully diluted basis prior to the global offering or (b) a cash alternative from CNC BVI. On , 2004, CNC Fund, L.P. exercised this option to receive 445.5 million ordinary shares of our company from CNC BVI. Our restructuring in anticipation of the global offering was completed as of June 30, 2004.
The Asset and Liability Transfers in Anticipation of the Global Offering
Transfer procedures
We obtained our current PRC assets and liabilities as a result of a series of asset and liability transfers, which are summarized below.
(1) CNC China transferred all of its PRC assets and liabilities to China Netcom Group. CNC China also transferred, to Asia Netcom, CNC Chinas overseas long-term investments and, to other parties, CNC Chinas domestic long-term investments.
(2) China Netcom Group transferred all of its fixed-line telecommunications assets and related liabilities (other than the international gateway and related international network assets, as well as the inter-provincial fiber-optic network and related assets and liabilities) in our northern and southern service regions to CNC China through CNC BVI and our company.
(3) CNC BVI purchased all of Asia Netcoms interest in the holding company of the submarine cable assets, or the cable holding company, thereby assuming ownership of a majority of the Asia-Pacific submarine cables. The companies that did not form part of the purchase continue to own and operate the remaining Asia-Pacific submarine cables and related network assets and deliver cable-related products and services.
Following the transfer of the cable holding company from Asia Netcom to CNC BVI, Asia Netcom remained as a guarantor for debt of approximately US$182 million and as a co-obligor for debt of approximately US$26 million owed to two of its suppliers. Following the restructuring on June 30, 2004, Asia Netcom completed its negotiations with these suppliers and paid off these debts and was released as guarantor and co-obligor of these debts in exchange for our companys assuming, in September 2004, the duties and obligations under a promissory note in the amount of US$123 million issued by a wholly owned subsidiary of the cable holding company, which will be reflected as a reduction in our owners equity of RMB 1,021 million.
37
Result of transfers
Immediately upon the completion of our restructuring, China Netcom Group retained the following assets and liabilities:
(1) assets and liabilities of our northern and southern service regions relating to the inter-provincial fiber-optic network, certain land and buildings, international gateways and related international network assets, long-term investments, certain cash balances, certain debts and ancillary telecommunications services, such as yellow-pages and paging services;
(2) all assets and liabilities of the fixed-line telecommunications operations (including the inter-provincial fiber-optic network) outside our northern and southern service regions that China Netcom Group owned before and continues to own after our restructuring;
(3) all assets and liabilities of the fixed-line telecommunications operations (including the inter-provincial fiber-optic network) outside our northern and southern service regions that we owned prior to our restructuring;
(4) all non-core businesses, including businesses other than the principal telecommunications operations in our northern and southern service regions, which primarily include procurement of materials, equipment maintenance services, engineering, project planning and design and the operation of certain social facilities;
(5) the assets and liabilities representing a majority of the Asia-Pacific submarine cables and certain other related assets located outside China that were transferred from Asia Netcom; and
(6) other minor telecommunications assets and liabilities.
These assets and liabilities are referred to as Retained Businesses. The assets and liabilities retained by China Netcom Group under items (1), (3) and (5) are referred to as Distributed Assets and Liabilities.
Other than the assets and liabilities retained by China Netcom Group that are described above, we, immediately upon the completion of our restructuring, primarily owned the following assets and liabilities:
| fixed-line telecommunications network assets and related liabilities in our northern and southern service regions; and | |
| remaining telecommunications assets and related liabilities in the Asia-Pacific region operated by Asia Netcom. We refer to these assets and liabilities as Our Restructured Assets and Liabilities. |
In addition, we lease from China Netcom Group:
| an inter-provincial fiber-optic network; international gateway and related international network assets; | |
| a majority of the Asia-Pacific submarine cables and related assets located outside China; and | |
| certain land and buildings and other minor telecommunications assets within our northern and southern service regions. |
These leased assets, together with Our Restructured Assets and Liabilities, are collectively referred to as Our Included Businesses.
In summary, following our restructuring, we provide:
| telecommunications businesses in our northern and southern service regions; and | |
| international telecommunications services in the Asia-Pacific region. |
China Netcom Group continues to:
| provide telecommunications services in provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities outside our northern and southern service regions; and | |
| own non-core businesses. |
38
Therefore, the customer base of China Netcom Group is primarily comprised of customers that are domiciled in the regions where China Netcom Group operates. China Netcom Group operates through branch companies and wholly owned subsidiaries in each of the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in which it operates. These branch companies and wholly owned subsidiaries employ their own staff, who are wholly separate from our employees.
The accounting treatment of these transactions and other restructuring transactions is discussed in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Factors Affecting our Results of Operations Our Recent Restructurings.
Our restructuring as described above complies with the applicable PRC laws and regulations and all necessary approvals from relevant PRC regulatory authorities required for the implementation of our restructuring have been obtained. We have received a legal opinion from Haiwen & Partners to this effect.
Other Issues Related to the Restructuring
Licensing Arrangements
Following our restructuring, China Netcom Group continues to hold licenses to operate telecommunications networks and provide telecommunications services, but has, with the consent of the MII, granted CNC China the right to rely on these licenses to operate the assets described above and the related businesses.
China Netcom Group is licensed by the MII to operate, among other things, the following businesses:
| domestic and international fixed-line telecommunications network and facility (including PHS) businesses; | |
| voice, data, image and multimedia communications and information services based on the fixed-line telecommunications network; and | |
| settlement of international telecommunications business in accordance with relevant governmental regulations, and development of international telecommunications markets. |
The MII has not required China Netcom Group to pay for its use of these licenses, nor has the MII specified the termination date of these licenses. Similarly, our restructuring agreement with China Netcom Group does not contemplate payments for the use of these licenses or any termination of their use.
As approved by the MII, China Netcom Group has authorized CNC China to operate the following businesses within our northern and southern service regions:
| domestic fixed-line telecommunications network and facility (including PHS) businesses; | |
| voice, data, image and multimedia communications and information services based on the fixed-line telecommunications network; and | |
| settlement of international telecommunications business in accordance with relevant governmental regulations, and development of international telecommunications markets. |
We and CNC China are not required by the MII or China Netcom Group to pay for the right to rely on these licenses. China Netcom Group is required, under the restructuring agreement, to hold and maintain all our approvals from the MII and business licenses that authorize us to conduct our businesses.
In addition, in our international markets, we hold licenses that permit us to own and independently operate the non-PRC assets described above in key countries and regions, including Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. We also operate in Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines through joint ventures or through contractual relationships with operators that permit us to rely on the relevant telecommunications licenses. Licenses are not required in other countries in which we operate, such as Australia.
39
Non-Competition Undertaking
China Netcom Group has provided certain undertakings to us, including an undertaking to fully support our existing operations and future development, a non-competition undertaking and an indemnity against certain losses arising from the restructuring and Our Restructured Assets and Liabilities. See Relationship with China Netcom Group.
Our Subsidiaries
We own the entire equity interest of CNC China, a company registered in China and, through China Netcom Corporation International Limited, the entire issued share capital of Asia Netcom, a company registered in Bermuda. CNC China is our operating company in China. All businesses in our northern and southern service regions are operated through its local branch offices. No separate legal entities have been established under CNC China. Asia Netcom operates either directly or through its subsidiaries in Hong Kong and other key business centers in the Asia-Pacific region.
Change of Our Financial Year End
In order to conform our financial year end, which was March 31 previously, with the financial year end of the businesses that were transferred to us in connection with the restructuring, we changed our financial year end from March 31 to December 31 beginning on April 1, 2003. We have applied for and obtained a waiver from strict compliance with the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Name Changes
We were in incorporated in Hong Kong under the Companies Ordinance as a private limited liability company on October 22, 1999 under the name of Target Strong Limited.
| We changed our name from Target Strong Limited to China Netcom (Hong Kong) Corporation on December 9, 1999. | |
| We changed our name from China Netcom (Hong Kong) Corporation Limited to China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited on August 4, 2000. |
In connection with our restructuring in anticipation of the global offering:
| We changed our company name from China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited to China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited on July 23, 2004; | |
| CNC Chinas company name was changed from China Netcom Corporation Limited to China Netcom (Group) Company Limited on September 10, 2004; and | |
| CNC BVIs company name was changed from China Netcom Holdings (BVI) Limited to China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited on August 31, 2004. |
40
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following tables present our selected consolidated financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004.
You should read the selected consolidated financial data below together with our consolidated financial statements, including the notes, included elsewhere in this document and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Our consolidated financial statements report our results as if (1) Our Restructured Assets and Liabilities and the Distributed Assets and Liabilities, as defined and explained in Restructuring, and related operations had been transferred to us as of January 1, 2001, and (2) we had owned those assets and liabilities and conducted those operations throughout the relevant periods.
In addition, the financial data included herein may not necessarily reflect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows in the future or what they would have been had we been a separate, stand-alone entity during the periods presented. See Restructuring and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations for a further discussion of our restructuring. We publish our consolidated financial statements in Renminbi. We have derived the selected consolidated income statement data for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002, 2003 and for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and as of June 30, 2004 and the selected consolidated cash flow statement data for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 from our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this document. Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Hong Kong GAAP, which differ in significant respects from U.S. GAAP. For a discussion of material differences between Hong Kong GAAP and U.S. GAAP, see Note 36 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this document.
41
For the Six Months Ended
For the Year Ended December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2003
2003
2004
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
RMB
US$
(in millions, except per share and per ADS information)
42,545
47,135
50,533
6,104
24,768
26,714
3,228
1,384
2,189
3,493
423
1,619
2,428
293
2,986
3,373
3,661
442
1,724
1,567
189
1,539
1,174
832
101
350
514
62
178
572
1,379
167
601
1,275
154
48,632
54,443
59,898
7,237
29,062
32,498
3,926
(16,153
)
(18,808
)
(20,483
)
(2,475
)
(9,967
)
(9,552
)
(1,154
)
(9,313
)
(10,578
)
(11,990
)
(1,448
)
(4,827
)
(5,167
)
(624
)
(5,030
)
(6,433
)
(7,547
)
(912
)
(3,563
)
(4,294
)
(519
)
(4,997
)
(5,682
)
(7,053
)
(852
)
(2,907
)
(4,199
)
(507
)
(1,536
)
(1,521
)
(1,660
)
(201
)
(599
)
(724
)
(88
)
11,603
11,421
11,165
1,349
7,199
8,562
1,034
339
160
124
15
70
39
5
(25,778
)
(3,114
)
11,942
11,581
(14,489
)
(1,750
)
7,269
8,601
1,039
(1,979
)
(2,848
)
(3,026
)
(366
)
(1,548
)
(1,604
)
(194
)
4
(1
)
(1
)
(415
)
(50
)
(87
)
(1
)
9,967
8,732
(17,931
)
(2,166
)
5,634
6,996
845
(2,568
)
(2,212
)
6,819
824
(1,362
)
(2,121
)
(256
)
7,399
6,520
(11,112
)
(1,342
)
4,272
4,875
589
1
1
7,400
6,520
(11,111
)
(1,342
)
4,272
4,875
589
1.35
1.19
(2.02
)
(0.24
)
0.78
0.89
0.11
7,272
6,474
6,160
744
4,258
3,754
454
1.32
1.18
1.12
0.14
0.78
0.68
0.08
(1) | Revenues from fixed-line telephone services include local usage fees, monthly fees, upfront installation fees, domestic and international long distance service charges, value-added service charges, interconnection fees from domestic carriers and upfront connection fees. |
(2) | Revenues from business and data communications services include fees charged for managed data and leased lines services. |
(3) | See Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations Our Recent Restructurings Revaluation of our fixed assets for a discussion of this revaluation. |
(4) | Basic earnings/(losses) per share for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 set forth above has been computed by dividing profit/(loss) for the year/period by the weighted average number of ordinary shares during the year/period, which was 5,492 million in each of these years/periods. |
(5) | Basic earnings/(losses) per ADS for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 set forth above have been computed by multiplying basic earnings/(losses) per share for the year/period by , which is the number of shares represented by each ADS. |
42
As of December 31,
As of June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2003
2004
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
US$
(in millions)
6,952
6,802
6,316
763
3,119
377
3,907
4,775
6,343
766
6,732
814
17,692
17,391
17,492
2,113
12,954
1,565
161,209
163,947
149,614
18,076
131,534
15,892
187,039
190,917
179,534
21,691
156,223
18,875
14,223
13,302
14,786
1,786
13,990
1,690
27,243
40,460
47,933
5,791
37,886
4,578
57,599
68,829
86,871
10,496
74,879
9,047
37,446
29,480
22,309
2,695
20,464
2,473
19,355
15,781
14,604
1,764
13,394
1,618
127,829
128,700
136,155
16,450
113,354
13,695
59,206
62,213
43,376
5,241
42,869
5,180
56,581
59,562
56,000
6,766
54,538
6,588
For the Six Months Ended
For the Year Ended December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2003
2003
2004
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
RMB
US$
(in millions)
22,874
23,928
25,332
3,061
14,017
14,075
1,700
(41,461
)
(25,922
)
(27,001
)
(3,262
)
(10,322
)
(8,128
)
(982
)
(40,163
)
(25,814
)
(28,528
)
(3,446
)
(11,092
)
(8,947
)
(1,081
)
18,420
1,734
1,262
152
(2,701
)
(9,114
)
(1,101
)
43
SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT DATA
The following tables present our unaudited pro forma consolidated income statement data under Hong Kong GAAP and U.S. GAAP for the year ended December 31, 2003 and for the six months ended June 30, 2004, which are prepared in accordance with Article 11 of the Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933 and give effect to the adjustments described in the notes below.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated income statement data reflect the effects of our restructurings that are (i) directly attributable to the restructuring transactions; (ii) expected to have a continuing impact on us; and (iii) factually supportable. We believe that these transactions will have an impact on our overall results of operations, and that a pro forma presentation reflecting these transactions as if they occurred on January 1, 2003 is necessary to supplement our historical financial information. The expected effects of certain arrangements, such as the Interconnection Settlement Agreement and the Master Service Sharing Agreement entered into between China Netcom Group and us, are not reflected in the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information because the effects of such changes cannot be factually supported, reasonably estimated, or do not result in any material change to our results of operations, or because of a lack of sufficient historical data.
While the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information is helpful in showing the financial characteristics as if the events had occurred at a certain date, it is not intended to show how we would have actually performed if the events had in fact occurred on the dates assumed or to project the results of operations or financial position for any future date or period. We have included in the unaudited pro forma consolidated income statement data all the adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the operating results in the historical periods. If the occurrence of the events differs from our assumptions and expectations, the actual consolidated results of operations may differ significantly from the unaudited pro forma amounts reflected below. You should read the pro forma data set forth below together with the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information, and its notes, included elsewhere in this document and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
44
For the Year Ended December 31, 2003
Pro Forma
Historical
Notes
Adjustments
Pro Forma
Pro Forma
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
(in millions)
(in millions, except for per share data)
59,898
(1)
(874
)
60,021
7,252
(7)
1,040
(8)
(43
)
59,898
123
60,021
7,252
(20,483
)
(1)
385
(16,433
)
(1,985
)
(2)
3,213
(3)
174
(4)
411
(7)
(308
)
(8)
175
(11,990
)
(1)
414
(12,387
)
(1,496
)
(3)
(174
)
(7)
(746
)
(8)
109
(7,547
)
(1)
82
(7,685
)
(929
)
(7)
(232
)
(8)
12
(7,053
)
(1)
304
(7,943
)
(960
)
(4)
(932
)
(7)
(293
)
(8)
31
(1,660
)
(1)
129
(1,594
)
(193
)
(7)
(70
)
(8)
7
(48,733
)
2,691
(46,042
)
(5,563
)
11,165
2,814
13,979
1,689
79
(1)
4
88
11
(7)
5
45
(1)
(2
)
43
5
(25,778
)
(25,778
)
(3,115
)
(14,489
)
2,821
(11,668
)
(1,410
)
(3,026
)
(6)
677
(2,538
)
(307
)
(7)
(189
)
(1
)
(5)
1
(415
)
(7)
415
(17,931
)
3,725
(14,206
)
(1,717
)
6,819
(7)
(31
)
5,834
706
(9)
(954
)
(11,112
)
2,740
(8,372
)
(1,011
)
1
1
(11,111
)
2,740
(8,371
)
(1,011
)
5,492
(10)
5,500
5,500
(2.02
)
(1.52
)
(0.18
)
45
Unaudited pro forma consolidated profit for the year ended December 31,
2003 under U.S. GAAP
Notes
RMB
US$
(in millions)
(8,371
)
(1,011
)
(11)(a)
25,778
3,115
(11)(b)
(3,213
)
(388
)
10
1
(11)(c)
(7,447
)
(899
)
6,757
818
(10)
1.23
0.15
(10)
5,500
5,500
46
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2004
Pro Forma
Historical
Notes
Adjustments
Pro Forma
Pro Forma
RMB
RMB
RMB
US$
(in million, except per share data)
32,498
(1)
(486
)
32,009
3,867
(8)
(3
)
32,498
(489
)
32,009
3,867
(9,552
)
(1)
310
(8,807
)
(1,064
)
(3)
144
(4)
214
(8)
77
(5,167
)
(1)
341
(4,899
)
(592
)
(3)
(144
)
(8)
71
(4,294
)
(1)
101
(4,187
)
(506
)
(8)
6
(4,199
)
(1)
144
(4,490
)
(542
)
(4)
(476
)
(8)
41
(724
)
(1)
(28
)
(752
)
(91
)
(23,926
)
801
(23,135
)
(2,795
)
8,562
312
8,874
1,072
32
(1)
(5
)
27
3
7
(1)
(2
)
5
1
8,601
305
8,906
1,076
(1,604
)
(6)
400
(1,204
)
(145
)
(1
)
(5)
1
6,996
706
7,702
931
(2,121
)
(9)
47
(2,074
)
(251
)
4,875
753
5,628
680
5,492
(10)
5,500
5,500
0.89
1.02
0.12
47
Unaudited pro forma profit for the six months ended
June 30, 2004 under US GAAP
Notes
RMB
US$
(in millions)
5,628
680
(11)(b)
(1,685
)
(204
)
(11)(d)
5
1
4
(11)(c)
555
67
4,507
544
(10)
5,500
5,500
0.82
0.10
Notes Describing the Pro Forma Adjustments
A description of the unaudited pro forma adjustments is as follows:
1. The unaudited pro forma adjustment reflects the exclusion of results of operations attributable to the PRC operations outside our northern and southern service regions and the PRC operations of certain ancillary telecommunications services within our northern and southern service regions as if our restructuring had taken place on January 1, 2003.
2. The unaudited pro forma adjustment reflects the reduction in depreciation charges resulting from the revaluation of the our fixed assets as if the results of the revaluation had been recorded on January 1, 2003. The unaudited pro forma adjustment is calculated by applying our annual depreciation rates to the devaluation amount referenced to the result of the revaluation as at December 31, 2003, which may not be the same as the result had the revaluation been performed a year earlier. In addition, the unaudited pro forma adjustment does not reflect any effects of the additions or disposal of fixed assets in 2003.
3. In connection with the restructuring, the inter-provincial fiber-optic cables under the Distributed Assets and Liabilities were distributed to China Netcom Group. Pursuant to a Telecommunications Facilities Leasing Agreement, we will lease the inter-provincial fiber-optic cables within our service regions from China Netcom Group. The amount to be paid by us will be based on the depreciation charge of the fiber-optic cables. The unaudited pro forma adjustments reflect the effects of the reduction in depreciation charge relating to the fiber-optic cables and an increase in leasing expenses as if the restructuring had occurred and the leasing agreement had taken effect on January 1, 2003. The increase in lease expense is equivalent to the depreciation charge for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004.
4. In connection with the restructuring, certain properties under the Distributed Assets and Liabilities were distributed to China Network Group. Pursuant to Property Leasing Agreement between us and China Netcom Group, we will lease the properties from China Netcom Group. The amount to be paid by us to China Netcom Group will be based on market rates or depreciation and maintenance charges in respect of each property provided such depreciation and maintenance charges shall not be higher than the market rates. The unaudited pro forma adjustment reflects the effects of the reduction in depreciation charge relating to these properties and an increase in rental expenses as if the restructuring had occurred and the Property Leasing Agreement had taken effect on January 1, 2003. The increase in rental expenses is based on a level of rental with reference to the market rates of such properties for the year ended December 31, 2003.
5. In connection with the restructuring, certain long-term investments and interests in associated companies that are unrelated to the telecommunications industry under the Distributed Assets and Liabilities were distributed to China Netcom Group. The unaudited pro forma adjustment reflects the reduction in investment income/ expenses generated from these investments as if the restructuring had occurred on January 1, 2003.
48
6. In connection with the restructuring, certain interest-bearing loans under the Distributed Assets and Liabilities were transferred to China Netcom Group. The unaudited pro forma adjustment reflects the reversal of interest expenses in relation to the loans of approximately RMB 15,340 million assumed by China Netcom Group as if the assumption of such loans had taken place on January 1, 2003. Interest rates of the loans converted to equity ranged from 4.6% to 12%.
7. The unaudited pro forma adjustment reflects the impact of the successive acquisitions of substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of AGC through Asia Netcom on March 10 and December 31, 2003. It assumes the acquisition of the entire interest in substantially all of the AGCs assets and subsidiaries had taken place on January 1, 2003, including, among other things, consolidation of the results of Asia Netcom and AGC and the amortization of goodwill arising from the acquisition, as well as the reversal of the share of the loss of joint venture. However, the results of the operations of AGC from January 1, 2003 to March 9, 2003 before its acquisition by Asia Netcom have not been reflected in the pro forma adjustment due to lack of historical data.
8. In connection with the restructuring, certain subsidiaries of Asia Netcom containing the Asia-Pacific submarine cable and related physical network assets and liabilities under the Distributed Assets and Liabilities were distributed to China Netcom Group. Pursuant to the Capacity Purchase Agreement, Capacity Lease Agreement and Management Services Agreement entered into between us and China Netcom Group, we will (i) purchase certain long-term telecommunications capacity from China Netcom Group at market prices, (ii) lease certain amounts of capacity of China Netcom Groups telecommunications network at market rates as set out in the Capacity Lease Agreement; and (iii) provide certain management services to the China Netcom Group on the basis of costs plus reasonable profits not exceeding market prices as set out in the Management Services Agreement. As a result, the unaudited pro forma adjustment reflects the effects of (i) the exclusion of the income statement items, including the depreciation of the submarine cable and related assets of the aforementioned subsidiaries of Asia Netcom and (ii) increases in both the network, operations and support expenses and service income relating to the provision of network and operation management services to China Netcom Group, as if the transfer of these subsidiaries of Asia Netcom to China Netcom Group had taken place and these agreements had taken effect on January 1, 2003.
9. This reflects the tax effect of the above unaudited pro forma adjustments using the statutory tax rate of 33%, the enterprise income tax rate in the PRC applicable for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004, or other tax rates applicable for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004, in other jurisdictions in which we and our subsidiaries operate.
10. The pro forma adjustment reflects the impact on basic earnings/(loss) per share as if the conversion of redeemable convertible preference shares into ordinary shares had taken place on January 1, 2003. Based on the terms of the agreement, each preference share will automatically convert into one ordinary share upon (i) the written direction of the holders of a maturity of the outstanding preference shares or (ii) immediately prior to the closing of our initial public offering.
The unaudited pro forma earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004 gives effect to the one-to-one conversion of the redeemable convertible preference shares into 7,741,782 ordinary shares as if it had taken place as of January 1, 2003.
Number of shares used for the historical basic
earning/(loss) per share and pro forma earnings/(loss) per share
is reconciled as follows:
5,492,258,218
7,741,782
5,500,000,000
49
11. The corresponding differences between Hong Kong GAAP and U.S. GAAP in relation to the unaudited pro forma information are as follows:
(a) Revaluation of fixed assets
In connection with the restructuring, certain categories of our fixed assets were revalued as at December 31, 2003. The revaluation resulted in a charge to our consolidated income statement of RMB 25,778 million with respect to the reduction in carrying amounts of certain fixed assets below their historical cost bases. In addition, a surplus arising from the revaluation of other categories of fixed assets totalling RMB 2,982 million has been credited to the revaluation reserve. | |
Under U.S. GAAP, fixed assets are stated at their historical costs less accumulated depreciation unless an impairment loss has been recorded. An impairment loss on fixed assets is recorded under U.S. GAAP if the carrying amount of such assets exceeds its future undiscounted cash flow resulting from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. The future undiscounted cash flows of our fixed assets, whose carrying amounts were reduced in connection with the restructuring, exceed the historical costs of such fixed assets and, therefore, no impairment of such assets is recorded under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the deficit on revaluation of fixed assets charged to our consolidated income statement and the surplus credited to revaluation reserve recorded under Hong Kong GAAP are reversed for U.S. GAAP purposes. | |
The pro forma adjustment reflects the reversal of revaluation of our fixed assets based on historical U.S. GAAP adjustment. |
(b) Depreciation charge
The pro forma adjustment reflects the reversal of the reduction of depreciation charge arising from the revaluation of fixed assets as a result of the reversal of fixed assets revaluation described in note 11(a) above. |
(c) Deferred tax
The pro forma adjustment reflects the impact on deferred tax resulting from the reversal of revaluation of fixed assets as described in note 11(a) and (b) above. |
(d) Amortization of goodwill and negative goodwill
In connection with the successive acquisition of substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of AGC as described in note 7 above, amortizations of goodwill and negative goodwill arising from the acquisitions would be recorded at the rate of weighted average remaining useful lives of the related fixed assets. | |
Under U.S. GAAP, negative goodwill will be allocated to the acquired fixed assets on a pro rata basis, thereby reducing the depreciation of those fixed assets in the future period. The effect of reversal of amortization of the negative goodwill has been offset by the reduction of depreciation. Accordingly, there is no net impact to the unaudited pro forma consolidated income statements from negative goodwill. | |
Under U.S. GAAP, goodwill is not amortized but tested for impairment annually and whenever events or circumstances occur indicating that goodwill might be impaired. Accordingly, the pro forma adjustment reflects the reversal of amortization of the goodwill arising from the acquisition of the 49% equity interest in Asia Netcom in the unaudited pro forma consolidated income statements. |
12. We have prepared different pro forma financial information for inclusion in the Hong Kong public offering document. The pro forma financial information in the Hong Kong public offering document is different from the pro forma financial information in this document because the information in the Hong Kong public offering document was prepared in accordance with Rule 4.29 of the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange whereas the information in this document entitled Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information beginning on page P-1, and summarized elsewhere in this document, including this
50
| the RMB 3,213 million reduction in depreciation charges resulting from the revaluation of certain of our fixed assets for the year ended December 31, 2003, as described in Note 2 to our Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information; | |
| the increase in rental expenses in the amount of RMB 174 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 and RMB 144 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004, associated with the inter-provincial fiber-optic cables that were distributed to China Netcom Group as a result of the restructuring and subsequently leased to us, as described in Note 3 to our Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information; | |
| the increase in rental expenses in the amount of RMB 932 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 and RMB 476 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004, associated with certain properties that were distributed to China Netcom Group as a result of the restructuring and subsequently leased to us, as described in Note 4 to our Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information; | |
| the increases in network, operations and support expenses and service income associated with our Asia-Pacific submarine cables in the net amount of RMB 14 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 and RMB 6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004, as described in Note 8 to our Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information; and | |
| the corresponding tax effect of the above adjustments of a RMB 695 million tax charge for the year ended December 31, 2003 and a RMB 205 million tax credit for the six months ended June 30, 2004, which is included in Note 9 to our Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information. |
As a result of the foregoing items not being included in the pro forma adjustments presented in the Hong Kong public offering document, the unaudited pro forma loss for the year ended December 31, 2003 under Hong Kong GAAP is RMB 9,797 million and the unaudited pro forma profit for the six months ended June 30, 2004 under Hong Kong GAAP is RMB 6,037 million in the Hong Kong public offering document.
51
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, selected consolidated financial data and unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information, in each case together with the accompanying notes, all included elsewhere in this document. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Hong Kong GAAP, which differs in certain material respects from U.S. GAAP. Note 36 to our consolidated financial statements provides a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of net income and shareholders equity. Our consolidated financial statements and this discussion present our results as if our operations and businesses (and the operations and businesses associated with the Distributed Assets and Liabilities, as defined in Restructuring) were conducted by us throughout the three-year period ended December 31, 2003 and the six-month period ended June 30, 2004.
Overview of Our Services
We are a leading fixed-line telecommunications operator in China and a leading international data communications operator in the Asia-Pacific region. Our northern service region in China consists of Beijing Municipality, Tianjin Municipality, Hebei Province, Henan Province, Shandong Province and Liaoning Province. Our southern service region in China consists of Shanghai Municipality and Guangdong Province. We are the dominant provider of fixed-line telephone services, broadband and other Internet-related services, and business and data communications services in our northern service region in China. We primarily target business and residential customers in selected high-density areas in our southern service region in China. We are also the only telecommunications company in China that operates an extensive network and offers international data services in the Asia-Pacific region.
Our principal services consist of:
| fixed-line telephone services (including our PHS service), consisting of: |
| local, domestic long distance and international long distance services; | |
| value-added services, including caller identification and telephone information services; and | |
| interconnection services provided to other domestic telecommunications operators; |
| broadband and other Internet-related services, including digital subscriber lines, or DSL, fiber-to-the-subscriber, or LAN, dial-up Internet access and other services; | |
| business and data communications services, including digital data network, or DDN, frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode, or ATM, IP-based virtual private network, or IP-VPN, and leased line services; and | |
| international telecommunications services consisting of international voice services for international inbound calls destined for, or transit through, China or other Asia-Pacific countries and regions, and leased line, Internet access, managed data and other telecommunications services provided to business and carrier customers located outside China. |
Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
Our consolidated financial statements may not be indicative of our future results of operations, cash flows or financial position because our historical results of operations have been, and our future results of operations are likely to be, affected by the following principal factors:
Growth in PHS and broadband services
Our traditional fixed-line telephone business has been affected in recent years by the increasing availability of alternative services. The wide availability of mobile telephone services at increasingly competitive prices has had, and we expect will continue to have, an adverse impact on revenues from our traditional fixed-line telephone services. We have not, to date, experienced significant customer churn,
52
Our strategy has been to actively develop new services to help mitigate the effect of mobile substitution and migration to alternative services. We have had considerable success to date in growing our PHS services to provide our customers with limited mobility at much lower price levels. The number of our PHS subscribers increased from 0.4 million as of December 31, 2001 to 12.5 million as of June 30, 2004. However, to date our PHS services are still subject to competition from alternative services, such as mobile telephone services. Revenues from our PHS services would decline if mobile service providers significantly reduced their service charges. For a detailed description of our PHS services, see Business Our Services Fixed-line telephone services (including PHS).
Our broadband DSL services also helps us retain customers who might otherwise have transferred their dial-up Internet business to other Internet service providers. Revenues from our DSL services increased from RMB 41 million in 2001 to RMB 1,425 million in 2003. Revenues from DSL services were RMB 1,266 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004. The number of DSL subscribers increased from approximately 0.1 million as of December 31, 2001 to 4.2 million as of June 30, 2004.
Although we can give no assurance that the number of our subscribers will continue to grow at comparable rates, we believe that because Chinas current telephone and broadband penetration rate and broadband usage is relatively low, growth in our customer base for PHS and broadband services will continue to affect our revenues, as well as our operating expenses and capital spending in future periods.
Declining tariffs and usage per subscriber |
The tariffs for our principal services were historically set by the PRC government. While the PRC government still requires that our tariffs for certain services, such as monthly fees and local usage fees for our local telephone services, be set either at specified levels or above specified minimum levels, we are now permitted to determine the level of the tariffs for many of the services that we provide, including domestic and international long distance VoIP services and broadband services. The government may further deregulate the tariffs for one or more of our principal services in the future.
In addition, our VoIP services have accounted for an increasing percentage of our total long distance calls. Because VoIP tariffs are generally significantly lower than tariffs for calls carried on our traditional network, the increased proportion of long distance VoIP traffic has resulted in a reduction in our average realized tariffs, and we expect this trend to continue in future periods.
The combination of the ability of customers to use alternative services (particularly mobile telephone services) and the partial deregulation in tariffs has caused us to lower prices for many of our services by offering promotional and discount packages from time to time. Such pricing schemes effectively result in average realized tariffs that are below government-mandated minimum levels, although in certain cases, the PRC government allows us to offer promotional and discount packages to customers even for services with government-mandated tariffs, provided that the promotional and discount prices are reported to and approved by the local telecommunications authorities. We believe that our tariffs are set at levels similar to those of our competitors. The MII and provincial and local telecommunications bureaus may order us to raise these tariffs, impose fines on us or even suspend our business where the situation is serious, as determined at the discretion of the MII. For more details, see Risk Factors Risks Relating to the PRC Telecommunications Industry New regulations, regulatory changes or changes in enforcement policies relating to telecommunications tariffs may adversely affect our competitiveness, business and profitability.
In addition, an increasing proportion of our new subscribers are subscribers who tend to generate less traffic and hence lower average revenue on a per subscriber basis than our existing subscribers. Therefore, we expect that our revenues and profitability will continue to be adversely affected by the pricing pressure on many of our existing services and declining usage per subscriber. Any growth in revenues will not be at the
53
Our Recent Restructurings
The restructuring of the Chinese telecommunications industry and the formation of China Netcom Group |
Pursuant to a PRC government directive in 2001 to restructure the fixed-line telecommunications industry, in 2002, the former China Telecom Group, the then incumbent fixed-line carrier, divided its operations relating to the provision of telecommunications services and associated assets and liabilities and the nationwide fiber-optic network between China Netcom Group and China Telecom Group. As part of the same restructuring plan, China Netcom (Holdings) Company Limited, or China Netcom Holdings, and Jitong Communications Company Limited were transferred to the China Netcom Group and control over these companies was combined under the management of China Netcom Group, our parent company. Consequently, while the management and operational control of many of these operations on a provincial level has remained relatively unchanged over the past three years, China Netcom Group has gained management and operational control of such assets and operations on a combined basis only subsequent to the asset division in May 2002 and we have gained such combined management and operational control only after subsequent transfers and injections of assets and liabilities. See Restructuring.
Our restructuring conducted in anticipation of the global offering and implications for our consolidated financial statements |
Our current structure was established under a restructuring plan in contemplation of the global offering. See Restructuring Our Shareholding Structure.
We and China Netcom Group engaged in a series of transactions relating to the restructuring upon the completion of which China Netcom Group retained the following assets and liabilities:
(1) assets and liabilities of our northern and southern service regions relating to the inter-provincial fiber-optic network, certain land and buildings, international gateways and related international network assets, long-term investments, certain cash balances, certain debts and ancillary telecommunications services, such as yellow pages and paging services;
(2) all assets and liabilities of the fixed-line telecommunications operations (including the inter-provincial fiber-optic network) outside our northern and southern service regions that China Netcom Group owned before and continues to own after our restructuring;
(3) all assets and liabilities of the fixed-line telecommunications operations (including the inter-provincial fiber-optic network) outside our northern and southern service regions that we owned prior to our restructuring;
(4) all non-core businesses, including businesses other than the principal telecommunications services operations in our northern and southern service regions, which primarily include procurement of materials, equipment maintenance services, engineering, project planning and design and operations of certain social facilities;
(5) the assets and liabilities representing a majority of the Asia-Pacific submarine cables and certain other related assets located outside China that were transferred from Asia Netcom; and
(6) other minor telecommunications assets and liabilities.
These assets and liabilities are referred to as Retained Businesses. The assets and liabilities retained by China Netcom Group under items (1), (3) and (5) are referred to as Distributed Assets and Liabilities.
54
Other than the assets and liabilities retained by China Netcom Group that are described above, we, immediately upon the completion of our restructuring, primarily owned the following assets and liabilities:
| fixed-line telecommunications network assets and related liabilities in our northern and southern service regions; and | |
| the remaining telecommunications assets and related liabilities in the Asia-Pacific region operated by Asia Netcom. We refer to these assets and liabilities as Our Restructured Assets and Liabilities. |
In addition, we lease from China Netcom Group:
| an inter-provincial fiber-optic network; | |
| international gateways and related international network assets; | |
| a majority of its Asia-Pacific submarine cables and related assets located outside China; and | |
| certain land and buildings and other minor telecommunications assets within our northern and southern service regions. These leased assets, together with Our Restructured Assets and Liabilities, are collectively referred to as Our Included Businesses. |
Because the restructuring was conducted while Our Restructured Assets and Liabilities and Distributed Assets and Liabilities subject to the restructuring were under common control, the presentation of our consolidated financial statements has been prepared on the basis of merger accounting in a manner similar to a pooling of interests. Consequently, our consolidated financial statements report our results as if (1) Our Restructured Assets and Liabilities and the Distributed Assets and Liabilities and related operations had been transferred to us as of January 1, 2001, and (2) we had owned those assets and liabilities and conducted those operations throughout the three-year period ended December 31, 2003. In fact, most of Our Restructured Assets and Liabilities and most of the Distributed Assets and Liabilities during the periods covered by these financial statements were owned by China Netcom Group and operated by its management, and we assumed ownership and management control of these assets and liabilities that were previously owned by China Netcom Group on and after December 31, 2003 as part of our restructuring in anticipation of the global offering. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this document for a further discussion of the basis of presentation of our consolidated financial statements.
The Distributed Assets and Liabilities and associated revenues, expenses and liabilities included in our consolidated financial statements prior to July 1, 2004 currently belong to China Netcom Group and are not owned by us |
The Distributed Assets and Liabilities were distributed to China Netcom Group on June 30, 2004 and our consolidated financial statements from July 1, 2004 and thereafter will only reflect Our Included Businesses and subsequently acquired or developed businesses, assets and liabilities, and the Distributed Assets and Liabilities and the associated operations will not be available to generate revenues or expenses for us in future periods.
The revenues and expenses generated by the Distributed Assets and Liabilities are reflected as an adjustment in the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003 contained in Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information. The net effect of pro forma adjustments amounted to an increase of RMB 753 million in the profit for the six months ended June 30, 2004. Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this document also contains further information on the revenues and expenses associated with the fixed-line telecommunications network assets and related liabilities that were transferred to, or retained by, China Netcom Group from us as part of the restructuring.
55
Our related party transactions reflected in the consolidated financial statements will vary from our related party transactions in 2004 and future periods |
Because our consolidated financial statements do not reflect the relative ownership of assets and liabilities as between us and the China Netcom Group that exists following the distribution on June 30, 2004, the related party transactions that we will engage in with China Netcom Group will differ from the related party transactions that are reflected in our consolidated financial statements. With the exception of related party agreements or arrangements whose effects cannot be reasonably estimated and factually supported or do not result in any material changes to our results of operations, the expected effects and the associated charges relating to the changes in related party agreements and arrangements caused by the distribution of the Distributed Assets and Liabilities and certain related transactions between us and China Netcom Group are reflected in our unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information.
Prior to the consummation of our restructuring on June 30, 2004, we did not settle interconnection charges with China Netcom Group in respect of calls China Netcom Group and our company terminate for each other. Pursuant to the Interconnection Settlement Agreement entered into between China Netcom Group and us, China Netcom Group and our company agreed to interconnect with each others fixed-line network and will be entitled to termination fees for domestic and international long distance calls that we terminate on our respective networks for each other beginning July 1, 2004. However, this arrangement does not apply to calls that we seek to terminate on China Netcom Groups network within the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, Shanxi or Inner Mongolia, or calls originated on China Netcoms network within these four provinces that terminate on our network. Because we do not have historical interconnection data in respect of interconnection with China Netcom Group, it is unclear to us what effect this interconnection agreement will have on our future financial condition and results of operations.
For further information regarding the new agreements and arrangements entered into between us and China Netcom Group, and other changes in connection with our restructuring conducted in anticipation of the global offering, see Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information, Restructuring and Relationship with China Netcom Group.
We do not expect that our restructuring conducted in anticipation of the global offering will significantly impact our liquidity or capital resources in coming periods.
Revaluation of our fixed assets |
As part of the reorganization of China Netcom Group and us, and as required by the relevant PRC regulations, China Enterprise Appraisal, an independent appraiser registered in China, conducted an appraisal of our fixed assets as of December 31, 2003 on a depreciated replacement cost basis. This revaluation resulted in a net reduction in the book value of the fixed assets other than land and buildings in the amount of RMB 22,796 million.
For the purpose of preparing our financial statements, the effect of this revaluation was reflected in our consolidated financial statements as a RMB 25,778 million charge on our consolidated income statements in the form of a deficit on revaluation of fixed assets in 2003 and a RMB 2,982 million surplus that was credited to the revaluation reserve. This had the one-time effect of significantly and adversely affecting our profits from operations, thereby creating a loss from operations in 2003.
The revaluation also has the effect of decreasing future annual depreciation and amortization charges. Under Hong Kong GAAP, on a pro forma basis, the revaluation had the effect of reducing our depreciation expenses by RMB 3,213 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. The effects of these decreased depreciation expenses will be reflected in our future financial statements.
Declining amortization of upfront connection fees |
One-time upfront connection fees for basic telephone access services are deferred and recognized over ten years on a straight-line basis. As of July 1, 2001, upfront connection fees to new fixed-line subscribers were eliminated by the MII. Therefore, as a result of which revenues from the amortization of the
56
Results of Operations
The table below sets forth a breakdown of the
revenues of our domestic and international telecommunications
services and total operating expenses in terms of amount and as
a percentage of our total revenues, as well as net cash flow,
for the periods indicated. Although in the three-year period
ended December 31, 2003 we did not manage our international
services separately from our domestic services, we have begun to
do so in 2004 and will continue to do so in the future.
Therefore, we expect in the future to report our revenues in the
same format as presented below.
For the Year Ended December 31,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2003
2004
Percentage of
Percentage of
Percentage of
Percentage of
Percentage of
Amount
Revenues
Amount
Revenues
Amount
Revenues
Amount
Revenues
Amount
Revenues
(RMB in millions, except percentage data)
16,367
33.7
%
17,362
31.9
%
18,567
31.0
%
9,189
31.6
%
9,443
29.1
%
9,610
19.7
11,505
21.1
12,580
21.0
6,107
21.0
6,936
21.3
806
1.7
944
1.7
1,044
1.7
531
1.8
641
2.0
26,783
55.1
29,811
54.7
32,191
53.7
15,827
54.5
17,020
52.4
7,459
15.3
8,423
15.5
8,871
14.8
4,291
14.8
4,509
13.9
1,141
2.3
1,344
2.5
1,410
2.4
752
2.6
673
2.1
476
1.0
863
1.6
1,516
2.6
644
2.2
1,019
3.1
2,226
4.6
2,378
4.4
2,580
4.3
1,208
4.2
1,719
5.3
4,460
9.2
4,316
7.9
3,965
6.6
2,046
7.0
1,774
5.5
42,545
87.5
47,135
86.6
50,533
84.4
24,768
85.2
26,714
82.2
1,384
2.8
2,189
4.0
3,493
5.8
1,619
5.6
2,428
7.5
1,057
2.2
1,177
2.2
1,215
2.0
614
2.1
546
1.7
1,929
3.9
2,196
4.0
2,446
4.1
1,110
3.8
1,021
3.1
2,986
6.1
3,373
6.2
3,661
6.1
1,724
5.9
1,567
4.8
1,539
3.2
1,174
2.1
832
1.4
350
1.2
514
1.6
48,454
99.6
53,871
98.9
58,519
97.7
28,461
97.9
31,223
96.1
135
0.3
518
1.0
1,217
2.0
545
1.9
565
1.7
1
14
3
171
0.5
1
64
0.1
14
135
0.4
6
35
0.1
63
0.1
26
0.1
243
0.7
37
0.1
17
21
13
161
0.5
178
0.4
572
1.1
1,379
2.3
601
2.1
1,275
3.9
48,632
100.0
54,443
100.0
59,898
100.0
29,062
100
32,498
100
(16,153
)
(33.2
)
(18,808
)
(34.5
)
(20,483
)
(34.2
)
(9,967
)
(34.3
)
(9,552
)
(29.4
)
(9,313
)
(19.1
)
(10,578
)
(19.4
)
(11,990
)
(20.0
)
(4,827
)
(16.6
)
(5,167
)
(15.9
)
(5,030
)
(10.3
)
(6,433
)
(11.8
)
(7,547
)
(12.6
)
(3,563
)
(12.3
)
(4,294
)
(13.2
)
(4,997
)
(10.3
)
(5,682
)
(10.4
)
(7,053
)
(11.8
)
(2,907
)
(10.0
)
(4,199
)
(12.9
)
(1,536
)
(3.2
)
(1,521
)
(2.8
)
(1,660
)
(2.8
)
(599
)
(2.1
)
(724
)
(2.2
)
(37,029
)
(76.1
)
(43,022
)
(78.9
)
(48,733
)
(81.4
)
(21,863
)
(75.2
)
(23,936
)
(73.7
)
11,603
23.9
11,421
21.0
11,165
18.6
7,199
24.8
8,562
26.3
339
0.7
160
0.3
124
0.2
70
1.3
39
0.1
(25,778
)
(43.0
)
11,942
24.6
11,581
21.3
(14,489
)
(24.2
)
7,269
25.0
8,601
26.5
(1,979
)
(4.1
)
(2,848
)
(5.2
)
(3,026
)
(5.1
)
(1,548
)
(5.3
)
(1,604
)
(4.9
)
4
(1
)
(416
)
(0.7
)
(87
)
(0.3
)
(1
)
9,967
20.5
8,732
16.0
(17,931
)
(29.9
)
5,634
19.4
6,996
21.5
(2,568
)
(5.3
)
(2,212
)
(4.1
)
6,819
11.4
(1,362
)
(4.7
)
(2,121
)
(6.5
)
7,399
15.2
6,520
12.0
(11,112
)
(18.6
)
4,272
14.7
4,875
15.0
1
1
7,400
15.2
6,520
12.0
(11,111
)
N/A
4,272
14.7
4,875
15.0
22,874
N/A
23,928
N/A
25,332
N/A
14,017
N/A
14,075
N/A
(41,461
)
N/A
(25,922
)
N/A
(27,001
)
N/A
(10,322
)
N/A
(8,128
)
N/A
18,420
N/A
1,734
N/A
1,262
N/A
(2,701
)
N/A
(9,114
)
N/A
57
(1) | Includes revenues from our PHS services. |
(2) | Includes revenues from our long distance VoIP services. |
(3) | Includes revenues from calls to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. |
(4) | Upfront connection fees for basic telephone access services were eliminated by the MII in July 2001. |
Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and the six months ended June 30, 2003
Revenues |
Our revenues consist of revenues from the provision of telecommunications services, net of business tax and government levies. Sources of our revenues consist of revenues from our domestic businesses, including fees charged for the provision of fixed-line telephone services, broadband and other Internet-related services, business and data communications services, and other services, and revenues from our international telecommunications services.
In the six months ended June 30, 2004, our revenues were RMB 32,498 million, representing an increase of RMB 3,436 million, or 11.8%, from RMB 29,062 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003. This growth primarily reflects increases in revenues from monthly fees, domestic broadband access services, international telecommunications services, domestic interconnection fees and domestic value-added services.
Domestic telecommunications services |
Fixed-line telephone services |
Local telephone services. Revenues from our local telephone services (including PHS services) comprise local usage fees, monthly fees and installation fees. They vary depending on the number of our fixed-line subscribers, average realized tariffs and the usage volume of local calls (including those made to connect to our dial-up Internet service). In the six months ended June 30, 2004, revenues from our local telephone services were RMB 17,020 million, representing an increase of RMB 1,193 million, or 7.5%, from RMB 15,827 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003, and accounting for 52.4% of our total operating revenue in the six months ended June 30, 2004. The revenue growth reflects increases in revenues from each of monthly fees, local usage fees and upfront installation fees, with monthly fee revenues accounting for the largest portion of the increase. This revenue growth was primarily attributable to continued growth in the number of our fixed-line subscribers and the usage volume of our PHS services, partially offset by declines in average usage per subscriber and realized tariffs in the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2003.
Local usage fees. Usage fees for local services include local usage fees charged for local telephone calls and VoIP long distance calls, and communications fees for dial-up Internet access.
In the six months ended June 30, 2004, revenues from our local telephone services were RMB 9,443 million, representing an increase of RMB 254 million, or 2.8%, from RMB 9,189 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003. As the average realized tariffs for local usage remained steady at RMB 0.10 per minute, this increase was attributable to an increase of 11.0 billion pulses, or 366.7%, in PHS usage volume to 14.0 billion pulses in the six months ended June 30, 2004 from 3.0 billion pulses in the six months ended June 30, 2003. The increase in usage volume was in turn caused by an increase of 9.2 million, or 285.5%, in the number of our PHS subscribers, to 12.5 million as of June 30, 2004 from 3.2 million as of June 30, 2003 and an increase of 18 pulses, or 8.5%, in the monthly usage volume per subscriber for our PHS service.
The effect of increased PHS usage volume on revenue growth was partially offset by a revenue decline from non-PHS calls, reflecting a decrease of 0.8 billion pulses, or 1.1% in usage volume to 67.9 billion pulses in the six months ended June 30, 2004, from 68.7 billion pulses in the six months ended June 30, 2003 and principally reflecting the migration of our non-PHS local traffic to PHS and mobile services. While our number of non-PHS fixed line subscribers increased by 4.9 million, or 8.1%, to 65.1 million as of
58
Revenues from communications fees charged for our dial-up Internet service also declined in the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2003, with the average tariffs remaining constant at RMB 0.02 per minute. This was in turn caused by a decline of 12.4 billion pulses, or 60.6%, in usage volume of this service to 8.1 billion pulses in the six months ended June 30, 2004 from 20.5 billion pulses in the six months ended June 30, 2003 and reflecting the migration of Internet dial-up traffic to broadband services.
Monthly fees. Monthly fees represent the fixed amount of service charges to our customers for using our fixed-line telephone services.
In the six months ended June 30, 2004, our revenues from monthly fees were RMB 6,936 million, representing an increase of RMB 829 million, or 13.6%, from RMB 6,107 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003. The revenue growth was largely attributable to the 14 million, or 22.3%, increase in the number of our fixed-line subscribers, which was partially offset by a decline of RMB 0.99, or 5.9%, in the average realized tariffs on a per subscriber basis, principally reflecting the increased number and scope of special promotional packages and discount schemes offered to certain subscribers of our fixed-line services.
Upfront installation fees. Installation fees represent the amortized amount of the upfront fees received for installation of non-PHS fixed-line telephone services. These upfront installation fees are deferred and recognized over the expected customer relationship period, which is currently estimated to be ten years.
Revenues from the amortized amount of installation fees was RMB 641 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004, representing an increase of 20.7% from RMB 531 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003. This increase principally reflects an increased number of access lines in service in our northern service region.
Domestic long distance services. Revenues from our domestic long distance services consist of usage fees for domestic long distance calls originated by our fixed-line subscribers, users of our prepaid phone cards and certain other customers. In the six months ended June 30, 2004, our domestic long distance revenues were RMB 4,509 million, representing an increase of RMB 218 million, or 5.1%, from RMB 4,291 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003. This increase was caused by a RMB 459 million, or 47.6%, increase in revenues from our VoIP long distance service, which was in turn primarily attributable to an increase in the usage volume of domestic long distance calls carried on our VoIP network to 6.3 billion minutes in the six months ended June 30, 2004 from 4.2 billion minutes in the six months ended June 30, 2003.
Increases in revenues from our VoIP long distance service were partially offset by a decline of RMB 241 million, or 7.2%, in revenues in the six months ended June 30, 2004 from domestic long distance calls carried on our traditional network as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2003. Although the usage volume of long distance calls on our traditional network remained relatively constant at approximately 6.1 billion minutes, the revenues declined as the average realized tariffs for this service decreased in the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2003.
The increase in the proportion of domestic long distance calls carried on our lower-priced VoIP network has resulted in a reduction in our average realized tariffs for long distance calls in the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2004. In addition, the increased frequency and scope of discounts also contributed to this decline in average realized tariffs.
International long distance services. Revenues from our international long distance services consist of usage fees charged to our customers for their international long distance calls originated in our service regions, including those made to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
In the six months ended June 30, 2004, this revenue was RMB 673 million, representing a decrease of RMB 79 million, or 10.5%, from RMB 752 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003. The revenue decline principally reflects a decrease of RMB 123 million, or 29.5%, in revenues from international long distance calls carried on our traditional network, which was in turn caused by:
59
| decreased usage volume due to the continued migration of our international long distance traffic to VoIP networks of our own and other service providers, and | |
| lower average realized tariffs due to the increased usage and scope of special promotional discounts offered to our customers. |
The revenue decline was partially offset by an increase of RMB 44 million, or 13.1%, in our VoIP international long distance revenues, which reflects a combination of increased usage volume and declining average realized tariffs for VoIP long distance calls.
Value-Added Services. Revenues from our value-added services consist of fees that we charge our customers for the provision of caller identification, telephone information services, video- and tele-conferencing and other value-added services. Revenues from our value-added services in the six months ended June 30, 2004 were RMB 1,019 million, representing an increase of RMB 375 million, or 58.2%, from RMB 644 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003. The increase was primarily due to the growth in the number of subscribers of our caller identification service, which reached a penetration rate of 59.1% of our access lines in service as of June 30, 2004, and increasing usage of other value-added services in our northern service region.
Interconnection Services. Revenues from our interconnection services represent interconnection fees charged to other domestic telecommunications carriers, principally China Mobile and China Unicom, for both local and long distance calls. Revenue from our interconnection services with domestic carriers was RMB 1,719 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004, representing an increase of RMB 511 million, or 42.3%, from RMB 1,208 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003. The increase was primarily due to increases in the interconnection volume with China Mobile, China Unicom and other domestic carriers. The aggregate volume of calls that we terminated for China Mobile and China Unicom was 24.1 billion minutes in the six months ended June 30, 2004, representing an increase of 6.5 billion minutes, or 37.0%, from 17.6 billion minutes in the six months ended June 30, 2003. The effect of increased interconnection volume on revenue growth was partially offset by declines in revenues from carrying calls originated by subscribers of other domestic telecommunications operators on our traditional or VoIP long distance network, as these operators have continued to expand the coverage of their own domestic long distance networks and increasingly used them to carry long distance calls originated by their customers, instead of paying us for the use of our long distance networks.
The interconnection revenue growth was further driven by RMB 162 million in revenues from termination fees charged to China Telecom for calls that it terminated on our network in the six months ended June 30, 2004. China Netcom Group entered into an interconnection arrangement with China Telecom in 2003, pursuant to which China Netcom Group and China Telecom are entitled to receive interconnection fees in respect of calls terminated for each other beginning January 1, 2003. Our company assumed the right to collect the local termination fees from China Telecom as a result of the restructuring in anticipation of the global offering. However, prior to 2004, we received only RMB 16 million in termination fees in respect of the interconnection between our fixed-line networks and those operated by China Telecom.
Upfront connection fees. Upfront connection fees represent the amortized amount of the upfront fees received for the initial activation of fixed-line telephone services. As a result of the elimination of this fee on July 1, 2001, revenue from the amortized portion of upfront connection fees decreased by RMB 272 million, or 13.3%, to RMB 1,774 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004, from RMB 2,046 million in the comparable period in 2003, and will continue to decline in the coming years.
Broadband access and other Internet-related services |
Revenues from our broadband access and other Internet-related services consist of revenues for the provision of DSL, LAN, and other broadband services, as well as Internet dial-up (other than communications fees) and dedicated Internet access services.
Total revenues from our broadband access and other Internet-related services in the six months ended June 30, 2004 were RMB 2,428 million, representing an increase of RMB 809 million, or 50.0%, from
60
Business and data communications services |
Managed data services. Revenues from our corporate data services represent fees that we charge for our DDN, frame relay, ATM, MPLS VPN and X.25 services. Revenues from our managed data services in the six months ended June 30, 2004 were RMB 546 million, representing a decrease of RMB 68 million, or 11.1%, from RMB 614 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003. This decrease was primarily due to declines in revenue from our DDN, which was in turn principally caused by declines in the average realized tariffs for this service as some of our DDN customers purchase higher bandwidth leased lines to build their own private network or switch to ATM or frame relay services.
Leased line services. Revenues from our leased line services represent fees that we receive from our business and carrier customers for leasing circuit capacity to them, including the lease of digital circuits, digital trunk lines and optic fibers. Revenues from our leased line services were RMB 1,021 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004, representing a decrease of RMB 89 million, or 8.0%, from RMB 1,110 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003. This decrease was primarily caused by a decline in revenues from the leased line services provided to our carrier customers, as both the leased bandwidth to these customers and the average realized tariffs declined. The revenue decline was partially offset by an increase in revenues from our business customers, reflecting a combination of increased leasing of bandwidth to these customers and lower average realized tariffs. The lower average realized tariffs in the case of both business and carrier customers were primarily caused by:
| promotional discounts that we offer to certain of these customers; and | |
| higher average bandwidth leased on a per subscriber basis with lower unit prices. |
Other services |
Revenues from other services, including revenues from service and maintenance fees, lease payments for our non-telecommunications equipment, paging service fees, and revenues from sales of products like handsets and DSL modems, were RMB 514 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004, representing an increase of RMB 164 million, or 46.9%, from RMB 350 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003 and reflecting revenue growth from sales of DSL modems and other services.
International telecommunications services |
Revenues from our international operations consist of fees charged for provision to carrier customers of wholesale voice services, including termination, refile and bilateral services for international inbound calls destined for the PRC or transit through the PRC or other Asia-Pacific countries and regions, home country direct and international toll-free services; and leased line, Internet, managed data and other telecommunications services provided to business and carrier customers located outside the PRC.
In the six months ended June 30, 2004, total revenues from our international operations were RMB 1,275 million, representing an increase of RMB 674 million, or 112.1%, from RMB 601 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003. During this period, we recorded RMB 615 million in revenue from the operations of Asia Netcom, which accounted for over 90% of the overall revenue growth. Revenues generated by Asia Netcom are not reflected in the operating revenue data for the six months ended June 30, 2003, as we used equity accounting for Asia Netcom during 2003.
61
Operating expenses |
The key components of our operating expenses are depreciation and amortization expenses, network operations and support expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses, staff costs and other expenses. Our total operating expenses in the six months ended June 30, 2004 were RMB 23,936 million, representing an increase of RMB 2,073 million, or 9.5%, from RMB 21,863 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003.
In the six months ended June 30, 2004, expenses associated with Asia Netcoms operations amounted to RMB 906 million, accounting for 43.7% of the overall increase in operating expenses in the six months ended June 30, 2004. Expenses incurred by Asia Netcoms operations in the six months ended June 30, 2003 are not reflected as operating expenses in our financial statements because the results of Asia Netcom were accounted for using the equity accounting method during 2003.
Depreciation and amortization |
We depreciate our property, plant and equipment on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, after taking into account their estimated residual value. For example, our telecommunication network and equipment are depreciated over periods typically ranging from five to ten years. In the six months ended June 30, 2004, our depreciation and amortization expenses were RMB 9,552 million, representing a decrease of 4.2% from RMB 9,967 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003. This decrease principally reflects the revaluation of our fixed assets in 2003, which resulted in decreased depreciation expenses, which was partially offset by increased depreciation expenses resulting from the purchase and construction of our telecommunications network and equipment in 2003 and 2004.
Network, operations and support |
Network, operations and support expenses primarily consist of repair and maintenance expenses incurred in connection with the operation of our telecommunications networks, interconnection expenses, utility expenses, expenses relating to the disposal of fixed assets and the installation costs for additional access lines that are put in service each year, which are amortized on a straight-line basis over ten years to the extent that such costs match the incremental revenues from new customers. In the six months ended June 30, 2004, these expenses amounted to RMB 5,167 million, representing an increase of RMB 340 million, or 7.0%, from RMB 4,827 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003.
The increase was primarily due to:
| an increase of RMB 403 million, or 135.2%, in costs of leasing digital circuits and other network elements from other carriers, which was in turn caused by related costs incurred by Asia Netcom in the amount of RMB 282 million and the expansion of the network coverage; | |
| an increase of RMB 203 million, or 28.4%, in interconnection expenses with other carriers, which was in part due to increased volume of outbound calls; and | |
| an increase of RMB 122 million, or 28.2%, in installation costs, which principally reflects an additional charge of RMB 141 million incurred in the six months ended June 30, 2004, representing the portion of installation costs that exceeded the respective incremental installation revenues from new subscribers during this period. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of RMB 325 million in our provision for the impairment of fixed assets. We made no such provision for the six months ended June 30, 2004, because we had just completed the revaluation of our fixed assets in 2003. |
Selling, general and administrative |
Selling, general and administrative expenses primarily consist of sales and marketing expenses, general and administrative expense and provision for doubtful accounts.
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In the six months ended June 30, 2004, our selling, general and administrative expenses were RMB 4,199 million, representing an increase of RMB 1,292 million, or 44.4%, from RMB 2,907 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003. These expenses accounted for 17.5% of our overall operating expenses in the six months ended June 30, 2004, compared to 13.3% in the six months ended June 30, 2003. These expenses increased more rapidly than revenues, principally as a result of:
| an increase of RMB 761 million, or 753.5%, in customer acquisition costs principally relating to subsidized handsets provided to some of our PHS subscribers, which are amortized based on the types of service packages for which they subscribe and their usage patterns; | |
| an increase of RMB 115 million, or 31.7%, in provisions for doubtful accounts, primarily due to increased delinquency rates among our subscribers, reflecting the increasing percentage of lower income customers, which in turn was a result of our lower installation costs and the elimination of upfront connection fees in July 2001; and | |
| an increase of RMB 92 million, or 13.4%, in the amount of commissions paid to distributors and sales agents of our phone cards, PHS services and broadband services and our billing agents for collection-related costs, reflecting the expansion of our fixed-line subscriber base. |
Staff costs |
Staff costs principally consist of expenses for salary and benefits, contributions to pension plans and a housing fund, and the payment of early retirement benefits.
In the six months ended June 30, 2004, our staff costs were RMB 4,294 million, representing an increase of RMB 731 million, or 20.5%, from RMB 3,563 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003. This increase was primarily due to:
| an increase of RMB 280 million, or 11.8%, in salary expenses, principally reflecting higher wage levels and salary expenses of RMB 131 million incurred by Asia Netcom; and |
an increase of RMB 178 million in early retirement benefits offered to employees to RMB 206 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004, from RMB 28 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003, as most of the early retirement arrangements in 2003 were made in the last six months of the year.
Other operating expenses |
Other operating expenses include printing costs for bills, invoices and other materials, charitable donations, and other miscellaneous administrative and operational expenses. In the six months ended June 30, 2004, other operating expenses were RMB 724 million, representing an increase of RMB 125 million, or 20.9%, from RMB 599 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003.
Operating profit before interest income, dividend income and deficit on revaluation of fixed assets
In the six months ended June 30, 2004, our operating profit before interest income, dividend income and deficit on revaluation of fixed assets was RMB 8,562 million, representing an increase of RMB 1,363 million, or 18.9%, from RMB 7,199 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003.
Profit/(loss) from operations
In the six months ended June 30, 2004, our profit from operations was RMB 8,601 million, representing an increase of RMB 1,332 million, or 18.3%, from RMB 7,269 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003.
Finance costs
In the six months ended June 30, 2004, our finance costs were RMB 1,604 million, representing an increase of RMB 56 million from RMB 1,548 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003. This increase
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Share of profit/(losses) of a jointly controlled entity
No deficit from our share of losses of our jointly controlled entity was recorded in the six months ended June 30, 2004, as revenues and expenses associated with Asia Netcoms operations were consolidated into our results beginning on January 1, 2004.
Taxation
The statutory tax rate on most of our operations in the PRC is 33%, although some of our subsidiaries and affiliates in the PRC are subject to lower statutory tax rates or enjoy preferential tax rates.
In the six months ended June 30, 2004, our taxation expense was RMB 2,121 million, representing an increase of RMB 759 million, or 55.7%, from RMB 1,362 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003 and reflecting a higher profit from operations.
Our effective tax rate increased to 30.3% in the six months ended June 30, 2004 from 24.2% in the six months ended June 30, 2003, principally reflecting the decline in upfront connection fee revenues. The effective tax rates deviated from the weighted average statutory tax rate mainly because the upfront connection fee revenues that we recognized during these periods were not taxable under the PRC law.
Profit for the period
As a result of the foregoing, our net income for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was RMB 4,875 million, representing an increase of RMB 603 million, or 14.1%, from RMB 4,272 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003.
Operating results for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
Revenues |
In 2003, our revenues were RMB 59,898 million, representing an increase of RMB 5,455 million, or 10.0%, from RMB 54,443 million in 2002. This growth primarily reflected increases in revenues from local usage fees, monthly fees, broadband services, international telecommunications services and value-added services. In 2002, our revenues increased by 11.9% from RMB 48,632 million in 2001. This growth primarily reflected increases in revenues from local usage fees, monthly fees, domestic long distance telephone services, and broadband services.
Domestic telecommunications services |
Fixed-line telephone services |
Local telephone services. In 2003, revenue from our local telephone services increased to RMB 32,191 million, representing an increase of RMB 2,380 million, or 8.0%, from RMB 29,811 million in 2002, and accounting for 53.7% of our total revenues in 2003. In 2002, revenues from our local telephone services increased to RMB 29,811 million, representing an increase of RMB 3,028 million, or 11.3%, from RMB 26,783 million in 2001, and accounting for 54.7% of our total revenues in 2002. The revenue growth in 2003 principally reflects the rapid growth of our PHS business. By comparison, revenue growth in 2002 was primarily attributable to the number of new access lines that were put into service, which in turn was partially the result of the elimination of upfront connection fees in July 2001. Revenue growth in both comparison periods was partially offset by declines in average usage per subscriber and average realized tariffs.
Local usage fees. In 2003, our local usage revenues were RMB 18,567 million, representing an increase of RMB 1,205 million, or 6.9%, from RMB 17,362 million in 2002, which in turn grew by
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Monthly fees. In 2003, our revenues from monthly fees were RMB 12,580 million, representing an increase of RMB 1,075 million, or 9.3%, from RMB 11,505 million in 2002. The revenue growth was attributable to the 11.3 million, or 19.3%, increase in the number of our fixed-line subscribers, which was partially offset by a decline of RMB 1.14, or 6.5%, in the average realized monthly fees per subscriber. The decline was principally due to the increasing use and scope of special promotional discounts offered to certain subscribers of our fixed-line services.
In 2002, revenues from monthly fees grew by 19.7% from RMB 9,610 million in 2001, principally resulting from the 7.3 million, or 14.3%, increase in the number of our fixed-line subscribers.
Upfront installation fees. Revenues from the amortized amount of upfront installation fees were RMB 1,044 million in 2003, representing an increase of RMB 100 million, or 10.6%, from RMB 944 million in 2002, which in turn had increased by 17.1% from RMB 806 million in 2001. These increases were due to the increase in the number of access lines that were put into service in our northern service region in 2003, 2002 and late 2001.
Domestic long distance services. Our domestic long distance revenues in 2003 were RMB 8,871 million, representing an increase of RMB 448 million, or 5.3%, from RMB 8,423 million in 2002, which in turn was 12.9% higher than the revenue of RMB 7,459 million in 2001. These increases primarily reflected increases in the total usage volume of domestic long distance calls carried on our traditional and VoIP networks from 15.0 billion minutes in 2001 to 18.3 billion minutes in 2002 and 22.1 billion minutes in 2003, of which VoIP calls accounted for 23.4% in 2001, 33.8% in 2002 and 45.1% in 2003. Revenue growth from long distance VoIP calls in 2002 was further driven by an increase in our average realized VoIP tariffs.
Because VoIP tariffs are significantly lower than traditional network tariffs, the increase in the proportion of domestic long distance calls carried on our VoIP network has resulted in significant reductions in our average realized tariffs. In addition, the increased frequency and scope of discounts also contributed to this decline in average realized tariffs.
International long distance services. Our international long distance revenues increased by RMB 66 million, or 4.9%, to RMB 1,410 million in 2003 from RMB 1,344 million in 2002, which in turn increased by RMB 203 million, or 17.8%, from RMB 1,141 million in 2001. The revenue growth in both comparison periods principally reflected increased usage of our international long distance VoIP services from 79.9 million minutes in 2001 to 358.8 million minutes in 2002 and 519.8 million minutes in 2003.
The effect of increased usage of our VoIP long distance services on revenue was partially offset by declines in average realized tariffs over both comparison periods, as increased proportions of long distance VoIP calls also resulted in significant reduction in our average realized tariffs for international long distance services.
Value-added services. Revenues from our value-added services in 2003 were RMB 1,516 million, representing an increase of RMB 653 million, or 75.7%, from RMB 863 million in 2002, which in turn
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Interconnection services. Revenues from our interconnection services with domestic carriers increased by RMB 202 million, or 8.5%, to RMB 2,580 million in 2003 from RMB 2,378 million in 2002, which in turn increased by RMB 152 million, or 6.8%, from RMB 2,226 million in 2001. The increases were primarily due to increases in the interconnection volume with China Mobile, China Unicom and other domestic carriers. The aggregate volume of calls that we terminated for China Mobile and China Unicom was 38.8 billion minutes in 2003, 27.6 billion minutes in 2002 and 19.4 billion minutes in 2001. The growth in revenues resulting from increased interconnection volume was partially offset by declines in revenues from carrying calls originated by subscribers of other domestic telecommunications operators on our traditional network or long distance VoIP network, as these operators have continued to expand the coverage of their own domestic long distance networks and increasingly used them to carry long distance calls originated by their customers, instead of paying us for the use of our long distance networks. As a result, the average realized per minute charge for interconnecting with these carriers has declined from 2001 to 2003.
Upfront connection fees. Revenues from the amortized portion of upfront connection fees decreased by RMB 351 million, or 8.1%, to RMB 3,965 million in 2003 from RMB 4,316 million in 2002, which in turn decreased by RMB 144 million, or 3.2%, from RMB 4,460 million in 2001, and will continue to decline in future years until such fees are entirely amortized.
Broadband and other Internet-related services |
Total revenues from our broadband and other Internet-related services in 2003 were RMB 3,493 million, representing an increase of RMB 1,304 million, or 59.6%, from RMB 2,189 million in 2002, which in turn grew by RMB 805 million, or 58.2%, from RMB 1,384 million in 2001. These increases were primarily due to the increases in service revenues from our broadband services, principally from our DSL service and LAN service, reflecting the rapid expansion of our broadband subscriber base. The total number of our DSL subscribers increased to approximately 2.0 million as of December 31, 2003 from approximately 0.3 million as of December 31, 2002, which in turn increased from approximately 30,000 as of December 31, 2001. The total number of our LAN subscribers increased to approximately 0.6 million as of December 31, 2003 from approximately 0.3 million as of December 31, 2002, which in turn increased from approximately 88,000 as of December 31, 2001. The revenue growth was further driven by increases in the average realized tariffs for LAN. The revenue growth was partially offset by:
| declining average revenues per subscriber, reflecting lower average realized tariffs for our DSL services, the discount and promotional packages that we offer, and the fact that increasing numbers of our new subscribers are residential users, which generally have lower usage than business users; and | |
| declines in revenue from Internet dial-up service due to the migration of our dial-up traffic to broadband services. |
Business and data communications services |
Managed data services. Revenues from our managed data services in 2003 were RMB 1,215 million, representing an increase of RMB 38 million, or 3.2%, from RMB 1,177 million in 2002, which in turn was up by RMB 120 million, or 11.4%, from RMB 1,057 million in 2001, primarily due to growth in the total leased bandwidth of our frame relay service and our ATM service. These increases resulted from the increase in the demand for managed data services from the business customers in our northern and southern service regions.
Leased line services. Revenues from our leased line services grew by RMB 250 million, or 11.4%, to RMB 2,446 million in 2003 from RMB 2,196 million in 2002. This increase primarily resulted from the increase in revenue from our business customers increased leasing of bandwidth. This increase was partially
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Other services |
Revenues from other services were RMB 832 million in 2003, representing a decrease of RMB 342 million, or 29.1%, from RMB 1,174 million in 2002, which in turn declined by RMB 365 million, or 23.7%, from RMB 1,539 million in 2001.
International telecommunications services |
Total revenues from our international telecommunications services increased by RMB 807 million, or 141.1%, to RMB 1,379 million in 2003 from RMB 572 million in 2002, which in turn grew by RMB 394 million, or 221.3%, from RMB 178 million in 2001. The increases were primarily due to increases in the interconnection fees charged to international carrier customers in both comparison periods, which increased by RMB 699 million, or 134.9%, to RMB 1,217 million in 2003 from RMB 518 million in 2002 and RMB 135 million in 2001, principally reflecting increased usage volume of this service.
Operating expenses |
Our total operating expenses in 2003 were RMB 48,733 million, representing an increase of RMB 5,711 million, or 13.3%, from RMB 43,022 million in 2002, which in turn increased by RMB 5,993 million, or 16.2%, from RMB 37,029 million in 2001. The increases principally resulted from the growth of our business and expansion of our customer base. Although each of these components of the total operating expenses increased in both comparison periods, depreciation and amortization accounted for the largest portion of the increases. The lower rate of increase in total operating expenses in 2003 principally reflects a lower rate of increase in our depreciation and amortization expenses and network, operations and support costs.
Depreciation and amortization |
Our depreciation and amortization expenses in 2003 were RMB 20,483 million, representing an increase of RMB 1,675 million, or 8.9%, from RMB 18,808 million in 2002, which in turn increased by RMB 2,655 million, or 16.4%, from RMB 16,153 million in 2001. These increases were primarily a result of the purchase and construction of our telecommunications network and equipment.
Network, operations and support |
These expenses increased by RMB 1,412 million, or 13.3%, to RMB 11,990 million in 2003 from RMB 10,578 million in 2002, which in turn increased by RMB 1,265 million, or 13.6%, from RMB 9,313 million in 2001. The increase in 2003 was primarily due to a 73.9%, or RMB 491 million, increase in installation costs, which principally reflects an additional charge of RMB 387 million incurred in 2003, representing the portion of installation costs that exceeded the respective incremental installation revenues from new subscribers that year, and a 66.0%, or RMB 745 million, increase in the interconnection expenses payable to other telecommunications operators from RMB 1,129 million to RMB 1,874 million, which was in part due to increased volume of outbound calls from 2002 and 2003. The increase in network, operations and support expenses in 2002 was caused primarily by:
| an increase of RMB 375 million, or 28.6%, in the loss from disposal of fixed assets as we replaced much of our obsolete telecommunications equipment with new facilities in 2002 to upgrade our network and improve our operational efficiency; |
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| an increase of RMB 504 million, or 243.6%, in costs of leasing digital circuits and other network elements from other carriers, reflecting the expansion of our network coverage; and | |
| an increase of RMB 231 million, or 25.7%, in interconnection expenses due to increased interconnection volume during this period. |
Selling, general and administrative |
In 2003, our selling, general and administrative expenses were RMB 7,053 million representing an increase of RMB 1,371 million, or 24.1%, from RMB 5,682 million in 2002. These expenses increased more rapidly than revenues, principally as a result of:
| an increase of RMB 262 million, or 73.4%, in provisions for doubtful accounts, primarily as a result of increased delinquency rates among our subscribers, reflecting an increase in the number of lower income customers due to the elimination of upfront connection fees in July 2001 and lower installation costs; | |
| an increase of RMB 294 million, or 639.1%, in customer acquisition costs attributable to the growth of our PHS business, which are amortized based on the types of service packages for which they subscribe and their usage patterns; and | |
| an increase of RMB 251 million or 41.1%, in branding, advertising and marketing costs related to the formation of China Netcom Group in May 2002 and the development and promotion of the China Netcom brand. |
In 2002, our selling, general and administrative expenses increased by RMB 685 million, or 13.7%, to RMB 5,682 million from RMB 4,997 million in 2001, which, among other things, caused an increase of RMB 273 million, or 25.1%, in the amount of commissions paid to distributors and sales agents of our phone cards, PHS services, broadband services and IP Direct and to our billing agents, increases in other administrative expenses and, to a lesser extent, increases in customer acquisition costs and management fees for our buildings and other properties.
Staff costs |
In 2003 our staff costs grew by RMB 1,114 million, or 17.3%, to RMB 7,547 million. This increase was primarily due to an increase of RMB 1,296 million, or 34.2%, in salary expenses, which increased from RMB 3,795 million in 2002 to RMB 5,091 million in 2003, principally reflecting higher wage levels. See Business Employees. We continued to raise our salary levels in 2003 to bring our compensation more in line with what we believe are the prevailing market rates. During this period, our expenses for early retirement benefits declined by 82.6% to RMB 132 million from RMB 758 million primarily because of a reduction in the number of employees electing early retirement.
In 2002, our staff costs increased by RMB 1,403 million, or 27.9%, to RMB 6,433 million from RMB 5,030 million in 2001. This increase was primarily due to increases in the expenses for salaries and early retirement benefits. With the formation of China Netcom Group in May 2002, we started to implement an early retirement program to streamline our operational structure, which resulted in a significant increase in the expenses for our early retirement benefits from RMB 131 million to RMB 758 million.
Other operating expenses |
Other operating expenses increased by RMB 139 million, or 9.1%, to RMB 1,660 million in 2003 from RMB 1,521 million in 2002, which in turn declined slightly by RMB 15 million, or 1.0%, from RMB 1,536 million in 2001.
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Operating profit before interest income, dividend income and deficit on revaluation of fixed assets |
Our operating profit before interest income, dividend income and deficit on revaluation of fixed assets declined slightly by RMB 256 million, or 2.2%, to RMB 11,165 million in 2003 from RMB 11,421 million in 2002, which in turn declined by 1.6% from RMB 11,603 million in 2001.
Profit/(loss) from operations |
Our profit from operations declined from RMB 11,581 million in 2002 to a loss of RMB 14,489 million in 2003. This loss was caused by the deficit on revaluation of fixed assets amounting to RMB 25,778 million in 2003, without which our profit from operations would have declined by only RMB 292 million, or 2.5%, from 2002 to a profit of RMB 11,289 million. By comparison, from 2001 to 2002, our profit from operations declined by RMB 361 million, or 3.0%, from RMB 11,942 million to RMB 11,581 million.
Finance costs |
Our finance costs increased by 6.3% from RMB 2,848 million in 2002 to RMB 3,026 million in 2003, principally due to a higher amount of our total borrowings being used to finance long-term assets. This decline was partially offset by decreased interest expense in 2003, due to lower average interest rates on our debt.
Our finance costs increased by 43.9% from RMB 1,979 million in 2001, principally due to increased interest expense, reflecting higher levels of debt, and a higher amount of our total borrowings being used to finance long-term assets. For additional details on our finance costs, see Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this document.
Share of profit/(losses) of a jointly controlled entity |
A RMB 415 million deficit from our share of the losses of our jointly controlled entity, Asia Netcom, was recorded in 2003, relating to the losses arising from the operations of Asia Netcom. Because these assets were underutilized, depreciation and other expenses exceeded revenues.
Taxation |
In 2003, we had a tax credit of RMB 6,819 million mainly due to our loss before taxation of RMB 17,931 million, which in turn was caused by the deficit from the revaluation of our fixed assets. As a result, our effective tax rate for 2003 was 38.0%.
Our taxation expense declined by 13.9% from RMB 2,568 million in 2001 to RMB 2,212 million in 2002, primarily due to the 3.0% decline in the profit from operations during this period. The effective tax rate was 25.8% in 2001 and 25.3% in 2002.
The effective tax rates for the three years ended December 31, 2003 deviated from the weighted average statutory tax rates in these periods mainly because the upfront connection fee revenues that we recognized during these periods were not taxable under PRC law.
Profit/(loss) for the year |
As a result of the foregoing, we experienced net loss of RMB 11,111 million, compared to a net income of RMB 6,520 million in 2002, which in turn declined by 11.9% from net income of RMB 7,400 million in 2001.
Profit/(loss) for the year reconciled to U.S. GAAP |
Our consolidated profit as determined pursuant to U.S. GAAP for 2003 was RMB 6,160 million. Our profit for 2003 determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP was significantly better than our results determined in accordance with Hong Kong GAAP principally due to the non-recognition under U.S. GAAP of the revaluation of fixed assets, which we recorded under Hong Kong GAAP in 2003. In future years, we expect
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview |
Our primary sources of funding for both our working capital and our longer-term funding needs have been cash provided by operating activities and short-term bank loans and our primary uses of funds have been capital expenditures and repayment of bank loans. Our capital expenditures declined significantly in 2002, 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004 from the amounts spent in 2001, and the funding needs for both investing activities and operating activities in these periods have been met principally with cash inflows from operating activities. Net cash provided by financing activities declined significantly from 2001 to 2003. This decline was further driven by a cash dividend distribution to China Netcom Group declared in 2003 and other payables in the amount of RMB 7,310 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004. As a result, our cash and cash equivalents remained approximately the same as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 but declined significantly as of June 30, 2004.
Our net current liabilities (calculated as current liabilities less current assets) decreased by RMB 7,454 million, or 10.7%, from RMB 69,379 million as of December 31, 2003 to RMB 61,925 million as of June 30, 2004. This decrease reflects:
| a decrease of RMB 7,574 million in the current portion of long-term bank and other loans, principally resulting from the retention of certain debts by China Netcom Group upon the consummation of our restructuring; | |
| a decrease of RMB 3,167 million in cash and cash equivalents; and | |
| a decrease of RMB 2,473 million in short-term bank loans. |
Our net current liabilities (calculated as current liabilities less current assets) increased 34.9% from RMB 51,438 million as of December 31, 2002 to RMB 69,379 million as of December 31, 2003. This increase reflects:
| an increase of RMB 7,967 million in cash dividend distributions payable to China Netcom Group; and | |
| an increase of RMB 5,846 million in short-term bank loans as a result of our replacement of maturing long-term debt with short-term debt to lower financing costs. |
For more details, see Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities below.
In addition, we estimate that we will receive net proceeds from the global offering of approximately RMB million (US$ million), of which:
| up to 50% of the net proceeds, or approximately RMB million (US$ million), is intended for funding our capital expenditure requirements; | |
| up to 30% of the net proceeds, or approximately RMB million (US$ million), is intended for repayment of debt; and | |
| up to 10% of the net proceeds, or approximately RMB million (US$ million), is intended for development of new applications and services. |
For more details, see Use of Proceeds.
Taking into account cash generated from operating activities, short-term and long-term bank loans and proceeds from the global offering, we believe that we have access to sufficient working capital for the next 12 months.
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The following table summarizes our cash flows for
the periods indicated:
For the Six Months
For the Year Ended December 31,
Ended June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2003
2004
(RMB in millions)
22,874
23,928
25,332
14,017
14,075
(41,461
)
(25,922
)
(27,001
)
(10,322
)
(8,128
)
18,420
1,734
1,262
(2,701
)
(9,114
)
(167
)
(260
)
(407
)
994
(3,167
)
Net cash inflow from operating activities |
Our net cash inflow from operating activities was RMB 22,874 million in 2001, RMB 23,928 million in 2002 and RMB 25,332 million in 2003. The increase of RMB 1,404 million from 2002 to 2003 primarily reflected:
| an increase of RMB 254 million in our operating profit before working capital changes; | |
| a decline of RMB 536 million in the amount of tax paid during 2003; and | |
| a RMB 529 million increase in the year-on-year decrease in the amount of capital required to satisfy our working capital requirements, which was largely attributable to the increase in cash received from sales of prepaid telephone cards to RMB 9,790 million in 2003 from RMB 6,127 million in 2002. |
For more details, see Note 28 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this document.
The increase of RMB 1,054 million in our net cash inflow from operating activities in 2002 reflected a combination of:
| a RMB 1,602 million increase in the year-on-year decrease in the amount of capital required to satisfy our working capital requirements; | |
| an increase of RMB 305 million in our operating profit before working capital changes; and | |
| an increase in the amount of interest paid, principally on our bank loans. |
Our net cash inflow from operating activities was RMB 14,075 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004, representing an increase of RMB 58 million, or 0.4%, from RMB 14,017 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003.
All of our operations in the PRC are conducted through our wholly foreign-owned subsidiary, CNC China. Our telecommunications businesses outside of the PRC are owned and conducted by Asia Netcom, our wholly owned subsidiary incorporated in Bermuda. Accordingly, our future cash flow will consist principally of dividends from our subsidiaries. Our ability to pay dividends depends substantially on the payment of dividends to us by CNC China. CNC China must follow the laws and regulations of the PRC and its articles of association in declaring and paying dividends to us. As a wholly foreign-owned enterprise in China, CNC China is required to provide for a reserve fund and staff and workers bonus and welfare fund, each of which is allocated from net profit after taxation but before dividend distribution according to the prevailing accounting rules and regulations in the PRC. CNC China is required to allocate at least 10% of its net profit to the reserve fund until the balance of this fund has reached 50% of its registered capital. Appropriations to the staff and workers bonus and welfare fund, which are determined at the discretion of CNC Chinas directors, are charged as expenses on a when-incurred basis in the consolidated financial statements. In the three years ended December 31, 2003, CNC China did not make any contributions into these statutory funds as CNC China, on a stand-alone basis, incurred a net loss in each of these years. None of CNC Chinas
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Net cash outflow for investing activities |
Our net cash used in investing activities was RMB 41,461 million in 2001, RMB 25,922 million in 2002, RMB 27,001 million in 2003 and RMB 8,128 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004, over 95% of which in each period was used to purchase fixed assets and fund construction in progress. Our cash outlays for capital expenditures amounted to RMB 40,163 million in 2001, RMB 25,814 million in 2002, RMB 28,528 million in 2003 and RMB 8,947 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004. For more details, see Capital expenditures below.
In 2003 we realized RMB 1,195 million from the sale of a portion of investments we had made primarily in 2001 and 2002 in short-term securities, as well as RMB 735 million from the disposal of fixed assets.
We must obtain approvals from the NDRC and the MII, and in some cases, the State Council for any government-funded project involving significant capital investment in our operations. In addition, approvals from the NDRC and the MII are required for investment projects concerning national security, such as the construction of domestic backbone transmission networks, international gateways, and other telecommunications infrastructure projects. For a more detailed description, see Regulation Capital Investment.
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities |
Our net cash inflow from financing activities was RMB 18,420 million in 2001, RMB 1,734 million in 2002 and RMB 1,262 million in 2003. Our primary source of funding has been our net borrowings in bank loans (defined as proceeds received from bank loans minus cash repayments), which yielded net proceeds of RMB 17,702 million in 2001 and RMB 5,287 million in 2002, and a net repayment of RMB 1,581 million in 2003. In 2003, our net cash inflow from financing activities was primarily due to the advance from China Netcom Group in the amount of RMB 4,750 million. In 2002, our net proceeds were partially offset by our net distributions to China Netcom Group (defined as cash distributions to China Netcom Group minus China Netcom Groups contributions), which were RMB 3,465 million in 2002.
Our net cash outflow from financing activities was RMB 9,114 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004, representing an increase of RMB 6,413 million, or 237.4%, from RMB 2,701 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003. The increase in cash outflow was primarily a result of cash distributions to China Netcom Group in the aggregate amount of RMB 7,310 million.
Our indebtedness as of the dates indicated was as
follows:
As of December 31,
As of
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
(RMB in millions)
17,837
26,371
32,217
29,744
9,406
14,089
15,716
8,142
37,446
29,480
22,309
20,464
64,689
69,940
70,242
58,350
We have increasingly taken advantage of significantly lower interest rates on short-term bank loans to lower financing costs on our capital expenditures. The benchmark rates from banks in China were lowered in February 2002. In addition, historically we received a 10% discount off these benchmark rates on many of our loans, which is the most preferred discount permitted by the Peoples Bank of China to be offered by these banks. While historically the amount of our long-term debt exceeded the amount of our short-term debt, our short-term debt (including the current portion of long-term debt) as of June 30, 2004 accounted for 64.9% of our total debt and exceeded our long-term debt by RMB 17,422 million as we refinanced long-term
72
Our secured long-term loans were RMB 1,121 million as of June 30, 2004. These loans were secured by:
| certain fixed assets amounting to RMB 24 million; | |
| RMB 578 million in corporate guarantees granted by China Netcom Group; and | |
| RMB 538 million in corporate guarantees granted by third parties. |
As of June 30, 2004, our available and unused credit facilities amounted to RMB 11,845 million.
Our ability to obtain adequate financing to satisfy our capital expenditure and debt service requirements may be limited by our financial condition and results of operations and the liquidity of international and domestic financial markets. Any failure by us to achieve timely rollover, extension or refinancing of our short-term debt may result in our inability to meet our obligations in connection with debt service, accounts payable and/or other liabilities when they become due and payable. For more details, see Risk Factors Risk Relating to the PRC Telecommunications Industry We rely substantially on short-term funding, and our inability to obtain sufficient funding may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, prior to accessing international capital markets, we must obtain approval from some or all of a number of government authorities depending on the type of international financing raised, including the State Council, the MII, the State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the NDRC. See Regulation Accessing International Capital Markets.
Contractual obligations and commitments, including off-balance sheet arrangements |
The following table sets forth information
regarding our aggregate payment obligations in future years of
the contractual obligations and commercial commitments that we
had as of June 30, 2004.
Payments Due in the Period
July 1 -
December 31,
Total
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Thereafter
(RMB in millions)
29,744
18,688
11,056
28,606
5,931
7,354
6,239
3,876
3,705
1,501
3,480
447
870
557
241
227
1,138
8,199
4,955
2,592
645
5
1
1
70,029
30,021
21,872
7,441
4,122
3,933
2,640
94
32
62
94
32
62
We have entered into certain foreign currency exchange forward contracts with banks, which are non-speculative and used as hedges of certain of our borrowings that are denominated in foreign currencies. The foreign currency exchange forward contracts and respective payable balances are included in other non-current
73
Capital expenditures |
The following table sets forth our actual and
planned total capital expenditure requirements for the periods
indicated:
Capital
Expenditures
(RMB in millions)
40,163
25,814
28,528
23,400
21,400
21,400
Historically most of our capital expenditures were budgeted for the improvement of our networks and related equipment. In particular, capital expenditures related to our local access, switching, data and transport networks each accounted for a significant percentage of our total capital expenditures. Expenditures for other projects were mainly related to investments in facilities to house our telecommunications equipment and other facilities. In 2001, we increased our spending on large-scale construction of network infrastructure. Our total capital expenditure requirements in 2002 and 2003 were substantially lower than those in 2001 as we focused on controlling our capital expenditure levels by improving our network efficiency and developing new products and services to better utilize our existing networks. We increased our spending on PHS networks to satisfy the growing demand for our PHS services, despite declines in total capital expenditure levels between 2001 and 2003.
Projected capital expenditures in 2004 for our operations are RMB 23,400 million, of which RMB 8,947 million has been spent as of June 30, 2004. The major components of our capital investment plan for 2004 are:
| continued improvement and expansion of our data networks to support our broadband services; | |
| capital investments in our switching and transport networks; | |
| selective capital investments to further roll out local access networks in our northern and southern service regions and PHS in communications-intensive areas in our northern service regions; | |
| further improvement of our support and information systems; and | |
| capital investments in our infrastructure and other projects. |
In 2005 and 2006, we will continue to focus on controlling our capital expenditure levels and improving our network efficiency. We anticipate that our capital expenditures in these periods will mainly relate to further rollout of our broadband services, local access networks and transport and switching networks.
Our capital expenditure estimates are subject to uncertainty and actual capital expenditures in future periods may differ significantly from these estimates. Many factors could cause changes to the timing, amounts and nature of our capital expenditures, including overall economic environment, customer demand, utilization rate of our network resources, technological advances, and other relevant factors.
We may enter into new telecommunications businesses in the future, which may require additional capital expenditures. In addition, in estimating our future capital expenditures we have assumed that we will not become subject to any universal service obligations or other similar requirements. In the event that any such requirements for which China Netcom Group is not obligated to, or does not compensate us, our capital expenditures in future periods would likely be higher. See Risk Factors Risks Relating to the PRC
74
Capital resources |
We expect to fund our capital expenditure needs with a combination of cash generated from operating activities, short-term and long-term bank loans and net proceeds from the global offering. We believe that we will have sufficient capital resources to satisfy our capital expenditure requirements in the foreseeable future periods.
Reconciliation of Hong Kong GAAP and U.S. GAAP
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Hong Kong GAAP, which differs significantly in certain respects from U.S. GAAP. Differences between Hong Kong GAAP and U.S. GAAP may have significant impact on our consolidated net profit/(loss) and shareholders equity. For example, appraisals are not generally recognized under U.S. GAAP as providing an appropriate basis for restating the depreciable asset base. Consequently, under U.S. GAAP there was no charge to income in 2003 resulting from the revaluation of our fixed assets in the amount of RMB 25,778 million in 2003. Thus, in future periods we expect our depreciation and amortization expense as reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP to be significantly higher than as reported in our financial statements prepared in accordance with Hong Kong GAAP.
We have summarized these differences and their effect on our shareholders equity as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and as of June 30, 2004 and the results of our operations for each of the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 in Note 36 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this document. These differences relate primarily to the treatment of the revaluation of fixed assets, and deferred tax.
The effect on net profit/(loss) of differences
between Hong Kong GAAP and U.S. GAAP for the years ended
December 31, 2001, 2002, 2003 and for the six months ended
June 30, 2003 and 2004 is as set forth in the following
table.
For the Six
For the Year Ended
Months Ended
December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2003
2004
(RMB in millions)
7,400
6,520
(11,111
)
4,272
4,875
(128
)
(46
)
17,271
(14
)
(1,121
)
7,272
6,474
6,160
4,258
3,754
The effect on shareholders equity of
differences between Hong Kong GAAP and U.S. GAAP as of
December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and as of June 30,
2004 is as set forth in the following table.
As of December 31,
As of
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
(RMB in millions)
59,206
62,213
43,376
42,869
(2,625
)
(2,651
)
12,624
11,669
56,581
59,562
56,000
54,538
75
Pro Forma Adjustments and Their Financial Impact
The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information reflects the effects of our restructurings that are (i) directly attributable to the restructuring transactions, (ii) expected to have a continuing impact on us and (iii) factually supportable. We believe that these transactions will have an impact on our overall results of operations, and that a pro forma presentation reflecting these transactions as if they occurred on January 1, 2003 is necessary to supplement our consolidated financial information. The expected effects of certain arrangements, such as the Interconnection Settlement Agreement, Property Sub-Leasing Agreement, Master Services Sharing Agreement, Engineering and Information Technology Services Agreement, Materials Procurement Agreement, Ancillary Telecommunications Services Agreement and Support Services Agreement entered into between China Netcom Group and us, are not reflected in the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information because the effects of such changes cannot be factually supported, reasonably estimated, do not result in any material change to our results of operations, or because of a lack of sufficient historical data.
While the unaudited pro forma consolidated
financial information is helpful in showing the financial
characteristics as if the events had occurred at a certain date,
it is not intended to show how we would have actually performed
if the events had in fact occurred on the dates assumed or to
project the results of operations or financial position for any
future date or period. We have included in the unaudited pro
forma consolidated statements of operations all the adjustments
necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and
operating results in the historical periods. If the occurrence
of the events differs from our assumptions and expectations, the
actual consolidated financial position and results of operations
may differ significantly from the unaudited pro forma amounts
reflected below.
For the Year Ended December 31, 2003
Historical
Adjustments
Pro Forma
( RMB in millions )
59,898
123
60,021
48,733
(2,691
)
46,042
11,165
2,814
13,979
(11,111
)
2,740
(8,371
)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2004
Historical
Adjustments
Pro Forma
( RMB in millions )
32,498
(489
)
32,009
23,936
(801
)
23,135
8,562
312
8,874
4,875
753
5,628
We have prepared different pro forma financial information for inclusion in the Hong Kong public offering document. The pro forma financial information in the Hong Kong public offering document is different from the pro forma financial information in this document because the information in the Hong Kong public offering document was prepared as required by Rule 4.29 of the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange whereas the information in this document entitled Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information beginning on page P-1, and summarized elsewhere in this document including this section, was prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933. The unaudited pro forma loss for the year ended December 31, 2003 under Hong Kong GAAP is RMB 9,797 million and the unaudited pro forma profit for the six months ended June 30, 2004 under Hong Kong GAAP is RMB 6,037 million in the Hong Kong public offering document. For more details, see Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Income Statement Data Notes describing the pro forma adjustments.
76
Revaluation of fixed assets
In connection with our restructuring, our assets were revalued as of December 31, 2003, which resulted in a net deficit on revaluation of fixed assets of RMB 25,778 million and a decrease in our depreciation expenses in the amount of RMB 3,213 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. The pro forma adjustments reflect the reduction in depreciation charge resulting from the revaluation of assets as if the results of the revaluation had been recorded on January 1, 2003.
Distribution of Distributed Assets and Liabilities and Related Party Transactions |
The pro forma adjustments to our income statements reflect the exclusion of results of operations attributable to the Distributed Assets and Liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2003 and for the six months ended June 30, 2004, including reductions in the depreciation charges associated with fixed assets that were distributed, the reductions in network, operations and support expenses, staff costs, selling, general and administrative expenses, and other operating expenses attributable to the Distributed Assets and Liabilities, the reductions in income and expenses from the distribution of investments, interests in associated companies and interest-bearing loans.
The pro forma adjustments reflect the estimated effects of:
| entering into the leases between China Netcom Group for buildings and other properties, as well as the inter-provincial fiber-optic cables within our northern and southern service regions pursuant to the Property Leasing Agreement and the Telecommunication Facilities Leasing Agreement; and | |
| the effects of the Management Services Agreement and our purchases and leases of certain capacity from the China Netcom Group pursuant to a Capacity Purchase Agreement and a Capacity Lease Agreement. |
Our revenues, interest and dividend income would have decreased by RMB 915 million in 2003 and RMB 496 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004, and our operating expenses, finance costs and share losses from associated companies would have been reduced by RMB 1,805 million in 2003 and RMB 1,202 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004. See our unaudited pro forma financial statements included elsewhere in this document for more information regarding which transactions have and have not been reflected in these pro forma adjustments, particularly notes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 thereto.
Changes in the accounting method of Asia Netcom
The unaudited pro forma adjustment reflects the effects of the acquisitions of substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of AGC through Asia Netcom, in transactions on March 10 and December 31, 2003, as if they had occurred on January 1, 2003, including, among other things, consolidation of the operating results of Asia Netcom and the operation associated with AGCs assets and subsidiaries, and the amortization of goodwill arising from the acquisition, as well as the reversal of the share of the loss of joint venture. Financial results from January 1, 2003 through March 9 are not reflected due to lack of historical data.
Tax effect
The pro forma adjustments reflect the tax effect of the above pro forma adjustments using the tax rate of 33%, the enterprise income tax rate in China, and other applicable statutory tax rates in other jurisdictions in which we operate.
As a result of the foregoing pro forma adjustments, for the six months ended June 30, 2004:
| our revenues would have decreased by RMB 489 million, or 1.5%, from RMB 32,498 million on a historical basis to RMB 32,009 million on a pro forma basis under Hong Kong GAAP; and |
77
| our net profit for the period would have increased by RMB 753 million, or 15.4%, from RMB 4,875 million on a historical basis to RMB 5,628 million on a pro forma basis under Hong Kong GAAP. |
For the year ended December 31, 2003:
| our revenues would have increased by RMB 123 million, or 0.2%, from RMB 59,898 million on a historical basis to RMB 60,021 million on a pro forma basis under Hong Kong GAAP; and | |
| our net loss for the year would have decreased by RMB 2,740 million, or 24.7%, from a net loss of RMB 11,111 million on a historical basis to a net loss of RMB 8,371 million on a pro forma basis under Hong Kong GAAP. |
Critical Accounting Policies
We have prepared the consolidated financial statements in accordance with Hong Kong GAAP and accounting standards issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Hong Kong GAAP requires us to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions in the preparation of these financial statements. When we make these estimates and assumptions, we base our estimates on historical experience and are required to make judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. Accordingly, the reported financial position and results of operations are sensitive to these estimates and assumptions, and actual results may differ from those estimates as facts, circumstances and conditions change. Our principal accounting policies are set out in detail in Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this document. The following sections discuss the accounting policies which involve the most significant estimates and judgments made in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Depreciation of fixed assets |
We depreciate our fixed assets at rates sufficient to write off their costs or revalued amounts less accumulated impairment losses and estimated residual values over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis. We review the useful lives periodically to ensure that the method and rates of depreciation are consistent with the expected pattern of economic benefits from fixed assets. We estimate the useful lives of the fixed assets based on our historical experience with similar assets, taking into account anticipated technological changes. The depreciation expense in the future periods will change if there are significant changes from previous estimates.
Revaluation of fixed assets |
Our fixed assets were revalued as of December 31, 2003 on a depreciated replacement cost basis. Apart from land and buildings, which are carried at cost, fixed assets are carried at the revalued amounts, being the fair value at the date of revaluation, less subsequent accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Revaluations are performed at intervals of not more than three years by independent valuers and, in each of the intervening years, valuations are undertaken by professionally qualified executives employed by us. If the revalued amounts differ significantly from the carrying amounts of the fixed assets in the future, the carrying amounts will be adjusted to the revalued amounts. This will have an impact on our future results, since any subsequent decreases in valuation are first set off against increases on earlier valuations in respect of the same item and thereafter are charged as expense to the income statement and any subsequent increases are credited as income to the income statement up to the amount previously charged. In addition, the depreciation expense in future periods will change as the carrying amounts of the fixed assets change as a result of the revaluation.
Our fixed assets were previously carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. The above accounting policy was changed in 2003 and was not applied retrospectively because such valuation of our fixed assets in 2001 or 2002 would require us to incur significant expense and devote extraordinary time to carry out.
78
Impairment of non-current assets |
At each balance sheet date, we consider both internal and external sources of information to assess where there is any indication that non-current assets, including fixed assets, are impaired. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated and an impairment loss is recognized to reduce the carrying amount of the asset to its recoverable amount. Estimated recoverable amounts are determined based on estimated discounted future cash flows of the cash-generating unit at the lowest level to which the asset belongs. The recoverable amount is the higher of value in use or net selling price. Such impairment losses are recognized in the income statement, except where the asset is carried at valuation and the impairment loss does not exceed the revaluation surplus for that same asset, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease and charged to the revaluation reserve. Accordingly, there will be an impact to our future results if there is a significant change of the recoverable amounts of our non-current assets.
Revenue recognition for upfront connection and installation fees |
We defer the recognition of upfront customer connection and installation fees and amortize them over the expected customer relationship period of ten years. The related direct incremental installation costs are deferred and amortized over the same expected customer relationship period of ten years, except when the direct incremental costs exceed the corresponding installation fees. The excess of the direct incremental costs over the corresponding installation fees, if any, are immediately amortized as expenses to the income statement. We estimate the expected customer relationship period based on our historical customer retention experience and factoring in the expected level of future competition, the risk of technological or functional obsolescence to our services, technological innovation, and the expected changes in the regulatory and social environment. If our estimate of the expected customer relationship period changes as a result of increased competition, changes in telecommunications technology or other factors, the amount and timing of recognition of our deferred revenues may change for future periods.
Recognition of revenues and costs under PHS bundled service contracts |
We provide PHS services, which is an extension of the local wireline telecommunications service, to our customers. Promotional packages comprising the bundled provision of PHS services and the provision of handsets to customers, under which customers either prepay a certain amount of service fee or commit to spend a minimum monthly service fee for a designated period of time in order to receive a free handset. The total revenues received or receivable and the cost of handsets provided to customers, as well as the related commissions paid to distributors under the promotional arrangements, are deferred and amortized as revenues and costs, respectively, to the income statement on a systematic basis to match the pattern of usage of the related service over the contract period. If the pattern of the usage of the PHS services by our customers changes in the future, the amortization period of the revenues and costs will change accordingly, which will have an impact to our future results.
Provision for doubtful debts |
We maintain an allowance for doubtful debts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make the required payments. We make our estimates based on the aging of our accounts receivable balance, customer credit-worthiness, and historical write-off experience. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, actual write-offs might be higher than expected, we would be required to revise the basis of making the allowance and our future results would be affected.
Change of Our Financial Year End
In order to conform our financial year end, which was March 31 previously, with the financial year end of the businesses that were transferred to us in connection with the restructuring, we changed our financial year end from March 31 to December 31 beginning on April 1, 2003. We have applied for and obtained a waiver from strict compliance with the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
79
Inflation
According to the China Statistical Bureau, Chinas overall national inflation rate, as represented by the general consumer price index, was approximately 0.7% in 2001, -0.8% in 2002, 1.2% in 2003 and 3.6% in the six months ended June 30, 2004. Inflation or deflation has not had a significant impact on our results of operations in recent years.
Market Risk and Risk Management
Market risk is the risk of loss related to adverse changes in market prices, including interest rates and foreign exchange rates, of financial instruments we hold or have issued, all of which were for purposes other than trading purposes. In the normal course of business, we are routinely subject to a variety of risks, including market risk associated with interest rate movements and currency rate movements on non-Renminbi denominated assets and liabilities.
Foreign exchange rate risk |
We conduct our business primarily in Renminbi, which is also our functional and reporting currency. The Renminbi is not a fully convertible currency. Although the Renminbi to United States dollar exchange rate has been relatively stable since 1994, fluctuations in exchange rates may adversely affect the value, translated or converted into United States dollars or Hong Kong dollars (which are pegged to the U.S. dollar), of our net assets, earnings and any declared dividends. For a detailed description of the unitary managed floating rate system used by the PRC government to set foreign exchange rates, see Exchange Rate Information.
We are exposed to foreign currency risk primarily as a result of our foreign currency borrowings for past purchases of telecommunications equipment from overseas suppliers. In addition, we receive some of our revenues from our international operations and pay related expenses in foreign currencies. As a result, our foreign currency exposure relates to our foreign currency-denominated debt and, to a limited extent, cash and cash equivalents denominated in foreign currencies.
We have, in the past, entered into currency swap agreements and foreign exchange forward contracts designed to mitigate our exposure to foreign currency risks and may continue to do so in the future.
The following table provides information
regarding our foreign currency-sensitive financial instruments
and transactions, which consist of cash and cash equivalents,
short-term and long-term debt obligations capital commitments
and foreign currency forward exchange contracts, as of
June 30, 2004, and the expected maturity profile of these
debt obligations and capital commitments.
Expected Maturity
July 1 -
December 31,
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Thereafter
Total
Fair Value
(RMB equivalent in millions, except interest rates)
1044
1044
1044
6
6
6
3
3
3
80
Expected Maturity
July 1 -
December 31,
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Thereafter
Total
Fair Value
(RMB equivalent in millions, except interest rates)
U.S. dollar-denominated loans
269
406
197
50
38
397
1357
1220
3.07
%
3.41
%
3.29
%
2.87
%
1.89
%
2.34
%
2.95
%
136
30
13
179
174
2.89
%
5.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
3.05
%
28
28
28
28
41
203
356
374
5.03
5.03
%
5.03
%
5.03
%
5.03
%
5.76
%
5.44
%
Japanese yen-denominated loans
36
30
30
30
45
521
692
735
2.60
%
2.60
%
2.60
%
2.60
%
2.60
%
2.57
%
2.58
%
43
43
43
43
64
193
429
424
2.12
%
2.12
%
2.12
%
2.12
%
2.12
%
2.00
%
4.44
Forward exchange agreements:
25
25
12
62
7
1.50
%
1.50
%
1.50
%
0.00
0.00
0.00
1.50
%
N/A
25
25
12
62
6
1.70
%
1.70
%
1.70
%
0.00
0.00
0.00
1.70
%
N/A
31
30
30
29
29
271
420
58
77.76
%
77.76
%
77.76
%
77.76
%
77.76
%
77.73
%
77.74
%
(1) | The average interest rates for variable rate loans are calculated based on the rates reported as of June 30, 2004. |
81
Interest Rate Risk |
The Peoples Bank of China has the sole authority in China to establish the official interest rates for Renminbi-denominated loans. Financial institutions in China set their effective interest rates within the range established by the Peoples Bank of China. Interest rates and payment methods on loans denominated in foreign currencies are set by financial institutions based on interest rate changes in the international financial market, cost of funds, risk levels and other factors.
We are subject to market risks due to fluctuations in interest rates on our debt. The majority of our debt is in the form of bank loans from banks in China. Increases in interest rates will increase the cost of new borrowing and the interest expense with respect to outstanding variable rate debt. Accordingly, fluctuations in interest rates can lead to significant fluctuations in the fair value of these debt instruments.
The following table provides information
regarding our interest rate-sensitive financial instruments,
which consist of short-term and long-term debt obligations as
well as the expected maturity profile of such obligations.
Expected Maturity
July 1 -
December 31,
Fair
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Thereafter
Total
Value
(RMB equivalent in millions, except interest rates)
8,879
9,946
18,825
19,040
4.76
%
4.80
%
4.78
%
15,061
7,786
5,288
3,172
3,585
37
34,929
34,592
4.40
%
4.90
%
4.95
%
4.97
%
5.06
%
0.00
%
4.71
%
U.S. dollar-denominated loans
269
406
197
50
38
397
1,357
1,220
3.07
%
3.41
%
3.29
%
2.87
%
1.89
%
2.34
%
2.95
%
136
30
13
179
174
2.89
%
5.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
3.05
%
28
28
28
28
41
203
356
374
5.03
%
5.03
%
5.03
%
5.03
%
5.03
%
5.76
%
5.44
%
Japanese yen-denominated loans
36
30
30
30
45
521
692
735
2.60
%
2.60
%
2.60
%
2.60
%
2.60
%
2.57
%
2.58
%
43
43
43
43
64
193
429
424
2.12
%
2.12
%
2.12
%
2.12
%
2.12
%
2.00
%
4.44
%
(1) | The average interest rates for variable rate loans are calculated based on the rates reported as of June 30, 2004. |
82
Recent Financial Information Disclosed in Connection with the Hong Kong Public Offering
Our outstanding indebtedness as of August 31, 2004 was as follows:
Short-term
Debts
Long-term
Debts
RMB
Interest rate and final maturity
million
Interest rates ranging from 4.54% to 6.2% per
annum with maturity through August 27, 2005
27,284
Interest rates ranging from 2.59% to 2.77% per
annum with maturity through August 27, 2005
634
Current portion of long-term bank loans and
finance lease obligations
7,449
Total
35,367
RMB
Interest rate and final maturity
million
Interest rates ranging from 4.5% to 6.2% per
annum with maturity through December 31, 2032
24,221
Interest rates ranging from 2.1% to 5.5% per
annum with maturity through December 31, 2040
2,333
Interest rates ranging from 2.1% to 3.5% per
annum with maturity through October 20, 2022
1,080
Interest rates ranging from 2% to 5.94% per annum
with maturity through February 28, 2039
76
Finance lease obligations
1,476
Current portion of long-term bank loans and
finance lease obligations
(7,449
)
Total
21,737
As of August 31, 2004, no short-term bank loans were secured and long-term bank loans in an amount of RMB 2,391 million were secured.
Of these secured long-term bank loans, RMB 5 million were secured by certain of our fixed assets, the net book value of which amounted to RMB 23 million.
Contractual obligations and commercial commitments
The following table sets forth our contractual
obligations as of August 31, 2004:
Later than
one year and
Not later than
not later than
Later than
Total
one year
five years
five years
(RMB in million)
3,570
952
1,604
1,014
1,917
1,403
513
1
5,487
2,355
2,117
1,015
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The following table sets forth our other
commercial commitments as of August 31, 2004:
Later than
one year and
Not later than
not later than
Later than
Total
one year
five years
five years
(RMB in million)
70
39
31
70
39
31
There have been no material changes in our indebtedness and contingent liabilities since August 31, 2004.
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PROSPECTIVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION
In accordance with the customary practice in securities offerings in Hong Kong, we have prepared the following prospective financial information for the year ending December 31, 2004. Although we will become a reporting company after the global offering and have ongoing disclosure obligations under U.S. Federal Securities Laws, we do not intend to update this information prior to the announcement of our results of operations for the year or to publish this information in future years.
The prospective financial information included in this document has been prepared by us for use in the Hong Kong public offering in accordance with local market practice in Hong Kong. Such information is the responsibility of our management. PricewaterhouseCoopers has neither examined, compiled nor otherwise applied procedures to the accompanying prospective financial information for the purpose of its inclusion herein and, accordingly, PricewaterhouseCoopers does not express any opinion and has not provided any form of assurance with respect thereto for the purpose of this document. The PricewaterhouseCoopers report included in this document relates to our historical financial statements. It does not extend to the prospective financial information and should not be read to do so.
This prospective financial information was not prepared with a view toward compliance with published guidelines of the Commission and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, or AICPA, for preparation and presentation of prospective financial information. Accordingly, this information does not include disclosure of all information required by the AICPA guidelines on prospective financial information. The prospective financial information is necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while presented with numerical specificity and considered reasonable by us, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, and upon assumptions with respect to future business decisions that are subject to change. This prospective financial information also assumes the success of our business strategy. The success of this strategy is subject to uncertainties and contingencies beyond our control, and no assurance can be given that the strategy will be effective or that the anticipated benefits from the strategy will be realized in the periods for which forecasts have been prepared, or at all. Accordingly, we cannot provide any assurance that these results will be realized. The prospective financial information may vary materially from our actual results. Prospective investors in the ADSs and ordinary shares are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information. We make no representation that these results will be achieved.
We believe that, on the basis set forth below and in the absence of unforeseen circumstances, our forecast profit after taxation and minority interests but before extraordinary items of our company for the year ending December 31, 2004 is unlikely to be less than RMB 9,153 million under Hong Kong GAAP. We are not aware of, nor do we expect, any extraordinary items to arise in respect of the year ending December 31, 2004. On the basis of the prospective financial information presented and the weighted average number of shares expected to be issued and outstanding during the current fiscal year of approximately 5,619,838,822 shares (assuming the underwriters do not exercise the over-allotment option), the forecast profit after taxation and minority interests but before extraordinary items of our company per share on a weighted average basis for the year ending December 31, 2004 is unlikely to be less than RMB 1.63 under Hong Kong GAAP.
Bases and Assumptions
We have prepared the forecast profit after taxation and minority interests but before extraordinary items of our company for the year ending December 31, 2004 on the basis of the audited financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and a forecast of the results for the remaining six months ended December 31, 2004, based in part on the unaudited financial results for the two months ended August 31, 2004. The forecast has been prepared on a basis of the accounting policies consistent in all material respects with those adopted by our company as set out in the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this document, and on the following bases and assumptions:
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| There will be no material change in existing political, legal, fiscal, market or economic conditions in China, Hong Kong, or any other country or territory in which we currently operate or which is otherwise material to the our revenues. | |
| There will be no changes in legislation, regulations or rules in China, Hong Kong or any other country or territory with which we have arrangements or agreements, which materially adversely affect our business. | |
| There will be no material changes in the bases or rates of taxation in the countries or territories in which we operate, except as otherwise disclosed in this document. | |
| There will be no material changes in interest rates or foreign currency exchange rates from those currently prevailing. | |
| There will be no significant litigation against us. | |
| The monthly fees and usage fees for local telephone service and tariffs for all domestic and international, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan long distance services on traditional networks will continue to be regulated as fixed tariffs, fixed jointly by the MII and the NDRC. | |
| The leased line and data services are based on government-fixed tariffs, determined jointly by the MII and the NDRC, after taking into consideration general discounts to customers and will not change for the forecast period. |
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THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY IN CHINA
The information presented in this section is either derived from various publications or obtained from communications with the Ministry of Information Industry, unless otherwise indicated. Neither we nor any of our affiliates or advisors, nor the underwriters or any of their affiliates or advisors, have independently verified the information presented in this section. This information may not be consistent with other information compiled within or outside China.
Publications used to present information in this section include:
| Annual Statistical Report of Chinas Communications Industry from 2002 and 2003; | |
| Statistical Publications of Chinas Economic and Social Development from 2001 and 2003; | |
| Monthly Statistical Report of Chinas Communications Industry from June 2004 (via MIIs website); | |
| Guide to the Development of Chinas Telecommunications Industry, 2004; and | |
| WTO accession agreements. |
Overview
China is the largest telecommunications market in the world in terms of the number of fixed-line and mobile telephone subscribers, reflecting Chinas sustained economic growth over the past two decades, and the PRC governments policies promoting telecommunications usage and orderly competition among telecommunications operators.
According to the Ministry of Information Industry, or the MII, China has the largest telephone subscriber base in the world, with 532.7 million subscribers, including 262.7 million fixed-line subscribers and 270.0 million mobile subscribers as of the end of 2003, and 600.8 million subscribers, including 295.5 million fixed-line subscribers and 305.3 million mobile subscribers as of June 30, 2004. The MII estimates that by the end of 2004, China will have 303 million access lines in service for fixed-line telephone services, representing a penetration rate of 23.5%, and that the number of mobile service users will grow to 321 million, representing a penetration rate of 24.5%. According to the MII, China is one of the largest markets in the world in terms of Internet subscribers, with 17.7 million broadband subscribers and 53.5 million dial-up and dedicated line subscribers, as of June 30, 2004.
Total telecommunications spending in China is closely linked with the growth of the overall economy and gross domestic product, or GDP. From 2001 to 2003, Chinas GDP grew from RMB 9.6 trillion to RMB 11.7 trillion. Growth in the Chinese economy in recent years has led to significant increases in per capita income levels, business activity, and consumer wealth, which in turn led to increasing demand for telecommunications services. This greater demand is reflected in the significant growth of penetration rate and total usage of fixed-line telephone, mobile telephone, broadband and other Internet-related services, and business and data communications services in China. From 2001 to 2003, total revenues for Chinas telecommunications industry grew from RMB 371.9 billion to RMB 459.8 billion, outpacing Chinas GDP growth in the same period. For the six months ended June 30, 2004, revenues for Chinas telecommunications industry totaled RMB 253.6 billion.
Telecommunications Services in China
According to the MII, from 2001 to 2003, the total number of fixed-line subscribers increased from 180.4 million to 262.7 million, with penetration rate increasing from 14.1% to 20.3%. As of June 30, 2004, the total number of fixed-line subscribers was 295.5 million. These increases were partly attributable to the significant growth of PHS services over the past several years, with the number of PHS subscribers reaching 37.3 million as of the end of 2003 since wide adoption of the technology in 2000. PHS subscribers constituted 14.2% of the total number of fixed-line subscribers as of December 31, 2003. There are currently four licensed fixed-line operators in China, consisting of China Telecom, China Unicom, China Railcom and China Netcom Group.
From the end of 2001 to the end of 2003, mobile services also experienced significant growth. The number of mobile telephone subscribers increased from 145.2 million to 270.0 million and mobile penetration
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With the proliferation of personal computers and other broadband service devices, as well as the increasing affordability and expanding availability of Internet content and applications, such as online games and video-on-demand, broadband and other Internet-related services in China experienced significant growth in recent years. The number of broadband subscribers in China was approximately 11.1 million as of the end of 2003 and approximately 17.7 million as of June 30, 2004.
In line with Chinas economic development and the increase of corporate users in recent years, the demand for business and data communications services has also increased in the same period. The rise of the Internet and the wider adoption of broadband applications as well as the increased demand for corporate networks and communications, have stimulated demand for managed data services, particularly from business customers. In addition to China Netcom Group and us, the main providers of business and data communications services are China Telecom and, to a lesser extent, China Unicom and China Railcom, and their respective affiliates.
China has an extensive telecommunications network infrastructure. According to the MII, the total length of fiber-optic networks in China extended approximately 2.7 million kilometers as of the end of 2003, while the total capacity of long distance switches reached 8.7 million ports and the total capacity of local switches reached 351 million ports.
Telecommunications Industry Restructuring and Participants
Since 1993, the PRC government has taken significant steps to liberalize the telecommunications industry and introduce competition. Prior to that, all public telecommunications networks and businesses in China were controlled and operated by the former Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, or the MPT. In 1994, China Unicom Group, a provider of mobile telephone services, and Jitong Communications Company Limited, a provider of IP-based telephone and data communications service, were established in accordance with the State Councils mandate to introduce competition into the industry.
As part of the PRC governments restructuring of the telecommunications industry, the MII was established in 1998 to assume, among other things, the regulatory responsibilities of the MPT. The Directorate General of Telecommunications, or the DGT, assumed the operational functions of the MPT.
Upon approval of the State Council, the mobile, paging and satellite businesses were spun off from the DGT into separate independent corporations. In 2000, the DGT was renamed China Telecom Corporation, or China Telecom, to operate the nationwide fixed-line telecommunications business. In 1999, China Netcom Corporation Limited, or CNC China, was established as a nationwide fixed-line telecommunications operator in China by Chinese Academy of Sciences, Information and Network Center of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, China Railways Telecommunications Center and Shanghai Alliance Investment Limited. Thereafter, the above four shareholders, with their respective equity interest in CNC China as capital contribution, established China Netcom (Holdings) Limited, or China Netcom Holdings. See Restructuring Our History.
In accordance with the decision of the State Council in 2001 to promote an orderly competitive environment of the telecommunications industry in China, China Telecom was divided geographically into two businesses, consisting of the ten provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in northern China, and the 21 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in southern China. The northern and southern businesses were each allocated the entire local access networks in their respective regions. In addition, the northern and southern businesses were allocated 30% and 70% ownership, respectively, of the nationwide fiber-optic network previously owned by China Telecom. The northern business was combined with China Netcom Holdings and Jitong Network Communications Company Limited to form China Netcom Group, our parent company. The southern business remained with China Telecom. China Netcom Group and China
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China Railcom, established in 2000, primarily utilizes its network facilities located along or near railways within China to provide fixed-line telephone services and business and data communications services. China Satcom, established in 2001, primarily provides satellite services. By the end of 2003, Chinas telecommunications industry consisted of six operators of basic telecommunications services China Netcom Group, China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom, China Railcom and China Satcom. The market is dominated by four major operators: China Telecom and China Netcom Group primarily for fixed-line services, and China Mobile and China Unicom for mobile services. China Netcom Group is the dominant fixed-line operator in northern China, and China Telecom is the dominant fixed-line operator in southern China.
Chinas Accession to the WTO
As a result of Chinas accession to the WTO, the PRC government has agreed to gradually open up various service types and regions of the telecommunications market in China to foreign investors. As part of this liberalization, the State Council has promulgated the Regulations on the Administration of Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Enterprises, which became effective on January 1, 2002. According to those regulations, foreign investors may establish foreign invested telecommunications enterprises in China to operate basic and value-added telecommunications services, subject to the approval of the MII and the Ministry of Commerce. Certain limitations have been placed on the total investment and maximum foreign shareholdings in such enterprises.
The table below summarizes the foreign ownership
and geographic restrictions for foreign-invested
telecommunications enterprises in China, as derived from the WTO
accession agreements.
Maximum Permitted Foreign Ownership Percentage
and Geographic Restrictions for
As of December 31,
Service Type
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
Not
25%
25%
35%
49%
permitted
(3 cities)
(1)
(3 cities)
(1)
(17 cities)
(2)
(nationwide)
35%
49%
49%
49%
49%
(17 cities)
(2)
(17 cities)
(2)
(17 cities)
(2)
(nationwide)
(nationwide)
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
(nationwide)
(nationwide)
(nationwide)
(nationwide)
(nationwide)
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
(nationwide)
(nationwide)
(nationwide)
(nationwide)
(nationwide)
(1) | The initial three cities are Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. |
(2) | The 17 cities are Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Xian, Taiyuan and Wuhan. |
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BUSINESS
Except for certain historical financial data such as operating cash flows, and unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise indicates, all company data prior to and for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004 provided in this Business section, including our usage volume, number of fixed-line subscribers, market share and number of ports and bandwidth leased, do not include data of any of the operations that were included in our consolidated financial statements but were distributed to China Netcom Group as part of our restructuring. For further information on our restructuring, see Restructuring. The operations owned by China Netcom Group are not ours and their results of operations will not be reflected in our consolidated financial statements for future periods.
Overview
We are a leading fixed-line telecommunications operator in China and a leading international data communications operator in the Asia-Pacific region. Our northern service region in China consists of Beijing Municipality, Tianjin Municipality, Hebei Province, Henan Province, Shandong Province and Liaoning Province. Our southern service region in China consists of Shanghai Municipality and Guangdong Province. We are the dominant provider of fixed-line telephone services, broadband and other Internet-related services, and business and data communications services in our northern service region in China. We primarily target business and residential customers in selected high-density areas in our southern service region in China. We are also the only telecommunications company in China that operates an extensive network and offers international data services in the Asia-Pacific region.
Our principal services consist of:
| fixed-line telephone services (including our PHS service), including: |
| local, domestic long distance and international long distance services; | |
| value-added services, including caller identification and telephone information services; and | |
| interconnection services provided to other domestic telecommunications operators; |
| broadband and other Internet-related services, including digital subscriber lines, or DSL, local area network, or LAN, dial-up Internet access and other services; | |
| business and data communications services, including digital data network, or DDN, frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode, or ATM, IP-based virtual private network, or IP-VPN, and leased line services; and | |
| international telecommunications services consisting of international voice services for international inbound calls destined for, or transit through, China or other Asia-Pacific countries and regions, and leased line, Internet access, managed data and other telecommunications services provided to business and carrier customers located outside China. |
As of June 30, 2004, our market share in our northern service region was 94.6% in terms of number of fixed-line subscribers. From December 31, 2001 to June 30, 2004, the number of our fixed-line subscribers in our northern service region increased from 51.1 million to 77.1 million. We are capitalizing on our extensive fixed-line network and large customer base to target the fast growing market for PHS services in China. The subscriber base for our PHS service grew from approximately 447,000 at the end of 2001 to 12.5 million as of June 30, 2004. We also provide domestic and international long distance services. For the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, and for the six months ended June 30, 2004, our domestic long distance service usage was 14.9 billion minutes, 17.1 billion minutes, 20.4 billion minutes and 11.7 billion minutes, respectively. For the same periods, our international long distance service usage was 286.5 million minutes, 349.7 million minutes, 419.5 million minutes and 227.9 million minutes, respectively. As of June 30, 2004, our market shares in terms of usage in our northern service region in domestic and international long distance services were 44.6% and 62.5%, respectively, of all fixed-line and mobile telecommunications operators.
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Our broadband services have also experienced rapid growth. We provide broadband services primarily based on DSL and LAN technologies in both our northern and southern service regions. The subscriber base for our broadband services grew from approximately 117,000 at the end of 2001 to 4.2 million as of June 30, 2004. Substantially all of our broadband subscribers are located in our northern service region. Our market share for broadband subscribers in our northern service region was 92.9% as of June 30, 2004.
We provide business and data communications services, including managed data services and leased line services in our northern and southern service regions, to government entities, domestic and international businesses, Internet service providers and telecommunications operators. We primarily focus on key cities where there is a high concentration of business and government customers, growing economic activity and a high demand for these services.
In addition, we provide international telecommunications services primarily to businesses and telecommunications operators in the Asia-Pacific region. These services consist of international voice, leased line, managed data and other telecommunications services.
We own comprehensive local networks in our northern service region and selected local networks in major cities in our southern service region. We operate an advanced and high-speed intra- and inter-provincial transport network in our northern and southern service regions. We also operate a regional fiber-optic submarine cable system owned by our ultimate controlling shareholder, China Netcom Group, connecting Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines. This cable system also connects to the west coast of the United States, and to Australia, New Zealand, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Europe through additional circuits that we have purchased or leased. This network infrastructure enables us to provide a wide range of fixed-line telecommunications services in China and international markets.
Our Markets and Opportunities
The map below indicates our northern and southern service regions. The following accompanying table sets forth selected demographic and market information relating to our northern and southern service regions and for China as a whole, as of or for the year ended December 31, 2003, unless otherwise indicated.
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Service Regions
Northern
Southern
China Overall
322
93
1,292
11,958
21,193
9,030
12.1
%
11.6
%
9.6
%
72
33
263
18.4
%
19.2
%
20.7
%
22.4
%
35.5
%
20.3
%
2.8
2.3
11.1
Sources: | National Statistical Bureau, the MII and provincial telecommunications administrations. |
Our northern service region had an aggregate population of 322 million, with an average gross domestic product, or GDP, per capita of RMB 11,958 in 2003, compared to the national GDP per capita of RMB 9,030 in 2003. According to statistics from the provincial telecommunications administrations, as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, telecommunications service revenues in this region were RMB 83.9 billion, RMB 98.6 billion and RMB 113.2 billion, respectively. The fixed-line telephone penetration rate of this region as a whole was 22.4% as of December 31, 2003, compared to the national average of 20.3%. This service region includes Beijing, an economic and political center of China that also serves as the headquarters for many of Chinas largest companies.
Our southern service region is composed of two of the most affluent areas in southern China, with a combined average GDP per capita in 2003 of RMB 21,193, more than twice the national average. The fixed-line telephone penetration rate in this region as a whole was 35.5% in 2003. These areas are also key centers of commercial activity. According to statistics from the provincial telecommunications administrations, as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, total telecommunications service revenues in this region were RMB 81.1 billion, RMB 91.8 billion and RMB 102.3 billion, respectively.
In the Asia-Pacific region, we target business and carrier customers with significant demands for China-related or cross-regional telecommunications services. According to International Data Corp., revenues from the international data segment of the Asia-Pacific telecommunications market was US$2 billion in 2002 and US$2.3 billion in 2003, and is expected to grow to US$2.7 billion by 2004, US$3.2 billion by 2005 and US$3.6 billion by 2006. As China becomes increasingly integrated with the rest of the Asia-Pacific region through trade, commercial and other activities, demand for cross-border telecommunications service by Chinese enterprises operating overseas and foreign companies operating in China is expected to increase significantly.
We believe that our opportunities relate primarily to the following areas:
Further growth in demand for fixed-line telephone services
The fast-growing economy and relatively low fixed-line penetration level in China presents significant potential for further growth in the demand for fixed-line telephone services. Increasing popularity of new access technologies, such as PHS, which offers mobility covering one or more cities combined with cost-effectiveness, present further fixed-line growth opportunities. As the incumbent fixed-line operator in our northern service region, with our extensive network coverage and our control of the last mile infrastructure in that region, we believe we are well-positioned to capture this growth opportunity. Our existing 77.6 million subscriber base represents a significant market for additional products and services. The recent rapid growth in value-added services, including caller identification and telephone information services, also demonstrates further growth potential in fixed-line services.
Rapid increase in demand for broadband services
The demand for broadband services in China, including DSL and LAN, continues to grow due to the increase in the use of personal computers and other broadband equipment, and the expanded availability of
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Strong growth in demand for domestic and international business and data communications services
Chinas economy has experienced significant growth over the past several decades. Businesses and government agencies have adopted increasingly sophisticated information technology systems, and the number of domestic enterprises and multinational corporations operating in China has increased significantly over the past ten years. As a result, the demand for business and data communications services is increasing. According to International Data Corp., information technology spending in China is expected to increase from US$22.6 billion in 2002 to US$29.3 billion in 2004. Our target markets for business and data communications services include Chinas large and medium-sized cities such as Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Dalian and Shenzhen. As Chinas interaction with the rest of the world increases, we expect demand for cross-regional business and data communications services to continue to rise. Our advanced network platform offers connectivity between China and most major economic centers in the Asia-Pacific region and enables us to better capture these growth opportunities and meet the demand of these business customers for international end-to-end connectivity.
Competitive Strengths
We believe we have the following principal competitive strengths, which will provide us with a strong and defensible platform to capture the significant growth opportunities in the growing telecommunications market in China and the Asia-Pacific region.
Extensive and advanced network infrastructure
The architecture of the network that we operate consists of transport and service networks, and support and information systems. We own extensive local access networks in northern China where we are the incumbent fixed-line operator, and local access networks in certain metropolitan areas in our southern service region where we are a new entrant to the market. We also operate a transport network that covers our northern and southern service regions and a fiber-optic network in the Asia-Pacific region, all of which are integrated to serve the end-to-end needs of our customers. As of June 30, 2004, our local access networks had reached substantially all of the cities, towns and counties in our northern service region. Our local access networks, which we built over five years in certain metropolitan areas in our southern service region, where China Telecom is the incumbent fixed-line operator, connected 327 buildings in Shanghai and 512 in Guangdong. The fiber-optic network that we and China Netcom Group operate connects substantially all cities in China and key countries and regions in the Asia-Pacific region. This fiber-optic network employs a variety of advanced technologies and is characterized by a relatively high bandwidth, and expandability, and enables us to provide a wide range of secure and reliable telecommunications services. Our and China Netcom Groups operational control over this network infrastructure provides us with significant advantages in acquiring and serving large business customers. Furthermore, our extensive local access networks in our northern service region provide us with significant cost advantages in offering broadband and PHS services, and it would be difficult and costly for our competitors, as new entrants, to attempt to replicate these networks.
Dominant market position and extensive customer base in our northern service region
Based on total usage and number of fixed-line subscribers, we are the leading provider of local telephone services, domestic long distance and international long distance services in our northern service region. We
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Unique advantages relating to Beijing
As the dominant telecommunications operator in Beijing, we believe we are uniquely positioned to acquire high-end customers and enhance brand recognition. Beijing is an economic and political center in China, and is the headquarter of many large customers, including government agencies, multinational corporations and large Chinese companies. China Telecom has been expanding aggressively in targeting corporate customers in Beijing. However, as of June 30, 2004, our customers included:
| substantially all of Chinas government agencies that are based in Beijing; | |
| all 293 of the Global Fortune 500 companies that have, according to Beijing Economic Research Center, representative offices and research and development centers in Beijing; and | |
| many of Chinas largest companies that are headquartered in Beijing. |
Many of these domestic and international companies and government agencies require high volumes of cross-regional and advanced telecommunications services. We believe that the Beijing offices of many of these corporations and agencies generally make many of their major telecommunications purchasing decisions for their China-wide operations. In addition, the 2008 Olympic Games are expected to significantly increase the level of telecommunications activity centered in Beijing. We believe that China Netcom Groups role as the exclusive fixed-line telecommunications partner for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing will enhance our brand recognition, help us solidify our market position and create business opportunities for us.
Unique Asia-Pacific business platform
We are the only Chinese telecommunications operator to operate an Asia-Pacific fiber-optic telecommunications network employing local sales forces in each of our key markets. This network links Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines and connects to networks worldwide through additional circuits that we have purchased or leased. Combined with our extensive domestic network, it provides a unique and reliable platform from which we can offer a broad range of services, integrated pricing schemes and rapid deployment. We have telecommunications licenses, or the right to rely on such licenses, in each of these countries, as well as an experienced management team and sales force with local knowledge in each of our key markets. Therefore, by integrating our domestic and Asia-Pacific presence, we believe we are uniquely positioned to meet the increasing demand for intra-regional and China-related telecommunications services. Due to overcapacity in certain routes and sales by market participants of underperforming assets, prices of these products in our target markets have experienced continuing declines in recent years. We were able to mitigate the price declines by focusing on corporate customers, who are generally less price-sensitive than carrier customers.
Strong distribution capabilities and customer service
We have a strong network of direct and third party sales channels. As of the end of 2003, we had approximately 7,000 direct sales and customers service outlets and approximately 8,000 third party authorized
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Experienced and market-oriented management team
Our management team has extensive experience in Chinas telecommunications industry and a solid understanding of international telecommunications industry best practices. Certain members of our senior management team have significant experience in managing Chinese telecommunications companies, maintaining strong relationships with regulators, and leading fast-growing and entrepreneurial enterprises. In addition, the team has extensive knowledge relating to the international market and also has experience in successfully acquiring and managing international operations. Moreover, the compensation packages of members of our management team are based on the Key Performance Indicators of each individual, which relate primarily to his or her business performance, thereby aligning the interests of management with those of our shareholders.
Stable operating cash flow
Our dominant market position and stable core business in our northern service region enable us to generate stable operating cash flow. This gives us the resources and flexibility to respond to changing market conditions and meet our relatively high capital requirements of our existing businesses and growth initiatives. We generated net cash inflows of RMB 22.9 billion in 2001, RMB 23.9 billion in 2002 and RMB 25.3 billion in 2003 from operating activities. Our capital expenditure requirements were RMB 40.2 billion in 2001, RMB 25.8 billion in 2002 and RMB 28.5 billion in 2003.
Business Strategies
Our strategies for each region in which we operate are as follows:
Northern service region reinforce our dominant position and grow new businesses
Reinforce our core fixed-line business |
Our northern service region is our primary source of revenues and cash flow and, is expected to remain so in the future. Although we currently face limited competition, we believe that our future success depends on whether we will be able to maintain our dominant position in our northern service region. To retain our existing customers and gain new customers, we intend to continue to enhance our network quality and customer service, strengthen our sales efforts through further customer segmentation and broaden our sales channels. To maximize revenue per customer, we intend to develop and roll out more value-added services and focus on cross-selling existing and new services to our existing customers.
Expand our broadband business |
Our broadband business has been growing rapidly. We expect this growth to continue and to contribute significantly to future revenue growth. As Chinese consumers are increasingly adopting high-speed Internet access, we seek to benefit from this market opportunity with the following principal strategies:
| We seek to use the existing last mile infrastructure in our northern service region to provide DSL services to a broad range of residential and business customers for relatively low incremental cost; | |
| We are focusing our broadband network deployment in major cities and densely populated regions and concentrating our marketing efforts on high-usage customers within these areas to increase returns on investment; |
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| We are working with content providers, Internet service providers, or ISPs, and equipment manufacturers to foster the introduction of new content, value-added services, applications and devices that will increase demand for our broadband services and enrich the on-line experience of our customers; and | |
| We seek to tailor our service offerings to meet customer needs with tiered pricing based on bandwidth, traffic, usage and type of service. |
Expand our PHS business |
We expect our PHS services to continue to be a significant contributing factor to our short- and medium-term revenue growth. We seek to promote our PHS services, as an affordable alternative to mobile telecommunications services and to utilize our PHS business as an effective tool to mitigate the effect of mobile substitution on our fixed-line business. To enhance our returns from this business, we intend to maximize the utilization of our existing PHS network infrastructure and to generate additional revenues by cross-selling value-added services, such as short messaging services, to our PHS subscribers. New capital investments in PHS infrastructure will be made selectively, based on our evaluation of market demand and expected returns.
Capitalize on 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing |
China Netcom Group is expecting to be selected as the exclusive fixed-line telecommunications partner for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. We intend to use this unique opportunity to enhance recognition of the CNC brand name and logo in China and internationally. We intend to increase the penetration rate for broadband services and accelerate upgrades in technology by capitalizing on the increased demand for broadband content and services that we expect to result from the 2008 Olympic Games. In addition, we believe that by our parent company becoming the exclusive fixed-line telecommunications partner and our ability to associate ourselves with their efforts, we will further solidify our dominant position in our northern service region. For further information, please see Relationship with China Netcom Group Olympic Partnership for 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Southern service region selectively expand into targeted markets
Expansion in our southern service region is an important part of our growth strategy. Over the past five years, we have built a network infrastructure that enables us to target major cities, such as Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, which have high demand and growth potential for telecommunications services. We seek to differentiate our services from those of other operators with new technologies, innovative marketing and customized services. We focus on providing high-end value-added voice and data service to large companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, internationally oriented businesses and high-end residential communities. In order to build upon our own local access network and expand our customer base, we have initiated our CNC Connected program, under which we have linked fiber-optic cables to high-end commercial buildings and provide bundled voice and data communications solutions to business customers in those buildings. As of June 30, 2004, we had connected 839 commercial buildings in our southern service region. We are positioning our CNC Connected brand to become a well-recognized provider of telecommunications solutions to business customers.
Asia-Pacific region capitalize on our market position and network resources in the region
Our strategy is to capitalize on our presence in more than ten Asia-Pacific countries and regions, the Asia-Pacific network that we operate, and our existing customer base to become the service provider of choice for China-related telecommunications services for domestic and international businesses throughout Asia. We also seek to provide international telecommunications services to an increasing number of Chinese corporate customers, as well as regional businesses with operations in China. We will continue to focus on attracting corporate customers by improving our existing network and strengthening customer service and support. We intend to further integrate the marketing teams and product offerings of our Chinese and Asia-
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To successfully implement our regional strategies described above, we will employ the following additional strategies:
Strengthen capability to service large customers
The large-customer segment is an important customer base for us, and we believe we are well positioned to attract these customers with our unique advantages related to Beijing and our Asia-Pacific presence. Currently, we serve our large customers with dedicated teams, such as dedicated account managers and service representatives. We also provide tailored products and services and comprehensive solutions for different industries and corporations.
We seek to identify the potential needs of our large customers, and continue to provide new products and value-added services with new technology to serve their needs. In addition, we seek to enhance efficiency in providing customer service for our large customers by implementing a centralized management and coordination system and by integrating our domestic and international customer service and sales teams.
Enhance our brand recognition
We seek to strengthen and extend recognition of the CNC brand name and logo and related service brands through the following principal strategies:
| We intend to establish a branding system under our corporate brands of CNC brand name and logo. We have also established product brands for different customer segments, including CNC Connected for large customers and China 169 for small and medium-size enterprises and residential customers. | |
| We also seek to further align our branding strategy across our products and service regions and centralize our brand management functions to promote a unified brand image. | |
| We seek to strengthen the linkage between the CNC brand name and logo and our broadband service offerings through sponsored events and advertising campaigns; | |
| We intend to capitalize on China Netcom Groups expected role as the exclusive fixed-line telecommunications partner for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing to enhance domestic and international recognition of the CNC brand name and logo. |
Improve operational efficiency
We are taking active steps to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency, including the following specific measures:
| applying more stringent criteria to capital spending with a view to maximizing returns on specific investments; | |
| more efficiently allocating network resources and achieving network optimization to maximize utilization and reduce capital expenditures; | |
| redesigning our business processes to improve the efficiency of key functions; | |
| centralizing key functions such as finance, network planning and construction, procurement, human resources and information technology; and | |
| implementing a new management information system designed to allow us to analyze our cost structure. |
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Continue to integrate our operations to realize synergies
Our business consists of the northern China business formerly operated by China Telecommunications Group Corporation, which is a traditional telecommunications operator, as well as China Netcom Holdings and Jitong Communications Company Limited, which were providers of data telecommunications services. Each of these components has individual strengths in different market segments and geographic areas. Our task force is composed of senior executive officers and department heads who will continue to improve management efficiency and realize synergies from the combination of these and other business units. We will continue to integrate our marketing, service delivery, product development and customer services to realize synergies and improve management efficiency.
Continue to seek expansion opportunities
We will continue to evaluate opportunities for expansion, through mergers and acquisitions and strategic alliances, including acquiring assets from our parent company, China Netcom Group, and forming strategic alliances with leading international telecommunications providers to develop new businesses.
Our Services
We are the dominant provider of fixed-line telephone services, broadband and other Internet-related services and business and data communications services in our northern service region in China. We also provide voice, broadband and data services using new technologies in our southern service region and international voice and data services throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
For the year ended December 31, 2003, our pro forma combined revenues were RMB 60,021 million.
Tariffs for our services are regulated by the government, including the MII, the NDRC, and provincial telecommunications administrations and price bureaus in China. We describe, in this Business section, tariffs for services for which we have sole discretion in setting the market-based tariff levels, including VoIP and broadband Internet services. For a discussion of government-fixed tariffs and guidance tariffs, such as those for fixed-line telephone services, see Regulation Tariff Setting. Prices for some of our services may be subject to promotional discounts.
Fixed-line telephone services (including PHS)
We are the dominant provider of fixed-line telephone services in our northern service region, with a market share of 94.6% as of June 30, 2004, based on the number of fixed-line subscribers.
Our fixed-line telephone services consist of local telephone, domestic long distance, international long distance, value-added and interconnection services. The number of our fixed-line subscribers in our northern service region has increased from 51.1 million as of the end of 2001 to 77.1 million as of June 30, 2004. Of the total number of fixed-line subscribers as of June 30, 2004, approximately 70.6% were residential customers, 8.5% were business customers, 4.8% were public telephones and 16.1% were PHS subscribers. Fixed-line telephone services represent our principal business activity. We expect that our fixed-line telephone services will continue to provide a steady revenue stream.
The fixed-line penetration rate in our northern service region increased from 16.2% as of the end of 2001 to 22.4% as of December 31, 2003, due to the overall economic growth, growing demand for telecommunications services and the elimination of upfront connection fees. Nevertheless, our fixed-line penetration rate remains low compared to most developed countries, which provides an opportunity for future growth.
In 2000, we began to selectively build wireless local access networks based on PHS technology to offer PHS services as a cost-effective alternative to mobile services. Our PHS services have been introduced in most cities in our northern service region, where we have rolled out our PHS networks as an extension to our existing fixed-line network.
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PHS services are wireless telephone services that have features similar to traditional mobile telephone services. For example, both types of services offer voice services over handsets as well as short messaging functions. However, as PHS services have smaller cellular coverage than traditional mobile networks, PHS networks require more cellular sites for the same area coverage. In addition, due to regulatory constraints in China, users of PHS services are only permitted to roam within a local network while traditional mobile telephone services offer nationwide or international roaming capabilities. Tariffs for PHS services are similar to those for traditional fixed-line services, which are generally lower than those for traditional mobile services. Furthermore, incoming calls are free when using PHS services but are charged on a per minute basis when using traditional mobile services.
Our PHS services are designed to provide our subscribers that require mobility within a local network with a more cost-effective tariff plan than traditional mobile services and access to value-added data services. We believe that our PHS services have contributed to the growth in our customer base, overall call volumes and revenues, and have also mitigated the substitution effect of mobile services. Our PHS services are provided on more than 60 local networks in our northern service region and the number of our PHS subscribers has grown rapidly since we began offering this service. As of June 30, 2004, we had 12.5 million PHS subscribers in our northern service region, compared to approximately 447,000 at the end of 2001.
We also operate a network of approximately 3.7 million public telephones located in our northern service region in China. We provide local, domestic long distance and international long distance call services and Internet services through our public telephones. An important contributing factor to the demand for public telephones services is Chinas large and growing migrant population.
We are seeking to stimulate continued growth in fixed-line traffic through the introduction of value-added services, such as caller identification, telephone information services, teleconferencing and PHS short messaging service.
In addition to our northern service region, we also selectively provide fixed-line telephone services, mainly IP-based domestic and international long distance services, in our southern service region.
The following table summarizes key information
regarding our local telephone services in our service regions in
China as of the dates indicated:
As of December 31,
As of
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
(in thousands, except percentages)
51,057
58,358
69,614
77,552
43,681
48,772
52,534
54,424
4,730
5,586
6,191
6,523
447
1,403
7,423
12,453
2,198
2,590
3,233
3,739
51,057
58,351
69,381
77,140
99.0
%
97.0
%
96.0
%
94.6
%
0.3
6.7
233
412
(1) | Fixed-line subscribers consist of all access lines in service as well as PHS subscribers. We calculate PHS subscribers based on number of active telephone numbers for our PHS services. In cases where a PHS subscriber uses the same telephone number as an access line in service, the designation as a PHS subscriber or access line in service depends on which service is first activated. We increase our total number of fixed-line subscribers as soon as practicable after activation of the service. We remove a fixed-line subscriber from the total number of fixed-line subscribers as soon as practicable after the fixed-line subscriber deactivates the service voluntarily or three months after the date on which the fixed-line subscribers bill becomes overdue. Prepaid and postpaid telephone card customers are not counted toward our fixed-line subscribers. |
(2) | Including PHS subscribers. |
(3) | Calculated by dividing our fixed-line subscribers as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and June 30, 2004 by combined fixed-line subscribers in our northern service region, as measured by the provincial telecommunications administrations as of such dates. |
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Local telephone services |
Our local telephone services have grown steadily in recent years and continue to represent the largest portion of our fixed-line telephone services in terms of revenues.
Service usage |
The following table sets forth information
regarding usage of our local telephone services provided in our
northern service region for the periods indicated:
For the
For the Year Ended
Six Months
December 31,
Ended
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
158.9
173.3
179.0
89.6
37.2
37.2
31.6
8.1
144.6
158.8
163.0
80.2
(1) | Pulses are the billing units for calculating local telephone usage fees. See Regulation Tariff Setting Local telephone services for a discussion of pulses. |
(2) | Minutes reported were calculated from pulses through a statistical sampling of calling patterns. The minute data for each of these three years are subject to certain statistical error. |
The increase of the total usage of our local telephone services was due to a variety of factors, including strong economic growth in our markets, an increase in the number of fixed-line subscribers, more focused sales and marketing efforts and new services and features. We expect local telephone service usage to grow in the future in line with our subscriber growth. We also expect Internet dial-up usage to continue to decline due to migration to broadband services.
Domestic long distance services |
We offer long distance services through our traditional networks as well as VoIP long distance services. We are the leading provider of domestic long distance services in our northern service region with a 46.3% and 44.6% market share of all fixed-line and mobile operators for the year end December 31, 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively. Our market share has been declining in recent years as a result of increasing competition from VoIP services providers. However, the rate of decline slowed significantly in 2003 as we increased our market share in the VoIP segment. We primarily provide our domestic long distance services through VoIP in our southern service region. Our market share in VoIP services in our southern service region was approximately 5.9% as of June 30, 2004.
In 1999, we began to offer VoIP domestic long distance services in our northern and southern service regions. Our VoIP domestic long distance services in our northern and southern service regions as a percentage of our total domestic long distance services in terms of usage increased from 23.1% as of the end of 2001 to 48.1% as of June 30, 2004, primarily due to the increased usage of our lower-priced VoIP long distance services compared to stable usage levels for our long distance services using our traditional networks over this period. At the end of 2001, we launched our IP Direct service to allow customers direct access to our VoIP network by dialing a 5-digit access code from any fixed-line telephone terminal, without having to purchase prepaid phone cards. We believe our IP Direct service has contributed to the increase of our market share in the VoIP segment and partially offset the decline in our effective tariffs, since our IP Direct services are subject to less discounts than our VoIP cards.
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Service usage |
The following table shows the total minutes of
domestic long distance calls carried through our long distance
network and the market share of our domestic long distance
services for the periods indicated:
For the
Six Months
For the Year Ended December 31,
Ended
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
(in millions)
(1)(2)
11,464.4
12,152.3
12,119.4
6,051.7
3,444.4
4,907.0
8,238.1
5,600.3
14,908.8
17,059.3
20,357.5
11,651.9
11,464.4
12,152.3
12,089.5
6,027.7
3,120.2
4,109.1
6,232.2
4,474.4
14,584.6
16,261.4
18,321.7
10,502.1
59.7%
50.2%
46.3%
40.2%
52.8%
43.1%
46.5%
52.3%
58.1%
48.2%
46.3%
44.6%
324.2
797.9
2,005.9
1,125.8
2.4%
3.3%
6.5%
5.9%
(1) | Includes usage provided over traditional networks in our southern service region. |
(2) | Includes calls originated by prepaid phone cards users and IP subscribers that are carried over our long distance networks. |
(3) | Calculated by dividing our domestic long distance usage for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004 by combined domestic long distance usage of all fixed-line and mobile operators in our northern service region, as measured by the provincial telecommunications administrations for each such period. |
(4) | Calculated by dividing our domestic long distance usage over traditional networks for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004 by combined domestic long distance usage over traditional networks of all fixed-line and mobile operators in our northern service region, as measured by the provincial telecommunications administrations for each such period. |
(5) | Calculated by dividing our domestic long distance over VoIP for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004 by combined domestic long distance usage over VoIP of all fixed-line and mobile operators in the relevant service regions, as measured by the provincial telecommunications administrations and as estimated by us for data relating to Guangdong Province, for each such period. |
The increase in minutes of usage in our domestic long distance services in recent years is mainly due to economic development, declining effective tariffs, increased cross-regional business activities, growth in our customer base and new service offerings. The increase in competition may, however, negatively affect the future growth rate of our domestic long distance services.
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Tariffs |
In 2001, the PRC government abolished regulatory controls on tariffs for VoIP long distance calls and allowed operators to set their own rates. We currently charge RMB 0.30 per minute in addition to a local usage fee for our VoIP domestic long distance services.
International long distance services |
We are the leading provider of international long distance services in our northern service region, with a 59.6% and 62.5% market share for the overall international long distance service in that region for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively. Until recently, our market share had been declining as a result of increasing competition. However, we experienced a slower rate of decline in 2003 and an increase in our market share for the first six months of 2004 primarily due to the increasing usage of our VoIP services. Our market share of international long distance services in our southern service region, where we primarily provide our international long distance services through VoIP, reached 10.3% as of June 30, 2004, compared to 1.7% as of December 31, 2001.
In 1999, we began to offer VoIP international long distance services in our northern and southern service regions. From the end of 2001 to June 30, 2004, VoIP international long distance services as a percentage of our total international long distance services in terms of usage increased from 26.7% to 66.0%, as price-sensitive customers increasingly elected to use lower-priced VoIP international long distance services.
Service usage |
The following table sets forth certain
information related to the usage and market share of our
international long distance services for the periods indicated.
For the
For the Year Ended
Six Months
December 31,
Ended
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
210.0
191.2
167.2
77.4
76.5
158.5
252.3
150.5
286.5
349.7
419.5
227.9
210.0
191.2
166.7
76.1
64.5
107.0
160.1
86.1
274.5
298.2
326.8
162.3
77.8%
67.9%
56.8%
55.7%
46.4%
51.2%
62.7%
70.0%
67.1%
60.6%
59.6%
62.5%
12.0
51.5
92.2
64.4
1.7%
5.1%
7.9%
10.3%
(1) | Includes usage provided over traditional networks in our southern service region. |
(2) | Includes calls originated by prepaid phone cards users and IP subscribers that are carried over our international long distance networks. |
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(3) | Calculated by dividing our international long distance usage for the year ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004 by combined international long distance usage of all fixed-line and mobile operators in our northern service region, as measured by the provincial telecommunications administrations for each such period. |
(4) | Calculated by dividing our international long distance usage over traditional networks for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004 by combined international long distance usage over traditional networks of all fixed-line and mobile operators in our northern service region, as measured by the provincial telecommunications administrations for each such period. |
(5) | Calculated by dividing our international long distance usage over VoIP for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004 by combined international long distance usage over VoIP of all fixed-line and mobile operators in the relevant service regions, as measured by the provincial telecommunications administrations and estimated by us for data relating to Guangdong Province, for each such period. |
Our principal outgoing international long distance calls are to Hong Kong, Taiwan, the United States, Japan and South Korea. Usage volume on these routes accounted for 53.7% of our total outgoing international usage in 2003. The increase in minutes of usage in our international long distance services in recent years is mainly due to Chinas economic development, declining effective tariffs, increasing interaction between China and other countries and regions, the growth in our customer base and new service offerings.
Tariffs |
The following table sets forth our current VoIP
international long distance tariffs:
Tariff
(RMB per minute)
1.50
2.40
3.60
4.60
(1) | Includes the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia. |
We offer international long distance services through international gateways that we lease from China Netcom Group, and pay for the use of networks of operators in foreign jurisdictions for outgoing international calls. Currently, China Netcom Group negotiates bilateral settlement arrangements and rates based on international settlement standards in the telecommunications industry. We have agreed with China Netcom Group that the costs and benefits of its international interconnection agreements will be for our account. These agreements are also currently in the process of being assigned or transferred to us.
Value-added services |
In addition to basic telephone services, we offer a range of value-added services, including caller identification, telephone information service, teleconferencing, video conferencing, voice mail and PHS short messaging. Our value-added services increase total usage on our network and average revenues per fixed-line subscriber, thus contributing to our revenues. As of December 31, 2001, 2002, 2003 and June 30, 2004, 15.7%, 29.5%, 49.6% and 59.1%, respectively, of our subscribers subscribed to our caller identification service in our northern service region. During each of the three years ended December 31, 2001, 2002, 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004, total usage of our telephone information service was 569 million minutes, 751 million minutes, 1,341 million minutes and 1,142 million minutes, respectively, in our northern service region. Value-added services are still in a relatively early stage of development in China, and we believe that there is significant growth potential in this area.
Tariffs |
We charge RMB 3.00 to RMB 6.00 per month, depending on the region, for our caller identification service, which represented our largest value-added service by operating revenues as of December 31, 2003.
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Interconnection |
We earn interconnection fees for terminating or transitting calls that originate from other domestic operators networks and pay interconnection fees to other operators in respect of calls originating from our networks that are terminated on their networks. We earn and pay such fees in respect of local and domestic and international long distance calls and Internet service.
All interconnection and settlement arrangements among domestic operators in China are governed by the Telecommunications Regulations and the rules on interconnection arrangements and settlement promulgated by the MII. Most of the agreements pursuant to which we interconnect with other domestic operators were entered into by China Netcom Group prior to our restructuring. We have entered into an agreement with China Netcom Group pursuant to which we have agreed with China Netcom Group that the costs and benefits arising under these agreements, as they relate to our operations, will be for our account. We have also entered into an interconnection settlement agreement with China Netcom Group to interconnect with networks owned by China Netcom Group outside of our northern and southern service regions.
Our current interconnection arrangements with international operators are primarily effected indirectly through China Netcom Group. We have agreed with China Netcom Group that the costs and benefits of its international interconnection arrangements will be for our account. We have agreed with China Netcom Group that these agreements will be transferred to us in the future, although the expected timetable and the terms and conditions of such transfer have not been determined. We have also agreed with China Netcom Group that CNC China will carry out international settlement nationwide.
For additional information about our domestic and international telecommunications arrangements, see Regulation Tariff Setting Interconnection and Relationship with China Netcom Group.
Broadband and other Internet-related services
We are the leading provider of broadband and other Internet-related services in our northern service region, and one of the major providers in our southern service region. Broadband services represent one of our fastest growing businesses. This growth has been driven by the increasing affordability and rising use of personal computers and other Internet access devices, reduced tariffs and the proliferation of content and applications, such as online games and video-on-demand.
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The following table sets forth selected
information regarding our broadband, dial-up and dedicated
Internet access services.
As of and
For the
As of and For the Year Ended
Six Months
December 31,
Ended
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
33.4
318.2
1,990.0
3,275.4
83.2
258.0
544.5
910.0
0.3
1.2
0.7
0.1
116.9
577.4
2,535.2
4,185.6
33.4
318.2
1,990.0
3,265.8
80.5
247.7
511.7
876.5
0.3
1.2
0.7
0.1
114.2
567.1
2,502.4
4,142.4
75.3
%
86.5
%
89.2
%
92.9
%
0
0
0
9.7
2.7
10.3
32.8
33.6
2.7
10.3
32.8
43.2
1.2
%
1.0
%
1.4
%
1.3
%
37,165.2
33,038.5
25,108.1
6,675.7
4.7
4.1
4.7
3.4
37,156.9
32,862.2
25,088.7
6,660.9
4.7
4.1
4.2
2.6
8.3
176.3
19.4
14.9
22
67
507
788
(1) | We calculate DSL subscribers based on the number of active accounts. LAN subscribers consist of end-users and dedicated line users. We calculate LAN end-users based on the number of ports subscribed for. The number of LAN dedicated line users equals total monthly fees paid by such users divided by a set average revenue per unit. The current set revenue per unit is RMB 90. We consider an account active or a service subscribed for as soon as practicable after activations of the applicable service. We remove a subscriber from the total number of subscribers as soon as practicable after that subscriber deactivates the service voluntarily or three months after the date on which that subscribers bill becomes overdue. |
(2) | Calculated by dividing total broadband subscribers as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and June 30, 2004 by combined broadband subscribers in the relevant service region calculated as follows: (i) data relating to Guangdong Province (x) for the years 2001 and 2002 are estimated by us, and (y) for year 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004 are measured by the MII and the local provincial telecommunications administration; and (ii) data relating to Shanghai Municipality (x) for the years 2001 and 2002 are measured by the MII and the local provincial telecommunications administration, and (y) for year 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004 are estimated by us. |
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Broadband services |
We are leveraging our extensive fixed-line network, large customer base, experienced sales force and established brand to achieve a leading position in the fast growing market for broadband services in China. We offer broadband services both in our northern and southern service regions. As of June 30, 2004, we had 4.2 million broadband subscribers, having averaged net additional subscribers of approximately 275,000 per month during the six months ended June 30, 2004. In our southern service region, we target communications-intensive cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, where we provide LAN-based broadband services.
We increase the speed at which content may be accessed by relocating and storing broadband content closer to the end users. In addition, we offer a range of services to our corporate customers designed to help them capture the full benefits of broadband services. We offer broadband services through a range of devices, including computers and television set-top boxes. For a more complete description of our business strategies for our broadband business, see Business Strategies.
DSL services |
We promote DSL services as the primary broadband service means for residential customers and small and medium-sized enterprise customers in our northern service region. We provide DSL services by upgrading our existing copper-based local switching network. DSL technology allows us to roll out our broadband network at lower incremental costs than other types of broadband networks. In our northern service region, where we are the dominant fixed-line operator, the number of subscribers to our DSL services has grown steadily in recent years, with approximately 3.3 million DSL subscribers as of June 30, 2004, compared with approximately 33,000 subscribers as of the end of 2001. As of June 30, 2004, our DSL subscribers accounted for 78.3% of our total number of broadband subscribers.
LAN services |
In addition to DSL technology, we also use Ethernet technology-based local-area networks, or LANs, to provide our customers with broadband services. We have selectively rolled out LANs in high density residential and office buildings in both our northern and southern service regions, where customers demand a large bandwidth and high-speed Internet access. LAN uses fiber-optic technology and Ethernet protocol to connect our users to a telecommunications network and greatly expands capacity of the access network. As of June 30, 2004, we had 0.9 million subscribers of our LAN services, representing 21.7% of our total broadband subscribers.
Tariffs |
We charge an upfront installation fee to both DSL and LAN subscribers. DSL subscribers may choose a monthly package for unlimited usage, or a monthly package with limited usage, with additional fees charged for overtime usage. For customers connected through LANs, we offer a monthly package with unlimited usage.
Dial-up and dedicated Internet access |
We are also one of the largest providers of dial-up Internet access services in our northern service regions in terms of number of subscribers. Total usage by our dial-up Internet subscribers decreased in 2003. We believe that the decrease was attributable primarily to the migration of some high-usage customers from dial-up Internet services to broadband services.
We also offer business customers high speed Internet access through dedicated lines in our northern and southern services regions. We target communications-intensive corporate customers. As of June 30, 2004, we had a total of 3,379 dedicated Internet access subscribers. We bundle this service with voice and data services to provide integrated communications solutions to our business customers.
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Tariffs |
Dial-up Internet access
We offer dial-up Internet access on both a postpaid and prepaid basis. We charge a network usage fee ranging from RMB 1.00 to RMB 3.00 per hour. In addition, a communication fee of RMB 0.02 per minute is charged and recorded as fixed-line telephone services revenues. Postpaid customers are billed for this service together with their monthly telephone service bills. Prepaid customers must purchase stored value cards that enable them to access the Internet. The network usage fee is charged against the stored value card, while the communication fee is billed to the telephone number from which the Internet connection is made.
Dedicated Internet access
We charge a subscription fee of RMB 100 and a monthly network usage fee ranging from RMB 2,400 to RMB 5,400, depending on bandwidth, for our dedicated Internet access. Where the dedicated Internet access is provided through DDN, frame relay, ATM or digital circuits access, their respective tariffs apply in addition to the subscription fee and network usage fee. For a more detailed description of the tariffs for DDN, frame relay, ATM or digital circuits, please see Regulation Tariff Setting.
Other Internet-related services |
We also operate Internet data centers, which provide co-location and website hosting services to business customers that lease servers, routers and other network components for Internet-related solutions. Internet data centers are facilities used to house, protect and maintain network service computers that store and deliver Internet and other network content, such as web pages, applications and data. These services are used primarily by business customers seeking to outsource the infrastructure needed to utilize the Internet effectively.
Business and data communications services
We are the leading provider of business and data communications services in our northern service region and a leading provider of these services in our southern service region. Managed data services represent a growing area in Chinas telecommunications industry. We bundle the data communications services together with fixed-line telephone services and broadband services to attract communications-intensive corporate customers. We are responding to increasing market demand in this area by leveraging our network platforms for data transmission and by offering a broad portfolio of services and customized solutions.
We offer managed data products, such as DDN, frame relay, ATM and IP-VPN, and leased line products, including domestic and international leased circuits. Our customers for these services include government entities, large financial institutions and other domestic and multinational businesses, ISPs and other telecommunications operators. We focus on diversifying our business and data communications services and products and providing quality customer service to our large corporate and carrier customers.
Managed data services |
We provide a variety of managed data services to our business customers, including DDN, frame relay, ATM and IP-VPN services. We anticipate that demand for data communications services will be fueled by growth in the emerging services segment, which includes e-commerce, broadband content, network
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As of December 31, | As of | ||||||||||||||||
|
June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Number of ports
|
|||||||||||||||||
DDN
|
97,586 | 103,778 | 109,755 | 109,379 | |||||||||||||
Frame relay
|
24,267 | 30,220 | 35,987 | 39,849 | |||||||||||||
ATM
|
316 | 496 | 1,088 | 1,283 | |||||||||||||
Leased bandwidth
|
|||||||||||||||||
DDN (x64kbps)
|
101,720 | 120,634 | 134,045 | 136,673 | |||||||||||||
Frame relay (x128kbps)
|
23,079 | 32,981 | 46,268 | 54,839 | |||||||||||||
ATM (x2Mbps)
|
1,039 | 1,655 | 2,537 | 2,929 |
DDN services |
DDN systems, composed of fiber-optic cables digital transmission paths and digital nodes, are capable of providing high-quality private circuits and other services at various speeds to satisfy the multimedia communications needs of customers. Our DDN services provide high quality and reliable transmission at speeds ranging from 9.6kbps to 2Mbps to meet the increasing demand for low- to medium-speed transmission capacity from business customers and government agencies.
Frame relay and ATM services |
We offer advanced high-speed data communications services based on frame relay and ATM technologies to major business customers, including multinational corporations, government agencies and financial institutions. These services enable flexible and cost-effective use of bandwidth resources. Our frame relay service provides high-speed, cost-effective data transmission services linking different business sites for high volume data traffic. ATM is a data transmission service using high bandwidth and multiplexing technology intended to handle high bandwidth, integrated voice, text, data, video and Internet traffic. Many of our customers are increasingly using frame relay and ATM services to form VPNs to link their local area networks in different locations. VPNs enable large companies to link multiple sites and offices through a single network that uses existing switched lines to reduce cost but has capabilities comparable to a dedicated private circuit.
IP-VPN |
Our IP-VPN service targets business customers that require direct IP connections between multiple sites. These customers are provided with private networks connected to our Internet backbone network and intended for secure data transmission.
Leased line services |
We are a major provider of dedicated leased line services to businesses, government agencies and other telecommunications operators in our northern service region. These leased lines allow point-to-point connection for voice and data traffic. Leased lines are used by business customers to assemble their own private networks and by telecommunications operators to establish their service networks. We lease network elements, including digital circuits, digital trunk lines and optical fibers, to business and government customers as well as other telecommunications operators.
As of June 30, 2004, we leased circuits totaling 39,235 (x2Mbps) in bandwidth to business customers, and an increasing percentage of our leased circuits are higher speed and higher capacity. Revenues generated from our leased line services has grown steadily in recent years. The following table sets forth the respective
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As of December 31, | As of | |||||||||||||||||
|
June 30, | |||||||||||||||||
2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Bandwidth of leased circuits
(x2Mbps)
|
||||||||||||||||||
Business customers
|
18,092 | 25,818 | 33,621 | 39,235 | ||||||||||||||
Carrier customers
|
42,341 | 46,946 | 45,119 | 41,934 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total
|
60,434 | 72,764 | 78,739 | 81,169 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
International telecommunications services
We are a leading provider of international telecommunications services to small and medium-sized enterprises, multinational business customers, Internet service providers and telecommunications carriers in the Asia-Pacific region. We provide international voice services, including termination, refile and bilateral services for international inbound calls destined for or transit through China and other Asia-Pacific countries. We also provide international gateway services for China outbound international long distance voice and inbound voice termination for international carriers, as well as managed data, leased line, Internet-related and other value-added data services. We are seeking to further enhance our regional competitiveness by combining networks which we operate in China and the Asia-Pacific region, to increase the reach and capacity of our services in the Asia-Pacific region, and to capture a greater share of the increasing regional telecommunications traffic related to China. As of June 30, 2004, our business customers and carrier customers totaled 382 and 252, respectively.
Managed data, leased line and Internet-related services |
Through our international branches in China and Asia Netcom, our wholly owned subsidiary, we have become a leading provider of an array of data telecommunications services, including ATM, frame relay, IP-VPN, leased line services such as international private line circuits, indefeasible rights of use, or IRUs, and Internet services, such as dedicated Internet access and IP-transit, in key markets in the Asia-Pacific region. As of June 30, 2004, we provided for our customers 1,432 points of connection for our international managed data services, and 13,336 Mbps of bandwidth for our international leased line services.
International voice services |
By forming partnerships with international carriers principally in the Asia-Pacific region, we are able to deliver voice services that terminate or originate in China. We purchase termination services from foreign carriers for our outbound international voice traffic. In addition, we provide interconnection services to domestic carriers for their outgoing international calls, and provide international carriers transit services for calls originating outside China that are rerouted through our network for termination in a third country. We also provide international carriers and enterprise customers teleconferencing, voice-VPN, international toll free services and other value-added services.
As of June 30, 2004, we maintained business relationships with 147 international carriers, including 90 large, or, tier I, carriers and 57 small and medium, or tier II, carriers. As of June 30, 2004, our inbound international traffic volume was 900 million minutes.
For the international voice service, we pay for the use of networks of international carriers for outgoing international calls and receive payments from international carriers for the use of our network for incoming international calls. Traditionally, these payments have been made pursuant to settlement arrangements under the recommended regulatory terms of the International Telecommunications Union.
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Infrastructure for our international operations |
We provide our regional services through a regional fiber-optic submarine cable system owned by our parent, China Netcom Group, connecting Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines. This cable system also connects to the west coast of the United States, and to Australia, New Zealand, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Europe through additional circuits that we have purchased or leased. In addition, we operate an international network with an aggregate capacity of 15.8 Gbps in 27 international submarine cables, four international terrestrial cables and other leased international circuits that connect to major cities around the world.
Marketing, sales, distribution and customer services
To strengthen our competitiveness, we are in the process of building a more customer-oriented and efficient marketing, sales, distribution and customer service team. Our marketing, sales, distribution and customer service activities are principally organized around three distinct customer groups: residential customers; small and medium-sized enterprise customers; and large business customers. Our five largest customers accounted for approximately 2.5%, 2.8%, 3.3% and 2.4%, respectively, of our total operating revenues in 2001, 2002 and 2003 and for the six months ended June 30, 2004, and our single largest supplier accounted for approximately 2.0%, 2.1%, 2,2% and 1.4%, respectively, of our total operating revenues in 2001, 2002, 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004, determined on a basis consistent with the basis on which our consolidated financial statements have been prepared. None of our directors, their respective associates or any shareholder of our company (which, to the knowledge of our directors, beneficially own more than 5% of our issued share capital) had any interest in any of our five largest customers for the six months ended June 30, 2004.
Marketing, sales, distribution and customer services initiatives
We have implemented initiatives for each of our market segments, consisting of residential, small and medium-sized enterprise and large business customers. We conduct sales primarily through our service representatives and account managers, direct and third-party sales outlets, telephone hotline, and our websites.
Our service representatives cover particular areas and provide consulting, upfront installation and trouble-shooting services to our residential and small and medium-sized enterprise customers. Our account managers, in addition to those services provided by service representatives, also provide technical support, billing and collection services to our small and medium-sized enterprise and large customers. Our service representatives and account managers are evaluated based on quality of customer service provided, number of new customers generated and revenue growth.
We also conduct sales through our own sales outlets and the sales outlets of third parties. Our partnership with third-party distributors enables us to more effectively market to a broader customer base, increase market penetration and identify potential markets, while reducing our operating expenses. As of December 31, 2003, we had approximately 26,000 sales and marketing employees in our northern and southern service regions. We also had approximately 7,000 direct sales and customer service outlets and approximately 8,000 authorized third-party agents in our northern and southern service regions as of the end of 2003.
In recent years, we have also substantially increased the amount of residential market sales activities conducted both on our 10060 hotline and through our website. 10060 is the nationwide telephone number for our customer service centers across China, providing comprehensive customer service for all of our service offerings, including service inquiry, billing inquiry, recharge and customer complaints.
In addition, for our high-end residential and small and medium-sized enterprise customers, we provide tailored services through Gold Club memberships. Gold Club members enjoy discounts on our and our partners products, as well as rewards programs and trial memberships. For our small and medium-sized enterprise customers, we provide customized solutions for each industry.
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We provide customized services and comprehensive solution packages to large business customers, including international customers. We maintain sales teams in key cities in China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia and the United States. Our sales teams have local language capabilities and market know-how in each of the regions in which we operate. For these customers, our dedicated account managers make periodic customer visits in order to better understand the needs of these customers and provide services that satisfy their particular requirements. We also maintain customer service centers designed to address the needs of each of our large customers. For our multinational business customers, our Asia-Pacific operations are supported by regional network operating centers and our service center located in Singapore, which operates 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
We market to our enterprise customers through advertising and trade shows, online advertising, industry and regional events, sponsored activities as well as through our partners, including our suppliers.
Trademarks
We market our services under the CNC brand name and logo, which are registered trademarks in China owned by our parent company, China Netcom Group. China Netcom Group has also registered the CNC Connected brand name as a trademark. On October 8, 2004, we entered into a new trademark licensing agreement with China Netcom Group for our use of, among other things, the CNC brand name and logo, and CNC Connected brand name. Under this agreement, China Netcom Group has agreed to grant to us and our subsidiaries the right to use these trademarks on a royalty-free basis for ten years, which is automatically renewable at our option. The earliest expiration date of the trademarks registered by China Netcom Group in China is August 20, 2011.
Billing services and credit control
We bill our residential customers on a monthly basis and payments are usually due, depending on the location of the customer, within a month and a half of the last date of the billing period. We provide a range of payment choices for the convenience of our customers, including direct-debit service, which automatically deducts the monthly payment from the subscribers designated bank account. We also provide specially tailored billing and collection services to our large business customers to help them more effectively plan and monitor their telecommunications needs.
We charge a late payment fee on subscriber accounts that are not paid by the monthly due date. We generally deactivate services for subscribers whose accounts are more than 30 days overdue. These subscribers whose services have been deactivated must pay all overdue amounts, including applicable late payment fees, to reactivate their services. We will terminate a subscribers service and will remove him or her from the subscriber list if his or her account is overdue for more than three months. We have implemented subscriber registration procedures, including credit and background checking for PHS customers to strengthen credit control. We also actively promote our prepaid telephone services, available in our northern and southern service regions, as a means of controlling bad debts.
Network Infrastructure |
We operate a network which provides extensive coverage in China and connectivity to over ten countries and regions in the Asia-Pacific region. This network is technologically advanced and conducive to the introduction of the next generation network and 3G technology. This network supports a wide range of end-to-end fixed-line telecommunications services and enables customized products to be delivered to meet a variety of telecommunications needs in real-time.
The network which we operate consists of transport networks, service networks and support and information systems. The transport networks are primarily fiber-optic based networks covering our northern and southern service regions and the Asia-Pacific countries and regions in which we operate, supplemented by satellite transmission and digital microwave links. The service networks, which support our basic and value-added telecommunications services, consist of our local access networks, including PHS networks, fixed-line telephone switch networks, Internet and data service networks and intelligent networks. The support and
111
Transport networks |
We operate an advanced, high-speed, large capacity, secure and reliable fiber-optic transport network throughout our northern and southern service regions and in the Asia-Pacific countries and regions in which we operate. The inter-provincial fiber-optic cables in our northern and southern service regions and the Asia-Pacific fiber-optic cables, both of which are owned by our parent, China Netcom Group, and operated by us, are integrated with our own intra-provincial transport network. This fiber-optic network is supplemented by satellite transmissions and microwave links. The integrated transport network links the major economic centers in China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines and connects to networks worldwide. The fiber-optic transport network that we operate allow us to more easily manage networks with enhanced reliability. In addition, we offer a series of advanced protection technologies to customers with varying service level requirements.
Service networks |
Local access networks |
We have extensive local access network coverage in our northern service region. Our local access network covers most cities, counties and villages in our northern service region. With our comprehensive local access networks, we are able to provide customized solutions to our customers. In addition, as of June 30, 2004, our PHS network had a capacity for 18.5 million lines.
We continue to upgrade our existing copper line local access networks using DSL technology. We have selectively connected additional large office buildings and business centers with broadband services using LAN. As of June 30, 2004, the total capacity of our DSL access ports reached 5.9 million lines.
Fixed-line telephone switch networks |
A substantial portion of our fixed-line telephone networks has been built in the last decade. All of our switches are digital. The network consists of 85 local switch networks and a long distance switch network. As of June 30, 2004, the total capacity of local switches reached 79.8 million lines, and the capacity of long distance switches reached 1.5 million lines. In addition, China Netcom Group owns international gateways in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou with a total capacity of approximately 187,500 lines as of June 30, 2004, and we utilize these international gateways for our international long distance telephone services. We intend to adopt advanced technology to ensure network reliability and to improve the utilization rate of our network. We have substantially completed the implementation of centralized control for our local switch networks. We are currently implementing centralized control for the long distance switch networks which we operate.
Internet and data service networks |
We have developed large capacity, high quality and reliable Internet and data networks in our northern and southern service regions. Our Internet networks primarily rely on switch routers with high bandwidths. They are structured with two layers, the backbone network layer and the application layer. Our backbone networks are meshed to achieve maximum reliability and stability. A majority of the main routes in this layer has transmission capacity at 10Gbps, or at 2.5Gbps. As of June 30, 2004, we also had a backbone IP network with a total bandwidth of 261,887 Mbps and international outbound bandwidth of 11,126 Mbps. In addition, this network also allows us to provide services such as IP-VPN, Internet data center, e-commerce and video-on-demand services. Our data network system includes a digital data network and a frame relay and ATM network. These networks cover all cities and counties in our northern service region and substantially all cities and counties in our southern service region. In particular, our ATM network allows us to provide various access services, flexible broadband management capability and quality end-to-end services.
112
Support and information systems |
Our operation support system provides support for the operational management and control of our service networks, as well as resource management. It enhances the overall management of our networks and helps ensure effective troubleshooting, efficient utilization of our network resources and smooth operation of our networks. Our business support system principally consists of operation management, billing, customer service and other systems. It provides comprehensive and integrated support for various aspects of our business, such as customer relationship management and tiered service for our large business customers. Our management support system enables us to achieve office automation. We are also implementing a comprehensive information management and data collection system using enterprise resource planning software.
Suppliers
We make most of our purchases through competitive bidding primarily based on product and service quality, system compatibility and price. Our five largest suppliers accounted for 6.6%, 8.0%, 12.4% and 23.1%, respectively, of our total purchases for 2001, 2002, 2003 and for the six months ended June 30, 2004, while our single largest supplier accounted for 3.2%, 2.8%, 4.2% and 6.9%, respectively, of our total purchases for 2001, 2002, 2003 and for the six months ended June 30, 2004, determined on a basis consistent with the basis on which our consolidated financial statements have been prepared. None of our directors, their respective associates or any shareholder of our company (which, to the knowledge of our directors, beneficially own more than 5% of our issued share capital) had any interest in any of our five largest suppliers for the six months ended June 30, 2004, except for Beijing Telecommunications Instrument and Material Company, a subsidiary of China Netcom Group, which accounted for 1.5% of our total purchases for the six months ended June 30, 2004.
Research and Development
Our research and development requirements are
primarily fulfilled by China Netcom Group in return for a
service fee that is negotiated on a case-by-case basis. These
research and development activities are focused primarily on
operational planning and development of value-added services.
China Netcom Group has established a centralized research and
development center.
Competition
We compete with other telecommunications
providers in virtually all aspects of our business, including
our fixed-line telephone services, broadband and other
Internet-related services, business and data communications
services and international telecommunications services. All of
our principal competitors in China are telecommunications
carriers wholly or majority-owned by the PRC government,
including three fixed-line service providers and two licensed
mobile service providers. We also face intense competition from
foreign telecommunications service providers in our Asia-Pacific
service region, where we serve both business and carrier
customers.
Fixed-line telephone services
In our northern service region, we are the
dominant provider of fixed-line telephone services, including
local telephone services, domestic and international long
distance services and value-added services. We currently compete
with China Telecom, China Unicom and China Railcom, each of
which has been licensed to provide fixed-line telephone services
in our northern service region. Some of our competitors, such as
China Unicom and China Railcom, enjoy preferential treatment
from the PRC government with respect to tariff setting. These
companies are currently permitted to set their respective
tariffs for certain services at price levels above or below the
government fixed tariffs on a long-term basis, subject to
filings with, and approvals from, the relevant regulatory
authorities. This preferential treatment is not available to us.
However, since we control most of the local access network,
including last mile access network in our northern
service region, and because we are able to offer promotional
discounts, we have experienced limited
113
In the markets for domestic and international
long distance telephone services, we face stronger competition
from lower-priced VoIP services provided by China Telecom, China
Unicom, China Railcom and China Mobile. Mobile service
substitution for our fixed-line telephone services has also
created considerable competition for our local and long-distance
telephone services. Currently, China Mobile and China Unicom are
the only licensed providers of mobile communications services in
China and, in recent years, some of the traffic from our
fixed-line networks has been diverted to these two companies.
Our PHS services provide an alternative for many of our existing
and potential customers who would otherwise choose mobile
services instead of fixed-line services.
In our southern service region, we compete
primarily against China Telecom, which holds a dominant market
position as the incumbent operator, in the fixed-line telephone
services markets in southern China. We also compete with China
Mobile, China Unicom and China Railcom in the provision of
telephone services in our southern service region.
Internet-related access services; business
and data communications services
For Internet-related access services and business
and data communications services, we compete with China Telecom,
China Unicom, China Railcom and other Internet service providers
on the basis of pricing, coverage and quality of networks,
ability to provide end-to-end connectivity, quality of network
management and customer service.
Our international telecommunications
services
The telecommunications services market for
business and data services in Asia is highly competitive, and
our success in the Asia-Pacific region will depend on our
ability to compete against a variety of other telecommunications
providers, including local incumbent operators as well as global
telecommunications operators. In the business segment, we face
strong competition from international operators, such as
AT&T Corp., and local incumbent operators, including NTT,
Singapore Telecom and Korea Telecom. In the carrier market, we
also face intense competition from other providers of
telecommunications services in the Asia-Pacific region,
including Reach Telecom Ltd., FLAG Telecom Group Limited and
C2C Pte. Ltd.
Potential competition from foreign
operators
As a result of Chinas accession to the
World Trade Organization, the PRC government has agreed to open
up over several years various segments and regions of the
telecommunications market in China to foreign investors. Foreign
operators entering into Chinas telecommunications market
may have greater financial, managerial and technical resources,
and more expertise in network management, sales and marketing
than we do. See Risk Factors Risks Relating to
Our Business Increasing competition may have an
adverse effect on our business growth and results of
operations Competition from foreign-invested
operators and other new entrants. In order to address the
competition we face from foreign operators, we have formed
strategic alliances with some of our potential competitors,
including Equant and Singtel.
114
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Employees
As of December 31, 2003, we had 99,986 full
time employees. Substantially all of our employees are located
in China. The following table sets forth the number of our
employees serving in the capacities and for the periods
indicated:
As of December 31, 2003 and at the
completion of our restructuring as of June 30, 2004, we
also employed approximately 41,800 temporary employees.
To better utilize our employees and improve our
operating efficiency, in 2002, we began retraining our
management, finance and administrative employees, as well as
personnel from our fixed-line operations and maintenance teams,
to be redeployed to our sales and marketing teams.
We participate in defined contribution retirement
plans for our employees. We are required to contribute a portion
of our employees total wages to the PRC governments
pension plan in accordance with relevant local government
regulation. Our contributions were approximately RMB 476
million in 2001, RMB 622 million in 2002, RMB 790
million in 2003 and RMB 418 million in the six months ended
June 30, 2004. We also implement an early retirement scheme
whereby employees approaching retirement age may opt for early
retirement in exchange for certain early retirement benefits.
The amount expensed as early retirement benefits was
approximately RMB 131 million in 2001, RMB 758 million
in 2002, RMB 132 million in 2003 and RMB 206 million
in the six months ended June 30, 2004.
We have implemented a short-term and long-term
combined incentive remuneration scheme. The primary components
of an employees remuneration are a basic salary, a
performance-based bonus and a stock option scheme for certain
employees. In addition, we emphasize the importance of employee
training and seek to improve the skill of our employees.
We have not experienced any strikes or other
labor disturbances that have interfered with our operations, and
we believe that the relationship between our management and our
labor union is good.
Property
Our principal executive offices are located in
Beijing. We also maintain an executive office in Hong Kong.
As of August 31, 2004, we owned and occupied
1,351 parcels of land, 3,908 buildings, and 318 buildings
and structures under construction, covering an aggregate site
area of approximately 7,239,975 square meters and an
aggregate floor area of approximately 6,558,047 square
meters in our northern and southern service regions,
Hong Kong and Singapore. Of these parcels of land,
buildings and buildings and structures under construction,
1,348 parcels of land, 3,900 buildings and
318 buildings and structures were transferred to us from
China Netcom Group. All our land and buildings are used for
offices, administrative centers, staff quarters, retail outlets
and technical facilities. We lease 818 properties covering an
aggregate site area of approximately 2,528 square meters
and an aggregate floor area of approximately
115
We lease or sublease from China Netcom Group
various properties covering an aggregate site area of
approximately 75,011 square meters and an aggregate floor area
of approximately 8,474,606 square meters located throughout
the municipalities and provinces in our northern and southern
service regions. These properties are used primarily for offices
and storage of technical equipment. We obtained the right to
occupy and use these properties pursuant to a property leasing
agreement and a property sub-leasing agreement that we entered
into with China Netcom Group on October 8, 2004. Asia
Netcom, our wholly owned subsidiary, has its principal office in
Hong Kong, but also maintains sales offices in the PRC and seven
other Asian countries, as well as the United States
and Australia.
Most of our properties are directly related to
our telecommunications operations and are used for housing
network equipment of various types, such as telephone exchanges,
transmission stations and access lines. Of the
1,348 parcels of land and 3,900 buildings transferred
to us, China Netcom Group does not have vested proper legal
title to 16 parcels of land and 57 buildings. As for
the remaining parcels of land and buildings, they are still
registered in the name of China Netcom Group, which has
undertaken to us to have the land and building titles registered
in our name within six months after the global offering or
before the expiry of the relevant temporary title certificates.
Of the 318 buildings and structures under construction, China
Netcom Group does not have relevant construction approvals for
45 of them. China Netcom Group has confirmed to us that
these 45 buildings and structures under construction
satisfy all requirements for the obtaining of the relevant
construction approvals and it will assist us in obtaining the
relevant building ownership right certificates in our name upon
completion of construction of such buildings and structures. In
addition, China Netcom Group agreed to indemnify us against any
loss or damage suffered or incurred by us, caused by or arising
from any challenge to or interference with our title to and/or
right to use properties transferred to us in respect of which we
have not obtained long-term title certificates or those
properties rented by us from China Netcom Group where there are
title defects. China Netcom Group has represented and warranted
to us that our continued use of the land and buildings for their
current purpose will not violate any approved usage of the land
or buildings or any relevant laws and regulations.
Since August 31, 2004, there has been no
material adverse change affecting these properties. Sallmanns
(Far East) Limited, or Sallmanns, an independent valuer, has
valued our owned property interests as of August 31, 2004
at HK$20,838 million, including those properties for which
we have not yet obtained formal title certificates. The text of
the letter and the valuation certificate issued by Sallmanns are
set out in Appendix A to this document.
We have obtained legal opinions from
Haiwen & Partners, our legal advisor as to PRC law, on
title matters relating to these properties located in China.
Some of the titles to the land and buildings were acquired by
CNC China and are currently registered under China Netcom
Groups name. Haiwen & Partners has issued a legal
opinion to the effect that, taking into account the relevant
undertaking in the restructuring agreement made by China Netcom
Group to us, there will be no legal impediment for CNC China to
obtain these titles.
Legal Proceedings
We are involved in legal proceedings in the
ordinary course of our business. We are not involved in any
litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings that could
have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or
results of operations, taken as a whole. So far as we are aware,
no such material litigation, arbitration or administrative
proceedings are threatened.
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REGULATION
Overview of Regulation of the
Telecommunications Industry in China
The telecommunications industry in China is
subject to extensive government regulation. Under the State
Council, a number of central government authorities have
regulatory responsibilities for various aspects of the
telecommunications industry. These authorities primarily include:
The PRC government is in the process of drafting
a telecommunications law. We expect that, if and when the
telecommunications law is adopted by the National Peoples
Congress or its standing committee, it will become the basic
telecommunications statute and provide a regulatory framework
for the telecommunications industry in China.
Telecommunications Regulations
The Telecommunications Regulations, effective as
of September 25, 2000, were promulgated by the State
Council, and provide the primary regulatory framework for
Chinas telecommunications industry in the interim period
prior to the finalization and adoption of the telecommunications
law. The stated goals of the Telecommunications Regulations are
to develop a transparent and fair regulatory environment to
encourage fair and orderly competition and the development in
the telecommunications industry. The key aspects which the
Telecommunications Regulations address include entry into the
telecommunications industry, network interconnection,
telecommunications resource allocation, tariffs and service
standards.
Licensing
The Telecommunications Regulations distinguish
between basic and value-added telecommunications services, which
are subject to different licensing requirements. According to
the Catalog of Telecommunications Services, as promulgated by
the MII and effective as of April 1, 2003:
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Under the Telecommunications Regulations, all
telecommunications operators in China must obtain a
telecommunications service operating license from the MII or
from the provincial telecommunications administrations.
Providers of value-added services within a single province are
required to obtain licenses from provincial telecommunications
administrations. Providers of basic telecommunications services
and providers of value-added services in two or more provinces,
autonomous regions and municipalities are required to obtain
licenses from the MII. TD-SCDMA technology is one of the three
technologies adopted by the International Telecommunications
Union and under review by the PRC government for use in
providing 3G mobile telephone services. The MII is
currently conducting tests on TD-SCDMA related products. The PRC
government has not publicly announced its decisions on issues
such as the timing of the grant of the 3G licenses, the
number of 3G licenses to be granted, any technical
requirements, or any selection of preferred technologies. In
accordance with the approval of the MII, CNC China, our
principal operating subsidiary in China, as an indirect
subsidiary of China Netcom Group, has the right to operate our
telecommunications business in eight provinces and
municipalities under the authorization of China Netcom Group,
which holds the license required for operating our
telecommunications businesses in China.
The MII has promulgated the Measures on
Administration of Telecommunications Service Operating Licenses,
which became effective on January 1, 2002. Those measures
govern the application for, and approval and regulation of,
telecommunications service operating licenses in China.
Tariff Setting
Overview
Our current tariffs are subject to regulation by
various government authorities, including the MII, the NDRC and,
at the local level, the relevant provincial telecommunications
administrations and price bureaus. Under the Telecommunications
Regulations, telecommunications tariffs are categorized into
government-fixed tariffs, government guidance tariffs and
market-based tariffs.
The monthly fee and usage fee for local telephone
service and tariffs for all domestic and international, Hong
Kong, Macau and Taiwan long distance services using traditional
networks are regulated as fixed tariffs, which are fixed jointly
by the MII and the NDRC. Leased line and data services (other
than ATM service) are charged at government-guidance tariffs,
which are determined jointly by the MII and the NDRC. We derive
a substantial portion (in excess of 80%) of our revenues from
services that are subject to government guidance tariffs and
government-fixed tariffs.
The Notice on Implementation of Market-Based
Tariffs for Certain Telecommunications Services, promulgated
jointly by the MII and the NDRC in 2002, specifies the
telecommunications businesses to which market-based tariffs are
applicable, including VoIP, Internet access services, and
certain value-added services provided over fixed-line telephone
networks, such as telephone information, caller identification
and voice mail. Market-based tariffs shall be applicable to
those telecommunications services for which effective
competition exists in the market. The tariffs of such
telecommunications services are determined at the sole
discretion of the operators, and will be implemented after
filing with the MII or provincial telecommunications
administrations, as applicable. There is uncertainty regarding
how the MII determines the existence of effective competition,
as the MII has not publicly disclosed the criteria it uses for
determining whether a certain type of service should be subject
to market-based tariffs. Under the Telecommunications
Regulations, cost is the primary basis for tariff setting, but
the tariff levels also take into account social and economic
development, the development of the telecommunications industry
and the purchasing power of the customers. The MII has not
provided a timetable for tariff deregulation or indicated that
operators will eventually be
118
In December 2000, the PRC government issued a
notice of tariff adjustments. The tariff adjustments changed the
tariff levels for various telecommunications services, including
local and long distance telephone, data and leased line
services. In general, these adjustments have stimulated the
overall usage of our telecommunications services. In July 2001,
the government eliminated the upfront connection fee for
fixed-line telephone services. For a discussion of the impact of
these adjustments on our financial condition and results of
operations, see Managements Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The PRC government retains the ultimate authority
to adopt changes to tariffs. However, the Telecommunications
Regulations require the government to hold public hearings
before setting or changing a fixed or guidance tariff, which
should be attended by, among others, telecommunications
operators and consumers. In 2002, the MII indicated in writing
that it did not intend to initiate any adjustment to tariffs for
fixed-line local telephone services during the three to five
years commencing in September 2002. Our average realized tariffs
may be lower than those set forth below due to our promotional
discounts. See Risk Factors Risks Relating to
the PRC Telecommunications Industry New regulations,
regulatory changes or changes in enforcement policies relating
to telecommunications tariffs may adversely affect our results
of operations.
Tariffs
The following tables set forth the tariff rates
of certain services provided by us, where government fixed
tariffs or government guidance tariffs are applicable.
Local
telephone services
For our local telephone services, we charge a
registration fee for initial installation that varies depending
on whether the subscriber is a residential or a business
customer, a fixed monthly fee, local call usage fees based on
call duration and fees for certain value-added services. The
following table sets forth our current tariffs for local
telephone services provided on our traditional and PHS network:
119
Domestic
long distance services
Our revenues from domestic long distance services
consist of charges based on the duration, time of day and day of
the week a call is placed. The following table sets forth the
current tariffs for our domestic long distance telephone
services using our traditional network:
International
long distance services
International long distance service is a
government-fixed tariff. The following table sets forth our
current international long distance tariffs:
Managed
data services
The PRC government publishes guidance tariffs for
certain managed data services, including DDN and frame relay
services, provided by operators in China. Interim tariffs for
our ATM services are determined at our discretion, subject to
approval by the MII. An initial fee is generally charged for
installation and testing for our data services, as well as a
fixed monthly fee for each of the services.
DDN
services
The following table sets forth the monthly fees
for DDN services at the bandwidths of 64kbps, 128kbps, 512kbps
and 1Mbps:
120
Frame
relay services
The following tables set forth the monthly fees
for frame relay services, which include monthly fees for port
access and permanent virtual circuits, or PVCs
(1)
:
Leased
line services
We charge monthly fees for subscribers to our
leased line services based on guidance tariffs set by the
PRC government, which vary based on bandwidth and whether
the leased line is local or long distance. Leased line tariffs
have generally decreased in recent years.
The following table sets forth the tariffs for
2Mbps, 8Mbps, 34Mbps and 155Mbps digital circuits:
Interconnection
According to the Telecommunications Regulations
and the Administrative Rules on Interconnection between the
Public Telecommunications Networks, as promulgated by the MII in
May 2001, major telecommunications operators in China may not
refuse a request from another operator to interconnect with its
network. Upon such a request, the relevant operator shall enter
into an interconnection agreement with the other operator, and
file such agreement with the MII. In addition, interconnection
agreements may not be terminated unilaterally without an
approval from the MII.
The Telecommunications Regulations further
provides that the MII shall establish rules relating to
technical standards and settlement procedures of
interconnection. Accordingly, the MII promulgated the Measures
on Settlement of Usage Fees between Telecommunications Networks
in March 2001, which specify the methods for revenue sharing and
settlement between telecommunications operators. China Netcom
Group has entered into agreements on interconnection with other
telecommunications operators, including China Telecom, China
Mobile, China Unicom, China Railcom and China Satcom.
In December 2003, the MII revised the rules on
interconnection technical standards and settlement procedures
for public telecommunications networks by promulgating the
Measures on Settlement of Interconnection between Public
Telecommunications Networks and Sharing of Relaying Fees.
121
The following table sets forth selected current
major interconnection revenue sharing and settlement
arrangements for local calls, as set forth in the 2003 rules:
The following table sets forth selected current
major main interconnection revenue sharing and settlement
arrangements for domestic long distance calls:
The following table sets forth selected current
major main interconnection revenue sharing and settlement
arrangements for international long distance calls, including
calls originated from and terminated in Hong Kong, Macau and
Taiwan:
122
The following table sets forth selected current
main interconnection revenue sharing and settlement arrangements
for VoIP long distance calls:
Effective November 1, 2002, the Ministry of
Information Industry has unified the minimum level of the
termination rate for international calls, including for this
purpose calls from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, terminating
in China. Such termination rate is required to be no less than
US$0.17 per minute, but can be higher based upon negotiations
between the carriers.
Technical Standards
The MII sets industry technical standards for
telecommunications terminal and interconnection-related
equipment used in the public telecommunications networks. A
network access license from the MII and other relevant
regulatory authorities is required for all such equipment. Most
of the standards set by the MII conform to standards recommended
by the International Telecommunications Union and other
international telecommunications standards organizations.
Capital Investment
Prior to July 16, 2004, the State Council
authorized the NDRC to approve any plan to construct a
nationwide telecommunications network or any network
construction plan involving a capital investment that totals
from RMB 50 million to RMB 200 million. The
State Council also authorized the MII to approve certain aspects
of such investment projects. Any investment project with total
capital investment in excess of RMB 200 million was
required to obtain approval from the State Council.
On July 16, 2004, the State Council
promulgated, effective immediately, the Decision on Reform of
Investment System, or the Investment Reform Decision, which
significantly modified the government approval process for major
investment projects in China. The Investment Reform Decision
eliminated the government approval requirements for investment
projects that do not involve direct government funding unless
the investment projects are in the restricted sectors specified
in the annually adjusted catalogue released by the State
Council. The 2004 catalogue, which was attached as an annex to
the Investment Reform Decision, sets forth approval requirements
for individual investment projects in restricted sectors. Within
the telecommunications sector, the investment projects that
require the NDRCs approval include:
123
Accessing International Capital
Markets
Prior to accessing the international capital
markets, we may be required to obtain approval from various
government authorities depending on the type of international
financing we intend to seek. For example, documents relating to
our future public offerings of new shares must be filed with the
China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC. If such
offerings involve certain new acquisitions of assets or
exchanges of equity interest within China, the CSRCs prior
approval will be required. In addition, China Netcom Group and
our other state-owned shareholders are required to obtain
approval from relevant PRC government authorities prior to their
participation in any future share offering by our company
confirming their respective sales of shares and related
contributions to the PRC national social security fund, as
required by PRC law. See Principal and Selling
Shareholders. Furthermore, any use of the proceeds that we
receive from international capital markets by CNC China, either
as a shareholder loan or as a capital contribution, will be
subject to registration or approval requirements under PRC law.
Telecommunications Resources
The MII is responsible for the administration and
allocation of telecommunications resources in China, including
spectrum frequencies and telecommunications network numbers. The
use of these resources by telecommunications operators is
subject to the approval of the MII or the relevant provincial
telecommunications administrations or provincial radio
administrations and the payment of a telecommunications
resources usage fee. The provincial radio administrations have
allocated the 1900-1915 MHz frequency spectrum to us for
PHS services, and we have the exclusive rights to use that
frequency spectrum in our northern service region. It is
expected that the MII will impose fees on all telecommunications
operators, including us, relating to the use of telephone
numbers. The rules implementing these usage fees for telephone
numbers have not been issued. See Risk Factors
Risks Relating to the PRC Telecommunications
Industry Future changes to the regulations and
policies governing the telecommunications industry in China,
including possible future industry restructurings, may have a
material adverse effect on our business.
Quality of Service
Under the Telecommunications Regulations, the MII
and the relevant provincial telecommunications administrations
are responsible for supervising and monitoring the quality of
services provided by telecommunications operators in China.
Under the Telecommunications Regulations, customers of
telecommunications operators have the right to submit their
complaints to the MII and the relevant provincial
telecommunications administrations or other relevant government
authorities.
Universal Services Obligations
Under the Telecommunications Regulations,
telecommunications operators in China are required to fulfill
universal service obligations in accordance with relevant
regulations to be promulgated by the PRC government, and the MII
has the authority to delineate the scope of universal service
obligations. The MII, together with governmental finance and
pricing authorities, is also responsible for formulating
administrative rules relating to the establishment of a
universal service fund and compensation schemes for universal
services. These rules have not yet been promulgated, and there
are currently no specific regulatory requirements relating to
the provision of universal services in China.
While the scope of specific universal services
obligations is not yet clear, we believe that such services may
include mandatory provision of basic telecommunications services
in economically less developed areas in China. The MII has
recently required China Telecom, China Netcom Group, China
Mobile, China Unicom, China Railcom and China Satcom to
participate in a project to provide telephone services in a
number of remote villages in China as transitional measures
prior to the formalization of a universal service obligation
framework. In order to fulfill such obligations under those
transitional measures, China Netcom Group has agreed with us
that it will assume the responsibility for investing in and
constructing the necessary network facilities. If we operate and
maintain such network facilities in our northern and southern
service regions, China Netcom Group has agreed to compensate us
for the related expenses based on fair market value.
124
Regulation of the Telecommunications Industry
in Our Asia-Pacific Region
We are required to obtain and maintain a variety
of telecommunications and other licenses and authorizations in
the Asia-Pacific jurisdictions in which we operate. We must also
comply with a variety of regulatory obligations, including
obtaining permits to land our cables in the territories to which
they are connected. In some jurisdictions in our Asia-Pacific
service region, we are subject to ownership limitations with
respect to the joint ventures that we form with our local
partners. For example, South Korea currently limits the
ownership of domestic enterprises by offshore telecommunications
operators, such as us, to 49%. We hold licenses that permit us
to own and independently operate the non-PRC assets in key
countries and regions, including Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.
We also operate in South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and the
Philippines through joint ventures or through contractual
relationships with operators that permit us to rely on the
relevant telecommunications licenses. Licenses are not required
in other countries in which we operate, such as Australia.
125
As of December 31,
2001
2002
2003
Percentage of
Percentage of
Percentage of
Number of
Total
Number of
Total
Number of
Total
Employees
Employees
Employees
Employees
Employees
Employees
19,597
21.0
%
21,039
23.3
%
17,967
18.0
%
19,613
21.0
18,553
20.5
26,074
26.1
49,138
52.6
45,698
50.7
49,381
49.4
5,011
5.4
4,924
5.5
6,564
6.5
93,359
100.0
%
90,214
100.0
%
99,986
100.0
%
(1)
Includes research and development employees.
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The Ministry of Information Industry, or the MII,
which is responsible for, among other things:
formulating and enforcing telecommunications
industry policies and regulations as well as technical standards;
granting telecommunications service licenses;
supervising the operations and quality of service
of telecommunications operators;
allocating and administering telecommunications
resources, such as spectrum and numbers;
together with other relevant government
regulatory authorities, formulating tariff standards;
formulating interconnection and settlement
policies between telecommunications networks; and
maintaining fair and orderly market competition
among operators;
Provincial telecommunications administrations
under the MII, which oversee the implementation of the
MIIs regulations and exercise regulatory authority
delegated by the MII within their respective provinces,
autonomous regions and municipalities; and
The National Development and Reform Commission,
or the NDRC, which, together with the MII, sets government fixed
tariffs and government guidance tariffs for certain
telecommunications services. See Tariff
Setting below. It also approves investment projects within
the restricted sectors specified in the annually adjusted
catalogue released by the State Council.
basic telecommunications services include, among
other things, fixed-line local and domestic long distance
telephone services, international telecommunications services,
IP telephone services, mobile communications services (such as
900/1800MHz GSM, 800MHz CDMA and 3G mobile communications
services), satellite communications services, paging services,
data communications services (such as Internet data transmission
services, international data communications
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services), network access services and the
domestic and international telecommunications facility
services; and
value-added telecommunications services include,
among other things, IP-VPN services, call center, voice mail and
video conferencing call services, Internet data center and
Internet access services, electronic data interchange services
and information services.
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Tariff (in RMB)
20.00 to 25.00
12.00 to 18.00
10.00 to 15.00
25.00 to 35.00
0.18 to 0.22 for the first two pulses (first
three minutes or less) and 0.09 to 0.11 for each additional
pulse (one minute intervals)
0.30 to 0.50 per pulse (one minute intervals)
0.02 per pulse (one minute intervals)
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Tariff (RMB)
0.07 per six seconds
(1
)
(1)
Subject to filing with the provincial
telecommunications administrations, our provincial level
headquarters may apply a 10% to 50% discount rate to calls made
during off-peak hours.
Tariff (RMB)
0.20 per six seconds
0.80 per six seconds
(1)
Subject to filing with the provincial
telecommunications administrations, our provincial level
headquarters may apply a 10% to 50% discount rate to calls made
during off-peak hours.
Monthly Fee
64kbps
128kbps
512kbps
1Mbps
(RMB)
1,500
2,000
3,800
5,000
2,000
2,500
5,200
7,500
3,500
5,000
7,000
9,000
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Monthly Fee
64kbps
256kbps
512kbps
2Mbps
(RMB)
260
400
500
1,000
550
800
1,000
1,500
800
1,150
1,450
2,200
1,700
2,200
2,500
4,000
(1)
One-way tariff for PVCs frame relay services.
Monthly Fee
2Mbps
8Mbps
34Mbps
155Mbps
(RMB)
2,000
6,000
16,000
44,000
4,000
11,000
31,000
88,000
6,000
17,000
47,000
132,000
(1)
Does not include the tariffs for local digital
circuits and access lines.
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Operator from whose Network
Operator at whose Network
Calls are Originated
Calls are Terminated
Settlement Arrangement
Local fixed-line operator
(1) Mobile operator collects the cellular
usage fees from its subscribers.
(2) Mobile operator pays RMB 0.06 per
minute to local fixed-line operator.
Mobile operator
No revenue sharing or
settlement.
Local fixed-line operator B
(1) Operator A collects the usage fees from
its subscribers.
(2) In the case of (i) intra-district
calls, operator A pays operator B 50% of the usage
fees as charged in As local network service region; or
(ii) inter-district calls (x) where operator A
does not use the intra-district transmission facilities of
operator B, operator A pays operator B 50% of the
usage fees as charged in As local network service region;
(y) where operator A uses operator Bs local
transmission facilities, operator A pays operator B
90% of the usage fees.
Operator from whose Network
Operator at whose Network
Calls are Originated
Calls are Terminated
Settlement Arrangement
Local fixed-line or mobile operator B,
through the long distance network of operator C
RMB 0.06 per minute to operator A,
RMB 0.06 per minute to operator B, the balance for
operator C.
Operator from whose Network
Operator at whose Network
Calls are Originated
Calls are Terminated
Settlement Arrangement
International long distance operator B,
through the domestic long distance network of operator C to
international gateway
RMB 0.06 per minute to operator A,
no greater than RMB 0.54 per minute to operator C, the
balance to operator B.
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Operator from whose Network
Operator at whose Network
Calls are Originated
Calls are Terminated
Settlement Arrangement
Fixed-line or mobile operator B through the
VoIP network of operator C
(1) Operator C collects the VoIP long
distance usage fees from its subscribers.
(2) Operator C pays RMB 0.06 per
minute to operator B on the terminating end.
(3) No settlement between operator C
and operator A on the originating end.
(4) Operator A collects local usage
fees.
domestic backbone transmission networks
(including broadcasting and television networks);
international telecommunications transmission
circuits;
international gateways;
international telecommunications facilities for
dedicated telecommunications networks; and
other telecommunications infrastructure projects
involving information security.
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MANAGEMENT
In accordance with Hong Kong law and our articles of association, members of our board of directors are elected by our shareholders. The board of directors, upon the completion of our restructuring in anticipation of the global offering, consists of 14 members, including five independent non-executive directors.
The following table sets forth certain
information about our directors, all of whom were duly elected
and will serve a term of three years or until the election of
their respective successors, executive officers and joint
company secretaries.
Name
Age
Positions
46
Executive Chairman of the board of directors,
Executive Director
55
Vice Chairman, Non-Executive Director
41
Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer
52
Executive Director and Joint Company Secretary
54
Executive Director
53
Non-Executive Director
53
Non-Executive Director
73
Non-Executive Director
55
Non-Executive Director
50
Independent Non-Executive Director
54
Independent Non-Executive Director
48
Independent Non-Executive Director
67
Independent Non-Executive Director
52
Independent Non-Executive Director
53
Senior Vice President
53
Senior Vice President
57
Senior Vice President
53
Senior Vice President
39
Chief Financial Officer
42
Controller
38
Joint Company Secretary and Assistant to
Chief Financial Officer
Directors, Executive Officers and Joint Company Secretaries
Directors |
Zhang Chunjiang , 46, Executive Chairman and Executive Director, has served as a Director since June 2004. He has also served as President of China Netcom Group since May 2003. Prior to joining China Netcom Group, Mr. Zhang served as Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Information Industry (MII) and was one of the most senior regulatory officials in the PRC telecommunications industry from December 1999 to May 2003. From August 1993 to December 1999, Mr. Zhang held a series of senior-level positions at the former Liaoning Provincial Telecommunications Bureau, the former Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPT) and the MII, including serving as the Deputy Director of the former Liaoning Provincial Telecommunications Administration, Director of Mobile Telecommunications Administration of MPT and Director of Telecommunications Administration of the MII. Mr. Zhang is a senior engineer and has extensive experience in telecommunications management, operations and technology. Mr. Zhang graduated from the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications in 1982 with a bachelors degree in telecommunications.
126
Leng Rongquan , 55, Vice Chairman and Non-Executive Director, has served as a Director since October 2004. He has also served as Vice President of China Netcom Group since March 2002. Prior to that, Mr. Leng served as Vice President in China Telecom Group from April 2000 to January 2002. He served as Deputy Chief Engineer and Deputy Director for China General Bureau of Posts and Telecommunications from July 1995 to June 1996. From September 1983 to July 1995, Mr. Leng held a series of positions in the Beijing Long-Distance Telephone Bureau. Mr. Leng graduated from the Beijing University of Post and Telecommunications with a bachelors degree in computers and communications.
Dr. Edward Tian Suning , 41, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, has served as a Director since 2000. He has also served as Vice President of China Netcom Group since March 2002. Since April 1999, he has served as Chief Executive Officer of China Netcom Holdings and CNC Hong Kong. Since March 2003, he has also served as the Chief Executive Officer of Asia Netcom, which acquired substantially all of the assets and subsidiaries of the former Asia Global Crossing. Prior to joining China Netcom Holdings, Dr. Tian was the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of AsiaInfo Holdings Inc., a Nasdaq-listed company providing software and networking solutions in China. Dr. Tian has extensive experience and knowledge in the telecommunications industry and international financing and acquisitions. Dr. Tian received a Ph.D. in natural resources management from Texas Tech University in 1992, an M.S. in ecology from the Graduate School of the Academy of Sciences in 1988, and a B.S. in environmental biology from Liaoning University in 1985.
Zhang Xiaotie , 52, Executive Director and Joint Company Secretary, has served as a Director since October 2004. He has also served as Vice President of China Netcom Group since July 2003. From June 2002 to July 2003, Mr. Zhang also served as Assistant to President, General Manager of Planning and Finance Department of China Netcom Group. Before joining China Netcom Group, Mr. Zhang held a series of senior-level positions at MPT, MII and Beijing Administration of Telecommunications. Mr. Zhang graduated from Tsinghua University with a master degree in management.
Miao Jianhua , 54, Executive Director, has served as a Director since October 2004. He has also served as Assistant to President of China Netcom Group since September 2003. Since June 2002, Mr. Miao has served as the General Manager of the Human Resources Department of China Netcom Group. Before joining China Netcom Group, Mr. Miao held a series of senior-level positions at the Jilin Provincial Administration of Posts and Telecommunications and MII.
Jiang Weiping , 53, Non-Executive Director, has served as a Director since October 2004. From May 2000 to June 2004, Mr. Jiang served as General Manager in each of Liaoning Communications Company and Liaoning Telecommunications Company. From August 1984 to May 2000, he held a series of senior-level positions in the Liaoning Provincial Administration of Posts and Telecommunications, including Deputy Director and Director from August 1993 to May 2000. Mr. Jiang graduated from the Harbin Institute of Technology with a bachelors degree in radio communications.
Li Liming , 53, Non-Executive Director, has served as a Director since October 2004. She has also served as Deputy General Manager of Human Resources Department of China Netcom Group since July 2003. Before joining China Netcom Group, Ms. Li held a series of senior-level positions at Jitong Network Communications Company Limited from November 1994 to July 2003. Ms. Li graduated from the Radio Department of Tsinghua University with a bachelors degree in semiconductor devices.
Keith Rupert Murdoch , 73, Non-Executive Director, previously served as a Director from 2001 to June 30, 2004. He agreed to serve again as a Director and began his current term since October 2004. He is Chairman and Chief Executive of News Corporation Limited and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fox Entertainment Group. Mr. Murdoch has been the Chairman and Chief Executive of News Corporation Limited since 1954 and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fox Entertainment Group since 1985. Mr. Murdoch is a world-renowned corporate executive in the telecommunications and entertainment industries.
Yan Yixun , 55, Non-Executive Director, has served as a Director since 2001. He is a member of the Standing Committee of the Ninth National Peoples Congress and also a member of the Education, Science,
127
John Lawson Thornton , 50, Independent Non-Executive Director, has served as a Director since October 2004. He is a professor and director of Global Leadership at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Prior to July 1, 2003, Mr. Thornton served as President and co-Chief Operating Officer of Goldman, Sachs & Co. and as a member of its Board of Directors. Mr. Thornton is a director of Ford Motor Company, News Corporation Limited, Intel Corporation and the Pacific Century Group, Inc. Mr. Thornton received an M.P.P.M. from the Yale School of Management in 1980, a B.A./ M.A. in jurisprudence from Oxford University in 1978 and an A.B. in history from Harvard College in 1976.
Victor Cha Mou Zing , 54, Independent Non-Executive Director, has served as a Director since October 2004. Since September 2001, Mr. Cha has been the Managing Director of HKR International Limited, a company listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. He is also a member of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Committee of Zhejiang Province and a council member of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Hong Kong Institute of Education. Mr. Cha graduated from Stanford University Graduate School with a master degree in business administration and University of Wisconsin with a B.S. degree in economics.
Dr. Qian Yingyi , 48, Independent Non-Executive Director, has served as a Director since October 2004. He is also a professor of Economics at the University of California, Berkeley. Since 2002, Dr. Qian has been a special-term professor in the School of Economics and Management at Tsinghua University and a visiting professor in the School of Economics at Peking University. Before joining the Berkeley faculty in 2001, Dr. Qian taught in the Department of Economics at Stanford University between 1990 and 1999 and in the Department of Economics at the University of Maryland. In 1990, Dr. Qian received his Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University, after receiving an M.Phil. in Management Science/ Operations Research from Yale University and an M.A. in Statistics from Columbia University. In 1981, Dr. Qian graduated from Tsinghua University in Beijing with a B.S. in mathematics.
Hou Ziqiang , 67, Independent Non-Executive Director, has served as a Director since October 2004. He is also the chairman of the board of directors at China Kejian Company Limited. Mr. Hou founded China Kejian Company Limited in 1984. From 1993 to 1997, Mr. Hou was the director of the Institute of Acoustics, the Chinese Academy of Sciences. From 1988 to 1993, Mr. Hou was secretary general of the China Academy of Sciences. Mr. Hou graduated from Peking University in 1958 with a bachelors degree in physics.
Timpson Chung Shui Ming, G.B.S., J.P. , 52, Independent Non-Executive Director, has served as a Director since October 2004. He is a fellow member of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. He is an executive director and chief executive officer of Shimao China Holdings Limited. In addition, Mr. Chung is a member of the National Committee of the 10th Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference. From 2001 to 2004, he was a director of Extrawell Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited and China Rich Holdings Limited and was the Chairman of the Hong Kong Housing Society, the Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Land Fund Advisory Committee, and a member of the managing board of the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation and the Chairman of its Property Development Committee. Mr. Chung obtained a B.S. degree from the University of Hong Kong and a masters degree of business administration from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
128
Executive Officers |
Dr. Edward Tian Suning , 41, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Zuo Xunsheng , 53, has served as Senior Vice President since July 2004, and responsible for the network operation and maintenance. He has also served as Vice President of China Netcom Group since April 2002. Before joining China Netcom Group, Mr. Zuo was President of Shandong Telecommunications Company from May 2000 to April 2002. From 1988 to 2000, Mr. Zuo held a series of senior-level positions respectively in Administration of Posts and Telecommunications of Shandong Province and Bureau of Posts and Telecommunications of Jinan City.
Pei Aihua , 53, has served as Senior Vice President since July 2004, and responsible for network planning and construction. He has also served as Vice President of China Netcom Group since March 2002. Before joining China Netcom Group, he was Deputy General Manager of Beijing Telecommunications Company from July 2001 to March 2002, and General Manager of Sichuan Provincial Telecommunications Company from July 2000 to July 2001. He graduated from the Master Courses in Information and Communication Management jointly sponsored by the Management School of Fudan University and the Norway Management School. He graduated from Changchun Optical Precision Machinery College with a masters degree in electrical engineering, in 1993.
Zhang Changsheng , 56, has served as Senior Vice President since July 2004, and responsible for regulatory and legal matters. He has also served as Vice President of China Netcom Group since February 2003. Before joining China Netcom Group, Mr. Zhang served as Assistant to Governor and Secretary General at the Jiangsu Provincial Government from October 1995 to February 2003. From October 1986 to October 1995, he held a series of high-level positions in the Ministry of Personnel.
Zhao Jidong , 53, has served as Senior Vice President since July 2004, and responsible for sales and marketing. He has also served as Vice President of China Netcom Group since July 2003. Before joining China Netcom Group, Mr. Zhao served as General Manager of Beijing Communications Company from July 2002 to July 2003, and General Manager of Beijing Telecommunications Company from November 2000 to July 2002. From 1993 to 2000, Mr. Zhao held a series of senior-level positions in the Beijing Telecommunications Bureau. Mr. Zhao graduated from Fudan University with a B.A. degree in English and the Master Courses in Information and Communication Management jointly sponsored by the Management School of Fudan University and the Norway Management School.
Dr. Fan Xingcha , 39, has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2000. Since April 2000, Dr. Fan has served as Vice President of Strategy and Business Development and Executive Vice President of Operations of China Netcom Holdings, and Chief Financial Officer of CNC Hong Kong. Dr. Fan has also served as Chief Financial Officer of Asia Netcom since March 2003. Prior to joining China Netcom Holdings, Dr. Fan was a senior consultant of McKinsey & Company in its Shanghai office. Dr. Fan received a Ph.D degree in computer science from Flinders University in 1996 and a masters degree in electrical engineering from Southeast University in China in 1987.
Li Fushen , 42, has served as Controller since July 2004. Since October 2003, he has served as General Manager of the Finance Department of China Netcom Group. From November 2001 to October 2003, he served as Deputy General Manager of Jilin Communications Company and Deputy General Manager of Jilin Provincial Telecommunications Company. He graduated from the Jilin Engineering Institute.
Joint Company Secretaries
Zhang Xiaotie , 52, Executive Director and Joint Company Secretary. In discharging his functions as a Joint Company Secretary, Mr. Zhang will be assisted by Mr. Oliver E Lixin, the other Joint Company Secretary and our external advisers. Information and know-how relating to internal controls and ongoing disclosure obligations, including financial disclosure requirements, will be provided to Mr. Zhang.
Oliver E Lixin , 38, Joint Company Secretary, Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer and qualified accountant, has served as Financial Controller of China Netcom Holdings since September 1999. In
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Waiver from the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange
As Mr. Zhang Xiaotie does not possess a qualification as stipulated under Rule 8.17 of the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, we have applied and obtained a waiver from strict compliance with Rule 8.17 of the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Mr. Oliver E Lixin has been appointed as a Joint Company Secretary to work alongside Mr. Zhang. Mr. Es employment with us does not have any fixed term and it is expected that he will assist Mr. Zhang for the first three years of our listing. Upon expiry of the three-year period, we will re-evaluate the qualifications of Mr. Zhang to determine whether the requirements as stipulated in Rule 8.17 of the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange can be satisfied.
The directors, the Joint Company Secretaries and the executive officers listed above form the senior management of our company. A number of our directors and executive officers also hold positions at our parent company, China Netcom Group. Each of these directors and executive officers works for our company and China Netcom Group. However, each of these directors and executive officers has confirmed with us that it is his intention to spend a majority of his time working for our company. The business address of the executive officers is located at Building C, No. 156 Fuxingmeinei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC 100031.
Audit Committee
We have established an audit committee in compliance with the Code of Best Practice as set out in Appendix 14 to the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The primary duties of the audit committee are to review and supervise our financial reporting process. All members of the audit committee, are appointed by the board. The audit committee currently consists of four independent non-executive directors, Mr. Timpson Chung Shui Ming who serves as its chairman, Dr. Qian Yingyi, Mr. Victor Cha Mou Zing and Hou Ziqiang.
The responsibilities of our audit committee include:
| supervising core businesses; | |
| formulating rules and policies; | |
| reviewing, approving and implementing our material financial matters; | |
| supervising the status of our financial operations; | |
| evaluating the performance of our executive officers; | |
| appointing and supervising the independent auditor; and | |
| supervising the work of the internal audit department. |
Compensation Committee
We have also established a compensation committee. The primary duties of the compensation committee are to review the compensation structure of our directors and executive officers and make recommendations to the Board. All members of the compensation committee are appointed by the board of directors. The compensation committee currently consists of Mr. Keith Rupert Murdoch, who serves as its chairman, Mr. John Lawson Thornton and Mr. Miao Jianhua.
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The responsibilities of our compensation committee include:
| proposing the appointment procedures and standards for our directors and executive officers; | |
| evaluating the qualifications and terms of appointment for our directors and executive officers, and making recommendations to the board of directors regarding our directors and executive officers; | |
| proposing the performance evaluation procedures and the compensation packages for our directors and executive officers; | |
| evaluating the performance of and determining the compensation to be paid to our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers; and | |
| supervising and reviewing the results of the Chief Executive Officers evaluation of the performance of the other executive officers. |
Strategic Planning Committee
We have also established a strategic planning committee. The strategic planning committee currently consists of Mr. Zhang Chunjiang, who serves as its chairman, Dr. Qian Yingyi, Mr. Hou Ziqiang, Mr. Zhang Xiaotie and Mr. Jiang Weiping. The responsibilities of our strategic planning committee include:
| reviewing our development strategies; | |
| supervising the implementation process of the development strategies; and | |
| reviewing significant investment projects. |
Corporate Governance Committee
We have also established a corporate governance committee. The corporate governance committee currently consists of Mr. John Lawson Thornton, who serves as its chairman, Dr. Edward Tian Suning, Dr. Qian Yingyi and Mr. Miao Jianhua. The responsibilities of our corporate governance committee include:
| supervising the effective implementation of corporate governance measures; | |
| supervising the efficiency and legal compliance of our board and senior management structures; and | |
| providing recommendations to our board in order to optimize our corporate governance structure. |
Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers
Our directors and executive officers receive compensation in the form of salaries, housing allowances, other allowances and benefits in kind, including our contribution to the pension plans for our directors and executive officers. We expect to pay to our directors and executive officers an aggregate amount of approximately RMB 7.8 million, including benefits and contributions as remuneration, in respect of the year ended December 31, 2004. We have entered into service agreements with our executive directors. These agreements do not provide for benefits upon termination of employment, provided that two months advance notice is given.
Other than Mr. Keith Rupert Murdoch, Mr. John Lawson Thornton, Mr. Yan Yixun, Mr. Victor Cha Mou Zing, Dr. Qian Yingyi, Mr. Hou Ziqiang and Mr. Timpson Chung Shui Ming, all of our directors and executive officers were previously employed by China Netcom Group. Our directors and executive officers received from us, our subsidiaries and China Netcom Group during the year ended December 31, 2003 an aggregate amount of approximately RMB 7.0 million in salaries, housing allowances, other allowances and benefits in kind, and an aggregate amount of approximately RMB 0.2 million in pension, retirement and other similar benefits were contributed for the benefit of these directors and executive officers.
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Total compensation paid to our directors during the three years ended December 31, 2003 consists of the following:
| fees, salaries, housing allowances, other allowances and certain benefits in kind of approximately RMB 692,000 in 2001, RMB 1,010,000 in 2002 and RMB 1,824,000 in 2003; | |
| contributions to the directors pension plans of approximately RMB 4,000 in 2001, RMB 16,000 in 2002 and RMB 69,000 in 2003; and | |
| bonuses paid or payable to our directors, which were discretionary or were based on performance, of approximately RMB 336,000 in 2001, RMB 385,000 in 2002 and RMB 831,000 in 2003. |
The five highest paid individuals of our company included one of our directors in each of the three years ended December 31, 2003. Excluding the compensation of such director, the aggregate amount of fees, salaries, housing allowances, contributions to retirement benefits plan, bonuses paid or receivable, amounts paid or due as an inducement to join or upon joining of our company, compensation paid or due for termination of employment in connection with the management of the affairs of any of our subsidiaries, and other allowances and benefits in cash or in kind paid by us to the other four highest paid individuals of our company was approximately RMB 2,854,000 in 2001, RMB 3,170,000 in 2002 and RMB 2,994,000 in 2003.
Disclosure of Interests and Share Ownership
Particulars of directors service contracts
Our company has entered into service contracts with each of our executive directors. The directors are subject to rotation under our articles of association. The service contracts of executive directors are subject to termination at least sixty days written notice. Pursuant to our articles of association, the remuneration of our directors is determined by our shareholders in a general shareholders meeting. None of these service contracts will provide benefits to our directors upon termination. Each director is entitled to an annual directors fee of HK$250,000, payable on a pro rata basis for any partial year service, until our shareholders in general meeting determine otherwise.
Except as disclosed in this document, none of our directors has or is proposed to have a service contract with us (excluding contracts expiring or determinable by the employer within one year without payment of compensation (other than statutory compensation)).
Ownership of our shares by our directors and executive officers
Certain of our directors and executive officers have a beneficial interest in our shares through their ownership of options as further discussed in Share Option Plan. In addition, Mr. Keith Rupert Murdoch beneficially owns indirectly less than 0.5% of our Shares.
Share Option Plan
We have adopted a share option plan which seeks to align the interests of our management and employees with those of our shareholders and links their compensation with our results of operations and share performance. This plan provides for the grant of options to our directors, members of our middle-to-senior management and such specialized professionals as may be designated by the remuneration committee of our board of directors. There is a minimum period of 18 months for the holding of an option before it can be exercised. In addition, options granted under the share option plan are subject to a vesting schedule so that a maximum of 40% of the options granted may be exercised after 18 months from the later date on which trading of our shares commences on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange; a further 30% may be exercised after 30 months from the date on which trading of our shares commences on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the remaining 30% may be exercised after 42 months from the date on which trading of our shares commences on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Any option not exercised within six years from the later of the date of grant or the date on which trading of our shares commences on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange will lapse.
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In general, we are permitted to issue options exercisable for shares of up to:
| 0.2% to any single participant within a 12-month period; | |
| 10% of the total number of our outstanding shares under this plan; and | |
| 30% of the total number of our outstanding shares under this and any future plans in the aggregate. |
No performance targets are specifically stipulated under the share option plan. However, the board may specify performance targets that must be achieved before an option can be exercised. The share option plan will remain in force for a period of ten years commencing on the date on which the share option plan becomes unconditional. If the grantees employment with our company ceases for any reason other than death, loss of capacity, resignation or for serious misconduct, the grantee may, at any time within 12 months of the date of the cessation of his or her employment, exercise his or her options (to the extent vested and not already exercised prior to the cessation of service).
The price for a share payable by a participant upon the exercise of an option (other than the share options granted prior to the global offering) will be determined by our board of directors in its discretion and shall not be less than the highest of:
| the closing price of our shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on the date of grant; | |
| the average closing price of our shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for the five trading days immediately preceding the date of grant; and | |
| the nominal value of our shares. |
Share options granted prior to the global offering
Immediately prior to closing of the global
offering, options to subscribe for an aggregate of
158,640,000 shares (representing 2.46% of the issued share
capital of our company immediately after the global offering and
assuming the over-allotment option is not exercised (or 2.4% if
the underwriters exercise the over-allotment option in full))
will be conditionally granted by us to 456 grantees
pursuant to our share option plan. These grantees are directors,
senior management and other management personnel of our company.
No monetary consideration is payable by the grantees for the
acceptance of the grant of options and the exercise price for
the shares shall be the initial price to the public, or IPO
price. Each option has a six-year exercise period and each of
the grantees to whom options have been granted will be subject
to the following vesting periods in respect of the options
granted:
Percentage of the
Vesting period (from the day on which the shares
shares under option
commence trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange)
exercisable by the grantee
40%
an additional 30%
the remaining 30%
Assuming that all the options granted prior to the global offering under the share option plan were exercised in full on January 1, 2003 resulting in the issuance of 158,640,000 additional shares, the basic loss per share for the year ended December 31, 2003 would not be affected as the exercise of share options is anti-dilutive. However, the basic earnings per share and the diluted earnings per share for the six months ended June 30, 2004 would both be diluted by approximately 3% from RMB 0.89 to RMB 0.86.
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Directors, Executive Officers and Joint
Company Secretaries
As at the date of this document, particulars of
the outstanding options that have been conditionally granted to
the directors of our company are as follows:
Approximate
Number of shares
% of interest
represented by
immediately after
Name of grantee
Position
options
the global offering
(1)
Exercise price
Executive Chairman and Executive Director
920,000
0.01
%
IPO Price
Vice Chairman and
Non-executive Director
920,000
0.01
%
IPO Price
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
920,000
0.01
%
IPO Price
Executive Director and Joint Company Secretary
800,000
0.01
%
IPO Price
Executive Director
700,000
0.01
%
IPO Price
Non-executive Director
700,000
0.01
%
IPO Price
Non-executive Director
700,000
0.01
%
IPO Price
Non-executive Director
590,000
0.01
%
IPO Price
Non-executive Director
590,000
0.01
%
IPO Price
Senior Vice President
800,000
0.01
%
IPO Price
Senior Vice President
800,000
0.01
%
IPO Price
Senior Vice President
800,000
0.01
%
IPO Price
Senior Vice President
800,000
0.01
%
IPO Price
Chief Financial Officer
800,000
0.01
%
IPO Price
Controller
800,000
0.01
%
IPO Price
Joint Company Secretary and Assistant to Chief
Financial Officer
370,000
0
IPO Price
(1) | Assuming that the over-allotment option is not exercised. |
Outstanding options granted
As at the date of this document, particulars of
outstanding options that have been conditionally granted to our
directors, senior management, and other management personnel,
each as a group, are as follows:
Total number of
Number of shares
grantees in each
represented by
Category
category
Exercise price
options
9
IPO Price
6,840,000
7
IPO Price
5,170,000
440
IPO Price
146,630,000
158,640,000
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PRINCIPAL AND SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
Upon completion of the global offering, we will have outstanding 5,500 million shares, or shares if the underwriters exercise in full their over-allotment option. of these shares will have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, including the shares offered pursuant to this document. These shares will be freely tradable, without restriction or registration under the Securities Act, unless held by an affiliate of our company, as that term is defined under the Securities Act. The remaining shares may be sold in the United States or to U.S. persons only if registered or sold under an exemption from registration under the Securities Act. China Netcom Group may seek to sell shares in the future in order to meet its cash requirements, which may adversely affect the market prices of our shares and ADSs. See Risk Factors Risks relating to the ADSs and the shares.
The table below sets forth information as of a
time immediately prior to the global offering regarding the
beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares by each person known
by us to beneficially own 5% or more of our outstanding ordinary
shares or who is a selling shareholder. Except as otherwise
indicated, we believe each shareholder named in this table has
sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares
shown as beneficially owned. None of our shareholders listed
below has voting rights that are different from any of our other
shareholders.
Shares Beneficially
Shares Beneficially
Owned Prior to the
Shares Being
Owned After the
Global Offering
Offered
(1)
Global Offering
(2)
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
(1)
Number
Percentage
Number
Number
Percentage
(in millions)
(in millions)
(in millions)
4,750.2
86.4
%
89.4
4,660.9
72.3
%
445.5
8.1
0
445.5
6.9
37.8
0.7
0.7
37.1
0.6
37.8
0.7
0.7
37.1
0.6
37.8
0.7
0.7
37.1
0.6
37.8
0.7
0.7
37.1
0.6
153.0
2.8
2.9
150.1
2.3
5,500.0
100.0
%
95.1
5,404.9
83.8
%
(1) | Each of China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited, or CNC BVI; the Chinese Academy of Sciences, or the Academy of Sciences; Information and Network Center of State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, or INC-SARFT; China Railways Telecommunications Center, or CRTC; Shanghai Alliance Investment Limited, or Shanghai Alliance; and Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, or Shandong SASAC, is a selling shareholder. CNC Fund, L.P. is not a selling shareholder. We believe that investment and voting control over the shares held by the selling shareholders are exercised by the board of directors and senior management of such selling shareholders. |
(2) | Assumes that the underwriters do not exercise the over-allotment option. If the underwriters exercise the over-allotment option in full, CNC BVI, CNC Fund, L.P., the Academy of Sciences, INC-SARFT, CRTC, Shanghai Alliance and Shandong SASAC will offer 102.8 million, 0, 0.8 million, 0.8 million, 0.8 million, 0.8 million and 3.3 million shares, respectively, and own 70.5%, 6.8%, 0.6%, 0.6%, 0.6%, 0.6% and 2.3% of our outstanding shares, respectively. |
(3) | China Network Communications Group Corporations beneficial interest is attributable to its ownership interest in CNC BVI, our direct parent company. The registered address of CNC BVI is P.O. Box 3140, Wickhams Cay 1, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The registered address of China Network Communications Group Corporation is Building C, No. 156 Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC. |
(4) | In connection with our restructuring, on June 11, 2004, we entered into a share purchase and exchange agreement with CNC BVI and CNC Fund L.P. Under this agreement, CNC Fund, L.P. sold all of the 30,967,127 Series A preferred shares and 6.4 million ordinary shares, par value US$0.01 per share of our company that it owned before the restructuring to CNC BVI in consideration |
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for an option to receive (a) 445.5 million ordinary shares of our company from CNC BVI, or 8.1% of our shares on a fully diluted basis prior to the global offering or (b) a cash alternative. On , 2004, CNC Fund exercised this option to receive 445.5 million ordinary shares of our company. See Restructuring. Each of GS China BroadNet GP Holdings, L.L.C., CNC Cayman, Limited and Best Bluechip Investments Limited is a general partner of CNC Fund, L.P. GS China Broadnet GP Holdings, L.L.C. is an investment partnership affiliated with Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C., the latter of which is one of the joint global coordinators and joint global bookrunners of the global offering and one of the joint sponsors and Hong Kong underwriters. In addition, Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., an affiliate of Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C., beneficially owns an 18.46% interest in CNC Fund, L.P. through GS China BroadNet Investment Holdings, L.L.C. and GS China Broadnet GP Holdings, L.L.C. China Netcom Group beneficially owns a 0.3% interest in CNC Fund, L.P. through CNC Cayman, Limited. Shanghai Alliance, one of our principal and selling shareholders, beneficially owns a 0.3% interest in CNC Fund, L.P. through Best Bluechip Investments Limited. Because of certain rights that each of GS China BroadNet GP Holdings, L.L.C., CNC Cayman, Limited and Best Bluechip Investments Limited possess, they may be deemed to beneficially own such securities. The registered address of CNC Fund, L.P. is 36C Bermuda House, 3rd Floor, P.O. Box 513 G7, Dr. Roys Drive, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, British West Indies. | |
(5) | All of the ordinary shares owned by each of the Academy of Sciences, INC-SARFT, CRTC, Shanghai Alliance and Shandong SASAC are registered in the name of CNC BVI, which holds for each of them individually such ordinary shares in trust. It is our understanding that CNC BVI does not beneficially own these shares it holds in trust. |
(6) | In April 2004, the Academy of Sciences agreed with China Netcom Group to transfer its interests in China Netcom Holdings to China Netcom Group in consideration for the transfer to it by CNC BVI of approximately 38 million of our ordinary shares of US$0.04 each. The registered address of the Academy of Sciences is No. 52 Sanlihe Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC. |
(7) | In April 2004, INC-SARFT agreed with China Netcom Group to transfer its interests in China Netcom Holdings to China Netcom Group in consideration for the transfer to it by CNC BVI of approximately 38 million of our shares. The registered address of Information and Network Center of State Administration of Radio, Film and Television is No. 2 Fuxingmenwai Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC. |
(8) | In April 2004, CRTC agreed with China Netcom Group to transfer its interests in China Netcom Holdings to China Netcom Group in consideration for the transfer to it by CNC BVI of approximately 38 million of our shares. The registered address of China Railways Telecommunications Center is No. 18 Beifengwo Road, Haidian District, Beijing, PRC. |
(9) | In April 2004, Shanghai Alliance agreed with China Netcom Group to transfer its interests in China Netcom Holdings to China Netcom Group in consideration for the transfer to it by CNC BVI of approximately 38 million of our shares. The registered address of Shanghai Alliance is No. 19 Gaoyou Road, Shanghai, PRC. |
(10) | In April 2004, the predecessor of Shandong SASAC agreed with China Netcom Group to transfer its interests, assets and liabilities relating to telecommunications operations in rural areas in Shandong Province to China Netcom Group in consideration for the transfer to it by CNC BVI of approximately 153 million of our ordinary shares of US$0.04 each. The registered address of Shandong SASAC is No. 37 Jiefang Road, Jinan City, Shandong Province, PRC. |
Any discrepancies between totals and the sums of the amounts listed are due to rounding.
It is our understanding that CNC BVI, the Academy of Sciences, INC-SARFT, CRTC, Shanghai Alliance and Shandong SASAC, each a state-owned shareholder under PRC laws, are required by the PRC government in accordance with the Provisional Measures on Administration for Selling-down State-owned Shares and Raising Social Security Fund promulgated by the State Council in June 2001, to sell in aggregate 95,089,000 of our shares, or 109,352,000 of our shares if the underwriters exercise in full their over-allotment option, which will equal approximately 9% of the total number of shares offered in the global offering. These selling shareholders are required to contribute the net proceeds they receive from the global offering to the PRC national social security fund.
See Underwriting for a description of lock-up arrangements restricting the ability of some of our shareholders to sell or otherwise dispose of shares.
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RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA NETCOM GROUP
Ownership by China Netcom Group
Our parent, China Netcom Group, the second largest fixed-line telecommunications operator in China, is a PRC wholly state-owned enterprise. China Netcom Group is managed by its president and important decisions of China Netcom Group are made pursuant to meetings of executive management. China Netcom Group retained the ownership of, and continues to operate through its branch offices and wholly owned subsidiaries, its fixed-line telecommunications networks, and provides telecommunications services in other provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in China that are outside our northern and southern service regions. As such, the businesses retained by China Netcom Group do not compete with our businesses. China Netcom Group may inject into us its businesses outside our northern and southern service regions in the future. No definitive plan or timetable for such possible injection has been agreed between China Netcom Group and us. Any such transaction will be subject to compliance with the relevant requirements of the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in relation to connected transactions.
Immediately after the closing of the global offering, China Netcom Group will indirectly and beneficially own or control an aggregate of 72.3% of our shares, assuming that the over-allotment option is not exercised by the underwriters, or 70.5% of our shares, assuming that the over-allotment option is exercised in full. Accordingly, China Netcom Group will retain a controlling interest in our company. For further details, see Principal and Selling Shareholders.
As a result, China Netcom Group, subject to our articles of association and applicable laws and regulations, will effectively be able to control our management, policies and business by controlling the composition of our board of directors, determining the timing and amount of our dividend payments and approving significant corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions. For further details, see Description of Share Capital.
Restructuring Agreement
On September 6, 2004, China Netcom Group entered into a restructuring agreement with us and our principal wholly owned operating subsidiary, CNC China.
Under the restructuring agreement, China Netcom Group made various representations and warranties in relation to the transfer of businesses, assets and liabilities to us in the restructuring, which became effective on December 31, 2003. China Netcom Group agreed to be responsible for all tax liabilities associated with the business, assets and liabilities transferred to us, which were incurred prior to the restructuring. In addition, China Netcom Group agreed to indemnify CNC China against any fines, claims, losses, damages, payments or other expenses incurred by CNC China in connection with or arising from, among others:
| a breach of any provision of the restructuring agreement on the part of China Netcom Group or its subsidiaries (other than CNC China); | |
| any matters occurring prior to the effective date of the restructuring relating to assets and liabilities transferred to CNC China under the restructuring; | |
| the assets retained or held by China Netcom Group after the restructuring; | |
| any rights and interests in relation to all employees of CNC China who were employed by China Netcom Group prior to the restructuring for the period of their employment by China Netcom Group; and | |
| any defect in property titles in respect of properties transferred to us under the restructuring. |
Furthermore, China Netcom Group agreed to indemnify us, upon our request, against any losses, expenses or liabilities incurred by us as a result of any litigation or other claims against us or our subsidiaries that relate to events or circumstances that occurred or existed prior to the date of the global offering to the extent such matters are not disclosed in our financial statements as of June 30, 2004. China Netcom Group, upon our request, shall be responsible for any penalties, losses, or other liabilities incurred by us arising from
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Non-competition Agreement
Pursuant to a non-competition agreement among us, China Netcom Group and CNC China, China Netcom Group has undertaken that, so long as our shares are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange or other exchanges and China Netcom Group directly or indirectly holds 30% or more of our issued share capital or China Netcom Group is deemed to be our controlling shareholder under relevant rules or regulations, China Netcom Group will not at any time directly or indirectly without our prior written consent, operate:
| any business that will be in direct or indirect competition with our or our subsidiaries telecommunications business conducted in regions where we or our subsidiaries operate outside of the PRC in accordance with existing licenses; and | |
| any business that will be in direct or indirect competition with the basic telecommunications services (not including wireless paging services) or selected value-added telecommunications services, including multi-party conferencing services, Internet access service, Internet data center services and IP-VPN services, of CNC China within our services regions. Basic telecommunications services and value-added telecommunications services are both defined in the PRC governments Catalog of Telecommunications Services. |
The decision as to whether our written consent will be given will be made by our board, which is comprised of independent non-executive directors. We will make an announcement setting out the reasons for the giving of written consent if such consent is given.
For a description of basic and value-added
telecommunications services under the Telecommunications
Regulations, see Regulation Licensing.
Undertakings
In connection with the restructuring and the
global offering, China Netcom Group has, by a legally binding
letter of undertakings with an unlimited term undertaken to us
and our subsidiaries that:
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The terms of the letter of undertakings do not
obligate China Netcom Group to provide any financial support to
us.
Olympic Partnership for the 2008 Olympic Games
in Beijing
China Netcom Group has signed an agreement with
the Beijing Organization Committee for the Games of the XXIX
Olympiad, or BOCOG, which agreement, upon approval by the
International Olympic Committee, would name China Netcom Group
as the exclusive fixed-line telecommunications partner for the
2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. As a partner, China Netcom Group
is required to provide cash, goods and services to support the
2008 Olympic Games. In return, BOCOG will grant China Netcom
Group and selected affiliates the right to, among other things,
associate the China Netcom brand name with the 2008 Olympic
Games. We expect to be named as one of the selected affiliates.
As the dominant provider of fixed-line telecommunications
services in Beijing, the principal venue of the 2008 Olympic
Games, we expect to benefit from Beijings hosting of the
Olympics and from our parent companys sponsorship.
Therefore, we will sponsor a portion of the required support,
principally through providing free telecommunication goods and
services. In connection with this arrangement, we will make
certain limited contributions of goods and services for each of
the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. Commencing in 2008, China
Netcom Group will bear the responsibility for providing all
required goods and services support, unless otherwise agreed
between China Netcom Group and us. Furthermore, China Netcom
Group will be solely responsible for the payment of all cash
sponsorship obligations.
(1)
China Netcom Group will extend its full support
to our current operations and future development;
(2)
we will be the only basic telecommunications
services provider operating in China (through our PRC
subsidiary) under China Netcom Groups control that will
have its securities listed on a stock exchange in Hong Kong or
outside of China;
(3)
to the extent within China Netcom Groups
control, we will be treated equally with China Netcom Group
and/or any other operators controlled by China Netcom Group of
fixed-line telephone services, Internet services (including but
not limited to broadband services), data services, leased line
services, international telecommunications services, value-added
services or other related telecommunications services with
respect to all approvals, transactions and arrangements between
us and China Netcom Group and/or such operators controlled by
China Netcom Group;
(4)
if China Netcom Group obtains the license to
operate any telecommunications business in China outside the
current business scope of our PRC subsidiary (including but not
limited to mobile telecommunications license, new
telecommunications services and the testing and commercial
operation of new technologies), China Netcom Group shall notify
us as soon as possible, and upon our request, grant exclusively
to our subsidiary conducting telecommunications business in
China, through licensing or otherwise, the right to conduct such
telecommunications business within the provinces, municipalities
and autonomous regions where we conduct business. If these
arrangements require the approval of the relevant government
department, China Netcom Group will use its best efforts to seek
to obtain such approval;
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(5)
to the extent within China Netcom Groups
control, we will have the preferential right to acquire China
Netcom Groups interest in companies or other entities that
provide telecommunications services or their businesses; and
(6)
China Netcom Group will fulfill the relevant
universal services obligations for which it is responsible under
relevant regulations. China Netcom Group will be responsible for
the investment and construction of the network facilities
required to fulfill the obligations of China Netcom Group and/or
our company (or our subsidiary) in relation to obligations
pursuant to the Implementing Plan for Rural Universal
Services Rural Telecommunications Project and other
requirements under interim measures concerning universal
services obligations. If we operate or maintain such network
facilities in the region where we operate in China, China Netcom
Group has agreed to provide us with reasonable compensation in
respect of the relevant expenses arising as a result of the
operation and maintenance of such network facilities, based on
fair market value.
Prior Related Party Transactions
Share purchase and exchange agreement with CNC BVI and CNC Fund, L.P.
Pursuant to a share purchase and exchange agreement entered into between CNC BVI, CNC Fund, L.P. and us in June 2004, CNC Fund, L.P. sold to CNC BVI all of the preferred shares and ordinary shares in our company that it owned before the restructuring. These ordinary shares were purchased from CNET Foundation Limited, which held these shares on behalf of former employees of China Netcom Holdings, none of whom were, at the time of the agreement, or currently are, directors or executive officers of our company. In exchange, CNC Fund, L.P. received an option to receive (a) 445.5 million ordinary shares of our company from CNC BVI, or 8.1% of our shares on a fully diluted basis prior to the global offering or (b) a cash alternative from CNC BVI. On , 2004, CNC Fund, L.P. exercised this option to receive 445.5 million ordinary shares of our company from CNC BVI.
Registration rights agreement
In connection with the share purchase and exchange agreement, we have entered into a registration rights agreement with CNC Fund. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement, we have granted to CNC Fund certain demand and piggyback, or incidental, registration rights with respect to the ordinary shares held by CNC Fund. Following the global offering, CNC Fund has the right to require us to register its ordinary shares, subject to certain limitations. In addition, CNC Fund has piggyback registration rights that allow
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The registration rights agreement also contains customary provisions with respect to registration procedures, underwritten offerings and indemnification rights. In addition, under the registration rights agreement, CNC Fund has agreed, for a period of 180 days after the date of this document, not to sell, transfer, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale, or otherwise dispose of, any of our ordinary shares or any securities exercisable for or convertible or exchangeable for our ordinary shares.
Investor rights agreement
In conjunction with our offering, CNC Fund has relinquished certain rights granted to it under an investor rights agreement dated September 29, 2000.
Exempted Continuing Connected Transaction
Trademark licensing agreement
Pursuant to a trademark licensing agreement entered into among us, China Netcom Group and CNC China on October 8, 2004, China Netcom Group agreed to grant us the right to use certain of its trademarks (including the CNC brand name and logo and other trademarks) that are registered or to be registered by China Netcom Group on a royalty-free basis for ten years, which term is automatically renewable at our option. The trademark licensing agreement is exempt from the reporting, announcement and shareholders approval requirements under Rule 14A.31(2) of the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Guarantees granted by China Netcom Group and EANL
As of June 30, 2004, certain of our loans and bank loans amounting to RMB 578 million, representing approximately 0.99% of our total bank and other loans as of June 30, 2004, were secured by a corporate guarantee granted by China Netcom Group. On July 27, 2004, Asia Netcom obtained a term loan facility in the maximum aggregate amount of up to US$150 million. As of August 31, 2004, Asia Netcom has drawn an advance of US$90 million, representing 1.30% of our total bank and other loans as of August 31, 2004, under this term loan facility. Repayment of advances made under this term loan facility are guaranteed by EANL, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of China Netcom Group. The guarantees granted by China Netcom Group and EANL are exempt from the reporting, announcement and shareholders approval requirements under the listing rules of Hong Kong Stock Exchange. We have undertaken to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to use our best efforts to release the guarantees, or failing such, to arrange for the settlement of the relevant loans, within six months of the consummation of the global offering.
Continuing Related Party Transactions
As a result of our restructuring, we and/or our subsidiaries have entered into, among others, the following agreements with China Netcom Group and/or its subsidiaries:
| Interconnection Settlement Agreement; | |
| Property Leasing Agreement; | |
| Property Sub-leasing Agreement; | |
| Master Services Sharing Agreement; | |
| Engineering and Information Technology Services Agreement; | |
| Materials Procurement Agreement; | |
| Ancillary Telecommunications Services Agreement; |
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| Support Services Agreement; | |
| Telecommunications Facilities Leasing Agreement; | |
| Capacity Purchase Agreement; | |
| Capacity Lease Agreement; and | |
| Management Services Agreement. |
The principal terms of these agreements are described below.
Certain charges for the services under these agreements are based on tariffs set by the Chinese regulatory authorities. Those transactions where the charges are not set by Chinese regulatory authorities are based on commercial negotiations between the parties, in each case on an arms length basis. The terms of these transactions are no less favorable than the terms that we could have obtained from an independent third party. In this regard, we have the benefit of the undertaking from China Netcom Group that to the extent within its control, we will be treated equally with any other telecommunications operator with respect to all approvals, transactions and arrangements between us, on the one hand, and China Netcom Group or other telecommunications operators controlled by China Netcom Group, on the other hand, as described above.
Continuing Related Party Transactions Relating to CNC China
Interconnection Settlement Agreement
Our subsidiary, CNC China, entered into an Interconnection Settlement Agreement with China Netcom Group under which CNC China and China Netcom Group agree to interconnect their respective networks and settle the charges received in respect of domestic and international long distance voice services within their respective service regions.
There is no settlement for domestic long distance voice services between the subsidiaries of China Netcom Group in the four provinces and autonomous region of Heilongjiang, Jilin, Shanxi and Inner Mongolia on the one hand and the branch companies of CNC China in the six provinces and municipalities of Beijing, Tianjin, Henan, Hebei, Shandong, Liaoning on the other. For all other domestic long distance voice services between China Netcom Group and CNC China, the settlement rates are as follows: CNC China or China Netcom Group in the location of the calling party shall make a settlement payment to CNC China or China Netcom Group in the location of the called party at the rate of RMB 0.06 per minute (in the case where the call terminates within the network of either party) and at the rate of RMB 0.09 per minute (in the case where the call terminates outside the network of either party).
Settlement rates for international long distance voice services are as follows:
(i) For outbound international calls: China Netcom Group will reimburse CNC China for any amount paid by CNC China to overseas telecommunications operators. The revenues received by China Netcom Group less the amount paid by CNC China to overseas telecommunications operators will be shared between China Netcom Group and CNC China in proportion to the estimated costs incurred by China Netcom Group and CNC China in connection with the outbound international long distance voice services. | |
(ii) For inbound international calls: the revenues received by CNC China from overseas telecommunications operators less the amount paid to China Netcom Group at the rate of RMB 0.06 per minute (in the case where the call terminates within the network of China Netcom Group) or at the rate of RMB 0.09 per minute (in the case where the call terminates within the network of other operators) will be shared between China Netcom Group and CNC China in proportion to the estimated costs incurred by China Netcom Group and CNC China in connection with the inbound international long distance voice services. |
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The rates of RMB 0.06 per minute and RMB 0.09 per minute mentioned above shall be adjusted with reference to the relevant standards, tariffs or policies promulgated by the relevant regulatory authorities in China from time to time.
China Netcom Group and CNC China shall carry out settlement on a monthly basis.
The Interconnection Settlement Agreement was entered into on October 8, 2004 and is valid until December 31, 2006. If CNC China notifies China Netcom Group at least three months prior to the expiration of the agreement of its intention to renew the agreement, the agreement can be renewed with the same terms for a further period of three years.
No caps are proposed in respect of the settlement of domestic and international long distance voice services for the following reasons:
(i) any growth in the demand for domestic and international long distance voice services will necessarily result in increased transaction volumes under the Interconnection Settlement Agreement, and such growth is outside our control. Any caps on these transactions will therefore potentially limit our ability to conduct or expand our business in the ordinary course; and | |
(ii) the settlement rates in respect of long distance voice services are determined with reference to the standard tariff or policies promulgated by the relevant regulatory authorities in China, which are subject to change from time to time and we are not in a position to set the settlement rates at our discretion. |
Property Leasing Agreement
CNC China entered into a Property Leasing Agreement with China Netcom Group under which:
| CNC China leases to China Netcom Group a total of 818 properties covering an aggregate site area of approximately 2,528 square meters and an aggregate floor area of approximately 149,989 square meters, located throughout our northern service region and our southern service region, for use as offices and other ancillary purposes; and | |
| China Netcom Group leases to CNC China a total of 35,199 properties covering an aggregate floor area of approximately 7,793,569 square meters, located throughout our northern service region and our southern service region, for use as offices, telecommunications equipment sites and other ancillary purposes. |
The Property Leasing Agreement was entered into on October 8, 2004, and is valid until December 31, 2006. If CNC China notifies China Netcom Group at least three months prior to the expiration of the agreement of its intention to renew the agreement, the agreement can be renewed with the same terms for a further period of three years.
The charges payable by CNC China and by China Netcom Group under the Property Leasing Agreement are based on market rates or the depreciation and maintenance charges in respect of each property, provided such depreciation and maintenance charges shall not be higher than the market rates. The charges are payable quarterly in arrears and are subject to review every year to take into account the then prevailing market rates. Sallmanns (Far East) Limited, our independent property valuer, has reviewed the Property Leasing Agreement, and has confirmed that the charges payable by CNC China under the Property Leasing Agreement are not higher than prevailing market rates.
For the three years ended December 31, 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004, CNC China only leased a small number of properties (less than 2,000 in each of the periods) from China Netcom Group and the rental charges CNC China paid to China Netcom Group amounted to RMB 21 million, RMB 39 million, RMB 48 million and RMB 12 million, respectively. For the same periods, the rental charges paid by China Netcom Group to CNC China for a small number of properties (less than 100 in each of the periods) amounted to RMB 1 million, RMB 1 million, RMB 4 million and RMB 2 million, respectively.
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As a result of our restructuring, many more properties must be leased from China Netcom Group to us (35,199 in total) and from us to China Netcom Group (818 in total). Based on the significant increase in number of properties leased by CNC China and China Netcom Group under the Property Leasing Agreement and the relevant current market rental for such properties, the total rental charges payable by CNC China to China Netcom Group in the financial year ending December 31, 2004 are not expected to exceed RMB 500 million, and that in each of the financial years ending December 31, 2004, 2005 or 2006 are not expected to exceed RMB 1 billion, and the total rental charges receivable by CNC China from China Netcom Group in the financial year ending December 31, 2004 are not expected to exceed RMB 25 million, and that in each of the financial years ending December 31, 2004, 2005 or 2006 are not expected to exceed RMB 50 million. Accordingly, these amounts have been set as the proposed caps for this connected transaction.
Property Sub-leasing Agreement
CNC China entered into a Property Sub-leasing Agreement with China Netcom Group under which China Netcom Group will sub-let to CNC China a total of 15,204 properties covering an aggregate site area of approximately 75,011 square meters and an aggregate floor area of approximately 681,037 square meters owned by and leased from independent third parties, for use as offices, telecommunications equipment sites and other ancillary purposes.
The amounts payable by CNC China under the Property Sub-leasing Agreement are the same as the rental charges and other fees (including management fees) payable by China Netcom Group to the relevant third parties.
The Property Sub-leasing Agreement was entered into on October 8, 2004 and is valid until December 31, 2006 or where the original lease agreements expire prior to December 31, 2006, the relevant sub-leasing arrangement under the Property Sub-leasing Agreement will terminate on the relevant expiry dates in respect of those properties. If CNC China notifies China Netcom Group at least three months prior to the expiration of the agreement of its intention to renew the agreement, the agreement can be renewed with the same terms for a further period of three years.
The above property sub-leasing arrangement did not exist during the three-year period ended December 31, 2003 and the six-month period ended June 30, 2004 and was put in place as a result of our restructuring. Based on the number of properties sub-let under the Property Sub-leasing Agreement and the rental charges and other fees payable under the underlying lease agreements, the total amount payable by CNC China to China Netcom Group for property sub-leasing in each of the financial years ending December 31, 2004, 2005 or 2006 is not expected to exceed RMB 150 million. Accordingly, this amount has been set as the proposed cap for this connected transaction.
Master Services Sharing Agreement
CNC China entered into a Master Services Sharing Agreement with China Netcom Group, under which:
(i) | CNC China will provide customer relationship management services for large enterprise customers of China Netcom Group; |
(ii) | CNC China will provide network management services to China Netcom Group; |
(iii) | CNC China will share with China Netcom Group the services provided by the administrative and managerial staff at the headquarters of CNC China in respect of the central management of the business operations, financial control, network operation and maintenance, human resources and other related matters of both CNC China and China Netcom Group; |
(iv) | CNC China will provide to China Netcom Group supporting services such as billing and settlement provided by the business support center; |
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(v) | China Netcom Group will provide to CNC China supporting services, including telephone card production, development and related services and IC card inter-provincial and inter-network clearing services; |
(vi) | China Netcom Group will provide to CNC China certain other shared services, including advertising, publicity, business hospitality, maintenance and property management; and |
(vii) | China Netcom Group will provide certain office space in Beijing to CNC China for use as its principal executive office. |
The services set out above are shared between CNC China and China Netcom Group on an on-going basis from time to time and the aggregate costs incurred by CNC China or China Netcom Group for the provision of such services will be apportioned proportionately between CNC China and China Netcom Group according to the annual revenues generated by each party.
The Master Services Sharing Agreement was entered into on October 8, 2004, and is valid until December 31, 2006. If CNC China notifies China Netcom Group at least three months prior to the expiration of the agreement of its intention to renew the agreement, the agreement can be renewed with the same terms for a further period of three years.
All of the above provision or sharing of services did not exist during the three-year period ended December 31, 2003 and the six-month period ended June 30, 2004 and were only entered into as a result of our restructuring. Based on the aggregate historical expenditures incurred for the provision of relevant services described above and the projected annual revenues of China Netcom Group and CNC China, the total amount receivable by CNC China from China Netcom Group in respect of services set out in (i) to (iv) above in each of the financial years ending December 31, 2004, 2005 or 2006 is not expected to exceed RMB 180 million and the total amount payable by CNC China to China Netcom Group in respect of services set out in (v) to (vii) above in each of the financial years ending December 31, 2004, 2005 or 2006 is not expected to exceed RMB 385 million. Accordingly, these amounts have been set as the proposed caps for this connected transaction.
Engineering and Information Technology Services Agreement
CNC China entered into an Engineering and Information Technology Services Agreement with China Netcom Group to govern the arrangements with respect to the provision of engineering and information technology-related services to CNC China by China Netcom Group. These services include:
| the provision of planning, surveying and design services in relation to telecommunications engineering projects; | |
| the provision of construction services in relation to telecommunications engineering projects; | |
| the provision of supervision services in relation to telecommunications engineering projects; and | |
| the provision of information technology services, including office automation, software testing, network upgrade, new business development and support system development. |
The charges payable for engineering and information technology-related services described above are determined with reference to market rates. In addition, where the value of any single item of engineering design or supervision-related services above exceeds RMB 0.5 million, or where the value of any single item of engineering construction related services exceeds RMB 2 million, the award of the engineering-related services shall be subject to tender.
The charges payable for engineering and information technology related services will be settled between CNC China and China Netcom Group as and when the relevant services are provided.
The Engineering and Information Technology Services Agreement was entered into on October 8, 2004, and is valid until December 31, 2006. If CNC China notifies China Netcom Group at least three months prior
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For the three years ended December 31, 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004, the service charges paid by CNC China to China Netcom Group amounted to RMB 2,538 million, RMB 2,939 million, RMB 3,231 million and RMB 885 million, respectively. Based on the historical service charges paid by CNC China to China Netcom Group for the year ended December 31, 2003 of RMB 3,231 million and the extent and volume of the engineering and information technology-related services CNC China expects China Netcom Group to provide, the total amount payable by CNC China to China Netcom Group for provision of engineering and information technology-related services in each of the financial years ending December 31, 2004, 2005 or 2006 is not expected to exceed RMB 3,450 million. Accordingly, this amount has been set as the proposed cap for this connected transaction.
Materials Procurement Agreement
CNC China entered into a Materials Procurement Agreement with China Netcom Group, under which:
(i) | CNC China may request China Netcom Group to act as its agent for the procurement of imported and domestic telecommunications equipment and other domestic non-telecommunications equipment; | |
(ii) | CNC China may purchase from China Netcom Group certain products, including cables, modems and yellow pages telephone directories; and | |
(iii) | China Netcom Group will provide to CNC China storage and transportation services related to the procurement and purchase of materials or equipment under the agreement. |
Commission and/or charges for the domestic materials procurement services referred to in (i) above shall not exceed the maximum rate of 3% of the contract value. Commission and/or charges for the above imported materials procurement services shall not exceed the maximum rate of 1% of the contract value. The price for the purchase of China Netcom Groups products referred to in (ii) above shall be determined with reference to the following principles and cannot exceed:
| the government-fixed price; | |
| where there is no government-fixed price but a government guidance price exists, the government guidance price; | |
| where there is neither a government-fixed price nor a government guidance price, the market price; or | |
| where none of the above is applicable, the price to be agreed between the relevant parties, which price shall be determined on a cost-plus basis. |
Commission charges for the storage and transportation services referred to in (iii) above are determined with reference to market rates.
Payments under the Materials Procurement Agreement will be made as and when the relevant equipment or products have been procured and delivered.
The Materials Procurement Agreement was entered into on October 8, 2004, and is valid until December 31, 2006. If CNC China notifies China Netcom Group at least three months prior to the expiration of the agreement of its intention to renew the agreement, the agreement can be renewed with the same terms for a further period of three years.
For the three years ended December 31, 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004, the historical volumes of sale and purchase of equipment and products amounted to RMB 5,038 million, RMB 4,282 million, RMB 4,103 million and RMB 1,198 million, respectively.
Prior to the restructuring, nearly all of the products and equipment purchased by CNC China from China Netcom Group were made as direct purchases, where the relevant products and materials were purchased by
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Ancillary Telecommunications Services Agreement
CNC China entered into an Ancillary Telecommunications Services Agreement with China Netcom Group to govern the arrangements with respect to the provision of ancillary telecommunications services to CNC China by China Netcom Group. These services include certain telecommunications pre-sale, on-sale and after-sale services such as assembling and repairing of certain telecommunications equipment, sales agency services, printing and invoice delivery services, maintenance of telephone booths and other customers services.
The charges payable for the services described above are determined with reference to the following principles and cannot exceed:
| the government-fixed price; | |
| where there is no government-fixed price but a government guidance price exists, the government guidance price; | |
| where there is neither a government-fixed price nor a government guidance price, the market price; or | |
| where none of the above is applicable, the price to be agreed between the relevant parties, which price shall be determined on a cost-plus basis. |
The service charges will be settled between CNC China and China Netcom Group as and when the relevant services are provided.
The Ancillary Telecommunications Services Agreement was entered into on October 8, 2004, and is valid until December 31, 2006. If CNC China notifies China Netcom Group at least three months prior to the expiration of the agreement of its intention to renew the agreement, the agreement can be renewed with the same terms for a further period of three years.
For the three years ended December 31, 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004, the service charges we paid to China Netcom Group for ancillary services amounted to RMB 944 million, RMB 1,302 million, RMB 1,788 million and RMB 439 million, respectively. Based on the historical service charges we paid to China Netcom Group for the year ended December 31, 2003 of RMB 1,788 million, and the estimated decrease in volume of the ancillary telecommunications services required from China Netcom Group as certain relevant operations of China Netcom Group were assumed by CNC China as a result of the restructuring, the total amount payable by CNC China to China Netcom Group for provision of ancillary telecommunications services in each of the financial years ending December 31, 2004, 2005 or 2006 is not expected to exceed RMB 1,550 million. Accordingly, this amount has been set as the proposed cap for this connected transaction.
Support Services Agreement
CNC China entered into a Support Services Agreement with China Netcom Group, under which China Netcom Group will provide CNC China with various support services, including equipment leasing and maintenance services, motor vehicles services, safety and security services, basic construction agency services, research and development services, employee training services and advertising services and other support services.
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The charges payable for the services described above are determined with reference to the following principles and cannot exceed:
| the government-fixed price; or | |
| where there is no government-fixed price but a government guidance price exists, the government guidance price; or | |
| where there is neither a government-fixed price nor a government guidance price, the market price; or | |
| where none of the above is applicable, the price to be agreed between the relevant parties, which price shall be determined on a cost-plus basis. |
The service charges will be settled between us and China Netcom Group as and when relevant services are provided.
The Support Services Agreement was entered into on October 8, 2004, and is valid until December 31, 2006. If CNC China notifies China Netcom Group at least three months prior to the expiration of the agreement of its intention to renew the agreement, the agreement can be renewed with the same terms for a further period of three years.
For the three years ended December 31, 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004, the support service charges CNC China paid to China Netcom Group amounted to RMB 780 million, RMB 984 million, RMB 1,015 million and RMB 321 million, respectively. Based on the historical service charges CNC China paid to China Netcom Group for the year ended December 31, 2003 of RMB 1,015 million, the extent and volume of the support services CNC China expects China Netcom Group to provide, and the estimated future increase in demand of such support services, the total amount payable by CNC China to China Netcom Group for provision of support services in each of the financial years ending December 31, 2004, 2005 or 2006 is not expected to exceed RMB 1,250 million. Accordingly, this amount has been set as the proposed cap for this connected transaction.
Telecommunications Facilities Leasing Agreement
CNC China entered into a Telecommunications Facilities Leasing Agreement with China Netcom Group, under which:
| China Netcom Group leases inter-provincial fiber-optic cables within our northern and southern service regions to CNC China; and | |
| China Netcom Group leases certain international telecommunications resources (including international telecommunications channel gateways, international telecommunications service gateways, international submarine cable capacity, international land cables and international satellite facilities) to CNC China. |
The rental charges for the leasing of inter-provincial fiber-optic cables and international telecommunications resources are based on the annual depreciation charges of such fiber-optic cables and resources.
The rental charges and the service charges will be settled between CNC China and China Netcom Group on a quarterly basis.
The Telecommunications Facilities Leasing Agreement was entered into on October 8, 2004, and is valid until December 31, 2006. If CNC China notifies China Netcom Group at least three months prior to the expiration of the agreement of its intention to renew the agreement, the agreement can be renewed with the same terms for a further period of three years.
The above telecommunications facilities leasing arrangement did not exist during the three-year period ended December 31, 2003 and the six-month period ended June 30, 2004 and was put into place as a result of our restructuring. Based on the estimated annual depreciation charges and the expected telecommunications facilities required to be leased from China Netcom Group, the total amount payable by CNC China to China Netcom Group under this leasing arrangement in each of the financial years ending December 31, 2004, 2005
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Continuing Related Party Transactions Relating to Asia Netcom
Prior to the restructuring, East Asia Netcom Limited, or EANL, which owns the East Asia Crossing Submarine Cable System, or the submarine network, was a wholly owned subsidiary of Asia Netcom. Asia Netcom has entered into contractual commitments with third party customers to sell long-term capacity and to lease capacity on the submarine network. Following the restructuring, EANL is no longer a subsidiary of Asia Netcom but instead has become an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of our ultimate controlling shareholder, China Netcom Group. As a result, Asia Netcom and its subsidiaries no longer own sufficient telecommunications capacity to enable them to fully meet their contractual commitments to their customers and to capture fully the business opportunities that may be made available to Asia Netcom and its subsidiaries in the future. As a result, Asia Netcom has been required to purchase and lease capacity from EANL. After the restructuring, the employees who previously maintained the submarine network remained as employees of Asia Netcom and its subsidiaries. Since the submarine network will require the continuing support of these personnel, it has become necessary for Asia Netcom to enter into a management services agreement with EANL. EANL continues to own but not operate the submarine network. Asia Netcom operates such network. The Capacity Purchase Agreement, the Capacity Lease Agreement and the Management Services Agreement are described below.
Capacity Purchase Agreement
Our subsidiary, Asia Netcom, entered into a Capacity Purchase Agreement with EANL on June 30, 2004, under which Asia Netcom and its subsidiaries will receive from EANL and its subsidiaries a certain amount of long-term telecommunications capacity on the submarine network.
The purchased capacity consists of:
| a fixed amount of capacity on the submarine network to be activated on indicated routes between specified system end points on the date of the Capacity Purchase Agreement, or the initial purchase capacity; | |
| an additional amount of capacity up to a maximum figure to be activated upon written notice to EANL on a segment-by-segment basis or customer-by-customer basis, or the overhang purchase capacity; and | |
| further additional amount of capacity that may be ordered within a period of three years following the date of the Capacity Purchase Agreement, or the further additional purchase capacity; |
The term of the Capacity Purchase Agreement commences from June 30, 2004 and expires between June 29, 2019 and June 29, 2029, depending on the segment that has been activated.
The charges payable by Asia Netcom to EANL for the initial purchase capacity are approximately US$16.6 million and charges payable for the overhang purchase capacity activated will be calculated on a per-unit capacity basis at a rate of US$93,224 per unit of capacity. These charges are based on market rates determined by reference to a similar transaction between Asia Netcom and a third party in January 2004 (the Benchmark Transaction) duly adjusted to take into account of advance receipt of payment prior to the delivery of the capacity. The charges payable for the initial purchase capacity and the charges payable for each lot of segments of overhang purchase capacity activated will be paid in two installments upfront.
The pricing of the further additional purchase capacity shall be determined between Asia Netcom and EANL prior to the placement of the actual order for such capacity.
Any segment that has been activated can be exchanged for alternative segment or segments of capacity of equal or greater value anywhere on the submarine network on payment of the difference in value of the segments to be determined on the basis of fair market value at the date of the exchange.
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In addition to the above charges, Asia Netcom shall pay EANL an annual operation and maintenance fee equal to 4% of the total charges payable by Asia Netcom to EANL for the capacity activated and ordered under the Capacity Purchase Agreement (in so far as such capacity has not been terminated), which is based on current market rate.
The Capacity Purchase Agreement is valid from June 30, 2004, and shall remain in full force and effect until (i) the end of the contract term for any segment of capacity activated, or if earlier, (ii) such time as the agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms.
Based on current contractual commitments of Asia Netcom and its subsidiaries and the projected long term capacity demand from the customers of Asia Netcom and its subsidiaries, it is expected that the total amount payable by Asia Netcom to EANL under the Capacity Purchase Agreement in each of the financial year will not exceed US$31 million. Accordingly this amount has been set as the proposed cap for this transaction.
Capacity Lease Agreement
Asia Netcom entered into a Capacity Lease Agreement with EANL on June 30, 2004, under which:
(i) Asia Netcom and its subsidiaries will lease from EANL and its subsidiaries a fixed amount of capacity on EANLs telecommunications network or the initial lease capacity; | |
(ii) Asia Netcom may order (for and on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries) from EANL and its subsidiaries an amount of capacity in addition to the initial lease capacity, or the additional lease capacity; | |
(iii) EANL and its subsidiaries shall permit Asia Netcom or any of its respective subsidiaries to |
(1) | interconnect the communications system of Asia Netcom and such subsidiaries with the amount of capacity leased under this agreement; and | |
(2) | connect such amount of capacity to the facilities of the backhaul suppliers and/or local exchange carrier of Asia Netcom or its subsidiaries; |
(iv) upon request by Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its respective subsidiaries), EANL and its subsidiaries shall use their best efforts to provide to Asia Netcom or its respective subsidiaries with local connectivity with end-users in jurisdictions where Asia Netcom or its respective subsidiaries are not otherwise authorized to provide services in such jurisdictions. |
Any segment that has been activated can be exchanged for alternative segment or segments of capacity of equal or greater value anywhere on the submarine network on payment of the difference in value of the segments to be determined on the basis of fair market value at the date of the exchange.
The charges payable by Asia Netcom to EANL for the initial lease capacity are approximately US$1.7 million each quarter which are determined based on market rates by reference to the Benchmark Transaction described above, as adjusted to take into account the particular circumstances under the Capacity Lease Agreement. The pricing for any additional lease capacity shall be agreed by Asia Netcom and EANL prior to the placement of the actual order for such capacity. These charges shall be payable quarterly in arrears.
The charges payable by Asia Netcom to EANL for making the connections referred to in (iii) above shall be the pro rata share of reasonable and actual expenses incurred by EANL in making such connections.
The charges payable by Asia Netcom to EANL for local connectivity referred to in (iv) above shall be EANLs lowest wholesale price, without discount. In the case where such connectivity is provided by an unrelated carrier, the charges payable by Asia Netcom to EANL shall equal the amount charged to EANL by such unrelated carrier, without surcharge. Such charges for local connectivity shall be payable quarterly in arrears.
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The Capacity Lease Agreement, as amended on October 6, 2004, is valid from June 30, 2004 to December 31, 2006. Asia Netcom may, at its option, extend the term of the agreement on fair market value pricing terms to be mutually agreed between Asia Netcom and EANL for one further three-year period by delivering a written notice to EANL no later than three months in advance of the expiration of the agreement.
Based on current contractual commitments of Asia Netcom and its subsidiaries and projected capacity demand from the customers of Asia Netcom and its subsidiaries, it is expected that the total amount payable by Asia Netcom to EANL for services rendered above in each of the financial years ending December 31, 2004, 2005 or 2006 will not exceed US$11 million. Accordingly, this amount has been set as the proposed cap for this transaction.
Management Services Agreement
Asia Netcom entered into a Management Services Agreement with EANL on June 30, 2004, pursuant to which Asia Netcom and its subsidiaries will provide EANL and its subsidiaries with certain services, including:
(i) government and corporate affairs services in all jurisdictions to which EANL and its subsidiaries do business; | |
(ii) treasury services; | |
(iii) financial reporting, advisory and auditing services; | |
(iv) information technology services; | |
(v) legal and corporate secretarial services; | |
(vi) comprehensive income and franchise tax services; | |
(vii) the calculation and arrangement for payment of various sums on behalf of EANL and its subsidiaries; and |
(viii) | comprehensive engineering and operation services in relation to the submarine network. |
The Management Services Agreement, as amended on October 6, 2004, is valid from June 30, 2004 to December 31, 2006.
The charges payable for the services described in (i) to (vi) and (viii) above are determined on the basis of costs plus reasonable profits, but shall not exceed the market price for the provision of such services.
The charges payable for the services described in (vii) above are the amounts required to reimburse all payments made by Asia Netcom and its subsidiaries on behalf of EANL and its subsidiaries in performing such services.
Based on the extent and volume of the services EANL and its subsidiaries expect Asia Netcom and its subsidiaries to provide, it is expected that the total amount receivable by Asia Netcom from EANL for services rendered above in each of the financial years ending December 31, 2004, 2005 or 2006 will not exceed US$12 million. Accordingly, this amount has been set as the proposed cap for this transaction.
Proposed caps
In respect of the transactions under Continuing Related Party Transactions Relating to CNC China and Continuing Related Party Transactions Relating to Asia Netcom where proposed caps have been set, the proposed cap represents the maximum aggregate annual value of consideration payable under the relevant transaction. Under Rule 14A.36 of the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, if the proposed cap for a transaction is exceeded, we will be required to comply with the reporting, announcement or independent shareholders approval requirements under the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in respect of that transaction.
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Independence from China Netcom Group
Having considered the following factors, we are satisfied that we can conduct our business independently of China Netcom Group and its associates after the global offering:
| Independence of boards and management. Our board of directors will function independently of China Netcom Group. Although some of our directors are from China Netcom Group, we have five independent non-executive directors. In addition, the senior management of the operating subsidiaries within China Netcom Group and us will be independent of each other. | |
| Non-competition undertaking. As stated in Non-competition Agreement above, our directors believe that we will not face competition, directly or indirectly, from China Netcom Group. | |
| Our fixed-line network. We own the fixed-line telephone networks that are the primary assets required to conduct our business. Certain assets that we need for our operations are owned by and leased from China Netcom Group. Some of these assets (such as the international gateway) cannot be transferred to us due to PRC regulatory restrictions. Other assets that we lease from China Netcom Group are not as significant to us as the fixed-line network. The lease of assets from China Netcom Group is governed by agreements entered into on an arms length basis and we believe the terms and conditions of such agreements are fair and reasonable to us. | |
| Support from China Netcom Group. As stated in Undertakings above, China Netcom Group agreed to provide continuous support to us, including in relation to the universal service obligations. We believe that such support from China Netcom Group will enhance our future development. | |
| Continuing transactions with China Netcom Group. China Netcom Group will continue to operate its fixed-line telecommunications networks and provide telecommunications services in other provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in China that are outside our northern and southern service regions. As another operator in the PRC telecommunications market and as our parent company that retained certain businesses and associated assets and liabilities following our restructuring, various continuing transactions were entered into between China Netcom Group and us. These transactions are governed by agreements entered into on an arms length basis and with terms and conditions that are fair and reasonable to us. | |
| Alternative source of supply. Save for certain services and facilities provided by China Netcom Group for which we have limited alternative sources of supply, such as the leasing of inter-provincial fiber-optic cables, we are free to choose any alternative sources of supply for similar services and facilities from independent third parties or appoint any independent third parties to act as agent for any procurements of similar services and facilities. |
Application for Waivers
Following completion of the global offering, we will continue the transactions described under Continuing Related Party Transactions above. The transactions will, upon listing of our shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, constitute continuing related party transactions pursuant to the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. In the opinion of our Directors, including our Independent Non-Executive Directors, the continuing related party transactions set out under Continuing Related Party Transactions Relating to CNC China and Continuing Related Party Transactions Relating to Asia Netcom above are in our ordinary and usual course of business, on normal commercial terms, fair and reasonable and in the interests of the shareholders of our company as a whole, and that the proposed annual caps for these continuing related party transactions referred to above are fair and reasonable.
It is expected that, for each of the transactions under the Property Leasing Agreement, the Property Sub-leasing Agreement, the Master Services Sharing Agreement, the Materials Procurement Agreement, the Support Services Agreement, the Telecommunications Facilities Leasing Agreement, the Capacity Purchase Agreement, the Capacity Lease Agreement and the Management Services Agreement, the highest of the percentage ratios (other than the profits ratio) calculated by reference to Rule 14.07 of the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, where applicable, on the basis of projections for the years 2004 to 2006
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It is also expected that the transactions under each of the Engineering and Information Technology Services Agreement and the Ancillary Telecommunications Services Agreement will constitute non-exempt continuing related party transactions pursuant to Rule 14A.35 of the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and accordingly such transactions will be subject to the reporting and announcement requirements set out in Rules 14A.45 to 14A.47 of the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the independent shareholders approval requirements set out in Rule 14A.48 of the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Pursuant to the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, each of the transactions outlined under Continuing Related Party Transactions above (including transactions under the Interconnection Settlement Agreement), unless exemptions provided for in the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange are available, would normally need to comply with the announcement requirements under Rule 14A.35(3), and for transactions under the Engineering and Information Technology Services Agreement and the Ancillary Telecommunications Services Agreement, also with the independent shareholders approval requirements under Rule 14A.35(4), on each occasion such transaction arises. As the transactions are expected to occur on a regular and continuous basis in the ordinary and usual course of business, our Directors (including the independent Non-Executive Directors) believe that announcement and approval of them in full compliance with the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange would be unduly burdensome, impracticable and add additional administrative costs. Accordingly, we have requested the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to grant, and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange has indicated that it will grant, a waiver under Rule 14A.42(3) of the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to us from compliance with the announcement requirements and the independent shareholders approval requirements (if applicable) relating to continuing related party transactions under the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in respect of each of the transactions described under Continuing Related Party Transactions above (including transactions under the Interconnection Settlement Agreement). In addition, we will comply with the applicable provisions set out in Chapter 14A of the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in relation to the continuing related party transactions.
Further, under Rule 14A.35(1) of the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, a continuing related party transactions that is not fully exempted must be governed by an agreement for a fixed period not exceeding three years unless there are special circumstances requiring a longer duration. China International Capital Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited, Citigroup Global Markets Asia Limited and Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C., our sponsors for the Hong Kong public offering, and our Directors are of the view that special circumstances requiring a longer duration exist in this case. It is a telecommunications industry practice to buy and sell capacity with terms that may extend up to 25 years in order to on-sell or otherwise service the demand of international telecommunications customers. Further, it is common for the capacity purchase price to be paid in advance rather than through periodic payments spread over the relevant term. As such, a purchase of a unit of capacity is booked from an accounting perspective as an acquisition of an intangible asset, which is usually amortized over a period of between 15 to 25 years. In addition, Asia Netcom and its subsidiaries have contracted with third party customers to provide long-term capacity. As Asia Netcom and its subsidiaries do not own sufficient telecommunications capacity to enable them to fully discharge such contractual commitments, it is desirable for Asia Netcom and its subsidiaries to secure long-term back-to-back capacity purchase contracts to fulfill their contractual commitments. Asia Netcom also intends to acquire additional long-term telecommunication capacity after the date of the Capacity Purchase Agreement to capture projected growth in demand for capacity. Having regard to the above, our Directors are of the opinion that the proposed length of the term of the Capacity Purchase Agreement is appropriate and that it is normal business practice for agreements of this type to be of such duration.
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In addition, under Rule 14A.35(2) of the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, in respect of a continuing connected transaction which is not fully exempted, a cap must be set and disclosed. We believe that special circumstances exist in the case of the Interconnection Settlement Agreement and no cap is imposed on the transactions under this agreement. Transaction volumes under the Interconnection Settlement Agreement depend on customer usage and are beyond our control. Also, any caps on these transactions will potentially limit our companys ability to conduct or expand its business in the ordinary course.
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DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL
Set forth below is a summary of certain information relating to our shares, including a brief summary of certain provisions of our memorandum and articles of association and the Companies Ordinance (Chapter 32 of the Laws of Hong Kong), or the Companies Ordinance. Because this is a summary, it does not contain all the detailed information that may be important to you. For further details, you should read our memorandum and articles of association, which are on file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. To find out where you can obtain copies of this document, see Where You Can Find More Information.
General
We were incorporated in Hong Kong on October 22, 1999 under the Companies Ordinance as a private limited liability company with an authorized share capital of HK$10,000.00 consisting of 10,000 ordinary shares, each with par value of HK$1.00 per share. These 10,000 ordinary shares were issued and credited as fully paid. On December 30, 2000, we increased our authorized share capital by US$4,309,671.27 through the creation of 400,000,000 additional ordinary shares, with par value of US$0.01 per share, and 30,967,127 Series A preference shares, each with par value of US$0.01 per share. 200,000,000 of such ordinary shares were issued and credited as fully paid. Our Series A preference shares were all issued and credited as fully paid. We subsequently repurchased and cancelled HK$10,000.00 of our issued share capital consisting of 10,000 ordinary shares of HK$1.00 each.
Pursuant to written resolutions of our shareholders dated September 1, 2004, our authorized share capital was increased to US$1,000,000,000, divided into 100,000,000,000 shares of par value US$0.01 each, and a further 21,769,032,873 ordinary shares were issued and credited as fully paid. All of our outstanding 30,967,127 Series A preference shares were converted into 30,967,127 ordinary shares of US$0.01 each. In addition, options to subscribe for an aggregate of 158,640,000 ordinary shares were outstanding under our share options scheme as of October , 2004.
On September 7, 2004, 100,000,000,000 ordinary shares of US$0.01 each in our authorized share capital (including both issued and unissued share capital) were consolidated into 25,000,000,000 ordinary shares of US$0.04 each. As a result of this consolidation, our issued share capital comprises 5,500,000,000 ordinary shares of par value US$0.04 each.
All of our shares are fully paid and non-assessable. Certificates representing the shares are issued in registered form. Our shareholders may freely hold and vote their shares. The shares are not entitled to any sinking fund or redemption rights.
Issuance of Shares
Under the Companies Ordinance, our directors may, without prior approval of our shareholders, offer to issue new shares in our company to existing shareholders on a pro rata basis. The directors may not issue new shares of our company in any other manner without the prior approval of our shareholders in a general meeting. Any approval given in a general meeting shall continue in force until the earliest to occur of the following events:
| the conclusion of the following annual general meeting; | |
| the expiration of the period within which the next annual general meeting is required by law to be held; or | |
| when revoked or varied by an ordinary resolution of our shareholders in a general meeting of our company. |
If such approval is given, the unissued shares of our company shall be at the disposal of the board of directors. The directors may offer, allot, grant options over or otherwise dispose of the unissued shares to persons at such times and for such consideration and upon such terms and conditions as the directors may determine.
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In accordance with the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, any such approval of the shareholders must be limited to shares with an aggregate nominal value not exceeding 20% of the aggregate value of our share capital in issue plus the aggregate nominal amount of share capital repurchased by us since the granting of such approval. On September 30, 2004, our shareholders granted our directors a general mandate to issue up to 20% of our share capital in issue as at that date (to be increased by shares repurchased by us after that date up to a maximum of 10% of our share capital in issue as at that date).
On December 31, 2000, we issued 1,999,999 ordinary shares to CNC BVI and one ordinary share to CNC Cayman, Limited for US$0.01 per ordinary share.
During the period from February 7, 2001 to February 12, 2001, we issued:
| 6,400,000 ordinary shares to various former employees of China Netcom Holdings for RMB 1.00 per ordinary share; | |
| 30,967,127 Series A preference shares to CNC Fund for US$10.495 per share; and | |
| 191,600,000 ordinary shares to CNC BVI for US$0.01 per ordinary share, for which we received consideration in the form of CNC BVIs equity interests in CNC China. |
On September 1, 2004, we issued 21,769,032,873 ordinary shares to CNC BVI, for which we received consideration in the form of assets and liabilities transferred to us from CNC BVI.
Resolutions of our shareholders
Resolutions were passed by our shareholders on September 3, 2004 and September 30, 2004 pursuant to which, among other matters, our shareholders:
| approved our listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange; | |
| approved the issuance of shares and the granting of the over-allotment option of up to 20%; | |
| authorized the directors in a general mandate to repurchase 10% of our shares outstanding immediately following completion of the global offering; and | |
| adopted the share option plan. |
Board of Directors
Qualification of directors
Our directors are not required to hold any qualification shares. No person is required to vacate office or is ineligible for re-election or reappointment as a director, and no person is ineligible for appointment as a director, by reason only of his having attained any particular age.
Proceedings of directors
Our board of directors may meet together for the conduct of our business as they see fit. Unless otherwise determined, a quorum for any meeting in order to conduct our business shall constitute two directors. Any matters arising at any meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes. In case of any equality of votes, the chairman of the meeting shall have the ability to cast a second vote. Any of our directors, or our company secretary, may at any time call for a meeting of directors. Our directors are authorized to meet either in person or through other electronic media as they see fit.
Borrowing powers
Our board of directors may from time to time in its discretion exercise all the powers of our company to raise or borrow or to secure the payment of any sum or sums of money for us and to mortgage or charge our properties or any part thereof. Our board of directors may raise or secure the payment or repayment of such sum or sums in such manner and upon such terms and conditions in all respects as they see fit and, in
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Directors remuneration
Our directors are entitled to receive by way of remuneration for their services such sum as is from time to time determined by us in a general meeting. Such sum (unless otherwise directed by the resolution by which it is voted) is to be divided among our directors in such proportions and in such manner as our board may agree, or failing agreement, equally, except that in such event any director holding office for less than the whole of the relevant period in respect of which the remuneration is paid shall only rank in such division in proportion to the time during such period for which he has held office. Our directors are also entitled to be repaid their reasonable traveling, hotel and other expenses reasonably incurred by them respectively in or about the performance of their duties as directors, including their expenses of traveling to and from board meetings, committee meetings or general meetings or otherwise incurred when engaged on the business of our company or on the discharge of their duties as directors. Our directors may award special remuneration to any director who performs services that, in the opinion of our directors, are outside the scope of the ordinary duties of a director.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the remuneration of a managing director, joint managing director, deputy managing director or other executive director or a director appointed to any other office in the management of our company is fixed from time to time by our board and may be by way of salary, commission or participation in profits or otherwise or by all or any of those modes and with such other benefits (including pension and/or gratuity and/or other benefits on retirement) and allowances as our board may from time to time decide. Such remuneration is in addition to his remuneration as a director.
Directors interests
Under our articles of association, no director or intended director is disqualified from contracting with us, nor is any contract or arrangement entered into by or on behalf of us with any director or any firm or company in which any director is in any way interested required to be avoided, nor is any director so contracting or being so interested be liable to account to us for any profit, remuneration or other benefits realized by any such contract or arrangement by reason only of such director holding that office or of any fiduciary relationship thereby established, provided that such director shall disclose the nature of his interest in any contract or arrangement in which he is interested at the meeting of the board of directors at which the question of entering into the contract or arrangement is first taken into consideration, if he knows his interest then exists, or in any other case at the first meeting of the board of directors after he knows that he is or has become so interested.
In addition, a director shall not vote or be counted in the quorum in respect of any contract, arrangement or other proposal in which he or any of his associates (as defined in the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange) is to his knowledge materially interested, and if he does so his vote will not be counted. However, this prohibition does not apply to any contract, arrangement or other proposal relating to:
| the giving of any security or indemnity either (a) to the director or his associates in respect of money lent or obligations incurred or undertaken by him or any of them at our request or for our benefit or (b) to a third party in respect of our debt or obligation for which the director or his associates has himself or themselves assumed responsibility or guaranteed or secured in whole or in part and whether alone or jointly; | |
| an offer of shares or debentures or other securities of or by us or any other company which we may promote or be interested in for subscription or purchase where the director or his associates are or are to be interested as a participant in the underwriting or sub-underwriting of the offer; | |
| any other company in which the director or his associates are interested, whether directly or indirectly, as an officer or a shareholder or in which the director or his associates are beneficially interested other than a company in which the director and any of his associates are beneficially interested in 5% or |
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more of the issued shares or any class of the equity share capital of such company (or of any third company through which his interest or that of his associates is derived) or of the voting rights attached to such issued shares; | ||
| the benefits of our employees, including (a) the adoption, modification or operation of any employees share scheme involving the issue or grant of options over shares or other securities by us to, or for the benefit of, our employees under which the director or his associates may benefit or (b) the adoption, modification or operation of a pension fund or retirement, death or disability benefits scheme which relates both to directors, their respective associates and our employees and does not give the directors or their respective associates any privilege not generally accorded to the class of persons to whom such scheme or fund relates; and/ or | |
| any contract or arrangement in which the director or his associates are interested in the same manner as our other holders of shares or debentures or other securities by virtue only of their interest in our shares or debentures or other securities. |
A director may continue to be or become a director, managing director, joint managing director, executive director, manager or other officer or member of any other company in which we are interested and (unless otherwise agreed) no such director is accountable for any remuneration or other benefits received by him as a director, managing director, joint managing director, executive director, manager or other officer or member of any such other company.
Our board of directors may exercise the voting powers conferred by the shares in any other company held or owned by us, or exercisable by it as directors of such other company in such manner as in all respects it thinks fit (including the exercise thereof in favor of any resolution appointing themselves or any of them directors, managing directors, joint managing directors, executive directors, managers or other officers of such company) and any director may vote in favor of the exercise of such voting rights in such manner notwithstanding that he may be, or be about to be, appointed a director, managing director, joint managing director, executive director, manager or other officer of such a company, and that as such he is or may become interested in the exercise of such voting rights in such manner. Any of our directors may be or become a director of any company promoted by us or in which we may be interested as a vendor, shareholder or otherwise and no such director will be accountable for any benefits received as a director or member of such company. None of our directors or their firms may act as auditor to us.
Dividends
Subject to the Companies Ordinance, the shareholders in a general meeting may from time to time, by ordinary resolution, declare dividends to be paid to shareholders. However, dividends will not be declared in excess of the amount recommended by the board of directors. In addition, no dividend is payable except out of our profits or other distributable reserves.
Unless and to the extent that the rights attached to any shares or the terms of issue thereof otherwise provide, all dividends will be apportioned and paid pro rata according to the amounts paid on the shares during any portion or portions of the period in respect of which the dividend is paid, but no amount paid on a share in advance of calls shall be treated as paid on the share. Our board of directors may retain any dividends or other monies payable on or in respect of a share on which we have a lien, and may apply the same in or towards satisfaction of the debts or liabilities in respect of which the lien exists. In addition, our board of directors may deduct from any dividend or bonus payable to any shareholder all sums of money (if any) presently payable by the shareholder to our company on account of calls, installments or otherwise.
In respect of any dividend which our board of directors has resolved to pay or any dividend declared or sanctioned or proposed to be declared or sanctioned by our board of directors or by our company in general meeting, our board of directors may determine and announce, prior to or contemporaneously with the announcement, a declaration or sanction of the dividend in question: (a) that our shareholders entitled will receive, in lieu of such dividend (or such part thereof as our board of directors may decide), an allotment of shares credited as fully paid provided that the shareholders are at the same time accorded the right to elect to
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We may upon the recommendation of our board of directors by ordinary resolution resolve in respect of any one particular dividend that it may be satisfied wholly in the form of an allotment of shares credited as fully paid up without offering any right to our shareholders to elect to receive such dividend in cash in lieu of such allotment.
Whenever our board of directors or our company in general meeting has resolved that a dividend be paid or declared, our board of directors may further resolve that such dividend be satisfied wholly or in part by the distribution of specific assets of any kind.
All dividends or bonuses unclaimed for one year after having become payable may be invested or otherwise made use of by our directors for our benefit until claimed, and all dividends unclaimed for six years after having become payable may be forfeited by our directors and will revert to us. The payment into a separate account of any monies payable in respect of a dividend will not render us a trustee for any person.
Winding Up
If we are wound up, the liquidator may, with the sanction of a special resolution, divide among our shareholders in specie or kind the whole or any part of our assets or vest any part of our assets in trusts for the benefit of our shareholders or any of them as the resolution shall provide. Any such resolution may provide for and sanction a distribution of any specific assets among the different classes of shareholders otherwise than in accordance with their existing rights. However, each shareholder shall have a right of dissent under the Companies Ordinance.
General Meetings
Under our articles of association, we are required to hold a general meeting as our annual general meeting in addition to any other meeting during that year. Our general meeting shall be held no more than 15 months after the holding or our last annual general meeting. All other general meetings shall be called extraordinary general meetings. Our directors may whenever they see fit convene extraordinary general meetings.
Under the Companies Ordinance, an annual general meeting and any meeting called for the passing of a special resolution shall be called in writing and with no less than 21 days notice. Any other general meetings shall be called in writing and with no less than 14 days notice. The notice will specify the place, date and time of the meeting, and in the case of special business, the nature of the special business. The accidental omission by us to give notice of a meeting to, or the non-receipt of notice of a meeting by, a shareholder will not invalidate the proceedings at that meeting.
Subject to any special rights, privileges or restrictions as to voting for the time being attached to any class or classes of shares, every shareholder who (being an individual) is present in person or (being a corporation) is present by a representative duly authorized under the Companies Ordinance at any general meeting shall be entitled, on a show of hands, to one vote only and, on a poll, to one vote for every fully paid-up share of which he is the holder.
No business except for the election of a chairman of the meeting will be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum is present. Under our articles of association, two shareholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote shall be a quorum for all purposes.
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Voting Rights
Under the Companies Ordinance, any action to be taken by the shareholders in a general meeting requires the affirmative vote of either an ordinary or a special resolution passed at such meeting. Resolutions are classified as:
| an ordinary resolution, which is a resolution passed by the majority of shareholders that are entitled to, and do, vote in person or by proxy at a general meeting; or | |
| a special resolution, which is a resolution passed by not less than three-fourths of shareholders that are entitled to, and do, vote in person or by proxy at a general meeting. |
Generally, resolutions of shareholders are passed by ordinary resolution. However, the Companies Ordinance provides that some matters may only be passed as special resolutions. These matters include:
| alteration of the object clause; | |
| alteration of the articles of association; | |
| change of a companys name; | |
| reduction of share capital; and | |
| voluntary winding up. |
Voting at any meeting of shareholders is by a show of hands unless a poll is demanded. If voting is by a show of hands, every shareholder who is present at the meeting in person or by proxy has one vote. On a poll, every shareholder who is present in person or by proxy has one vote for every share held or represented by him. A poll may be demanded in some circumstances by:
| the chairman of the meeting; | |
| at least three shareholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting; | |
| shareholders present in person or by proxy who represent in the aggregate not less than 10% of the total voting rights of all shareholders having the right to attend and vote at the meeting; or | |
| shareholders present in person or by proxy and holding shares conferring a right to attend and vote at the meeting on which there have been paid up sums in the aggregate equal to not less than 10% of the total sum paid up on all shares conferring that right. |
In accordance with the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, a vote of shareholders taken at a general meeting to approve certain matters must be taken on a poll. These matters include:
| connected transactions; | |
| transactions that are subject to independent shareholders (as defined under the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange) approval; | |
| the granting of share options to a substantial shareholder or an independent non-executive director of our company, or any of their respective associates; and | |
| transactions in which a shareholder has a material interest and is required to abstain from voting at the general meeting. |
Any action to be taken by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of the requisite majority of the shares at a meeting of shareholders. There are no cumulative voting rights. Accordingly, the holders of a majority of the shares voting for the election of directors can elect all the directors if they choose to do so.
Modification of Rights
All or any of the special rights attached to any class of shares (unless otherwise provided for by the terms of issue of the shares of that class) for the time being in issue may, subject to the provisions of the
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Transfer of Shares
Under our articles of association, the instrument of transfer of any of our shares shall be in writing in the usual common form or in such other form as the board of directors may accept and may be under hand only or, if the transferor or transferee is a recognized clearing house, by hand or by machine imprinted signature or by such other manner of execution as our board of directors may approve from time to time and shall be executed by or on behalf of the transferor and by or on behalf of the transferee. The transferor remains the holder of the shares concerned until the name of the transferee is entered in the register in respect thereof.
Our directors may, subject to the Companies Ordinance, at any time in their absolute discretion and without assigning any reason therefor decline to register any transfer of any share (not being a fully paid-up share). If our directors refuse to register a transfer they shall, within two months after the date on which the transfer was lodged with us, send to the transferor and transferee notice of the refusal.
Our directors may also decline to register any transfer unless:
| the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of share; | |
| in the case of a transfer to joint holders, the number of transferees does not exceed four; | |
| the shares concerned are free of any lien in favor of us; | |
| the instrument of transfer is properly stamped; | |
| such other conditions as our directors may from time to time impose for the purpose of guarding against losses arising from forgery are satisfied; | |
| a fee not exceeding the maximum fee prescribed or permitted from time to time by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange is paid to our company; | |
| the instrument of transfer is accompanied by the certificate of the shares to which it relates, and such other evidence as our board of directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer. |
No transfer may be made to an infant or to a person of unsound mind or under other legal disability.
Miscellaneous
Our shareholders are not entitled to any redemption rights, conversion rights or preemptive rights on the transfer of our securities. The transfer agent and registrar for our shares is Citibank, N.A. Hong Kong Branch. The transfer agents address is 10/F, Harbour Front II, Tak Fung Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Differences in Corporate Law
The Companies Ordinance differs from laws applicable to U.S. corporations and their shareholders. Set forth below is a summary of the significant differences between the provisions of the Companies Ordinance applicable to us and the Delaware General Corporation Law, or Delaware Law, applicable to most companies incorporated in the United States and their shareholders.
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Duties of directors
Directors owe a fiduciary duty to the company to act in good faith in their dealings with or on behalf of the company and exercise their powers and fulfill the duties of their office honestly. This duty has four essential elements:
| a duty to act in good faith and in the best interests of the company; | |
| a duty not to personally profit from opportunities that arise from the office of director; | |
| a duty to avoid conflicts of interest; and | |
| a duty to exercise powers for the purpose for which such powers were intended. |
In general, the Companies Ordinance imposes various duties on officers of a company with respect to certain matters of management and administration of the company. However, in many circumstances, an individual shall only be liable if he knowingly is guilty of the default or knowingly and willfully authorizes or permits the default.
The Companies Ordinance does not have any provision that restricts us from indemnifying our directors and officers.
Under Delaware law, the business and affairs of a corporation are managed by or under the direction of its board of directors. In exercising their powers, directors are charged with a fiduciary duty of care to protect the interests of the corporation and a fiduciary duty of loyalty to act in the best interest of its stockholders. The duty of care requires that directors act in an informed and deliberative manner and inform themselves, prior to making a business decision, of all material information reasonably available to them. The duty of care also requires that directors exercise care in overseeing and investigating the conduct of corporate employees. The duty of loyalty may be summarized as the duty to act in good faith, not out of self-interest, and in a manner which the director reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the stockholders.
Under Delaware law, a party challenging the propriety of a decision of a board of directors bears the burden of rebutting the applicability of the presumptions afforded to directors by the business judgment rule. If the presumption is not rebutted, the business judgment rule attaches to protect the directors and their decisions, and their business judgments will not be second guessed. Where, however, the presumption is rebutted, the directors bear the burden of demonstrating the entire fairness of the relevant transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Delaware courts subject directors conduct to enhanced scrutiny in respect of defensive actions taken in response to threats to corporate control and approval of a transaction resulting in a sale of control of the corporation.
Interested directors
There are no provisions under the Companies Ordinance that require a director who is interested in a transaction entered into by a Hong Kong company to disclose his interest nor will such director be liable to such company for any profit realized pursuant to such transactions. However, under the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the interested director has an obligation to disclose any transaction in which he is interested. See Board of Directors Directors Interests.
Under Delaware law, such a transaction would not be voidable if (a) the material facts as to such interested directors relationship or interests are disclosed or are known to the board of directors and the board in good faith authorizes the transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors are less than a quorum (b) such material facts are disclosed or are known to the stockholders entitled to vote on such transaction and the transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the stockholders or (c) the transaction is fair as to the corporation as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified. Under Delaware law, a director could be held liable for any transaction in which such director derived an improper personal benefit.
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Voting rights and quorum requirements
Under Hong Kong law, the voting rights of shareholders are regulated by the companys articles of association and, in certain circumstances, the Companies Ordinance. The articles of association will govern matters such as quorum for the transaction of business, rights of shares, and majority votes required to approve any action or resolution at a meeting of the shareholders or board of directors. See Voting Rights for additional details.
Under Delaware law, unless otherwise provided in the companys certificate of incorporation, each stockholder is entitled to one vote for each share of stock held by the stockholder. Unless otherwise provided in the companys certificate of incorporation or laws, a majority of the shares entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, constitutes a quorum at a meeting of stockholders. In matters other than the election of directors, with the exception of special voting requirements related to extraordinary transactions, the affirmative vote of a majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote is required for stockholder action, and the affirmative vote of a plurality of shares is required for the election of directors.
Dividends
Hong Kong law allows dividends to be paid out of profits or other distributable reserves.
Under Delaware law, subject to any restrictions contained in the companys certificate of incorporation, a company may pay dividends out of surplus or, if there is no surplus, out of net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared or for the preceding fiscal year.
Delaware law also provides that dividends may not be paid out of net profits if, after the payment of the dividend, the capital of the company is less than the capital represented by the outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets.
Mergers and similar arrangements
Hong Kong law does not provide for mergers as that expression is understood under Delaware law. However, there are provisions under the Companies Ordinance that facilitate the reconstruction and amalgamation of Hong Kong-incorporated companies, provided that the arrangement in question is approved by a majority in number of each class of shareholders and/or creditors (as the case may be) with whom the arrangement is to be made, and who must in addition represent three-fourths in value of each such class of shareholders or creditors, as the case may be, that are present and voting either in person or by proxy at a meeting, or meetings convened for that purpose. The convening of the meetings and subsequently the arrangement must be sanctioned by the courts of Hong Kong. A dissenting shareholder has the right to express to the court the view that the transaction should not be approved.
When a takeover offer is made and accepted, within 4 months of the offer, by holders of 90% of the shares for which the offer is made, the offeror may, by no later than 5 months after the offer, require the holders of the remaining shares to transfer those shares on the terms of the offer. An objection may be made by holders of the remaining shares to the courts of Hong Kong.
The Companies Ordinance does not require that shareholders approve sales of all or substantially all of a companys assets as is commonly adopted by U.S. companies.
Under Delaware law, with certain exceptions, a merger, consolidation, exchange or sale of all or substantially all the assets of a corporation must be approved by the board of directors and a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon. Under Delaware law, a stockholder of a corporation participating in certain major corporate transactions may, under certain circumstances, be entitled to appraisal rights pursuant to which such stockholder may receive cash in the amount of the fair value of the shares held by such stockholder (as determined by a court) in lieu of the consideration such stockholder would otherwise receive in the transaction.
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Delaware law also provides that a parent corporation, by resolution of its board of directors, may merge with any subsidiary, of which it owns at least 90% of each class of capital stock without a vote by stockholders of such subsidiary. Upon any such merger, dissenting stockholders of the subsidiary would have appraisal rights.
Shareholders suits
Class actions or derivative actions are recognized by and can be brought before Hong Kong courts. In principle, a company will normally be the proper plaintiff for wrongs committed against such company. However, derivative actions may be brought by its shareholders (or its minority shareholders) on the basis, among others, that those who control the company are perpetrating a fraud on the minority.
Class actions and derivative actions generally are available to stockholders under Delaware law for, among other things, breach of fiduciary duty, corporate waste and actions not taken in accordance with applicable law. In such actions, the court generally has discretion to permit the winning party to recover attorneys fees incurred in connection with such action.
Shareholders proposals
Hong Kong law allows the shareholders of a Hong Kong-incorporated company to make proposals for consideration and determination by its shareholders at annual general meetings, subject to meeting the minimum shareholder or shareholding requirements and complying with the specified notice provisions.
Unless provided in the companys certificate of incorporation or by-laws, Delaware law does not include a provision restricting the manner in which stockholders may bring business before a meeting.
Approval of corporate matters by written consent
Hong Kong law and our articles of association provide that our shareholders may approve corporate matters, by way of written resolution signed by or on behalf of each shareholder who would have been entitled to vote on such matter at a general meeting, without a meeting being held.
Delaware law permits stockholders to take action by written consent signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting of stockholders.
Calling of special shareholders meetings
The Companies Ordinance does not have provisions governing the proceedings of shareholders meetings, which are usually provided for in the articles of association of a company.
Delaware law permits the board of directors or any person who is authorized under a corporations certificate of incorporation or by-laws to call a special meeting of shareholders.
Staggered board of directors
The Companies Ordinance does not contain statutory provisions specifically mandating staggered board arrangements for a Hong Kong company. Such provisions, however, may validly be provided for in the articles of association of a company. Our articles of association specify that one-third of our directors are subject to retirement and rotation at each annual meeting.
Delaware law permits corporations to have a staggered board of directors.
Cumulative voting
Hong Kong law does not specifically prohibit or restrict the creation of cumulative voting rights for the election of directors of a company. Under Delaware law, cumulative voting for the election of directors is permitted only if expressly authorized in the certificate of incorporation.
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Indemnification of directors and executive officers and limitation of liability
Hong Kong law does not limit the extent to which a companys articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by Hong Kong courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against the consequences of committing a crime. Our articles of association provide for the indemnification of officers and directors for losses, damages, costs and expenses incurred in their capacities as such, but the indemnity does not extend to any matter in respect of any fraud or dishonesty that may be attached to such person.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable as a matter of United States law.
Delaware law provides that a certificate of incorporation may contain a provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of a fiduciary duty as a director, except no provision in the certificate of incorporation may eliminate or limit the liability of a director:
| for any breach of a directors duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders; | |
| for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; statutory liability for unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemption; or | |
| for any transaction from which the directors derived an improper personal benefit. |
Under Delaware law, a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any proceeding, other than an action by or on behalf of the corporation, because the person is or was a director or officer, against liability incurred in connection with the proceeding if (1) the director or officer acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation and (2) the director or officer, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Further, Delaware law provides that unless ordered by a court, any foregoing indemnification is subject to a determination that the director or officer has met the applicable standard of conduct:
| by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to the proceeding, even though less than a quorum; | |
| by a committee of directors designated by a majority vote of the eligible directors, even though less than a quorum; | |
| by independent legal counsel in a written opinion if there are no eligible directors, or if the eligible directors so direct; or | |
| by the stockholders. |
Under Delaware law, a corporation may not indemnify a director or officer in connection with any proceeding in which the director or officer has been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the court determines that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification for those expenses which the court deems proper.
Anti-takeover provisions in our articles of association
Our articles of association contain provisions that may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of us or management that shareholders may consider favorable. In particular, our articles of association provide for the retirement and rotation of one-third of our directors at each annual meeting.
The anti-takeover provisions in Delaware law prohibit business combinations between a Delaware corporation and an interested stockholder within three years of the time when the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless the corporation or transaction meets certain requirements or falls
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Inspection of books and records
Holders of our ordinary shares will have no general right under the Companies Ordinance to inspect or obtain copies of our register of members or our corporate records. However, we will provide our shareholders with annual audited financial statements.
Under Delaware law, stockholders of a Delaware corporation have the right during usual business hours to inspect for any proper purpose, and to obtain copies of list(s) of stockholders and other books and records of the corporation and its subsidiaries, if any, to the extent the books and records of such subsidiaries are available to the corporation.
Listing
We have applied to have the ADSs quoted on New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CN.
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DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
Citibank, N.A. has agreed to act as the depositary bank for the American depositary shares. Citibanks depositary offices are located at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013. American depositary shares are frequently referred to as ADSs and represent ownership interests in securities that are on deposit with the depositary bank. ADSs may be represented by certificates that are commonly known as American depositary receipts or ADRs. The depositary bank typically appoints a custodian to safekeep the securities on deposit. In this case, the custodian is Citibank, N.A. Hong Kong Branch, located at 10/ F, Harbour Front (II), Tak Fung Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
We appoint Citibank as depositary bank pursuant to a deposit agreement. A copy of the deposit agreement is on file with the Commission under cover of a Registration Statement on Form F-6. You may obtain a copy of the deposit agreement from the Commissions Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and from the Commissions website (www.sec.gov). Please refer to Registration Number 333- when retrieving such copy.
We are providing you with a summary description of the material terms of the ADSs and of your material rights as an owner of ADSs. Please remember that summaries by their nature lack the precision of the information summarized and that a holders rights and obligations as an owner of ADSs will be determined by reference to the terms of the deposit agreement and not by this summary. We urge you to review the deposit agreement in its entirety. Any italicized text included in this section is provided for your information and does not refer to the terms of the deposit agreement .
Each ADS represents the right to receive shares on deposit with the custodian. An ADS will also represent the right to receive any other property received by the depositary bank or the custodian on behalf of the owner of the ADS but that has not been distributed to the owners of ADSs because of legal restrictions or practical considerations.
If you become an owner of ADSs, you will become a party to the deposit agreement and therefore will be bound to its terms and, if applicable, to the terms of the ADR that represents your ADSs. The deposit agreement and the ADRs specify our rights and obligations as well as your rights and obligations as owner of ADSs and those of the depositary bank. As an ADS holder, you appoint the depositary bank to act on your behalf in certain circumstances. The deposit agreement and the ADRs are governed by New York law. However, our obligations to the holders of shares will continue to be governed by the laws of Hong Kong, which may be different from the laws in the United States.
As an owner of ADSs, you may hold your ADSs either by means of an ADR registered in your name, through a brokerage or safekeeping account, or through an account established by the depositary bank in your name reflecting the registration of uncertificated ADSs directly on the books of the depositary bank, which is commonly referred to as the direct registration system, or DRS. The direct registration system reflects the uncertificated (book-entry) registration of ownership of ADSs by the depositary bank. Under the direct registration system, ownership of ADSs is evidenced by periodic statements issued by the depositary bank to the holders of the ADSs. The direct registration system includes automated transfers between the depositary bank and The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, the central book-entry clearing and settlement system for equity securities in the United States. If you decide to hold your ADSs through your brokerage or safekeeping account, you must rely on the procedures of your broker or bank to assert your rights as an ADS owner. Banks and brokers typically hold securities such as ADSs through clearing and settlement systems such as DTC. The procedures of such clearing and settlement systems may limit your ability to exercise your rights as an owner of ADSs. Please consult with your broker or bank if you have any questions concerning these limitations and procedures. This summary description assumes you have opted to own the ADSs directly by means of an ADS registered in your name and, as such, we will refer to you as the holder. When we refer to you, we assume the reader owns ADSs and will own ADSs at the relevant time.
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Dividends and Distributions
As a holder, you generally have the right to receive the distributions we make on the securities deposited with the custodian bank. Your receipt of these distributions may be limited, however, by practical considerations and legal limitations. These practical considerations and legal limitations include situations such as where the value of ordinary shares or rights to be distributed are too low to justify the expense of making the distribution, as well as the inability to distribute rights or other securities to holders of ADSs in a jurisdiction where such distribution would require registration of the securities to be distributed. Holders will receive such distributions under the terms of the deposit agreement in proportion to the number of ADSs held as of a specified record date.
Distributions of cash
Whenever we make a cash distribution for the securities on deposit with the custodian, we will notify the depositary bank and deposit the funds with the custodian. Upon receipt of confirmation of the deposit of the requisite funds, the depositary bank will arrange for the funds to be converted into U.S. dollars and for the distribution of the U.S. dollars to the holders, subject to the laws and regulations of Hong Kong.
The conversion into U.S. dollars will take place only if practicable and if the U.S. dollars are transferable to the United States. The amounts distributed to holders will be net of the fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the deposit agreement. The depositary will apply the same method for distributing the proceeds of the sale of any property (such as undistributed rights) held by the custodian in respect of securities on deposit.
Distributions of shares
Whenever we make a free distribution of shares for the securities on deposit with the custodian, we will deposit the applicable number of shares with the custodian. Upon receipt of confirmation of such deposit, the depositary bank will either distribute to holders new ADSs representing the shares deposited or modify the ADS-to-shares ratio, in which case each ADS you hold will represent rights and interests in the additional shares so deposited. Only whole new ADSs will be distributed. Fractional entitlements will be sold and the proceeds of such sale will be distributed as in the case of a cash distribution.
The distribution of new ADSs or the modification of the ADS-to-shares ratio upon a distribution of shares will be made net of the fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the deposit agreement. In order to pay such taxes or governmental charges, the depositary bank may sell all or a portion of the new shares so distributed.
No such distribution of new ADSs will be made if it would violate a law ( e.g. , the U.S. securities laws) or if it is not operationally practicable. If the depositary bank does not distribute new ADSs as described above, it may sell the shares received upon the terms described in the deposit agreement and will distribute the proceeds of the sale as in the case of a distribution of cash.
Distributions of rights
Whenever we intend to distribute rights to purchase additional shares, we will give prior notice to the depositary bank and we will assist the depositary bank in determining whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to distribute rights to purchase additional ADSs to holders. If registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, or other applicable law is required, the depositary bank will not offer you the rights unless a registration statement covering the distribution of the rights and the underlying securities to all our ADS holders is effective. We are under no obligation to file a registration statement for any of these rights or underlying securities or to endeavor to cause a registration statement to be declared effective.
The depositary bank will establish procedures to distribute rights to purchase additional ADSs to holders and to enable such holders to exercise such rights if it is lawful and reasonably practicable to make the rights available to holders of ADSs, and if we provide all of the documentation contemplated in the deposit
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The depositary bank will not distribute the rights to you if:
| we do not timely request that the rights be distributed to you or we request that the rights not be distributed to you; or | |
| we fail to deliver satisfactory documentation to the depositary bank; or | |
| it is not reasonably practicable to distribute the rights. |
The depositary bank will sell the rights that are not distributed if such sale is lawful and reasonably practicable. The proceeds of such sale will be distributed to holders as in the case of a cash distribution. If the depositary bank is unable to sell the rights, it will allow the rights to lapse.
Elective distributions
Whenever we intend to distribute a dividend payable at the election of shareholders either in cash or in additional shares, we will give prior notice thereof to the depositary bank and will indicate whether we wish the elective distribution to be made available to you. In such case, we will assist the depositary bank in determining whether such distribution is lawful and reasonably practicable.
The depositary bank will make the election available to you only if it is reasonably practical and if we have provided all of the documentation contemplated in the deposit agreement. In such case, the depositary bank will establish procedures to enable you to elect to receive either cash or additional ADSs, in each case as described in the deposit agreement.
If the election is not made available to you, you will receive either cash or additional ADSs, depending on what a shareholder in Hong Kong would receive upon failing to make an election, as more fully described in the deposit agreement. There can be no assurance that holders of ADSs generally, or any holder of ADSs in particular, will be given the opportunity to receive elective distributions on the same terms and conditions as holders of our ordinary shares.
Other distributions
Whenever we intend to distribute property other than cash, shares or rights to purchase additional shares, we will notify the depositary bank in advance and will indicate whether we wish such distribution to be made to you. If so, we will assist the depositary bank in determining whether such distribution to holders is lawful and reasonably practicable.
If it is reasonably practicable to distribute such property to you and if we provide all of the documentation contemplated in the deposit agreement, the depositary bank will distribute the property to the holders in a manner it deems practicable.
The distribution will be made net of fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the deposit agreement. In order to pay such taxes and governmental charges, the depositary bank may sell all or a portion of the property received.
The depositary bank will not distribute the property to you and will sell the property if:
| we do not request that the property be distributed to you or if we ask that the property not be distributed to you; or | |
| we do not deliver satisfactory documentation to the depositary bank; or |
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| the depositary bank determines in consultation with us that all or a portion of the distribution to you is not reasonably practicable. |
The proceeds of such a sale will be distributed to holders as in the case of a cash distribution.
Redemption
Whenever we decide to redeem any of the securities on deposit with the custodian, we will notify the depositary bank. If it is practicable and if we provide all of the documentation contemplated in the deposit agreement, the depositary bank will mail notice of the redemption to the holders.
The custodian will be instructed to surrender the shares being redeemed against payment of the applicable redemption price. The depositary bank will convert the redemption funds received into U.S. dollars upon the terms of the deposit agreement and will establish procedures to enable holders to receive the net proceeds from the redemption upon surrender of their ADSs to the depositary bank. You may be required to pay fees, expenses, taxes and other governmental charges upon the redemption of your ADSs. If less than all ADSs are being redeemed, the ADSs to be retired will be selected by lot or on a pro rata basis, as the depositary bank may determine.
There can be no assurances that the depositary bank will be able to convert any currency at a specified exchange rate or sell any property, rights, shares or other securities at a specified price, or that any of such transactions can be completed within a specified time period.
Changes Affecting Shares
The shares held on deposit for your ADSs may change from time to time. For example, there may be a change in nominal or par value, a split-up, cancellation, consolidation or reclassification of such shares or a recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale of assets.
If any such change were to occur, your ADSs would, to the extent permitted by law, represent the right to receive the property received or exchanged in respect of the shares held on deposit. The depositary bank may in such circumstances deliver new ADSs to you or call for the exchange of your existing ADSs in the reasonable judgment of the depositary bank in consultation with us for new ADSs. If the depositary bank may not lawfully distribute such property to you, the depositary bank may sell such property and distribute the net proceeds to you as in the case of a cash distribution.
Issuance of ADSs upon Deposit of Shares
The depositary bank may create ADSs on your behalf if you or your broker deposit shares with the custodian. The depositary bank will deliver these ADSs to the person you indicate only after you pay any applicable issuance fees and any charges and taxes payable for the transfer of the shares to the custodian. Your ability to deposit shares and receive ADSs may be limited by U.S., Hong Kong or other legal considerations applicable at the time of deposit. In the case of the ADSs to be issued under this document, we will arrange with the underwriters named in this document to deposit the applicable shares .
The issuance of ADSs may be delayed until the depositary bank or the custodian receives confirmation that all required approvals have been given and that the shares have been duly transferred to the custodian. The depositary bank will only issue ADSs in whole numbers.
When you make a deposit of shares, you will be responsible for transferring good and valid title to the depositary bank. As such, you will be deemed to represent and warrant that:
| the shares are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and legally obtained; | |
| all preemptive (and similar) rights, if any, with respect to such shares have been validly waived or exercised; | |
| you are duly authorized to deposit the shares; |
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| the shares presented for deposit are free and clear of any lien, encumbrance, security interest, charge, mortgage or adverse claim, and are not, and the ADSs issuable upon such deposit will not be, restricted securities (as defined in the deposit agreement); and | |
| the shares presented for deposit have not been stripped of any rights or entitlements. |
If any of the representations or warranties are incorrect in any way, we and the depositary bank may, at your cost and expense, take any and all actions necessary to correct the consequences of the misrepresentations.
Transfer, Combination and Split-Up of ADRs
As an ADR holder, you will be entitled to transfer, combine or split up your ADRs and the ADSs evidenced thereby. For transfers of ADRs, you will be required to surrender the ADRs to be transferred to the depositary bank and also must:
| ensure that the surrendered ADR certificate is properly endorsed or otherwise in proper form for transfer; | |
| provide such proof of identity and genuineness of signatures as the depositary bank deems appropriate; | |
| provide any transfer stamps required by the State of New York or the United States; and | |
| pay all applicable fees, charges, expenses, taxes and other government charges payable by ADR holders pursuant to the terms of the deposit agreement, upon the transfer of ADRs. |
To have your ADRs either combined or split up, you must surrender the ADRs in question to the depositary bank with your request to have them combined or split up, and you must pay all applicable fees, charges and expenses payable by ADR holders, pursuant to the terms of the deposit agreement, upon a combination or split-up of ADRs.
Withdrawal of Shares Upon Cancellation of ADSs
As a holder, you will be entitled to present your ADSs to the depositary bank for cancellation and then receive the corresponding number of underlying shares at the custodians offices. Your ability to withdraw the shares may be limited by U.S., Hong Kong or other legal considerations applicable at the time of withdrawal. In order to withdraw the shares represented by your ADSs, you will be required to pay to the depositary the fees for cancellation of ADSs and any charges and taxes payable upon the transfer of the shares being withdrawn. You assume the risk for delivery of all funds and securities upon withdrawal. Once canceled, the ADSs will not have any rights under the deposit agreement.
If you hold ADSs registered in your name, the depositary bank may ask you to provide proof of identity and genuineness of any signature and such other documents as the depositary bank may deem appropriate before it will cancel your ADSs. The withdrawal of the shares represented by your ADSs may be delayed until the depositary bank receives satisfactory evidence of compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Please keep in mind that the depositary bank will only accept ADSs for cancellation that represent a whole number of securities on deposit. If you surrender a number of ADSs for withdrawal representing other than a whole number of ordinary shares, the depositary bank will, at its discretion, either return the number of ADSs representing any remaining fractional shares or sell the shares represented by the ADSs you surrendered and remit the net proceeds of that sale to you as in the case of a distribution in cash.
You will have the right to withdraw the securities represented by your ADSs at any time except for:
| temporary delays that may arise because the transfer books for the shares or ADSs are closed, or shares are immobilized on account of a shareholders meeting or a payment of dividends; | |
| obligations to pay fees, taxes and similar charges; and | |
| restrictions imposed because of laws or regulations applicable to ADSs or the withdrawal of securities on deposit. |
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The deposit agreement may not be modified to impair your right to withdraw the securities represented by your ADSs except to comply with mandatory provisions of law.
Voting Rights
As a holder, you generally have the right under the deposit agreement to instruct the depositary bank to exercise the voting rights for the shares represented by your ADSs. The voting rights of holders of shares are described in Description of Share Capital Voting Rights.
At our request, the depositary bank will distribute to you any notice of shareholders meeting received from us together with information explaining how to instruct the depositary bank to exercise the voting rights of the securities represented by ADSs.
If the depositary bank timely receives voting instructions from a holder of ADSs, it will endeavor to vote the securities represented by the holders ADSs in accordance with such voting instructions.
Please note that the ability of the depositary bank to carry out voting instructions may be limited by practical and legal limitations and the terms of the securities on deposit. We cannot assure you that you will receive voting materials in time to enable you to return voting instructions to the depositary bank in a timely manner. If the depositary bank receives voting instructions from you which fail to specify the manner in which the depositary is to vote, the depositary bank will deem you to have instructed it to vote in favor of the particular matter to be voted on. If the depositary bank does not receive voting instructions from you by the specified date, it will consider you to have instructed it to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by us to vote the number of shares represented by your ADSs. The depositary bank will give a discretionary proxy in those circumstances to vote on all questions to be voted upon unless we notify the depositary bank that:
| we do not wish to receive a discretionary proxy; | |
| we are aware that there is substantial shareholder opposition to the particular matter to be voted on; or | |
| the particular matter to be voted on would have a material and adverse impact on our shareholders. |
The depositary bank will only vote or attempt to
vote as you instruct or as described in the preceding sentence
or otherwise in accordance with the provisions of the deposit
agreement.
Fees and Charges
As an ADS holder, you will be required to pay the
following service fees to the depositary bank:
Service
Fees
Up to 5 U.S. cents per ADS issued
Up to 5 U.S. cents per ADS surrendered
Up to 5 U.S. cents per ADS issued
No fee (so long as prohibited by NYSE)
No fee (so long as prohibited by NYSE)
Up to 2 U.S. cents per ADS held
Up to 5 U.S. cents per share (or share
equivalent) distributed
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As an ADS holder you will also be responsible to pay certain fees and expenses incurred by the depositary bank and certain taxes and governmental charges such as:
| fees for the transfer and registration of shares charged by the registrar and transfer agent for the shares in Hong Kong ( i.e. , upon deposit and withdrawal of shares); | |
| expenses incurred for converting foreign currency into U.S. dollars; | |
| expenses for cable, telex and fax transmissions and for delivery of securities; | |
| taxes and duties upon the transfer of securities ( i.e. , when shares are deposited or withdrawn from deposit); and | |
| fees and expenses incurred in connection with the delivery or servicing of shares on deposit. |
We have agreed to pay certain other charges and expenses of the depositary bank. Note that the fees and charges you may be required to pay may vary over time and may be changed by us and by the depositary bank. You will receive prior notice of such changes.
Amendments and Termination
We may agree with the depositary bank to modify the deposit agreement at any time without your consent. We undertake to give holders 30 days prior notice of any modifications that would materially prejudice any of their substantial rights under the deposit agreement. We will not consider to be materially prejudicial to your substantial rights any modifications or supplements that are reasonably necessary for the ADSs to be registered under the Securities Act or to be eligible for book-entry settlement, in each case without imposing or increasing the fees and charges you are required to pay. In addition, we may not be able to provide you with prior notice of any modifications or supplements that are required to accommodate compliance with applicable provisions of law.
You will be bound by the modifications to the deposit agreement if you continue to hold your ADSs after the modifications to the deposit agreement become effective. The deposit agreement cannot be amended to prevent you from withdrawing the shares represented by your ADSs (except as permitted by law).
We have the right to direct the depositary bank to terminate the deposit agreement. Similarly, the depositary bank may in certain circumstances on its own initiative terminate the deposit agreement. In either case, the depositary bank must give notice to the holders at least 30 days before termination.
Upon termination, the following will occur under the deposit agreement:
| for a period of six months after termination, you will be able to request the cancellation of your ADSs and the withdrawal of the shares represented by your ADSs and the delivery of all other property held by the depositary bank in respect of those shares on the same terms as prior to the termination; | |
| during such six-month period, the depositary bank will continue to collect all distributions received on the shares on deposit ( i.e. , dividends) but will not distribute any such property to you until you request the cancellation of your ADSs; and | |
| After the expiration of such six-month period, the depositary bank may sell the securities held on deposit. The depositary bank will hold the proceeds from such sale and any other funds then held for the holders of ADSs in a non-interest bearing account. At that point, the depositary bank will have no further obligations to holders other than to account for the funds then held for the holders of ADSs still outstanding. |
Books of Depositary
The depositary bank will maintain ADS holder records at its depositary office. You may inspect such records at such office during regular business hours but solely for the purpose of communicating with other holders in the interest of business matters relating to the ADSs and the deposit agreement.
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The depositary bank will maintain in New York facilities to record and process the issuance, cancellation, combination, split-up and transfer of ADRs. These facilities may be closed from time to time, to the extent not prohibited by law.
Limitations on Obligations and Liabilities
The deposit agreement limits our obligations and the depositary banks obligations to you. Please note the following:
| the depositary bank disclaims any liability for any failure to carry out voting instructions, for any manner in which a vote is cast or for the effect of any vote, provided it acts in good faith and in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement; | |
| the depositary bank disclaims any liability for any failure to determine the lawfulness or practicality of any action, for the content of any information forwarded to you on our behalf or for the accuracy of any translation of such information, for the investment risks associated with investing in shares, for the validity or worth of the shares, for any tax consequences that result from the ownership of ADSs or shares, for the credit-worthiness of any third party, for allowing any rights to lapse under the terms of the deposit agreement, for the timeliness of any of our notices or for our failure to give notice; | |
| we and the depositary bank are obligated only to take the actions specifically stated in the deposit agreement without negligence or bad faith; | |
| we and the depositary bank will not be obligated to perform any act that is inconsistent with the terms of the deposit agreement; | |
| we and the depositary bank disclaim any liability if we are prevented from, forbidden from, or subject to any civil or criminal penalty or restraint on account of, or delayed in acting on account of any law or regulation, any provision of our articles of association, any provision of any securities on deposit or by reason of any act of God or war or other circumstances beyond our control; | |
| we and the depositary bank disclaim any liability by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for the deposit agreement or in our articles of association or in any provisions of securities on deposit; | |
| we and the depositary bank further disclaim any liability for any action or inaction in reliance on the advice or information received from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting shares for deposit, any holder of ADSs or authorized representatives thereof, or any other person believed by either of us in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information; | |
| we and the depositary bank also disclaim liability for the inability by a holder to benefit from any distribution, offering, right or other benefit which is made available to holders of shares but is not, under the terms of the deposit agreement, made available to you; | |
| we and the depositary bank may rely without any liability upon any written notice, request or other document believed to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper parties; and | |
| we and the depositary bank also disclaim liability for any consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of the deposit agreement. |
However, the limitations set forth above do not affect your rights as a securityholder under the Securities Act or the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Pre-Release Transactions
The depositary bank may, in certain circumstances, issue ADSs before receiving a deposit of shares or release shares before receiving ADSs for cancellation. These transactions are commonly referred to as pre-release transactions. The deposit agreement limits the aggregate size of pre-release transactions and imposes a number of conditions on such transactions ( e.g. , the need to receive collateral, the type of collateral required,
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Taxes
You will be responsible for the taxes and other governmental charges payable on the ADSs and the securities represented by the ADSs. We, the depositary bank and the custodian may deduct from any distribution the taxes and governmental charges payable by holders and may sell any and all property on deposit to pay the taxes and governmental charges payable by holders. You will be liable for any deficiency if the sale proceeds do not cover the taxes that are due on your ADSs and the securities represented by your ADSs.
The depositary bank may refuse to issue ADSs, to deliver, transfer, split and combine ADRs or to release securities on deposit until all taxes and charges are paid by the applicable holder. The depositary bank and the custodian may take reasonable administrative actions to obtain tax refunds and reduced tax withholding for any distributions on your behalf. However, you may be required to provide to the depositary bank and to the custodian proof of taxpayer status and residence and such other information as the depositary bank and the custodian may require to fulfill legal obligations. You are required to indemnify us, the depositary bank and the custodian for any claims with respect to taxes based on any tax benefit obtained for you.
Foreign Currency Conversion
The depositary bank will arrange for the conversion of all foreign currency received into U.S. dollars if such conversion is practical, and it will distribute the U.S. dollars in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement. You may be required to pay fees and expenses incurred in converting foreign currency, such as fees and expenses incurred in complying with currency exchange controls and other governmental requirements.
If the conversion of foreign currency is not practical or lawful, or if any required approvals are denied or not obtainable at a reasonable cost or within a reasonable period, the depositary bank may take the following actions in its discretion:
| convert the foreign currency to the extent practical and lawful and distribute the U.S. dollars to the holders for whom the conversion and distribution is lawful and practical; | |
| distribute the foreign currency to holders for whom the distribution is lawful and practical; and | |
| hold the foreign currency (without liability for interest) for the applicable holders. |
The Custodian
The depositary bank has agreed with the custodian that the custodian will receive and hold the deposited securities for the account of the depositary bank in accordance with the depositary agreement. If the custodian resigns or is discharged from its duties under the deposit agreement, the depositary bank will promptly appoint a successor custodian. The resigning or discharged custodian will deliver the deposited securities and related records to the custodian designated by the depositary bank. The depositary bank will immediately give you and us written notice of these changes. If the depositary bank resigns or is discharged from its duties under the deposit agreement, the custodian will continue to act as custodian and will be obligated to comply with the direction of the successor depositary.
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Governing Law
The deposit agreement is governed by the laws of the State of New York. We and the depositary bank have agreed that the federal or state courts in the City of New York shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any suit, action or proceeding and to settle any dispute between us that may arise out of or in connection with the deposit agreement. We also have submitted to the jurisdiction of these courts and we have appointed an agent for service of process in the City of New York. See Enforcability of Civil Liabilities.
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TAXATION
Hong Kong
Tax on dividends
No tax is payable in Hong Kong in respect of dividends paid by us.
Profits
No tax is imposed in Hong Kong in respect of capital gains from the sale of property such as the shares. Trading gains from the sale of property by persons carrying on a trade, profession or business in Hong Kong where such gains are derived from or arise in Hong Kong from such trade, profession or business will be chargeable to Hong Kong profits tax, which is currently imposed at the rate of 17.5% on corporations and at a maximum rate of 16.0%. on individuals. Gains from the sale of shares effected on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange will be considered to be derived from or arise in Hong Kong. Liability for Hong Kong profits tax would thus arise in respect of trading gains from the sale of shares realized by persons carrying on a business of trading or dealing in securities in Hong Kong.
Stamp duty
Hong Kong stamp duty will be payable by the purchaser on every purchase and by the seller on every sale of the shares. The duty is charged at the current rate of 0.2%. of the consideration or, if higher, the fair value of the shares being sold or transferred (the buyer and seller each paying half of such stamp duty). In addition, a fixed duty of HK$5 is currently payable on any instrument of transfer of shares.
If one of the parties to the sale is a non-resident of Hong Kong and does not pay the required stamp duty, the duty not paid will be charged on the instrument of transfer (if any) (in addition to the stamp duty otherwise chargeable thereon), and the transferee will be liable for payment of such duty.
Estate duty
The shares are Hong Kong property for the purpose of the Estate Duty Ordinance (Chapter 111 of the Laws of Hong Kong). Accordingly, the shares may be subject to Hong Kong estate duty on the death of the beneficial owner of the shares, regardless of the place of the owners residence, citizenship or domicile. Hong Kong estate duty is imposed on a progressive scale from 5% to 15%. No estate duty is payable when the aggregate value of the dutiable estate does not exceed HK$7.5 million, and the maximum rate of duty of 15% applies when the aggregate value of the dutiable estate exceeds HK$10.5 million.
Consultation with professional advisors
Potential investors in the global offering are recommended to consult their professional advisors if they are in any doubt as to the taxation implications of subscribing for, purchasing, holding or disposing of or dealing in the shares. None of us, the joint global coordinators, the joint sponsors, the financial advisers, the underwriters, any of their respective directors, or any other person or party involved in the global offering accepts responsibility for any tax effects on, or liabilities of, any person resulting from the subscription for, purchase, holding or disposal of, or dealing in, shares.
United States of America
The following is a discussion of material U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares or ADSs by investors who are U.S. Persons (as defined below) that purchase shares or ADSs in the United States offering and hold the shares or ADSs as a capital asset. This discussion is based on U.S. federal income tax law, as in effect on the date hereof and which is subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion is for general information only and does not address all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to specific holders in light of their particular circumstances or to holders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law (such as banks, insurance
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As used in this discussion, the term U.S. Person means (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation, or other entity treated as a corporation, created or organized under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of the source thereof, or (iv) a trust (A) if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (B) that was in existence on August 20, 1996, was treated as a United States person on the previous day, and elected to continue to be so treated.
If a partnership (including any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds shares or ADSs, the tax treatment of a partner in such partnership will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partners in such a partnership are urged to consult their tax advisers as to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to them.
Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income and other tax considerations of the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares or ADSs.
General
Holders of ADSs evidencing shares will be treated as the owners of the shares represented by those ADSs. Accordingly, no gain or loss will be recognized upon the exchange of ADSs for the holders proportionate interest in the shares, a holders tax basis in the withdrawn shares will be the same as its tax basis in the ADSs surrendered in exchange therefor, and the holding period in the withdrawn shares will include the period during which the holder held the surrendered ADSs.
Taxation of dividends
Subject to the discussion below under Passive Foreign Investment Company, the gross amount of cash distributions with respect to the shares or ADSs will, upon receipt, be includible in the gross income of a holder as dividend income to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. A non-corporate recipient of dividend income will generally be subject to tax on dividend income from a qualified foreign corporation at a maximum U.S. federal tax rate of 15% rather than the marginal tax rates generally applicable to ordinary income so long as certain holding period requirements are met. A non-United States corporation (other than a foreign personal holding company, foreign investment company, or passive foreign investment company) generally will be considered to be a qualified foreign corporation (i) if it is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States which the Secretary of Treasury of the United States determines is satisfactory for purposes of this provision and which includes an exchange of information program or (ii) with respect to any dividend it pays on stock (or ADSs backed by such stock) which is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. There is currently no tax treaty in effect between the United States and Hong Kong. We have applied to list the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange. Assuming the listing is approved, the ADSs are expected to be readily tradable on the New York Stock Exchange, an established securities market in the United States. Distributions, if any, in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits will constitute a return of capital and will be applied against and reduce the holders tax basis in such ADSs or shares. To the extent that distributions are in excess of such basis, the distributions will constitute capital gain as discussed below. United States corporate holders will generally not be eligible for the dividends received deduction for distributions to domestic corporations in respect of distributions on our ADSs or shares.
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The United States dollar value of any distribution made by us in Hong Kong dollars, including the amount of any Hong Kong tax, in the event that Hong Kong tax is withheld, will be determined by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date the distribution is actually or constructively received by the Depositary or the holder of such shares, respectively, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into United States dollars on that date. Any subsequent gain or loss in respect of such Hong Kong dollars arising from exchange rate fluctuations will be ordinary income or loss. This gain or loss will generally be treated as United States source gain or loss for United States foreign tax credit limitation purposes. If the Depositary converts the Hong Kong dollars to United States dollars on the date it receives such Hong Kong dollars, holders should not recognize any such gain or loss.
Dividends generally will be treated as income from foreign sources for United States foreign tax credit limitation purposes. Subject to the limitations and conditions set forth in the Code, holders may elect to claim a credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability in the event that any Hong Kong tax is withheld from dividends received in respect of the ADSs or shares. The rules relating to the determination of the foreign tax credit are complex and prospective purchasers are urged consult their personal tax advisors to determine whether and to what extent they would be entitled to such credit. Holders that do not elect or are not permitted to claim foreign tax credits may instead claim a deduction for any Hong Kong tax withheld.
Sale or other disposition of shares or ADSs
Subject to the discussion below under Passive Foreign Investment Company, a holder generally will recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon a sale or other disposition of our shares or ADSs in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized from the sale or disposition and the holders adjusted tax basis in the shares or ADSs. Such gain or loss generally will be long-term gain (taxable at a reduced rate for non-corporate holders, including individuals) or loss if, on the date of sale or disposition, the shares or ADSs were held by the holder for more than one year and will generally be treated as United States source gain or loss for United States foreign tax credit limitation purposes. The claim of a deduction in respect of a capital loss may be subject to limitations.
Passive Foreign Investment Company
A foreign corporation will be treated as a passive foreign investment company (a PFIC), for U.S. federal income tax purposes, if 75% or more of its gross income consists of certain types of passive income or 50% or more of its assets are passive. If a corporation owns at least 25% by value of the equity shares of another corporation, it is treated for purposes of these tests as owning a proportionate share of the assets of the other corporation and as receiving directly a proportionate share of the other corporations income. We presently believe that we are not a PFIC and do not anticipate becoming a PFIC. This is, however, a factual determination made on an annual basis and is subject to change. If we were to be classified as a PFIC in any taxable year, holders (i) would generally be required to treat any gain on sales of our shares held by them as ordinary income and pay an interest charge on the value of the deferral of their U.S. federal income tax attributable to such gain and (ii) could also be subject to an interest charge on distributions paid by us. In addition, we would not provide information to our holders that would enable them to make a qualified electing fund election under which, generally, in lieu of the foregoing treatment, our earnings would be currently included in their gross income.
The above results may be eliminated if a mark-to-market election is available and a holder validly makes such an election. If the election is made, such holder generally will be required to take into account the difference, if any, between the fair market value and its adjusted tax basis in shares or ADSs at the end of each taxable year as ordinary income or ordinary loss (to the extent of any net mark-to-market gain previously included in income). In addition, any gain from a sale or other disposition of shares or ADSs will be treated as ordinary income, and any loss will be treated as ordinary loss (to the extent of any net mark-to-market gain previously included in income).
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ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
We are incorporated in Hong Kong, and all of our directors and executive officers and some of the experts named in this document live outside the United States, principally in Hong Kong and the PRC, and all or a substantial portion of the assets of such persons are or may be located outside the United States. Substantially, all of our assets are located outside the United States. As a result, you may not be able to:
| effect service of process upon us or these persons within the United States; or | |
| enforce against us or these persons in United States courts, judgments obtained in United States courts including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or of the securities laws of any state of the United States. |
Our Hong Kong counsel, Linklaters and our PRC counsel, Haiwen & Partners, have advised us that there is doubt as to whether Hong Kong or PRC courts will enforce judgments in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of United States courts, based only upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or the securities laws of any state of the United States.
In addition, as China does not have treaties providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments of courts within the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan or most other members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, administrative actions brought by regulatory authorities, such as the Commission, and other actions, which result in foreign court judgments, may only be enforced in China (assuming such actions are not required by PRC laws or our memorandum and articles of association to be arbitrated and that such judgments or rulings do not violate the basic principles of the laws of China or the sovereignty, security and public interest of the society of China, as determined by a Peoples Court of China that has jurisdiction for recognition and enforcement of judgments).
We have appointed CT Corporation System, 111 Eighth Avenue, 13th Floor, New York, New York, as our agent to receive service of process with respect to any action brought against us in:
| the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York under the securities laws of the United States or any state of the United States; or | |
| the Supreme Court of the State of New York in the County of New York under the securities laws of the State of New York. |
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UNDERWRITING
General
The global offering consists of a U.S. offering, an international offering and a public offering in Hong Kong.
China International Capital Corporation Limited, Citigroup Global Markets Asia Limited and Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C. (in alphabetical order) are acting as joint global coordinators and joint global bookrunners for the global offering.
On the terms and subject to the conditions
contained in a U.S. and international underwriting agreement,
dated the date of this document, among us, China Netcom Holdings
(BVI) Limited, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Information and
Network Center of the State Administration of Radio, Film and
Television, China Railways Telecommunications Center, Shanghai
Alliance Investment Limited and Shandong Provincial State-owned
Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, who are the
selling shareholders, the U.S. underwriters named below,
for whom China International Capital Corporation Limited,
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C.
(in alphabetical order) are acting as U.S. representatives,
and the international underwriters named below, for whom China
International Capital Corporation Limited, Citigroup Global
Markets Limited and Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C. (in alphabetical
order) are acting as international representatives, the U.S. and
international underwriters have severally agreed to purchase,
and we and the selling shareholders have agreed to sell to them,
severally, the number of ADSs indicated below:
Name
Number of ADSs
We and the selling shareholders also entered into a Hong Kong underwriting agreement with the underwriters participating in the Hong Kong public offering, including China International Capital Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited, Citigroup Global Markets Asia Limited and Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C. (in alphabetical order), for the public offer of shares for subscription in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong public offering is conditional upon, among other things, the Listing Committee of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange granting the listing of, and permission to deal in, our shares offered in the global offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
The closing of the sale of ADSs or shares under each underwriting agreement described above is conditional on the other underwriting agreement described above having become unconditional (except with respect to the unconditionality of such underwriting agreement).
The U.S. underwriters and the international underwriters are referred to collectively as the underwriters, and the U.S. representatives and the international representatives are referred to collectively as the representatives in this section, in each case where the context requires.
To provide for coordination among the different underwriting syndicates, the U.S. underwriters, the international underwriters and the Hong Kong underwriters have entered into an intersyndicate agreement. It
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The underwriters propose to offer ADSs at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this document. They may sell ADSs to certain dealers at the initial public offering price less a concession not in excess of US$ per ADS. The underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of US$ per ADS on sales to certain other dealers. After the initial public offering, the public offering prices and the concessions and discounts may be changed. Shares may be delivered instead of ADSs at the option of purchasers in the U.S. offering and the international offering and such initial purchases of shares will be settled in Hong Kong dollars based on an exchange rate of HK$ to US$1.00, the noon buying rate on , 2004, and adjusted for the ratio of shares per ADS.
The following table summarizes the compensation
we and the selling shareholders each will pay, assuming no
exercise of the underwriters over-allotment option and
assuming full exercise of the underwriters over-allotment
option:
Per ADS
Total
Without
Without
Over-
With Over-
Over-
With Over-
allotment
allotment
allotment
Allotment
The information in the above table excludes shares offered in the Hong Kong public offering. We expect to reallocate shares from the U.S. and international offerings to the Hong Kong public offering, which will reduce the proceeds from the shares and ADSs offered hereby and increase the proceeds from the Hong Kong public offering.
The underwriting discount consists of the difference between the amount paid by the underwriters to purchase the ADSs from us and the selling shareholders and the offering price of the ADSs to the public. The underwriting discounts and commissions are % of the total amount of the U.S. offering and the international offering. The initial public offering prices and underwriting discounts and commissions per ADS are the same for each of the U.S. offering and the international offering.
The U.S. underwriters, international underwriters and Hong Kong underwriters have agreed that, if the number of shares validly applied for in the Hong Kong public offering represents a multiple of:
(1) 15 times or more but less than 50 times,
(2) 50 times or more but less than 100 times, or
(3) 100 times or more than 100 times,
the number of shares initially available in such offering, then an additional 209,196,000 shares, 313,794,000 shares or 418,392,000 shares, respectively, will be reallocated to the Hong Kong public offering, such that the additional shares, when aggregated with the shares initially available in the Hong Kong public offering, will represent approximately 30% in the case of (1) above, approximately 40% in the case of (2) above and approximately 50% in the case of (3) above, of the total number of shares initially available under the global offering, without giving effect to the underwriters over-allotment option. In such case, the number of ADSs allocated to the U.S. offering and the international offering will be reduced correspondingly, in such manner
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Shares offered in the Hong Kong public offering will be offered initially at a maximum price to be determined immediately prior to commencement of the Hong Kong public offering. If the initial public offering price per ADS in the U.S. offering and the international offering is less than the equivalent maximum public offering price per share in the Hong Kong public offering, the purchasers of shares in the Hong Kong public offering will receive a refund such that their effective price per share (including a 1.0% brokerage fee, a 0.005% Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission transaction levy, a 0.002% investor compensation levy and a 0.005% Hong Kong Stock Exchange trading fee payable in respect of offerings of securities listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and adjusted for the ratio of shares per ADS) will be equivalent to the initial public offering price per ADS in the U.S. offering and the international offering based on an exchange rate of HK$ to US$1.00, the noon buying rate on , 2004.
The ADSs and shares subject to the international offering and the Hong Kong public offering have not been registered under the Securities Act for their offer and sale as part of the initial distribution in the global offering. These ADSs and shares have, however, been registered under the Securities Act solely for purposes of their resale in the United States in transactions that require registration under the Securities Act. These ADSs and shares initially will be offered outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. Only the U.S. Prospectus that has been filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission may be used in connection with resales of such ADSs and shares in the United States to the extent such transactions would not be exempt from registration under the Securities Act.
If the joint global coordinators, on behalf of the U.S. and international underwriters, sell more shares or ADSs than the total number set forth in the table above, the joint global coordinators, on behalf of the U.S. and international underwriters, have an option to buy up to an additional ADSs and ADSs from us and the selling shareholders, respectively, to cover such sales at the initial public offering price per ADS less the underwriting discounts and commissions, which option is exercisable in whole or in part at the discretion of the joint global coordinators, at any time or from time to time, during the 30-day period from the day on which dealings commence on the New York Stock Exchange or the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, whichever is earlier. To the extent that the joint global coordinators exercise the option on behalf of the U.S. and international underwriters, each such underwriter will be obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase a number of additional ADSs approximately proportionate to such underwriters initial purchase commitment. The U.S. and international underwriters may exercise the option solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, in connection with the global offering. To the extent the option is exercised by the U.S. underwriters, such option will not exceed 15% of the total number of ADSs sold in the United States.
We have applied to list the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CN.
To meet New York Stock Exchange distribution standards for the U.S. offering, the U.S. underwriters have undertaken to distribute the ADSs in a manner so as to:
| create a minimum of 2,000 round lots of ADSs, and | |
| offer a minimum public float of 1.1 million ADSs in the United States with an offering value in excess of US$60 million. |
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange has granted approval in principle for the listing of the shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code .
Each of the Academy of Sciences, INC-SARFT, CRTC, Shanghai Alliance and Shandong SASAC has agreed with China Netcom Group:
| not to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of our shares it obtained under the share transfer agreement or the asset transfer agreement, as the case may be, during the two-year period after the date on which trading in the shares of our company commences on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, except as otherwise required under relevant PRC law; and |
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| following the expiry of the two-year period after the date on which trading in the shares of our company commences on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, not to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of our shares it obtained under the share transfer agreement or the asset transfer agreement, as the case may be without (i) complying with the then applicable PRC laws and regulations, (ii) obtaining the required approvals from the relevant PRC government authorities, and (iii) consulting with China Netcom Group, which has a right of first refusal to purchase such shares. |
CNC Fund, L.P. has agreed in the share purchase and exchange agreement with us and CNC BVI that during the period of 180 days after the date on which trading in the shares of our company commences on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, it will not, and will not announce its intention to:
| issue, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of, any of our shares it owned prior to the global offering or any of our shares traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange or any ADSs or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for our shares or ADSs or deposit any of our shares in any depositary receipt facility; or | |
| enter into any swap or similar agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic risk of ownership of our shares it owns, |
whether any transaction described above is to be settled by delivery of ADSs or such other securities, or cash or otherwise.
We, China Netcom Group and China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders have agreed that, without the prior written consent of the joint global coordinators on behalf of the underwriters, will not, for a period of 180 days after the date on which trading in the shares of our company commences on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange:
| offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant or agree to grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any ADSs, shares of our company or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, ADSs or shares of our company; or | |
| enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the ADSs or shares of our company, |
whether any transaction described above is to be settled by delivery of ADSs or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, or publicly disclose that it will or may enter into any transaction described above. The restrictions described in this paragraph do not apply to:
| the sale of ADSs or shares of our company to the underwriters and the Hong Kong underwriters; | |
| the issuance by us of ADSs or shares upon the exercise of an option or a warrant or the conversion of a security outstanding on the date of the final document of which the underwriters have been advised in writing; or | |
| transactions by any person other than us relating to ADSs, shares of our company or other securities acquired in open market transactions after the completion of the global offering. |
The 180-day restricted period described above is subject to extension such that, in the event that either (i) during the last 17 days of the 180-day restricted period, we issue an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to us occurs or (ii) prior to the expiration of the 180-day restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the 180-day period, the lock-up restrictions described above will, except if otherwise waived in writing by the joint global coordinators on behalf of the underwriters, continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material event.
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In addition, each of CNC Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited, CNC Fund, L.P., Chinese Academy of Science, Information and Network Center of State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, China Railways Telecommunications Center, Shanghai Alliance Investment Limited and Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission and its respective officers, directors and principal shareholders has agreed with the joint global coordinators on behalf of the underwriters that it will not sell or otherwise transfer any of its shares in our company during the period until and including the date 12 months after the date on which trading in the shares of our company commences on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and that it will not, for each six-month period during the two years after the expiration of the 12-month lock-up period, sell our shares in such amounts that in the aggregate will exceed 20% of the shares it held in our company at the date of this document.
The 12-month restricted period described above is subject to extension such that, in the event that either (i) during the last 17 days of the 12-month restricted period, we issue an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to us occurs or (ii) prior to the expiration of the 12-month restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the 12-month period, the lock-up restrictions described above will, except if otherwise waived in writing by the joint global coordinators on behalf of the underwriters, continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material event.
We have undertaken to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that, other than as allowed under the global offering or the over-allotment option:
(i) in the first six months after the date on which trading in the shares of our company commences on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, or the First Six-month Period, we will not allot or issue or agree to allot or issue any shares or other securities (including warrants or other convertible securities) or grant or agree to grant options or rights over any of our shares or other securities or enter into swap or other arrangements that transfer, in whole or in part, any part of the economic consequences of ownership of any of our shares or offer or agree to do any of the foregoing or announce any intention to do so, without the prior consent of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and unless in compliance with the requirements of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange Listing Rules; and | |
(ii) in the period of six months commencing from the expiry of the First Six-month Period, or the Second Six-month Period, we will not allot or issue or agree to allot or issue any of our shares or other securities (including warrants or other convertible securities) or grant or agree to grant options or rights over any of our shares or other securities or enter into swap or other arrangements that transfer, in whole or in part, any part of the economic consequence of ownership of any of our shares or offer or agree to do any of the foregoing or announce any intention to do so, if such action would result in CNC BVI ceasing to be our controlling shareholder (as defined in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange Listing Rules). |
CNC BVI has undertaken to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that, other than as allowed under the global offering or the over-allotment option:
(i) in the First Six-month Period, it will not dispose of any of our shares in respect of which it is shown by this document to be the beneficial owner; and | |
(ii) in the case of CNC BVI, in the Second Six-month Period, it will not dispose of any of our shares if, immediately following such disposal, it would cease to be our controlling shareholder (as defined in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange Listing Rules). |
Upon the completion of the global offering, the Academy of Sciences, INC-SARFT, CRTC, Shanghai Alliance and Shandong SASAC will own 0.6%, 0.6%, 0.6%, 0.6% and 2.3%, respectively, of our outstanding shares, assuming the underwriters do not exercise the over-allotment option. These shares were acquired under the share transfer agreement or the asset transfer agreement, as the case may be, they entered into with China Netcom Group. See Restructuring.
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Purchasers of the ADSs or shares offered by this document may be required to pay stamp taxes and other charges in accordance with the laws and practices of the country of purchase in addition to the initial public offering price set forth on the front cover page of this document.
The underwriters do not expect any account to subscribe for more than 5% of the global offering.
China International Capital Corporation Limited and Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C. are not U.S. registered broker-dealers and, therefore, each intends to effect any offers and sales of ADSs in the United States only through one or more U.S. registered broker-dealers as permitted by U.S. securities laws and by the regulations of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Some of the underwriters may have in the past provided, and may in the future provide, investment banking, underwriting or financial services to us or our affiliates for which they would have received customary compensation.
In September 2000, CNC Fund, L.P., for which GS China BroadNet GP Holdings, L.L.C. acts as one of the general partners, acquired 30,967,127 of our Series A preferred shares for cash. In June 2004, CNC Fund, L.P. also purchased from CNET Foundation Limited 6.4 million ordinary shares of our predecessor company in exchange for a future cash payment. These ordinary shares had been held by CNET Foundation Limited on behalf of former employees of China Netcom Holdings, none of whom were, at the time of the agreement, or currently are, directors or executive officers of our company. Two entities that are beneficially owned by investment partnerships affiliated with Goldman, Sachs & Co., GS China BroadNet Investment Holdings, L.L.C. and GS China BroadNet GP Holdings, L.L.C., own an aggregate of 18.46% of the partnership interests in CNC Fund, L.P. Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C., one of the joint global coordinators and joint global bookrunners for the global offering, is also affiliated with Goldman, Sachs & Co. In June 2004, CNC Fund, L.P. exchanged all of the Series A preferred shares and the ordinary shares purchased from CNET Foundation Limited for an option to receive (a) 445.5 million ordinary shares of our company from CNC BVI, or 8.1% of our shares on a fully diluted basis prior to the global offering or (b) a cash alternative from CNC BVI. On , 2004, CNC Fund, L.P. exercised this option to receive 445.5 million ordinary shares of our company from CNC BVI.
One of our non-executive directors, John Lawson Thornton, previously served as President and co-Chief Operating Officer of Goldman, Sachs & Co. and as a member of such companys board of directors. Mr. Thornton currently serves as a consultant to Goldman, Sachs & Co., which is affiliated with Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C., one of the joint global coordinators and joint global bookrunners for the global offering.
In connection with the offering of the ADSs and the shares, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the ADSs and the shares. Specifically, the underwriters may sell more ADSs or shares than they are obligated to purchase under the underwriting agreements, creating a short position. Shorts sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the global offering. Covered short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the number of ADSs or shares available for purchase by the underwriters under the over-allotment option. The underwriters can close out a covered short sale by exercising the over-allotment option or purchasing ADSs or shares in the open market. In determining the source of ADSs or shares to close out a covered short sale, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the open market price of ADSs or shares compared to the price available under the over-allotment option. Naked short sales are in excess of the over-allotment option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing ADSs or shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the ADSs or shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the global offering. As an additional means of facilitating the global offering, we will appoint one of the joint global coordinators as a stabilization manager that may, acting directly or through one or more agents, bid for and purchase ADSs or shares in the open market to stabilize the price of the ADSs or shares. The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid, which occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the other underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the stabilization manager or its agent has repurchased ADSs or shares sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions. These activities may stabilize,
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We and the selling shareholders have agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribute to payments which the underwriters may be required to make in respect of any of these liabilities.
A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the websites maintained by one or more of the underwriters. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of shares to underwriters for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the lead managers to underwriters that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.
It is expected that delivery of our ADSs and shares will be made against payment for such ADSs and shares on or about the date specified on the cover page of this document. In compliance with Rule 15c6-1 under the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market are generally required to settle in three business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the ADSs or shares on the date of this document should specify an alternate settlement cycle at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement and should consult their own advisers.
Selling Restrictions
No action has been taken in any jurisdiction (except in the United States, Hong Kong and Japan) that would permit a public offering of the ADSs or shares, or the possession, circulation or distribution of this document or any other material relating to us, the selling shareholder or the ADSs or shares in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Accordingly, neither the ADSs nor the shares may be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, and neither this document nor any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the ADSs or shares may be distributed or published, in or from any country or jurisdiction except in compliance with any applicable rules and regulations of any such country or jurisdiction.
In purchasing shares under the global offering, you are deemed by your making a purchase to have represented to us and the underwriters that you are not an associate (as such term is defined in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange Listing Rules) of any of our directors or existing shareholders or a nominee of any of the foregoing.
To provide for the coordination of the global offering, the U.S. underwriters, the international underwriters and the Hong Kong underwriters have entered into the intersyndicate agreement.
Under the intersyndicate agreement, (i) each U.S. underwriter has represented and agreed that, with certain exceptions, (a) it is not purchasing any ADSs or shares for the account of anyone other than a United States or Canadian Person (as defined below); and (b) it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any ADSs or shares or distribute any prospectus relating to the ADSs or shares outside the United States or Canada or to anyone other than a United States or Canadian Person; (ii) each international underwriter has represented and agreed that, with certain exceptions, (a) it is not purchasing any ADSs or shares for the account of any United States or Canadian Person; and (b) it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any such ADSs or shares or distribute any prospectus relating to the ADSs or shares in the United States or Canada or to any United States Person or Canadian Person.
With respect to any underwriter that is simultaneously a U.S. underwriter and an international underwriter, the foregoing representations and agreements (i) made by it in its capacity as a U.S. underwriter apply only to it in its capacity as a U.S. underwriter, and (ii) made by it in its capacity as an international underwriter apply only to it in its capacity as an international underwriter.
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The foregoing restrictions do not apply to stabilization transactions or to certain other transactions specified in the intersyndicate agreement.
Under the intersyndicate agreement, each Hong Kong underwriter has represented and agreed that, with certain exceptions, it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any shares or distribute any prospectus relating to any of the shares in the United States or Canada or to any United States Person or Canadian Person or to any person who it believes intends to reoffer, resell or deliver any of the shares in the United States or Canada or to any United States Person or Canadian Person.
United States Person or Canadian Person means any national or resident of the United States or Canada, or any corporation, person, profit-sharing or other trust or other entity organized under the laws of the United States or Canada or of any political subdivision thereof (other than a branch located outside the United States and Canada of any United States Person or Canadian Person), and includes any United States or Canadian branch of a person who is otherwise not a United States or Canadian Person.
Canada
Under the intersyndicate agreement, each U.S. underwriter has represented and agreed that (i) it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, any ADSs or shares, directly or indirectly, in any province or territory of Canada or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of any province or territory of Canada in contravention of the securities laws thereof and has represented that any offer or sale of ADSs or shares in Canada will be made only (a) in accordance with an exemption from the requirement to file a prospectus in the province or territory of Canada in which such offer or sale is made, and (b) by a dealer duly registered under the applicable securities laws of that province or territory or in circumstances where an exemption from the applicable registered dealer requirements is available; and (ii) it will send to any dealer who purchases from it any of the ADSs or shares a notice stating in substance that, by purchasing such ADSs or shares, such dealer represents and agrees that it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any of such ADSs or shares in any province or territory of Canada or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of any province or territory of Canada in contravention of the securities laws thereof and that any offer or sale of ADSs or shares in Canada will be made only (a) in accordance with an exemption from the requirement to file a prospectus in the province or territory of Canada in which such offer or sale is made, and (b) by a dealer duly registered under the applicable securities laws of that province or territory or in circumstances where an exemption from the applicable registered dealer requirements is available, and that such dealer will deliver to any other dealer to whom it sells any of such ADSs or shares a notice containing substantially the same statement as is contained in this sentence.
United Kingdom
Under the intersyndicate agreement, each international underwriter has represented and agreed that (i) it has not offered or sold and, prior to the expiry of a period of six months from the completion of the global offering, will not offer or sell any ADSs or shares to persons in the United Kingdom except to persons whose ordinary activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of their businesses, or otherwise in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of the Public Offers of Securities Regulations 1995; (ii) it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, or the FSMA, with respect to anything done by it in relation to any ADSs or shares in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom; and (iii) it only has communicated or caused to be communicated and only will communicate or cause to be communicated any invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the FSMA) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of any ADSs or shares in circumstances in which section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to us.
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France
Under the intersyndicate agreement, each international underwriter has represented and agreed that (i) neither this document nor any offering material relating to ADSs or shares has been or will be submitted to the Commission des Operations de Bourse for approval ( Visa ) in France; and (ii) it has not offered or sold and will not offer or sell any ADSs or shares or distribute or cause to be distributed any copies of this document or any offering material relating to the ADSs or shares, directly or indirectly, in France, except to qualified investors ( investisseurs qualifies ) and/or a restricted group of investors ( cercle restreint dinvestisseurs ), in each case acting for their account, all as defined in, and in accordance with, Article L. 411-1 and L. 411-2 of the Monetary and Financial Code and Decret no. 98-880 dated October 1, 1998.
Germany
Under the intersyndicate agreement, each international underwriter has represented and agreed that (i) this document is not a Securities Selling Prospectus ( Verkaufsprospekt ) within the meaning of the German Securities Prospectus Act ( Verkaufsprospektgesetz ) of September 9, 1998, as amended, and has not been filed with and approved by the German Federal Supervisory Authority ( Bundesanstaf für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht ) or any other German governmental authority; and (ii) it has not offered or sold and will not offer or sell any ADSs or shares or distribute copies of this document or any document relating to the ADSs, directly or indirectly, in Germany except to persons falling within the scope of paragraph 2 numbers 1, 2 and 3 of the German Securities Prospectus Act and by doing so has not taken, and will not take, any steps which would constitute a public offering of the ADSs or shares in Germany.
Italy
The offering of the ADSs or shares has not been registered with the Commissione Nazionale per le Societa e la Borsa , or CONSOB, in accordance with Italian securities legislation. Accordingly, under the intersyndicate agreement, each international underwriter has represented and agreed that the ADSs or shares may not be offered, sold or delivered, and copies of this document or any other document relating to the ADSs or shares may not be distributed, in Italy except to Professional Investors, as defined in Art. 31.2 of CONSOB Regulation no. 11522 of 1st July, 1998, as amended, pursuant to Art. 30.2 and Art. 100 of Legislative Decree no. 58 of 24th February, 1998 (or the Finance Law) or in any other circumstance where an express exemption to comply with the solicitation restrictions provided by the Finance Law or CONSOB Regulation no. 11971 of 14th May, 1999, as amended (or the Issuers Regulation) applies, including those provided for under Art. 100 of the Finance Law and Art. 33 of the Issuers Regulation, and provided, however, that any such offer, sale, or delivery of the ADSs or shares or distribution of copies of this document or any other document relating to the ADSs or shares in Italy must (i) be made in accordance with all applicable Italian laws and regulations, (ii) be made in compliance with Article 129 of Legislative Decree no. 385 of 1 September 1993, as amended (the Banking Law Consolidated Act) and the implementing guidelines of the Bank of Italy ( Istruzioni di Vigilanza per le banche ) pursuant to which the issue, trading or placement of securities in the Republic of Italy is subject to prior notification to the Bank of Italy, unless an exemption applies depending, inter alia, on the amount of the issue and the characteristics of the securities, (iii) be conducted in accordance with any relevant limitations or procedural requirements the Bank of Italy or CONSOB may impose upon the offer or sale of the securities, and (iv) be made only by (a) banks, investment firms or financial companies enrolled in the special register provided for in Article 107 of the Banking Law Consolidated Act, to the extent duly authorized to engage in the placement and/or underwriting of financial instruments in Italy in accordance with the Financial Laws Consolidated Act and the relevant implementing regulations; or by (b) foreign banks or financial institutions (the controlling shareholding of which is owned by one or more banks located in the same EU Member State) authorized to place and distribute securities in the Republic of Italy pursuant to Articles 15, 16 and 18 of the Banking Law Consolidated Act, in each case acting in compliance with every applicable law and regulation.
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The Netherlands
Under the intersyndicate agreement, each international underwriter has represented and agreed that it has not offered, distributed, sold, transferred or delivered, and will not offer, distribute, sell, transfer or deliver, any ADSs or shares, directly or indirectly, in the Netherlands, as part of their initial distribution or at any time thereafter, to any person other than individuals who or legal entities which trade or invest in securities in the conduct of their profession or business within the meaning of article 2 of the Exemption Regulation issued under the Securities Transactions Supervision Act 1995 ( Vrijstellingsregeling Wet toezicht effectenverkeer 1995 ), which includes banks, brokers, pension funds, insurance companies, securities institutions, investment institutions and other institutional investors, including, among others, treasuries of large enterprises, who or which regularly trade or invest in securities in a professional capacity.
Denmark
This document has not been filed with or approved by the Danish Securities Council or any other regulatory authority in the Kingdom of Denmark. Accordingly, under the intersyndicate agreement, each international underwriter has represented and agreed that the securities have not been offered or sold and may not be offered, sold or delivered directly or indirectly in Denmark, unless in compliance with Chapter 12 of the Danish Act on Trading in Securities and the Danish Executive Order No. 166 of 13 March 2003 on the First Public Offer of Certain Securities issued pursuant hereto as amended from time to time.
Norway
This document has not been approved by or registered with the Oslo Stock Exchange under Chapter 5 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act 1997. Accordingly, under the intersyndicate agreement, each international underwriter has represented and agreed that it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, any ADSs or shares to any persons in Norway in any way that would constitute an offer to the public other than to persons who invest in securities as part of their professional activity and who are registered with the Oslo Stock Exchange in this capacity, or otherwise only in circumstances where an exemption from the duty to publish a prospectus under the Norwegian Securities Trading Act 1997 shall be applicable.
Sweden
This document has not been approved by or registered with the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority ( Finansinspekitonen ). Accordingly, under the intersyndicate agreement, each international underwriter has represented and agreed that it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, any ADSs or shares to persons in Sweden, except to a closed circle of not more than 200 pre-selected, non-substitutable investors, under the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act ( Lag (1991: 980) om handel med finansiella instrument ).
Belgium
Neither this document nor any offering material relating to the ADSs or shares has been or will be submitted to the Commission Bancaire et Financière/ Commissie voor het Bank- en Financiewezen for approval. Therefore, this document will not constitute a prospectus under Belgium law. Accordingly, under the intersyndicate agreement, each international underwriter has represented and agreed that neither this document nor any offering material relating to the ADSs or shares may be distributed or caused to be distributed, directly or indirectly, to the public in Belgium, except to:
| qualified investors, as defined in article 3, 2 of the Royal Decree of 7 July 1999 on the public character of financial transactions and acting for their own account; and | |
| a restricted group of potential investors (without the intervention of any intermediaries other than those permitted under Belgian law), defined as a group of less than 51 persons, or, without restrictions, if the consideration to be paid by each investor amounts to at least Euro 250,000. |
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Ireland
Under the intersyndicate agreement, each international underwriter has represented and agreed that (i) otherwise than in circumstances which are not deemed to be an offer to the public by virtue of the provisions of the Irish Companies Acts, 1963 to 2001, it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, in Ireland, by means of any document, any ADSs or shares, unless such offer or sale has been or is made to persons whose ordinary business it is to buy or sell shares or debentures, whether as principal or agent, and it has not issued, and will not issue, in Ireland any form of application for ADSs or shares; and (ii) it has not made and will not make any offer of ADSs or shares to the public in Ireland to which the European Communities (Transferable Securities and Stock Exchange) Regulations, 1992 of Ireland would apply, except in accordance with the provisions of those regulations; and (iii) it has complied, and will comply, with all applicable provisions of the Investment Intermediaries Act 1995 of Ireland, with respect to anything done by it in relation to the offer, sale or delivery of the ADSs or shares in or involving Ireland.
Switzerland
Under the intersyndicate agreement, each international underwriter has represented and agreed that (i) it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, the ADSs and shares to any investors in Switzerland other than on a non-public basis; (ii) this document does not constitute a prospectus within the meaning of Article 652a and Art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations ( Schweizerisches Obligationenrecht ); and (iii) none of this offering, the ADSs and shares has been or will be approved by any Swiss regulatory authority.
Luxembourg
Under the intersyndicate agreement, each international underwriter has represented and agreed that the ADS or shares are not being offered to the public in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and each of the international underwriters represents, warrants and agrees that it will not offer the ADS or shares or cause the offering of the ADS or shares or contribute to the offering of the ADS or shares to the public in Luxembourg, unless all the relevant legal and regulatory requirements have been complied with. In particular, this offer has not been and may not be announced to the public in Luxembourg and offering material may not be made available to the public in Luxembourg.
Australia
This document is not a disclosure document under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), or the Australian Corporations Act, has not been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and does not purport to include the information required of a disclosure document under Chapter 6D of the Australian Corporations Act. Accordingly, under the intersyndicate agreement, each international underwriter has represented and agreed that (i) the offer of ADSs and shares under this document is only made to persons to whom it is lawful to offer ADSs and shares without disclosure under Chapter 6D of the Australian Corporations Act under one or more exemptions set out in section 708 of the Australian Corporations Act, (ii) this document is made available in Australia to only those persons as set forth in clause (i) above and (iii) such international underwriter must send the offeree a notice stating in substance that by accepting this offer, the offeree represents that the offeree is such a person as set forth in clause (i) above and unless permitted under the Australian Corporations Act agrees not to sell or offer for sale within Australia any ADS or share sold to the offeree within 12 months after their transfer to the offeree under this document.
New Zealand
This document has not been prepared or registered in accordance with the Securities Act 1978 of New Zealand. Accordingly, under the intersyndicate agreement, each international underwriter has represented and agreed that it (i) has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any ADSs or shares and (ii) has not distributed and will not distribute, directly or indirectly, any offer materials or advertisements
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Hong Kong
Under the intersyndicate agreement, each international underwriter has represented and agreed that (i) it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, in Hong Kong, by means of any document, any ADSs or shares other than to persons whose ordinary business is to buy or sell shares or debentures, whether as principal or agent, to professional investors within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong) or otherwise in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Chapter 32 of the Laws of Hong Kong); and (ii) except as permitted under the securities laws of Hong Kong, it has not issued, and will not issue, in Hong Kong any document, invitation or advertisement relating to the ADSs or shares other than with respect to ADSs or shares which are intended to be disposed of to persons outside Hong Kong or only to persons whose business involves the acquisition, disposal or holding of securities, whether as principal or agent.
Japan
It is expected that a public offering without a listing of the shares will be made in Japan. Under the intersyndicate agreement, each international underwriter has represented and agreed that (i) it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the account of any resident of Japan, any of the ADSs or shares acquired in connection with the distribution contemplated in the intersyndicate agreement, except in accordance with the terms and conditions of the public offering without a listing of the ADSs or shares in Japan, as stated in the securities registration statement filed on , 2004, with the Japanese authority under, or pursuant to any exemption from the registration requirements of, the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan and otherwise in compliance with applicable provisions of Japanese law; and (ii) it will send any dealer who purchases from it any ADSs or shares a notice stating in substance that, by purchasing such ADSs or shares, the dealer represents and agrees that it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, any of the ADSs or shares, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the account of any resident thereof, except in accordance with the terms and conditions of the public offering without a listing of the ADSs or shares in Japan, as stated in the securities registration statement filed on , 2004, with the Japanese authority under, or pursuant to any exemption from the registration requirements of, the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan and otherwise in compliance with applicable provisions of Japanese law, and that such dealer will send to any other dealer to whom it sells any of such ADSs or shares a notice containing substantially the same statement as is contained in this sentence. As used in this paragraph, resident of Japan means any person residing in Japan, including any corporations or other entities organized under the laws of Japan.
Singapore
This document has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, under the intersyndicate agreement, each international underwriter has represented and agreed that it will not offer or sell ADSs or shares, nor will it make ADSs or shares the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, nor will it circulate or distribute this document or any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of ADSs or shares, whether directly or indirectly, to the public or any member of the public in Singapore other than:
| to an institutional investor or other person specified in Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act 2001, Chapter 289, of Singapore, or the Securities and Futures Act; | |
| to a sophisticated investor, and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the Securities and Futures Act; or |
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| otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the Securities and Futures Act. |
South Korea
The ADSs or shares offered in the global offering have not been registered under the Korean Securities and Exchange Law and, under the intersyndicate agreement, each international underwriter has represented and agreed that it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, in South Korea or to or for the account of any resident of South Korea, any of the ADSs or shares acquired in connection with the distribution contemplated by the intersyndicate agreement, except otherwise permitted by applicable provisions of Korean laws and regulations, including, without limitation, the Korean Securities and Exchange Law and Foreign Exchange Transaction Law.
United Arab Emirates
Under the intersyndicate agreement, each international underwriter has represented and agreed that it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any ADSs or shares in the United Arab Emirates, except:
| in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of the United Arab Emirates; and | |
| through persons or corporate entities authorized and licensed to provide investment advice and/or engage in brokerage activity and/or trade in respect of foreign securities in the United Arab Emirates. |
Peoples Republic of China
This document does not constitute a public offer of the ADSs or shares, whether by way of sale or subscription, in the Peoples Republic of China. Under the intersyndicate agreement, each international underwriter has represented and agreed that it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any ADSs or shares in the Peoples Republic of China (excluding Hong Kong for the purposes of this paragraph).
Pricing of the Offering
Prior to the global offering, there will be no public market for the ADSs and the shares. The initial public offering price of the ADSs will be determined by negotiations between the joint global coordinators and us and the selling shareholders. Among the factors to be considered in such negotiations will be prevailing market conditions, current market valuations of publicly traded companies that we and the underwriters believe to be reasonably comparable to us, an assessment of our results of operations in recent periods, estimates of our business potential and earnings prospects, the current state of our development and the current state of our industry and the economy as a whole.
The address of China International Capital Corporation Limited is 28th Floor, China World Tower 2, No. 1, Jian Guo Men Wai Avenue, Beijing 100004, China. The address of Citigroup Global Markets Asia Limited is 50th Floor, Citibank Tower, Citibank Plaza, 3 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong. The address of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. is 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013. The address of Citigroup Global Markets Limited is Citigroup Centre, 33 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, England E14 5LB. The address of Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C. is 68th Floor, Cheung Kong Center, 2 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong.
192
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters of United States and New York law will be passed upon for us and China Netcom Group by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York, and for the underwriters by Shearman & Sterling LLP, New York, New York. Certain legal matters of Hong Kong law, including the validity of the shares, will be passed upon for us and China Netcom Group by Linklaters, Hong Kong, and for the underwriters by Baker & McKenzie, Hong Kong. Certain legal matters of PRC law will be passed upon for us and China Netcom Group by Haiwen & Partners, Beijing, PRC, and for the underwriters, by Commerce & Finance Law Offices, Beijing, PRC.
EXPERTS
Our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and June 30, 2004 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003 and the six-month periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 included in this registration statement have been so included in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers, independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. PricewaterhouseCoopers have audited our consolidated financial statements since 2001. The address of PricewaterhouseCoopers is 22/ F, Princes Building, Central, Hong Kong.
The valuation report included in this document in Appendix A has been prepared by Sallmanns (Far East) Ltd., located at 15/ F, Lucky Center, 165-171 Wanchai Road, Hong Kong, and has been included with the consent and in reliance of the valuations given upon the authority of that firm as experts in valuing property interests in buildings and real property.
EXPENSES RELATING TO THE GLOBAL OFFERING
The following table sets forth the main estimated expenses in connection with the global offering, other than the underwriting discounts and commissions, that we and the selling shareholders will be required to pay:
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
registration fee
|
US$ | 160,000 | |||
National Association of Securities Dealers filing
fee
|
30,500 | ||||
New York Stock Exchange listing fee
|
200,000 | ||||
Hong Kong Stock Exchange listing fee
|
80,000 | ||||
Legal fees and expenses
|
3,400,000 | ||||
Accounting fees and expenses
|
5,000,000 | ||||
Printing fees
|
2,000,000 | ||||
Financial advisory fees
|
6,500,000 | ||||
Other fees and expenses
|
13,000,000 | ||||
|
|||||
Total
|
US$ | 30,370,500 | |||
|
All amounts are estimated, except the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee, the New York Stock Exchange listing fee and the NASD filing fee. Expenses will be borne in proportion to the number of shares sold in the offering by us and the selling shareholders, respectively.
193
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the Commission, a registration statement on Form F-1 (No. 333- ) under the Securities Act, with respect to the shares, and the depositary bank has filed a registration statement on Form F-6 (No. 333- ) under the Securities Act with respect to the ADSs. This document does not contain all of the information in the registration statements and their exhibits. We have omitted certain portions of these registration statements from this document.
You may read and copy this information at the Commissions Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can also request copies of the documents we file with the Commission, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the Public Reference Section of the Commission. Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. You may also inspect these reports and other information at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 11 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005. These materials may also be accessed electronically by means of the Commissions home page on the Internet (http://www.sec.gov).
Upon completion of the global offering, we will become subject to the periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, applicable to a foreign private issuer. In accordance with these requirements, we will file annual reports on Form 20-F within six months of our fiscal year end and we will submit other reports and information under cover of Form 6-K with the Commission. These reports and other information can be inspected at the Public Reference Room at the Commission. You can also obtain copies, upon payment of a prescribed fee, of such material from the Public Reference Room and the regional offices, or by calling or writing to the Commission. That material may also be accessed electronically by means of the Commissions home page on the Internet (http://www.sec.gov). As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt under the Exchange Act from, among other things, the rules prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements and annual reports to shareholders and requiring reporting of insider purchases and sales.
We will furnish the depositary with our annual reports in English. Our annual reports will include a review of operations and annual audited financial statements prepared in conformity with Hong Kong GAAP, together with a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of certain financial information. We will also furnish the depositary with our semi-annual reports in English, which will include unaudited interim financial information prepared in conformity with Hong Kong GAAP. Once the depositary receives this information and reports, it will promptly, upon our written request, mail such reports to all holders of record of ADSs. We also will furnish to the depositary in English all notices of shareholders meeting and other reports and communication that are made generally available to our shareholders. The depositary will make such notices, reports and communications available to holders of ADSs and, upon our written request, will mail to all record holders of ADSs the information contained in any notice of a shareholders meeting received by the depositary from us.
194
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
Page | ||||
|
||||
Report of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
|
F-2 | |||
Consolidated Income Statements for the Years
Ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and Six Months
Ended June 30, 2003 and 2004
|
F-3 | |||
Consolidated Balance Sheets as at
December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and June 30, 2004
|
F-4 | |||
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for
the Years Ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and
2003 and Six Months Ended June 30, 2004
|
F-5 | |||
Consolidated Cash Flow Statements for the Years
Ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and Six Months
Ended June 30, 2003 and 2004
|
F-6 | |||
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the Years Ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and
Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2004
|
F-7 |
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated
balance sheets and the related consolidated income statements,
cash flows statements and statement of changes in equity present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited and its
subsidiaries at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, and
June 30, 2004, and the results of their operations and
their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2003, and each of the six months ended
June 30, 2003 and 2004, in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in Hong Kong. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Companys
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our
audits of these statements 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. An audit 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, and evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
Accounting principles generally accepted in Hong
Kong vary in certain significant respects from accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Information relating to the nature and effect of such
differences is presented in Note 36 to the consolidated
financial statements.
Hong Kong
F-2
Table of Contents
China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong)
Limited
Consolidated Income Statements
Year ended December 31,
Six months ended June 30,
Note
2001
2002
2003
2003
2003
2004
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
RMB
US$
4
48,632
54,443
59,898
7,237
29,062
32,498
3,926
(16,153
)
(18,808
)
(20,483
)
(2,475
)
(9,967
)
(9,552
)
(1,154
)
(9,313
)
(10,578
)
(11,990
)
(1,448
)
(4,827
)
(5,167
)
(624
)
(5,030
)
(6,433
)
(7,547
)
(912
)
(3,563
)
(4,294
)
(519
)
(4,997
)
(5,682
)
(7,053
)
(852
)
(2,907
)
(4,199
)
(507
)
(1,536
)
(1,521
)
(1,660
)
(201
)
(599
)
(724
)
(88
)
11,603
11,421
11,165
1,349
7,199
8,562
1,034
158
82
79
10
39
32
4
181
78
45
5
31
7
1
15
(c)
(25,778
)
(3,114
)
5
11,942
11,581
(14,489
)
(1,750
)
7,269
8,601
1,039
6
(1,979
)
(2,848
)
(3,026
)
(366
)
(1,548
)
(1,604
)
(194
)
Associated companies
4
(1
)
(1
)
(2
)
(1
)
(415
)
(50
)
(85
)
9,967
8,732
(17,931
)
(2,166
)
5,634
6,996
845
7
(2,568
)
(2,212
)
6,819
824
(1,362
)
(2,121
)
(256
)
7,399
6,520
(11,112
)
(1,342
)
4,272
4,875
589
1
1
7,400
6,520
(11,111
)
(1,342
)
4,272
4,875
589
9
1.35
1.19
(2.02
)
(0.24
)
0.78
0.89
0.11
9
1.35
1.19
(2.02
)
(0.24
)
0.78
0.89
0.11
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3
China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong)
Limited
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As at December 31,
As at June 30,
Note
2001
2002
2003
2003
2004
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
US$
ASSETS
10
6,952
6,802
6,316
763
3,119
377
11
2,630
2,665
1,506
182
747
90
12
3,907
4,775
6,343
766
6,732
814
13
1,339
1,007
1,238
150
1,152
139
14
2,051
1,470
1,640
198
1,146
138
24
813
672
449
54
58
7
17,692
17,391
17,492
2,113
12,954
1,565
15
138,482
146,164
133,919
16,180
116,891
14,123
16
22,727
17,783
15,695
1,896
14,643
1,769
17
174
273
184
22
159
19
18
4,666
5,149
7,872
951
8,557
1,034
27
2,359
2,652
2,784
337
2,565
310
19
118
880
880
106
19
99
90
90
11
722
535
618
75
454
55
169,347
173,526
162,042
19,578
143,269
17,310
187,039
190,917
179,534
21,691
156,223
18,875
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
21
14,223
13,302
14,786
1,786
13,990
1,690
22
3,919
3,525
4,410
533
3,963
479
23
(a)
17,837
26,371
32,217
3,892
29,744
3,594
23
(b)
9,406
14,089
15,716
1,899
8,142
984
24
990
1,035
9,002
1,089
7,812
944
25
7,658
7,028
7,229
873
6,783
819
26
3,179
3,098
3,083
372
2,789
337
387
381
428
52
1,656
200
57,599
68,829
86,871
10,496
74,879
9,047
23
(b)
37,446
29,480
22,309
2,695
20,464
2,473
24
4,750
574
25
19,355
15,781
14,604
1,764
13,394
1,618
26
2,184
2,623
2,341
283
2,367
286
27
9,821
10,872
4,213
509
1,662
200
1,424
1,115
1,067
129
588
71
70,230
59,871
49,284
5,954
38,475
4,648
127,829
128,700
136,155
16,450
113,354
13,695
4
4
3
33
1,819
1,819
1,819
220
1,819
220
57,387
60,394
41,557
5,021
41,050
4,960
59,206
62,213
43,376
5,241
42,869
5,180
187,039
190,917
179,534
21,691
156,223
18,875
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong)
Limited
Consolidated Statements of Changes in
Equity
Share
capital
Share
Capital
Revaluation
Other
Retained
(Note 33)
premium
reserve
reserve
reserve
earnings
Total
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
1,815
31,397
16,386
49,598
7,400
7,400
4
2,771
2,145
4,920
(2,003
)
(2,003
)
97
97
(806
)
(806
)
1,819
34,168
23,219
59,206
1,819
34,168
23,219
59,206
6,520
6,520
507
507
(4,020
)
(4,020
)
1,819
34,168
26,226
62,213
1,819
34,168
26,226
62,213
(11,111
)
(11,111
)
(9,724
)
(9,724
)
2,982
2,982
(984
)
(984
)
1,819
34,168
1,998
5,391
43,376
220
4,128
242
651
5,241
1,819
34,168
1,998
5,391
43,376
4,875
4,875
846
2,355
(137
)
3,064
(280
)
(117
)
397
201
201
(2,600
)
(2,600
)
(6,047
)
(6,047
)
265
(265
)
1,819
34,168
265
2,564
2,238
1,815
42,869
220
4,128
32
310
270
219
5,180
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong)
Limited
Consolidated Cash Flow Statements
Year ended December 31,
Six months ended June 30,
Note
2001
2002
2003
2003
2003
2004
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
RMB
US$
28
(a)
26,117
28,024
28,807
3,480
15,751
15,815
1,911
158
82
79
10
39
32
3
181
78
45
5
31
7
1
(1,991
)
(2,789
)
(2,668
)
(322
)
(1,470
)
(1,772
)
(214
)
(1,591
)
(1,467
)
(931
)
(112
)
(334
)
(7
)
(1
)
22,874
23,928
25,332
3,061
14,017
14,075
1,700
(40,163
)
(25,814
)
(28,528
)
(3,446
)
(11,092
)
(8,947
)
(1,081
)
1,055
768
735
89
234
37
4
94
274
1,195
144
997
752
91
61
(109
)
78
9
106
30
4
28
(c)(i)
(507
)
(61
)
(507
)
28
(c)(ii)
55
7
(2,508
)
(1,041
)
(29
)
(4
)
(60
)
(41,461
)
(25,922
)
(27,001
)
(3,262
)
(10,322
)
(8,128
)
(982
)
47,314
48,495
63,033
7,616
20,950
22,411
2,708
(29,612
)
(43,208
)
(64,614
)
(7,808
)
(22,420
)
(24,126
)
(2,915
)
(124
)
(88
)
(101
)
(12
)
(101
)
(290
)
(35
)
4,750
574
4,920
507
201
24
(4,078
)
(3,972
)
(1,806
)
(218
)
(1,130
)
(7,310
)
(883
)
18,420
1,734
1,262
152
(2,701
)
(9,114
)
(1,101
)
(167
)
(260
)
(407
)
(49
)
994
(3,167
)
(383
)
7,117
6,950
6,690
808
6,690
6,283
759
10
6,950
6,690
6,283
759
7,684
3,116
376
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong)
Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
1. The Group, its
Reorganisation and Principal Activities
Background of the Group
China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong)
Limited (formerly known as China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong)
Limited) (the Company) was incorporated in the Hong
Kong Special Administration Region (Hong Kong) of
the Peoples Republic of China (the PRC) on
October 22, 1999 as a limited liability company under the
Hong Kong Companies Ordinance. Prior to a reorganisation
conducted for the listing of the shares of the Company (the
Reorganisation), the Companys ultimate holding
company was China Netcom (Holdings) Company Limited (China
Netcom Holdings).
China Netcom Holdings was owned by four
state-owned enterprises and became the Companys holding
company in December 2000. The Company through its principal
operating subsidiary, China Netcom (Group) Limited (CNC
China) is engaged in the provision of the fixed line
telecommunication services through different regional branch
offices in the PRC. In March 2003, the Company along with two
co-investors through Asia Netcom Corporation Limited (Asia
Netcom), being a 51% owned jointly controlled entity of
the Company at that time, acquired the Asia-Pacific submarine
cable assets and related physical network assets and
liabilities, from Asia Global Crossing Ltd. On December 31,
2003, the Company further purchased the remaining 49% interests
in Asia Netcom held by the other co-investors and became the
sole owner of Asia Netcom.
Reorganisation of the Group
In anticipation of the listing of the Company,
China Netcom Holdings and China Network Communications Group
Corporation (China Netcom Group), both being state
owned enterprises under the supervision and regulation of the
Ministry of Information Industry (MII), underwent
the Reorganisation. Immediately after the Reorganisation, the
ultimate holding company of the Group became China Netcom Group.
China Netcom Group, the Groups current
ultimate holding company, was established by the State Council
of the PRC in May 2002. Under a comprehensive industry
restructuring plan relating to the fixed line telecommunication
sector in China approved by the State Council in November 2001,
the fixed line telecommunication businesses originally operated
by China Telecommunication Corporation (China Telecom
Group) were split into northern and southern operations.
In May 2002, China Netcom Group took over the northern part
fixed line telecommunication operations in 10 provinces,
municipalities and autonomous regions. In accordance with this
industry restructuring plan, China Netcom Group and China
Telecom Group own 30% and 70%, respectively, of the nationwide
inter-provincial optic fibres and both groups were permitted to
operate nationwide fixed line telecommunications networks and
provide nationwide services.
The Reorganisation undertaken in anticipation of
the listing of the Company comprised the following:
F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The above Reorganisation procedures primarily
resulted in a net effect of (i) the transfer from China
Netcom Group to the Company of the assets and liabilities of the
telecommunications operations in the Eight Service Regions,
which were previously owned by China Netcom Group prior to the
Reorganisation; and (ii) the transfer from the Company to
China Netcom Group of certain assets and liabilities of the
telecommunications operations outside the Eight Service Regions
and the Asia-Pacific submarine cable assets and related physical
network, which were previously owned by the Group prior to the
Reorganisation.
Principal activities
After the Reorganisation, the Group is a dominant
provider of fixed line telephone services, broadband, other
Internet-related services, and business and data communications
services in six northern municipalities and provinces, namely
Beijing Municipality, Tianjin Municipality, Hebei Province,
Henan Province, Shandong Province and Liaoning Province in the
PRC. The Group also provides telecommunications services to
selected business and residential customers in two southern
municipality and province, namely Shanghai Municipality and
Guangdong Province in the PRC. The Group is the only
telecommunications company in the PRC that operates an extensive
network and offers international data services throughout the
Asia-Pacific region.
After the Reorganisation, the Groups
principal services consist of:
F-8
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The Groups PRC operations are subject to
the supervision of and regulation by the PRC Government. The
MII, pursuant to the authority delegated by the PRCs State
Council, is responsible for formulating the telecommunications
industry policies and regulations.
Under the Telecommunications Regulations, all
telecommunications operators in PRC must obtain a
telecommunications service operating license from the MII or
from the provincial telecommunications administrations.
Providers of value-added services within a single province are
required to obtain licenses from provincial telecommunications
administrations. Providers of basic telecommunications services
and providers of value-added services in two or more provinces,
autonomous regions and municipalities are required to obtain
licenses from the MII. In accordance with the approval of the
MII, CNC China, our principal operating subsidiary in
China, as an indirect subsidiary of China Netcom Group, has the
right to operate our telecommunications business in Eight
Service Regions under the authorization of China Netcom Group,
which holds the license required for operating our
telecommunications businesses in PRC.
Following our Reorganization, China Netcom Group
continues to be the holder of the licenses for operating a
telecommunicating network in China, but has, with the consent of
MII, granted CNC China the right to operate under its license,
the assets described above and the related business. The Company
is the holder of licenses that are necessary to own and operate
the assets that are outside PRC described above in such key
countries and regions such as Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and
Korea.
2. Basis of
Presentation
The Reorganisation was effective for accounting
purposes on June 30, 2004, which is the date on which the
Company and China Netcom Group signed the legally binding
agreements that identified (i) all specific assets and
liabilities under the Asset Injection to be transferred to the
Company from China Netcom Group and (ii) the specific
assets and liabilities to be transferred from Asia Netcom to
China Netcom Group.
China Netcom Group and China Telecom Group were
both state owned enterprises under common control and
accordingly, the takeover of the fixed line telecommunication
operations in the 10 northern provinces, municipalities and
autonomous regions by China Netcom Group from China Telecom
Group in accordance with the industry restructuring plan is
construed to have occurred at the beginning of the three years
ended December 31, 2003 for the purpose of the consolidated
financial statements. In accordance with this industry
restructuring plan, the entities in the northern regions and the
entities in the southern regions comprising the Group
respectively transferred to and received from China Telecom
Group 70% and 30% of the inter-provincial optic fibres including
network under construction which were all reflected as a
distribution to and contribution from owners in the consolidated
statement of changes in equity for the year ended
December 31, 2001 (see Note 15 (d)).
China Netcom Group and China Netcom Holdings were
both state owned enterprises before and after the
Reorganisation, and the acquisition of China Netcom Holdings by
China Netcom Group was carried out under the directive of the
State Council. Accordingly, the Reorganisation is regarded as a
common control transaction and accounted for under merger
accounting, as permitted by the Hong Kong Statement of Standard
Accounting Practice 2.127 Accounting for group
reconstructions, and the assets and liabilities injected
into the Company by China Netcom Group under
Note 1 (c) above have been stated at historical
amounts. The consolidated financial statements present the
consolidated results and financial position of the
F-9
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
Group as if China Netcom Holdings and China
Netcom Group had been merged throughout the three years ended
December 31, 2003 and as if the Restructured Businesses
were injected into the Company from China Netcom Group at the
beginning of the earliest period presented or when such
businesses were acquired by the Group or China Netcom Group,
whichever is later. The consolidated financial statements do not
include the results and financial position of businesses prior
to the Reorganisation and previously owned by China Netcom Group
outside the Eight Service Regions that were retained by China
Netcom Group upon the Reorganisation.
Prior to the consummation of the Reorganisation,
the assets and liabilities of the PRC telecommunications
operations, both within and outside the Eight Service Regions of
the Company held through CNC China, the Companys principal
operating subsidiary, had been historically under common
management and control. Therefore, the Groups consolidated
income statements for the three years ended December 31,
2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004 and
consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2001, 2002
and 2003 includes the entire consolidated financial data of the
PRC operations of CNC China although the assets and liabilities
of operations of CNC China outside the Eight Service Regions
have been transferred to China Netcom Group under the
Reorganisation as set out in Note 1 above. In addition, the
consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2001, 2002
and 2003 also include the assets and liabilities of the Eight
Service Regions in the PRC which have been retained by China
Netcom Group under the Reorganisation (see
Note 1 (f) (i) above) and the assets and
liabilities that were transferred from Asia Netcom to China
Netcom Group under the Reorganisation (see
Note 1 (f) (iv) above) as those assets and
liabilities were part of the telecommunication operations and
were not separately managed throughout the three years ended
December 31, 2003 and the six months ended June 30,
2004. The above assets and liabilities retained by, or
transferred to, China Netcom Group but included in the
consolidated financial statements during the three years ended
December 31, 2003 and the amounts of such assets and
liabilities distributed to owners on June 30, 2004 as a
result of the Reorganisation are as follows:
Assets and liabilities:
F-10
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The results of the PRC operations of CNC China
that were subsequently retained by China Netcom Group upon
Reorganisation but are included in the consolidated income
statements throughout the three years ended December 31,
2003 and six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 are
summarized as follows:
The directors believe that all historical costs
of operations of the Restructured Businesses have been reflected
in the consolidated financial statements. Expenses that were
specifically attributed to the Restructured Businesses, which
were mainly corporate headquarters administrative expenses
provided to the Restructured Businesses by China Netcom Group
since the establishment of China Netcom Group in 2002, were
allocated based on the revenues of entities within the China
Netcom Group. The amount of corporate administrative expenses
allocated to the Group for the years ended December 31,
2002 and 2003 and six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004
amounted to RMB344 million, RMB448 million,
RMB173 million and RMB142 million, respectively. The
directors consider that the method of allocation of corporate
administrative expenses presents a reasonable basis of
estimating what the Groups expenses would have been on a
stand-alone basis in the periods presented.
The consolidated financial information has been
prepared in Renminbi (RMB), the national currency of
the PRC. Solely for the convenience of the reader, the
consolidated financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2003 and six months ended June 30, 2004
have been translated into United States dollars at the noon
buying rate in New York City on June 30, 2004 for capable
transfers in Renminbi as certified for customs purposes by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York of US$1.00 = RMB8.2766. No
representation is made that the Renminbi amounts could have
been, or could be, converted into United States dollars at those
rates or at any other certain rate, on each of December 31,
2003 and June 30, 2004 or at any other dates.
3. Principal
accounting policies
The consolidated financial statements set out in
this report have been prepared in accordance with Hong Kong
Financial Reporting Standards (HKFRS) issued by the
Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants
(HKICPA). They have been prepared under the
historical cost convention modified by the revaluation of
certain fixed assets and the marking to fair values of certain
investments as explained in the accounting policies below, and
on a going concern basis.
A significant percentage of the Groups
funding requirements is through short term borrowings.
Consequently, the balance sheet indicates a significant working
capital deficit. In the past, a substantial portion of the
Groups short term borrowings have been rolled over upon
maturity. Based on the Groups history of obtaining
finance, its relationships with its bankers and operating
performance, the directors
F-11
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
consider that the Group will continue to be able
to roll over such short term financing, or will be able to
obtain sufficient alternative sources of financing to enable it
to operate and meet its liabilities as and when they fall due.
The principal accounting policies adopted in the
consolidated financial statements are set out below:
(a) Basis of
consolidation
As set out in Note 2 above, the
Reorganisation involving the injection of businesses from the
Groups ultimate holding company, as a result of the
Reorganisation, is accounted for using merger accounting. The
results and financial position of businesses consolidated under
the Reorganisation are included in the consolidated financial
statements as if the businesses were acquired at the beginning
of the earliest period presented or the date that such
businesses were acquired by the Group or China Netcom Group
whichever is later.
Acquisitions of subsidiaries from third parties
are accounted for using purchase accounting. The results and
financial positions of such subsidiaries acquired or disposed of
during the year/period are included in the consolidated income
statements from the effective date of acquisition or up to the
effective date of disposal, as appropriate.
All significant intercompany transactions and
balances within the Group are eliminated on consolidation.
Minority interests represent the interests of
outside shareholders in the operating results and net assets of
subsidiaries.
(b) Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are those entities in which the
Company, directly or indirectly, controls the composition of the
board of directors, controls more than half the voting power, or
holds more than half of the issued share capital.
(c) Jointly controlled
entities
A jointly controlled entity is a joint venture
which involves the establishment of a corporation, partnership
or other entity in which each venturer has an interest. A joint
venture is a contractual arrangement whereby the Group and other
parties undertake an economic activity which is subject to joint
control and none of the participating parties has unilateral
control over the economic activity. A jointly controlled entity
controls the assets of the joint venture, incurs liabilities and
expenses and earns income. It may enter into contracts in its
own name and raise finance for the purposes of the joint venture
activity. Each venturer is entitled to a share of the results of
the jointly controlled entity under the equity method of
accounting.
The consolidated income statements include the
Groups share of the results of jointly controlled entities
under the equity method of accounting.
(d) Associated companies
An associated company is a company, not being a
subsidiary or a jointly controlled entity, in which an equity
interest is held for the long-term and significant influence is
exercised in its management.
The consolidated income statements include the
Groups share of the results of associated companies for
the year/period, and the consolidated balance sheets include the
Groups share of the net assets of the associated companies
and unamortised goodwill (net of accumulated amortisation) on
acquisition.
F-12
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
Equity accounting is discontinued when the
carrying amount of the investment in an associated company
reaches zero, unless the Group has incurred obligations or
guaranteed obligations in respect of the associated company.
(e) Revenue recognition
Interest income is recognised on a time
proportion basis, taking into account the principal amounts
outstanding and the interest rates applicable.
Dividend income is recognised when the right to
receive payment is established.
F-13
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
(f) Interest expenses
Interest expenses that are attributable to the
acquisition, construction or production of an asset that
necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for
its intended use or sale are capitalised as part of the cost of
that asset.
All other interest expenses are charged to the
consolidated income statement in the year/period in which they
are incurred.
(g) Interconnection
charges
Interconnection charges represent amounts
incurred for the use of other telecommunications operators
networks for facilitating the completion of calls that originate
from the Groups fixed line telecommunications networks.
Interconnection charges are recognised on an accrual basis. For
interconnection charges with domestic operators, they are
accrued based on actual amount, while those with overseas
operators are accrued based on the Groups estimates.
(h) Translation of foreign
currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated
at exchange rates ruling at the transaction dates. Monetary
assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies at the
balance sheet dates are translated at rates of exchange ruling
at the balance sheet date. Exchange differences arising in these
cases are dealt with in the consolidated income statements.
The balance sheets of subsidiaries and associated
companies expressed in foreign currencies are translated at the
rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet dates and the
respective income statements accounts are translated at the
average exchange rates for the year/period. Exchange differences
are dealt with as a movement in reserves.
(i) Cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, comprising cash on
hand, deposits held at call with banks and cash investments with
original maturities of three months or less are carried at cost.
(j) Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable are carried at original
amounts less provisions for doubtful debts. The provision for
doubtful debts is recorded if there is objective evidence that
the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according
to the original term of the accounts receivable.
(k) Inventories and
consumables
Inventories comprise mainly telephone handsets
and are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value on
a first-in, first-out basis, after provisions for obsolescence.
Consumables consist of materials and supplies
used in maintaining the Groups telecommunication networks
and are charged to the income statement when brought into use.
Consumables are valued at cost less any provision for
obsolescence.
(l) Fixed assets
Construction-in-progress represents buildings,
telecommunications network plant, transmission and switching
equipment under construction and pending installation, and is
stated at cost less impairment losses.
F-14
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
Cost comprises direct costs of construction
including borrowing costs attributable to the construction
during the period of construction. When the asset being
constructed becomes available for use, the
construction-in-progress is transferred to the appropriate
category of fixed assets.
Fixed assets are initially stated at cost less
accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.
Major costs incurred in restoring fixed assets to their normal
working condition are charged to the income statements as
incurred. Improvements are capitalised and depreciated over
their expected useful lives.
Land and buildings subsequent to initial
recognition are stated at cost less accumulated impairment
losses and depreciated over their expected useful lives.
Subsequent to the revaluation carried out as at
December 31, 2003, which was based on depreciated
replacement costs (Note 15), fixed assets other than land
and buildings are carried at their revalued amounts, being the
fair values at the date of revaluation, less subsequent
accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. When an item of
fixed asset is revalued, any accumulated depreciation at the
date of the revaluation is restated proportionately together
with the change in the gross carrying amount of the asset so
that the carrying amount of the asset after revaluation equals
its revalued amount.
Revaluations will be performed at intervals of
not more than three years by independent valuers; in each of the
intervening years valuations will be undertaken by executives of
the Group. Increases in valuation are credited to the
revaluation reserve. Decreases in valuation are first set off
against revaluation surplus on earlier valuations in respect of
the same item and thereafter are debited to operating profit.
Any subsequent increases are credited to operating profit up to
the amount previously debited.
Fixed assets are depreciated at rates sufficient
to write off their costs or revalued amounts less accumulated
impairment losses and estimated residual values over their
estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis. The principal
useful lives are as follows:
The useful lives are reviewed periodically to
ensure that the methods and rates of depreciation are consistent
with the expected pattern of economic benefits from fixed assets.
The gain or loss on disposal of a fixed asset is
the difference between the net sales proceeds and the carrying
amount of the relevant asset, and is recognised in the income
statement, except where the fixed asset is carried at valuation,
the relevant portion of the revaluation reserve realised in
respect of previous valuations is transferred to retained
earnings and is shown as a movement in reserves.
(m) Impairment of assets
At each balance sheet date, both internal and
external sources of information are considered to assess whether
there is any indication that assets are impaired. If any such
indication exists, the recoverable amount
F-15
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
of the asset is estimated and where relevant, an
impairment loss is recognised to reduce the asset to its
recoverable amount. Estimated recoverable amounts are determined
based on estimated discounted future cash flows of the
cash-generating unit at the lowest level to which the asset
belongs. The recoverable amount is the higher of value in use or
net selling price. Such impairment losses are recognised in the
income statement except where the asset is carried at valuation
and the impairment loss does not exceed the revaluation surplus
for that same asset, in which case the impairment loss is
treated as a revaluation decrease and charged to the revaluation
surplus.
(n) Assets under leases
Leases that substantially transfer to the Group
all of the risks and rewards of ownership of assets are
accounted for as finance leases. Finance leases are capitalised
at the inception of the lease at the lower of the fair value of
the leased assets or the present value of the minimum lease
payments. Each lease payment is allocated between the capital
and finance charges so as to achieve a constant rate on the
capital balances outstanding. The corresponding rental
obligations, net of finance charges, are included in long-term
liabilities. The finance charges are charged to the income
statement over the lease periods.
Assets held under finance leases are depreciated
over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease
periods.
Leases where substantially all of the risks and
rewards of ownership of the assets remain with the leasing
company are accounted for as operating leases. Payments made
under operating leases net of any incentives received from the
leasing company are charged to the income statement on a
straight-line basis over the lease periods.
(o) Intangible assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an
acquisition over the fair value of the Groups share of the
net assets of the acquired subsidiary, jointly controlled entity
or associated company, at the date of acquisition.
Goodwill on acquisitions is included in
intangible assets and is amortised using the straight-line
method over its estimated useful life of not more than
20 years.
Negative goodwill represents the excess of the
fair value of the Groups share of the net assets acquired
over the cost of acquisition. Negative goodwill is presented in
the same balance sheet classification as goodwill. Negative
goodwill, not exceeding the fair values of the non-monetary
assets acquired, is recognised in the income statement over the
remaining weighted average useful life of those assets; negative
goodwill in excess of the fair values of those non-monetary
assets is recognised in the income statement immediately.
Expenditure on purchased software is capitalised
and amortised using the straight-line method over the expected
useful lives of the software, which vary from three to five
years.
F-16
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
(p) Investments
Long-term investments comprise unlisted
investment securities that are held for long term purposes. Such
investments are stated at cost less any provision for impairment
losses. When a decline that is other than temporary has
occurred, the carrying amount of such investment will be reduced
to its fair value. The carrying amounts of individual
investments are reviewed at each balance sheet date to assess
whether the fair values have declined below the carrying
amounts. The impairment loss is recognised as an expense in the
income statement. This impairment loss is written back to the
income statement when the circumstances and events that led to
the write-downs or write-offs cease to exist and there is
persuasive evidence that the new circumstances and events will
persist for the foreseeable future.
Short-term investments comprise listed securities
held for trading purposes are carried at fair value. At each
balance sheet date, the net unrealised gains or losses arising
from the changes in fair value of short-term investments are
recognised in the income statement. Profits or losses on
disposal of short-term investments, representing the difference
between the net sales proceeds and the carrying amounts, are
recognised in the income statement as they arise.
(q) Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a
present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past
events, it is probable that an outflow of resources will be
required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of
the amount can be made. Where the Group expects a provision to
be reimbursed, the reimbursement is recognised as a separate
asset but only when the reimbursement is virtually certain.
(r) Employee benefits
The Group makes voluntary payments and
contribution on a monthly basis according to various defined
contribution retirement benefit plans organised by relevant
municipal provincial Governments in the PRC. The Group has no
further obligations for post-retirement benefits beyond these
payments as they fall due. Payments made under these plans are
expensed as incurred.
Early retirement benefits are recognised as
expenses when the Group reaches agreements with the relevant
employees for early retirement.
Certain staff quarters have been sold to
employees, based on a number of eligibility requirements, at
preferential prices. When staff quarters are identified by
management as being intended for sale, the carrying value of the
staff quarters is written down to the net recoverable amount.
Upon the sale, any difference between sales proceeds and the
carrying amount of the staff quarters is charged to the
consolidated income statement.
One-off cash housing subsidies paid to employees
are charged to the consolidated income statement in the year in
which it is determined that the payment of such subsidies is
probable and the amounts can be reasonably estimated (see
Note 26(a)).
F-17
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
Full-time employees of the Group participate in
various government-sponsored housing funds. The Group
contributes on a monthly basis to these funds based on certain
percentages of the salaries of the employees. The Groups
liability in respect of these funds is limited to the
contributions payable in each period. Contributions to these
housing funds are expensed as incurred.
The Company has adopted a share subscription
scheme whereby the Company, at its discretion and subject to the
approval of the Board of Directors, may issue and allot new
shares to the directors or employees of the Group at specified
prices, which may be below fair market value. No charge is
recognised in the income statement in respect of the excess of
the fair market value of shares issued over the net proceeds.
The excess, if any, of the proceeds of shares issued over the
nominal value is credited to the share premium account and
included in other reserves.
(s) Deferred taxation
Deferred taxation is provided in full, using the
liability method, on temporary differences arising between the
tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts
in the financial statements. Taxation rates enacted or
substantively enacted at the balance sheet date are used to
determine deferred taxation. Deferred tax assets are recognised
to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit
will be available against which the temporary differences can be
utilised.
(t) Deferred costs
The direct incremental costs associated with the
installation of fixed line services are deferred and amortised
to the income statement over the expected customer relationship
period of 10 years except when the direct incremental costs
exceed the corresponding upfront connection and installation
fees. In such cases, the excess of the direct incremental costs
over the installation fees are recorded immediately as expenses
in the income statement.
The cost of handsets given to customers under
bundled service contracts and related commissions paid to
distributors are deferred as customer acquisition costs and
amortised to the income statement on a systematic basis to match
with the pattern of the customer service income over the
contract period.
Prepayments for the network capacities purchased
on an indefeasible rights to use (IRU) basis are
capitalised and amortised over the corresponding lease period.
The unamortised portion of the discount on
foreign currency exchange forward contracts (see Note(w)) is
recognised as deferred cost.
(u) Contingent
liabilities
A contingent liability is a possible obligation
that arises from past events and whose existence will only be
confirmed by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more
uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the
Group. It can also be a present obligation arising from past
events that is not recognised
F-18
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
because it is not probable that outflow of
economic resources will be required or the amount of obligation
cannot be measured reliably.
A contingent liability is not recognised but is
disclosed in the notes to the accounts. When a change in the
probability of an outflow occurs so that the outflow is
probable, the contingent liability will then be recognised as a
provision.
A contingent asset is a possible asset that
arises from past events and whose existence will be confirmed
only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more
uncertain events not wholly within the control of the Group.
(v) Segmental reporting
Business segments provide services that are
subject to risks and returns that are different from other
business segments. Geographical segments provide services within
a particular economic environment that is subject to risks and
returns that differ from those of components operating in other
economic environments. For the three years ended
December 31, 2003 and the six months ended June 30,
2003 and 2004, the Group has one business segment, the provision
of fixed line telecommunications services. Less than 10% of the
Groups assets and operations are located outside the PRC.
Accordingly, no business and geographical segment information is
presented.
(w) Foreign currency exchange forward
contracts
A foreign currency exchange forward contract is
an agreement to exchange different currencies at a specified
future date and at a specified rate. A non-speculative foreign
currency exchange forward contract is one which is designated
and effective as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign
entity, of a foreign currency asset, or of a net monetary asset
or liability. All other foreign currency exchange forward
contracts, or parts of foreign currency exchange forward
contracts in excess of the amount hedged, are speculative.
Where a foreign currency exchange forward
contract is non-speculative and used as a hedge of a net
monetary asset or liability, the gain or loss on the contract,
being the foreign currency amount of the contract multiplied by
the difference between the spot rate at the balance sheet date
and the spot rate at the date of inception of the contract or at
an intervening balance sheet date, is taken to the income
statements. The discount or premium on the contract, being the
foreign currency amount of the contract multiplied by the
difference between the contracted forward rate and the spot rate
at the date of inception of the contract, is amortised over the
period of the contract. In the balance sheet, unamortised
discounts are recorded within deferred costs and unamortised
premiums are recorded within deferred revenues.
Where a foreign currency exchange forward
contract is speculative, the gain or loss, being the foreign
currency amount of the contract multiplied by the difference
between the forward rate for the balance of the contract at the
balance sheet date and either the contracted forward rate or the
forward rate used at an intervening balance sheet date, is
credited or charged to the income statements at each intervening
balance sheet date.
F-19
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
4. Revenues
Revenues represent the turnover of the Group and
are derived from the provision of fixed line telecommunications
and related services, net of the PRC business taxes and
government levies. The Groups revenues by business nature
can be summarised as follows:
F-20
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The Groups revenues by geographical
location of the customers can be summarised as follows:
F-21
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
5. Profit/(loss)
from operations
Profit/(loss) from operations is stated after
charging and crediting the following:
F-22
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
6. Finance
costs
7. Taxation
The provision for EIT is calculated based on the
statutory income tax rate of 33% on the assessable profit of
each of the entities now comprising the Group in the PRC as
determined in accordance with the relevant income tax rules and
regulations for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and
2003 and for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004.
Taxation on profits derived from certain
subsidiaries and the jointly controlled entity outside the PRC
has been calculated on the estimated assessable profit for the
three years ended December 31, 2003 and for the six months
ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 at the rates of taxation
ranging from 17.5% to 30%, prevailing in the countries in which
those entities operates.
F-23
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
Hong Kong profits tax has not been provided for
as there is no assessable profit derived in Hong Kong for the
periods presented.
The reconciliation between the Groups
actual tax charge/(credit) and the amount which is calculated
based on the weighted average statutory tax rate is as follows:
Note: Non-taxable income comprises primarily
upfront connection fees charged to customers and amortised
during the year/period.
8. Profit
distributions
No dividend was declared by the Company during
the three years ended December 31, 2003 and the six months
ended June 30, 2004.
9. Earnings/(loss)
per share
Basic earnings/(loss) per share is computed using
the weighted average number of the ordinary shares outstanding
during the year/period. Diluted earnings/(loss) per share is
computed using the weighted average number of ordinary shares
and potential ordinary shares outstanding during the year/period.
F-24
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The following table sets forth the computation of
basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share for the year/periods
indicated:
The diluted loss per share for the year ended
December 31, 2003 is the same as the basic loss per share
as all potential ordinary shares are anti-dilutive.
All the number of shares stated above have taken
into consideration the effect of shares consolidation conducted
on September 7, 2004 as set out in note 33(a).
10. Cash and bank
deposits
Included in the cash and bank deposits as at the
end of each of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and
June 30, 2004 are Renminbi denominated balances kept in the
PRC amounting to RMB 6,890 million,
RMB 6,594 million, RMB 5,631 million and
RMB 2,066 million respectively. The conversion of
Renminbi denominated balances into foreign currencies and the
remittance of bank balances and cash out of the PRC are subject
to the rules and regulation of foreign exchange control
promulgated by the PRC government.
11. Short-term
investments
The Groups short-term investments comprise
primarily investments in listed debt securities.
12. Accounts
receivable
Amounts due from the provision of fixed line
telecommunication services to residential and business customers
are due within 30 days from the date of billing. Customers
who have accounts overdue by more
F-25
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
than 90 days will have their services
disconnected. Accounts receivable from other telecommunication
operators and customers are due between 30 to 90 days from
the billing date.
The ageing analysis of accounts receivable based
on the billing date is as follows:
The movement of allowance for doubtful debts is
as follows:
13. Inventories
and consumables
14. Prepayments
and other receivables
F-26
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
15. Fixed
assets
F-27
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
(a) The net book value of assets held under
finance lease is as follows:
During the six months ended June 30, 2004,
the Group entered into a finance lease arrangement with a
related party with certain existing fixed assets to obtain
funding of RMB 1,085 million. The net book value of
such fixed costs included above amounted to RMB 1,082
million and the corresponding finance lease obligation amounted
to RMB 1,085 million as at June 30, 2004.
(b) The analysis of the cost or revaluation
of the assets of the Group is as follows:
F-28
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The Groups land and buildings are primarily
located in the PRC and held on leases of primarily between 10 to
50 years.
(c) As detailed in Note 3(l)(ii), except for
land and buildings, fixed assets were carried at revalued
amounts on December 31, 2003. As required by PRC rules and
regulations relevant to the Reorganisation, each class of fixed
assets in the PRC injected into the Group as at
December 31, 2003, was valued by China Enterprise Appraisal
Co. Ltd. (the PRC valuer), independent valuers
registered in the PRC, on a depreciated replacement cost basis.
The value of such fixed assets in the PRC injected into the
Group was determined at RMB 122,456 million. The fixed
assets retained by the ultimate holding company, which were
transferred based on their carrying values upon the
Reorganisation, were valued by the Directors at an amount of
RMB 17,581 million as at December 31, 2003. The
impact of the revaluation was a net deficit on revaluation of
the fixed assets, other than land and buildings, totalling
RMB 22,796 million. Such amount will serve as the tax
base for such assets for future years (see Note 27).
The respective carrying amount of the
telecommunication networks and equipment and furniture, motor
vehicles and other equipment would have been RMB
128,049 million and RMB 5,133 million as at
December 31, 2003 and RMB 119,335 million and
RMB 4,907 million as at June 30, 2004 had they been
stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.
The land and buildings were also revalued and the
result was a net surplus of RMB 6,967 million. Such
revaluation on land and buildings serve as the tax base for land
and buildings for the future years, has not been reflected in
the consolidated financial statements (see Note 27(ii)).
The historical carrying amounts of the
Groups fixed assets, as at December 31, 2003 and
where applicable the corresponding revalued amounts of these
assets are as follows:
The Groups land and buildings injected by
China Netcom Group were valued separately by Sallmanns,
independent qualified valuers in Hong Kong, as at
December 31, 2003 on the basis of their open market value.
The value arrived at by these valuers was consistent with that
arrived at by the PRC valuers. The Groups land and
buildings are carried at their cost less accumulated
depreciation and impairment losses in the consolidated financial
statements.
At December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2004,
the net book value of fixed assets pledged as security for the
Groups long term bank and other loans amounted to
RMB 2,668 million and RMB 24 million
respectively.
(d) In accordance with the industry
restructuring plan in 2001 as detailed in Note 1, the
entities in the northern service regions comprising the Group
transferred 70% of the Groups interprovincial optic fibres
comprising fixed assets amounting to RMB 371 million and
construction in progress amounting to RMB 435 million
(totaling RMB 806 million) to China Telecom Group while the
Groups entities in the southern service regions received
30% of the said assets comprising fixed assets amounting to
RMB 89 million and construction in progress amounting
to RMB 8 million (totaling RMB 97 million)
from China Telecom Group. These transfers were reflected as
movements in the consolidated statement of changes in equity for
the year
F-29
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
ended December 31, 2001. All of the
Groups interprovincial optic fibres are among the assets
being transferred to China Netcom Group upon the Reorganization
on June 30, 2004.
16. Construction-in-progress
17. Intangible
assets
F-30
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
F-31
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
18. Deferred
costs
F-32
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
19. Long-term
investment and interests in associated companies
Long-term investment and interests in associated
companies are unlisted equity investments, which were
transferred to China Netcom Group upon the Reorganisation on
June 30, 2004.
20. Foreign
currency exchange forward contracts
The Group has entered into certain foreign
currency exchange forward contracts with banks, which are
non-speculative and used as hedges of the Groups certain
borrowings denominated in foreign currencies. The respective
foreign currency exchange forward contract receivable and
payable balances which are included in other non-current assets
and other non-current liabilities are as follows:
21. Accounts
payables
22. Accruals and
other payables
F-33
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
23. Bank and
other loans
(a) The short term bank loans as at
June 30, 2004 were unsecured and comprise:
(b) The Groups long term bank and
other loans comprise:
(i) Long
term bank and other loans
F-34
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
F-35
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
(ii) Finance
lease obligations
F-36
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
24. Amount due
from/(to) holding companies and fellow subsidiaries
Notes:
F-37
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
25. Deferred
revenues
F-38
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
26. Provisions
F-39
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
(a) Certain staff quarters have been sold to
its employees, subject to a number of eligibility requirements,
at preferential prices. In 1998, the State Council of the PRC
issued a circular which stipulated that the sale of quarters to
employees at preferential prices should be terminated. In 2000,
the State Council issued a further circular stating that cash
subsidies should be made to certain eligible employees following
the withdrawal of allocation of staff quarters. However, the
specific timetable and procedures of implementation of these
policies were to be determined by individual provincial or
municipal government based on the particular situation of the
provinces or municipality.
Based on the relevant detailed local government
regulations promulgated, certain entities within the Group have
adopted cash housing subsidy plans. In accordance with these
plans, for those eligible employees who had not been allocated
with quarters or who had not been allocated with quarters up to
the prescribed standards before the discounted sales of quarters
were terminated, the Group is required to pay them one-off cash
housing subsidies based on their years of service, positions and
other criteria. Based on the available information, the Group
estimated the required provision for these cash housing
subsidiaries amounting to RMB2,818 million, which was
charged to the consolidated income statement in the year ended
December 31, 2000 when the State Council circular in
respect of cash subsidies was issued. Pursuant to the
Reorganisation, if the actual payments required for these one
off housing subsidies differ from the amount provided as of
June 30, 2004, China Netcom Group will bear any additional
payments required or will be paid the difference if the actual
payments are lower than the amount provided.
27. Deferred
taxation
Movements of the deferred tax assets and
liabilities for the three years ended December 31, 2003 and
the six months ended June 30, 2004 are as follows:
[Additional columns below]
[Continued from above table, first column(s) repeated]
The amounts shown in the consolidated balance
sheet include the following:
F-40
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
Notes:
(a) Reconciliation of profit/(loss)
before taxation to net cash flows generated from
operations
F-41
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
(b) Major non-cash
transactions
In six months ended June 30, 2004, the Group
entered into finance lease arrangements in respect of newly
acquired fixed assets with a total capital value at the
inception of the lease of RMB 146 million (six months
ended June 30, 2003: RMB 500 million; year ended
December 31, 2003: RMB 276 million; year ended
December 31, 2002: RMB82 million; year ended
December 31, 2001: RMB 561 million).
The Group acquired 100% of certain entities
previously controlled by Asia Global Crossing by way of two
acquisitions which were effected as follows:
(i) In March 2003 the company invested
RMB 507 million (US$61 million) in an inactive
subsidiary, Asia Netcom, and introduced two new shareholders.
The Groups shareholding in Asia Netcom was reduced to 51%
by the introduction of these two new shareholders. Subsequent to
the introduction of the new shareholders, Asia Netcom became a
jointly controlled entity.
On March 10, 2003, Asia Netcom acquired
certain entities previously controlled by Asia Global Crossing
for a total cost of RMB 62 million
(US$7.53 million). The entities acquired from Asia Global
Crossing own and operate an Asia-Pacific region cable network
providing city-to-city connectivity, data communications and
IP-based services.
(ii) On December 31, 2003, the Group
acquired the remaining 49% of the equity of Asia Netcom for a
total cost of RMB 525 million (US$63.5 million).
F-42
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
From March 10, 2003 to December 31,
2003, Asia Netcom was accounted for as a jointly controlled
entity. On December 31, 2003, Asia Netcom became a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company and was consolidated into the
Groups financial statements.
The net assets acquired and the net cash inflow
in respect of the purchase of the remaining 49% interest in Asia
Netcom, which has a group of subsidiaries, is analysed as
follows:
(a) Guarantees
The Group entered into the above guarantee
arrangement in 2000 and did not make any provision for the above
guarantees during the three years ended December 31, 2003
and the six months ended June 30, 2004 because the
directors were of the opinion that the possibility for the
guaranteed party to default on the outstanding balance of the
borrowing was remote.
On December 8, 2000, a subsidiary of the
Company entered into an agreement to provide a guarantee to a
subsidiary of China Mobile for a foreign currency borrowing. The
guarantee arose from the assumption of responsibilities by both
parties as part of the legacy arrangements of their predecessor
companies commonly controlled by the state government.
F-43
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The guarantee obligation is limited to the
outstanding loan and accrued interest amount payable by the
subsidiary of China Mobile which is due to be settled by
September 2005. As at December 31, 2003 and
June 30, 2004, the outstanding balances of the borrowing,
including interest payable, were US$15.1 million
(RMB125 million) and US$11.4 million
(RMB94 million) respectively.
The directors are of the opinion that the
possibility of the guaranteed party defaulting on the
outstanding balance of the borrowing was remote, hence no
provisions have been made for the guarantee.
(b) National Audit Office
(NAO) audit
The NAO is currently performing an audit on the
ultimate holding company, China Netcom Group, including all of
its business operations, assets and liabilities prior to the
Reorganisation. Substantial assets and liabilities currently
comprising the Group were injected by China Netcom Group in
accordance with the Reorganisation. The audit is currently in
progress and NAO has not communicated its preliminary findings
or conclusions, if any, to the Company as of the date of the
approval of those financial statements. The directors are of the
opinion that, to their best knowledge, there is no specific
matter that qualify for further disclosure in the financial
statements in relation to the NAO audit.
As at December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and
June 30, 2004, the Groups banking facilities are as
follows:
(a) Capital commitments
F-44
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
(b) Operating lease
commitments
The Group had future minimum lease payments under
non-cancellable operating leases in respect of premises and
equipment as follows:
Parties are considered to be related if one party
has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the party or
exercise significant influence over the party in making
financial and operating decisions. Parties are also considered
to be related if they are subject to common control or common
significant influence.
F-45
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The directors consider that the following related
party transactions were carried out in the normal course of
business of the Group and at terms mutually agreed between the
Group and the respective related parties.
Notes:
F-46
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
Notes:
F-47
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The Company adopted the share subscription plan
(the Plan) on February 7, 2001. Under the Plan,
the Company may, at the discretion and subject to approval of
the Board of directors, issue up to 1,600,000 ordinary shares of
par value of US$0.04 per share to employees.
On February 7, 2001, 1,600,000 ordinary
shares were issued pursuant to the plan at RMB 4.00
per share, which subsequently had been transferred to the
Companys immediate holding company.
F-48
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
(a) Particular of principal
subsidiaries
As at the date of this report, the Group has
direct and indirect interests in the following principal
subsidiaries, all of which are private companies:
Notes:
F-49
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
(b) Distributable
reserves
The reserves available for distribution to the
shareholders of the Company amount to approximately RMB 117
million, RMB 172 million, RMB 191 million and
RMB 192 million as at December 31, 2001, 2002 and
2003, June 30, 2004, respectively.
(c) Significant subsequent
events
(i) Pursuant to the agreement signed between
Asia Netcom and certain financial institutions named therein
dated 27 July 2004 (the Facility Agreement),
Asia Netcom obtained a term loan facility in the maximum
aggregate amount of up to US$150,000,000. As stipulated in the
Facility Agreement, any advances drawn (the
Advances) are subject to an annual interest of the
aggregate of 1.573% and LIBOR. The Advances are to be repaid in
installments commencing on the date which is 3 years after
the first drawdown date and ending on the date which is
5 years after the first drawdown date.
The Advances are guaranteed by the Company and
East Asia Netcom Ltd. (EAN), a subsidiary of China
Netcom Group and secured by debentures or similar security over
the assets of Asia Netcom, EAN and their respective subsidiaries
and share charges or similar security over the shares of Asia
Netcom, EAN and certain of their respective subsidiaries. In
addition, Asia Netcom has undertaken that it will comply and
will procure compliance with certain financial covenants. On
31 July 2004, Asia Netcom has drawn an Advance of
US$90 million, which has not been repaid to date.
Pursuant to a promissory note (the
Note) signed by Group Wealth Finance Limited
(Group Wealth), a subsidiary of CNC BVI, the
Companys immediate holding company, dated 27 July
2004, Group Wealth has borrowed an amount of US$123,301,980
(RMB 1,020,644,470) from Asia Netcom, and used these funds
to acquire the right to receive the outstanding debt payments
owed by the EAN from two suppliers in the aggregate amount of
approximately US$123 million on July 29, 2004.
Subsequently, on September 30, 2004, CNC BVI
instructed Group Wealth to assign the Note to the Company.
Accordingly, upon such assignment, the amount receivable from
Group Wealth of the said amount is waived and the Company
recorded such assignment as an equity distribution to
CNC BVI.
On September 30, 2004, the Company adopted a
share option plan, details of which are set out in
Management Share option Plan.
(d) Ultimate holding
company
The directors regard China Netcom Group, a
state-owned company established in the PRC, as being the
ultimate holding company.
F-50
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The consolidated financial statements of the
Group have been prepared in accordance with HK GAAP, which
differs in certain significant respects from US GAAP.
Differences between HK GAAP and US GAAP, which may have
significant impacts on consolidated net profit/(loss) and
consolidated owners equity, are described below.
The effect on net profit/(loss) of significant
differences between HK GAAP and US GAAP for the years ended
December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and the six months ended
June 30, 2003 and 2004 is as follows (in million except per
share data):
F-51
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The effect on owners equity of significant
differences between HK GAAP and US GAAP as at ended
December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and as at June 30,
2003 and 2004 is as follows:
(a) Revaluation of fixed
assets
Certain classes of fixed assets of the Group were
revalued as at December 31, 2003 (Note 15). The
revaluation was performed based on the depreciated replacement
costs of the fixed assets and was not based upon the expected
future cash flows of the fixed assets. The revaluation resulted
in a charge of RMB 25,778 million to the Groups
consolidated income statement for the year ended
December 31, 2003 with respect to the reduction in carrying
amounts of certain fixed assets below their historical cost
bases. In addition, a surplus arising from the revaluation of
certain other fixed assets totalling RMB 2,982 million
has been credited to the revaluation reserve. The effect of
reduction in depreciation of the revalued assets amounted to
RMB 1,685 million in the six months ended
June 30, 2004.
Under US GAAP, the carrying values of fixed
assets are stated at their historical costs less accumulated
depreciation and provision for impairment without making
reference to their respective depreciated replacement costs. An
impairment loss on fixed assets is recorded under US GAAP if the
carrying value of such assets exceeds its future undiscounted
cash flow resulting from the use of the assets and their
eventual disposition. The future undiscounted cash flows of the
Groups fixed assets, whose carrying amounts were reduced
in connection with the Reorganisation, exceed the historical
costs of such fixed assets and, therefore, no impairment of such
assets under US GAAP. Accordingly, the deficit on revaluation of
fixed assets charged to the Groups consolidated income
statement and the surplus credited to revaluation reserve
recorded under HK GAAP and the corresponding effect on the
depreciation of the revalued assets in the periods subsequent to
June 30, 2004 are reversed for US GAAP purposes.
(b) Share-based
compensation
Under HK GAAP, the Group accounts for shares
issued to employees as ordinary share issuance and the
difference between the amounts paid by the employees and the par
values of the shares were recognized as share premium.
F-52
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
Under US GAAP, the Group accounts for share-based
compensation arrangements in accordance with the provisions of
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (APB
No. 25), Accounting for Shares Issued to
Employees and related interpretations thereof.
Accordingly, the difference between the estimated fair value of
the ordinary shares issued and the issuance prices at the
issuance dates are recorded as deferred stock compensation,
which is an item in the equity of the Group, and amortized over
two years on a straight-line basis from the date of employment
of each individual employee.
The estimated fair value of the ordinary shares
issued to the employees was US$2.45 per share, which was
based on a valuation report from an independent appraiser dated
July 31, 2001 and derived on a non-marketable aggregate
minority basis as of February 7, 2001. The directors of the
company believe that the assumptions that were used in the
valuation report as of February 7, 2001 did not change
significantly in the subsequent periods.
Under HK GAAP, the convertible preference shares
and the corresponding share premium are classified as equity
while under US GAAP they are presented as balances between
liabilities and owners equity because of the mandatorily
redeemable feature of the convertible preference shares. This
difference resulted in a reduction of the owners equity by
RMB 2,637 million in each of the three years ended
December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and the six months ended
June 30, 2003 and 2004 under US GAAP.
(d) Deferred Income Tax
HK GAAP and US GAAP are substantially the same
with respect to the accounting treatment of deferred income tax
expense or benefit that affects the Group.
The amounts included in the reconciliation show
the income tax effects of the differences between HK GAAP
and US GAAP as described above.
(e) Goodwill and Negative
Goodwill
Under HK GAAP, goodwill on acquisitions is
included in intangible assets and is amortised using the
straight-line method over its estimated useful life of not more
than 12 years. Negative goodwill is presented in the same
balance sheet classification as goodwill and recognised in the
income statement over the remaining weighted average useful life
of the related fixed assets.
Under U.S. GAAP, goodwill is not amortised
but tested for impairment annually and whenever events or
circumstances occur indicating that goodwill might be impaired.
When negative goodwill results upon an acquisition, an entity
must reassess whether all acquired assets and assumed
liabilities have been identified and properly valued and
allocate negative goodwill to certain acquired assets on a pro
rata basis as applicable. Any remaining unallocated negative
goodwill must be recognized immediately as an extraordinary gain.
There are no net effects on the consolidated
income statements and consolidated owners equity between
HK GAAP and US GAAP throughout the years ended
December 31, 2003 as described above.
A goodwill was recognized on December 31,
2003 arising from the acquisition of the 49% equity interest in
Asia Netcom. Accordingly, the amortization of goodwill of
RMB5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2004
under HK GAAP is reversed for US GAAP purposes.
Upon Reorganization on June 30, 2004, the
value of the fixed assets transferred to China Netcom Group
under HK GAAP was larger than that under US GAAP by
RMB166 million due to the difference in treatment on
negative goodwill arising from the acquisition of certain
entities of Asia Global Crossing through Asia Netcom.
Accordingly, the distribution to owners on June 30, 2004
under US GAAP was lower
F-53
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
than that under HK GAAP by
RMB166 million and the consolidated owners equity
under US GAAP on June 30, 2004 was higher than the one
under HK GAAP by the same amount.
(f) Presentation of
revenue
Under HK GAAP, revenues are presented net of the
PRC business taxes and government levies which amounted to
RMB1,572 million, RMB1,663 million,
RMB1,838 million, RMB887 million and
RMB985 million for the years ended December 31, 2001,
2002 and 2003, and for the six months ended June 30, 2003
and 2004 respectively.
Under US GAAP, revenues should be presented gross
with these types of taxes classified as a cost of revenue.
OTHER US GAAP DISCLOSURES
(a) Related party
transaction
Under HK GAAP, transactions with state-controlled
enterprises other than China Netcom Corporation and its
affiliates are not required to be disclosed as related party
transactions. Furthermore, government departments and agencies
are deemed not to be related parties to the extent that such
transactions are in the normal course of business. Therefore,
related party transactions as disclosed in Note 32 only
refer to transactions with China Netcom Group.
Under US GAAP, there are no similar exemptions.
The Groups transactions with state-controlled enterprises
were primarily with the PRCs telecommunication operators
as follows.
The amounts set out in the tables above represent
the historical costs incurred by the related parties in carrying
out such transactions.
(b) Fair values of financial
instruments
The carrying value of the Groups financial
assets including cash and bank deposits, accounts receivable,
amounts due from intermediate holding company and fellow
subsidiaries and financial liabilities including accounts
payable, amount due to ultimate holding company, short-term bank
loans, current portion of capital lease obligations, and current
portions of long-term bank loans and other borrowings
approximate their fair values due to their short maturities.
The carrying value of the long term loans
approximates their fair values due to their variable interest
rates. The estimated fair value of the long term loans is based
on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount
rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for debt
with similar terms.
(c) Comprehensive income
US GAAP requires that all items that are required
to be recognised as components of comprehensive income be
reported in a separate financial statement. There are no
material differences between total recognised gains and losses
for the periods shown in the Consolidated Statements of Changes
in Equity
F-54
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
presented under HK GAAP and US GAAP comprehensive
income, except for the differences between HK GAAP and US GAAP
profit attributable to shareholders shown above.
The relevant telecommunications governing
authorities have retained the right, to a certain extent, to
modify the terms and conditions of licence agreements at any
time if in its opinion it is necessary or expedient to do so in
the interest of the general public or for the proper operation
of the telecommunications sector. This includes the right to
permit additional operators to enter the telecommunications
sector at any time the governing authorities see fit.
Further, the Group is exposed to the following
types of market risk:
The carrying amount of accounts receivable
included in the balance sheet represents the Groups
exposure to credit risk in relation to its financial assets. The
Groups receivables are unsecured to the extent they are
not covered by security deposits. The Group believes that
adequate provision for uncollectible accounts receivable has
been made.
The Group is exposed to changes in interest rates
due to its long-term debt obligations. The Group enters into
debt obligations to support general corporate purposes including
capital expenditures, acquisitions, and working capital needs.
The Group has assets and liabilities that are
subject to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The
Group has entered into certain forward foreign currency exchange
contracts to reduce its economic exposure to changes in the
exchange rates related to debt obligations. The Group also had
foreign currency denominated bank balances amounting to
RMB686 million and RMB1,083 million as of
December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2004 respectively. The
Group has foreign currency denominated bank loans, the details
of which are disclosed in Note 23.
(e) Investment in Asia
Netcom
Under US GAAP, pro forma financial information in
respect of subsidiary acquired during the year/period is
required to be disclosed in the financial statements.
The following unaudited pro forma information
presents a summary of the results of operations of the Group for
the year ended December 31, 2003 under US GAAP
assuming Asia Netcom had been 100% owned by the Group since its
establishment and 100% acquisition and consolidation of certain
entities of
F-55
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
Asia Global Crossing since March 10, 2003.
Results of such entities of Asia Global Crossing before they
were acquired by Asia Netcom had not been included below due to
lack of reliable financial data.
Under HK GAAP, negative goodwill, which arose
from acquiring certain entities of Asia Global Crossing by Asia
Netcom on March 10, 2003, is presented in same balance
sheet classification as goodwill. Under US GAAP, negative
goodwill shall be allocated as a pro rata reduction of the
amounts that otherwise would have been assigned to all of the
acquired assets except (a) financial assets other than
investments accounted for by the equity method, (b) assets
to be disposed of by sale, (c) deferred tax assets,
(d) prepaid assets relating to pension or other
postretirement benefit plans, and (e) any other current
assets.
Recent Accounting Pronouncement
Hong Kong GAAP
i. During 2004, the HKICPA issued the
following Hong Kong Accounting Standards (HKASs) and
HKAS Interpretation (HKAS-Int) that were converged
with equivalent International Accounting Standards
(IASs) and SIC Interpretations issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB),
most of which were revised recently as a result of the
IASBs Improvements Project:
F-56
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
The above HKASs and HKAS-Int will become
effective for accounting periods beginning on or after
January 1, 2005 and are required to be adopted by the Group
for the year ending December 31, 2005. As a consequence,
the following SSAPs and Interpretations of the HKICPA will be
superseded at that time:
Given the HKICPAs policy to converge Hong
Kong accounting standards with the IASBs financial
reporting standards, the HKASs and HKAS-Int were issued to adopt
the changes made as a result of the IASB Improvements Project as
well as to eliminate, to the greatest extent possible, all
differences that previously existed between Hong Kong accounting
standards and the equivalent IASs. The Group is currently
assessing the potential impact on the adoption of the above
HKASs and HKAS-Int on January 1, 2005 may have on our
financial statements presented in accordance with HK GAAP.
ii. During 2004, the HKICPA issued the
following Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards
(HKFRS):
F-57
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
These HKFRSs will become effective for accounting
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2005 and are
therefore required to be adopted by the Group for the year
ending December 31, 2005.
HKFRS 2 prescribes the recognition principles and
fair value measurements basis for all share-based payment
transactions, including (i) equity-settled share-based
payment transactions, (ii) cash-settled share-based payment
transactions; and (iii) transactions with a choice of
whether they are settled in cash or by issuing equity
instruments. It requires companies to reflect in their profit or
loss and financial position the effects of share-based payment
transactions, including expenses associated with transactions in
which share options are granted to employees. HKFRS 2 applies to
grants of shares, share options or other equity instruments that
were granted after November 7, 2002 and had not yet vested
as at January 1, 2005, and it applies retrospectively to
liabilities arising from share-based payment transactions
existing as at January 1, 2005.
HKFRS 3 requires that all business
combinations within the scope of HKFRS 3 must be accounted
for using the purchase method. Costs expected to be incurred to
restructure an acquired entitys (or the acquirers)
activities must be treated as post-combination expenses, unless
the acquired entity has a pre-existing liability for
restructuring its activities. Intangible items acquired in a
business combination must be recognised as assets separately
from goodwill if they meet the definition of an asset, are
either separable or arise from contractual or other legal
rights, and their fair value can be measured reliably.
Identifiable assets acquired, and liabilities and contingent
liabilities incurred or assumed, must be measured initially at
fair value. Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets with
indefinite useful lives is prohibited. Instead they must be
tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or
changes in circumstances indicate a possible impairment.
Negative goodwill should be credited to the income statements
immediately.
The Group is currently assessing the potential
impact on the adoption of HKFRS 2 and HKFRS 3 may have
on our financial statements presented in accordance with
HK GAAP.
The Group considers that there is no significant
impact on the adoption of HKFRS 4 and HKFRS 5 on our
financial statements presented in accordance with HK GAAP.
Recent US Accounting
Pronouncements
In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146,
Accounting for Exit or Disposal Activities.
SFAS 146 requires the recognition of a liability for costs
associated with an exit plan or disposal activity when incurred
and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue 94-3,
Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination
Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain
Costs Incurred in a Restructuring), which allowed
recognition at the date of an entitys commitment to an
exit plan. The provisions of this statement are effective for
exit or disposal activities that are initiated by the Group
after December 31, 2003. The adoption of this statement is
not anticipated to have a material impact on the Groups
financial position or results of operations.
In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149
(SFAS 149) Amendment of
Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities. This Statement amends and clarifies financial
accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including
certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts
(collectively the derivatives) and for hedging
activities under SFAS No. 133 Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Group
currently does not expect the adoption of SFAS 149 to have a
material impact on its financial position or results of
operations.
In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 150
(SFAS 150), Accounting for Certain
Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities
and Equity. This Statement establishes standards for how
an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments
with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires
that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within
its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances).
This standard was effective at the
F-58
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
beginning of the first interim period beginning
after June 15, 2003, except for mandatorily redeemable
financial instruments of nonpublic entities that are subject to
the provisions of this Statement for the first fiscal period
beginning after December 15, 2003. The adoption of this
standard did not have a material impact on the Groups
financial position or results of operations.
In December 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46
Consolidation of Variable Interest
Entities an Interpretation of FIN 46.
FIN 46-R requires that certain variable interest entities,
or VIEs, be consolidated by their primary beneficiary if
the primary beneficiary is subject to a majority of the risk of
loss from the VIE activities, or entitled to receive a majority
of the VIEs residual returns, or both. An entity is
subject to FIN 46-R and is considered to be a VIE if it has
(1) equity that is insufficient to permit the entity to
finance its activities without additional subordinated financial
support from other parties, or (2) equity investors that
cannot make significant decisions about the entitys
operations, or that do not absorb the expected losses or receive
the expected returns of the entity. FIN 46-R is effective
immediately for all new VIEs created or acquired after
January 31, 2003. For VIEs created or acquired prior
to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46-R must
be applied effective from January 1, 2004. The adoption of
FIN 46 for VIEs would not have any significant impact on the
Groups financial statements.
F-59
INDEX TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
P-1
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
Background information and Reorganisation of
the Group
We were incorporated in the Hong Kong Special
Administration Region (Hong Kong) of the
Peoples Republic of China (the PRC) on
October 22, 1999 as a limited liability company under the
Hong Kong Companies Ordinance. Prior to a reorganisation
conducted for the listing of the shares of the Company (the
Reorganisation), our ultimate holding company was
China Netcom (Holdings) Limited (China Netcom
Holdings).
China Netcom Holdings, our former ultimate
holding company, was owned by four state-owned enterprises. We
through our principal operating subsidiary, China Netcom (Group)
Company Limited (CNC China), are engaged in the
provision of the fixed line telecommunication services through
different regional branch offices in the PRC. In March 2003, we
along with two co-investors through Asia Netcom Corporation
Limited (Asia Netcom), being a 51% owned jointly
controlled entity of us at that time, acquired the Asia-Pacific
submarine cable assets and related physical network assets and
liabilities from Asia Global Crossing Ltd. (AGC
Business) At December 31, 2003, we further purchased
the remaining 49% interest in Asia Netcom held by the other
co-investors and became the sole owner of Asia Netcom.
In anticipation of the listing of our shares,
China Netcom Holdings and China Network Communications Group
Corporation (China Netcom Group), both being state
owned enterprises under the supervision and regulation of the
Ministry of Information Industry (MII), underwent
the Reorganisation. Immediately after the Reorganisation, our
ultimate holding company became China Netcom Group.
China Netcom Group, our current ultimate holding
company, was established by the State Council of the PRC in May
2002. Under a comprehensive industry restructuring plan relating
to the fixed line telecommunication sector in China approved by
the State Council in November 2001, the fixed line
telecommunication businesses originally operated by China
Telecommunication Corporation (China Telecom Group)
were split into northern and southern operations. In May 2002,
China Netcom Group took over the northern part fixed line
telecommunication operations in 10 provinces, municipalities and
autonomous regions.
According to the Reorganisation, China Netcom
Group acquired the entire interest in China Netcom Holdings from
its four state owners and became the ultimate holding company of
us.
We obtained our current PRC assets and
liabilities as a result of a series of asset and liability
transfers, which are summarized below. CNC China
transferred all of its PRC assets and liabilities to China
Netcom Group. CNC China also transferred, to Asia Netcom,
CNC Chinas overseas long-term investments and, to
other parties, CNC Chinas domestic long-term investments.
China Netcom Group transferred all of its
fixed-line telecommunications assets and related liabilities
(other than the international gateway and related international
transmission assets, as well as the inter-provincial fiber-optic
network and related assets and liabilities) in our northern and
southern service regions to CNC China through CNC BVI and
our company.
For purposes of this global offering, Asia Netcom
transferred to CNC BVI a majority of Asia Netcoms interest
in companies that own the Asia-Pacific submarine cables. The
remaining companies owned by us operate the Asia-Pacific
submarine cables and related network assets and deliver products
and services.
Immediately upon the completion of our
restructuring, China Netcom Group retained the following assets
and liabilities (1) assets and liabilities of our northern
and southern service regions relating to the inter-provincial
fiber-optic network, certain land and buildings, international
gateways and related international transmission assets,
long-term investments, certain cash balances, certain debts and
ancillary telecommunications services, such as yellow-pages and
paging services; (2) all assets and liabilities of the
fixed-line telecommunications operations (including the
inter-provincial fiber-optic network) outside our northern and
southern service regions that China Netcom Group owned before
and continues to own after our restructuring; (3) all
assets and liabilities of the fixed-line telecommunications
operations (including the inter-provincial fiber-optic network)
outside our northern and southern service regions that we owned
prior to our
P-2
restructuring; (4) all non-core businesses
representing business other than the principal communications
services operations in the Groups northern and southern
service regions and primarily include procurement of materials,
equipment maintenance services, engineering, project planning
and design and operations of certain social facilities;
(5) the assets and liabilities representing a majority of
the Asia-Pacific submarine cables and certain other related
assets located outside China that were transferred from Asia
Netcom; and (6) other minor telecommunications assets and
liabilities. These assets and liabilities are referred to as
Retained Businesses. The assets and liabilities retained by
China Netcom Group under items (1), (3) and (5) are
referred to as Distributed Assets and Liabilities.
Other than the assets and liabilities retained by
China Netcom Group that are described below, we, immediately
upon the completion of our restructuring, owned the following
assets and liabilities: (1) fixed-line telecommunications
network assets and related liabilities in our northern and
southern service regions; and (2) telecommunications assets
and related liabilities in the Asia-Pacific region operated by
Asia Netcom. We refer to these assets and liabilities as Our
Restructured Assets and Liabilities.
The above Reorganisation procedures primarily
resulted in a net effect of (i) transfer from China Netcom
Group to us the assets and liabilities of the telecommunications
operations in our northern service regions and our southern
service regions, which were previously owned by China Netcom
Group and (ii) transfer from us to China Netcom Group the
assets and liabilities of the telecommunications operations
outside our northern service regions and our southern service
regions and certain assets and liabilities of the Asia-Pacific
operations, which were previously owned by us.
Prior to the consummation of the Reorganisation
on June 30, 2004, the assets and liabilities of the PRC
telecommunications operations, both within and outside our
northern service regions and our southern service regions held
through CNC China, our principal operating subsidiary, had been
historically under common management and control. Therefore, our
historical consolidated income statements for the three years
ended December 31, 2003 and the six months ended
June 30, 2004 and our historical consolidated balance
sheets as at December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 includes the
entire consolidated financial data of the PRC operations of CNC
China although the assets and liabilities of operations outside
our northern service regions and our southern service regions
have been transferred to China Netcom Group under the
Reorganisation as set out above. In addition, the consolidated
balance sheets as at December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 also
include certain assets and liabilities of our northern service
regions and southern service regions in the PRC which had been
retained by China Netcom Group under the Reorganisation and the
assets and liabilities that were transferred from Asia Netcom to
China Netcom Group under the Reorganisation as those assets and
liabilities were part of the telecommunication operations and
were not separately managed throughout the three years ended
December 31, 2003 and the six months ended June 30,
2004. The Distributed Assets and Liabilities have been
subsequently transferred to China Netcom Group and reflected as
a distribution to owner in the historical consolidated financial
statements as of June 30, 2004.
Since the Reorganisation, we operate as a
stand-alone entity and has entered into new agreements for a
range of services with China Netcom Group.
Introduction to Unaudited Pro Forma
Consolidated Financial Information
The following unaudited pro forma consolidated
financial information is derived from the historical financial
statements of the Group contained in F-3 to F-58, appearing
elsewhere in this document, after giving effects to the proforma
adjustments described in the notes thereto.
The Reorganisation was consummated on
June 30, 2004 and the historical consolidated balance sheet
as at June 30, 2004 already reflected the effect of the
Reorganisation on the financial position of the Group.
Accordingly, no pro forma balance sheet is presented in this
section.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated income
statements for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the six
months ended June 30, 2004 have been prepared based on the
historical consolidated income statements
P-3
in accordance with HK GAAP and gives effect to
the Reorganisation and Global Offering (collectively the
events), as if it had occurred at the start of the year
ended December 31, 2003, for purposes of the pro forma
income statement.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated income
statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and does
not necessarily represent what our consolidated financial
results actually would have been if the transactions had in fact
occurred on those dates and is not necessarily representative of
our financial results for any future periods. The notes to the
unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements contain a
detailed discussion of how the adjustments described above are
presented. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial
statements should be read in connection with
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations and our historical
consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes
included elsewhere in this prospectus.
A narrative description of the pro forma effects
of the Reorganisation which are (i) directly attributable
to the transactions; (ii) expected to have a continuing
impact on us; and (iii) factually supportable, are
summarized in the notes to the unaudited pro forma consolidated
income statements. The expected effects of new service
agreements namely Interconnection Settlement Agreement, Property
Sub-leasing Agreement, Master Services sharing Agreement,
Engineering and Information Technology Services Agreement,
Materials Procurement Services Agreement, Ancillary
Telecommunications Services Agreement and Support Services
Agreement, are not reflected in the unaudited pro forma
consolidated income statements because the effects of such
changes cannot be factually supported, reasonably estimated
and/or do not result in any material change to the results of
operations. The expected effects of the new interconnection
agreement with China Netcom Group in respect of calculating
interconnection revenues and charges are not reflected in the
unaudited pro forma consolidated income statements due to a lack
of sufficient historical data.
While the unaudited pro forma consolidated income
statements is helpful in showing the financial characteristics
as if the events had occurred at a certain date, it is not
intended to show how we would have actually performed if the
events had in fact occurred on the dates assumed or to project
the results of operations or financial position for any future
date or period.
If the occurrence of the events differs from our
assumptions and expectations, the actual consolidated results of
operations may differ significantly from the unaudited pro forma
amounts reflected below.
The information set out below does not form part
of the historical consolidated financial statements and is
included here for reference purposes only.
PricewaterhouseCoopers expresses no opinion or any other form of
assurance on the following information.
P-4
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED INCOME
STATEMENTS
P-5
P-6
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED INCOME
STATEMENTS
P-7
P-8
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A description of the unaudited pro forma
adjustments is as follows:
1. The unaudited pro forma adjustment
reflects the exclusion of results of operations attributable to
the PRC operations outside our northern service region and our
southern service region of CNC China and the PRC operations of
certain minor ancillary telecommunications service of our
northern service region and our southern service region as if
the Reorganisation had taken place on January 1, 2003.
2. The historical financial information
includes the effect of revaluing certain of the Groups
fixed assets. The unaudited pro forma adjustment reflects the
reduction in depreciation charges resulting from the revaluation
of certain of our fixed assets as if the results of the
revaluation had been recorded on January 1, 2003. The
unaudited pro forma adjustment is calculated by applying our
annual depreciation rates to the devaluation amount referenced
to the result of the revaluation as at December 31, 2003
which may not be the same amount of any revaluation had the
revaluation been performed a year earlier. In addition, the
unaudited pro forma adjustment does not reflect any effects
of the additions, transfer or disposals of fixed assets in 2003.
3. In connection with the Reorganisation,
the inter-provincial fiber-optic cables under the Distributed
Assets and Liabilities were distributed to China Netcom Group.
Pursuant to the Telecommunications Facilities Leasing Agreement,
we will lease the inter-provincial fiber-optic cables within our
service regions from China Netcom Group. The amount to be paid
by us will be based on the depreciation charge of the
fiber-optic cables. The unaudited pro forma adjustments
reflect the effects of the reduction in depreciation charge
relating to the fiber-optic cables and an increase in leasing
expenses as if the Reorganisation had occurred and the leasing
agreement had taken effect on January 1, 2003. The increase
in lease expense is equivalent to the depreciation charge for
the year ended December 31, 2003 and the six months ended
June 30, 2004.
4. In connection with the Reorganisation,
certain properties under the Distributed Assets and Liabilities
were distributed to China Network Group. Pursuant to the
Property Leasing Agreement between China Netcom Group and us, we
will lease the properties from China Netcom Group. The amount to
be paid by us to China Netcom Group will be based on market
rates or depreciation and maintenance charge in respect of each
property provided such depreciation and maintenance charges
shall not be higher than the market rates. The unaudited pro
forma adjustment reflects the effects of the reduction in
depreciation charges relating to these properties and an
increase in rental expenses as if the Reorganisation had
occurred and the Property Leasing Agreement had taken effect on
January 1, 2003. The increase in rental expenses is based
on a level of rental with reference to the market rates of such
properties for the year ended December 31, 2003 and six
months ended June 30, 2004.
5. In connection with the Reorganisation,
certain long-term investments and interests in associated
companies under the Distributed Assets and Liabilities were
distributed to China Netcom Group. The unaudited pro forma
adjustment reflects the reduction in investment income/ expenses
generated from these investments as if the Reorganisation had
occurred on January 1, 2003.
6. In connection with the Reorganisation,
certain interest-bearing loans under the Distributed Assets and
Liabilities were transferred to China Netcom Group. The
unaudited pro forma adjustment reflects the reversal of interest
expenses in relation to the loans of approximately
RMB 15,340 million assumed by China Netcom Group as if
the assumption of such loans had taken place on January 1,
2003. Interest rates of the loans converted to equity ranged
from 4.6% to 12%.
7. The unaudited pro forma adjustment
reflects the impact of the successive acquisitions of AGC
Business through Asia Netcom on March 10 and
December 31, 2003. It assumes the ownership of the entire
interest in AGC Business by our company had taken place on
January 1, 2003, including amongst others, consolidation of
the entire results of Asia Netcom and AGC Business and the
amortisation of the goodwill
P-9
arising from the acquisitions in March 2003 and
December 2003 as if the acquisition and thereby the goodwill had
occurred on January 1, 2003, as well as the reversal of the
share of the loss of joint venture. However, the results of the
AGC Business before its acquisition by Asia Netcom in March
2003 has not been reflected in the proforma adjustment due to
lack of historical data.
8. In connection with the Reorganisation,
certain subsidiaries of Asia Netcom containing the Asia-Pacific
submarine cable and related physical network assets and
liabilities under the Distributed Assets and Liabilities were
distributed to China Netcom Group. Pursuant to the Capacity
Purchase Agreement, Capacity Lease Agreement and Management
Services Agreement entered into between us and China Netcom
Group, we will (i) received certain amounts of long-term
telecommunication capacity from China Netcom Group at market
prices as set out in the Capacity Purchase Agreement
(ii) lease certain amount of capacity of China Netcom
Groups telecommunication network at market rates as set
out in the Capacity Lease Agreement; and (iii) provide
certain management services to the China Netcom Group at cost
reimbursement basis or basis of costs plus reasonable profits
not exceeding the market price as set out in the Management
Services Agreement. As a result, the unaudited pro forma
adjustment reflects the effects of (i) the exclusion of the
income statement items, including the depreciation of the
submarine cable and related assets of the aforementioned
subsidiaries of Asia Netcom and (ii) increases in both the
network, operations and support expenses and service income
relating to the provision of network and operation management
services to China Netcom Group, as if the transfer of these
subsidiaries of Asia Netcom to China Netcom Group had taken
place and the said agreements had taken effect on
January 1, 2003.
9. This reflects the tax effect of the above
unaudited pro forma adjustments using the statutory tax rate of
33%, the enterprise income tax rate in the PRC applicable for
the year ended December 31, 2003 and the six months ended
June 30, 2004, or other tax rates applicable for the year
ended December 31, 2003 and the six months ended
June 30, 2004 in other jurisdictions in which the companies
comprising the Group operate.
10. The pro forma adjustment reflects the
impact on basic earnings/(loss) per share as if the conversion
of redeemable convertible preference shares into ordinary shares
had taken place on January 1, 2003. Based on the terms of
the agreement, each preference share will automatically convert
into one ordinary share upon (i) the written direction of
the holders of a maturity of the outstanding preference shares
or (ii) immediately prior to the closing of the
Companys initial public offering.
The unaudited pro forma earnings per share for
the year ended December 31, 2003 and the six months ended
June 30, 2004 giving effect to the one-to-one conversion of
the redeemable convertible preference shares and share
consolidation into 7,741,782 ordinary shares as if they had
taken place as of January 1, 2003.
Number of shares used for the historical basic
earning/(loss) per share and pro forma earnings/(loss) per
share is reconciled as follows:
11. The corresponding differences between HK
GAAP and US GAAP in relation to the unaudited pro forma
information are as follows:
(a) Revaluation of fixed assets
P-10
(b) Depreciation charge
(c) Deferred tax
(d) Amortization of Goodwill and Negative
Goodwill
P-11
The following is the text of a letter, summary of
values and valuation certificate, prepared for the purpose of
incorporation in this prospectus received from Sallmanns (Far
East) Limited, an independent valuer, in connection with its
valuation as at 31 August, 2004 of the property interests
of the Group.
, 2004
Dear Sirs,
In accordance with your instructions to value the
properties in which China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong)
Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries
(hereinafter together referred to as the Group) have
interests, we confirm that we have carried out inspections, made
relevant enquiries and obtained such further information as we
consider necessary for the purpose of providing you with our
opinion of the values of the property interests as at
31 August, 2004 (the date of valuation).
In valuing the property interests which are held
by the Group, we have categorized the property interests into 9
sub-groups according to their location and the Companys
management structure. The property interests of each sub-group
are located in a province or a municipality in the PRC, or in
Hong Kong and Singapore.
Wherever possible, our valuations of the property
interests are our opinion of the open market value which we
would define as intended to mean the best price at which
the sale of an interest in the property would have been
completed unconditionally for cash consideration on the date of
the valuation assuming: -
Our valuations have been made on the assumption
that the owner sells the property interests on the open market
in their existing state without the benefit of a deferred terms
contract, leaseback, joint venture, management agreement or any
similar arrangement which would serve to affect the values of
the property interests.
No allowance has been made in our report for any
charges, mortgages or amounts owing on any of the property
interests valued nor for any expenses or taxation which may be
incurred in effecting a sale. Unless
A-1
In cases where the open market value basis is
adopted, we have valued the property interests by direct
comparison approach assuming sale of the property interests in
their existing state with the benefit of immediate vacant
possession and by making reference to comparable sale
transactions as available in the relevant market.
Where, due to the nature of the buildings and
structures constructed on some properties in Group I, there
are no market sales comparables, the property interests have
been valued on the basis of their depreciated replacement cost.
Depreciated replacement cost is defined as
the aggregate amount of the value of the land for the
existing use or a notional replacement site in the same
locality, and the gross replacement cost of the buildings and
other site works, from which appropriate deductions may then be
made to allow for the age, condition, economic or functional
obsolescence and environmental factors etc; all of these might
result in the existing property being worth less to the
undertaking in occupation than would a new replacement.
This opinion of value does not necessarily represent the amount
that might be realized from the disposal of the subject assets
in the open market, and this basis has been used due to the lack
of an established market upon which to base comparable
transactions. However, this approach generally furnishes the
most reliable indication of value for a property without a known
used market.
In valuing the property interests which are
currently under construction, we have valued them on the basis
of their prevailing cost level and status of construction as at
the date of valuation and we have assumed that all consents,
approvals and licenses from the relevant government authorities
for their development have been granted without any onerous
conditions or undue delay, which might affect their values.
The property interests in Groups III and IV,
which are rented by the Group, have no commercial value due
mainly to the short-term nature or the prohibition against
assignment or sub-letting or otherwise due to the lack of
substantial profit rents.
The Group holds land use rights in respect of
1,351 parcels of land with an aggregate site area of
approximately 7,239,975 sq.m. Of the 1,351 parcels of land,
27 parcels of land with an aggregate site area of approximately
2,528 sq.m. are leased to China Network Communications
Group Corporation (China Netcom Group).
The Group holds 3,908 completed buildings and
various ancillary structures with an aggregate gross floor area
of approximately 6,558,047 sq.m., and 318 buildings and
structures which are under construction with an aggregate gross
floor area of approximately 1,148,576 sq.m. upon
completion. Of the 3,908 buildings, 791 items with an aggregate
gross floor area of approximately 149,989 sq.m. are leased
to China Netcom Group.
The Group leases 50,066 buildings and units with
an aggregate floor area of approximately 8,475,049 sq.m.
from China Netcom Group and 19 office units with an
aggregate floor area of approximately 8,572 sq.m. from
independent third parties. Of the properties leased from China
Netcom Group, 35,199 buildings and units with an aggregate gross
floor area of approximately 7,793,569 sq.m. are owned by
China Netcom Group and 14,867 buildings and units with an
aggregate gross floor area of approximately 681,480 sq.m.
are subleased by China Netcom Group from independent third
parties. The Group also subleases 338 parcels of land with an
aggregate site area of approximately 75,011 sq.m. from
China Netcom Group.
In our valuations, we have complied with all the
requirements contained in Practice Note 12 to the
Rules Governing the Listing of Securities issued by The
Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited except for those in respect
of which a waiver has been applied in respect of
Rule 5.06(1) and paragraph 5(2)(a) of Practice
Note 12 to the Rules Governing the Listing of
Securities on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. We have
also complied with all the requirements contained in the Hong
Kong Guidance Notes on
A-2
We have been shown copies of various title
documents and official site plans relating to the property
interests that are held by the Group. However, we have not
searched the original documents to verify any amendments which
may not appear on the copies handed to us. In our valuations, we
have relied to a considerable extent on the legal opinion
provided by the Companys legal adviser, Haiwen &
Partners, on the PRC laws regarding the property interests in
the PRC.
We have not carried out detailed site
measurements to verify the correctness of the site areas in
respect of the relevant properties but have assumed that the
site areas shown on the documents and official site plans handed
to us are correct. Based on our experience of valuation of
similar property interests in the PRC, we consider the
assumptions so made to be reasonable. All documents and
contracts have been used as reference only and all dimensions
measurements and areas are approximations. No on-site
measurements have been taken.
We have inspected the exterior and, where
possible, the interior of the properties included in the
attached valuation certificate, in respect of which we have been
provided with such information, as we have required for the
purpose of our valuations. However, no structural survey has
been made, but in the course of our inspection we did not note
any apparent serious defects. We are not, however, able to
report that the properties are free from rot, infestation or any
other structural defects. No tests were carried out to any of
the services.
No allowance has been made in our report for any
charges, mortgages or amounts owing on the property interests
nor for any expenses or taxation which may be incurred in
effecting a sale. Unless otherwise stated, it is assumed that
the property interests are free from encumbrances, restrictions
and outgoings of an onerous nature which could affect their
values.
We have relied to a considerable extent on the
information provided to us and have accepted advice given to us
on such matters as planning approvals or statutory notices,
easements, tenure, occupation, letting, rentals, site and floor
areas and all other relevant matters.
We have had no reason to doubt the truth and
accuracy of the information provided to us by the Group. We have
also sought from the Group that no material factors have been
omitted from the information supplied. We consider that we have
been provided with sufficient information to reach an informed
view, and have no reason to suspect that any material
information has been withheld.
Unless otherwise stated, all monetary amounts
stated in this report are in Hong Kong Dollars (HK$). In valuing
property interests in Group I, we have adopted an exchange
rate of HK$1 to Renminbi 1.061, which was prevailing as of
the date of valuation. In valuing property interests in
Group II, an exchange rate of HK$1 to S$0.219 has been
adopted.
Our valuations are summarized below and the
valuation certificate is attached.
A-3
SUMMARY OF VALUES
Group I Property interests held
and occupied by the Group in the PRC
Group II Property interests
owned and occupied by the Group in Hong Kong and
Singapore
Group III Property interests
rented and occupied by the Group in the PRC
Group IV Property interests rented
and occupied by the Group in overseas countries and Hong
Kong
A-4
VALUATION CERTIFICATE
Group I Property interests held
and occupied by the Group in the PRC
Notes:
1. Land
A-5
2. Completed Properties and CIP Properties
A-6
Notes:
1. Land
A-7
2. Completed Properties and CIP Properties
A-8
Notes:
1. Land
A-9
2. Completed Properties and CIP Properties
A-10
Notes:
1. Land
2. Completed Properties
A-11
A-12
Notes:
1. Land
A-13
2. Completed Properties and CIP Properties
A-14
A-15
Notes:
1. Land
A-16
A-17
A-18
Notes:
1. Land
2. Completed Properties
A-19
A-20
Notes:
1. Land
A-21
2. Completed Properties and CIP Properties
A-22
Group II Property interests
owned and occupied by the Group in Hong Kong and
Singapore
Notes:
1. the properties in Hong Kong
2. the property in Singapore
A-23
Group III Property interests
rented and occupied by the Group in the PRC
Notes:
Details of the properties included in the above
agreements are categorized as follows:
A-24
Details of the properties included in the above
agreements are categorized as follows:
A-25
Group IV Property interests rented
and occupied by the Group in overseas countries and Hong
Kong
Note:
A-26
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION
(HONG KONG) LIMITED
(a)
China Netcom Group acquired the entire interest
in China Netcom Holdings from its four state owners and became
the ultimate holding company of the Group;
(b)
The Companys principal operating
subsidiary, namely CNC China, transferred all its assets
and liabilities in the PRC telecommunications operations to
China Netcom Group, and assets and liabilities of the PRC fixed
line telecommunications operations previously owned by both
China Netcom Group and the Company were consolidated in the
respective provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions;
(c)
After excluding certain assets and liabilities
which were retained by China Netcom Group as set out in (f)
(i) below, the net assets of the telecommunications
operations of 8 PRC provinces and municipalities, namely Beijing
Municipality, Tianjin Municipality, Hebei Province, Henan
Province, Shandong Province, Liaoning Province, Shanghai
Municipality and Guangdong Province (collectively
Table of Contents
referred to as the Eight Service
Regions), valued at RMB 43,012 million, which
was based on an independent valuation and were injected into the
Company in consideration of approximately 5,442 million
ordinary shares (21,769 million shares before share
consolidation. See Note 33(b) for details) of the Company
(the Asset Injection).
(d)
Certain Asia-Pacific submarine cable assets and
related physical network assets and liabilities were transferred
from Asia Netcom to China Netcom Group.
(e)
The Group, immediately after the Reorganisation,
contains the following assets and liabilities related to:
(i) fixed line telecommunication operations in the Eight
Service Regions; and (ii) fixed line telecommunication
operations in the Asia-Pacific region operated by Asia Netcom
(collectively the Restructured Businesses).
(f)
China Netcom Group, immediately after the
Reorganisation, retained or held the following assets and
liabilities: (i) certain assets and liabilities of the
Eight Service Regions including fixed assets, mainly
inter-provincial optic fibers, investments in associated
companies, long-term investments, bank balances and borrowings
and those attributable to certain minor ancillary
telecommunications services; (ii) all assets and
liabilities of the fixed line telecommunication operations
outside the Eight Service Regions; (iii) all non-core
businesses representing businesses other than the principal
communications services operations in the Groups northern
and southern service regions and primarily include procurement
of materials, equipment maintenance services, engineering,
project planing and design and operations of certain social
facilities and (iv) the Asia- Pacific submarine cable
assets and related physical network transferred from Asia Netcom
(collectively the Retained Businesses).
fixed line telephone services (including the
personal handy phone system (PHS) services), including:
local, domestic long distance and international
long distance services;
value-added services, including caller identity,
telephone information services; and
interconnection services provided to other
domestic telecommunications service providers;
broadband services and other Internet-related
services;
Table of Contents
business and data communications services,
including integrated regional data and voice communications
services; and
international services consisting of
international voice services including international inbound
calls destined for the PRC or transit through the PRC or other
Asia-Pacific countries and regions, and leased line, Internet
access, managed data and other telecommunications services
provided to business and carrier customers located outside the
PRC.
Table of Contents
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
1,980
1,996
2,637
1,915
9,246
9,650
10,276
10,169
2,689
2,781
7,089
6,760
equipment
111
141
216
251
12,046
12,572
17,581
17,180
1,400
3,174
2,057
1,401
217
970
970
969
145
325
396
281
(2,693
)
(5,492
)
(7,618
)
(5,830
)
(4,224
)
(5,044
)
(4,979
)
(5,153
)
(207
)
(28
)
(4,833
)
(4,716
)
8,664
8,473
6,211
6,047
Table of Contents
Six months ended
Year Ended December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
million
103
433
802
368
479
(103
)
(157
)
(240
)
(92
)
(276
)
(49
)
(283
)
(409
)
(147
)
(272
)
(46
)
(112
)
(65
)
(60
)
(64
)
(123
)
(188
)
(257
)
(130
)
(138
)
(10
)
(52
)
(71
)
(15
)
(28
)
(120
)
(342
)
(496
)
(247
)
(248
)
(293
)
(703
)
(740
)
(322
)
(486
)
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
(i)
The Groups revenues are recognised as
follows:
Revenues derived from local, domestic long
distance (DLD) and international long distance
(ILD) telephone usage, which vary depending on the
day, the time of day, the distance and duration of the call and
the tariffs, are recognised when the services are provided to
customers.
Upfront connection and installation fees received
are deferred and recognised over the expected customer
relationship period of 10 years. With effect from July 1,
2001, no further upfront fees for connection were charged to
customers.
Monthly telephone service fees are recognised in
the month during which the telephone services are provided to
customers.
Revenues from the sale of prepaid calling cards
are deferred and recognised as the cards are used by customers.
Revenues from PHS bundled service contracts are
recognized into local, DLD, ILD service fees according to the
usage and on a systematic basis to match the pattern of the
usage of the PHS services by customers. PHS bundled service
contracts comprising provisions of PHS services and handsets to
customers, under which customers either prepay a certain amount
of service fee or commit to spend a minimum monthly service fee
for a designated period in order to receive a free handset.
Revenues from value-added communication services
such as call waiting, call diverting and caller number display
are recognised when the services are provided to customers.
Revenues from the provision of broadband and
other Internet-related services and managed data services are
recognised when the services are provided to customers.
Interconnection fees from domestic and foreign
telecommunications operators are recognised when the services
are rendered as measured by the minutes of traffic processed.
Lease income from the leasing of lines and
customer-end equipment is recognised over the term of the lease.
Lease income from other domestic telecommunications operators
and business customers for the usage of the Groups fixed
line telecommunications networks is measured by the number of
lines leased and the agreed upon rate per line leased. The lease
arrangements are primarily determined on a year to year basis.
(ii)
Interest income
(iii)
Dividend income
Table of Contents
(i) Construction-in-progress
Table of Contents
(ii) Other fixed assets
(iii) Revaluations
(iv) Depreciation
10-50 years
8-30 years
5-10 years
5-10 years
(v) Gain or loss on sale of fixed
assets
Table of Contents
(i) Finance leases
(ii) Operating leases
(i) Goodwill
(ii) Negative goodwill
(iii) Purchased software
Table of Contents
(i) Long-term investments
(ii) Short-term investments
(i) Pension obligations
(ii) Early retirement benefits
(iii) Employee housing benefits
Table of Contents
(iv) Share subscription scheme
(i) Deferred installation costs
(ii) Customer acquisition costs
(iii) Prepaid network
capacities
(iv) Discount on foreign currency
exchange forward contracts
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Six months ended
Year Ended December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
million
16,367
17,362
18,567
9,189
9,443
9,610
11,505
12,580
6,107
6,936
806
944
1,044
531
641
7,459
8,423
8,871
4,291
4,509
1,141
1,344
1,410
752
734
476
863
1,516
644
1,019
2,361
2,896
3,797
1,753
2,223
4,460
4,316
3,965
2,046
1,774
1,384
2,190
3,507
1,622
2,599
1,057
1,178
1,279
628
681
1,935
2,231
2,509
1,136
1,264
1,576
1,191
853
363
675
48,632
54,443
59,898
29,062
32,498
Table of Contents
Six months ended
Year ended December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
million
16,367
17,362
18,567
9,189
9,443
9,610
11,505
12,580
6,107
6,936
806
944
1,044
531
641
7,459
8,423
8,871
4,291
4,509
1,141
1,344
1,410
752
673
476
863
1,516
644
1,019
2,226
2,378
2,580
1,208
1,719
4,460
4,316
3,965
2,046
1,774
1,384
2,189
3,493
1,619
2,428
1,057
1,177
1,215
614
546
1,929
2,196
2,446
1,110
1,021
1,539
1,174
832
350
514
48,454
53,871
58,519
28,461
31,223
(Being revenues generated from customers
located outside the PRC, including Hong Kong, Macau Special
Administrative Region and Taiwan)
135
518
1,217
545
565
1
14
3
171
1
64
14
135
6
35
63
26
243
37
17
21
13
161
178
572
1,379
601
1,275
48,632
54,443
59,898
29,062
32,498
Table of Contents
Six months ended
Years ended December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
million
25,778
15,955
18,622
20,298
9,913
9,411
140
124
86
18
91
1,311
1,686
1,689
495
80
58
62
99
36
50
476
622
790
337
418
131
758
132
28
206
316
414
327
181
180
107
130
117
74
108
200
689
630
396
720
898
1,129
1,874
714
917
331
357
619
363
478
7
2
142
15
5
28
1
1
12
2
7
7
61
35
Table of Contents
Year ended December 31,
Six months ended June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
million
3,046
3,493
3,340
1,738
1,814
159
212
125
65
42
3,205
3,705
3,465
1,803
1,856
(1,218
)
(905
)
(621
)
(313
)
(258
)
1,987
2,800
2,844
1,490
1,598
(61
)
2
142
35
(15
)
22
21
20
12
12
31
25
20
11
9
1,979
2,848
3,026
1,548
1,604
4.03%-5.99%
3.85%-5.86%
3.68%-5.51%
3.74%-5.72%
3.65%-5.45%
Six months
Year ended December 31,
ended June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
million
1,578
1,454
940
1,293
1,389
990
758
(7,775
)
69
732
16
2,568
2,212
(6,819
)
1,362
2,121
Table of Contents
Six months ended
Year ended December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
million
9,967
8,732
(17,931
)
5,634
6,996
33.0
%
33.0
%
33.0
%
33.0
%
33.0
%
3,289
2,882
(5,917
)
1,859
2,309
(1,472
)
(1,424
)
(1,309
)
(677
)
(587
)
320
255
207
185
112
291
463
246
(27
)
231
140
36
(46
)
22
56
2,568
2,212
(6,819
)
1,362
2,121
Table of Contents
Years ended December 31,
Six months ended June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2003
2004
(in RMB millions, except share and per share data)
7,400
6,520
(11,111
)
4,272
4,875
5,492,091,643
5,492,258,218
5,492,258,218
5,492,258,218
5,492,258,218
6,935,788
7,741,782
7,741,782
7,741,782
5,499,027,431
5,500,000,000
5,492,258,218
5,500,000,000
5,500,000,000
RMB1.35
RMB1.19
RMB(2.02
)
RMB0.78
RMB0.89
RMB1.35
RMB1.19
RMB(2.02
)
RMB0.78
RMB0.89
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
6,950
6,690
6,283
3,116
2
112
33
3
6,952
6,802
6,316
3,119
Table of Contents
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
3,321
4,005
5,232
4,953
421
618
876
1,246
703
781
1,286
1,968
4,445
5,404
7,394
8,167
(538
)
(629
)
(1,051
)
(1,435
)
3,907
4,775
6,343
6,732
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
575
538
629
1,051
302
355
558
451
(339
)
(264
)
(136
)
(18
)
(49
)
538
629
1,051
1,435
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
1,231
938
993
781
108
69
245
371
1,339
1,007
1,238
1,152
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
1,162
730
648
568
889
740
992
578
2,051
1,470
1,640
1,146
Table of Contents
Furniture,
fixtures,
Telecommunications
motor vehicles
Land and
networks and
and other
buildings
equipment
equipment
Total
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
20,185
136,512
6,510
163,207
493
4,873
777
6,143
4,740
32,406
978
38,124
(883
)
(3,454
)
(1,006
)
(5,343
)
89
89
(530
)
(530
)
24,535
169,896
7,259
201,690
(3,343
)
(44,977
)
(1,930
)
(50,250
)
(762
)
(14,408
)
(925
)
(16,095
)
126
2,391
461
2,978
159
159
(3,979
)
(56,835
)
(2,394
)
(63,208
)
20,556
113,061
4,865
138,482
24,535
169,896
7,259
201,690
206
1,032
346
1,584
2,871
23,715
710
27,296
(491
)
(4,108
)
(554
)
(5,153
)
27,121
190,535
7,761
225,417
(3,979
)
(56,835
)
(2,394
)
(63,208
)
(906
)
(16,868
)
(972
)
(18,746
)
33
2,311
357
2,701
(4,852
)
(71,392
)
(3,009
)
(79,253
)
22,269
119,143
4,752
146,164
27,121
190,535
7,761
225,417
393
2,381
307
3,081
3,298
3,298
1,892
24,062
1,286
27,240
(408
)
(5,676
)
(498
)
(6,582
)
6,456
655
7,111
(40,124
)
(2,034
)
(42,158
)
28,998
180,932
7,477
217,407
(4,852
)
(71,392
)
(3,009
)
(79,253
)
(716
)
(18,520
)
(1,148
)
(20,384
)
(261
)
(261
)
103
3,622
434
4,159
(3,693
)
(436
)
(4,129
)
15,696
684
16,380
(5,465
)
(74,548
)
(3,475
)
(83,488
)
23,533
106,384
4,002
133,919
Table of Contents
Furniture,
fixtures,
Telecommunications
motor vehicles
Land and
networks and
and other
buildings
equipment
equipment
Total
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
28,998
180,932
7,477
217,407
23
436
158
617
900
7,743
511
9,154
(46
)
(279
)
(34
)
(359
)
(12,827
)
(9,265
)
(325
)
(22,417
)
17,048
179,567
7,787
204,402
(5,465
)
(74,548
)
(3,475
)
(83,488
)
(483
)
(8,489
)
(530
)
(9,502
)
2
211
29
242
2,658
2,505
74
5,237
(3,288
)
(80,321
)
(3,902
)
(87,511
)
13,760
99,246
3,885
116,891
Furniture,
fixtures,
Telecommunications
motor vehicles
Land and
networks and
and other
buildings
equipment
equipment
Total
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
598
4
602
529
5
534
715
2
717
1,955
6
1,961
Furniture,
fixture,
Telecommunications
motor vehicles
Land and
networks and
and other
buildings
equipment
equipment
Total
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
28,998
28,998
180,932
7,477
188,409
28,998
180,932
7,477
217,407
17,048
8,179
669
25,896
171,388
7,118
178,506
17,048
179,567
7,787
204,402
Table of Contents
Historical
carrying
Revaluation
Revaluation
Revalued
amount
surplus
deficit
amount
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
23,533
23,533
128,049
2,763
(24,428
)
106,384
5,133
219
(1,350
)
4,002
156,715
2,982
(25,778
)
133,919
Table of Contents
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
23,124
22,727
17,783
15,695
38,154
22,352
25,152
9,503
(38,124
)
(27,296
)
(27,240
)
(9,154
)
8
(435
)
(1,401
)
22,727
17,783
15,695
14,643
Purchased
Goodwill
software
Total
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
399
399
3
100
103
3
499
502
(270
)
(270
)
(2
)
(56
)
(58
)
(2
)
(326
)
(328
)
1
173
174
3
499
502
161
161
3
660
663
(2
)
(326
)
(328
)
(62
)
(62
)
(2
)
(388
)
(390
)
1
272
273
Table of Contents
Purchased
Goodwill
software
Total
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
3
660
663
191
191
(296
)
(296
)
115
115
(178
)
851
673
(2
)
(388
)
(390
)
(99
)
(99
)
(2
)
(487
)
(489
)
(180
)
364
184
(178
)
851
673
25
25
(178
)
876
698
(2
)
(487
)
(489
)
8
(58
)
(50
)
6
(545
)
(539
)
(172
)
331
159
Note:
On March 10, 2003, Asia Netcom, the
Groups 51% jointly controlled entity at that time,
acquired certain entities from Asia Global Crossing (details see
Note 28(c)(i)). The unamortised negative goodwill of
RMB 296 million arising from the aforementioned acquisition
has been consolidated into the Group through Asia Netcom upon
the acquisition of the remaining 49% interest of Asia Netcom,
which became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group on
December 31, 2003.
Table of Contents
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
3,394
4,110
4,408
4,708
15
32
44
1,370
11
235
383
1,248
153
122
97
77
133
167
217
469
3,706
4,666
5,149
7,872
1,259
962
1,455
520
43
58
1,666
1,547
231
169
16
113
870
113
177
431
204
1,646
1,366
4,438
2,384
(543
)
(664
)
(1,155
)
(537
)
(26
)
(46
)
(340
)
(835
)
(7
)
(21
)
(21
)
(21
)
(31
)
(25
)
(20
)
(9
)
(79
)
(127
)
(179
)
(123
)
(686
)
(883
)
(1,715
)
(1,525
)
(61
)
(113
)
(174
)
4,110
4,408
4,708
4,691
32
44
1,370
2,082
235
383
1,248
1,279
122
97
77
68
167
217
469
437
4,666
5,149
7,872
8,557
Table of Contents
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
391
391
469
426
620
564
588
544
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
5,485
4,539
7,480
5,328
1,557
1,433
554
1,226
1,050
555
414
1,914
1,452
1,391
2,494
1,503
4,679
5,384
3,844
4,019
14,223
13,302
14,786
13,990
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
1,770
1,905
2,949
2,642
2,149
1,620
1,461
1,321
3,919
3,525
4,410
3,963
Table of Contents
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
Currency
Interest rate and final maturity
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
Interest rates ranging from 4.54% to
6.2% per annum with maturity through June 28, 2005
17,837
26,234
32,098
29,625
Interest rates ranging from 2.59% to
2.77% per annum with maturity through Nov. 28, 2004
137
119
119
17,837
26,371
32,217
29,744
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
Note
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
(i
)
46,589
43,345
37,281
27,023
(ii
)
263
224
744
1,583
46,852
43,569
38,025
28,606
(9,406
)
(14,089
)
(15,716
)
(8,142
)
37,446
29,480
22,309
20,464
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
43,507
41,322
33,713
25,902
3,082
2,023
3,568
1,121
46,589
43,345
37,281
27,023
(9,305
)
(13,979
)
(15,426
)
(7,858
)
37,284
29,366
21,855
19,165
Table of Contents
The Groups long term bank and other loans
(excluding finance lease liabilities) were repayable as follows:
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
9,305
13,979
15,426
7,858
16,546
15,590
11,513
8,394
16,129
10,279
8,644
9,335
4,609
3,497
1,698
1,436
46,589
43,345
37,281
27,023
The Groups long term bank and other loans
comprise:
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
Currency
Interest rate and final maturity
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
Interest rates ranging from 4.5% to 6.2% per
annum with maturity through Dec. 31, 2032
41,202
39,410
32,870
24,129
Interest rates ranging from 2.1% to 5.5% per
annum with maturity through Dec. 31, 2040
3,972
2,580
1,920
1,417
Interest rates ranging from 2.1% to 3.5% per
annum with maturity through Oct. 20, 2022
892
792
877
1,120
Interest rates ranging from 2% to 5.94% per
annum with maturity through Feb. 28, 2039
523
563
392
357
46,589
43,345
36,059
27,023
Interest rate charging at 1% per month with
maturity through Sep. 2006
1,222
46,589
43,345
37,281
27,023
Table of Contents
As at June 30, 2004 secured loans are bank
loans of RMB 1,121 million which were secured by the
followings:
(i) Certain fixed assets
amounted to RMB 24 million in respect of loan amounting to
RMB 5 million;
(ii) Corporate guarantee granted by
China Netcom Group to the extent of RMB 578 million;
and
(iii) Corporate guarantee granted by third
parties to the extent of RMB 538 million.
Besides, other loans amounting to
RMB 1,222 million at December 31, 2003 represent
finance arrangements with certain vendors, which were secured by
certain cable systems, property and contracts owned by the
Group. Upon the Reorganisation on June 30, 2004, these
vendor loans were all transferred to China Netcom Group.
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
263
224
744
1,583
(101
)
(110
)
(290
)
(284
)
162
114
454
1,299
During the six months ended June 30, 2004,
the Group has entered into a finance lease arrangement with a
related party (see note 15 (a)). The lease obligation
payable to the related party as at June 30, 2004 amounted
to RMB1,085 million.
The Groups liabilities under finance leases
are analysed as follows:
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
113
118
305
321
68
103
211
200
106
15
250
1,166
287
236
766
1,687
(24
)
(12
)
(22
)
(104
)
263
224
744
1,583
101
110
290
284
60
99
206
163
102
15
248
1,136
263
224
744
1,583
Table of Contents
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
Note
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
(a)
620
439
399
7
(a)
193
233
50
51
813
672
449
58
(a)
(990
)
(1,035
)
(9,002
)
(7,812
)
(a),(c)
(3,000
)
(b),(c)
(1,750
)
(4,750
)
(a)
These are interest free, unsecured and have no
fixed terms of repayment.
(b)
The amount due to ultimate holding company
amounting to RMB1,750 million is unsecured, carries
interest at 4.6% per annum.
(c)
These balances were subsequently waived and
recognised into the Groups equity in accordance with the
Reorganisation.
Table of Contents
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
22,546
18,671
14,355
10,390
4,886
5,945
6,456
6,691
30
27
2,050
965
2,367
1,971
2,702
28,397
27,013
22,809
21,833
585
1,865
1,456
1,279
637
30
68
2,032
5,163
6,127
9,790
6,793
7,643
7,583
13,101
7,498
(4,460
)
(4,316
)
(3,965
)
(1,774
)
(806
)
(945
)
(1,044
)
(641
)
(3
)
(9
)
(59
)
(3,761
)
(6,523
)
(9,059
)
(6,631
)
(9,027
)
(11,787
)
(14,077
)
(9,105
)
(5
)
(44
)
(49
)
18,671
14,355
10,390
8,616
5,945
6,456
6,691
6,687
30
27
2,050
2,054
2,367
1,971
2,702
2,820
27,013
22,809
21,833
20,177
7,658
7,028
7,229
6,783
19,355
15,781
14,604
13,394
27,013
22,809
21,833
20,177
Table of Contents
Early
One-off cash
retirement
housing
benefits
subsidies
Total
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
Note 3(r)(ii)
Note (a)
2,753
2,818
5,571
131
131
(339
)
(339
)
2,545
2,818
5,363
361
2,818
3,179
2,184
2,184
2,545
2,818
5,363
2,545
2,818
5,363
758
758
(365
)
(35
)
(400
)
2,938
2,783
5,721
315
2,783
3,098
2,623
2,623
2,938
2,783
5,721
2,938
2,783
5,721
132
132
(316
)
(113
)
(429
)
2,754
2,670
5,424
413
2,670
3,083
2,341
2,341
2,754
2,670
5,424
2,754
2,670
5,424
206
206
(161
)
(313
)
(474
)
2,799
2,357
5,156
432
2,357
2,789
2,367
2,367
2,799
2,357
5,156
Table of Contents
Balance at
Recognised
Balance at
Recognised
Balance at
Recognised
January 1,
in income
December 31,
in income
December 31,
in income
2001
statement
2001
statement
2002
statement
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
million
million
280
384
664
(80
)
584
(25
)
386
(119
)
267
92
359
106
974
(69
)
905
130
1,035
(61
)
483
32
515
144
659
44
12
(4
)
8
7
15
68
2,135
224
2,359
293
2,652
132
(762
)
(35
)
(797
)
(5
)
(802
)
90
(6,963
)
(1,176
)
(8,139
)
(970
)
(9,109
)
7,746
(332
)
113
(219
)
69
(150
)
(95
)
(510
)
(94
)
(604
)
(126
)
(730
)
(102
)
(40
)
(22
)
(62
)
(19
)
(81
)
4
(8,607
)
(1,214
)
(9,821
)
(1,051
)
(10,872
)
7,643
Recognised
Balance at
Recognised
Balance at
in owners
December 31,
in income
Recognised
Recognised
June 30,
equity
2003
statement
in equity
in equity
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
million
million
note (i)
note (ii)
559
(45
)
(513
)
1
465
201
(420
)
246
(117
)
2,355
2,238
974
15
(945
)
44
703
(70
)
(633
)
83
22
(69
)
36
2,784
6
(2,580
)
2,355
2,565
(712
)
123
579
(10
)
(984
)
(2,347
)
(856
)
2,797
(406
)
(245
)
23
131
(91
)
(832
)
(36
)
(270
)
(1,138
)
(77
)
8
52
(17
)
(984
)
(4,213
)
(738
)
3,289
(1,662
)
1,428
1,709
1,760
2,318
(9,024
)
(10,070
)
(3,501
)
(1,652
)
Table of Contents
(i)
As described in Note 15, in connection with
the Reorganisation, certain of the Groups
telecommunications networks and equipment and furniture,
fixture, motor vehicles and other equipment were revalued as at
December 31, 2003. Such revalued amounts will be used to
determine the tax bases for these assets for future years. In
addition, in connection with the Reorganisation, the tax bases
of certain assets and liabilities have been adjusted to the
revalued amounts incorporated as the carrying values in the
balance sheet, except for the item described in Note (ii)
below. As a result, the Groups net deferred tax
liabilities was subsequently reduced by RMB709 million
(comprising deferred tax assets of RMB2,580 million and
deferred tax liabilities of RMB3,289 million), and this
reduction was recorded as a credit to owners equity upon
the date of the Reorganisation on June 30, 2004. Among the
RMB709 million net reduction of deferred tax liabilities,
RMB846 million, being deferred tax liabilities originated
from the revaluation surplus of land and buildings not
recognised for accounting purpose, was credited to revaluation
reserves and the remaining RMB137 million deferred tax
assets were debited to retained earnings.
(ii)
In addition, the Groups land and buildings
were revalued for PRC tax purposes with a net surplus of
RMB6,967 million as at December 31, 2003 to determine
the tax bases for future years. However, the resulting
revaluations of land and buildings were not incorporated in the
consolidated financial statements. As a result, a deferred tax
asset of RMB2,355 million was subsequently recorded with a
corresponding increase in owners equity upon the
Reorganisation on June 30, 2004. In the opinion of the
directors, it is more likely than not the Group will realise the
benefits of the deferred tax asset after making reference to the
historical taxable income of the Group. The amount is
transferred to retained earnings upon the corresponding
depreciation of the underlying fixed assets. The amount of
transfer to retained earnings for the six months ended
June 30, 2004 was RMB117 million.
28.
Consolidated cash flow statements
Six months
Year ended December 31,
ended June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
million
9,967
8,732
(17,931
)
5,634
6,996
16,153
18,808
20,483
9,967
9,552
(9,027
)
(12,058
)
(14,309
)
(6,881
)
(9,105
)
655
1,129
1,927
589
1,516
25,778
331
357
619
363
478
1,311
1,686
1,689
495
80
(181
)
(78
)
(45
)
(31
)
(7
)
(4
)
1
416
87
1
(158
)
(82
)
(79
)
(39
)
(32
)
1,987
2,800
2,844
1,490
1,598
Table of Contents
Six months
Year ended December 31,
ended June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
million
31
25
20
11
9
(5
)
(28
)
(1
)
(1
)
(12
)
(2
)
(7
)
(7
)
7
(61
)
2
142
(35
)
15
20,987
21,292
21,546
11,642
11,108
408
(1,225
)
(1,779
)
(1,280
)
(957
)
216
332
(231
)
(125
)
(11
)
4,330
1,391
270
(561
)
432
(1,496
)
(1,171
)
(3,494
)
(879
)
(2,318
)
1,692
186
1,883
338
19
(7,663
)
(363
)
(457
)
1,173
44
7,643
7,582
11,069
5,443
7,498
26,117
28,024
28,807
15,751
15,815
(c)
Acquisition of Asia Global Crossing through
Asia Netcom
Table of Contents
As at
December 31,
2003
RMB million
3,037
870
157
580
442
(1,207
)
(2,032
)
(1,011
)
836
410
115
525
525
(580
)
(55
)
29.
Contingent liabilities
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
250
188
125
94
Table of Contents
30.
Banking facilities
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
64,426
69,716
69,498
56,767
7,296
8,453
10,952
11,845
71,722
78,169
80,450
68,612
31.
Commitments
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
130
130
220
54
2,070
1,101
1,971
3,339
2,200
1,231
2,191
3,393
152
306
213
12
1,092
4,966
4,626
4,794
1,244
5,272
4,839
4,806
Table of Contents
As at
As at December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
246
147
463
891
329
371
770
1,564
428
539
297
1,025
1,003
1,057
1,530
3,480
32.
Related party transactions
Table of Contents
As at December 31,
As at June 30,
Note
2001
2002
2003
2003
2004
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
RMB
million
million
million
million
million
(v)a, (v)c
1
1
4
2
(v)a, (v)c
(3,874
)
(2,809
)
(2,365
)
(726
)
(528
)
(v)a, (v)c
(1,288
)
(1,473
)
(1,738
)
(643
)
(670
)
(5,162
)
(4,282
)
(4,103
)
(1,369
)
(1,198
)
(v)a, (v)b
(1,150
)
(1,377
)
(1,714
)
(651
)
(321
)
(v)a, (v)b
(1,388
)
(1,562
)
(1,517
)
(353
)
(564
)
(2,538
)
(2,939
)
(3,231
)
(1,004
)
(885
)
(v)a, (v)c
(509
)
(759
)
(1,021
)
(364
)
(207
)
(v)a, (v)c
(435
)
(543
)
(767
)
(241
)
(232
)
(944
)
(1,302
)
(1,788
)
(605
)
(439
)
(v)a, (v)c
(5
)
(10
)
(13
)
(5
)
(7
)
(v)a, (v)c
(16
)
(29
)
(35
)
(7
)
(5
)
(21
)
(39
)
(48
)
(12
)
(12
)
(v)a, (v)c
(690
)
(500
)
(1,028
)
(468
)
(187
)
(v)a, (v)c
(374
)
(498
)
(510
)
(170
)
(149
)
(1,064
)
(998
)
(1,538
)
(638
)
(336
)
(i)
Represents provision of ancillary
telecommunications support services to the Group by the fellow
subsidiaries and the related companies. These services include
certain telecommunications pre-sale, on-sale and after-sale
services, certain sales agency services, the printing and
delivery of invoice services, the maintenance of certain
air-conditioning, fire alarm equipment and telephone booths and
other customers services.
(ii)
Represents the support services provided to the
Group by the fellow subsidiaries and the related companies.
These support services include equipment leasing services, motor
vehicles services, safety
Table of Contents
and security services, conference services, basic
construction agency services, equipment maintenance services,
employee training services, advertising services, printing
services and other support services.
(iii)
As at respective balance sheet dates, the Group
had balances with certain related parties, which have been set
out in Notes 23(b)(ii) and 24.
(iv)
The related companies represent the investees of
the unlisted fellow subsidiaries.
(v)
All related transactions are priced based on one
of the following three criteria:
a) market price;
b) prices based on government guidance; and
c) cost plus basis.
33.
Share capital
Authorized
Convertible preference shares of
Ordinary shares of US$0.04
US$0.04 each (note (d))
Total
RMB
No. of
RMB
RMB
No. of shares
US$
million
shares
US$
million
US$
million
25,000,000,000
1,000,000,000
8,277
7,741,782
309,671
3
1,000,309,671
8,280
Issued
Convertible preference shares of
Ordinary shares of US$0.04
US$0.04 each
Total
RMB
No. of
RMB
RMB
No. of shares
US$
million
shares
US$
million
US$
million
5,490,658,218
219,626,329
1,815
219,626,329
1,815
1,600,000
64,000
1
64,000
1
7,741,782
309,671
3
309,671
3
5,492,258,218
219,690,329
1,816
7,741,782
309,671
3
220,000,000
1,819
(a)
Pursuant to an ordinary resolution dated
September 1, 2004, the authorised share capital of the
Company was increased to US$1,000,000,000 by creating additional
99,600,000,000 shares of US$0.01 each. Pursuant to an ordinary
resolution passed on September 7, 2004, every four issued
and unissued shares of US$0.01 each were consolidated into one
new share of US$0.04 each. Following the creation of
99,600,000,000 additional shares and the share consolidation,
the authorised share capital of the Company is RMB 8,277
million divided into 25,000,000,000 shares of US$0.04 each, of
which 5,492,258,218 shares were in issue and fully paid. The
shares after the share consolidation rank pair in all respects
with each other. All references to the share capital of the
Company in this report have been adjusted retrospectively since
beginning of the relevant periods to take into account the
increase in authorised share capital and share consolidation.
Besides, the increase in authorized capital is applied
respectively in connection with presentation of share capital of
the consolidated balance sheets as detailed in notes below.
Table of Contents
(b)
The share capital presented in the consolidated
balance sheet at January 1, 2001 represents (i) the
share capital of the Company, including the shares as at
January 1, 2001 totalling 500,000 ordinary shares,
(ii) shares issued for the Asset Injection arising from the
Reorganisation totalling 5,442,258,218 ordinary shares
described in note 1 above, and (iii) shares issued to
CNC Holding, the then ultimate holding company, for the transfer
of entire interest in CNC China to the Company totalling
47,900,000 ordinary shares in February 2001.
The shares described in (ii) and (iii) are deemed
to have been issued throughout the relevant periods presented as
the shares were issued for mergers under common control, which
constitutes the differences between share capital of the Company
and the Group as at each of December 31, 2001, 2002 and
2003.
The difference between the nominal value of the
shares described in (ii) and the value of the net assets
injected into the Company under the Asset Injection, totaling
approximately RMB 31,263 million, is reflected as
share premium as at January 1, 2001. The difference between
the nominal value of the shares described in (iii) and the
net assets of CNC China amounting to approximately
RMB 134 million, is reflected as share premium as at
January 1, 2001.
(c)
On February 7, 2001, 1,600,000 ordinary
shares of nominal value of US$0.04 each (taking into
consideration the effect of share consolidation) were issued at
RMB 4 each pursuant to the share subscription plan as
detailed in note 34.
(d)
On February 7, 2001,
7,741,782 preference shares (taking into consideration the
effect of share consolidation) were issued for cash totalling
US$325,000,000. The difference between the nominal value of
these preference shares and the value of the cash received,
totalling US$324,690,329, is reflected as share premium on the
same date. The holders of convertible preference shares carry no
voting rights in the general meetings of the Company. Each
preference share is convertible, at the option of the holder,
into one fully paid ordinary shares, subject to adjustment for
dilution. All the preference shares are redeemable upon change
in control or sales of substantially all of the assets of the
Company at original issuance price plus any accrued but unpaid
dividends. All preference shares were converted into ordinary
shares of the company on August 30, 2004.
34.
Share subscription plan
Table of Contents
35.
Additional disclosures pursuant to the Hong
Kong Stock Exchange Listing Rules/ Hong Kong Companies
Ordinance
Percentage of
Place and date of
Issued and fully
equity interest
incorporation/
paid up/registered
attributable to the
Principal activities and
Company name
establishment
capital
Group
place of operation
PRC August 06, 1999
Registered capital of RMB150 million
100%
Provision of networks communication services in
the PRC
Bermuda October 29, 2002
12,000 ordinary shares of US$1.00 each
100%
Investment holding in Bermuda
Bermuda October 15, 2002
120,000,000 ordinary shares of US$ 0.01 each
100%
Investment holding in Bermuda
Hong Kong
May 2, 2001
1,000 ordinary shares of US$ 1.00 each
100%
Provision of networks communication services
(a)
The accounts for the years ended
December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 were audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian CPAs Limited Company.
(b)
This company has adopted March 31 as its
financial year end, which is not coterminous with the year end
of the Group. No audited accounts have been prepared for this
company because there is no statutory requirements to prepare
accounts in its jurisdiction.
(c)
This Company previously adopted March 31 as
its financial year end, which was changed to December 31
during 2003. The accounts for the period from October 15,
2002 to March 31, 2003 and April 1, 2003 to
December 31, 2003 were audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
(d)
This company has adopted March 31 as its
financial year end, in which is not coterminous with the year
end of the Group. The accounts of this company for the years
ended March 31, 2002 and 2003 were audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
36.
Reconciliation of HK GAAP and Accounting
Principles Generally Accepted in the United States (US
GAAP)
Years ended December 31,
Six months ended June 30,
Note
2001
2002
2003
2003
2003
2004
2004
(US$ except
(RMB except
(US$ except
(RMB except share data)
share data)
share data)
share data)
7,400
6,520
(11,111
)
(1,342
)
4,272
4,875
589
(a
)
25,778
3,114
(a
)
(1,685
)
(204
)
(b
)
(95
)
(20
)
(2
)
(1
)
(e
)
5
1
(24
)
(39
)
3
(20
)
4
1
(d
)
(9
)
13
(8,508
)
(1,028
)
7
555
67
7,272
6,474
6,160
744
4,258
3,754
454
5,492
5,492
5,492
5,492
5,492
5,492
5,492
5,499
5,500
5,500
5,500
5,500
5,500
5,500
1.32
1.18
1.12
0.14
0.78
0.68
0.08
1.32
1.18
1.12
0.14
0.77
0.68
0.08
Table of Contents
Six months ended
Year ended December 31,
June 30,
Note
2001
2002
2003
2003
2004
2004
(In US$
(in RMB
(In US$
(in RMB million)
million)
million)
million)
59,206
62,213
43,376
5,241
42,869
5,180
(a
)
22,796
2,755
22,796
2,754
(a
)
(1,685
)
(204
)
(c
)
(2,637
)
(2,637
)
(2,637
)
(319
)
(2,637
)
(319
)
(e
)
166
20
(e
)
5
1
23
(16
)
(13
)
(2
)
(9
)
(2
)
(d
)
(11
)
2
(7,522
)
(909
)
(6,967
)
(842
)
56,581
59,562
56,000
6,766
54,538
6,588
Table of Contents
(c)
Convertible preference shares
Table of Contents
Six months ended
Year ended December 31,
June 30,
2001
2002
2003
2003
2004
(in RMB million)
(in RMB million)
2,226
2,378
2,580
1,208
1,719
(683
)
(700
)
(617
)
(279
)
(357
)
1,449
1,620
1,381
650
519
Table of Contents
(d)
Risk and Uncertainties
(i) Credit risk
(ii) Interest Rate Risk
(iii) Foreign currency risk
Table of Contents
RMB million
60,938
5,762
0.26
0.26
HKAS 1 Presentation of Financial
Statements
HKAS 2 Inventories
HKAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in
Accounting Estimates and Errors
HKAS 10 Events after the Balance Sheet
Date
HKAS 16 Property, Plant and
Equipment
HKAS 21 The Effects of Changes in
Foreign Exchange Rates
HKAS 26 Accounting and Reporting by
Retirement Benefit Plans
HKAS 27 Consolidated and Separate
Financial Statements
HKAS 28 Investments in Associates
HKAS 29 Financial Reporting in
Hyperinflationary Economies
HKAS 32 Financial Instruments:
Disclosure and Presentation
HKAS 33 Earnings Per Share
HKAS 36 Impairment of Assets
HKAS 38 Intangible Assets
HKAS 39 Financial Instruments:
Recognition and Measurement
HKAS-Int-12 Consolidation
Special Purposes Entities
Table of Contents
SSAP 1 Presentation of Financial
Statements (revised 2001)
SSAP 2 Net Profit or Loss for the
Period, Fundamental Errors and Changes in Accounting Policies
(revised 2001)
SSAP 5 Earnings Per Share (revised
1998)
SSAP 9 Events after the Balance Sheet
Date (revised 2001)
SSAP 10 Accounting for Investments in
Associates (revised 2001)
SSAP 11 Foreign Currency Translation
(revised 2001)
SSAP 17 Property, Plant and Equipment
(revised 2001)
SSAP 22 Inventories (revised
2001)
SSAP 24 Accounting for Investments in
Securities
SSAP 29 Intangible Assets
SSAP 31 Impairment of Assets
SSAP 32 Consolidated Financial
Statements and Accounting for Investments in Subsidiaries
(revised 2001)
Interpretation 1 Costs of Modifying
Existing Software
Interpretation 5 Property, Plant and
Equipment Compensation for the Impairment or Loss of
Items
Interpretation 8 Presentation of
Financial Statements Current Assets: Classification
of Restricted and Appropriated Cash Balance
Interpretation 10 Earnings per
Share Financial Instruments and Other Contracts that
may be Settled in Shares
Interpretation 18 Consolidated and
Equity Method Potential Voting Rights and Allocation
of Ownership Interests
HKFRS 2 Share-based Payment
HKFRS 3 Business Combinations
HKFRS 4 Insurance Contracts
HKFRS 5 Non-current Asset Held for
Sale and Discontinued Operations
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Page
P-2
P-3
P-5
P-7
P-9
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Pro forma
Historical
Notes
adjustments
Pro Forma
Pro Forma
RMB
RMB
RMB
US$
59,898
(1
)
(874
)
60,021
7,252
(7
)
1,040
(8
)
(43
)
59,898
123
60,021
7,252
(20,483
)
(1
)
385
(16,433
)
(1,985
)
(2
)
3,213
(3
)
174
(4
)
411
(7
)
(308
)
(8
)
175
(11,990
)
(1
)
414
(12,387
)
(1,496
)
(3
)
(174
)
(7
)
(746
)
(8
)
109
(7,547
)
(1
)
82
(7,685
)
(929
)
(7
)
(232
)
(8
)
12
(7,053
)
(1
)
304
(7,943
)
(960
)
(4
)
(932
)
(7
)
(293
)
(8
)
31
(1,660
)
(1
)
129
(1,594
)
(193
)
(7
)
(70
)
(8
)
7
(48,733
)
2,691
(46,042
)
(5,563
)
11,165
2,814
13,979
1,689
79
(1
)
4
88
11
(7
)
5
45
(1
)
(2
)
43
5
(25,778
)
(25,778
)
(3,115
)
(14,489
)
2,821
(11,668
)
(1,410
)
(3,026
)
(6
)
677
(2,538
)
(307
)
(7
)
(189
)
(1
)
(5
)
1
(415
)
(7
)
415
(17,931
)
3,725
(14,206
)
(1,717
)
6,819
(7
)
(31
)
5,834
706
(9
)
(954
)
(11,112
)
2,740
(8,372
)
(1,011
)
1
1
(11,111
)
2,740
(8,371
)
(1,011
)
5,492
(10
)
5,500
5,500
(2.02
)
(1.52
)
(0.18
)
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Unaudited pro forma profit for the year under US GAAP
Notes
RMB
US$
(8,371
)
(1,011
)
(11)(a)
25,778
3,115
(11)(b)
(3,213
)
(388
)
(11)(d)
9
1
(2
)
3
(11)(c)
(7,447
)
(899
)
6,757
818
(10)
5,500
5,500
1.23
0.15
1.23
0.15
Table of Contents
Pro forma
Historical
Notes
adjustments
Pro Forma
Pro Forma
RMB
RMB
RMB
US$
32,498
(1
)
(486
)
32,009
3,867
(8
)
(3
)
32,498
(489
)
32,009
3,867
(9,552
)
(1
)
310
(8,807
)
(1,064
)
(3
)
144
(4
)
214
(8
)
77
(5,167
)
(1
)
341
(4,899
)
(592
)
(3
)
(144
)
(8
)
71
(4,294
)
(1
)
101
(4,187
)
(506
)
(8
)
6
(4,199
)
(1
)
144
(4,490
)
(542
)
(4
)
(476
)
(8
)
41
(724
)
(1
)
(28
)
(752
)
(91
)
(23,936
)
801
(23,135
)
(2,795
)
8,562
312
8,874
1,072
32
(1
)
(5
)
27
3
7
(1
)
(2
)
5
1
8,601
305
8,906
1,076
(1,604
)
(6
)
400
(1,204
)
(145
)
(1
)
(5
)
1
6,996
706
7,702
931
(2,121
)
(9
)
47
(2,074
)
(251
)
4,875
753
5,628
680
5,492
(10
)
5,500
5,500
0.89
1.02
0.12
0.89
1.02
0.12
Table of Contents
Unaudited pro forma profit for the period under US GAAP
Notes
RMB
US$
5,628
680
(11)(b)
(1,685
)
(204
)
(11)(d)
5
1
4
(11)(c)
555
67
4,507
544
(10)
5,500
5,500
0.82
0.10
0.82
0.10
Table of Contents
Pro Forma Adjustments
Table of Contents
5,492,258,218
7,741,782
5,500,000,000
In connection with the Reorganisation, certain
categories of our fixed assets were revalued as at
December 31, 2003. The revaluation was performed based on
the depreciated replacement costs of the
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fixed assets and was not based upon the expected
future cash flows of the fixed assets. The revaluation resulted
in a charge to our consolidated income statement for the year
ended December 31, 2003 of RMB 25,778 million with
respect to the reduction in carrying amounts of certain fixed
assets below their historical cost bases. In addition, a surplus
arising from the revaluation of certain other fixed assets
totalling RMB 2,982 million has been credited to the
revaluation reserve. The effect of reduction in depreciation of
the revalued assets amounted to RMB 1,685 million in
the six months ended June 30, 2004.
Under US GAAP, carrying values of fixed assets
are stated at their historical costs less accumulated
depreciation and provision for improvement without making
reference to the respective depreciated replacement costs. An
impairment loss on fixed assets is recorded under US GAAP if the
carrying amount of such assets exceeds its future undiscounted
cash flow resulting from the use of the assets and their
eventual disposition. The future undiscounted cash flows of our
fixed assets, whose carrying amounts were reduced in connection
with the Reorganisation, exceed the historical costs of such
fixed assets and, therefore, no impairment of such assets is
recorded under US GAAP. Accordingly, the deficit on revaluation
of fixed assets charged to our consolidated income statements
and the surplus credited to revaluation reserve recorded under
HK GAAP and the corresponding effect of the depreciation of
revalued assets subsequent to December 31, 2003 are
reversed for US GAAP purposes.
The pro forma adjustment reflects such reversal
of revaluation of our fixed assets, which is consistent with our
corresponding historical US GAAP adjustment.
The pro forma adjustment reflects the reversal of
the reduction of depreciation charge arising from the
revaluation of fixed assets as a result of the reversal of fixed
assets revaluation described in note 11 (a) above.
The pro forma adjustment reflects the impact on
deferred tax resulting from the reversal of revaluation of fixed
assets as described in note 11 (a) and (b) above.
In connection with the successive acquisitions of
Asia Netcom and AGC Business as described in note 7 above,
amortizations of goodwill and negative goodwill arising from the
acquisitions would be recorded at the rate of weighted average
remaining useful lives of the related fixed assets.
Under US GAAP, negative goodwill will be
allocated to the acquired fixed assets on a pro rata basis,
thereby reducing the depreciation of those fixed assets in the
future period. The effect of reversal of amortization of the
negative goodwill has been offset by the reduction of
depreciation. Accordingly, there is no net impact to the
unaudited pro forma consolidated income statements regarding
negative goodwill.
Under US GAAP, goodwill is not amortised but
tested for impairment annually and whenever events or
circumstances occur indicating that goodwill might be impaired.
Accordingly, the pro forma adjustment reflects the reversal of
amortization of the goodwill arising from the acquisition of the
49% equity interest in Asia Netcom in the unaudited pro forma
consolidated income statements.
Table of Contents
(a) a willing seller;
(b) that, prior to the date of valuation,
there had been a reasonable period (having regard to the nature
of the property and the state of the market) for the proper
marketing of the interest, for the agreement of price and terms
and for the completion of the sale;
(c) that the state of the market, level of
values and other circumstances were, on any earlier assumed date
of exchange of contracts, the same as on the date of valuation;
(d) that no account is taken of any
additional bid by a purchaser with a special interest; and
(e) that both parties to the transaction had
acted knowledgeably prudently and without compulsion.
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Table of Contents
Yours faithfully
for and on behalf of
Sallmanns (Far East) Limited
Paul L. Brown
BSc. FRICS FHKIS
Director
Note:
Paul L. Brown is a Chartered Surveyor who has
21 years of experience in the valuation of properties in
the PRC and 24 years of property valuation experience in
Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and the Asia-Pacific
region.
Table of Contents
Capital value in
existing state as at
Property
31 August, 2004
HK$
5,195,069,000
1,376,517,000
2,674,673,000
2,619,843,000
4,126,101,000
4,445,420,000
172,794,000
227,635,000
20,838,052,000
Capital value in
existing state as at
Property
31 August, 2004
HK$
19,064,000
19,064,000
Capital value in
existing state as at
Property
31 August, 2004
HK$
No Commercial Value
No Commercial Value
Capital value in
existing state as at
Property
31 August, 2004
HK$
No Commercial Value
No Commercial Value
20,857,116,000
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Capital value in
existing state as at
Property
Description and tenure
Particulars of occupancy
31 August, 2004
HK$
The PRC
The properties comprise 309 buildings and other
ancillary structures with a total gross floor area of
approximately 890,233 sq.m. mainly completed in various
stages from 1938 to 2003 (the Completed Properties).
The main buildings include office buildings, composite
buildings, machine buildings, sales offices, etc.
The properties also comprise 11 buildings which were under
construction as at the date of valuation (the CIP
Properties). The estimated total construction cost is
RMB 946,225,000, of which RMB 564,520,000 has been
spent up to the valuation date. The total gross floor area of
the buildings will be 166,417 sq.m. upon completion.
The buildings and structures are located on 77 parcels of land
with a total area of approximately 590,333 sq.m.
The land use rights of the properties have been granted for
terms ranging from 40 to 50 years.
The Completed Properties are currently occupied
by the Beijing Branch of the Company mainly as offices, sales
offices, telecommunication facility rooms and other ancillary
uses, except for a portion of the Completed Properties which are
currently subject to a Lease Agreement as stated in Note 3.
5,195,069,000
i. For the 77 parcels of land of the
properties with a total site area of approximately
590,333 sq.m., China Netcom Group has obtained either
granted Land Use Rights Certificates, or allocated Land Use
Rights Certificates, or Land Title Proof, under the name of
China Netcom Group. China Netcom (Group) Co. Ltd. (CNC
China), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is in
the process of applying for the change of registration under the
name of CNC China.
ii. According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser, China Netcom Group has
obtained relevant state-owned Land Use Rights Certificates or
Land Title Proof pertaining to the 77 parcels of land. For the
land with the Land Use Rights Certificates, there is no material
legal impediment to change the title registration from China
Netcom Group to CNC China, the Group can transfer or sublease
the land use rights upon completion of the above change of
registration. For the land with the
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Land Title Proof, the Group can transfer or
sublet the land use rights upon completing the land registration
and obtaining the Land Use Rights Certificates.
iii. According to a Restructuring Agreement
entered into between China Netcom Group and CNC China, China
Netcom Group has undertaken to endeavor to have the Land Use
Rights Certificates registered under the name of CNC China
within 6 months (the land with Land Title Proof should be
within the valid period of the Land Title Proof but not later
than 6 months) after the global offering of the Company, to
be responsible for any costs, expenses, or claims caused by the
changing or new land title registration, and to indemnify CNC
China against any losses, claims, charges or expenses arising
from any challenge to or interference with CNC Chinas
title to the land which were transferred by China Netcom Group
to CNC China and in respect of which CNC China does not hold the
land use rights, and the newly acquired land (acquired by CNC
China in the period between 31 December, 2004 and the
incorporation date of CNC China) which have not been changed to
granted land use rights from allocated land use rights at the
time the Global Offering is completed.
i. For the 309 Completed Properties with a
total gross floor area of approximately 890,233 sq.m.,
China Netcom Group has obtained Building Ownership Certificates
or Building Title Proofs. CNC China is in the process of
applying for the change of registration of building ownership
rights under the name of CNC China.
ii. For the CIP Properties, China Netcom
Group has already obtained the required approvals for their
construction from the government.
iii. According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser, there is no material legal
impediment for the Completed Properties to change title
registration from China Netcom Group to CNC China, there is no
material legal impediment for CNC China to obtain Building
Ownership Certificates for the CIP Properties upon their
completion. Upon obtaining Building Ownership Certificates of
the Completed Properties and CIP Properties under the name of
CNC China, CNC China can then transfer or lease the buildings of
the properties (including CIP Properties after completion).
iv. China Netcom Group has undertaken to
have Building Ownership Certificates registered under the name
of CNC China within 6 months (those buildings with Building
Title Proofs should be within the valid period of the Building
Title Proofs but not later than 6 months and the CIP
Properties should be upon their completion) after the global
offering of the Company, to be responsible for any costs,
expenses, or claims caused by the changing or new building title
registration, and to indemnify CNC China against any losses,
claims, charges or expenses arising from any challenge to or
interference with CNC Chinas title to the Completed
Properties and CIP Properties which were transferred by China
Netcom Group to CNC China and in respect of which CNC China does
not hold the building ownership rights at the time the Global
Offering is completed.
3. According to a Lease Agreement entered
into between China Netcom Group and CNC China dated
8 October, 2004, 85 buildings of the properties with a
total floor area of approximately 26,814 sq.m. and 15
parcels of land of the properties with a total site area of
approximately 1,848 sq.m. are leased to China Netcom Group
for a term expiring on 31 December, 2006 at a total annual
rental of RMB 15,874,971.
According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser, the above Lease Agreement has
been legally signed by the two parties.
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Capital value in
existing state as at
Property
Description and tenure
Particulars of occupancy
31 August, 2004
HK$
The PRC
The properties comprise 189 buildings and other
ancillary structures with a total gross floor area of
approximately 287,383 sq.m. mainly completed in various
stages from 1927 to 2004 (the Completed Properties).
The main buildings include office buildings, composite
buildings, machine buildings, sales offices, etc.
The properties also comprise 4 buildings which were under
construction as at the date of valuation (the CIP
Properties). The estimated total construction cost is
RMB 10,256,000, of which RMB 6,614,000 has been spent
up to the valuation date. The total gross floor area of the
buildings will be 4,297 sq.m. upon completion.
The buildings and structures are located on 87 parcels of land
with a total area of approximately 241,486 sq.m.
The land use rights of the properties have been granted for
terms ranging from 40 to 70 years.
The Completed Properties are currently occupied
by the Tianjin Branch of the Company mainly as offices, sales
offices, telecommunication facility rooms and other ancillary
uses.
1,376,517,000
i. For the 87 parcels of land of the
properties with a total site area of approximately
241,486 sq.m., China Netcom Group has obtained either
granted Land Use Rights Certificates, or allocated Land Use
Rights Certificates, under the name of China Netcom Group. China
Netcom (Group) Co. Ltd. (CNC China), a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company, is in the process of applying for the
change of registration under the name of CNC China.
ii. According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser, China Netcom Group has
obtained relevant state-owned Land Use Rights Certificates
pertaining to the 87 parcels of the land. There is no material
legal impediment to change the title registration from China
Netcom Group to CNC China. The Group can transfer or sublease
the land use rights upon completion of the above change of
registration.
iii. According to a Restructuring Agreement
entered into between China Netcom Group and CNC China, China
Netcom Group has undertaken to endeavor to have Land Use Rights
Certificates registered under the name of CNC China within
6 months after the global offering of the Company, to be
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responsible for any costs, expenses, or claims
caused by the changing or new land title registration, and to
indemnify CNC China against any losses, claims, charges or
expenses arising from any challenge to or interference with CNC
Chinas title to the land which were transferred by China
Netcom Group to CNC China and in respect of which CNC China does
not hold the land use rights, and the newly acquired land
(acquired by CNC China in the period between 31 December,
2004 and the incorporation date of CNC China) which have not
been changed to granted land from allocated land at the time the
Global Offering is completed.
i. For 188 items of the 189 Completed
Properties with a total gross floor area of approximately
269,533 sq.m., China Netcom Group has obtained Building
Ownership Certificates. CNC China is in the process of applying
for the change of registration of building ownership rights
under the name of CNC China.
ii. For the CIP Properties, China Netcom
Group has already obtained the required approvals for their
construction from the government.
iii. According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser, there is no material legal
impediment for the 188 Completed Properties to change title
registration from China Netcom Group to CNC China, there is no
material legal impediment for the Group to obtain the Building
Ownership Certificate for the remaining one of the Completed
Properties upon obtaining approvals from relevant authorities,
there is no material legal impediment for CNC China to obtain
Building Ownership Certificates for the CIP Properties upon
their completion. Upon obtaining Building Ownership Certificates
of the Completed Properties and CIP Properties under the name of
CNC China, and obtaining relevant granted Land Use Rights
Certificates for newly acquired Completed Properties and CIP
Properties (acquired by CNC China in the period between
restructuring date and global offering of the Company), CNC
China can then transfer or lease the buildings of the properties
(including CIP Properties after completion).
iv. China Netcom Group has undertaken to
have Building Ownership Certificates registered under the name
of CNC China within 6 months (those buildings with Building
Title Proofs should be within the valid period of the Building
Title Proofs but not later than 6 months and the CIP
Properties should be upon their completion) after the global
offering of the Company, to be responsible for any costs,
expenses, or claims caused by the changing or new building title
registration, and to indemnify CNC China against any losses,
claims, charges or expenses arising from any challenge to or
interference with CNC Chinas title to the Completed
Properties and CIP Properties which were transferred by China
Netcom Group to CNC China and in respect of which CNC China does
not hold the building ownership rights at the time the Global
Offering is completed.
3. In the valuation of these properties, we
have not attributed any commercial value to the Completed
Property with a gross floor area of approximately
17,850 sq.m. which has not obtained proper title
certificate. However, for reference purposes, we are of the
opinion that the capital value of the property as at the date of
valuation would be HK$47,468,000 assuming the relevant title
certificate had been obtained.
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Capital value in
existing state as at
Property
Description and tenure
Particulars of occupancy
31 August, 2004
HK$
The PRC
The properties comprise 914 buildings and other
ancillary structures with a total gross floor area of
approximately 1,134,489 sq.m. mainly completed in various
stages from 1957 to 2004 (the Completed Properties).
The main buildings include office buildings, composite
buildings, machine buildings, sales offices, etc.
The properties also comprise 20 buildings which were under
construction as at the date of valuation (the CIP
Properties). The estimated total construction cost is
RMB 713,750,000, of which RMB 87,296,000 has been
spent up to the valuation date. The total gross floor area of
the buildings will be 138,639 sq.m. upon completion.
The buildings and structures are located on 208 parcels of land
with a total area of approximately 1,273,632 sq.m.
The land use rights of the properties have been granted for
terms ranging from 40 to 50 years.
The Completed Properties are currently occupied
by the Hebei Branch of the Company mainly as offices, sales
offices, telecommunication facility rooms and other ancillary
uses, except for a portion of the Completed Properties which are
currently subject to a Lease Agreement as stated in Note 3.
2,674,673,000
i. For 208 parcels of land of the properties
with a total site area of approximately 1,273,632 sq.m.,
China Netcom Group has obtained either granted Land Use Rights
Certificates, or allocated Land Use Rights Certificates, under
the name of China Netcom Group. China Netcom (Group) Co. Ltd.
(CNC China), a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company, is in the process of applying for change of
registration under the name of CNC China.
ii. According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser, China Netcom Group has
obtained relevant state-owned Land Use Rights Certificates
pertaining to the 208 parcels of the land. There is no
material legal impediment to change the title registration from
China Netcom Group to CNC China. The Group can transfer or
sublease the land use rights upon completion of the above change
of registration.
iii. According to a Restructuring Agreement
entered into between China Netcom Group and CNC China, China
Netcom Group has undertaken to endeavor to have Land Use Rights
Certificates registered
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under the name of CNC China within 6 months
after the global offering of the Company, to be responsible for
any costs, expenses, or claims caused by the changing or new
land title registration, and to indemnify CNC China against
any losses, claims, charges or expenses arising from any
challenge to or interference with CNC Chinas title to
the land which were transferred by China Netcom Group to
CNC China and in respect of which CNC China does not
hold the land use rights, and the newly acquired land (acquired
by CNC China in the period between 31 December, 2004
and the incorporation date of CNC China) which have not been
changed to granted land from allocated land at the time the
Global Offering is completed.
i. For the 877 items of the 914 Completed
Properties with a total gross floor area of approximately
1,131,529 sq.m., China Netcom Group has obtained Building
Ownership Certificates or Building Title Proofs. CNC China is in
the process of applying for change of registration of building
ownership rights under the name of CNC China.
ii. For the CIP Properties, China Netcom
Group has already obtained the required approvals for their
construction from the government.
iii. According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser, there is no material legal
impediment for the 877 Completed Properties to change title
registration from China Netcom Group to CNC China, there is no
material legal impediment for the Group to obtain the Building
Ownership Certificates for the remaining 37 items of the
Completed Properties upon obtaining approvals from relevant
authorities, there is no material legal impediment for CNC China
to obtain Building Ownership Certificates for the
CIP Properties upon their completion. Upon obtaining
Building Ownership Certificates of the Completed Properties and
CIP Properties under the name of CNC China, and obtaining
relevant granted Land Use Rights Certificates for newly acquired
Completed Properties and CIP Properties (acquired by CNC China
in the period between restructuring date and the global offering
of the Company), CNC China can then transfer or lease the
buildings of the properties (including CIP Properties after
completion).
iv. China Netcom Group has undertaken to
have Building Ownership Certificates registered under the name
of CNC China within 6 months (those buildings with Building
Title Proofs should be within the valid period of the Building
Title Proofs but not later than 6 months and the
CIP Properties should be upon their completion) after the
global offering of the Company, to be responsible for any costs,
expenses, or claims caused by the changing or new building title
registration, and to indemnify CNC China against any
losses, claims, charges or expenses arising from any challenge
to or interference with CNC Chinas title to the
Completed Properties and CIP Properties which were
transferred by China Netcom Group to CNC China and in
respect of which CNC China does not hold the building
ownership rights at the time the Global Offering is completed.
3. According to a Lease Agreement entered
into between China Netcom Group and CNC China dated
8 October, 2004, 278 buildings of the properties with a
total floor area of approximately 42,003 sq.m. are leased
to China Netcom Group for a term expiring on 31 December,
2006 at a total annual rental of RMB 4,957,707.
According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser, the above Lease Agreement has
been legally signed by the two parties.
4. In the valuation of these properties, we
have not attributed any commercial value to the 37 Completed
Properties with a total gross floor area of approximately
2,960 sq.m. which have not obtained proper title
certificates. However, for reference purposes, we are of the
opinion that the capital value of the properties as at the date
of valuation would be HK$3,006,000 assuming the relevant title
certificates had been obtained.
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Capital value in
existing state as at
Property
Description and tenure
Particulars of occupancy
31 August, 2004
HK$
The properties comprise 421 buildings and other
ancillary structures with a total gross floor area of
approximately 820,808 sq.m. mainly completed in various
stages from 1915 to 2003 (the Completed Properties).
The main buildings include office buildings, composite
buildings, machine buildings, sales offices, etc.
The buildings and structures are located on 100 parcels of land
with a total area of approximately 617,636 sq.m.
The land use rights of the properties have been granted for
terms ranging from 40 to 50 years.
The Completed Properties are currently occupied
by the Liaoning Branch of the Company mainly as offices, sales
offices, telecommunication facility rooms and other ancillary
uses, except for a portion of the Completed Properties which are
currently subject to a Lease Agreement as stated in Note 3.
2,619,843,000
i. For the 100 parcels of land of the
properties with a total site area of approximately
617,636 sq.m., China Netcom Group has obtained either
granted Land Use Rights Certificates, or allocated Land Use
Rights Certificates, under the name of China Netcom Group and
China Netcom (Group) Co. Ltd. (CNC China), a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company, is in the process of applying
for change of registration under the name of CNC China.
ii. According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser, China Netcom Group has
obtained relevant state-owned Land Use Rights Certificates
pertaining to the 100 parcels of the land. There is no material
legal impediment to change the title registration from China
Netcom Group to CNC China. The Group can transfer or sublease
the land use rights upon completion of the above change of
registration.
iii. According to a Restructuring Agreement
entered into between China Netcom Group and CNC China, China
Netcom Group has undertaken to endeavor to have Land Use Rights
Certificates registered under the name of CNC China within
6 months after the global offering of the Company, to be
responsible for any costs, expenses, or claims caused by the
changing or new land title registration, and to indemnify
CNC China against any losses, claims, charges or expenses
arising from any challenge to or interference with
CNC Chinas title to the land which were transferred
by China Netcom Group to CNC China and in respect of which
CNC China does not hold the land use rights, and the newly
acquired land (acquired by CNC China in the period between
31 December, 2004 and the incorporation date of CNC China)
which have not been changed to granted land from allocated land
at the time the Global Offering is completed.
i. For the 421 Completed Properties with a
total gross floor area of approximately 820,808 sq.m.,
China Netcom Group has obtained Building Ownership Certificates
or Building Title Proofs. CNC China
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is in the process of applying for the change of
registration of building ownership rights under the name of CNC
China.
ii. According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser, there is no material legal
impediment for the Completed Properties to change title
registration from China Netcom Group to CNC China. Upon
obtaining Building Ownership Certificates of the Completed
Properties under the name of CNC China, CNC China can then
transfer or lease the buildings of the properties.
iii. China Netcom Group has undertaken to
have Building Ownership Certificates registered under the name
of CNC China within 6 months (those buildings with Building
Title Proofs should be within the valid period of the Building
Title Proofs but not later than 6 months) after the global
offering of the Company, to be responsible for any costs,
expenses, or claims caused by the changing or new building title
registration, and to indemnify CNC China against any losses,
claims, charges or expenses arising from any challenge to or
interference with CNC Chinas title to the Completed
Properties which were transferred by China Netcom Group to CNC
China and in respect of which CNC China does not hold the
building ownership rights at the time the Global Offering is
completed.
3. According to a Lease Agreement entered
into between China Netcom Group and CNC China dated
8 October, 2004, 92 buildings of the properties with a
total floor area of approximately 12,276 sq.m. are leased
to China Netcom Group for a term expiring on 31 December,
2006 at a total annual rental of RMB 3,027,843.
According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser, the above Lease Agreement has
been legally signed by the two parties.
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Capital value in
existing state as at
Property
Description and tenure
Particulars of occupancy
31 August, 2004
HK$
The properties comprise 1,237 building, and other
ancillary structures with a total gross floor area of
approximately 1,747,093 sq.m. mainly completed in various stages
from 1905 to 2004 (the Completed Properties). The
main buildings include office buildings, composite buildings,
machine buildings, sales offices, etc.
The properties also comprise 22 buildings which were under
construction as at the date of valuation (the CIP
Properties). The estimated total construction cost is RMB
228,775,000, of which RMB 184,932,000 has been spent up to the
valuation date. The total gross floor area of the buildings will
be 73,828 sq.m. upon completion.
The buildings and structures are located on 343 parcels of land
with a total area of approximately 1,891,736 sq.m.
The land use rights of the properties have been granted for
terms ranging from 40 to 70 years.
The Completed Properties are currently occupied
by the Shandong Branch of the Company mainly as offices, sales
offices, telecommunication facility rooms and other ancillary
uses, except for a portion of the Completed Properties which are
currently subject to a Lease Agreement as stated in Note 3.
4,126,101,000
i. For the 342 items of the 343 parcels of
land of the properties with a total site area of approximately
1,889,066 sq.m., China Netcom Group has obtained either
granted Land Use Rights Certificates, or allocated Land Use
Rights Certificates, under the name of China Netcom Group. China
Netcom (Group) Co. Ltd. (CNC China), a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company, is in the process of applying for the
change of registration under the name of CNC China.
ii. According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser, China Netcom Group has
obtained relevant state-owned Land Use Rights Certificates
pertaining to the 342 parcels of the land. There is no material
legal impediment to change the title registration from China
Netcom Group to CNC China. The Group can transfer or sublease
the land use rights upon completion of the above change of
registration. For the remaining one parcel of land, the Group
can legally own the land use rights and can transfer or sublease
the land use rights upon obtaining the granted Land Use Rights
Certificate.
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iii. According to a Restructuring Agreement
entered into between China Netcom Group and CNC China, China
Netcom Group has undertaken to endeavor to have Land Use Rights
Certificates registered under the name of CNC China within
6 months after the global offering of the Company, to be
responsible for any costs, expenses, or claims caused by the
changing or new land title registration, and to indemnify CNC
China against any losses, claims, charges or expenses arising
from any challenge to or interference with CNC Chinas
title to the land which were transferred by China Netcom Group
to CNC China and in respect of which CNC China does not hold the
land use rights, and the newly acquired land (acquired by CNC
China in the period between 31 December, 2004 and the
incorporation date of CNC China) which have not been changed to
granted land from allocated land at the time the Global Offering
is completed.
i. For 1,233 items of the
1,237 Completed Properties with a total gross floor area of
approximately 1,737,965 sq.m., China Netcom Group has obtained
Building Ownership Certificates. CNC China is in the process of
applying for the change of registration of building ownership
rights under the name of CNC China.
ii. For 21 items of the 22 CIP
Properties, China Netcom Group has already obtained the required
approvals for their construction from the government.
iii. According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser, there is no material legal
impediment for the 1,233 Completed Properties to change
title registration from China Netcom Group to CNC China, there
is no material legal impediment for the remaining 4 items of the
Completed Properties to obtain the Building Ownership
Certificate upon obtaining approvals from relevant authorities,
there is no material legal impediment for CNC China to obtain
Building Ownership Certificates for the CIP Properties upon
their completion. Upon obtaining Building Ownership Certificates
of the Completed Properties and CIP Properties under the name of
CNC China, and obtaining relevant granted Land Use Rights
Certificates for newly acquired Completed Properties and CIP
Properties (acquired by CNC China in the period between
restructuring date and the global offering of the Company), CNC
China can then transfer or lease the buildings of the properties
(including CIP Properties after completion).
iv. China Netcom Group has undertaken to
have Building Ownership Certificates registered under the name
of CNC China within 6 months (the CIP Properties should be
upon their completion) after the global offering of the Company,
to be responsible for any costs, expenses, or claims caused by
the changing or new building title registration, and to
indemnify CNC China against any losses, claims, charges or
expenses arising from any challenge to or interference with CNC
Chinas title to the Completed Properties and CIP
Properties which were transferred by China Netcom Group to CNC
China and in respect of which CNC China does not hold the
building ownership rights at the time the Global Offering is
completed. For those CIP Properties which were injected as
capital into CNC China by China Netcom Group and have not
obtained the relevant construction approvals, China Netcom Group
confirmed that land use rights certificates have been obtained
with regard to them, that China Netcom Group is in the process
of applying for such approvals, that there are no legal
impediments for China Netcom Group to obtain such approvals and
that no PRC government bureau has imposed any penalties for
failure to obtain such approvals before the construction work
commenced.
3. According to a Lease Agreement entered
into between China Netcom Group and the CNC China dated
8 October, 2004, 259 buildings with a total floor area
of approximately 40,840 sq.m. and 12 parcels of land
of the properties with a total site area of approximately
680 sq.m. are leased to China Netcom Group for a term
expiring on 31 December, 2006 at a total annual rental of
RMB 6,516,462.
According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser, the above Lease Agreement has
been legally signed by the two parties.
4. In the valuation of these properties, we
have not attributed any commercial value to a parcel of land
with a site area of approximately 2,670 sq.m., 4 Completed
Property with a total gross floor area of approximately
9,128 sq.m. and a CIP Property with a gross floor area of
approximately 1,122 sq.m. upon
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completion which have not obtained proper title
certificates or construction approval. However, for reference
purposes, we are of the opinion that the capital value of the
properties as at the date of valuation would be HK$22,695,000
assuming the relevant title certificates or construction
approval had been obtained.
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Capital value in
existing state as at
Property
Description and tenure
Particulars of occupancy
31 August, 2004
HK$
The PRC
The properties comprise 769 buildings and
other ancillary structures with a total gross floor area of
approximately 1,617,909 sq.m. mainly completed in various stages
from 1955 to 2004 (the Completed Properties). The
main buildings include office buildings, composite buildings,
machine buildings, sales offices, etc.
The properties also comprise 249 buildings which were under
construction as at the date of valuation (the CIP
Properties). The estimated total construction cost is
RMB 2,431,212,000, of which RMB 755,883,000 has been
spent up to the valuation date. The total gross floor area of
the buildings will be 764,772 sq.m. upon completion.
The buildings and structures are located on 474 parcels of
land with a total area of approximately 2,552,504 sq.m.
The land use rights of the properties have been granted for
terms ranging from 40 to 70 years.
The Completed Properties are currently occupied
by the Henan Branch of the Company mainly as offices, sales
offices, telecommunication facility rooms and other ancillary
uses, except for a portion of the Completed Properties which are
currently subject to a Lease Agreement as stated in Note 3.
4,445,420,000
i. For 462 items of the 474 parcels of
land of the properties with a total site area of approximately
2,501,041 sq.m., China Netcom Group has obtained either granted
Land Use Rights Certificates, or allocated Land Use Rights
Certificates, under the name of China Netcom Group. China Netcom
(Group) Co. Ltd. (CNC China), a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company, is in the process of applying for the
change of registration under the name of CNC China.
ii. According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser, China Netcom Group has
obtained relevant state-owned Land Use Rights Certificates
pertaining to 462 items of the 474 parcels of land, there
is no material legal impediment to change the title registration
from China Netcom Group to CNC China. The Company can transfer
or sublease the land use rights upon completion of the above
change of registration and the newly acquired land (acquired by
CNC China in the period between 31 December, 2004 and the
incorporation date of CNC China) upon obtaining granted Land Use
Rights
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Certificates. For the remaining 12 parcels
of land, the Group can legally own the land use rights and can
transfer or sublease the land use rights upon obtaining the
granted Land Use Rights Certificates.
iii. According to a Restructuring Agreement
entered into between China Netcom Group and CNC China, China
Netcom Group has undertaken to endeavor to have Land Use Rights
Certificates registered under the name of CNC China within 6
months after the global offering of the Company, to be
responsible for any costs, expenses, or claims caused by the
changing or new land title registration, and to indemnify CNC
China against any losses, claims, charges or expenses arising
from any challenge to or interference with CNC Chinas
title to the land which were transferred by China Netcom Group
to CNC China and in respect of which CNC China does not hold the
land use rights, and the newly acquired land which have not been
changed to granted land from allocated land at the time the
Global Offering is completed.
2. Completed Properties and CIP Properties
i. For 757 items of the 769 Completed
Properties with a total gross floor area of approximately
1,584,640 sq.m., China Netcom Group has obtained Building
Ownership Certificates. CNC China is in the process of applying
for the change of registration of building ownership rights
under the name of CNC China.
ii. For 205 items of the CIP Properties with
a total gross floor area of approximately 738,259 sq.m.,
China Netcom Group has already obtained the required approvals
for their construction from the government. For the remaining 44
items, China Netcom Group is in the process of applying for the
relevant approvals.
iii. According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser, there is no material legal
impediment for the 757 Completed Properties to change title
registration from China Netcom Group to CNC China, there is no
material legal impediment for the Group to obtain the Building
Ownership Certificates for the remaining 12 items of the
Completed Properties upon obtaining approvals from relevant
authorities, there is no material legal impediment for CNC China
to obtain Building Ownership Certificates for the CIP Properties
with the relevant approvals and the remaining 44 items of the
CIP Properties upon obtaining the relevant approvals. Upon
obtaining Building Ownership Certificates of the Completed
Properties and CIP Properties under the name of CNC China, and
obtaining relevant granted Land Use Rights Certificates for
newly acquired Completed Properties and CIP Properties (acquired
by CNC China in the period between restructuring date and the
global offering of the Company), CNC China can then transfer or
lease the buildings of the properties (including CIP Properties
after completion).
iv. China Netcom Group has undertaken to
have Building Ownership Certificates registered under the name
of CNC China within 6 months (the CIP Properties should be upon
their completion) after the global offering of the Company, to
be responsible for any costs, expenses, or claims caused by the
changing or new building title registration, and to indemnify
CNC China against any losses, claims, charges or expenses
arising from any challenge to or interference with CNC
Chinas title to the Completed Properties and CIP
Properties which were transferred by China Netcom Group to CNC
China and in respect of which CNC China does not hold the
building ownership rights at the time the Global Offering is
completed. For those CIP Properties which were injected as
capital into CNC China by China Netcom Group and have not
obtained the relevant construction approvals, China Netcom Group
confirmed that land use rights certificates have been obtained
with regard to them, that China Netcom Group is in the process
of applying for such approvals, that there are no legal
impediments for China Netcom Group to obtain such approvals and
that no PRC government bureau has imposed any penalties for
failure to obtain such approvals before the construction work
commenced.
3. According to a Lease Agreement entered
into between China Netcom Group and CNC China dated
8 October, 2004, 77 buildings of the properties with a
total floor area of approximately 28,056 sq.m. are leased to
China Netcom Group for a term expiring on 31 December, 2006
at a total annual rental of RMB 3,631,856.
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According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser, the above Lease Agreements has
been legally signed by the two parties.
4. In the valuation of these properties, we
have not attributed any commercial value to 12 parcels of
land with a total site area of approximately
51,462.99 sq.m. which have not obtained Land Use Rights
Certificates, 12 Completed Properties with a total gross floor
area of approximately 33,269 sq.m. and 44 CIP Properties
with a total gross floor area of approximately 26,513 sq.m.
upon completion which have not obtained relevant title
certificates or construction approvals. However, for reference
purposes, we are of the opinion that the capital value of the
properties as at the date of valuation would be HK$37,407,000
assuming all relevant title ownership certificates or
construction approvals had been obtained.
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Capital value in
existing state as at
Property
Description and tenure
Particulars of occupancy
31 August, 2004
HK$
The PRC
The properties comprise 6 buildings and
other ancillary structures with a total gross floor area of
approximately 17,109 sq.m. mainly completed in various
stages from 2000 to 2002 (the Completed Properties).
The main buildings include office buildings, composite
buildings, machine buildings, sales offices, etc.
The buildings and structures are located on 5 parcels of
land with a total area of approximately 6,187 sq.m.
The land use rights of the properties have been granted for
terms ranging from 40 to 50 years.
The Completed Properties are currently occupied
by the Shanghai Branch of the Company mainly as offices, sales
offices, telecommunication facility rooms and other ancillary
uses.
172,794,000
i. For the 5 parcels of land of the
properties with a total site area of approximately 6,187 sq.m.,
China Netcom Group has obtained Realty Title Certificates, under
the name of China Netcom Group and China Netcom (Group) Co. Ltd.
(CNC China), a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company, is in the process of applying for the change of
registration under the name of CNC China.
ii. According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser, China Netcom Group has
obtained relevant Realty Title Certificates pertaining to the 5
parcels of the land. There is no material legal impediment to
change the title registration from China Netcom Group to CNC
China. The Group can transfer or sublease the land use rights
upon completion of the above change of registration.
iii. According to a Restructuring Agreement
entered into between China Netcom Group and CNC China, China
Netcom Group has undertaken to endeavor to have Realty Title
Certificates registered under the name of CNC China within
6 months after the global offering of the Company, to be
responsible for any costs, expenses, or claims caused by the
changing or new land title registration, and to indemnify CNC
China against any losses, claims, charges or expenses arising
from any challenge to or interference with CNC Chinas
title to the land which were transferred by China Netcom Group
to CNC China and in respect of which CNC China does not hold the
land use rights, and the newly acquired land (acquired by CNC
China in the period between 31 December, 2004 and the
incorporation date of CNC China) which have not been changed to
granted land from allocated land at the time the Global Offering
is completed.
i. For the 6 Completed Properties with
a total gross floor area of approximately 17,109 sq.m.,
China Netcom Group has obtained Realty Title Certificates. CNC
China is in the process of applying for the change of
registration of building ownership rights under the name of CNC
China.
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ii. According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser, there is no material legal
impediment for the Completed Properties to change title
registration from China Netcom Group to CNC China. Upon
obtaining Realty Title Certificates of the Completed Properties
under the name of CNC China, CNC China can then transfer or
lease the buildings of the properties.
iii. China Netcom Group has undertaken to
have Realty Title Certificates registered under the name of CNC
China within 6 months after the global offering of the Company,
to be responsible for any costs, expenses, or claims caused by
the changing or new building title registration, and to
indemnify CNC China against any losses, claims, charges or
expenses arising from any challenge to or interference with CNC
Chinas title to the Completed Properties which were
transferred by China Netcom Group to CNC China and in respect of
which CNC China does not hold the building ownership rights at
the time the Global Offering is completed.
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Capital value in
existing state as
at 31 August,
Property
Description and tenure
Particulars of occupancy
2004
HK$
The properties comprise 54 buildings and other
ancillary structures with a total gross floor area of
approximately 31,512 sq.m. mainly completed in various stages
from 1989 to 2004 (the Completed Properties). The
main buildings include office buildings, composite buildings,
machine buildings, sales offices, etc.
The properties also comprise 11 buildings which were under
construction as at the date of valuation (the CIP
Properties). The estimated total construction cost is
RMB 1,478,000, of which RMB 1,432,000 has been spent
up to the valuation date. The total gross floor area of the
buildings will be 480 sq.m. upon completion.
The buildings and structures are located on 53 parcels of
land with a total area of approximately 48,092 sq.m.
The land use rights of the properties have been granted for
terms ranging from 40 to 70 years.
The Completed Properties are currently occupied
by the Guangdong Branch of the Company mainly as offices, sales
offices, telecommunication facility rooms and other ancillary
uses.
227,635,000
i. For the 53 parcels of land of the
properties with a total site area of approximately 48,092 sq.m.,
China Netcom Group has obtained either granted Land Use Rights
Certificates, or allocated Land Use Rights Certificates, or
Realty Title Certificates, under the name of China Netcom Group.
China Netcom (Group) Co. Ltd. (CNC China), a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company, is in the process of applying
for the change of registration under the name of CNC China.
ii. According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser, China Netcom Group has
obtained relevant state-owned Land Use Rights Certificates or
Realty Title Certificates pertaining to the 53 parcels of
the land. There is no material legal impediment to change the
title registration from China Netcom Group to CNC China. The
Group can transfer or sublease the land use rights upon
completion of the above change of registration.
iii. According to a Restructuring Agreement
entered into between China Netcom Group and CNC China, China
Netcom Group has undertaken to endeavor to have Land Use Rights
Certificates or Realty Title Certificates registered under the
name of CNC China within after the global offering of the
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Company, to be responsible for any costs,
expenses, or claims caused by the changing or new land title
registration, and to indemnify CNC China against any
losses, claims, charges or expenses arising from any challenge
to or interference with CNC Chinas title to the land
which were transferred by China Netcom Group to CNC China
and in respect of which CNC China does not hold the land
use rights, and the newly acquired land (acquired by
CNC China in the period between 31 December, 2004 and
the incorporation date of CNC China) which have not been changed
to granted land from allocated land at the time the Global
Offering is completed.
i. For 53 items of the 54 Completed
Properties with a total gross floor area of approximately
31,472 sq.m., China Netcom Group has obtained Realty Title
Certificates or Building Ownership Certificates. CNC China is in
the process of applying for the change of registration of
building ownership rights under the name of CNC China.
ii. For the CIP Properties, China Netcom
Group has already obtained the required approvals for their
construction from the government.
iii. According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser, there is no material legal
impediment for the 53 Completed Properties to change title
registration from China Netcom Group to CNC China, there is no
material legal impediment for the Group to obtain the Building
Ownership Certificate for the remaining one of the Completed
Properties upon obtaining approvals from relevant authorities,
there is no material legal impediment for CNC China to obtain
Realty Title Certificates for the CIP Properties upon their
completion. Upon obtaining Realty Title Certificates of the
Completed Properties and CIP Properties under the name of
CNC China, CNC China can then transfer or lease the buildings of
the properties (including CIP Properties after completion).
iv. China Netcom Group has undertaken to
have Building Ownership Certificates or Realty Title Certificate
registered under the name of CNC China within 6 months (the
CIP Properties should be upon their completion) after the
global offering of the Company, to be responsible for any costs,
expenses, or claims caused by the changing or new building title
registration, and to indemnify CNC China against any
losses, claims, charges or expenses arising from any challenge
to or interference with CNC Chinas title to the
Completed Properties and CIP Properties which were
transferred by China Netcom Group to CNC China and in
respect of which CNC China does not hold the building
ownership rights at the time the Global Offering is completed.
3. In the valuation of these properties, we
have not attributed any commercial value to a Completed Property
with a gross floor area of approximately 40 sq.m. which has
not obtained the relevant title certificate. However, for
reference purposes, we are of the opinion that the capital value
of the property as at the date of valuation would be HK$145,000
assuming the relevant title certificate had been obtained.
Table of Contents
Capital value in
existing state as at
Property
Description and tenure
Particulars of occupancy
31 August, 2004
HK$
The properties comprise 8 buildings and other
ancillary structures with a total gross floor area of
approximately 11,482 sq.m. mainly completed in 2001 and 2002.
The main buildings include telecommunication buildings,
composite buildings, and machine buildings.
The buildings and structures are located on 3 parcels of
land with a total area of approximately 18,312 sq.m.
The land was leased for various terms ranging from 26 to
47 years.
The properties are currently occupied by Asia
Netcom mainly as offices, telecommunication facility rooms and
other ancillary uses.
19,064,000
i. By two agreements for lease dated
22 February 2000 and 2 February 2001 respectively,
2 parcels of land located at Tseung Kwan O Sai Kung,
New Territories with a total site area of approximately 13,000
sq.m. were leased from The Hong Kong Industrial Estates
Corporation by Asia Global Crossing Hong Kong Limited with a
formal lease for each property to be granted for a term expiring
on 27 June 2047 in accordance with the terms and conditions
stated therein. In consideration of the two agreements for
lease, a premium of HK$27,550,000 was paid. The ground rent
payable per annum for the properties is equal to 3% of the
rateable value for the time being of the properties.
ii. The registered owner of the properties
is The Hong Kong Industrial Estates Corporation (now known as
The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation) vide
Memorial No. 465321 dated 15 May, 2001.
iii. Since the formal leases are yet to be
granted, we have attributed no commercial value to the above
properties. However, for reference purposes, we are of the
opinion that the capital value of the properties as at the date
of valuation would be HK$89,800,000 assuming the relevant Formal
Leases had been signed.
i. By a Lease Agreement, a parcel of land
located at No.1 Changi North Rise, Changi North Industrial
Estate with a site area of approximately 5,312 sq.m. was leased
from Jurong Town Corporation by Asia Global Crossing (Singapore)
Pte. Ltd. for a term of 26 years commencing from
16 May 2001. In consideration of the Lease Agreement, a
premium of S$1,498,515.20 was paid. The ground rent payable per
annum for the property is S$12.
ii. The property is subject to a Mortgage
vide Caveat No. 115582L dated 30 July 2004.
iii. The registered owner of the property is
Jurong Town Corporation vide Memorandum No. I/30809F dated
26 June 1990.
Table of Contents
Capital value in
existing state as at
Property
Description and tenure
Particulars of occupancy
31 August, 2004
HK$
The properties comprise 50,067 buildings and
units with a total floor area of approximately
8,474,797 sq.m. mainly completed in various stages from
1950 to 2003.
The properties also comprise 338 parcels of land with a
total site area of approximately 75,011 sq.m.
50,065 items of the properties are leased from China Netcom
Group and the remaining 2 items are leased from 2
independent parities.
The properties are currently occupied by the
Group mainly as offices, telecommunication facility rooms and
other ancillary uses.
No Commercial Value
1. According to a Lease Agreement entered
into between China Netcom Group and CNC China dated
8 October, 2004, 35,199 buildings and units of the
properties with a total floor area of approximately
7,793,569 sq.m. are leased to the Group from China Netcom
Group and its subsidiaries for a term expiring on
31 December, 2006 at a total annual rental of approximately
RMB 610,822,000.
Number of
Approximate
Location
Buildings and Units
Floor Area
1,259
603,607
724
312,421
7,208
1,519,454
5,473
1,290,094
14,765
2,286,257
5,730
1,773,949
40
7,787
35,199
7,793,569
2. According to a Subletting Agreement
entered into between China Netcom Group and CNC China dated
8 October, 2004, 14,866 buildings and units of the
properties with a total floor area of approximately
681,037 sq.m. and 338 parcels of land with a total
site area of approximately 75,011 sq.m. are sublet to the
Group from China Netcom Group and its subsidiaries for various
terms but not exceeding 31 December, 2006 at a total annual
rental of approximately RMB 115,237,000. The validity of
the Subletting Agreement expires on 31 December, 2006.
Table of Contents
Building
Land
Number of
Approximate
Number
Approximate
Location
Buildings & Units
Floor Area
Parcels of Land
Site Area
1,304
110,513
6
3,942
3
1,260
2,402
122,118
304
65,201
739
20,055
6
174
4,819
201,679
21
4,934
3,911
120,288
1
760
305
14,042
1,383
91,082
14,866
681,037
338
75,011
3. According to an opinion given by the
Companys PRC legal adviser:-
i. The above Lease Agreement and Subletting
Agreement entered into between China Netcom Group and CNC China
have been legally signed by the two parties.
ii. China Netcom Group has undertaken to
indemnify the Group against any losses in relation to the use of
the leased properties under the Lease Agreement and Subletting
Agreement. The undertakings from China Netcom Group are
enforceable.
4. According to a Lease Agreement entered
into between Zhaoshangju Hanghuakemao Zhong Xin You Xian Gong Si
and Asia Netcom Holdings China Limited, a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Group, an office unit of the properties with a
floor area of approximately 156 sq.m. is leased to the
Group from Zhaoshangju Hanghuakemao Zhong Xin You Xian Gong Si
for a term of 2 years commencing from 20 August, 2004
and expiring on 19 August, 2006 at a monthly rental of
US$2,881.19. According to an opinion given by the Companys
PRC legal adviser, the Lease Agreement is legally valid and
enforceable.
5. According to a Lease Agreement entered
into between CEO Suite Shanghai and Asia Netcom, an office
unit with a floor area of approximately 35 sq.m. is leased
to the Group from CEO Suite Shanghai for a term of
6 months commencing from 1 June, 2004 and expiring on
30 November, 2004 at a monthly rental of US$1,900.
According to an opinion given by the Companys PRC legal
adviser, the Lease Agreement is legally valid and enforceable.
Table of Contents
Capital value in
existing state as at
Property
Description and tenure
Particulars of occupancy
31 August, 2004
HK$
The properties comprise 18 buildings and
units mainly completed in various stages from 1930 to 2003.
The properties have a total floor area of approximately
8,824 sq.m.
The properties are leased to Asia Netcom and the Company from
independent third parties or China Netcom Group for various
terms with the latest expiry date on 2010.
The properties are currently occupied by the
Group mainly as offices, telecommunication facility rooms and
other ancillary uses.
No Commercial Value
1. According to 18 Lease Agreements, 17
items of the properties with a total floor area of approximately
8,381 sq.m. are leased from independent third parties for
various terms with the latest expiry date on 2010, and the
remaining property with a floor area of approximately
443 sq.m. is sublet from East Asia Netcom Korea Ltd., a
connected party for a term of 2 years expiring on
August 31, 2005.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN
PROSPECTUS
Hong Kong law does not limit the extent to which
a companys articles of association may provide for the
indemnification of offers and directors, except to the extent
any such provision may be held by Hong Kong courts to be
contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification
against the consequences of committing a crime. Our articles of
association provide for indemnification of officers and
directors for losses, damages, costs and expenses incurred in
their capacity as our officers and directors, but our indemnity
does not extend to any matter in respect of any fraud or
dishonesty which may be attached to such officer or director.
The indemnification provision in our articles of associates
provides that, in general, every director or other officer of
our company shall be indemnified out of our assets against all
costs, charges, expenses, losses and liabilities which he may
incur. Every director and other officer of our company shall be
indemnified by us against all costs, losses and expenses which
any such director and other officer may incur or become liable
for in the discharge of his duties. Any person who is a director
or other officer of our company generally shall not be liable
(except in consequence of his own dishonesty) for the acts,
receipts, neglects or defaults of any other director or other
officer of our company or for any losses or expenses incurred by
our company for any losses or damages incurred in the execution
of the duties of his office.
On December 31, 2000, we issued 1,999,999
ordinary shares to China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited
and 1 ordinary share to CNC Cayman, Limited for US$0.01 per
ordinary share.
During the period from February 7, 2001 to
February 12, 2001, we issued:
None of the foregoing transactions involved any
underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any
public offering, and the registrant believes that each
transaction was exempt from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof and Regulation
D promulgated thereunder. The recipients in such transactions
represented their intention to acquire securities for investment
only and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any
distribution thereof, and appropriate legends were affixed to
the share certificates and instruments issued in such
transactions. All recipients had adequate access, through their
relationship with the registrant, to information about the
registrant.
(a) Exhibits.
II-1
II-2
II-3
(b) Financial Statement Schedules
All supplemental schedules are omitted because of
the absence of conditions under which they are required or
because the information is shown in the financial statements or
notes thereto.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to
provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the
underwriting agreement, certificates in such denominations and
registered in such names as required by the underwriters to
permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
II-4
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities
arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors,
officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to
the provisions described in Item 6, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer
or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it
is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
II-5
Item 6.
Indemnification of Directors and
Officers
Item 7.
Recent Sales of Unregistered
Securities
6,400,000 ordinary shares to various former
employees of China Netcom Holdings for RMB 1.00 per
ordinary share;
30,967,127 Series A preference shares to CNC
Fund for US$10.495 per share; and
191,600,000 ordinary shares to CNC BVI for
US$0.01 per ordinary share, for which we received consideration
in the form of CNC BVIs equity interests in CNC China.
Item 8.
Exhibits and Financial Statement
Schedules
Exhibit
No.
Description of Exhibit
1.1
Form of U.S. and international underwriting
agreement*
1.2
Form of Hong Kong Underwriting Agreement*
3.1
Memorandum and Articles of Association of the
Registrant
4.1
Form of share certificate
4.2
Form of deposit agreement, including form of
American Depositary Receipt
5.1
Opinion of Linklaters, Hong Kong counsel to the
Registrant, as to the legality of the shares
9.1
Declaration of Trust, dated October 5, 2004,
from CNC BVI to the Academy of Sciences
Table of Contents
Exhibit
No.
Description of Exhibit
9.2
Declaration of Trust, dated October 5, 2004,
from CNC BVI to INC-SARFT
9.3
Declaration of Trust, dated October 5, 2004,
from CNC BVI to CRTC
9.4
Declaration of Trust, dated October 5, 2004,
from CNC BVI to Shanghai Alliance
9.5
Declaration of Trust, dated October 5, 2004,
from CNC BVI to Shandong SASAC
9.6
Trust Arrangement, dated October 5, 2004,
entered into between CNC BVI, China Netcom Group and the
Academy of Sciences (English Translation)
9.7
Trust Arrangement, dated October 5, 2004,
entered into between CNC BVI, China Netcom Group and the
INC-SARFT (English Translation)
9.8
Trust Arrangement, dated October 5, 2004,
entered into between CNC BVI, China Netcom Group and CRTC
(English Translation)
9.9
Trust Arrangement, dated October 5, 2004,
entered into between CNC BVI, China Netcom Group and
Shanghai Alliance (English Translation)
9.10
Trust Arrangement, dated October 5, 2004,
entered into between CNC BVI, China Netcom Group and
Shandong SASAC (English Translation)
10.1
Asset Injection Agreement, dated June 29,
2004, among China Netcom Group, CNC BVI, CNC China and us
(English Translation)
10.2
Letter of Undertakings by China Netcom Group
(English Translation)
10.3
Trademark Licensing Agreement, dated
October 8, 2004 among CNC China, China Netcom Group and us
(English Translation)
10.4
Restructuring Agreement, dated September 6,
2004 among CNC China, China Netcom Group and us (English
Translation)
10.5
Non-Competition Agreement, dated
September 6, 2004 among CNC China, China Netcom Group and
us (English Translation)
10.6
Assets and Liabilities Transfer Agreement, dated
June 23, 2004 entered into between CNC China and China
Netcom Group (English translation)
10.7
Interconnection Settlement Agreement, dated
October 8, 2004 between CNC China and China Netcom Group
(English Translation)
10.8
Property Leasing Agreement, dated October 8,
2004 between CNC China and China Netcom Group (English
Translation)
10.9
Property Sub-leasing Agreement, dated
October 8, 2004 between CNC China and China Netcom Group
(English Translation)
10.10
Master Services Sharing Agreement, dated
October 8, 2004 between CNC China and China Netcom Group
(English Translation)
10.11
Engineering and Information Technology Services
Agreement, dated October 8, 2004 between CNC China and
China Netcom Group (English Translation)
10.12
Materials Procurement Agreement, dated
October 8, 2004 between CNC China and China Netcom Group
(English Translation)
10.13
Ancillary Telecommunications Services Agreement,
dated October 8, 2004 between CNC China and China Netcom
Group (English Translation)
10.14
Support Services Agreement, dated October 8,
2004 between CNC China and China Netcom Group (English
Translation)
10.15
Telecommunication Facilities Leasing Agreement,
dated October 8, 2004 between CNC China and China Netcom
Group (English Translation)
10.16
Capacity Purchase Agreement,
dated June 30, 2004 between Asia Netcom and East Asia
Netcom Limited
10.17
Capacity Lease Agreement,
dated June 30, 2004 between Asia Netcom and East Asia
Netcom Limited and Amendment No. 1 dated October 6,
2004
Table of Contents
Exhibit
No.
Description of Exhibit
10.18
Management Services Agreement,
dated June 30, 2004 between Asia Netcom and East Asia
Netcom Limited and Amendment No. 1 dated October 6,
2004
10.19
Share Option Plan (English Translation)
10.20
Share Purchase and Exchange Agreement, dated
June 11, 2004 and amendment dated July 20, 2004 among
China Netcom Holdings (BVI) Limited, CNC Fund L.L.P. and us
10.21
Form of Senior Management Employment Agreement
(English Translation)
10.22
Form of Directors Employment Agreement
(English Translation)
10.23
Share Purchase and Sale Agreement dated
June 30, 2004 entered into between Asia Netcom and CNC
Network Corporation Limited
10.24
Assignment and Novation Agreement dated
June 30, 2004 entered into among Asia Netcom, CNC Network
Corporation Limited and us
10.25
Share Purchase Agreement dated December 2,
2003 entered into among SBAIF Asia Netcom (Cayman) Holdings,
China Netcom Corporation International Limited, Asia Netcom and
us
10.26
Shareholders Agreement dated March 12, 2003
entered into among China Netcom Corporation International
Limited, SB Asia Infrastructure Fund L.P., Newbridge Asia Netcom
(Cayman) Holdings, Asia Netcom and us
10.27
Share and Asset Purchase Agreement dated
November 17, 2002 entered into between Asia Netcom and AGC
10.28
Share Purchase Agreement, dated December 2,
2003 entered into among Newbridge Asia Netcom (Cayman) Holdings,
China Netcom Corporation International Limited, Asia Netcom and
us
10.29
Share Transfer Agreement, dated June 10,
2004, entered into between China Netcom Group and China Netcom
Holdings (English Translation)
10.30
Share Transfer Agreement, dated April 20,
2004, entered into between China Netcom Group and the Academy of
Sciences (English Translation)
10.31
Asset Transfer Agreement, dated April 26,
2004, entered into between China Netcom Group and Shandong SASAC
(English Translation)
10.32
Telecommunications Assets Transfer Agreement,
dated June 10, 2004, entered into between China Netcom
Group and Jitong Communications Company Limited (English
Translation)
10.33
Telecommunications Assets Transfer Agreement,
dated June 10, 2004, entered into between China Netcom
Group and Guangdong Telecommunications Company Limited (English
Translation)
10.34
Debenture, dated July 29, 2004 entered into
among Asia Netcom Asia Pacific Limited, Asia Netcom Asia Pacific
Commercial Limited, Asia Netcom Hong Kong Limited and Industrial
and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10.35
Deed of Mortgage of Shares, dated July 29,
2004 entered into between Asia Netcom and Industrial and
Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10.36
Debenture, dated July 29, 2004 entered into
among Asia Netcom Services (S) Pte. Ltd., Asia Netcom
Corporation (Singapore) Pte. Limited, Asia Netcom Singapore Pte.
Ltd., Southeast Asia Netcom (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. and Industrial
and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10.37
Group Share Mortgage, dated July 29, 2004
entered into among Asia Netcom Corporation (Singapore) Pte.
Limited, Asia Netcom Services (S) Pte. Ltd., Southeast Asia
Netcom (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Asia Netcom Singapore Pte. Ltd.
and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10.38
Assignment of Building Agreement, dated
July 29, 2004 entered into between Asia Netcom Singapore
Pte. Ltd. and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia)
Limited
10.39
Share Pledge Agreement, dated July 28, 2004
entered into among Asia Netcom Corporation (Singapore) Pte.
Ltd., the seven financial institutions listed in the Share
Pledge Agreement and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
(Asia) Limited
10.40
Amended and Restated Facility Agreement, dated
July 27, 2004 entered into among Asia Netcom, the seven
banks named in the Amended and Restated Facility Agreement,
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
Table of Contents
Exhibit
No.
Description of Exhibit
10.41
Group Subordination Deed, dated July 27,
2004 entered into between Asia Netcom and Industrial and
Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10.42
Group Subordination Deed, dated July 27,
2004 entered into among our Company and China Netcom Corporation
International Limited, Asia Netcom and Industrial and Commercial
Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10.43
Debenture, dated July 27, 2004 entered into
between Asia Netcom and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
(Asia) Limited
10.44
Group Assignment of Insurances, dated
July 27, 2004 entered into among Asia Netcom, EANL and
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10.45
Security Assignment, dated July 27, 2004
entered into between Asia Netcom and Industrial and Commercial
Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10.46
Charge Over Deposit Account, dated July 27,
2004 entered into between Asia Netcom and Industrial and
Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10.47
Charge Over Accounts, dated July 27, 2004
entered into between Asia Netcom and Industrial and Commercial
Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10.48
Deed of Mortgage of Shares in Asia Netcom, dated
July 27, 2004 entered into between China Netcom Corporation
International Limited and Industrial and Commercial Bank of
China (Asia) Limited
10.49
Guarantee and Indemnity, dated July 27, 2004
entered into between our Company and Industrial and Commercial
Bank of China (Asia) Limited
21.1
List of subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers
23.3
Consent of Linklaters (included as part of
Exhibit 5.1)
23.4
Consent of Haiwen & Partners, counsel to the
Registrant
23.5
Consent of Sallmanns (Far East) Limited
24.1
Powers of Attorney (included in signature page)
*
To be filed by amendment.
**
Incorporated by reference to the
Depositarys Registration Statement on Form F-6 (filed
with respect to the American Depositary Shares) (File
No. 333- ),
filed with the Commission
on ,
2004.
Item 9.
Undertakings
1.
for purposes of determining any liability under
the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of
prospectus filed as part of this Registration Statement in
reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to
Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities
Act shall be deemed to be part of this Registration Statement as
of the time it was declared effective.
2.
for the purpose of determining any liability
under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that
contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the
Table of Contents
securities offered therein, and the offering of
such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide offering thereof.
Table of Contents
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 on Form F-1 to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Beijing,
Peoples Republic of China, on October 15, 2004.
II-6
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION
(HONG KONG) LIMITED
By:
/s/ EDWARD TIAN SUNING
Name: Edward Tian Suning
Title:
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
Table of Contents
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each
person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and
appoints, and each of them, as his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution
and re-substitution, for him in his name, place and stead, in
any and all capacity, in connection with this Registration
Statement, including to sign and file in the name and on behalf
of the undersigned as director or officer of the Registrant
(i) any and all amendments or supplements (including any
and all stickers and post-effective amendments) to this
Registration Statement, with all exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, and (ii) any and all
additional registration statements, and any and all amendments
thereto, relating to the same offering of securities as those
that are covered by this Registration Statement that are filed
pursuant to Rule 462(b) promulgated under the U.S.
Securities Act of 1933, with the Commission and any applicable
securities exchange or securities self-regulatory body, granting
unto said attorney-in-fact and agents, and each of them full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
things requisite or necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.
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 date indicated.
II-7
II-8
SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
REGISTRANT
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative of
China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited in the United
States, has signed this Registration Statement or amendment
thereto in the State of Delaware on October 15, 2004.
II-9
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ ZHANG CHUNJIANG
Zhang Chunjiang
Executive Chairman of the board of directors,
Executive Director
October 15, 2004
/s/ LENG RONGQUAN
Leng Rongquan
Vice Chairman, Non-Executive Director
October 15, 2004
/s/ EDWARD TIAN SUNING
Edward Tian Suning
Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer
October 15, 2004
Zhang Xiaotie
Executive Director
, 2004
/s/ MIAO JIANHUA
Miao Jianhua
Executive Director
October 15, 2004
/s/ JIANG WEIPING
Jiang Weiping
Non-Executive Director
October 15, 2004
/s/ LI LIMING
Li Liming
Non-Executive Director
October 15, 2004
Keith Rupert Murdoch
Non-Executive Director
, 2004
/s/ YAN YIXUN
Yan Yixun
Non-Executive Director
October 15, 2004
John Lawson Thornton
Independent Non-Executive Director
, 2004
Table of Contents
Signature
Title
Date
Victor Mou Zing Cha
Independent Non-Executive Director
, 2004
/s/ QIAN YINGYI
Qian Yingyi
Independent Non-Executive Director
October 15, 2004
/s/ HOU ZIQIANG
Hou Ziqiang
Independent Non-Executive Director
October 15, 2004
Timpson Chung Shui Ming
Independent Non-Executive Director
, 2004
/s/ FAN XINGCHA
Fan Xingcha
Chief Financial Officer
October 15, 2004
/s/ LI FUSHEN
Li Fushen
Controller
October 15, 2004
Table of Contents
By:
/s/ Donald J. Puglisi
Name: Donald J. Puglisi
Title: Managing Director
Company: Puglisi & Associates
Table of Contents
EXHIBIT INDEX
II-10
II-11
Exhibit
No.
Description of Exhibit
1.1
Form of U.S. and international underwriting
agreement*
1.2
Form of Hong Kong Underwriting Agreement*
3.1
Memorandum and Articles of Association of the
Registrant
4.1
Form of share certificate
4.2
Form of deposit agreement, including form of
American Depositary Receipt
5.1
Opinion of Linklaters, Hong Kong counsel to the
Registrant, as to the legality of the shares
9.1
Declaration of Trust, dated October 5, 2004,
from CNC BVI to the Academy of Sciences
9.2
Declaration of Trust, dated October 5, 2004,
from CNC BVI to INC-SARFT
9.3
Declaration of Trust, dated October 5, 2004,
from CNC BVI to CRTC
9.4
Declaration of Trust, dated October 5, 2004,
from CNC BVI to Shanghai Alliance
9.5
Declaration of Trust, dated October 5, 2004,
from CNC BVI to Shandong SASAC
9.6
Trust Arrangement, dated October 5, 2004,
entered into between CNC BVI, China Netcom Group and the
Academy of Sciences (English Translation)
9.7
Trust Arrangement, dated October 5, 2004,
entered into between CNC BVI, China Netcom Group and the
INC-SARFT (English Translation)
9.8
Trust Arrangement, dated October 5, 2004,
entered into between CNC BVI, China Netcom Group and CRTC
(English Translation)
9.9
Trust Arrangement, dated October 5, 2004,
entered into between CNC BVI, China Netcom Group and
Shanghai Alliance (English Translation)
9.10
Trust Arrangement, dated October 5, 2004,
entered into between CNC BVI, China Netcom Group and
Shandong SASAC (English Translation)
10.1
Asset Injection Agreement, dated June 29,
2004, among China Netcom Group, CNC BVI, CNC China and us
(English Translation)
10.2
Letter of Undertakings by China Netcom Group
(English Translation)
10.3
Trademark Licensing Agreement, dated
October 8, 2004 among CNC China, China Netcom Group and us
(English Translation)
10.4
Restructuring Agreement, dated September 6,
2004 among CNC China, China Netcom Group and us (English
Translation)
10.5
Non-Competition Agreement, dated
September 6, 2004 among CNC China, China Netcom Group and
us (English Translation)
10.6
Assets and Liabilities Transfer Agreement, dated
June 23, 2004 entered into between CNC China and China
Netcom Group (English translation)
10.7
Interconnection Settlement Agreement, dated
October 8, 2004 between CNC China and China Netcom Group
(English Translation)
10.8
Property Leasing Agreement, dated October 8,
2004 between CNC China and China Netcom Group (English
Translation)
10.9
Property Sub-leasing Agreement, dated
October 8, 2004 between CNC China and China Netcom Group
(English Translation)
10.10
Master Services Sharing Agreement, dated
October 8, 2004 between CNC China and China Netcom Group
(English Translation)
10.11
Engineering and Information Technology Services
Agreement, dated October 8, 2004 between CNC China and
China Netcom Group (English Translation)
10.12
Materials Procurement Agreement, dated
October 8, 2004 between CNC China and China Netcom Group
(English Translation)
10.13
Ancillary Telecommunications Services Agreement,
dated October 8, 2004 between CNC China and China Netcom
Group (English Translation)
Table of Contents
Exhibit
No.
Description of Exhibit
10.14
Support Services Agreement, dated October 8,
2004 between CNC China and China Netcom Group (English
Translation)
10.15
Telecommunication Facilities Leasing Agreement,
dated October 8, 2004 between CNC China and China Netcom
Group (English Translation)
10.16
Capacity Purchase Agreement,
dated June 30, 2004 between Asia Netcom and East Asia
Netcom Limited
10.17
Capacity Lease Agreement,
dated June 30, 2004 between Asia Netcom and East Asia
Netcom Limited and Amendment No. 1 dated October 6,
2004
10.18
Management Services Agreement,
dated June 30, 2004 between Asia Netcom and East Asia
Netcom Limited and Amendment No. 1 dated October 6,
2004
10.19
Share Option Plan (English Translation)
10.20
Share Purchase and Exchange Agreement, dated
June 11, 2004 and amendment dated July 20, 2004 among
China Netcom Holdings (BVI) Limited, CNC Fund L.L.P. and us
10.21
Form of Senior Management Employment Agreement
(English Translation)
10.22
Form of Directors Employment Agreement
(English Translation)
10.23
Share Purchase and Sale Agreement dated
June 30, 2004 entered into between Asia Netcom and CNC
Network Corporation Limited
10.24
Assignment and Novation Agreement dated
June 30, 2004 entered into among Asia Netcom, CNC Network
Corporation Limited and us
10.25
Share Purchase Agreement dated December 2,
2003 entered into among SBAIF Asia Netcom (Cayman) Holdings,
China Netcom Corporation International Limited, Asia Netcom and
us
10.26
Shareholders Agreement dated March 12, 2003
entered into among China Netcom Corporation International
Limited, SB Asia Infrastructure Fund L.P., Newbridge Asia Netcom
(Cayman) Holdings, Asia Netcom and us
10.27
Share and Asset Purchase Agreement dated
November 17, 2002 entered into between Asia Netcom and AGC
10.28
Share Purchase Agreement, dated December 2,
2003 entered into among Newbridge Asia Netcom (Cayman) Holdings,
China Netcom Corporation International Limited, Asia Netcom and
us
10.29
Share Transfer Agreement, dated June 10,
2004, entered into between China Netcom Group and China Netcom
Holdings (English Translation)
10.30
Share Transfer Agreement, dated April 20,
2004, entered into between China Netcom Group and the Academy of
Sciences (English Translation)
10.31
Asset Transfer Agreement, dated April 26,
2004, entered into between China Netcom Group and Shandong SASAC
(English Translation)
10.32
Telecommunications Assets Transfer Agreement,
dated June 10, 2004, entered into between China Netcom
Group and Jitong Communications Company Limited (English
Translation)
10.33
Telecommunications Assets Transfer Agreement,
dated June 10, 2004, entered into between China Netcom
Group and Guangdong Telecommunications Company Limited (English
Translation)
10.34
Debenture, dated July 29, 2004 entered into
among Asia Netcom Asia Pacific Limited, Asia Netcom Asia Pacific
Commercial Limited, Asia Netcom Hong Kong Limited and Industrial
and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10.35
Deed of Mortgage of Shares, dated July 29,
2004 entered into between Asia Netcom and Industrial and
Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10.36
Debenture, dated July 29, 2004 entered into
among Asia Netcom Services (S) Pte. Ltd., Asia Netcom
Corporation (Singapore) Pte. Limited, Asia Netcom Singapore Pte.
Ltd., Southeast Asia Netcom (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. and Industrial
and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10.37
Group Share Mortgage, dated July 29, 2004
entered into among Asia Netcom Corporation (Singapore) Pte.
Limited, Asia Netcom Services (S) Pte. Ltd., Southeast Asia
Netcom (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Asia Netcom Singapore Pte. Ltd.
and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
Table of Contents
Exhibit
No.
Description of Exhibit
10.38
Assignment of Building Agreement, dated
July 29, 2004 entered into between Asia Netcom Singapore
Pte. Ltd. and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia)
Limited
10.39
Share Pledge Agreement, dated July 28, 2004
entered into among Asia Netcom Corporation (Singapore) Pte.
Ltd., the seven financial institutions listed in the Share
Pledge Agreement and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
(Asia) Limited
10.40
Amended and Restated Facility Agreement, dated
July 27, 2004 entered into among Asia Netcom, the seven
banks named in the Amended and Restated Facility Agreement,
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10.41
Group Subordination Deed, dated July 27,
2004 entered into between Asia Netcom and Industrial and
Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10.42
Group Subordination Deed, dated July 27,
2004 entered into among our Company and China Netcom Corporation
International Limited, Asia Netcom and Industrial and Commercial
Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10.43
Debenture, dated July 27, 2004 entered into
between Asia Netcom and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
(Asia) Limited
10.44
Group Assignment of Insurances, dated
July 27, 2004 entered into among Asia Netcom, EANL and
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10.45
Security Assignment, dated July 27, 2004
entered into between Asia Netcom and Industrial and Commercial
Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10.46
Charge Over Deposit Account, dated July 27,
2004 entered into between Asia Netcom and Industrial and
Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10.47
Charge Over Accounts, dated July 27, 2004
entered into between Asia Netcom and Industrial and Commercial
Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10.48
Deed of Mortgage of Shares in Asia Netcom, dated
July 27, 2004 entered into between China Netcom Corporation
International Limited and Industrial and Commercial Bank of
China (Asia) Limited
10.49
Guarantee and Indemnity, dated July 27, 2004
entered into between our Company and Industrial and Commercial
Bank of China (Asia) Limited
21.1
List of subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers
23.3
Consent of Linklaters (included as part of
Exhibit 5.1)
23.4
Consent of Haiwen & Partners, counsel to the
Registrant
23.5
Consent of Sallmanns (Far East) Limited
24.1
Powers of Attorney (included in signature page)
*
To be filed by amendment.
**
Incorporated by reference to the
Depositarys Registration Statement on Form F-6 (filed
with respect to the American Depositary Shares) (File
No. 333- ),
filed with the Commission
on ,
2004.
II-12
EXHIBIT 3.1
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
OF
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
(Formerly CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED, CHINA NETCOM (HONG KONG)
CORPORATION LIMITED, and TARGET STRONG LIMITED)
Incorporated the 22nd day of October 1999
Linklaters
Solicitors
HONG KONG
SPECIAL
ADMINISTRATIVE
REGION
THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 32)
COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
(ADOPTED BY SPECIAL RESOLUTION PASSED ON 30 SEPTEMBER 2004)
OF
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
(Formerly CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED, CHINA NETCOM
(HONG KONG) CORPORATION LIMITED and TARGET STRONG LIMITED)
PRELIMINARY
1. The regulations in Table A in the First Schedule to the Ordinance shall not apply to the Company.
INTERPRETATION
2. (a) In these Articles save where the context otherwise requires;
"ASSOCIATES" has the same meaning ascribed to it under the HKSE Listing Rules;
"AUDITORS" means the Auditors of the Company for the time being;
"CHAIRMAN" means the Chairman presiding at any meeting of members or the Board;
"COMPANY" means the above-named Company;
"ORDINANCE" means the Companies Ordinance (Chapter 32 of the Laws of Hong Kong), and includes every other ordinance incorporated therewith or substituted therefor; and in the case of any such substitution the references in these Articles to the provisions of the Ordinance shall be read as references to the provisions substituted therefor in the new ordinance;
"BOARD" and "DIRECTORS" means the directors for the time being of the Company or the Directors present at a duly convened meeting of directors at which a quorum is present;
"CALL" includes any instalment of a call and, in the application of provisions of these Articles to forfeiture of shares, a sum which, by the terms of issue of a share, is payable at a fixed time either in respect of the nominal value of the share or by way of premium;
"CAPITAL" means the share capital from time to time of the Company;
"CLEARING HOUSE" means a recognised clearing house under the Securities and Futures Ordinance or any other ordinance substituted therefor;
"DIVIDEND" includes distributions in specie or in kind, capital distributions and capitalisation issues;
"DOLLARS" & "$" means dollars in the lawful currency of Hong Kong;
"HKSE LISTING RULES" means the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited;
"HONG KONG" means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China;
"MONTH" means calendar month;
"OFFICE" means the registered office of the Company for the time being;
"PAID UP" includes credited as paid up;
"REGISTER" means the register of members of the Company kept pursuant to the Ordinance and includes any branch register kept pursuant to the Ordinance;
"SEAL" means the common seal of the Company or any official seal that the Company may have as permitted by the Ordinance;
"SECRETARY" means the person or persons appointed for the time being to perform for the Company the duties of a secretary;
"SHARE" means a share in the capital of the Company and includes stock except where a distinction between stock and shares is expressed or implied;
"HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE" means The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited;
"THESE ARTICLES" means these Articles of Association in their present form or as altered from time to time;
"IN WRITING" and "WRITTEN" includes facsimile and telex messages and any mode of reproducing words in a legible and non-transitory form.
(b) In these Articles, if not inconsistent with the subject or context, words importing the singular number only shall include the plural number and vice versa, words importing any gender shall include all other genders and references to persons shall include corporations (acting, where applicable, by their duly authorised representatives).
(c) Subject as aforesaid, any words defined in the Ordinance shall, if not inconsistent with the subject or context, bear the same meaning in these Articles.
(d) The headings and any marginal notes are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect the construction of these Articles.
THE OFFICE
3. The Office shall be at such place in Hong Kong as the Directors shall from time to time appoint.
SHARES
4. Shares may be issued with a preferential or qualified right to dividends and in the distribution of assets of the Company and with a special, or without any right, of voting.
5. Without prejudice to any special rights, privileges or restrictions for the time being attached to any issued shares, any unissued or forfeited shares may be issued or re-issued upon
such terms and conditions, and with such rights, privileges and restrictions attached thereto, whether in regard to dividends, voting, repayment or redemption of share capital, or otherwise, as the Company may, subject to the Ordinance, from time to time determine or, in the absence of any such determination, as the Directors shall determine.
6. The Board may, subject to the approval by the shareholders in general meeting, issue warrants to subscribe for any class of shares or securities of the Company on such terms as the Board may from time to time determine. Where warrants are issued to bearer, no certificate thereof shall be issued to replace one that has been lost unless the Board is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the original certificate thereof has been destroyed and the Company has received an indemnity in such form as the Board shall think fit with regard to the issue of any such replacement certificate.
7. Save as provided by contract or the Ordinance or these Articles to the contrary, all unissued shares shall be at the disposal of the Directors who may allot, grant options over or otherwise deal with or dispose of the same to such persons, at such times, for such consideration and generally upon such terms and conditions as they shall in their absolute discretion think fit, provided that no shares of any class shall be issued at a discount except in accordance with section 50 of the Ordinance.
8. The Company may make arrangements on the issue of shares for a difference between the holders of such shares in the amount of calls to be paid and the time of payment of such calls.
9. If by the conditions of allotment of any shares the whole or part of the issue price thereof shall be payable by instalments, every such instalment shall, when due, be paid to the Company by the person who for the time being and from time to time shall be the registered holder of the shares, or his legal personal representative.
10. Subject to the provisions of section 49 of the Ordinance, any preference share may, with the sanction of a special resolution, be issued on the terms that it is, or at the option of the Company is liable, to be redeemed.
11. Subject to the provisions of these Articles, except as required by law or ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction, no person shall be recognised by the Company as holding any share upon any trust, and except as aforesaid, the Company shall not be bound by or required in any way to recognise any contingent, future, partial or equitable interest in any share or in any fractional part of a share or any other right in respect of any share or any other claim to or in respect of any such share on the part of any person (even when having notice thereof) except an absolute right to the entirety thereof in the registered holder.
12. The Company may in connection with the issue of any shares exercise all powers of paying interest out of capital and of paying commission and brokerage conferred or permitted by the Ordinance.
13. No person shall become a member until his name shall have been entered into the Register.
JOINT HOLDERS OF SHARES
14. Where two or more persons are registered as the holders of any share they shall be deemed to hold the same as joint tenants with benefit of survivorship, subject to the following provisions:-
(a) the Company shall not be bound to register more than four persons as the holders of any shares except in the case of the legal personal representatives of a deceased member;
(b) the joint holders of any shares shall be liable severally as well as jointly in respect of all payments which ought to be made in respect of such shares;
(c) on the death of any one of such joint holders the survivor or survivors shall be the only person or persons recognised by the Company as having any title to such shares, but the Directors may require such evidence of death as they may deem fit;
(d) any one of such joint holders may give effectual receipts for any dividend, bonus or return of capital payable to such joint holders; and
(e) the Company shall be at liberty to treat the person whose name stands first in the Register as one of the joint holders of any shares as solely entitled to delivery of the certificate relating to such shares, or to receive notices from the Company, or to attend or vote at general meetings of the Company, and any notice given to such person shall be deemed notice to all the joint holders; but any one of such joint holders may be appointed the proxy of the persons entitled to vote on behalf of such joint holders, and as such proxy to attend and vote at general meetings of the Company, but if more than one of such joint holders be present at any meeting personally or by proxy that one so present whose name stands first in the Register in respect of such shares shall alone be entitled to vote in respect thereof.
SHARE CERTIFICATES
15. Every person whose name is entered as a member in the Register shall be entitled without payment to receive, within two months after allotment, or within ten business days after lodgment of an instrument of transfer duly stamped, or within such other period as the conditions of issue shall provide, one certificate for all his shares of any particular class, or if he shall so request, upon payment of a fee (not exceeding HK$2.50 or such greater sum as the Hong Kong Stock Exchange may from time to time permit) for every certificate after the first, as the Directors shall from time to time determine, such number of certificates for shares in Hong Kong Stock Exchange board lots or multiples thereof as he shall request and one for the balance (if any) of the shares in question, provided that in the event of a member transferring part of the shares represented by a certificate in his name a new certificate in respect of the balance thereof shall be issued in his name without payment and, in the case of a share or shares held jointly by several persons the Company shall not be bound to issue a certificate or certificates to each such person, and the issue and delivery of a certificate or certificates to one of several joint holders shall be sufficient delivery to all such holders.
16. Every share certificate shall be issued under the Seal (which for this purpose may be any official seal as permitted by section 73A of the Ordinance) and shall specify the number and class of shares and, if required, the distinctive numbers thereof, to which the certificate relates, and the amount paid up thereon and may otherwise be in such form as the Board may from time to time determine. If at any time the share capital of the Company is divided into different classes of shares, every share certificate issued at that time shall comply with section 57A of the Ordinance, and no certificate shall be issued in respect of more than one class of shares.
17. Subject to section 71A of the Ordinance, if any share certificate shall be worn out, defaced, destroyed or lost, it may be replaced on payment of such fee, if any (not exceeding HK$2.50 or such greater sum as the Hong Kong Stock Exchange may from time to time permit), on such evidence being produced as the Directors shall require, and in case of wearing out or defacement, on delivery up of the old certificate, and in case of destruction or loss, on the execution of such indemnity (if any), as the Directors may require. In case of destruction or loss, the person to whom such replacement certificate is given shall also bear and pay to the Company all expenses incidental to the investigation by the Company of the evidence of such destruction or loss and of the production of such indemnity.
CALLS ON SHARES
18. (a) The Directors may from time to time make calls upon the members in respect of all moneys unpaid on their shares whether on account of the nominal value of the shares or by way of premium but subject always to the terms of issue of such shares, and any such call may be made payable by instalments.
(b) Each member shall, subject to receiving at least fourteen days' notice specifying the time or times and place for payment, pay to the Company the amount called on his shares and at the time or times and place so specified. The non-receipt of a notice of any call by, or the accidental omission to give notice of a call to, any of the members shall not invalidate the call.
19. A call shall be deemed to have been made at the time when the resolution of the Directors authorising such call was passed. A call may be revoked, varied or postponed as to all or any of the members liable therefor as the Directors may determine. A person on whom a call is made will remain liable for calls made upon him notwithstanding the subsequent transfer of the shares in respect whereof the call was made.
20. If any part of a call be not paid before or on the day appointed for payment thereof, the person from whom the payment is due shall be liable to pay all costs, charges and expenses that the Company may have incurred by reason of such non-payment together with interest on the outstanding part thereof at such rate as the Directors shall determine (not exceeding twenty per cent. per annum) from the day appointed for the payment of such call or instalment to the time of discharge thereof in full; but the Directors may, if they shall think fit, waive the payment of such costs, charges, expenses or interest or any part thereof.
21. If, by the terms of the issue of any shares or otherwise, any amount is made payable upon allotment or at any fixed time, whether on account of the nominal amount of the shares or by way of premium, every such amount shall be payable as if it were a call duly made and payable on the date on which by the terms of issue the same becomes payable; and all the provisions hereof with respect to the payment of calls and interest thereon, or to the forfeiture of shares for non-payment of calls shall apply to every such amount and the shares in respect of which it is payable in the case of non-payment thereof.
22. The Directors may, if they shall think fit, receive from any member willing to advance the same (either in money or money's worth) all or any part of the moneys uncalled and unpaid or instalments payable upon any shares held by him; and upon all or any of the moneys so paid in advance the Directors may (until the same would, but for such payment in advance, become presently payable) pay interest at such rate as may be agreed upon between the member paying the moneys in advance and the Directors (not exceeding twenty per cent.
per annum). But a payment in advance of a call shall not entitle the shareholder to receive any dividend or to exercise any other rights or privileges as a shareholder in respect of the share or the due portion of the shares upon which payment has been advanced by such shareholder before it is called. The Directors may also at any time repay the amount so advanced upon giving to such member one month's notice in writing unless before the expiration of such notice the amount so advanced shall have been called up on the shares in respect of which it was advanced.
23. On the trial or hearing of any action for the recovery of any money due for any call, it shall be sufficient to prove that the name of the member sued is entered in the Register as the holder, or one of the holders, of the shares in respect of which such money is due; that the resolution making the call is duly recorded in the minute book of the Company; and that notice of such call was duly given to the member sued in pursuance of these Articles, and it shall not be necessary to prove the appointment of the Directors who made such call, nor any other matter whatsoever, but the proof of the matters aforesaid shall be conclusive evidence that the money is due.
24. No member shall, unless the Directors otherwise determine, be entitled to receive any dividend or bonus, or to receive notice of or to be present or vote at any general meeting, either personally or (save as proxy for another member) by proxy, or to exercise any privileges as a member, or be reckoned in a quorum, until he shall have paid all calls or other sums for the time being due and payable on every share held by him, whether alone or jointly with any other person, together with interest and expenses (if any).
FORFEITURE
25. If any member fails to pay in full any call or any instalment of a call on the day appointed for payment thereof, the Directors may at any time thereafter, during such time as any part of the call remains unpaid without prejudice to the provisions of Article 24, serve a notice on him requiring him to pay so much of the call as is unpaid together with interest accrued and any expenses incurred by reason of such non-payment.
26. The notice shall name a further day (not being less than fourteen days from the date of the notice) on or before which such call or part thereof and all interest accrued and expenses incurred by reason of such non-payment are to be paid, and it shall also name the place where payment is to be made, such place being either the Office, or some other place at which calls of the Company are usually made payable. The notice shall also state that, in the event of non-payment at or before the time and at the place appointed, the shares in respect of which such call is payable will be liable to forfeiture.
27. If the requirements with regard to payment of any such notice as aforesaid be not complied with, any shares in respect of which such notice has been given may, at any time thereafter and before the payment required by the notice has been made, be forfeited by a resolution of the Directors to that effect, and any such forfeiture shall extend to all dividends and bonuses declared in respect of the shares so forfeited but not payable until after such forfeiture. The Directors may accept the surrender of any shares liable to be forfeited hereunder and in such cases references in these Articles to forfeiture shall include surrender.
28. Any shares so forfeited shall be deemed for the purposes of this Article to be the property of the Company and may be sold, re-allotted or otherwise disposed of either subject to or discharged from all calls made prior to the forfeiture, to any person, upon such terms as to subscription price and otherwise and in such manner and at such time or times as the
Directors think fit. For the purpose of giving effect to any such sale or other disposition the Directors may authorise the transfer of the shares so sold or otherwise disposed of to the purchaser thereof or any other person becoming entitled thereto. The Directors shall account to the person whose shares have been forfeited with the balance (if any) of monies received by the Company in respect of those shares after deduction of expenses of forfeiture, sale or disposal of the shares and any amounts due to the Company in respect of the shares.
29. The Directors may, at any time before any shares so forfeited shall have been sold, re-allotted or otherwise disposed of, annul the forfeiture thereof upon such conditions as they think fit or permit the share forfeited to be redeemed upon the terms of payment of all calls and interest due thereon and all expenses incurred in respect of the share, and upon such further terms (if any) as it thinks fit.
30. Any person whose shares have been forfeited shall cease to be a member in respect of the forfeited shares but shall notwithstanding the forfeiture be and remain liable to pay to the Company all moneys which, at the date of forfeiture, were payable by him to the Company in respect of the shares, together with interest thereon from the date of forfeiture until payment at such rate as the Directors may prescribe (not exceeding twenty per cent. per annum), and the Directors may enforce the payment of such moneys or any part thereof and without any deduction or allowance for the value of the shares at the date of forfeiture, but his liability shall cease if and when the Company shall have received payment in full of all such moneys in respect of the shares. For the purposes of this Article any sum which, by the terms of issue of a share, is payable thereon at a fixed time which is subsequent to the date of forfeiture, whether on account of the nominal value of the share or by way of premium, shall notwithstanding that that time has not yet arrived be deemed to be payable at the date of forfeiture, and the same shall become due and payable immediately upon the forfeiture, but interest thereon shall only be payable in respect of any period between the said fixed time and the date of actual payment.
31. When any shares have been forfeited, notice of the resolution shall be given to the member in whose name it stood immediately prior to the forfeiture and an entry shall be made in the Register recording the forfeiture and the date thereof but no forfeiture shall be in any manner invalidated by any omission or neglect to give such notice or make any such entry, and so soon as the shares so forfeited have been sold or otherwise disposed of an entry shall also be made of the manner and date of the sale or disposal thereof.
LIEN
32. The Company shall have a first and paramount lien on every share (not being a fully paid-up share) for all moneys outstanding in respect of such share whether presently payable or not, and the Company shall also have a first and paramount lien on every share (other than fully paid-up shares) standing registered in the name of a member, whether singly or jointly with any other person or persons, for all the debts and liabilities of such member or his estate to the Company, whether the same shall have been incurred before or after notice has been given to the Company of any interest of any person other than such member, and whether the time for the payment or discharge of the same shall have already arrived or not, and notwithstanding that the same are joint debts or liabilities of such member or his estate and any other person, whether a member or not. The Company's lien on a share shall extend to all dividends payable thereon. The Directors may at any time either generally or in any particular case waive any lien that has arisen, or declare any share to be wholly or in part exempt from the provisions of this Article.
33. The Company may sell in such manner as the Directors think fit any share on which the Company has a lien, but no sale shall be made unless some sum in respect of which the lien exists is presently payable or the liability or engagement in respect of which such lien exists is liable to be presently fulfilled or discharged, nor until the expiration of fourteen days after a notice in writing stating and demanding payment of the sum presently payable and giving notice of intention to sell in default shall have been given to the holder for the time being of the share or the person entitled thereto by reason of his death, bankruptcy or winding-up or otherwise by operation of law or court order.
34. The net proceeds of such sale after payment of the costs of such sale shall be applied in or towards payment or satisfaction of the debts or liabilities in respect whereof the lien exists so far as the same are presently payable and any residue shall (subject to a like lien for debts or liabilities not presently payable as existed upon the shares prior to the sale) be paid to the person entitled to the shares at the time of the sale. For giving effect to any such sale the Directors may authorise some person to transfer the shares so sold to the purchaser thereof and may enter the purchaser's name in the Register as holder of the 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 in reference to the sale.
35. A statutory declaration in writing that the declarant is a Director or the Secretary of the Company and that a share has been duly forfeited or surrendered or sold on a date stated in the declaration shall be conclusive evidence of the facts therein stated as against all persons claiming to be entitled to the share. Such declaration and the receipt of the Company for the consideration (if any) given for the share on the sale, re-allocation or disposal thereof together with the share certificate delivered to a purchaser or allottee thereof shall (subject to the execution of a transfer if the same be required) constitute a good title to the share and the person to whom the share is sold, re-allotted or disposed of shall be registered as the holder of the share and shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money (if any) nor shall his title to the share be affected by any irregularity or invalidity in the proceedings in reference to the forfeiture, surrender, sale, reallotment or disposal of the share.
TRANSFER OF SHARES
36. The instrument of transfer of any shares in the Company shall be in writing in the usual common form or in such other form as the Board may accept and may be under hand only or, if the transferor or transferee is a Clearing House (or its nominee), by hand or by machine imprinted signature or by such other manner of execution as the Board may approve from time to time and shall be executed by or on behalf of the transferor and by or on behalf of the transferee. The transferor shall remain the holder of the shares concerned until the name of the transferee is entered in the Register in respect thereof. Nothing in these Articles shall preclude the Board from recognising a renunciation of the allotment or provisional allotment of any share by the allottee in favour of some other person.
37. Every instrument of transfer shall be lodged at the Office for registration (or at such other place as the Board may appoint for such purpose) accompanied by the certificate relating to the shares to be transferred and such other evidence as the Directors may require in relation thereto. All instruments of transfer which shall be registered shall be retained by the Company, but save where fraud is suspected any instrument of transfer which the Directors may decline to register shall, on demand, be returned to the person depositing the same.
38. There shall be paid to the Company in respect of the registration of a transfer and of any Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, Certificate of Marriage or Death, Power of Attorney or other document relating to or affecting the title to any share or for making of any entry in the Register affecting the title to any share such fee (if any) as the Directors may from time to time require or prescribe (but not exceeding HK$2.50 or such greater sum as the Hong Kong Stock Exchange may from time to time permit).
39. The registration of transfers may be suspended at such times and for such periods as the Directors may, in accordance with section 99 of the Ordinance, from time to time determine and either generally or in respect of any class of shares.
40. The Directors may, subject to section 69 of the Ordinance, at any time in their absolute discretion and without assigning any reason therefor decline to register any transfer of any share (not being a fully paid-up share). If the Directors refuse to register a transfer they shall, within two months after the date on which the transfer was lodged with the Company, send to the transferor and transferee notice of the refusal.
41. The Directors may also decline to register any transfer unless:-
(a) the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of share;
(b) in the case of a transfer to joint holders, the number of transferees does not exceed four;
(c) the shares concerned are free of any lien in favour of the Company;
(d) the instrument of transfer is properly stamped;
(e) such other conditions as the Directors may from time to time impose for the purpose of guarding against losses arising from forgery are satisfied;
(f) a fee not exceeding the maximum fee prescribed or permitted from time to time by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange is paid to the Company in respect thereof;
(g) the instrument of transfer is accompanied by the certificate of the shares to which it relates, and such other evidence as the Board may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer.
42. No transfer may be made to an infant or to a person of unsound mind or under other legal disability.
TRANSMISSION OF SHARES
43. In the case of the death of a member, the survivor or survivors where the deceased was a joint holder, and the legal personal representatives of the deceased where he was a sole or only surviving holder, shall be the only persons recognised by the Company as having any title to his shares; but nothing herein contained shall release the estate of a deceased holder, whether sole or joint, from any liability in respect of any share solely or jointly held by him.
44. Any person becoming entitled to shares in the Company in consequence of the death, bankruptcy or winding-up of any member or otherwise by operation of law or by court order shall, upon producing such evidence of his title as the Directors may require, have the right either to be registered himself as the holder of the shares upon giving to the Company notice in writing of such his desire or to transfer such shares to some other person. All the limitations, restrictions and provisions of these Articles and the Ordinance relating to the
right to transfer and the registration of transfers of shares shall be applicable to any such notice or transfer as if the same were a transfer of shares by a member, including the Directors' right to refuse or suspend registration.
45. A person becoming entitled to shares in the Company in consequence of the death, bankruptcy or winding-up of any member or otherwise by operation of law or by court order shall have the right to receive and give a discharge for any dividends or other moneys payable in respect of the shares, provided always that the Directors may at any time give notice requiring any such person to elect to be registered himself or to transfer the shares, and if the notice is not complied with within sixty days, the Directors may thereafter withhold payment of all dividends or other moneys payable in respect of the shares until the requirements of the notice have been complied with but subject to the requirements of Article 77 being met, such a person may vote at meetings.
STOCK
46. The Company may from time to time by ordinary resolution convert any fully paid-up shares into stock and may reconvert any stock into fully paid-up shares of any denomination. After the passing of any resolution converting all the fully paid-up shares of any class in the capital of the Company into stock, any shares of that class which subsequently become fully paid-up and rank pari passu in all other respects with such shares shall, by virtue of this Article and such resolution, be converted into stock transferable in the same units as the shares already converted.
47. The holders of stock may transfer the same or any part thereof in the same manner and subject to the same regulations as the shares from which the stock arose might prior to conversion have been transferred or as near thereto as circumstances admit. The Directors may from time to time fix the minimum amount of stock transferable and restrict or forbid the transfer of fractions of such minimum, but the minimum shall not, without the sanction of an ordinary resolution of the Company, exceed the nominal amount of each of the shares from which the stock arose. No warrants to bearer shall be issued in respect of any stock.
48. The holders of stock shall, according to the amount of the stock held by them, have the same rights as regards dividends, participation in assets on a winding-up, voting at general meetings of the Company and other matters as if they held the shares from which the stock arose, but no such right (except as to participation in dividends, profits and in assets on a reduction of capital or a winding up) shall be conferred by an amount of stock which would not, if existing in shares, have conferred such right.
49. Such of these Articles as are applicable to fully paid-up shares shall apply mutatis mutandis to stock, and the words "share" and "shareholder" shall include "stock" and "stockholder".
INCREASE OF CAPITAL
50. The Company may, from time to time, by ordinary resolution increase its authorised capital by such sum divided into shares of such amounts as the resolution shall prescribe.
51. The general meeting resolving upon the creation of any new shares may direct that the same or any of them shall be offered in the first instance, and either at par or at a premium or (subject to the provisions of the Ordinance) at a discount, to all the holders for the time being of any class of shares in the capital of the Company, in proportion to the number of shares of such class held by them respectively, or make any other provisions as to the issue and allotment of the new shares, and in default of any such direction, or so far as the same
shall not extend, the new shares shall be at the disposal of the Directors, and Article 7 shall apply thereto.
52. Subject to any direction or determination that may be given or made in accordance with the powers contained in these Articles, all new shares created pursuant to Article 50 shall be subject to the same provisions herein contained with reference to the payment of calls, transfer, transmission, forfeiture, lien and otherwise as the existing shares of the Company.
ALTERATIONS OF SHARE CAPITAL
53. The Company may by ordinary resolution:-
(a) subdivide its existing shares or any of them into shares of smaller amount than is fixed by the Memorandum of Association of the Company, provided that in the subdivision of an existing share the proportion between the amount paid and the amount (if any) unpaid on each reduced share shall be the same as it was in the case of the share from which the reduced share is derived, and so that the resolution whereby any share is subdivided may determine that as between the holders of the shares resulting from such subdivision one or more of the shares may, as compared with the others, have any such preferred, deferred or other special rights or be subject to any such restrictions as the Company has power to attach to unissued or new shares;
(b) divide its shares into several classes and attach thereto respectively any preferential, deferred, qualified or special rights, privileges or conditions;
(c) consolidate and divide its capital or any part thereof into shares of larger amount than its existing shares;
(d) 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 authorised capital by the amount of the shares so cancelled; or
(e) make provision for the issue and allotment of shares which do not carry any voting rights.
54. The Company may by special resolution reduce its share capital and any capital redemption reserve fund or any share premium account in any manner allowed by law.
55. Where any difficulty arises in regard to any consolidation and division under paragraph (c) of Article 53, the Directors may settle the same as they think expedient and in particular may arrange for the sale of the shares representing fractions and the distribution of the net proceeds of sale in due proportion amongst the members who would have been entitled to the fractions, and for this purpose the Directors may authorise some person to transfer the shares representing fractions to the purchaser thereof, who 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.
PURCHASE OF OWN SHARES
56. Subject to the provisions of the Ordinance and the HKSE Listing Rules, the Company may purchase its own shares or any securities which carry a right to subscribe or purchase its own shares in accordance with the provisions of any code governing the purchase of securities which may be applicable to the Company.
MODIFICATION OF RIGHTS
57. All or any of the special rights attached to any class of shares (unless otherwise provided for by the terms of issue of the shares of that class) for the time being in issue may subject to the provisions of the Ordinance, at any time, as well before as during liquidation, be altered or abrogated either with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than three-fourths of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate general meeting of the holders of shares of that class, and all the provisions contained in these Articles relating to general meetings shall mutatis mutandis apply to every such meeting but so that the quorum thereof shall be not less than two persons holding or representing by proxy one third in nominal value of the issued shares of the class, and that any holder of shares of that class present in person or by proxy may demand a poll.
58. The provisions of the foregoing Article shall apply to the variation or abrogation of the special rights attached to some only of the shares of any class as if each group of shares of the class differently treated formed a separate class the rights whereof are to be varied.
59. The special rights conferred upon the holders of the 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 altered by the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu therewith.
GENERAL MEETINGS
60. The Company shall in each year hold a general meeting as its annual general meeting in addition to any other meetings in that year. The annual general meeting shall be held at such time (within a period of not more than fifteen months, or such longer period as the Registrar of Companies may authorise in writing, after the holding of the last preceding annual general meeting) and place as may be determined by the Directors. All other general meetings shall be called extraordinary general meetings.
61. The Directors may whenever they think fit, and shall on requisition in accordance with the Ordinance, proceed to convene an extraordinary general meeting.
NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETINGS
62. Subject to section 116C of the Ordinance, an annual general meeting and a meeting called for the passing of a special resolution shall be called by not less than 21 days' notice in writing, and any other general meeting shall be called by not less than fourteen days' notice in writing. The notice shall specify the place, date and time of meeting, and, in the case of special business, the general nature of that business. The notice convening an annual general meeting shall specify the meeting as such, and the notice convening a meeting to pass a special resolution shall specify the intention to propose the resolution as a special resolution. There shall appear on every such notice with reasonable prominence a statement that a member entitled to attend and vote is entitled to appoint one or more proxies to attend and vote instead of him and that a proxy need not be a member of the Company.
63. Notwithstanding that a meeting of the Company is called by shorter notice than that specified in these Articles or required by the Ordinance, it shall be deemed to have been duly called if it is so agreed:-
(a) in the case of a meeting called as the 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 95 per cent in nominal value of the shares giving that right.
64. The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting or (in cases where instruments of proxy are sent out with the notice) the accidental omission to send such instrument of proxy to, or the non receipt of notice of a meeting or such instrument of proxy by, any person entitled to receive such notice shall not invalidate the proceedings at that meeting.
PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS
65. All business shall be deemed special that is transacted at an extraordinary general meeting and at an annual general meeting with the exception of:-
(a) the receipt of the accounts and balance sheet and the reports of the Directors and other documents required to be annexed to the accounts;
(b) the declaration and sanction of dividends;
(c) the election of Directors in place of those retiring (if any);
(d) the election or re-election of the Auditors of the Company; and
(e) the fixing of, or the determination of the method of fixing, the remuneration or extra remuneration of the Directors and of the Auditors of the Company.
66. No business save the election of a chairman of the meeting shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum is present when the meeting proceeds to business. Two members present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote shall be a quorum for all purposes.
67. If, within fifteen minutes from the time appointed for the meeting a quorum be not present, the meeting, if convened upon requisition in accordance with the Ordinance, shall be dissolved; but in any other case it shall stand adjourned to the same day in the next week at the same time and place, or to such other day, time and place as the Chairman of the meeting may determine. If at such adjourned meeting a quorum be not present within fifteen minutes from the time appointed for the meeting, the member or members present in person or by proxy shall be a quorum and may transact the business for which the meeting is called.
68. The Chairman (if any) of the Board or, in his absence, a Deputy Chairman (if any) shall preside as Chairman at every general meeting. If there is no such Chairman or Deputy Chairman, or if at any meeting neither the Chairman nor a Deputy Chairman is present within fifteen minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, or if neither of them is 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 act as Chairman, the persons present and entitled to vote shall elect one of their number to be Chairman of the meeting.
69. The Chairman of any general meeting at which a quorum is present may, with the consent of the meeting, and shall, if so directed by the meeting, adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place or sine die; but no business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting other than business which might have been transacted at the meeting from which the adjournment took place unless due notice thereof is given or such notice is waived in the manner prescribed by these Articles. When a meeting is adjourned for thirty
days or more, or sine die, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given as in the case of an original meeting. Save as aforesaid, it shall not be necessary to give any notice of an adjourned meeting or the business to be transacted thereat. Where a meeting is adjourned sine die the time and place for the adjourned meeting shall be fixed by the Directors.
VOTING
70. (a) At any general meeting a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be decided on a show of hands unless (before or on the declaration of the result of the show of hands or on the withdrawal of any other demand for a poll) a poll is demanded by:-
(i) the Chairman of the meeting; or
(ii) at least three members present in person (or in the case of a member being a corporation, by its duly authorised representative) or by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting; or
(iii) any member or members present in person (or in the case of a member being a corporation, by its duly authorised representative) or by proxy and representing in the aggregate not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights of all members having the right to attend and vote at the meeting; or
(iv) any member or members present in person (or in the case of a member being a corporation, by its duly authorised representative) or by proxy and holding shares conferring a right to attend and vote at the meeting on which there have been paid up sums in the aggregate equal to not less than one-tenth of the total sum paid up on all shares conferring that right.
(b) Unless a poll is so demanded and the demand is not withdrawn, a declaration by the Chairman that a resolution has, on a show of hands, been carried unanimously or by a particular majority or lost shall be final and conclusive, and an entry to that effect in the minute book of the Company shall be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded for or against such resolution.
71. A demand for a poll may be withdrawn only with the approval of the Chairman of the meeting, at any time before the close of the meeting or the taking of the poll, whichever is earlier. If a poll be directed or demanded in the manner (including the use of ballot or voting papers or tickets) above mentioned it shall (subject to the provisions of Article 73 hereof) be taken at such time (being not later than thirty days after the date of the demand) and in such manner as the Chairman of the meeting may appoint. No notice need be given of a poll not taken immediately. The result of such poll shall be deemed for all purposes to be the resolution of the meeting at which the poll was so directed or demanded.
72. In the case of an equality of votes at any general meeting, whether upon a show of hands or on a poll, the Chairman of the meeting shall be entitled to a second or casting vote.
73. A poll demanded upon the election of a Chairman or upon a question of adjournment shall be taken forthwith. Any business, other than that upon which a poll has been demanded, may be proceeded with pending the taking of the poll.
74. (a) Save as expressly provided in these Articles, no person other than a member duly registered and who shall have paid everything for the time being due from him payable to the Company in respect of his shares shall be entitled to be present or to vote (save as proxy for another member) either personally or by proxy, or to be reckoned in a quorum at any general meeting.
(b) No objection shall be made to the validity of any vote except at a meeting at which such vote shall be tendered and every vote whether given personally or by proxy not disallowed at such meeting shall be deemed valid for all purposes whatsoever of such meeting or poll.
(c) In case of any dispute as to voting the Chairman shall determine the same, and such determination shall be final and conclusive.
75. Subject to the provisions of the Ordinance, a resolution in writing signed by all the members for the time being entitled to receive notice of and to attend and vote at general meetings shall be as valid and effective as if the same had been passed at a general meeting of the Company duly convened and held. A written notice of confirmation of such resolution in writing signed by or on behalf of a member shall be deemed to be his signature to such resolution in writing for the purposes of this Article. Such resolution in writing may consist of several documents each signed by or on behalf of one or more members.
VOTES OF MEMBERS
76. Subject to Article 80, Article 87 and to any special rights, privileges or restrictions as to voting for the time being attached to any class or classes of shares, every member who (being an individual) is present in person or (being a corporation) is present by a representative duly authorised under section 115 of the Ordinance at any general meeting shall be entitled, on a show of hands, to one vote only and, on a poll, to one vote for every fully paid-up share of which he is the holder.
77. Any person entitled under Article 45 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 at least forty-eight hours 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 right to be registered as the holder of such shares or the Board shall have previously admitted his right to vote at such meeting in respect thereof.
78. On a poll, votes may be given either personally or by proxy and a member entitled to more than one vote need not use all his votes or cast all the votes he uses in the same way.
79. A member of unsound mind, or in respect of whom an order has been made by any court having jurisdiction in lunacy, may vote, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, by his committee, curator bonis or other person in the nature of a committee or curator bonis appointed by that court, and any such committee, curator bonis or other person may on a poll, vote by proxy. If any member be a minor he may vote by his guardian or one of his guardians who may give their votes personally or by proxy.
80. Where a member is, under the HKSE Listing Rules, required to abstain from voting on any resolution or restricted to voting only for or only against any resolution, any votes cast by or on behalf of such member in contravention of such requirement or restriction shall not be counted.
PROXIES
81. (a) A proxy need not be a member of the Company.
(b) An instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing in any usual or common form or in any other form which the Directors may accept, and shall be deemed, subject to the proviso hereinafter contained, to confer authority upon the proxy to vote on any resolution (or amendment thereto) put to the meeting for which it is given as the proxy thinks fit.
Provided that any form issued to a member for use by him for appointing a proxy to attend and vote at an extraordinary general meeting or at an annual general meeting at which special business (determined as provided in Article 65) is to be transacted shall be such as to enable the member according to his intention to instruct the proxy to vote in favour of or against (or, in default of instructions, to exercise his discretion in respect of) each resolution dealing with any such special business and 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. The instrument appointing a proxy shall be signed by the appointor, or his duly authorised attorney, or if such appointor be a corporation, under its common seal or signed by some officer, attorney or other person duly authorised in that behalf.
83. The instrument appointing a proxy and the power of attorney or other authority (if any) under which it is signed, or a notarially certified copy of such power or authority, shall be deposited at the Office at least forty-eight hours before the time fixed for holding the meeting at which the person named in such instrument proposes to attend and vote, otherwise the person so named shall not be entitled to vote at that meeting (or as the case may be) except with the approval of the Chairman of the meeting. No instrument appointing a proxy shall be valid after the expiration of twelve months from 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 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 or poll concerned and, in such event, the instrument appointing a proxy shall be deemed to be revoked.
84. Any member may by power of attorney appoint any person to be his attorney for the purpose of attending and voting at any meeting, and such power may be a special power limited to any particular meeting or a general power extending to all meetings at which such member is entitled to vote. Every such power shall be deposited at the Office at least forty-eight hours before the time fixed for holding the meeting at which such attorney proposes to attend and vote, otherwise the attorney shall not be entitled to vote at that meeting (or as the case may be) except with the approval of the Chairman of the meeting.
85. (a) An instrument of proxy may be revoked by forwarding to the Office written notification of such revocation signed by or on behalf of the person who issued or authorised the issue of the instrument of proxy.
(b) A vote given in accordance with the terms of an instrument of proxy or power of attorney or by the duly authorised representative of a corporation shall be valid notwithstanding the previous death or insanity of the principal, or revocation of the
proxy or power of attorney or other authority, or transfer of the shares in respect of which the proxy is given, provided no intimation in writing of the death, insanity, revocation or transfer shall have been received at the Office twenty-four hours at least before the time fixed for holding the meeting, or adjourned meeting, or the taking of the poll, at which the instrument of proxy is used.
86. Any corporation which is a member of the Company may, by resolution of its Directors or other governing body or by power of attorney, authorise such persons as it thinks fit to act as its representative at any meeting of the Company or of any class of members of the Company, and the person so authorised shall be entitled to exercise the same powers on behalf of the corporation which he represents as that corporation could exercise if it were an individual member of the Company. References in these Articles to a member present in person at a meeting shall, unless the context otherwise requires, include a corporation which is a member represented at the meeting by such duly authorised representative.
87. Without prejudice to the generality of Article 86 if a Clearing House (or its nominee) is a member of the Company, it (or, as the case may be, its nominee) may authorise such person or persons as it thinks fit to act as its proxy and proxies or representative or representatives at any meeting of the Company or at any meeting of any class of member of the Company provided that, if more than one person is so authorised, the authorisation shall specify the number and class of shares in respect of which each such person is so authorised. A person so authorised under the provisions of this Article shall be entitled to exercise the same powers on behalf of the Clearing House (or its nominee) which he represents as that Clearing House (or its nominee) could exercise if it were an individual member of the Company and, on a show of hands, each such person shall be entitled to a separate vote.
DIRECTORS
88. Unless and until otherwise determined by an ordinary resolution of the Company, the Directors shall be not fewer than two in number, and there shall be no maximum number of Directors.
89. The Company shall keep in accordance with the Ordinance a register containing the names and addresses and occupations of its Directors and shall from time to time notify to the Registrar of Companies any change that takes place in such Directors as required by the Ordinance.
90. A Director need not hold any shares in the Company. A Director who is not a member of the Company shall nevertheless be entitled to attend and speak at general meetings.
DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION
91. (a) The Directors shall be entitled to receive by way of remuneration for their services such sum as is from time to time determined by the Company in general meeting, such sum (unless otherwise directed by resolution by which it is voted) is to be divided amongst the Directors in such proportions and in such manner as the Board may agree, or failing agreement, equally, except that in such event any Director holding office for less than the whole of the relevant period in respect of which the remuneration is paid shall only rank in such division in proportion to the time during such period for which he has held office. The foregoing shall not apply to a Director
who holds any salaried employment or office in the Company in the case of sums paid in respect of directors' fees.
(b) The Directors shall also be entitled to be repaid their reasonable travelling, hotel and other expenses incurred by them in or about the performance of their duties as Directors, including their expenses of travelling to and from board meetings, committee meetings or general meetings or otherwise incurred whilst engaged on the business of the Company or on the discharge of their duties as directors.
92. The Directors may award special remuneration out of the funds of the Company (by way of salary, commission or otherwise as the Directors may determine) to any Director who performs services which in the opinion of the Directors are outside the scope of the ordinary duties of a Director.
POWERS OF DIRECTORS
93. The Directors may establish any local boards or agencies for managing any
of the affairs of the Company, either in Hong Kong or elsewhere, and may
appoint any persons to be members of such local boards, or any managers or
agents for the Company, and may fix their remuneration, and may delegate
(with or without power to sub-delegate as the Directors shall determine)
to any local board, manager or agent any of the powers, authorities and
discretions vested in the Directors, and may authorise the members of any
local boards, or any of them, to fill any vacancies therein, and to act
notwithstanding vacancies, and any such appointment or delegation may be
made upon such terms and subject to such conditions as the Directors may
think fit, and the Directors may remove any person so appointed and may
annul or vary any such delegation, but no person dealing in good faith and
without notice of any such annulment or variation shall be affected
thereby.
94. The Directors may from time to time and at any time by power of attorney or other instrument 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 Directors under these Articles) and for such period and subject to such conditions as they may think fit, and any such power of attorney or other instrument may contain such provisions for the protection and convenience of persons dealing with any such attorney as the Directors may think fit, and may also authorise any such attorney to sub-delegate all or any of the powers, authorities and discretions vested in him. The Company may, by writing under its seal, empower any person, either generally or in respect of any specified matter, as its attorney to execute deeds and instruments on its behalf and to enter into contracts and sign the same on its behalf and every deed signed by such attorney on behalf of the Company and under his seal shall bind the Company and have the same effect as if it were under the seal of the Company.
95. Subject to and to the extent permitted by the Ordinance, the Company or the Directors on behalf of the Company, may cause to be kept in any territory a Branch Register of members resident in such territory, and the Directors may make and vary such regulations as they may think fit respecting the keeping of any such Branch Register.
96. All cheques, promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, and other negotiable or transferable instruments, 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 Directors shall from time to time by resolution determine. The Company's bank accounts shall be kept with such banker or bankers as the Board shall from time to time determine.
97. (a) The Directors may exercise all the powers of the Company to 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 to issue debentures, debenture stocks, bonds and other securities, whether outright or as collateral security for any debt, liability or obligation of the Company or of any third party. Debentures, debenture stocks, bonds and other securities of the Company may be made assignable free from any equities between the Company and the person to which the same may be issued, and may be issued at a discount, 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.
(b) The Directors shall cause a proper register to be kept, in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance, of all mortgages and charges affecting the property of the Company and shall duly comply with the requirements of the Ordinance in regard to the registration of mortgages and charges therein specified and otherwise. 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.
98. The Board may establish and maintain or procure the establishment and maintenance of any contributory or non-contributory pension or superannuation funds for the benefit of, or give or procure the giving of donations, gratuities, pensions, allowances or emoluments to any persons who are or were at any time in the employment or service of the Company, or of any company which is a subsidiary of the Company, or is allied or associated with the Company or with any such subsidiary company, or who are or were at any time directors or officers of the Company or of any such other company as aforesaid, and holding or who have held any salaried employment or office in the Company or such other company, and the wives, widows, families and dependants of any such persons. The Board may also establish and subsidise or subscribe to any institutions, associations, clubs or funds calculated to be for the benefit of or to advance the interests and wellbeing of the Company or of any such other company as aforesaid or of any such persons as aforesaid, and may make payments for or towards the insurance of any such persons as aforesaid, and subscribe or guarantee money for charitable or benevolent objects or for any exhibition or for any public, general or useful object. The Board may do any of the matters aforesaid, either alone or in conjunction with any such other company as aforesaid. Any Director holding any such employment or office shall be entitled to participate in and retain for his own benefit any such donation, gratuity, pension, allowance or emolument.
APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
99. At each annual general meeting one-third of the Directors for the time being, or, if their number is not three or a multiple of three, then the number nearest one-third, shall retire from office by rotation. The Directors to retire in every year shall be those who have been longest in office since their last election but as between persons who became Directors on the same day shall (unless they otherwise agree between themselves) be determined by lot. The retiring Directors shall be eligible for re-election. The Company at any general meeting at which any Directors retire may fill the vacated offices.
100. If at any general meeting at which an election of Directors ought to take place the places of the retiring Directors are not filled, the retiring Directors or such of them as have not had their places filled shall be deemed to have been re-elected and shall, if willing, continue in office until the next annual general meeting and so on from year to year until their places are filled, unless:
(i) it shall be determined at such meeting to reduce the number of Directors;
(ii) it is expressly resolved at such meeting not to fill up such vacated offices;
(iii) in any such case the resolution for re-election of a Director is put to the meeting and lost; or
(iv) such Director has given notice in writing to the Company that he is not willing to be reelected.
101. The Company may, from time to time, by ordinary resolution elect any person to be a Director either to fill a casual vacancy or as an addition to the Board.
102. The Company may by ordinary resolution remove any Director notwithstanding anything in these Articles or in any agreement between him and the Company (but without prejudice to any right to damages for termination of such agreement not in accordance with the terms thereof), and may, if thought fit, by ordinary resolution appoint another person in his stead. Any person so elected shall hold office for such time only as the Director in whose place he is elected would have held the same if he had not been removed.
103. The Directors shall have power, exercisable at any time and from time to time, to appoint any other person as a Director, either to fill a casual vacancy or as an addition to the Board but so that the number of Directors so appointed shall not exceed the maximum number determined from time to time (if any) by the shareholders in general meeting and any directors so appointed shall hold office only until the next following annual general meeting of the Company and shall then be eligible for re-election, but shall not be taken into account in determining the Directors or the number of Directors who are to retire by rotation at each annual general meeting.
104. The continuing Directors may act notwithstanding any vacancy in their body, but if and so long as the number of Directors is reduced below the number fixed by or pursuant to these Articles as the necessary quorum of Directors, the continuing Directors may act for the purpose of increasing the number of Directors to that number, or of summoning a general meeting of the Company, but for no other purpose. If there shall be no Directors able or willing to act, then any two members may summon a general meeting for the purpose of appointing Directors.
105. No person other than a retiring Director shall, unless recommended by the Board for re-election, be eligible for election to the office of Director at any annual general meeting unless notice in writing of the intention to propose that person for election as a Director and notice in writing by that person of his willingness to be elected, shall have been lodged at the office or principal office of the Company after the despatch of the notice of the annual general meeting and at least seven days before the date of the annual general meeting.
ALTERNATE DIRECTORS
106. Each Director may by written notification to the Company nominate any other person to act as alternate Director in his place and at his discretion in similar manner remove such alternate Director. If such person is not another Director, such appointment, unless
previously approved by the Board, shall have effect only upon and subject to being so approved. The alternate Director shall (except as regards the power to appoint an alternate) be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions existing with reference to the other Directors of the Company; and each alternate Director, whilst acting as such, shall exercise and discharge all the functions, powers and duties of the Director he represents, but shall look to such Director solely for his remuneration as alternate Director. Every person acting as an alternate Director shall (except when absent from Hong Kong) be entitled to receive notices of meetings of the Board and shall have one vote for each Director for whom he acts as alternate at any such meeting at which the Director appointing him is not personally present (in addition to his own vote if he is also a Director). The signature of an alternate Director to any resolution in writing of the Board or a committee of the Board shall, unless the notice of his appointment provides to the contrary, be as effective as the signature of his appointor. Any Director of the Company who is appointed an alternate director shall be considered as two Directors for the purpose of making a quorum of Directors. Any person appointed as an alternate Director shall vacate his office as such alternate Director if and when the Director by whom he has been appointed removes him or vacates office as Director. To such extent as the Board may from time to time determine in relation to any committee of the Board, the foregoing provisions of this paragraph shall also apply mutatis mutandis to any meeting of any committee of which his appointor is a member. An alternate Director shall not, save as aforesaid, have power to act as a Director nor shall he be deemed to be a Director for the purposes of these Articles.
DISQUALIFICATION OF DIRECTORS
107. The office of a Director shall ipso facto be vacated:-
(a) if he becomes prohibited by law or court order from being a Director;
(b) if a receiving order or in the case of a company a winding-up order is made against him or he makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors;
(c) if he becomes of unsound mind;
(d) if he absents himself from the meetings of the Board during a continuous period of six months, without special leave of absence from the Board, and his alternate Director (if any) shall not during such period have attended in his stead, and the Board passes a resolution that he has by reason of such absence vacated his office;
(e) if he shall be removed from office by notice in writing served upon him signed by all his codirectors;
(f) if he resigns his office;
(g) if he is removed by a ordinary resolution of the Company; or
(h) if he is convicted of an indictable offence.
DIRECTORS' INTERESTS
108. A Director who is in any way, whether directly or indirectly, interested in a contract or proposed contract with the Company shall declare the nature of his interest in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance. A general notice given to the Directors by a Director to the effect that he is a member or a director of a specified company or firm, and is to be regarded as interested in any contract, arrangement or dealing which may, after the date of the notice, be entered into or made with that company or firm, shall, for the purpose of this
Article, be deemed to be a sufficient disclosure of interest in relation to any contract, arrangement or dealing so entered into or made. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, a Director shall give notice to the Company of such matters relating to himself as may be necessary for the purposes of sections 155B, 158, 161 and 161B of the Ordinance.
109. A Director may hold any other office or place of profit under the Company (other than the office of Auditor), and he or any firm of which he is a member may act in a professional capacity for the Company in conjunction with his office of Director, for such period and on such terms (as to remuneration and otherwise) as the Directors may determine and such extra remuneration shall be in addition to any remuneration provided for by or pursuant to any other Article. No Director or intended Director shall be disqualified by his office from contracting with the Company, nor shall any contract or arrangement entered into by or on behalf of the Company with any Director or any firm or company in which any Director is in any way interested be liable to be avoided, nor shall any Director so contracting or being so interested be liable to account to the Company for any profit, remuneration or other benefits realised by any such contract or arrangement by reason only of such Director holding that office or of any fiduciary relationship thereby established, provided that such Director shall disclose the nature of his interest in any contract or arrangement in which he is interested at the meeting of the board at which the question of entering into the contract or arrangement is first taken into consideration, if he knows his interest then exists, or in any other case at the first meeting of the Board after he knows that he is or has become so interested.
110. A Director shall not vote (nor shall he be counted in the quorum) on any resolution of the Board in respect of any contract or arrangement or proposal in which he or any of his Associates, is to his knowledge, materially interested, and if he shall do so his vote shall not be counted (nor shall he be counted in the quorum for that resolution), but this prohibition shall not apply to any of the following matters, namely:-
(i) any contract or arrangement for the giving by the Company of any security or indemnity to the Director or his Associates in respect of money lent or obligations incurred or undertaken by him or any of them at the request of or for the benefit of the Company or any of its subsidiaries;
(ii) any contract or arrangement for the giving by the Company of any security to a third party in respect of a debt or obligation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries for which the Director or his Associates has himself or themselves assumed responsibility or guaranteed or secured in whole or in part whether alone or jointly;
(iii) any contract or arrangement concerning an offer of the shares or debentures or other securities of or by the Company or any other company which the Company may promote or be interested in for subscription or purchase where the Director or his Associates are or are to be interested as a participant in the underwriting or sub-underwriting of the offer;
(iv) any contract or arrangement in which the Director or his Associates are interested in the same manner as other holders of shares or debentures or other securities of the Company by virtue only of his interest in shares or debentures or other securities of the Company;
(v) any contract or arrangement concerning any other company in which the Director or his Associates are interested whether directly or indirectly as an officer or a shareholder or in which the Director or his Associates are
beneficially interested in shares of that company other than a company in which the Director and any of his Associates are beneficially interested in 5 per cent. or more of the issued shares of any class of the equity share capital of such company (or of any third company through which his interest or that of his Associates is derived) or of the voting rights (excluding for the purpose of calculating such 5 per cent. interest any indirect interest of such Director or his Associates by virtue of an interest of the Company in such company);
(vi) any proposal or arrangement for the benefit of employees of the Company or its subsidiaries including the adoption, modification or operation of a pension fund or retirement, death or disability benefit scheme which relates to Directors, his Associates and employees of the Company or of any of its subsidiaries and does not give the Director or his Associates any privilege not generally accorded to the class of persons to whom such scheme or fund relates; and
(vii) any proposal or arrangement concerning the adoption, modification or operation of any employees' share scheme involving the issue or grant of options over shares or other securities by the Company to, or for the benefit of, the employees of the Company or its subsidiaries under which the Director or his Associates may benefit.
If any question shall arise at any meeting of the Board as to the materiality of the interest of a Director (other than the Chairman of the meeting) or as to the entitlement of any Director (other than such Chairman) to vote or be counted in the quorum and such question is not resolved by his voluntarily agreeing to abstain from voting or not to be counted in the quorum, such question shall be referred to the Chairman of the meeting and his ruling in relation to such other Director shall be final and conclusive except in a case where the nature or extent of the interest of the Director concerned as known to such Director has not been fairly disclosed to the Board. If any question as aforesaid shall arise in respect of the Chairman of the meeting such question shall be decided by a resolution of the Board (for which purpose such Chairman shall not be counted in the quorum and shall not vote thereon) and such resolution shall be final and conclusive except in a case where the nature or extent of the interest of such Chairman as known to such chairman has not been fairly disclosed to the Board.
111. A Director may continue to be or become a director, managing director, joint managing director, executive director or manager or other officer or member of any other company in which the Company is interested, and (unless otherwise agreed) shall not be liable to account to the Company for any remuneration or other benefits received by him as a director, managing director, joint managing director, executive director, manager or other officer or member of any such other company. The Board may exercise the voting powers conferred by the shares in any other company held or owned by the Company or exercisable by it as directors of such other company in such manner as in all respects as the Board thinks fit (including the exercise thereof in favour of any resolution appointing themselves or any of them directors, managing directors, joint managing directors, deputy managing directors, executive directors, managers or other officers of such company) and any director may vote in favour of the exercise of such voting rights in manner aforesaid notwithstanding that he may be, or be about to be, appointed a director, managing director, joint managing director, deputy managing director, executive director, manager or other
officer of such a company, and that as such he is or may become interested in the exercise of such voting rights in manner aforesaid. A Director of the Company may be or become a director of any company promoted by the Company or in which it may be interested as a vendor, shareholder or otherwise and no such Director will be accountable for any benefits received as a director or member of such company. A Director of the Company or his firm may not act as auditor of the Company.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND OTHER APPOINTMENTS
112. The Directors may, from time to time, appoint one or more of their number to be Chief Executive Officer or Joint Chief Executive Officer of the Company, or to hold such office in the management, administration or conduct of the business of the Company as they may decide, and for such period and upon such terms and for such remuneration as the Directors shall think fit, and the Directors may also, from time to time (subject to the provisions of any agreement between him or them and the Company) remove him or them from office, and appoint another or others in his or their place or places.
113. A Chief Executive Officer or a Joint Chief Executive Officer (subject to the provisions of any agreement between him and the Company) shall be subject to the same provisions as to resignation and removal as the other Directors of the Company, and shall ipso facto and immediately cease to be Chief Executive Officer or Joint Chief Executive Officer if he shall cease to hold the office of Director.
114. The Directors may, from time to time, entrust to and confer upon any Chief Executive Officer, Joint Chief Executive Officer or Director, holding any other office in the management, administration or conduct of the business of the Company, such of the powers exercisable under these Articles by the Directors as they may think fit, and may confer such powers for such time, and to be exercised for such objects and purposes, and upon such terms and conditions and with such restrictions as they may consider expedient, and may from time to time revoke, withdraw, alter or vary all or any of such powers.
PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS
115. The Directors may meet together for the despatch of business, adjourn and otherwise regulate their meetings as they think fit, and determine the quorum necessary for the transaction of business. Until otherwise determined by the Board, two Directors shall constitute a quorum. For the purpose of this Article an alternate Director shall be counted in a quorum but, notwithstanding that an alternate Director is also a Director or is an alternate for more than one Director, he shall for quorum purposes count as only one Director. Matters arising at any meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes. In case of an equality of votes the Chairman of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote. A Director or the Secretary may, at any time, summon a meeting of the Directors. A meeting of the Board or any committee of the Board may be held by means of such telephone, electronic or other communication facilities as permit all persons participating in the meeting to communicate with each other simultaneously and instantaneously, and participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
116. Notice of a meeting of Directors shall be deemed to be duly given to a Director if it is given to him personally, in writing or by word of mouth, or sent to him at his last known address or any other address given by him to the Company for this purpose provided that notice need not be given to any Director or alternate Director for the time being absent from Hong Kong. A Director may consent to short notice of and may waive notice of any meeting and any such waiver may be retrospective.
117. The Directors may elect a Chairman of the Board and determine the period for which he is to hold office; but if no such Chairman be elected, or if at any meeting the Chairman be not present within five minutes after the time appointed for holding the same, the Directors present shall choose one of their number to be Chairman of such meeting.
118. A resolution in writing signed by all the Directors except such as are absent from Hong Kong or temporarily unable to act through ill health or disability (or their alternate Directors) shall (so long as they constitute a quorum) be as effective for all purposes as a resolution of the Directors passed at a meeting duly convened, held and constituted. A written notification of confirmation of such resolution in writing signed by a Director shall be deemed to be his signature to such resolution in writing for the purposes of this Article. Such resolution in writing may consist of several documents, each signed by one or more Directors.
119. A meeting of the Directors 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 generally.
120. The Directors may, from time to time, appoint committees consisting of such one or more persons as they think fit, and may delegate any of their powers to any such committee and, from time to time, revoke any such delegation and discharge any such committee wholly or in part. Any committee so appointed shall, in the exercise of the powers so delegated, conform to any regulations that may, from time to time, be imposed upon it by the Directors. All acts done by any such committee in conformity with such regulations and in fulfilment of the purposes for which it is appointed, but not otherwise, shall have the like force and effect as if done by the Board, and the Board shall have power to remunerate the members of any special committee, and charge such remuneration to the current expenses of the Company.
121. The meetings and proceedings of any such committee consisting of two or more members shall be governed mutatis mutandis by the provisions of these Articles regulating the meetings and proceedings of the Directors, insofar as the same are not superseded by any regulations made by the Directors under the last preceding Article.
122. All acts done bona fide by any meeting of the Directors or of a committee of Directors, or by any persons acting as Directors, shall, notwithstanding that there was some defect in the appointment of any such Directors or persons 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 continued to be a Director.
MINUTES
123. The Directors shall cause to be entered and kept in books provided for the purpose minutes of the following:-
(a) all appointments of officers;
(b) all the names of the Directors and any alternate Director who is not also a Director present at each meeting of the Directors and of any committee; and
(c) all resolutions and proceedings of general meetings and of meetings of the Directors and committees.
Any such minutes of any meeting of the Directors, or of any committee, or of the Company, if purporting to be signed by the Chairman of such meeting, or by the Chairman of the next succeeding meeting shall be receivable as evidence of the proceedings of such meeting.
THE SEAL
124. The Directors shall procure a common seal to be made for the Company, and shall provide for the safe custody thereof. The Seal shall not be affixed to any instrument except by the authority of the Directors or a committee authorised by the Board in that behalf, and every instrument to which the Seal shall be affixed shall be signed by one Director or some other person nominated by the Directors for the purpose, provided that the Board may either generally or in any particular case or cases resolve (subject to such restrictions as to the manner in which the seal may be affixed as the Board may determine) that such signature may be affixed to certificates for shares or debentures or representing any other form of security by some mechanical means other than autographic to be specified in such resolution or that such certificates need not be signed by any person. Every instrument executed in manner provided by this Article shall be deemed to be sealed and executed with the authority of the Directors previously given.
125. The Company may have an official seal for use for sealing certificates for shares or other securities issued by the Company as permitted by section 73A of the Ordinance (and no signature of any Director, officer or other person and no mechanical reproduction thereof shall be required on any such certificates or other document to which such official seal is affixed and such certificates or other document shall be valid and deemed to have been sealed and executed with the authority of the Board notwithstanding the absence of any such signature or mechanical reproduction as aforesaid) and an official seal for use abroad under the provisions of the Ordinance where and as the Board shall determine, and the Company may by writing under the seal appoint any agents or agent, committees or committee abroad to be the duly authorised agents of the Company for the purpose of affixing and using such official seal and may impose such 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 official seal as aforesaid.
126. The Company may exercise all the powers of having official seals conferred by the Ordinance and such powers shall be vested in the Directors.
SECRETARY
127. The Directors shall appoint such person, persons or entities to be Secretary or Joint Secretaries of the Company for such period, at such remuneration and upon such conditions as they may think fit, and any Secretary or Joint Secretaries so appointed may be removed by them. Anything by the Ordinance or these Articles required or authorised to be done by or to the Secretary or Joint Secretaries, if the office is vacant or there is for any other reason no person capable of acting in the capacity as Secretary or Joint Secretaries, may be done by or to any assistant or deputy Secretary, or if there is no assistant or deputy Secretary capable of acting, by or to any officer of the Company authorised generally or specially in that behalf by the Board.
DIVIDENDS AND RESERVES
128. The Company may by ordinary resolution declare dividends but no such dividend shall exceed the amount recommended by the Directors.
129. Unless and to the extent that the rights attached to any shares or the terms of issue thereof otherwise provide, all dividends shall (as regards any shares not fully paid throughout the period in respect of which the dividend is paid) be apportioned and paid pro rata according
to the amounts paid on the shares during any portion or portions of the period in respect of which the dividend is paid. For the purposes of this Article no amount paid on a share in advance of calls shall be treated as paid on the share.
130. The Directors may retain any dividend or other monies payable on or in respect of a share on which the Company has a lien, and may apply the same in or towards satisfaction of the debts and liabilities in respect of which the lien exists. The Board may deduct from any dividend or bonus payable to any member all sums of money (if any) presently payable by him to the Company on account of calls, instalments or otherwise.
131. Any resolution declaring a dividend on shares of any class, whether a resolution of the Company in general meeting or a resolution of the Directors, may specify that the same shall be payable 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 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 capitalisations to be effected in pursuance of these Articles.
132. Any general meeting sanctioning a dividend may make a call on the members of such amount as the meeting fixes, but so that the call on each member shall not exceed the dividend payable to him, and so that the call shall be made payable at the same time as the dividend, and the dividend may, if so arranged between the Company and the member, be set off against the call.
133.
(a) In respect of any dividend which the Board has resolved to pay or any dividend declared or sanctioned or proposed to be declared or sanctioned by the Board or by the Company in general meeting, the Board may determine and announce, prior to or contemporaneously with the announcement, declaration or sanction of the dividend in question:
either
(i) that shareholders entitled thereto will receive in lieu of such dividend (or such part thereof as the Board may think fit) an allotment of shares credited as fully paid provided that the shareholders are at the same time accorded the right to elect to receive such dividend (or part thereof as the case may be) in cash in lieu of such allotment. In such case, the following provisions shall apply:-
(A) the basis of any such allotment shall be determined by the Board;
(B) the Board, after determining the basis of allotment and notwithstanding that the number of shares to be allotted may not be calculated until after notice to the shareholders has been given as required by the provisions of this subparagraph and subject to the provisions of sub-paragraph (D) below, shall give notice in writing to the shareholders 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 which shall be not less than two weeks from the date on which the notice above referred to was despatched to the shareholders;
(C) the right of election accorded to shareholders as aforesaid may be exercised in whole or in part;
(D) the Board may resolve:-
(I) that the right of election accorded to shareholders as aforesaid may be exercised so as to take effect on all future occasions (if any) when the Board makes a determination pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) of this paragraph (a); and/or
(II) that a shareholder who does not exercise the right of election accorded to him as aforesaid either in whole or in part may notify the Company that he will not exercise the right of election accorded to him in respect of all future occasions (if any) when the Board makes a determination pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) of this paragraph (a) of this Article.
Provided that a shareholder may exercise such election or give such notice in respect of all but not some of the shares held by him and may at any time give seven days notice in writing to the Company of the revocation of such an election or such a notice which revocation shall take effect at the expiry of such seven days, and until such revocation has taken effect, the Board shall not be obligated to give to such shareholder notice of the right of election accorded to him or send to him any form of election;
(E) the dividend (or that part of the dividend in lieu of which an allotment of shares is to be made 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 lieu thereof shares shall be allotted credited as fully paid to the holders of the Non-Elected Shares on the basis of allotment determined as aforesaid and for such purpose the Board shall capitalise and apply out of the amount standing to the credit of share premium account or out of any part of the undivided profits of the Company (including profits carried and standing to the credit of any reserve or reserves or other special account) as the Board may determine, a sum equal to the aggregate nominal amount of shares to be allotted on such basis and apply the same in paying up in full the appropriate number of unissued shares for allotment and distribution to and amongst the holders of the Non-Elected Shares on such basis;
(F) the Board may resolve that the shares to be allotted shall be allotted at a premium provided that the premium is credited as fully paid up and in such case the Board shall in addition to the amount to be capitalised and applied pursuant to sub-paragraph (E) above, and for the purposes therein set out, capitalise and apply out of the amount standing to the credit of the share premium account or out of any part of the undivided profits of the Company (including profits
carried and standing to the credit of any reserve or reserves or other special account) as the Directors may determine, a sum equal to the aggregate amount of the premium on the shares to be allotted and shall apply the same together with the sum to be applied pursuant to sub-paragraph (E) above and on the basis therein set out in paying up in full the appropriate number of unissued shares for allotment and distribution to and amongst the holders of the Non-Elected Shares;
or
(ii) that shareholders entitled to such dividend be entitled to elect to receive an allotment of shares credited as fully paid 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:-
(A) the basis of any such allotment shall be determined by the Board;
(B) the Board, after determining the basis of allotment and notwithstanding that the number of shares to be allotted may not be calculated until after notice to the shareholders has been given as required by the provisions of this subparagraph and subject to the provisions of sub-paragraph (D) below, shall give notice in writing to the shareholders 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 which shall be not less than two weeks from the date on which the notice above referred to was despatched to the shareholders;
(C) the right of election accorded to shareholders as aforesaid may be exercised in whole or in part;
(D) the Board may resolve;
(I) that the right of election accorded to shareholders as aforesaid may be exercised so as to take effect on all future occasions (if any) when the Board makes a determination pursuant to sub-paragraph (ii) of this paragraph (a); and/or
(II) that a shareholder who does not exercise the right of election accorded to him as aforesaid either in whole or in part may notify the Company that he will not exercise the right of election accorded to him in respect of all future occasions (if any) when the Board makes determination pursuant to sub-paragraph (ii) of paragraph (a).
Provided that a shareholder may exercise such election or give such notice in respect of all but not some of the shares held by him and may at any time give seven days notice in writing to the Company of the revocation of such an election or such a notice which revocation shall take effect at the expiry of such seven days, and until such revocation has taken effect, the Board shall not be
obliged to give to such member notice of the right of election accorded to him or send to him any form of election;
(E) the dividend (or that part of the dividend in respect of which a right of election has been accorded) shall not be payable on shares in respect whereof the share election has been duly exercised (the "Elected Shares") and in lieu thereof shares shall be allotted credited as fully paid to the holders of the Elected Shares on the basis of allotment determined as aforesaid and for such purpose the Board shall capitalise and apply out of the amount standing to the credit of share premium account or out of any part of the undivided profits of the Company (including profits carried and standing to the credit of any reserve or reserves or other special account) as the Board may determine, a sum equal to the aggregate nominal amount of shares to be allotted on such basis and apply the same in paying up in full the appropriate number of unissued shares for allotment and distribution to and amongst the holders of the Elected Shares on such basis;
(F) the Board may resolve that the shares to be allotted shall be allotted at a premium provided that the premium is credited as fully paid up and in such case the Board shall in addition to the amount to be capitalised and applied pursuant to sub-paragraph (E) above, and for the purpose therein set out, capitalise and apply out of the amount standing to the credit of the share premium account or out of any part of the undivided profits of the Company (including profits carried and standing to the credit of any reserve or reserves or other special account) as the Board may determine, a sum equal to the aggregate amount of the premium on the shares to be allotted and shall apply the same together with the sum to be applied pursuant to sub-paragraph (E) above and on the basis therein set out in paying up in full the appropriate number of unissued shares for allotment and distribution to and amongst the holders of the Elected Shares.
(b) The shares allotted pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (a) of this Article shall rank pari passu in all respects with the fully paid shares then in issue save only as regards participation:-
(i) in the relevant dividend (or the right to receive or to elect to receive an allotment of shares in lieu thereof as aforesaid); or
(ii) 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 its proposal to apply the provisions of sub-paragraph (i) or (ii) of paragraph (a) 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 (a) of this Article shall rank for participation in such distribution, bonus or rights.
(c) The Board may do all acts and things considered necessary or expedient to give effect to any capitalisation pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (a) of this Article with full power to the Board to make such provisions as they think fit in the case of shares becoming distributable in fractions (including provisions whereby, in whole or in part, 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 authorise any person to enter into on behalf of all members interested, an agreement with the Company providing for such capitalisation and matters incidental thereto and any agreement made pursuant to such authority shall be effective and binding on all concerned.
(d) 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 (a) 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 shares to elect such dividend in cash in lieu of such allotment.
(e) The Board may on any occasion when it makes a determination pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Article, resolve that no allotment of shares or rights of election for shares to be issued pursuant to such determination shall be made available or made to any shareholders with registered addresses in any particular territory or territories or to a Depositary where the allotment of shares or the circulation of an offer of such rights of election would or might, in the opinion of the Board, be unlawful or would or might, in the opinion of the Board, be unlawful in the absence of a registration statement or other special formalities, and in such event the provision aforesaid shall be read and construed subject to such resolution and the only entitlement of shareholders in any such territory or territories shall be to receive in cash the relevant dividend resolved to be paid or declared. "Depositary" means a custodian or other person (or a nominee for such custodian or other person) appointed under contractual arrangements with the Company or other arrangements approved by the Board whereby such custodian or other person or nominee holds or is interested in shares of the Company or rights or interests in shares of the Company and issues securities or other documents of title or otherwise evidencing the entitlement of the holder thereof to or to receive such shares, rights or interests, provided and to the extent that such arrangements have been approved by the Board for the purpose of these Articles and shall include, where approved by the Board, the trustees (acting in their capacity as such) of any employees' share scheme established by the Company or any other scheme or arrangements principally for the benefit of employees of the Company and/or its subsidiaries which have been approved by the Board.
(f) The Board may at any time resolve to cancel all (but not some only) of the elections made and the notices given by the shareholders pursuant to sub-paragraphs (i)(D) and (ii)(D) of paragraph (a) of this Article by giving seven days notice in writing to the relevant shareholders.
(g) The Board may on any occasion determine that rights of election under paragraph (a) of this Article shall not be made available to shareholders who are registered in the register of shareholders, or in respect of shares the transfer of which is
registered, after a date fixed by the Board and in such event the provisions aforesaid shall be read and construed subject to such determination.
134. No dividend shall be payable except out of the profits or other distributable reserves of the Company, and no dividend shall bear interest as against the Company.
135. The Directors may, if they think fit, from time to time, resolve to pay to the members such interim dividends as appear to the Directors to be justified by the reserves of the Company. If at any time the share capital of the Company is divided into different classes the Directors may resolve to pay such interim dividends in respect of those shares in the capital of the Company which confer on the holders thereof deferred or non-preferred rights as well as in respect of those shares which confer on the holders thereof preferential or special rights in regard to dividend, and provided that the Directors act bona fide they shall not incur any responsibility to the holders of shares conferring a preference for any damage that they may suffer by reason of the payment of an interim dividend on any shares having deferred or non-preferred rights. The Directors may also resolve to pay at half-yearly or at other suitable intervals to be settled by them any dividend which may be payable at a fixed rate if they are of the opinion that the reserves of the Company justify the payment.
136. All dividends unclaimed for one year after having become payable may be invested or otherwise made use of by the Directors for the benefit of the Company until claimed, and all dividends unclaimed for six years after having become payable may be forfeited by the Directors and shall revert to the Company. The payment into a separate account of any monies payable in respect of a dividend shall not constitute the Company a trustee in respect thereof for any person.
137. Unless otherwise directed any dividend or other monies payable in cash on or in respect of a share may be paid by cheque or warrant sent through the post to the registered address of the member or person entitled, or, in the case of joint holders, to the registered address of that one whose name stands first on the Register in respect of the joint holding, or addressed to such person at such address as the holder or joint holders shall direct. The Company shall not be liable or responsible for any cheque or warrant lost in transmission nor for any dividend or other monies lost to the member or person entitled thereto by the forged endorsement of any cheque or warrant. Payment of the cheque or warrant by the banker on whom it is drawn shall be a good discharge to the Company.
138. The Directors may distribute in specie or in kind among the members in satisfaction in whole or in part of any dividend any of the assets of the Company, and in particular any shares or securities of other companies to which the Company is entitled 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 fractional certificates, 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. Where required, a contract shall be filed in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance and the Board may appoint any person to sign such contract on behalf of the persons entitled to the dividend and such appointment shall be effective.
139. Before recommending a dividend the Directors may set aside any part of the net profits of the Company to one or more reserves, and may apply the same either by employing it in the business of the Company or by investing it in such manner as they shall think fit and the income arising from such reserves shall be treated as part of the profits of the Company. Such reserves may be applied for the purpose of maintaining the property of the Company, replacing wasting assets, meeting contingencies, forming an insurance fund, equalising dividends, paying special dividends, or for any other purpose for which the undivided profits of the Company may lawfully be used, and until the same shall be so applied it shall be deemed to remain undivided profit. The Directors may also carry forward as undivided profit any profit or balance of profit which they shall not think fit to recommend as dividend or to place to reserve.
AUTHENTICATION OF DOCUMENTS
140. Any Director or the Secretary or other authorised officer of the Company shall have power to authenticate any documents affecting the constitution of the Company and any resolutions passed by the Company or the Directors 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 of extracts; and where any books, records, documents or accounts are elsewhere than at the Office, the local manager or such other officer of the Company having the custody thereof shall be deemed to be the authorised officer of the Company as aforesaid. 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 Directors or any local board or committee which is certified as aforesaid shall be conclusive evidence in favour 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 any minute so extracted is a true and accurate record of proceedings at a duly constituted meeting.
CAPITALISATION OF RESERVES ETC.
141. The Company in general meeting may upon the recommendation of the Directors resolve to capitalise any part of the Company's reserves or undivided profits not required for the payment or provision of the dividend on any shares with a preferential right to a dividend, and accordingly that such part be divided amongst the members who would have been entitled thereto if distributed by way of dividend and in the same proportions, on condition that the same be not paid in cash but be applied as a capitalisation issue either in or towards paying up any amounts for the time being unpaid on any shares held by such members respectively or paying up in full unissued shares or debentures or other securities of the Company to be allotted and distributed credited as fully paid to and amongst such members in the proportion aforesaid, or partly in one way and partly in the other:
Provided that any amount standing to the credit of a share premium account or a capital redemption reserve fund may, for the purposes of this Article, only be applied in the paying up of unissued shares to be issued to members of the Company as fully paid-up shares.
142. Whenever such a resolution as aforesaid shall have been passed the Directors shall make all appropriations and applications of the reserves and undivided profits resolved to be capitalised thereby, and all allotments and issues of fully paid-up shares, debentures or other securities and generally shall do all acts and things required to give effect thereto.
143. For the purpose of giving effect to any resolution under Articles 138 and 141 hereof the Directors may settle any difficulty which may arise in regard to the distribution or capitalisation issue as they think expedient, and in particular may issue fractional
certificates, and may fix the value for distribution of any specific assets, and may determine that cash payments shall be made to any members based upon the value so fixed or that fractions of such value as the Directors may determine may be disregarded in order to adjust the rights of all parties, and may vest any such cash or specific assets in trustees upon such trusts for the persons entitled to the distribution or capitalisation issue as may seem expedient to the Directors. The provisions of the Ordinance in relation to the filing of contracts for allotment shall be observed, and the Directors may appoint any person to sign such contract on behalf of the persons entitled to share in the distribution or capitalisation issue, and such appointment shall be effective and binding upon all concerned, and the contract may provide for the acceptance by such persons of the shares, debentures or other securities to be allotted and distributed to them respectively in satisfaction of their claims in respect of the sum so capitalised.
ACCOUNTS AND AUDITORS
144. The Directors shall cause proper books of account to be kept with respect to:-
(a) all sums of money received and expended by the Company and the matters in respect of which such receipt and expenditure take place; and
(b) the assets and liabilities of the Company.
Proper books shall not be deemed to be kept if there are not kept such books of accounts as are necessary to give a true and fair view of the transactions.
145. The Directors shall from time to time, in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance, cause to be prepared and to be laid before the Company in general meeting such profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, group accounts (if any) and reports as are required by the Ordinance.
146. A copy of every balance sheet (including every document required by law to be annexed thereto) which is to be laid before the Company in general meeting, together with a copy of the Directors' report and a copy of the Auditors' report, shall not less than twenty-one days before the date of the meeting be sent to every member of, and every holder of debentures of, the Company and to all persons other than members or holders of debentures of the Company, being persons entitled to receive notices of general meetings of the Company: Provided that this Article shall be subject to Article 148 and shall not require a copy of those documents to be sent to any person of whose address the Company is not aware, to more than one of the joint holders of any shares or debentures, nor to any person to whom the Company has duly sent a copy of a summary financial report (as defined in the Ordinance) in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance and Article 147.
147. Subject to Article 148, a copy of a summary financial report in the form and containing the contents as required by the Ordinance shall be sent by the Company in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance to a person who has been offered and agreed, in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance, to be sent a copy of such summary financial report.
148. Where a person has, in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance where applicable, consented to treat the publication or the making available of the relevant financial documents and/or the summary financial report (each as defined in the Ordinance) on a computer network or by such other means as discharging the Company's obligation under the Ordinance to send a copy of the relevant financial documents and/or the summary financial report (each as defined in the Ordinance), then the publication or the making available by the Company, in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance where
applicable, on such computer network or by such other means of the relevant financial documents or the summary financial report (each as defined in the Ordinance) shall, in relation to each consenting person, be deemed to discharge the Company's obligations under Article 146 and/or Article 147.
149. Auditors shall be appointed and their duties regulated in the manner provided by the Ordinance.
150. Subject as otherwise provided by the Ordinance the remuneration of the Auditors shall be fixed by the Company in general meeting provided always that in respect of any particular year the Company in general meeting may delegate the fixing of such remuneration to the Board.
151. Every statement of accounts audited by the Company's Auditors and presented by the Board at a general meeting shall after approval at such meeting be conclusive except as regards any error discovered therein within three months of the approval thereof. Whenever any such error is discovered within that period, it shall forthwith be corrected, and the statement of account amended in respect of the error shall be conclusive.
NOTICES
152. Any notice, document or communication to be given or issued shall be in writing in any one or more languages to the members, may be served by the Company upon any member either personally or by sending it by mail, postage prepaid, addressed to such member at his registered address, and, in any case where the registered address of a member is outside Hong Kong, by prepaid airmail, or may be delivered, sent or otherwise made available using electronic or other means to such member.
153. Any notice sent by mail shall be deemed to have been served in the case where the member's registered address is in Hong Kong on the day following that on which the notice is mailed in Hong Kong and in any other case on the fifth day after the day of mailing. In proving such service it shall be sufficient to prove that the notice was properly addressed and mailed, postage prepaid.
154. 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, previously to his name and address being entered in the Register, shall be duly given to the person from whom he derives his title to such share.
155. Any notice, document or communication delivered or sent by mail to, or left at the registered address of or made available using electronic or other means to any member, in pursuance of these Articles, shall, notwithstanding such member be then deceased or bankrupt, and whether or not the Company have notice of his decease or bankruptcy, be deemed of have been duly served in respect of any shares held by such member, whether held solely or jointly with other persons by such member, until some other person be registered in his stead as the holder or joint holder thereof, and such service shall for all purposes of these Articles be deemed a sufficient service of such notice, document or communication on his executors, administrators or assigns and all persons (if any) jointly interested with him in any such share.
156. Any summons, notice, order or other document required to be sent to or served upon the Company, or upon any officer of the Company, may be sent or served by leaving the same or sending it through the post in a prepaid letter, envelope or wrapper, addressed to the Company or to such officer at the Office.
157. The signature to any notice to be given by the Company may be written or printed.
158. Subject to any special provisions contained in these Articles or in the Ordinance, all notices required to be given by advertisement shall be advertised in at least one daily Chinese and one daily English newspaper circulating in Hong Kong.
159. In reckoning the period for any notice given under these Articles, the day on which notice is served, or deemed to be served, and the day for which such notice is given shall be excluded.
WINDING UP
160. If the Company shall be wound up, the surplus assets remaining after payment to all creditors shall be divided among the members in proportion to the capital paid up on the shares held by them respectively, and if such surplus assets shall be insufficient to repay the whole of the paid-up capital, they shall be distributed so that, as nearly as may be, the losses shall be borne by the members in proportion to the capital paid up on the shares held by them respectively. This Article is, however, subject to the rights of the holders of any shares which may be issued on special terms or conditions.
161. If the Company shall be wound up, the liquidator (whether voluntary or official) may, with the sanction of a special resolution, divide among the members in specie or kind the whole or any part of the assets of the Company or vest any part of the assets of the Company in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the members or any of them as the resolution shall provide. Any such resolution may provide for and sanction a distribution of any specific assets amongst different classes of members otherwise than in accordance with their existing rights, but each member shall in that event have a right of dissent and other ancillary rights in the same manner as if such resolution were a special resolution passed pursuant to section 237 of the Ordinance.
162. In the event of a winding-up of the Company in Hong Kong, every member of the Company who is not for the time being in Hong Kong shall be bound, within fourteen days after the passing of an effective resolution to wind up the Company voluntarily, or within the like period after 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 Hong Kong upon whom all summonses, notices, processes, orders and judgements 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 shall be deemed to be a 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 advertising in such English language daily newspaper circulating in Hong Kong 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 served on the day on which the advertisement appears or the letter is posted.
INDEMNITY
163. Subject to the provisions of the Ordinance, every Director or other officer of the Company shall be indemnified out of the assets of the Company against all costs, charges, expenses, losses and liabilities which he may sustain or incur in or about the execution of his office or otherwise in relation thereto and in particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing every Director and other officer of the Company shall be indemnified by the
Company against, and it shall be the duty of the Directors out of the funds of the Company to pay all costs, losses and expenses which any such Director and other officer may incur or become liable for by reason of any contract entered into, or act or thing done by him or them as such Director and other officer, or in any way in the discharge of their or his duties, including travelling expenses; and the amount for which such indemnity is provided shall immediately attach as a lien on the property of the Company, and have priority as between the members over all other claims. Any person who is a Director or other officer of the Company shall not be liable (except in consequence of his own dishonesty) for the acts, receipts, neglects or defaults of any other Director or other officer of the Company or for any losses or expenses incurred by the Company through the insufficiency or deficiency of title to any property acquired by order of the Directors for or on behalf of the Company, or for the insufficiency or deficiency of any security in or upon which any of the moneys of the Company shall be invested, or for any loss or damage arising from the bankruptcy, insolvency or tortious act of any person with whom any moneys, securities or effects of the Company shall be deposited or for any loss occasioned by any error of judgement, omission, default or oversight on their or his part, or for any other loss, damage or misfortune whatever which shall happen in the execution of the duties of his office or in relation thereto.
UNTRACEABLE SHAREHOLDERS
164. Without prejudice to the rights of the Company, the Company may cease sending such cheques for dividend entitlements or dividend warrants by post if such cheques or warrants have been left uncashed on two consecutive occasions. However, the Company may exercise the power to cease sending cheques for dividend entitlements or dividend warrants after the first occasion on which such a cheque or warrant is returned undelivered.
165. The Company shall have the power to sell, in such manner as the Board thinks fit, any shares of a shareholder who is untraceable, but no such sale shall be made unless:-
(i) all cheques or warrants, 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 authorised by the Articles of Association of the Company have remained uncashed;
(ii) 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 shareholder who is the holder of such shares or of a person entitled to such shares by death, bankruptcy or operation of law;
(iii) the Company has caused an advertisement to be inserted in English in one English language daily newspaper and in Chinese in one Chinese language daily newspaper (provided that the aforesaid daily newspapers shall be included in the list of newspapers issued and published in the Hong Kong Government Gazette for the purpose of section 71A of the Ordinance) advertising its intention to sell such shares and a period of three months has elapsed since the date of such advertisement; and
(iv) the Company has notified the stock exchange in the relevant territory of its intention to effect such sale.
For the purpose of the foregoing, "RELEVANT PERIOD" means the period commencing twelve years before the date of publication of the advertisement referred to in
paragraph (iii) of this Article and ending at the expiry of the period referred to in that paragraph.
The manner, timing and terms of any sale of shares pursuant to this Article (including but not limited to the price or prices at which the same is made) shall be such as the Board determines, based upon advice from such bankers, brokers or other persons as the Board considers appropriate consulted by it for the purposes, to be reasonably practicable having regard to all the circumstances including the number of shares to be disposed of and the requirement that the disposal be made without delay and the Board shall not be liable to any person for any of the consequences of reliance on such advice.
166. To give effect to any such sale pursuant to Article 165 the Board may authorise any person to transfer the said shares and the 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 proceeds, it shall become indebted to the former shareholder by carrying all moneys in respect thereof to a separate account for an amount equal to such net proceeds. No trusts 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 include any additional shares which during the relevant period or during any period ending on the date when all the requirements of sub-paragraphs (i) to (iii) of Article 165 have been satisfied have been issued in respect of those held at the beginning of such relevant period and shall be valid and effective notwithstanding that the shareholder holding the shares sold is dead, bankrupt or otherwise under any legal disability or incapacity.
Exhibit 4.1
DATE OF ISSUE CERTIFICATE NUMBER TRF. NO. REGISTER NUMBER OF SHARES
[LOGO]
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
[CHINESE CHARACTERS]
(incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability under the Companies Ordinance)
SHARE CERTIFICATE
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE UNDERMENTIONED PERSON(S) IS/ARE THE REGISTERED HOLDER(S) OF FULLY PAID OR CREDITED AS FULLY PAID SHARES OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS 0.04 EACH AS DETAILED BELOW IN THE CAPITAL OF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED COMPANY SUBJECT TO THE MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF THE COMPANY.
CODE:
NUMBER OF SHARES:
GIVEN UNDER THE SECURITIES SEAL OF THE COMPANY ON THE DATE STATED ABOVE.
NO TRANSFER IN RESPECT OF ANY OF THE ABOVE NUMBER OF SHARES CAN BE REGISTERED
UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY THIS SHARE CERTIFICATE
SHARE REGISTRAR: [ o ], [ o ] HONG KONG
EXHIBIT 4.2
Citibank, N.A. -- Draft October 12, 2004
DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
by and among
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
AND
CITIBANK, N.A.,
as Depositary,
AND
THE HOLDERS AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS FROM TIME TO TIME
OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES ISSUED HEREUNDER
Dated as of November __, 2004
DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
DEPOSIT AGREEMENT, dated as of ___________, 2004, by and among (i) CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED, a company organized under the laws of Hong Kong, and its successors (the "Company"), (ii) CITIBANK, N.A., a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States of America acting in its capacity as depositary, and any successor depositary hereunder (the "Depositary"), and (iii) all Holders and Beneficial Owners from time to time of American Depositary Shares issued hereunder (all such capitalized terms as hereinafter defined).
WITNESSETH THAT:
WHEREAS, the Company desires to establish with the Depositary an ADR facility to provide inter alia for the deposit of the Shares (as hereinafter defined) and the creation of American Depositary Shares representing the Shares so deposited and, if applicable, for the execution and delivery of American Depositary Receipts evidencing American Depositary Shares; and
WHEREAS, the Depositary is willing to act as the Depositary for such ADR facility upon the terms set forth in this Deposit Agreement; and
WHEREAS, any American Depositary Receipts issued pursuant to the terms of this Deposit Agreement are to be substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto, with appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions, as hereinafter provided in this Deposit Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Shares are to be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and American Depositary Shares to be issued pursuant to the terms of this Deposit Agreement are to be listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. under the symbol "CN"; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (or an authorized committee thereof) has duly approved the establishment of an ADR facility upon the terms set forth in this Deposit Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the execution and delivery of this Deposit Agreement on behalf of the Company, and the actions of the Company and the transactions contemplated herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
All capitalized terms used, but not otherwise defined, herein shall have the meanings set forth below, unless otherwise clearly indicated:
SECTION 1.1 "AFFILIATE" shall have the meaning assigned to such term by the Commission (as hereinafter defined) under Regulation C promulgated under the Securities Act (as hereinafter defined), or under any successor regulation thereto.
SECTION 1.2 "ADS RECORD DATE" shall have the meaning given to such term in
Section 4.9.
SECTION 1.3 "AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPT(s)", "ADR(s)" and "RECEIPT(s)"
shall mean the certificate(s) issued by the Depositary to evidence the American
Depositary Shares issued under the terms of this Deposit Agreement in the form
of Certificated ADS(s) (as hereinafter defined), as such ADRs may be amended
from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement.
An ADR may evidence any number of ADSs and may, in the case of ADSs held through
a central depository such as DTC, be in the form of a "Balance Certificate."
Except as specifically provided in this Deposit Agreement, in any applicable
agreement among the Depositary, the Company and the applicable Holders and
Beneficial Owners supplementing this Deposit Agreement, or in the applicable
ADR(s), the term ADR(s) shall include (i) Restricted ADR(s) issued pursuant to
Section 2.13 of this Deposit Agreement and (ii) Partial Entitlement ADR(s)
issued pursuant to Section 2.11 of this Deposit Agreement.
SECTION 1.4 "AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARE(s)" and "ADS(s)" shall mean the
rights and interests in the Deposited Securities granted to the Holders and
Beneficial Owners pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement
and, if issued as Certificated ADS(s), (as hereinafter defined) the ADR(s)
issued to evidence such ADSs. ADS(s) may be issued under the terms of the
Deposit Agreement in the form of (a) Certificated ADS(s) (as hereinafter
defined), in which case the ADS(s) are evidenced by ADR(s), or (b)
Uncertificated ADS(s) (as hereinafter defined), in which case the ADS(s) are not
evidenced by ADR(s) but are reflected on the direct registration system
maintained by the Depositary for such purposes under the terms of Section 2.12.
Unless otherwise specified in this Deposit Agreement or in any ADR, or unless
the context otherwise requires, any reference in the Deposit Agreement or any
ADR to ADS(s) shall include Certificated ADS(s) and Uncertificated ADS(s),
individually or collectively, as the context may require. Except as specifically
provided in this Deposit Agreement, in any applicable agreement among the
Depositary, the Company and the applicable Holders and Beneficial Owners
supplementing this Deposit Agreement, or in the applicable ADR(s), the term
ADS(s) shall include (i) Restricted ADS(s) issued pursuant to Section 2.13 of
this Deposit Agreement and (ii) Partial Entitlement ADS(s) issued pursuant to
Section 2.11 of this Deposit Agreement. Each ADS shall represent [NUMBER OF
SHARES] Share(s) until there shall occur a distribution upon Deposited
Securities referred to in Section 4.2 or a change in Deposited Securities
referred to in Section 4.11 with respect to which additional ADSs are not
issued, and thereafter each ADS shall represent the Deposited Securities
determined in accordance with the terms of such Sections. The Company and the
Depositary may at any time hereafter, subject to applicable law and the terms of
this Deposit Agreement, amend the ADS-to-Share ratio, without, however,
adversely affecting the rights of Holders under this Deposit Agreement to
receive the Deposited Securities represented by the Holders' ADSs before the
effective date of the amendment of the ADS-to-Share ratio.
SECTION 1.5 "APPLICANT" shall have the meaning given to such term in
Section 5.10.
SECTION 1.6 "BENEFICIAL OWNER" shall mean, as to any ADS, any person or entity having a beneficial interest deriving from the ownership of such ADS. A Beneficial Owner of ADSs may or may not be the Holder of the ADSs or, if applicable, the ADRs evidencing ADSs. A Beneficial Owner shall be able to exercise any right or receive any benefit hereunder solely through the person who is the Holder of the ADSs or, if applicable, the ADRs evidencing ADSs owned by such Beneficial Owner. Unless otherwise identified to the Depositary, a Holder shall be deemed to be the Beneficial Owner of all the ADSs registered in his/her/its name.
SECTION 1.7 "CERTIFICATED ADS(s)" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.12.
SECTION 1.8 "COMMISSION" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States or any successor governmental agency thereto in the United States.
SECTION 1.9 "COMPANY" shall mean China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited, a company incorporated and existing under the laws of Hong Kong, and its successors.
SECTION 1.10 "CUSTODIAN" shall mean, as of the date hereof, Citibank, N.A.
- Hong Kong branch, having its principal office at 10/F., Harbour Front (II),
22, Tak Fung Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, as the custodian for the
purposes of this Deposit Agreement, and any other entity that may be appointed
by the Depositary in consultation with the Company pursuant to the terms of
Section 5.5 as successor, substitute or additional custodian hereunder. The term
"Custodian" shall mean any Custodian individually or all Custodians
collectively, as the context requires.
SECTION 1.11 "DELIVER" and "DELIVERY" shall mean, when used in respect of ADSs, Deposited Securities and Shares, either (i) the physical delivery of the certificate(s) representing such securities, or (ii) the electronic delivery of such securities by means of book-entry transfer, if available.
SECTION 1.12 "DEPOSIT AGREEMENT" shall mean this Deposit Agreement and all exhibits hereto, as the same may from time to time be amended and supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof.
SECTION 1.13 "DEPOSITARY" shall mean Citibank, N.A., a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States, in its capacity as depositary under the terms of this Deposit Agreement, and any successor depositary hereunder.
SECTION 1.14 "DEPOSITED SECURITIES" shall mean Shares at any time deposited under this Deposit Agreement and any and all other securities, property and cash held by the Depositary or the Custodian in respect thereof, subject, in the case of cash, to the provisions of Section 4.8. The collateral delivered in connection with Pre-Release Transactions described in Section 5.10 hereof shall not constitute Deposited Securities. Except as specifically provided in this Deposit Agreement, in any applicable agreement among the Depositary, the Company and the applicable Holders and Beneficial Owners supplementing this Deposit Agreement, or in the applicable ADR(s), the term Deposited Securities shall include (i) Restricted Share(s) on deposit pursuant to
Section 2.13 of this Deposit Agreement and (ii) Partial Entitlement Shares on deposit pursuant to Section 2.11 of this Deposit Agreement.
SECTION 1.15 "DOLLARS" and "$" shall refer to the lawful currency of the United States.
SECTION 1.16 "DTC" shall mean The Depository Trust Company, a national clearinghouse and the central book-entry settlement system for securities traded in the United States and, as such, the custodian for the securities of DTC Participants (as hereinafter defined) maintained in DTC, and any successor thereto.
SECTION 1.17 "DTC PARTICIPANT" shall mean any financial institution (or any nominee of such institution) having one or more participant accounts with DTC for receiving, holding and delivering the securities and cash held in DTC.
SECTION 1.18 "EXCHANGE ACT" shall mean the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.
SECTION 1.19 "FOREIGN CURRENCY" shall mean any currency other than Dollars.
SECTION 1.20 "FULL ENTITLEMENT ADR(s)", "FULL ENTITLEMENT ADS(s)" AND
"FULL ENTITLEMENT SHARE(s)" shall have the respective meanings set forth in
Section 2.11.
SECTION 1.21 "HOLDER(s)" shall mean the person(s) in whose name the ADSs are registered on the books of the Depositary (or the Registrar, if any) maintained for such purpose. A Holder may or may not be a Beneficial Owner. If a Holder is not the Beneficial Owner of the ADS(s) registered in its name, such person shall be deemed, for all purposes hereunder, to have all requisite authority to act on behalf of the Beneficial Owners of the ADSs registered in its name.
SECTION 1.22 "HONG KONG" shall refer to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.
SECTION 1.23 "PARTIAL ENTITLEMENT ADR(s)", "PARTIAL ENTITLEMENT ADS(s)" AND "PARTIAL ENTITLEMENT SHARE(s)" shall have the respective meanings set forth in Section 2.11.
SECTION 1.24 "PRE-RELEASE TRANSACTION" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 5.10.
SECTION 1.25 "PRINCIPAL OFFICE" shall mean, when used with respect to the Depositary, the principal office of the Depositary at which at any particular time its depositary receipts business shall be administered, which, at the date of this Deposit Agreement, is located at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013, U.S.A.
SECTION 1.26 "REGISTRAR" shall mean the Depositary or any bank or trust company having an office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, which shall be appointed by the Depositary in consultation with the Company to register issuances, transfers and cancellations of ADSs as herein provided, and shall include any co-registrar appointed by the
Depositary in consultation with the Company for such purposes. Registrars (other than the Depositary) may be removed and substitutes appointed by the Depositary. Each Registrar (other than the Depositary) appointed pursuant to this Deposit Agreement shall be required to give notice in writing to the Depositary and to the Company accepting such appointment and agreeing to be bound by the applicable terms of this Deposit Agreement.
SECTION 1.27 "RESTRICTED SECURITIES" shall mean Shares, Deposited Securities or ADSs which (i) have been acquired directly or indirectly from the Company or any of its Affiliates in a transaction or chain of transactions not involving any public offering and are subject to resale limitations under the Securities Act or the rules issued thereunder, or (ii) are held by an officer or director (or persons performing similar functions) or other Affiliate of the Company, or (iii) are subject to other restrictions on sale or deposit under the laws of the United States, Hong Kong or any other country, or under a shareholder agreement or the Articles of Association of the Company or under the regulations of an applicable securities exchange unless, in each case, such Shares, Deposited Securities or ADSs are being transferred or sold to persons other than an Affiliate of the Company in a transaction (a) covered by an effective resale registration statement, or (b) exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act (as hereinafter defined), and the Shares, Deposited Securities or ADSs are not, when held by such person(s), Restricted Securities.
SECTION 1.28 "RESTRICTED ADR(s)", "RESTRICTED ADS(s)" AND "RESTRICTED SHARES" shall have the respective meanings set forth in Section 2.13.
SECTION 1.29 "SECURITIES ACT" shall mean the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.
SECTION 1.30 "SHARE REGISTRAR" shall mean Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited or any institution organized under the laws of Hong Kong appointed by the Company to carry out the duties of registrar for the Shares, and any successor thereto appointed by the Company.
SECTION 1.31 "SHARES" shall mean the Company's ordinary shares, par value U.S.$0.04 per share, validly issued and outstanding and fully paid and may, if the Depositary so agrees after consultation with the Company, include evidence of the right to receive Shares; provided that in no event shall Shares include evidence of the right to receive Shares with respect to which the full purchase price has not been paid or Shares as to which preemptive rights have theretofore not been validly waived or exercised; provided further, however, that, if there shall occur any change in par value, split-up, consolidation, reclassification, exchange, conversion or any other event described in Section 4.11 in respect of the Shares of the Company, the term "Shares" shall thereafter, to the maximum extent permitted by law, represent the successor securities resulting from such event. Except as specifically provided in this Deposit Agreement, in any applicable agreement among the Depositary, this Company and the applicable Holders and Beneficial Owners, supplementing this Deposit Agreement, or in the applicable ADR(s), the term Share(s) shall include (i) Restricted Share(s) on deposit pursuant to Section 2.13 of this Deposit Agreement, and (ii) Partial Entitlement Shares on deposit pursuant to Section 2.11 of this Deposit Agreement.
SECTION 1.32 "UNCERTIFICATED ADS(s)" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.12.
SECTION 1.33 "UNITED STATES" and "U.S." shall have the meaning assigned to it in Regulation S as promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Act.
ARTICLE II
APPOINTMENT OF DEPOSITARY; FORM OF RECEIPTS;
DEPOSIT OF SHARES; EXECUTION AND
DELIVERY, TRANSFER AND SURRENDER OF RECEIPTS
SECTION 2.1 APPOINTMENT OF DEPOSITARY. The Company hereby appoints the Depositary as depositary for the Deposited Securities and hereby authorizes and directs the Depositary to act in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Deposit Agreement and the applicable ADRs. Each Holder and each Beneficial Owner, upon acceptance of any ADSs (or any interest therein) issued in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement shall be deemed for all purposes to (a) be a party to and bound by the terms of this Deposit Agreement and the applicable ADR(s), and (b) appoint the Depositary its attorney-in-fact, with full power to delegate, to act on its behalf and to take any and all actions contemplated in this Deposit Agreement and the applicable ADR(s), to adopt any and all procedures necessary to comply with applicable law and to take such action as the Depositary in its sole discretion may deem necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this Deposit Agreement and the applicable ADR(s), the taking of such actions to be the conclusive determinant of the necessity and appropriateness thereof.
SECTION 2.2 FORM AND TRANSFERABILITY OF ADSs.
(a) FORM. Certificated ADSs shall be evidenced by definitive ADRs which shall be engraved, printed, lithographed or produced in such other manner as may be agreed upon by the Company and the Depositary. ADRs may be issued under this Deposit Agreement in
denominations of any whole number of ADSs. The ADRs shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A to the Deposit Agreement, with any appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions, in each case as otherwise contemplated in the Deposit Agreement or required by law. ADRs shall be (i) dated, (ii) signed by the manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary, (iii) countersigned by the manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Registrar, and (iv) registered in the books maintained by the Registrar for the registration of issuances and transfers of ADSs. No ADR and no Certificated ADS evidenced thereby shall be entitled to any benefits under the Deposit Agreement or be valid or enforceable for any purpose against the Depositary or the Company, unless such ADR shall have been so dated, signed, countersigned and registered. ADRs bearing the facsimile signature of a duly-authorized signatory of the Depositary or the Registrar, who at the time of signature was a duly-authorized signatory of the Depositary or the Registrar, as the case may be, shall bind the Depositary, notwithstanding the fact that such signatory has ceased to be so authorized prior to the delivery of such ADR by the Depositary. The ADRs shall bear a CUSIP number that is different from any CUSIP number that was, is or may be assigned to any depositary receipts previously or subsequently issued pursuant to any other arrangement between the Depositary (or any other depositary) and the Company and which are not ADRs issued hereunder.
(b) LEGENDS. The ADRs may, with the prior consent of the Company (such
consent not to be unreasonably withheld), be endorsed with, or have incorporated
in the text thereof, such legends or recitals not inconsistent with the
provisions of the Deposit Agreement as (i) may be necessary to enable the
Depositary and the Company to perform their respective obligations hereunder,
(ii) may be required to comply with any applicable laws or regulations, or with
the rules and regulations of any securities exchange or market upon which ADSs
may be traded, listed or quoted, or to conform with any usage with respect
thereto, (iii) may be necessary to indicate any special limitations or
restrictions to which any particular ADRs or ADSs are subject by reason of the
date or manner of issuance of the Deposited Securities or otherwise (including,
without limitation, as contemplated in Section 2.13 of this Deposit Agreement),
or (iv) may be required by any book-entry system in which the ADSs are held.
Holders and Beneficial Owners shall be deemed, for all purposes, to have notice
of, and to be bound by, the terms and conditions of the legends set forth, in
the case of Holders, on the ADR registered in the name of the applicable Holders
or, in the case of Beneficial Owners, on the ADR representing the ADSs owned by
such Beneficial Owners.
(c) TITLE. Subject to the limitations contained herein and in the ADR, title to an ADR (and to each Certificated ADS evidenced thereby) shall be transferable by delivery upon the same terms as a certificated security under the laws of the State of New York, provided that, in the case of Certificated ADSs, such ADR has been properly endorsed or is accompanied by proper instruments of transfer. Notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, the Depositary and the Company may deem and treat the Holder of an ADS (that is, the person in whose name an ADS is registered on the books of the Depositary) as the absolute owner thereof for all purposes. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall have any obligation nor be subject to any liability under this Deposit Agreement or any ADR to any Holder or any Beneficial Owner unless such holder is the Holder registered on the books of the Depositary or, in the case of a Beneficial Owner, such Beneficial Owner, or the Beneficial Owner's representative, is the Holder registered on the books of the Depositary.
(d) BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEMS. The Depositary shall make arrangements for the acceptance of the ADSs into DTC. A single ADR in the form of a "Balance Certificate" will evidence all ADSs held through DTC and will be registered in the name of the nominee for DTC (currently "Cede & Co.") and will provide that it represents the aggregate number of ADSs from time to time indicated in the records of the Depositary as being issued hereunder and that the aggregate number of ADSs represented thereby may from time to time be increased or decreased by making adjustments on such records of the Depositary and of DTC or its nominee as hereinafter provided. As such, the nominee for DTC will be the only "Holder" of the ADR evidencing all ADSs held through DTC. Citibank, N.A. (or such other entity as is appointed by DTC or its nominee) may hold the "Balance Certificate" as custodian for DTC. Each Beneficial Owner of ADSs held through DTC must rely upon the procedures of DTC and the DTC Participants to exercise or be entitled to any rights attributable to such ADSs. The DTC Participants shall for all purposes be deemed to have all requisite power and authority to act on behalf of the Beneficial Owners of the ADSs held in the DTC Participants' respective accounts in DTC and the Depositary shall for all purposes be authorized to rely upon any instructions and information given to it by DTC Participants on behalf of Beneficial Owners of ADSs. So long as ADSs are held through DTC or unless otherwise required by law, ownership of beneficial interests in the ADR registered in the name of the nominee for DTC will be shown on, and transfers of such ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by (i) DTC or its nominee (with respect to the interests of DTC Participants), or (ii) DTC Participants or their nominees (with respect to the interests of clients of DTC Participants).
SECTION 2.3 DEPOSIT WITH CUSTODIAN. Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Deposit Agreement and applicable law, Shares or evidence of rights to
receive Shares (other than Restricted Securities) may be deposited by any person
(including the Depositary in its individual capacity but subject, however, in
the case of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, to Section 5.7 hereof)
at any time, whether or not the transfer books of the Company or the Share
Registrar, if any, are closed, by Delivery of the Shares to the Custodian;
provided, that Restricted Shares may be deposited only upon the terms
contemplated in Section 2.13 of this Deposit Agreement. Every deposit of Shares
shall be accompanied by the following: (A) (i) in the case of Shares represented
by certificates issued in registered form, appropriate instruments of transfer
or endorsement, in a form satisfactory to the Custodian, (ii) in the case of
Shares represented by certificates in bearer form. the requisite coupons and
talons pertaining thereto, and (iii) in the case of Shares delivered by
book-entry transfer, confirmation of such book-entry transfer to the Custodian
or that irrevocable instructions have been given to cause such Shares to be so
transferred, (B) such certifications and payments (including, without
limitation, the Depositary's fees and related charges) and evidence of such
payments (including, without limitation, stamping or otherwise marking such
Shares by way of receipt) as may be required by the Depositary or the Custodian
in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement and applicable law,
(C) if the Depositary so reasonably requires, a written order directing the
Depositary to execute and deliver to, or upon the written order of, the
person(s) stated in such order the number of ADSs representing the Shares so
deposited, (D) evidence satisfactory to the Depositary (which may be an opinion
of counsel) that all necessary approvals have been granted by, or there has been
compliance with the rules and regulations of, any applicable governmental agency
in Hong Kong, and (E) if the Depositary so requires, (i) an agreement,
assignment or
instrument satisfactory to the Depositary or the Custodian which provides for the prompt transfer by any person in whose name the Shares are or have been recorded to the Custodian of any distribution, or right to subscribe for additional Shares or to receive other property in respect of any such deposited Shares or, in lieu thereof, such indemnity or other agreement as shall be satisfactory to the Depositary or the Custodian and (ii) if the Shares are registered in the name of the person on whose behalf they are presented for deposit, a proxy or proxies entitling the Custodian to exercise voting rights in respect of the Shares for any and all purposes until the Shares so deposited are registered in the name of the Depositary, the Custodian or any nominee.
Without limiting any other provision of this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary shall instruct the Custodian not to, and the Depositary shall not knowingly, accept for deposit (a) any Restricted Securities (except as contemplated in Section 2.13 of this Deposit Agreement) nor (b) any fractional Shares or fractional Deposited Securities nor (c) a number of Shares or Deposited Securities which upon application of the ADS to Shares ratio would give rise to fractional ADSs. No Share shall be accepted for deposit unless accompanied by evidence, if any is required by the Depositary, that is reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary or the Custodian that all conditions to such deposit have been satisfied by the person depositing such Shares under applicable laws and regulations of Hong Kong and any necessary approval has been granted by any applicable governmental body in Hong Kong, if any. The Depositary may issue ADSs against evidence of rights to receive Shares from the Company, any agent of the Company or any custodian, registrar, transfer agent, clearing agency or other entity authorized by the Company to maintain ownership or transaction records in respect of the Shares. Such evidence of rights shall consist of written blanket or specific guarantees of ownership of Shares furnished by the Company or any such custodian, registrar, transfer agent, clearing agency or other entity authorized by the Company to maintain ownership or transaction records in respect of the Shares.
Without limitation of the foregoing, the Depositary shall not knowingly accept for deposit under this Deposit Agreement any Shares or other Deposited Securities required to be registered under the provisions of the Securities Act, unless a registration statement is in effect as to such Shares or other Deposited Securities, or any Shares or other Deposited Securities the deposit of which would violate any provisions of the Articles of Association of the Company. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the Depositary shall be entitled to rely upon representations and warranties made or deemed made pursuant to this Deposit Agreement and shall not be required to make any further investigation. The Depositary will comply with written instructions of the Company (received by the Depositary reasonably in advance) not to accept for deposit hereunder any Shares identified in such instructions at such times and under such circumstances as may reasonably be specified in such instructions in order to facilitate the Company's compliance with the securities laws of the United States.
SECTION 2.4 REGISTRATION AND SAFEKEEPING OF DEPOSITED SECURITIES. The Depositary shall instruct the Custodian upon each Delivery of certificates representing registered Shares being deposited hereunder with the Custodian (or other Deposited Securities pursuant to Article IV hereof), together with the other documents above specified, to present such certificate(s), together with the appropriate instrument(s) of transfer or endorsement, duly stamped, to the Share Registrar for transfer and registration of the Shares (as soon as transfer and registration can be accomplished and at the expense of the person for whom the deposit is made) in the name of the Depositary, the Custodian or a nominee of either. Deposited Securities shall be held by the Depositary or by a Custodian for the account and to the order of the Depositary or a nominee in each case on behalf of the Holders and Beneficial Owners, at such place or places as the Depositary or the Custodian shall determine.
SECTION 2.5 ISSUANCE OF ADSs. The Depositary has made arrangements with the Custodian to confirm to the Depositary (i) that a deposit of Shares has been made pursuant to Section 2.3 hereof, (ii) that such Deposited Securities have been recorded in the name of the Depositary, the Custodian or a nominee of either on the shareholders' register maintained by or on behalf of the Company by the Share Registrar if registered Shares have been deposited or, if deposit is made by book-entry transfer, confirmation of such transfer in the books of the applicable book-entry settlement entity, (iii) that all required documents have been received, and (iv) the person(s) to whom or upon whose order ADSs are deliverable in respect thereof and the number of ADSs to be so delivered. Such notification may be made by letter, cable, telex, SWIFT message or, at the risk and expense of the person making the deposit, by facsimile or other means of electronic transmission. Upon receiving such notice from the Custodian, the Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement and applicable law, shall issue the ADSs representing the Shares so deposited to or upon the order of the person(s) named in the notice delivered to the Depositary and, if applicable, shall execute and deliver at its Principal Office Receipt(s) registered in the name(s) requested by such person(s) and evidencing the aggregate number of ADSs to which such person(s) are entitled, but, in each case, only upon payment to the Depositary of the charges of the Depositary for accepting a deposit, issuing ADSs (as set forth in Section 5.9 and Exhibit B hereto) and all taxes and governmental charges and fees payable in connection with such deposit and the transfer of the Shares and the issuance of the ADS(s). The Depositary shall only issue ADSs in whole numbers and deliver, if applicable, ADR(s) evidencing whole numbers of ADSs. Nothing herein shall prohibit any Pre-Release Transaction upon the terms set forth in this Deposit Agreement.
SECTION 2.6 TRANSFER, COMBINATION AND SPLIT-UP OF ADRs.
(a) TRANSFER. The Registrar shall as soon as reasonably practicable register the transfer of ADRs (and of the ADSs represented thereby) on the books maintained for such purpose and the Depositary shall as soon as reasonably practicable (x) cancel such ADRs and execute new ADRs evidencing the same aggregate number of ADSs as those evidenced by the ADRs canceled by the Depositary, (y) cause the Registrar to countersign such new ADRs and (z) Deliver such new ADRs to or upon the order of the person entitled thereto, if each of the following conditions has been satisfied: (i) the ADRs have been duly Delivered by the Holder (or by a duly authorized attorney of the Holder) to the Depositary at its Principal Office for the purpose of effecting a transfer thereof, (ii) the surrendered ADRs have been properly endorsed or are accompanied by proper instruments of transfer (including signature guarantees in accordance with standard securities industry practice), (iii) the surrendered ADRs have been duly stamped (if required by the laws of the State of New York or of the United States), and (iv) all applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and all applicable taxes and governmental charges (as are set forth in Section 5.9 and Exhibit B hereto) have been paid, subject, however, in each case, to the terms and conditions of the applicable ADRs, of the Deposit Agreement and of applicable law, in each case as in effect at the time thereof.
(b) COMBINATION & SPLIT UP. The Registrar shall as soon as reasonably practicable register the split-up or combination of ADRs (and of the ADSs represented thereby) on the books maintained for such purpose and the Depositary shall (x) cancel such ADRs and execute new ADRs for the number of ADSs requested, but in the aggregate not exceeding the number of ADSs evidenced by the ADRs cancelled by the Depositary, (y) cause the Registrar to countersign such new ADRs and (z) Deliver such new ADRs to or upon the order of the Holder thereof, if each of the following conditions has been satisfied: (i) the ADRs have been duly Delivered by the Holder (or by a duly authorized attorney of the Holder) to the Depositary at its Principal Office for the purpose of effecting a split-up or combination thereof, and (ii) all applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and all applicable taxes and governmental charges (as are set forth in Section 5.9 and Exhibit B hereto) have been paid, subject, however, in each case, to the terms and conditions of the applicable ADRs, of the Deposit Agreement and of applicable law, in each case as in effect at the time thereof.
(c) CO-TRANSFER AGENTS. The Depositary may appoint one or more co-transfer agents for the purpose of effecting transfers, combinations and split-ups of ADRs at designated transfer offices on behalf of the Depositary. In carrying out its functions, a co-transfer agent may require evidence of authority and compliance with applicable laws and other requirements by Holders or persons entitled to such ADRs and will be entitled to protection and indemnity to the same extent as the Depositary. Such co-transfer agents may be removed and substitutes appointed by the Depositary in consultation with the Company. Each co-transfer agent appointed under this Section 2.6 (other than the Depositary) shall give notice in writing to the Depositary and to the Company accepting such appointment and agreeing to be bound by the applicable terms of this Deposit Agreement.
SECTION 2.7 SURRENDER OF ADSs AND WITHDRAWAL OF DEPOSITED SECURITIES. The
Holder of ADSs shall be entitled to Delivery (at the Custodian's designated
office) of the Deposited Securities at the time represented by the ADSs upon
satisfaction of each of the following conditions: (i) the Holder (or a
duly-authorized attorney of the Holder) has duly Delivered ADSs to the
Depositary at its Principal Office (and if applicable, the ADRs evidencing such
ADSs) for the purpose of withdrawal of the Deposited Securities represented
thereby, (ii) if applicable and so required by the Depositary, the ADRs
Delivered to the Depositary for such purpose have been properly endorsed in
blank or are accompanied by proper instruments of transfer in blank (including
signature guarantees in accordance with standard securities industry practice),
(iii) if so required by the Depositary, the Holder of the ADSs has executed and
delivered to the Depositary a written order directing the Depositary to cause
the Deposited Securities being withdrawn to be Delivered to or upon the written
order of the person(s) designated in such order, and (iv) all applicable fees
and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and all applicable
taxes and governmental charges (as are set forth in Section 5.9 and Exhibit B
hereof) have been paid, subject, however, in each case, to the terms and
conditions of the ADRs evidencing the surrendered ADSs, of the Deposit
Agreement, of the Company's Articles of Association and of any applicable laws
and the rules of the applicable book-entry settlement entity, and to any
provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities, in each case as in effect
at the time thereof.
Upon satisfaction of each of the conditions specified above, the Depositary (i) shall cancel the ADSs Delivered to it (and, if applicable, the ADRs evidencing the ADSs so Delivered), (ii) shall direct the Registrar to record the cancellation of the ADSs so Delivered on the books maintained for such purpose, and (iii) shall direct the Custodian to Deliver (without unreasonable delay) at the Custodian's designated office the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs so canceled together with any certificate or other document of title for the Deposited Securities, or evidence of the electronic transfer thereof (if available), as the case may be, to or upon the written order of the person(s) designated in the order delivered to the Depositary for such purpose, subject however, in each case, to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, of the ADRs evidencing the ADSs so cancelled, of the Articles of Association of the Company, of any applicable laws and of the rules of the applicable book-entry settlement entity, and to the terms and conditions of or governing the Deposited Securities, in each case as in effect at the time thereof.
The Depositary shall not accept for surrender ADSs representing less than one Share. In the case of the Delivery to it of ADSs representing a number other than a whole number of Shares, the Depositary shall cause ownership of the appropriate whole number of Shares to be Delivered in accordance with the terms hereof, and shall, at the discretion of the Depositary, either (i) return to the person surrendering such ADSs the number of ADSs representing any remaining fractional Share, or (ii) sell or cause to be sold the fractional Share represented by the ADSs so surrendered and remit the proceeds of such sale (net of (a) applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes withheld) to the person surrendering the ADSs.
Notwithstanding anything else contained in any ADR or the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may make delivery at the Principal Office of the Depositary of (i) any cash dividends
or cash distributions, or (ii) any proceeds from the sale of any distributions of shares or rights, which are at the time held by the Depositary in respect of the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs surrendered for cancellation and withdrawal. At the request, risk and expense of any Holder so surrendering ADSs, and for the account of such Holder, the Depositary shall direct the Custodian to forward (to the extent permitted by law) any cash or other property (other than securities) held by the Custodian in respect of the Deposited Securities represented by such ADSs to the Depositary for delivery at the Principal Office of the Depositary. Such direction shall be given by letter or, at the request, risk and expense of such Holder, by cable, telex or facsimile transmission.
SECTION 2.8 LIMITATIONS ON EXECUTION AND DELIVERY, TRANSFER, ETC. OF ADSs; SUSPENSION OF DELIVERY, TRANSFER, ETC.
(a) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS. As a condition precedent to the execution and
delivery, registration of issuance, transfer, split-up, combination or
surrender, of any ADS, the delivery of any distribution thereon, or the
withdrawal of any Deposited Securities, the Depositary or the Custodian may
require (i) payment from the depositor of Shares or presenter of ADSs or of an
ADR of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any tax or other governmental charge
and any stock transfer or registration fee with respect thereto (including any
such tax or charge and fee with respect to Shares being deposited or withdrawn)
and payment of any applicable fees and charges of the Depositary as provided in
Section 5.9 and Exhibit B hereof, (ii) the production of proof satisfactory to
it as to the identity and genuineness of any signature or any other matter
contemplated by Section 3.1 hereof, and (iii) compliance with (A) any laws or
governmental regulations relating to the execution and delivery of ADRs or ADSs
or to the withdrawal of Deposited Securities and (B) such reasonable regulations
as the Depositary or the Company may establish consistent with the provisions of
the representative ADR, if applicable, this Deposit Agreement and applicable
law.
(b) ADDITIONAL LIMITATIONS. The issuance of ADSs against deposits of Shares generally or against deposits of particular Shares may be suspended, or the deposit of particular Shares may be refused, or the registration of transfer of ADSs in particular instances may be refused, or the registration of transfers of ADSs generally may be suspended, during any period when the transfer books of the Company, the Depositary, a Registrar or the Share Registrar are closed or if any such action is deemed necessary or advisable by the Depositary or the Company, in good faith, at any time or from time to time because of any requirement of law, any government or governmental body or commission or any securities exchange on which the ADSs or Shares are listed, or under any provision of this Deposit Agreement or the representative ADR(s), if applicable, or under any provision of, or governing, the Deposited Securities, or because of a meeting of shareholders of the Company or for any other reason, subject, in all cases, to Section 7.8 hereof.
(c) REGULATORY RESTRICTIONS. Notwithstanding any provision of this Deposit Agreement or any ADR(s) to the contrary, Holders are entitled to surrender outstanding ADSs to withdraw the Deposited Securities at any time subject only to (i) temporary delays caused by closing the transfer books of the Depositary or the Company or the deposit of Shares in connection with voting at a shareholders' meeting or the payment of dividends, (ii) the payment
of fees, taxes and similar charges, (iii) compliance with any U.S. or foreign laws or governmental regulations relating to the ADRs or to the withdrawal of the Deposited Securities, and (iv) other circumstances specifically contemplated by Instruction I.A.(l) of the General Instructions to Form F-6 (as such General Instructions may be amended from time to time).
SECTION 2.9 LOST ADRs, ETC. In case any ADR shall be mutilated, destroyed,
lost, or stolen, the Depositary shall execute, register and deliver a new ADR of
like tenor at the expense of the Holder (a) in the case of a mutilated ADR, in
exchange of and substitution for such mutilated ADR upon cancellation thereof,
or (b) in the case of a destroyed, lost or stolen ADR, in lieu of and in
substitution for such destroyed, lost, or stolen ADR, after the Holder thereof
(i) has submitted to the Depositary a written request for such exchange and
substitution before the Depositary has notice that the ADR has been acquired by
a bona fide purchaser, (ii) has provided such security or indemnity (including
an indemnity bond) as may be required by the Depositary to save it and any of
its agents harmless, and (iii) has satisfied any other reasonable requirements
imposed by the Depositary, including, without limitation, evidence reasonably
satisfactory to the Depositary of such destruction, loss or theft of such ADR,
the authenticity thereof and the Holder's ownership thereof.
SECTION 2.10 CANCELLATION AND DESTRUCTION OF SURRENDERED ADRs; MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS. All ADRs surrendered to the Depositary shall be canceled by the Depositary. Canceled ADRs shall not be entitled to any benefits under this Deposit Agreement or be valid or enforceable against the Depositary for any purpose. The Depositary is authorized to destroy ADRs so canceled, provided the Depositary maintains a record of all destroyed ADRs. Any ADSs held in book-entry form (i.e., through accounts at DTC) shall be deemed canceled when the Depositary causes the number of ADSs evidenced by the Balance Certificate to be reduced by the number of ADSs surrendered (without the need to physically destroy the Balance Certificate). The Depositary agrees to maintain records of all ADRs surrendered and the Shares withdrawn, substitute ADRs delivered and canceled or destroyed ADRs as required by the regulations governing the stock transfer industry. Upon the reasonable request of the Company, the Depositary shall provide a copy of such records to the Company.
SECTION 2.11 PARTIAL ENTITLEMENT ADSs. In the event any Shares are deposited which (i) entitle the holders thereof to receive a per-share distribution or other entitlement in an amount different from the Shares then on deposit or (ii) are not fully fungible (including, without limitation, as to settlement or trading) with the Shares then on deposit (the Shares then on deposit collectively, "Full Entitlement Shares" and the Shares with different entitlement, "Partial Entitlement Shares"), the Depositary shall (i) cause the Custodian to hold Partial Entitlement Shares separate and distinct from Full Entitlement Shares, and (ii) subject to the terms of this Deposit Agreement, issue ADSs and, if applicable, deliver ADRs representing Partial Entitlement Shares which are separate and distinct from the ADSs and ADRs representing Full Entitlement Shares, by means of separate CUSIP numbering and legending (if necessary) and, if applicable, by issuing ADRs evidencing such ADSs with applicable notations thereon ("Partial Entitlement ADSs/ADRs" and "Full Entitlement ADSs/ADRs", respectively). If and when Partial Entitlement Shares become Full Entitlement Shares, the Depositary shall (a) give notice thereof to Holders of Partial Entitlement ADSs and give Holders of Partial Entitlement ADRs the opportunity to exchange such Partial Entitlement ADRs for Full Entitlement ADRs, (b) cause the
Custodian to transfer the Partial Entitlement Shares into the account of the Full Entitlement Shares, and (c) take such actions as are necessary to remove the distinctions between (i) the Partial Entitlement ADRs and ADSs, on the one hand, and (ii) the Full Entitlement ADRs and ADSs on the other. Holders and Beneficial Owners of Partial Entitlement ADSs shall only be entitled to the entitlements of Partial Entitlement Shares. Holders and Beneficial Owners of Full Entitlement ADSs shall be entitled only to the entitlements of Full Entitlement Shares. All provisions and conditions of this Deposit Agreement shall apply to Partial Entitlement ADRs and ADSs to the same extent as Full Entitlement ADRs and ADSs, except as contemplated by this Section 2.11. The Depositary is authorized to take any and all other actions as may be necessary (including, without limitation, making the necessary notations on ADRs) to give effect to the terms of this Section 2.11. The Company agrees to give timely written notice to the Depositary if any Shares issued or to be issued are Partial Entitlement Shares and shall assist the Depositary with the establishment of procedures enabling the identification of Partial Entitlement Shares upon Delivery to the Custodian.
SECTION 2.12 CERTIFICATED/UNCERTIFICATED ADSs. Notwithstanding any other
provision of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may, at any time and from
time to time, issue ADSs that are not evidenced by ADRs (such ADSs, the
"Uncertificated ADS(s)" and the ADS(s) evidenced by ADR(s), the "Certificated
ADS(s)"). When issuing and maintaining Uncertificated ADS(s) under the Deposit
Agreement, the Depositary shall at all times be subject to (i) the standards
applicable to registrars and transfer agents maintaining direct registration
systems for equity securities in New York and issuing uncertificated securities
under New York law, and (ii) the terms of New York law applicable to
uncertificated equity securities. Uncertificated ADSs shall not be represented
by any instruments but shall be evidenced by registration in the books and
records of the Depositary maintained for such purpose. Holders of Uncertificated
ADSs, that are not subject to any registered pledges, liens, restrictions or
adverse claims of which the Depositary has notice at such time, shall at all
times have the right to exchange the Uncertificated ADS(s) for Certificated
ADS(s) of the same type and class, subject in each case to applicable laws and
any rules and regulations the Depositary may have established in respect of the
Uncertificated ADSs. Holders of Certificated ADSs shall, if the Depositary
maintains a direct registration system for the ADSs, have the right to exchange
the Certificated ADSs for Uncertificated ADSs upon (i) the due surrender of the
Certificated ADS(s) to the Depositary for such purpose and (ii) the presentation
of a written request to that effect to the Depositary, subject in each case to
(a) all liens and restrictions noted on the ADR evidencing the Certificated
ADS(s) and all adverse claims of which the Depositary then has notice, (b) the
terms of the Deposit Agreement and the rules and regulations that the Depositary
may establish for such purposes hereunder, (c) applicable law, and (d) payment
of the Depositary fees and expenses applicable to such exchange of Certificated
ADS(s) for Uncertificated ADS(s). Uncertificated ADSs shall in all respects be
identical to Certificated ADS(s) of the same type and class, except that (i) no
ADR(s) shall be, or shall need to be, issued to evidence Uncertificated ADS(s),
(ii) Uncertificated ADS(s) shall, subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement,
be transferable upon the same terms and conditions as uncertificated securities
under New York law, (iii) the ownership of Uncertificated ADS(s) shall be
recorded on the books of the Depositary maintained for such purpose and evidence
of such ownership shall be reflected in periodic statements provided by the
Depositary to the Holder(s) in accordance with applicable New York law,
(iv) the Depositary may from time to time, upon notice to the Holders of
Uncertificated ADSs affected thereby, establish rules and regulations, and amend
or supplement existing rules and regulations, as may be deemed reasonably
necessary to maintain Uncertificated ADS(s) on behalf of Holders, provided that
(a) such rules and regulations do not conflict with the terms of the Deposit
Agreement and applicable law, and (b) the terms of such rules and regulations
are readily available to Holders upon request, (v) the Uncertificated ADS(s)
shall not be entitled to any benefits under this Deposit Agreement or be valid
or enforceable for any purpose against the Depositary or the Company unless such
Uncertificated ADS(s) is/are registered on the books of the Depositary
maintained for such purpose, (vi) the Depositary may, in connection with any
deposit of Shares resulting in the issuance of Uncertificated ADSs and with any
transfer, pledge, release and cancellation of Uncertificated ADSs, require the
prior receipt of such documentation as the Depositary may deem reasonably
appropriate, and (vii) upon termination of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary
shall not require Holders of Uncertificated ADSs to affirmatively instruct the
Depositary before remitting proceeds from the sale of the Deposited Securities
represented by such Holders' Uncertificated ADSs under the terms of Section 6.2
of the Deposit Agreement. When issuing ADSs under the terms of the Deposit
Agreement, including, without limitation, issuances pursuant to Sections 2.5,
4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 and 4.11, the Depositary may in its discretion determine to
issue Uncertificated ADSs rather than Certificated ADSs, unless otherwise
specifically instructed by the applicable Holder to issue Certificated ADSs. All
provisions and conditions of the Deposit Agreement shall apply to Uncertificated
ADSs to the same extent as to Certificated ADSs, except as contemplated by this
Section 2.12. The Depositary is authorized and directed to take any and all
actions and establish any and all procedures deemed reasonably necessary to give
effect to the terms of this Section 2.12. Any references in the Deposit
Agreement or any ADR(s) to the terms "American Depositary Share(s)" or "ADS(s)"
shall, unless the context otherwise requires, include Certificated ADS(s) and
Uncertificated ADS(s). Except as set forth in this Section 2.12 and except as
required by applicable law, the Uncertificated ADSs shall be treated as ADSs
issued and outstanding under the terms of the Deposit Agreement. In the event
that, in determining the rights and obligations of parties hereto with respect
to any Uncertificated ADSs, any conflict arises between (a) the terms of the
Deposit Agreement (other than this Section 2.12) and (b) the terms of this
Section 2.12, the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 2.12 shall be
controlling and shall govern the rights and obligations of the parties to the
Deposit Agreement pertaining to the Uncertificated ADSs.
SECTION 2.13 RESTRICTED ADSs. The Depositary shall, at the request and expense of the Company, establish procedures enabling the deposit hereunder of Shares that are Restricted Securities in order to enable the holder of such Shares to hold its ownership interests in such Restricted Shares in the form of ADSs issued under the terms hereof (such Shares, "Restricted Shares"). Restricted ADSs shall only be issued in physical form, registered in the name of the Holder of Restricted ADSs. Upon receipt of a written request from the Company to accept Restricted Shares for deposit hereunder, the Depositary agrees to establish procedures permitting the deposit of such Restricted Shares and the issuance of ADSs representing such deposited Restricted Shares (such ADSs, the "Restricted ADSs," and the ADRs evidencing such Restricted ADSs, the "Restricted ADRs"). The Company shall assist the Depositary in the establishment of such procedures and agrees that it shall take all steps necessary and reasonably satisfactory to the
Depositary to insure that the establishment of such procedures does not violate
the provisions of the Securities Act or any other applicable laws. The
depositors of such Restricted Shares and the holders of the Restricted ADSs may
be required prior to the deposit of such Restricted Shares, the transfer of the
Restricted ADRs and the Restricted ADSs evidenced thereby or the withdrawal of
the Restricted Shares represented by Restricted ADSs to provide such written
certifications or agreements as the Depositary or the Company may require. The
Company shall provide to the Depositary in writing the legend(s) to be affixed
to the Restricted ADRs, which legends shall (i) be in a form reasonably
satisfactory to the Depositary and (ii) contain the specific circumstances under
which the Restricted ADRs and the Restricted ADSs represented thereby may be
transferred or the Restricted Shares withdrawn. The Restricted ADSs issued upon
the deposit of Restricted Shares shall be separately identified on the books of
the Depositary and the Restricted Shares so deposited shall be held separate and
distinct from the other Deposited Securities held hereunder. The Restricted
Shares and the Restricted ADSs shall not be eligible for Pre-Release
Transactions. The Restricted ADSs shall not be eligible for inclusion in any
book-entry settlement system, including, without limitation, DTC, and shall not
in any way be fungible with the ADSs issued under the terms hereof that are not
Restricted ADSs. The Restricted ADRs and the Restricted ADSs evidenced thereby
shall be transferable only by the Holder thereof upon delivery to the Depositary
of (i) all documentation otherwise contemplated by this Deposit Agreement and
(ii) an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary setting
forth, inter alia, the conditions upon which the Restricted ADR presented is,
and the Restricted ADSs evidenced thereby are, transferable by the Holder
thereof under applicable securities laws and the transfer restrictions contained
in the legend set forth on the Restricted ADR presented for transfer. Except as
set forth in this Section 2.13 and except as required by applicable law, the
Restricted ADRs and the Restricted ADSs evidenced thereby shall be treated as
ADRs and ADSs issued and outstanding under the terms of the Deposit Agreement.
In the event that, in determining the rights and obligations of parties hereto
with respect to any Restricted ADSs, any conflict arises between (a) the terms
of this Deposit Agreement (other than this Section 2.13) and (b) the terms of
(i) this Section 2.13 or (ii) the applicable Restricted ADR, the terms and
conditions set forth in this Section 2.13 and of the Restricted ADR shall be
controlling and shall govern the rights and obligations of the parties to this
Deposit Agreement pertaining to the deposited Restricted Shares, the Restricted
ADSs and Restricted ADRs. In the event that the Company makes any distributions
upon Deposited Securities described in Article IV of this Deposit Agreement, the
Depositary shall (i) make the determinations contemplated in Article IV with
respect to the Restricted ADSs independently from the determination for ADSs
that are not Restricted ADSs and (ii) shall make distributions under Article IV
to Holders of Restricted ADSs only on the basis of the distributions received
from the Company in respect of the Restricted Shares corresponding to the
Restricted ADSs held by such Holders.
If the Restricted ADRs, the Restricted ADSs and the Restricted Shares are no longer Restricted Securities, the Depositary, upon receipt of (x) an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary setting forth, inter alia, that the Restricted ADRs, the Restricted ADSs and the Restricted Shares are not as of such time Restricted Securities, and (y) instructions from the Company to remove the restrictions applicable to the Restricted ADRs, the Restricted ADSs and the Restricted Shares, shall (i) eliminate the distinctions and separations between the applicable
Restricted Shares held on deposit under this Section 2.13 and the other Shares held on deposit under the terms of the Deposit Agreement that are not Restricted Shares, (ii) treat the newly unrestricted ADRs and ADSs on the same terms as, and fully fungible with, the other ADRs and ADSs issued and outstanding under the terms of the Deposit Agreement that are not Restricted ADRs or Restricted ADSs, (iii) take all actions necessary to remove any distinctions, limitations and restrictions previously existing under this Section 2.13 between the applicable Restricted ADRs and Restricted ADSs, respectively, on the one hand, and the other ADRs and ADSs that are not Restricted ADRs or Restricted ADSs, respectively, on the other hand, including, without limitation, by making the newly-unrestricted ADSs eligible for Pre-Release Transactions and for inclusion in the applicable book-entry settlement systems.
ARTICLE III
CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF HOLDERS
AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF ADSs
SECTION 3.1 PROOFS, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION. Any person presenting Shares for deposit, any Holder and any Beneficial Owner may be required, and every Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees, from time to time to provide to the Company, the Depositary and the Custodian such proof of citizenship or residence, taxpayer status, payment of all applicable taxes or other governmental charges, exchange control approval, legal or beneficial ownership of ADSs and Deposited Securities, compliance with applicable laws, the terms of this Deposit Agreement or the ADR(s) evidencing the ADSs and the provisions of, or governing, the Deposited Securities, to execute such certifications and to make such representations and warranties, and to provide such other information and documentation (or, in the case of Shares in registered form presented for deposit, such information relating to the registration on the books of the Company or of the Share Registrar) as the Depositary or the Custodian may reasonably deem necessary or proper or as the Company may reasonably require by written request to the Depositary consistent with its obligations under this Deposit Agreement and the applicable ADR(s). The Depositary and the Registrar, as applicable, may withhold the execution or delivery or registration of transfer of any ADR or ADS or the distribution or sale of any dividend or distribution of rights or of the proceeds thereof or, to the extent not limited by the terms of Section 7.8 hereof, the Delivery of any Deposited Securities until such proof or other information is filed or such certifications are executed, or such representations and warranties are made, or such other documentation or information provided, in each case to the Depositary's, the Registrar's and the Company's satisfaction. The Depositary shall provide the Company, in a timely manner, with copies or originals if necessary and appropriate of (i) any such proofs of citizenship or residence, taxpayer status, or exchange control approval or copies of written representations and warranties which it receives from Holders and Beneficial Owners, and (ii) any other information or documents which the Company may reasonably request and which the Depositary shall request and receive from any Holder or Beneficial Owner or any person presenting Shares for deposit or ADSs for cancellation, transfer or withdrawal. Except to the extent that information is readily accessible from the records of the Depositary, the Depositary shall not be required to (i) obtain any information for the Company if not provided by the Holders or Beneficial Owners, or (ii) verify or vouch for the accuracy of the information so provided by the Holders or Beneficial Owners.
SECTION 3.2 LIABILITY FOR TAXES AND OTHER CHARGES. Any tax or other governmental charge payable by the Custodian or by the Depositary with respect to any ADR or any Deposited Securities or ADSs shall be payable by the Holders and Beneficial Owners to the Depositary. The Company, the Custodian and/or the Depositary may withhold or deduct from any distributions made in respect of Deposited Securities and may sell for the account of a Holder and/or Beneficial Owner any or all of the Deposited Securities and apply such distributions and sale proceeds in payment of such taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) or charges, the Holder and the Beneficial Owner remaining liable for any deficiency. The Custodian may refuse the deposit of Shares and the Depositary may refuse to issue ADSs, to deliver ADRs, register the transfer of ADSs, register the split-up or combination of ADRs and
(subject to Section 7.8) the withdrawal of Deposited Securities until payment in full of such tax, charge, penalty or interest is received. Every Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees to indemnify the Depositary, the Company, the Custodian, and any of their agents, officers, employees and Affiliates for, and to hold each of them harmless from, any claims with respect to taxes (including applicable interest and penalties thereon) arising from any tax benefit obtained for such Holder and/or Beneficial Owner.
SECTION 3.3 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES ON DEPOSIT OF SHARES. Each person depositing Shares under the Deposit Agreement shall be deemed thereby to represent and warrant that (i) such Shares and the certificates therefor are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and legally obtained by such person, (ii) all preemptive (and similar) rights, if any, with respect to such Shares have been validly waived or exercised, (iii) the person making such deposit is duly authorized so to do, (iv) the Shares presented for deposit are free and clear of any lien, encumbrance, security interest, charge, mortgage or adverse claim, and (v) the Shares presented for deposit are not, and the ADSs issuable upon such deposit will not be, Restricted Securities (except as contemplated in Section 2.13), and (vi) the Shares presented for deposit have not been stripped of any rights or entitlements. Such representations and warranties shall survive the deposit and withdrawal of Shares, the issuance and cancellation of ADSs in respect thereof and the transfer of such ADSs. If any such representations or warranties are false in any way, the Company and the Depositary shall be authorized, at the cost and expense of the person depositing Shares, to take any and all actions necessary to correct the consequences thereof.
SECTION 3.4 COMPLIANCE WITH INFORMATION REQUESTS. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Deposit Agreement or any ADR(s), each Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees to comply with requests from the Company pursuant to applicable law, the rules and requirements of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange, and any other stock exchange on which the Shares or ADSs are, or will be, registered, traded or listed or the Articles of Association of the Company, which are made to provide information, inter alia, as to the capacity in which such Holder or Beneficial Owner owns ADSs (and Shares as the case may be) and regarding the identity of any other person(s) interested in such ADSs and the nature of such interest and various other matters, whether or not they are Holders and/or Beneficial Owners at the time of such request. The Depositary agrees to use its reasonable efforts to forward, upon the request of the Company and at the Company's expense, any such request from the Company to the Holders and to forward to the Company any such responses to such requests received by the Depositary.
SECTION 3.5 OWNERSHIP RESTRICTIONS. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Deposit Agreement or any ADR, the Company may restrict transfers of the Shares where such transfer (i) might result in ownership of Shares exceeding limits imposed by applicable law or the Articles of Association of the Company, or (ii) is otherwise in violation of applicable laws, rules and regulations. The Company may also restrict, in such manner as it deems appropriate, transfers of the ADSs where such transfer (i) may result in the total number of Shares represented by the ADSs owned by a single Holder or Beneficial Owner to exceed any such limits, or (ii) is in violation of applicable laws, rules and regulations. The Company may, in its sole discretion but subject to applicable law, instruct the Depositary to take action with respect to
the ownership interest of any Holder or Beneficial Owner in excess of the limits set forth in the preceding sentence, including, but not limited to, the imposition of restrictions on the transfer of ADSs, the removal or limitation of voting rights or mandatory sale or disposition on behalf of a Holder or Beneficial Owner of the Shares represented by the ADSs held by such Holder or Beneficial Owner in excess of such limitations, if and to the extent such disposition is permitted by applicable law and the Articles of Association of the Company.
ARTICLE IV
THE DEPOSITED SECURITIES
SECTION 4.1 CASH DISTRIBUTIONS. Whenever the Depositary receives confirmation from the Custodian of the receipt of any cash dividend or other cash distribution on any Deposited Securities, or receives proceeds from the sale of any Deposited Securities or any other entitlements held in respect of Deposited Securities under the terms hereof, the Depositary will (i) if at the time of receipt thereof any amounts received in a Foreign Currency can in the judgment of the Depositary (pursuant to Section 4.8) be converted on a practicable basis into Dollars transferable to the United States, promptly convert or cause to be converted such cash dividend, distribution or proceeds into Dollars (on the terms described in Section 4.8), (ii) if applicable, establish the ADS Record Date upon the terms described in Section 4.9, and (iii) distribute promptly the amount thus received (net of (a) the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes withheld) to the Holders entitled thereto as of the ADS Record Date in proportion to the number of ADSs held as of the ADS Record Date. The Depositary shall distribute only such amount, however, as can be distributed without attributing to any Holder a fraction of one cent, and any balance not so distributed shall be held by the Depositary (without liability for interest thereon) and shall be added to and become part of the next sum received by the Depositary for distribution to Holders of ADSs outstanding at the time of the next distribution. If the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary is required to withhold and does withhold from any cash dividend or other cash distribution in respect of any Deposited Securities an amount on account of taxes, duties or other governmental charges, the amount distributed to Holders on the ADSs representing such Deposited Securities shall be reduced accordingly. Such withheld amounts shall be forwarded and made available by the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary to the relevant governmental authority. Evidence of payment thereof by the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary, as applicable, shall be forwarded by the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary, as applicable, upon request. To the extent not subject to any confidentiality undertaking with respect to such information and not prohibited by law from releasing such information, the Company, the Depositary or the Custodian, as the case may be, will forward to the Depositary, the Company or their respective agents, as the case may be, such information from its records as the Depositary or the Company, as the case may be, may reasonably request in writing in order to enable the Depositary, the Company or their respective agents, as the case may be, to file necessary reports with governmental agencies, and the Depositary, the Company or their respective agents may file or cause the filing of any such reports necessary to obtain the benefits under the applicable tax treaties for Holders of ADSs.
SECTION 4.2 DISTRIBUTION IN SHARES. If any distribution upon any Deposited Securities consists of a dividend in, or free distribution of, Shares, the Company shall cause such Shares to be deposited with the Custodian and registered, as the case may be, in the name of the Depositary, the Custodian or their respective nominees. Upon receipt of confirmation of such deposit from the Custodian, the Depositary shall establish the ADS Record Date upon the terms described in Section 4.9 and either (i) the Depositary shall, subject to Section 5.9 hereof, distribute to the Holders as of the ADS Record Date in proportion to the number of ADSs held as of the ADS Record Date, additional ADSs, which represent in the aggregate the number of Shares received as such dividend, or free distribution, subject to the other terms of this Deposit Agreement (including, without limitation, (a) the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes), or (ii) if additional ADSs are not so distributed, each ADS issued and outstanding after the ADS Record Date shall, to the extent permissible by law, thenceforth also represent rights and interests in the additional integral number of Shares distributed upon the Deposited Securities represented thereby (net of (a) the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary (as provided in Section 5.9 of this Deposit Agreement), and (b) taxes). In lieu of delivering fractional ADSs, the Depositary shall sell the number of Shares or ADSs, as the case may be, represented by the aggregate of such fractions and distribute the net proceeds upon the terms described in Section 4.1. In the event that the Depositary determines that any distribution in property (including Shares) is subject to any tax or other governmental charges which the Depositary is obligated to withhold, or, if the Company in the fulfillment of its obligation under Section 5.7 hereof, has furnished an opinion of U.S. counsel determining that Shares must be registered under the Securities Act or other laws in order to be distributed to Holders (and no such registration statement has been declared effective), the Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of such property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner, including by public or private sale, as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable, and the Depositary shall distribute the net proceeds of any such sale (after deduction of (a) taxes and (b) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary) to Holders entitled thereto upon the terms described in Section 4.1. The Depositary shall hold and/or distribute any unsold balance of such property in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement.
SECTION 4.3 ELECTIVE DISTRIBUTIONS IN CASH OR SHARES. Whenever the Company intends to make a distribution payable at the election of the holders of Shares in cash or in additional Shares, the Company shall give timely notice (determined in accordance with U.S. market practices) thereof to the Depositary stating whether or not it wishes such elective distribution to be made available to Holders of ADSs. Upon timely receipt of notice indicating that the Company wishes such elective distribution to be made available to Holders of ADSs, the Depositary shall consult with the Company to determine, and the Company shall assist the Depositary in its determination, whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to make such elective distribution available to the Holders of ADSs. The Depositary shall make such elective distribution available to Holders only if (i) the Company shall have timely requested that the elective distribution be made available to Holders, (ii) the Depositary shall have determined in consultation with the Company that such distribution is reasonably practicable and (iii) the Depositary shall have received satisfactory documentation within the terms of Section 5.7. If the above conditions are not satisfied, the Depositary shall, to the extent permitted by law, distribute
to the Holders, on the basis of the same determination as is made in Hong Kong
in respect of the Shares for which no election is made, either (X) cash upon the
terms described in Section 4.1 or (Y) additional ADSs representing such
additional Shares upon the terms described in Section 4.2. If the above
conditions are satisfied, the Depositary shall establish an ADS Record Date (on
the terms described in Section 4.9) and establish procedures to enable Holders
to elect the receipt of the proposed distribution in cash or in additional ADSs.
The Company shall assist the Depositary in establishing such procedures to the
extent necessary. If a Holder elects to receive the proposed distribution (X) in
cash, the distribution shall be made upon the terms described in Section 4.1, or
(Y) in ADSs, the distribution shall be made upon the terms described in Section
4.2. Nothing herein shall obligate the Depositary to make available to Holders a
method to receive the elective distribution in Shares (rather than ADSs). There
can be no assurance that Holders generally, or any Holder in particular, will be
given the opportunity to receive elective distributions on the same terms and
conditions as the holders of Shares.
SECTION 4.4 DISTRIBUTION OF RIGHTS TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL ADSs.
(a) DISTRIBUTION TO ADS HOLDERS. Whenever the Company intends to
distribute to the holders of the Deposited Securities rights to subscribe for
additional Shares, the Company shall give timely notice (determined in
accordance with U.S. market practices) thereof to the Depositary stating whether
or not it wishes such rights to be made available to Holders of ADSs. Upon
timely receipt of a notice indicating that the Company wishes such rights to be
made available to Holders of ADSs, the Depositary shall consult with the Company
to determine, and the Company shall assist the Depositary in its determination,
whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to make such rights available to
the Holders. The Depositary shall make such rights available to Holders only if
(i) the Company shall have timely requested that such rights be made available
to Holders, (ii) the Depositary shall have received satisfactory documentation
within the terms of Section 5.7, and (iii) the Depositary shall have determined
that such distribution of rights is reasonably practicable. In the event any of
the conditions set forth above are not satisfied or if the Company requests that
the rights not be made available to Holders of ADSs, the Depositary shall
proceed with the sale of the rights as contemplated in Section 4.4(b) below. In
the event all conditions set forth above are satisfied, the Depositary shall
establish an ADS Record Date (upon the terms described in Section 4.9) and
establish procedures to (x) distribute rights to purchase additional ADSs (by
means of warrants or otherwise), (y) enable the Holders to exercise such rights
(upon payment of the subscription price and of the applicable (a) fees and
charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary (as provided in Section 5.9
of this Deposit Agreement), and (b) taxes), and (z) deliver ADSs upon the valid
exercise of such rights. The Company shall assist the Depositary to the extent
necessary in establishing such procedures. Nothing herein shall obligate the
Depositary to make available to the Holders a method to exercise rights to
subscribe for Shares (rather than ADSs).
(b) SALE OF RIGHTS. If (i) the Company does not timely request the Depositary to make the rights available to Holders or requests that the rights not be made available to Holders, (ii) the Depositary fails to receive satisfactory documentation within the terms of Section 5.7 or determines in consultation with the Company that it is not reasonably practicable to make the rights available to Holders, or (iii) any rights made available are not exercised and appear to be about to lapse, the Depositary shall determine in consultation with the Company whether it is
lawful and reasonably practicable to sell such rights, in a riskless principal capacity, at such place and upon such terms (including public or private sale) as it may deem practicable. The Company shall assist the Depositary to the extent necessary to determine such legality and practicability. The Depositary shall, upon such sale, convert and distribute proceeds of such sale (net of applicable (a) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary (as provided in Section 5.9 of this Deposit Agreement), and (b) taxes) upon the terms set forth in Section 4.1.
(c) LAPSE OF RIGHTS. If the Depositary is unable to make any rights available to Holders upon the terms described in Section 4.4(a) or to arrange for the sale of the rights upon the terms described in Section 4.4(b), the Depositary shall allow such rights to lapse.
Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be responsible for (i) any failure to determine that it may be lawful or practicable to make such rights available to Holders in general or any Holders in particular, nor (ii) any foreign exchange exposure or loss incurred in connection with such sale, or exercise. The Depositary shall not be responsible for the content of any materials forwarded to the Holders on behalf of the Company in connection with the rights distribution.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.4, if
registration (under the Securities Act or any other applicable law) of the
rights or the securities to which any rights relate may be required in order for
the Company to offer such rights or such securities to Holders and to sell the
securities represented by such rights, the Depositary will not distribute such
rights to the Holders (i) unless and until a registration statement under the
Securities Act (or other applicable law) covering such offering is in effect or
(ii) unless the Company furnishes the Depositary with opinion(s) of counsel for
the Company in the United States and counsel to the Company in any other
applicable country in which rights would be distributed, in each case reasonably
satisfactory to the Depositary, to the effect that the offering and sale of such
securities to Holders and Beneficial Owners are exempt from, or do not require
registration under, the provisions of the Securities Act or any other applicable
laws.
In the event that the Company, the Depositary or the Custodian shall be required to withhold and does withhold from any distribution of property (including rights) an amount on account of taxes or other governmental charges, the amount distributed to the Holders of ADSs representing such Deposited Securities shall be reduced accordingly. In the event that the Depositary determines that any distribution in property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) is subject to any tax or other governmental charges which the Depositary is obligated to withhold, the Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of such property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner, including by public or private sale, as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay any such taxes or charges.
There can be no assurance that Holders generally, or any Holder in particular, will be given the opportunity to receive or exercise rights on the same terms and conditions as the holders of Shares or be able to exercise such rights. Nothing herein shall obligate the Company to file any registration statement in respect of any rights or Shares or other securities to be acquired upon the exercise of such rights.
SECTION 4.5 DISTRIBUTIONS OTHER THAN CASH, SHARES OR RIGHTS TO PURCHASE SHARES.
(a) Whenever the Company intends to distribute to the holders of Deposited Securities property other than cash, Shares or rights to purchase additional Shares, the Company shall give timely notice thereof to the Depositary and shall indicate whether or not it wishes such distribution to be made to Holders of ADSs. Upon receipt of a notice indicating that the Company wishes such distribution be made to Holders of ADSs, the Depositary shall consult with the Company, and the Company shall assist the Depositary, to determine whether such distribution to Holders is lawful and reasonably practicable. The Depositary shall not make such distribution unless (i) the Company shall have requested the Depositary to make such distribution to Holders, (ii) the Depositary shall have received satisfactory documentation within the terms of Section 5.7, and (iii) the Depositary shall have determined in consultation with the Company that such distribution is reasonably practicable.
(b) Upon receipt of satisfactory documentation and the request of the Company to distribute property to Holders of ADSs and after making the requisite determinations set forth in (a) above, the Depositary shall distribute the property so received to the Holders of record, as of the ADS Record Date, in proportion to the number of ADSs held by them respectively and in such manner as the Depositary may deem practicable for accomplishing such distribution (i) upon receipt of payment or net of the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary (as provided in Section 5.9 of this Deposit Agreement), and (ii) net of any taxes withheld. The Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of the property so distributed and deposited, in such amounts and in such manner (including public or private sale) as the Depositary may deem practicable or necessary to satisfy any taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) or other governmental charges applicable to the distribution.
(c) If (i) the Company does not request the Depositary to make such
distribution to Holders or requests not to make such distribution to Holders,
(ii) the Depositary does not receive satisfactory documentation within the terms
of Section 5.7, or (iii) the Depositary determines that all or a portion of such
distribution is not reasonably practicable, the Depositary shall sell or cause
such property to be sold in a public or private sale, at such place or places
and upon such terms as it may deem practicable and shall (i) cause the proceeds
of such sale, if any, to be converted into Dollars and (ii) distribute the
proceeds of such conversion received by the Depositary (net of applicable (a)
fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary (as provided in
Section 5.9 of this Deposit Agreement), and (b) taxes) to the Holders as of the
ADS Record Date upon the terms of Section 4.1. If the Depositary is unable to
sell such property, the Depositary may dispose of such property for the account
of the Holders in any way it deems reasonably practicable under the
circumstances.
(d) Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be responsible for (i) any failure to determine whether it is lawful or practicable to make the property described in this Section 4.5 available to Holders in general or any Holders in particular, nor (ii) any foreign exchange exposure or loss incurred in connection with the sale or disposal of such property. The Depositary shall not be responsible for the content of any materials forwarded to the Holders on behalf of the Company in connection with the distribution or sale of such property.
SECTION 4.6 DISTRIBUTIONS WITH RESPECT TO DEPOSITED SECURITIES IN BEARER FORM. Subject to the terms of this Article IV, distributions in respect of Deposited Securities that are held by the Depositary in bearer form shall be made to the Depositary for the account of the respective Holders of ADS(s) with respect to which any such distribution is made upon due presentation by the Depositary or the Custodian to the Company of any relevant coupons, talons, or certificates. The Company shall promptly notify the Depositary of such distributions. The Depositary or the Custodian shall promptly present such coupons, talons or certificates, as the case may be, in connection with any such distribution.
SECTION 4.7 REDEMPTION. If the Company intends to exercise any right of redemption in respect of any of the Deposited Securities, the Company shall give timely notice (determined in accordance with U.S. market practices) thereof to the Depositary which notice shall set forth the particulars of the proposed redemption. Upon timely receipt of (i) such notice and (ii) satisfactory documentation given by the Company to the Depositary within the terms of Section 5.7, and only if the Depositary shall have determined that such proposed redemption is practicable, the Depositary shall provide to each Holder a notice setting forth the intended exercise by the Company of the redemption rights and any other particulars set forth in the Company's notice to the Depositary. The Depositary shall instruct the Custodian to present to the Company the Deposited Securities in respect of which redemption rights are being exercised against payment of the applicable redemption price. Upon receipt of confirmation from the Custodian that the redemption has taken place and that funds representing the redemption price have been received, the Depositary shall convert, transfer, and distribute the proceeds (net of applicable (a) fees and charges of, and the expenses incurred by, the Depositary, and (b) taxes), retire ADSs and cancel ADRs, if applicable, upon delivery of such ADSs by Holders thereof and the terms set forth in Sections 4.1 and 6.2 hereof. If less than all outstanding Deposited Securities are redeemed, the ADSs to be retired will be selected by lot or on a pro rata basis, as may be determined by the Depositary. The redemption price per ADS shall be the dollar equivalent of the per share amount received by the Depositary (adjusted to reflect the ADS(s)-to-Share(s) ratio) upon the redemption of the Deposited Securities represented by ADSs (subject to the terms of Section 4.8 hereof and the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary (as provided in Section 5.9 of this Deposit Agreement), and taxes) multiplied by the number of Deposited Securities represented by each ADS redeemed.
SECTION 4.8 CONVERSION OF FOREIGN CURRENCY. Whenever the Depositary or the Custodian shall receive Foreign Currency, by way of dividends or other distributions or the net proceeds from the sale of securities, property or rights, which in the reasonable judgment of the Depositary can at such time be converted on a practicable basis, by sale or in any other manner that it may determine in accordance with applicable law, into Dollars transferable to the United States and distributable to the Holders entitled thereto, the Depositary shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, convert or cause to be converted, by sale or in any other manner that it may determine, such Foreign Currency into Dollars, and shall distribute as soon as reasonably practicable such Dollars (net of any applicable fees (as provided in Section 5.9 of this Deposit Agreement), any reasonable and customary expenses incurred in such conversion and any expenses incurred on behalf of the Holders in complying with currency exchange control or other governmental requirements) in accordance with the terms of the applicable sections of this Deposit Agreement. If the Depositary shall have distributed warrants or other instruments that
entitle the holders thereof to such Dollars, the Depositary shall distribute such Dollars to the holders of such warrants and/or instruments upon surrender thereof for cancellation, in either case without liability for interest thereon. Such distribution may be made upon an averaged or other practicable basis without regard to any distinctions among Holders on account of any application of exchange restrictions or otherwise.
If such conversion or distribution generally or with regard to a particular Holder can be effected only with the approval or license of any government or agency thereof, the Depositary shall have authority to file such application for approval or license, if any, as it may deem desirable acting in good faith. In no event, however, shall the Depositary be obligated to make such a filing.
If at any time the Depositary shall determine that in its judgment the
conversion of any Foreign Currency and the transfer and distribution of proceeds
of such conversion received by the Depositary is not reasonably practicable or
lawful, or if any approval or license of any governmental authority or agency
thereof that is required for such conversion, transfer and distribution is
denied or, in the opinion of the Depositary, not obtainable at a reasonable cost
or within a reasonable period, the Depositary may, in its discretion, (i) make
such conversion and distribution in Dollars to the Holders for whom such
conversion, transfer and distribution is lawful and practicable, (ii) distribute
the Foreign Currency (or an appropriate document evidencing the right to receive
such Foreign Currency) to Holders for whom this is lawful and practicable or
(iii) hold (or cause the Custodian to hold) such Foreign Currency (without
liability for interest thereon) for the respective accounts of the Holders
entitled to receive the same.
SECTION 4.9 FIXING OF ADS RECORD DATE. Whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of the fixing of a record date by the Company for the determination of holders of Deposited Securities entitled to receive any distribution (whether in cash, Shares, rights, or other distribution), or whenever for any reason the Depositary causes a change in the number of Shares that are represented by each ADS, or whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of any meeting of, or solicitation of consents or proxies of, holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities, or whenever the Depositary shall find it necessary or convenient in connection with the giving of any notice, solicitation of any consent or any other matter, the Depositary shall fix a record date (the "ADS Record Date") for the determination of the Holders of ADS(s) who shall be entitled to receive such distribution, to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting, to give or withhold such consent, to receive such notice or solicitation or to otherwise take action, or to exercise the rights of Holders with respect to such changed number of Shares represented by each ADS. The Depositary shall make reasonable efforts to establish the ADS Record Date as closely as possible to the applicable record date for the Deposited Securities (if any) set by the Company in Hong Kong. Subject to applicable law and the provisions of Section 4.1 through 4.8 and to the other terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, only the Holders of ADSs at the close of business in New York on such ADS Record Date shall be entitled to receive such distribution, to give such voting instructions, to receive such notice or solicitation, or otherwise take action.
SECTION 4.10 VOTING OF DEPOSITED SECURITIES.
(a) ADS VOTING INSTRUCTIONS. As soon as practicable after receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of Deposited Securities are entitled to vote, or of solicitation of consents or proxies from holders of Deposited Securities, the Depositary shall fix the ADS Record Date in respect of such meeting or solicitation of consent or proxy in accordance with Section 4.9. The Depositary shall, if requested by the Company in writing in a timely manner (which request must be received by the Depositary at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of such vote or meeting) and as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt thereof, at the Company's expense and provided no U.S. legal prohibitions exist, distribute to Holders as of the ADS Record Date: (a) such notice of meeting or solicitation of consent or proxy, (b) a statement that the Holders at the close of business on the ADS Record Date will be entitled, subject to any applicable law, the provisions of this Deposit Agreement, the Articles of Association of the Company and the provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities (which provisions, if any, shall be summarized in pertinent part by the Company), to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights, if any, pertaining to the Deposited Securities represented by such Holder's ADSs, and (c) a brief statement as to the manner in which such voting instructions may be given (including an indication that instructions will be deemed to have been given in accordance with Section 4.10(b) below (if no instructions are received by the Depositary prior to the deadline set for such purposes) to the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company). Voting instructions may be given only in respect of a number of ADSs representing an integral number of Deposited Securities. In the event the notice of meeting or vote and request of the Company is not received by the Depositary at least thirty (30) days prior to such meeting or vote, the Depositary shall not have any obligation to notify the Holders and shall not under any circumstances vote the Deposited Securities, cause the Deposited Securities to be voted or grant any discretionary proxy to the Company. Upon the timely receipt from a Holder of ADSs as of the ADS Record Date of voting instructions in the manner specified by the Depositary, the Depositary shall endeavor, insofar as practicable and permitted under applicable law, the provisions of this Deposit Agreement, Articles of Association of the Company and the provisions of the Deposited Securities, to vote, or cause the Custodian to vote, the Deposited Securities (in person or by proxy) represented by such Holder's ADSs in accordance with such voting instructions, either on a show of hands, in which case, the Depositary shall vote or shall instruct the Custodian to vote in accordance with instructions received from a majority of Holders giving instructions, or on a poll, in which case the Depositary shall vote or cause the Custodian to vote in accordance with the instructions as received from the Holders giving instructions.
Under the Articles of Association of the Company (as in effect as of the date hereof), a poll may be demanded at any meeting by (i) the chairman of the meeting, (ii) at least three shareholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting, (iii) a shareholder or shareholders present in person or by proxy (1) who represent in the aggregate not less than 10% of the total voting rights of all shareholders having the right to attend and vote at the meeting, or (2) who hold Shares conferring the right to attend and vote at the meeting on which there have been paid sums in the aggregate equal to not less than 10% of the total sum paid up on all Shares conferring that right. The Depositary will not join in demanding a poll, whether or not requested to do so by Holders of ADSs.
(b) DISCRETIONARY PROXY TO MANAGEMENT. Neither the Depositary nor the Custodian shall under any circumstances exercise any discretion as to voting and neither the Depositary nor the Custodian shall vote, attempt to exercise the right to vote, or in any way make use of for purposes of establishing a quorum or otherwise, the Deposited Securities represented by ADSs, except pursuant to and in accordance with the voting instructions timely received from Holders or as otherwise contemplated herein.
If the Depositary timely receives voting instructions from a Holder which fail to specify the manner in which the Depositary is to vote the Deposited Securities represented by such Holder's ADSs, the Depositary will deem such Holder (unless otherwise specified in the notice distributed to Holders) to have instructed the Depositary to vote in favor of the items set forth in such voting instructions.
If the Depositary does not receive instructions from a Holder as of the ADS Record Date on or before the date established by the Depositary for such purpose, such Holder shall be deemed, and the Depositary shall deem such Holder, to have instructed the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company to vote the Deposited Securities; provided, however, that no such discretionary proxy shall be given by the Depositary with respect to any matter to be voted upon as to which the Company informs the Depositary that (i) the Company does not wish such proxy to be given, (ii) substantial opposition exists, or (iii) the rights of holders of Deposited Securities may be adversely affected; further, provided, that no such discretionary proxy will be given by the Depositary with respect to a particular item for which no instructions have been received in the event that the vote is on a show of hands.
Notwithstanding anything else contained herein, the Depositary shall, if so requested in writing by the Company, represent all Deposited Securities (whether or not voting instructions have been received in respect of such Deposited Securities from Holders as of the ADS Record Date) for the sole purpose of establishing quorum at a meeting of shareholders.
(c) LEGAL PROHIBITIONS. Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Deposit Agreement or any ADR, the Depositary shall not have any obligation to take any action with respect to any meeting, or solicitation of consents or proxies, of holders of Deposited Securities if the taking of such action would violate U.S. laws. The Company agrees to take any and all actions reasonably necessary to enable Holders and Beneficial Owners to exercise the voting rights accruing to the Deposited Securities and to deliver to the Depositary an opinion of U.S. counsel addressing any actions requested to be taken if so reasonably requested by the Depositary.
There can be no assurance that Holders or Beneficial Owners generally or any Holder or Beneficial Owner in particular will receive the notice described above with sufficient time to enable the Holder to return voting instructions to the Depositary in a timely manner.
SECTION 4.11 CHANGES AFFECTING DEPOSITED SECURITIES. Upon any change in nominal or par value, split-up, cancellation, consolidation or any other reclassification of Deposited Securities, or upon any recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale of assets affecting the Company or to which it is a party, any securities which shall be received by the
Depositary or the Custodian in exchange for, or in conversion of or replacement of or otherwise in respect of, such Deposited Securities shall, to the extent permitted by law, be treated as new Deposited Securities under this Deposit Agreement, and the ADRs shall, subject to the provisions of this Deposit Agreement and applicable law, evidence ADSs representing the right to receive such additional securities. The Depositary may, with the Company's approval, and shall, if the Company shall so request, subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement and receipt of an opinion of counsel to the Company reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary that such distributions are not in violation of any applicable laws or regulations, execute and deliver additional ADRs as in the case of a stock dividend on the Shares, or call for the surrender of outstanding ADRs to be exchanged for new ADRs, in either case, as well as in the event of newly deposited Shares, with necessary modifications to the form of ADR contained in Exhibit A hereto, specifically describing such new Deposited Securities or corporate change. The Company agrees to, jointly with the Depositary, amend the Registration Statement on Form F-6 as filed with the Commission to permit the issuance of such new form of ADRs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any security so received may not be lawfully distributed to some or all Holders in the reasonable judgment of the Depositary in consultation with the Company, the Depositary may, with the Company's approval, and shall, if the Company requests, subject to receipt of an opinion of Company's counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary that such action is not in violation of any applicable laws or regulations, sell such securities at public or private sale, at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem proper and may allocate the net proceeds of such sales (net of (a) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary (as provided in Section 5.9 of this Deposit Agreement), and (b) taxes) for the account of the Holders otherwise entitled to such securities upon an averaged or other practicable basis without regard to any distinctions among such Holders and distribute the net proceeds so allocated to the extent practicable as in the case of a distribution received in cash pursuant to Section 4.1. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be responsible for (i) any failure to determine that it may be lawful or feasible to make such securities available to Holders in general or to any Holder in particular, (ii) any foreign exchange exposure or loss incurred in connection with such sale, or (iii) any liability to the purchaser of such securities. The Depositary shall not be responsible for the content of any materials forwarded to the Holders on behalf of the Company in connection with the distribution or sale of such securities.
SECTION 4.12 AVAILABLE INFORMATION. The Company is subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and accordingly files certain information with the Commission. These reports and documents can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission located at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20549.
SECTION 4.13 REPORTS. The Depositary shall make available for inspection by Holders at its Principal Office any reports and communications, including any proxy soliciting materials, received from the Company which are both (a) received by the Depositary, the Custodian, or the nominee of either of them as the holder of the Deposited Securities and (b) made generally available to the holders of such Deposited Securities by the Company. The Depositary shall also provide to Holders copies of such reports when furnished by the Company pursuant to Section 5.6.
SECTION 4.14 LIST OF HOLDERS. Promptly upon written request by the Company, the Depositary shall furnish to it a list, as of a recent date, of the names, addresses and holdings of ADSs of all Holders.
SECTION 4.15 TAXATION. The Depositary will, and will instruct the Custodian to, forward to the Company or its agents such information from its records as the Company may reasonably request to enable the Company or its agents to file the necessary tax reports with governmental authorities or agencies. The Depositary, the Custodian or the Company and its agents may file such reports as are necessary to reduce or eliminate applicable taxes on dividends and on other distributions in respect of Deposited Securities under applicable tax treaties or laws for the Holders and Beneficial Owners. In accordance with instructions from the Company and to the extent practicable, the Depositary or the Custodian will take reasonable administrative actions to obtain tax refunds, reduced withholding of tax at source on dividends and other benefits under applicable tax treaties or laws with respect to dividends and other distributions on the Deposited Securities. As a condition to receiving such benefits, Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs may be required from time to time, and in a timely manner, to file such proof of taxpayer status, residence and beneficial ownership (as applicable), to execute such certificates and to make such representations and warranties, or to provide any other information or documents, as the Depositary or the Custodian may deem necessary or proper to fulfill the Depositary's or the Custodian's obligations under applicable law. Neither the Depositary, the Custodian nor the Company shall have any obligation or liability to any person if any Holder or Beneficial Owner fails to provide such information or if such information does not reach the relevant tax authorities in time for any Holder or Beneficial Owner to obtain the benefit of any tax treaty. The Holders and Beneficial Owners shall indemnify the Depositary, the Company, the Custodian and any of their respective directors, employees, agents and Affiliates against, and hold each of them harmless from, any claims by any governmental authority with respect to taxes, additions to tax, penalties or interest arising out of any refund of taxes, reduced rate of withholding at source or other tax benefit obtained.
If the Company (or any of its agents) withholds from any distribution any amount on account of taxes or governmental charges, or pays any other tax in respect of such distribution (i.e., stamp duty tax, capital gains or other similar tax), the Company shall (and shall cause such agent to) remit promptly to the Depositary information about such taxes or governmental charges withheld or paid, and, if so requested, the tax receipt (or other proof of payment to the applicable governmental authority) therefor, in each case, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary. The Depositary shall, to the extent required by U.S. law, report to Holders any taxes withheld by it or the Custodian, and, if such information is provided to it by the Company, any taxes withheld by the Company. The Depositary and the Custodian shall not be required to provide the Holders with any evidence of the remittance by the Company (or its agents) of any taxes withheld, or of the payment of taxes by the Company, except to the extent the evidence is provided by the Company to the Depositary or the Custodian, as applicable. Neither the Depositary nor the Custodian shall be liable for the failure by any Holder or Beneficial Owner to obtain the benefits of credits on the basis of non-U.S. tax paid against such Holder's or Beneficial Owner's income tax liability.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Deposit Agreement, before making any distribution or other payment on any Deposited Securities, the Company or its agent shall make such deductions (if any) which, by the laws of Hong Kong, the Company or its agent is required to make in respect of any income, capital gains or other taxes and the Company or its agent may also deduct the amount of any tax or governmental charges payable by the Company or its agent or for which the Company or its agent might be made liable in respect of such distribution or other payment or any document signed in connection therewith. In making such deductions, the Company and its agent shall have no obligation to any Holder or Beneficial Owner to apply a rate under any treaty or other arrangement between Hong Kong and the country within which such Holder or Beneficial Owner is resident unless such Holder or Beneficial Owner has timely provided to the Company or its agent evidence of the residency of such Holder or Beneficial Owner that is accepted by the relevant tax authorities of Hong Kong. The Depositary is under no obligation to provide the Holders and Beneficial Owners with any information about the tax status of the Company. The Depositary shall not incur any liability for any tax consequences that may be incurred by Holders and Beneficial Owners on account of their ownership of the ADSs, including without limitation, tax consequences resulting from the Company (or any of its subsidiaries) being treated as a "Foreign Personal Holding Company," or as a "Passive Foreign Investment Company" (in each case as defined in the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and the regulations issued thereunder) or otherwise.
ARTICLE V
THE DEPOSITARY, THE CUSTODIAN AND THE COMPANY
SECTION 5.1 MAINTENANCE OF OFFICE AND TRANSFER BOOKS BY THE REGISTRAR. Until termination of this Deposit Agreement in accordance with its terms, the Registrar shall maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, an office and facilities for the issuance and delivery of ADSs, the acceptance for surrender of ADS(s) for the purpose of withdrawal of Deposited Securities, the registration of issuances, cancellations, transfers, combinations and split-ups of ADS(s) and, if applicable, to countersign ADRs evidencing the ADSs so issued, transferred, combined or split-up, in each case in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement.
The Registrar shall keep books for the registration of ADSs which at all reasonable times shall be open for inspection by the Company and by the Holders of such ADSs, provided that such inspection shall not be, to the Registrar's knowledge, for the purpose of communicating with Holders of such ADSs in the interest of a business or object other than the business of the Company or other than a matter related to this Deposit Agreement or the ADSs.
The Registrar may close the transfer books with respect to the ADSs, at any time or from time to time, when deemed necessary or advisable by it in good faith in connection with the performance of its duties hereunder, or at the reasonable written request of the Company subject, in all cases, to Section 7.8 hereof.
If any ADSs are listed on one or more stock exchanges or automated quotation systems in the United States, the Depositary shall act as Registrar or appoint a Registrar or one or more
co-registrars in consultation with the Company for registration of issuances, cancellations, transfers, combinations and split-ups of ADSs and, if applicable, to countersign ADRs evidencing the ADSs so issued, transferred, combined or split-up, in accordance with any requirements of such exchanges or systems. Such Registrar or co-registrars may be removed and a substitute or substitutes appointed by the Depositary in consultation with the Company.
SECTION 5.2 EXONERATION. The Depositary and the Company undertake to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Deposit Agreement, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Deposit Agreement against the Depositary or the Company. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be obligated to do or perform any act which is inconsistent with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement or incur any liability (i) if the Depositary or the Company shall be prevented or forbidden from, or subjected to any civil or criminal penalty or restraint on account of, or delayed in, doing or performing any act or thing required by the terms of this Deposit Agreement, by reason of any provision of any present or future law or regulation of the United States, Hong Kong or any other country, or of any other governmental authority or regulatory authority or stock exchange, or on account of the possible criminal or civil penalties or restraint, or by reason of any provision, present or future, of the Articles of Association of the Company or any provision of or governing any Deposited Securities, or by reason of any act of God or war or other circumstances beyond its control (including, without limitation, nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, work stoppage, strikes, civil unrest, acts of terrorism, revolutions, rebellions, explosions and computer failure), (ii) by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in this Deposit Agreement or in the Articles of Association of the Company or provisions of or governing Deposited Securities, (iii) for any action or inaction in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Shares for deposit, any Holder, any Beneficial Owner or authorized representative thereof, or any other person believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information, (iv) for the inability by a Holder or Beneficial Owner to benefit from any distribution, offering, right or other benefit which is made available to holders of Deposited Securities but is not, under the terms of this Deposit Agreement, made available to Holders of ADSs, or (v) for any consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of this Deposit Agreement.
The Depositary and any Custodian, and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and Affiliates, and the Company, its controlling persons and its agents may rely and shall be protected in acting upon any written notice, request or other document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.
No disclaimer of liability under the Securities Act is intended by any provision of this Deposit Agreement.
SECTION 5.3 STANDARD OF CARE. The Company, the Depositary and their respective agents assume no obligation and shall not be subject to any liability under this Deposit Agreement or any ADRs to any Holder(s) or Beneficial Owner(s), except that the Company, the Depositary and their respective agents agree to perform their respective obligations specifically set forth in this Deposit Agreement or the applicable ADRs without negligence or bad faith.
Without limitation of the foregoing, neither the Depositary, nor the Company, nor any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents or Affiliates shall be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect of any Deposited Securities or in respect of the ADSs, which in its opinion may involve it in expense or liability, unless indemnity satisfactory to it against all expense (including fees and disbursements of counsel) and liability be furnished as often as may be required (and no Custodian shall be under any obligation whatsoever with respect to such proceedings, the responsibility of the Custodian being solely to the Depositary).
Neither the Depositary and its agents nor the Company shall be liable for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote any of the Deposited Securities, or for the manner in which any vote is cast or the effect of any vote, or for any failure to determine that any distribution or action may be lawful or reasonably practicable, provided that any such action, omission or determination is in good faith and in accordance with the terms of this Deposit Agreement. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall incur any liability for any investment risk associated with acquiring an interest in the Deposited Securities, for the validity or worth of the Deposited Securities, for any tax consequences that may result from the ownership of ADSs, Shares or Deposited Securities or for the credit-worthiness of any third party. The Depositary shall not incur any liability for the content of any information submitted to it by the Company for distribution to the Holders or for any inaccuracy of any translation thereof, for allowing any rights to lapse upon the terms of this Deposit Agreement or for the failure or timeliness of any notice from the Company. No waiver of any rights of any Holder or Beneficial Owner under the U.S. securities laws is intended by any provision of this paragraph. In addition, notwithstanding anything in this paragraph to the contrary, no provision in this paragraph shall prevent either party from pursuing its rights to indemnification pursuant to Section 5.8 of this Deposit Agreement.
SECTION 5.4 RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL OF THE DEPOSITARY; APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. The Depositary may at any time resign as Depositary hereunder by written notice of resignation delivered to the Company, such resignation to be effective on the earlier of (i) the 90th day after delivery thereof to the Company (whereupon the Depositary shall be entitled to take the actions contemplated in Section 6.2 hereof), or (ii) the appointment by the Company of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided.
The Depositary may at any time be removed by the Company by written notice of such removal, which removal shall be effective on the later of (i) the 90th day after delivery thereof to the Depositary (whereupon the Depositary shall be entitled to take the actions contemplated in Section 6.2 hereof), or (ii) upon the appointment by the Company of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided.
In case at any time the Depositary acting hereunder shall resign or be removed, the Company shall use its best efforts to appoint a successor depositary, which shall be a bank or trust company having an office in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York. Every successor depositary shall be required by the Company to execute and deliver to its predecessor and to the Company an instrument in writing accepting its appointment hereunder, and thereupon
such successor depositary, without any further act or deed (except as required by applicable law), shall become fully vested with all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of its predecessor (other than as contemplated in Sections 5.8 and 5.9). The predecessor depositary, upon payment of all sums due it and on the written request of the Company shall, (i) execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor all rights and powers of such predecessor hereunder (other than as contemplated in Sections 5.8 and 5.9), (ii) duly assign, transfer and deliver all right, title and interest to the Deposited Securities to such successor, and (iii) deliver to such successor a list of the Holders of all outstanding ADSs and such other information relating to ADSs and Holders thereof as the successor may reasonably request. Any such successor depositary shall promptly provide notice of its appointment to such Holders.
Any corporation into or with which the Depositary may be merged or consolidated shall be the successor of the Depositary without the execution or filing of any document or any further act.
SECTION 5.5 THE CUSTODIAN. The Depositary has initially appointed Citibank, N.A. - Hong Kong branch as Custodian for the purpose of this Deposit Agreement. The Custodian or its successors in acting hereunder shall be subject at all times and in all respects to the direction of the Depositary for the Shares for which the Custodian acts as custodian and shall be responsible solely to it. If any Custodian resigns or is discharged from its duties hereunder with respect to any Deposited Securities and no other Custodian has previously been appointed hereunder, the Depositary shall, in consultation with the Company, promptly appoint a substitute custodian that is organized under the laws of Hong Kong. Such resignation of the Custodian shall take effect upon the appointment of a successor custodian and its acceptance of such appointment. The Depositary shall require such resigning or discharged Custodian to deliver the Deposited Securities held by it, together with all such records maintained by it as Custodian with respect to such Deposited Securities as the Depositary may request, to the Custodian designated by the Depositary. Whenever the Depositary determines, in its discretion, that it is appropriate to do so, it may appoint an additional custodian with respect to any Deposited Securities, or discharge the Custodian with respect to any Deposited Securities and appoint a substitute custodian, which shall thereafter be Custodian hereunder with respect to the Deposited Securities. Immediately upon any such change, the Depositary shall give notice thereof in writing to all Holders of ADSs, each other Custodian and the Company.
Upon the appointment of any successor depositary, any Custodian then acting hereunder shall, unless otherwise instructed by the Depositary, continue to be the Custodian of the Deposited Securities without any further act or writing, and shall be subject to the direction of the successor depositary. The successor depositary so appointed shall, nevertheless, on the written request of any Custodian, execute and deliver to such Custodian all such instruments as may be proper to give to such Custodian full and complete power and authority to act on the direction of such successor depositary.
SECTION 5.6 NOTICES AND REPORTS. On or before the first date on which the Company gives notice, by publication or otherwise, of any meeting of holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities, or of any adjourned meeting of such holders, or of the taking of any action by such holders other than at a meeting, or of the taking of any action in respect of any cash or other
distributions or the offering of any rights in respect of Deposited Securities, the Company shall transmit to the Depositary and the Custodian a copy of the notice thereof in the English language but otherwise in the form given or to be given to holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities. The Company shall also furnish to the Custodian and the Depositary a summary, in English, of any applicable provisions or proposed provisions of the Articles of Association of the Company that may be relevant or pertain to such notice of meeting or be the subject of a vote thereat.
The Company will also transmit to the Depositary (a) an English language version of the other notices, reports and communications which are made generally available by the Company to holders of its Shares or other Deposited Securities and (b) the English-language versions of the Company's annual and semi-annual reports prepared in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Commission. The Depositary shall arrange, at the request of the Company and at the Company's expense, to provide copies thereof to all Holders or make such notices, reports and other communications available to all Holders on a basis similar to that for holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities or on such other basis as the Company may advise the Depositary or as may be required by any applicable law, regulation or stock exchange requirement.
The Depositary will, at the expense of the Company, make available a copy of any such notices, reports or communications issued by the Company and delivered to the Depositary for inspection by the Holders of the ADSs at the Depositary's Principal Office, at the office of the Custodian and at any other designated transfer office.
SECTION 5.7 ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL SHARES, ADSs ETC. The Company agrees
that in the event it or any of its Affiliates proposes (i) an issuance, sale or
distribution of additional Shares, (ii) an offering of rights to subscribe for
Shares or other Deposited Securities, (iii) an issuance of securities
convertible into or exchangeable for Shares, (iv) an issuance of rights to
subscribe for securities convertible into or exchangeable for Shares, (v) an
elective dividend of cash or Shares, (vi) a redemption of Deposited Securities,
(vii) a meeting of holders of Deposited Securities, or solicitation of consents
or proxies, relating to any reclassification of securities, merger or
consolidation or transfer of assets, or (viii) any reclassification,
recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale of assets which
affects the Deposited Securities, except, in the case of clauses (i) through
(iv) above, where any such issuance, sale, offering or distribution is to be
made solely in connection with compensation of the Company's directors,
executives, officers or employees, or with any Company employee benefit program
or share option plan, so long as (x) such issuance, sale, offering or
distribution is made outside the United States, (y) the Company's directors,
executives, officers, employees, employee benefit program or share option plan
is not a U.S. person (within the meaning of paragraph (k) of Rule 902 of
Regulation S under the Securities Act), and (z) such issuance, sale, offering or
distribution does not violate applicable law or the rules and regulations of any
securities exchange or market upon which the Deposited Securities may be traded,
listed or quoted, the Company will obtain U.S. legal advice and take all steps
necessary to ensure that the proposed transaction does not violate the
registration provisions of the Securities Act, or any other applicable laws
(including, without limitation, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
the Exchange Act and the securities laws of the states of the U.S.). In support
of the foregoing, the Company will furnish to the Depositary (a) a written
opinion of U.S. counsel (reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary)
stating whether such transaction (1) requires a registration statement under the
Securities Act to be in effect or (2) is exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act and (b) an opinion of Hong Kong counsel
stating that (1) making the transaction available to Holders and Beneficial
Owners does not violate the laws or regulations of Hong Kong and (2) all
requisite regulatory consents and approvals have been obtained in Hong Kong;
provided, however, that no such opinion shall be required in the event of an
issuance of Shares as a bonus or share split. If the filing of a registration
statement is required, the Depositary shall not have any obligation to proceed
with the transaction unless it shall have received evidence reasonably
satisfactory to it that such registration statement has been declared effective.
If, being advised by counsel, the Company determines that a transaction is
required to be registered under the Securities Act, the Company will either (i)
register such transaction to the extent necessary, (ii) alter the terms of the
transaction to avoid the registration requirements of the Securities Act or
(iii) direct the Depositary to take specific measures, in each case as
contemplated in this Deposit Agreement, to prevent such transaction from
violating the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The Company
agrees with the Depositary that neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates
will at any time (i) deposit any Shares or other Deposited Securities, either
upon original issuance or upon a sale of Shares or other Deposited Securities
previously issued and reacquired by the Company or by any such Affiliate, or
(ii) issue additional Shares, rights to subscribe for such Shares, securities
convertible into or exchangeable for Shares or rights to subscribe for such
securities, unless such transaction and the securities issuable in such
transaction are exempt from registration under the Securities Act and, if
applicable, the Exchange Act or have been registered under the Securities Act
and, if applicable, the Exchange Act (and such registration statement has been
declared effective).
Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Deposit Agreement, nothing in this Deposit Agreement shall be deemed to obligate the Company to file any registration statement in respect of any proposed transaction.
SECTION 5.8 INDEMNIFICATION. The Depositary agrees to indemnify the Company and its directors, officers, employees, agents and Affiliates against, and hold each of them harmless from, any direct loss, liability, tax, charge or expense of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) which may arise out of acts performed or omitted by the Depositary or Citibank, N.A. - Hong Kong branch, as Custodian hereunder, or any of their respective directors, officers or employees under the terms hereof due to the negligence or bad faith of the Depositary or Citibank, N.A. - Hong Kong branch, as Custodian hereunder, or any of their respective directors, officers or employees under the terms hereunder.
The Company agrees to indemnify the Depositary, the Custodian and any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and Affiliates against, and hold each of them harmless from, any direct loss, liability, tax, charge or expense of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) that may arise (a) out of or in connection with any offer, issuance, sale, resale, transfer, deposit or withdrawal of ADRs, ADSs, the Shares, or other Deposited Securities, as the case may be, (b) out of or as a result of any offering documents in respect thereof or (c) out of acts performed or omitted, including, but not limited to, any delivery by the Depositary on behalf of the Company of information regarding the Company in connection with this Deposit Agreement, the ADRs, the
ADSs, the Shares, or any Deposited Securities, in any such case (i) by the
Depositary, the Custodian or any of their respective directors, officers,
employees, agents and Affiliates, except to the extent such loss, liability,
tax, charge or expense is due to the negligence or bad faith of any of them, or
(ii) by the Company or any of its directors, officers, employees, agents and
Affiliates, except to the extent any such loss, liability, tax, charge or
expense arises out of information relating to the Depositary or any Custodian,
as applicable, furnished to the Company by the Depositary in writing and not
materially changed or altered by the Company.
The obligations set forth in this Section shall survive the termination of this Deposit Agreement and the succession or substitution of any party hereto.
Any person seeking indemnification hereunder (an "indemnified person") shall notify the person from whom it is seeking indemnification (the "indemnifying person") of the commencement of any indemnifiable action or claim promptly after such indemnified person becomes aware of such commencement (provided that the failure to make such notification shall not affect such indemnified person's rights to seek indemnification except to the extent the indemnifying person is materially prejudiced by such failure) and shall consult in good faith with the indemnifying person as to the conduct of the defense of such action or claim that may give rise to an indemnity hereunder, which defense shall be reasonable in the circumstances. No indemnified person shall compromise or settle any action or claim that may give rise to an indemnity hereunder without the consent of the indemnifying person, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
SECTION 5.9 FEES AND CHARGES OF DEPOSITARY. The Company, the Holders, the Beneficial Owners, and persons depositing Shares or surrendering ADSs for cancellation and withdrawal of Deposited Securities shall be required to pay to the Depositary the Depositary's fees and related charges identified as payable by them respectively in the Fee Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit B. All fees and charges so payable may, at any time and from time to time, be changed by agreement between the Depositary and the Company, but, in the case of fees and charges payable by Holders and Beneficial Owners, only in the manner contemplated in Section 6.1. The Depositary shall provide, without charge, a copy of its latest fee schedule to anyone upon request.
The Company agrees to promptly pay to the Depositary such fees and charges, except for such fees and related charges identified as payable by Holders and Beneficial Owners as set out in the Fee Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit B, and to reimburse the Depositary for such out-of-pocket expenses as the Depositary and the Company may agree to in writing from time to time. Responsibility for payment of such charges may at any time and from time to time be changed by agreement between the Company and the Depositary. Unless otherwise agreed, the Depositary shall present its statement for such expenses and fees or charges to the Company once every three months. The charges and expenses of the Custodian are for the sole account of the Depositary.
The right of the Depositary to receive payment of fees, charges and expenses as provided above shall survive the termination of this Deposit Agreement. As to any Depositary, upon the resignation or removal of such Depositary as described in Section 5.4 hereof, such right shall
extend for those fees, charges and expenses incurred prior to the effectiveness of such resignation or removal.
SECTION 5.10 PRE-RELEASE TRANSACTIONS. Subject to the further terms and
provisions of this Section 5.10, the Depositary, its Affiliates and their
agents, on their own behalf, may own and deal in any class of securities of the
Company and its Affiliates and in ADSs. In its capacity as Depositary, the
Depositary shall not lend Shares or ADSs; provided, however, that the Depositary
may, except in the case of Restricted ADSs, (i) issue ADSs prior to the receipt
of Shares pursuant to Section 2.3 and (ii) deliver Shares prior to the receipt
of ADSs for withdrawal of Deposited Securities pursuant to Section 2.7,
including ADSs which were issued under (i) above but for which Shares may not
have been received (each such transaction a "Pre-Release Transaction"). The
Depositary may receive ADSs in lieu of Shares under (i) above and receive Shares
in lieu of ADSs under (ii) above. Each such Pre-Release Transaction will be (a)
subject to a written agreement whereby the person or entity (the "Applicant") to
whom ADSs or Shares are to be delivered (w) represents that at the time of the
Pre-Release Transaction the Applicant or its customer owns the Shares or ADSs
that are to be delivered by the Applicant under such Pre-Release Transaction,
(x) agrees to indicate the Depositary as owner of such Shares or ADSs in its
records and to hold such Shares or ADSs in trust for the Depositary until such
Shares or ADSs are delivered to the Depositary or the Custodian, (y)
unconditionally guarantees to deliver to the Depositary or the Custodian, as
applicable, such Shares or ADSs, and (z) agrees to any additional restrictions
or requirements that the Depositary deems appropriate, (b) at all times fully
collateralized with cash, U.S. government securities or such other collateral as
the Depositary deems appropriate, (c) terminable by the Depositary on not more
than five (5) business days' notice and (d) subject to such further indemnities
and credit regulations as the Depositary deems appropriate. The Depositary will
normally limit the number of ADSs and Shares involved in such Pre-Release
Transactions at any one time to thirty percent (30%) of the ADSs outstanding
(without giving effect to ADSs outstanding under (i) above), provided, however,
that the Depositary reserves the right to change or disregard such limit from
time to time as it deems appropriate.
The Depositary may also set limits with respect to the number of ADSs and Shares involved in Pre-Release Transactions with any one person on a case-by-case basis as it deems appropriate. The Depositary may retain for its own account any compensation received by it in conjunction with the foregoing. Collateral provided pursuant to (b) above, but not the earnings thereon, shall be held for the benefit of the Holders (other than the Applicant).
SECTION 5.11 RESTRICTED SECURITIES OWNERS. The Company agrees to advise in writing each of the persons or entities who, to the knowledge of the Company, holds Restricted Securities that such Restricted Securities are ineligible for deposit hereunder (except under the circumstances contemplated in Section 2.13) and, to the extent practicable, shall require each of such persons to represent in writing that such person will not deposit Restricted Securities hereunder (except under the circumstances contemplated in Section 2.13).
ARTICLE VI
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
SECTION 6.1 AMENDMENT/SUPPLEMENT. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 6.1 and applicable law, the ADRs outstanding at any time, the provisions of this Deposit Agreement and the form of ADR attached hereto and to be issued under the terms hereof may at any time and from time to time be amended or supplemented by written agreement between the Company and the Depositary in any respect which they may deem necessary or desirable without the prior written consent of the Holders or Beneficial Owners. Any amendment or supplement which shall impose or increase any fees or charges (other than charges in connection with foreign exchange control regulations, and taxes and other governmental charges, delivery and other such expenses), or which shall otherwise materially prejudice any substantial existing right of Holders or Beneficial Owners, shall not, however, become effective as to outstanding ADSs until the expiration of thirty (30) days after notice of such amendment or supplement shall have been given to the Holders of outstanding ADSs. The parties hereto agree that any amendments or supplements which (i) are reasonably necessary (as agreed by the Company and the Depositary) in order for (a) the ADSs to be registered on Form F-6 under the Securities Act or (b) the ADSs to be settled solely in electronic book-entry form and (ii) do not in either such case impose or increase any fees or charges to be borne by Holders, shall be deemed not to materially prejudice any substantial rights of Holders or Beneficial Owners. Every Holder and Beneficial Owner at the time any amendment or supplement so becomes effective shall be deemed, by continuing to hold such ADSs, to consent and agree to such amendment or supplement and to be bound by this Deposit Agreement and the ADR, if applicable, as amended or supplemented thereby. In no event shall any amendment or supplement impair the right of the Holder to surrender such ADS and receive therefor the Deposited Securities represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any governmental body should adopt new laws, rules or regulations which would require an amendment of, or supplement to, this Deposit Agreement to ensure compliance therewith, the Company and the Depositary may amend or supplement the Deposit Agreement and any ADRs at any time in accordance with such changed laws, rules or regulations. Such amendment or supplement to the Deposit Agreement and any ADRs in such circumstances may become effective before a notice of such amendment or supplement is given to Holders or within any other period of time as required for compliance with such laws, rules or regulations.
SECTION 6.2 TERMINATION. The Depositary shall, at any time at the written
direction of the Company, terminate this Deposit Agreement by providing notice
of such termination to the Holders of all ADSs then outstanding at least thirty
(30) days prior to the date fixed in such notice for such termination. If ninety
(90) days shall have expired after (i) the Depositary shall have delivered to
the Company a written notice of its election to resign, or (ii) the Company
shall have delivered to the Depositary a written notice of the removal of the
Depositary, and in either case a successor depositary shall not have been
appointed and accepted its appointment as provided in Section 5.4, the
Depositary may terminate this Deposit Agreement by providing notice of such
termination to the Holders of all ADSs then outstanding at least thirty (30)
days prior to the date fixed for such termination. On and after the date of
termination of this Deposit Agreement, the Holder of ADS(s) will, upon surrender
of such ADS(s) at the Principal Office of
the Depositary, upon the payment of the charges of the Depositary for the surrender of ADSs referred to in Section 2.7 and subject to the conditions and restrictions therein set forth, and upon payment of any applicable taxes or governmental charges, be entitled to Delivery, to him or upon his order, of the amount of Deposited Securities represented by such ADS(s). If any ADSs shall remain outstanding after the date of termination of this Deposit Agreement, the Registrar thereafter shall discontinue the registration of transfers of ADSs, and the Depositary shall suspend the distribution of dividends to the Holders thereof, and shall not give any further notices or perform any further acts under this Deposit Agreement, except that the Depositary shall continue to collect dividends and other distributions pertaining to Deposited Securities, shall sell rights as provided in this Deposit Agreement, and shall continue to deliver Deposited Securities, subject to the conditions and restrictions set forth in Section 2.7, together with any dividends or other distributions received with respect thereto and the net proceeds of the sale of any rights or other property, in exchange for ADSs surrendered to the Depositary (after deducting, or charging, as the case may be, in each case, the charges of the Depositary for the surrender of an ADS, any expenses for the account of the Holder in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement and any applicable taxes or governmental charges or assessments). At any time after the expiration of six months from the date of termination of this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may sell the Deposited Securities then held hereunder and may thereafter hold uninvested the net proceeds of any such sale, together with any other cash then held by it hereunder, in an unsegregated account, without liability for interest for the pro rata benefit of the Holders whose ADSs have not theretofore been surrendered. After making such sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from all obligations under this Deposit Agreement with respect to the ADSs, the ADRs, if any, and the Deposited Securities, except to account for such net proceeds and other cash (after deducting, or charging, as the case may be, in each case, the charges of the Depositary for the surrender of ADSs, any expenses for the account of the Holder in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement and any applicable taxes or governmental charges or assessments). Upon the termination of this Deposit Agreement, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations under this Deposit Agreement except for its obligations to the Depositary under Sections 5.8, 5.9 and 7.6 hereof.
ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 7.1 COUNTERPARTS. This Deposit Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of such counterparts together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Copies of this Deposit Agreement shall be maintained with the Depositary and shall be open to inspection by any Holder during business hours.
SECTION 7.2 NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Deposit Agreement is for the exclusive benefit of the parties hereto (and their successors) and shall not be deemed to give any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim whatsoever to any other person, except to the extent specifically set forth in this Deposit Agreement. Nothing in this Deposit Agreement shall be deemed to give rise to a partnership or joint venture among the parties nor establish a fiduciary or similar relationship among the parties. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that (i) the
Depositary and its Affiliates may at any time have multiple banking relationships with the Company and its Affiliates, (ii) the Depositary and its Affiliates may be engaged at any time in transactions in which parties adverse to the Company or the Holders or Beneficial Owners may have interests and (iii) nothing contained in this Deposit Agreement shall (a) preclude the Depositary or any of its Affiliates from engaging in such transactions or establishing or maintaining such relationships, and (b) obligate the Depositary or any of its Affiliates to disclose such transactions or relationships or to account for any profit made or payment received in such transactions or relationships.
SECTION 7.3 SEVERABILITY. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Deposit Agreement or in the ADRs should be or become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein or therein shall in no way be affected, prejudiced or disturbed thereby.
SECTION 7.4 HOLDERS AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS AS PARTIES; BINDING EFFECT. The Holders and Beneficial Owners from time to time of ADSs shall be parties to this Deposit Agreement and shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions hereof and of any ADR by acceptance thereof or any beneficial interest therein.
SECTION 7.5 NOTICES. Any and all notices to be given to the Company shall be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered or sent by mail, air courier or cable, telex or facsimile transmission, confirmed by letter personally delivered or sent by mail or air courier, addressed to Building C, No. 156 Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing 10031, People's Republic of China, Attention: Mr. Zhang Xiaotie, Joint Company Secretary, or to any other address which the Company may specify in writing to the Depositary.
Any and all notices to be given to the Depositary shall be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered or sent by registered postal mail, air courier or major express courier or cable, telex or facsimile transmission, confirmed by letter personally delivered or sent by mail, air courier or major express courier, addressed to Citibank, N.A., 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013, U.S.A., Attention: Depositary Receipts Department, or to any other address which the Depositary may specify in writing to the Company.
Any and all notices to be given to any Holder shall be deemed to have been duly given if (a) personally delivered or sent by mail or cable, telex or facsimile transmission, confirmed by letter, addressed to such Holder at the address of such Holder as it appears on the books of the Depositary or, if such Holder shall have filed with the Depositary a request that notices intended for such Holder be mailed to some other address, at the address specified in such request, or (b) if a Holder shall have designated such means of notification as an acceptable means of notification under the terms of this Deposit Agreement, by means of electronic messaging addressed for delivery to the e-mail address designated by the Holder for such purpose. Notice to Holders shall be deemed to be notice to Beneficial Owners for all purposes of this Deposit Agreement. Failure to notify a Holder or any defect in the notification to a Holder shall not affect the sufficiency of notification to other Holders or to the Beneficial Owners of ADSs held by such other Holders.
Delivery of a notice sent by mail, air courier or cable, telex or facsimile transmission shall be deemed to be effective at the time when a duly addressed letter containing the same (or a confirmation thereof in the case of a cable, telex or facsimile transmission) is deposited, postage prepaid, in a post-office letter box or delivered to an air courier service, without regard for the actual receipt or time of actual receipt thereof by a Holder. The Depositary or the Company may, however, act upon any cable, telex or facsimile transmission received by it from any Holder, the Custodian, the Depositary, or the Company, notwithstanding that such cable, telex or facsimile transmission shall not be subsequently confirmed by letter.
Delivery of a notice by means of electronic messaging shall be deemed to be effective at the time of the initiation of the transmission by the sender (as shown on the sender's records), notwithstanding that the intended recipient retrieves the message at a later date, fails to retrieve such message, or fails to receive such notice on account of its failure to maintain the designated e-mail address, its failure to designate a substitute e-mail address or for any other reason.
SECTION 7.6 GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION. This Deposit Agreement and the ADRs shall be interpreted in accordance with, and all rights hereunder and thereunder and provisions hereof and thereof shall be governed by, the laws of the State of New York without reference to the principles of choice of law thereof. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Deposit Agreement, any ADR or any present or future provisions of the laws of the State of New York, the rights of holders of Shares and of any other Deposited Securities and the obligations and duties of the Company in respect of the holders of Shares and other Deposited Securities, as such, shall be governed by the laws of Hong Kong (or, if applicable, such other laws as may govern the Deposited Securities).
Except as set forth in the following paragraph of this Section 7.6, the
Company and the Depositary agree that the federal or state courts in the City of
New York shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any suit, action or
proceeding and to settle any dispute between them that may arise out of or in
connection with this Deposit Agreement and, for such purposes, each irrevocably
submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts. The Company hereby
irrevocably designates, appoints and empowers CT Corporation System (the
"Agent") now at 111 Eighth Avenue, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10011 as its
authorized agent to receive and accept for and on its behalf, and on behalf of
its properties, assets and revenues, service by mail of any and all legal
process, summons, notices and documents that may be served in any suit, action
or proceeding brought against the Company in any federal or state court as
described in the preceding sentence or in the next paragraph of this Section
7.6. If for any reason the Agent shall cease to be available to act as such, the
Company agrees to designate a new agent in New York on the terms and for the
purposes of this Section 7.6 reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary. The
Company further hereby irrevocably consents and agrees to the service of any and
all legal process, summons, notices and documents in any suit, action or
proceeding against the Company, by service by mail of a copy thereof upon the
Agent (whether or not the appointment of such Agent shall for any reason prove
to be ineffective or such Agent shall fail to accept or acknowledge such
service), with a copy mailed to the Company by registered or certified air mail,
postage prepaid, to its address provided in Section 7.5 hereof. The Company
agrees that the failure of the Agent to give any notice of such service to it
shall not impair or
affect in any way the validity of such service or any judgment rendered in any action or proceeding based thereon.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Depositary and the Company unconditionally agree that in the event that a Holder or Beneficial Owner brings a suit, action or proceeding against (a) the Company, (b) the Depositary in its capacity as Depositary under this Deposit Agreement or (c) against both the Company and the Depositary, in any such case, in any state or federal court of the United States, and the Depositary or the Company have any claim, for indemnification or otherwise, against each other arising out of the subject matter of such suit, action or proceeding, then the Company and the Depositary may pursue such claim against each other in the state or federal court in the United States in which such suit, action, or proceeding is pending and, for such purposes, the Company and the Depositary irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts. The Company agrees that service of process upon the Agent in the manner set forth in the preceding paragraph shall be effective service upon it for any suit, action or proceeding brought against it as described in this paragraph.
The Company irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any actions, suits or proceedings brought in any court as provided in this Section 7.6, and hereby further irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any such action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
The Company irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, and agrees not to plead or claim, any right of immunity from legal action, suit or proceeding, from setoff or counterclaim, from the jurisdiction of any court, from service of process, from attachment upon or prior to judgment, from attachment in aid of execution or judgment, from execution of judgment, or from any other legal process or proceeding for the giving of any relief or for the enforcement of any judgment, and consents to such relief and enforcement against it, its assets and its revenues in any jurisdiction, in each case with respect to any matter arising out of, or in connection with, the Deposit Agreement, any ADR or the Deposited Securities.
No disclaimer of liability under the Securities Act is intended by any provision of the Deposit Agreement. The provisions of this Section 7.6 shall survive any termination of this Deposit Agreement, in whole or in part.
SECTION 7.7 ASSIGNMENT. Subject to the provisions of Section 5.4 hereof, this Deposit Agreement may not be assigned by either the Company or the Depositary.
SECTION 7.8 COMPLIANCE WITH U.S. SECURITIES LAWS. Notwithstanding anything in this Deposit Agreement to the contrary, the withdrawal or delivery of Deposited Securities will not be suspended by the Company or the Depositary except as would be permitted by Instruction I.A.(1) of the General Instructions to Form F-6 Registration Statement, as amended from time to time, under the Securities Act.
SECTION 7.9 HONG KONG LAW REFERENCES. Any summary of Hong Kong laws and regulations and of the terms of the Company's Articles of Association set forth in this Deposit Agreement have been provided by the Company solely for the convenience of Holders, Beneficial Owners and the Depositary. While such summaries are believed by the Company to be accurate as of the date of this Deposit Agreement, (i) they are summaries and as such may not include all aspects of the materials summarized applicable to a Holder or Beneficial Owner, and (ii) these laws and regulations and the Company's Articles of Association may change after the date of this Deposit Agreement. Neither the Depositary nor the Company has any obligation under the terms of this Deposit Agreement to update any such summaries.
SECTION 7.10 TITLES AND REFERENCES. All references in this Deposit Agreement to exhibits, articles, sections, subsections, and other subdivisions refer to the exhibits, articles, sections, subsections and other subdivisions of this Deposit Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise. The words "this Deposit Agreement", "herein", "hereof", "hereby", "hereunder", and words of similar import refer to the Deposit Agreement as a whole as in effect between the Company, the Depositary and the Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. Pronouns in masculine, feminine and neuter gender shall be construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa unless the context otherwise requires. Titles to sections of this Deposit Agreement are included for convenience only and shall be disregarded in construing the language contained in this Deposit Agreement. References to "applicable laws and regulations" shall refer to laws and regulations applicable to ADRs, ADSs or Deposited Securities as in effect at the relevant time of determination, unless otherwise required by law or regulation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED and CITIBANK, N.A. have duly executed this Deposit Agreement as of the day and year first above set forth and all Holders and Beneficial Owners shall become parties hereto upon acceptance by them of ADSs issued in accordance with the terms hereof, or upon acquisition of any beneficial interest therein.
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION
(HONG KONG) LIMITED
By:_______________________________
Name:
Title:
CITIBANK, N.A.
By:_______________________________
Name:
Title:
EXHIBIT A
[FORM OF ADR] Number CUSIP NUMBER: _______ _____________ American Depositary Shares (each American Depositary Share representing [NUMBER OF SHARES] ordinary Fully Paid ordinary shares, each with a par value of U.S.$0.04 per share) |
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPT
FOR
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
representing
DEPOSITED ORDINARY SHARES
of
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
(Incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong)
CITIBANK, N.A., a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, as depositary (the "Depositary"), hereby certifies that _____________ is the owner of ______________ American Depositary Shares (hereinafter "ADS"), representing deposited ordinary shares, each of Par Value of U.S.$0.04, including evidence of rights to receive such ordinary shares (the "Shares"), of China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited, a corporation incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong (the "Company"). As of the date of the Deposit Agreement (as hereinafter defined), each ADS represents [NUMBER OF SHARES] Shares deposited under the Deposit Agreement with the Custodian, which at the date of execution of the Deposit Agreement is Citibank, N.A. - Hong Kong branch (the "Custodian"). The ADS(s)-to-Share(s) ratio is subject to amendment as provided in Articles IV and VI of the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary's Principal Office is located at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013, U.S.A.
(1) THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT. This American Depositary Receipt is one of an issue of American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), all issued and to be issued upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Deposit Agreement, dated as of November __, 2004 (as amended and supplemented from time to time, the "Deposit Agreement"), by and among the Company, the Depositary, and all Holders and Beneficial Owners from time to time of ADSs. The Deposit Agreement sets forth the rights and obligations of Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs and the rights and duties of the Depositary in respect of the Shares deposited thereunder and any and all other securities, property and cash from time to time received in respect of such Shares and held thereunder (such Shares, securities, property and cash are herein called "Deposited Securities"). Copies of the Deposit Agreement are on file at the Principal Office of the Depositary and with the Custodian. Each Holder and each Beneficial Owner, upon acceptance of any ADSs (or any interest therein) issued in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, shall be deemed for all purposes to (a) be a party to and bound by the terms of the Deposit Agreement and applicable ADR(s), and (b) appoint the Depositary its attorney-in-fact, with full power to delegate, to act on its behalf and to take any and all actions contemplated in the Deposit Agreement and the applicable ADR(s), to adopt any and all procedures necessary to comply with applicable law and to take such action as the Depositary in its sole discretion may deem necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the Deposit Agreement and the applicable ADR(s), the taking of such actions to be the conclusive determinant of the necessity and appropriateness thereof.
The statements made on the face and reverse of this ADR are summaries of certain provisions of the Deposit Agreement and the Articles of Association of the Company (as in effect on the date of the signing of the Deposit Agreement) and are qualified by and subject to the detailed provisions of the Deposit Agreement and the Articles of Association of the Company, to which reference is hereby made. All capitalized terms used herein which are not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary makes no representation or warranty as to the validity or worth of the Deposited Securities. The Depositary has made arrangements for the acceptance of the ADSs into DTC. Each Beneficial Owner of ADSs held through DTC must rely on the procedures of DTC and the DTC Participants to exercise and be entitled to any rights attributable to such ADSs.
(2) WITHDRAWAL OF DEPOSITED SECURITIES. The Holder of this ADR (and of the ADSs evidenced hereby) shall be entitled to Delivery (at the Custodian's designated office) of the Deposited Securities at the time represented by the ADSs evidenced hereby upon satisfaction of each of the following conditions: (i) the Holder (or a duly authorized attorney of the Holder) has duly Delivered to the Depositary at its Principal Office the ADSs evidenced hereby (and, if applicable, this ADR) for the purpose of withdrawal of the Deposited Securities represented thereby, (ii) if applicable and so required by the Depositary, this ADR has been properly endorsed in blank or is accompanied by proper instruments of transfer in blank (including signature guarantees in accordance with standard securities industry practice), (iii) if so required by the Depositary, the Holder of the ADSs has executed and delivered to the Depositary a written order directing the Depositary to cause the Deposited Securities being withdrawn to be Delivered to or upon the written order of the person(s) designated in such order, and (iv) all applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and all applicable taxes
and governmental charges (as are set forth in Section 5.9 of, and Exhibit B to, the Deposit Agreement) have been paid, subject, however, in each case, to the terms and conditions of this ADR, of the Deposit Agreement, of the Company's Articles of Association, of any applicable laws and the rules of the applicable book-entry settlement system, and to any provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities, in each case as in effect at the time thereof.
Upon satisfaction of each of the conditions specified above, the Depositary (i) shall cancel the ADSs Delivered to it (and, if applicable, the ADR(s) evidencing the ADSs so Delivered), (ii) shall direct the Registrar to record the cancellation of the ADSs so Delivered on the books maintained for such purpose, and (iii) shall direct the Custodian to Deliver (without unreasonable delay) at the Custodian's designated office the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs so canceled together with any certificate or other document of title for the Deposited Securities, or evidence of the electronic transfer thereof (if available), as the case may be, to or upon the written order of the person(s) designated in the order delivered to the Depositary for such purpose, subject however, in each case, to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, of this ADR, of the Articles of Association of the Company, of any applicable laws and of the rules of the applicable book-entry settlement system, and to the terms and conditions of or governing the Deposited Securities, in each case as in effect at the time thereof.
The Depositary shall not accept for surrender ADSs representing less than one Share. In the case of Delivery to it of ADSs representing a number other than a whole number of Shares, the Depositary shall cause ownership of the appropriate whole number of Shares to be Delivered in accordance with the terms hereof, and shall, at the discretion of the Depositary, either (i) return to the person surrendering such ADSs the number of ADSs representing any remaining fractional Share, or (ii) sell or cause to be sold the fractional Share represented by the ADSs so surrendered and remit the proceeds of such sale (net of (a) applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes withheld) to the person surrendering the ADSs. Notwithstanding anything else contained in this ADR or the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may make delivery at the Principal Office of the Depositary of (i) any cash dividends or cash distributions, or (ii) any proceeds from the sale of any distributions of shares or rights, which are at the time held by the Depositary in respect of the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs surrendered for cancellation and withdrawal. At the request, risk and expense of any Holder so surrendering ADSs represented by this ADR, and for the account of such Holder, the Depositary shall direct the Custodian to forward (to the extent permitted by law) any cash or other property (other than securities) held by the Custodian in respect of the Deposited Securities represented by such ADSs to the Depositary for delivery at the Principal Office of the Depositary. Such direction shall be given by letter or, at the request, risk and expense of such Holder, by cable, telex or facsimile transmission.
(3) TRANSFER, COMBINATION AND SPLIT-UP OF ADRs. The Registrar shall as soon as reasonably practicable register the transfer of this ADR (and of the ADSs represented hereby) on the books maintained for such purpose and the Depositary shall as soon as reasonably practicable (x) cancel this ADR and execute new ADRs evidencing the same aggregate number of ADSs as those evidenced by this ADR when canceled, (y) cause the Registrar to countersign such new ADRs, and (z) Deliver such new ADRs to or upon the order of the person entitled thereto, if each
of the following conditions has been satisfied: (i) this ADR has been duly Delivered by the Holder (or by a duly authorized attorney of the Holder) to the Depositary at its Principal Office for the purpose of effecting a transfer thereof, (ii) this ADR has been properly endorsed or is accompanied by proper instruments of transfer (including signature guarantees in accordance with standard securities industry practice), (iii) this ADR has been duly stamped (if required by the laws of the State of New York or of the United States), and (iv) all applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and all applicable taxes and governmental charges (as are set forth in Section 5.9 of, and Exhibit B to, the Deposit Agreement) have been paid, subject, however, in each case, to the terms and conditions of this ADR, of the Deposit Agreement and of applicable law, in each case as in effect at the time thereof.
The Registrar shall as soon as reasonably practicable register the split-up or combination of this ADR (and of the ADSs represented hereby) on the books maintained for such purpose and the Depositary shall (x) cancel this ADR and execute new ADRs for the number of ADSs requested, but in the aggregate not exceeding the number of ADSs evidenced by this ADR (when canceled), (y) cause the Registrar to countersign such new ADRs, and (z) Deliver such new ADRs to or upon the order of the Holder thereof, if each of the following conditions has been satisfied: (i) this ADR has been duly Delivered by the Holder (or by a duly authorized attorney of the Holder) to the Depositary at its Principal Office for the purpose of effecting a split-up or combination hereof, and (ii) all applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and all applicable taxes and government charges (as are set forth in Section 5.9 of, and Exhibit B to, the Deposit Agreement) have been paid, subject, however, in each case, to the terms and conditions of this ADR, of the Deposit Agreement and of applicable law, in each case as in effect at the time thereof.
(4) PRE-CONDITIONS TO REGISTRATION, TRANSFER, ETC. As a condition precedent to the execution and delivery, the registration of issuance, transfer, split-up, combination or surrender, of any ADS, the delivery of any distribution thereon, or the withdrawal of any Deposited Securities, the Depositary or the Custodian may require (i) payment from the depositor of Shares or presenter of ADSs or of an ADR of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any tax or other governmental charge and any stock transfer or registration fee with respect thereto (including any such tax or charge and fee with respect to Shares being deposited or withdrawn) and payment of any applicable fees and charges of the Depositary as provided in the Deposit Agreement and in this ADR, (ii) the production of proof satisfactory to it as to the identity and genuineness of any signature or any other matters contemplated in the Deposit Agreement, and (iii) compliance with (A) any laws or governmental regulations relating to the execution and delivery of ADRs or ADSs or to the withdrawal of Deposited Securities and (B) such reasonable regulations as the Depositary or the Company may establish consistent with the provisions of this ADR and the Deposit Agreement and applicable law.
The issuance of ADSs against deposits of Shares generally or against deposits of particular Shares may be suspended, or the deposit of particular Shares may be refused, or the registration of transfer of ADSs in particular instances may be refused, or the registration of transfer of ADSs generally may be suspended, during any period when the transfer books of the Company, the Depositary, a Registrar or the Share Registrar are closed or if any such action is
deemed necessary or advisable by the Depositary or the Company, in good faith, at any time or from time to time because of any requirement of law, any government or governmental body or commission or any securities exchange upon which the Shares or ADSs are listed, or under any provision of the Deposit Agreement or this ADR, or under any provision of, or governing, the Deposited Securities, or because of a meeting of shareholders of the Company or for any other reason, subject in all cases to paragraph (24) hereof. Notwithstanding any provision of the Deposit Agreement or this ADR to the contrary, Holders are entitled to surrender outstanding ADSs to withdraw the Deposited Securities at any time subject only to (i) temporary delays caused by closing the transfer books of the Depositary or the Company or the deposit of Shares in connection with voting at a shareholders' meeting or the payment of dividends, (ii) the payment of fees, taxes and similar charges, (iii) compliance with any U.S. or foreign laws or governmental regulations relating to the ADRs or ADSs to the withdrawal of the Deposited Securities, and (iv) other circumstances specifically contemplated by Instruction I.A.(l) of the General Instructions to Form F-6 (as such General Instructions may be amended from time to time).
(5) COMPLIANCE WITH INFORMATION REQUESTS. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Deposit Agreement or this ADR, each Holder and Beneficial Owner of the ADSs represented hereby agrees to comply with requests from the Company pursuant to applicable law, the rules and requirements of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange, and of any other stock exchange on which Shares or ADSs are, or will be, registered, traded or listed, or the Articles of Association of the Company, which are made to provide information, inter alia, as to the capacity in which such Holder or Beneficial Owner owns ADSs (and Shares, as the case may be) and regarding the identity of any other person(s) interested in such ADSs and the nature of such interest and various other matters, whether or not they are Holders and/or Beneficial Owners at the time of such request.
(6) OWNERSHIP RESTRICTIONS. Notwithstanding any provision of this ADR or of the Deposit Agreement, the Company may restrict transfers of the Shares where such transfer (i) might result in ownership of Shares exceeding limits imposed by applicable law or the Articles of Association of the Company, or (ii) is otherwise in violation of applicable laws, rules and regulations. The Company may also restrict, in such manner as it deems appropriate, transfers of ADSs where such transfer (i) may result in the total number of Shares represented by the ADSs owned by a single Holder or Beneficial Owner to exceed any such limits, or (ii) is in violation of applicable laws, rules and regulations.. The Company may, in its sole discretion but subject to applicable law, instruct the Depositary to take action with respect to the ownership interest of any Holder or Beneficial Owner in excess of the limits set forth in the preceding sentence, including but not limited to, the imposition of restrictions on the transfer of ADSs, the removal or limitation of voting rights or a mandatory sale or disposition on behalf of a Holder or Beneficial Owner of the Shares represented by the ADSs held by such Holder or Beneficial Owner in excess of such limitations, if and to the extent such disposition is permitted by applicable law and the Articles of Association of the Company.
(7) LIABILITY OF HOLDER FOR TAXES AND OTHER CHARGES. Any tax or other governmental charge payable with respect to any ADR or any Deposited Securities or ADSs
shall be payable by the Holders and Beneficial Owners to the Depositary. The Company, the Custodian and/or Depositary may withhold or deduct from any distributions made in respect of Deposited Securities and may sell for the account of a Holder and/or Beneficial Owner any or all of the Deposited Securities and apply such distributions and sale proceeds in payment of such taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) or charges, the Holder and the Beneficial Owner hereof remaining liable for any deficiency. The Custodian may refuse the deposit of Shares and the Depositary may refuse to issue ADSs, to deliver ADRs, register the transfer, split-up or combination of ADRs and (subject to paragraph (24) hereof) the withdrawal of Deposited Securities until payment in full of such tax, charge, penalty or interest is received. Every Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees to indemnify the Depositary, the Company, the Custodian, and any of their agents, officers, employees and Affiliates for, and hold each of them harmless from, any claims with respect to taxes (including applicable interest and penalties thereon) arising from any tax benefit obtained for such Holder and/or Beneficial Owner.
(8) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF DEPOSITORS. Each person depositing
Shares under the Deposit Agreement shall be deemed thereby to represent and
warrant that (i) such Shares and the certificates therefor are duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and legally obtained by such person,
(ii) all preemptive (and similar) rights, if any, with respect to such Shares
have been validly waived or exercised, (iii) the person making such deposit is
duly authorized so to do, (iv) the Shares presented for deposit are free and
clear of any lien, encumbrance, security interest, charge, mortgage or adverse
claim, (v) the Shares presented for deposit are not, and the ADSs issuable upon
such deposit will not be, Restricted Securities (except as contemplated in
Section 2.13 of the Deposit Agreement), and (vi) the Shares presented for
deposit have not been stripped of any rights or entitlements. Such
representations and warranties shall survive the deposit and withdrawal of
Shares, the issuance and cancellation of ADSs in respect thereof and the
transfer of such ADSs. If any such representations or warranties are false in
any way, the Company and the Depositary shall be authorized, at the cost and
expense of the person depositing Shares, to take any and all actions necessary
to correct the consequences thereof.
(9) FILING PROOFS, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION. Any person presenting Shares for deposit, and any Holder and any Beneficial Owner may be required, and every Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees, from time to time to provide to the Company, the Depositary and the Custodian such proof of citizenship or residence, taxpayer status, payment of all applicable taxes or other governmental charges, exchange control approval, legal or beneficial ownership of ADSs and Deposited Securities, compliance with applicable laws and the terms of the Deposit Agreement or this ADR and the provisions of, or governing, the Deposited Securities, to execute such certifications and to make such representations and warranties, and to provide such other information and documentation (or, in the case of Shares in registered form presented for deposit, such information relating to the registration of Shares on the books of the Shares Registrar) as the Depositary or the Custodian may reasonably deem necessary or proper or as the Company may reasonably require by written request to the Depositary consistent with its obligations under the Deposit Agreement and this ADR. The Depositary and the Registrar, as applicable, may withhold the execution or delivery or registration of transfer of any ADR or ADS or the distribution or sale of any dividend or other distribution of rights or of the proceeds
thereof or, to the extent not limited by paragraph (24) hereof, the Delivery of any Deposited Securities until such proof or other information is filed or such certifications are executed, or such representations and warranties are made, or such information and documentation are provided, in each case to the Depositary's, the Registrar's and the Company's satisfaction.
(10) CHARGES OF DEPOSITARY. The Depositary shall charge the following fees:
(i) Issuance Fee: to any person depositing Shares or to whom ADSs are issued upon the deposit of Shares, a fee not in excess of U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) so issued under the terms of the Deposit Agreement (excluding issuances pursuant to paragraphs (iii) and (v) below);
(ii) Cancellation Fee: to any person surrendering ADSs for cancellation and withdrawal of Deposited Securities, a fee not in excess of U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) so surrendered;
(iii) Dividend Fee: No Fee shall be payable upon distribution of (a) cash dividends or (b) ADSs pursuant to stock dividends (or other free distributions of stock) so long as the charging of such fee is prohibited by the exchange upon which the ADSs are listed. If charging of such fees is not prohibited, the fees specified in (i) above shall be payable in respect of ADS distributions pursuant to stock dividends (or other free distributions of stock) and the fees specified in (iv) below shall be payable in respect of distributions of cash;
(iv) Cash Distribution Fee: to any Holder of ADS(s), a fee not in excess of U.S. $2.00 per 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) held for the distribution of cash proceeds (i.e., upon the sale of rights and other entitlements);
(v) Rights Exercise Fee: to any Holder of ADS(s), a fee not in the excess of U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) issued upon the exercise of rights to purchase additional ADSs;
(vi) Other Distribution Fee: to any Holder of ADS(s) receiving a distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase additional ADSs, a fee not in excess of U.S. $5.00 per unit of 100 securities (or fraction thereof) distributed;
(vii) Annual Depositary Services Fee: to the extent permitted by the exchange on which the ADSs are listed, to any Holder of ADS(s), a fee not in excess of U.S. $2.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held on the last day of each calendar year, except to the extent of any cash dividend fee(s) charged under paragraph (iii) above during that calendar year.
In addition, Holders, Beneficial Owners, persons depositing Shares and persons surrendering ADSs for cancellation and withdrawal of Deposited Securities will be required to pay the following charges:
(i) taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) and other governmental charges;
(ii) such registration fees as may from time to time be in effect for the registration of Shares or other Deposited Securities on the share register and applicable to transfers of Shares or other Deposited Securities to or from the name of the Custodian, the Depositary or any nominees upon the making of deposits and withdrawals, respectively;
(iii) such cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery expenses as are expressly provided in the Deposit Agreement to be at the expense of the person depositing or withdrawing Shares or Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs;
(iv) the expenses and charges incurred by the Depositary in the conversion of foreign currency;
(v) such fees and expenses as are incurred by the Depositary in connection with compliance with exchange control regulations and other regulatory requirements applicable to Shares, Deposited Securities, ADSs and ADRs; and
(vi) the fees and expenses incurred by the Depositary, the Custodian, or any nominee in connection with the delivery or servicing of Deposited Securities.
Any other charges and expenses of the Depositary under the Deposit Agreement will be paid by the Company upon agreement between the Depositary and the Company. All fees and charges may, at any time and from time to time, be changed by agreement between the Depositary and Company but, in the case of fees and charges payable by Holders or Beneficial Owners, only in the manner contemplated by paragraph (22) of this ADR and as contemplated in the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary will provide, without charge, a copy of its latest fee schedule to anyone upon request. The charges and expenses of the Custodian are for the sole account of the Depositary.
(11) TITLE TO ADRs. It is a condition of this ADR, and every successive Holder of this ADR by accepting or holding the same consents and agrees, that title to this ADR (and to each Certificated ADS evidenced hereby) shall be transferable by delivery upon the same terms as a certificated security under the laws of the State of New York, provided that, in the case of Certificated ADSs, this ADR has been properly endorsed or is accompanied by proper instruments of transfer. Notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, the Depositary and the
Company may deem and treat the Holder of this ADR (that is, the person in whose name this ADR is registered on the books of the Depositary) as the absolute owner thereof for all purposes. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall have any obligation nor be subject to any liability under the Deposit Agreement or this ADR to any holder of this ADR or any Beneficial Owner unless such holder is the Holder of this ADR registered on the books of the Depositary or, in the case of a Beneficial Owner, such Beneficial Owner or the Beneficial Owner's representative is the Holder registered on the books of the Depositary.
(12) VALIDITY OF ADR. The Holder(s) of this ADR (and the ADSs represented hereby) shall not be entitled to any benefits under the Deposit Agreement or be valid or enforceable for any purpose against the Depositary or the Company unless this ADR has been (i) dated, (ii) signed by the manual or facsimile signature of a duly-authorized signatory of the Depositary, (iii) countersigned by the manual or facsimile signature of a duly-authorized signatory of the Registrar, and (iv) registered in the books maintained by the Registrar for the registration of issuances and transfers of ADRs. An ADR bearing the facsimile signature of a duly-authorized signatory of the Depositary or the Registrar, who at the time of signature was a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary or the Registrar, as the case may be, shall bind the Depositary, notwithstanding the fact that such signatory has ceased to be so authorized prior to the delivery of such ADR by the Depositary.
(13) AVAILABLE INFORMATION; REPORTS; INSPECTION OF TRANSFER BOOKS. The Company is subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and accordingly files certain information with the Commission. These reports and documents can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission located at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20549. The Depositary shall make available for inspection by Holders at its Principal Office any reports and communications, including any proxy soliciting materials, received from the Company which are both (a) received by the Depositary, the Custodian, or the nominee of either of them as the holder of the Deposited Securities and (b) made generally available to the holders of such Deposited Securities by the Company.
The Registrar shall keep books for the registration of ADSs which at all reasonable times shall be open for inspection by the Company and by the Holders of such ADSs, provided that such inspection shall not be, to the Registrar's knowledge, for the purpose of communicating with Holders of such ADSs in the interest of a business or object other than the business of the Company or other than a matter related to the Deposit Agreement or the ADSs.
The Registrar may close the transfer books with respect to the ADSs, at
any time or from time to time, when deemed necessary or advisable by it in good
faith in connection with the performance of its duties hereunder, or at the
reasonable written request of the Company subject, in all cases, to paragraph
(24) hereof.
Dated:
CITIBANK, N.A. CITIBANK, N.A.
Transfer Agent and Registrar as Depositary By: _______________________________ By: _________________________________ Authorized Signatory Authorized Signatory |
The address of the Principal Office of the Depositary is 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013, U.S.A.
[FORM OF REVERSE OF ADR]
SUMMARY OF CERTAIN ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
OF THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
(14) DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS IN CASH, SHARES, ETC. Whenever the Depositary receives confirmation from the Custodian of receipt of any cash dividend or other cash distribution on any Deposited Securities, or receives proceeds from the sale of any Deposited Securities or of any entitlements held in respect of Deposited Securities under the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary will (i) if at the time of receipt thereof any amounts received in a Foreign Currency can, in the judgment of the Depositary (upon the terms of the Deposit Agreement), be converted on a practicable basis into Dollars transferable to the United States, promptly convert or cause to be converted such cash dividend, distribution or proceeds into Dollars (upon the terms of the Deposit Agreement), (ii) if applicable, establish the ADS Record Date upon the terms described in Section 4.9 of the Deposit Agreement, and (iii) distribute promptly the amount thus received (net of (a) applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes withheld) to the Holders entitled thereto as of the ADS Record Date in proportion to the number of ADSs held as of the ADS Record Date. The Depositary shall distribute only such amount, however, as can be distributed without attributing to any Holder a fraction of one cent, and any balance not so distributed shall be held by the Depositary (without liability for interest thereon) and shall be added to and become part of the next sum received by the Depositary for distribution to Holders of ADSs then outstanding at the time of the next distribution. If the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary is required to withhold and does withhold from any cash dividend or other cash distribution in respect of any Deposited Securities an amount on account of taxes, duties or other governmental charges, the amount distributed to Holders on the ADSs representing such Deposited Securities shall be reduced accordingly. Such withheld amounts shall be forwarded and made available by the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary to the relevant governmental authority. Evidence of payment thereof by the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary, as applicable, shall be forwarded by the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary, as applicable, upon request. To the extent not subject to any confidentiality undertaking with respect to such information and not prohibited by law from releasing such information, the Company, the Depositary or the Custodian, as the case may be, will forward to the Depositary, the Company or their respective agents, as the case may be, such information from its records as the Depositary or the Company, as the case may be, may reasonably request in writing in order to enable the Depositary, the Company or their respective agents, as the case may be, to file necessary reports with governmental agencies, and the Depositary, the Company or their respective agents may file or cause the filing of any such reports necessary to obtain the benefits under the applicable tax treaties for Holders of ADSs.
If any distribution upon any Deposited Securities consists of a dividend in, or free distribution of, Shares, the Company shall cause such Shares to be deposited with the Custodian and registered, as the case may be, in the name of the Depositary, the Custodian or their
respective nominees. Upon receipt of confirmation of the deposit from the
Custodian, the Depositary shall, subject to and in accordance with the Deposit
Agreement, establish the ADS Record Date and either (i) the Depositary shall
distribute to the Holders as of the ADS Record Date in proportion to the number
of ADSs held as of the ADS Record Date, additional ADSs, which represent in
aggregate the number of Shares received as such dividend, or free distribution,
subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement (including, without limitation,
(a) the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary
and (b) taxes), or (ii) if additional ADSs are not so distributed, each ADS
issued and outstanding after the ADS Record Date shall, to the extent
permissible by law, thenceforth also represent rights and interests in the
additional integral number of Shares distributed upon the Deposited Securities
represented thereby (net of (a) the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses
incurred by, the Depositary (as provided herein and in the Deposit Agreement),
and (b) taxes). In lieu of delivering fractional ADSs, the Depositary shall sell
the number of Shares or ADSs, as the case may be, represented by the aggregate
of such fractions and distribute the net proceeds upon the terms set forth in
the Deposit Agreement.
In the event that the Depositary determines that any distribution in
property (including Shares) is subject to any tax or other governmental charges
which the Depositary is obligated to withhold, or, if the Company in the
fulfillment of its obligations under the Deposit Agreement, has furnished an
opinion of U.S. counsel determining that Shares must be registered under the
Securities Act or other laws in order to be distributed to Holders (and no such
registration statement has been declared effective), the Depositary may dispose
of all or a portion of such property (including Shares and rights to subscribe
therefor) in such amounts and in such manner, including by public or private
sale, as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable and the Depositary shall
distribute the net proceeds of any such sale (after deduction of (a) taxes and
(b) fees and charges of, and the expenses incurred by, the Depositary) to
Holders entitled thereto upon the terms of the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary
shall hold and/or distribute any unsold balance of such property in accordance
with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement.
Upon timely receipt of a notice indicating that the Company wishes an elective distribution to be made available to Holders of ADSs upon the terms described in the Deposit Agreement, the Company and the Depositary shall determine whether such distribution is lawful and reasonably practicable. If so, the Depositary shall, subject to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, establish an ADS Record Date according to paragraph (16) and establish procedures to enable the Holder hereof to elect to receive the proposed distribution in cash or in additional ADSs. If a Holder elects to receive the distribution in cash, the distribution shall be made as in the case of a distribution in cash. If the Holder hereof elects to receive the distribution in additional ADSs, the distribution shall be made as in the case of a distribution in Shares upon the terms described in the Deposit Agreement. If such elective distribution is not reasonably practicable or if the Depositary did not receive satisfactory documentation set forth in the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary shall, to the extent permitted by law, distribute to Holders, on the basis of the same determination as is made in Hong Kong in respect of the Shares for which no election is made, either (x) cash or (y) additional ADSs representing such additional Shares, in each case, upon the terms described in the Deposit Agreement. Nothing herein or in the Deposit Agreement shall obligate the Depositary to make available to the Holder
hereof a method to receive the elective distribution in Shares (rather than ADSs). There can be no assurance that the Holder hereof will be given the opportunity to receive elective distributions on the same terms and conditions as the holders of Shares.
Upon timely receipt by the Depositary of a notice indicating that the Company wishes rights to subscribe for additional Shares to be made available to Holders of ADSs, the Depositary upon consultation with the Company, shall determine, whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to make such rights available to the Holders. The Depositary shall make such rights available to any Holders only if (i) the Company shall have timely requested that such rights be made available to Holders, (ii) the Depositary shall have received the documentation contemplated in the Deposit Agreement, and (iii) the Depositary shall have determined that such distribution of rights is reasonably practicable. If such conditions are not satisfied, the Depositary shall sell the rights as described below. In the event all conditions set forth above are satisfied, the Depositary shall establish an ADS Record Date (upon the terms described in the Deposit Agreement) and establish procedures to (x) distribute rights to purchase additional ADSs (by means of warrants or otherwise), (y) enable the Holders to exercise the rights (upon payment of the subscription price and of the applicable (a) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary (as provided herein and in the Deposit Agreement), and (b) taxes), and (z) deliver ADSs upon the valid exercise of such rights. Nothing herein or in the Deposit Agreement shall obligate the Depositary to make available to the Holders a method to exercise rights to subscribe for Shares (rather than ADSs). If (i) the Company does not timely request the Depositary to make the rights available to Holders or if the Company requests that the rights not be made available to Holders, (ii) the Depositary fails to receive satisfactory documentation required by the Deposit Agreement or determines in consultation with the Company that it is not reasonably practicable to make the rights available to Holders, or (iii) any rights made available are not exercised and appear to be about to lapse, the Depositary shall determine in consultation with the Company whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to sell such rights, in a riskless principal capacity, at such place and upon such terms (including public and private sale) as it may deem practicable. The Depositary shall, upon such sale, convert and distribute proceeds of such sale (net of applicable (a) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary (as provided herein and in the Deposit Agreement), and (b) taxes) upon the terms hereof and of the Deposit Agreement. If the Depositary is unable to make any rights available to Holders or to arrange for the sale of the rights upon the terms described above, the Depositary shall allow such rights to lapse. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be responsible for (i) any failure to determine that it may be lawful or practicable to make such rights available to Holders in general or any Holders in particular, nor (ii) any foreign exchange exposure or loss incurred in connection with such sale or exercise. The Depositary shall not be responsible for the content of any materials forwarded to the Holders on behalf of the Company in connection with the rights distribution.
Notwithstanding anything herein or in the Deposit Agreement to the contrary, if registration (under the Securities Act or any other applicable law) of the rights or the securities to which any rights relate may be required in order for the Company to offer such rights or such securities to Holders and to sell the securities represented by such rights, the Depositary will not distribute such rights to the Holders (i) unless and until a registration statement under the
Securities Act (or other applicable law) covering such offering is in effect or
(ii) unless the Company furnishes the Depositary with opinion(s) of counsel for
the Company in the United States and counsel to the Company in any other
applicable country in which rights would be distributed, in each case reasonably
satisfactory to the Depositary, to the effect that the offering and sale of such
securities to Holders and Beneficial Owners are exempt from, or do not require
registration under, the provisions of the Securities Act or any other applicable
laws. In the event that the Company, the Depositary or the Custodian shall be
required to withhold and does withhold from any distribution of property
(including rights) an amount on account of taxes or other governmental charges,
the amount distributed to the Holders of ADSs representing such Deposited
Securities shall be reduced accordingly. In the event that the Depositary
determines that any distribution in property (including Shares and rights to
subscribe therefor) is subject to any tax or other governmental charges which
the Depositary is obligated to withhold, the Depositary may dispose of all or a
portion of such property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) in
such amounts and in such manner, including by public or private sale, as the
Depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay any such taxes or charges.
There can be no assurance that Holders generally, or any Holder in particular, will be given the opportunity to receive or exercise rights on the same terms and conditions as the holders of Shares or to exercise such rights. Nothing herein or in the Deposit Agreement shall obligate the Company to file any registration statement in respect of any rights or Shares or other securities to be acquired upon the exercise of such rights.
Upon timely receipt of a notice indicating that the Company wishes property other than cash, Shares or rights to purchase additional Shares, to be made to Holders of ADSs, the Depositary shall consult with the Company, and the Company shall assist the Depositary, to determine whether such distribution to Holders is lawful and reasonably practicable. The Depositary shall not make such distribution unless (i) the Company shall have requested the Depositary to make such distribution to Holders, (ii) the Depositary shall have received satisfactory documentation contemplated in the Deposit Agreement, and (iii) the Depositary shall have determined in consultation with the Company that such distribution is reasonably practicable. Upon satisfaction of such conditions, the Depositary shall distribute the property so received to the Holders of record, as of the ADS Record Date, in proportion to the number of ADSs held by them respectively and in such manner as the Depositary may deem practicable for accomplishing such distribution (i) upon receipt of payment or net of the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary (as provided herein and in the Deposit Agreement), and (ii) net of any taxes withheld. The Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of the property so distributed and deposited, in such amounts and in such manner (including public or private sale) as the Depositary may deem practicable or necessary to satisfy any taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) or other governmental charges applicable to the distribution.
If the conditions above are not satisfied, the Depositary shall sell or
cause such property to be sold in a public or private sale, at such place or
places and upon such terms as it may deem practicable and shall (i) cause the
proceeds of such sale, if any, to be converted into Dollars and (ii) distribute
the proceeds of such conversion received by the Depositary (net of applicable
(a)
fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary (as provided herein and in the Deposit Agreement), and (b) taxes) to the Holders as of the ADS Record Date upon the terms hereof and of the Deposit Agreement. If the Depositary is unable to sell such property, the Depositary may dispose of such property for the account of the Holders in any way it deems reasonably practicable under the circumstances.
Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be responsible for (i) any failure to determine whether it is lawful or practicable to make such other property available to Holders in general or any Holders in particular, nor (ii) any foreign exchange exposure or loss incurred in connection with the sale or disposal of such other property. The Depositary shall not be responsible for the content of any materials forwarded to the Holders on behalf of the Company in connection with the distribution or sale of such other property.
(15) REDEMPTION. Upon timely receipt of notice from the Company that it intends to exercise its right of redemption in respect of any of the Deposited Securities, and a satisfactory opinion of counsel, and upon determining that such proposed redemption is practicable, the Depositary shall (to the extent practicable) provide to each Holder a notice setting forth the Company's intention to exercise the redemption rights and any other particulars set forth in the Company's notice to the Depositary. Upon receipt of confirmation from the Custodian that the redemption has taken place and that funds representing the redemption price have been received, the Depositary shall convert, transfer, distribute the proceeds (net of applicable (a) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary (as provided herein and in the Deposit Agreement), and (b) taxes), retire ADSs and cancel ADRs, if applicable, upon delivery of such ADSs by Holders thereof upon the terms of the Deposit Agreement. If less than all outstanding Deposited Securities are redeemed, the ADSs to be retired will be selected by lot or on a pro rata basis, as may be determined by the Depositary. The redemption price per ADS shall be the dollar equivalent of the per share amount received by the Depositary (adjusted to reflect the ADS(s)-to-Share(s) ratio) upon the redemption of the Deposited Securities represented by ADSs (subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement and the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary, and taxes) multiplied by the number of Deposited Securities represented by each ADS redeemed.
(16) FIXING OF ADS RECORD DATE. Whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of the fixing of a record date by the Company for the determination of holders of Deposited Securities entitled to receive any distribution (whether in cash, Shares, rights or other distribution), or whenever for any reason the Depositary causes a change in the number of Shares that are represented by each ADS, or whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of any meeting of, or solicitation of consents or proxies of, holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities, or whenever the Depositary shall find it necessary or convenient in connection with the giving of any notice, solicitation of any consent or any other matter, the Depositary shall fix a record date ("ADS Record Date") for the determination of the Holders of ADS(s) who shall be entitled to receive such distribution, to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting, to give or withhold such consent, to receive such notice or solicitation or to otherwise take action, or to exercise the rights of Holders with respect to such changed number of Shares represented by each ADS. Subject to applicable law and the terms and conditions of
this ADR and the Deposit Agreement, only the Holders of ADSs at the close of business in New York on such ADS Record Date shall be entitled to receive such distributions, to give such voting instructions, to receive such notice or solicitation, or otherwise take action.
(17) VOTING OF DEPOSITED SECURITIES. As soon as practicable after receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of Deposited Securities are entitled to vote, or of solicitation of consents or proxies from holders of Deposited Securities, the Depositary shall fix the ADS Record Date in respect of such meeting or solicitation of such consent or proxy. The Depositary shall, if requested by the Company in writing in a timely manner (which request must be received by the Depositary at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of such vote or meeting) and as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt thereof, at the Company's expense and provided no U.S. legal prohibitions exist, distribute to Holders as of the ADS Record Date: (a) such notice of meeting or solicitation of consent or proxies, (b) a statement that the Holders at the close of business on the ADS Record Date will be entitled, subject to any applicable law, the provisions of the Deposit Agreement, the Company's Articles of Association and the provisions of or governing Deposited Securities (which provisions, if any, shall be summarized in pertinent part by the Company), to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights, if any, pertaining to the Deposited Securities represented by such Holder's ADSs and (c) a brief statement as to the manner in which such voting instructions may be given (including an indication that instructions will be deemed to have been given in accordance with Section 4.10(b) of the Deposit Agreement (if no instructions are received by the Depositary prior to the deadline set for such purposes) to the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company). Voting instructions may be given only in respect of a number of ADSs representing an integral number of Deposited Securities. In the event the notice of meeting or vote and request of the Company is not received by the Depositary at least thirty (30) days prior to such meeting or vote, the Depositary shall not have any obligation to notify the Holders and shall not under any circumstances vote the Deposited Securities, cause the Deposited Securities to be voted or grant any discretionary proxy to the Company. Upon the timely receipt of voting instructions from a Holder of ADSs as of the ADS Record Date in the manner specified by the Depositary, the Depositary shall endeavor, insofar as practicable and permitted under applicable law and the provisions of the Deposit Agreement, the Articles of Association of the Company and the provisions of the Deposited Securities, to vote, or cause the Custodian to vote, the Deposited Securities (in person or by proxy) represented by such Holder's ADSs in accordance with such instructions, either on a show of hands, in which case, the Depositary shall vote or shall instruct the Custodian to vote in accordance with instructions received from a majority of Holders giving instructions, or on a poll, in which case the Depositary shall vote or cause the Custodian to vote in accordance with the instructions as received from the Holders giving instructions.
Under the Articles of Association of the Company (as in effect as of the date hereof), a poll may be demanded at any meeting by (i) the chairman of the meeting, (ii) at least three shareholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting, (iii) a shareholder or shareholders present in person or by proxy (1) who represent in the aggregate not less than 10% of the total voting rights of all shareholders having the right to attend and vote at the meeting, or (2) who hold Shares conferring the right to attend and vote at the meeting on which
there have been paid sums in the aggregate equal to not less than 10% of the total sum paid up on all Shares conferring that right. The Depositary will not join in demanding a poll, whether or not requested to do so by Holders of ADSs.
Neither the Depositary nor the Custodian shall under any circumstances exercise any discretion as to voting and neither the Depositary nor the Custodian shall vote, attempt to exercise the right to vote, or in any way make use of, for purposes of establishing a quorum or otherwise the Deposited Securities represented by ADSs, except pursuant to and in accordance with the voting instructions timely received from Holders or as otherwise contemplated herein and in the Deposit Agreement.
If the Depositary timely receives voting instructions from a Holder which fail to specify the manner in which the Depositary is to vote the Deposited Securities represented by such Holder's ADSs, the Depositary will deem such Holder (unless otherwise specified in the notice distributed to Holders) to have instructed the Depositary to vote in favor of the items set forth in such instructions.
If the Depositary does not receive instructions from a Holder as of the ADS Record Date on or before the date established by the Depositary for such purpose, such Holder shall be deemed, and the Depositary shall deem such Holder, to have instructed the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company to vote the Deposited Securities; provided, however, that no such discretionary proxy shall be given by the Depositary with respect to any matter to be voted upon as to which the Company informs the Depositary that (i) the Company does not wish such proxy to be given, (ii) substantial opposition exists, or (iii) the rights of holders of Deposited Securities may be adversely affected; further, provided, that no such discretionary proxy will be given by the Depositary with respect to a particular item for which no instructions have been received in the event that the vote is on a show of hands.
Notwithstanding anything else contained herein, the Depositary shall, if so requested in writing by the Company, represent all Deposited Securities (whether or not voting instructions have been received in respect of such Deposited Securities from Holders as of the ADS Record Date) for the sole purpose of establishing quorum at a meeting of shareholders.
Notwithstanding anything else contained in the Deposit Agreement or this ADR, the Depositary shall not have any obligation to take any action with respect to any meeting, or solicitation of consents or proxies, of holders of Deposited Securities if the taking of such action would violate U.S. laws. The Company agrees to take any and all actions reasonably necessary to enable Holders and Beneficial Owners to exercise the voting rights accruing to the Deposited Securities and to deliver to the Depositary an opinion of U.S. counsel addressing any actions requested to be taken if so reasonably requested by the Depositary.
There can be no assurance that Holders or Beneficial Owners generally or any Holder or Beneficial Owner in particular will receive the notice described above with sufficient time to enable the Holder to return voting instructions to the Depositary in a timely manner.
(18) CHANGES AFFECTING DEPOSITED SECURITIES. Upon any change in nominal or par value, split-up, cancellation, consolidation or any other reclassification of Deposited Securities, or upon any recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale of assets affecting the Company or to which it is a party, any securities which shall be received by the Depositary or the Custodian in exchange for, or in conversion of or replacement of or otherwise in respect of, such Deposited Securities shall, to the extent permitted by law, be treated as new Deposited Securities under the Deposit Agreement, and the ADRs shall, subject to the provisions of the Deposit Agreement and applicable law, evidence ADSs representing the right to receive such additional securities. The Depositary may, with the Company's approval, and shall, if the Company shall so request, subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement and receipt of satisfactory documentation contemplated by the Deposit Agreement, execute and deliver additional ADRs as in the case of a stock dividend on the Shares, or call for the surrender of outstanding ADRs to be exchanged for new ADRs, in either case, as well as in the event of newly deposited Shares, with necessary modifications to the form of ADR contained in Exhibit A to the Deposit Agreement, specifically describing such new Deposited Securities or corporate change. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any security so received may not be lawfully distributed to some or all Holders in the reasonable judgment of the Depositary in consultation with the Company, the Depositary may, with the Company's approval, and shall, if the Company requests, subject to receipt of satisfactory documentation contemplated in the Deposit Agreement, sell such securities at public or private sale, at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem proper and may allocate the net proceeds of such sales (net of (a) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary (as provided herein or in the Deposit Agreement) and (b) taxes) for the account of the Holders otherwise entitled to such securities and distribute the net proceeds so allocated to the extent practicable as in the case of a distribution received in cash pursuant to the Deposit Agreement. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be responsible for (i) any failure to determine that it may be lawful or feasible to make such securities available to Holders in general or any Holder in particular, (ii) any foreign exchange exposure or loss incurred in connection with such sale, or (iii) any liability to the purchaser of such securities. The Depositary shall not be responsible for the content of any materials forwarded to the Holders on behalf of the Company in connection with the distribution or sale of such securities.
(19) EXONERATION. The Depositary and the Company undertake to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth herein or in the Deposit Agreement, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this ADR or the Deposit Agreement against the Depositary or the Company. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be obligated to do or perform any act which is inconsistent with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement or incur any liability (i) if the Depositary or the Company shall be prevented or forbidden from, or subjected to any civil or criminal penalty or restraint on account of, or delayed in, doing or performing any act or thing required by the terms of the Deposit Agreement and this ADR, by reason of any provision of any present or future law or regulation of the United States, Hong Kong or any other country, or of any other governmental authority or regulatory authority or stock exchange, or on account of possible criminal or civil penalties or restraint, or by reason of any provision, present or future, of the Articles of Association of the Company or any provision of or governing any Deposited Securities, or by reason of any act of God or war or other
circumstances beyond its control (including, without limitation,
nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, work stoppage, strikes,
civil unrest, acts of terrorism, revolutions, rebellions, explosions and
computer failure), (ii) by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise,
any discretion provided for in the Deposit Agreement or in the Articles of
Association of the Company or provisions of or governing Deposited Securities,
(iii) for any action or inaction in reliance upon the advice of or information
from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Shares for deposit, any
Holder, any Beneficial Owner or authorized representative thereof, or any other
person believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such advice or
information, (iv) for the inability by a Holder or Beneficial Owner to benefit
from any distribution, offering, right or other benefit which is made available
to holders of Deposited Securities but is not, under the terms of the Deposit
Agreement, made available to Holders of ADSs or (v) for any consequential or
punitive damages for any breach of the terms of the Deposit Agreement. The
Depositary and any Custodian, and each of their respective directors, officers,
employees, agents and Affiliates, and the Company, its controlling persons and
its agents may rely and shall be protected in acting upon any written notice,
request or other document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed
or presented by the proper party or parties. No disclaimer of liability under
the Securities Act is intended by any provision of the Deposit Agreement or this
ADR.
(20) STANDARD OF CARE. The Company, the Depositary and their respective agents assume no obligation and shall not be subject to any liability under the Deposit Agreement or this ADR to any Holder(s) or Beneficial Owner(s), except that the Company, the Depositary and their respective agents agree to perform their respective obligations specifically set forth in the Deposit Agreement and this ADR without negligence or bad faith.
Neither the Depositary and its agents nor the Company shall be liable for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote any of the Deposited Securities, or for the manner in which any vote is cast or the effect of any vote, or for any failure to determine that any distribution or action may be lawful or reasonably practicable, provided that any such action, omission or determination is in good faith and in accordance with the terms of the Deposit Agreement. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall incur any liability for any investment risk associated with acquiring an interest in the Deposited Securities, for the validity or worth of the Deposited Securities, for any tax consequences that may result from the ownership of ADSs, Shares or Deposited Securities or for the credit-worthiness of any third party. The Depositary shall not incur any liability for the content of any information submitted to it by the Company for distribution to the Holders or for any inaccuracy of any translation thereof, for allowing any rights to lapse upon the terms of the Deposit Agreement or for the failure or timeliness of any notice from the Company. No waiver of any rights of any Holder or Beneficial Owner under the U.S. securities laws is intended by any provision of this paragraph. In addition, notwithstanding anything in this paragraph to the contrary, no provision in this paragraph shall prevent either party from pursuing its rights to indemnification pursuant to Section 5.8 of the Deposit Agreement.
(21) RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL OF THE DEPOSITARY; APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. The Depositary may at any time resign as Depositary under the Deposit Agreement
by written notice of resignation delivered to the Company, such resignation to
be effective on the earlier of (i) the 90th day after delivery thereof to the
Company, or (ii) upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its
acceptance of such appointment as provided in the Deposit Agreement. The
Depositary may at any time be removed by the Company by written notice of such
removal, which removal shall be effective on the later of (i) the 90th day after
delivery thereof to the Depositary, or (ii) upon the appointment by the Company
of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as provided in
the Deposit Agreement. In case at any time the Depositary acting hereunder shall
resign or be removed, the Company shall use its best efforts to appoint a
successor depositary, which shall be a bank or trust company having an office in
the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York. Every successor depositary shall
execute and deliver to its predecessor and to the Company an instrument in
writing accepting its appointment under the Deposit Agreement, and thereupon
such successor depositary, without any further act or deed (except as required
by applicable law), shall become fully vested with all the rights, powers,
duties and obligations of its predecessor (other than as contemplated in the
Deposit Agreement). The predecessor depositary, upon payment of all sums due it
and on the written request of the Company, shall (i) execute and deliver an
instrument transferring to such successor all rights and powers of such
predecessor hereunder (other than as contemplated in the Deposit Agreement),
(ii) duly assign, transfer and deliver all right, title and interest to the
Deposited Securities to such successor, and (iii) deliver to such successor a
list of the Holders of all outstanding ADSs and such other information relating
to ADSs and Holders thereof as the successor may reasonably request. Any such
successor depositary shall promptly provide notice of its appointment to such
Holders. Any corporation into or with which the Depositary may be merged or
consolidated shall be the successor of the Depositary without the execution or
filing of any document or any further act.
(22) AMENDMENT/SUPPLEMENT. Subject to the terms and conditions of this paragraph 22, the Deposit Agreement and applicable law, this ADR and any provisions of the Deposit Agreement may at any time and from time to time be amended or supplemented by written agreement between the Company and the Depositary in any respect which they may deem necessary or desirable without the prior written consent of the Holders or Beneficial Owners. Any amendment or supplement which shall impose or increase any fees or charges (other than the charges in connection with foreign exchange control regulations, and taxes and other governmental charges, delivery and other such expenses), or which shall otherwise materially prejudice any substantial existing right of Holders or Beneficial Owners, shall not, however, become effective as to outstanding ADSs until the expiration of thirty (30) days after notice of such amendment or supplement shall have been given to the Holders of outstanding ADSs. The parties hereto agree that any amendments or supplements which (i) are reasonably necessary (as agreed by the Company and the Depositary) in order for (a) the ADSs to be registered on Form F-6 under the Securities Act or (b) the ADSs to be settled solely in electronic book-entry form and (ii) do not in either such case impose or increase any fees or charges to be borne by Holders, shall be deemed not to materially prejudice any substantial rights of Holders or Beneficial Owners. Every Holder and Beneficial Owner at the time any amendment or supplement so becomes effective shall be deemed, by continuing to hold such ADS(s), to consent and agree to such amendment or supplement and to be bound by the Deposit Agreement and this ADR as amended or supplemented thereby. In no event shall any amendment or supplement impair the
right of the Holder to surrender such ADS and receive therefor the Deposited Securities represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any governmental body should adopt new laws, rules or regulations which would require an amendment of, or supplement to, the Deposit Agreement to ensure compliance therewith, the Company and the Depositary may amend or supplement the Deposit Agreement and this ADR at any time in accordance with such changed laws, rules or regulations. Such amendment or supplement to the Deposit Agreement and this ADR in such circumstances may become effective before a notice of such amendment or supplement is given to Holders or within any other period of time as required for compliance with such laws, or rules or regulations.
(23) TERMINATION. The Depositary shall, at any time at the written
direction of the Company, terminate the Deposit Agreement by providing notice of
such termination to the Holders of all ADSs then outstanding at least thirty
(30) days prior to the date fixed in such notice for such termination. If ninety
(90) days shall have expired after (i) the Depositary shall have delivered to
the Company a written notice of its election to resign, or (ii) the Company
shall have delivered to the Depositary a written notice of the removal of the
Depositary, and in either case a successor depositary shall not have been
appointed and accepted its appointment as provided herein and in the Deposit
Agreement, the Depositary may terminate the Deposit Agreement by providing
notice of such termination to the Holders of all ADSs then outstanding at least
thirty (30) days prior to the date fixed for such termination. On and after the
date of termination of the Deposit Agreement, the Holder of ADS(s) will, upon
surrender of such ADS(s) at the Principal Office of the Depositary, upon the
payment of the charges of the Depositary for the surrender of ADSs referred to
in paragraph (2) hereof and in the Deposit Agreement and subject to the
conditions and restrictions therein set forth, and upon payment of any
applicable taxes or governmental charges, be entitled to Delivery, to him or
upon his order, of the amount of Deposited Securities represented by such
ADS(s). If any ADSs shall remain outstanding after the date of termination of
the Deposit Agreement, the Registrar thereafter shall discontinue the
registration of transfers of ADSs, and the Depositary shall suspend the
distribution of dividends to the Holders thereof, and shall not give any further
notices or perform any further acts under the Deposit Agreement, except that the
Depositary shall continue to collect dividends and other distributions
pertaining to Deposited Securities, shall sell rights as provided in the Deposit
Agreement, and shall continue to deliver Deposited Securities, subject to the
conditions and restrictions set forth in the Deposit Agreement, together with
any dividends or other distributions received with respect thereto and the net
proceeds of the sale of any rights or other property, in exchange for ADSs
surrendered to the Depositary (after deducting, or charging, as the case may be,
in each case the charges of the Depositary for the surrender of an ADS, any
expenses for the account of the Holder in accordance with the terms and
conditions of the Deposit Agreement and any applicable taxes or governmental
charges or assessments). At any time after the expiration of six months from the
date of termination of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may sell the
Deposited Securities then held hereunder and may thereafter hold uninvested the
net proceeds of any such sale, together with any other cash then held by it
hereunder, in an unsegregated account, without liability for interest for the
pro rata benefit of the Holders whose ADSs have not theretofore been
surrendered. After making such sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from all
obligations under the Deposit Agreement with
respect to the ADSs, this ADR and the Deposited Securities, except to account for such net proceeds and other cash (after deducting, or charging, as the case may be, in each case, the charges of the Depositary for the surrender of ADSs, any expenses for the account of the Holder in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement and any applicable taxes or governmental charges or assessments). Upon the termination of the Deposit Agreement, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations under the Deposit Agreement except as set forth in the Deposit Agreement.
(24) COMPLIANCE WITH U.S. SECURITIES LAWS. Notwithstanding any provisions in this ADR or the Deposit Agreement to the contrary, the withdrawal or delivery of Deposited Securities will not be suspended by the Company or the Depositary except as would be permitted by Instruction I.A.(1) of the General Instructions to the Form F-6 Registration Statement, as amended from time to time, under the Securities Act.
(25) CERTAIN RIGHTS OF THE DEPOSITARY; LIMITATIONS. Subject to the further terms and provisions of this paragraph (25) and the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary, its Affiliates and their agents, on their own behalf, may own and deal in any class of securities of the Company and its Affiliates and in ADSs. The Depositary may issue ADSs against evidence of rights to receive Shares from the Company, any agent of the Company or any custodian, registrar, transfer agent, clearing agency or other entity authorized by the Company to maintain ownership or transaction records in respect of the Shares. Such evidence of rights shall consist of written blanket or specific guarantees of ownership of Shares. In its capacity as Depositary, the Depositary shall not lend Shares or ADSs; provided, however, that the Depositary may, except in the case of Restricted ADSs (as defined in the Deposit Agreement) (i) issue ADSs prior to the receipt of Shares pursuant to Section 2.3 of the Deposit Agreement and (ii) deliver Shares prior to the receipt of ADSs for withdrawal of Deposited Securities pursuant to Section 2.7 of the Deposit Agreement, including ADSs which were issued under (i) above but for which Shares may not have been received (each such transaction a "Pre-Release Transaction"). The Depositary may receive ADSs in lieu of Shares under (i) above and receive Shares in lieu of ADSs under (ii) above. Each such Pre-Release Transaction will be (a) subject to a written agreement whereby the person or entity (the "Applicant") to whom ADSs or Shares are to be delivered (w) represents that at the time of the Pre-Release Transaction the Applicant or its customer owns the Shares or ADSs that are to be delivered by the Applicant under such Pre-Release Transaction, (x) agrees to indicate the Depositary as owner of such Shares or ADSs in its records and to hold such Shares or ADSs in trust for the Depositary until such Shares or ADSs are delivered to the Depositary or the Custodian, (y) unconditionally guarantees to deliver to the Depositary or the Custodian, as applicable, such Shares or ADSs and (z) agrees to any additional restrictions or requirements that the Depositary deems appropriate, (b) at all times fully collateralized with cash, U.S. government securities or such other collateral as the Depositary deems appropriate, (c) terminable by the Depositary on not more than five (5) business days' notice and (d) subject to such further indemnities and credit regulations as the Depositary deems appropriate. The Depositary will normally limit the number of ADSs and Shares involved in such Pre-Release Transactions at any one time to thirty percent (30%) of the ADSs outstanding (without giving effect to ADSs outstanding under (i) above), provided, however, that the Depositary reserves the right to change or disregard such limit from time to time as it deems
appropriate. The Depositary may also set limits with respect to the number of ADSs and Shares involved in Pre-Release Transactions with any one person on a case by case basis as it deems appropriate. The Depositary may retain for its own account any compensation received by it in conjunction with the foregoing. Collateral provided pursuant to (b) above, but not earnings thereon, shall be held for the benefit of the Holders (other than the Applicant).
(ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER SIGNATURE LINES)
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned Holder hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto ______________________________ whose taxpayer identification number is _______________________ and whose address including postal zip code is ________________, the within ADS and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing ________________________ attorney-in-fact to transfer said ADS on the books of the Depositary with full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated: Name:________________________________ By: Title: NOTICE: The signature of the Holder to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the within instrument in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever. If the endorsement be executed by an attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, the person executing the endorsement must give his/her full title in such capacity and proper evidence of authority to act in such capacity, if not on file with the Depositary, must be forwarded with this ADR. ____________________ SIGNATURE GUARANTEED All endorsements or assignments of ADRs must be guaranteed by a member of a Medallion Signature Program approved by the Securities Transfer Association, Inc. |
LEGENDS
[The ADRS issued in respect of Partial Entitlement American Depositary Shares shall bear the following legend on the face of the ADR: "This ADR evidences ADSs representing 'partial entitlement' ordinary shares of China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited and as such do not entitle the holders thereof to the same per-share entitlement as other Shares (which are 'full entitlement' Shares) issued and outstanding at such time. The ADSs represented by this ADR shall entitle holders to distributions and entitlements identical to other ADSs when the Shares represented by such ADSs become 'full entitlement' Shares."]
EXHIBIT B
FEE SCHEDULE
DEPOSITARY FEES AND RELATED CHARGES
All capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning given to such terms in the Deposit Agreement.
I. DEPOSITARY FEES
The Company, the Holders, the Beneficial Owners and the persons depositing Shares or surrendering ADSs for cancellation agree to pay the following fees of the Depositary:
SERVICE RATE BY WHOM PAID ------- ---- ------------ (1) Issuance of ADSs upon deposit Up to U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or Person depositing Shares or person of Shares (excluding fraction thereof) issued. receiving ADSs. issuances contemplated by paragraphs (3)(b) and (5) below). (2) Delivery of Deposited Up to U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or Person surrendering ADSs for Securities against surrender fraction thereof) surrendered. purpose of withdrawal of Deposited of ADSs. Securities or person to whom Deposited Securities are delivered. (3) Distribution of (a) cash No fee, to the extent prohibited by Person to whom distribution is made. dividends or (b) ADSs the exchange upon which the ADSs pursuant to stock dividends are listed. If the charging of (or other free distribution such fee is not prohibited, the of stock). fees specified in (1) above shall be payable in respect of a distribution of ADSs pursuant to stock dividends (or other free distribution of stock) and the fees specified in (4) below shall be payable in respect of distributions of cash. (4) Distribution of cash proceeds Up to U.S. $2.00 per 100 ADSs (or Person to whom distribution is made. (i.e., upon sale of rights fraction thereof) held. and other entitlements). |
(5) Distribution of securities Up to U.S. $5.00 per unit of 100 Person to whom distribution is made. other than ADSs or rights to securities (or fraction thereof) purchase additional ADSs distributed. (i.e., spin-off shares). (6) Depositary Services. To the extent permitted by the Person holding ADSs on last day of exchange upon which the ADSs are calendar year. listed, up to U.S. $2.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held as of the last day of each calendar year, except to the extent of any cash dividend fee(s) charged under paragraph (3)(a) above during the applicable calendar year. (7) Distribution of ADSs pursuant Up to U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or Person to whom distribution is made. to exercise of rights to fraction thereof) issued. purchase additional ADSs. |
II. CHARGES
Holders, Beneficial Owners, persons depositing Shares for deposit and persons surrendering ADSs for cancellation and for the purpose of withdrawing Deposited Securities shall be responsible for the following charges:
(i) taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) and other governmental charges;
(ii) such registration fees as may from time to time be in effect for the registration of Shares or other Deposited Securities on the share register and applicable to transfers of Shares or other Deposited Securities to or from the name of the Custodian, the Depositary or any nominees upon the making of deposits and withdrawals, respectively;
(iii) such cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery expenses as are expressly provided in the Deposit Agreement to be at the expense of the person depositing or withdrawing Shares or Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs;
(iv) the expenses and charges incurred by the Depositary in the conversion of foreign currency;
(v) such fees and expenses as are incurred by the Depositary in connection with compliance with exchange control regulations and other regulatory requirements applicable to Shares, Deposited Securities, ADSs and ADRs; and
(vi) the fees and expenses incurred by the Depositary, the Custodian or any nominee in connection with the servicing or delivery of Deposited Securities.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS.............................................................................................. 1 Section 1.1 "Affiliate"................................................................................... 2 Section 1.2 "ADS Record Date"............................................................................. 2 Section 1.3 "American Depositary Receipt(s)", "ADR(s)" and "Receipt(s)"................................... 2 Section 1.4 "American Depositary Share(s)" and "ADS(s)"................................................... 2 Section 1.5 "Applicant"................................................................................... 2 Section 1.6 "Beneficial Owner"............................................................................ 3 Section 1.7 "Certificated ADS(s)"......................................................................... 3 Section 1.8 "Commission".................................................................................. 3 Section 1.9 "Company"..................................................................................... 3 Section 1.10 "Custodian"................................................................................... 3 Section 1.11 "Deliver" and "Delivery"...................................................................... 3 Section 1.12 "Deposit Agreement"........................................................................... 3 Section 1.13 "Depositary".................................................................................. 3 Section 1.14 "Deposited Securities"........................................................................ 3 Section 1.15 "Dollars" and "$"............................................................................. 4 Section 1.16 "DTC"......................................................................................... 4 Section 1.17 "DTC Participant"............................................................................. 4 Section 1.18 "Exchange Act"................................................................................ 4 Section 1.19 "Foreign Currency"............................................................................ 4 Section 1.20 "Full Entitlement ADR(s)", "Full Entitlement ADS(s)" and "Full Entitlement Share(s)".......... 4 Section 1.21 "Holder(s)"................................................................................... 4 Section 1.22 "Hong Kong"................................................................................... 4 Section 1.23 "Partial Entitlement ADR(s)", "Partial Entitlement ADS(s)" and "Partial Entitlement Share(s) 4 section 1.24 "Pre-Release Transaction"..................................................................... 4 Section 1.25 "Principal Office"............................................................................ 4 Section 1.26 "Registrar"................................................................................... 4 Section 1.27 "Restricted Securities"....................................................................... 5 Section 1.28 "Restricted ADR(s)", "Restricted ADS(s)" and "Restricted Shares".............................. 5 Section 1.29 "Securities Act".............................................................................. 5 Section 1.30 "Share Registrar"............................................................................. 5 Section 1.31 "Shares"...................................................................................... 6 Section 1.32 "Uncertificated ADS(s)"....................................................................... 6 Section 1.33 "United States" and "U.S.".................................................................... 6 ARTICLE II APPOINTMENT OF DEPOSITARY; FORM OF RECEIPTS; DEPOSIT OF SHARES; EXECUTION AND DELIVERY, TRANSFER AND SURRENDER OF RECEIPTS.............................................................................................. 6 Section 2.1 Appointment of Depositary. ................................................................... 6 Section 2.2 Form and Transferability of ADSs. ............................................................ 6 Section 2.3 Deposit With Custodian. ...................................................................... 8 Section 2.4 Registration and Safekeeping of Deposited Securities. ........................................ 10 Section 2.5 Issuance of ADSs. ............................................................................ 10 Section 2.6 Transfer, Combination and Split-up of ADRs. .................................................. 11 |
Table of Contents (Cont'd)
Section 2.7 Surrender of ADSs and Withdrawal of Deposited Securities. .................................... 12 Section 2.8 Limitations on Execution and Delivery, Transfer, etc. of ADSs; Suspension of Delivery, Transfer, etc. ............................................................................... 13 Section 2.9 Lost ADRs, etc. .............................................................................. 14 Section 2.10 Cancellation and Destruction of Surrendered ADRs; Maintenance of Records. .................... 14 Section 2.11 Partial Entitlement ADSs. .................................................................... 14 Section 2.12 Certificated/Uncertificated ADSs. ............................................................ 15 Section 2.13 Restricted ADSs. ............................................................................. 16 ARTICLE III CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF HOLDERS AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF ADSs........................................... 19 Section 3.1 Proofs, Certificates and Other Information. .................................................. 19 Section 3.2 Liability for Taxes and Other Charges. ....................................................... 19 Section 3.3 Representations and Warranties on Deposit of Shares. ......................................... 20 Section 3.4 Compliance with Information Requests. ........................................................ 20 Section 3.5 Ownership Restrictions. ...................................................................... 20 ARTICLE IV THE DEPOSITED SECURITIES................................................................................ 21 Section 4.1 Cash Distributions. .......................................................................... 21 Section 4.2 Distribution in Shares. ...................................................................... 22 Section 4.3 Elective Distributions in Cash or Shares. .................................................... 22 Section 4.4 Distribution of Rights to Purchase Additional ADSs. .......................................... 23 Section 4.5 Distributions Other Than Cash, Shares or Rights to Purchase Shares. .......................... 25 Section 4.6 Distributions With Respect to Deposited Securities in Bearer Form. ........................... 26 Section 4.7 Redemption. .................................................................................. 26 Section 4.8 Conversion of Foreign Currency. .............................................................. 26 Section 4.9 Fixing of ADS Record Date. ................................................................... 27 Section 4.10 Voting of Deposited Securities. .............................................................. 27 Section 4.11 Changes Affecting Deposited Securities. ...................................................... 29 Section 4.12 Available Information. ....................................................................... 30 Section 4.13 Reports. ..................................................................................... 30 Section 4.14 List of Holders. ............................................................................. 31 Section 4.15 Taxation. .................................................................................... 31 ARTICLE V THE DEPOSITARY, THE CUSTODIAN AND THE COMPANY............................................................ 32 Section 5.1 Maintenance of Office and Transfer Books by the Registrar. ................................... 32 Section 5.2 Exoneration. ................................................................................. 33 Section 5.3 Standard of Care. ............................................................................ 33 Section 5.4 Resignation and Removal of the Depositary; Appointment of Successor Depositary. ............. 34 Section 5.5 The Custodian. .............................................................................. 35 Section 5.6 Notices and Reports. ........................................................................ 35 Section 5.7 Issuance of Additional Shares, ADSs etc. .................................................... 36 Section 5.8 Indemnification. ............................................................................ 37 Section 5.9 Fees and Charges of Depositary. ............................................................. 38 Section 5.10 Pre-Release Transactions. ................................................................... 39 |
Table of Contents (Cont'd)
SECTION 5.11 Restricted Securities Owners. ............................................................... 39 ARTICLE VI AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION.............................................................................. 40 Section 6.1 Amendment/Supplement. ....................................................................... 40 Section 6.2 Termination. ................................................................................ 40 ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS......................................................................................... 41 Section 7.1 Counterparts. ............................................................................... 41 Section 7.2 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. ............................................................... 41 Section 7.3 Severability. ............................................................................... 42 Section 7.4 Holders and Beneficial Owners as Parties; Binding Effect. ................................... 42 Section 7.5 Notices. .................................................................................... 42 Section 7.6 Governing Law and Jurisdiction. ............................................................. 43 Section 7.7 Assignment. ................................................................................. 44 Section 7.8 Compliance with U.S. Securities Laws. ....................................................... 44 Section 7.9 Hong Kong Law References. ................................................................... 45 Section 7.10 Titles and References. ...................................................................... 45 EXHIBITS Form of ADR. ................................................................................ A-1 Fee Schedule. ............................................................................... B-1 |
Exhibit 5.1
Linklaters Beijing Office
25th Floor China World Tower 1
No 1 Jian Guo Men Wai Avenue
Beijing 100004 China
Telephone (86-10) 6505 8590
Facsimile (86-10) 6505 8582
newhorizon@linklaters.com
China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited
59th Floor
Bank of China Tower
1 Garden Road
Central
Hong Kong
15 October 2004
Our Ref CCLL/L-067126
Dear Sirs
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED (THE "COMPANY")
We act for the Company as its Hong Kong legal counsel to the Company in
connection with the proposed global offering of ordinary shares of par value
US$0.04 per share in the Company (the "SHARES"), under the United States
Securities Act of 1933 (the "SECURITIES ACT") as described in the prospectus
(the "PROSPECTUS") contained in the Company's registration statement on Form
F-1, as amended, (the "REGISTRATION STATEMENT") to be filed with the United
States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION").
For the purposes of giving this opinion, we have examined the following documents:-
(a) a copy of the Registration Statement; and
(b) a copy of the Prospectus.
We have also reviewed the memorandum and articles of association of the Company, share register and minutes of meetings of the directors of the Company and such other documents and made such enquiries as to questions of law as we have deemed necessary in order to render the opinion set forth below.
We have assumed that:-
(a) the minutes of meetings referred to herein are full and accurate records of meetings duly convened and held in accordance with the articles of association of the Company and that such minutes have not been amended or rescinded;
(b) there is no provision of the law of any jurisdiction, other than the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China ("HONG KONG"), which would have any implication in relation to the opinion expressed herein; and
(c) the Prospectus, when published, will be in substantially the same form as that examined by us for purposes of this opinion.
Please refer to www.linklaters.com/regulation for important information on the regulatory position of the firm.
We have made no investigation of and express no opinion in relation to the laws of any jurisdiction other than Hong Kong. This opinion is to be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong and is limited to and is given on the basis of the current law and practice in Hong Kong. Subject as mentioned below, this opinion is issued solely for your benefit and is not to be relied upon by any other person, firm or entity or in respect of any other matter.
On the basis of and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that when the Shares have been issued, delivered and paid for in the manner described in and pursuant to the terms of the Prospectus and Registration Statement they will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable (meaning that no further sums are payable to the Company with respect to the holding of such Shares).
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the references to us under the headings "Enforceability of Civil Liabilities" and "Legal Matters" in the Prospectus constituting a part of such Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act, or the Rules and Regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
Yours faithfully
Linklaters
EXHIBIT 9.1
DECLARATION OF TRUST
To: Chinese Academy of Sciences of No 52 Sanlihe Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, China Date: 2004 1 We, China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited of P.O. Box 3140, Wickhams Cay I, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, hereby declare that the shares specified in the Schedule hereto (the "RELEVANT SHARES") are now and have at all times since the Relevant Shares became registered in our name been held in trust for you absolutely. 2 We hereby undertake: 2.1 to account to you for all distributions or dividends whether in the form of cash, stock, in specie or otherwise, or other moneys paid to us on or in respect of the Relevant Shares; 2.2 subject to the terms of the Trust Arrangement Deed In Respect Of Shares In China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited among Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, China Network Communications Group Corporation and ourselves, to transfer or otherwise deal with the Relevant Shares as you may from time to time direct in writing; 2.3 to exercise the voting powers and other rights in respect of the Relevant Shares in such manner as you shall from time to time direct in writing; and 2.4 to sign or execute such documents or instruments as may be necessary for the purposes of this Paragraph 2. 3 In consideration of us holding the Relevant Shares in trust for you and our undertakings as set out in Paragraph 2 above, you agree to hold us harmless for any costs, expenses and liabilities incurred or arisen in connection with the holding of the Relevant Shares in trust for you or any of our acts performed under or pursuant to this Declaration. 4 This Declaration shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. |
References herein to the Relevant Shares shall where the subject or context permits or requires include references to any of the Relevant Shares.
IN WITNESS whereof these presents have been executed as a Deed by us on the date mentioned in the above.
THE COMMON SEAL of CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (BVI) LIMITED was } hereunto affixed in the presence of: Director Director/Secretary Agreed and accepted by: CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES ______________________________ Name: Title: |
Date:
SCHEDULE
THE RELEVANT SHARES
NAME OF COMPANY PARTICULARS OF SHARES China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited 37,822,125 ordinary shares of par value US$0.04 each, credited as fully paid-up, irrespective of whether such ordinary shares are issued and allotted before, at or after the initial public offering of China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited |
EXHIBIT 9.2
DECLARATION OF TRUST
To: Information and Network Center of State Administration of Radio, Film and Television of No 2 Fuxingmenwai Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, China Date: 2004 1 We, China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited of P.O. Box 3140, Wickhams Cay I, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, hereby declare that the shares specified in the Schedule hereto (the "RELEVANT SHARES") are now and have at all times since the Relevant Shares became registered in our name been held in trust for you absolutely. 2 We hereby undertake: 2.1 to account to you for all distributions or dividends whether in the form of cash, stock, in specie or otherwise, or other moneys paid to us on or in respect of the Relevant Shares; 2.2 subject to the terms of the Trust Arrangement Deed In Respect Of Shares In China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited among Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, China Network Communications Group Corporation and ourselves, to transfer or otherwise deal with the Relevant Shares as you may from time to time direct in writing; 2.3 to exercise the voting powers and other rights in respect of the Relevant Shares in such manner as you shall from time to time direct in writing; and 2.4 to sign or execute such documents or instruments as may be necessary for the purposes of this Paragraph 2. 3 In consideration of us holding the Relevant Shares in trust for you and our undertakings as set out in Paragraph 2 above, you agree to hold us harmless for any costs, expenses and liabilities incurred or arisen in connection with the holding of the Relevant Shares in trust for you or any of our acts performed under or pursuant to this Declaration. 4 This Declaration shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. |
References herein to the Relevant Shares shall where the subject or context permits or requires include references to any of the Relevant Shares.
IN WITNESS whereof these presents have been executed as a Deed by us on the date mentioned in the above.
THE COMMON SEAL of CHINA NETCOM
GROUP CORPORATION (BVI) LIMITED }
was hereunto affixed in the presence of:
Director
Director/Secretary
Agreed and accepted by:
INFORMATION AND NETWORK CENTER OF STATE
ADMINISTRATION OF RADIO, FILM AND TELEVISION
Title:
Date:
SCHEDULE
THE RELEVANT SHARES
NAME OF COMPANY PARTICULARS OF SHARES China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited 37,822,125 ordinary shares of par value US$0.04 each, credited as fully paid-up, irrespective of whether such ordinary shares are issued and allotted before, at or after the initial public offering of China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited |
EXHIBIT 9.3
DECLARATION OF TRUST
To: China Railways Telecommunications Center of No 18 Beifengwo Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China Date: 2004 1 We, China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited of P.O. Box 3140, Wickhams Cay I, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, hereby declare that the shares specified in the Schedule hereto (the "RELEVANT SHARES") are now and have at all times since the Relevant Shares became registered in our name been held in trust for you absolutely. 2 We hereby undertake: 2.1 to account to you for all distributions or dividends whether in the form of cash, stock, in specie or otherwise, or other moneys paid to us on or in respect of the Relevant Shares; 2.2 subject to the terms of the Trust Arrangement Deed In Respect Of Shares In China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited among Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, China Network Communications Group Corporation and ourselves, to transfer or otherwise deal with the Relevant Shares as you may from time to time direct in writing; 2.3 to exercise the voting powers and other rights in respect of the Relevant Shares in such manner as you shall from time to time direct in writing; and 2.4 to sign or execute such documents or instruments as may be necessary for the purposes of this Paragraph 2. 3 In consideration of us holding the Relevant Shares in trust for you and our undertakings as set out in Paragraph 2 above, you agree to hold us harmless for any costs, expenses and liabilities incurred or arisen in connection with the holding of the Relevant Shares in trust for you or any of our acts performed under or pursuant to this Declaration. 4 This Declaration shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. |
References herein to the Relevant Shares shall where the subject or context permits or requires include references to any of the Relevant Shares.
IN WITNESS whereof these presents have been executed as a Deed by us on the date mentioned in the above.
THE COMMON SEAL of CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (BVI) LIMITED was } hereunto affixed in the presence of: Director Director/Secretary Agreed and accepted by: CHINA RAILWAYS TELECOMMUNICATIONS CENTER __________________________________________ Name: Title: |
Date:
SCHEDULE
THE RELEVANT SHARES
NAME OF COMPANY PARTICULARS OF SHARES China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited 37,822,125 ordinary shares of par value US$0.04 each, credited as fully paid-up, irrespective of whether such ordinary shares are issued and allotted before, at or after the initial public offering of China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited |
EXHIBIT 9.4
DECLARATION OF TRUST
To: Shanghai Alliance Investment Limited of No 19 Gaoyou Road, Shanghai, China
Date: 2004
1 We, China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited of P.O. Box 3140, Wickhams Cay I, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, hereby declare that the shares specified in the Schedule hereto (the "RELEVANT SHARES") are now and have at all times since the Relevant Shares became registered in our name been held in trust for you absolutely.
2 We hereby undertake:
2.1 to account to you for all distributions or dividends whether in the form of cash, stock, in specie or otherwise, or other moneys paid to us on or in respect of the Relevant Shares;
2.2 subject to the terms of the Trust Arrangement Deed In Respect Of Shares In China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited among Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, China Network Communications Group Corporation and ourselves, to transfer or otherwise deal with the Relevant Shares as you may from time to time direct in writing;
2.3 to exercise the voting powers and other rights in respect of the Relevant Shares in such manner as you shall from time to time direct in writing; and
2.4 to sign or execute such documents or instruments as may be necessary for the purposes of this Paragraph 2.
3 In consideration of us holding the Relevant Shares in trust for you and our undertakings as set out in Paragraph 2 above, you agree to hold us harmless for any costs, expenses and liabilities incurred or arisen in connection with the holding of the Relevant Shares in trust for you or any of our acts performed under or pursuant to this Declaration.
4 This Declaration shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
References herein to the Relevant Shares shall where the subject or context permits or requires include references to any of the Relevant Shares.
IN WITNESS whereof these presents have been executed as a Deed by us on the date mentioned in the above.
THE COMMON SEAL of CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (BVI) LIMITED was } hereunto affixed in the presence of: Director Director/Secretary Agreed and accepted by: SHANGHAI ALLIANCE INVESTMENT LIMITED ____________________________________ Name: Title: |
Date:
SCHEDULE
THE RELEVANT SHARES
NAME OF COMPANY PARTICULARS OF SHARES China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited 37,822,125 ordinary shares of par value US$0.04 each, credited as fully paid-up, irrespective of whether such ordinary shares are issued and allotted before, at or after the initial public offering of China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited |
EXHIBIT 9.5
DECLARATION OF TRUST
To: Shanghai Alliance Investment Limited of No 19 Gaoyou Road, Shanghai, China
Date: 2004
1 We, China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited of P.O. Box 3140, Wickhams Cay I, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, hereby declare that the shares specified in the Schedule hereto (the "RELEVANT SHARES") are now and have at all times since the Relevant Shares became registered in our name been held in trust for you absolutely.
2 We hereby undertake:
2.1 to account to you for all distributions or dividends whether in the form of cash, stock, in specie or otherwise, or other moneys paid to us on or in respect of the Relevant Shares;
2.2 subject to the terms of the Trust Arrangement Deed In Respect Of Shares In China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited among Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, China Network Communications Group Corporation and ourselves, to transfer or otherwise deal with the Relevant Shares as you may from time to time direct in writing;
2.3 to exercise the voting powers and other rights in respect of the Relevant Shares in such manner as you shall from time to time direct in writing; and
2.4 to sign or execute such documents or instruments as may be necessary for the purposes of this Paragraph 2.
3 In consideration of us holding the Relevant Shares in trust for you and our undertakings as set out in Paragraph 2 above, you agree to hold us harmless for any costs, expenses and liabilities incurred or arisen in connection with the holding of the Relevant Shares in trust for you or any of our acts performed under or pursuant to this Declaration.
4 This Declaration shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
References herein to the Relevant Shares shall where the subject or context permits or requires include references to any of the Relevant Shares.
IN WITNESS whereof these presents have been executed as a Deed by us on the date mentioned in the above.
THE COMMON SEAL of CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (BVI) LIMITED was } hereunto affixed in the presence of: Director Director/Secretary Agreed and accepted by: SHANDONG PROVINCIAL STATE-OWNED ASSETS SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION COMMISSION ____________________________________ Name: Title: |
Date:
SCHEDULE
THE RELEVANT SHARES
NAME OF COMPANY PARTICULARS OF SHARES China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited 152,993,500 ordinary shares of par value US$0.04 each, credited as fully paid-up, irrespective of whether such ordinary shares are issued and allotted before, at or after the initial public offering of China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited |
EXHIBIT 9.6
[ ]MM[ ]DD, 2004
TRUST ARRANGEMENT AGREEMENT ABOUT CERTAIN EQUITY INTEREST
OF CHINA NETCOM CROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
BY AND AMONG
CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
AND
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (BVI) LIMITED
This Trust Arrangement Agreement is made and entered into on [-], 2004 in Beijing, People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as "PRC") by and among the following parties:
(1) Chinese Academy of Science (hereinafter referred to as ACADEMY OF SCIENCE)
Registered address: No.52, Wulihe Road, Xicheng District, Beijing
Legal representative:
(2) China Network Communications Group Corporation (hereinafter referred to as CHINA NETCOM GROUP)
Registered address: Building C, No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
Legal representative: Zhang Chunjiang
(3) China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited (hereinafter referred to as CNC BVI)
Registered address: P.O. Box 3140, Wickhams Cay I, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
WHEREAS:
(A) As part of the Restructuring and Listing Plan of China Netcom Group (hereinafter referred to as RESTRUCTURING AND LISTING PLAN OF CHINA NETCOM GROUP) reported to the State Council, the Academy of Science will become the beneficiary holder of 37,822,125 ordinary shares of par value at US$0.04 each (hereinafter referred to as TRUST SHARES) of CNC HK (as defined below);
(B) CNC BVI will become the trustee of the Academy of Science to hold Trust Shares nominally on the register of shareholders of CNC HK and the Academy of Science agrees to become the beneficiary holder of Trust Shares through the Declaration of Trust (See Exhibit 1) and this Agreement entered into with CNC BVI.
In order to further specify the rights and obligations of each party hereto and relevant matters under this Trust Arrangement, Academy of Science, China Netcom Group and CNC BVI hereby agree as follows:
1 DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise specified by the clauses or context in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set out below:
CNC HK China Netcom Croup Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited, a limited company incorporated and validly existing under Hong Kong laws with its registered address at F/59, Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Hong Kong. LISTING Means the global IPO of CNC HK and listing on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and American Stock Exchange. 2 |
STATE SHAREHOLDER OF CNC HK Means the Chinese Academy of Science, Information and Network Center of State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, China Railways Telecommunications Center, Shanghai Alliance Investment Limited, Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission and CNC BVI as the shareholders of CNC HK. BUSINESS DAY Any days other than Saturday, Sunday or Hong Kong public holidays. 2 EFFECTIVE DATE |
This Agreement shall come into force immediately when the Restructuring and Listing Plan of China Netcom Group is approved by all relevant governmental authorities and the Academy of Science has obtained the beneficiary ownership of Trust Shares.
3 NATURE OF TRUST SHARES
3.1 The Chinese Academy of Science agrees and confirms that Trust Shares are state-owned shares, and agrees to perform its obligations as state shareholders and dispose Trust Shares in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of China for the period it acts as the beneficiary holder of Trust Shares (regardless before or after the listing of CNC HK), including but not limited to performing relevant obligations as state shareholder of CNC HK by referencing to relevant requirements of Interim Procedure for Management of Selling Out State-owned Shares to Raise Social Security Fund, and instructing CNC BVI to sell certain number of shares of CNC HK and fully pay the proceeds to the social security fund. The number of shares of CNC HK to be sold by the Academy of Science shall be calculated based on the following formula:
Number of shares of CNC HK Number of directly or indirectly held by Number of shares to Academy of Science new shares be sold by = ------------------------------------- x during the x 10% Academy Total number of shares of CNC listing of of Science HK directly or indirectly held by all CNC HK state shareholders of CNC HK |
3.2 Notwithstanding the stipulation under Section 3.1, the Academy of Science shall process relevant legal procedures in accordance with requirements of relevant domestic regulatory authorities if such authorities have other further requirements state shareholders of CNC HK to sell out their shares in CNC HK and pay the proceeds to the social security fund. After listing of CNC HK, the Academy of Science is obliged to continue to perform its obligation of selling out state-owned shares (the number of shares to be sold out by Academy of Science shall be calculated by referencing to the method under Section 3.1) in accordance with requirements of Interim Procedure for Management of Selling Out State-owned Shares to Raise Social Security Fund if CNC HK continues conducting equity financing on capital markets during the period the Academy of Science continues to hold shares of CNC HK.
4 Restrictions on Share Transfer
4.1 The Academy of Science agrees that it shall not directly or indirectly:
4.1.1 sell or sell by agreement;
4.1.2 pledge, mortgage or impawn; or
4.1.3 transfer in other ways
the Trust shares or any interests therein, and shall not grant any share option of the Trust Shares for a period within 24 months from the effective date of this Agreement until the date on which the shares of CNC HK are initially traded on Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (hereinafter to referred to as LOCK-UP PERIOD) unless it is performing its obligations as state shareholders in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of China.
4.2 The Academy of Science agrees to enter into a Lock-up Period Agreement as required by generally accepted market practice. The Lock-up Period Agreement shall include the commitment of Academy of Science not to transfer or instruct CNC BVI to transfer the Trust Shares for a period less than 24 months from the date on which the shares of CNC HK are initially traded on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, unless it is performing its obligations as state shareholders in accordance with relevant laws of China.
4.3 The Academy of Science agrees that it will not directly or indirectly pledge, mortgage or impawn the Trust Shares or any interests thereof after the Lock-up Period unless it has obtained prior written consent from China Netcom Group.
4.4 Without breach of Section 4.5 herein, the Academy of Science commits that it will not transfer any Trust Shares to any foreign investors during and after the Lock-up Period in strict accordance with applicable Chinese laws, regulations or policies on foreign investments' access to China telecommunication industry to meet the limitations set on foreign investors by these laws, regulations or policies.
4.5 The Academy of Science must obtain approvals (including but not limited to approvals on number, method and price of the shares to be transferred) from domestic regulatory authorities (including but not limited to State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council or local State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commissions with appropriate jurisdictions and Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China) to transfer or instruct CNC BVI to transfer the Trust Shares.
4.6 The Academy of Science shall entrust CNC BVI to carry out relevant legal procedures when disposing (including transferring) the Trust Shares during or after the Lock-up period.
5 FIRST REFUSAL RIGHT
5.1 Offering for Transfer
On the premise that all stipulations under Section 4 above and Section 5 are complied, the Academy of Science may transfer all or part of the Trust Shares (hereinafter referred to as RELEVANT OFFERING EQUITY) to any third party (hereinafter referred to as THIRD PARTY PURCHASER) in accordance with Section 5 upon sending or receiving an offering satisfying all requirements under Section 5.1.1 and 5.1.2 below (hereinafter referred to as OFFERING FOR TRANSFER):
5.1.1 The purchase price in the written Offering for Transfer in good faith sent to or received from a Third Party Purchaser is based on market prices and includes all main terms and conditions of an offering (including scheduled completion date of transfer); and
5.1.2 If the offering is issued by the Academy of Science, the Third Party Purchaser has expressed its intention to accept the offering in terms and conditions set out in the offering.
5.2 Notwithstanding the stipulation in Section 5.1.2, the Offering for Transfer must be sent to China Netcom Group if the Offering is issued by the Academy of Science (regardless what kind of form it uses). China Netcom Group may exercise its option in accordance with Section 5.4 herein.
5.3 Transfer Notice
5.3.1 If the Academy of Science has received an Offering for Transfer meeting the requirements under Section 5.1, it must give a notice (hereinafter referred to as TRANSFER NOTICE) to China Netcom Group within two business days, agreeing to sell the Relevant Offering Equity to CNC BVI at the same cash price and conditions not higher than those listed in the Offering for Transfer.
5.3.2 The Transfer Notice must specify:
(i) the identity of the Third Party Purchaser (when acting as trustee) and the final beneficiary owner of the trust;
(ii) the offering acceptance period for Relevant Offering Equity to be sold by the Academy of Science to CNC BVI by offering.This period shall be no less than 40 business days from the date of Transfer Notice (hereinafter referred to as ACCEPTANCE PERIOD); and
(iii) Details of all other terms and conditions in the Offering for Transfer.
5.4 Option of China Netcom Group
China Netcom Group may:
5.4.1 give written notice to the Academy of Science within the Acceptance Period to completely accept the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice (hereinafter referred as ACCEPTANCE NOTICE OF CHINA NETCOM GROUP);
5.4.2 give written notice to the Academy of Science within the Acceptance Period to reject the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice;
5.4.3 neither give the Acceptance Notice of China Netcom Group nor reply to the Transfer Notice within the Acceptance Period, in which case China Netcom Group shall be deemed as having rejected the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice.
5.5 Results
5.5.1 If China Netcom Group completely accepts the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice in accordance with Section 5.4.1, the Academy of Science must sell Relevant Offering Equity to CNC BVI or its designated person.
5.5.2 If the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice are rejected in accordance with Section 5.4.2 or deemed to be rejected in accordance with Section 5.4.3, the Academy of Science may sell Relevant Offering Equity to the Third Party Purchaser sending out the Offering upon the approvals (including approvals on number, method and price of the shares to be transferred) from domestic regulatory authorities (including but not limited to State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council or local State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission with appropriate jurisdictions and the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China).
6 MISCELLANEOUS
6.1 Confidential Restriction
For the confidential and proprietary information (hereinafter referred to as CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION) disclosed by any party to another party with respect to its businesses, financial status and other confidential affairs for the purpose of this Agreement, the receiver shall: (i) keep the confidential information under confidentiality; (ii) not disclose above Confidential Information (except for the information disclosure as required by Section 6.2 under this Agreement) to any persons or entities other than its employees and professional advisors that need accesses to the Confidential Information to perform their duties.
6.2 Information Disclosure
Each party agrees and commits to duly perform its information disclosure obligation under this Agreement in accordance with relevant regulations to practically protect the interests of each party.
6.3 Governing Laws
The establishment, effectiveness, interpretation and performance of this Agreement and dispute resolution shall be governed by laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
6.4 Dispute Resolution
Any disputes arising from the execution, performance and interpretation of this Agreement shall be resorted to sincere negotiation first. In case of failure of negotiation within 30 days as from the date when such disputes arise, any party may refer relevant disputes to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration in Beijing in accordance with valid arbitration rules. The arbitration verdict shall be conclusive and binding upon both parties. Except for the disputed matters under arbitration, other parts of this Agreement shall stay in force during arbitration.
6.5 Expenses and Taxation
6.5.1 The Academy of Science and CNC BVI shall share the equity transfer expenses, such as approval and registration expenses that are required to be paid and charged by governmental regulatory authorities in accordance with relevant laws and regulation.
6.5.2 The taxes to be collected separately from each party in accordance with laws and regulations shall be assumed by the taxpayer.
6.6 Waiver
The failure or delay of exercising the rights under this Agreement or any other contracts or agreements in connection with this Agreement of any Party hereto shall not be deemed as the waiver of such rights; any sole or partial exercise of such rights shall not hinder the full exercise of such rights in the future.
6.7 Revision and Supplement
This Agreement shall not be revised or supplemented by oral and may be revised or supplemented only upon endorsement on written documents by each party. Any supplements to this Agreement shall be deemed as indivisible parts of this Agreement.
6.8 Severability
The invalidity of any clauses hereto shall not affect the validity of any other clauses of this Agreement. 6.9 Notice Any notices as required by this Agreement sent by any party hereto to another shall be written in Chinese and sent by registered mail, or by fax confirmed by a registered mail immediately to relevant parties. Notices required to be sent by this Agreement shall be deemed as received after 3 days of the date of postmark if by registered mail, and the sending date if by fax. All notices shall be addressed to the addresses first listed above until the receivers give a written notice changing the address. 6.10 Counterparts of this Agreement This Agreement is made in ten counterparts, each party keeps one. The other seven counterparts will be used for approval processing and conversion registration procedures. 6.11 Further Undertakings During any period after execution of this Agreement, each party shall take all reasonable efforts to procure any necessary third parties to execute documents and take behaviors reasonably required by relevant parties so that relevant parties may fully enjoy interests under all clauses of this Agreement. All relevant expenses shall be at the cost of relevant parties. |
This Agreement has been executed and delivered as agreement by each party on the date listed first above.
Executed as agreement:
CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE (official seal):
Legal representative or authorized representative (signature):
Witnessed by:
Witness signature:
Executed as agreement:
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION (official seal):
Authorized representative (signature):
Witnessed by:
Witness signature:
Executed as agreement:
China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited (official seal):
Director (signature):
Director or corporate secretary (signature):
Witnessed by:
Witness signature:
EXHIBIT 1
DECLARATION OF TRUST
To: Chinese Academy of Science of No 52 Sanlihe Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, China Date: 2004 1 We, China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited of P.O. Box 3140, Wickhams Cay I, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, hereby declare that the shares specified in the Schedule hereto (the "Relevant Shares") are now and have at all times since the Relevant Shares became registered in our name been held in trust for you absolutely. 2 We hereby undertake: 2.1 to account to you for all distributions or dividends whether in the form of cash, stock, in specie or otherwise, or other moneys paid to us on or in respect of the Relevant Shares; 2.2 subject to the terms of the Trust Arrangement Deed In Respect Of Shares In China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited among Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, China Network Communications Group Corporation and ourselves, to transfer or otherwise deal with the Relevant Shares as you may from time to time direct in writing; 2.3 to exercise the voting powers and other rights in respect of the Relevant Shares in such manner as you shall from time to time direct in writing; and 2.4 to sign or execute such documents or instruments as may be necessary for the purposes of this Paragraph 2. 3 In consideration of us holding the Relevant Shares in trust for you and our undertakings as set out in Paragraph 2 above, you agree to hold us harmless for any costs, expenses and liabilities incurred or arisen in connection with the holding of the Relevant Shares in trust for you or any of our acts performed under or pursuant to this Declaration. 4 This Declaration shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. |
References herein to the Relevant Shares shall where the subject or context permits or requires include references to any of the Relevant Shares.
IN WITNESS whereof these presents have been executed as a Deed by us on the date mentioned in the above.
THE COMMON SEAL of CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (BVI) LIMITED was } hereunto affixed in the presence of: Director Director/Secretary Agreed and accepted by: CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE __________________________ Name: Title: |
Date:
SCHEDULE
THE RELEVANT SHARES
NAME OF COMPANY PARTICULARS OF SHARES China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited 37,822,125 ordinary shares of par value US$0.04 each, credited as fully paid-up, irrespective of whether such ordinary shares are issued and allotted before, at or after the initial public offering of China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited |
EXHIBIT 9.7
[ ]MM[ ]DD, 2004
TRUST ARRANGEMENT AGREEMENT ABOUT CERTAIN EQUITY INTEREST
OF CHINA NETCOM CROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
BY AND AMONG
INFORMATION AND NETWORK CENTER OF STATE ADMINISTRATION
OF RADIO, FILM AND TELEVISION
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
AND
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (BVI) LIMITED
This Trust Arrangement Agreement is made and entered into on [-], 2004 in Beijing, People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as "PRC") by and among the following parties:
(1) Information and Network Center of State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (hereinafter referred to as INC-SARFT)
Registered address: No.2, Fuxingmenwai Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing
Legal representative:
(2) China Network Communications Group Corporation (hereinafter referred to as CHINA NETCOM GROUP)
Registered address: No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
Legal representative: Zhang Chunjiang
(3) China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited (hereinafter referred to as CNC BVI)
Registered address: P.O. Box 3140, Wickhams Cay I, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
WHEREAS:
(A) As part of the Restructuring and Listing Plan of China Netcom Group (hereinafter referred to as RESTRUCTURING AND LISTING PLAN OF CHINA NETCOM GROUP) reported by CSRC to the State Council, INC-SARFT will become the beneficiary holder of 37,822,125 ordinary shares of par value US$0.04 each (hereinafter referred to as TRUST SHARES) of CNC HK (as defined below);
(B) CNC BVI will become the trustee of INC-SARFT to hold Trust Shares nominally on the list of shareholders of CNC HK and INC-SARFT agrees to become the beneficiary holder of Trust Shares through the Declaration of Trust (See Exhibit 1) and this Agreement entered into with CNC BVI.
In order to further specify the rights and obligations of each party hereto and relevant matters under this Trust Arrangement, INC-SARFT, China Netcom Group and CNC BVI hereby agree as follows:
1 DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise specified by the clauses or context in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set out below:
CNC HK China Netcom Croup Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited, a limited company incorporated and validly existing under Hong Kong laws with its registered address at F/59, Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Hong Kong. LISTING Means the global IPO of CNC HK and listing on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and American Stock Exchange. 2 |
STATE SHAREHOLDER OF CNC HK Means the Chinese Academy of Science, Information and Network Center of State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, China Railways Telecommunications Center, Shanghai Alliance Investment Limited, Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission and CNC BVI as the shareholders of CNC HK. BUSINESS DAY Any days other than Saturday, Sunday or Hong Kong public holidays. 2 EFFECTIVE DATE |
This Agreement shall come into force immediately when the Restructuring and Listing Plan of China Netcom Group is approved by all relevant governmental authorities and the INC-SARFT has obtained the beneficiary ownership of Trust Shares.
3 NATURE OF TRUST SHARES
3.1 The INC-SARFT agrees and confirms that Trust Shares are state-owned shares, and agrees to perform its obligations as state shareholders and dispose Trust Shares in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of China for the period it acts as the beneficiary holder of Trust Shares (regardless before or after the listing of CNC HK), including but not limited to performing relevant obligations as state shareholder of CNC HK by referencing to relevant requirements of Interim Procedure for Management of Selling Out State-owned Shares to Raise Social Security Fund, and instructing CNC BVI to sell certain number of shares of CNC HK and fully pay the proceeds to the social security fund. The number of shares of CNC HK to be sold by the INC-SARFT shall be calculated based on the following formula:
Number of shares of CNC HK Number of directly or indirectly held by INC- Number of shares to SARFT new shares be sold by = ------------------------------------ x during the x 10% INC-SARFT Total number of shares of CNC listing of HK directly or indirectly held by all CNC HK state shareholders of CNC HK |
3.2 Notwithstanding the stipulation under Section 3.1, the INC-SARFT shall process relevant legal procedures in accordance with requirements of relevant domestic regulatory authorities if such authorities have other further requirements state shareholders of CNC HK to sell out their shares in CNC HK and pay the proceeds to the social security fund. After listing of CNC HK, the INC-SARFT is obliged to continue to perform its obligation of selling out state-owned shares (the number of shares to be sold out by INC-SARFT shall be calculated by referencing to the method under Section 3.1) in accordance with requirements of Interim Procedure for Management of Selling Out State-owned Shares to Raise Social Security Fund if CNC HK continues conducting equity financing on capital markets during the period INC-SARFT continues to hold shares of CNC HK.
4 Restrictions on Share Transfer
4.1 The INC-SARFT agrees that it shall not directly or indirectly:
4.1.1 sell or sell by agreement;
4.1.2 pledge, mortgage or impawn; or
4.1.3 transfer in other ways
the Trust shares or any interests therein, and shall not grant any share option of the Trust Shares for a period within 24 months from the effective date of this Agreement until the date on which the shares of CNC HK are initially traded on Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (hereinafter to referred to as LOCK-UP PERIOD) unless it is performing its obligations as state shareholders in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of China.
4.2 The INC-SARFT agrees to enter into a Lock-up Period Agreement as required by generally accepted market practice.The Lock-up Period Agreement shall include the commitment of INC-SARFT not to transfer or instruct CNC BVI to transfer the Trust Shares for a period less than 24 months from the date on which the shares of CNC HK are initially traded on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, unless it is performing its obligations as state shareholders in accordance with relevant laws of China.
4.3 The INC-SARFT agrees that it will not directly or indirectly pledge, mortgage or impawn the Trust Shares or any interests thereof after the Lock-up Period unless it has obtained prior written consent from China Netcom Group.
4.4 Without breach of Section 4.5 herein, the INC-SARFT commits that it will not transfer any Trust Shares to any foreign investors during and after the Lock-up Period in strict accordance with applicable Chinese laws, regulations or policies on foreign investments' access to China telecommunication industry to meet the limitations set on foreign investors by these laws, regulations or policies.
4.5 The INC-SARFT must obtain approvals (including but not limited to approvals on number, method and price of the shares to be transferred) from domestic regulatory authorities (including but not limited to State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council or local State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commissions with appropriate jurisdictions and Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China) to transfer or instruct CNC BVI to transfer the Trust Shares.
4.6 The INC-SARFT shall entrust CNC BVI to carry out relevant legal procedures when disposing (including transferring) the Trust Shares during or after the Lock-up period.
5 FIRST REFUSAL RIGHT
5.1 Offering for Transfer
On the premise that all stipulations under Section 4 above and Section 5
are complied, the INC-SARFT may transfer all or part of the Trust Shares
(hereinafter referred to as RELEVANT OFFERING EQUITY) to any third party
(hereinafter referred to as THIRD PARTY PURCHASER) in accordance with
Section 5 upon sending or receiving an offering satisfying all
requirements under Section 5.1.1 and 5.1.2 below (hereinafter referred to
as OFFERING FOR TRANSFER):
5.1.1 The purchase price in the written Offering for Transfer in good faith sent to or received from a Third Party Purchaser is based on market prices and includes all main terms and conditions of an offering (including scheduled completion date of transfer); and
5.1.2 If the offering is issued by the INC-SARFT, the Third Party Purchaser has expressed its intention to accept the offering in terms and conditions set out in the offering.
5.2 Notwithstanding the stipulation in Section 5.1.2, the Offering for Transfer must be sent to China Netcom Group if the Offering is issued by the INC-SARFT (regardless what kind of form it uses). China Netcom Group may exercise its option in accordance with Section 5.4 herein.
5.3 Transfer Notice
5.3.1 If the INC-SARFT has received an Offering for Transfer meeting the requirements under Section 5.1, it must give a notice (hereinafter referred to as TRANSFER NOTICE) to China Netcom Group within two business days, agreeing to sell the Relevant Offering Equity to CNC BVI at the same cash price and conditions not higher than those listed in the Offering for Transfer.
5.3.2 The Transfer Notice must specify:
(i) the identity of the Third Party Purchaser (when acting as trustee) and the final beneficiary owner of the trust;
(ii) the offering acceptance period for Relevant Offering Equity to be sold by the INC-SARFT to CNC BVI by offering. This period shall be no less than 40 business days from the date of Transfer Notice (hereinafter referred to as ACCEPTANCE PERIOD); and
(iii) Details of all other terms and conditions in the Offering for Transfer.
5.4 Option of China Netcom Group
China Netcom Group may:
5.4.1 give written notice to the INC-SARFT within the Acceptance Period to completely accept the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice (hereinafter referred to as ACCEPTANCE NOTICE OF CHINA NETCOM GROUP);
5.4.2 give written notice to the INC-SARFT within the Acceptance Period to reject the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice;
5.4.3 neither give the Acceptance Notice of China Netcom Group nor reply to the Transfer Notice within the Acceptance Period, in which case China Netcom Group shall be deemed as having rejected the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice.
5.5 Results
5.5.1 If China Netcom Group completely accepts the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice in accordance with Section 5.4.1, the INC-SARFT must sell Relevant Offering Equity to CNC BVI or its designated person.
5.5.2 If the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice are rejected in accordance with Section 5.4.2 or deemed to be rejected in accordance with Section 5.4.3, the INC-SARFT may sell Relevant Offering Equity to the Third Party Purchaser sending out the Offering upon the approvals (including approvals on number, method and price of the shares to be transferred) from domestic regulatory authorities (including but not limited to State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council or local State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission with appropriate jurisdictions and the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China).
6 MISCELLANEOUS
6.1 Confidential Restriction
For the confidential and proprietary information (hereinafter referred to as CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION) disclosed by any party to another party with respect to its businesses, financial status and other confidential affairs for the purpose of this Agreement, the receiver shall: (i) keep the confidential information under confidentiality; (ii) not disclose above Confidential Information (except for the information disclosure as required by Section 6.2 under this Agreement) to any persons or entities other than its employees and professional advisors that need accesses to the Confidential Information to perform their duties.
6.2 Information Disclosure
Each party agrees and commits to duly perform its information disclosure obligation under this Agreement in accordance with relevant regulations to practically protect the interests of each party.
6.3 Governing Laws
The establishment, effectiveness, interpretation and performance of this Agreement and dispute resolution shall be governed by laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
6.4 Dispute Resolution
Any disputes arising from the execution, performance and interpretation of this Agreement shall be resorted to sincere negotiation first. In case of failure of negotiation within 30 days as from the date when such disputes arise, any party may refer relevant disputes to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration in Beijing in accordance with valid arbitration rules. The arbitration verdict shall be conclusive and binding upon both parties. Except for the disputed matters under arbitration, other parts of this Agreement shall stay in force during arbitration.
6.5 Expenses and Taxation
6.5.1 The INC-SARFT and CNC BVI shall share the equity transfer expenses, such as approval and registration expenses that are required to be paid and charged by governmental regulatory authorities in accordance with relevant laws and regulation.
6.5.2 The taxes to be collected separately from each party in accordance with laws and regulations shall be assumed by the taxpayer.
6.6 Waiver
The failure or delay of exercising the rights under this Agreement or any other contracts or agreements in connection with this Agreement of any Party hereto shall not be deemed as the waiver of such rights; any sole or partial exercise of such rights shall not hinder the full exercise of such rights in the future.
6.7 Revision and Supplement
This Agreement shall not be revised or supplemented by oral and may be revised or supplemented only upon endorsement on written documents by each party. Any supplements to this Agreement shall be deemed as indivisible parts of this Agreement.
6.8 Severability
The invalidity of any clauses hereto shall not affect the validity of any other clauses of this Agreement. 6.9 Notice Any notices as required by this Agreement sent by any party hereto to another shall be written in Chinese and sent by registered mail, or by fax confirmed by a registered mail immediately to relevant parties. Notices required to be sent by this Agreement shall be deemed as received after 3 days of the date of postmark if by registered mail, and the sending date if by fax. All notices shall be addressed to the addresses first listed above until the receivers give a written notice changing the address. 6.10 Counterparts of this Agreement This Agreement is made in ten counterparts, each party keeps one. The other seven counterparts will be used for approval processing and conversion registration procedures. 6.11 Further Undertakings During any period after execution of this Agreement, each party shall take all reasonable efforts to procure any necessary third parties to execute documents and take behaviors reasonably required by relevant parties so that relevant parties may fully enjoy interests under all clauses of this Agreement. All relevant expenses shall be at the cost of relevant parties. |
This Agreement has been executed and delivered as agreement by each party on the date listed first above.
Executed as agreement:
INFORMATION AND NETWORK CENTER OF STATE ADMINISTRATION OF RADIO, FILM AND
TELEVISION (official seal):
Legal representative or authorized representative (signature):
Witnessed by:
Witness signature:
Executed as agreement:
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION (official seal):
Authorized representative (signature):
Witnessed by:
Witness signature:
Executed as agreement:
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (BVI) LIMITED (official seal):
Director (signature):
Director or corporate secretary (signature):
Witnessed by:
Witness signature:
EXHIBIT 1
DECLARATION OF TRUST
To: Information and Network Center of State Administration of Radio, Film and Television of No 2 Fuxingmenwai Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, China Date: 2004 1 We, China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited of P.O. Box 3140, Wickhams Cay I, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, hereby declare that the shares specified in the Schedule hereto (the "Relevant Shares") are now and have at all times since the Relevant Shares became registered in our name been held in trust for you absolutely. 2 We hereby undertake: 2.1 to account to you for all distributions or dividends whether in the form of cash, stock, in specie or otherwise, or other moneys paid to us on or in respect of the Relevant Shares; 2.2 subject to the terms of the Trust Arrangement Deed In Respect Of Shares In China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited among Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, China Network Communications Group Corporation and ourselves, to transfer or otherwise deal with the Relevant Shares as you may from time to time direct in writing; 2.3 to exercise the voting powers and other rights in respect of the Relevant Shares in such manner as you shall from time to time direct in writing; and 2.4 to sign or execute such documents or instruments as may be necessary for the purposes of this Paragraph 2. 3 In consideration of us holding the Relevant Shares in trust for you and our undertakings as set out in Paragraph 2 above, you agree to hold us harmless for any costs, expenses and liabilities incurred or arisen in connection with the holding of the Relevant Shares in trust for you or any of our acts performed under or pursuant to this Declaration. 4 This Declaration shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. |
References herein to the Relevant Shares shall where the subject or context permits or requires include references to any of the Relevant Shares.
IN WITNESS whereof these presents have been executed as a Deed by us on the date mentioned in the above.
THE COMMON SEAL of CHINA NETCOM
GROUP CORPORATION (BVI) LIMITED was }
hereunto affixed in the presence of:
Director
Director/Secretary
Agreed and accepted by:
INFORMATION AND NETWORK CENTER OF STATE
ADMINISTRATION OF RADIO, FILM AND TELEVISION
Title:
Date:
SCHEDULE
THE RELEVANT SHARES
NAME OF COMPANY PARTICULARS OF SHARES China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited 37,822,125 ordinary shares of par value US$0.04 each, credited as fully paid-up, irrespective of whether such ordinary shares are issued and allotted before, at or after the initial public offering of China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited |
EXHIBIT 9.8
[ ]MM[ ]DD, 2004
TRUST ARRANGEMENT AGREEMENT ABOUT CERTAIN EQUITY INTEREST
OF CHINA NETCOM CROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
BY AND AMONG
CHINA RAILWAYS TELECOMMUNICATIONS CENTER
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
AND
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (BVI) LIMITED
This Trust Arrangement Agreement is made and entered into on [-], 2004 in Beijing, People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as "PRC") by and among the following parties:
(1) China Railways Telecommunications Center (hereinafter referred to as CRTC) Registered address: No.18 North Fengwo Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Legal representative:
(2) China Network Communications Group Corporation (hereinafter referred to as CHINA NETCOM GROUP)
Registered address: Building C, No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
Legal representative: Zhang Chunjiang
(3) China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited/CNC BVI
Registered address:P.O. Box 3140, Wickhams Cay I, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
WHEREAS:
(A) As part of the Restructuring and Listing Plan of China Netcom Group (hereinafter referred to as RESTRUCTURING AND LISTING PLAN OF CHINA NETCOM GROUP) reported to the State Council, CRTC will become the beneficiary holder of 37,822,125 ordinary shares of par value at US$0.04 each (hereinafter referred to as TRUST SHARES) of CNC HK (as defined below);;
(B) CNC BVI will become the trustee of the CRTC to hold Trust Shares nominally on the register of shareholders of CNC HK and the CRTC agrees to become the beneficiary holder of Trust Shares through the Declaration of Trust (See Exhibit 1) and this Agreement entered into with CNC BVI.
In order to further specify the rights and obligations of each party hereto and relevant matters under this Trust Arrangement, CRTC, China Netcom Group and CNC BVI hereby agree as follows:
1 DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise specified by the clauses or context in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set out below:
CNC HK China Netcom Croup Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited, a limited company incorporated and validly existing under Hong Kong laws with its registered address at F/59, Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Hong Kong. LISTING Means the global IPO of CNC HK and listing on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and American Stock Exchange. |
STATE SHAREHOLDER OF CNC HK Means the Chinese Academy of Science, Information and Network Center of State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, China Railways Telecommunications Center, Shanghai Alliance Investment Limited, Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission and CNC BVI as the shareholders of CNC HK. BUSINESS DAY Any days other than Saturday, Sunday or Hong Kong public holidays. 2 EFFECTIVE DATE |
This Agreement shall come into force immediately when the Restructuring and Listing Plan of China Netcom Group is approved by all relevant governmental authorities and the CRTC has obtained the beneficiary ownership of Trust Shares.
3 NATURE OF TRUST SHARES
3.1 The CRTC agrees and confirms that Trust Shares are state-owned shares, and agrees to perform its obligations as state shareholders and dispose Trust Shares in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of China for the period it acts as the beneficiary holder of Trust Shares (regardless before or after the listing of CNC HK), including but not limited to performing relevant obligations as state shareholder of CNC HK by referencing to relevant requirements of Interim Procedure for Management of Selling Out State-owned Shares to Raise Social Security Fund, and instructing CNC BVI to sell certain number of shares of CNC HK and fully pay the proceeds to the social security fund. The number of shares of CNC HK to be sold by the CRTC shall be calculated based on the following formula:
Number of shares of CNC HK Number of Number of directly or indirectly held by CRTC new shares shares to be = -------------------------------------- x during the x 10% sold by CRTC Total number of shares of CNC listing of HK directly or indirectly held by all CNC HK state shareholders of CNC HK
3.2 Notwithstanding the stipulation under Section 3.1, the CRTC shall process relevant legal procedures in accordance with requirements of relevant domestic regulatory authorities if such authorities have other further requirements state shareholders of CNC HK to sell out their shares in CNC HK and pay the proceeds to the social security fund. After listing of CNC HK, the CRTC is obliged to continue to perform its obligation of selling out state-owned shares (the number of shares to be sold out by CRTC shall be calculated by referencing to the method under Section 3.1) in accordance with requirements of Interim Procedure for Management of Selling Out State-owned Shares to Raise Social Security Fund if CNC HK continues conducting equity financing on capital markets during the period CRTC continues to hold shares of CNC HK.
4 RESTRICTIONS ON SHARE TRANSFER
4.1 The CRTC agrees that it shall not directly or indirectly:
4.1.1 sell or sell by agreement;
4.1.2 pledge, mortgage or impawn; or
4.1.3 transfer in other ways,
the Trust shares or any interests therein, and shall not grant any share option of the Trust Shares for a period within 24 months from the effective date of this Agreement until the date on which the shares of CNC HK are initially traded on Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (hereinafter to referred to as LOCK-UP PERIOD) unless it is performing its obligations as state shareholders in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of China.
4.2 The CRTC agrees to enter into a Lock-up Period Agreement as required by generally accepted market practice. The Lock-up Period Agreement shall include the commitment of CRTC not to transfer or instruct CNC BVI to transfer the Trust Shares for a period less than 24 months from the date on which the shares of CNC HK are initially traded on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, unless it is performing its obligations as state shareholders in accordance with relevant laws of China.
4.3 The CRTC agrees that it will not directly or indirectly pledge, mortgage or impawn the Trust Shares or any interests thereof after the Lock-up Period unless it has obtained prior written consent from China Netcom Group.
4.4 Without breach of Section 4.5 herein, the CRTC commits that it will not transfer any Trust Shares to any foreign investors during and after the Lock-up Period in strict accordance with applicable Chinese laws, regulations or policies on foreign investments' access to China telecommunication industry to meet the limitations set on foreign investors by these laws, regulations or policies.
4.5 The CRTC must obtain approvals (including but not limited to approvals on number, method and price of the shares to be transferred) from domestic regulatory authorities (including but not limited to State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council or local State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commissions with appropriate jurisdictions and Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China) to transfer or instruct CNC BVI to transfer the Trust Shares.
4.6 The CRTC shall entrust CNC BVI to carry out relevant legal procedures when disposing (including transferring) the Trust Shares during or after the Lock-up period.
5 FIRST REFUSAL RIGHT
5.1 Offering for Transfer
On the premise that all stipulations under Section 4 above and Section 5
are complied, the CRTC may transfer all or part of the Trust Shares
(hereinafter referred to as RELEVANT OFFERING EQUITY) to any third party
(hereinafter referred to as THIRD PARTY PURCHASER) in accordance with
Section 5 upon sending or receiving an offering satisfying all
requirements under Section 5.1.1 and 5.1.2 below (hereinafter referred to
as OFFERING FOR TRANSFER):
5.1.1 The purchase price in the written Offering for Transfer in good faith sent to or received from a Third Party Purchaser is based on market prices and includes all main terms and conditions of an offering (including scheduled completion date of transfer); and
5.1.2 If the offering is issued by the CRTC, the Third Party Purchaser has expressed its intention to accept the offering in terms and conditions set out in the offering.
5.2 Notwithstanding the stipulation in Section 5.1.2, the Offering for Transfer must be sent to China Netcom Group if the Offering is issued by the CRTC (regardless what kind of form it uses). China Netcom Group may exercise its option in accordance with Section 5.4 herein.
5.3 Transfer Notice
5.3.1 If the CRTC has received an Offering for Transfer meeting the requirements under Section 5.1, it must give a notice (hereinafter referred to as TRANSFER NOTICE) to China Netcom Group within two business day, agreeing to sell the Relevant Offering Equity to CNC BVI at the same cash price and conditions not higher than those listed in the Offering for Transfer.
5.3.2 The Transfer Notice must specify:
(i) the identity of the Third Party Purchaser (when acting as trustee) and the final beneficiary owner of the trust;
(ii) the offering acceptance period for Relevant Offering Equity to be sold by the CRTC to CNC BVI by offering.This period shall be no less than 40 business days from the date of Transfer Notice (hereinafter referred to as ACCEPTANCE PERIOD); and
(iii) Details of all other terms and conditions in the Offering for Transfer.
5.4 Option of China Netcom Group
China Netcom Group may:
5.4.1 give written notice to the CRTC within the Acceptance Period to completely accept the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice (hereinafter referred as ACCEPTANCE NOTICE OF CHINA NETCOM GROUP);
5.4.2 give written notice to the CRTC within the Acceptance Period to reject the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice;
5.4.3 neither give the Acceptance Notice of China Netcom Group nor reply to the Transfer Notice within the Acceptance Period, in which case China Netcom Group shall be deemed as having rejected the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice.
5.5 Results
5.5.1 If China Netcom Group completely accepts the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice in accordance with Section 5.4.1, the CRTC must sell Relevant Offering Equity to CNC BVI or its designated person.
5.5.2 If the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice are rejected in accordance with Section 5.4.2 or deemed to be rejected in accordance with Section 5.4.3, the CRTC may sell Relevant Offering Equity to the Third Party Purchaser sending out the Offering upon the approvals (including approvals on number, method and price of the shares to be transferred) from domestic regulatory authorities (including but not limited to State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council or local State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission with appropriate jurisdictions and the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China).
6 MISCELLANEOUS
6.1 Confidential Restriction
For the confidential and proprietary information (hereinafter referred to as CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION) disclosed by any party to another party with respect to its businesses, financial status and other confidential affairs for the purpose of this Agreement, the receiver shall: (i) keep the confidential information under confidentiality; (ii) not disclose above Confidential Information (except for the information disclosure as required by
Section 6.2 under this Agreement) to any persons or entities other than its employees and professional advisors that need accesses to the Confidential Information to perform their duties.
6.2 Information Disclosure
Each party agrees and commits to duly perform its information disclosure obligation under this Agreement in accordance with relevant regulations to practically protect the interests of each party.
6.3 Governing Laws
The establishment, effectiveness, interpretation and performance of this Agreement and dispute resolution shall be governed by laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
6.4 Dispute Resolution
Any disputes arising from the execution, performance and interpretation of this Agreement shall be resorted to sincere negotiation first. In case of failure of negotiation within 30 days as from the date when such disputes arise, any party may refer relevant disputes to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration in Beijing in accordance with valid arbitration rules. The arbitration verdict shall be conclusive and binding upon both parties. Except for the disputed matters under arbitration, other parts of this Agreement shall stay in force during arbitration.
6.5 Expenses and Taxation
6.5.1 The CRTC and CNC BVI shall share the equity transfer expenses, such as approval and registration expenses that are required are to be paid and charged by governmental regulatory authorities in accordance with relevant laws and regulation.
6.5.2 The taxes to be collected separately from each party in accordance with laws and regulations shall be assumed by the taxpayer.
6.6 Waiver
The failure or delay of exercising the rights under this Agreement or any other contracts or agreements in connection with this Agreement of any Party hereto shall not be deemed as the waiver of such rights; any sole or partial exercise of such rights shall not hinder the full exercise of such rights in the future.
6.7 Revision and Supplement
This Agreement shall not be revised or supplemented by oral and may be revised or supplemented only upon endorsement on written documents by each party. Any supplements to this Agreement shall be deemed as indivisible parts of this Agreement.
6.8 Severability
The invalidity of any clauses hereto shall not affect the validity of any other clauses of this Agreement.
6.9 Notice
Any notices as required by this Agreement sent by any party hereto to another shall be written in Chinese and sent by registered mail, or by fax confirmed by a registered mail immediately to relevant parties. Notices required to be sent by this Agreement shall be deemed as received after 3 days of the date of postmark if by registered mail, and the
sending date if by fax. All notices shall be addressed to the addresses first listed above until the receivers give a written notice changing the address. 6.10 Counterparts of this Agreement This Agreement is made in ten counterparts, each party keeps one. The other seven counterparts will be used for approval processing and conversion registration procedures. 6.11 Further Undertakings During any period after execution of this Agreement, each party shall take all reasonable efforts to procure any necessary third parties to execute documents and take behaviors reasonably required by relevant parties so that relevant parties may fully enjoy interests under all clauses of this Agreement. All relevant expenses shall be at the cost of relevant parties. |
This Agreement has been executed and delivered as agreement by each party on the date listed first above.
Executed as agreement:
CHINA RAILWAYS TELECOMMUNICATIONS CENTER (official seal):
Legal representative or authorized representative (signature):
Witnessed by:
Witness signature:
Executed as agreement:
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION (official seal):
Authorized representative (signature):
Witnessed by:
Witness signature:
Executed as agreement:
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (BVI) LIMITED (official seal):
Director (signature):
Director or corporate secretary (signature):
Witnessed by:
Witness signature:
EXHIBIT 1
DECLARATION OF TRUST
To: China Railways Telecommunications Center of No 18 Beifengwo Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China Date: 2004 1 We, China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited of P.O. Box 3140, Wickhams Cay I, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, hereby declare that the shares specified in the Schedule hereto (the "Relevant Shares") are now and have at all times since the Relevant Shares became registered in our name been held in trust for you absolutely. 2 WE HEREBY UNDERTAKE: 2.1 to account to you for all distributions or dividends whether in the form of cash, stock, in specie or otherwise, or other moneys paid to us on or in respect of the Relevant Shares; 2.2 subject to the terms of the Trust Arrangement Deed In Respect Of Shares In China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited among Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, China Network Communications Group Corporation and ourselves, to transfer or otherwise deal with the Relevant Shares as you may from time to time direct in writing; 2.3 to exercise the voting powers and other rights in respect of the Relevant Shares in such manner as you shall from time to time direct in writing; and 2.4 to sign or execute such documents or instruments as may be necessary for the purposes of this Paragraph 2. 3 In consideration of us holding the Relevant Shares in trust for you and our undertakings as set out in Paragraph 2 above, you agree to hold us harmless for any costs, expenses and liabilities incurred or arisen in connection with the holding of the Relevant Shares in trust for you or any of our acts performed under or pursuant to this Declaration. 4 This Declaration shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. |
References herein to the Relevant Shares shall where the subject or context permits or requires include references to any of the Relevant Shares.
IN WITNESS whereof these presents have been executed as a Deed by us on the date mentioned in the above.
THE COMMON SEAL of CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (BVI) LIMITED was } hereunto affixed in the presence of: Director Director/Secretary Agreed and accepted by: CHINA RAILWAYS TELECOMMUNICATIONS CENTER _________________________________________ Name: Title: Date: |
SCHEDULE
THE RELEVANT SHARES
NAME OF COMPANY PARTICULARS OF SHARES China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited 37,822,125 ordinary shares of par value US$0.04 each, credited as fully paid-up, irrespective of whether such ordinary shares are issued and allotted before, at or after the initial public offering of China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited |
EXHIBIT 9.9
[ ]MM[ ]DD, 2004
TRUST ARRANGEMENT AGREEMENT ABOUT CERTAIN EQUITY INTEREST
OF CHINA NETCOM CROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
BY AND AMONG
SHANGHAI ALLIANCE INVESTMENT LIMITED
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
AND
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (BVI) LIMITED
This Trust Arrangement Agreement is made and entered into on [-], 2004 in Beijing, People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as "PRC") by and among the following parties:
(1) Shanghai Alliance Investment Limited (hereinafter referred to as SHANGHAI ALLIANCE):
Registered address: No. 19, Gaoyou Road, Shanghai
Legal representative:
(2) China Network Communications Group Corporation (hereinafter referred to as CHINA NETCOM GROUP)
Registered address: Building C, No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
Legal representative: Zhang Chunjiang
(3) China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited (hereinafter referred to as CNC BVI)
Registered address: P.O. Box 3140, Wickhams Cay I, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
WHEREAS:
(A) As part of the Restructuring and Listing Plan of China Netcom Group (hereinafter referred to as RESTRUCTURING AND LISTING PLAN OF CHINA NETCOM GROUP) reported by CSRC to the State Council, Shanghai Alliance will become the beneficiary holder of 37,822,125 ordinary shares of par value US$0.04 each (hereinafter referred to as TRUST SHARES) of CNC HK (as defined below);
(B) CNC BVI will become the trustee of Shanghai Alliance to hold Trust Shares nominally on the list of shareholders of CNC HK and Shanghai Alliance agrees to become the beneficiary holder of Trust Shares through the Declaration of Trust (See Exhibit 1) and this Agreement entered into with CNC BVI.
In order to further specify the rights and obligations of each party hereto and relevant matters under this Trust Arrangement, Shanghai Alliance, China Netcom Group and CNC BVI hereby agree as follows:
1 DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise specified by the clauses or context in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set out below:
CNC HK China Netcom Croup Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited, a limited company incorporated and validly existing under Hong Kong laws with its registered address at F/59, Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Hong Kong. LISTING Means the global IPO of CNC HK and listing on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and American Stock Exchange. |
STATE SHAREHOLDER Means the Chinese Academy of Science, Information and
OF CNC HK Network Center of State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, China Railways Telecommunications Center, Shanghai Alliance Investment Limited, Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission and CNC BVI as the shareholders of CNC HK. BUSINESS DAY Any days other than Saturday, Sunday or Hong Kong public holidays. 2 EFFECTIVE DATE |
This Agreement shall come into force immediately when the Restructuring and Listing Plan of China Netcom Group is approved by all relevant governmental authorities and the Shanghai Alliance has obtained the beneficiary ownership of Trust Shares.
3 NATURE OF TRUST SHARES
3.1 The Shanghai Alliance agrees and confirms that Trust Shares are state-owned shares, and agrees to perform its obligations as state shareholders and dispose Trust Shares in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of China for the period it acts as the beneficiary holder of Trust Shares (regardless before or after the listing of CNC HK), including but not limited to performing relevant obligations as state shareholder of CNC HK by referencing to relevant requirements of Interim Procedure for Management of Selling Out State-owned Shares to Raise Social Security Fund, and instructing CNC BVI to sell certain number of shares of CNC HK and fully pay the proceeds to the social security fund. The number of shares of CNC HK to be sold by the Shanghai Alliance shall be calculated based on the following formula:
Number of shares of CNC HK Number of directly or indirectly held by Number of shares to Shanghai Alliance new shares be sold by = ------------------------------- x during the x 10% Shanghai Total number of shares of CNC HK listing of Alliance directly or indirectly held by all CNC HK state shareholders of CNC HK |
3.2 Notwithstanding the stipulation under Section 3.1, the Shanghai Alliance shall process relevant legal procedures in accordance with requirements of relevant domestic regulatory authorities if such authorities have other further requirements state shareholders of CNC HK to sell out their shares in CNC HK and pay the proceeds to the social security fund. After listing of CNC HK, the Shanghai Alliance is obliged to continue to perform its obligation of selling out state-owned shares (the number of shares to be sold out by Shanghai Alliance shall be calculated by referencing to the method under Section 3.1) in accordance with requirements of Interim Procedure for Management of Selling Out State-owned Shares to Raise Social Security Fund if CNC HK continues conducting equity financing on capital markets during the period Shanghai Alliance continues to hold shares of CNC HK.
4 RESTRICTIONS ON SHARE TRANSFER
4.1 The Shanghai Alliance agrees that it shall not directly or indirectly:
4.1.1 sell or sell by agreement;
4.1.2 pledge, mortgage or impawn; or
4.1.3 transfer in other ways,
the Trust shares or any interests therein, and shall not grant any share option of the Trust Shares for a period within 24 months from the effective date of this Agreement until the date on which the shares of CNC HK are initially traded on Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (hereinafter to referred to as LOCK-UP PERIOD) unless it is performing its obligations as state shareholders in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of China.
4.2 The Shanghai Alliance agrees to enter into a Lock-up Period Agreement as required by generally accepted market practice. The Lock-up Period Agreement shall include the commitment of Shanghai Alliance not to transfer or instruct CNC BVI to transfer the Trust Shares for a period less than 24 months from the date on which the shares of CNC HK are initially traded on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, unless it is performing its obligations as state shareholders in accordance with relevant laws of China.
4.3 The Shanghai Alliance agrees that it will not directly or indirectly pledge, mortgage or impawn the Trust Shares or any interests thereof after the Lock-up Period unless it has obtained prior written consent from China Netcom Group.
4.4 Without breach of Section 4.5 herein, the Shanghai Alliance commits that it will not transfer any Trust Shares to any foreign investors during and after the Lock-up Period in strict accordance with applicable Chinese laws, regulations or policies on foreign investments' access to China telecommunication industry to meet the limitations set on foreign investors by these laws, regulations or policies.
4.5 The Shanghai Alliance must obtain approvals (including but not limited to approvals on number, method and price of the shares to be transferred) from domestic regulatory authorities (including but not limited to State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council or local State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commissions with appropriate jurisdictions and Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China) to transfer or instruct CNC BVI to transfer the Trust Shares.
4.6 The Shanghai Alliance shall entrust CNC BVI to carry out relevant legal procedures when disposing (including transferring) the Trust Shares during or after the Lock-up period.
5 FIRST REFUSAL RIGHT
5.1 Offering for Transfer
On the premise that all stipulations under Section 4 above and Section 5 are complied, the Shanghai Alliance may transfer all or part of the Trust Shares (hereinafter referred to as RELEVANT OFFERING EQUITY) to any third party (hereinafter referred to as THIRD PARTY PURCHASER) in accordance with Section 5 upon sending or receiving an offering satisfying all requirements under Section 5.1.1 and 5.1.2 below (hereinafter referred to as OFFERING FOR TRANSFER):
5.1.1 The purchase price in the written Offering for Transfer in good faith sent to or received from a Third Party Purchaser is based on market prices and includes all main terms and conditions of an offering (including scheduled completion date of transfer); and
5.1.2 If the offering is issued by the Shanghai Alliance, the Third Party Purchaser has expressed its intention to accept the offering in terms and conditions set out in the offering.
5.2 Notwithstanding the stipulation in Section 5.1.2, the Offering for Transfer must be sent to China Netcom Group if the Offering is issued by the Shanghai Alliance (regardless what kind of form it uses). China Netcom Group may exercise its option in accordance with Section 5.4 herein.
5.3 Transfer Notice
5.3.1 If the Shanghai Alliance has received an Offering for Transfer meeting the requirements under Section 5.1, it must give a notice (hereinafter referred to as TRANSFER NOTICE) to China Netcom Group within two business days, agreeing to sell the Relevant Offering Equity to CNC BVI at the same cash price and conditions not higher than those listed in the Offering for Transfer.
5.3.2 The Transfer Notice must specify:
(i) the identity of the Third Party Purchaser (when acting as trustee) and the final beneficiary owner of the trust;
(ii) the offering acceptance period for Relevant Offering Equity to be sold by the Shanghai Alliance to CNC BVI by offering.This period shall be no less than 40 business days from the date of Transfer Notice (hereinafter referred to as ACCEPTANCE PERIOD); and
(iii) Details of all other terms and conditions in the Offering for Transfer.
5.4 Option of China Netcom Group
China Netcom Group may:
5.4.1 give written notice to the Shanghai Alliance within the Acceptance Period to completely accept the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice (hereinafter referred as ACCEPTANCE NOTICE OF CHINA NETCOM GROUP);
5.4.2 give written notice to the Shanghai Alliance within the Acceptance Period to reject the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice;
5.4.3 neither give the Acceptance Notice of China Netcom Group nor reply to the Transfer Notice within the Acceptance Period, in which case China Netcom Group shall be deemed as having rejected the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice.
5.5 Results
5.5.1 If China Netcom Group completely accepts the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice in accordance with Section 5.4.1, the Shanghai Alliance must sell Relevant Offering Equity to CNC BVI or its designated person.
5.5.2 If the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice are rejected in accordance with Section 5.4.2 or deemed to be rejected in accordance with Section 5.4.3, the Shanghai Alliance may sell Relevant Offering Equity to the Third Party Purchaser sending out the Offering upon the approvals (including approvals on number, method and price of the shares to be transferred) from domestic regulatory authorities (including but not limited to State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council or local State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission with appropriate jurisdictions and the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China).
6 MISCELLANEOUS
6.1 Confidential Restriction
For the confidential and proprietary information (hereinafter referred to as CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION) disclosed by any party to another party with respect to its businesses, financial status and other confidential affairs for the purpose of this Agreement, the receiver shall: (i) keep the confidential information under confidentiality; (ii) not disclose above Confidential Information (except for the information disclosure as required by Section 6.2 under this Agreement) to any persons or entities other than its employees and professional advisors that need accesses to the Confidential Information to perform their duties.
6.2 Information Disclosure
Each party agrees and commits to duly perform its information disclosure obligation under this Agreement in accordance with relevant regulations to practically protect the interests of each party.
6.3 Governing Laws
The establishment, effectiveness, interpretation and performance of this Agreement and dispute resolution shall be governed by laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
6.4 Dispute Resolution
Any disputes arising from the execution, performance and interpretation of this Agreement shall be resorted to sincere negotiation first. In case of failure of negotiation within 30 days as from the date when such disputes arise, any party may refer relevant disputes to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration in Beijing in accordance with valid arbitration rules. The arbitration verdict shall be conclusive and binding upon both parties. Except for the disputed matters under arbitration, other parts of this Agreement shall stay in force during arbitration.
6.5 Expenses and Taxation
6.5.1 The Shanghai Alliance and CNC BVI shall share the equity transfer expenses, such as approval and registration expenses that required to be paid and charged by governmental regulatory authorities in accordance with relevant laws and regulation.
6.5.2 The taxes to be collected separately from each party in accordance with laws and regulations shall be assumed by the taxpayer.
6.6 Waiver
The failure or delay of exercising the rights under this Agreement or any other contracts or agreements in connection with this Agreement of any Party hereto shall not be deemed as the waiver of such rights; any sole or partial exercise of such rights shall not hinder the full exercise of such rights in the future.
6.7 Revision and Supplement
This Agreement shall not be revised or supplemented by oral and may be revised or supplemented only upon endorsement on written documents by each party. Any supplements to this Agreement shall be deemed as indivisible parts of this Agreement.
6.8 Severability The invalidity of any clauses hereto shall not affect the validity of any other clauses of this Agreement. 6.9 Notice Any notices as required by this Agreement sent by any party hereto to another shall be written in Chinese and sent by registered mail, or by fax confirmed by a registered mail immediately to relevant parties. Notices required to be sent by this Agreement shall be deemed as received after 3 days of the date of postmark if by registered mail, and the sending date if by fax. All notices shall be addressed to the addresses first listed above until the receivers give a written notice changing the address. 6.10 Counterparts of this Agreement This Agreement is made in ten counterparts, each party keeps one. The other seven counterparts will be used for approval processing and conversion registration procedures. 6.11 Further Undertakings During any period after execution of this Agreement, each party shall take all reasonable efforts to procure any necessary third parties to execute documents and take behaviors reasonably required by relevant parties so that relevant parties may fully enjoy interests under all clauses of this Agreement. All relevant expenses shall be at the cost of relevant parties. |
This Agreement has been executed and delivered as agreement by each party on the date listed first above.
Executed as agreement:
SHANGHAI ALLIANCE INVESTMENT LIMITED (official seal):
Legal representative or authorized representative (signature):
Witnessed by:
Witness signature:
Executed as agreement:
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION (official seal):
Authorized representative (signature):
Witnessed by:
Witness signature:
Executed as agreement:
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (BVI) LIMITED (official seal):
Director (signature):
Director or corporate secretary (signature):
Witnessed by:
Witness signature:
EXHIBIT 1
DECLARATION OF TRUST
To: Shanghai Alliance Investment Limited of No 19 Gaoyou Road, Shanghai, China
Date: 2004
1 We, China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited of P.O. Box 3140, Wickhams Cay I, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, hereby declare that the shares specified in the Schedule hereto (the "Relevant Shares") are now and have at all times since the Relevant Shares became registered in our name been held in trust for you absolutely.
2 We hereby undertake:
2.1 to account to you for all distributions or dividends whether in the form of cash, stock, in specie or otherwise, or other moneys paid to us on or in respect of the Relevant Shares;
2.2 subject to the terms of the Trust Arrangement Deed In Respect Of Shares In China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited among Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, China Network Communications Group Corporation and ourselves, to transfer or otherwise deal with the Relevant Shares as you may from time to time direct in writing;
2.3 to exercise the voting powers and other rights in respect of the Relevant Shares in such manner as you shall from time to time direct in writing; and
2.4 to sign or execute such documents or instruments as may be necessary for the purposes of this Paragraph 2.
3 In consideration of us holding the Relevant Shares in trust for you and our undertakings as set out in Paragraph 2 above, you agree to hold us harmless for any costs, expenses and liabilities incurred or arisen in connection with the holding of the Relevant Shares in trust for you or any of our acts performed under or pursuant to this Declaration.
4 This Declaration shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
References herein to the Relevant Shares shall where the subject or context permits or requires include references to any of the Relevant Shares.
IN WITNESS whereof these presents have been executed as a Deed by us on the date mentioned in the above.
THE COMMON SEAL of CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (BVI) LIMITED was } hereunto affixed in the presence of: Director Director/Secretary Agreed and accepted by: SHANGHAI ALLIANCE INVESTMENT LIMITED ____________________________________ Name: Title: |
Date:
SCHEDULE
THE RELEVANT SHARES
NAME OF COMPANY PARTICULARS OF SHARES China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) 37,822,125 ordinary shares of par value US$0.04 Limited each, credited as fully paid-up, irrespective of whether such ordinary shares are issued and allotted before, at or after the initial public offering of China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited |
EXHIBIT 9.10
[ ]MM[ ]DD, 2004
TRUST ARRANGEMENT AGREEMENT ABOUT CERTAIN EQUITY INTEREST
OF CHINA NETCOM CROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
BY AND AMONG
SHANDONG PROVINCIAL STATE-OWNED ASSETS SUPERVISION AND
ADMINISTRATION COMMISSION
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
AND
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (BVI) LIMITED
This Trust Arrangement Agreement is made and entered into on [-], 2004 in Beijing, People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as "PRC") by and among the following parties:
(1) Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (hereinafter referred to as SHANDONG SASAC)
Registered address: No.37, Jiefang Road, Jinan City, Shandong Province, PRC
Legal representative:
(2) China Network Communications Group Corporation (hereinafter referred to as CHINA NETCOM GROUP)
Registered address: Building C, No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
Legal representative: Zhang Chunjiang
(3) China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited (hereinafter referred to as CNC BVI)
Registered address: P.O. Box 3140, Wickhams Cay I, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
WHEREAS:
(A) As part of the Restructuring and Listing Plan of China Netcom Group (hereinafter referred to as RESTRUCTURING AND LISTING PLAN OF CHINA NETCOM GROUP) reported by CSRC to the State Council, Shandong SASAC will become the beneficiary holder of 152,993,500 ordinary shares (hereinafter referred to as TRUST SHARES) of CNC HK (as defined below);
(B) CNC BVI will become the trustee of Shandong SASAC to hold Trust Shares nominally on the list of shareholders of CNC HK and Shandong SASAC agrees to become the beneficiary holder of Trust Shares through the Declaration of Trust (See Exhibit 1) and this Agreement entered into with CNC BVI.
In order to further specify the rights and obligations of each party hereto and relevant matters under this Trust Arrangement, Shandong SASAC, China Netcom Group and CNC BVI hereby agree as follows:
1 DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise specified by the clauses or context in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set out below:
CNC HK China Netcom Croup Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited, a limited company incorporated and validly existing under Hong Kong laws with its registered address at F/59, Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Hong Kong. LISTING Means the global IPO of CNC HK and listing on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and American Stock Exchange. |
STATE SHAREHOLDER Means the Chinese Academy of Science, Information and
OF CNC HK Network Center of State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, China Railways Telecommunications Center, Shanghai Alliance Investment Limited, Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission and CNC BVI as the shareholders of CNC HK. BUSINESS DAY Any days other than Saturday, Sunday or Hong Kong public holidays. 2 EFFECTIVE DATE |
This Agreement shall come into force immediately when the Restructuring and Listing Plan of China Netcom Group is approved by all relevant governmental authorities and the Shandong SASAC has obtained the beneficiary ownership of Trust Shares.
3 NATURE OF TRUST SHARES
3.1 The Shandong SASAC agrees and confirms that Trust Shares are state-owned shares, and agrees to perform its obligations as state shareholders and dispose Trust Shares in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of China for the period it acts as the beneficiary holder of Trust Shares (regardless before or after the listing of CNC HK), including but not limited to performing relevant obligations as state shareholder of CNC HK by referencing to relevant requirements of Interim Procedure for Management of Selling Out State-owned Shares to Raise Social Security Fund, and instructing CNC BVI to sell certain number of shares of CNC HK and fully pay the proceeds to the social security fund.The number of shares of CNC HK to be sold by the Shandong SASAC shall be calculated based on the following formula:
Number of shares of CNC HK Number of directly or indirectly held by Number of shares to Shandong SASAC new shares be sold by = ------------------------------- x during the x 10% Shandong Total number of shares of CNC HK listing of SASAC directly or indirectly held by all CNC HK state shareholders of CNC HK |
3.2 Notwithstanding the stipulation under Section 3.1, the Shandong SASAC shall process relevant legal procedures in accordance with requirements of relevant domestic regulatory authorities if such authorities have other further requirements state shareholders of CNC HK to sell out their shares in CNC HK and pay the proceeds to the social security fund. After listing of CNC HK, the Shandong SASAC is obliged to continue to perform its obligation of selling out state-owned shares (the number of shares to be sold out by Shandong SASAC shall be calculated by referencing to the method under Section 3.1) in accordance with requirements of Interim Procedure for Management of Selling Out State-owned Shares to Raise Social Security Fund if CNC HK continues conducting equity financing on capital markets during the period Shandong SASAC continues to hold shares of CNC HK.
4 RESTRICTIONS ON SHARE TRANSFER
4.1 The Shandong SASAC agrees that it shall not directly or indirectly:
4.1.1 sell or sell by agreement;
4.1.2 pledge, mortgage or impawn; or
4.1.3 transfer in other ways,
the Trust shares or any interests therein, and shall not grant any share option of the Trust Shares for a period within 24 months from the effective date of this Agreement until the date on which the shares of CNC HK are initially traded on Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (hereinafter to referred to as LOCK-UP PERIOD) unless it is performing its obligations as state shareholders in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of China.
4.2 The Shandong SASAC agrees to enter into a Lock-up Period Agreement as required by generally accepted market practice. The Lock-up Period Agreement shall include the commitment of Shandong SASAC not to transfer or instruct CNC BVI to transfer the Trust Shares for a period less than 24 months from the date on which the shares of CNC HK are initially traded on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, unless it is performing its obligations as state shareholders in accordance with relevant laws of China.
4.3 The Shandong SASAC agrees that it will not directly or indirectly pledge, mortgage or impawn the Trust Shares or any interests thereof after the Lock-up Period unless it has obtained prior written consent from China Netcom Group.
4.4 Without breach of Section 4.5 herein, the Shandong SASAC commits that it will not transfer any Trust Shares to any foreign investors during and after the Lock-up Period in strict accordance with applicable Chinese laws, regulations or policies on foreign investments' access to China telecommunication industry to meet the limitations set on foreign investors by these laws, regulations or policies.
4.5 The Shandong SASAC must obtain approvals (including but not limited to approvals on number, method and price of the shares to be transferred) from domestic regulatory authorities (including but not limited to State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council or local State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commissions with appropriate jurisdictions and Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China) to transfer or instruct CNC BVI to transfer the Trust Shares.
4.6 The Shandong SASAC shall entrust CNC BVI to carry out relevant legal procedures when disposing (including transferring) the Trust Shares during or after the Lock-up period.
5 FIRST REFUSAL RIGHT
5.1 Offering for Transfer
On the premise that all stipulations under Section 4 above and Section 5 are complied, the Shandong SASAC may transfer all or part of the Trust Shares (hereinafter referred to as RELEVANT OFFERING EQUITY) to any third party (hereinafter referred to as THIRD PARTY PURCHASER) in accordance with Section 5 upon sending or receiving an offering satisfying all requirements under Section 5.1.1 and 5.1.2 below (hereinafter referred to as OFFERING FOR TRANSFER):
5.1.1 The purchase price in the written Offering for Transfer in good faith sent to or received from a Third Party Purchaser is based on market prices and includes all main terms and conditions of an offering (including scheduled completion date of transfer); and
5.1.2 If the offering is issued by the Shandong SASAC, the Third Party Purchaser has expressed its intention to accept the offering in terms and conditions set out in the offering.
5.2 Notwithstanding the stipulation in Section 5.1.2, the Offering for Transfer must be sent to China Netcom Group if the Offering is issued by the Shandong SASAC (regardless what kind of form it uses). China Netcom Group may exercise its option in accordance with Section 5.4 herein.
5.3 Transfer Notice
5.3.1 If the Shandong SASAC has received an Offering for Transfer meeting the requirements under Section 5.1, it must give a notice (hereinafter referred to as TRANSFER NOTICE) to China Netcom Group within two business days, agreeing to sell the Relevant Offering Equity to CNC BVI at the same cash price and conditions not higher than those listed in the Offering for Transfer.
5.3.2 The Transfer Notice must specify:
(i) the identity of the Third Party Purchaser (when acting as trustee) and the final beneficiary owner of the trust;
(ii) the offering acceptance period for Relevant Offering Equity to be sold by the Shandong SASAC to CNC BVI by offering. This period shall be no less than 40 business days from the date of Transfer Notice (hereinafter referred to as ACCEPTANCE PERIOD); and
(iii) Details of all other terms and conditions in the Offering for Transfer.
5.4 Option of China Netcom Group
China Netcom Group may:
5.4.1 give written notice to the Shandong SASAC within the Acceptance Period to completely accept the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice (hereinafter referred to as ACCEPTANCE NOTICE OF CHINA NETCOM GROUP);
5.4.2 give written notice to the Shandong SASAC within the Acceptance Period to reject the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice;
5.4.3 neither give the Acceptance Notice of China Netcom Group nor reply to the Transfer Notice within the Acceptance Period, in which case China Netcom Group shall be deemed as having rejected the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice.
5.5 Results
5.5.1 If China Netcom Group completely accepts the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice in accordance with Section 5.4.1, the Shandong SASAC must sell Relevant Offering Equity to CNC BVI or its designated person.
5.5.2 If the offerings listed in the Transfer Notice are rejected in accordance with Section 5.4.2 or deemed to be rejected in accordance with Section 5.4.3, the Shandong SASAC may sell Relevant Offering Equity to the Third Party Purchaser sending out the Offering upon the approvals (including approvals on number, method and price of the shares to be transferred) from domestic regulatory authorities (including but not limited to State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council or local State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission with appropriate jurisdictions and the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China).
6 MISCELLANEOUS
6.1 Confidential Restriction
For the confidential and proprietary information (hereinafter referred to as CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION) disclosed by any party to another party with respect to its businesses, financial status and other confidential affairs for the purpose of this Agreement, the receiver shall: (i) keep the confidential information under confidentiality; (ii) not disclose above Confidential Information (except for the information disclosure as required by Section 6.2 under this Agreement) to any persons or entities other than its employees and professional advisors that need accesses to the Confidential Information to perform their duties.
6.2 Information Disclosure
Each party agrees and commits to duly perform its information disclosure obligation under this Agreement in accordance with relevant regulations to practically protect the interests of each party.
6.3 Governing Laws
The establishment, effectiveness, interpretation and performance of this Agreement and dispute resolution shall be governed by laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
6.4 Dispute Resolution
Any disputes arising from the execution, performance and interpretation of this Agreement shall be resorted to sincere negotiation first. In case of failure of negotiation within 30 days as from the date when such disputes arise, any party may refer relevant disputes to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration in Beijing in accordance with valid arbitration rules. The arbitration verdict shall be conclusive and binding upon both parties. Except for the disputed matters under arbitration, other parts of this Agreement shall stay in force during arbitration.
6.5 Expenses and Taxation
6.5.1 The Shandong SASAC and CNC BVI shall share the equity transfer expenses, such as approval and registration expenses that are required to be paid and charged by governmental regulatory authorities in accordance with relevant laws and regulation.
6.5.2 Both parties agree that the taxes arising out of Shandong Rural Telecommunication's assets transfer and out of the transfer of the beneficial ownership right of CNC HK shares (corresponding to the consideration for such assets transfer) to Shandong SASAC by CNC BVI, which are to be collected separately from each from party in accordance with laws and regulations, shall be assumed by the taxpayer.
6.6 Waiver
The failure or delay of exercising the rights under this Agreement or any other contracts or agreements in connection with this Agreement of any Party hereto shall not be deemed as the waiver of such rights; any sole or partial exercise of such rights shall not hinder the full exercise of such rights in the future.
6.7 Revision and Supplement
This Agreement shall not be revised or supplemented by oral and may be revised or supplemented only upon endorsement on written documents by each party. Any supplements to this Agreement shall be deemed as indivisible parts of this Agreement. 6.8 Severability The invalidity of any clauses hereto shall not affect the validity of any other clauses of this Agreement. 6.9 Notice Any notices as required by this Agreement sent by any party hereto to another shall be written in Chinese and sent by registered mail, or by fax confirmed by a registered mail immediately to relevant parties. Notices required to be sent by this Agreement shall be deemed as received after 3 days of the date of postmark if by registered mail, and the sending date if by fax. All notices shall be addressed to the addresses first listed above until the receivers give a written notice changing the address. 6.10 Counterparts of this Agreement This Agreement is made in ten counterparts, each party keeps one. The other seven counterparts will be used for approval processing and conversion registration procedures. 6.11 Further Undertakings During any period after execution of this Agreement, each party shall take all reasonable efforts to procure any necessary third parties to execute documents and take behaviors reasonably required by relevant parties so that relevant parties may fully enjoy interests under all clauses of this Agreement. All relevant expenses shall be at the cost of relevant parties. |
This Agreement has been executed and delivered as agreement by each party on the date listed first above.
Executed as agreement:
SHANDONG PROVINCIAL STATE-OWNED ASSETS SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION COMMISSION
(official seal):
Legal representative or authorized representative (signature):
Witnessed by:
Witness signature:
Executed as agreement:
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION (official seal):
Authorized representative (signature):
Witnessed by:
Witness signature:
Executed as agreement:
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (BVI) LIMITED (OFFICIAL SEAL):
Director (signature):
Director or corporate secretary (signature):
Witnessed by:
Witness signature:
EXHIBIT 1
DECLARATION OF TRUST
To: Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of No 37 Jiefang Road, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
Date: 2004
1 We, China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited of P.O. Box 3140, Wickhams Cay I, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, hereby declare that the shares specified in the Schedule hereto (the "Relevant Shares") are now and have at all times since the Relevant Shares became registered in our name been held in trust for you absolutely.
2 We hereby undertake:
2.1 to account to you for all distributions or dividends whether in the form of cash, stock, in specie or otherwise, or other moneys paid to us on or in respect of the Relevant Shares;
2.2 subject to the terms of the Trust Arrangement Deed In Respect Of Shares In China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited among Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, China Network Communications Group Corporation and ourselves, to transfer or otherwise deal with the Relevant Shares as you may from time to time direct in writing;
2.3 to exercise the voting powers and other rights in respect of the Relevant Shares in such manner as you shall from time to time direct in writing; and
2.4 to sign or execute such documents or instruments as may be necessary for the purposes of this Paragraph 2.
3 In consideration of us holding the Relevant Shares in trust for you and our undertakings as set out in Paragraph 2 above, you agree to hold us harmless for any costs, expenses and liabilities incurred or arisen in connection with the holding of the Relevant Shares in trust for you or any of our acts performed under or pursuant to this Declaration.
4 This Declaration shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
References herein to the Relevant Shares shall where the subject or context permits or requires include references to any of the Relevant Shares.
IN WITNESS whereof these presents have been executed as a Deed by us on the date mentioned in the above.
THE COMMON SEAL of CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (BVI) LIMITED was } hereunto affixed in the presence of: Director Director/Secretary Agreed and accepted by: SHANDONG PROVINCIAL STATE-OWNED ASSETS SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION COMMISSION ______________________________________ Name: Title: |
Date:
SCHEDULE
THE RELEVANT SHARES
NAME OF COMPANY PARTICULARS OF SHARES China Netcom Group Corporation 152,993,500 ordinary shares of par value (Hong Kong) Limited US$0.04 each, credited as fully paid-up, irrespective of whether such ordinary shares are issued and allotted before, at or after the initial public offering of China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited |
EXHIBIT 10.1
JUNE 29, 2004
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
CHINA NETCOM HOLDINGS (BVI) LIMITED
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
ASSET INJECTION AGREEMENT
1. Injected Assets........................................................................... 3 2 Netcom Group injecting assets to Netcom BVI............................................... 3 3 Netcom BVI injecting assets to Netcom Hong Kong........................................... 3 4 Netcom Hong Kong injecting assets to Netcom Limited....................................... 4 5 Representations, Warranties and Undertakings.............................................. 5 6 Condition Precedent and Effective date.................................................... 5 7 Indemnities............................................................................... 6 8 Confidentiality........................................................................... 6 9 Non Waiver................................................................................ 6 10 Noticies.................................................................................. 7 11 Counterparts............................................................................... 7 12 Governing law and dispute resolution....................................................... 7 13 Miscellaneous ............................................................................. 7 |
ASSET INJECTION AGREEMENT
This Asset Injection Agreement ("Agreement") was made by the following parties in Beijing, the People's Republic of China ("PRC") on June 29, 2004:
PARTY A: CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION. ("NETCOM GROUP")
Registered address: No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC
PARTY B: CHINA NETCOM HOLDINGS (BVI) LIMITED ("NETCOM BVI")
Registered Address: P.O. Box 3140 Wickhams Cay 1, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Island
PARTY C: CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED ("NETCOM HONG KONG")
Registered Address: 59/F Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Hong Kong
PARTY D: CHINA NETCOM COMPANY LIMITED ("NETCOM LTD")
Registered address: 1 Beihuandong Road, Beijing Economic & Technology Development Zone, Beijing, PRC
WHEREAS:
A. According to the Restructuring and listing plan of Netcom Group. ("RESTRUCTURING PLAN") approved by China's State Council, Netcom Group has conducted a series of restructuring activities regarding certain of its telecom assets and businesses in mainland China. After the restructuring, Netcom Hong Kong, indirectly held by Netcom Group, will act as the issuer to offer shares and American Depositary Shares in overseas markets, and will seek listing on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and The New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
B. In order to implement the Restructuring Plan, on April 20, 2004, Netcom Group entered into an equity transfer agreement with four state-owned shareholders of China Netcom (Holdings) Company Limited. ("NETCOM HOLDINGS") regarding the acquisition of all their respective entire equity interest in Netcom Holdings, namely, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China Railways Telecommunications Center, Information and Network Center of State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, and Shanghai Alliance Investment Limited. After the equity transfer agreement is approved by the relevant regulatory authorities of the Chinese government and after the transfer is completed, Netcom Group will become the sole shareholder of Netcom Holdings.
C. Netcom Holdings will transfer all its Netcom BVI shares to Netcom Group. After the transfer is approved by the relevant authorities of the Chinese government and is completed, Netcom Group will become the sole shareholder of Netcom BVI.
D. Netcom Hong Kong will implement similar equity restructuring measures. CNC Fund LLP, the shareholders of Netcom Hong Kong, will transfer all its equity interest to Netcom BVI, thus allowing Netcom BVI to own 100% equity interest in Netcom Hong Kong.
E. With the completion of all the above-mentioned transfers, Netcom Group will own, indirectly through Netcom BVI and Netcom Hong Kong, all the equity interest in Netcom Limited.
F. By signing a series of asset transfer agreements with relevant parties within the group, Netcom Group will own all the Injected Assets (as defined in Section 1 of this agreement) in China within the scope of the listing.
THEREFORE, all the parties, through friendly negotiations, agreed to the following regarding asset injection:
1. INJECTED ASSETS
The Injected Assets mentioned in this Agreement refer to the telecom core business related assets and liabilities legally owned by Netcom Group in Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Liaoning, Henan, Shandong, Shanghai and Guangdong, as well as international telecom business related assets and liabilities legally owned by Netcom Group. The specific scope and details of the Injected Assets are all the assets and liabilities listed in the Assets Valuation Report regarding the above-mentioned Netcom Group assets and liabilities (attached hereto as Appendix I). This Report was prepared by Beijing Zhong Qi Hua Assets Evaluation Ltd. and approved by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Conmission of the Chinese State Council, the reference date of which is December 31, 2001.
2. NETCOM GROUP INJECTING ASSETS TO NETCOM BVI
2.1 In consideration of the mutual commitments under this Agreement and the consideration payable by Netcom BVI to Netcom Group under clause 2.2 of this Agreement, Netcom Group agrees to inject the Injected Assets owned by it to Netcom BVI, and Netcom BVI agrees to accept all the Injected Assets.
2.2 The consideration of the Injected Assets injected by Netcom Group to Netcom BVI is the net asset value listed in the Asset Valuation Report approved by the State-owned Assets Supervision Administration Commission. Netcom BVI shall satisfy the consideration by way of capital investment. After the Injected Assets are injected, Netcom Group shall continue to own all the equity interest in Netcom BVI.
3. NETCOM BVI INJECTING ASSETS TO NETCOM HONG KONG
3.1 In consideration of the mutual commitments under this Agreement and the consideration
payable by Netcom Hong Kong to Netcom BVI under clause 3.2 of this Agreement, Netcom BVI agrees to inject, immediately after receiving the Injected Assets injected by Netcom Group, all the said Injected Assets to Netcom Hong Kong, and Netcom Hong Kong agrees to accept all Injected Assets.
3.2 The consideration of the Injected Assets injected by Netcom BVI to Netcom Hong Kong is the net asset value listed in the Asset Valuation Report approved by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission. Netcom Hong Kong shall satisfy the consideration by way of issuing new ordinary shares. Netcom Hong Kong and Netcom BVI hereby agree that, the number of the above-mentioned newly issued ordinary shares shall be decided upon through consultation between them during the period when Netcom BVI owns 100% of Netcom Hong Kong.
3.3 Netcom Hong Kong shall procure its board of directors to pass the following resolutions and implement the issuance of new shares in the said resolutions:
3.3.1 Approve Netcom Hong Kong to issue new ordinary shares to Netcom BVI by the number as stated in clause 3.2.
3.3.2 Approve Netcom Hong Kong to register Netcom BVI on its register of members in relation to the above mentioned new shares, and issue Netcom Hong Kong's ordinary shares certificate in Netcom BVI's name representing the amount of shares as stated in clause 3.2.
3.4 The asset injection pursuant to this clause shall be deemed to take place immediately upon the completion of the asset injection as mentioned in clause 2 of this Agreement.
4. NETCOM HONG KONG INJECTING ASSETS TO NETCOM LIMITED
4.1 In consideration of the mutual commitments under this Agreement and the consideration payable by Netcom Limited to Netcom Hong Kong under clause 4.2 of this Agreement, Netcom Hong Kong agrees to inject, immediately after receiving the Injected Assets injected from Netcom BVI, all said Injected Assets to Netcom Limited, and Netcom Limited agrees to accept all Injected Assets.
4.2 The consideration of the Injected Assets injected by Netcom Hong Kong to Netcom Limited is the net asset value listed in the Asset Valuation Report approved by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission. Netcom Limited shall satisfy this consideration by way of capital investment. After the asset injection, Netcom Hong Kong shall continue to own all the equity interest in Netcom Limited.
4.3 The asset injection pursuant to this clause shall be deemed to take place immediately upon the completion of the asset injection mentioned in clause 3 of this Agreement and the procedure changing the business registration certificate from Netcom Limited to China Netcom Group Ltd.
5. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND UNDERTAKINGS
5.1 Each party in this agreement represents, warrants and undertakes to each of the other parties respectively:
5.1.1 It is an independent legal entity incorporated and validly existing under the laws in its place of incorporation.
5.1.2 It has the full legal rights, power and authority to sign this Agreement and perform its obligations and responsibilities under this Agreement.
5.1.3 None of the provisions in this Agreement violates its articles of association or applicable laws and regulations.
5.1.4 The representative signing on this Agreement has been fully authorized. This Agreement shall constitute legal, valid and enforceable obligations on all parties upon its execution.
5.2 According to applicable laws or any applicable restrictive agreements, Netcom Group has the obligation to inform any counter party or third party who should be informed about issues of the final asset injection to Netcom Limited that are related to sequential asset injections described in clauses 2, 3 and 4 of this Agreement, and should obtain the consent of any counter party or third party whose consent is required by applicable laws or applicable restrictive agreements.
6. CONDITION PRECEDENT AND EFFECTIVE DATE
6.1 Injected assets under this Agreement shall become effective when all conditions below are met:
(i) The Chinese Ministry of Commerce approves the asset injection arrangement under this Agreement;
(ii) Full completion of equity transfers as described in the recital of this Agreement.
6.2 In order to implement the Restructuring Plan, all the parties in this Agreement specifically agree that when condition precedent stated in clause 6.1 are met, the effective date of the asset injection described in clauses 2, 3 and 4 of this Agreement shall be deemed to be December 31, 2003. Namely, the Injected Assets shall be deemed to be injected on December 31, 2003 from Netcom Group through Netcom BVI and Netcom Hong Kong and finally to Netcom Limited in
the manner described in clause 2, 3 and 4.
7. INDEMNITIES
If any of the following incidents occurs, Netcom Group shall indemnify the other parties in this Agreement or Netcom Limited at any time completely, fully, timely, effectively and sufficiently .
7.1 Due to Netcom Group's failure in fulfilling its obligations under clause 5.2 of this Agreement notifying third parties and obtaining their consent, any third party claims or disputes the Injected Assets, resulting in difficulty or impossibility in the sequential asset injection as described in this Agreement.
7.2 Due to Netcom Group's breach of any agreed obligations in this Agreement, including but not limited to the representations, warranties and undertakings in clause 5, Netcom Limited is unable to actually hold, effectively control or operate the Injected Assets. If this situation arises, Netcom Limited shall receive complete and sufficient indemnities from Netcom Group.
7.3 Due to any incident that occurs before the effective date of the asset injection as described in this Agreement, Netcom Limited encounters or suffers any right claim, accusation, legal investigation, claim for compensation, legal action, losses, damages, payment, charges or expenses, including but not limited to professional service charges or expenses that involve the Injected Assets.
The indemnification obligations of Netcom Group in this clause are independent from any agreements between it and related parties, including the indemnification obligations in the restructuring agreement provisions. Any compensation paid by Netcom Group according to other agreements shall not be used to reduce its obligatory compensation under this agreement.
8. CONFIDENTIALITY
Unless otherwise provided by law or required by regulatory authorities, no party shall provide or disclose the content of this Agreement, any data and information relating to other parties' businesses to any companies, enterprises, organizations or individuals without prior written permission of the other parties (which permission shall not be denied or delayed without reason).
9. NON-WAIVER
Unless otherwise specified by law, the failure or delay of exercising the rights, powers or privileges as endowed by this Agreement on the part of any Party cannot be deemed as the waiver of such rights, power or privileges. Besides, the partial exercise of such rights, powers or privileges should not hinder the exercise of such rights, powers or privileges of this Party in the future.
10. NOTICE
All notices required to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing, and shall be delivered either by hand, facsimile or by mail. Any notice shall be deemed to have been delivered at the time of actual receipt if delivered by hand; at the time of transmission if delivered by facsimile; and on the fifth (5th) working day (excluding legal holidays) if delivered by mail. Notification will be in effect upon its delivery.
11. COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement can be signed on any number of copies. Each party can sign on separate copies. All copies are original copies and they constitute one document.
12. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
12.1 This Agreement is governed, construed and enforced by laws in the People's Republic of China.
12.2 In case of disputes as to the power, interpretation or implementation of this agreement, both parties shall seek to settle the matters of dispute by friendly negotiation. If the matters of dispute cannot be settled by negotiation within thirty (30) days from the day the matters of dispute arise, either party has the right to resort to litigation at the people's court which has jurisdiction over where Party A situates.
13. MISCELLANEOUS
13.1 This Agreement shall come into effect and be binding upon all parties hereto once signed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of the Parties and affixed with their official seals
13.2 Appendices to this Agreement are part of this Agreement and have the same validity as the Agreement itself. When the provisions in an appendix and the Agreement conflict with each other, the provisions in the appendix shall prevail.
13.3 Through negotiation, each party may revise or amend this Agreement and its appendices. All revisions or amendments shall be signed by legal or authorized representatives from all parties before they become effective.
13.4 This Agreement is severable, that is, if any provision of this Agreement or its appendices is held to be void, illegal or unenforceable at any time, the effectiveness and performance of other provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected.
(Signature page)
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATION GROUP CORPORATION.
Legal Representative (or Authorized Representative):
Zhang Chun Jiang
[official seal]
CHINA NETCOM HOLDINGS (BVI) LIMITED
Legal Representative (or Authorized Representative):
Tian Su Ning
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
Legal Representative (or Authorized Representative):
Tian Su Ning
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
Legal Representative (or Authorized Representative):
Tian Su Ning
[official seal]
EXHIBIT 10.2
LETTER OF UNDERTAKINGS CONCERNING CERTAIN DEVELOPMENT ISSUES OF
CHINA NETCOME GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
(LETTER OF UNDERTAKINGS BY CHINA NETCOM GROUP)
China Netcome Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited:
Whereas China Netcome Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited (the "Hong Kong Company") is expected to proceed with a global initial public offering, to ensure the continual development of the mainland China and overseas telecommunication businesses of the Hong Kong Company and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Listed Group") and to safeguard the interests of the shareholders of the Hong Kong Company, China Network Communications Group Corporation (the "Group Corporation"), being the largest controlling shareholder, now specifies certain issues as follows:
1. The Group Corporation will give full support to the Listed Group's existing operations and future development;
2. The Hong Kong Company will be the only Hong Kong or overseas listed company under the control of the Group Corporation that manages basic telecommunication businesses in mainland China through its mainland subsidiaries;
3. Within the scope controlled by the Group Corporation, with respect to any issues relating to the examinations, approvals, transaction and other arrangements between the Listed Group and the Group Corporation and/or entities controlled by the Group Corporation engaging in fixed line, Internet (including but not limited to broadband business), data, leased line service, international telecommunications, value-added telecommunication business and other related telecommunication businesses (the "Group Corporation's subsidiary telecommunication operating entities"), the Listed Group will be equally treated as the Group Corporation itself and/or its subsidiary telecommunication operating entities;
4. If the Group Corporation obtains in China the operation licenses for other telecommunication businesses beyond the existing business scope of the Hong Kong Company's subsidiaries engaging in telecommunication businesses in mainland China (including but not limited to mobile telecommunication business license, new telecommunication businesses, and experiments and commercial operations of new technologies), it shall notify the Hong Kong Company at the earliest possible time, and upon the request of the Hong Kong Company, grant by way of authorization or otherwise the Hong Kong Company's subsidiaries engaging in telecommunication businesses in mainland China the exclusive right to manage such telecommunication businesses ("new business operation arrangement") in the provinces (municipalities or autonomous regions) where the Listed Group operates. If the new business operation arrangement requires the approval from relevant governmental authorities, the Group Corporation will use its best effort to obtain the approval for such new business operation arrangement;
5. Within the scope controlled by the Group Corporation, the Hong Kong Company shall have preferential right in acquiring the interests and businesses of the telecommunication companies and other entities owned by the Group Corporation.
6. Under the national regulations on telecommunication universal service obligations, the Group Corporation will fulfill by itself those obligations imposed on it. In accordance with the "Telecommunication Universal Services in Rural Areas- the implementation scheme of Village Connection Project" and other transitional measures on telecommunication universal services promulgated by the government, for the telecommunication universal service obligations that should be fulfilled by the Group Corporation and/or the Hong Kong Company (or its subsidiaries), the Group
Corporation will assume the responsibility for investing in and constructing the necessary network facilities. If the Listed Group operates and maintains such network facilities within its operation areas in mainland China, the Group Corporation will reasonably compensate the Listed Group for the related expenses incurred in operating and maintaining such network facilities based on market value.
China Network Communications Group Corporation
September 5, 2004
Exhibit 10.3
TRADEMARK LICENSING AGREEMENT
by and between
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
and
CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED
Trademark Licensing Agreement
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into on [ l ], 2004 in Beijing, Peoples Republic of China ( PRC ) by and among the following parties:
Party A:
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China Network Communications Group Corporation | |
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Address:
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No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC | |
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Legal representative:
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Zhang Chun Jiang | |
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Party B:
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China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited | |
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Address:
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59/F, Bank of China Tower, Garden Road, Hong Kong | |
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Legal Representative:
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Zhang Chun Jiang | |
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Party C:
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China Netcom (Group) Company Limited | |
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Address:
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Building C, No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC | |
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Legal Representative:
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Zhang Chun Jiang |
Whereas:
(1) | Party A is a state-owned enterprise established under the laws of PRC; | |||
(2) | Party B is a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region which shall be ultimately held by Party A; | |||
(3) | Party C is a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of PRC with limited liability as a wholly foreign-owned enterprise which shall be ultimately held by Party A; | |||
(4) | Party A is the legal owner of the Trademark (please refer to the definition below); | |||
(5) | Party A agrees to grant the Licensed Parties (please refer to the definition below) permission to use the Trademark within the permitted period. The Licensed Parties agree to use Party As Trademark according to the terms and conditions stated in this Agreement. |
In order to protect Party As legal rights to the Trademark and the legal use of the Trademark by the Licensed Parties, it is hereby agreed by the parties to this Agreement as follows:
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Section 1 Definitions
Unless otherwise stipulated by this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set out below in this Agreement:
1.1 | Related Party: For any party, the term Related Party refers to any person, company, partner, organization, or other entity or organization who, directly or indirectly, controls it, is under its control; or jointly controls any others. | |||
1.2 | Trademark: refers to the trademarks listed in Appendix I <List of Trademarks> with registrations obtained by Party A from The State Administration for Industry and Commerce, including the rights of non-registered trademarks Party A is entitled outside of the PRC. | |||
1.3 | Licensed Parties: Party B and Party C in this Agreement. | |||
1.4 | Third Party: any person, legal entity, company, enterprise, government department, or other economic entity which is not a party to this Agreement. | |||
1.5 | Force Majeure: events which cannot be foreseen, avoided, or overcome and would seriously hinder a party from performing part or all of its liabilities under in this Agreement. |
Section 2 Granting of the Permission
2.1 | Party A hereby agrees to grant permission to the Licensed Parties for the non-exclusive use of the Trademark within the boundaries of PRC. The permission allows the Licensed Parties to use the Trademark within the scope of the permitted use in their respective operating regions as stated in this Agreement during the validity period. |
2.2 | No Licensed Parties may transfer any rights or liabilities under this Agreement to any third party or permit any third party to use the Trademark without prior consent from Party A. |
2.3 | Notwithstanding the above regulations, Party A agrees to allow all branches, wholly owned and / or holding subsidiary companies, and all branches, wholly owned and/or holding subsidiary companies of the branches and subsidiaries above, and its business agency organizations of the Authorized Parties to use the Trademarks within the business scope written in their business licenses, in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement. |
2.4 | Party A agrees to immediately inform the Licensed Parties if it registers other trademarks in PRC. Party A will also allow the Licensed Parties to use the said trademarks according to the agreed terms and conditions of this Agreement. |
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2.5 | Pursuant to the terms in Appendix II of this Agreement, Party A shall permit the Licensed Parties to use Trademarks Pending Approval (hereafter termed as Trademarks Pending Approval) of the Trademark Division of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce. | |||
2.6 | Party A has seven (7) subsidiary companies, namely, Beijing Communication Corporation, TianJin Communications Corporation, Shantung Communications Corporation, LiaoNing Communication Corporation, HeBei Communications Corporation, HeNan Communications Corporation and Guangdong Communications Company Limited. These subsidiary companies hereafter are collectively known as Communication Companies. Each of these subsidiary companies owns some Trademarks approved by or pending approval of the Trademark Division of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce. These trademarks are collectively known as Local Business Brand Names. In accordance with the authorization given to Party A by the Telecommunication Companies, Party A hereby grants all of Party Cs related branches and all of its wholly owned and / or holding subsidiary companies, all branches and all of the wholly owned and /or holding subsidiaries of the branches and subsidiaries above, and its business agency organizations, the right of non-exclusive use of the Local Business Brand Names in PRC. Party A grants Party C the cost-free use right on Local Business Brand Names within its business regions or business scope in PRC. The rules of using the Local Business Brand Names can be found in the clauses regarding Trademarks and Trademarks Pending Approval in this Agreement. In order to realize the objective of this clause, Party A will strive to procure the Telecommunication Companies to sign relevant execution documents with Party C in a timely manner. |
Section 3 Representations, Warranties and Undertakings
3.1 | Each Party hereto hereby represents, warrants and undertakes that: |
(1) | It is a corporate entity duly incorporate and validly existing under relevant laws; | |||
(2) | It has all power and authority required to sign this Agreement and to perform all obligations contained herein; | |||
(3) | Its representative signing this Agreement either holds valid Letters of Authorization, or holds valid Authorization from the Board of Directors when signing this Agreement; | |||
(4) | Once entered, this Agreement and its Appendixes are legally binding on it.. |
3.2 | Party A warrants that it legally holds all rights to the Trademarks. Party A also warrants that it has the right to authorize the Licensed Parties to use the Trademarks. | |||
3.3 | Throughout the valid period of this Agreement, Party A shall maintain and renew the Trademark registrations. Party A shall pay all associated costs, and process all necessary paperwork, to |
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preserve the user status of the Licensed Parties, and to enable the Licensed Parties to legally use the Trademarks. | ||||
3.4 | Party A shall take all appropriate measures to protect its ownership of the Trademarks. Party A undertakes not to perform any intentional measures to impair the validity of its Trademark ownership. | |||
3.5 | No provision under this Agreement shall be construed as Party A is selling or transferring its Trademarks to the Licensed Parties. Except for the right to use the Trademarks in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, this Agreement grants the Licensed Parties no other rights and entitlements. The Licensed Parties acknowledges that Party A holds the exclusive rights to the Trademarks. Such exclusive rights include but are not limited to the ownership, registration, application and other associated rights of the Trademarks. The Licensed Parties shall not, prior to obtaining written consent from Party A, be entitled to register the same or similar Trademarks, service identity, other names, marks, characters, or packaging, configuration, colors, designs or symbols. | |||
3.6 | Party A has the right to prohibit the Licensed Parties from performing any deeds that contradicts with any provisions of this Agreement. Party A has the right to take necessary legal actions to protect its rights to the Trademarks. | |||
3.7 | In order to protect the Trademark, the Licensed Parties agree to provide all reasonable assistance to Party A or Party As representatives. Assistance includes providing any information or documents, and not to take any actions to obstruct or impede Party A or its representative to register or maintain these or other Trademarks. | |||
3.8 | Both Parties agree, after this Agreement is entered, to unconditionally sign all other relevant legal documents and to take all actions in order to realize the objectives of this Agreement. Actions include but are not limited to preparing documents for the Trademark Division of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce within three (3) months of execution of this Agreement and conducting public announcements. |
Section 4 License Fees
4.1 | During the execution of this Agreement, Party A will not charge the Licensed Parties and its related subsidiary companies listed in Clause 2.3, any Trademark usage license fees. |
Section 5 Supervision
5.1 | The Licensed Parties shall abide by all applicable Laws and Regulations when using all registered Trademarks and Trademarks Pending Approval. |
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5.2 | The Licensed Parties shall abide by all rules when using the Trademarks. The Licensed Parties must not, without prior approval from Party A, distort and reconstruct the appearance of the Trademarks. The Licensed Parties must not use the Trademarks to the detriment of Party A, its business or its reputation. The Licensed Parties shall not combine the Trademarks with other trademarks owned by the Licensed Parties or other Third Party to form new trademarks. The Licensed Parties shall not form new trademarks by combining the Trademarks with other characters, symbols or designs. | |||
5.3 | Party A has the right to approve and control all goods, packaging, labels, advertisements, other written materials, and activities bearing the Trademarks. Party A has the right to ban any goods or activities that it considers to impair its business, business reputation and Trademark reputation. The Licensed Parties agrees to comply with all instructions and demands made by Party A with respect to this Clause in a timely manner. | |||
5.4 | The Licensed Parties shall maintain the following evidences to enable Party A to decide whether the Licensed Parties have met the requirements stipulated in Clause 5.1 of this Agreement: |
(1) | Any photographs or real objects of sample, packaging, labels, advertisement, and characters that bear the Trademarks; | |||
(2) | All documents on complaints or objections raised by consumers, competitors, government departments, subscribers or other parties on licensing activities; | |||
(3) | Any samples or copies of application forms, letterheads and other significant materials that bear the Trademarks, which are not specifically mentioned in this clause. |
Section 6 Damages and Compensation
6.1 | Should Party A breach any responsibilities, obligations, declarations, guarantees and undertakings stipulated under this Agreement, it shall pay compensation to the Licensed Parties on any financial damages caused. Should the Licensed Parties breach any responsibilites, obligations, declarations, guarantees and undertakings stipulated under this Agreement, it shall pay compensation to Party A on any financial damages caused. |
6.2 | Party A shall bear all obligations and all costs of defence when a Third Party lodges any claim for compensation for that Party A breaches any rights of the Third Party by granting the Licensed Parties the right for use of the Trademarks under this Agreement. |
6.3 | No party hereto shall be liable for breach of this agreement if such default is due to matters force majeure. |
6.4 | Party A shall defend and compensate the Licensed Parties, if any Third Party commences legal |
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proceedings against the Licensed Parties for that the Trademark infringes the rights of the Third Party prior to signing this Agreement. |
6.5 | The Licensed Parties shall inform Party A in writing, when it knows that Party As rights to the Trademarks have been infringed or menaced by infringement. Party A has the exclusive rights to decide whether it will individually sue under its own name or under the name of Party B or Party Cs. Party A has the exclusive rights to decide whether it will collectively sue with Party B and Party C, or employ other methods to prohibit the infringement or potential infringement of its rights to the Trademarks. However, if Party A decides not to take any action within a reasonable time period after receiving the Licensed Partiess information on infringement of rights or unauthorized competing activities, the Licensed Parties has the right to take any necessary actions provided that they bear their own costs. Party A and the Licensed Parties shall co-operate with each other in any lawsuits against the Third Party. Co-operation includes the signing of all necessary documents relating to the lawsuit, and provision of evidence when required. Any monies recovered from the Third Party shall first be used to settle all legal costs and expert fees undertaken by the Party who initiated the lawsuit or the request for compensation. Any remaining monies shall be used to settle the costs of the co-operating Parties. The monies shall be distributed in a manner agreed by Party A, Party B, and Party C. In the case of a lawsuit, Party A, Party B and Party C shall provide each other with reasonable co-operation upon requests. |
6.6 | Should the Licensed Parties, when using the Trademark, exceed its permitted scope granted under this Agreement, the Authorised Party shall defend the liabilities that may be imposed on Party A due to the Trademarks and the Licensed Parties may have to bear all obligations, claim for compensation, requests, lawsuit, loss, fees and outgoings demanded by Party A. The Licensed Parties must inform Party A of all claims for compensation and / or lawsuits in a timely manner. |
Section 7 Commencement, Expiration and Termination of The Agreement
7.1 | This Agreement takes effect upon the signing by both Parties legal representatives or authorized representatives. This Agreement has a valid period of 10 years. If the Licensed Parties inform Party A of its intention to renew this Agreement three months before its expiration, this Agreement will automatically renew under the same terms from the expiry date. |
7.2 | This Agreement automatically terminates when: |
(1) | Party A, Party B, and Party C agree to terminate this Agreement, or | |||
(2) | Bankruptcy, dissolution or discontinuation of business of Party B or Party C. |
7.3 | When this Agreement expires or is terminated: |
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(1) | The Licensed Parties lose its right to use the Trademarks immediately. The Licensed Parties shall not continue to use the Trademarks. The Licensed Parties shall not attempt to register or use the same or similar trademarks, service identity, names, marks, characters, packaging, colors, designs or symbols. | |||
(2) | The Licensed Parties shall surrender to Party A or Party As representative, all goods and matters that bear the Trademarks. Alternatively, the Licensed Parties can alter the appearance of the goods, so that they no longer bear the Trademarks. | |||
(3) | Party A must inform the relevant Government Trademark Managing Department of the termination of this Agreement. |
7.4 | Clause 7.3 shall survive the termination of this Agreement. |
Section 8 Notices
8.1 | All notices required to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing, and delivered to the address as stated at the beginning part of this Agreement, or to addresses or facsimile numbers designated by one Party to the other Parties in writing from time to time. |
8.2 | Any notice above shall be delivered either by hand, registered mail, or facsimile. Any notice shall be deemed to have been delivered at the time of actual receipt if delivered by hand; on the date of return receipt if delivered by registered mail; and at the time of transmission if delivered by facsimile. |
Section 9 Governing Laws
9.1 | This Agreement shall be governed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the PRC. |
Section 10 Dispute Resolution
10.1 | In case of disputes as to the power, interpretation or implementation of this agreement, both parties shall seek to settle the matters of dispute by friendly negotiation. If the matters of dispute cannot be settled by negotiation within thirty (30) days as from the date when such dispute arose, any Party shall have the right resort to litigations to the Peoples Court with proper jurisdiction . |
Section 11 Miscellaneous
11.1 | If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be void, illegal, or unenforceable under any applicable law in any regard, validity, legality and enforceability of remaining regulations shall not be affected or impaired in any form |
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11.2
This Agreement and all documents signed pursuant to the execution of this
Agreement constituted the whole of this Agreement. This Agreement and all
documents signed pursuant to the execution of this Agreement substituted
any other previously related intention made by the Parties. Any
amendments made to this Agreement needs to be approved and endorsed by the
legal representatives or authorized representatives of all Parties to the
Agreement.
11.3
The Appendixes contained in this Agreement constitute part of this
Agreement.
11.4
Unless otherwise specified by law, the failure or delay of exercising the
rights, powers or privileges as endowed by this Agreement on the part of
any Party cannot be deemed as the waiver of such rights, power or
privileges. Besides, the partial exercise of such rights, powers or
privileges should not hinder the exercise of such rights, powers or
privileges of this Party in the future
11.5
This Agreement is made into ten (10) duplicate originals Party A holds
six (6) copies; Party B and Party C each holds two (2) copies.Each
original shall have the same legal binding effect.
11.6
Party A shall obtain all necessary approval for the enforceability and
valid execution of this Agreement. Within three (3) months of signing this
Agreement, Party A shall forward a copy of this Agreement to the Trademark
Division of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce so that all
necessary procedure for registration can be carried out.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the authorized representatives of the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
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Signature page:
China Network Communications Group Corporation
By: |
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China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited
By: |
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China Netcom (Group) Company Limited
By: |
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Appendix I: A List of Approved Trademarks
Application Serial | ||||||||
Number
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Trademarks
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Categories
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Numbers
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1
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Category 42 | 3119123 | ||||||
2
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Category 42 | 3119124 | ||||||
3
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Category 42 | 3119125 | ||||||
4
|
Category 42 | 3119126 | ||||||
5
|
Category 42 | 3119127 | ||||||
6
|
CNC |
Category 38(9 items
of Services) Category 38(26 items of Services) Category 37 Category 39 Category 41 Category 17 Category 35 Category 28 Category 16 Category 36 |
1623757
3062317 2062318 3062316 3062315 3062321 3062072 3062320 3062322 3062319 |
|||||
7
|
CNCnet |
Category 38 (7
items
of Services) Category 38(31 items of Services) |
1988555
3062309 |
|||||
8
|
CNC Connected |
Category 38 (7
items
of Services) Category 38(31 items of Services) |
1986638
3062311 |
|||||
9
|
NETCOM | Category 16 |
3062070
3062069 3062068 |
|||||
10
|
- Netcom | Category 17 |
3062299
3062300 3062301 |
10
Application Serial | ||||||||
Number
|
Trademarks
|
Categories
|
Numbers
|
|||||
|
3062295
3062324 3062302 |
|||||||
11
|
Unlimited Traveler | Category 28 |
1955602
* Trademark certificate not yet awarded |
|||||
12
|
Mobile Office | Category 35 |
1955601
* Trademark certificate not yet awarded |
11
Appendix II: Signs in the Process of Trademark Application
Section 1 Interpretation
1.1 | Signs in the process of Trademark application includes those Trademarks listed in Exhibit 1 A List of Trademark Applications Pending Approval by the Trademark Division of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce. |
Section 2 Using Trademarks Pending Approval
2.1 | Party A agrees to allow the Licensed Parties to exercise its rights to use Trademarks Pending Approval within the timeframe set forth in the Trademark Licensing Agreement with China Netcom Group signed on day of month of the year 2004. The Licensed Parties will abide by the terms and conditions set out in this Appendix when using Trademarks Pending Approval. |
2.2 | The Licensed Parties shall not transfer any rights and obligations received in this Appendix to any Third Party. The Licensed Parties shall not allow a Third Party to use Trademarks Pending Approval by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce. |
2.3 | Notwithstanding the above regulations, Party A agrees to allow all of the Licensed Partiess related companies and all its wholly owned and / or holding subsidiary companies, its indirectly owned subsidiary companies, and its business representative organizations to use Trademarks Pending Registration in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Appendix and within the business scope specified their business licenses. |
2.4 | Party A hereby agrees to immediately inform the Licensed Parties when the Trademarks Pending Approval is approved by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce. Party A agrees to allow the Licensed Parties to use the Trademarks in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Trademark Licensing Agreement with China Netcom Group signed on day of month of the year 2004. |
Section 3 Party As Representations, Warranties and Undertakings
3.1 | Party A guarantees its being the applicant of the Trademarks Pending Approval. Party A guarantees that it will abide by the relevant laws, and will positively participate in the trademark application process. |
3.2 | Party A agrees to bear all related costs of registering the Trademarks Pending Approval. |
3.3 | Party A shall take all necessary protective measures and strive for the success of the Trademark application. Party A undertakes not to perform any acts that may aversely affect the Trademark |
12
application. |
3.4 | Party A guarantees that, as of the time of signing this Appendix, there is no pending objections by any Third Party against the current registration of Trademarks in process. Party A also guarantees that the using of Trademarks Pending Approval by the Licensed Parties will not infringe or potentially infringe any related rights of any Third Party. |
3.5 | Upon the execution of this Agreement, both Parties agree to unconditionally sign all other relevant legal documents and to perform all actions effecting order to realize the objectives of this Appendix. |
3.6 | Party A will bear all costs and obligations and compensate any Third Party who lodges claim on the basis that the Licensed Parties, through execution of this Agreement, and using the Trademark Pending Approval, infringes the rights of the Third Party. |
3.7 | Party A shall defend and compensate the Licensed Parties, should any Third Party commence legal proceedings or any actions against the Licensed Parties when the Trademark Pending Approval infringes the rights of the Third Party prior to signing of this Appendix. |
3.8 | Party A shall compensate and remedy any loss suffered by the Licensed Parties if the Trademark approval is not granted. Such compensation includes but is not limited to payment to the Licensed Parties to replace related signs and related replacement costs. In this clause, Party A shall not use force majeure as a defence to avoid legal obligations. |
Section 4 Miscellaneous
4.1 | For any matters not covered by this Appendix, the Trademark Licensing Agreement signed on day of month of the year 2004 shall apply. |
13
Exhibit 1: A List of Trademark Applications Pending Approval
Application Serial
Number
Trademarks
Categories
Number
Access Number 196
Category 38
3728519
Customer Service Centre 100 60
Category 38
3728518
Orange Card (Chinese)
Category 38
3642861
Telephone Q Bar
(Chinese)
Category 38
3642860
shine card
Category 38
3642859
HomePort (Chinese)
Category 38
3665185
T-Mail (Chinese)
Category 38
3665177
Tele Conference
(Chinese)
Category 38
3665195
Tele-Conference
Category 38
3665194
Freedom (Chinese)
Category 38
3665193
CorpDirect
Category 38
3665188
Freedom
Category 38
3665192
Enterprise Net
(Chinese)
Category 38
3665191
Enterprise-Net
Category 38
3665190
CorpDirect (Chinese)
Category 38
3665189
Familink
Category 38
3665196
Familink (Chinese)
Category 38
3665197
T-Mail
Category 38
3665176
T.A
Category 38
3665178
Familink Children
(Chinese)
Category 38
3665179
Tele-Server
Category 38
3665180
Tele-Server
(Chinese)
Category 38
3665181
Fee-Free
Category 38
3665182
Fee-Free (Chinese)
Category 38
3665183
Communi-Mate
Category 38
3665184
Live Wire
Category 38
3665186
Live Wire(Chinese)
Category 38
3665187
CNC
Channel
Category 38
3585240
CNC Skyroom
Category 38
3585239
T.A. (Chinese)
Category 38
3585241
Broadband China
Symbol (Chinese)
Category 38
3585242
CNC
Categories 9
Category 42
3062073, 3062074
Category 9
Category 36
Category 37
3062323, 3062295,
3062324, 3062302,
Netcom (Chinese)
Category 38
3062303,
3062297,
3062296
14
Application Serial | ||||||||
Number
|
Trademarks
|
Categories
|
Number
|
|||||
|
Category 42 | |||||||
35
|
NETCOM |
Category 9
Category 35 Category 36 Category 37 Category 38 Category 39 Category 41 Category 42 |
3062071, 3062067,
3062314, 3062313, 3062312 |
|||||
36
|
Broadband Dream Net (Chinese) |
Category 9
Category 16 Category 17 Category 28 Category 35 Category 36 Category 37 Category 38 Category 39 Category 41 Category 42 |
3062061, 3062060,
3062059, 3062058, 3062057, 3062056, 3062055, 3062304, 3062064, 3062063, 3062062 |
|||||
37
|
Silver NetCom (Chinese) |
Category 36
Category 38 |
3476699, 3476698 | |||||
38
|
C-Net | Category 38 | 3062306 | |||||
39
|
C-Mode | 2032307 | ||||||
40
|
CNC-Connect (Chinese) | 3366714 | ||||||
41
|
CHINA NETCOM
CORPORATION LIMITED |
3062308 | ||||||
42
|
IP800 | 3165363 | ||||||
43
|
WEB800 | 3165364 | ||||||
44
|
My Broad World (Chinese) | 3320559 | ||||||
45
|
Broad World (Chinese) | 3320558 | ||||||
46
|
Broadband Life (Chinese) | 3320557 | ||||||
47
|
Broadband Com (Chinese) | 3444006 | ||||||
48
|
CC-Tone | 3444005 | ||||||
49
|
China Netcom Corporation International Limited (Chinese) | 3383622 | ||||||
50
|
Vtalk | 3628556 | ||||||
51
|
CNCCC | 3366717 | ||||||
52
|
CNC Vision (Chinese) | 3577661 |
15
EXHIBIT 10.4
RESTRUCTURING AGREEMENT
BY AND AMONG
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
AND
CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED
CONTENTS
1 Definitions 2 2 Restructuring 6 3 Assets Injection 8 4 Representations and Warranties 8 5 Implementation of the Restructuring 11 6 Indemnification 15 7 Survival 18 8 Dispute Resolution 19 9 Public Announcement 19 10 Notices 19 11 Conflicts 19 12 Non-Assignment 19 13 Severability 20 14 Non-waiver 20 15 Governing Laws 20 16 Languages and Copies 20 17 Appendices to this Agreement 20 18 Fees and Expenses 21 19 Effectiveness of this Agreement 21 Appendix [ ] The Warranties 23 Appendix [ ] Related Agreements 45 Appendix [ ] Restructuring Approvals 46 Appendix [ ] Asset Valuation Report 47 Appendix [ ] Accountant's Report 48 Appendix [ ] Letter of Undertaking by the Group Corporation 49 |
RESTRUCTURING AGREEMENT
This Restructuring Agreement ("THIS AGREEMENT") is made and entered into on [-], 2004 in Beijing, People's Republic of China ( "PRC") by and among the following parties:
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION (the "GROUP CORPORATION"), a state-owned enterprise established under the laws of PRC (Business License Number of Legal Enterprise Person: 1000001003669), with its registered address at: No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC.
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED ("CNC (HK)"), a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ("Hong Kong") with limited liability, with its registered address at: 59/F, Bank of China Tower, Garden Road, Hong Kong.
CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED ("NEW CNC"), a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of PRC with limited liability as a wholly foreign-owned enterprise ("WFOE") (Business License Number of Legal Enterprise Person: [-]), with its registered address at: Building C, No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC.
WHEREAS:
(1) As an institution authorized for investments by the state and a designated trial of state ownership, the Group Corporation lawfully holds or obtains through transfer/assignment major telecommunications assets located in Beijing Municipality, Tianjin Municipality, Hebei Province, Liaoning Province, Henan Province, Shandong Province, Shanghai Municipality and Guangdong Province and such telecommunications assets relating to international businesses (the "INJECTED ASSETS") as set forth in the Asset Evaluation Report (see below for the definition).
(2) Upon approval of relevant government authorities and in accordance with the Asset Injection
Agreement (see below for the definition), the Group Corporation will inject the evaluated and SASAC verified Injected Assets into China Netcom Corporation Limited, a company wholly-owned by CNC (HK) and registered in mainland China as a wholly foreign-owned enterprise registered in mainland China, through CNC BVI (see below for the definition) and CNC (HK).
(3) Based on the above Asset Injection, China Netcom Corporation Limited will convert correspondingly into China Netcom (Group) Company Limited (namely the "New CNC").
(For the purpose of this Agreement, the above (1), (2) and (3) are collectively referred to as the "RESTRUCTURING".)
(4) Prior to the Restructuring, China Netcom Corporation Limited has transferred all of its assets, liabilities, interests and businesses to the Group Corporation and/or its Subsidiaries.
(5) After the Restructuring, CNC (HK) will issue red chip shares and American Depository Receipts (ADSs) in both Hong Kong and overseas markets (collectively the "Shares") and apply for listings on both The Hong Kong Stock Exchange Limited and New York Stock Exchange, Inc..
(6) In order to ensure that the Restructuring is carried out per its purpose and to protect the respective interests of New CNC, CNC (HK) and the Group Corporation, these three parties have agreed to enter into this Agreement so as to make proper arrangements for the Restructuring and the related issues.
The Parties hereby agree as follows:
1 DEFINITIONS
1.1 Unless otherwise stipulated by this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set out below in this Agreement:
CNC BVI China Netcom Holdings (BVI) Limited, a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. Asset Injection Agreement The Asset Injection Agreement entered into among the Group Corporation, CNC BVI, CNC (HK) and China Netcom Corporation Limited on June 29, 2004, outlining Asset Injections into New CNC through CNC BVI and CNC (HK) from the Group Corporation. Evaluation Base Date December 31, 2003. the New CNC Conversion The date on which China Netcom Corporation Limited Registration Date completed the following conversion registrations or filings: (i) The Ministry of Commerce has approved the Articles of Association of China Netcom (Group) Company Limited, which has been filed at the State Administration for Industry and Commerce ("SAIC"). (ii) The Ministry of Commerce has approved the issuance of Certificate of Approval for Establishment of Enterprises with Foreign Investments for the China Netcom (Group) Company Limited. (iii) SAIC has approved the issuance of Business License for the China Netcom (Group) Company Limited, outlining information as follows: (a) Registered capital, changes incorporated according to the Evaluated Value. (b) Business scope, changes incorporated according to authorization from the Group Corporation and approval from the Ministry of Information Industry. (c) Company name changed from China Netcom Corporation Limited to China Netcom (Group) Company Limited. 3 |
Restructuring Effective Date December 31, 2003 Relevant Period Namely the period from the Evaluation Base Date (exclusive) to the New CNC Conversion Registration Date (exclusive). Evaluated Value The net asset value approved by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) and injected into New CNC pursuant to the Restructuring, namely RMB 43.0115756 billion. Restructured Enterprises CNC Beijing Communications Corporation, CNC Tianjin Communications Corporation, CNC Hebei Communications Corporation, CNC Liaoning Communications Corporation, CNC Henan Communications Corporation, CNC Shandong Communications Corporation and CNC Guangdong Communications Corporation prior to the New CNC Conversion Registration Date (exclusive). For the purpose of this Agreement, China Netcom Corporation Limited is not included in enterprises to be restructured. Surviving Enterprises CNC Beijing Communications Corporation, CNC Tianjin Communications Corporation, CNC Hebei Communications Corporation, CNC Liaoning Communications Corporation, CNC Henan Communications Corporation, CNC Shandong Communications Corporation and CNC Guangdong Communications Corporation after the New CNC Conversion Registration Date (inclusive). Related Agreements Various Restructuring-Related Agreements listed in Appendix II to this Agreement. Restructuring Approvals Approval documents relating to the Restructuring such as the agreements, authorizations, approvals and waivers and other approval documents, as listed in Appendix III. 4 |
Warranty Terms of presentations, warranties and undertakings as listed in Appendix I to this Agreement, made by the Group Corporation to New CNC. Asset Evaluation Report The Asset Evaluation Report compiled by China Enterprise Appraisals, Beijing Branch, submitted to the SASAC and approved on July 3, 2004, as set forth in Appendix IV to this Agreement. Accountant's Report The consolidated income statement, consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of cash flow for each of these consecutive year as of December 31st, 2003, which have been compiled in line with the Chinese "Enterprise Accounting Standard" and "Enterprise Accounting System" and audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian CPAs Limited Company. Subsidiaries Any company, enterprise or other entity with legal person qualification directly or indirectly controlled by any party to this Agreement, if (1) over 50% of the voting power is directly or indirectly controlled by this party; or (2) over 50% of the distributable profits is directly or indirectly enjoyed by this party; or (3) the constitution of the board of directors is directly or indirectly controlled by this party; or (4) over 50% of the registered capital is directly or indirectly held by this party. Injected Assets All assets listed in the Asset Evaluation Report, including telecommunications assets located in Beijing Municipally, Tianjin Municipality, Hebei Province, Liaoning Province, Henan Province, Shandong Province, Shanghai Municipality and Guangdong Province, as well as telecommunications assets related to international business. Restructuring Documents This Agreement, Asset Injection Agreement, all Related Agreements, Restructuring approvals, Accountant's Report and Asset Evaluation Report. Prospectus Any prospectus issued by CNC (HK) in relation to Initial Public Offering. 5 |
Tax Items All tax items, costs or related funds collected by either state and local level tax administrations, or state and local level people's governments, as well as tax items, costs or related funds payable pursuant to other laws and regulations, including but not limited to: income tax, value-added tax, sales tax, resource tax, interest tax, consumption tax, stamp tax, contract tax, tariff, telecommunication resource tax, cost compensation for telecommunication universal service and any additional or added tax expenses, regardless whether such tax expenses result from insufficiency of tax already collected or paid, inappropriate exemptions or discounts enjoyed during the collection or payment process, or any possible penalties, late fees, interests or other payables related to taxation. The word "tax" should also be interpreted as such. |
1.2 In this Agreement:
1.2.1 Agreements or other documentation herein should refer to Related Agreements or the Restructuring Documents, as well as amendments, supplements, substitutions or successions from other agreements as occurred from time to time in accordance with relevant terms and conditions.
1.2.2 Unless specifically stated otherwise, all Articles and Appendices mentioned herein all refer to those contained in this Agreement; all clauses mentioned herein refer to those contained in their respective Articles and all Paragraphs mentioned herein refer to those contained in their Respective clause.
1.2.3 The captions for the Articles and Appendices are used for reading convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
2 RESTRUCTURING
2.1 The Group Corporation hereby confirms that the Restructuring has been approved by relevant
Chinese regulatory authorities on the date this Agreement is executed. All such approvals have been listed in APPENDIX III to this Agreement. Each party hereto agrees that the Restructuring shall come into force on the Restructuring Effective Date.
2.2 Unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, the Group Corporation and New CNC agree that New CNC shall obtain all rights and interests under the Injected Assets from the Restructuring Effective Date (exclusive), and undertake all debts, liabilities and obligations under the Injected Assets, which have been disclosed to New CNC in writing in the Asset Evaluation Report. The New CNC shall not be entitled to any other assets, interests, debts, liabilities and obligations (including but not limited to potential debts, liabilities and obligations) retained by the Group pursuant to the Restructuring Documents, nor shall it undertake any debts, liabilities and obligations thereof. The Group Corporation shall continue to enjoy the rights as well as undertake the obligations with respect to other related assets, interests, debts, liabilities, obligations and relevant businesses.
2.3 Each party hereto hereby confirms to implement the Restructuring according to relevant requirements in the Restructuring Documents and enter into agreements in connection with the Restructuring.
2.4 The Group Corporation will enter into the following agreements and/or take the following actions in connection with the Restructuring with CNC (HK) and/or New CNC:
2.4.1 Unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, the Group Corporation will, according to the requirements of the Restructuring Documents, transfer and deliver the Injected Assets to New CNC as they are, legally, effectively and completely through CNC BVI and then CNC (HK) on the New CNC Conversion Registration Date;
2.4.2 Obtain each Restructuring Approval as listed in APPENDIX III to this Agreement;
2.4.3 Enter into each agreement listed in the APPENDIX II to this Agreement in connection with various transactions between New CNC and/or CNC (HK) and the Group;
2.4.4 Finalize other issues in connection with the Restructuring according to the requirements of
the Restructuring Documents.
3 ASSET INJECTION
3.1 The value of the assets eventually injected into New CNC through CNC BVI and CNC (HK) by the Group according to the Asset Injection Agreement shall be a sum equivalent to the Evaluated Value.
3.2 The Group Corporation and New CNC confirm that the Injected Assets with a net asset value of RMB 43,011,575,600 will be injected into New CNC on the New CNC Conversion Registration Date pursuant to the Restructuring Documents.
3.3 Except otherwise specified in Section 5 herein, the Injected Assets have been transferred and delivered to New CNC legally and effectively as they are on the New CNC Conversion Registration Date.
4 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
4.1 The Group Corporation hereby makes to New CNC the Warranties as listed in the APPENDIX [ ] to this Agreement and the following representations, warranties and undertakings:
As of the New CNC Conversion Registration Date (inclusive),
4.1.1 The Group Corporation shall be entitled to eventually inject the Injected Assets into New CNC through CNC BVI and CNC (HK) according to the laws of PRC;
4.1.2 Unless otherwise disclosed in the prospectus and/or specified in this Agreement, the Group has obtained or completed all approvals, permissions, authorizations, consents, confirmations, exemptions and registrations that are necessary for injecting assets into New CNC, and such approvals, permissions, authorizations, consents, confirmations, exemptions and registrations are valid;
4.1.3 Except for the liabilities disclosed in the Asset Evaluation Report and the liabilities
occurring in the ordinary course of business relating to the assets injected during the Relevant Period, New CNC has no other liabilities on the Restructuring Effective Date (including contingent liabilities);
4.1.4 The Group Corporation and/or the Restructured Enterprises have no behaviors seriously in violation of laws or regulations, which may cause New CNC to suffer significant economic losses;
4.1.5 The Group Corporation and/or the Restructured Enterprises have no behaviors infringing any third-party patents, copy rights, proprietary technologies, designs, trade marks, domains, goodwill or any other intellectual properties protected by laws , which may cause New CNC to suffer significant economic losses;
4.1.6 Except for those disclosed in the prospectus, there are no any ongoing or pending or threatened material or major suits, arbitrations, claims or other legal proceedings against the Group and/or the Restructured Enterprises (as plaintiff or defendant or others) in connection with the businesses or assets of New CNC, which may have material adverse effects on the operations of New CNC and/or Asset Injection, nor are there any claims that may have material adverse effects on the operations and/or Asset Injection of New CNC, or any facts that may cause such claims;
4.1.7 Unless otherwise disclosed in the prospectus or disclosed to New CNC in writing by the Group prior to the execution of this Agreement, all representations, warranties and undertakings under this section and the Warranties listed in Appendix II to this Agreement are true, complete and accurate without any misleading contents in all aspects;
4.1.8 Provided relevant approvals (if necessary) have been obtained on and after the New CNC Conversion Registration Date, the Group shall ensure that all operation licenses, consents, permissions and approvals (herein and hereinafter including the Group's license for relevant telecommunications businesses) in connection with the businesses of New CNC and/or its Subsidiaries that the Group is obtaining and will obtain from national telecommunication regulatory authorities such as Ministry of Information Industry and
other authorities and its assigned and/or obtained telecommunication resources and other resources (herein and hereinafter including but not limited to spectrums, frequencies and numbers) shall be applied to New CNC and/or its Subsidiaries; the Group shall obtain, hold, retain and update such operation licenses, consents, permissions and approvals and telecommunication resources and other resources in accordance with laws without implementing act or omission that may adversely affect the legality, validity and extensibility of such licenses, consents, permissions and approvals and telecommunication resources and other resources or the ability of New CNC and/or its Subsidiaries to carry out businesses in accordance with laws and regulations of PRC; and shall implement all acts and omissions to obtain, maintain, retain, update or extend the legality, validity and extensibility of such licenses, consents, permissions and approvals and telecommunications resources and other resources and the ability of New CNC and/or its Subsidiaries to carry out businesses in accordance with laws and regulations of PRC;
4.2 The Group Corporation agrees to compensate New CNC and/or its Subsidiaries, upon request by New CNC and in accordance with provisions of section 6 herein, in a complete, full, timely and effective manner for all losses, costs and expenses (including but not limited to expenses on legal service) arisen, suffered or incurred by New CNC as a result of infidelity or misleading of any the above representations and warranties and any part thereof.
4.3 The Group Corporation agrees that the claimed amount against New CNC shall not be compromised for the reason that New CNC or any of its agents or professional consultants may have been informed of the information about the Injected Assets in any time (excluding the information detailed and explicitly listed in this Agreement, the Accountant's Report or the Restructuring Documents); also, the Group shall not defend against relevant claims for the reason that New CNC has known or should have known or is concluded to have known any situations or relevant information (excluding foregoing information) that cause the said claim.
4.4 The Group Corporation agrees that the above representations and warranties and each clause of the Warranties shall not compromise any other clauses of the above representations and warranties; and this Agreement has no provision restricting the scope or application of the above representations and
warranties and each clause of the Warranties, except those explicitly otherwise specified in this Agreement.
4.5 The Group Corporation agrees that, unless New CNC signs an explicit and duly authorized written exemption or relief document, (1) the completion of Restructuring, or (2) any investigation against the Injected Assets by New CNC or through any third party, or (3) New CNC terminates (or not) this Agreement, or (4) New CNC has not or delays the exercise of any rights or remedies, or (5) any other things or matters (regardless their natures) shall not affect New CNC's exercise of relevant rights and remedies against the Group's breaches of such representations and warranties. The exercise of any rights or remedies, solely or partly, shall not eliminate the exercise of any further or other rights or remedies. Any written exemption or relief documents signed by New CNC shall not constitute waiver of New CNC for any other rights, authorities or remedies.
4.6 The Group Corporation agrees that the above representations and warranties and the Warranties shall remain in full force upon completion of all arrangements under this Agreement and relevant agreements.
4.7 The Group Corporation agrees that the above representations and warranties and the Warranties shall not affect or compromise the representations and warranties under relevant agreements, which shall be valid for the Group and/or the Surviving Enterprises pursuant to the clauses of relevant agreements..
4.8 The Group Corporation agrees that the above representations and warranties and the Warranties shall be binding upon the successors of the Group and have been made for the benefits of the successors and assignees of each party.
5 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RESTRUCTURING
5.1 Without affecting the Group's representations and warranties under section 4 herein and the Warranties, each party hereto shall make all efforts to complete any Restructuring affairs, procedures and processes that are not finished on the New CNC Conversion Registration Date, so as to make the Restructuring fully effective and completed.
5.2 Each party hereto agrees to take all efforts and actions (including but not limited to signing or urging a third party to sign any documents, applying to governmental authorities or a third party to obtain any relevant approvals, consents or permissions, authorizations, confirmations or exemptions, enabling New CNC and its Subsidiaries to obtain all relevant permissions and licenses necessary for their business operation or in connection with Asset Injection, or completing any relevant registration, enrollment and filing procedures) to ensure that the Restructuring and the provisions of the Restructuring Documents and this Agreement will be performed effectively and completely.
5.3 Each Restructured Enterprise shall own some trademarks with trademark registration certificates issued by Trademark Office of State Administration for Industry and Commerce ("TRADEMARK OFFICE") and the logos under registration with the Trademark Office but pending for trademark registration certificates (collectively the "LOCAL BUSINESS BRANDS"). The Group Corporation and New CNC agree that New CNC may obtain non-exclusive license for use of such Local Business Brands free of charge. For this purpose, the Group shall make explicit arrangements on the license for such Local Business Brands in its Trademark License Agreement with CNC (HK) and New CNC, and procure each Restructured Enterprise (the Surviving Enterprise) to duly sign necessary execution documents with New CNC.
5.4 Each party hereto agrees that the Group shall be responsible for the investment and construction of necessary telecommunication network facilities for relevant universal Telecommunications Service obligations that should be undertaken by the Group and/or CNC (HK)(or its Subsidiaries) pursuant to regulations of Rural Universal Telecommunications Service-Implementation Program for Village Connection Project and other transitional measures on universal Telecommunications Service. As for the telecommunication network facilities invested and constructed by the Group for the above purpose in the operation regions of New CNC, the Group Corporation agrees to lease them to New CNC and allow it to operate relevant businesses with all business incomes therefrom attributable to New CNC. the Group Corporation shall provide reasonable compensation at market price for all relevant expenses of New CNC for operating and maintaining such telecommunication network facilities in its operation regions.
5.5 Each party hereto agrees that all incomes and expenses arising from the settlement of long distance
networks in southern/northern service regions between the Group Corporation and China Telecommunications Group Corporation, (regardless whether or not the operation regions of New CNC is involved), which has been carried over from the separation of the Group from China Telecommunications Group Corporation during telecommunication reform, shall be enjoyed or borne by the Group.
5.6 Each party hereto agrees to resort to sincere negotiations for fair and proper arrangements for matters that are not covered by this Agreement but are necessary for proper and full Implementation of the Restructuring and/or performance of this Agreement, thus to satisfy all parties hereto.
5.7 To implement the Restructuring, the Group and New CNC agree that:
5.7.1 Without affecting relevant provisions under section 4 herein, New CNC shall participate in relevant suits and arbitrations in connection with Asset Injection after the Restructuring Effective Date (excluding that day) as litigant to exercise relevant rights and perform relevant obligations; the Group shall provide timely assistance upon request of New CNC, including but not limited to providing documents required by New CNC and signing or procuring third party to sign relevant documents, so that New CNC may become an valid litigant in such suits or arbitrations and exercise its due rights as litigant;
5.7.2 If the properties of New CNC and its Subsidiaries are arrested or detained or threatened to be arrested or detained for such debts and liabilities, the Group shall undertake to provide necessary guaranty or other security for New CNC and its Subsidiaries in a timely manner to ensure the interests of New CNC and its Subsidiaries stay unharmed; in addition, regardless the above arrest or detention is reasonable or not, the Group shall commit itself to undertake any resultant losses and relevant expenses suffered by New CNC and its Subsidiaries. The Group Corporation undertakes to pay off all expenses within seven (7) days after receipt of losses and expenses list from New CNC and its Subsidiaries;
5.7.3 Except for the debts and liabilities that should be undertaken by New CNC under this Agreement, all other debts and liabilities shall still be undertaken by the Group. Any adjudications, verdicts and/or arbitration liabilities arising out of these affairs and all suits,
arbitrations and other costs and expenses incurred by New CNC shall be at the expense of the Group;
5.7.4 In case the prior authorizations, approvals, permissions, confirmations or exemptions from any third parties that are necessary for injection of any assets, interests or liabilities under the Injected Assets into New CNC are not obtained before the New CNC Conversion Registration Date, in addition to taking actions in accordance with this section, the Group and/or the Surviving Enterprises shall continue to hold such assets, interests and liabilities on behalf of and for the benefit of New CNC until such assets, interests and liabilities may be legally, effectively and completely injected into New CNC in accordance with this Agreement;
5.7.5 During the period in which the Group and/or the Surviving Enterprises continue to hold the assets, interests and liabilities under the Injected Assets on behalf of and for the benefit of New CNC in accordance with section 5.7.4, all rights, interests, profits and all obligations, losses and claims (excluding the obligations, losses and claims due to the Group and/or the Surviving Enterprises' nonperformance of the obligations under section 5.7.4) arising from or in connection with such assets, interests and liabilities shall be attributed to or undertaken by New CNC. However, the Group and/or the Surviving Enterprises shall be held liable for any losses and claims due to their own negligence or misconduct;
5.7.6 For the period from the Evaluation Base Date to Jun 30, 2004, all profits generated by the Injected Assets shall be attributable to the Group.
5.7.7 During the Implementation of the Restructuring, the specific assets/liabilities listed in the Asset Evaluation Report and the Accountant's Report and the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail if there is any uncertainty in division of assets/liabilities between the Group and New CNC. If necessary, the assets/liabilities adjustment calculation formula used in the preparation of Asset Evaluation Report and Accountant's Report and other working documents may be taken into account;
5.7.8 The Group Corporation and New CNC undertakes to each other that if either party receives
any accounts receivable by another party after the Restructuring Effective Date, it will pay the account to another party within seven (7) days after it receives and acknowledges such accounts;
5.7.9 The Group Corporation shall transfer all business information, accounting records, operation records, operation data, operation statistical data, user manuals, maintenance manuals, training manuals, technical information, records, data, drawings and manuals and information of R & D projects that are necessary for normal operation of New CNC or in connection with Injected Assets to New CNC. In case such information is not delivered before the New CNC Conversion Registration Date, in addition to that the Group and New CNC shall take all necessary measures and actions to procure such delivery to be completed as soon as possible, the Group shall continue to hold and properly keep such information under security and confidentiality on behalf of and for the benefit of New CNC until such information is legally and safely transferred to New CNC. During the period the Group holds and keeps such information pursuant to this section, New CNC may have access to such information free of charge and the Group shall provide all convenience for New CNC's access.
5.7.10 The Group Corporation is committed to undertake all taxes in connection with Injected Assets occurred before the Restructuring Effective Date, regardless whether such taxes are imposed or paid on or before or after the Restructuring Effective Date. In addition, the Group will undertake all taxes in connection with or arising from the assets, interests, liabilities and relevant businesses retained in the Group in accordance with the Restructuring Documents;
5.7.11 The Group Corporation is committed to undertake all taxes arising from appraisal increment of Injected Assets that should be undertaken by the Group as stipulated by laws;
5.7.12 Unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, New CNC shall undertake all taxes occurred after the Restructuring Effective Date in connection with the holding, management or operation of Injected Assets;
5.7.13 Unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, all taxes arising from or in connection with the Asset Injection into New CNC by the Group in accordance with the Restructuring Documents shall be undertaken by the Group and New CNC respectively in accordance with the law.
6 INDEMNIFICATION
6.1 The Group Corporation hereby warrants to indemnify New CNC, per the request of New CNC, and at any time hold New CNC completely, sufficiently, timely, effectively and adequately indemnified against the following:
6.1.1 unless otherwise specified herein, any prosecution, claim, litigation, loss, indemnity, disbursement, expense and fee (including but without limitation to specialty service fee and expense) that New CNC may incur or suffer as a result of the assets transfer into New CNC and any event before the Restructuring Effective Date in relation to the transferred assets (including but without limitation to penalties imposed by relevant governmental authorities); |
6.1.2. After the Restructuring Effective Date, in the event that the Group Corporation - and/or the Surviving Enterprises hold the assets of New CNC on behalf of and in the interests of New CNC pursuant to Sections 5.7.4. and 5.7.5. above, any prosecution, claim, litigation, loss, indemnity, disbursement, expense and fee (including but without limitation to specialty service fee and expense) that New CNC may incur or suffer as a result of the errors or mistakes of the Group Corporation and/or the Surviving Enterprises ;
6.1.3. Any prosecution, claim, litigation, loss, indemnity, disbursement, expense and fee (including but without limitation to specialty service fee and expense) that New CNC may incur or suffer before the Restructuring Effective Date as a result of any interest, liability or obligation of the Group Corporation or its Subsidiaries (excluding New CNC and its Subsidiaries);
6.1.4. Any prosecution, claim, litigation, loss, indemnity, disbursement, expense and fee(including but without limitation to specialty service fee and expense)that New CNC may incur or
suffer at any time as a result of the breach of any provision (including but without limitation to this warranty ) set forth herein by the Group Corporation or its Subsidiaries ( excluding New CNC and its Subsidiaries); 6.1.6 Any prosecution, claim, litigation, loss, indemnity, disbursement, expense and fee(including but without limitation to specialty service fee and expense)that New CNC may incur or suffer after the Restructuring Effective Date (inclusive) as a result of the assets that the Group Corporation continues to retain of hold; 6.1.6 Interests, penalties and other expenses incurred before the Restructuring Effective Date, arising out of the liabilities contained in the assets which are transferred to New CNC by the Group Corporation, shall be borne by the Group Corporation. In the event that New CNC incurs losses as a result of these interests, penalties and other expenses, the Group Corporation shall hold New CNC adequately indemnified; 6.1.7 Except for those listed in the Accountant's Report, New CNC will have no obligations whatsoever to any compensation, benefit, allowance and any other form of rights and interests pursuant to laws, contracts, judgments, decisions and other binding documents (including but without limitation to once-off housing allowances, early retirees expenses, and additional allowances to retirees in addition to social pension insurance) which were enjoyed by all its employees who were formerly employed by the Group Corporation within their duration of employment prior to the Restructuring Effective Date, and. In the event that New CNC incurs losses as a result of claims brought against it by any such employee in relation to the above rights and interests, the Group Corporation shall hold New CNC adequately indemnified against such losses; if the final amount New CNC pays for once-off housing allowances and early retirement expenses is lower than the amount provided, New CNC shall return the balance to the Group Corporation; 6.1.7 Unless otherwise specified by applicable laws, except for those listed in the Accountant's Report, New CNC will have no liabilities under any circumstance to any obligation and/or expense of the employees of the Group Corporation employed on or before the Restructuring Effective Date but not employed by New CNC (including but without |
limitation to employees who were employed by the Group Corporation on or before the Restructuring Effective Date but have retired early than, been laid off, or retired on the execution date of this Agreement) . In the event that New CNC incurs losses as a result of claims brought against New CNC by any such employee based on the fact that they had been employed by the Group Corporation, the Group Corporation shall hold New CNC adequately indemnified against such losses, as if such claims had never been brought against New CNC;
6.1.9 Any claim New CNC may incur before, on or after the Restructuring Effective Date, arising out of or in relation to the Group Corporation's failure to transfer assets into New CNC pursuant to the Accountant's Report, the Restructuring Documents and this Agreement. |
6.2 The Group Corporation hereby warrants to CNC (HK) that: (1) In the event that CNC (HK) or its Subsidiaries suffer any litigation or other claim as a result of events or circumstances occurred or existed before the listing of CNC(HK) but not disclosed in the Accountant's Report as of June 30, 2004,upon the request by CNC (HK), the Group Corporation will indemnify CNC (HK) against any such loss, expense, or liability resulted hereof; (2) In the event that CNC (HK) suffers any penalty, loss or other obligation as a result of the auditing result of the National Audit Office with regard to the accounting periods prior to the Prospectus Issuance, upon the request by CNC (HK), the Group Corporation will assume such obligations.
6.3 The Parties to this Agreement agree that, notwithstanding the provision set forth in Section 6.2 above, in the event that the Group Corporation has already indemnified New CNC because of the same matter pursuant to other provisions of this Agreement, the obligations of the Group Corporation to indemnify CNC (HK) pursuant to Section 6.2 above shall be offset accordingly, i.e., the indemnity amount by the Group Corporation to CNC (HK) shall only be limited to the amount of the actual losses or expenses which is in excess of the amount which has already been indemnified to New CNC.
6.4 The New CNC hereby warrants to indemnifying any actual loss the Group Corporation may incur as a result of any breach of the provisions set forth herein by New CNC.
6.5 Any indemnity claim by any party to the other parties pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in writing, and shall describe in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances in relation to such claim. However, the failure of any party to bring claims in writing pursuant to this section shall not affect its rights in relation to such claims.
7 SURVIVAL
Any representations, warranties, agreements and indemnities set forth in this Agreement shall survive the completion of the Restructuring arrangement.
8 DISPUTE RESOLUTION
If any disputes develop among the parties in respect of the validity, interpretations or performance of this Agreement, the parties should resolve the disputes in question through friendly negotiation first. If the negotiation in respect of the disputes fails within thirty (30) days as from the date when such dispute arose, any party shall have the right resort to litigations to the People's Court with proper jurisdiction.
9 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
Apart from required by the PRC laws or the laws and listing rules of the listing place of CNC (HK) or the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited or any other regulatory body, any party to this Agreement cannot make or permit others to make any public announcement about matters pertaining to or contained in this Agreement without prior written consent by the other parties (and such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld).
10 NOTICES
10.1 All notices required to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing, and delivered to the address as stated at the beginning part of this Agreement, or to addresses or facsimile numbers designated by one party to the other parties in writing from time to time. 10.2 Any notice above shall be delivered either by hand, registered mail, or facsimile. Any notice shall be deemed to have been delivered at the time of actual receipt if delivered by hand; on the date of 19 |
return receipt if delivered by registered mail; and at the time of transmission if delivered by facsimile. 11 CONFLICTS In case of any obvious inconsistencies among the provisions of the |
Restructuring Documents, subject to PRC laws, the provisions in the Restructuring Documents shall be interpreted with appropriate references to the provisions herein.
12 NON-ASSIGNMENT
Without prior written consent of the other parties to this Agreement, no party is permitted to assign, transfer by other means or proclaim to assign all or any of its rights, interests, liabilities or obligations under this Agreement.
13 SEVERABILITY
If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be void, illegal, or unenforceable under any applicable law in any regard, validity, legality and enforceability of remaining regulations shall not be affected or impaired in any form.
14 NON-WAIVER
The omission, failure or delay of exercising any rights, powers, or remedies pursuant to or bestowed by this Agreement by any party shall not constitute waiver of such or any or other rights, powers or remedies by such party.
15 GOVERNING LAWS
This Agreement shall be governed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the PRC.
16 LANGUAGES AND COPIES
This Agreement is made in Chinese. It is made into twelve (12) duplicate originals. Each party holds four (4) copies, and each original shall have the same legal binding effect.
17 APPENDICES TO THIS AGREEMENT
17.1 Appendices to this Agreement are part of this Agreement, and have the same legal binding force as the main body, as if they were incorporated into main body of this Agreement. 17.2 Any amendment to this Agreement or its appendixes shall only be made through written agreement, which shall be executed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of the parties, affixed with their official seals, and with required approvals in accordance with the constitutive documents of the parties. 18 FEES AND EXPENSES Unless otherwise specified herein, all fees and expenses incurred in |
connection with the negotiation, drafting, and fulfillment of this Agreement shall be borne by the party incurring such expenses.
19 EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS AGREEMENT
This Agreement shall come into effect once signed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of the parties or affixed with their official seals.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the authorized representatives of the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
Signature page:
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
By: __________________________________
Legal Representative or Authorized Representative
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
By: __________________________________
Legal Representative or Authorized Representative
CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED
By: __________________________________
Legal Representative or Authorized Representative
APPENDIX I
THE WARRANTIES
The Group Corporation as the ultimate controlling shareholder of New CNC hereby makes the following presentations, warranties and undertakings to New CNC in relation to the conditions of the Restructuring and Injected Assets on the Restructuring Effective Date, the execution date of this Agreement and the New CNC Conversion Registration Date:
1. GENERAL MATTERS
1.1 The Group Corporation is an enterprise as a legal person that is duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of PRC (a State-owned enterprise), while New CNC is a foreign invested enterprise duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of PRC and it is wholly owned by CNC (HK).
1.2 Pursuant to China's laws and regulations, and Articles of Associations and/or other constitutive documents of the two parties, the Group Corporation and New CNC have the right, power and capability to lawfully and effectively conclude this Agreement and fulfill all the obligations under its clauses. Once signed, this Agreement will constitute a lawful and effective obligation that is binding on the Group Corporation and New CNC in accordance with the respective terms.
2. SHARE CAPITAL
2.1 The Group Corporation guarantees that, as of the date when this Agreement is signed, except the Group Corporation's rights disclosed under this Agreement and in the Prospectus, no third party other than CNC (HK) possesses share subscription rights and preemptive rights relating to or arising from the share capital of New CNC, and that there are no mortgages, pledges, liens, commitments or other third party rights on New CNC's share capital. Furthermore, there are no agreements to assume or set up any of the above third party rights, and no agreements or other arrangements requiring or potentially requiring New CNC to issue additional equities exceeding
the currently issued equities. Nobody who is entitled or claims to be entitled to hold any third party rights makes any claims.
2.2 Unless disclosed in the Prospectus, there are no effective agreements in relation to the current or future issue, allotment or transfer of New CNC's shares or equities or loan capitals, and no rights have been given to anyone to request conditionally or unconditionally the current or future issue, allotment or transfer of New CNC's shares or equities or loan capitals (including any share subscription rights or preemptive rights or conversion rights).
3. THE INJECTED ASSETS
3.1 As of the Restructuring Effective Date (exclusive) and the New CNC Conversion Registration Date, the Group Corporation and the Restructured Enterprises lawfully possess and have the right to operate the Injected Assets according to China's laws, have obtained all the required approvals from the relevant governmental authorities, and are entitled to inject the assets into New CNC pursuant to the Asset Injection Agreement.
3.2 Starting from the New CNC Conversion Registration Date (inclusive), New CNC is entitled to own, use and operate the Injected Assets in accordance with China's laws and its Articles of Association.
3.4 The Injected Assets to be possessed by New CNC as specified by this Agreement:
3.3.1 From the Restructuring Effective Date to the date when the Injected Assets are actually, lawfully, effectively and completely transferred to New CNC in accordance with China's laws, the Group Corporation and/or the Restructured Enterprises and/or the Surviving Enterprises shall, on behalf of and in the interests of New CNC, continue to hold these assets, interests and liabilities until such assets, interests and liabilities can be lawfully, effectively and completely injected into New CNC in accordance with this Agreement;
3.3.2 When the Group Corporation and/or the Restructured Enterprises and/or the Surviving Enterprises, on behalf of and in the interests of New CNC, continue to hold these assets,
interests and liabilities according to the previous provisions, all rights, benefits and interests produced by or arising from or relating to such assets, interests and liabilities shall belong to New CNC and all the obligations, losses and indemnifications shall be assumed by New CNC, unless otherwise specified in this Agreement;
3.3.3 Unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, or disclosed in the Prospectus and recorded in the Accountant's Report, all the approvals, licenses, authorizations, consents, confirmations, releases, registrations and lodgments required for the Group Corporation to inject the Injected Assets into New CNC have been obtained or completed, and such approvals, licenses, authorizations, consents, confirmations, releases, registrations and lodgments are valid;
3.3.4 Unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, or disclosed in the Prospectus and recorded in the Accountant's Report, on the Restructuring Effective Date and the date when the Injected Assets are actually transferred to New CNC in accordance with China's laws, the Injected Assets are subject to no restrictions by any liens, mortgages, hypothecation, pledges, leases (including but not limited to finance leases), licenses or other third party rights, or influences by any mortgages or other burdens or third party rights, conditions, instructions, rules or other limits or other unfavorable claims that will or may exert adverse impacts on the value of the above assets or New CNC's capability to use, transfer, sell or otherwise dispose the above assets.
3.3.5 The Injected Assets provide New CNC with all the necessary and sufficient assets, rights, properties, contracts, interests, equipment and inventories to effectively and completely engage in telecommunications businesses in connection to the Injected Assets. All the employees intended to enter New CNC under the Restructuring are sufficient to enable New CNC to continue to effectively operate in the existing method all the businesses injected into New CNC;
3.3.6 During the Relevant Period, the Group Corporation and/or the Restructured Enterprises operate, manage, use and maintain the Injected Assets in the normal way during their normal operational activities. The value of the Injected Assets is subject to no material
unfavorable changes starting from the Evaluation Base Date;
3.3.7 During the Relevant Period and on the New CNC Conversion Registration Date, the machine rooms, tools and equipment (including various vehicles) of the Injected Assets are under good maintenance and operation conditions, and are maintained periodically and appropriately.
4. ACCOUNTS AND BUSINESSES
4.1 Under the assumption that New CNC has been existing since January 1 2001, the Accountant's Report (including the attached notes. The complete copies of the Accountant's Report have been delivered to New CNC) and it
4.1.1 have been prepared in accordance with Enterprise Accounting Standards and Enterprise Accounting System;
4.1.2 fairly and justly reflect in the major aspects the assets, liabilities and shareholder's equities of New CNC for each of the three years ended December 31 2003.
4.1.3 has made sufficient provisions or reserves or disclosures for all the outstanding liabilities and capital commitments (including contingent, unquantifiable or disputed liabilities) as of the relevant dates in conformity with China's accounting principles.
4.1.4 , in accordance with the related tax laws and other regulations, has made provisions or reserves for all the taxations imposed on New CNC or required for payment for each of the three years ended December 31, 2003. The above provisions or reserves will be sufficient to pay all the taxations already or to be imposed on New CNC, or all the taxations that New CNC must, may or will bear in connection with profits, incomes, earnings, transfers, events and transactions as of the related last dates (inclusive);
4.1.5 are not adversely affected by any undisclosed special or particular conditions;
4.1.6 in all the major aspects fairly reflect New CNC's capitals, assets, liabilities (including contingent liabilities) as of the Evaluation Base Date and the profits as of the current financial date;
4.1.7 have not been influenced by any non-operational, special or extraordinary items;
4.1.8 in all the major aspects fairly reflect the financial conditions of New CNC as of the Evaluation Base Date;
4.1.9 disclose various assets and liabilities of New CNC as of the preparation date of the Accountant's Report.
4.2 New CNC has established provisions for the depreciations of fixed assets in conformity with China's Enterprise Accounting Standards and Enterprise Accounting System;
4.3 In comparison with the financial conditions as of December 31, 2003 disclosed in the Accountant's Report, there is no and will be no material adverse changes in New CNC's overall financial conditions on the New CNC Conversion Registration Date.
4.4 On the New CNC Conversion Registration Date, all of the accounts, account books, ledgers, and financial and any other types of records:
4.4.1 are possessed by New CNC;
4.4.2 have been sufficiently, appropriately and accurately recorded and completed;
4.4.3 do not contain any type of any major error and deviation; and
4.4.4 truly and fairly reflect all the related transactions as well as the conditions of finance, agreement and trade.
4.5 Prior to the Restructuring Effective Date, the Group Corporation managed its businesses under the
normal, consistent and continuous environment. No major unfavorable changes took place in any of the Group Corporation's businesses.
4.6 Archived Documents
4.6.1 All the application forms, detailed materials, resolutions and documents which are required to be filed by New CNC with any governmental agency in any place in accordance with the laws, regulations and/or legislations applicable to New CNC have been filed appropriately and correctly in conformity with all the related laws, regulations and/or legislations applicable to New CNC.
4.6.2 All the mortgages and pledges (if any) given to or set by New CNC have been registered according to the related rules and regulations applicable to New CNC.
4.7 All the title proofs in connection with New CNC's assets, all the signed copies of agreements in which New CNC is one of the signatories, and the originals of all the other documents possessed or should be possessed by New CNC shall be possessed by New CNC individually.
4.8 Unless disclosed in the Prospectus, there are no major investigations or inquiries initiated by any government or other institutions in connection to New CNC's matters which are not yet resolved or still in progress.
5. CONTRACTS
5.1 While signing this Agreement, the Group Corporation shall send New CNC a contract list including the contracts, agreements and arrangements relating to the Injected Assets (including loan and insurance agreements):
5.1.1 The Group Corporation shall continue to update this contract list ("THIS CONTRACT LIST", as amended from time to time) , to make sure that this contract list is related to the Injected Assets and is a complete list of all the contracts to which the Group Corporation and/or its Subsidiaries are a party.
5.1.2 Upon reasonable request of New CNC, the Group Corporation shall take related actions to cause the contractors in this contract list (the "RENAMED CONTRACT") agree to replace New CNC as one party of these contracts (starting from the change registration date). These replacements shall be conducted through amendment agreements or consent letters concluded between all the contractors in this contract list and New CNC.
5.1.3 From the Restructuring Effective Date to the date when the amendment agreements are concluded or letters of agreement are obtained as expected in 5.1.2, in terms of the interests of each Renamed Contract, the Group Corporation and/or the Restructured Enterprises and/or the Surviving Enterprises shall fulfill or cause other parties to the contracts to appropriately fulfill the interests under these contracts completely for the interests of New CNC.
5.1.4 The Group Corporation neither violates any Renamed Contract to which it is one party, nor assumes any significant responsibility possibly arising from any presentations, commitments, compensations (explicitly or implicitly) or other matters that it has made.
5.2 Clause 5.1 shall not be interpreted as that New CNC is required to assume any obligations under any Renamed Contracts arising from any facts or situations taking place prior to the Restructuring Effective Date, and such obligations shall not become part of the liabilities of the Injected Assets.
5.3 On the date when this Agreement is signed, in connection with the contracts to which the Group Corporation and/or the Restructured Enterprises are the major party relating to the Injected Assets, the Group Corporation has already conducted due diligence, the result of which has been sufficiently and accurately disclosed to New CNC.
5.3.1 All these contracts are lawful and valid, not cancelled or annulled, and will not be terminated or unfavorably influenced because of the Restructuring, CNC (HK) share listing and conclusion of this Agreement or any other conditions.
5.3.2 As of the execution date of this Agreement, there is no claim or significant obligation against or to be assumed by New CNC arising from the breach, violation, negligence, inappropriate execution or otherwise of such agreements, documents, or arrangements. After the New CNC Conversion Registration Date, there will be neither claim nor significant responsibility that may results in connection to these agreements, documents or arrangements.
5.3.3 As of the execution date of this Agreement, the Group Corporation receives no breach notice relating to any such agreements sent by any other parties to these agreements to New CNC, purporting to terminate or otherwise to terminate these agreements, and there is no dispute regarding the performance of obligations promised between New CNC and any third party.
5.3.4 On the date when this Agreement is concluded, all the contracts, agreements and arrangements transferred to New CNC have been fairly concluded or arranged without violating the principle of equity, and the earnings and financial conditions prior to the New CNC Conversion Registration Date are not materially affected by any contracts or arrangements concluded not completely in accordance with the principle of equity.
5.4 Unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, any significant contracts, transactions or arrangements transferred to New CNC in connection with its business:
5.4.1 are not of abnormal or uncommon nature or beyond the general and appropriate business scope;
5.4.2 do not cost disproportionate or abnormal money, resources or manpower to smoothly complete or implement as scheduled;
5.4.3 do not fall into the situation of long-term nonperformance, i.e., cannot be implemented over 6 months after the agreed or promised date specified by relevant terms.
5.5 The Group Corporation warrants and undertakes that on the New CNC Conversion Registration
Date the Surviving Enterprise have already terminated the concluded but not fulfilled contracts or agreements with their branches, Subsidiaries and other controlled units with respect to engineering design and construction and IT service, material procurement, ancillary Telecommunications Service and support services.
5.6 On the date when this Agreement is signed, all the contracts concluded between New CNC and the Group Corporation are lawful and valid, not cancelled or terminated.
6. EMPLOYEES
6.1 The Group Corporation is required to cause each employee of the former Group Corporation or its Restructured Enterprises joining New CNC to meet its business demands (the "TRANSFERRED EMPLOYEE") to enter into with New CNC an employment agreement containing terms reasonably proposed by New CNC (in the event that the Transferred Employee has not signed the employment agreement with New CNC before the date of signing of this Agreement). Except the provisions in the Accountant's Report, New CNC is required neither to assume any responsibility for the provision of services by the Transferred Employee to the Group Corporation or its Subsidiaries prior to the transfer, nor assume any responsibility for the services provided in any previous service periods. The Group Corporation shall fully compensate New CNC for any liabilities incurred consequently at any time.
6.2 Within the scope permitted by the national laws, regulations or local statutes and rules relating to the Restructuring, the Group Corporation itself shall or causes the Surviving Enterprise to undertake that the Transferred Employees can now and in the future continue to rent, purchase or otherwise use the houses rented or used prior to their entry into New CNC from the Group Corporation or the Surviving Enterprise in the same methods and standards received by the incumbent employees of the Group Corporation or the Surviving Enterprises.
6.3 The New CNC has concluded no agreements or other arrangements (whether legally binding or not) with any trade unions, or other groups representing any employees or members of New CNC.
6.4 The New CNC has no liability or practice to make other payments other than normal salaries,
remunerations, bonuses or wages or other benefits to any senior staff or employee.
6.5 The New CNC or any employee is not involved in any labor dispute that might subject New CNC to seriously unfavorable influence. Furthermore, based on the facts already known to New CNC or its directors or the Group Corporation or facts obtainable through reasonable investigation, there is no indication that New CNC might get involved in any such dispute, or that any agreed provisions or any documents signed in accordance with the Restructuring and/or CNC (HK) share listing or any matters expected to occur due to the Restructuring or CNC (HK) share listing might result in such labor dispute.
6.6 The Group Corporation has no unpaid contributions required by laws and regulations to the related government departments or their authorized agents in connection with the Transferred Employees, including but not limited to various insurances and funds.
7. Tax items
7.1 Accounts
The Accountant's Report have made preparations or reserves for all tax items that will be levied to New CNC or should be paid by New CNC, including deferred taxes as of the Evaluation Base Date. The Group Corporation will bear any tax that incurred before the Restructuring Effective Date but not listed in the Accountant's Report.
7.2 The Group Corporation and the Restructured Enterprises have fulfilled their tax obligations to relevant government authorities and all other agencies before the New CNC Conversion Registration Date for all taxes that they are obliged to bear or may need to bear as a result of the assets received by New CNC in accordance with the Restructuring Documents and this Agreement or associated therewith. If there are any taxes that have not been paid up on the New CNC Conversion Registration Date causing New CNC to bear the liability to pay such taxes, including fines and/or interests, then the Group Corporation should hold New CNC timely and adequately indemnified.
7.3 All tax declaration statements for the taxes incurred by, or associated with the assets received by
New CNC in accordance with the Restructuring Documents and this Agreement that should be completed by the Group Corporation and/or the Restructured Enterprises before the New CNC Conversion Registration Date have been submitted and correctly completed by the Group Corporation and/or the Restructured Enterprises, which have not and shall not cause any disputes. There have been no events taking place within the specified time frame, to the knowledge of the Group Corporation or it should be aware of after reasonable inquiries, which may result in the foregoing disputes or any claims for taxes, or cause the loss of tax reduction or exemption or preferences that originally existed
7.4 On the New CNC Conversion Registration Date, New CNC has complied in all aspects with all relevant laws, regulations, rules, statutes or orders that are applicable to its taxation situation.
7.5 The Group Corporation and/or Restructured Enterprises have paid up in accordance with the law various financial charges that are associated with the usage of the Injected Assets by the Group Corporation and/or the Restructured Enterprises before the New CNC Conversion Registration Date and that should be paid by the Group Corporation and/or the Restructured Enterprises to relevant government authorities. Where there is any tax delinquency, the Group Corporation shall be responsible to make up in full and in a timely manner. In case New CNC suffers any losses from such delinquency, the Group Corporation shall hold New CNC or newly established enterprise fully and timely indemnified.
7.6 Unusual and Unfair Transactions
7.6.1 Except for those disclosed in the prospectus and recorded in the Accountant's Report, the Group Corporation hasn't caused New CNC to own, agree to purchase any of the assets, or agree to accept any of the services or equipments whose expenses are or will be higher than their market values, or haven't been valued on a fair basis;
7.6.2 Except for those disclosed in the prospectus and recorded in the Accountant's Report, the Group Corporation hasn't caused New CNC to own, agree to purchase any of the assets, or agree to accept any of the services or equipments whose prices are or will be lower than their market values, or haven't been evaluated on a fair basis;
7.6.3 Except for those disclosed in the prospectus and recorded in the Accountant's Report, the Group Corporation hasn't caused New CNC to engage in transactions that have substituted for or deviated from the actual payables or receivables due to tax duties.
7.7 The signing and fulfillment of this Agreement and any other agreements signed pursuant to the Restructuring will not cause New CNC to be deemed to have gained earnings or other payments that are taxable from a taxation perspective.
8. FURTHER ASSURANCES
8.1 Compliance with terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Restructuring Documents will not and shall not:
8.1.1 conflict with, cause to violate or constitute a failure to perform any terms, conditions or regulations of the Injected Assets related agreements or documents, of which the Group Corporation and/or the Restructured Enterprises were or currently are one of the parties and whose subject has been or shall be changed as a result of the Restructuring; and/or
8.1.2 relieve any one from any obligations under this Agreements or documents mentioned in Clause 8.1.1 above or cause anyone to terminate obligations under this Agreements or documents mentioned in Clause 8.1.1 or terminate New CNC's rights or interests provided under this Agreements or documents mentioned in Clause 8.1.1 above.
9. LAW COMPLIANCE
9.1 Upon changes registration of New CNC, it complies in all aspects with any applicable laws, statues and working rules of both China and other regions, nor does it commit any violations or offences that may cause serious impact on the financial conditions or business prospects of New CNC against any acts, regulations, rules, decrees, orders or judgments of any courts or government authorities of China or any other countries.
9.2 Upon changes registration of New CNC, all licenses, permits, authorizations, consents and exemptions that New CNC has to obtain from any individuals, organizations or groups in order
to operate its various businesses have all been obtained by New CNC and/or its appropriate branches, Subsidiaries or authorized units. Such authorizations have full efficacy and there are no circumstances, including the Restructuring process and signing of this Agreement, will cause the cancellation in whole or in part or the inability to renew such licenses, permits, authorizations, consents and exemptions.
9.3 Upon changes registration of New CNC, New CNC provides no commitments or guarantees to any courts with jurisdictions or government authorities.
10. LAWSUITS
10.1 The Group Corporation and/or the Restructured Enterprises have no activities severely against the laws and regulations that might cause significant economic losses to New CNC or impact the operation of New CNC's businesses. 10.2 Except for the associated lawsuits that have been formally disclosed to New CNC, there are no significant on-going, pending or potential arbitrations, lawsuits, claims or other legal proceedings related to the Injected Assets against the Group Corporation and/or the Restructured Enterprises whether as a prosecutor, defendant or with other identity, nor are there any claim demands that would cause significant adverse impact on the operation of New CNC's businesses and/or the Injected Assets, or any facts that may lead to such claim demands. 11. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS 11.1 The intellectual property rights required or used by New CNC: 11.1.1 Are effectively existent and enforceable; 11.1.2 Do not violate any other agreements or infringe on others' intellectual property rights; 11.1.3 Do not have any lawsuits, disputes or other legal proceedings on going or impending, concerning or affecting the ownerships, utilization or effectiveness of such intellectual property rights; 35 |
11.1.4 Have been granted utilization permissions for New CNC and have no liens, mortgage, impawn or other interests of a third party except for those disclosed in the prospectus. 11.2 Except for those that have been disclosed, the Group Corporation has not permitted others to use or transfer its intellectual property rights 11.3 Except for those that have been disclosed, the Group Corporation has not infringed or violated any of intellectual property rights. 11.4 The Group Corporation has not, except in normal and general business operations, disclosed to any one or permitted, promised or arranged any disclosure of the proprietary technologies, business secrets, confidential materials, cost statements, lists of customers or suppliers. 11.5 The Group Corporation has not left out any significant issues that may cause the foregoing permits or the permits granted to New CNC to be terminated or constitute any violation of the clauses of such permits. 11.6 The Group Corporation has not involved in any agreements that may restrict the application of the foregoing New CNC's proprietary technologies, business secrets, confidential materials, cost statements, lists of customers or suppliers or disclose to the other party. 12. RESTRUCTURING APPROVALS 12.1 The Restructuring Approvals listed in APPENDIX III to this Agreement are all applicable approvals, permits or consents required by this Agreement, associated agreements and the Restructuring arrangement thereunder and the Restructuring will not be adversely impacted due to the lack of any approvals, ratifications, consents or permits. 13. OPERATING BUSINESSES 13.1 The impact of the IPO and the Restructuring of CNC (HK) 13.1.1 The Group Corporation believes, after prudent and detailed inquiries, that there are no data, except those disclosed, that indicate, and it is not aware of or does not 36 |
believe that the Restructuring or the IPO of CNC (HK) or the signing of this Agreement, or any other issues contained thereof have caused: (1) Any suppliers of New CNC to cease or have the rights to cease or dramatically reduce their supplies; (2) Any clients of New CNC to cease or have the rights to cease or dramatically reduce their business dealings; (3) Any significant changes in the management and/or the Injected Assets of New CNC. 13.1.2 Except for those disclosed in the prospectus or unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, the Restructuring or the IPO of CNC (HK), the signing of this Agreement, or any other issues contained thereof will not cause: (1) Conflicts, defaults or failure to perform the obligations of any terms and conditions or regulations of any agreements or contracts in which New CNC is a party, or against the Articles of Association of New CNC and/or any regulations of laws, acts, legislations, decrees or orders that are applicable to New CNC, or violate any creditor's rights, impawns, leases, rents, contractual orders, judgments, verdicts, injunctive, rules or other restrictions or responsibilities that have binding or controlling force against any assets of New CNC; (2) To relieve anyone from any obligations to New CNC, authorize anyone to determine any such or any rights or interests enjoyed by New CNC or exercise any rights in accordance with this Agreement reached with New CNC (3) To constitute or exercise the creditor's rights in any form to the setup, imposure or prospects of New CNC; and (4) The New CNC's any existing or future liabilities to become due and payable or to be claimed as due and payable before the specified due date. 13.2 Operating Businesses 13.2.1 The New CNC has the right and is fully qualified to operate businesses in the business operating areas as provided in its business license and the international business field; 37 |
13.2.2 The New CNC has no ultra vires, unauthorized or invalid activities, contracts and rights. All documents with New CNC as the principal party or the executing party have been properly signed and stamped and retained by New CNC. 13.3 There is absolutely no possibility for New CNC and associated executives, representatives and employees, during their tenure, to cause New CNC to suffer significant fines, penalties, lawsuits or other liabilities due to violation of any laws, regulations, rules or orders. 13.4 Unless otherwise specified in this Agreement and per request of New CNC's normal operations, the Group Corporation or New CNC have not authorized any individuals (implied or expressed) to sign any contracts or make any commitments on behalf of New CNC, nor have they granted any individuals any other proxies or power of attorney. 13.5 Unless otherwise disclosed in the prospectus and specified in this Agreement, New CNC has obtained the authorization and has been qualified to operate in all regions approved by the Restructuring Approvals to operates and in international businesses, and has obtained from any individuals, organizations or groups all necessary permits and consents required to properly operate such businesses in order to legally and properly operate its businesses and all such permits and consents are valid and continue to be valid as of the New CNC Conversion Registration Date. Both the Group Corporation and New CNC have not violated any term or condition of the permits or consents it obtained, nor have they any factors that suffice to affect the continuity or renewal of such letters of permits or consents they hold. 14. CAPITALIZED COMMITMENTS, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTION 14.1 Except for those disclosed in the prospectus and the Accountant's Report, there are no capitalized commitments in New CNC's capital accounts. During the Relevant Period, the Group Corporation has not caused New CNC to bear any significant burdens of capital expenditures, endorse any such significant capital expenditures, or agree to sell or alter any significant capital assets or any related equities. 14.2 Except for those that have been disclosed, starting from the New CNC Conversion Registration Date, New CNC has not paid or announced any dividends, or distribute any other allocations in 38 |
the form of cash or materials, or distribute the interests, other incomes, benefits or rights obtained from the stock or stock equity of New CNC. 15. BANK AND OTHER LOANS 15.1 Except those disclosed in the Prospectus or recorded in the Accountant's Report, the aggregate amount of loans of New CNC does not exceed the limits stipulated in its article of association and/or any law, regulation, decree, and ordinance or applicable order, or the loan limits stipulated in contracts or documents which have binding force over New CNC. 15.2 Except those disclosed in the Prospectus or recorded in the Accountant's Report, New CNC has no outstanding bonds, and has not agreed upon setting up or issuing any bonds. 15.3 Except those disclosed in the Prospectus and recorded in the Accountant's Report, as to the date of signing this Agreement, the Group Corporation has not received notice from any creditor (no matter formally or not) demanding it to repay debts or begin compulsory disposal of any of New CNC's assets held by the creditor; Also there is not any situation which will result in the above notices. 15.4 Except those disclosed in the Prospectus and recorded in the Accountant's Report, since the New CNC Conversion Registration Date, New CNC has not repaid or incurred responsibilities to repay any immature major loan or other major debts, also there is not any situation that may lead to the occurrence of the above situations. 15.5 Except those disclosed in the Prospectus and recorded in the Accountant's Report, there is no mortgage, lien or any other kinds of mortgage, rights and interests or creditor's rights on the assets transferred to New CNC which relate to or affect all or part of New CNC's business, property or assets; nor is there any other agreement, arrangement or commitment which may cause or lead to the above situations, excluding bank financings obtained fairly by New CNC according to normal commercial terms. 15.6 Except those disclosed in the Prospectus and recorded in the Accountant's Report, before the execution date of this Agreement, the Group Corporation had not exercised or claimed to exercise lien, creditor's rights or other rights and interests or demanded any debt on any fixed 39 |
assets, and there is not a direct or indirect dispute related to such fixed assets. 15.7 Except those disclosed in the Prospectus and recorded in the Accountant's Report, as to the existing bank financing and other financing channels, New CNC has the ability to raise sufficient working capital to continue its business by current method and business scope in 12 months from the New CNC Conversion Registration Date, and to implement, carry out and finish, according to the existing clauses and terms, all unfulfilled orders, projects and contract responsibility which have binding force over New CNC. 15.8 Except those disclosed in the Prospectus and recorded in the Accountant's Report, regarding any bond, acceptance credit, overdrawing, loan and credit or other financial financing (referred to as "financing" in this article) that is outstanding or can be obtained by New CNC: 15.8.1 there is no stipulation that violates or is inconsistent with any documents about such financing; 15.8.2 there is no practical action or threat for the acceleration of any debts; 15.8.3 no unfavorable situation has occurred which will affect the continuing obtaining of the said financing, or may cause unfavorable change in any of these financing terms and conditions; 15.8.4 this financing does not depend on guarantee or warrant by way of mortgage provided by a third party; and 15.8.5 The Restructuring and the public offering of the Shares of CNC (HK), or results of other matters included in the Restructuring and/or this public offering cannot affect such financing adversely, including but not limited to the termination of any of such financing or the acceleration of such financing or the termination of existing mortgage of any such financing. 15.9 Unless otherwise stipulated in this Agreement, New CNC has no obstacle in obtaining or has already obtained third party consent required by the Restructuring. 16. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 16.1 The Group Corporation and New CNC have abided by all applicable environmental laws and 40 |
regulations in China, and there is no serious violation of such laws and regulations. 16.2 The Injected Assets and business are free from any threat of major civil, criminal or administrative claims, investigations, complaints or litigations related to environmental protection, and also there is not any situation that may cause such claims, investigations, complaints or litigations. 17. INSURANCE 17.1 All insurances enjoyed by New CNC are valid, and there are no actions or omissions that can make such insurances void, or lead to increase of premiums. 17.2 All insurances accepted by New CNC are not restricted by any special, abnormal clauses, and New CNC needs not to pay any additional fees except the normal premiums. 17.3 Except those disclosed in the Prospectus and other documents, in accordance with the above policies, New CNC has not made or is not likely to make any claims, and there are no such circumstances that can bring about such claims. 18. LANDS AND PROPERTIES 18.1 The Group Corporation warrants that the right-of-use and ownership of the lands and properties included in the transferred assets is legal and complete, and that, except those disclosed in this Agreement and the Prospectus, there is no mortgage or third party right on the right-of-use of the said lands or the ownership of the said properties. 18.2 The Group Corporation warrants that all the lands and properties in the Injected Assets can be legally used according to their current usage; Properties constructed on the lands that it has the right-of-use are in compliance with national laws, regulations and planning programs and usage approved by the government. 18.3 As to the land use right of the Injected Assets and the newly transferred land use right in this period, the Group Corporation warrants that: within 6 months after the global offering of CNC (HK) (as to the lands for which the Group Corporation has not obtained Land Use Rights 41 |
Certificates yet, but possesses title proofs accepted by the Ministry of Land and Resources, it should be within the validity period stipulated in relevant title proofs, and in no case later than 6 months after the global offering of CNC (HK), the Group Corporation shall make every effort to or urge the Surviving Enterprises to make every effort to apply for Land Use Rights Certificates from relevant land administrative departments; New CNC shall be the user in the said Land Use Rights Certificates; the Group Corporation shall bear all fees, expenses, and claims incurred in or related to the handling of the above matters, and indemnify New CNC against losses, claims, expenses and fees New CNC suffers from the lack of Land Use Rights Certificates in which New CNC is the user at the completion of the global offering of CNC (HK) . the Group Corporation further warrants that, as to the newly transferred land use right allocated to New CNC within 2 years after the global offering of CNC (HK), the Group Corporation shall help New CNC go through formality to transfer allocated land to remised land, and indemnify New CNC against all losses, claims, fees and expenses due to land use right of the allocated lands for which the formality of transferring allocated land to remised land has not been finished by the time of the completion of CNC (HK)'s global offering. 18.4 As to the properties and properties under construction of the Injected Assets and the newly transferred properties and properties under construction on the remised land in this period, the Group Corporation warrants that: within 6 months after the global offering of CNC (HK) (as to the properties for which the Group Corporation has not obtained property ownership certificates yet, but possesses valid title proofs or properties under construction licenses, it should be within the validity period stipulated in relevant title proofs, but in no case later than 6 months after the global offering of CNC (HK), or the completion of the constructing project; as to the constructing project for which the Group Corporation has not obtained permission, written reply or verification document, it should be after the completion of the said constructing project), the Group Corporation shall make every effort to or urge the Surviving Enterprises to make every effort to apply for property ownership certificates from relevant property administrative departments; New CNC shall be the user in the said property ownership certificates; the Group Corporation shall bear all fees, expenses, and claims incurred in or related to the handling of the above matters, and indemnify New CNC against losses, claims, expenses and fees suffered from the lack of property ownership certificates in which New CNC is the user by the time of the completion of the global offering of CNC (HK). As to properties under construction in the Injected Assets which have not obtained permissions, written replies or verification documents 42 |
from relevant government departments yet, the Group Corporation confirms that Land Use Rights Certificates or land authority certificates corresponding to the said properties under construction have been obtained, that the said properties under construction meet all conditions required to obtain relevant permissions, written replies or verification documents, and the relevant permissions, written replies or verification documents are under processing and free from any legal obstacle, and that there is no penalties imposed by relevant government departments due to the lack of the said permissions, written replies or verification documents of the said constructing projects. The Group Corporation further warrants that, as to the newly transferred properties and properties under construction on the allocated land of New CNC within 2 years after the global offering of CNC (HK), the Group Corporation shall assist New CNC go through the formality related to the registration or change registration of property ownership certificates, and indemnify New CNC against all losses, claims, fees and expenses resulted from the properties and properties under construction for which registration or change registration of property ownership certificates has not completed by the time of the completion of CNC (HK)'s global offering. 18.5 Pursuant to the property leasing agreement separately entered into by the Group Corporation and/or the Surviving Enterprises with New CNC in APPENDIX TWO to this Agreement, the Group Corporation agrees or urges the |
Surviving Enterprises to lease or sublease all:
(1) Properties owned by the Group Corporation;
(2) Properties owned by the Surviving Enterprises;
(3) Properties under leasing agreements or other effective arrangements
entered into by the Surviving Enterprises ("SUBLEASED PROPERTIES") listed in the said property leasing agreement to New CNC to use. 18.6 The Group Corporation and/or the Surviving Enterprises are the only legal user of the Subleased Properties, and have obtained written consent of sublease of the said properties from the Lessor of the said leasing agreement, or are going through the relevant formality for obtaining consent from the original Lessor. The Group Corporation undertakes to urge the Surviving Enterprises to get as soon as possible the written consent from the Lessor. The Group Corporation shall bear all fees, expenses, and claims incurred in or related to the handling of the above matters, and indemnify New CNC against losses, claims thereby. 43 |
18.7 The Group Corporation undertakes that the right-of-use of the above properties leased under this Agreement are obtained in accordance with laws, and have already finished or are going through registration and filing formalities in the relevant real estates administrative departments. The Group Corporation undertakes to go through the registration and filing formalities of the said leasing agreement and property leasing agreement as soon as possible after this Agreement comes into force. The Group Corporation shall bear all fees, expenses, and claims incurred in or related to the handling of the above matters, and indemnify New CNC against losses, claims thereby. 18.8 In the event that New CNC or the Restructuring incurs any loss due to property owner's lacking of leasing permission or qualification to the said properties, or due to the Group Corporation's failure in maintaining the warranties in Clauses 18.1 and 18.2, the Group Corporation is willing to assume full indemnification obligations against such loss. 18.9 The Group Corporation warrants that should any party make claim or demand indemnity on the bases that the contents in this Article are not true, Group the Corporation shall take reasonable measures or actions to protect the rights and interests of New CNC, and fully indemnify New CNC against losses incurred thereof. 19 MATERIALS 19.1 All materials in this Agreement and its appendixes are true, complete and accurate. |
APPENDIX II
RELATED AGREEMENTS
1. NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT
2. INTERCONNECTION SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
3. MASTER SERVICES SHARING AGREEMENT
4. TRADEMARK LICENSING AGREEMENT WITH
5. TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES LEASING AGREEMENT
6. ENGINEERING & IT SERVICES AGREEMENT
7. MATERIALS PROCUREMENT AGREEMENT
8. ANCILLARY TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES AGREEMENT
9. SUPPORT SERVICES AGREEMENT
10. PROPERTY LEASING AGREEMENT
11. PROPERTY SUB-LEASING AGREEMENT
APPENDIX III
RESTRUCTURING APPROVALS
1. "Reply on Approval of the Overall Plan for the Disposal of Land Assets of the Restructuring of China Network Communications Group Corporation in the Process of Listing" (MLR letter, file no. [2004] 79) by the Ministry of Land and Resources on March 23, 2004;
2. "Reply Regarding the Disposal of Land Assets in the Restructuring and Reorganization of China Network Communications Group Corporation" (MLR letter, file no. [2004] 172) by the Ministry of Land and Resources on June 4, 2004;
3. "Reply on Approval of China Netcom Telecommunications Business Authorization and Universal Service Obligations Issues" (MII letter, file no. [2004] 273) by the Ministry of Information on June 8, 2004;
4. "Reply on Approval of the Assets Valuation Projects of the Restructuring of China Network Communications Group Corporation for Global Offering" (SASAC, file no. [2004] 527) by State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council on July 3, 2004;
5. "Reply on Approval of Asset Injection from China Network Communications Group Corporation to China Netcom Communication (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd" (MOFCOM reply, file no. [2004] 445) by the Ministry of Commerce on July 12, 2004;
6. "Reply on Approval of the Increase of Registered Capital and Other Matters Relating to the Conversion of China Network Communications Group Corporation" (MOFCOM reply [2004] 1292) by the Ministry of Commerce on August 30 , 2004.
APPENDIX IV
Asset Valuation Report
APPENDIX V
ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT
1. China Netcom (Group) Company Limited [Consolidated Balance Sheet]
2. China Netcom (Group) Company Limited [Consolidated Profit and Loss Account]
3. China Netcom (Group) Company Limited [Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows]
APPENDIX VI
LETTER OF UNDERTAKINGS BY THE GROUP CORPORATION
EXHIBIT 10.5
NON-COMPETION AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
AND
CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED
NON-COMPETION AGREEMENT
This Non-competition Agreement (this "Agreement") is made and entered into on [-], 2004 in Beijing, People's Republic of China ("PRC") by and among the following parties:
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION (the "GROUP CORPORATION"), a state-owned enterprise established under the laws of PRC, with its registered address at: No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED ("CNC (HK)"), a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ("Hong Kong") with limited liability.
CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED ("NEW CNC"), a company duly
incorporated and validly existing under the laws of PRC with limited liability
as a wholly foreign-owned enterprise ("WFOE"), with its registered address at:
Building C, No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, China.
WHEREAS, the Group Corporation is the indirect majority shareholder of CNC (HK), and New CNC, wholly owned by CNC (HK); and
WHEREAS, CNC (HK) plans to be listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Hong Kong Stock Exchange") offering red-chip stocks to overseas investors and to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange in the form of American Depositary Share (ADS).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and in order to avoid possible competition within the same industry, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS
In this Agreement, unless otherwise stipulated by the context, the following terms have the meanings set out below in this Agreement:
1. Effective Date
The term "Effective Date" means the day on which this Agreement is signed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of the Group Corporation, CNC (HK) and New CNC.
2. Subsidiary Companies
For parties to this Agreement, the term "Subsidiary Companies" means any companies, enterprises or any entities with legal person capacity under direct or indirect control of the relevant party, provided
that (a) over half of the voting power is held directly or indirectly by such party; or (b) over half of the distributable profit goes directly or indirectly into such party's account; or (c) the Board of Directors is directly or indirectly under such party's control; or (d) over half of the registered capital is held directly or indirectly by such party.
For the purpose of this Agreement, the subsidiary companies of the Group Corporation mentioned herein do not include CNC (HK), New CNC and their respective subsidiary companies.
3. CNC (HK) Competing Business
The term "CNC (HK) Competing Business" means the telecommunication services provided by CNC (HK) and its subsidiary companies (herein not including New CNC and its subsidiary companies, same as below) based on their telecommunication businesses permitted by their current business operating licenses in regions outside China (herein not including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan for the purpose of this Agreement) after the restructuring and in the future.
4. New CNC Competing Business
The term "New CNC Competing Business" means the basic telecommunication services (not including wireless paging services) listed in the Categorized Catalog of Telecommunication Services promulgated by Ministry of Information Industry of the PRC on Feb. 21, 2003, and the following value-added telecommunication services: (1) Multi-party Conferencing Service; (2) Internet Access Service; (3) Internet Data Center (IDC) Service; and (4) Internet Protocol based Virtual Private Network Service. The New CNC had been operating and will be operating such services in its business regions after the restructuring and in the future.
ARTICLE 2 COMMITMENTS OF THE GROUP CORPORATION
2.1 The Group Corporation undertakes to CNC (HK) and New CNC respectively that: unless disclosed in the Prospectus of CNC (HK) or otherwise stipulated by this Agreement or with written consent from CNC (HK), in any period, if CNC (HK) shares are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange or on other stock exchanges and the Group Corporation holds, directly or indirectly, 30% or more of the issued share capital of CNC (HK), or if the Group Corporate is deemed to be the majority shareholder of CNC (HK) according to relevant listing rules, stock exchange regulations or other relevant laws, (1) the Group Corporation will not, and will also cause its subsidiary companies not to, at any time directly or indirectly and in any forms (including but not limited to means of wholly-owned subsidiary, joint-venture, or holding shares, other interests or options of another company or enterprise, or any other types of cooperation), operate the CNC (HK) Competing Business or New CNC Competing Business that will/may bring direct or indirect competition against CNC (HK) and New CNC as well as their subsidiary companies after restructuring or in the future in the business regions of CNC (HK) and New CNC as well as their subsidiary companies; (2) the Group Corporation will use its best effort
to prevent its investors from operating the CNC (HK) Competing Business or New CNC Competing Business that will/may bring direct or indirect competition against CNC (HK) and New CNC as well as their subsidiary companies after restructuring or in the future in the business regions of CNC (HK) and New CNC as well as their subsidiary companies.
ARTICLE 3 EQUAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Unless otherwise stipulated by this Agreement, all the commitments made by the Group Corporation are made on behalf of the corporation itself and its wholly owned subsidiaries, branches and subsidiary companies. Unless otherwise stipulated, the Group Corporation mentioned in this Agreement includes the corporation itself and its wholly owned subsidiaries, branches and subsidiary companies.
ARTICLE 4 TERMS
This Agreement shall become effective from the Effective Date and will
remain in force unless terminated when: (1) according to relevant listing rules,
stock exchange regulations or other related laws, the Group Corporation is no
longer regarded as the direct or indirect majority shareholder of CNC (HK); or
(2) CNC (HK) stops its listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange or on any other
stock exchanges.
ARTICLE 5 REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES & UNDERTAKINGS
Each party represents, warrants and undertakes to the other party that:
(1) It has the adequate power and authorization (including but not limited to any approval, consents or permission granted by the government departments) to sign this Agreement;
(2) Once signed and affixed with the seal in the manner stipulated by this Agreement, this Agreement will become effective with binding force, and enforceable according to its terms and conditions;
(3) No provision in this Agreement violates the constitutive documents or the laws and regulations of PRC and Hong Kong.
ARTICLE 6 FORCE MAJEURE
If any unforeseeable Force Majeure incident whose occurrence and impact cannot be prevented or avoided cause one party to fail in performing this Agreement in accordance with the agreed terms, the affected Party shall immediately inform the other Parties by written notice within fifteen (15) days after the said incident, and provide the other Parties details of the incident and effective certification documents explaining why all or part of the related obligations under this Agreement and the relevant appendixes can
not be performed, or need to performed in a prolonged time frame. Based on the extent of the influence of such incidents on the performance of such affected obligations, the parties shall negotiate to decide whether or not to terminate, partially exempt or postpone the performance of such obligations.
ARTICLE 7 CONFIDENTIALITY
Unless otherwise required or stipulated by laws or relevant regulator authorities, for the purpose of the listing (and maintaining of its listed status) of CNC (HK), any party, without written consent of other parties, shall not make any public announcement or provide or disclose to any companies, enterprises, organizations or individuals the materials and information related to other parties' businesses or the subject matter of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 8 TRANSFER
Without prior written consent of other parties, no party shall transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement.
ARTICLE 9 NON-WAIVER
Unless otherwise specified by law, the failure or delay of exercising the rights, powers or privileges as endowed by this Agreement on the part of any Party cannot be deemed as the waiver of such rights, power or privileges. Besides, the partial exercise of such rights, powers or privileges should not hinder the exercise of such rights, powers or privileges of this Party in the future.
ARTICLE TEN NOTICES
10.1 All notices required to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and in Chinese, and delivered to the address as stated at the beginning part of this Agreement, or to addresses or facsimile numbers designated by one Party to the other Parties in writing from time to time. 10.2 Any notice above shall be delivered either by hand, registered mail, or facsimile. Any notice shall be deemed to have been delivered at the time of actual receipt if delivered by hand; on the date of return receipt if delivered by registered mail; and at the time of transmission if delivered by facsimile. |
ARTICLE 11 GOVERNING LAWS
This Agreement shall be governed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with laws of PRC.
ARTICLE 12 DISPUTES RESOLUTION
In case of disputes as to the power, interpretation or implementation of this agreement, all parties shall seek to settle the matters of dispute by friendly negotiation. If the matters of dispute cannot be settled by negotiation within thirty (30) days from the day the matters of dispute arise, either party has the right to resort to litigation at the people's court which has jurisdiction.
ARTICLE 13 EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND OTHERS
13.1 Upon negotiation and by mutual consent of all parties, this Agreement and its appendixes may be amended or supplemented. All such amendments or supplements shall come into effect once signed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of the Parties and affixed with their official seals. 13.2 This Agreement is dividable, which means that if any terms or conditions of this Agreement and its appendixes is/are determined to be illegal or not enforceable, the rest terms or conditions shall be effective without being affected. 13.3 This Agreement is made into six (6) duplicate copies. Each party holds two (2) copies, and each original shall have the same legal binding effect. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the legal representative or authorized representatives |
of the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date and venue first written above.
Signature page:
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION (Seal)
By: __________
Legal Representative or Authorized Representative
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
By: __________
Legal Representative or Authorized Representative
CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED (Seal)
By : __________
Legal Representative or Authorized Representative
EXHIBIT 10.6
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES TRANSFER AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
AND
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATON LIMITED
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES TRANSFER AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made and entered into on June 23, 2004 in Beijing, People's Republic of China ("PRC") by and between the following parties:
(1) PARTY A: China Network Communications Group Corporation
Address: No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC
(2) PARTY B: China Netcom Corporation Limited
Address: 1 Beihuandong Road, Economic and Technical Development Zone, Beijing, PRC
WHEREAS,
(1) Party A is a state-owned enterprise duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of PRC, and also an organization with investment authorized by the state and a pilot project for state-holding corporations; Party B is a foreign-invested enterprise duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of PRC;
(2) In order to further implement the Telecommunications Reform Program by the State Council and to realize the merger between Party A and China Netcom (Holdings) Corporation Limited (hereinafter referred to as "Netcom Holdings") and overseas listing, it is necessary to carry out a series of restructuring for Netcom Holdings and its subsidiaries including Party B;
(3) Before the restructuring, Netcom Holdings holds the equities of Party B successively through China Netcom (Holdings) BVI Corporation Limited (hereinafter referred to as "BVI CORPORATION") and China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited (hereinafter referred to as "HONG KONG CORPORATION");
(4) As a part and step of the restructuring, Party A has entered into an
Agreement of Equity Transfer of China Netcom (Holdings) Corporation
Limited on Apr 20, 2004 with four shareholders of Netcom Holdings,
i.e., Chinese Academy of Sciences, The information and Network
Center of State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, China
Railways Telecommunications Center and Shanghai Alliance Investment
Limited (hereinafter referred to as "FOUR SHAREHOLDERS"), pursuant
to which the Four Shareholders shall respectively transfer 25% of
their Netcom Holdings' equities to Party A. Upon completion of the
transfer, Netcom Holdings shall become a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Party A. And in turn, Party A shall receive 100% of Netcom Holdings'
equities in BVI pursuant to Equity Transfer Agreement of BVI entered
between Party A and Netcom Holdings, which will make BVI a
wholly-owned subsidiary directly held by Party A;
(5) As another important part and step of the restructuring, it is necessary to restructure Party B entirely, and transfer all its assets, liabilities and relevant businesses to Party A (unless otherwise
specified in this Agreement). Upon completion of the equity transfer under section (4) and government approval, Party A shall ultimately inject the proposed listing assets, liabilities and businesses successively into Party B (hereinafter referred to "ASSETS INJECTION") through BVI and Hong Kong Company. The overseas public offering and listing shall be completed by Hong Kong Company;
(6) According to above restructuring requirements and based on the terms and conditions hereunder, Party B agrees to transfer to Party A and Party A agrees to receive from Party B the transferred assets and liabilities (as defined hereunder), and make agreements and arrangements concerning relevant rights and obligations in foregoing transfer.
Therefore, based on friendly consultation, both parties hereto agreed as follows:
ARTICLE ONE DEFINITION
1.1 Unless otherwise stipulated by this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set out below in this Agreement:
AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT Annual Financial Report 2003 of Party B (See the Exhibit I hereto) prepared according to Chinese Accounting Standards and audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian CPAs Corporation Limited, a recognized audit organization by both parties. |
TRANSFERRED ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (1) all assets and relevant liabilities and interests listed in the audited financial report of Party B, together with any other assets, rights, interests, liabilities, responsibilities and obligations (including any potential and contingent liabilities), which unlisted in the audited financial report but actually held or borne by Party B as of December, 31, 2003 except for the equities of Party B in China Netcom (Hong Kong) Operating Corporation Limited and all overseas assets held by Party B, and (2) all rights, interests, liabilities, responsibilities, obligations (including any potential and contingent liabilities) of Party B occurred between December, 31, 2003 and the Effective Date (as defined hereunder).
Effective Date The date on which all prerequisites agreed herein are fulfilled
1.2 For the purpose of this Agreement, all headings are set only for the convenience of reading, in no
events shall they affect the interpretation of the terms and conditions herein.
ARTICLE TWO TRANSFER OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
2.1 Party B agrees to transfer to Party A and Party A agrees to receive from Party B the transferred assets and liabilities.
2.2 Both parties hereto agree that Party A shall not pay any cash considerations to Party B for receipt of the transferred assets and liabilities as a whole from Party B pursuant to this Agreement.
2.3 Both parties hereto agree that, in case that the prerequisite agreed in article 3.2 herein is fulfilled, the transferred assets and liabilities shall be owned or borne by Party A since Dec 31, 2003 (the long-term investments in transferred assets and liabilities shall be processed according to article 5.1 herein).
2.4 Based on foresaid article 2.3, for the purpose of transfer of the transferred assets and liabilities, Party A and Party B further agree that:
2.4.1 All rights, interests, responsibilities, obligations, liabilities and any potential or contingent liabilities (if any) under the transferred assets and liabilities shall be enjoyed or borne by Party A;
2.4.2 All rights, obligations and liabilities of Party B under any business contracts and other contracts entered into by Party B with any third party in connection with the transferred assets and liabilities shall be succeeded by Party A at the time the transferred assets and liabilities are transferred to Party A; Party A may further arrange its associated affiliates to succeed such contracts without written consent from Party B. Party B shall assist Party A and its associated affiliates with the necessary procedures in changing contract party with a related third party (except that it is otherwise agreed in item 2.4.5);
2.4.3 Since the Effective Date, as for any suits, arbitrations, claims or other legal proceedings in connection with the transferred assets and liabilities or related contracts, regardless occurred before or after the Effective Date, Party A shall participate relevant suits, arbitrations or other legal proceedings as litigant and enjoy relevant rights as well as perform relevant obligations;
2.4.4 If any prior authorizations, approvals, permissions, confirmations or exemptions from any third party that are necessary for the transfer of transferred assets and liabilities to Party A fail to complete before the Effective Date, Party A and Party B shall take all necessary actions in accordance with this Agreement to complete such procedures as soon as possible, provided however, all rights, interests, profits and all obligations, losses and claims arising from or in
connection with such assets and liabilities shall be assumed by Party A; and Party A shall make full and effective compensation for any resultant costs or losses suffered by Party B for any reason;
2.4.5 In consideration of the requirement of the restructuring that after the transferred assets and liabilities has been transferred to Party A, part of the transferred assets and liabilities (such transferred assets and liabilities will be listed in assets evaluation report on assets injected to be submitted to State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, hereinafter referred to as "BACK-INJECTED TRANSFERRED ASSETS AND LIABILITIES") will be injected back into Party B by Party A through assets injection, therefore, Party A and Party B agree that, the business contracts and other contracts entered into by Party B with third party, which will be resumed by Party B after assets injection, are unnecessary to change contract party with a related third party, provided however, this provision shall not affect or relieve the obligations and responsibilities that shall be undertaken by Party A in accordance with other articles contained herein.
2.5 For the transfer of bank loans in the transferred assets and liabilities, Party A further undertakes to Party B that:
2.5.1 Party A shall make every effort and take all necessary actions (including but not limited to signing necessary consent letter to change loan name or entering loan renewal agreement with relevant loan bank) to impel relevant loan bank to issue written consent to transfer the transferred assets and liabilities under this Agreement and waive any guarantee Party B has provided for the bank loan (including but not limited to the security of pledge of right to charge tariff) before the Effective Date;
2.5.2 Party A shall make every effort and take all necessary actions to obtain before the date of effectiveness all necessary written consents on the transfer of assets and liabilities by Party B to Party A from Netcom Holdings' creditors (including written consent from related loan banks of Netcom Holdings agrees to remove the security of pledge of right to charge tariff made by Party B for Netcom Holdings' loan).
ARTICLE THREE EFFECTIVENESS OF TRANSFER
3.1 Transfer agreed under article 2 herein shall become effective when the restructuring and list plan of Party A is approved by the State Council and relevant governmental authorities. If otherwise agreed in this Agreement, the other provisions shall prevail.
3.2 Both parties hereto may waive in written the regulated conditions and prerequisites for the transfer in order to complete equity transfer under this Agreement as soon as possible.
ARTICLE FOUR REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND UNDERTAKINGS
4.1 Both parties hereby make the following representations and warranties to each other:
(1) It is legal entity duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of PRC;
(2) It has legally and effectively obtained all internal authorizations, approvals and consents necessary for performance of this Agreement; this Agreement has binding force over it and is enforceable;
(3) The transfer under article 2 herein shall come into force on condition that Party A should wholly-own, directly or indirectly pursuant to the laws of PRC, all equities of Party B in certain period.
4.2 As to transferred assets and liabilities, Party A agrees to make compensations for Party B on the following relevant matters and at any time enable Party B to obtain full, sufficient, timely, effective and adequate compensations:
(1) Any indictment, claims, lawsuits, losses, compensations, payments, expenses and costs suffered by Party B arising from the transfer of assets and liabilities (including but not limited to professional service charge and costs) to Party A and occurrence of any event before or after the date of effectiveness;
(2) Any indictment, claims, lawsuits, losses, compensations, payments, expenses and costs (including but not limited to professional service charge and costs) suffered by Party B after the date of effectiveness for failure in obtaining advance authorization, approvals, consents, confirmations or exemptions of any third party necessary for the transfer under item 2.4.4 before the date of effectiveness.
ARTICLE FIVE OTHER AGREEMENTS
5.1 As to Party B's equities in its long-term invested entities before the Effective Date (including the Effective Date), both parties agree that Party B shall transfer the equities as soon as possible to associated affiliates of Party A or a suitable third party. All proceedings from transfer shall be included into transferred assets and liabilities under this Agreement and be handed over to Party A timely by Party B. Party A hereby undertakes to Party B that it shall make every effort (including but not limited to impelling its associated affiliates or suitable third party to pass relevant resolutions or signing relevant agreements) to assist Party B to go through all procedures necessary for the transfer as soon as possible and make enough and effective compensation for Party B for any claims or losses suffered by Party B arising from the equities and its transfer.
5.2 As to Party B's equities in China Netcom (Hong Kong) Operating Corporation Limited, Party A hereby warrants to Party B that it will make every effort (including but not limited to urging relevant overseas subsidiary to pass relevant resolutions and sign relevant agreements), before the date at which assets evaluation results on assets injected are approved by State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, to assist Party B to transfer its equities, and make sufficient and effective compensations for Party B as to any claims or losses suffered by Party B arising from the equities and its transfer.
5.3 Both Parties agree that after the date of effectiveness, the Parties will carry out adequate consultation, coordination and cooperation on unfinished matters for careful arrangement of business, organizations and personnel integration concerned transfer of assets and liabilities under this Agreement.
ARTICLE SIX BREACH OF THE CONTRACT
6.1 Each Party shall be entitled to claim against the breach of any commitments and warrants or other clauses herein by the other Party. The alleged party shall be responsible for all direct or indirect losses, costs and liabilities suffered by the other party due to its breach of commitments and warrants or any other clauses herein.
ARTICLE SEVEN DISPUTE RESOLUTION
7.1 If any disputes develop among the Parties in respect of the validity, interpretations or performance of this Agreement, the parties should resolve the disputes in question through friendly negotiation first. If the negotiation in respect of the disputes fails within thirty (30) days as from the date when such dispute arose, any Party shall have the right resort to litigations to the People's Court with proper jurisdiction.
ARTICLE EIGHT EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND OTHERS
8.1 This Agreement shall come into effect once signed by both parties' legal representatives or authorized representatives and affixed with their official seals.
8.2 All amendments or supplements to this Agreement shall be effective only signed and officially sealed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of both parties.
8.3 This Agreement represents the entire agreement between both parties on transfer of the transferred assets and liabilities and shall replace any written or oral agreement, contract and memorandum (if any) between both parties.
8.4 This Agreement is made into eight (8) duplicate originals. Each party holds two (2), and each original
shall have the same legal binding effect. The remains shall be kept by Party A to process relevant reporting or filing procedures.
(Signature page)
China Network Communications Group Corporation (seal)
By: _____________________________________________ Legal Representative or Authorized Representative
China Netcom Corporation Limited (seal)
By: _____________________________________________ Legal Representative or Authorized Representative
Appendix One: Audited Financial Reports
EXHIBIT 10.7
INTERCONNECTION SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED
AND
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
INTERCONNECTION SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made and entered into on [-], 2004 in Beijing, People's Republic of China ( "PRC") by and among the following two parties:
Party A: China Network Communications Group Corporation Address: No. 156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC Legal representative: Zhang Chun Jiang Party B: China Netcom (Group) Company Limited Address: Building C, No. 156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC Legal representative: Zhang Chun Jiang |
WHEREAS,
(1) Party A is a state-owned enterprise duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of PRC;
(2) Party B is a limited foreign funded enterprise duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of PRC and is finally controlled by Party A.
Based on fair and reasonable basis, following cooperative negotiation, regarding relevant issues relating to interconnection settlement provided by either Party to the other Party, it is hereby agreed by and between both parties hereto as follows:
1. BASIC PRINCIPLES
1.1 For the services and/or facilities provide by either Party to the other Party under this Agreement, the Party reserves the right to collect reasonable service fees based on the principle of fairness for such service and/or facilities it provides. The other Party shall make the payment for the services/or facilities provided.
1.2 The terms of services and/or facilities offered by one Party to the other under this Agreement shall not be worse than any other third party offering the same or similar services and/or facilities.
1.3 Should either Party hereunder demand for more services and/or facilities hereunder from the other Party, the other Party shall make its utmost effort to provided such more services and/or facilities requested under the conditions no less favorable than that under which this Party may provide the same or similar services and/or facilities to a third Party.
1.4 The agreed services and/or facilities hereunder shall fully comply with the purposes agreed upon under this Agreement and the standard set by the State.
1.5 In the event of any breach of provision by either party under this Agreement that leads to any damage suffered by the other party, the party in default shall be liable for all immediate and full damages for breaching this Agreement. However, this Party shall not be held responsible for such losses in the event of Force Majeure.
1.6 Both parties shall provide all reasonable and essential assistance to the other party for the purpose of fulfilling the obligations set out in this Agreement.
1.7 It is agreed that both parties will take further actions to ensure the realization of the principles and provisions in this Agreement. It is further agreed that both parties will ensure that, Party B, being a subsidiary of a company to be listed or listed, China Netcom Group (Hong Kong) Limited (hereinafter "Listing Company"), shall comply with the Listing Rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for connected transactions.
2. INTERCONNECTION AND SETTLEMENT VARIETIES
2.1 The Parties agree to achieve the interconnections between various telecommunication networks of the Parties.
2.2 The Parties agree to settle domestic long distance voice service and international long distance voice service as is set forth in this Agreement.
3. INTERCONNECTION TECHNICAL REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS, SHARE OF INTERCONNECTION COSTS AND ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION
3.1 All foresaid connections shall be made in accordance with the interconnection technical regulations promulgated by national telecommunication regulatory authorities.
3.2 The Parties shall negotiate on the settlement of interconnection costs and engineering construction with reference to relevant regulations promulgated by national telecommunication regulatory authorities.
4. OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES
4.1 The parties shall warrant that the communication quality between networks be not lower than the communication quality of the same service in their own networks.
4.2 Under the premise of technical feasibility, when required, either Party shall provide telecommunication services which has been provided for its own customers to the other Party's customer unconditionally with service quality guaranteed.
4.3 Party A shall be obliged to provide Party B's auditors with the accounting records of Party A and its connected persons for any connected transactions.
5. NETWORKS MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE
5.1 Either Party shall give notice to the other Party six (6) months prior to its enlargement and reconstruction of its network, which may negatively affect the communication of other Party's customers.
5.2 Except for Force Majeure, either Party shall give notice to the other Party thirty (30) days prior to its adjustment of route system, relay circuit, signaling mode, station data and software version, which may negatively affect the communication of other Party's customers.
5.3 When required, either Party shall, in a timely manner, cooperate with the other Party when the latter adjusts the route system, relay circuit, signaling mode, station data and software version to ensure the communication quality between networks.
5.4 The Parties agree to perform maintenance on their own networks to assure the normal operation of the whole networks according to the applicable regulations promulgated by national telecommunication regulatory authorities from time to time.
5.5 Should there be any communication breakdown and problems, the Parties shall take effective measures to resume communication.
6. SETTLEMENT PRINCIPLES AND METHODS BETWEEN NETWORKS
6.1 Settlement relationships for domestic long distance voice service: Party A and Party B make settlement with each other, except for domestic long distance voice service between Party A's subsidaries in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Shanxi and Inner Mongolia and Party B's subsidaries in Beijing, Tianjin, Henan, Hebei, Shandong and Liaoning.
Settlement price for domestic long distance voice service: settlement based on voice termination - operator from whose network calls are originated makes settlement to the operator from whose network calls are terminated. The price is RMB 0.06/minute if calls are terminated in the network of Party A or Party B and RMB 0.09/minute if terminated in networks other than in those of Party A and Party B.
6.2 Settlement relationship for international long distance voice service:
settlement between Party A and Party B.
Settlement principle for international long distance voice service (see Appendix to this Agreement for detailed price):
(1) Outgoing international calls: Party A shall be responsible for any charges which Part B shall pay to overseas telecommunications operators. Incomes of Party A shall be distributed between Party A and Party B based on estimated cost proportion of Party A and Party B in provision of outgoing international long distance voice service after the amount of payment made by Party B to overseas telecommunications operators has been deducted from the total income.
(2) Incoming international calls: Incomes of Party B receivedfrom overseas telecommunication operators shall be distributed between Party A and Party B based on estimated cost proportion of Party A and Party B in provision of incoming international long distance voice service after the amount of payment toParty A (RMB 0.06/minute when calls are terminated in Party A's network; RMB 0.09 when calls are terminated in other operator's network) has been deducted from the total income. The above-mentioned rate shall be subject to adjustment at any time according to applicable standards, fixed tariffs and policies published by relevant Chinese regulatory authorities.
6.3 Data processing and checking principles
Billing and settlement center of Party B shall be responsible for data processing. If the difference between the bill of the center and billing data of both parties (billing data difference = difference between the relevant two parties/the averaged data of the relevant two parties *100%) is equal to or lower than 3%, the bill of the center shall prevail. If the difference is higher than 3%, a preliminary settlement shall be made based on the bill data of the center. The parties shall submit a written request for dispute arbitration to operational management department of Party B within 10 working days from the 20th of each month.
Operational management department of Party B shall give a written disposal suggestion within 3 months upon receipt of the written dispute arbitration request. The settled amount that needs
adjustment shall be adjusted in the statement of account of next month.
6.3 Settlement Procedures
Place of settlement: Beijing, China
Settlement period, commence date and termination date: once per month, settlement and billing period (based on the ending time of calls) is from 0:00 (inclusive) of 21st of the previous month to 0:00 (exclusive) of 21st of this month. Since there are quite a number of uncertainties in the international business settlement characterized by the committed period. Within the settlement period, the internal settlement of international service shall be made on the basis of the completion of settlement with overseas telecommunication operators. Interconnection settlement will begin from 0:00 of December 21, 2003.
Method of payment: the payer party of the month shall pay the net settlement amount to the payee party of the month.
7. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTS
Each party represents and warrants to the other party that:
(1) It has the power and authority (including but not limited to any approval, consents or permission granted by the government departments ) to sign this Agreement;
(2) No provision in this Agreement violates the constitutive documents or the laws and regulations of PRC;
8. FORCE MAJEURE
If any unforeseeable Force Majeure incident whose occurrence and impact cannot be prevented or avoided has affected or has led to the fail of the either party in performing this Agreement in accordance with the agreed terms, the affected Party shall immediately inform the other Party within fifteen (15) days after the said incident, and provide the other Party details of the incident and effective certification documents explaining why all or part of the related obligations under this Agreement and the relevant appendixes can not be performed, or need to performed in a prolonged time frame. Based on the extent of the influence of such incidents on the performance of such affected obligations, the parties shall negotiate to decide whether or not to terminate, postpone or partially exempt the performance of such obligations.
9. CONFIDENTIALITY
With the exception of requests by the legal or governmental departments or any other relevant securities regulatory authorities or for the purpose of the Listing Company seeking listing, unless with written approval by the other party, neither party can make public announcements nor supply or reveal any business information regarding this Agreement of the other party to any companies, enterprises, organizations or individuals,.
10. TRANSFER
Without the written approval of the other party, neither party may transfer any single right and obligation as agreed upon under this Agreement.
11. NON-WAIVER
Unless otherwise specified by law, the failure or delay of exercising the right, power or privilege as endowed by this Agreement on the part of either Party A or Party B cannot be deemed as the waiver of such rights, power or privileges. Besides, the partial exercise of such rights, power or privileges should not hinder the exercise of such rights, power or privileges of this Party in the future.
12. NOTICES
12.1 All notices required to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing, and delivered to the address as stated at the beginning part of this Agreement, or to addresses or facsimile numbers designated by one Party to the other Parties in writing from time to time.this Agreement. 12.2 Any notice above shall be delivered either by hand, registered mail, or facsimile. Any notice shall be deemed to have been delivered at the time of actual receipt if delivered by hand; on the date of return receipt if delivered by registered mail; and at the time of transmission if delivered by facsimile. 13. GOVERNING LAWS This Agreement shall be governed, interpreted and implemented in accordance with laws of the People's Republic of China. 14. DISPUTES RESOLUTION In case of disputes as to the power, interpretation or implementation of this Agreement, both parties shall seek to settle the matters of dispute by friendly negotiation. If the matters of dispute cannot be settled by negotiation within thirty (30) days from the day the matters of dispute arise, either party 6 |
has the right to resort to litigation at the people's court which has jurisdiction over where Party B situates. 15. EFFECTIVENESS OF AGREEMENT AND OTHERS 15.1 This Agreement shall come into effect once signed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of both Parties and affixed with their official seals. This Agreement shall be effective till June 30, 2007. If Party B wishes to renew this Agreement and notifies Party A with 3 month's notice, this Agreement shall be renewed automatically for another 3 years on the same terms. There are no limits on the number of renewal. 15.2 Upon the agreement of both parties, both parties can amend this Agreement or enter into supplementary agreement to this Agreement. The amendments or supplementary agreements of this Agreement shall come into effect once signed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of both Parties and affixed with their official seals. 15.3 This Agreement is severable, that is, if any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal or unenforceable at any time, the effectiveness and performance of other provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected. 15.4 This Agreement is made into six (6) duplicate originals. Each party holds three (3) copies, and each copy shall have the same legal binding effect. |
Signature page:
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION (SEAL)
By: __________
Legal Representative or Authorized Representative
CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED (SEAL)
By: __________
Legal Representative or Authorized Representative
APPENDIX: SPECIFIC SETTLEMENT PRICES FOR INTERNATIONAL LONG DISTANCE VOICE SERVICE
(1) Outgoing international calls (including outgoing INMARSAT calls originated from China and incoming international calls reverse settlement): Party A shall make settlement to Party B, RMB [M+(N-M)*R]/minute, if N<M, RMB M /minute.
M: actual settlement price for outgoing international calls of various each directions, adjusted based on openly committed period. In each direction, M=settled amount corresponding to non-committed volume/non-committed volume of outgoing calls in this direction
N: average retail price charged on customers who make outgoing international calls, subsidiaries of Party B accounted respectively, adjusted once each quarter;
R: costs allocation ratio for Party B, adjusted or confirmed yearly by the Parties based on their respective costs for outgoing international call services.
(2) Incoming international calls (including outgoing international calls
reverse settlement): Party B shall make settlement to Party A, RMB
[Y+(X-Y)*R]/minute, if X<Y, RMB Y /minute.
X: average settle unit price for incoming international calls, adjusted yearly;
Y: settlement price for incoming international calls terminated in local networks (RMB 0.06/minute in the Parties' networks, RMB 0.09 /minute in other networks, adjusted or confirmed yearly by the Parties);
R: cost allocation ratio for Party B, adjusted yearly by the Parties based on their respective costs for incoming international call services.
EXHIBIT 10.8
PROPERTY LEASING AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
AND
CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED
PROPERTY LEASING AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made and entered into on [-], 2004 in Beijing, People's Republic of China ( "PRC") by and among the following two parties:
China Network Communications Group Corporation (Party A)
Address: No. 156, Fuxingmenwai Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC
Legal representative: Zhang Chun Jiang
China Netcom (Group) Company Limited (Party B)
Address: Building C, No. 156, Fuxingmenwai Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC
Legal representative: Zhang Chun Jiang
In this Agreement, the term "Tenant" and "Lessor" may refer to Party A or Party B or both Party A and Party B (the terms include branches, subsidiaries, affiliates and enterprises or units controlled by Party A and/or Party B, the same as below), for this Agreement.
Pursuant to the Contract Law of the PRC as well as relevant provisions of other laws and regulations, for the purpose of clarifying their respective rights and obligations, Party A and Party B, through cooperative negotiation, hereby enter into this Agreement as follows:
ARTICLE ONE SCOPE AND PURPOSE OF THE LEASE
1. Due to the demand of business operations, Party A and Party B agree to lease to each other the Properties owned by their branches, subsidiaries, affiliates and enterprises or units controlled by both parties (hereinafter collectively referred to as "Subsidiary Companies"). Party A and Party B confirm that such subsidiary companies, enterprises and units have agreed to entrust Party A or Party B to exercise the leasing rights of the Properties defined hereunder.
Party A agrees to lease to Party B the Properties owned by Party A hereunder (hereinafter referred to as "Properties of Party A"); and Party B is willing to lease the Properties of Party A and pay the consideration accordingly as provided hereunder. Party B agrees to lease to Party A the Properties owned by Party B hereunder (hereinafter referred to as "Properties of Party B"); and Party A is willing to lease the Properties of Party B and pay the consideration accordingly as provided hereunder.
2. The scope of the Properties of Party A and the Properties of Party B as referred to in the foregoing article shall be defined in the Appendix of this Agreement. Party A and Party B may make adjustment once a year to the scope of the Properties of Party A and the Properties of Party B as defined in the Appendix in accordance with the actual circumstances.
3. Both parties agree that the Properties of Party A or the Properties of Party B they have leased shall only be used by them within the permitted scope to legally engage in business operational activities, and neither party may lease the other party's Properties to a third party without the other party's written consent, and this sub-leasing party shall still be liable for the liabilities and obligations hereunder.
ARTICLE TWO TERMS OF LEASING
1. The agreed lease term of the Properties hereunder is the same as that of this Agreement, subject to item 2 of this Article.
2. The Lessor may immediately terminate the agreed lease of the Properties hereunder if the Tenant commits any of the following:
1) The Tenant, at its own discretion, sublease or sublend the Properties of the Lessor to other parties without the prior consent of the Lessor (except when the Properties are subleased or sub-lent to the subsidiaries or affiliated companies of the Tenant);
2) The Tenant violates the purpose of usage as agreed by both parties for the leasing, or uses the leased Properties to conduct any illegal activities and do harm to the public interests.
3. If, in accordance with Article Ten, the Tenant does not exercise the right of renewal but is unable to return the Properties to the Lessor upon the expiration of this Agreement due to its business operations, the Lessor shall extend the term to a period as deemed appropriate and is entitled to claiming rental from the Tenant for an amount negotiated and agreed by both parties.
ARTICLE THREE RENTAL AND METHOD OF PAYMENT
1. Party A and Party B agree that the actual rental for the Properties leased to each other shall be determined by both parties in the Appendix to this Agreement based on the market price or the depreciation and maintenance cost and with reference to the rental standard set by the local price authorities while taking into consideration the actual needs of the parties (not exceeding the market price).
Party A and Party B agree that both parties may sign separate execution documents with regard to the leasing issues of certain Properties of Party A or certain Properties of Party B with the purpose of specifying the applicable terms and conditions relating to such leased Properties, provided that the execution documents shall comply with the principles, compendium and terms and conditions set forth hereunder.
2. The foregoing rental shall be reviewed once a year while Party A and Party B shall negotiate to determine whether the rental needs to be adjusted as well as the actual amount of the rental after such adjustment.
3. The rental shall be settled once each quarter and the settlement date is the last day of each quarter. When the last day of the quarter happens to be Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the settlement date shall be postponed to the first working day immediately after the holiday.
4. All tax burdens incurred by the leasing of the Properties of Party A or the Properties of Party B, and management fees and other charges levied by the state and local governments against the Properties of Party A and the Properties of Party B shall be borne by the Lessor, unless otherwise specified hereunder.
ARTICLE FOUR THE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PROPERTIES DURING THE LEASE TERM
The repair and maintenance of the Properties during the lease term is the Lessor's obligation, and all costs incurred for this purpose shall be borne by the Lessor. When performing necessary renovation to the
leased Properties, unless otherwise specified by this Agreement, the Tenant shall consult the Lessor for any renovation involving the alterations to the main structure of the leased Properties and shall not proceed with the renovation until a written agreement is entered into. However, unless with valid reasons, the Lessor shall not refuse or delay the alterations to the main structure of the Properties requested by the Tenant. Regarding alterations, additions that do not involve the main structure of the Properties, the Tenant may perform such alterations and additions on its own and at its own expense without notice to and consent from the Lessor. Any additions or value added to the Properties as a result of renovation, alterations or additions made by the Tenant or the Lessor during the lease term shall belong to the Lessor.
ARTICLE FIVE CHANGE OF THE LESSOR
1. If the Lessor transfers the title of the leased Properties to a third party, this Agreement shall remain in force and effective to the new owner of the title of the Properties.
2. When the Lessor sells the ownership of the leased Properties, the Lessor shall notify the Tenant three months before the sale. The Tenant shall have the preferential right under the same conditions.
ARTICLE SIX THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BOTH PARTIES
1. Both Party A and Party B hereby represent and warrant to the other party that both parties are established, registered and existing companies or organizations in accordance with the laws of the PRC and have full powers and authorizations (including the legal, the company's internal and other powers and authorizations):
1) The powers and authorizations to own, lease, rent and operate its assets;
2) The powers and authorizations to sign and implement this Agreement.
2. The Lessor hereby represents and warrants to the Tenant as follows:
1) The Lessor is the only lawful owner of the leased Properties and has the exclusive right to lease the said Properties to the Tenant for considerations in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement;
2) The leased Properties, when delivered to the Tenant for use, are in good conditions with structures complete and adequate for the Tenant to use them for the purposes set forth in this Agreement;
3) The Lessor undertakes that the Tenant has the right to terminate this Agreement at any time if the foregoing warranty contains any untrue statement. Meanwhile, the Lessor agrees to undertake the indemnify obligation for any economic loss and damages incurred to the Tenant by such untruth.
3. The Tenant hereby represents and warrants to the Lessor as follows:
1) The Tenant shall pay the relevant rental to the Lessor in accordance with Article Three of this Agreement. IF the Tenant fail to pay the said rental, the Tenant shall, for each 1 day (calendar day, and the same applies below) late, pay a late charge penalty of 0.05% of the outstanding balance to the Lessor.
2) During the lease term, the Tenant shall abide by the relevant laws and regulations of the PRC and it shall be the Tenant's sole responsibility to bear the consequences of security, fire and
environment protection issues.
4. Party A warrants to providing Party B's auditors with the accounting records of Party A and its connected persons for any connected transactions.
5. It is agreed that both parties will take further actions to ensure the realization of the principles and provisions in this Agreement. It is further agreed that both parties will ensure that, Party B, being a subsidiary of a company to be listed or listed, China Netcom Group (Hong Kong) Limited, shall comply with the Listing Rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for connected transactions.
ARTICLE SEVEN FORCE MAJEURE
If any unforeseeable Force Majeure incident whose occurrence and impact cannot be prevented or avoided has affected or has led to the fail in performing this Agreement in accordance with the agreed terms, the affected Party shall immediately inform the other Party by written notice within fifteen (15) days after the said incident, and provide the other Party details of the incident and effective certification documents explaining why all or part of the related obligations under this Agreement and the relevant appendixes can not be performed, or need to performed in a prolonged time frame. Such certification documents shall be issued by the notary organization located in the region where the incident has occurred. Based on the extent of the influence of such incidents on the performance of such affected obligations, the parties shall negotiate to decide whether or not to terminate, postpone or partially exempt the performance of such obligations.
ARTICLE EIGHT BREACH OF CONTRACT
1. The failure of a party to perform the obligations set forth by this
Agreement shall be deemed in violation of the contract. The delinquent
Party shall correct this noncompliance within five (5) days upon receiving
from the other Party a detailed notice of such violation. If after five
(5) days, such violation of Agreement has not been corrected, the
delinquent Party should compensate the other Party for all direct and
foreseeable losses caused by such breach of contract.
2. If the Tenant's use of the leased Properties is prolonged due to the errors or mistakes of the Lessor, the agreed lease term of the Properties hereunder shall be extended accordingly.
ARTICLE NINE GOVERNING LAWS AND DISPUTES RESOLUTION
1. The execution, power, interpretation, implementation and disputes resolution of this Agreement are subject to the protection and jurisdiction of the law of the People's Republic of China.
2. Both parties shall seek to settle matters of dispute arising from the implementation of this agreement or in connection with this agreement by cooperative negotiation. If the matters of disputes cannot be settled by negotiation, either party has the right to resort to litigation at the people's court which has the jurisdiction over the matter.
ARTICLE TEN EFFECTIVENESS OF AGREEMENT AND OTHERS
1. This Agreement shall come into effect once signed by the legal representatives or authorized
representatives of both Parties and affixed with their official seals. This Agreement shall be effective till June 30, 2007. If Party B wishes to renew this Agreement and notifies Party A with 3 month's notice, this Agreement shall be renewed automatically for another 3 years on the same terms. There is no limits on the number of renewal.
2. The supplementary agreements, side agreements, and documents drawn according to the principles of this Agreement are parts of this Agreement. Both parties agree that any changes, revisions or amendments to this Agreement shall come into effect by written agreements entered into by both parties and shall become indivisible parts of this Agreement.
3. The Agreement is made in Chinese. It is made into four (4) originals. Each Party holds two (2) copies, and each original shall have the same legal binding effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Legal representatives or the authorized representatives of both parties hereto have executed the Agreement as of the date and venue first written above.
Signature page:
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION (SEAL)
By: ____________
Legal Representative or Authorized Representative
CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED (SEAL)
By: ____________
Legal Representative or Authorized Representative
APPENDIX
I: ITEMIZED LIST OF PROPERTIES LEASED BY PARTY A TO PARTY B
NAME OF THE FULL AREA RENTALS NO. PROPERTY USAGE ADDRESS LEASED (TOTAL) NOTE --- -------- ----- ------- ------ ------- ---- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
* Please indicate in the Note column if there are other special articles as applicable.
II: ITEMIZED LIST OF PROPERTIES LEASED BY PARTY B TO PARTY A
NAME OF THE FULL AREA RENTALS NO. PROPERTY USAGE ADDRESS LEASED (TOTAL) NOTE --- -------- ----- ------- ------ ------- ---- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
* Please indicate in the Note column if there are other special articles as applicable.
EXHIBIT 10.9
PROPERTY SUB-LEASING AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
AND
CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED
PROPERTY SUB-LEASING AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made and entered into on [-], 2004 in Beijing, People's Republic of China ( "PRC") by and among the following two parties:
China Network Communications Group Corporation (Party A)
Address: Building C, No. 156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
Legal representative: Zhang Chun Jiang
China Netcom (Group) Company Limited (Party B)
Address: Block C, No. 156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
Legal representative: Zhang Chun Jiang
WHEREAS,
1. Party A (including subordinate subsidiaries and other branches, the same as below), pursuant to the lease contract or agreement (hereafter referred to as "the said lease contract") entered into with related Property Lessor and the approval from relevant government departments, occupies the relevant property for its business operation according to law.
2. Party A hereby is willing to sublease the properties leased by Party A and its subordinate subsidiaries and other branches under the said lease contract or properties occupied according to the approval of relevant government departments to Party B (including subordinate subsidiaries or other branches, the same as below) for use to satisfy Party B's needs (the properties subleased to Party B accordingly are collectively called "the said property"), and Party B shall enjoy and assume all relevant rights and obligations under the said lease contract and those formerly undertook by Party A relating to its effective occupancy of the property pursuant to the approval of relevant government departments.
Pursuant to relevant provisions of The Contract Law of the PRC, as well as related laws and regulations, and in order to define the rights and obligations of Party A and Party B, this Agreement has been entered into by Party A and Party B through cooperative negotiations as follows:
ARTICLE ONE SUB-LEASING OBJECT
Party A agrees to sublease to Party B the said property occupied by Party A, its subordinate subsidiaries and other branches; Party B agrees to rent the said property according to the stipulations in this Agreement and the said lease contract (or approval of relevant government departments), and enjoys and undertakes relevant rights and obligations. The scope of the subleased property shall be defined in the appendix to this Agreement. Both parties can renew the scope of the property specified in the appendix to this Agreement once annually based on the actual situation.
ARTICLE TWO SUB-LEASEING TERM
Under the condition that the lease term of the said property under the said lease contract does not exceed the agreed period of validity in Article Eight of this Agreement, the sublease term of the said property shall be in accordance with the lease term agreed in the respective said lease contracts (including renewal contract signed in accordance with law); The period of use of the properties taken up effectively with approval from relevant government departments shall be determined according to the period of use approved by the government departments, except for that otherwise agreed upon between the property's original Lessor and Party A and Party B in accordance with the law. If the lease term of the said property under the said lease contract is shorter than the Agreement's validity term, Party A shall make every effort to satisfy Party B's needs by extending the lease contract with the original Lessor.
ARTICLE THREE RENTAL AND METHOD OF PAYMENT
Both Party A and Party B agree that the rentals and other fees (including but not limited to property management fee, etc.) and the payment method for such fees, should be determined according to the said lease contract or in accordance with the amount and/or method of payment of Party A, its subordinate subsidiaries and other branches approved by relevant government departments, Party A shall not collect any additional fees.
ARTICLE FOUR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BOTH PARTIES
1. Party A hereby represents and warrants to Party B as follows:
1) Party A is the only legal user of the said property, who has the legal right to use the said property according to the said lease contract or approval of relevant government departments and to sublease the said property to Party B;
2) Party A warrants that rentals, property management fees and other fees paid for the lease of the said property are fixed by fair negotiation with the Lessor, and at the same time Party A warrants that the sublease of the said property to Party B is not aimed at profit-making;
3) Party A warrants that all taxes incurred by the sublease of the said property, management fees and other fees imposed by state and local governments on the said property shall be borne by Party A;
4) Party A warrants that any loss incurred through flaw in the ownership or right-to-use of the said property (including but not limited to not having obtained sublease consent from the Lessor) by Party B shall be fully compensated by Party A.
5) Party A warrants that accounting records of Party A and its connected parties in respect of connected transactions shall be provided to the auditor of Party B
2. Party B represents and warrants to Party A as follows:
1) Party B shall enjoy and undertake the Lessee's rights and obligations according to the stipulations in this Agreement and the said lease contract (or approval of relevant government departments);
2) The lease of the said property by Party B is for the operation of Party B's business (such as offices, business networks, storage for parts and network equipments, etc.), Party B warrants not to sublease or sublend the said property to any third party.
3. It is agreed that both parties will take further actions to ensure the realization of the principles and provisions in this Agreement. It is further agreed that both parties will ensure that, Party B, being a subsidiary of a company to be listed or listed, China Netcom Group (Hong Kong) Limited, shall comply with the Listing Rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for connected transactions.
ARTICLE FIVE FORCE MAJEURE
If any unforeseeable Force Majeure incident whose occurrence and impact cannot be prevented or avoided has affected or has led to the fail in performing this Agreement in accordance with the agreed terms, the affected Party shall immediately inform the other Party by written notice within fifteen (15) days after the said incident, and provide the other Party details of the incident and effective certification documents explaining why all or part of the related obligations under this Agreement and the relevant appendixes can not be performed, or need to performed in a prolonged time frame. Such certification documents shall be issued by the notary organization located in the region where the incident has occurred. Based on the extent of the influence of such incidents on the performance of such affected obligations, the parties shall negotiate to decide whether or not to terminate, postpone or partially exempt the performance of such obligations.
ARTICLE SIX BREACH OF THE CONTRACT
Failure in performing its appointed obligations under this Agreement or violation of its relevantrepresentations, warranties by any party shall be deemed to be in violation of the contract, the delinquent Party should correct this noncompliance within five (5) days upon the other party receiving a detailed notice of such violation. If after five (5) days, such violation of Agreement has not been corrected, the delinquent Party should compensate the other Party for all direct and foreseeable losses caused by such breach of contract.
ARTICLE SEVEN GOVERNING LAWS AND DISPUTES RESOLUTION
1. The execution, power, interpretation, implementation and disputes resolution of this Agreement are subject to the protection and jurisdiction of the law of the People's Republic of China.
2. Both parties shall seek to settle matters of dispute arising from the implementation of this agreement or in connection with this agreement by cooperative negotiation. If the matters of disputes cannot be settled by negotiation, either party has the right to resort to litigation at the people's court which has the jurisdiction over the matter.
ARTICLE EIGHT EFFECTIVENESS OF AGREEMENT AND OTHERS
1. This Agreement shall come into effect once signed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of both Parties and affixed with their official seals. This Agreement shall be effective till June 30, 2007. If Party B wishes to renew this Agreement and notifies Party A with 3 month's notice, this Agreement shall be renewed automatically for another 3 years on the same terms. There is no limits on the number of renewal.
2. The supplementary agreements, side agreements, and documents drawn according to the principles of this Agreement are parts of this Agreement. Both parties agree that any changes, revisions or amendments to this Agreement shall come into effect by written agreements entered into by both parties and shall become indivisible parts of this Agreement.
3. The Agreement is made in Chinese. It is made into four (4) originals. Each Party holds two (2) copies, and each original shall have the same legal binding effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Legal representatives or the authorized representatives of both parties hereto have executed the Agreement as of the date and venue first written above.
Signature page:
China Network Communications Group Corporation ( seal)
By: ___________
Legal Representative or Authorized Representative
China Netcom (Group) Company Limited ( seal)
By: ___________
Legal Representative or Authorized Representative
APPENDIX: LIST OF SUBLEASED PROPERTIES
NAME OF THE FULL AREA RENTALS NO. PROPERTY USAGE ADDRESS LEASED (TOTAL) NOTE --- -------- ----- ------- ------ ------- ---- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
* The above list can be classified according to the Lessor's situation (such as mobile, paging, postal service, industry, third party etc.);
* The note column can be filled in according to the actual conditions:
whether there is a signed Leasing Agreement or other specially agreed
terms.
EXHIBIT 10.10
MASTER SERVICES SHARING AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
AND
CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED
MASTER SERVICES SHARING AGREEMENT
This Master Service Sharing Agreement ("THIS AGREEMENT") is made and entered into on [-], 2004 in Beijing, People's Republic of China ( "PRC") by and between the following parties:
Party A: China Network Communications Group Corporation Address: No. 156, Fu Xing Men Nei Da Jie, Xi Cheng Qu, Beijing, China Legal representative: Zhang Chun Jiang Party B: China Netcom (Group) Company Limited Address: Building C, No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC Legal representative: Zhang Chun Jiang |
Whereas:
(1) Party A is a state owned enterprise organized existing under the laws of China; and
(2) Party B is a foreign-invested company organized and existing under the laws of China, which is ultimately controlled by Party A.
On equal and fair basis, both Party A and Party B reach the following agreement on master services sharing after friendly negotiation:
1 BASIC PRINCIPLE:
1.1 Either party hereto is entitled to reasonable service fees on a fair and reasonable basis for any services and/or facilities provided to another party under this Agreement that are payable transactions during economic activities between both parties, where the another party shall make payments for such services and/or facilities.
1.2 The conditions of the services and/or facilities under this Agreement provided by either party to another shall be equal to the same or similar services and/or facilities provided by such party to any third party.
1.3 Provided either party requires another party to add the provision of the services and/or facilities under this Agreement, the required party shall make every effort to provide the services and/or facilities required to add
by the requiring party with equal conditions to the same or similar services and/or facilities it provided to any third party.
1.4 Either party shall give written notice to another party immediately for its failure to provide, fully or partly, the services and /or facilities under this Agreement due to reasons other than its default, and make every effort to assist another party to obtain the same or similar services and/or facilities from other channels.
1.5 The provision of services and/or facilities under this Agreement must be for purposes agreed by both parties and in compliance with relevant standards required by the government.
1.6 Either party shall take immediate and full breach liabilities for any losses (including but not limited to the direct or indirect losses suffered by another party due to its breach) suffered by another party due to its breach of this Agreement, provided however, its shall be exempted from liabilities for any losses suffered by another party caused by force majeure.
1.7 When either party performing its obligations under this Agreement, another party shall provide all reasonable and necessary assistance.
1.8 Both parties confirm thereby that both parties are obliged to take other necessary actions and measures to realize the purpose and contents of this Agreement, and in case that Party B will act as an subsidiary of the proposed to list or listed China Netcom Group (Hong Kong) Limited, to comply with the regulations of the Listing Rules of Hong Kong Stock Exchange with respect to related-party transactions.
2 DEFINITION
2.1 Master services sharing refers to the services agreed by both parties to be provided to or received from another party in accordance with the terms and conditions agreed in this Agreement, including but not limited to: (1) large customer management services, network administration services and head office human resources services provided by Party B to Party A; (2) business support center services provided by either party to another; (3) premises provided by Party A to Party B and other service sharing listed by the head office.
3 LARGE BUSINESS CUSTOMERS SERVICES
3.1 Party B shall be responsible for provisions of one-stop domestic and international services for large business customers to Party A, details as follows::
(1) marketing over large business customer for Party A's networking and one-point business processing, including collection of customer information, customer relationship management and customer demands investigation and analysis, etc;
(2) bidding competition in Party A's networking project, including business consultation on networking
technologies, design of networking plan, bidding, negotiation of networking contracts, review and conclusion of contracts, etc;
(3) providing demands for inter-provincial digital and data leased lines, conducting resources review, distributing business notices, coordinating and resolving various problems arising during operating commission;
(4) bearing of large business customer marketing expenses, bidding marketing expenses and partial daily expenses;
(5) provision of technical support in nationwide networking projects, executive public relations and policy support;
(6) product development for large business customer and market research;
(7) settlement and collection/payment;
(8) management of service quality to Party A's customers and processing of complaints.
3.2 Obligation of Party A
Party A is obliged to assist Party B in providing end-to-end services to large business customers.
3.3 Obligation of Party B
Party B shall provide customers with services of the quality in compliance with the customer service quality standards agreed by both parties.
4 NETWORK ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
4.1 The network administration service provided by Party B to Party A includes:
(1) maintenance management, version management, data deployment management and operation quality management of transmission network, telephony network (including international network and intelligent network), data network (including DDN, ATM/FR and IP) and various support network; monitoring the operation of Level I trunk network, instructing daily circuit, route and flow scheduling of inter-provincial long distance network, processing Party A's reports and troubleshooting;
(2) resource management, end-to-end scheduling management and network routing management of transmission network, telephony network, data network and various support network, and resources
distribution, equipment connection, networking and development of network reconstruction plans for distance Level I trunk network;
(3) providing periodical, or upon required by Party A, network operation analysis and resource utility report of transmission network, telephony network, data network and various support network;
(4) maintenance of the following system hardware/software and data of Party A: telephony network administration system, data network administration system, transmission network administration system, ISUP network/synchronous network/DCN network administration system, network resource management system, administration website and maintenance website.
4.2 Obligations of Party A
(1) Party A should assist Party B in network operation administration in accordance with network administration regulations.
(2) Party A should ask services from Party B in a planned manner, such as resources scheduling, optic fiber and circuit connection, etc..
(3) Party A should immediately provide Party B with the network change plans and failures within the province Party A located in. .
4.3 Obligations of Party B
(1) Party B should ensure that the network service quality is better than the relevant standards set by the Ministry of Information Industry and resource utility rate should achieve the target agreed by both parties. The target will be stipulated in separate document.
(2) Party B should be available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week (24 x 7 hours) to insure real time monitor network operation and process failure complaints.
(3) Party B should respond to Party A's general complaints and service requests within 5 working days. The serious malfunctions should be resolved in the timeframe as stipulated by the Ministry of Information Industry.
(4) Party B should ensure a network utility rate of 99.9%.
5 HEAD OFFICE HUMAN RESOURCES SERVICES
5.1 Party B should provide such human resources services to Party A as sharing head office administrative staff and operation management staff..
6. BUSINESS SUPPORT CENTER SERVICES
6.1 Party B should provide the following business support center services to Party A:
(1) collecting, pricing and monthly billing of international telecommunications business data and settlement with overseas providers;
(2) collection and collection of roam data for overall network businesses, including but not limited to intelligent network (such as 300 and 800), IP card and PHS short messages, etc and inter-provincial roam billing;
(3) settlement of overall network with other domestic providers or settlement entities;
(4) processing internal-network settlement;
(5) settlement between Party A's provincial branches and other national telecom service providers commissioned by Party A;
(6) providing relevant organizations of Party A with service data statistics report;
(7) responsible for the billing operations of VoIP and 167 services of former Jitong Network Communications Stock Company Limited.
6.2 The business support center services offered by Party A to Party B include:
(1) Undertaking the production and distribution of various phone cards and IC cards(hereinafter referred to as "telecommunication card") over Party A's backbone intelligent networks, including identification, assessment and management of qualifications of card providers and related raw material providers; responsible for inviting card providers to tender, and entering into telecommunication card procurement framework agreement; responsible for production data generation, encrypted data transmission, key production, and quality and security management of telecommunication card, as well as supervising implementation of agreement between card provider and provincial subsidiary; responsible for planning out annual theme scheme of telecommunication card, and administering design and review of contributions; responsible for directing related provincial subsidiaries in ordering and manufacturing telecommunication cards according to the annual theme scheme of telecommunication card; responsible for the conclusion, implementation of coded cards agreement, and the production thereof thereafter;
(2) Responsible for the operational maintenance, technical support and upgrade of the telecommunication card business support system;
(3) Responsible for management of telecommunication card services, including the development of regulations on the production and the graphics and context design of telecommunication card; responsible for gathering business statistics of various cards and performing operational analysis;
(4) Responsible for inter-provincial and inter-network settlement of IC card, and gathering, checking and distributing data arising from interprovincial 300, 800 and IC card services;
(5) Responsible for taking up consigned orders for made-to-measure cards targeting at national market and distribution of these cards, and moreover, the development and promotion of service varieties of national cards and advertisement cards;
(6) Works at the telecommunication card customer service center operated by Party A.
6.3 Obligations of both Parties
(1) Party B shall complete all international settlement, inter-networks settlement and inter-provincial settlement timely and exactly in accordance with rules enacted by the Ministry of Information Industry of State Council and inform Party A as required.
(2) Party A shall complete the design and production of cards printed with nominal value without falling short of the agreed time-limit, quantity and quality requirement.
(3) Party A shall timely accomplish other business demands by Party B according to the actual status of business system and network capacity.
7. OTHER SHARING SERVICES LISTED BY THE HEAD OFFICE
Party A will provide Party B with other sharing services listed by the head office, such as advertising, promotion, business hospitality, maintenance and property management etc.
8. USE OF PREMISES
8.1 Purpose of Premises
(1) Party A agrees to provide its office building (including air conditioner, power supply, electronic equipments and other related facilities etc contained therein.) located at 156 Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xi Cheng District, Beijing to Party B for its use in accordance to the requirement of Party B.
(2) Party B shall use above-mentioned premises as its primary office building..
8.2 Warranties and Undertakings
Party A undertakes that it has the right to provide the premises mentioned above (including air conditioner, power supply, electronic equipments and other related facilities etc contained therein) to Party B for its use. Party A agrees to assume and compensate all losses of Party B due to any failure or damage to its right under this Agreement as a result of any dispute against the ownership and/or use right of Party to such properties from any third party in any case and for any reason. Party A undertakes to provide Party B's auditors with accounting reports of connected transactions of Party A and connected persons.
10 COST ALLOCATION FOR SHARED SERVICE
Both parties agree that: the costs incurred by the large customer management services, network management services, head office human resource services provided by Party B to Party A; the business support center service provided by both parties to each other and the site provided by Party A to Party B as well as other shared services listed by the head office should be allocated in proportion to the income of each party (the income of Party A should not include the income of its overseas subsidiaries and Party B). The specific allocation proportion will be determined by the income listed in their financial statements submitted to each party through consultation. The cost allocation cycle is one year.
10 REPRESENTATION, WARRANTIES AND UNDERTAKINGS
Both parties hereto have made the following statements, commitments and undertakes to each other:
(1) it has the full right and authority to sign this Agreement and its appendixes (including but not limited to obtaining approvals, consents and permissions from relevant governmental authorities);
(2) Any terms of this Agreement and its appendixes are not in violation of the regulatory documents of each party and Chinese law and regulations.
11 FORCE MAJEURE
Either party shall give immediate notice to another party for its failure to perform relevant obligations under this Agreement and Appendixes hereto as agreed as a result of force majeure that is unforeseeable, and the occurrence and results of which cannot be prevented or overcome, and provide, within fifteen (15) days, the detailed information as well as valid evidencing documents for the reasons of its failure or delay to perform the obligations, fully or partly, under this Agreement and Appendixes hereto. Depending on the effect of the force majeure on the performance of such obligations,, both parties shall determine through negotiation whether to terminate, partly exempt or extend the performance of such duties.
12 CONFIDENTIALITY
Unless otherwise stipulated or required by law or relevant regulatory authorities, or for the purpose of listing,
without prior written consent from another party, neither party shall make any announcement about or provide or disclose any materials and information concerning the business of another party or the content of this Agreement to any companies, enterprises, organizations or individuals.
13 TRANSFER
Without prior written consent from another party, neither party shall transfer any rights or obligations under this Agreement
14 NON-WAIVER
Unless otherwise specified by law, the failure or delay of exercising the rights, powers or privileges as endowed by this Agreement on the part of any Party cannot be deemed as the waiver of such rights, power or privileges. Besides, the partial exercise of such rights, powers or privileges should not hinder the exercise of such rights, powers or privileges of this Party in the future.
15 NOTICE
15.1 All notices required to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing, and delivered to the address as stated at the beginning part of this Agreement, or to addresses or facsimile numbers designated by one Party to the other Parties in writing from time to time.this Agreement 15.2 Any notice above shall be delivered either by hand, registered mail, or facsimile. Any notice shall be deemed to have been delivered at the time of actual receipt if delivered by hand; on the date of return receipt if delivered by registered mail; and at the time of transmission if delivered by facsimile. 16 GOVERNING LAW This Agreement is governed by and shall be construed and executed in |
accordance with laws of the PRC.
17 DISPUTE RESOLUTION
In case of disputes as to the power, interpretation or implementation of this agreement, both parties shall seek to settle the matters of dispute by friendly negotiation. If the matters of dispute cannot be settled by negotiation within thirty (30) days from the day the matters of dispute arise, either party has the right to resort to litigation at the people's court which has jurisdiction over where Party A situates.
18 EFFECTIVE DATE AND MISCELLANEOUS
18.1 This Agreement will come into effect , upon executed and sealed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of both parties for a period until June 30, 2007. If Party B notifies party A of its intention to 8 |
renew this Agreement three (3) months before the expiration date, this Agreement will be automatically extended for another three (3) years upon expiration with the same terms and conditions as this Agreement. The renewal times are unlimited. 18.2 The Appendixes hereto are parts of this Agreement with the same effectiveness as the main body of this Agreement. 18.3 Both parties hereto may enter into other necessary executing documents concerning the performance of sharing service under this Agreement. 18.4 This Agreement may be amended or supplemented as agreed by both parties. All such amendments or supplements shall come into effect only upon executed or sealed by the legal representative or authorized representative of both parties. 18.5 This Agreement is severable, that is, if any terms of this Agreement and its appendixes are determined to be illegal or unenforceable, it shall not affect the effectiveness and enforcement of the remaining terms in this Agreement and its appendixes., . 18.6 This Agreement was made in four (4) copies with equal effectiveness. Each party shall keep two (2) copies. |
Signature Page:
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION (Company Seal)
Legal Representative or authorized Representative ____________
CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED (Company Seal)
Legal Representative or authorized Representative ____________
EXHIBIT 10.11
ENGINEERING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED
AND
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
ENGINEERING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into on [-], 2004 in Beijing, People's Republic of China ("PRC") between the following two parties (hereinafter referred to as "both parties" or "Party A and Party B"):
Party A: China Netcom (Group) Company Limited Address: Building C, No. 156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, PRC Legal Representative: Zhang Chun Jiang Party B: China Network Communications Group Corporation Address: No. 156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC Legal Representative: Zhang Chun Jiang |
Based on fair and reasonable basis, following cooperative negotiation, regarding the Project Designing, Construction and IT services provided by Party B (including branches, subsidiaries, and other controlled units) to Party A (including branches, subsidiaries, and other controlled units), it is hereby agreed by and between both parties hereto as follows:
1. BASIC PRINCIPLES
1.1 For the Project Designing, Construction and IT services provided by Party B to Party A under this Agreement, Party B reserves the right to collect reasonable service fees under the terms of this Agreement. Party A shall make the payment for the services rendered.
1.2 The terms of Project Designing, Construction and IT services offered by Party B under this Agreement shall not be worse than any other third party offering the same or similar services.
1.3 If Party B fails to provide or fully provide the agreed Project Designing, Construction and IT services due to reasons other than its own fault, Party B shall promptly inform Party A in writing, and shall use its best endeavors to assist Party A to find the same or similar services through other means.
1.4 The agreed Project Designing, Construction and IT services provided by Party B to Party A shall fully comply with the purposes agreed upon under this Agreement and the standard set by the State.
1.5 In the event of any breach of provision by either party under this Agreement that leads to any damage suffered by the other party, the party in default shall be liable for all immediate and full damages for breaching this Agreement.
1.6 Both parties shall provide all reasonable and essential assistance to the other party for the purpose of fulfilling the obligations set out in this Agreement.
2. BASIC CONTENTS OF PROJECT DESIGNING, CONSTRUCTION AND IT SERVICES
2.1 Project Designing, Construction and IT services to be provided to Party A by Party B under this Agreement mainly consist of:
(1) Project Designing, including:
Planning & designing, project survey, communication circuitry works (including plumbing works, optical fiber cables, cable works, overhead pole and route works), communication equipment works (including telephone exchange, transmission works, data and multimedia works, communication power source and air conditioning works, microwave communication works, systematic technical support works, etc.), and enterprise communication works;
(2) Project Construction, including:
Communication equipments, communication lines, communication power supply (including special air conditioning system for communication projects), communication pipeline, technical business support system;
(3) Project Supervision.
2.2 IT services to be provided to Party A by Party B under this Agreement include: office automation, software testing, network upgrading, R & D of new services, development of support system, etc.
3. PRICING PRINCIPLE
3.1 Except for the cases specified in Clause 3.2 of this section, all price and/or charging standard under the Agreement shall be determined with the reference to the market price. The "Market Rate" means the rate determined by the business operator and attained through market competition. The market rate shall be determined by the following order: (1) the rate charged by any independent third party providing the same kind of service in the same or surrounding area under normal situation; or (2) the rate charged by any independent third party providing the same kind of service within China under normal situation.
3.2 Both Parties have agreed that when the value of any project designing or project supervision services exceeds RMB five hundred thousand (500,000), or when the value of any project construction services exceeds RMB two million (2,000,000), then the price to be determined by Invitation for Tenders will be used as the basis of pricing. In addition, in regard to the pricing and/or charging standard of other services under this Agreement, the price determined by Invitation for Tenders (i.e.: the price that is determined by the way of open invitation of bidding in accordance with the Law of the Peoples Republic of China on Bid Invitation and Bidding and other regulations and rules) will be used as the basis of pricing.
In the above said bid invitation, there should be at least three (3) or more service providers present in the bidding, and Party B shall not be given any preferential treatment by Party A, and Party A will be entitled to select any independent third party to provide related service to it; however, on the premise that it is not prohibited by laws and regulations of China, if the terms & conditions provided by Party B are at least equally favorable as that provided by an independent third party for a same service, then Party A may select Party B as the successful bidder.
If Party B is chosen as the successful bidder, Party B shall sign specific documents for execution, which states clearly specific services required by Party A at that time, the binding principles within this Agreement, as well as the terms and conditions for the performance of the said services.
3.3 The specific amount of service charge agreed upon under this Agreement shall from time to time be calculated by the accounting principle applicable in China (if applicable).
3.4 Both parties shall, before December 31 of every calendar year, conduct a review on the price of every item of service and facility stated in this Agreement for the next accounting year (if necessary).
4. PAYMENT OF SERVICE CHARGE
4.1 Party A shall, based on the provisions of this Agreement, any supplementary agreement of this Agreement (if any), and in specific execution documents, pay Party B or its trustee service charge in consideration for the services provided by Party B or its trustee.
4.2 If Party A fails to pay on time the said service charge agreed upon under the provisions of this Agreement, any supplementary agreement of this Agreement (if any), and the specific execution documents, Party A shall, for each 1 day (calendar day, and the same applies below) late, pay a late charge penalty of 0.05% of the outstanding balance to Party B; and after 60 days of late payment, Party B is entitled to notify Party A the termination of service; if Party A still fails to pay for the outstanding balance upon 30 days after receiving the written notice to terminate service, Party B shall be entitled to terminate the service immediately. The suspension or termination of such service shall not in any way prejudice or affect the rights and obligations under this Agreement prior to such event.
5. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF BOTH PARTIES
5.1 Rights and obligations for Party A
5.1.1 Rights for Party A
(1) Party A (including its subsidiary, divisions, and other controlled units) has the right to receive the agreed services provided by Party B;
(2) The auditor of Party A has the right to inspect and examine the accounting books of Party B and its connected persons in relation to the connected transactions under this Agreement..
5.1.2 Obligations for Party A
(1) Guarantee and/or procure its subsidiaries, branches and all other controlled units to enter into specific execution documents with Party B and its subsidiaries, branches or controlled units in relation to this Agreement and/or any supplementary agreement of this Agreement (if any);
(2) Coordinate with all relating matters with regard to the abovementioned specific execution documents;
(3) Pay the service charge as stated in this Agreement and all other specific execution documents;
(4) Guarantee to pay for any damage suffered by Party B or counter party of specific execution documents that is caused by the breach of Party A of any provisions in this Agreement and specific execution documents.
5.2 Rights and obligations of Party B
5.2.1 Rights of Party B
(1) Party B is entitled to the service charge agreed upon under this Agreement;
(2) Right to provide the same or similar service to a third party, on the condition that Party B continues to provide the same service agreed upon under this Agreement.
5.2.2 Obligations of Party B
(1) Guarantee and/or prompt its subsidiaries, branches and all other controlled units to enter into specific execution documents with Party A and its subsidiaries, branches or its other controlled units in relation to this Agreement and/or any supplementary agreement of this Agreement (if any);
(2) Provide the services and monitor the services provided by its subsidiaries, branches and other controlled units at a good quality according to the provisions of this Agreement;
(3) Coordinate with all relating matters with regard to the abovementioned specific execution documents;
(4) Guarantee to pay for any damage suffered by Party A or counter party of specific execution documents that is caused by the breach of Party B of any provisions in this Agreement and all other specific execution documents;
(5) Agree to provide the auditor of Party A the accounting books of Party B and its connected persons in relation to the connections transactions under this Agreement.
5.3 It is agreed that both parties will take further actions to ensure the realization of the principles and provisions in this Agreement. It is further agreed that both parties will ensure that, Party A, being a subsidiary of a company to be listed or listed, China Netcom Group (Hong Kong) Limited (hereinafter "Listing Company"), shall comply with the Listing Rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for connected transactions.
6. PREFERENTIAL RIGHT
6.1 Unless otherwise specified, for the same service, if an independent third party cannot offer better conditions and terms to Party A than Party B, Party A have preferential right to use the services from Party B;
6.2 Party B undertakes to Party B that Party B shall not offer the same or similar services stated under this Agreement to a third party at terms more favorable than those offered to Party A;
6.3 Party B has the right to provide the same or similar service to a third party, on the condition that Party B continues to provide the same service agreed upon under this Agreement.
7. TERM
7.1 This Agreement shall come into effect once signed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of both Parties and affixed with their official seals. This Agreement shall be effective till June 30, 2007. If Party A wishes to renew this Agreement and notifies Party B with 3 month's notice, this Agreement shall be renewed automatically for another 3 years on the same terms. There are no limits on the number of renewal.
8. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, AND UNDERTAKINGS
Each party represents, warrants and undertakes to the other party that:
(1) It is an independent legal person existing in accordance with the laws of PRC, and have the power and authority (including but not limited to any approval, consents or permission granted by the government departments to enter into and perform this Agreement);
(2) No provision in this Agreement violates the constitutive documents or the laws and regulations of PRC;
(3) It will use its best endeavors to take all necessary and procure appropriate or advantageous measures to perform this Agreement and to make this Agreement effective in accordance with the law and regulations of China and this Agreement.
9. FORCE MAJEURE
9.1 In the event of Force Majeure that causes both Parties or either Party to fail completely or partially in performing the obligations under this Agreement, that said Party is not liable for breach of agreement. However, in the event of such an incident, the affected party shall inform the other party by written notice within 15 days after the said incident and provide relevant proof and evidence to the other Party. At the same time, the affected party shall use its best endeavors to minimize the damage caused by the Force Majeure event. The affected Party or both Parties shall resume its obligations under this Agreement once the Force Majeure event has ended within a reasonable time.
9.2 Force Majeure in this Agreement means all objective situations that are unforeseeable, unavoidable and that cannot be overcome.
10. CONFIDENTIALITY
10.1 Unless with written approval by the other party, neither party can announce nor supply or reveal to any third party any information regarding this Agreement or the business information of the other party, with the exception of requests by the legal or governmental departments or any other relevant securities regulatory authorities or for the purpose of the Listing Company seeking listing (and remain as one). 11. TRANSFER OF RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS 11.1 Without the written approval of the other party, neither party may transfer any single right and obligation as agreed upon under this Agreement. 12. NON-WAIVER 6 |
12.1 Unless otherwise specified by law, the failure or delay of exercising the right, power or privilege as endowed by this Agreement on the part of any Party cannot be deemed as the waiver of such rights, power or privileges. Besides, the partial exercise of such rights, power or privileges should not hinder the exercise of such rights, power or privileges of this Party in the future. 13. NOTICES 13.1 All notices required to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing, and delivered to the address as stated at the beginning part of this Agreement, or to addresses or facsimile numbers designated by one Party to the other Parties in writing from time to time.this Agreement. 13.2 Any notice above shall be delivered either by hand, registered mail, or facsimile. Any notice shall be deemed to have been delivered at the time of actual receipt if delivered by hand; on the date of return receipt if delivered by registered mail; and at the time of transmission if delivered by facsimile. 14. DISPUTES RESOLUTIONS 14.1 In case of disputes as to the power, interpretation or implementation of this Agreement, both parties shall seek to settle the matters of dispute by friendly negotiation. If the matters of dispute cannot be settled by negotiation within thirty (30) days from the day the matters of dispute arise, either party has the right to resort to litigation at the people's court which has jurisdiction over where Party A situates. 15. MISCELLANEOUS 15.1 Without written confirmation from both parties, no party can change or amend this Agreement. Upon the agreement of both parties, both parties can amend this Agreement or enter into supplementary agreement to this Agreement. The amendments or supplementary agreements of this Agreement shall come into effect once signed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of both Parties and affixed with their official seals. 15.2 This Agreement is severable, that is, if any provision of this Agreement is held to be void, illegal, void or unenforceable at any time, the effectiveness and performance of other provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected. 15.3 This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of PRC. 15.4 This Agreement is made into four (4) duplicate originals. Each party holds two (2) copies, and each copy shall have the same legal binding effect. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the legal representatives or authorized representatives of both Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date and venue first written above.
Signature page:
PARTY A: CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED (SEAL)
By :______________
Legal Representative or Authorized Representative
PARTY B: CHINA NETWORKS COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION (SEAL)
By :______________
Legal Representative or Authorized Representative_
EXHIBIT 10.12
MATERIALS PROCUREMENT AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED
AND
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
MATERIALS PROCUREMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into on [-], 2004 in Beijing, People's Republic of China ( "PRC") by and between the following parties:
Party A: China Netcom (Group) Company Limited Address: Building C, No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC |
Legal representative:Zhang Chun Jiang
Party B: China Network Communications Group Corporation Address: No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC Legal representative: Zhang Chun Jiang |
On the basis of equality and reasonableness, after friendly negotiation, both Party A and Party B reached the following agreement in respect of the relevant matters in relation to Party B (including the branches and subsidiaries of Party B and other units controlled by Party B; the definitions employed below are the same) providing materials procurement services (hereinafter referred to as the "Materials Procurement Services") and the related storage, warehousing and transportation services to Party A (including the branches and subsidiaries of Party B and other units controlled by Party B; the definitions employed below are the same). and that Party A's procurement of some kinds of materials directly from Party B (hereinafter referred to as the "Direct Materials Procurement"):
1. BASIC PRINCIPLES
1.1 In respect of the materials procurement services and the related storage, warehousing and materials procurement services provided by Party B to Party A as well as the self-operated materials sold directly from Party B to Party A under this Agreement, Party B shall have the right to receive reasonable service charges or payments for materials as priced in accordance with the stipulations of this Agreement. Party A shall fulfill its corresponding obligations of payment.
1.2 The conditions of the materials procurement services and the related storage, warehousing and materials procurement services provided by Party B to Party A as well as the self-operated materials sold directly from Party B to Party A shall not be inferior to the conditions of the same or similar services or materials that Party B provides to any third party.
1.3 If Party B fails to provide the materials procurement services and the related storage, warehousing and transportation services or materials under this Agreement for reasons not because of its own fault or if it fails to provide such services or materials completely, Party B shall inform Party A in writing immediately and Party B shall make its best endeavour to assist Party A in obtaining the same or similar services or materials through other channels.
1.4 In providing the materials procurement services and the related storage, warehousing and transportation services or materials provided by Party B to Party A as well as the self-operated materials sold directly from Party B to Party A under this Agreement must comply with the purposes agreed by both parties and the relevant standards prescribed by the State.
1.5 For any loss one party causes to the other party under this agreement due to breach of terms of this agreement, the party in breach should bear the responsibility of making timely and complete compensation for breach of contract to the other party, including, but not limit to, direct or indirect losses caused to the other party due to breach of contract. However, the party in breach is not responsible for loss caused to the other party due to force majeure.
1.6 In the course of either party performing its duties under this Agreement, the other party should provide reasonable and necessary assistance to that party.
2. BASIC CONTENT OF MATERIALS PROCUREMENT SERVICES, DIRECT MATERIALS PROCUREMENT AND RELATED WAREHOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
2.1 The materials procurement services provided by Party B to Party A under this Agreement include but are not limited to:
(1) imported telecommunications materials procurement;
(2) domestic telecommunications materials procurement;
(3) domestic non-telecommunications materials procurement.
The above-mentioned procurement services include tender management, technical specifications review and approval and installation services.
2.2 The products Party B sells directly to Party A are mainly cables, modems and yellow pages telephone directories, etc.
2.3 Party B also provides Party A with the storage, warehousing, transportation services related to materials procurement services and direct purchase of materials.
3. PRICING PRINCIPLES
3.1 The amount determined for the commissions for the domestic materials procurement services and the standardized charges therefor under this Agreement shall not exceed 3% of the contract volume of the relevant materials procurement. 3.2 The amount determined for the commissions for the imported materials procurement services and the standardized charges therefor under this Agreement shall not exceed 1% of the contract volume of the relevant materials procurement. 3.3 The pricing criteria in respect of part of the direct purchase of materials sold by Party B to Party A as set forth under this Agreement shall be governed by the principle in this provision and in the following order: those that are fixed by the State shall follow the government-fixed price; those that have the government guidance price shall follow the said guidance price; those that have no fixed price nor government guidance price yet have a market price shall follow the market price; those that none of the above said is applicable shall follow the pricing method agreed upon by both parties, however, the said pricing method should be calculated with regard to the reasonable cost and reasonable profit of the service, whereby "reasonable cost" means the cost agreed by both parties. The "State Rate" follows the Pricing Law of the People's Republic of China, which is set by the governmental pricing department or other related departments based on the pricing limits and range. The "government guidance price" follows the Pricing Law of the People's Republic of China, which provides guidance to business operators by the governmental pricing department or other related departments based on the pricing limits, basic price range and its floating range. The "Market Rate" means the rate determined by the business operator and attained through market competition. The market price shall be determined by the following order: (1) the rate charged by any independent third party providing the same kind of service in the same or surrounding area under normal situation; or (2) the rate charged by any independent third party providing the same kind of service within China under normal situation. 3.4 The prices and / or criteria of pricing in respect of the commission for the related storage, warehousing and transportation in relation to the materials procurement services and the direct materials procurement should be determined according to the market prices. The market prices referred herein means the prices set out by the business operators on their own through the market competitions.and should be set out in the following sequence: (1) the prices charged by an independent third party in respect of providing those services under normal circumstances of transaction in its region of provision or other nearby regions; or (2) the prices charges by an independent third party in respect of providing those service under normal circumstances of transaction in the territory of PRC. 3.5 Party B and Party A can enter into a separate execution document, which should stipulate clearly the actual services or materials in which Party A needs at that time and they should also stipulate the binding principles, criteria and conditions under this Agreement. 3 |
3.6 The specific amount of service charge agreed upon under this Agreement shall from time to time be calculated by the accounting principle applicable in China (if applicable). 3.7 Both parties shall, before December 31 of every calendar year, conduct a review on the price of every item of service and facility stated in this Agreement for the next accounting year (if necessary). 4. PAYMENT OF SERVICE CHARGES 4.1 Party A shall, based on the provisions of this Agreement, any supplementary agreement of this Agreement (if any), and in specific execution documents, pay Party B or its trustee service charge in consideration for the services provided by Party B or its trustee. 4.2 If Party A fails to pay on time the said service charge agreed upon under the provisions of this Agreement, any supplementary agreement of this Agreement (if any), and the specific execution documents, Party A shall, for each 1 day (calendar day, and the same applies below) late, pay a late charge penalty of 0.05% of the outstanding balance to Party B; and after 60 days of late payment, Party B is entitled to notify Party A the termination of service; if Party A still fails to pay for the outstanding balance upon 30 days after receiving the written notice to terminate service, Party B shall be entitled to terminate the service immediately. The suspension or termination of such service shall not in any way prejudice or affect the rights and obligations under this Agreement prior to such event. 5. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF BOTH PARTIES 5.1 Rights and Obligations for Party A |
5.1.1 Rights of Party A
(1) Party A (including its subsidiaries, branches and controlled units) has the right to receive the agreed service provided by Party B;
(2) The auditor of Party A has the right to inspect and examine the accounting books of Party B and its connected persons in relation to the connected transactions under this Agreement.
5.1.2 Obligations of Party A
(1) Guarantee and/or procure its subsidiaries, branches and all other controlled units to enter into specific execution documents with Party B and its subsidiaries, branches or controlled units in relation to this Agreement and/or any supplementary agreement of this Agreement (if any);
(2) Coordinate with all relating matters with regard to the abovementioned specific execution documents;
(3) Pay the service charge as stated in this Agreement and all other specific execution documents;
(4) Guarantee to pay for any damage suffered by Party B or counter party of specific execution documents that is caused by the breach of Party A of any provisions in this Agreement and specific execution documents.
5.2 Rights and Obligations of Party B
5.2.1 Rights of Party B
(1) Party B is entitled to the service charge agreed upon under this Agreement;
(2) Right to provide the same or similar service to a third party, on the condition that Party B continues to provide the same service agreed upon under this Agreement.
5.2.2 Obligations of Party B
(1) Guarantee and/or prompt its subsidiaries, branches and all other controlled units to enter into specific execution documents with Party A and its subsidiaries, branches or its other controlled units in relation to this Agreement and/or any supplementary agreement of this Agreement (if any);
(2) Provide the services and monitor the services provided by its subsidiaries, branches and other controlled units at a good quality according to the provisions of this Agreement;
(3) Coordinate with all relating matters with regard to the abovementioned specific execution documents;
(4) Guarantee to pay for any damage suffered by Party A or counter party of specific execution documents that is caused by the breach of Party B of any provisions in this Agreement and all other specific execution documents;
(5) Agree to provide the auditor of Party A the accounting books of Party B and its connected persons in relation to the connections transactions under this Agreement.
5.3 It is agreed that both parties will take further actions to ensure the realization of the principles and
provisions in this Agreement. It is further agreed that both parties will ensure that, Party A, being a subsidiary of a company to be listed or listed, China Netcom Group (Hong Kong) Limited (hereinafter "Listing Company"), shall comply with the Listing Rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for connected transactions.
6 PREFERENTIAL RIGHT
6.1 For the same service or materials, if an independent third party cannot offer better conditions and terms than Party B, Party A can grant Party B preferential right.
6.2 Party B undertakes to Party B that Party B shall not offer the same or similar services and materials stated under this Agreement to a third party at terms more favorable than those offered to Party A.
6.3 Party B has the right to provide the same or similar service to a third party, on the condition that Party B continues to provide the same service and materials agreed upon under this Agreement.
1. TERM
7.1 This Agreement shall come into effect once signed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of both Parties and affixed with their official seals. This Agreement shall be effective till June 30, 2007. If Party A wishes to renew this Agreement and notifies Party B with 3 month's notice, this Agreement shall be renewed automatically for another 3 years on the same terms. There are no limits on the number of renewal.
2. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND UNDERTAKINGS
Each party represents, warrants and undertakes to the other party that:
(1) It is an independent legal person existing in accordance with the laws of PRC, and have the power and authority (including but not limited to any approval, consents or permission granted by the government departments to enter into and perform this Agreement);
(2) No provision in this Agreement violates the constitutive documents or the laws and regulations of China;
(3) It will use its best endeavors to take all necessary and procure appropriate or advantageous measures to perform this Agreement and to make this Agreement effective in accordance with the law and regulations of China and this Agreement.
3. FORCE MAJEURE
9.1 In the event of Force Majeure that causes both Parties or either Party to fail completely or partially in performing the obligations under this Agreement, that said Party is not liable for breach of agreement. However, in the event of such an incident, the affected party shall inform the other party by written notice within 15 days after the said incident and provide relevant proof and evidence to the other Party. At the same time, the affected party shall use its best endeavors to minimize the damage caused by the Force Majeure event. The affected Party or both Parties shall resume its obligations under this Agreement once the Force Majeure event has ended within a reasonable time.
9.2 Force Majeure in this Agreement means all objective situations that are unforeseeable, unavoidable and that cannot be overcome.
4. CONFIDENTIALITY
10.1 Unless with written approval by the other party, neither party can announce nor supply or reveal to any third party any information regarding this Agreement or the business information of the other party, with the exception of requests by the legal or governmental departments or any other relevant securities regulatory authorities or for the purpose of the Listing Company seeking listing (and remain as one). 5. TRANSFER OF RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS 11.1 Without the written approval of the other party, neither party may transfer any single right and obligation as agreed upon under this Agreement. 6. NON-WAIVER 12.1 Unless otherwise specified by law, the failure or delay of exercising the right, power or privilege as endowed by this Agreement on the part of any Party cannot be deemed as the waiver of such rights, power or privileges. Besides, the partial exercise of such rights, power or privileges should not hinder the exercise of such rights, power or privileges of this Party in the future. 7. NOTICE 13.1 All notices required to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing, and delivered to the address as stated at the beginning part of this Agreement, or to addresses or facsimile numbers designated by one Party to the other Parties in writing from time to time.this Agreement. 13.2 Any notice above shall be delivered either by hand, registered mail, or facsimile. Any notice shall be deemed to have been delivered at the time of actual receipt if delivered by hand; on the date of return receipt if delivered by registered mail; and at the time of transmission if delivered by facsimile. 8. DISPUTE RESOLUTION 7 |
14.1 In case of disputes as to the power, interpretation or implementation of this Agreement, both parties shall seek to settle the matters of dispute by friendly negotiation. If the matters of dispute cannot be settled by negotiation within thirty (30) days from the day the matters of dispute arise, either party has the right to resort to litigation at the people's court which has jurisdiction over where Party A situates. 9. MISCELLANEOUS 15.1 Without written confirmation from both parties, no party can change or amend this Agreement. Upon the agreement of both parties, both parties can amend this Agreement or enter into supplementary agreement to this Agreement. The amendments or supplementary agreements of this Agreement shall come into effect once signed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of both Parties and affixed with their official seals. 15.2 This Agreement is severable, that is, if any provision of this Agreement is held to be void, illegal, void or unenforceable at any time, the effectiveness and performance of other provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected. 15.3 This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of PRC. 15.4 This Agreement is made into four (4) duplicate originals. Each party holds two (2) copies, and each copy shall have the same legal binding effect. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the legal representatives or authorized representatives of the both Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date and venue first written above..
Signature Page
PARTY A: CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED (SEAL)
By :______________
Legal representative or Authorized representative_
PARTY B: CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION (SEAL)
By :______________
Legal representative or Authorized representative
EXHIBIT 10.13
ANCILLARY TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED
AND
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
ANCILLARY TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into on [-], 2004 in Beijing of the People's Republic of China ("PRC") by and between the following two parties (hereinafter referred to as "both parties" or "Party A and Party B"):
Party A: China Netcom (Group) Company Limited Address: Building C, No. 156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC Legal representative: Zhang Chun Jiang Party B: China Network Communications Group Corporation Address: No. 156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC Legal representative: Zhang Chun Jiang |
Based on fair and reasonable basis, following cooperative negotiation, regarding the ancillary telecommunications service provided by Party B (including branches, subsidiaries, and other controlled units) to Party A (including branches, subsidiaries, and other controlled units), it is hereby agreed by and between both parties hereto as follows:
1. BASIC PRINCIPLES
1.1 For the ancillary telecommunications services provided by Party B to Party A under this Agreement, Party B reserves the right to charge reasonable service fees under the terms of this Agreement. Party A shall make the payment for the services rendered.
1.2 The terms of ancillary telecommunications services offered by Party B under this Agreement shall not be worse than any other third party offering the same or similar services.
1.3 If Party B fails to provide or fully provide the agreed ancillary telecommunications services due to
reasons other than its own fault, Party B shall promptly inform Party A in writing, and shall use its best endeavors to assist Party A to find the same or similar services through other means.
1.4 The agreed ancillary telecommunications services provided by Party B to Party A shall fully comply with the purposes agreed upon under this Agreement and the standard set by the State.
1.5 In the event of any breach of provision by either party under this Agreement that leads to any damage suffered by the other party, the party in breach shall be liable for all immediate and full damages for breaching this Agreement.
1.6 Both parties shall provide all reasonable and essential assistance to the other party for the purpose of fulfilling the obligations set out in this Agreement.
2. BASIC CONTENTS OF THE ANCILLARY TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES
2.1 The ancillary telecommunications services provided by Party B to Party A includes: to provide work force for the ancillary telecommunications services, including certain pre-sale, on-sale, and after-sale services, such as assembling, taking down, moving and repairing users' communication facilities, to act as an agent for some communications products; to print out and deliver bills, to collect telephone bills; to manufacture phone cards, etc.; to collect and reply customer requests; to provide assisting facilities for the communications rooms (e.g. air-conditioning facilities, fire alarm facilities), and maintenance of telephone booths, etc.
3. PRICING PRINCIPLE
3.1 The pricing or charging standard under this Agreement shall be governed by the principle in this provision and in the following order: those that are fixed by the State shall follow the government-fixed price; those that have government guidance price shall follow the said guidance price; those that have no fixed price nor government guidance price yet have a market price shall follow the market price; those that none of the above said is applicable shall follow the pricing method agreed upon by both parties, however, the said pricing method shall be calculated with regard to the reasonable cost and reasonable profit of the service, whereby "reasonable cost" means the cost agreed by both parties.
The "State Rate" follows the Pricing Law of the People's Republic of China, which is set by the
governmental pricing department or other related departments based on the pricing limits and range.
The "government guidance price" follows the Pricing Law of the People's Republic of China, which provides guidance to business operators by the governmental pricing department or other related departments based on the pricing limits, basic price range and its floating range.
The "Market Rate" means the rate determined by the business operator and attained through market competition. The market price shall be determined by the following order: (1) the rate charged by any independent third party providing the same kind of service in the same or surrounding area under normal situation; or (2) the rate charged by any independent third party providing the same kind of service within China under normal situation.
3.2 The specific amount of service charge agreed upon under this Agreement shall from time to time be calculated by the accounting principle applicable in China (if applicable).
3.3 Both parties shall, before December 31 of every calendar year, conduct a review on the price of every item of service and facility stated in this Agreement for the next accounting year (if necessary).
3.4 It is expected that from time to time, both parties will execute specific documents relating to the service provided whenever necessary; those specific executing documents should state the specific services required by Party B, and state all the principles, standards and provisions, and terms that are legally binding under this Agreement.
4. PAYMENT OF SERVICE CHARGE
4.1 Party A shall, based on the provisions of this Agreement, any supplementary agreement of this Agreement (if any), and in specific execution documents, pay Party B or its trustee service charge in consideration for the services provided by Party B or its trustee.
4.2 If Party A fails to pay on time the said service charge agreed upon under the provisions of this Agreement, any supplementary agreement of this Agreement (if any), and the specific execution documents, Party A shall, for each 1 day (calendar day, and the same applies below) late, pay a late charge penalty of 0.05% of the outstanding balance to Party B; and after 60 days of late payment, Party B is entitled to notify Party A the termination of service; if Party A still fails to pay for the
outstanding balance upon 30 days after receiving the written notice to terminate service, Party B shall be entitled to terminate the service immediately. The suspension or termination of such service shall not in any way prejudice or affect the rights and obligations under this Agreement prior to such event.
5. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF BOTH PARTIES
5.1 Rights and Obligations of Party A
5.1.1 Rights of Party A
(1) Party A (including its subsidiaries, branches and controlled units) has the right to receive the agreed service provided by Party B;
(2) The auditor of Party A has the right to inspect and examine the accounting books of Party B and its connected persons in relation to the connected transactions under this Agreement.
5.1.2 Obligations of Party A
(1) Guarantee and/or procure its subsidiaries, branches and all other controlled units to enter into specific execution documents with Party B and its subsidiaries, branches or controlled units in relation to this Agreement and/or any supplementary agreement of this Agreement (if any);
(2) Coordinate with all relating matters with regard to the abovementioned specific execution documents;
(3) Pay the service charge as stated in this Agreement and all other specific execution documents;
(4) Guarantee to pay for any damage suffered by Party B or counter party of specific execution documents that is caused by the breach of Party A of any provisions in this Agreement and specific execution documents.
5.2 Rights and Obligations of Party B
5.2.1 Rights of Party B
(1) Party B is entitled to the service charge agreed upon under this Agreement;
(2) Right to provide the same or similar service to a third party, on the condition that Party B continues to provide to Party A the same service agreed upon under this Agreement.
5.2.2 Obligations of Party B
(1) Guarantee and/or prompt its subsidiaries, branches and all other controlled units to enter into specific execution documents with Party A and its subsidiaries, branches or its other controlled units in relation to this Agreement and/or any supplementary agreement of this Agreement (if any);
(2) Provide the services and monitor the services provided by its subsidiaries, branches and other controlled units at a good quality according to the provisions of this Agreement;
(3) Coordinate with all relating matters with regard to the abovementioned specific execution documents;
(4) Guarantee to pay for any damage suffered by Party A or counter party of specific execution documents that is caused by the breach of Party B of any provisions in this Agreement and all other specific execution documents;
(5) Agree to provide the auditor of Party A the accounting books of Party B and its connected persons in relation to the connections transactions under this Agreement.
5.3 It is agreed that both parties will take further actions to ensure the realization of the principles and provisions in this Agreement. It is further agreed that both parties will ensure that, Party A, being a subsidiary of a company to be listed or listed, China Netcom Group (Hong Kong) Limited (hereinafter "Listing Company"), shall comply with the Listing Rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for connected transactions.
6. PREFERENTIAL RIGHT
6.1 For the same service, if an independent third party cannot offer better conditions and terms than
Party B, Party A can grant Party B preferential right.
6.2 Party B undertakes to Party B that Party B shall not offer the same or similar services stated under this Agreement to a third party at terms more favorable than those offered to Party A.
6.3 Party B has the right to provide the same or similar service to a third party, on the condition that Party B continues to provide the same service agreed upon under this Agreement.
7. TERM
7.1 This Agreement shall come into effect once signed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of both Parties and affixed with their official seals. This Agreement shall be effective till June 30, 2007. If Party A wishes to renew this Agreement and notifies Party B with 3 month's notice, this Agreement shall be renewed automatically for another 3 years on the same terms. There are no limits on the number of renewal.
8. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND UNDERTAKINGS
Each party represents, warrants and undertakes to the other party that:
(1) It is an independent legal person existing in accordance with the laws of PRC, and have the power and authority (including but not limited to any approval, consents or permission granted by the government departments to enter into and perform this Agreement);
(2) No provision in this Agreement violates the constitutive documents or the laws and regulations of China;
(3) It will use its best endeavors to take all necessary and procure appropriate or advantageous measures to perform this Agreement and to make this Agreement effective in accordance with the law and regulations of China and this Agreement.
9. FORCE MAJEURE
9.1 In the event of Force Majeure that causes both Parties or either Party to fail completely or partially in performing the obligations under this Agreement, that said Party is not liable for breach of agreement.
However, in the event of such an incident, the affected party shall inform the other party by written notice within 15 days after the said incident and provide relevant proof and evidence to the other Party. At the same time, the affected party shall use its best endeavors to minimize the damage caused by the Force Majeure event. The affected Party or both Parties shall resume its obligations under this Agreement once the Force Majeure event has ended within a reasonable time.
9.2 Force Majeure in this Agreement means all objective situations that are unforeseeable, unavoidable and that cannot be overcome.
10. CONFIDENTIALITY
10.1 Unless with written approval by the other party, neither party can announce nor supply or reveal to any third party any information regarding this Agreement or the business information of the other party, with the exception of requests by the legal or governmental departments or any other relevant securities regulatory authorities or for the purpose of the Listing Company seeking listing (and remain as one). 11. TRANSFER OF RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS 11.1 Without the written approval of the other party, neither party may transfer any single right and obligation as agreed upon under this Agreement. 12. NON-WAIVER 12.1 Unless otherwise specified by law, the failure or delay of exercising the right, power or privilege as endowed by this Agreement on the part of any Party cannot be deemed as the waiver of such rights, power or privileges. Besides, the partial exercise of such rights, power or privileges should not hinder the exercise of such rights, power or privileges of this Party in the future. 13. NOTICE 13.1 All notices required to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and in Chinese, and delivered to the address as stated at the beginning part of this Agreement, or to addresses or facsimile numbers designated by one Party to the other Parties in writing from time to time.this Agreement. 13.2 Any notice above shall be delivered either by hand, registered mail, or facsimile. Any notice shall be 7 |
deemed to have been delivered at the time of actual receipt if delivered by hand; three days after the date of return receipt if delivered by registered mail; and at the time of transmission if delivered by facsimile. 14. DISPUTE RESOLUTION 14.1 In case of disputes as to the power, interpretation or implementation of this Agreement, both parties shall seek to settle the matters of dispute by friendly negotiation. If the matters of dispute cannot be settled by negotiation within thirty (30) days from the day the matters of dispute arise, either party has the right to resort to litigation at the people's court which has jurisdiction over where Party A situates. 15. MISCELLANEOUS 15.1 Without written confirmation from both parties, no party can change or amend this Agreement. Upon the agreement of both parties, both parties can amend this Agreement or enter into supplementary agreement to this Agreement. The amendments or supplementary agreements of this Agreement shall come into effect once signed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of both Parties and affixed with their official seals. 15.2 This Agreement is severable, that is, if any provision of this Agreement is held to be void, illegal, void or unenforceable at any time, the effectiveness and performance of other provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected. 15.3 This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of PRC. 15.4 This Agreement is made into four (4) duplicate originals. Each party holds two (2) copies, and each copy shall have the same legal binding effect. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the legal representatives or authorized representatives of the both Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date and venue first written above.
Signature Page
PARTY A: CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED (SEAL)
By :______________
Legal Representative or Authorized Representative_
PARTY B: CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION (SEAL)
By :______________
Legal Representative or Authorized Representative
EXHIBIT 10.14
SUPPORT SERVICES AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED
AND
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
SUPPORT SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered on [-], 2004 in Beijing, People's Republic of China ("PRC") by and between the following two parties (hereinafter referred to as "both parties" or "Party A and Party B"):
Party A: China Netcom (Group) Company Limited Address: Building C, No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC Legal representative: Zhang Chun Jiang Party B: China Network Communications Group Corporation Address: No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC Legal representative: Zhang Chun Jiang |
Based on fair and reasonable basis, following cooperative negotiation, regarding the support services provided by Party B (including branches, subsidiaries, and other controlled units) to Party A (including branches, subsidiaries, and other controlled units), it is hereby agreed by and between both parties hereto as follows:
1. BASIC PRINCIPLES
1.1 For the support services provided by Party B to Party A under this Agreement, Party B reserves the right to charge reasonable service fees under the terms of this Agreement. Party A shall make the payment for the services rendered.
1.2 The terms of support services offered by Party B under this Agreement shall not be worse than any other third party offering the same or similar services.
1.3 If Party B fails to provide or fully provide the agreed support services due to reasons other than its own fault, Party B shall promptly inform Party A in writing, and shall use its best endeavors to assist Party A to find the same or similar services through other means.
1.4 The agreed support services provided by Party B to Party A shall fully comply with the purposes agreed upon under this Agreement and the standard set by the State.
1.5 In the event of any breach of provision by either party under this Agreement that leads to any damage suffered by the other party, the party in breach shall be liable for all immediate and full damages for breaching this Agreement.
1.6 Both parties shall provide all reasonable and essential assistance to the other party for the purpose of fulfilling the obligations set out in this Agreement.
2. BASIC CONTENTS OF THE SUPPORT SERVICES
2.1 The support services provided by Party B to Party A includes:
Catering services, equipment hiring services, vehicles services, medical care, labor and manpower services, safety and security, hotel services, conferencing services, gardening (forestation), decoration and renovation, sale of commodities, contracting of infrastructure development, maintenance of equipment, marketing development, technical support, research and development, cleaning services, car parking services, staff training, storage and warehousing (such as storing the relevant telecommunications equipment, including parts and electric circuits), advertisements (such as production and publishing the advertisements of Party A at the media of Party B) and promotion / printing, property management, etc.
3. PRICING PRINCIPLE
3.1 The pricing or charging standard under this Agreement shall be governed by the principle in this provision and in the following order: those that are fixed by the State shall follow the government-fixed price; those that have the government guidance price shall follow the said guidance price; those that have no fixed price nor government guidance price yet have a market price shall follow the market price; those that none of the above said is applicable shall follow the pricing method agreed upon by both parties, however, the said pricing method shall be calculated with regard to the reasonable cost and reasonable profit of the service, whereby "reasonable cost" means the cost agreed by both parties.
The "State Rate" follows the Pricing Law of the People's Republic of China, which is set by the governmental pricing department or other related departments based on the pricing limits and range.
The "government guidance price" follows the Pricing Law of the People's Republic of China, which provides guidance to business operators by the governmental pricing department or other related departments based on the pricing limits, basic price range and its floating range.
The "Market Rate" means the rate determined by the business operator and attained through market competition. The market price shall be determined by the following order: (1) the rate charged by any independent third party providing the same kind of service in the same or surrounding area under normal situation; or (2) the rate charged by any independent third party providing the same kind of service within China under normal situation.
3.2 The specific amount of service charge agreed upon under this Agreement shall from time to time be calculated by the accounting principle applicable in China (if applicable).
3.3 Both parties shall, before December 31 of every calendar year, conduct a review on the price of every item of service and facility stated in this Agreement for the next accounting year (if necessary).
3.4 It is expected that from time to time, both parties will execute specific documents relating to the service provided whenever necessary; those specific executing documents should state the specific services required by Party B, and state all the principles, standards and provisions, and terms that are legally binding under this Agreement.
4. PAYMENT OF SERVICE CHARGE
4.1 Party A shall, based on the provisions of this Agreement, any supplementary agreement of this Agreement (if any), and in specific execution documents, pay Party B or its trustee service charge in consideration for the services provided by Party B or its trustee.
4.2 If Party A fails to pay on time the said service charge agreed upon under the provisions of this Agreement, any supplementary agreement of this Agreement (if any), and the specific execution documents, Party A shall, for each 1 day (calendar day, and the same applies below) late, pay a late charge penalty of 0.05% of the outstanding balance to Party B; and after 60 days of late payment, Party B is entitled to notify Party A the termination of service; if Party A still fails to pay for the outstanding balance upon 30 days after receiving the written notice to terminate service, Party B shall be entitled to terminate the service immediately. The suspension or termination of such service shall not in any way prejudice or affect the rights and obligations under this Agreement prior to such event.
5. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF BOTH PARTIES
5.1 Rights and Obligations of Party A
5.1.1 Rights of Party A
(1) Party A (including its subsidiaries, branches and controlled units) has the right to receive the agreed service provided by Party B;
(2) The auditor of Party A has the right to inspect and examine the accounting books of Party B and its connected persons in relation to the connected transactions under this Agreement.
5.1.2 Obligations of Party A
(1) Guarantee and/or procure its subsidiaries, branches and all other controlled units to enter into specific execution documents with Party B and its subsidiaries, branches or controlled units in relation to this Agreement and/or any supplementary agreement of this Agreement (if any);
(2) Coordinate with all relating matters with regard to the abovementioned specific execution documents;
(3) Pay the service charge as stated in this Agreement and all other specific execution documents;
(4) Guarantee to pay for any damage suffered by Party B or counter party of specific execution documents that is caused by the breach of Party A of any provisions in this Agreement and specific execution documents.
5.2 Rights and Obligations of Party B
5.2.1 Rights of Party B
(1) Party B is entitled to the service charge agreed upon under this Agreement;
(2) Right to provide the same or similar service to a third party, on the condition that Party B continues to provide to Party A the same service agreed upon under this Agreement.
5.2.2 Obligations of Party B
(1) Guarantee and/or prompt its subsidiaries, branches and all other controlled units to enter into specific execution documents with Party A and its subsidiaries, branches or its other controlled units in relation to this Agreement and/or any supplementary agreement of this Agreement (if any);
(2) Provide the services and monitor the services provided by its subsidiaries, branches and other controlled units at a good quality according to the provisions of this Agreement;
(3) Coordinate with all relating matters with regard to the abovementioned specific execution documents;
(4) Guarantee to pay for any damage suffered by Party A or counter party of specific execution documents that is caused by the breach of Party B of any provisions in this Agreement and all other specific execution documents;
(5) Agree to provide the auditor of Party A the accounting books of Party B and its connected
persons in relation to the connections transactions under this Agreement.
5.3 It is agreed that both parties will take further actions to ensure the realization of the principles and provisions in this Agreement. It is further agreed that both parties will ensure that, Party A, being a subsidiary of a company to be listed or listed, China Netcom Group (Hong Kong) Limited (hereinafter "Listing Company"), shall comply with the Listing Rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for connected transactions.
6. PREFERENTIAL RIGHT
6.1 For the same service, if an independent third party cannot offer better conditions and terms than Party B, Party A can grant Party B preferential right.
6.2 Party B undertakes to Party B that Party B shall not offer the same or similar services stated under this Agreement to a third party at terms more favorable than those offered to Party A.
6.3 Party B has the right to provide the same or similar service to a third party, on the condition that Party B continues to provide the same service agreed upon under this Agreement.
7. TERM
7.1 This Agreement shall come into effect once signed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of both Parties and affixed with their official seals. This Agreement shall be effective till June 30, 2007. If Party A wishes to renew this Agreement and notifies Party B with 3 month's notice, this Agreement shall be renewed automatically for another 3 years on the same terms. There are no limits on the number of renewal.
8. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND UNDERTAKINGS
Each party represents, warrants and undertakes to the other party that:
(1) It is an independent legal person existing in accordance with the laws of PRC, and have the power and authority (including but not limited to any approval, consents or permission granted by the government departments to enter into and perform this Agreement);
(2) No provision in this Agreement violates the constitutive documents or the laws and regulations of China;
(3) It will use its best endeavors to take all necessary and procure appropriate or advantageous measures to perform this Agreement and to make this Agreement effective in accordance with the law and regulations of China and this Agreement.
9. FORCE MAJEURE
9.1 In the event of Force Majeure that causes both Parties or either Party to fail completely or partially in performing the obligations under this Agreement, that said Party is not liable for breach of agreement. However, in the event of such an incident, the affected party shall inform the other party by written notice within 15 days after the said incident and provide relevant proof and evidence to the other Party. At the same time, the affected party shall use its best endeavors to minimize the damage caused by the Force Majeure event. The affected Party or both Parties shall resume its obligations under this Agreement once the Force Majeure event has ended within a reasonable time.
9.2 Force Majeure in this Agreement means all objective situations that are unforeseeable, unavoidable and that cannot be overcome.
10. CONFIDENTIALITY
10.1 Unless with written approval by the other party, neither party can announce nor supply or reveal to any third party any information regarding this Agreement or the business information of the other party, with the exception of requests by the legal or governmental departments or any other relevant securities regulatory authorities or for the purpose of the Listing Company seeking listing (and remain as one). 11. TRANSFER OF RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS 11.1 Without the written approval of the other party, neither party may transfer any single right and obligation as agreed upon under this Agreement. 12. NON-WAIVER 12.1 Unless otherwise specified by law, the failure or delay of exercising the right, power or privilege as endowed by this Agreement on the part of any Party cannot be deemed as the waiver of such rights, power or privileges. Besides, the partial exercise of such rights, power or privileges should not hinder the exercise of such rights, power or privileges of this Party in the future. 13. NOTICE 13.1 All notices required to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and in Chinese, and delivered to the address as stated at the beginning part of this Agreement, or to addresses or facsimile numbers designated by one Party to the other Parties in writing from time to time.this Agreement. 13.2 Any notice above shall be delivered either by hand, registered mail, or facsimile. Any notice shall be deemed to have been delivered at the time of actual receipt if delivered by hand; three days after the date of return receipt if delivered by registered mail; and at the time of transmission if delivered by facsimile. 6 |
14. DISPUTE RESOLUTION 14.1 In case of disputes as to the power, interpretation or implementation of this Agreement, both parties shall seek to settle the matters of dispute by friendly negotiation. If the matters of dispute cannot be settled by negotiation within thirty (30) days from the day the matters of dispute arise, either party has the right to resort to litigation at the people's court which has jurisdiction over where Party A situates. 15. MISCELLANEOUS 15.1 Without written confirmation from both parties, no party can change or amend this Agreement. Upon the agreement of both parties, both parties can amend this Agreement or enter into supplementary agreement to this Agreement. The amendments or supplementary agreements of this Agreement shall come into effect once signed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of both Parties and affixed with their official seals. 15.2 This Agreement is severable, that is, if any provision of this Agreement is held to be void, illegal, void or unenforceable at any time, the effectiveness and performance of other provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected. 15.3 This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of PRC. 15.4 This Agreement is made into four (4) duplicate originals. Each party holds two (2) copies, and each copy shall have the same legal binding effect. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the legal representatives or authorized representatives of the both Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date and venue first written above.
Signature Page
PARTY A: CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED (SEAL)
By :______________
Legal representative or Authorized representative_
PARTY B: CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION (SEAL)
By :______________
Legal representative or Authorized representative
EXHIBIT 10.15
TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES LEASING AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED
AND
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES LEASING AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into on [-], 2004 in Beijing, People's Republic of China ( "PRC") by and between the following parties:
Party A: China Netcom (Group) Company Limited Address: Building C, No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC Legal representative: Zhang Chun Jiang Party B: China Network Communications Group Corporation Address: No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC Legal representative: Zhang Chun Jiang Whereas: (1) Party A is a state-owned enterprise established under the laws of PRC; |
(2) Party B is a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of PRC with limited liability as a wholly foreign-owned enterprise which shall be ultimately held by Party A.
Party A and Party B hereby agree to the terms and conditions regarding the leasing of the telecommunications facilities as follows:
1. LEASING OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
1.1 It is mutually agreed between both parties that Party B (including all of Party B's affiliates, subsidiaries, and other entities under its control, infra.) agrees to lease from Party A (including all of Party A's affiliates, subsidiaries, and other entities under its control, infra.) international telecommunication channel gateways (includes: International Backhaul landing stations, International Ground-Cable entry stations, landing or domestic extension terminals, and Earth-Station in the International satellites network), international telecommunications service gateways (includes: International Network Bureau for Telecommunications, International Telecommunications Network Relay Stations, International Network Bureau for ATM/FR, DDN, and IP), international Submarine Cable capacities, international land cable resources, and international satellite resources
("International Telecommunication Resources") in addition to the inter-provincial optic fibers ("Provincial Optic-Fibers") resources and facilities (collectively referred to as "Telecommunication Resources and Facilities") owned by Party A and located in Beijing, Tianjin, Shangdong, Liaoning, Hebei, Henan, Guangdong, and Shanghai.
2. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
2.1 Party A leases to Party B the Telecommunication Resources and Facilities according to this Agreement as a paid transaction between two enterprises engaging in economic activities. Party A is entitled to demand reasonable charges for the lease of such resources and facilities according to fair and reasonable principles; Party B shall perform its duty in making payments respectively.
2.2 Party A shall offer the leasing of communication resources and facilities to Party B at terms not less favorable to the terms offered to any third parties for the leasing of the same or similar resources and/or facilities.
2.3 Should Party B demand Party A to provide additional resources and/or facilities as detailed in this Agreement, Party A shall use its best endeavor to fulfill the needs of Party B in providing the demanded facilities. The terms offered to Party B in providing such additional resources and/or facilities shall not be less favorable to terms offered to any third parties for the leasing of the same or similar resources and/or facilities.
2.4 Not owing to the fault of Party A, should Party A fails to provide part or all of the resources and/or facilities as detailed in the Agreement, Party A shall inform Party B promptly in writing. Party A shall use its best endeavor to assist Party B in obtaining the same or similar resources and/or facilities by other means.
2.5 The resources and/or facilities to be provided as detailed in this Agreement shall be made in accordance with the agreement of both parties with respect to the usage of resources and/or facilities and also to the compliance of the relevant regulations of the State.
2.6 With regards to related transactions Party A promises to provide the accounting records of Party A and other related parties to the auditors of Party B.
2.7 Should either party breach this Agreement and cause the other party to incur loss, the party in breach shall undertake to compensate to the other party promptly and entirely for the breach of contract (including but not limited to the direct or indirect loss incurred by the other party due to the breach of contract). If the loss to the other party is caused by Force Majeure then the defaulting party shall not incur responsibility.
2.8 When either party to this Agreement performs its duty according to this Agreement, the other party
shall give necessary and reasonable assistance to the performing party.
2.9 The Parties hereby confirm that both parties have duties to take necessary actions and measures to ensure that the current aims and specified matters in this Agreement are fulfilled. Both parties also confirm to ensure that with regards to the subsidiaries of the listed or pending-listing China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited ("Listed Company") the listing regulations regarding the rules regulating the connected transactions are complied with.
3. ELEMENTARY CONTENT OF THE LEASING OF TELECOMMUNICATION RESOURCES AND FACILITIES
3.1 Please refer to Appendix 1 for the scope, type, and quantity of Party B's lease of international telecommunication resources owned by Party A.
3.2 Please refer to Appendix 2 for the scope, type, and quantity of Party B's lease of inter-provincial optic fibers owned by Party A.
3.3 Depending on the actual situation, both Parties can adjust on an annual basis the scope, type, and quantity for the leased international telecommunication resources and inter-provincial optic fiber as detailed in the Appendices.
4. PARTY B'S DUTIES
4.1 Party B is responsible for its own repairing and incurring the cost of repair according to the regulations and standards for the leased international telecommunication and inter-provincial optics fibers.
4.2 Party B shall use the leased international telecommunication and inter-provincial optics fibers in a reasonable way. Within the duration of this Agreement during the normal leasing of network elements Party B has the right to lease out inter-provincial optics fibers and telecommunication facilities to third parties. The leasing fees concerned shall be set according to the relevant state regulations in accordance with the principles of fairness and reasonableness.
4.3 Should Party B need to terminate the international telecommunication resources and inter-provincial optics fibers due to reasons connected to repair, Party B shall inform Party A in advance within a reasonable time.
5. QUALITY ASSURANCE
5.1 Party A shall ensure that the quality of the leased Telecommunication Resources and Facilities comply with the standards and regulations of the State.
5.2 Party B shall ensure that the equipments for connections to the Telecommunication Resources and Facilities comply with the quality standard and technological requirements stipulated by the State Regulatory Department.
6. COSTS AND PAYMENTS
6.1 The lease charges for Party B's leasing of Telecommunication Resources and Facilities shall be equivalent to the annual depreciation cost of such Telecommunication Resources and Facilities. Such cost shall not be higher than the market price.
6.2 Within 3 months after the end of the year both parties shall examine (if necessary) the costs incurred for that year for Telecommunication Resources and Facilities provided according to this Agreement. The discrepancies (if any) shall be adjusted in next year's examination.
6.3 Party B shall pay Party A lease charges on a seasonal basis. Party B shall pay lease charges to Party A before 10th of the last month of each season. Party B shall provide Party A with a detailed list of the lease charges. Party A shall deliver the bill to Party B. Should there be objections from either party, adjustments shall be made in the following season after confirmation from both parties.
6.4 Party B shall pay lease charges according to the above Clause 6.1 & 6.2. Should Party B delays in payment it shall pay a late payment charge to Party A at a rate of 0.05% of the amount due for each day of delay.
7. TERM
This Agreement shall come into effect once signed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of both Parties and affixed with their official seals. This Agreement shall be effective till June 30, 2007. If Party A wishes to renew this Agreement and notifies Party B with 3 month's notice, this Agreement shall be renewed automatically for another 3 years on the same terms. There are no limits on the number of renewal.
8 REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND UNDERTAKINGS
Each party represents, warrants and undertakes to the other party that:
(1) It is an independent legal person existing in accordance with the laws of PRC, and have the power and authority (including but not limited to any approval, consents or permission granted by the government departments to enter into and perform this Agreement);
(2) No provision in this Agreement violates the constitutive documents or the laws and
regulations of China;
(3) It will use its best endeavors to take all necessary and procure appropriate or advantageous measures to perform this Agreement and to make this Agreement effective in accordance with the law and regulations of China and this Agreement.
9. FORCE MAJEURE
9.1 In the event of Force Majeure that causes both Parties or either Party to fail completely or partially in performing the obligations under this Agreement, that said Party is not liable for breach of agreement. However, in the event of such an incident, the affected party shall inform the other party by written notice within 15 days after the said incident and provide relevant proof and evidence to the other Party. At the same time, the affected party shall use its best endeavors to minimize the damage caused by the Force Majeure event. The affected Party or both Parties shall resume its obligations under this Agreement once the Force Majeure event has ended within a reasonable time
9.2 The events constituting a Force Majeure relates to events which cannot be reasonably foreseen, avoided, and overcame on an objective basis.
10. CONFIDENTIALITY
Unless with written approval by the other party, neither party can announce nor supply or reveal to any third party any information regarding this Agreement or the business information of the other party, with the exception of requests by the legal or governmental departments or any other relevant securities regulatory authorities or for the purpose of the Listing Company seeking listing (and remain as one).
11. TRANSFER OF RIGHTS AND DUTIES
Without the written approval of the other party, neither party may transfer any single right and obligation as agreed upon under this Agreement.
12. NON-WAIVER
Unless otherwise specified by law, the failure or delay of exercising the right, power or privilege as endowed by this Agreement on the part of any Party cannot be deemed as the waiver of such rights, power or privileges. Besides, the partial exercise of such rights, power or privileges shall not hinder the exercise of such rights, power or privileges of this Party in the future.
13. NOTICES
13.1 All notices required to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and in Chinese, and delivered to the address as stated at the beginning part of this Agreement, or to addresses or facsimile numbers designated by one Party to the other Parties in writing from time to time.. 13.2 Any notice above shall be delivered either by hand, registered mail, or facsimile. Any notice shall be deemed to have been delivered at the time of actual receipt if delivered by hand; three days after the date of return receipt if delivered by registered mail; and at the time of transmission if delivered by facsimile. 14. DISPUTE RESOLUTION |
In case of disputes as to the power, interpretation or implementation of this Agreement, both parties shall seek to settle the matters of dispute by friendly negotiation. If the matters of dispute cannot be settled by negotiation within thirty (30) days from the day the matters of dispute arise, either party has the right to resort to litigation at the people's court which has jurisdiction over where Party A situates.
15 MISCELLANEOUS
15.1 Without written confirmation from both parties, no party can change or amend this Agreement. Upon the agreement of both parties, both parties can amend this Agreement or enter into supplementary agreement to this Agreement. The amendments or supplementary agreements of this Agreement shall come into effect once signed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of both Parties and affixed with their official seals. 15.2 This Agreement is severable, that is, if any provision of this Agreement is held to be void, illegal, void or unenforceable at any time, the effectiveness and performance of other provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected. 15.3 The appendix to this Agreement forms a part to this Agreement; both the Agreement and the appendix to this Agreement have equal legal status. 15.4 This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of PRC. 15.5 This Agreement is made into four (4) duplicate originals. Each party holds two (2) copies, and each copy shall have the same legal binding effect. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the legal representatives or authorized representatives of the both Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date and venue first written above.
Signature page:
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
By: __________________________________
Legal Representative or Authorized Representative
CHINA NETCOM (GROUP) COMPANY LIMITED
By: __________________________________
Legal Representative or Authorized Representative
APPENDIX I:
List of telecommunication resources to be leased
APPENDIX II:
List of inter-provincial optic fiber to be leased
EXHIBIT 10.16
Execution Copy
CAPACITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This CAPACITY LEASE AGREEMENT (this Agreement) is made and entered into this 30 th day of June, 2004 (the Effective Date), by and between EAST ASIA NETCOM LTD., a company formed and validly existing under the laws of Bermuda (EAN Network) and ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED, a company formed and validly existing under the laws of Bermuda (Asia Netcom). EAN Network and Asia Netcom are sometimes hereinafter referred to as individually a Party and collectively the Parties.
WHEREAS, EAN Network and Asia Netcom and their respective Subsidiaries are currently wholly-owned indirect Subsidiaries of CNC BVI; and
WHEREAS, it is contemplated that an initial public offering will be made of a portion of the capital stock of Asia Netcoms parent company, China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited, resulting in an indirect partial public ownership of Asia Netcom;
WHEREAS, EAN Network and Asia Netcom and their respective Subsidiaries are each in the business of providing telecommunications services and in connection therewith, each company has constructed and/or leased fiber optic network(s) to provide such services to end-users;
WHEREAS, EAN Network and its Subsidiaries have constructed a high capacity, long-haul telecommunications network throughout Asia and the Pacific-Rim region;
WHEREAS, in the furtherance of each Partys business, Asia Netcom desires to acquire, and EAN Network desires to provide to Asia Netcom, an indefeasible right to use a certain amount of telecommunications capacity on the Network (as defined below) in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises made in this Agreement, the sufficiency of which is acknowledged by the Parties, the Parties hereby agree:
ARTICLE 1
Section 1.1 Definitions.
1.1.1 Acceptance Testing shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 4.3.
1.1.2 Capacity shall mean the specific circuits between the End Points purchased by Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) and delivered by EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) under this Agreement that are (i) described as Initial Capacity on Part A of Schedule 1 and delivered to Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries from EAN Network and its Subsidiaries hereunder and (ii) described as Overhang Capacity on Part B of Schedule 1 and activated by Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) for delivery
from EAN Network and its Subsidiaries in accordance with Section 4.2, with each individual circuit of each thereof being referred to as a Segment. Future orders for Capacity not described on Part A or Part B of Schedule 1 shall be delivered by EAN Network and its Subsidiaries only if a written order covering such future Capacity has been made by Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself or any of its Subsidiaries) to EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself or any of its Subsidiaries) on or prior to the third (3 rd ) anniversary of the Effective Date containing, among other things, an accurate description of such future Capacity, fair market pricing for such future Capacity agreeable to both Parties and any other operation or technical information necessary for EAN Network and its Subsidiaries to activate such future Capacity. Any such order for future Capacity shall not be effective unless and until signed by authorized representatives for both Parties and then such future Capacity shall then be included in the definition of Capacity hereunder and shall be delivered by EAN Network and its Subsidiaries in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
1.1.3 CNC BVI shall mean China Netcom Holdings (BVI) Limited, the ultimate parent company of both EAN Network and Asia Netcom.
1.1.4 Commencement Date for the Initial Capacity or any Segment of the Overhang Capacity activated hereunder shall be the date upon which EAN Network delivers a Completion Notice to Asia Netcom for the Initial Capacity or such Segment of Overhang Capacity activated hereunder.
1.1.5 Completion Notice shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 4.4.
1.1.6 Effective Date shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.
1.1.7 End Point shall mean the originating or terminating point for the Capacity and shall be located in a facility or other point of presence that is owned, leased or otherwise used by EAN Network and its Subsidiaries to accommodate fiber optic transmission and/or associated ancillary equipment as set forth in Schedule 3.
1.1.8 Excused Outage shall mean any outage unavailability, delay or other degradation of service related to, associated with or caused by, Planned Maintenance events, third party network service providers which are not otherwise contracted by EAN Network to provide the Capacity, Asia Netcoms action or inactions, Asia Netcom provided power or equipment or a Force Majeure Event as defined by Article 12.
1.1.9 Force Majeure Event shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Article 12.
1.1.10 Governmental Authority shall mean any federal, state, regional, county, city, municipal, local, territorial, or tribal government, whether foreign or domestic, or any department, agency, bureau or other administrative or regulatory body obtaining authority from any of the foregoing, including without limitation, courts, public utilities and similar governmental authority.
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1.1.11 Initial Capacity shall mean 178 STM-1 equivalents of capacity on the Network allocated on a Segment-by-Segment basis as set forth in Part A of Schedule 1 to this Agreement.
1.1.12 IRU shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 2.1.
1.1.13 IRU Fee for any portion of the Capacity shall mean the fee for such portion of the Capacity specified in Schedule 2.
1.1.14 Interest Rate shall mean the interest rate then in effect for inter-company balances under the Transfer Pricing Policy.
1.1.15 Laws and Regulations shall mean all applicable laws, codes, ordinances, rules, restrictions, regulations and orders of any federal, state, regional or any local government (including those resulting from the initiative or referendum process) and judicial or administrative orders and decrees which are in effect as of the Effective Date or any time thereafter during the Term.
1.1.16 Network shall mean the East Asia Crossing Submarine Cable System, including the various terrestrial backhaul systems, as more generally described on Schedule 3 of this Agreement.
1.1.17 Notification Date shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 4.2.
1.1.18 O&M Fee shall mean the operations and maintenance fee specified in Schedule 2, subject to adjustment as set forth in this Agreement.
1.1.19 Overhang Capacity shall mean a maximum of 67 STM-1 equivalents of capacity on the Network allocated on a Segment-by-Segment basis or customer-by-customer basis, in each case as set forth in Part B of Schedule 1 to this Agreement.
1.1.20 Person shall mean any natural person, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, business trust, joint venture, association, company or Governmental Authority.
1.1.21 Planned Maintenance means any preventative, routine or scheduled maintenance which is performed on the Capacity, the Network, or any other component thereof. EAN Network shall endeavor to provide Asia Netcom with notice of any Planned Maintenance in accordance with Article 7 of this Agreement.
1.1.22 Regulatory Approvals shall mean all local, regional, national state and federal agreements, studies, findings, permits, approvals, certifications, licenses and other authorizations required to be obtained or completed under applicable Laws and Regulations prior to undertaking any particular activity contemplated by this Agreement.
1.1.23 Relevant Jurisdiction shall mean a country or jurisdiction (including the territorial waters) where the Network has an Access Point including but not limited to Japan, the Republic of Korea, Philippines and Taiwan.
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1.1.24 Required Rights shall mean all rights, licenses, permits, authorizations, rights-of-way, easements and other agreements which are necessary for EAN Network to obtain in order to permit EAN Network to construct, install and to operate and maintain the Network in accordance with this Agreement and to convey the IRU in the Capacity to Asia Netcom.
1.1.25 Segment shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the definition of Capacity.
1.1.26 Subsidiary shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other entity, of which (a) at least a majority of the securities or other interests having by their terms ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or others performing similar functions with respect to such entity is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person or by any one or more of its Subsidiaries, or by such Person and any one or more of its Subsidiaries or (b) such Person or any other Subsidiary of such Person is a general partner (excluding any such partnership where such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person does not have a majority of the voting interest in such partnership).
1.1.27 Term shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 13.1.
1.1.28 Transfer Pricing Policy shall mean the transfer pricing policy of CNC BVI respecting the provision of goods, services and intellectual property among its Subsidiaries. This policy may be modified from time to time by CNC BVI, but shall in all cases provide for a fair, arms length price for such goods, services and property, and shall at all times comply with both the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and Tax Administrations and U.S. Internal Revenue Code rules for transfer pricing.
1.1.29 Wet Portion shall mean the portion (and only that portion) of the Network that is installed undersea between the respective cable landing stations, but excluding such landing stations or their associated facilities.
Section 1.2 Schedules. The following Schedules are attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference:
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Schedule 1 Initial and Overhang Capacity | |
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Schedule 2 Fees | |
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Schedule 3 Network Diagram |
In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and any of the Schedules referenced above, this Agreement shall prevail in all cases.
Section 1.3 Interpretation.
1.3.1 The headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not affect its interpretation.
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1.3.2 In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the singular shall include the plural and vice versa and reference to a gender shall include the other genders.
1.3.3 The Schedules to this Agreement form a part of this Agreement and any reference therein to this Agreement is a reference to this Agreement and the said Schedule. In the event of any inconsistency between the text of the Sections of this Agreement and the Schedules hereto, the text of the Sections of this Agreement shall be controlling.
1.3.4 Any reference herein to an Article, Articles, Section or Sections is a reference to the referenced Article, Articles, Section or Sections of this Agreement unless otherwise specifically provided.
1.3.5 Any reference to an entity herein includes such entitys successors in title and permitted assigns.
ARTICLE 2
Section 2.1 Grant of IRU. As of the Commencement Date of any Segment of the Capacity activated hereunder, EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) hereby grants to Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries, and Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) hereby accepts, an exclusive indefeasible right of use in such Capacity, together with a non-exclusive, undivided right to use the relevant optical fibers and optronic and electrical equipment in the Wet Portion of the Network necessary to transmit such Capacity, all upon and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement (collectively the IRU).
Section 2.2 Term of IRU For Each Segment. The IRU for each Segment of Capacity activated hereunder shall begin on the Commencement Date for such Segment and shall end on the earlier of (a) the termination date set forth on Schedule 1 with respect to such Segment or (b) the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms.
Section 2.3 Termination of IRU by Supermajority. Notwithstanding any thing herein to the contrary, the IRUs granted hereunder may terminate prior to the end of the Term in the event EAN Network and the holders of not less than 85% of capacity on the Wet Portion of the Network (the Supermajority) jointly elect to retire the Wet Portion of the Network in accordance with this Section. Early retirement of the Network shall occur only upon the unanimous vote of each of EAN Network and the Supermajority.
Section 2.4 No Rights Upon Expiration of Term of IRU. Upon the termination of the IRU for each particular Segment, all rights to use the Capacity represented by such Segment shall revert to EAN Network without reimbursement of any of the IRU Fee or other sums, costs, fees or payments previously made by Asia Netcom with respect thereto, and from and after such time, Asia Netcom shall have no further rights or obligations hereunder with respect thereto unless such rights or obligations are specifically provided herein to survive the termination of the IRU for such Segment.
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ARTICLE 3
Section 3.1 IRU Fee. Asia Netcom shall pay (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) to EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) the IRU Fee for the Initial Capacity or any Segment of the Overhang Capacity activated hereunder as compensation for the IRU granted hereunder with respect to such Capacity and the performance by EAN Network and its Subsidiaries of their respective obligations hereunder. The IRU Fee for the Initial Capacity and each Segment of the Overhang Capacity activated hereunder are set forth in Schedule 2 and shall be paid in the manner and at the times set forth in this Article 3 and Schedule 2.
Section 3.2 O&M Fee. During the Term, Asia Netcom shall pay (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) to EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) the O&M Fee for the Capacity as set forth in Schedule 2. The O&M Fee for the Capacity shall be due and payable by Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) in accordance with Schedule 2. The O&M Fee for the Capacity shall be prorated for the first quarter based on the number of days until the first day of the following quarter and for the last quarter based on the number of days from the first day of such quarter until expiration of the Term.
Section 3.3 Increase in O&M Fee. The O&M Fee shall be increased on the first day of each calendar year by the increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index, All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), U.S. City Average, published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, for the preceding twelve (12) month period. In the event such index shall cease to be computed or published, EAN Network may (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries), in its reasonable discretion, designate a successor index to be used in determining any increase to the O&M Fee.
Section 3.4 Responsibility for Taxes. All payments made by Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) under this Article shall be made without any deduction or withholding for or on account of any tax, duty or other charges of whatever nature imposed on Asia Netcom or its Subsidiaries by any taxing or governmental authority (collectively Taxes). If Asia Netcom or any of its Subsidiaries is or was required by law to make any deduction or withholding from any payment due hereunder to EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries), then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the gross amount payable by Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) to EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) will be increased so that, after any such deduction or withholding for Taxes, the net amount received by EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) will not be less than EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) would have received had no such deduction or withholding been required. If any taxing or governmental authority asserts that Asia Netcom or any of its Subsidiaries should have made a deduction or withholding for or on account of any Taxes with respect to all or a portion of any payments made hereunder, or that EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) should have collected certain Taxes from Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) which EAN Network did not collect, Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) hereby agrees to indemnify EAN Network and its Subsidiaries for such Taxes and hold EAN
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Network and its Subsidiaries harmless on an after-tax basis from and against any Taxes, interest or penalties levied or asserted in connection therewith.
Section 3.5 Payment of Invoices. Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) agrees that all invoices presented by EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) hereunder shall become due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Except as otherwise provided herein or as otherwise agreed upon between the Parties, all payments made by Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) hereunder shall be in U.S. Dollars. Any sums not paid by Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) when due and payable under this Section 3.5 shall bear interest at the Interest Rate from the due date for payment up to but not including the date that such sum is paid. EAN Networks invoices shall include, and Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) agrees to pay, all applicable taxes required to be collected by EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself and its respective Subsidiaries). The form of EAN Networks invoices shall comply with all applicable Laws and Regulations.
ARTICLE 4
Section 4.1 Initial Capacity. On and from the Commencement Date for the Initial Capacity, Asia Netcom agrees (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) to purchase from EAN Network and its Subsidiaries, and EAN Network agrees (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) to deliver to Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries, each Segment of the Initial Capacity in the amount set forth in Part A of Schedule 1 in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Commencement Date for the Initial Capacity hereunder shall be the Effective Date of this Agreement.
Section 4.2 Overhang Capacity. From time to time, upon written notification to EAN Network (the date of such notification being a Notification Date), Asia Netcom may order (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) activation of any Segment of Overhang Capacity set forth on Part B of Schedule 1 from EAN Network and its Subsidiaries. Such written notice from Asia Netcom to EAN Network shall identify the Segment of Overhang Capacity to be activated and provide any operational or technical information necessary for EAN Network and its Subsidiaries to proceed with such activation. On and from the Commencement Date for any such Segment of Overhang Capacity, Asia Netcom agrees (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) to purchase from EAN Network and its Subsidiaries, and EAN Network agrees (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) to deliver to Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries, such Segment of Overhang Capacity in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The Parties shall cooperate to ensure that Overhang Capacity activated hereunder is activated by the dates reasonably requested by Asia Netcom.
Section 4.3 Acceptance Testing. Prior to the Commencement Date with respect to the Initial Capacity or any Segment of the Overhang Capacity activated hereunder, EAN Network and its Subsidiaries shall be entitled to test such Initial Capacity or Segment of the Overhang Capacity activated hereunder in accordance with the standard procedures of EAN Network and its Subsidiaries and generally accepted industry practices (Acceptance Testing). EAN Network (for and on behalf
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of itself or its respective Subsidiary) shall provide Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself or its respective Subsidiary) with prior notice of the date and time of Acceptance Testing and Asia Netcom or its respective Subsidiary shall have the right, but not the obligation, at its own cost and expense, to be present to observe the Acceptance Testing.
Section 4.4 Completion Notice. Upon successful completion of the Acceptance Testing with respect to the Initial Capacity or any Segment of the Overhang Capacity activated hereunder, EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) shall provide written notice of the same to Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) (a Completion Notice), which Completion Notice shall set forth, among other things, the date upon which EAN Network and its Subsidiaries will commence delivery of the Initial Capacity or such Segment of the Overhang Capacity activated hereunder to Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries shall not be entitled to use the Capacity until after payment in full of the IRU Fee that has become due and payable by Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries).
Section 4.5 Portability. Following activation of any Segment of the Capacity, Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries), shall have the option to elect, subject to availability, to exchange such Segment of Capacity for an alternative Segment or Segments of Capacity of equal or greater value anywhere on the Network. Any Segment of the Capacity that is exchanged pursuant to this Section 4.5 will be valued for the purpose of such exchange at fair market value at the date of the exchange.
ARTICLE 5
Subject to payment of mutually agreed fees and charges related thereto and to the extent practicable, EAN Network and its Subsidiaries shall permit Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries to interconnect their respective communications systems with the Capacity at the End Points. The Capacity shall terminate at an optical termination panel within a designated portion of each End Point facility, and Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries shall be permitted to cross-connect the Capacity with and into either (i) any local carrier (including EAN Network and its Subsidiaries) selected by Asia Netcom or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) the optronic or electronic equipment of Asia Netcom or any of its Subsidiaries located at the End Points but only if Asia Netcom has previously entered into EAN Networks standard Collocation Space License Agreement for the location of any such equipment. EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) makes no representation or warranty respecting the availability or performance of services or networks supplied by Asia Netcom, its Subsidiaries or third parties.
ARTICLE 6
Section 6.1 Configuration. Asia Netcom or any of its respective Subsidiaries may (at its sole cost and expense) determine any network and service configuration or designs, routing configurations, re-grooming, rearrangement or consolidation of channels or circuits and all related functions with regard to use of the
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Capacity; provided, such control and responsibility by Asia Netcom or any of its respective Subsidiaries shall not adversely affect the use by any other Person of the Network and/or any electronic or optronic equipment used by such Person in connection therewith. Notwithstanding the foregoing, EAN Network and its Subsidiaries shall have full and complete control, authority and responsibility for determining any network and system configuration or designs or changes therein, network and system upgrades, routing configuration or rearrangement and all related functions with regard to the provision of Capacity.
Section 6.2 Equipment. Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) acknowledges and agrees that EAN Network and its Subsidiaries are not supplying nor are EAN Network and its Subsidiaries obligated to supply to Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries any optronic or electronic equipment or related facilities for use of the Capacity, all of which are the sole responsibility of Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries, nor is EAN Network or any of its Subsidiaries responsible for performing any work other than as specified in this Agreement.
ARTICLE 7
Should any condition exist in the Capacity that may impair the integrity of such Capacity, EAN Network and its Subsidiaries shall take reasonable actions to initiate or cause to be initiated maintenance on such Capacity in accordance with the then current operations and maintenance procedures in effect for such Capacity, which may include the deactivation of the Capacity. EAN Network and its Subsidiaries shall, to the extent reasonably practicable, advise Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) in writing at least seven (7) days prior to the initiation of any Planned Maintenance which will or is likely to interfere with the operation of the Capacity, and of the timing and scope of such Planned Maintenance.
ARTICLE 8
Section 8.1 Authorizations. Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself or its respective Subsidiary) represents and warrants to EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself or its respective Subsidiary) that Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries have the Required Rights to utilize the Capacity and that Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will use the Capacity in compliance with all Laws and Regulations.
Section 8.2 Use of Capacity. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries may use the Capacity for any lawful purpose. Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) acknowledges and agrees that the rights of Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries are limited to the use of the Capacity only, and that Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries shall keep the Network free from any liens, rights or claims of any third party attributable to Asia Netcom or any of its Subsidiaries.
Section 8.3 Interference. Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries shall not use the Capacity in a way that interferes with or otherwise adversely affects the use of the Network or capacity therein by any other Person. Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries shall bear the costs of any additional protective apparatus reasonably required to be
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installed because of permitted transferees of Asia Netcom or any of its Subsidiaries, or any customer or customers of Asia Netcom or any of its Subsidiaries. EAN Network and its Subsidiaries will use reasonable efforts to cause all other lessees or purchasers of capacity in the Network to undertake obligations comparable to those of Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries set forth in this Section 8.3 and Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries shall cause all permitted users of any of the Capacity to undertake comparable obligations.
ARTICLE 9
Section 9.1 Regulatory Approvals. Prior to delivering any Capacity hereunder, EAN Network and its Subsidiaries, at their sole expense, shall obtain all Regulatory Approvals necessary to provide the Capacity. EAN Network and its Subsidiaries shall maintain such Regulatory Approvals in full force and effect throughout the Term and any extensions thereof. In addition, EAN Network and its Subsidiaries shall obtain and maintain in full force and effect throughout the Term all Regulatory Approvals necessary for the proper maintenance and operation of its Network.
Section 9.2 Delivery of Capacity. The Parties (for and on behalf of themselves and their respective Subsidiaries) acknowledge and agree that the obligations to be performed hereunder by EAN Network and its Subsidiaries with respect to the services and property located in a Relevant Jurisdiction shall be performed or provided to Asia Netcom or its Subsidiaries by the respective entity among EAN Network and its respective Subsidiaries that is incorporated or formed in that Relevant Jurisdiction or which possesses the proper regulatory authorization to deliver Capacity in that Relevant Jurisdiction.
ARTICLE 10
Section 10.1 Each Party (for and on behalf of itself and its respective Subsidiaries) represents and warrants that: (i) such Party and each of its respective Subsidiaries has the full right and authority to enter into, execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement; (ii) such Party and each of its respective Subsidiaries has taken all requisite corporate action to approve the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement; (iii) this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation enforceable against such Party (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, creditors rights and general equitable principles; and (iv) the execution of and performance under this Agreement by such Party (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) shall not violate any applicable existing Laws and Regulations.
Section 10.2 Each Party covenants and agrees that its shall procure the performance of each of its respective Subsidiaries in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
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ARTICLE 11
Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, neither Party shall be liable to the other Party hereunder for any special, incidental, indirect, punitive or consequential damages, or damages for lost profits, lost income or lost revenue, whether foreseeable or not, arising out of, or in connection with the failure of such Party or its respective Subsidiaries to perform its respective obligations hereunder (whether arising out of transmission interruptions or problems, any interruption or degradation of service or otherwise), whether occasioned by any construction, reconstruction, relocation, repair or maintenance performed by, or failed to be performed by, the other Party or its respective Subsidiaries or any other cause whatsoever, including breach of contract, breach of warranty, negligence, or strict liability, all claims for which damages are hereby specifically waived. Nothing contained herein shall operate as a limitation on the right of either Party hereto or its respective Subsidiaries to bring an action for damages against any third Party, including claims for indirect, special or consequential damages, based on any acts or omissions of such third Party.
ARTICLE 12
Except with respect to a Partys obligations to pay monies due hereunder, neither Party shall be in default under this Agreement if and to the extent that any failure or delay in the performance by such Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries of one or more of its obligations hereunder is caused by any of the following conditions, and the performance by such Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries of such obligation or obligations shall be excused and extended for and during the period of any such delay: act of God; fire; flood; fiber, cable, conduit or other material failures, shortages or unavailability or other delay in delivery not resulting from the failure of the responsible Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries to timely place orders therefore; lack of or delay in transportation; Laws and Regulations; war or civil disorder; or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of such Party or its respective Subsidiaries (each a Force Majeure Event). The Party claiming relief under this Article (for and on behalf of itself or any of its respective Subsidiaries) shall notify the other Party in writing of the existence of the event relied on and the cessation or termination of said event.
ARTICLE 13
Section 13.1 Term. This Agreement shall be effective upon the Effective Date and shall continue in full force and effect until the date which is the earlier of (i) the contract term for any Segment of the Capacity activated hereunder or (ii) the date of termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms (the Term).
Section 13.2 Defaults; Limitations of Liability.
13.2.1 An Event of Default exists under this Agreement upon the following events:
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(a) a Party fails to comply with or perform any material term, provision, covenant, agreement, or obligation contained in this Agreement including, without limitation, payment of applicable charges and fees hereunder, and such failure is not cured or corrected within ten (10) business days, in the case of non-payment, and within thirty (30) days, in all other cases, from the date the non-defaulting party gives written notice of such default, or, with respect to defaults other than payment defaults, if such default is not capable of being cured within such thirty (30)-day period despite the exercise of diligent, commercially reasonable efforts, within such longer period necessary to effect a cure;
(b) a Party makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, initiates a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or any petition or answer seeking, consenting to or acquiescing in reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief; or
(c) an involuntary petition in bankruptcy, other insolvency protection against a Party is filed and not dismissed within one hundred twenty (120) days.
13.2.2 Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default either Party may terminate all or a portion of this Agreement following the delivery of written notice to the other Party specifying the scope of termination, which termination shall be effective on the date such notice is delivered or such other later date as specified in the notice or, subject to Article 11, pursue any of its other available legal and equitable remedies relating to such Event of Default, including an action for damages, specific performance and/or injunctive relief.
ARTICLE 14
Section 14.1 Neither Party may assign, encumber or otherwise transfer this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Party, provided that, however, Asia Netcom shall have the right, without EAN Networks consent, but with prior written notice to EAN Network, to assign, delegate or otherwise transfer this Agreement and any right or obligations arising hereunder to an Subsidiary, provided that such Subsidiary shall agree in writing to be subject to all of the provisions of this Agreement.
Section 14.2 This Agreement and each of the Parties respective rights and obligations under this Agreement, shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and each of their respective permitted successors and assigns.
ARTICLE 15
Section 15.1 The Parties agree (for and on behalf of themselves and their respective Subsidiaries) that if either Party or its respective Subsidiaries provides confidential or proprietary information to the other Party or its respective Subsidiaries (Proprietary Information), such Proprietary Information shall be held in confidence, and the receiving Party or its respective Subsidiary shall afford such Proprietary
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Information the same care and protection as it affords generally to its own confidential and proprietary information (which in any case shall be not less than reasonable care) in order to avoid disclosure to or unauthorized use by any third Party. The Parties acknowledge and agree (for and on behalf of themselves and their respective Subsidiaries) that all information disclosed by either Party or its respective Subsidiaries to the other Party or its respective Subsidiaries in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be Proprietary Information, provided that verbal information is indicated as being confidential or proprietary when given. All Proprietary Information, unless otherwise specified in writing, shall remain the property of the disclosing Party or its respective Subsidiary, shall be used by the receiving Party or its respective Subsidiaries only for the intended purpose, and such written Proprietary Information, including all copies thereof, shall be returned to the disclosing Party or its respective Subsidiary or destroyed after the need of the receiving Party or its respective Subsidiaries for such information has expired or upon the request of the disclosing Party or its respective Subsidiary. Proprietary Information shall not be reproduced except to the extent necessary to accomplish the purpose and intent of this Agreement, or as otherwise may be permitted in writing by the disclosing Party or its respective Subsidiary.
Section 15.2 The foregoing provisions of Section 15.1 shall not apply to any Proprietary Information which (i) becomes publicly available other than through the disclosing Party; (ii) is required to be disclosed by a Law or Regulation; (iii) is independently developed by the receiving Party; or (iv) becomes available to the receiving Party without restriction from a third Party.
Section 15.3 Notwithstanding Sections 15.1 and 15.2 either Party and its respective Subsidiaries may disclose Proprietary Information to its employees, agents, lenders, funding partners and legal and financial advisors to the extent necessary or appropriate in connection with the negotiation and/or performance of this Agreement or in obtaining financing, provided that each such Party is notified of the confidential and proprietary nature of such Proprietary Information and is subject to or agrees to be bound by similar restrictions on its use and disclosure.
Section 15.4 Neither Party shall issue any public announcement or press release relating to the execution of this Agreement without the prior approval of the other Party, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
Section 15.5 In the event either Party or its respective Subsidiaries shall be required to disclose all or any part of this Agreement in, or attach all or any part of this Agreement to, any regulatory filing or statement, each Party agrees to discuss and work cooperatively, in good faith, with the other Party, to protect, to the extent possible, those items or matters which the other Party or its respective Subsidiary deems confidential and which may, in accordance with applicable laws, be deleted there from.
Section 15.6 The provisions of this Article 15 shall survive expiration or termination of this Agreement.
13
ARTICLE 16
If the Parties are unable to resolve any service or performance issues or if there is a material breach of this Agreement that has not been corrected within thirty (30) days of receipt of notice of such breach, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of EAN Network and the CFO of Asia Netcom, will meet promptly to review and resolve those issues in good faith.
ARTICLE 17
This Agreement shall be governed and construed under and pursuant to the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Any dispute arising under the terms hereof shall be heard only before courts of competent jurisdiction in Hong Kong S.A.R.
ARTICLE 18
All notices or other communications which are required or permitted herein shall be in writing and sufficient if delivered personally, sent by prepaid overnight air courier, or sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or by facsimile with follow up next day commercial hand delivery, addressed as follows:
IF TO ASIA NETCOM: | |||
Asia Netcom Corporation Limited | |||
46/F Cheung Kong Centre | |||
2 Queens Road, Central | |||
Hong Kong SAR | |||
Attn: General Counsel | |||
Facsimile +852-2121-2819 | |||
IF TO EAN NETWORK: | |||
East Asia Netcom Ltd. | |||
c/o 46/F Cheung Kong Centre | |||
2 Queens Road, Central | |||
Hong Kong SAR | |||
Attn: General Counsel | |||
Facsimile +852-2121-2819 |
or at such other address as the Party to whom notice is to be given may have furnished to the other Party in writing in accordance herewith. Any such communication shall be deemed to have been given when delivered if delivered personally, on the business day after dispatch if sent by overnight air courier, or on the third business day after posting if sent by pre-paid, first class mail.
14
ARTICLE 19
Section 19.1 Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement constitutes the entire and final agreement and understanding between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements relating to the subject matter hereof, which are of no further force or effect. The Schedules referred to herein are integral parts hereof and are hereby made a part of this Agreement. This Agreement may only be modified or supplemented by an instrument in writing executed by a duly authorized representative of each Party.
Section 19.2 Agency. The relationship between Asia Netcom and EAN Network and their respective Subsidiaries shall not be that of partners, agents, or joint venture partners, and nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute a partnership or agency agreement between any of them for any purposes, including but not limited to tax purposes.
Section 19.3 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be declared invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, said provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such declaration and shall not affect the remaining provisions of this Agreement. In the event that a material and fundamental provision of this Agreement is declared invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith respecting an amendment hereto which would preserve, to the fullest extent possible, the respective benefits and burdens imposed on each Party under this Agreement as originally executed.
Section 19.4 Joint Work Product. The Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is the joint work product of the Parties. Accordingly, in the event of ambiguities in this Agreement, no inferences shall be drawn against either Party on the basis of authorship of this Agreement.
Section 19.5 Waivers. The failure of either Party to insist on strict performance of any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of such provision in any other instance.
Section 19.6 Exclusivity. This Agreement shall not be exclusive as to either Party and nothing herein shall prevent Asia Netcom or EAN Network (or any of their respective Subsidiaries) from contracting with other parties to provide or receive services to or on behalf of Asia Netcom or EAN Network (or any of their respective Subsidiaries).
Section 19.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[Signature Page Follows]
15
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date first written above.
Signature Page to Capacity Purchase Agreement
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
By:
Name:
Title:
SCHEDULE 1
Part A
Initial Capacity
Asia Netcom
STM-1 EQUIVALENT TO | ||||||||||
ITEM_NO | CIRCUIT ID | BANDWIDTH | BE PURCHASED | LOCATION A | ||||||
AXLAC0837/01
|
SINGSI/STH-TOKYJP/STH-VC4-1000 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SINGAPORE | ||||||
AXLAC0838/01
|
SINGSI/STH-TOKYJP/STH-VC4-1001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SINGAPORE | ||||||
AX0401142/01
|
SINGSI/STH-SNJSCA/STH-VC4-1000 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SINGAPORE | ||||||
AXLAC0819/01
|
SINGSI/STH-TOKYJP/STH-VC4-1002 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SINGAPORE | ||||||
AXLAC0820/01
|
SINGSI/STH-SNJSCA/STH-VC4-1001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SINGAPORE | ||||||
AXLAC0015/01
|
SINGSI/STH-STTLWA/STH-VC4-1000 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SEATTLE | ||||||
AXLAC0806/01
|
HONGKONG/STH-SHIMA/STH --VC4SU001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0817/01
|
SINGSI/STH-TOKYJP/STH-VC4-1003 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SINGAPORE | ||||||
AX0304074/01
|
SEOLKO/DCC-SINGSI/DCC --VC4SU001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SEOUL | ||||||
AX0304043/03
|
SEOLKO/DCC-USCALA/DCC --VC4SU003 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SEOUL | ||||||
AX0304043/01
|
SEOLKO/DCC-USCALA/DCC --VC4SU001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SEOUL | ||||||
AX0304043/02
|
SEOLKO/DCC-USCALA/DCC --VC4SU002 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SEOUL | ||||||
AX0301096/01
|
SEOLKO/DCC-LSANCA/DCC-VC4-1000 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SEOUL | ||||||
AX0301096/02
|
SEOLKO/DCC-SNVACA/DCC-VC4-1002 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SEOUL | ||||||
AX0301096/03
|
SEOLKO/DCC-SNVACA/DCC-VC4-1003 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SEOUL | ||||||
AXLAC0814/01
|
MKTIPH/AGC-LSANCA/AGC-VC4-1000 | STM-1 | 1.00 | MAKATICITY | ||||||
AX0304055/01
|
MAKATI/DDP-LOSANGELES/DDP--VC4SU002 | STM-1 | 1.00 | MAKATICITY | ||||||
AX0309162/01
|
MNLAP-PTVLP-DDP-IRU-VC4-0042 | STM-1 | 1.00 | MANILA | ||||||
AX0404166/01
|
MKTCP-TKYOP-DDP-IRU-VC4-0048 | STM-1 | 1.00 | MAKATICITY | ||||||
AX0312213/01
|
MNLAP-LSAGP-HGC-IRU-VC4-0015 | STM-1 | 1.00 | MANILA | ||||||
AX0401048/01
|
MNLAP-TKYOP-HGC-IRU-VC4-0016 | STM-1 | 1.00 | MANILA | ||||||
AX0401049/01
|
MNLAP-HKNGP-HGC-IRU-VC4-0017 | STM-1 | 1.00 | MANILA | ||||||
AXLAC0914/01
|
HONGKONG/HGC-TAIPEI/HGC -VC4SU001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0915/01
|
TAIPEI/HGC-TOKYO/HGC -- VC4SU001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | TAIPEI | ||||||
AX0312089/01
|
HKNGP-TKYOP-HGC-IRU-VC4-0014 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0911/01
|
HONGKONG/HGC-LOSANGELES/HGC --VC4SU003 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG |
[Continued from above table, first column(s) repeated]
Schedule 1
CONTRACT TERM
ITEM_NO
CIRCUIT ID
LOCATION Z
(NO. OF MONTHS)
SINGSI/STH-TOKYJP/STH-VC4-1000
TOKYO
180
SINGSI/STH-TOKYJP/STH-VC4-1001
TOKYO
180
SINGSI/STH-SNJSCA/STH-VC4-1000
LOSANGELES
180
SINGSI/STH-TOKYJP/STH-VC4-1002
TOKYO
180
SINGSI/STH-SNJSCA/STH-VC4-1001
SANJOSE
180
SINGSI/STH-STTLWA/STH-VC4-1000
SINGAPORE
180
HONGKONG/STH-SHIMA/STH --VC4SU001
SHIMA
180
SINGSI/STH-TOKYJP/STH-VC4-1003
TOKYO
180
SEOLKO/DCC-SINGSI/DCC --VC4SU001
SINGAPORE
180
SEOLKO/DCC-USCALA/DCC --VC4SU003
LOSANGELES
180
SEOLKO/DCC-USCALA/DCC --VC4SU001
LOSANGELES
180
SEOLKO/DCC-USCALA/DCC --VC4SU002
LOSANGELES
180
SEOLKO/DCC-LSANCA/DCC-VC4-1000
LOSANGELES
180
SEOLKO/DCC-SNVACA/DCC-VC4-1002
SUNNYVALE
60
SEOLKO/DCC-SNVACA/DCC-VC4-1003
SUNNYVALE
60
MKTIPH/AGC-LSANCA/AGC-VC4-1000
LOSANGELES
180
MAKATI/DDP-LOSANGELES/DDP--VC4SU002
LOSANGELES
180
MNLAP-PTVLP-DDP-IRU-VC4-0042
PORTVILA
180
MKTCP-TKYOP-DDP-IRU-VC4-0048
TOKYO
180
MNLAP-LSAGP-HGC-IRU-VC4-0015
LOSANGELES
180
MNLAP-TKYOP-HGC-IRU-VC4-0016
TOKYO
180
MNLAP-HKNGP-HGC-IRU-VC4-0017
HONGKONG
180
HONGKONG/HGC-TAIPEI/HGC -VC4SU001
TAIPEI
180
TAIPEI/HGC-TOKYO/HGC -- VC4SU001
TOKYO
180
HKNGP-TKYOP-HGC-IRU-VC4-0014
TOKYO
180
HONGKONG/HGC-LOSANGELES/HGC --VC4SU003
LOSANGELES
180
STM-1 EQUIVALENT TO | ||||||||||
ITEM_NO | CIRCUIT ID | BANDWIDTH | BE PURCHASED | LOCATION A | ||||||
AXLAC0912/01
|
HONGKONG/HGC-SUNNYVALE/HGC --VC4SU001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0913/01
|
HONGKONG/HGC-SUNNYVALE/HGC --VC4SU002 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0908/01
|
HONGKONG/HGC-LOSANGELES/HGC VC4S001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0909/01
|
HONGKONG/HGC-TOKYO/HGC--VC4SU001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0910/01
|
HONGKONG/HGC-LOSANGELES/HGC VC4S002 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0210123/02
|
HNKNHK/HGC-SINGSI/HGC-VC4-1001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0003/01
|
HONGKONG/HGC-TAIPEI/HGC --VC4SU002 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0211096/01
|
HNKNHK/HGC-LSANCA/HGC-VC4-1004 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0211096/02
|
HNKNHK/HGC-LSANCA/HGC-VC4-1005 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0212111/01
|
MKTIPH/HGC-LSANCA/HGC-VC4-1000 | STM-1 | 1.00 | MANILA | ||||||
AX0306039/01
|
Tokyo/ATT-HongKong/ATT-VC5SU002 | STM-4 | 4.00 | TOKYO | ||||||
AX0401124/01
|
TOKYJP/DIH-HNKNHK/DIH-VC4-1000 | STM-1 | 1.00 | TOKYO | ||||||
AXLAC0825/01
|
SEOUL/THR-SUNNYVALE/THR --VC4SU002 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SEOUL | ||||||
AXLAC0839/01
|
SEOUL/THR-SUNNYVALE/THR --VC4SU001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SEOUL | ||||||
AX0210133/01
|
SEOLKO/DCC-SNVACA/DCC-VC4-1001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SEOUL | ||||||
AX0210134/01
|
SEOLKO/DCC-SNVACA/DCC-VC4-1000 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SEOUL | ||||||
AXLAC0824/01
|
SEOUL/THR-SUNNYVALE/THR --VC4SU003 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SEOUL | ||||||
AX0210131/01
|
SEOLKO/DAO-SNVACA/DAO-VC5-1000 | STM-4 | 4.00 | SEOUL | ||||||
AXLAC0823/01
|
SEOLKO/HNR-LSANCA/HNR-VC4-1000 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SEOUL | ||||||
AXLAC0822/01
|
SEOLKO/HNR-LSANCA/HNR-VC4-1001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SEOUL | ||||||
AX0403025/01
|
HKNGP-MNLAP-HGC-IRU-VC4-0029 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0848/01
|
HongKong/HGC-London/HGC -VC4SU001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0855/01
|
HONGKONG/HGC-SINGAPORE/HGC VC4SU001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0401120/01
|
HKNGP-SGPEP-HGC-IRU-VC4-0018 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0843/01
|
HNKNHK/HGC-LSANCA/HGC-VC4-1001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0844/01
|
HNKNHK/HGC-LSANCA/HGC-VC4-1000 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0847/01
|
HONGKONG/HGC-SEOUL/HGC --VC4SU001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0815/01
|
HNKNHK/HGC-SINGSI/HGC-VC4-1000 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0816/01
|
HNKNHK/HGC-MKTIPH/HGC-VC4-1000 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0301095/01
|
HNKNHK/HGC-TAIPTW/HGC-VC4-1000 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0843/01
|
HNKNHK/HGC-LSANCA/HGC-VC4-1001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0811/01
|
HONGKONG/HGC-TAIPEI/HGC --VC4SU003 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0210199/02
|
HNKNHK/HGC-LSANCA/HGC -VC4-1002 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0211059/01
|
HNKNHK/HGC-LSANCA/HGC-VC4-1003 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0212076/01
|
HNKNHK/HGC-MKTIPH/HGC-VC4-1000 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG |
[Continued from above table, first column(s) repeated]
Schedule 1
CONTRACT TERM
ITEM_NO
CIRCUIT ID
LOCATION Z
(NO. OF MONTHS)
HONGKONG/HGC-SUNNYVALE/HGC --VC4SU001
SUNNYVALE
180
HONGKONG/HGC-SUNNYVALE/HGC --VC4SU002
SUNNYVALE
180
HONGKONG/HGC-LOSANGELES/HGC VC4S001
LOSANGELES
180
HONGKONG/HGC-TOKYO/HGC--VC4SU001
TOKYO
180
HONGKONG/HGC-LOSANGELES/HGC VC4S002
LOSANGELES
180
HNKNHK/HGC-SINGSI/HGC-VC4-1001
SINGAPORE
180
HONGKONG/HGC-TAIPEI/HGC --VC4SU002
TAIPEI
180
HNKNHK/HGC-LSANCA/HGC-VC4-1004
LOSANGELES
180
HNKNHK/HGC-LSANCA/HGC-VC4-1005
LOSANGELES
180
MKTIPH/HGC-LSANCA/HGC-VC4-1000
LOSANGELES
180
Tokyo/ATT-HongKong/ATT-VC5SU002
HONGKONG
180
TOKYJP/DIH-HNKNHK/DIH-VC4-1000
HONGKONG
180
SEOUL/THR-SUNNYVALE/THR --VC4SU002
SUNNYVALE
180
SEOUL/THR-SUNNYVALE/THR --VC4SU001
SUNNYVALE
180
SEOLKO/DCC-SNVACA/DCC-VC4-1001
SUNNYVALE
180
SEOLKO/DCC-SNVACA/DCC-VC4-1000
SUNNYVALE
180
SEOUL/THR-SUNNYVALE/THR --VC4SU003
SUNNYVALE
180
SEOLKO/DAO-SNVACA/DAO-VC5-1000
SUNNYVALE
180
SEOLKO/HNR-LSANCA/HNR-VC4-1000
LOSANGELES
180
SEOLKO/HNR-LSANCA/HNR-VC4-1001
LOSANGELES
180
HKNGP-MNLAP-HGC-IRU-VC4-0029
MANILA
180
HongKong/HGC-London/HGC -VC4SU001
LONDON
180
HONGKONG/HGC-SINGAPORE/HGC VC4SU001
SINGAPORE
180
HKNGP-SGPEP-HGC-IRU-VC4-0018
SINGAPORE
180
HNKNHK/HGC-LSANCA/HGC-VC4-1001
LOSANGELES
180
HNKNHK/HGC-LSANCA/HGC-VC4-1000
LOSANGELES
180
HONGKONG/HGC-SEOUL/HGC --VC4SU001
SEOUL
180
HNKNHK/HGC-SINGSI/HGC-VC4-1000
SINGAPORE
180
HNKNHK/HGC-MKTIPH/HGC-VC4-1000
MANILA
180
HNKNHK/HGC-TAIPTW/HGC-VC4-1000
TAIPEI
180
HNKNHK/HGC-LSANCA/HGC-VC4-1001
LOSANGELES
180
HONGKONG/HGC-TAIPEI/HGC --VC4SU003
TAIPEI
180
HNKNHK/HGC-LSANCA/HGC -VC4-1002
LOSANGELES
180
HNKNHK/HGC-LSANCA/HGC-VC4-1003
LOSANGELES
180
HNKNHK/HGC-MKTIPH/HGC-VC4-1000
MANILA
180
STM-1 EQUIVALENT TO | ||||||||||
ITEM_NO | CIRCUIT ID | BANDWIDTH | BE PURCHASED | LOCATION A | ||||||
AX0211067/03
|
HNKNHK/FLG-SINGSI/FLG-VC5-1001 | STM-4 | 4.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0211067/04
|
HNKNHK/FLG-SINGSI/FLG-VC5-1000 | STM-4 | 4.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0211067/01
|
HNKNHK/FLG-SINGSI/FLG-VC4-1000 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0211067/02
|
HNKNHK/FLG-SINGSI/FLG-VC4-1001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0851/01
|
SEOUL/MCI-TOKYO/MCI --VC5SU001 | STM-4 | 4.00 | TOKYO | ||||||
AXLAC0737/01
|
HONGKONG/MCI-TOKYO/MCI -VC5SU001 | STM-4 | 4.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0738/01
|
TAIPEI/MCI-TOKYO/MCI --VC5SU001 | STM-4 | 4.00 | TOKYO | ||||||
AXLAC0005/01
|
HONGKONG/NWT-TAIPEI?NWT--VC4SU001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0212072/01
|
HNKNHK/CGS-SINGSI/CGS-VC4-1000 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0310205/01
|
TKYOP-SEULP-CGS-IRU-VC4-0001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | TOKYO | ||||||
AX0310206/01
|
HKNGP-TPEIP-CGS-IRU-VC4-0002 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0301002/01
|
TAIPEI/UNG-HONGKONG/UNG-VC4-10 | STM-1 | 1.00 | TAIPEI | ||||||
AXLAC0850/01
|
HONGKONG/TFN-TAIPEI/TFN --VC4SU001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | TAIPEI | ||||||
AXLAC0807/01
|
TAIPEI/TFN-LOSANGELES/TFN --VC4SU002 | STM-1 | 1.00 | LOSANGELES | ||||||
AXLAC0808/01
|
TAIPEI/TFN-LOSANGELES/TFN --VC4SU001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | LOSANGELES | ||||||
AXLAC0809/01
|
TAIPEI/TFN-LOSANGELES/TFN --VC4SU003 | STM-1 | 1.00 | LOSANGELES | ||||||
AXLAC0587/01
|
HKG/CAW-TKO/TOR VC4S003 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0588/01
|
HKG/CAW-TKO/TOR VC4S004 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0845/01
|
HKG/CAW-TKO/TOR VC4S002 | STM-1 | 1.00 | TOKYO | ||||||
AXLAC0585/01
|
HKG/CAW-TKO/TOR VC4S001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0854/01
|
AJIGAURA/KDD-SEOUL/KDD --VC4SU001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | AJIGAURA | ||||||
AXLAC0852/01
|
AJIGAURA/KDD-HONGKONG/KDD --VC4SU001 | OC-03C | 1.00 | AJIGAURA | ||||||
AXLAC0853/01
|
AJIGAURA/KDD-HONGKONG/KDD --VC4SU002 | OC-03C | 1.00 | AJIGAURA | ||||||
AX0210169/01
|
HNKNHK/QST-TOKYJP/QST-VC5-1000 | STM-4 | 4.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0403087/01
|
HKNGP-TKYOP-QST-IRU-VC4-0019 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0311070/04
|
HKNGP-SGPEP-QST-IRU-VC4-0006 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0311070/01
|
HKNGP-SGPEP-QST-IRU-VC4-0003 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0312119/01
|
HONGKONG/QST-TOKYO/QST --VC4SU115 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0311070/02
|
HKNGP-SGPEP-QST-IRU-VC4-0004 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0311070/03
|
HKNGP-SGPEP-QST-IRU-VC4-0005 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0801/01
|
HONGKONG/QST-TAIPEI/QST --VC4SU102 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0803/01
|
HongKong/QST-LosAngeles/QST --VC6SU101 | STM-16 | 16.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0800/01
|
HONGKONG/QST-TAIPEI/QST --VC4SU101 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0763/01
|
HONGKONG/QST-TOKYO/QST --VC4SU111 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0760/01
|
HONGKONG/QST-TOKYO/QST --VC4SU107 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0756/01
|
HONGKONG/QST-SEATTLE/QST --VC4SU104 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG |
[Continued from above table, first column(s) repeated]
Schedule 1
CONTRACT TERM
ITEM_NO
CIRCUIT ID
LOCATION Z
(NO. OF MONTHS)
HNKNHK/FLG-SINGSI/FLG-VC5-1001
SINGAPORE
180
HNKNHK/FLG-SINGSI/FLG-VC5-1000
SINGAPORE
180
HNKNHK/FLG-SINGSI/FLG-VC4-1000
SINGAPORE
180
HNKNHK/FLG-SINGSI/FLG-VC4-1001
SINGAPORE
180
SEOUL/MCI-TOKYO/MCI --VC5SU001
SEOUL
180
HONGKONG/MCI-TOKYO/MCI -VC5SU001
TOKYO
180
TAIPEI/MCI-TOKYO/MCI --VC5SU001
TAIPEI
180
HONGKONG/NWT-TAIPEI?NWT--VC4SU001
TAIPEI
180
HNKNHK/CGS-SINGSI/CGS-VC4-1000
SINGAPORE
180
TKYOP-SEULP-CGS-IRU-VC4-0001
SEOUL
180
HKNGP-TPEIP-CGS-IRU-VC4-0002
TAIPEI
180
TAIPEI/UNG-HONGKONG/UNG-VC4-10
HONGKONG
180
HONGKONG/TFN-TAIPEI/TFN --VC4SU001
HONGKONG
180
TAIPEI/TFN-LOSANGELES/TFN --VC4SU002
TAIPEI
300
TAIPEI/TFN-LOSANGELES/TFN --VC4SU001
TAIPEI
300
TAIPEI/TFN-LOSANGELES/TFN --VC4SU003
TAIPEI
300
HKG/CAW-TKO/TOR VC4S003
TOKYO
180
HKG/CAW-TKO/TOR VC4S004
TOKYO
180
HKG/CAW-TKO/TOR VC4S002
HONGKONG
180
HKG/CAW-TKO/TOR VC4S001
TOKYO
180
AJIGAURA/KDD-SEOUL/KDD --VC4SU001
SEOUL
180
AJIGAURA/KDD-HONGKONG/KDD --VC4SU001
HONGKONG
180
AJIGAURA/KDD-HONGKONG/KDD --VC4SU002
HONGKONG
180
HNKNHK/QST-TOKYJP/QST-VC5-1000
TOKYO
300
HKNGP-TKYOP-QST-IRU-VC4-0019
TOKYO
300
HKNGP-SGPEP-QST-IRU-VC4-0006
SINGAPORE
300
HKNGP-SGPEP-QST-IRU-VC4-0003
SINGAPORE
300
HONGKONG/QST-TOKYO/QST --VC4SU115
TOKYO
300
HKNGP-SGPEP-QST-IRU-VC4-0004
SINGAPORE
300
HKNGP-SGPEP-QST-IRU-VC4-0005
SINGAPORE
300
HONGKONG/QST-TAIPEI/QST --VC4SU102
TAIPEI
300
HongKong/QST-LosAngeles/QST --VC6SU101
LOSANGELES
300
HONGKONG/QST-TAIPEI/QST --VC4SU101
TAIPEI
300
HONGKONG/QST-TOKYO/QST --VC4SU111
TOKYO
300
HONGKONG/QST-TOKYO/QST --VC4SU107
TOKYO
300
HONGKONG/QST-SEATTLE/QST --VC4SU104
SEATTLE
300
STM-1 EQUIVALENT TO | ||||||||||
ITEM_NO | CIRCUIT ID | BANDWIDTH | BE PURCHASED | LOCATION A | ||||||
AXLAC0757/01
|
HONGKONG/QST-SEATTLE/QST --VC4SU105 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0758/01
|
HONGKONG/QST-SEATTLE/QST --VC4SU107 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0751/01
|
HONGKONG/QST-SEATTLE/QST --VC4SU103 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AXLAC0736/01
|
SUNNYVALE/THR-TOKYO/THR --VC4SU001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | SEOUL | ||||||
AX0304129/01
|
HNKNHK/CNC-ANHMCA/CNC-VC6-1000 | STM-16 | 16.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
AX0302080/01
|
TOKYOJP/ATT-HNKNHK/ATT-VC5-1000 | STM-4 | 4.00 | TOKYO | ||||||
AX0303003/01
|
SINGSI/ATT-HNKNHK/ATT-VC5-1000 | STM-4 | 4.00 | SINGAPORE | ||||||
AX0306005/01
|
HKNGP-LSAGP-NSD-IRU-VC4-0001 | STM-1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
N/A
|
HNKNHK/QST-TAIPTW/QST-VC4-1000 | STM1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
N/A
|
HNKNHK/QST-TAIPTW/QST-VC4-1001 | STM1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
N/A
|
HONGKONG/QST-SEATTLE/QST --VC4SU101 | STM1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
N/A
|
HONGKONG/QST-SEATTLE/QST --VC4SU102 | STM1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
N/A
|
HONGKONG/QST-TOKYO/QST --VC4SU105 | STM1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
N/A
|
HKNGP-TKYOP-QST-IRU-VC4-0018 | STM1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
N/A
|
HNKNHK/QST-SINGSI/QST-VC4-1001 | STM1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
N/A
|
HNKNHK/QST-SINGSI/QST-VC5-1001 | STM4 | 4.00 | HONGKONG | ||||||
N/A
|
EACHKGCHA/WS01-EACMAKAYA/WS01 VC4S3001 | STM1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG (MEGA) | ||||||
N/A
|
IPLHKGYIP/WS01-IPLTPEYAN/WS01 VC4S3002 | STM1 | 1.00 | HONGKONG (SINO) | ||||||
|
|
|||||||||
|
178.00 | |||||||||
|
|
[Continued from above table, first column(s) repeated]
CONTRACT TERM
ITEM_NO
CIRCUIT ID
LOCATION Z
(NO. OF MONTHS)
HONGKONG/QST-SEATTLE/QST --VC4SU105
SEATTLE
300
HONGKONG/QST-SEATTLE/QST --VC4SU107
SEATTLE
300
HONGKONG/QST-SEATTLE/QST --VC4SU103
SEATTLE
300
SUNNYVALE/THR-TOKYO/THR --VC4SU001
SUNNYVALE
180
HNKNHK/CNC-ANHMCA/CNC-VC6-1000
AHAHEIM
180
TOKYOJP/ATT-HNKNHK/ATT-VC5-1000
HONGKONG
180
SINGSI/ATT-HNKNHK/ATT-VC5-1000
HONGKONG
180
HKNGP-LSAGP-NSD-IRU-VC4-0001
LOSANGELES
180
HNKNHK/QST-TAIPTW/QST-VC4-1000
TAIPEI
300
HNKNHK/QST-TAIPTW/QST-VC4-1001
TAIPEI
300
HONGKONG/QST-SEATTLE/QST --VC4SU101
SEATTLE
300
HONGKONG/QST-SEATTLE/QST --VC4SU102
SEATTLE
300
HONGKONG/QST-TOKYO/QST --VC4SU105
TOKYO
300
HKNGP-TKYOP-QST-IRU-VC4-0018
TOKYO
300
HNKNHK/QST-SINGSI/QST-VC4-1001
SINGAPORE
300
HNKNHK/QST-SINGSI/QST-VC5-1001
SINGAPORE
300
EACHKGCHA/WS01-EACMAKAYA/WS01 VC4S3001
MAKATI
180
IPLHKGYIP/WS01-IPLTPEYAN/WS01 VC4S3002
TAIPEI
180
Schedule 1
Part B
Overhang Capacity
No. of STM-1s | ||||||
Customer
|
Routing
|
CY2004
|
||||
HGC
|
HK-Japan | 3 | ||||
HGC
|
HK-Taipei | 3 | ||||
HGC
|
HK-Singapore | 1 | ||||
HGC
|
HK-Seoul | 2 | ||||
HGC
|
Taipei-Japan | 1 | ||||
HGC
|
Seoul-Tokyo | 2 | ||||
HGC
|
HK-US West Coast (CS only) | 1 | ||||
HGC
|
HK-US West Coast (CS only) | 2 | ||||
HGC
|
HK-US West Coast (CS only) | 1 | ||||
HGC
|
HK-Sydney | 1 | ||||
BI Group
|
Not specified | 2 | ||||
Dacom Corp
|
Not specified | 1 | ||||
Digital Island
|
Not specified | 1 | ||||
BT
|
Not specified | 11 | ||||
KGT
|
TW - EAC CLS | 3 | ||||
Starhub
|
Not specified | 18 | ||||
Digital Telecom
|
Not specified | 2 | ||||
AT&T Corp
|
Tokyo - Hong Kong | 4 | ||||
|
Tokyo - Korea | 1 | ||||
|
Tokyo - Taiwan | 1 | ||||
|
Hong Kong Korea | 1 | ||||
|
Hong Kong - Taiwan | 1 | ||||
|
Tokyo - Singapore | 3 | ||||
|
Hong Kong - Singapore | 1 | ||||
|
Total | 67 |
Note : For Overhang Capacity without specific routing information, the number of STM-1s is estimated by reference to latest IRU price of $540,000 (POP to POP) per STM-1.
Schedule 1
SCHEDULE 2
FEES
1. IRU Fee for Initial Capacity
The IRU Fee for all Segments comprising the Initial Capacity is US$16,593,872.00. The IRU Fee for all Segments comprising the Initial Capacity shall be due and payable as follows:
a) | 30% within 30 days after the Effective Date for designing, planning and engineering the Initial Capacity; and | |||
b) | the balance within 60 days after the relevant Commencement Date for such Initial Capacity. |
2. IRU Fee for Overhang Capacity
The allocated IRU Fee for each Segment of the Overhang Capacity is US$93,224.00 per STM-1 equivalent allocated on a Segment by Segment basis. The allocated IRU Fee for each Segment of Overhang Capacity activated hereunder shall be due and payable as follows:
a) | 30% within 30 days after after the relevant Notification Date for designing, planning and engineering such Segment of Overhang Capacity; and | |||
b) | the balance within 60 days the relevant Commencement Date for such Segment of Overhang Capacity. |
C. O&M Fee
The O&M Fee shall be four percent (4%) of the total IRU Fee payable per annum for Capacity activated under this Agreement. The O&M Fee shall be invoiced quarterly in advance by EAN Network on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each calendar year and shall be due and payable 60 days after the relevant invoice date.
Schedule 2
SCHEDULE 3
NETWORK SYSTEM DIAGRAM
Schedule 3
EXHIBIT 10.17
Execution Copy
CAPACITY LEASE AGREEMENT
This CAPACITY LEASE AGREEMENT (this Agreement) is made and entered into this 30 th day of June, 2004 (the Effective Date), by and between EAST ASIA NETCOM LTD., a company formed and validly existing under the laws of Bermuda (EAN Network) and ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED, a company formed and validly existing under the laws of Bermuda (Asia Netcom). EAN Network and Asia Netcom are sometimes hereinafter referred to as individually a Party and collectively the Parties.
WHEREAS, EAN Network and Asia Netcom and their respective Subsidiaries are currently wholly-owned indirect Subsidiaries of CNC BVI; and
WHEREAS, it is contemplated that an initial public offering will be made of a portion of the capital stock of Asia Netcoms parent company, China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited, resulting in an indirect partial public ownership of Asia Netcom;
WHEREAS, EAN Network and Asia Netcom and their respective Subsidiaries are each in the business of providing telecommunications services and in connection therewith, each company has constructed and/or leased fiber optic network(s) to provide such services to end-users;
WHEREAS, EAN Network and its Subsidiaries have constructed a high capacity, long-haul telecommunications network throughout Asia and the Pacific-Rim region;
WHEREAS, in the furtherance of each Partys business, Asia Netcom, for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, desires to lease from EAN Network and its Subsidiaries, and EAN Network, for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, desires to provide to Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries, certain telecommunications services and other related services as more particularly described in this Agreement.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises made in this Agreement, the sufficiency of which is acknowledged by the Parties, the Parties hereby agree:
ARTICLE 1
Section 1.1 Definitions.
1.1.1 Acceptance Testing shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 4.1.
1.1.2 Access Point shall mean any point of presence along the Network, including any other point of presence as agreed to by the Parties.
1.1.3 Additional Capacity shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 2.2.
1.1.4 Capacity shall mean the various transmission and carriage of telecommunications traffic between the Access Points as leased by Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) and provided by EAN Network and its Subsidiaries under the terms of this Agreement, including the Initial Capacity and Additional Capacity as well as all necessary set-up services and network management services.
1.1.5 CNC BVI shall mean China Netcom Holdings (BVI) Limited, the ultimate parent company of both EAN Network and Asia Netcom.
1.1.6 Completion Notice shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 4.2.
1.1.7 Effective Date shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.
1.1.8 Governmental Authority shall mean any federal, state, regional, county, city, municipal, local, territorial, or tribal government, whether foreign or domestic, or any department, agency, bureau or other administrative or regulatory body obtaining authority from any of the foregoing, including without limitation, courts, public utilities and similar governmental authority.
1.1.9 Initial Capacity shall mean 182 STM-1 equivalents of capacity on the Network, allocated on a Segment-by-Segment basis as set forth in Schedule 1 to this Agreement.
1.1.10 Interest Rate shall mean the interest rate then in effect for inter-company balances under the Transfer Pricing Policy.
1.1.11 Laws and Regulations shall mean all applicable laws, codes, ordinances, rules, restrictions, regulations and orders of any federal, state, regional or any local government (including those resulting from the initiative or referendum process) and judicial or administrative orders and decrees which are in effect as of the Effective Date or any time thereafter during the Term.
1.1.12 Network shall mean any and all telecommunications cables, lines, fiber, conduits, inner-ducts, access manholes, hand-holes, pedestals, boxes, transmitting, receiving, power and other equipment, systems and devices which are (now or in the future) used by EAN Network and its Subsidiaries to provide Capacity to Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries which are either (i) owned or installed by EAN Network or its respective Subsidiary or (ii) procured by, leased to or otherwise acquired by EAN Network or its respective Subsidiary under a right to use or other similar agreement. A diagram of the Network is set forth hereto as Schedule 2.
1.1.13 Network Service Date shall mean the date on which EAN Network and its Subsidiaries begin providing the Initial Capacity to Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries over the Network, following successful Acceptance Testing and delivery of the Completion Notice. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Network Service Date for the Initial Capacity hereunder shall be the Effective Date of this Agreement.
2
1.1.14 Performance Standards shall mean the minimum standards, criteria and parameters for the performance of the Capacity throughout the Term and any extension thereof.
1.1.15 Person shall mean any natural person, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, business trust, joint venture, association, company or Governmental Authority.
1.1.16 Regulatory Approvals shall mean all local, regional, national state and federal agreements, studies, findings, permits, approvals, certifications, licenses and other authorizations required to be obtained or completed under applicable Laws and Regulations prior to undertaking any particular activity contemplated by this Agreement.
1.1.17 Segment shall mean a specific individual circuit between Access Points leased by Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) and delivered by EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) under this Agreement.
1.1.18 Relevant Jurisdiction shall mean a country or jurisdiction (including the territorial waters) where the Network has an Access Point including but not limited to Japan, the Republic of Korea, Philippines and Taiwan.
1.1.19 Subsidiary shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other entity, of which (a) at least a majority of the securities or other interests having by their terms ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or others performing similar functions with respect to such entity is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person or by any one or more of its Subsidiaries, or by such Person and any one or more of its Subsidiaries or (b) such Person or any other Subsidiary of such Person is a general partner (excluding any such partnership where such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person does not have a majority of the voting interest in such partnership).
1.1.20 Tail Connectivity shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.
1.1.21 Term shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 12.1 and may be extended by Asia Netcom in accordance with Section 12.2.
1.1.22 Transfer Pricing Policy shall mean the transfer pricing policy of CNC BVI respecting the provision of goods, services and intellectual property among its Subsidiaries. This policy may be modified from time to time by CNC BVI, but shall in all cases provide for a fair, arms length price for such goods, services and property, and shall at all times comply with both the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and Tax Administrations and U.S. Internal Revenue Code rules for transfer pricing.
Section 1.2 Schedules. The following Schedules are attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference:
3
|
Schedule 1 Initial Capacity | |
|
Schedule 2 Network Diagram |
In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and any of the Schedules referenced above, this Agreement shall prevail in all cases.
Section 1.3 Interpretation.
1.3.1 The headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not affect its interpretation.
1.3.2 In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the singular shall include the plural and vice versa and reference to a gender shall include the other genders.
1.3.3 The Schedules to this Agreement form a part of this Agreement and any reference therein to this Agreement is a reference to this Agreement and the said Schedule. In the event of any inconsistency between the text of the Sections of this Agreement and the Schedules hereto, the text of the Sections of this Agreement shall be controlling.
1.3.4 Any reference herein to a Article, Articles, Section or Sections is a reference to the referenced Article, Articles, Section or Sections of this Agreement unless otherwise specifically provided.
1.3.5 Any reference to an entity herein includes such entitys successors in title and permitted assigns.
ARTICLE 2
Section 2.1 Capacity Lease. Commencing on the Network Service Date, Asia Netcom agrees (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) to lease from EAN Network and its Subsidiaries, and EAN Network agrees (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) to deliver to Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries, the Initial Capacity in the amount set forth in Schedule 1.
Section 2.2 Additional Capacity. Asia Netcom may order (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) from EAN Network and its Subsidiaries, and EAN Network may agree (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) to deliver to Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries, capacity in addition to the Initial Capacity (hereafter Additional Capacity). Any order for Additional Capacity shall be made in writing by Asia Netcom and shall contain, among other things, an accurate description of such Additional Capacity, fair market pricing for such Additional Capacity that has been mutually agreed between the Parties, and any other operation or technical information necessary for EAN Network and its Subsidiaries to activate such Additional Capacity. Any such order for Additional Capacity shall not be effective unless and until signed by authorized representatives for both Parties. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Agreement shall obligate EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself or its Subsidiaries) to accept any order for Additional Capacity from Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself or its Subsidiaries).
4
Section 2.3 Interconnection. EAN Network and its Subsidiaries shall permit Asia Netcom or any of its respective Subsidiaries to interconnect the communications system of Asia Netcom and such Subsidiaries with the Capacity at each of the Access Points of EAN Network or any of its respective Subsidiaries. In addition, EAN Network or its Subsidiaries shall permit Asia Netcom or its Subsidiaries to connect to the facilities of the backhaul suppliers and/or local exchange carrier of Asia Netcom or its Subsidiary. In the event that EAN Network or its Subsidiary has already established a connection between its Access Point and the point of presence of the designated backhaul supplier and/or local exchange carrier of Asia Netcom or its Subsidiary, EAN Network or its respective Subsidiary shall cooperate with such local exchange carrier to provide connectivity to Asia Netcom or its respective Subsidiary. EAN Network or its respective Subsidiary must provide to Asia Netcom or its respective Subsidiary all circuit facility assignment information, firm order commitment information and the design layout records necessary to enable Asia Netcom or its respective Subsidiary to make the necessary cross-connection between the Capacity and such designated backhaul supplier and/or local exchange carrier of Asia Netcom or its respective Subsidiary. EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself or its respective Subsidiary) may charge Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself or its respective Subsidiary) for the pro-rata share of reasonable and actual expenses incurred by EAN Network or its respective Subsidiary in making such connection(s). EAN Networks billing for the Capacity will commence once it has installed and tested the Capacity up to the cross-connect circuit on the side of EAN Network or its respective Subsidiary. EAN Network makes no representation or warranty (whether for and on behalf of itself or its respective Subsidiary) respecting the availability or performance of services or networks supplied by third parties.
Section 2.4 Tail Connectivity. Upon request by Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself or its respective Subsidiary), EAN Network agrees (for and on behalf of itself or its respective Subsidiary) to use its best efforts to provide to Asia Netcom or its respective Subsidiary with connectivity between Access Points and end-users in the Relevant Jurisdictions (Tail Connectivity) to the extent that Asia Netcom or its respective Subsidiary is not otherwise authorized to provide such services in such Relevant Jurisdictions. Any such order for Tail Connectivity shall be in writing and signed by authorized representatives for both Parties.
ARTICLE 3
Section 3.1 Payment of Initial Capacity. Commencing on the Network Service Date and continuing until the date of termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) shall pay US$1,696,649 each quarter in arrears to EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) for the Initial Capacity. EAN Network shall invoice Asia Netcom for such amount in accordance with Section 3.4, provided that the amount payable in respect of Initial Capacity on the last invoice presented hereunder shall be prorated based on the number of days from the first day of the last quarter until the date of termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms.
Section 3.2 Payment of Additional Capacity. Quarterly during each calendar year, EAN Network shall determine whether Asia Netcom has leased Additional Capacity (whether for and on behalf of itself or its Subsidiaries) and the
5
amount to be paid, quarterly in arrears, by Asia Netcom hereunder for such Additional Capacity. EAN Network shall invoice Asia Netcom for such amount in accordance with Section 3.4, provided that the amount payable in respect of Additional Capacity on the last invoice presented hereunder shall be prorated based on the number of days from the first day of the last quarter until the date of termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms.
Section 3.3 Payment for Tail Connectivity. The price charged to Asia Netcom by EAN Network for the Tail Connectivity shall be EAN Networks lowest wholesale price charged to its best customers, without discount. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the cases where an unrelated carrier pursuant to a contract with EAN Network provides the Tail Connectivity, the charge for such Tail Connectivity shall equal the amount charged to EAN Network by such unrelated carrier, without surcharge. Such amounts shall be paid by Asia Netcom to EAN Network quarterly in arrears. EAN Network shall invoice Asia Netcom for such amount in accordance with Section 3.4; provided that the amount payable in respect of Tail Connectivity on the last invoice presented hereunder shall be prorated based on the number of days from the first day of the last quarter until the date of termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms.
Section 3.4 Payment of Invoices. Asia Netcom agrees that all invoices presented by EAN Network under this Agreement shall become due and payable thirty (30) days after the date of Asia Netcoms receipt of said invoice. Except as otherwise provided herein or as otherwise agreed upon between the Parties, all payments made by Asia Netcom hereunder shall be in U.S. Dollars. Any sums not paid by Asia Netcom when due and payable under this Section 3.4 shall bear interest at the Interest Rate from the due date for payment up to but not including the date that such sum is paid. EAN Networks invoices shall include, and Asia Netcom agrees to pay, all applicable taxes required to be collected by EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself and its respective Subsidiaries). The form of EAN Networks invoices shall comply with all applicable Laws and Regulations
ARTICLE 4
Section 4.1 Acceptance Testing. Prior to providing the Capacity hereunder, EAN Network and its Subsidiaries shall be entitled to test the Capacity in accordance with the standard procedures of EAN Network and its Subsidiaries and generally accepted industry practices (Acceptance Testing). EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself or its respective Subsidiary) shall provide Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself or its respective Subsidiary) with prior notice of the date and time of Acceptance Testing and Asia Netcom or its respective Subsidiary shall have the right, but not the obligation, at its own cost and expense, to be present to observe the Acceptance Testing.
Section 4.2 Completion Notice. When the results of the Acceptance Testing show that the tested Capacity is operating substantially in conformity with the applicable specifications therefore, EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself or its respective Subsidiary) shall provide written notice thereof to Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself or its respective Subsidiary) (a Completion Notice), which Completion Notice shall set forth the date upon which EAN Network or its respective
6
Subsidiary will commence delivery of the Capacity to Asia Netcom or its respective Subsidiary.
Section 4.3 Portability. Following activation of any Segment of the Capacity, Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries), shall have the option to elect, subject to availability, to exchange such Segment of Capacity for an alternative Segment or Segments of Capacity of equal or greater value anywhere on the Network. Any Segment of the Capacity that is exchanged pursuant to this Section 4.3 will be valued for the purpose of such exchange at fair market value at the date of the exchange.
ARTICLE 5
Section 5.1 Configuration. Asia Netcom or any of its respective Subsidiaries may (at its sole cost and expense) determine any network and service configuration or designs, routing configurations, re-grooming, rearrangement or consolidation of channels or circuits and all related functions with regard to use of the Capacity; provided, such control and responsibility by Asia Netcom or any of its respective Subsidiaries shall not adversely affect the use by any other Person of the Network and/or any electronic or optronic equipment used by such Person in connection therewith. Notwithstanding the foregoing, EAN Network and its Subsidiaries shall have full and complete control, authority and responsibility for determining any network and system configuration or designs or changes therein, network and system upgrades, routing configuration or rearrangement and all related functions with regard to the provision of Capacity.
Section 5.2 Equipment. Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) acknowledges and agrees that EAN Network and its Subsidiaries are not supplying nor are EAN Network and its Subsidiaries obligated to supply to Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries any optronic or electronic equipment or related facilities for use of the Capacity, all of which are the sole responsibility of Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries, nor is EAN Network or any of its Subsidiaries responsible for performing any work other than as specified in this Agreement.
ARTICLE 6
Section 6.1 Maintenance. Should any condition exist in any Capacity that may impair the integrity of such Capacity, EAN Network or its respective Subsidiary shall take reasonable actions to initiate or cause to be initiated maintenance on such Capacity which may include the deactivation of such Capacity. EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself or its respective Subsidiary) shall, to the extent reasonably practicable, advise Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself or its respective Subsidiary) in writing at least ten (10) days prior to the initiation of a planned maintenance operation which will or is likely to interfere with the operation of the Capacity, and of the timing and scope of such planned maintenance operation. EAN Network or its respective Subsidiary may (but shall not be obligated to) transfer the Capacity from one system to another upon reasonable advance notice from EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself or its respective Subsidiary) to Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself or its respective Subsidiary). Such transfer shall be effected in
7
such a way as to minimize, to the extent reasonably possible, the extent and duration of any disruption in the operation of the Capacity.
Section 6.2 Renewals and Replacements. Throughout the Term and any extensions thereof, EAN Network and its Subsidiaries shall at their sole cost and expense make all renewals and replacements to its Network as shall be necessary to satisfy all Performance Standards.
ARTICLE 7
Section 7.1 Authorizations. Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself or its respective Subsidiary) represents and warrants to EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself or its respective Subsidiary) that Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries have the required rights, licenses and governmental authorizations to utilize the Capacity and that Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will use the Capacity in compliance with all Laws and Regulations.
Section 7.2 Use of Capacity. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries may use the Capacity for any lawful purpose. Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) acknowledges and agrees that the rights of Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries are limited to the use of the Capacity only, and that Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries shall keep the Network free from any liens, rights or claims of any third party attributable to Asia Netcom or any of its Subsidiaries.
Section 7.3 Interference. Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries shall not use the Capacity in a way that interferes with or otherwise adversely affects the use of the Network or capacity therein by any other Person. Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries shall bear the costs of any additional protective apparatus reasonably required to be installed because of permitted transferees of Asia Netcom or any of its Subsidiaries, or any customer or customers of Asia Netcom or any of its Subsidiaries. EAN Network and its Subsidiaries will use reasonable efforts to cause all other lessees or purchasers of capacity in the Network to undertake obligations comparable to those of Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries set forth in this Section 7.3 and Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries shall cause all permitted users of any of the Capacity to undertake comparable obligations.
ARTICLE 8
Section 8.1 Regulatory Approvals. Prior to delivering any Capacity hereunder, EAN Network and its Subsidiaries, at their sole expense, shall obtain all Regulatory Approvals necessary to provide the Capacity. EAN Network and its Subsidiaries shall maintain such Regulatory Approvals in full force and effect throughout the Term and any extensions thereof. In addition, EAN Network and its Subsidiaries shall obtain and maintain in full force and effect throughout the Term all Regulatory Approvals necessary for the proper maintenance and operation of its Network.
8
Section 8.2 Delivery of Capacity. The Parties (for and on behalf of themselves and their respective Subsidiaries) acknowledge and agree that the obligations to be performed hereunder by EAN Network and its Subsidiaries with respect to the services and property located in a Relevant Jurisdiction shall be performed or provided to Asia Netcom or its Subsidiaries by the respective entity among EAN Network and its respective Subsidiaries that is incorporated or formed in that Relevant Jurisdiction or which possesses the proper regulatory authorization to deliver Capacity in that Relevant Jurisdiction.
ARTICLE 9
Section 9.1 Each Party (for and on behalf of itself and its respective Subsidiaries) represents and warrants that: (i) such Party and each of its respective Subsidiaries has the full right and authority to enter into, execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement; (ii) such Party and each of its respective Subsidiaries has taken all requisite corporate action to approve the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement; (iii) this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation enforceable against such Party (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, creditors rights and general equitable principles; and (iv) the execution of and performance under this Agreement by such Party (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) shall not violate any applicable existing Laws and Regulations.
Section 9.2 Each Party covenants and agrees that its shall procure the performance of each of its respective Subsidiaries in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 10
Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, neither Party shall be liable to the other Party hereunder for any special, incidental, indirect, punitive or consequential damages, or damages for lost profits, lost income or lost revenue, whether foreseeable or not, arising out of, or in connection with the failure of such Party or its respective Subsidiaries to perform its respective obligations hereunder (whether arising out of transmission interruptions or problems, any interruption or degradation of service or otherwise), whether occasioned by any construction, reconstruction, relocation, repair or maintenance performed by, or failed to be performed by, the other Party or its respective Subsidiaries or any other cause whatsoever, including breach of contract, breach of warranty, negligence, or strict liability, all claims for which damages are hereby specifically waived. Nothing contained herein shall operate as a limitation on the right of either Party hereto or its respective Subsidiaries to bring an action for damages against any third Party, including claims for indirect, special or consequential damages, based on any acts or omissions of such third Party.
9
ARTICLE 11
Except with respect to a Partys obligations to pay monies due hereunder, neither Party shall be in default under this Agreement if and to the extent that any failure or delay in the performance by such Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries of one or more of its obligations hereunder is caused by any of the following conditions, and the performance by such Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries of such obligation or obligations shall be excused and extended for and during the period of any such delay: act of God; fire; flood; fiber, cable, conduit or other material failures, shortages or unavailability or other delay in delivery not resulting from the failure of the responsible Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries to timely place orders therefore; lack of or delay in transportation; Laws and Regulations; war or civil disorder; or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of such Party or its respective Subsidiaries (each a Force Majeure Event). The Party claiming relief under this Article (for and on behalf of itself or any of its respective Subsidiaries) shall notify the other Party in writing of the existence of the event relied on and the cessation or termination of said event.
ARTICLE 12
Section 12.1 Term. This Agreement shall be effective upon the Effective Date commencing on the Effective Date and shall continue in full force and effect for an initial period of three (3) years thereafter (the Term).
Section 12.2 Extension of Agreement Term. Asia Netcom may, at its option, extend the Term of this Agreement at fair market pricing to be mutually agreed by both parties for one (1) subsequent period of three (3) years by delivering written notice to EAN Network no later than three (3) months in advance of the expiration of the initial Term. All other terms and conditions of this Agreement shall apply during any such extension. Any such extension is subject to the transactions contemplated under this Agreement complying with the relevant provisions of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited governing connected transactions at the time of the extension and that The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited granting a waiver from the announcement and independent shareholders approval requirements with respect to the transactions contemplated under this Agreement, where necessary.
Section 12.3 Defaults; Limitations of Liability.
12.3.1 An Event of Default exists under this Agreement upon the following events:
(a) a Party fails to comply with or perform any material term, provision, covenant, agreement, or obligation contained in this Agreement including, without limitation, payment of applicable charges and fees hereunder, and such failure is not cured or corrected within ten (10) business days, in the case of non-payment, and within thirty (30) days, in all other cases, from the date the non-defaulting party gives written notice of such default, or, with respect to defaults other than payment defaults, if such default is not capable of being cured within such thirty (30)-day
10
period despite the exercise of diligent, commercially reasonable efforts, within such longer period necessary to effect a cure;
(b) a Party makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, initiates a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or any petition or answer seeking, consenting to or acquiescing in reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief; or
(c) an involuntary petition in bankruptcy, other insolvency protection against a Party is filed and not dismissed within one hundred twenty (120) days.
12.3.2 Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default either Party may terminate all or a portion of this Agreement following the delivery of written notice to the other Party specifying the scope of termination, which termination shall be effective on the date such notice is delivered or such other later date as specified in the notice or, subject to Article 10, pursue any of its other available legal and equitable remedies relating to such Event of Default, including an action for damages, specific performance and/or injunctive relief.
Section 12.4 Termination For Convenience. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, either Party (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) may in its sole discretion teminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the other Party.
ARTICLE 13
Section 13.1 Neither Party may assign, encumber or otherwise transfer this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Party, provided that, however, Asia Netcom shall have the right, without EAN Networks consent, but with prior written notice to EAN Network, to assign, delegate or otherwise transfer this Agreement and any right or obligations arising hereunder to an Subsidiary, provided that such Subsidiary shall agree in writing to be subject to all of the provisions of this Agreement.
Section 13.2 This Agreement and each of the Parties respective rights and obligations under this Agreement, shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and each of their respective permitted successors and assigns.
ARTICLE 14
Section 14.1 The Parties agree (for and on behalf of themselves and their respective Subsidiaries) that if either Party or its respective Subsidiaries provides confidential or proprietary information to the other Party or its respective Subsidiaries (Proprietary Information), such Proprietary Information shall be held in confidence, and the receiving Party or its respective Subsidiary shall afford such Proprietary Information the same care and protection as it affords generally to its own confidential and proprietary information (which in any case shall be not less than reasonable care) in order to avoid disclosure to or unauthorized use by any third Party.
11
The Parties acknowledge and agree (for and on behalf of themselves and their respective Subsidiaries) that all information disclosed by either Party or its respective Subsidiaries to the other Party or its respective Subsidiaries in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be Proprietary Information, provided that verbal information is indicated as being confidential or proprietary when given. All Proprietary Information, unless otherwise specified in writing, shall remain the property of the disclosing Party or its respective Subsidiary, shall be used by the receiving Party or its respective Subsidiaries only for the intended purpose, and such written Proprietary Information, including all copies thereof, shall be returned to the disclosing Party or its respective Subsidiary or destroyed after the need of the receiving Party or its respective Subsidiaries for such information has expired or upon the request of the disclosing Party or its respective Subsidiary. Proprietary Information shall not be reproduced except to the extent necessary to accomplish the purpose and intent of this Agreement, or as otherwise may be permitted in writing by the disclosing Party or its respective Subsidiary.
Section 14.2 The foregoing provisions of Section 14.1 shall not apply to any Proprietary Information which (i) becomes publicly available other than through the disclosing Party; (ii) is required to be disclosed by a Law or Regulation; (iii) is independently developed by the receiving Party; or (iv) becomes available to the receiving Party without restriction from a third Party.
Section 14.3 Notwithstanding Sections 14.1 and 14.2 either Party and its respective Subsidiaries may disclose Proprietary Information to its employees, agents, lenders, funding partners and legal and financial advisors to the extent necessary or appropriate in connection with the negotiation and/or performance of this Agreement or in obtaining financing, provided that each such Party is notified of the confidential and proprietary nature of such Proprietary Information and is subject to or agrees to be bound by similar restrictions on its use and disclosure.
Section 14.4 Neither Party shall issue any public announcement or press release relating to the execution of this Agreement without the prior approval of the other Party, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
Section 14.5 In the event either Party or its respective Subsidiaries shall be required to disclose all or any part of this Agreement in, or attach all or any part of this Agreement to, any regulatory filing or statement, each Party agrees to discuss and work cooperatively, in good faith, with the other Party, to protect, to the extent possible, those items or matters which the other Party or its respective Subsidiary deems confidential and which may, in accordance with applicable laws, be deleted there from.
Section 14.6 The provisions of this Article 14 shall survive expiration or termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 15
If the Parties are unable to resolve any service or performance issues or if there is a material breach of this Agreement that has not been corrected within thirty (30) days of receipt of notice of such breach, the Chairman of the Board of Directors
12
of EAN Network and the CFO of Asia Netcom, will meet promptly to review and resolve those issues in good faith.
ARTICLE 16
This Agreement shall be governed and construed under and pursuant to the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Any dispute arising under the terms hereof shall be heard only before courts of competent jurisdiction in Hong Kong S.A.R.
ARTICLE 17
All notices or other communications which are required or permitted herein shall be in writing and sufficient if delivered personally, sent by prepaid overnight air courier, or sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or by facsimile with follow up next day commercial hand delivery, addressed as follows:
IF TO ASIA NETCOM: | ||||
|
||||
|
Asia Netcom Corporation Limited | |||
|
46/F Cheung Kong Centre | |||
|
2 Queens Road, Central | |||
|
Hong Kong SAR | |||
|
Attn: General Counsel | |||
|
Facsimile +852-2121-2819 | |||
|
||||
IF TO EAN NETWORK: | ||||
|
||||
|
East Asia Netcom Ltd. | |||
|
c/o 46/F Cheung Kong Centre | |||
|
2 Queens Road, Central | |||
|
Hong Kong SAR | |||
|
Attn: General Counsel | |||
|
Facsimile +852-2121-2819 |
or at such other address as the Party to whom notice is to be given may have furnished to the other Party in writing in accordance herewith. Any such communication shall be deemed to have been given when delivered if delivered personally, on the business day after dispatch if sent by overnight air courier, or on the third business day after posting if sent by pre-paid, first class mail.
ARTICLE 18
Section 18.1 Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement constitutes the entire and final agreement and understanding between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements relating to the subject
13
matter hereof, which are of no further force or effect. The Schedules referred to herein are integral parts hereof and are hereby made a part of this Agreement. This Agreement may only be modified or supplemented by an instrument in writing executed by a duly authorized representative of each Party.
Section 18.2 Agency. The relationship between Asia Netcom and EAN Network and their respective Subsidiaries shall not be that of partners, agents, or joint venture partners, and nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute a partnership or agency agreement between any of them for any purposes, including but not limited to tax purposes.
Section 18.3 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be declared invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, said provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such declaration and shall not affect the remaining provisions of this Agreement. In the event that a material and fundamental provision of this Agreement is declared invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith respecting an amendment hereto which would preserve, to the fullest extent possible, the respective benefits and burdens imposed on each Party under this Agreement as originally executed.
Section 18.4 Joint Work Product. The Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is the joint work product of the Parties. Accordingly, in the event of ambiguities in this Agreement, no inferences shall be drawn against either Party on the basis of authorship of this Agreement.
Section 18.5 Waivers. The failure of either Party to insist on strict performance of any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of such provision in any other instance.
Section 18.6 Exclusivity. This Agreement shall not be exclusive as to either Party and nothing herein shall prevent Asia Netcom or EAN Network (or any of their respective Subsidiaries) from contracting with other parties to provide or receive services to or on behalf of Asia Netcom or EAN Network (or any of their respective Subsidiaries).
Section 18.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[Signature Page Follows]
14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date first written above.
Signature Page to the Capacity Lease Agreement
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
By:
Name:
Title:
SCHEDULE 1
INITIAL CAPACITY
STM-1 | ||||||||||
CIRCUIT ID | BANDWIDTH | Equivalent | LOCATION A | LOCATION Z | ||||||
HKNGP-TKYOP-ANC-IRU-VC4-0199
|
STM-1 | 1 | TOKYO | HONG KONG | ||||||
SGPEP-TKYOP-ANC-IRU-VC4-0200
|
STM-1 | 1 | TOKYO | SINGAPORE | ||||||
HKNGP-SGPEP-ANC-IRU-VC4-0198
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG | SINGAPORE | ||||||
EACHKGCHA/WS02-EACSNGTAI/WS02 VC4S3001
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG (MEGA) | SINGAPORE | ||||||
EACHKGCHA/WS02-EACSNGTAI/WS02 VC4S3002
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG (MEGA) | SINGAPORE | ||||||
EACJHBMEN/WS01-IPLHKGYIP/WS02 VC4S13001
|
STM-1 | 1 | JOHOR BAHRU | HONG KONG (SINO) | ||||||
EACMAKAYA/WS01-EACSNGTAI/WS02 VC4S13001
|
STM-1 | 1 | MAKATI | SINGAPORE | ||||||
EACSNGTAI/WS02-EACMAKAYA/WS01 VC4S13002
|
STM-1 | 1 | MAKATI | SINGAPORE | ||||||
EACMAKAYA/WS01-IPLTPEYAN/WS01 VC4S13001
|
STM-1 | 1 | MAKATI | TAIPEI | ||||||
EACMAKAYA/WS01-IPLTPEYAN/WS01 VC4S13002
|
STM-1 | 1 | MAKATI | TAIPEI | ||||||
EACSELSEO/WS01-IPLTYONIH/WS02 VC4S1001
|
STM-1 | 1 | SEOUL | NIHONBASHI | ||||||
EACSNGTAI/WS02-EACHKGCHA/WS01 VC4S13001
|
STM-1 | 1 | SINGAPORE | HONG KONG (MEGA) | ||||||
EACSNGTAI/WS02-IPLHKGYIP/WS01 VC4S1001
|
STM-1 | 1 | SINGAPORE | HONG KONG (SINO) | ||||||
EACSNGTAI/WS02-IPLHKGYIP/WS02 VC4S3001
|
STM-1 | 1 | SINGAPORE | HONG KONG (SINO) | ||||||
EACSNGTAI/WS02-IPLTYOTOR/WS01 VC4S13001
|
STM-1 | 1 | SINGAPORE | TORANOMON | ||||||
IPLHKGYIP/WS01-EACMAKAYA/WS01 VC4S13001
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG (SINO) | MAKATI | ||||||
IPLHKGYIP/WS01-EACSELSEO/WS01 VC4S1001
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG (SINO) | SEOUL | ||||||
IPLHKGYIP/WS01-IPLTPEYAN/WS01 VC4S1001
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG (SINO) | TAIPEI | ||||||
IPLHKGYIP/WS01-IPLTPEYAN/WS01 VC4S3001
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG (SINO) | TAIPEI | ||||||
EACHKGCHA/WS01-IPLTYONIH/WS02 VC4S13001
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG (MEGA) | NIHONBASHI | ||||||
EACHKGCHA/WS01-IPLTYONIH/WS02 VC4S13002
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG (MEGA) | NIHONBASHI | ||||||
IPLHKGYIP/WS01-IPLTYONIH/WS02 VC4S3002
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG (SINO) | NIHONBASHI | ||||||
IPLHKGYIP/WS02-EACSELSEO/WS01 VC4S3001
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG (SINO) | SEOUL | ||||||
IPLHKGYIP/WS02-EACSELSEO/WS01 VC4S3002
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG (SINO) | SEOUL | ||||||
IPLHKGYIP/WS02-IPLTPEYAN/WS01 VC4S13002
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG (SINO) | TAIPEI | ||||||
IPLHKGYIP/WS02-IPLTPEYAN/WS01 VC4S3001
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG (SINO) | TAIPEI | ||||||
IPLHKGYIP/WS02-IPLTPEYAN/WS02 VC4S1001
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG (SINO) | TAIPEI | ||||||
IPLHKGYIP/WS02-IPLTYOTOR/WS01 VC4S13001
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG (SINO) | TORANOMON | ||||||
IPLOSAHIG/WS01-IPLTYOTOR/WS01 VC4S1001
|
STM-1 | 1 | OSAKA | TORANOMON | ||||||
IPLTPEYAN/WS02-IPLTYONIH/WS02 VC4S13001
|
STM-1 | 1 | TAIPEI | NIHONBASHI | ||||||
EACSELSEO/WS01-IPLTYONIH/WS02 VC4S1002
|
STM-1 | 1 | SEOUL | NIHONBASHI | ||||||
IPLHKGYIP/WS02-IPLTYONIH/WS02 VC4S13001
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG (SINO) | NIHONBASHI | ||||||
HKG/GIP-TOKYO/GIP VC4S001
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONGKONG | TORANOMON | ||||||
HKG/GIP-TOKYO/GIP VC4S002
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONGKONG | TORANOMON | ||||||
TOKYJP/AGC-HNKNHK/AGC-VC4-1000
|
STM-1 | 1 | TORANOMON | HONGKONG | ||||||
TOKYJP/AGC-HNKNHK/AGC-VC4-1001
|
STM-1 | 1 | TORANOMON | HONGKONG | ||||||
TOKYJP/AGC-TAIPTW/AGC-VC5-1000
|
STM-4 | 4 | TORANOMON | TAIPEI | ||||||
TOKYJP/AGC-TAIPTW/AGC-VC5-1001
|
STM-4 | 4 | TORANOMON | TAIPEI | ||||||
SEULP-TKYOP-ANC-IRU-VC5-0516
|
STM-4 | 4 | SEOUL | TORANOMON | ||||||
SEULP-TKYOP-ANC-IRU-VC5-0517
|
STM-4 | 4 | SEOUL | TORANOMON | ||||||
TOKYJP/AGC-SEOLKO/AGC-VC5-1000
|
STM-4 | 4 | TORANOMON | SEOUL | ||||||
TOKYJP/AGC-SEOLKO/AGC-VC5-1001
|
STM-4 | 4 | TORANOMON | SEOUL | ||||||
TOKYJP/AGC-SINGSI/AGC-VC4-1001
|
STM-1 | 1 | TORANOMON | SINGAPORE | ||||||
MKTIPH/AGC-TOKYJP/AGC-VC4-0001
|
STM-1 | 1 | MANILA | TORANOMON |
Schedule 1
STM-1 | ||||||||||
CIRCUIT ID | BANDWIDTH | Equivalent | LOCATION A | LOCATION Z | ||||||
TOKYJP/AGC-OSAKJP/AGC-VC5-1000
|
STM-4 | 4 | TORANOMON | OSAKA | ||||||
TOKYJP/AGC-OSAKJP/AGC-VC5-1001
|
STM-4 | 4 | TORANOMON | OSAKA | ||||||
TOKYJP/AGC-OSAKJP/AGC-VC5-1002
|
STM-4 | 4 | TORANOMON | OSAKA | ||||||
TOKYJP/AGC-OSAKJP/AGC-VC5-1003
|
STM-4 | 4 | TORANOMON | OSAKA | ||||||
HONGKONG/GIP-TAIPEI/GIP-VC5SU001
|
STM-4 | 4 | HONGKONG | TAIPEI | ||||||
HNKNHK/AGC-SINGSI/AGC-VC4-1000
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONGKONG | SINGAPORE | ||||||
HKNGP-SGPEP-ANC-IRU-VC4-0342
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONGKONG | SINGAPORE | ||||||
SEULP-HKNGP-ANC-IRU-VC4-0372
|
STM-1 | 1 | SEOUL | HONGKONG | ||||||
SEULP-HKNGP-ANC-IRU-VC4-0373
|
STM-1 | 1 | SEOUL | HONGKONG | ||||||
TKYOP-HKNGP-ANC-IRU-VC5-0453
|
STM-4 | 4 | TPOP | MEGA HK | ||||||
TKYOP-HKNGP-ANC-IRU-VC5-0454
|
STM-4 | 4 | TPOP | MEGA HK | ||||||
TKYOP-MKTCP-ANC-IRU-VC4-0530
|
STM-1 | 1 | TPOP | MANILA | ||||||
HKNGP-MKATP-ANC-IRU-VC4-0531
|
STM-1 | 1 | HK MEGA | MANILA | ||||||
TORNP-SEULP-ANC-IRU-VC5-0558
|
STM-4 | 4 | TPOP | SEOUL | ||||||
TORNP-SEULP-ANC-IRU-VC5-0559
|
STM-4 | 4 | TPOP | SEOUL | ||||||
TORNP-TPEIP-ANC-IRU-VC5-0560
|
STM-4 | 4 | TPOP | TPE3 | ||||||
HKNGP-TPEIP-ANC-IRU-VC5-0561
|
STM-4 | 4 | HKG SINO | TPE3 | ||||||
SGPEP-HKNGP-ANC-IRU-VC4-0617
|
STM-1 | 1 | SIN1 | HK1 | ||||||
SGPEP-HKNGP-ANC-IRU-VC4-0618
|
STM-1 | 1 | SIN1 | HK1 | ||||||
TKYOP-MNLAP-ANC-IRU-VC4-0616
|
STM-1 | 1 | NRT1 | MNL1 | ||||||
SEOUL/VPN-TOKYO/VPN VC4SU001
|
STM-1 | 1 | SEOUL | TOKYO | ||||||
TAIPEI/VPN-TOKYO/VPN-VC4SU001
|
STM-1 | 1 | TAIPEI | TOKYO | ||||||
HONGKONG/VPN-TOKYO/VPN VC4SU001
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG | TOKYO | ||||||
TAIPEI/VPN-HONGKONG/VPN VC4SU001
|
STM-1 | 1 | TAIPEI | HONG KONG | ||||||
SEOUL/VPN-TAIPEI/VPN VC4SU001
|
STM-1 | 1 | SEOUL | TAIPEI | ||||||
SINGAPORE/VPN-HONGKONG/VPN-VC4SU001
|
STM-1 | 1 | SINGAPORE | HONG KONG | ||||||
SINGSI/AGC-STTLWA/AGC-VC4-1000
|
STM-1 | 1 | SINGAPORE | SEATTLE | ||||||
SGPEP-HKNGR-STH-IPL-VC4-0003
|
STM-1 | 1 | SINGAPORE | HONG KONG | ||||||
SGPEP-HKNGP-STH-IPL-VC4-0010
|
STM-1 | 1 | SINGAPORE | HONG KONG | ||||||
SGPEP-HKNGP-STH-IPL-VC4-0020
|
STM-1 | 1 | SINGAPORE | HONG KONG | ||||||
HKNGP-SGPEP-STH-IPL-VC4-0021
|
STM-1 | 1 | SINGAPORE | HONG KONG | ||||||
SGPEP-HKNGP-STH-IPL-VC4-0015
|
STM-1 | 1 | SINGAPORE | HONG KONG | ||||||
SGPEP-TKYOP-STH-IPL-VC4-0017
|
STM-1 | 1 | SINGAPORE | TOKYO | ||||||
SGPEP-TKYOP-STH-IPL-VC4-0018
|
STM-1 | 1 | SINGAPORE | TOKYO | ||||||
SGPEP-TKYOP-STH-IPL-VC4-0019
|
STM-1 | 1 | SINGAPORE | TOKYO | ||||||
TPEIP-HKNGP-CWA-IPL-VC4-0010
|
STM-1 | 1 | TAIPEI | HONG KONG | ||||||
TOKYJP/MCI-MKTIPH/MCI-VC4-1000
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STM-1 | 1 | TOKYO | MANILA | ||||||
SHIMJP/MCI-SEOLKO/MCI-VC4-1000
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STM-1 | 1 | SHIMA | SEOUL | ||||||
HKNGR-TPEIR-UNI-IPL-VC4-0002
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STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG | TAIPEI | ||||||
TKYOC-MNLAP-MCI-IPL-VC4-0001
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STM-1 | 1 | TOKYO | MANILA | ||||||
TKYOP-MNLAP-MCI-IPL-VC4-0002
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STM-1 | 1 | TOKYO | MANILA | ||||||
HKNGR-TPEIP-CNC-IPL-VC4-0011
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG | TAIPEI | ||||||
HKNGP-LSAGR-BTN-IPL-VC4-0017
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG | LOS ANGELES | ||||||
HKNGR-LSAGR-CNC-IPL-VC4-0023
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG | LOS ANGELES | ||||||
HKNGR-LSAGR-CNC-IPL-VC4-0024
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG | LOS ANGELES | ||||||
HKNGR-LSAGR-CNC-IPL-VC4-0026
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG | LOS ANGELES | ||||||
HKNGR-LSAGR-CNC-IPL-VC4-0025
|
STM-1 | 1 | HONG KONG | LOS ANGELES | ||||||
SGPEP-TKYOP-STH-IPL-VC5-0014
|
STM-4 | 4 | SINGAPORE | TOKYO | ||||||
SEULP-SIMAP-DCC-IPL-VC5-0043
|
STM-4 | 4 | SEOUL | SHIMA |
Schedule 1
Schedule 1
SCHEDULE 2
NETWORK SYSTEM DIAGRAM
Schedule 2
Execution Copy
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
CAPACITY LEASE AGREEMENT
This AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO CAPACITY LEASE AGREEMENT is made and entered into this 6th day of October, 2004, by and between EAST ASIA NETCOM LTD., a company formed and validly existing under the laws of Bermuda (EAN Network) and ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED, a company formed and validly existing under the laws of Bermuda (Asia Netcom). EAN Network and Asia Netcom are sometimes hereinafter referred to as collectively the Parties.
WHEREAS, Asia Netcom and EAN Network entered into a certain capacity lease agreement (the Capacity Lease Agreement) dated June 30, 2004;
WHEREAS, Asia Netcom and EAN Network desire to make certain amendments to the Capacity Lease Agreement relating to the term and termination.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises made in this Agreement, the sufficiency of which is acknowledged by the Parties, the Parties hereby agree that Section 12.1, or Term and TerminationTerm, of the Capacity Lease Agreement, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
Section 12.1 Term. This Agreement shall be effective upon the Effective Date commencing on the Effective Date and shall continue in full force and effect until December 31, 2006 (the Term).
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Amendment No. 1 to Capacity Lease Agreement as of the date first written above.
EAST ASIA NETCOM LTD.
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ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED | |
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By: /s/ Gregory Freiberg
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By: /s/ Sun Wenlong | |
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Name: Gregory Freiberg
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Name: Sun Wenlong |
EXHIBIT 10.18
EXECUTION COPY
MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT
This MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and entered into this 30th day of June, 2004 (the "Effective Date"), by and between ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED, a company formed and validly existing under the laws of Bermuda ("Asia Netcom") and EAST ASIA NETCOM LTD., a company formed and validly existing under the laws of the Bermuda ("EAN Network"). Asia Netcom and EAN Network are sometimes hereinafter referred to as individually a "Party" and collectively, the "Parties".
WHEREAS, Asia Netcom and EAN Network and their respective Subsidiaries are currently wholly-owned indirect Subsidiaries of CNC-BVI;
WHEREAS, it is contemplated that an initial public offering will be made of a portion of the capital stock of Asia Netcom's parent company, China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited, resulting in an indirect partial public ownership of Asia Netcom;
WHEREAS, Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries currently provides certain services to EAN Network and its Subsidiaries and Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries and EAN Network and its Subsidiaries both desire for Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries to continue to provide such services to EAN Network and its Subsidiaries following the initial public offering; and
WHEREAS, Asia Netcom and EAN Network desire to enter into this Agreement (for and on behalf of themselves and their respective Subsidiaries) to set forth the roles and responsibilities of the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries with regard to the foregoing.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises made in this Agreement, the sufficiency of which is acknowledged by the Parties, the Parties hereby agree:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1 Definitions.
1.1.1 "CNC BVI" shall mean China Netcom Holdings (BVI) Limited, the ultimate parent company of both EAN Network and Asia Netcom.
1.1.2 "Fees" shall individually mean any of the Category 1 Fees, the Category 2 Fees or the Category 3 Fees and shall collectively mean all of them.
1.1.3 "Governmental Authority" shall mean any federal, state, regional, county, city, municipal, local, territorial, or tribal government, whether foreign or domestic, or any department, agency, bureau or other administrative or regulatory body obtaining authority from any of the foregoing, including without limitation, courts, public utilities and similar governmental authority.
1.1.4 "Interest Rate" shall mean the interest rate then in effect for inter-company balances under the Transfer Pricing Policy.
1.1.5 "Laws and Regulations" shall mean all applicable laws, codes, ordinances, rules, restrictions, regulations and orders of any federal, state, regional or any local government (including those resulting from the initiative or referendum process) and judicial or administrative orders and decrees which are in effect as of the Effective Date or any time thereafter during the Term.
1.1.6 "Regulatory Approvals" shall mean all local, regional, national state and federal agreements, studies, findings, permits, approvals, certifications, licenses and other authorizations required to be obtained or completed under applicable Laws and Regulations prior to undertaking any particular activity contemplated by this Agreement.
1.1.7 "Services" shall have the meaning ascribed to it in
Section 2.1.1 hereof.
1.1.8 "Subsidiary" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other entity, of which (a) at least a majority of the securities or other interests having by their terms ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or others performing similar functions with respect to such entity is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person or by any one or more of its Subsidiaries, or by such Person and any one or more of its Subsidiaries or (b) such Person or any other Subsidiary of such Person is a general partner (excluding any such partnership where such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person does not have a majority of the voting interest in such partnership).
1.1.9 "Term" shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 9.1.
1.1.10 "Transfer Pricing Policy" shall mean the transfer pricing policy of CNC BVI respecting the provision of goods, services and intellectual property among its Subsidiaries. This policy may be modified from time to time by CNC BVI, but shall in all cases provide for a fair, arms' length price for such goods, services and property, and shall at all times comply with both the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and Tax Administrations and U.S. Internal Revenue Code rules for transfer pricing.
Section 1.2 Interpretation.
1.2.1 The headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not affect its interpretation.
1.2.2 In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the singular shall include the plural and vice versa and reference to a gender shall include the other genders.
1.2.3 The Service Schedules to this Agreement form a part of this Agreement and any reference therein to this Agreement is a reference to this Agreement and the said Service Schedule.
1.2.4 Any reference herein to an Article, Articles, Section or Sections is a reference to the referenced Article, Articles, Section or Sections of this Agreement unless otherwise specifically provided.
1.2.5 Any reference to an entity herein includes such entity's successors in title and permitted assigns.
ARTICLE 2
SERVICES
Section 2.1 Service Schedules.
2.1.1 Service Schedules 1 through 8 attached hereto and made a part of this Agreement describe the services to be provided by Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries to EAN Network and its Subsidiaries (the "Services"). The Parties have made a good faith effort as of the date hereof to identify each Service to be provided hereunder and to describe such Service on the relevant Service Schedules as completely and accurately as possible. In the event that any Service Schedule is incomplete or inaccurate, the Parties agree to use good faith efforts to modify such Service Schedule to describe such Service completely and accurately.
2.1.2 From time to time, the Parties may also identify additional Services that they wish to incorporate into this Agreement. In such circumstances, the Parties agree to create additional Service Schedules describing such Services, the Fees for such Services and any other terms and conditions applicable thereto.
2.1.3 In the event certain terms that are specifically set forth in the Service Schedule attached hereto conflict with the terms set forth in this Agreement, the conflicting terms set forth in the Service Schedule shall govern in all cases with respect to that particular Service.
Section 2.2 Independent Contractors. Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will provide the Services either through their own resources or by contracting with independent contractors in accordance with this Section 2.2. To the extent that Asia Netcom or any of its Subsidiaries decides to provide a Service to EAN Network or of any its respective Subsidiary through an independent contractor, Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself or its Subsidiary) shall notify and consult with EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself or its Subsidiary) prior to contracting with such independent contractor; provided however, that the final decision to use an independent contractor for a particular Service shall be within the sole and absolute discretion of Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself or its Subsidiary).
Section 2.3 Standard of Care. In providing the Services hereunder, each of Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will exercise the same degree of care as it has historically exercised in providing such Services prior to the date hereof, including without limitation at least the same level of quality, responsiveness and timeliness as has been exercised by Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries with respect to such Services.
Section 2.4 Records. Each of Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries shall keep full and detailed records dealing with all aspects of the Services performed by it
hereunder (including time sheets if required under a particular Service Schedule) (hereafter the "Records") and Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) shall:
2.4.1 provide access to the Records to EAN Network and its Subsidiaries at all reasonable times; and
2.4.2 shall maintain the Records in accordance with good record management practices and with at least the same degree of completeness and care as it maintains for its other similar business interests.
ARTICLE 3
FEES
Section 3.1 General. EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) shall pay to Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) the quarterly fee for each Service indicated on the attached Service Schedule describing such Service, which shall be one of the following:
3.1.1 "Category 1 Fees" shall be the lesser of:
(a) the amount of the aggregate expenditures of Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries incurred with respect to their employees performing the Service including without limitation salaries, fringe benefits and executive compensation benefits (if applicable) (the "Employee Costs") determined as the sum of (x) the product of (A) the quotient of the time recorded by such employees in performing the Service as evidenced by employee time sheets divided by the total time recorded by such employees on such employee time sheets multiplied (B) by the total Employee Costs for all such employees plus (y) a management fee equal to five percent (5%) of the aggregate amount calculated pursuant the subparagraph (x); or
(b) the amount of a valid bona-fide third party quote for the Service that is received by EAN Network and provided to Asia Netcom prior to the beginning of the year in which Asia Netcom shall provide such Service to EAN Network.
3.1.2 "Category 2 Fees" shall be the lesser of:
(a) the amount determined as the sum of (x) the aggregate depreciation or amortization reported by Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries for equipment and software used by the employees performing the Service plus (y) the pro rata portion of the license and maintenance fees payable by Asia Netcom for equipment and software used by employees performing the Service; or
(b) the amount of a valid bona-fide third party quote for the Service that is received by EAN Network and provided to Asia Netcom prior to the beginning of the year in which Asia Netcom shall provide such Service to EAN Network.
3.1.3 "Category 3 Fees" shall be the amount required to reimburse all payments made by Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries on behalf of EAN Network and its Subsidiaries in performing the Service.
The Fees constitute full compensation to Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries for all charges, costs and expenses incurred by Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries on behalf of EAN Network and its Subsidiaries in providing the Services, unless otherwise specifically provided in the Service Schedules.
Section 3.2 Payments.
3.2.1 The Fees set forth in Section 3.1 shall be invoiced by Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) quarterly on or about January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each calendar year and paid for by EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) in accordance with this Section 3.2.
3.2.2 EAN Network agrees that all invoices presented by Asia Netcom under this Agreement shall become due and payable thirty (30) days after the date of EAN Network's receipt of said invoice. Except as otherwise provided herein or as otherwise agreed upon between the Parties, all payments made by EAN Network hereunder shall be in U.S. Dollars. Any sums not paid by EAN Network when due and payable under this Section 3.2 shall bear interest at the Interest Rate from the due date for payment up to but not including the date that such sum is paid. Asia Netcom's invoices shall include, and EAN Network agrees to pay, all applicable taxes required to be collected by EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself and its respective Subsidiaries). The form of Asia Netcom's invoices shall comply with all applicable Laws and Regulations.
3.2.3 Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, with
respect to the Services, EAN Network may notify Asia Netcom in writing of any
bona-fide, good-faith dispute with the charges on an invoice within thirty (30)
calendar days of receipt of the invoice. The notice shall include the reasons
for and amount of the dispute. If the disputed amount does not exceed three
percent (3%) of the invoiced amount in the statement, EAN Network shall pay the
amount in full and not withhold any disputed amount. If the disputed amount
exceeds three percent (3%) of the invoiced amount in the statement, EAN Network
may withhold payment only on the amount properly disputed hereunder. Undisputed
amounts shall be paid in accordance with the payment terms set forth in Section
3.2.2. The Parties agree to use their respective best efforts to resolve any
dispute within thirty (30) calendar days after the receipt of the dispute
notice. If the dispute is resolved in Asia Netcom's favor, any amounts to be
paid by EAN Network shall be immediately due and payable and shall be subject to
the Interest Rate charges from the due date of the disputed charges up to but
not including the date of payment of such disputed charges. If the dispute is
resolved in EAN Network's favor, any disputed amounts previously paid by EAN
Network that are to be returned by the providing Party shall be paid in the form
of a credit on EAN Network's first invoice following the dispute resolution date
and shall be immediately due and payable and shall be subject to the Interest
Rate charges from the due date of the disputed charges up to but not including
the date of payment of such disputed charges. All amounts not timely and
appropriately disputed shall be deemed final and not subject to further dispute.
Notwithstanding anything herein to
the contrary, EAN Network shall not withhold any disputed amounts while its account with Asia Netcom is delinquent.
ARTICLE 4
THIRD PARTY AGREEMENTS; AUTHORITY AS AGENT
Section 4.1 Third Party Agreements. To the extent that it is not practicable to have EAN Network or its respective Subsidiary as the contracting Party for any third party obligation contracted for by Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries for the provision of Services on behalf of EAN Network or its respective Subsidiary, Asia Netcom or its respective Subsidiary shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause all such third party contracts to extend to and be enforceable by EAN Network or such respective Subsidiary. If such contracts are not extendable and enforceable, Asia Netcom or its respective Subsidiary shall act as agent for EAN Network or its respective Subsidiary pursuant to Section 6.2 with respect to such contracts including without limitation in the pursuit of any claims, issues, demands or actions against such third party provider at EAN Network's expense; provided that EAN Network or its respective Subsidiary will indemnify Asia Netcom or its respective Subsidiary for any liability under third party contracts arising directly out of the acts or omissions of EAN Network or any of its Subsidiaries.
Section 4.2 Authority as Agent. Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries are hereby authorized to act as agents for EAN Network and its Subsidiaries for the purpose of performing Services hereunder. EAN Network or its respective Subsidiary will execute and deliver to Asia Netcom or its respective Subsidiary any document or other evidence, which may be reasonably required by Asia Netcom or such respective Subsidiary to demonstrate to third parties the authority of Asia Netcom or such respective Subsidiary described in this Section 4.2; provided that neither Asia Netcom nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be so entitled to act as agent for EAN Network or its Subsidiaries under this Section 4.2 with respect to any third party agreement which would require EAN Network to pay (for and on behalf of itself or its Subsidiaries) an amount in excess of US$100,000 hereunder without the prior written consent of EAN Network.
ARTICLE 5
INFORMATION; COOPERATION; CONSENTS
Section 5.1 Information Regarding Services. Each Party shall make available to the other Party any information required or reasonably requested by the other Party (for and on behalf of itself or its Subsidiaries) regarding the performance of any Service and shall be responsible for timely providing that information and for the accuracy and completeness of that information; provided, however, that a Party shall not be liable for not providing any information that is subject to a confidentiality obligation owed by such Party or its respective Subsidiary to a Person other than an Subsidiary of such Party or the other Party. Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries shall not be liable for any impairment of any Service caused by its not receiving information, either timely or at all, or by its receiving inaccurate or incomplete information from EAN Network or its respective Subsidiary, in each case that is required or reasonably requested regarding such Service.
Section 5.2 Cooperation. The Parties and their respective Subsidiaries will use good faith efforts to cooperate with each other in all matters relating to the provision and receipt of Services. Such good faith cooperation will include providing electronic access to systems used in connection with Services and using commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all consents, licenses, sublicenses or approvals necessary to permit each Party or its Subsidiaries to perform the obligations thereof. The Parties and their respective Subsidiaries will cooperate with each other in making such information available as needed in the event of any and all internal or external audits, whether in Hong Kong or any other country. If this Agreement is terminated in whole or in part, the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries will cooperate with each other in all reasonable respects in order to effect an efficient transition and to minimize the disruption to the business of both Parties, including the assignment or transfer of the rights and obligations under any contracts.
Section 5.3 Further Assurances. Each Party shall take such actions, upon request of the other Party and in addition to the actions specified in this Agreement, as may be necessary or reasonably appropriate to implement or give effect to this Agreement.
ARTICLE 6
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; COVENANTS
Section 6.1 Representations and Warranties. Each Party (for and on behalf of itself and its respective Subsidiaries) represents and warrants that: (i) such Party and each of its respective Subsidiaries has the full right and authority to enter into, execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement; (ii) such Party and each of its respective Subsidiaries has taken all requisite corporate action to approve the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement; (iii) this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation enforceable against such Party (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, creditors' rights and general equitable principles; and (iv) the execution of and performance under this Agreement by such Party (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) shall not violate any applicable existing Laws and Regulations.
Section 6.2 Covenants. Each Party covenants and agrees that its shall procure the performance of each of its respective Subsidiaries in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 7
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, neither Party shall be liable to the other Party hereunder for any special, incidental, indirect, punitive or consequential damages, or damages for lost profits, lost income or lost revenue, whether foreseeable or not, arising out of, or in connection with the failure of such Party or its respective Subsidiaries to perform its respective obligations hereunder (whether arising out of transmission interruptions or problems, any interruption or degradation of service or otherwise), whether occasioned by any construction, reconstruction, relocation, repair or maintenance performed by, or failed to be performed by, the other Party or its respective Subsidiaries or any other cause
whatsoever, including breach of contract, breach of warranty, negligence, or strict liability, all claims for which damages are hereby specifically waived. Nothing contained herein shall operate as a limitation on the right of either Party hereto or its respective Subsidiaries to bring an action for damages against any third Party, including claims for indirect, special or consequential damages, based on any acts or omissions of such third Party.
ARTICLE 8
FORCE MAJEURE
Except with respect to a Party's obligations to pay monies due hereunder, neither Party shall be in default under this Agreement if and to the extent that any failure or delay in the performance by such Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries of one or more of its obligations hereunder is caused by any of the following conditions, and the performance by such Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries of such obligation or obligations shall be excused and extended for and during the period of any such delay: act of God; fire; flood; fiber, cable, conduit or other material failures, shortages or unavailability or other delay in delivery not resulting from the failure of the responsible Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries to timely place orders therefore; lack of or delay in transportation; Laws and Regulations; or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of such Party or its respective Subsidiaries (each a "Force Majeure Event"). The Party claiming relief under this Article (for and on behalf of itself or any of its respective Subsidiaries) shall notify the other Party in writing of the existence of the event relied on and the cessation or termination of said event.
ARTICLE 9
TERM AND TERMINATION
Section 9.1 Term. This Agreement shall be effective upon the Effective Date commencing on the Effective Date and shall continue in full force and effect for an initial period of three (3) years thereafter, to be extended thereafter by mutual agreement of the Parties (the "Term"). Any such extension is subject to the transactions contemplated under this Agreement complying with the relevant provisions of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited governing connected transactions at the time of the extension and that The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited granting a waiver from the announcement and independent shareholders' approval requirements with respect to the transactions contemplated under this Agreement, where necessary.
Section 9.2 Defaults; Limitations of Liability.
9.2.1 An "Event of Default" exists under this Agreement upon the following events:
(c) subject to Section 3.2.3, a Party fails to comply with or perform any material term, provision, covenant, agreement, or obligation contained in this Agreement including, without limitation, payment of applicable charges and fees hereunder, and such failure is not cured or corrected within ten (10) business days, in the case of non-payment, and within thirty (30) days, in all other cases, from the date the non-defaulting party gives written notice of such default, or, with respect to
defaults other than payment defaults, if such default is not capable of being cured within such thirty (30)-day period despite the exercise of diligent, commercially reasonable efforts, within such longer period necessary to effect a cure;
(d) a Party makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, initiates a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or any petition or answer seeking, consenting to or acquiescing in reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief; or
(e) an involuntary petition in bankruptcy, other insolvency
protection against a Party is filed and not dismissed within one hundred twenty
(120) days.
9.2.2 Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default either Party may terminate all or a portion of this Agreement following the delivery of written notice to the other Party specifying the scope of termination, which termination shall be effective on the date such notice is delivered or such other later date as specified in the notice or, subject to Article 7, pursue any of its other available legal and equitable remedies relating to such Event of Default, including an action for damages, specific performance and/or injunctive relief.
Section 9.3 Termination Assistance Services. Asia Netcom agrees that, upon termination of this Agreement or any of the Schedules, Asia Netcom will cooperate in good faith with EAN Network to provide EAN Network (or its designee) with reasonable assistance to make an orderly transition from Asia Netcom to another supplier of the Services. Transition assistance services shall include the following:
9.3.1 developing a transition plan with assistance from EAN Network or its designee;
9.3.2 providing training to EAN Network personnel or its designee's personnel to perform Services; and
9.3.3 organizing and delivering to EAN Network records and documents necessary to allow continuation of the Services, including delivering such materials in electronic forms and versions as requested by EAN Network.
Section 9.4 Termination For Convenience. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, either Party (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) may in its sole discretion terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the other Party.
ARTICLE 10
ASSIGNMENT
Section 10.1 Neither Party may assign, encumber or otherwise transfer this Agreement or any Service Schedule without the prior written consent of the other Party, provided that, however, Asia Netcom shall have the right, without EAN Network's consent, but with prior written notice to EAN Network, to assign, delegate or otherwise transfer this Agreement or any Service Schedule and any right or
obligations arising thereunder to an Subsidiary. Any assignee or transferee shall continue to be subject to all of the provisions of this Agreement.
Section 10.2 This Agreement and each of the Parties' respective rights and obligations under this Agreement, shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and each of their respective permitted successors and assigns.
ARTICLE 11
CONFIDENTIALITY
Section 11.1 The Parties agree (for and on behalf of themselves and their respective Subsidiaries) that if either Party or its respective Subsidiaries provides confidential or proprietary information to the other Party or its respective Subsidiaries ("Proprietary Information"), such Proprietary Information shall be held in confidence, and the receiving Party or its respective Subsidiary shall afford such Proprietary Information the same care and protection as it affords generally to its own confidential and proprietary information (which in any case shall be not less than reasonable care) in order to avoid disclosure to or unauthorized use by any third Party. The Parties acknowledge and agree (for and on behalf of themselves and their respective Subsidiaries) that all information disclosed by either Party or its respective Subsidiaries to the other Party or its respective Subsidiaries in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be Proprietary Information, provided that verbal information is indicated as being confidential or proprietary when given. All Proprietary Information, unless otherwise specified in writing, shall remain the property of the disclosing Party or its respective Subsidiary, shall be used by the receiving Party or its respective Subsidiaries only for the intended purpose, and such written Proprietary Information, including all copies thereof, shall be returned to the disclosing Party or its respective Subsidiary or destroyed after the need of the receiving Party or its respective Subsidiaries for such information has expired or upon the request of the disclosing Party or its respective Subsidiary. Proprietary Information shall not be reproduced except to the extent necessary to accomplish the purpose and intent of this Agreement, or as otherwise may be permitted in writing by the disclosing Party or its respective Subsidiary.
Section 11.2 The foregoing provisions of Section 11.1 shall not apply to any Proprietary Information which (i) becomes publicly available other than through the disclosing Party; (ii) is required to be disclosed by a Law or Regulation; (iii) is independently developed by the receiving Party; or (iv) becomes available to the receiving Party without restriction from a third Party.
Section 11.3 Notwithstanding Sections 11.1 and 11.2 either Party and its respective Subsidiaries may disclose Proprietary Information to its employees, agents, lenders, funding partners and legal and financial advisors and providers to the extent necessary or appropriate in connection with the negotiation and/or performance of this Agreement or in obtaining financing, provided that each such Party is notified of the confidential and proprietary nature of such Proprietary Information and is subject to or agrees to be bound by similar restrictions on its use and disclosure.
Section 11.4 Neither Party shall issue any public announcement or press release relating to the execution of this Agreement without the prior approval of the other Party, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
Section 11.5 In the event either Party or its respective Subsidiaries shall be required to disclose all or any part of this Agreement in, or attach all or any part of this Agreement to, any regulatory filing or statement, each Party agrees to discuss and work cooperatively, in good faith, with the other Party, to protect, to the extent possible, those items or matters which the other Party or its respective Subsidiary deems confidential and which may, in accordance with applicable laws, be deleted therefrom.
Section 11.6 The provisions of this Article 11 shall survive expiration or termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 12
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
If the Parties are unable to resolve any service, performance or budget issues or if there is a material breach of this Agreement that has not been corrected within thirty (30) days of receipt of notice of such breach, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of EAN Network and the CFO of Asia Netcom, will meet promptly to review and resolve those issues in good faith.
ARTICLE 13
CHOICE OF LAW AND FORUM
This Agreement shall be governed and construed under and pursuant to the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Any dispute arising under the terms hereof shall be heard only before courts of competent jurisdiction in Hong Kong S.A.R.
ARTICLE 14
NOTICES
All notices or other communications which are required or permitted herein shall be in writing and sufficient if delivered personally, sent by prepaid overnight air courier, or sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or by facsimile with follow up next day commercial hand delivery, addressed as follows:
IF TO ASIA NETCOM:
Asia Netcom Corporation Limited
46/F Cheung Kong Centre
2 Queen's Road, Central
Hong Kong SAR
Attn: General Counsel
Facsimile +852-2121-2819
IF TO EAN NETWORK:
East Asia Netcom Ltd.
c/o 46/F Cheung Kong Centre
2 Queen's Road, Central
Hong Kong SAR
Attn: General Counsel
Facsimile +852-2121-2819
or at such other address as the Party to whom notice is to be given may have furnished to the other Party in writing in accordance herewith. Any such communication shall be deemed to have been given when delivered if delivered personally, on the business day after dispatch if sent by overnight air courier, or on the third business day after posting if sent by pre-paid, first class mail.
ARTICLE 15
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 15.1 Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement constitutes the entire and final agreement and understanding between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements relating to the subject matter hereof, which are of no further force or effect. The Schedules referred to herein are integral parts hereof and are hereby made a part of this Agreement. This Agreement may only be modified or supplemented by an instrument in writing executed by a duly authorized representative of each Party.
Section 15.2 Agency. The relationship between Asia Netcom and EAN Network and their respective Subsidiaries shall not be that of partners, agents, or joint venture partners, and nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute a partnership or agency agreement between any of them for any purposes, including but not limited to tax purposes.
Section 15.3 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be declared invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, said provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such declaration and shall not affect the remaining provisions of this Agreement. In the event that a material and fundamental provision of this Agreement is declared invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith respecting an amendment hereto which would preserve, to the fullest extent possible, the respective benefits and burdens imposed on each Party under this Agreement as originally executed.
Section 15.4 Joint Work Product. The Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is the joint work product of the Parties. Accordingly, in the event of ambiguities in this Agreement, no inferences shall be drawn against either Party on the basis of authorship of this Agreement.
Section 15.5 Waivers. The failure of either Party to insist on strict performance of any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of such provision in any other instance.
Section 15.6 Exclusivity. This Agreement shall not be exclusive as to either Party and nothing herein shall prevent Asia Netcom or EAN Network from contracting with other parties to provide or receive services to or on behalf of Asia Netcom or EAN Network.
Section 15.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED EAST ASIA NETCOM LTD. By:________________________________ By:________________________________ Name: Name: Title: Title: Signature Page to the Management Services Agreement |
SERVICE SCHEDULE 1
GOVERNMENT AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS SERVICES
I DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
A. SCOPE
Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will provide government and corporate affairs services to EAN Network and its Subsidiaries in all jurisdictions where EAN Network and its Subsidiaries do business. Such Services will be provided by Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries in consultation with the Board of Directors of EAN Network in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
B. SPECIFIC SERVICES
The specific services that Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will provide are as follows:
- Provide coverage and advocacy on international, federal, state and local governmental issues affecting EAN Network's business operations.
- Oversee EAN Network's regulatory filings in respect of its Type I telecommunications business licenses.
- Additional services may be included upon agreement of both Parties.
II SERVICE FEES
Category 1 Fees and Category 3 Fees.
Schedule 1
SERVICE SCHEDULE 2
TREASURY SERVICES
I DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
A. SCOPE
Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will provide treasury services to EAN Network and its Subsidiaries in consultation with EAN Network's Board of Directors, including cash management, risk management, short and long-term borrowings, investment of benefit trusts, arrangement of credit facilities and coordination with credit rating agencies, all in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
B. SPECIFIC SERVICES
The specific services that Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will provide are as follows:
1. CASH MANAGEMENT
- Poll daily bank account balances for EAN Network's banks and perform cash position.
- Post EAN Network's cash desk activity to EAN Network's general ledger.
- Provide reporting on short-term borrowings and investments and interface with EAN Network's general ledger.
- Support EAN Network's bank accounts, including opening, closing and modifying accounts at the request and approval of EAN Network.
- Pay EAN Network bank fees.
- Obtain bank credit lines for EAN Network's letter of credit needs.
- Structure/maintain efficient bank network with banks and analyze bank service needs.
2. RISK MANAGEMENT
- Administering risk management, safety and claim services.
- Monitoring and managing counter party risk.
Schedule 2
- Negotiation and acquisition of insurance coverage, including, but not limited to, property and business interruption casualty (including worker's compensation), directors', officers' and other liability coverage.
- Risk, safety and claim vendor selection and oversight.
- Risk, safety and claim processes and measurements.
- Additional services may be included upon agreement of both parties.
II SERVICE FEES
Category 1 Fees and Category 3 Fees.
Schedule 2
SERVICE SCHEDULE 3
FINANCIAL SERVICES, REPORTING, RESEARCH AND LEDGER
I DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
A. SCOPE
Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will provide financial reporting, advising and auditing services to EAN Network and its Subsidiaries in consultation with EAN Network's Board of Directors, all in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. These services will include payroll, accounts payable, external audit coordination, and other governmental reporting and financial research.
B. SPECIFIC SERVICES
The specific services that Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will provide are as follows:
1. FINANCIAL SERVICES
- Preparation and distribution of employees payroll checks.
- Payment of related taxes, garnishment and other deductions to appropriate parties.
- Preparation and filing of employer tax returns.
- Processing and paying invoices and purchase orders, including input into the accounts payable system.
- Processing travel vouchers and balancing travel advance accounts.
- Recording all payments and maintaining all related files.
- Preparing all checks for vendor payment and employees reimbursement.
- Processing and paying employees travel and entertainment expense reports.
- Preparing and circulating weekly and monthly standard reports.
- Preparing special reports on a timely basis and responding to all inquiries for research and analysis.
Schedule 3
- Preparing documentation for inter-company billing.
2. FINANCIAL CONSOLIDATIONS AND REPORTING
- Preparing quarterly, annual and any other required governmental reports.
- Monthly consolidation of EAN Network's financial statements.
- Assist in the preparation of EAN Network's annual report and earnings releases, if applicable.
- Preparing monthly reporting of results of operations for distribution to EAN Network's Board of Directors.
- Assisting EAN Network in the preparation of reports to committees of its Board of Directors (e.g., Audit Committee and Compensation Committee).
3. FINANCIAL RESEARCH
- Evaluating and coordinating EAN Network's compliance with new regulatory requirements
- Assisting EAN Network in responding to accounting regulatory bodies regarding their solicitation of comments on proposed Laws and Regulations.
- Preparing other governmental reports.
- Coordinating external audit services.
4. HEADQUARTERS LEDGER SERVICES
- Maintaining a general ledger for holding company and accounting for debt, stock and inter-company transactions at the holding company level.
- Additional services may be included upon agreement of both parties.
II SERVICE FEES
Category 1 Fees and Category 3 Fees.
Schedule 3
SERVICE SCHEDULE 4
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
I DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
A. SCOPE
Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will provide Information Technology services to EAN Network and its Subsidiaries in consultation with EAN Network's Board of Directors to enable EAN Network and its Subsidiaries to attain its business objectives of developing, implementing, operating and supporting Information Technology requirements, all in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
B. SPECIFIC SERVICES
The specific services that Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will provide are as follows:
1. Basic Maintenance.
2. Operational Continuity.
- Asia Netcom will provide regular updates on the status of work, activity levels, development work and overall spending. In addition, certain investment projects identified by EAN Network will be subject to Capital Expenditure review and approval policies, which will include scope, rate of return, functionality milestones reviews, etc.
3. Chief technical office services, including:
- Enterprise architecture and design.
- Application technology, security and enterprise programs.
- Information technology research and development.
- Project management.
- Network design, procurement and implementation.
- Enterprise and other information technology services previously provided by Asia Netcom Group, which includes the EAN Network employees assumed by Asia Netcom.
4. Enhancements.
Schedule 4
5. Investment Projects.
6. Negotiation of contracts with major vendors, including Global Marine, Alcatel, Lucent, Cisco, NEC and SAP.
II SERVICE FEES
Category 1 Fees, Category 2 Fees and Category 3 Fees.
Schedule 4
SERVICE SCHEDULE 5
LEGAL AND CORPORATE SECRETARY SERVICES
I DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
A. SCOPE
Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will provide legal and corporate secretary services to EAN Network and its Subsidiaries in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The services will include legal support to all business units of EAN Network.
B. SPECIFIC SERVICES
The specific services that Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will provide are as follows:
- Providing general legal advice.
- Providing Corporate Secretary services for EAN Network and the EAN Network Subsidiaries, including preparations for the annual meeting of shareholders, assistance with respect to shareholder resolutions and services relating to corporate governance matters.
- Providing intellectual property law support for EAN Network and the EAN Network Subsidiaries.
- Overseeing and articulating legal policy regarding litigation and regulatory compliance.
- Additional services may be included upon agreement of both parties.
II SERVICE FEES
Category 1 Fees and Category 3 Fees.
III ADDITIONAL TERMS
It is understood and agreed that the attorneys of Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries providing legal services pursuant to this Agreement have been retained by EAN Network and its Subsidiaries for the express purpose of providing legal advice to EAN Network and its Subsidiaries and that their communication with EAN Network and its Subsidiaries will be subject to the attorney-client privilege to the extent permitted by law and by applicable ethical requirements. The parties agree that no conflict of interest between Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and EAN Network and its Subsidiaries, on the other hand, currently exists with respect to the services being
Schedule 5
provided. To the extent a conflict of interest arises Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) and EAN Network (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) will discuss and resolve such conflict consistent with the principles and obligations of professional responsibility.
Schedule 5
SERVICE SCHEDULE 6
TAX SERVICES
I DESCRIPTION OF TAX SERVICES
A. SCOPE
Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will provide comprehensive income and franchise tax services ("Tax Services") to EAN Network and its Subsidiaries as described herein in consultation with EAN Network's Board of Directors, all in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement
B. TAX SERVICES
The Tax Services that Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will provide to EAN Network and its Subsidiaries are as follows:
1. TAX RETURNS
- Prepare in accordance with all applicable laws and file on a timely basis all Returns of EAN Network and its Subsidiaries ("Returns" is defined for the purpose of this Service Schedule 6 to mean all income and franchise returns, reports and forms required to be filed by EAN Network and its Subsidiaries with any governmental authority).
2. TAX AUDITS
- Respond to any audit or other similar proceeding with respect to a Return of EAN Network or any of its Subsidiaries or any audit or other similar proceeding in which EAN Network or any of its Subsidiaries is included as a party.
3. TAX PLANNING
- Identify federal, state and international tax planning opportunities and implement tax strategies, as appropriate, and reviewing the tax implications of business operations and proposals.
- Advise on various tax planning opportunities including dividend repatriation, financial transactions, business operations and proposals.
Schedule 6
- Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will interpret the meaning of "Tax Services" so as to insure that EAN Network and its Subsidiaries comply fully with all applicable tax laws. Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will perform each Tax Service for the purpose of minimizing, to the extent possible, the tax liabilities of EAN Network and its Subsidiaries.
- Additional services may be included upon agreement of both Parties.
II SERVICE FEES
Category 1 Fees and Category 3 Fees.
Schedule 6
SERVICE SCHEDULE 7
THIRD PARTY CONTRACT AND REIMBURSEABLE EXPENSES
I DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
A. SCOPE
Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will calculate and arrange for payment of the amounts listed in subparagraph B below, on behalf of EAN Network and its Subsidiaries, all in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
B. SPECIFIC SERVICES
- Auditing Fee
- Maintenance of the Network
- Network and Facility Insurance
- Facility Management
- Cable Landing OA&M
- Tax consulting and filing fees
- Asset taxes
- Property taxes, etc.
II SERVICE FEES
Category 3 Fees.
Schedule 7
SERVICE SCHEDULE 8
ENGINEERING AND OPERATION SERVICES
I DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
A. SCOPE
Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will provide comprehensive Engineering and Operation Services on behalf of EAN Network and its Subsidiaries as described herein in consultation with EAN Network's Board of Directors, all in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
B. SPECIFIC SERVICES
- Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will perform Engineering and Operations Services on behalf of EAN Network and its Subsidiaries. In connection therewith, Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) agrees to provide all labor, equipment and miscellaneous materials and to do all things necessary to perform preventive, routine, emergency and corrective maintenance on the Network, including, but not limited to the equipment set forth on Attachment 1 to this Service Schedule 8 (hereafter the "Services"). The Services shall include all labor necessary for (i) the proper operation and maintenance of the Network; (ii) capacity planning; (iii) delivery of capacity to Persons; (iv) network systems engineering, architecture and operations/integration testing and troubleshooting; and (v) the proper operation and maintenance of the HVAC systems, main entry power switchgear, emergency generators and transfer switches, UPS systems and batteries, and fire protection components associated with the Network. The standard of care for all Services performed or furnished by Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries under this Service Schedule shall be in accordance with the average standards applicable to members of Asia Netcom's profession.
- Where EAN Network or its Subsidiary is under current contract with other suppliers for the operation and/or maintenance of the Network and its components, Asia Netcom or its Subsidiary will assume management of those contracts on behalf of EAN Network of its respective Subsidiary .
- In order to provide the Services contemplated under this Service Schedule, Asia Netcom or its respective Subsidiary, at its option, may acquire, at book value, certain assets (to be specifically identified in writing between the Parties) from EAN Network and its Subsidiaries which enable Asia Netcom or its respective
Schedule 8
Subsidiary to integrate use of those assets with the assets of Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries in order to achieve efficiencies in providing the Service to EAN Network and its Subsidiaries. Among the assets that are subject to transfer may include certain Network assets, test-lab assets and infrastructure assets (including the network operations center in Singapore).
- EAN Network and its Subsidiaries shall not enter into any service level commitments with any Person that could require compliance by Asia Netcom or any of its Subsidiaries under this Service Schedule, without the prior consent of Asia Netcom (for and on behalf of itself or its Subsidiary), which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.
- Within the leasing term of three year, EAN Network or its respective Subsidiary will assign to Asia Netcom or its respective Subsidiary, at no charge to Asia Netcom or such Subsidiary, all necessary or appropriate third-party licenses and agreements currently used by EAN Network or any of its Subsidiaries in the operations, maintenance and management of the Network. EAN Network and its respective Subsidiary will be responsible for obtaining the consents of third parties and for paying any assignment fee, transfer fee or other costs in connection with the assignment of such licenses and agreements to Asia Netcom.
- Each Party and its Subsidiaries will not have any interest in any proprietary specifications, designs, patents, plans, drawings, software, processes and procedures, or other technical and business information of or developed independently by the other Party and its Subsidiaries (the "Other Party Network Information") disclosed to the first Party or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the Agreement. The other Party (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) will grant to the first Party (for and on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) a nonexclusive, nontransferable, royalty-free license (without the right to sublicense, except to Subsidiaries) to use such Other Party Network Information during the Term, but only in connection with the performance or receipt of the Services.
- Integration. If at a future time it is desirable to integrate the Network with another cable system or an extension of the Network, the terms and conditions of such integration shall be decided by mutual consent of the Parties (for and on behalf of themselves and their respective Subsidiaries).
II SERVICE FEES
Category 1 Fees and Category 3 Fees.
Schedule 8
SERVICE SCHEDULE 8
ATTACHMENT 1
SCOPE OF WORK
Asia Netcom and its Subsidiaries will provide the following Services on behalf of EAN Network and its Subsidiaries with respect to the Network:
A. PROVISIONING
1. Work with Asia Netcom's Service Delivery Department to ensure timely installation/provisioning of customers.
2. Perform local testing and commissioning of circuits which are activated on the Network.
3. Perform all field activities related to provisioning of capacity on the Network.
4. Establish, commission and test circuits such that the path performance meets/exceeds the standard technical or industry requirements.
B. DEACTIVATION
1. Work with Asia Netcom's Service Delivery Department during customer deactivations.
2. Perform all field activities related to deactivation of circuits.
C. SYSTEM INVENTORY AND SYSTEM SPARES MANAGEMENT
1. Manage the inventory and maintain the integrity of Network equipment spares, as required to maintain accurate Network inventory.
2. Work with suppliers relating to repair and return of Network system spares.
3. Perform periodic inventories of Network system spares.
4. Perform periodic audits of the installed boards and equipment to support the process of capacity/Configuration Management.
Schedule 8
D. TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
1. Work with the Asia Netcom's Network Operation Center ("ANOC"), utilizing existing Operation Interfaces in resolving faults with respect to the Network.
2. Perform preventive maintenance and corrective maintenance on transmission equipment.
3. Preventive maintenance including, without limitation, the following:
a. Inspect transmission equipments and document the status of each.
b. Schedule and perform routine preventive maintenance of all transmission equipment.
c. Track and report routine preventive maintenance of all transmission equipment.
d. Meet all supplier preventive maintenance requirements.
4. Corrective maintenance including, without limitation, the following:
a. Perform corrective maintenance of all transmission equipment.
b. Track and report all corrective maintenance of all transmission equipments.
c. Replace all faulty boards and reset equipment to performance level specifications.
d. Install work-around solutions approved by the suppliers when necessary to ensure customer network continuity.
e. Escalate faults to the supplier, when necessary, in a timely fashion and cooperate with such suppliers to resolve such faults.
f. Assist suppliers in their diagnosis of faults, and in access to the cable station and telehouse when faults are escalated to suppliers.
5. Respond to all telecommunications management network (TMN) Alarms in coordination with the ANOC in resolving faults.
E. SUBSEA CABLE LAND SECTION MAINTENANCE
1. Perform preventive maintenance and corrective maintenance on subsea cable land section.
2. Preventive maintenance including, without limitation, the following:
Schedule 8
a. Manage the performance of preventive maintenance.
b. Manage the performance of any necessary testing to further investigate any loss of performance or suspected cable damage to the fibers in an optical section.
3. Corrective maintenance including, without limitation, the following:
a. Locate fault(s) on the cable.
b. Manage the repair of all faults within the specified cable section.
c. Manage the performance of all necessary testing to determine the fault location.
d. Manage the performance of all necessary testing after repairs.
F. RESTORATION
1. Assist in developing short and long-term system restoration plans and disaster recovery plans.
2. Monitor implementation and normalization of system restoration plans.
3. Support restoration plans and operations.
G. FACILITIES MAINTENANCE
1. Perform inspections of all areas of all sites of the cable station, including interior and exterior of the building, grounding, power equipment, and air conditioning where applicable.
2. Inspect internal and external appearances and conditions of cable station where applicable.
3. Manage site repairs and modifications where applicable.
4. Manage site cleaning for all parts of cable station.
5. Provide access to the sites (cable station and telehouse) to customers and approved third party contractors, as necessary.
6. Perform inspections to ensure that power equipment, grounding, and air conditioning at the telehouse are functioning at optimum levels for the proper operation of all telecommunications equipment.
Schedule 8
H. AIR CONDITIONING
1. Perform inspections to ensure that air conditioning systems at cable Stations are functioning at optimum levels for the proper operation of all telecommunications equipments.
2. Manage the repair of all air conditioning system malfunctions at cable stations.
3. Ensure operational personnel at cable stations have immediate access to services and emergency services of local air conditioning technician in the event of an air conditioning system malfunction.
4. Ensure proper tests and inspections are performed at cable stations so that contractual warranties with respect to all air conditioning systems are kept valid.
I. POWER EQUIPMENT
1. Perform timely inspections to ensure that power equipments at all sites (cable stations and telehouses) are working at optimum levels to prevent loss of power or disruption of service.
2. Manage the repair of all power system malfunctions at all sites (cable station and telehouse).
3. Ensure operational personnel at all sites (cable stations and telehouses) have immediate access to services and emergency services of local power technician in the event of a power system malfunction.
4. Ensure proper tests and inspections are performed at all sites (cable stations and telehouses) so that contractual warranties with respect to all power systems are kept valid.
J. SECURITY SYSTEM EQUIPMENT
1. Manage the performance of all physical security.
2. Perform inspections to ensure all security system equipments are adequate for all sites (cable stations and telehouses) on both in and out of normal working hours.
3. Manage the repair of all security system malfunctions at all sites (cable stations and telehouses).
4. Ensure operational personnel at all sites (cable stations and telehouses) have immediate access to services and emergency services of local security system technician in the event of a security system malfunction.
Schedule 8
5. Ensure proper tests and inspections are performed at all sites (cable stations and telehouses) so that contractual warranties with respect to all security systems are kept valid.
K. OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATION
1. Manage the receipt, filing and updating of technical documentation.
2. Survey and select third parties for the provision of specialized maintenance.
3. Secure necessary work permits with local government and commercial power firms.
Schedule 8
EXECUTION COPY
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT
This AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT is made and entered into this 6th day of October, 2004, by and between ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED, a company formed and validly existing under the laws of Bermuda ("Asia Netcom") and EAST ASIA NETCOM LTD., a company formed and validly existing under the laws of the Bermuda ("EAN Network"). Asia Netcom and EAN Network are sometimes hereinafter referred to as collectively, the "Parties".
WHEREAS, Asia Netcom and EAN Network entered into a certain management services agreement (the "Management Services Agreement") dated June 30, 2004;
WHEREAS, Asia Netcom and EAN Network desire to make certain amendments to the Management Services Agreement relating to term and termination.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises made in this Agreement, the sufficiency of which is acknowledged by the Parties, the Parties hereby agree that Section 9.1, or "Term and Termination--Term", of the Management Services Agreement, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
"Section 9.1 Term. This Agreement shall be effective upon the Effective Date commencing on the Effective Date and shall continue in full force and effect until December 31, 2006, to be extended thereafter by mutual agreement of the Parties (the "Term"). Any such extension is subject to the transactions contemplated under this Agreement complying with the relevant provisions of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited governing connected transactions at the time of the extension and that The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited granting a waiver from the announcement and independent shareholders' approval requirements with respect to the transactions contemplated under this Agreement, where necessary."
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Amendment No.1 to Management Services Agreement as of the date first written above.
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED EAST ASIA NETCOM LTD. By: /s/ Sun Wenlong By: /s/ Gregory Freiberg ----------------------- ----------------------- Name: Sun Wenlong Name: Gregory Freiberg |
EXHIBIT 10.19
SHARE OPTION PLAN FOR
THE MIDDLE AND SENIOR LEVEL MANAGEMENT OF
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
With reference to international universal practices, and taking into account the specific conditions of corporate development and compensation and performance systems, this Plan is hereby compiled to establish and optimize internal incentive and engagement mechanisms, to better motivate the middle and senior level management, to attract and retain staffs with outstanding performance, and to encourage and motivate the participants to increase values for the Company.
I. DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise stipulated by this Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set out below in this Plan:
"The Company": China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited, a company incorporated in Hong Kong, with its shares listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and with its American Depositary Receipts listed on the New York Stock Exchange;
"Option" or "Share Option": the rights authorized under the Share Option Plan to subscribe shares at the stipulated price (i.e., exercise price) pursuant to the Share Option Plan;
"Associate": as defined under the Hong Kong Listing Rules;
"The Board": the Board of Directors of the Company;
"Companies Ordinance": the Companies Ordinance (Chapter 32) of the Laws of Hong Kong (amended from time to time);
"Provincial Companies": subsidiaries (branch companies) of the Company located in provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities of the People's Republic of China;
"Regional and Municipal Branch Companies": various regional-level municipal branch companies under the provincial company;
"International Company": the Company's International Telecommunications Corporation Limited;
"Compensation Committee": a committee established by the Board, whose main responsibilities include formulating compensation policy and with the authority of the Board dealing with any issues related to this Plan. The committee members are appointed by the Board. The term of each committee member is
determined by the Board, and the Board can remove any of them at any time;
"Connected Person": as defined under the Hong Kong Listing Rules;
"The Plan": the Share Option Plan for the Middle and Senior Level Management of China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited.;
"The Effective Date of the Plan": the date on which the Share Option Plan is approved by the shareholders of the Company;
"Validity Period": within ten years from the effective date of the Plan, unless the Plan is terminated by the Board when exercising its rights under the Plan;
"Qualified Participants": according to the Share Option Plan, those Directors, Executive Officers, Middle and Senior Managers or Professionals with special skills of the Company or its subsidiary companies, who are considered by the Board or the Compensation Committee as having made important contributions to the Company;
"Middle and Senior Level Managers": management officers of the Company, and various provincial, regional and municipal companies, whose ranks are higher than the general manager level or the equivalent levels (inclusive);
"Professionals with special skills": expert-type employees and technical and marketing staff, who hold key positions within the Company and its subsidiaries, and exert a crucial influence on the business development of the Company. The Compensation Committee has the authority to interpret the definition of the term "Professionals with special skills", and to identify candidates among those professionals with special skills.
"Option Granting Date": the date on which the Option is granted under the Plan, that is, the date as specified in the Share Option Agreement;
"Option Effective Date": (i) the Option Granting Date, or (ii) the date on which the Company is listed and trading of the Company's shares is commenced on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, whichever is later;
"Option Validity Period": the period from the Option Effective Date to the date when the Option is lapsed pursuant to the Plan;
"Option Restrictive Period": the period between the Option Effective Date and the Option Exercise Date, during which the Option shall not be exercised;
"Restrictive Schedule": the arrangement under which Options granted at one time are exercised either at
one time, or at several times in accordance with the predetermined schedule;
"Exercise Date": the calendar date on which shares can be subscribed upon satisfaction of the Plan's stipulations and requirements. In the event that shares cannot be traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on such calendar date, the Exercise Date shall be the next calendar date after shares are traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
"Exercise Price": the price payable for each share when option holders exercise their options to subscribe shares pursuant to the Share Option Plan. The initial Exercise Price shall be the Initial Public Offering price. The Exercise Price for the subsequent allotment shall be not less than the highest of the par value of the share, the closing price on the Option Granting Day, and the average closing price for the five business days prior to the Option Granting Day;
"Hong Kong Dollar": Hong Kong Dollar, the legal currency in Hong Kong;
"Hong Kong": Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China;
"Hong Kong Stock Exchange": the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited;
"Listing Rules": the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange;
"Subsidiaries": branch companies and subsidiaries, or joint ventures with independent legal person status invested in and established by the Company. The definition of "Subsidiaries" in the Companies Ordinance in respect of the proportion of equity that is held by the Company in such companies and the voting rights controlled by the Company in such companies shall be employed in the context of this Plan;
"Non-Executive Director": a director without any administrative function in the Company or its subsidiaries.
II. PARTICIPANT QUALIFICATIONS
The scope of the participants to the Plan shall be the members of the Board of the Company (including Executive Directors and Non-executive Directors); the Middle and Senior level management personnel, Professionals with special skills identified by the Compensation Committee.
III. GRANTING QUANTITY
(I) Within the Validity Period of the Plan, the total number of options granted to all Qualified Participants shall not exceed 10% of the total shares after the Company's global offerings on the Plan's effective date. Upon the approval by the general meeting, the Board has the authority to set the limitation on the total number of options granted. But, the exercise of the
total number of options granted and issued according to the Option Plan and share options granted but not exercised, shall not exceed 30% of the total shares issued at that time.
(II) Unless otherwise approved by the general meeting, the Share Option (whether the Share Option has been exercised or not) granted to the participants within any 12-month period shall not exceed 0.2% of total capital stocks of the Company on the Option Granting Date.
IV. GRANTING AND ACCEPTING THE OPTION
(I) Within the Validity Period of the Plan, the Share Options may be granted once each year, the Board has the authority to grant options in the appropriate manner at the stipulated exercise price to its selected Qualified Participants. The Board or the Compensation Committee shall decide the timing and the amount to be granted, as well as the Exercise Price.
(II) The Board grants Share Options to the Qualified Participants in the form of an Option Agreement. Option holders do not have to make any payment, but shall confirm acceptance of the Option granted within 28 days after the date on which the Option is granted. Acceptance made after such 28 days shall not be considered. Option holders are allowed to accept part of the Options the Board grants to them, but the accepted amount shall be the complete trading unit amount or its integral multiples.
(III) Participants may be granted Options once each year. The Board has the authority to choose new Qualified Participants and grant Options to them.
(IV) Options shall not be granted within the following periods:
1. In the event of any incident or issue that is significant enough to affect the share price, and until such information affecting the share price has been published in the press.
2. One month prior to the following dates (whichever is earlier), until the publication of the Annual or Interim Report:
(1) the date of the Board meeting for the approval of the Annual or Interim Report;
(2) the deadline for release of the Company's Annual or Interim Report.
(V) Share Options granted to the Company's Directors, President, substantial shareholders or Qualified Participants of their respective associates under the Share Option Plan shall have received the approval from the Independent Non-executive Directors (excluding directors to be granted such Option) of the Company. The granting of Options to such persons shall be in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Listing Rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
V. EXERCISE AND YIELD OF OPTIONS
1. The initial granted exercise price of the Options shall be at the IPO price, and subsequent exercise price for allotment shall be at a price no lower than the highest of the par value of the share, the closing share price on the Option Granting Day, and the average closing share price for five business days prior to the Option Granting Day.
2. During each share option period, the Option Validity Period shall be six years, that is, six years after Option Effective Date, the outstanding option rights shall be automatically lapsed. The initial Share Option's Vesting Period shall be 1.5 years, and it shall proceed in installments according to the vesting schedule. The maximum exercise amount in one installment shall not exceed the percentages listed below:
40% (4/10) of the total Options granted can be exercised eighteen months after the Option Effective Date;
Another 30% (3/10) of the total Options granted can be exercised thirty months after the Option Effective Date;
The remaining 30% (3/10) of the total Options granted can be exercised forty-two months after the Option Effective Date;
3. Unless the option holder dies and this right therefore is transferred to the legal representative of his/her estate, the Option holder may not transfer, dispose or otherwise sell such option or other related rights to third parties. Should an option holder transfer, dispose or otherwise sell such option or other related rights to third parties, the Company shall have the rights to cancel any options granted to such option holder.
4. In the event of a capitalization issue, share offering, share splitting or combination, or reduction of the stock capital, the Board has the authority to adjust the share quantity and exercise price of the Plan's share options (those yet to be exercised), provided that the ratio between the total number of ordinary shares involved in the Option Plan and total shares outstanding remains unchanged. Such adjustment shall ensure that the Option Plan's participants have the same exercisable option percentage before and after the adjustment and such adjustment may not result in the issued share price below par value.
5. The exercise yield at the time of the exercise by the option holder is calculated as the product of the difference between the exercise price and the market price of the Company's shares multiplied by the number of exercised options, less related tax charges. The yield after the option is exercised belongs to the person who exercises the option. The exercise
yield shall be zero should he/she does not exercise his/her option during the exercise period.
6. Before partially or wholly exercising the Option by the option holder, he/she shall inform the Company in writing of his/her intention to exercise and the share quantity and the exercise price, etc. The option holder shall not be required to reach any performance target before exercising his/her option, unless the Board has otherwise stipulated and has indicated this in the Share Option Agreement.
VI. RIGHTS AFTER THE TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
(1) If an option holder's employment is terminated due to his/her misconduct or conviction of criminal offence, he/she would no longer be qualified as a Qualified Participant under the Plan and all the unexercised options shall be lapsed upon the date of the termination of such employment and under no circumstances such Option may be exercised.
(2) If the option holder resigns on his/her own initiative, all the unexercised options shall be lapsed upon the date on which his/her employment terminates.
(3) Apart from reasons of death, incapacitation or the provisions in Article VI. (I) or Article VI. (II) resulting in the termination of employment, if an option holder is no longer a Qualified Plan Participant due to the termination of his/her employment, he/she can still exercise those unexercised options granted to him/her within twelve months after date on which his/her employment is terminated. The unexercised options shall automatically be lapsed after this period.
VII. RIGHTS AFTER DEATH
If the option holder dies and no events take place in connection with any reasons of the termination of employment specified in Article VI. (I), the legal representative can exercise any granted but unexercised effective Options from the date of the death of the option holder until the expiration date of such options. The unexercised options shall be automatically lapsed after the above period.
VIII. RIGHTS AFTER INCAPACITATION
The option holder can at any time exercise the granted but unexercised effective Options from the date of his/her incapacitation until the expiration date of such Options. The unexercised Options shall be automatically lapsed after the above period.
IX. THE CHANGE OF CONTROLLING INTERESTS
"The Change of Controlling Interests", under the Plan, refers to any one of the situations arising after the Company's shares are listed on and have commenced to be traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange:
(I) Any person, entity or organization has acquired or hold the issued ordinary shares of the Company; or more than 30% of the voting rights attached to the stocks issued by the Company, (or reaching the percentage which according to the Codes on Takeovers and Mergers and Share Repurchases triggers a mandatory general offer)
However, in respect to this clause the following situations shall not be construed as "the Change of Controlling Interests":
- according to the Companies Ordinance, the person, entity or organization purchasing the shares is related to the Company;
- purchased by the Company;
- purchased by the employee incentive plan (or related trust funds) which is either established or supervised by the Company;
(II) the Company, as one party, enters into any reorganization, merger or acquisition approved by all the Company's shareholders;
(III) the liquidation or reorganization of the Company.
If there is any change of the Controlling Interests, any unexercised options held by the option holder for more than six months shall immediately become effective and exercisable. The exercisable period shall be within the twelve months from the date of the change of Controlling Interests. Any outstanding Option shall be lapsed from the date of such change of Controlling Interests.
X. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN
(I) The Board may at any time amend any article of the Share Option Plan and any clause of the Option (including making such amendments in compliance with laws or regulations), on the principle that such amendments shall not damage the rights of any option holder.
(II) Any amendment that is to the advantage of current or future option holders, or any amendment that is related to the revision of the Listing Rules shall obtain prior approval from the shareholders at the general meeting.
(III) Any substantive and significant amendments to the terms or conditions of the Option Plan shall obtain approval from the general meeting, unless such amendments are automatically
effective in accordance with the current clauses of the Option Plan.
Any alteration in limiting the authority of the Board to amend the Option Plan shall be approved in the Company's general meeting.
The amended Plan or clauses shall still be in accordance with the related regulations of the Rules Governing the Listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
(IV) During the Validity Period of the Plan, the Board may at any time terminate the Share Option Plan or stop granting Options according to the Option Plan. Those options already granted according to the Plan but are yet to be exercised may continue to be exercised according to the Plan, or be cancelled by the Board according to Article XI of the Plan.
The Plan shall be lapsed automatically upon the expiry of the Validity Period. If the Board decides to adopt a new share option plan, it shall be approved at the Company's general meeting.
XI. CANCELLATION OF THE OPTIONS
Any granted but outstanding options may be cancelled by the Board with the consent of option holders, provided that (I) the Board shall pay the option holders an amount equal to the fair market value of the options on the cancellation date; (II) the Board shall offer to give the option holder an equivalent amount in an alternative share option Plan (or share options under any other Plan); (III) the Board should make other arrangements as agreed with the option holder to compensate the loss of the option rights.
XII. STATUS OF THE SHARES
(I) Shares under the Option Plan are ordinary shares that may be traded on stock exchanges and the issuance of which has been approved by the Company. Their listing shall be approved by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Such shares may be the designated but unissued shares, reserved shares or those repurchased shares approved by the Board, on the condition that such shares shall not violate laws or the rules and regulations of the relevant Stock Exchange.
(II) Any outstanding shares shall not be entitled to any dividend distribution nor any attached voting right. Those shares issued from exercised options shall enjoy in every respect the same status as those issued ordinary shares, except for the share right before the date of the exercise of Option..
XIII. THE LONGEST VALIDITY PERIOD OF THE PLAN
Unless otherwise terminated by the Board according to the Plan, the Validity Period of the Option Plan
shall be ten years from its effective date. There shall be no further options granted after expiration.
XIV. MISCELLANEOUS
(I) Unless otherwise provided, decisions made by the Board of the Company concerning the related Share Option shall be final and binding on all participating parties.
(II) The Compensation Committee under the Board shall, under the regulation of the Listing Rules, be responsible for the management and the interpretation of the Option Plan. The Company's Human Resources Department shall be responsible for of the implementation of the Plan and the compilation of the detailed implementation regulations for each grant, which shall be presented to the Board for approval.
(III) The Plan shall be officially in effect upon the approval by the shareholders at the Company's general meeting.
EXHIBIT 10.20
EXECUTION COPY
SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
FOR
CERTAIN ORDINARY SHARES
OF CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
BY AND BETWEEN
CNC FUND, L.P.
AND
CNET FOUNDATION LIMITED
EXECUTION COPY
SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This Share Purchase Agreement (this "Agreement") is made by and between CNET Foundation Limited ("CNET"), a company organized under the laws of the British Virgin Islands ("BVI"), and CNC Fund, L.P. (the "Fund"), a partnership organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands with the intention that it is to take effect from June 28, 2004 ("Effective Date").
R E C I T A L S
WHEREAS, pursuant to Subscription Agreement dated as of September 29, 2000, among China Netcom Holdings (BVI) Limited ("CNC(BVI)"), a company organized under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited ("CNC (HK)"), a company incorporated in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ("Hong Kong") of the People's Republic of China ("PRC"), China Netcom Corporation Limited (the "OpCo") an enterprise organized under the laws of the PRC and the Fund, CNC (HK) issued to the Fund 30,967,127 Series A Preferred Shares, par value US$0.01 per share, of CNC (HK) (the "Preferred Shares");
WHEREAS, CNET has agreed to sell to the Fund 6,400,000 ordinary shares of CNC (HK) (the "Common Shares") upon the terms set out as follows;
WHEREAS, as at the Effective Date, CNC Holdings owns 100% of CNC (BVI), which, together with the Fund and CNET, owns 100% of the CNC (HK), which in turn owns 100% of the OpCo;
WHEREAS, a subsidiary of CNC (BVI) in Hong Kong is expected to conduct an initial public offering in 2004;
WHEREAS, the Fund has entered into a share purchase and exchange agreement (as such agreement may be amended from time to time, the "Share Purchase and Exchange Agreement") with CNC (HK) and CNC (BVI); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Share Purchase and Exchange Agreement, the Fund contemplates entering into transactions whereby the Preferred Shares and the Common Shares are exchanged for an interest in Listco.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above premises and the agreements hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS.
1.1. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Share Purchase and Exchange Agreement.
1.2. The following terms shall have the following meanings:
"Exchange Period" means the period commencing on the first Trading Day following the end of the Lock-up Period and ending on the Maturity Date.
"Exchange Share Proceeds" means the net proceeds received by the Fund from a sale of the Exchange Shares on the SEHK on, or within three Trading Days after, delivery to the Fund of a Notice of Exchange (in the case of a payment by the Fund pursuant to Section 3.2 hereof) or within three Trading Days after the Maturity Date (in the case of a payment by the Fund pursuant to Section 3.3 hereof), after deduction of all expenses of such sale (including without limitation brokerage commissions, stamp duty, legal fees and disbursements (if any) and applicable transactional levies).
"Exchange Shares" means such number of Listco Shares to be held by the Fund for the benefit of CNET pursuant to the terms of this Agreement equal to 0.49% of the total number of Listco Shares in issue immediately prior to completion of the Listco IPO, subject to dilution only from (A) shares to be issued in the IPO, (B) shares issuable under Listco's employee stock option plan and (C) shares issued in exchange for any material additional assets that CNC(BVI) acquires from any entity outside of mainland China that is not an affiliate of CNC(BVI) and contributes to Listco between the Effective Date and the date of completion of the Listco IPO.
"Face Amount" means US$26,400,000.
"HK$" means Hong Kong dollars, the lawful currency of Hong Kong.
"HK$ Equivalent" of any amount denominated in US$ means the HK$ equivalent of such amount at the US$/HK$ Exchange Rate on the Listing Date.
"Hong Kong" means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC.
"Instrument" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.
"IPO Price" means the price, in HK$, at which Listco Shares are issued and sold to the public in the Listco IPO.
"Listco Shares" means the ordinary shares of Listco.
"Listing Date" means the day on which the Listco Shares commence trading on the SEHK.
"Limit Order Exchange" means an exchange of the Instrument pursuant to
Section 3.1, in connection with which CNET in the relevant Notice of
Exchange has specified a Limit Order Price.
"Limit Order Price" means a minimum price specified in a Notice of Exchange.
"Limit Order Expiration Date" means, in connection with a Limit Order Exchange, the date (if any) specified as the Limit Order Expiration Date in the relevant Notice of Exchange.
"Lock-up Period" means the period commencing on the Listing Date and ending on the last day on which sales by the Fund of Listco Shares are subject to any restriction pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement and/or any other agreement entered into between or among the Fund, Listco and/or the underwriters of the Listco IPO.
"Maturity Date" means the day that is one year after the expiration of the Lock-up Period; provided that if such day is not a Trading Day, the Maturity Date shall be the next following Trading Day.
"Notice of Exchange" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
"PRC" means the People's Republic of China.
"SEHK" means The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.
"Trading Day" means a day on which the SEHK is open for trading and is not closed for any reason prior to its normal closing time.
"US$" means United States dollars, the lawful currency of the United States of America.
2. SHARE PURCHASE AND INSTRUMENT ISSUANCE.
2.1. Purchase of Common Shares. The Fund hereby agrees to purchase from CNET, and CNET hereby agrees to sell to the Fund, all the Common Shares. The consideration for the purchase and sale of the Common Shares shall be the payment by the Fund to CNET of an amount equivalent to the Face Amount as is evidenced by the issuance and delivery to CNET of the Instrument and upon the terms as set out in this Agreement.
2.2. Issuance of Instrument. Upon execution of this Agreement, the Fund shall, as soon as practicable and within five days from satisfaction of the conditions to the Fund's obligations set out in Section 6.1, issue to CNET an exchangeable Instrument (the "Instrument"), with a face value equal to the Face Amount, substantially in the form of Exhibit 1 attached hereto, in exchange for the transfer of the Common Shares to the Fund.
3. EXCHANGE AND CANCELLATION OF INSTRUMENT.
3.1. Exchange. If CNET delivers to the Fund during the Exchange Period a notice of exchange in the form attached as Exhibit 2 hereto, duly executed by an authorized signatory of CNET and attaching the original Instrument (a "Notice of Exchange"), then:
(a) in the case of a Limit Order Exchange, the Fund shall, as soon as practicable after receipt of such Notice of Exchange, sell the Exchange
Shares on the SEHK and, within three Trading Days after such sale, pay the Exchange Share Proceeds to CNET; provided that if the Notice of Exchange specifies a Limit Order Expiration Date and the Fund is unable to sell the Exchange Shares on the SEHK at a price greater than or equal to the Limit Order Price on or before the Limit Order Expiration Date, the Notice of Exchange shall be deemed to be withdrawn as of the close of business on the Limit Order Expiration Date and shall have no further effect thereafter;
(b) in any other case, sell the Exchange Shares on the SEHK within
two Trading Days after receipt of such Notice of Exchange and, within
three Trading Days after such sale, pay the Exchange Share Proceeds to
CNET.
CNET shall inform the Fund in writing of the names of all persons from time to time authorized to execute a Notice of Exchange on behalf of CNET and shall provide a specimen signature of each such person.
3.2. Maturity. If no Notice of Exchange is delivered by CNET prior to the Maturity Date, or if a Notice of Exchange in respect of a Limit Order Exchange has been delivered by CNET prior to the Maturity Date but the Fund has been unable on or prior to the Maturity Date to sell the Exchange Shares on the SEHK at a price greater than or equal to the Limit Order Price, then the Fund shall, within five Trading Days after the Maturity Date, pay to CNET the Exchange Share Proceeds based on the market price obtained by the Fund on a sale of the Exchange Shares on the SEHK; provided that the Fund shall not be required to pay such amount unless and until CNET has delivered the Instrument to the Fund for cancellation.
3.3. Payments. All payments due from the Fund to CNET shall be made by wire transfer to the following bank account:
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited
A/C no: 004-502-406119-001
The Fund shall be entitled to deduct from and set off against any such payment any amounts due and payable to the Fund by CNET, for which the Fund has issued a written demand to CNET which the Fund has certified to be reasonable, but which amounts have not yet been paid.
3.4. Cancellation of the Instrument. Upon the payment by the Fund of the amount required to be paid pursuant to Section 3.1 or 3.2, the Fund shall be discharged from any liability under the Instrument and the Instrument shall be cancelled.
4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE FUND.
The Fund hereby represents and warrants to CNET that the statements in the following paragraphs of this Section 4 are all true and correct:
4.1. Organization, Good Standing and Qualification. The Fund is a partnership duly incorporated and organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the Cayman Islands, and has the requisite corporate power and
corporate authority to own, lease, and operate their assets, properties and business, and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted. Subject to receipt of the limited partner consents referred to in Section 6.1, the Fund has the corporate power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement.
4.2. Valid Issuance of the Instrument. The Instrument, when issued as provided in this Agreement, will be duly authorized, validly issued and CNET will obtain full right, title and interest to the same.
4.3. Governmental Consents. No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, qualification, designation, declaration or filing with any court, governmental agency, regulatory authority or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity, other than the consents and approvals referred to in Section 6.1 is required for the execution, delivery and performance by the Fund of this Agreement in order to consummate the transactions contemplated in this Agreement. None of such filings and qualifications are the subject of any pending or, to the best knowledge of the Fund, threatened attack by appeal or direct proceeding or otherwise.
The Fund hereby undertakes to CNET on the terms as set forth in the following statements:
4.4. Status of Obligations. The obligations of the Fund to pay to CNET the Face Amount and the amounts due upon exchange of the Instrument shall at all times constitute unsubordinated obligations of the Fund, ranking pari passu with all other general obligations of the Fund.
4.5. Exchange Shares. The Fund shall at all times set aside the Exchange Shares to meet its obligations to CNET, which Exchange Shares shall at all times be unencumbered and shall not in any way directly or indirectly be disposed of or made available to any other person.
4.6. Approvals. The Fund undertakes to use its reasonable best endeavors to obtain all the approvals and consents necessary or desirable by it as referred to in Section 6.1.
4.7. Indemnification. The Fund shall indemnify CNET and hold CNET harmless from and against any loss, liability, cost or damage, including attorneys fees and other charges, arising from any breach by the Fund of any of the representations, warranties or undertakings set forth in this Section 4.
5. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND UNDERTAKINGS OF CNET.
CNET hereby represents, warrants and undertakes to the Fund that as follows:
5.1. Authorization and Validity. CNET is a company duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the BVI, and has the requisite power and authority to own and operate its assets and business, and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted. CNET has the requisite power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement. All action of CNET necessary for the authorization, execution, delivery of, and the performance of all obligations of CNET
under this Agreement, has been taken or will be taken prior to execution of this Agreement, and this Agreement constitutes valid and legally binding obligations of CNET.
5.2. Governmental and Third Party Consents and Approvals. No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, qualification, designation, declaration or filing with any court, governmental agency, regulatory authority or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity, is required for the execution, delivery and performance by CNET of this Agreement in order to consummate the transactions contemplated in this Agreement. None of such filings and qualifications are the subject of any pending or, to the knowledge of CNET, threatened attack by appeal or direct proceeding or otherwise.
5.3. Interests of Governmental Officials, Directors and Officers. No present or former governmental official of the PRC, Hong Kong or any other country, region or territory or any political subdivision thereof that has or has had, in the last two years, or is in any way associated with any governmental agency or instrumentality that has or has had, in the last two years, any involvement in
(a) the approval of the Listco IPO, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Share Purchase and Exchange Agreement, or any matter related thereto or
(b) the regulation of CNC(HK) or any of its parent or subsidiary companies or any of their respective businesses,
and no director or officer of CNC (HK), CNC (BVI) or China Network Communication Group Corp., has any direct or indirect legal or beneficial interest in CNET or any of its assets, and there is no intention on the part of CNET or any of its officers or directors or, to the knowledge of CNET, any other person to grant or transfer any such interest to any such person. To the knowledge of CNET, no such person has received or will receive any improper benefit in connection with the Listco IPO the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Share Purchase and Exchange Agreement. CNET shall promptly inform the Fund in writing in any of the foregoing information in this Section 5.3 ceases to be true and correct.
5.4. Legality. Neither the execution nor the performance of this Agreement will violate any law of the PRC, Hong Kong or any other country, region or territory.
5.5. Valid Issuance of the Common Shares. The Common Shares are duly authorized, validly issued, owned by CNET free of any encumbrance, and the Fund will obtain full right, title and interest to the same.
5.6. Indemnification. CNET shall indemnify the Fund and hold the Fund harmless from and against any loss, liability, cost or damage, including attorneys fees and other charges, arising from any breach by CNET of any of the representations, warranties or undertakings set forth in this Section 5.
6. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS.
6.1. Approvals. Consummation of the transactions contemplated in Sections 2 and 3 above will be subject to receipt of all necessary consents and approvals, including without limitation any consent of the limited partners and lead investors of the Fund necessary or advisable under the limited partnership agreement of the Fund. The transactions contemplated in Sections 2 and 3 above have been or will be approved by the board of directors and shareholders of CNC (HK) and have been or will be acknowledged by China Netcom Communication Group Corporation, in each case with full disclosure of any interests or prospective interests of employees, officers and/or directors of CNC(HK) in CNET, and will be disclosed in Listco's IPO prospectus, as appropriate. CNET will provide evidence as reasonably requested by the Fund of such approvals and acknowledgments.
6.2. Representations and Warranties. The obligation of the Fund to consummate the transactions contemplated in Sections 2 and 3 above is subject to the representations and warranties of CNET set forth in Section 5 above being true and correct in all material respects. The obligation of CNET to consummate the transactions contemplated in Sections 2 and 3 above is subject to the representations and warranties of the Fund set forth in Section 4 above being true and correct in all material respects.
6.3. Legal Opinions. The obligation of the Fund to consummate the transactions contemplated in Sections 2 and 3 above is subject to receipt by the Fund of (i) a legal opinion of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer addressed to the Fund in the form attached as Exhibit 3 and (ii) a legal opinion of [PRC legal counsel acceptable to the Fund] addressed to the Fund in the form attached as Exhibit 4.
6.4. Relationship to Share Purchase and Exchange Agreement. The obligations of the Fund under this Agreement and the Instrument are subject to the performance in full by CNC (BVI) and CNC (HK) of their obligations under the Share Purchase and Exchange Agreement. If CNC (BVI) or CNC (HK) fails to perform any of its obligations under the Share Purchase and Exchange Agreement, CNET and the Fund shall consult and agree in good faith on appropriate modifications to this Agreement and the Instrument.
7. FEES AND EXPENSES.
CNET will bear (i) all reasonable fees and expenses in connection with the transaction described herein, (ii) the Fund's legal expenses reasonably incurred in connection with the transaction described herein, subject to CNET's review, and (iii) all expenses and Hong Kong stamp duty of the Fund reasonably incurred in connection with the implementation of such transactions, including without limitation all expenses relating to the acquisition, and disposition and (subject as provided below in this Section 7) holding of the Exchange Shares. In addition, CNET will bear all general operational expenses of the Fund incurred after the disposition or distribution by the Fund of all of its Listco Shares other than the Exchange Shares to the partners of the Fund, provided, however, that until the Fund has disposed or distributed all of such Listco Shares, the Fund shall bear all general operational expenses.
8. TERMINATION.
After execution of this Agreement, if the Option Exercise as set forth in
Section 1.2 of the Share Purchase and Exchange Agreement is not completed by
December 31, 2004, the Common Shares will, at the election of either party, be
returned to CNET in exchange for cancellation of the Instrument. If the Option
Exercise is completed but the Effective Date (as defined in the Share Purchase
and Exchange Agreement) does not occur by December 31, 2004, at the election of
the Fund at any time thereafter the Fund will have the right to return the CNET
Shares to CNC (BVI) in exchange for the Common Shares and to return the Common
Shares to CNET. In such event, the Fund shall have no further liability under
the Instrument, and CNET shall return the Instrument to the Fund for
cancellation.
9. NOTICES.
9.1. Notice Addresses and Method of Delivery. All notices, requests, demands, consents and other communications ("Notices") required to be given by any Party to any other Party shall be in writing and delivered by
(a) hand delivery or courier;
(b) prepaid registered letter sent by first class mail (airmail if to an address in a country other than the country in which the sender is situated), return receipt request; or
(c) facsimile
to the applicable Party at the address or facsimile number stated below:
(i) If to the Fund: CNC Fund, L.P.
c/o Bank of Bermuda (Cayman) Limited 36C Bermuda House - 3rd Floor P.O. Box 513 GT Dr. Roy's Drive George Town, Grand Cayman Cayman Islands Attention: General Manager, Global Fund Services Facsimile: (1-345) 949-7959 |
with copies to:
Bermuda Trust (Far East) Limited 39th Floor, Edinburgh Tower The Landmark 15 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Attention: Director, Institutional Trust Telex: 86017 BETRY HX Facsimile: (852) 2537-1253 |
and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison 12th Floor, Hong Kong Club Building 3A Chater Road Central, Hong Kong Attention: John E. Lange Facsimile: (852) 2536-9622 |
(ii) If to CNET: CNET Foundation Limited 59th Floor, Bank of China Tower 1 Garden Road Hong Kong Attention: Wenlong Sun Facsimile: (852) 2121-2819
or, as to each Party, at such other address or number as shall be designated by such Party in a notice to the other Parties containing the new information in the same format as the information set out above and complying as to delivery with the terms of this Section.
9.2. Time of Delivery. Any Notice delivered:
(a) by hand delivery or courier shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date of actual delivery;
(b) by prepaid registered letter shall be deemed to have been delivered seven days after the date of posting; and
(c) by facsimile shall be deemed to have been delivered on the day the transmission is sent (as long as the sender has a confirmation report specifying a facsimile, a facsimile number of the recipient, the number of pages sent and the date of the transmission).
9.3. Proof of Delivery. In proving delivery of any Notice it shall be sufficient:
(a) in the case of delivery by hand delivery or courier, to prove that the Notice was properly addressed and delivered;
(b) in the case of delivery by prepaid registered letter, to prove that the Notice was properly addressed and posted; and
(c) in the case of delivery by facsimile transmission, to prove that the transmission was confirmed as sent by the originating machine to the facsimile number of the recipient, on the date specified.
10. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
10.1. Governing Law; Arbitration.
(a) This Agreement shall be governed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, U.S.A.
(b) In the event any dispute arises between the parties, which
cannot amicably be resolved, such dispute shall be submitted to the Hong
Kong International Arbitration Centre ("HKIAC") for arbitration in
accordance with the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules as at present in force and
as amended as follows: (i) the appointing authority shall be HKIAC; (ii)
the place of arbitration shall be in Hong Kong, (iii) there shall be three
arbitrators (one to be appointed by CNET, a second to be appointed by the
Fund, and the third to be appointed jointly by these two arbitrators),
(iv) such arbitration shall be administered in accordance with the HKIAC
Procedures for Arbitration in force as of the date hereof, and (v) the
language to be used in arbitration proceedings shall be English.
10.2. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
10.3. Headings. The headings and captions used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
10.4. Amendments and Waivers. Any term of this Agreement may be amended and the observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively), only with the written consent of both parties to this Agreement.
10.5. Severability. If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, such provision(s) shall be excluded from this Agreement and the balance of the Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision(s) were so excluded and shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms.
10.6. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with all exhibits and schedules hereto, constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all prior negotiations, correspondence, agreements, understandings duties or obligations between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
10.7. Further Assurances. From and after the Effective Date, upon the request of either party, each party shall execute and deliver such instruments, documents or other writings as may be reasonably necessary to confirm and carry out and to effectuate fully the intent and purposes of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement.
CNET FOUNDATION LIMITED
By: ________________________________
Name:
Title:
CNC FUND, L.P.
By: CNC CAYMAN LIMITED,
as a General Partner
By: ____________________________
Name:
Title:
By: BEST BLUECHIP INVESTMENTS
LIMITED
as a General Partner
By: ____________________________
Name:
Title:
By: GS CHINA BROADNET GP, L.L.C.
as a General Partner
By: ____________________________
Name:
Title:
EXHIBIT 1
[FORM OF THE INSTRUMENT]
Unsecured Instrument Due [ ]
CNC Fund, L.P., a partnership duly organized and existing under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the "Issuer"), for value received, hereby promises to pay to CNET Foundation Limited (the "Holder") the sum specified in the Agreement, in accordance with the terms of the Agreement. The Face Amount of this Instrument is US$26,400,000.
The Issuer issued this Instrument under a share purchase agreement effective as of June 28, 2004 between the Issuer and the Holder (the "Agreement"). Terms defined in the Agreement and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Agreement. This Instrument is subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement.
THIS INSTRUMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF HONG KONG BUT WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.
EXHIBIT 2
[FORM OF EXCHANGE NOTICE]
Exchange Notice
To: CNC Fund, L.P.
c/o Bank of Bermuda (Cayman) Limited
36C Bermuda House - 3rd Floor
P.O. Box 513 GT
Dr. Roy's Drive
George Town, Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands
We refer to the Share Purchase Agreement effective as of June 28, 2004 between CNC Fund L.P. and CNET Foundation Limited (the "Agreement") and to the Instrument attached hereto (the "Instrument").
We hereby give notice of exchange of the Instrument pursuant to Section 3.1 of the Agreement.
[This is a Limit Order Exchange. The Limit Order Price is HK$______. [The Limit Order Expiration Date is _____.]](1)
CNET FOUNDATION LIMITED
By: ________________________________
Name:
As authorized signatory
designated pursuant to Section
3.2 of the Agreement
Dated:________________________
(1) Include if applicable.
EXHIBIT 3
[FORM OF FRESHFIELDS OPINION]
EXHIBIT 4
[FORM OF PRC COUNSEL OPINION]
EXECUTION COPY
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE
SHARE PURCHASE AND EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 (this "Amendment") to the SHARE PURCHASE AND EXCHANGE AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), dated June 11, 2004 is made as of July 20, 2004, by and among China Netcom Holdings (BVI) Limited, China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited and CNC Fund, L.P. (together, the "Parties"). All capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Agreement.
R E C I T A L S:
Pursuant to Section 13.5 of the Agreement, the Parties hereby wish to amend the Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
1. Purchase of the CNC (HK) Interest. Section 1.1(b)(ii) is hereby amended by deleting the words "$325 million" and replacing them with the words "$30,967,127".
2. Lock-up Period. Section 6 of the Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the words "after the first trading day of the IPO of Listco ("Effective Date")" and replacing them with the words "after the date of Listco's prospectus (the "Effective Date")."
3. Term. Section 8.1 of the Agreement is hereby deleted and amended in its entirety to read as follows:
"Drop Dead" Date. In the event that (x) the Listco IPO is not
completed by December 31, 2004, or (y) any entity in the China Netcom Group
(including China Network Communications Group Corporation and its subsidiaries)
other than a subsidiary of CNC (BVI) (such entity, an "Other IPO Subsidiary")
conducts an initial public offering prior to completion of the Listco IPO, the
Fund will have the right, exercisable by written notice to CNC (BVI) and CNC
(HK), to require CNC (BVI) to return or re-issue the 30,967,127 Preferred Shares
and 6,400,000 Common Shares constituting the CNC (HK) Interest to the Fund in
exchange for the Pre-IPO Listco Shares then held by the Fund, and CNC (HK) shall
take all steps necessary to effect the return of the CNC (HK) Interest in the
manner described in this Section 8.1; provided that the number of Common Shares
into which the Preferred Shares will be convertible at the time of any such
return or re-issuance (i) shall be (A) adjusted in accordance with the terms of
the Preferred Shares, as if the Preferred Shares had been continuously
outstanding at all times from the date of this Agreement until the date of such
return or re-issuance and (B) adjusted appropriately to take into account any
conversion of the Preferred Shares prior to any such re-issuance, and (ii) shall
in any event represent not less than the percentage of pre-IPO Listco Shares
determined in accordance with Section 1.1(b)(i). Immediately upon delivery of
such notice, (i) all of the Fund's rights under the Investor Rights Agreement,
the Registration Rights Agreement, the Memorandum and Articles of Association of
CNC (HK) as in effect on the date hereof, the Ancillary Agreements and all other agreements and corporate documents under which the Fund had any rights immediately prior to the date hereof shall be restored in full, (ii) if any or all of the Preferred Shares have been cancelled, converted or modified in any way, they shall be re-authorized, reissued and otherwise reinstated such that they are identical in all respects to the Series A Preferred Shares existing immediately prior to the execution of this Agreement, (iii) CNC (BVI) shall return to the Fund, and CNC (HK) shall procure the return to the Fund of, the certificates representing the Preferred Shares and the Common Shares, and (iv) CNC (BVI) and CNC (HK) shall take all further actions reasonably requested by the Fund in order to ensure that the Fund and CNET will have substantially the same rights and interests in respect of CNC (HK) as they had immediately prior to the execution of this Agreement.
4. Effective Date. This Amendment shall be effective immediately upon signing by all the Parties.
5. Ratification of the Agreement. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all of the terms and conditions of the Agreement are ratified and shall remain unchanged and continue in full force and effect.
6. Governing Law; Arbitration.
(a) This Agreement shall be governed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, U.S.A.
(b) In the event any dispute arises among the Parties, or any of them which cannot amicably be resolved, such dispute shall be submitted to the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre ("HKIAC") for arbitration in accordance with the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules as at present in force and as amended as follows: (i) the appointing authority shall be HKIAC; (ii) the place of arbitration shall be in Hong Kong, (iii) there shall be three arbitrators (one to be appointed by CNC (BVI) and/or CNC (HK), a second to be appointed by the Fund, and the third to be appointed by these two arbitrators), (iv) such arbitration shall be administered in accordance with the HKIAC Procedures for Arbitration in force as of the date hereof, and (v) the language to be used in arbitration proceedings shall be English.
[remainder of page left intentionally blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
CHINA NETCOM HOLDINGS (BVI)
LIMITED
By: _________________________________
Name:
Title:
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION
(HONG KONG) LIMITED
By: _________________________________
Name:
Title:
CNC FUND, L.P.
By: CNC CAYMAN LIMITED,
as a General Partner
By: _____________________________
Name:
Title:
By: BEST BLUECHIP INVESTMENTS LIMITED
as a General Partner
By: _____________________________
Name:
Title:
By: GS CHINA BROADNET GP,
L.L.C. as a General Partner
By: _____________________________
Name:
Title:
EXHIBIT 10.21
SENIOR MANAGEMENT EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
AND
[PARTY B]
This Agreement is made and entered into on [-], 2004 by and between the following parties:
Party A: China Netcom Corporation Group (Hong Kong) Limited, with registered address at 59/F, Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Hong Kong ( "the Company"), and
Party B:[Name of Party B]( "Party B").
This Agreement aims at recording various provisions for Party B to serve the Company as a senior management officer
1 DEFINITIONS
1.1 Unless otherwise stipulated by this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set out below in this Agreement:
"Board of directors" refers to the directorate formed occasionally, or any individual or committee nominated by the directorate on behalf of it.
"Employment" refers to the Employment as stipulated in this Agreement.
"Group" refers to the Company, its final holding companies (as defined in the Companies Ordinance) or its subsidiary companies (as defined in the Companies Ordinance).
"Group Company" refers to any member of the Group, and "All Group Companies" refers to all the members of the Group.
"HKSE" refers to The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, and
1.2 Any Laws and regulations mentioned in this Agreement include any of its revisions or reformulations.
2 EMPLOYMENT PROVISIONS
2.1 Employment starts from [date].
2.2 Party B guarantees not to impede the commencement of his Employment or performance of his duties under this Agreement due to his duties or obligations to any other parties, whether out of contractual relationship or not.
2.3 [The renewed Employment of Party B with the Company starts from [date], ]or, [there is no past Employment between Party B and the Company, which could be calculated as renewed Employment.]
2.4 As limited by Item 8 (termination and resignation without notice), the Employment will be effective within three years ("term") as of the commencement date, unless any Party gives a notification in writing to the other Party to terminate the Employment not less than 60 days in advance.
3 THE DUTIES OF PARTY B
3.1 Party B shall be nominated as [position], or other senior management positions approved by the Board of directors, execute the authorities duly designated by the Board of directors from time to time, and fulfill other duties (if any). Party B should accept (or continue to perform) any positions reasonably assigned by the Board of directors, and obey the directions of the Board of directors, which include timely and fully reporting business, financial and other affairs he/she deals with in the Company or any other Group Companies. Party B shall exert all his powers to improve the Group's interest within the limits of his functions and completely fulfill his responsibilities within all his work time.
3.2 Party B shall comply with the guidance and procedures of the Company occasionally issued or/and amended, including the Employment Brochure. Party B shall be working within the normal working hours and overtime while necessary to fulfill his/her obligations so as to meet the demand of the Board of directors. Party B shall not be paid for any of his extra work performed outside of regular working hours.
3.3 Party B shall accept any job assigned by the Board of directors for any other Group Company, no matter whether it may occupy any or all of his/her working hours. The duties of Party B for the Company prescribed in section 3.1 also apply to his duties to the respective Group Company. The Company will also pay him/her salaries, benefits and compensations in light of the stipulations of this Agreement. Party B shall also accept that his/her Employment may be transferred to any other Group Company.
3.4 If any employee of any Group Company makes any mistake, Party B should immediately report to the Board of directors in full detail, provided that this misplay has a significant influence on the Employment of this employee or the interest and reputation of any Group Company.
4 THE INTEREST OF PARTY B
4.1 In addition to the interests prescribed in section 4.3, Party B shall immediately disclose in written form to the Board of directors all his interests [including those of his immediate relatives and all the interests of which Party B is the beneficiary], whether they are of commercial nature or not, in any activities, such as equity or directorship, except his/her interests in any other Group Company.
4.2 Within the Employment, Party B shall not be engaged or involved directly or indirectly in any activities similar or in competition with those of any Group Company, unless with the written approval of the Board of directors or on behalf of the Company.
4.3 Within the Employment, Party B shall not:
4.3.1 Loan or accept loan from any clients of the Company or any other Group Company, or any individuals or organizations intending to do business with the Company or any other Group Company (except for loans made on the basis of voluntaries and negotiation for the normal business of the said individuals and organizations and on an arm's length basis); and
4.3.2 Solicit, accept or retain any personal interest given by any clients of the Company or any other Group Company, or any individuals or organizations intending to do business with the Company or any other Group Company.
5 WORKING LOCATION
Party B shall be working in the main office of the Company or any locations occasionally decided by the Company.
6 SALARY, BENEFIT AND COMPENSATION
6.1 SALARY
The Company should pay []/month to Party B as his/her salary. The salary will be paid before or on the last working day of every month in the form of bank transfer.
6.2 THE LIMITATION OF SALARY
The salary referred in section 6.1 include the payment Party B gets as stipulated in the Agreement from all Group Companies or other companies directly or indirectly held by any other Group Companies for assuming a directorship or a managerial position with all Group Companies or other companies directly
or indirectly held by any other Group Companies. Based on this, on the premise of not breaching any applicable restrictive provisions of the Employment Ordinance, Party B shall return to the Company any payment he received or let the Company deduct the above-mentioned amount from his/her salary. The amount to be returned or deducted shall not exceed the total amount of salaries, benefits and compensations set out in this Agreement.
6.3 DISCRETIONARY BONUS
The Company has complete discretion to pay any bonus occasionally to Party
B. [The Company could distribute all or part of the bonus in light of the
provisions and conditions, including the decision to postpone the
distribution of bonus or the confirmation of the qualification for
receiving bonus, or the decision to pay all or part of the bonus in forms
other than cash, including equities of the Company or any other Group
Company, however subject to applicable laws and regulations and the
approval of shareholders and/or HKSE (if required)]. However, Party B
shall not in future years of Employment be in any expectation of the
payment of such bonus or the amount of bonus according to any amount of
bonus paid in any past year.
6.4 SHARE OPTION PLAN
Party B is eligible to take part in an employee share option plan carried out by the Company or the Group (if applicable) on the premise of not infringing the stipulations of applicable laws and regulations and the rules and/or provisions of the program
6.5 HOUSING
If eligible for the conditions occasionally decided by the Company, Party B shall enjoy the housing allowance in the amount of $HK [-] paid by the Company, or let the Company pay for his housing rent up to $HK [-] per month) together with all pertinent local taxes and administration fees thereby.
6.6 COMPANY CAR
If eligible for the conditions occasionally decided by the Company, Party B will enjoy a car and a driver provided by the Company for his/her use (including business, social activities and family purposes), while such use shall be subject to the regulations occasionally made by the Company. The model and specifications of the car provided to Party B shall in the opinion of the Board of directors be commensurate to his/her position.
6.6.1 The Company will:
(i) pay for the maintenance fees, insurance, license fees, yearly examination charges, taxes, and
(ii) reimburse all reasonable expenses incurred by Party B during the use of the car.
6.6.2 Party B will:
(i) make sure the car be kept under the state and conditions of usage demanded by the law;
(ii) return the car immediately upon the termination of his/her Employment (for whatever reasons); and
(iii) obey relevant regulations for use of company cars as stipulated by the Company.
6.7 CLUB MEMBERSHIP
With the approval of the Board of directors, the Company will pay the membership fee of Party B for joining certain business or entertainment clubs.
6.8 RETIREMENT PROGRAM
As long as in accordance with the Mandatory Provident Fund ("MPF") regulations (if applicable) and in full compliance with occasionally amended trust agreement and any regulation on relevant programs, Party B is entitled to choose one of the programs related to MPF or other retirement programs, whichever should never fall out of the range specified by the Company.
6.9 MEDICAL INSURANCE
If Party B is eligible for any qualification or other conditions demanded by insurance companies, the candidates of which are occasionally altered by the Company, and subject to the occasionally amended provisions and conditions of relevant policies, the Company will pay the individual health insurance fee for Party B and his/her wife/husband and children below [-] years old or in full-time education. The provisions and scale of accepting insurance should comply with the Company's regulations to be effective occasionally. Anyhow the Company reserves the right to repeal this benefit policy or amend its provisions at any time. 6.10 LIFE/INCOME LOSS INSURANCE If Party B is eligible for any qualification or other conditions demanded by insurance companies, the candidates of which are occasionally altered by the Company, and subject to the occasionally amended provisions and conditions of relevant policies, the Company will pay the relevant fee of life/income loss insurance for Party B. The provisions and scale of accepting insurance should comply with the Company's regulations to be effective occasionally. Anyhow the Company reserves the right to repeal this benefit policy or amend its provisions at any time. 6.11 VACATION Party B is given [-] days' paid vacation annually (exclusive of official public holidays in HK), upon prior approval of the Board of directors. For those with Employment less than one year, the paid vacation days should be counted proportionally. Unless the agreement is terminated for fatal misconduct by Party B or any conditions applying to 8.1, Party B should be compensated for the accumulated unused vacation time so far as prior to expiration date of his/her Employment. 7 EXPENSES According to occasionally released regulations on reimbursement, the Company will reimburse all the expenses reasonably incurred as Party B carries out his/her duties specified within this agreement. 8 EXPIRATION AND AGREEMENT TERMINATION 8.1 The Company will terminate the Employment agreement without any prior notice or payment in lieu of notice under circumstances listed as follows: 8.1.1 Party B intentionally act against any legal and reasonable instructions by the Board of directors; or 8.1.2 Modes of conduct of Party B appears not to accord with the diligence and loyalty requirements in terms of his/her responsibilities and duties; 8.1.3 Party B bears fraudulence or dishonest conduct; or 5 |
8.1.4 Party B neglects his/her responsibilities and duties all along; or 8.1.5 Party B is forfeited of his/her civil act capacity or goes bankrupt; or 8.1.6 Party B is penalized with criminal punishment anyplace or in any country/region (exclusive of venial traffic violation) or is remiss of his/her duties; 8.1.7 Party B violates any regulations specified within this agreement. 8.1.8 Any other situations that could entitle the Company to decide on termination of the agreements with Party B without any prior notice according to Employment Ordinance or common law. 8.2 This agreement can be expired for reasons listed as follows: 8.2.1 The period of validity of this agreement is expired; 8.2.2 Both parties agree to terminate this agreement prior to the expiration date; 8.2.3 Only if Party B fails to perform his/her duties due to illness, injury or accident for more than 3 months in continuance or over 90 days within any 52 consecutive weeks, the Company can terminate this agreement by issuing an official notice one month ahead of implementation; or 8.2.4 Provided that the Company or Party B delivers to the other Party a written notice no less than 60 days ahead of agreement expiration, or pays the other Party the payment in lieu of notice for 60 days, this agreement can be thus expired. 8.3 The Company at any time reserves the rights to investigate any issues directly or indirectly involving or related to Party B for any reasonable period, during the time of which the Employment and duties of Party B would be suspended, and salary will be stopped. 8.4 At the end of Employment, the Company will deduct any expenses that Party B owed any Group corporations from the termination fare payable to Party B prior to the Employment expiration date, on condition that the Company does not violate any terms applying to Employment Ordinance. 9 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHT 9.1 Anytime during Employment with the Company or the Group, if Party B independently or jointly develops, discovers any intellectual property that related to the Company or Group`s business or any intellectual property that can be used for that business, Party B must immediately disclose the detail information of this intellectual property to the Company or Group, and the Company or Group is the sole owner of aforementioned intellectual property. Under the situation that the Company or Group covers proper cost, per the Company and Group's request, Party B must immediately provide all the resource documents, include but not limited to, data, diagram, and all necessary help, so the Company or Group can utilize this intellectual property timely and conveniently. During the Employment and after the termination of the Employment, Party B should take all necessary steps to help transfer all the rights, ownership and interests that Party B has in this intellectual property to the Company or Group or somebody appointed by the Company or Group, and help to get the proper protection for this intellectual property at anywhere in the world specified by the Company or Group and help transfer all the rights protected to the Company or Group or somebody appointed by the Company or Group. Party B agrees to give up any right and ownership relate to this intellectual property; if the right or ownership can not be given up, Party B agrees not to claim this ownership or right to the Company or Group or its' heirs, beneficiaries and people authorized by the Company or Group. 6 |
10 CONFIDENTIALITY 10.1 In this agreement, "Confidential Information" refers to any and all confidential and/or exclusive knowledge, resource or information, including but not limited to finance, investment, budget, business plan, marketing strategy, human resource, business negotiation, products, technological process, excusive technology, design, creative ideas, data, program together with any other related exclusive material that processed by the Company or Group company, any affiliated entity, investors and partners. 10.2 Without prejudice to the common law duties that Party B owes to the Company, Party B agrees that he/she will not (unless properly conducting his/her responsibilities or duties) or utilize anybody to disclose any business secret or confidential information to any parties. This restriction will remain effective without expiration even after the termination of the Employment. This restriction will not apply to those published confidential information that not through unauthorized disclosure by Party B. Party B will do his/her best to prevent unauthorized utilization or disclosure of such confidential information of the Company. 10.3 During the Employment, it's easy for Party B to access the business secrets and confidential information that belongs or related to all other Group Companies and people. He/she should apply the proper conduct for that confidential information to term 10.2, and after the necessary amendment for such term. Upon request of the Company, Party B will reach the agreements with any other Group Companies and people, which will be effected by complying with term 10.2 and its necessary amendments. 11 RETURNING COMPANY PROPERTIES 11.1 During Employment (upon request of Party A) or when Employment is terminated, Party B should return all the documents and other materials (original or copy) that produced, collected or received during Employment. This includes all the documents and other materials that related to Party A or any other Group Companies, and any other company properties that controlled or processed by Party B. Party B cannot keep any copies of information or documentations. 12 RESTRICTION AFTER TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT 12.1 in this term: "Forbidden area" refers to the People's Republic of China (including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) "Termination date" refers to the Employment termination date and "Restriction period" refers to 6 month after the Termination date 12.2 Party B is likely to have easy access to the Group's commercial secrets and confidential information during his/her Employment, and personal understanding of and influence over the customers, clients and employees of the Group, in order to protect the interests of the Company, Party B agrees to make and to be bound by the following commitments: 12.2.1 NON-COMPETITION During the Restriction period [and in the Forbidden area], Party B will not be employed in any business that is or will be competing with any business the Company [or any other Group Companies] is engaged at the Termination date in terms of geographical location or any other areas, nor will he, for his personal benefits or that of any others, undertake directly or indirectly any stated business that is or will be competing with any business the Company [or any other 7 |
Group Companies] is engaged at the Termination date in terms of geographical location or any other areas or serve as the director of these businesses. [As a precondition, Party B has substantially connected with or involved in the business any time in the 12 months before the Termination date]; 12.2.2 NO SOLICITATION OF CUSTOMERS During the Restriction period, Party B will not, whether on his own behalf or on behalf of others or in alliance with others, compete directly or indirectly with the Company by soliciting or enticing any persons that used to be the customer or client of the Company or any other Group Companies (as applicable) at any time 12 months before the Termination date or in light of trade practices, making use of any confidential information he had possessed or his personal connections with related customers or businesses, or connections with the employees that used to report to him; 12.2.3 NO BUSINESS RELATIONS WITH CUSTOMERS During the Restriction period, Party B will not, whether on his own behalf or on behalf of others or in alliance with others, compete directly or indirectly with the Company [or any other Group Companies] (as applicable), and have business transactions with any persons that used to be the customer or client of the Company or any other Group Companies at any time during the 12 months before the Termination date or in light of trade practices, or take them as clients, making use of any confidential information he had possessed or his personal connections with related customers or businesses of the Company [or any other Group Companies] (as applicable); 12.2.4 NO SOLICITATION OF SUPPLIERS During the Restriction period, Party B will not, whether on his own behalf or on behalf of others or in alliance with others, and whether directly or indirectly, compete with the Company [or any other Group Companies] by soliciting or enticing any persons that had negotiated with the Company [or any other Group Companies] about the provision of products or services [6] months before the Termination date whether as the customer, client, supplier, agent or as the distributor of the Company, making use of any confidential information he had possessed or his personal connections with related customers or businesses; 12.2.5 NO BUSINESS RELATIONS WITH SUPPLIERS During the Restriction period, Party B will not, whether on his own behalf or on behalf of others or in alliance with others, and whether directly or indirectly, compete with the Company [or any other Group Companies], and conduct business with any persons that had negotiated with the Company [or any other Group Companies] about the provision of products or services during the [6] months before the Termination date whether as the customer, client, supplier, agent or as the distributor of the Company, or take them as clients, making use of any confidential information he had possessed or his personal connections with related customers or businesses; 12.2.6 NO SOLICITATION OF EMPLOYEES During the Restriction period, Party B shall not, whether on his own behalf or on behalf of others or in alliance with others, and whether directly or indirectly, entice or attempt to entice any persons that are the employees, senior employees, directors, executives, agents, consultants or managers of the Company [or any other Group Companies] before the Termination date, or any persons that used to be the employees, senior employees, directors, executives, agents, consultants or managers of the Company or any other Group Companies any time during the 6 8 |
months before the Termination date, or any persons that Party B had worked closely with during the said period, to leave the Company [or any other Group Companies]. 12.3 Each paragraph under section 12.2 constitutes a fully severable and independent commitment. Should one of them become invalid, the validity and enforceability of the remaining commitments will not be impaired. 12.4 After the Termination date, Party B shall not in whatever ways claim any associations with the Company [or any other Group Companies] unless with the approval from the said company. 12.5 Subject to section 11, any interests given or considered to be given by Party B to any Group Companies shall be accepted and held by the Company on behalf of the relevant Group Companies. Upon request from the Company, Party B shall reach appropriate restrictive agreements directly with other Group Companies. 13 DIRECTORSHIP 13.1 The directorship of Party B in the Company or any other Group Companies is governed by the Articles of Association of the relevant company (which is subject to amendment whenever necessary). In case of any conflicts between any term of the Agreement and that of the Articles of Association, the Articles of Association shall prevail. 13.2 If required by the Board of directors, he/she should resign from any positions he/she assumed with any Group Companies. 13.3 The termination of any of Party B's directorships or other positions with any Group Companies does not constitute the termination of Party B's Employment with the Company or the Company's violation of the provisions under the Agreement. 13.4 During his/her Employment, Party B shall not commit any dealing that would deprive his qualification to continue his directorship with any Group Companies according to the laws and regulations of Hong Kong and other areas, or the Company charter and Articles of Association or pertinent corporate organizational documents of relevant Group Companies. 13.5 Party B shall not resign his directorship with any Group Companies without approval from the Board of directors. 14 RESTRUCTURING OF THE COMPANY 14.1 Party B shall not claim compensation from the Company in the following cases: 14.1.1 Termination of Employment due to reorganization, liquidation, consolidation or merger with other companies of the Company, and any internal restructuring within the Company or Group; and 14.1.2 Party B receives any new Employment offer from any other Group Companies or the foresaid surviving companies after reorganization, liquidation, consolidation, merger or restructuring; and 14.1.3 For Party B, the provisions of the new Employment offer given to him will basically not be inferior to those of this Agreement. 14.2 This provision does not generate any obligations for any Group Companies or their successive companies to give an Employment offer to Party B in the cases stipulated in section 14.1. 9 |
15 NOTICES 15.1 All notices required to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be delivered by post or via fax. Notices for the Company should be delivered to the Company's registered office address at the time the notice is given. Notices for Party B may be delivered personally or sent to his last known address. 15.2 Except for personally delivered notices, other notices sent by post or via fax shall be deemed to have been duly served on the person concerned. 16 INDEMNIFICATION CLAUSES 16.1 Subject to compliance with Party A's Articles of Association, Party B is may be indemnified with the Company for all the costs, charges, expenses, losses, and debts incurred by performing duty for the Company's assets or any company business related activities; Party B bears no responsibility for any acts, income, negligence or mistakes of any directors and senior officers of the Company; or when other directors purchase or acquire properties for the Company or representing Company to purchase or acquire properties, or their flaws and errors that lead to the loss of Company's property or incurrence of the costs; or when using Company's fund to purchase securities, the flaws and errors that lead to loss of property or compensation for the damage; or due to the bankruptcy of the person who holds company's trust fund, security, and property, or unable to meet payment or intrusion that lead to the loss of property or compensation for the damage; or any misjudgement, no action, negligence and mistakes that lead to the loss of the Company properties; or any loss, compensation for damage and misfortune occurred when perform work for Company businesses and any activities relate to Company businesses. (save to the extent caused by dishonesty of the Party B) 17 CONFIDENTIALITY OF PERSONAL DATA The Company and other relevant Group Corporations may collect and keep personal data of Party B, may use these data for all matters in connection with the Employment of Party B, and may pass these data to other relevant Group Companies and/or HKSE, The Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong and/or other governing agencies (including those outside Hong Kong) for any purposes in connection with the Employment with High Management Personnel Party B. The personal data mentioned here is provided in ANNEX 1. 18 MISCELLANEOUS 18.1 Amendment to the Agreement can only be made with approval of both Parties in written form. 18.2 Party B is prohibited from assigning the Agreement to any other person. 18.3 Under the Agreement, any benefit that Party B offered or being deemed as offered to any other entity outside the Company, is received by the Company, and the Company entirely possesses the benefit on behalf of this entity. 18.4 The Agreement supercedes all previous communications both in written and verbal forms in relation to the matters dealt with in it. Party B acknowledges that he/she signs the Agreement without being induced by any representation, warranty or undertaking that was not expressly described in the Agreement. Party B agrees and acknowledges that he/she can request the rights and claims in connection with the representation, warranty or undertaking in connection with the Agreement, is only limited to breach of the terms of the Agreement (unless these representation, warranty or undertaking were fraudulent), without any concern of any other right and claim (including statutory infringement claim). 18.5 If any clause (or any part of specific clause) in the Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, the enforceability and validity of the remaining clauses (or remaining parts of specific clause) will not be 10 |
influenced, and other clauses (or remaining parts of specific clause) will remain entirely valid, as if the invalid or unenforceable clause/part of specific clause has been removed. 18.6 Neither Party's rights and powers under the Agreement will be affected: 18.6.1 If one Party delays in enforcing any provision of the Agreement; or 18.6.2 If one Party grants extension of time to the other Party. 18.7 If any Party agrees to give up his/her rights in accordance with this agreement, then this must be made in written form and signed by him/her to become valid. Agreement to waive any breach by either Party of any clause or condition of the Agreement will not be treated as a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or different term or conditions. 18.8 The Agreement herein is governed and will be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China ("Hong Kong"). Any claim or dispute in connection with the Agreement should be submitted by the relevant Party to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of Hong Kong courts for settlement. |
Signature page
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
By:_____________________________________________ Legal Representative or Authorized Representative
[NAME OF PARTY B]
By:______________________________________________ Legal Representative or Authorized Representative
ANNEX 1
According to the "Hong Kong Privacy Ordinance", the following information of the officer are provided:
The officer will be requested to provide his/her personal data in connection with his/her Employment. All of the personal data of the officer (whether provided by officer himself/herself or other person, and whether provided prior to or after signing the Agreement), should be used by the Company and/or other Group Companies, and/or any individual licensed by the Company during the processes of implementing business of the Company or the Group.
All of the personal data of the officer (whether provided by officer himself/herself or other person, and whether provided prior to or after signing the Agreement), can be used for below purposes:
(a) all matters concerning the Employment of the officer, including salary, welfare, management, transfer and other work-relevant matters;
(b) delivery of above mentioned information to non-Hong Kong areas;
(c) any purpose in accordance with laws, regulations, court order or order of other governing institutions.
In general, unless under specific circumstance whereby the Company is eligible of exemption, the officer owns rights listed as below:
(a) request to obtain the personal data of the officer after the personal data has been provided for reasonable time;
(b) request of corrections to the inaccurate part among the officer's personal data; and
(c) request explanation if the requests of above obtaining and correcting is refused.
Any request for obtaining and/or correcting above personal data should be sent
to the address of [HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER/RESPONSIBLE PERSONNEL NAME].
EXHIBIT 10.22
DIRECTOR'S EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
AND
[NAME OF DIRECTOR]
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into on [-], 2004 by and between the following parties:
Party A: CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED ("CNC (HK)"), a
company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ("Hong Kong") with limited
liability, with its registered address at: 59/F, Bank of China
Tower, 1 Garden Road, Hong Kong, and
Party B: [Name of the Director], his / her address is [-]
BOTH PARTIES HEREBY AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
1. TERM OF VALIDITY OF THIS AGREEMENT
1.1 Party B shall commence his / her appointment as a Director of Party A as from the date stipulated under Clause 1.2 of this Agreement.
1.2 This Agreement shall be valid from the date when Party A passed the board resolution in accordance with its articles of association in respect of appointing Party B as the Director of Party A until the date when Party B retires from his or her appointment in the Annual General Meeting of Party A in accordance with the articles of association of Party A or termination in advance in accordance with Clause 7 of this Agreement. ("THE TERM OF APPOINTMENT")-
2 REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
2.1 The Board of Directors of Party A shall determine the remuneration and the benefits of Party B in his or her capacity as the Director of Party A and in his or her capacity as a committee member of the relevant Directors' Committee (if so).
2.2 Party A shall reimburse Party B at appropriate times in respect of all the reasonable expenses incurred by Party B in carrying out his or her duties as the Director of Party A (such as travelling expenses, communications expenses, etc).
2.3 Party A shall agree to buy insurance on directors' liabilities and pay the premium for Party B. Party A shall also ensure that the aforesaid insurance policy is valid within the Term of Appointment. Party A shall have the right to choose the insurance company and determine the provisions in respect of the insurance on directors' liabilities.
3 INDEMNITY CLAUSE
3.1 Subject to compliance with the articles of association of Party A and the Companies Ordinance of Hong Kong, Party B shall be indemnified from the assets of the Company in respect of all the
expenses, fees, expenditure, loss and liabilities incurred and paid to third party arising from Party B carrying out his or her duties or engaging in other activities relevant to the carrying out of his or her duties; Party B shall not be liable in respect of the conduct, income, negligence or default of any other directors or other senior officers of the Company, or in respect of the loss sustained or expenditure incurred by the Company resulted from the encumbrances or imperfections in the property title acquired at the instruction of any director acting for or on behalf of the Company, or in respect of the encumbrances or imperfections in the securities invested with the Company's funds, or in respect of the loss or damages arising from the bankruptcy, insolvency of any person acting as custodian for the Company's funds, securities or property or from any tortious act, or in respect of the loss arising from its misjudgment, inactions, default or negligence, or in respect of any other loss, damages or misfortunes arising in the course of carrying out his or her duties or engaging in the relevant activities. (save where those caused by the dishonesty of the Director).
4 DUTIES OF PARTY B
4.1 Within the Term of Appointment, Party B shall use his or her best endeavour to carry out his or her duties and legal obligations as the Director of Party A. Party B shall also use his or her best endeavour to execute the matters instructed by Party A in accordance with this Agreement and Party B shall report to the Board of Directors of Party A directly. In addition, Party B shall agree to be appointed as a member of the relevant committees of the Board of Directors in accordance with the requests of the Board of Directors of Party A.
4.2 Within the Term of Appointment, Party B shall disclose his or her (and his or her immediate family members) shareholding interests in Party A and the subsidiaries of Party A to The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited ("HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE") and Party A in accordance with the requirements and stipulations of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong) ("SECURITIES AND FUTURES ORDINANCE"), and Party B shall comply with the "Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors of Listed Issuers" in Appendix 10 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "LISTING RULES") set out by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange or the relevant stipulations or requirements as announced by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange from time to time.
4.3 Within the Term of Appointment, Party B shall disclose his or her interests or that of his or her associates (as defined in the Listing Rules) to Party A in respect of any connected transactions (as defined in the Listing Rules) in Party A, and Party B shall agree to give up his or her voting rights in the board meetings in respect of the voting of the aforesaid connected transactions.
4.4 Party B shall serve Party A honestly and diligently and Party B shall use his or her best endeavour to enhance the business and interests of Party A and to protect all the assets of Party A as well as
complying with the provisions of this Agreement, the articles of association of Party A, the Listing Rules, the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any other applicable laws and regulations.
4.5 Party B shall act in accordance with his or her powers and duties in his or her capacity as the Director of Party A. Party B shall also comply with and use his or her best effort (including but not limited to seeking professional advice at appropriate times if he or she thinks fit) to ensure that Party A complies with all the applicable laws, the Listing Rules, the "Codes on the Takeovers and Mergers of Hong Kong Companies", the "Codes on Share Repurchases" and any other laws and regulations related to securities applicable to Party A or its directors from time to time.
5 SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
In the course of engaging in any transactions on shares, securities or other securities transactions, Party B should comply with each and every applicable laws, regulations and guidelines, including but not limited to, the relevant stipulations set out by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission and other relevant regulatory bodies, rules of places where Party A's securities are listed, other than Hong Kong, the articles of association of Party A and other relevant internal regulations.
6 CONFIDENTIALITY
Within or after the Term of Appointment (save as to fulfilling his or her duties properly), Party B shall not disclose or divulge to any persons any confidential information or other business information in respect of Party A obtained as a result of his/her employment with Party A. In addition, Party B shall not disclose or divulge the above-mentioned information with a view to obtaining personal benefits for himself or herself or obtaining benefits to any persons other than Part A. Party B shall use his or her endeavour to avoid any confidential information being disclosed or misused by others.
7 TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
7.1 If Party B was dismissed by the Annual General Meeting of Party A in respect of his or her duties as the Director of Party A, this Agreement shall terminate automatically.
7.2 This Agreement can be terminated based on the following reasons:
7.2.1 The term of this Agreement has expired;
7.2.2 Both parties agree to terminate this Agreement in advance;
7.2.3 Party B is unable to carry out his or her duties for a continuous period of more than [three months] or more than ninety (90) days within any single continuous period of fifty two (52) weeks because of his or her sickness, injuries or accidents, Party A may terminate this Agreement by one month's written notice to Party B; or
7.2.4 The appointment of Party B can be terminated by either Party A or Party B giving the other party of not less than 60 days' written notice or after the payment in lieu of notice has been made to the other party.
7.3 If any of the following events takes place, Party A shall have the right to terminate Party B as the Director of Party A, and Party B cannot request to receive any compensation as such (however this provision shall not affect all the rights, compensation and benefits enjoyed by Party B in his or her capacity as an employee of the Company):
7.3.1 Party B does not have proper reasons or is unable or refuses to carry out his or her duties efficiently and diligently that a normal director should be able to carry out;
7.3.2 Party B lost his or her capacity in civil acts or was bankrupt;
7.3.3 Party B was imposed criminal penalties (save as to minor traffic offences) in any places or countries or has committed dereliction of his or her duties;
7.3.4 Party B is unable to execute his or her duties properly for an accumulated period of more than ninety (90) days within a continuous period of fifty two (52) weeks because of his or her bad health, accidents or other reasons.
7.3.5 Party B was prohibited from acting as a Director by law, intentionally disobey legal and reasonable instructions, engaging in improper, deceptive or dishonest behaviour; and
7.3.6 Party B has breached any of the stipulations under this Agreement.
7.4 After Party B has terminated his or her appointment (irrespective of the reasons why it was terminated or how it was terminated), Party B shall:
7.4.1 immediately return all the properties, documents (including but not limited to notes, memorandums, correspondences and other media used for the purpose of recording, storing data or information) and other confidential information and business information originally controlled or held by Party A or its clients (Party B cannot retain any copies of those aforesaid documents and information);
7.4.2 immediately repay any unpaid debts or loans to Party A. Party A is hereby authorized within the scope permitted by the law to deduct all or part of those aforesaid debts or loans from the remuneration of Party B; and
7.4.3 not allege that he or she has connections in any aspects with Party A or its members or its management thereafter.
8 NOTICES
8.1 Any notices or other means of communication between Party A and Party B can be given by sending postage-paid letters or by hand. Notices to Party A should be sent to the Hong Kong office of Party A. The address is 59/F, Bank of China Tower, No. 1, Garden Road, Hong Kong [the recipient being the "Company Secretary" of Party A] or other addresses and / or recipient that Party A notifies Party B in writing from time to time. Notices to Party B should be sent to [address] or other addresses that Party B notifies Party A from time to time.
8.2 In respect of notices or other means of communication sent by mail:
(1) Notices from Party A shall be deemed to have been sent within forty eight (48) hours after they have been sent;
(2) Notices from Party B shall not be deemed to have been received before Party A actually receives them.
9 NON-TRANSFER CLAUSE
Party B shall not transfer any of his or her rights, duties and positions under this Agreement to others. Besides, the aforesaid rights, duties and positions are non-transferable.
10 MISCELLANEOUS
10.1 Party B shall agree to submit the required directors' declaration and undertakings to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in accordance with the stipulations and requirements as set out in Form B of Appendix 5 of the Listing Rules. Those aforesaid declarations and undertakings include the professional background of Party B and the appointment of directorship of Party B in other companies, etc. 10.2 The expiry or early termination of this Agreement (irrespective of the reasons caused howsoever) shall not affect the validity of any provisions which shall continue to be valid after such expiry or early termination as expressly provided under this Agreement. 5 |
10.3 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between Party A and Party B and it shall substitute any other oral or written agreements. If it is necessary to change or amend this Agreement, both parties must enter into another written agreement in respect of such amendments or changes. 10.4 If any provisions or stipulations under this Agreement have become or have been declared illegal, invalid and unenforceable by reasons whatsoever, the relevant provisions or stipulations shall be severed from this Agreement and shall be deemed to be deleted from this Agreement. Nevertheless, if that severance resulted in substantial effects or changes to the commercial basis in respect of this Agreement, both parties shall negotiate sincerely in order to make necessary or proper amendments or changes to this Agreement under such circumstances. 10.5 Even if either party exercises any rights, powers or indemnities once or partially under this Agreement, or if either party has not yet exercised or delay his or her exercise of those aforesaid rights, powers or indemnities, it shall not constitute as that party having waived those aforesaid rights, powers or indemnities or any other rights, powers or indemnities. 10.6 Any rights, powers or indemnities provided to either party under this Agreement are attached to this Agreement and they shall not affect or diminish other rights, powers and indemnities originally obtained by that party under this Agreement or under law. 11 APPLICABLE LAW The law applicable to this Agreement is the laws of the Hong Kong and it shall be interpreted by the laws of the Hong Kong. The relevant persons should submit his or her disputes to the Court of Hong Kong in respect of any matters in relation to the disputes involved between Party A and Party B and on the basis of this Agreement and Party B in his or her capacity as the Director of Party A. 6 |
Signature page CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED By: _____________________________________________ Legal Representative or Authorized Representative Date: [NAME OF PARTY B] By: Legal Representative or Authorized Representative Date: |
Exhibit 10.23
EXECUTION COPY
SHARE PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
AND
CNC NETWORK CORPORATION LIMITED
DATED AS OF
JUNE 30, 2004
Table of Contents
Page ---- ARTICLE I PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES........................................1 Section 1.1 Sale and Transfer of Shares.................................1 Section 1.2 The Purchase Price..........................................1 ARTICLE II THE CLOSING.......................................................1 Section 2.1 The Closing.................................................2 Section 2.2 Deliveries by Seller........................................2 Section 2.3 Deliveries by Purchaser.....................................2 Section 2.4 Deliveries by Seller and Purchaser..........................2 ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER.........................2 Section 3.1 Organization................................................3 Section 3.2 Authorization; Validity of Agreement........................3 Section 3.3 Execution; Validity of Agreement............................3 Section 3.4 Consents and Approvals; No Violations.......................3 Section 3.5 No Other Representations....................................4 ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER.......................4 Section 4.1 Organization................................................4 Section 4.2 Authorization; Validity of Agreement........................4 Section 4.3 Consents and Approvals; No Violations.......................4 ARTICLE V COVENANTS..........................................................5 Section 5.1 Seller Transactions.........................................5 Section 5.2 Purchaser Transactions......................................5 Section 5.3 Service and Capacity Transactions...........................6 ARTICLE VI TERMINATION.......................................................6 Section 6.1 Termination.................................................6 Section 6.2 Effect of Termination.......................................6 ARTICLE VII DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION...................................7 Section 7.1 Definitions.................................................7 Section 7.2 Interpretation..............................................9 ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS..................................................10 Section 8.1 Fees and Expenses..........................................10 Section 8.2 Amendment and Modification.................................10 Section 8.3 Notices....................................................10 Section 8.4 Counterparts...............................................11 Section 8.5 Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries.............11 Section 8.6 Severability...............................................11 Section 8.7 Governing Law..............................................11 Section 8.8 Venue......................................................11 Section 8.9 Time of Essence............................................11 Section 8.10 Further Assurances.........................................11 Section 8.11 Extension; Waiver..........................................11 Section 8.12 Assignment.................................................12 ANNEX A.....................................................................14 ANNEX B......................................................................1 |
SHARE PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
Share Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2004, by and between Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, a company organized and existing under the laws of Bermuda ("SELLER") and CNC Network Corporation Limited, a company organized and existing under the laws of the British Virgin Islands ("PURCHASER"). Certain capitalized terms used in this Agreement have the meanings assigned to them in Article VII on page 7 hereof.
WHEREAS, Seller owns all of the issued and outstanding Shares of East Asia Netcom Limited, (the "COMPANY"), a company organized and existing under the laws of Bermuda; and
WHEREAS, each of the boards of directors of Purchaser and Seller has approved, and deems it advisable and in the best interests of its respective shareholders to consummate, the acquisition of the Company by Purchaser, which acquisition is to be effected by the purchase of all the outstanding share capital of the Company by Purchaser upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein, intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES
Section 1.1 Sale and Transfer of Shares. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Seller hereby sells, conveys, assigns, transfers and delivers to Purchaser all the issued and outstanding Shares, and Purchaser hereby purchases all the issued and outstanding Shares from Seller, free and clear of all Encumbrances, except for Encumbrances arising by operation of law, and provided that such sale, conveyance, assignment, transfer and purchase shall be made expressly subject to the EAN Charge.
Section 1.2 The Purchase Price. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in consideration of the aforesaid sale, conveyance, assignment, transfer and delivery to Purchaser of the Shares, upon the execution of this Agreement, Purchaser shall deliver to Seller a Note in the principal amount of US$43,362,136.00, in substantially the form attached as Annex A hereto.
ARTICLE II
THE CLOSING
Section 2.1 The Closing. The Closing of the sale and purchase of the Shares by Seller and Purchaser shall take place as soon as practicable hereafter at such time and place as the parties may determine.
Section 2.2 Deliveries by Seller. At the Closing, Seller shall deliver to Purchaser:
(a) one or more certificates representing all the issued and outstanding Shares, each such certificate to be duly and validly endorsed in favor of Purchaser or accompanied by a separate share transfer form duly and validly executed by Seller and otherwise sufficient to vest in Purchaser good title to such Shares;
(b) the register of shareholders of the Company evidencing the registration of the Shares to the name of the Purchaser on the Closing Date, subject to the EAN Charge;
(c) all other previously undelivered documents required to be delivered by Seller to Purchaser at or prior to the Closing in connection with the Transactions; and
(d) such evidence as may be reasonably requested by Purchaser of the completion of the transactions contemplated in Sections 5.1 and 5.3 hereof.
Section 2.3 Deliveries by Purchaser. At the Closing, Purchaser shall deliver to the Seller:
(a) such other documents as are required to be delivered by Purchaser to Seller pursuant hereto; and
(b) such evidence as may be reasonably requested by Seller of the completion of the transactions contemplated by Sections 5.2 and 5.3 hereof.
Section 2.4 Deliveries by Seller and Purchaser.
At the Closing, Purchaser shall duly execute and deliver to Seller, DB Trustees (Hong Kong) Limited, KDDI and NEC, and Seller shall duly execute and deliver to Purchaser, DB Trustees (Hong Kong) Limited, KDDI and NEC, an amendment to the EAN Share Charge in the form of a Deed of Acknowledgement and Agreement, in substantially the form of Annex B hereto.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
Seller represents and warrants to Purchaser that all of the statements contained in this Article III are true and correct as of the date of this Agreement (or, if made as of a specified date, as of such date).
Section 3.1 Organization. Seller is a company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Bermuda with full corporate power and authority to conduct its business as it is now being conducted and to own or use the properties and assets that it purports to own or use.
Section 3.2 Authorization; Validity of Agreement. Seller has full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder, and to consummate the Transactions. The execution, delivery and performance by Seller of this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions have been duly authorized by the board of directors and shareholders of Seller, no other corporate action on the part of Seller is necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance by Seller of this Agreement or the consummation of the Transactions.
Section 3.3 Execution; Validity of Agreement. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Seller, and, assuming due and valid authorization, execution and delivery hereof by Purchaser, is a valid and binding obligation of Seller, enforceable against Seller in accordance with its terms except (a) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and other similar laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors' rights generally and (b) the availability of the remedy of specific performance or injunctive or other forms of equitable relief may be subject to equitable defenses and would be subject to the discretion of the court before which any Proceeding therefor may be brought.
Section 3.4 Consents and Approvals; No Violations. (a) Seller is not and will not be required to obtain any consent from any Person in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the consummation of any of the Transactions or the performance by Seller of its obligations under this Agreement, except for such consents as have been obtained and remain in full force and effect.
(b) None of the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement
by Seller, the consummation by Seller of the Transactions or compliance by
Seller with any of the provisions hereof will (i) conflict with or result in any
breach of any provision of the memorandum of association or bye-laws of Seller,
(ii) require any filing with, or permit, authorization, consent or approval of,
any Governmental Entity other than the Bermuda Monetary Authority, (iii) result
in a violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without due notice or lapse
of time or both) a default (or give rise to any right of termination,
cancellation or acceleration) under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions
of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease, license, contract, agreement or
other instrument or obligation to which Seller or any of its Subsidiaries is a
party or by which any of them or any of their respective properties or assets
may be bound, or (iv) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule
or regulation applicable to Seller, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their
properties or assets, excluding from the foregoing clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv)
such violations, breaches or defaults which (A) would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Seller's ability to consummate
the Transactions or (B) would become applicable as a result of the business or
activities in which Purchaser is or proposes to be engaged or as a result of any
acts or omissions by, or the status of any facts pertaining to, Purchaser.
Section 3.5 No Other Representations. Except for the representations and warranties contained in this Article III, neither Seller nor any other person or entity acting on behalf of Seller, makes any representation or warranty, express or implied.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER
Purchaser represents and warrant to Seller that:
Section 4.1 Organization. Purchaser is a company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, with full corporate power and authority to conduct its business as it is now being conducted, to own or use the properties and assets that it purports to own or use.
Section 4.2 Authorization; Validity of Agreement. (a) Purchaser has full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder, and to consummate and the Transactions. The execution, delivery and performance by Purchaser of this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions have been duly authorized by the board of directors of Purchaser, and no other corporate action on the part of Purchaser is necessary to authorize the execution and delivery by Purchaser of this Agreement or the consummation of the Transactions. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Purchaser, and, assuming due and valid authorization, execution and delivery hereof by Seller, is a valid and binding obligation of Purchaser, enforceable against Purchaser in accordance with its terms except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and other similar laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors' rights generally and (ii) the availability of the remedy of specific performance or injunctive or other forms of equitable relief may be subject to equitable defenses and would be subject to the discretion of the court before which any Proceeding therefor may be brought.
Section 4.3 Consents and Approvals; No Violations. (a) Purchaser is not, and will not be required, to obtain any consent from any Person in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the consummation of any of the Transactions or the performance by Purchaser of its obligations under this Agreement, except for such consents as have been obtained and remain in full force and effect.
(b) None of the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement
by Purchaser, the consummation by Purchaser of the Transactions or compliance by
Purchaser with any of the provisions hereof will (i) conflict with or result in
any breach of any provision of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of
Purchaser, (ii) require any filing with, or permit, authorization, consent or
approval of, any Governmental Entity other than the Bermuda Monetary Authority,
(iii) result in a violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without due
notice or lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to any right of
termination, cancellation or acceleration) under, any of the terms, conditions
or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease, license, contract,
agreement or other instrument
or obligation to which Purchaser is a party or by which it or any of its properties or assets may be bound, or (iv) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule or regulation applicable to Purchaser, any of its properties or assets, excluding from the foregoing clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv) such violations, breaches or defaults which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Purchaser's ability to consummate the Transactions.
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS
Section 5.1 Seller Transactions.
Prior to or contemporaneously with the Closing, Seller shall cause the following transactions to be completed:
(a) Seller shall cause EAN UK to transfer to ANC Singapore of all the issued and outstanding shares of each of:
(1) Asia Netcom Services (S) Pte. Ltd.; (2) Asia Netcom Australia Pty Ltd.; and |
(3) Asia Netcom Singapore Pte Ltd.,
(collectively, the "THREE SERVICE COMPANIES") for consideration in an amount equal to $401,000; it being understood and agreed that the transfer of the shares of Asia Netcom Singapore Pte Ltd. shall be made expressly subject to the ANS Charge;
(b) Seller shall cause East Asia Netcom Philippines, Inc. to transfer to South Asia ANC Philippines Services Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ANC Singapore, all substantial operations, staff and contracts of East Asia Netcom Philippines, Inc.; and
(c) Seller shall cause China Netcom Holdings (BVI) Limited to be nominated as the notional beneficiary of Taiwan STAR Trust;
Section 5.2 Purchaser Transactions
Prior to or contemporaneously with the Closing, Purchaser shall cause the following transactions to be completed:
(a) Purchaser shall cause China Netcom Corporation International Limited to transfer OpCo and OpCo's subsidiaries, China Netcom (USA) Operations Inc. and Asia Netcom (UK) Limited (formerly known as China Netcom (UK) Operations Limited), to ANC Singapore; and
(b) Purchaser shall cause Pacific Netcom (BVI) Limited and its Taiwan Branch to be transferred to East Asia Network Holding Taiwan Inc. under the Taiwan Trust.
Section 5.3 Service and Capacity Transactions.
Prior to or contemporaneously with the Closing, Purchaser and Seller shall cause the following transactions to be completed:
(a) Each of Seller and the Company shall duly execute and deliver the Management Services Agreement;
(b) Each of Seller and the Company shall duly execute and deliver the Capacity Purchase Agreement; and
(c) Each of Seller and the Company shall duly execute and deliver the Capacity Lease Agreement.
ARTICLE VI
TERMINATION
Section 6.1 Termination. The Transactions may be terminated or abandoned at any time prior to the Closing Date:
(a) By the mutual written consent of Purchaser and Seller; or
(b) By Purchaser or Seller if any Governmental Entity shall have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action (which order, decree, ruling or other action the parties hereto shall use their best reasonable efforts to lift) which permanently restrains, enjoins or otherwise prohibits the acquisition by Purchaser of the Shares and such order, decree, ruling or other action shall have become final and non-appealable;
Section 6.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination or abandonment of the Transactions by any party hereto pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, written notice thereof shall forthwith be given to the other party or parties specifying the provision hereof pursuant to which such termination or abandonment of the Transactions is made, and there shall be no liability or obligation thereafter on the part of Purchaser or Seller except for fraud or for willful breach of this Agreement prior to such termination or abandonment of the Transactions.
ARTICLE VII
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
Section 7.1 Definitions. For all purposes of this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
"Affiliate" shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
"Agreement" or "this Agreement" shall mean this Share Purchase and Sale Agreement, together with the Annexure hereto.
"ANC Singapore" shall mean Asia Netcom Corporation (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
"ANS Charge" shall mean EAN UK's charge of the shares of Asia Netcom Singapore Pte Ltd. pursuant to the ANS Share Charge.
"ANS Share Charge" shall mean the agreement dated May 14, 2002 entered into between EAN UK as chargor and NEC as chargee.
"Capacity Lease Agreement" means the agreement dated June 30, 2004, relating to the lease by Seller from the Company and its subsidiaries certain telecommunications services and other related services, entered into between Seller and the Company.
"Capacity Purchase Agreement" means the agreement dated June 30, 2004, relating to the acquisition by Seller of an indefeasible right to use a certain amount of telecommunications of capacity on the East Asia Crossing Submarine Cable Systems, including the various terrestrial backhaul systems, entered into between Seller and the Company.
"Closing" shall mean the closing referred to in Section 2.1.
"Closing Date" shall mean the date on which the Closing occurs.
"Company" shall mean East Asia Netcom Limited, a company organized and existing under the laws of Bermuda.
"EAN Charge" shall mean the Seller's charge of the Shares to DB Trustees (Hong Kong) Limited pursuant to the EAN Share Charge.
"EAN Share Charge" shall mean the agreement dated March 10, 2003 entered into among Seller, as chargor, DB Trustees (Hong Kong) Limited, as chargee, KDDI and NEC as beneficiaries.
"EAN UK" shall mean East Asia Netcom UK Holdings Limited.
"Encumbrances" shall mean any and all liens, charges, security interests, options, claims, mortgages, pledges, proxies, voting trusts or agreements, obligations, understandings or arrangements or other restrictions on title or transfer of any nature whatsoever.
"Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
"Governmental Entity" shall mean a court, arbitral tribunal, administrative agency or commission or other governmental or other regulatory authority or agency.
"KDDI" shall mean KDDI Submarine Cable Systems, Inc.
"Management Services Agreement" shall mean the agreement dated June 30, 2004 relating to the roles and responsibilities of Seller and the Company and their respective subsidiaries with regard to the continued provision of certain services by Seller and its subsidiaries, entered into between Seller and the Company.
"Material Adverse Effect" on a Person means a material adverse effect on
(i) the ability of such Person to observe the provisions of, and to perform its
obligations under, this Agreement; or (ii) the financial condition, business,
assets, operations, properties or prospects of such Person.
"NEC" shall mean NEC Corporation.
"Note" shall mean a promissory note in the principal amount of US$43,362,136.00, in substantially the form attached as Annex A hereto.
"OpCo" shall mean China Netcom (Hong Kong) Operations Limited, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Hong Kong.
"Person" shall mean a natural person, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, business trust, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture, Governmental Entity or other entity or organization.
"Proceeding" shall mean any action, arbitration, audit, hearing, investigation, litigation or suit (whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or informal) commenced, brought, conducted or heard by or before, or otherwise involving, any Governmental Entity or arbitrator.
"Purchase Price" shall mean the amount set forth in Section 1.2.
"Purchaser" shall mean CNC Network Corporation Limited, a company organized and existing under the laws of the British Virgin Islands.
"Seller" shall mean Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, a company organized and existing under the laws of Bermuda.
"Shares" shall mean common shares, par value US$0.01, issued by the Company.
"Taiwan STAR Trust" means the trust settled on March 7, 2003 pursuant to
Part VIII of the Trusts Law (2001 Revision) of the Cayman Islands of which
Wilmington Trust (Cayman) Ltd. is the trustee.
"Three Service Companies" shall mean, collectively, Asia Netcom Services (S) Pte. Ltd., Asia Netcom Australia Pty Ltd., and Asia Netcom Singapore Pte Ltd.
"Transactions" shall mean all the transactions provided for or contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 7.2 Interpretation. (a) The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
(b) When a reference is made in this Agreement to a section or article, such reference shall be to a section or article of this Agreement unless otherwise clearly indicated to the contrary.
(c) Whenever the words "include", "includes" or "including" are used in this Agreement they shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation."
(d) The words "hereof", "hereto", "herein" and "herewith" and words of similar import shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and article, section, paragraph, exhibit and schedule references are to the articles, sections, paragraphs, exhibits and schedules of this Agreement unless otherwise specified.
(e) The meaning assigned to each term defined herein shall be equally applicable to both the singular and the plural forms of such term, and words denoting any gender shall include all genders. Where a word or phrase is defined herein, each of its other grammatical forms shall have a corresponding meaning.
(f) A reference to any party to this Agreement or any other agreement or document shall include such party's successors and permitted assigns.
(g) A reference to any legislation or to any provision of any legislation shall include any amendment to, and any modification or re-enactment thereof, any legislative provision substituted therefor and all regulations and statutory instruments issued thereunder or pursuant thereto.
(h) The parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provisions of this Agreement.
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 8.1 Fees and Expenses. All costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses, except as specifically provided to the contrary in this Agreement.
Section 8.2 Amendment and Modification. This Agreement may be amended, modified and supplemented in any and all respects, but only by a written instrument signed by all of the parties hereto expressly stating that such instrument is intended to amend, modify or supplement this Agreement.
Section 8.3 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when mailed, delivered personally, telecopied (which is confirmed) or sent by an overnight courier service, such as Federal Express, to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by such party by like notice):
if to Purchaser, to:
CNC Network Corporation Limited
c/o China Netcom
59/F, Bank of China Tower
1 Garden Road, Central
Hong Kong
Attention: Sun, Wenlong, General Counsel
Facsimile: +852 2121-2819
if to Seller, to:
Asia Netcom Corporation Limited
c/o 46/F, Cheung Kong Center
2 Queen's Road, Central
Hong Kong
Attention: General Counsel
Facsimile: +852 2121 2819
Section 8.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when two or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties.
Section 8.5 Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement (a) constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and (b) is not intended to confer upon any Person other than the parties hereto and thereto and the officers and directors of Seller any rights or remedies hereunder.
Section 8.6 Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or other authority to be invalid, void or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or the validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other situation or in any other jurisdiction. If the final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction or other authority declares that any term or provision hereof is invalid, void or unenforceable, the parties agree that the court making such determination shall have the power to reduce the scope, duration, area or applicability of the term or provision, to delete specific words or phrases, or to replace any invalid, void or unenforceable term or provision with a term or provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the intention of the invalid or unenforceable term or provision.
Section 8.7 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of law thereof.
Section 8.8 Venue. Each of the parties hereto (a) consents to submit itself to the personal jurisdiction of any federal court located in the State of New York or any New York supreme court in the event any dispute arises out of this Agreement or any of the Transactions, (b) agrees that it shall not attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such court and (c) agrees that it shall not bring any action relating to this Agreement or any of the Transactions in any court other than a federal or state court sitting in the State of New York.
Section 8.9 Time of Essence. Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that, with regard to all dates and time periods set forth or referred to in this Agreement, time is of the essence.
Section 8.10 Further Assurances. The parties agree (a) to furnish upon request to each other such further information, (b) to execute and deliver to each other such other documents, and (c) to do such other acts and things, all as the other party may reasonably request for the purpose of carrying out the intent of this Agreement and the documents referred to in this Agreement.
Section 8.11 Extension; Waiver. At any time prior to the Closing Date, either party hereto may (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or
other acts of the other party, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of the other party contained in this Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to this Agreement or (c) waive compliance by the other parties with any of the agreements or conditions contained in this Agreement. Any agreement on the part of a party to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by or on behalf of such party. The failure of any party to this Agreement to assert any of its rights under this Agreement or otherwise shall not constitute a waiver of those rights.
Section 8.12 Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the parties hereto (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other parties, except that Purchaser may assign, in its sole discretion, all (but not less than all) of its rights and interests hereunder to any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Purchaser. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties and their respective successors and assigns.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Purchaser and Seller have executed this Agreement or caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date first written above.
CNC Network Corporation Limited
By: ________________________________
Name:
Title:
Asia Netcom Corporation Limited
By: ________________________________
Name:
Title:
ANNEX A
FORM OF PROMISSORY NOTE
PROMISSORY NOTE
THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED. NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR ANY INTEREST THEREIN MAY BE REOFFERED OR SOLD IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AS TO THE NOTE UNDER SAID ACT OR EVIDENCE SATISFACTORY TO CNC NETWORK CORPORATION LIMITED, THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
US$43,362,136.00 JUNE 30, 2004
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, CNC Network Corporation Limited, a company organized and existing under the laws of the British Virgin Islands ("OBLIGOR"), promises to pay to Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, a company organized and existing under the laws of Bermuda ("HOLDER"), the principal amount of Forty-Three Million Three Hundred and Sixty-Two Thousand and One Hundred and Thirty-Six United States Dollars (US$43,362,136.00), as hereinafter provided. Such principal shall be payable in money of the United States of America lawful at such time for the payment of public and private debts.
Payment. The entire principal amount of this Note shall be payable on demand.
Interest. No interest shall be payable on any principal amount outstanding.
Method of Payment. Payment of principal hereunder shall be made by wire transfer of next-day funds to the account of Holder specified below:
Name of Account: Asia Netcom Corporation Limited Account Number: 01-56-00607-5 Name of Bank: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Ltd Bank I.D. Number: 072 Branch code: 861 SWIFT Code: UBHKHKHH |
Waivers. Obligor hereby waives presentment, diligence, protest and demand, notice of protest, demand, dishonor and nonpayment of this Note, and all other notices of any
kind in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or enforcement of this Note.
Successors. The provisions hereof shall be binding upon the legal representatives, successors and assigns of Obligor and shall inure to the benefit of Holder and its successors by operation of law.
Governing Law. This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Obligor has executed this Note as of the day and year first above written.
CNC Network Corporation Limited
By:_________________________________
Name:
Title:
ANNEX B
FORM OF DEED OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND AGREEMENT
Exhibit 10.24
EXECUTION COPY
ASSIGNMENT AND NOVATION AGREEMENT
Assignment and Novation Agreement (this "ASSIGNMENT AND NOVATION"), dated as of June 30, 2004 by and between Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, a company organized and existing under the laws of Bermuda ("SELLER"); CNC Network Corporation Limited, a company organized and existing under the laws of the British Virgin Islands ("PURCHASER"); and China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited, a company organized and existing under the laws of Hong Kong ("CNC HK").
WHEREAS, Seller and Purchaser entered into a Share Purchase and Sale Agreement on June 30, 2004 (the "SPA") under which Seller agreed to sell and Purchaser agreed to purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares (the "Shares") of East Asia Netcom Limited, a company organized and existing under the laws of Bermuda;
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 1.2 of the SPA, in consideration of the aforesaid sale to Purchaser of the Shares, Purchaser has delivered to Seller a promissory note dated June 30, 2004 in the principal amount of US$43,362,136.00, a copy of which is attached hereto as Annex A (the "NOTE");
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire that CNC HK be substituted for Purchaser under the Note and that Purchaser assign all of its title, rights, interests, benefits, obligations and liabilities under the Note to CNC HK, and CNC HK desires to assume all such title, rights, interests, benefits, obligations and liabilities.
WHEREAS, Seller desires to consent to the substitution of CNC HK as the Purchaser under the Note and the assignment and delegation to CNC HK of all of Purchaser's rights, benefits, liabilities obligations thereunder, and upon such substitution, assignment and assumption, to release Purchaser of its obligations and liabilities under the Note.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the agreements set forth in this Assignment and Novation and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by each of the parties, the parties hereby agree as follows:
Section 1. ASSIGNMENT AND NOVATION.
(a) Purchaser hereby assigns to CNC HK all title, rights, interests, benefits, obligations duties and liabilities arising from and under the Note. This Assignment and Novation is a present assignment and shall be effective immediately upon execution and delivery of this Assignment and Novation by each of the parties hereto.
(b) CNC HK hereby accepts such assignment and assumes all the obligations and liabilities under the Note, and agrees to fully and faithfully pay, discharge and perform, as and when due, all such obligations and liabilities.
(c) CNC HK is hereby substituted as the "Obligor" under the Note for all purposes, and all references to the "Obligor" in the Note shall hereafter be deemed to refer only to CNC HK.
Section 2. RELEASE OF PURCHASER
Seller hereby consents and agrees to the foregoing assignment and substitution. Seller further agrees that Purchaser is hereby released and relieved of any and all obligations and liabilities arising under or with respect to the Note and agrees to look only to CNC HK for the performance thereof.
Section 3. COUNTERPARTS
This Assignment and Novation may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when all of the counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties. This Assignment and Novation applies to, inures to the benefit of and binds all parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.
Section 4. FURTHER ASSURANCE
The parties agree (a) to furnish upon request to each other such further information, (b) to execute and deliver to each other such other documents, and (c) to do such other acts and things, all as the other party may reasonably request for the purpose of carrying out the intent of this Assignment and Novation.
Section 5. AMENDMENTS
No amendment, modification or waiver in respect of this Assignment and Novation will be effective unless in writing and executed by each of the parties or confirmed by an exchange of telexes or electronic messages on an electronic messaging system.
Section 6. GOVERNING LAW
This Assignment and Novation shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has executed this Assignment and Novation or caused this Assignment and Novation to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date first written above.
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
By: ________________________________________
Name:
Title:
CNC NETWORK CORPORATION LIMITED
By: ________________________________________
Name:
Title:
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
By: ________________________________________
Name:
Title:
ANNEX A
COPY OF PROMISSORY NOTE
PROMISSORY NOTE
THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED. NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR ANY INTEREST THEREIN MAY BE REOFFERED OR SOLD IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AS TO THE NOTE UNDER SAID ACT OR EVIDENCE SATISFACTORY TO CNC NETWORK CORPORATION LIMITED, THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
US$43,362,136.00 JUNE 30, 2004
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, CNC Network Corporation Limited, a company organized and existing under the laws of the British Virgin Islands ("OBLIGOR"), promises to pay to Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, a company organized and existing under the laws of Bermuda ("HOLDER"), the principal amount of Forty-Three Million Three Hundred and Sixty-Two Thousand and One Hundred and Thirty-Six United States Dollars (US$43,362,136.00), as hereinafter provided. Such principal shall be payable in money of the United States of America lawful at such time for the payment of public and private debts.
Payment. The entire principal amount of this Note shall be payable on demand.
Interest. No interest shall be payable on any principal amount outstanding.
Method of Payment. Payment of principal hereunder shall be made by wire transfer of next-day funds to the account of Holder specified below:
Name of Account: Asia Netcom Corporation Limited Account Number: 01-56-00607-5 Name of Bank: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Ltd Bank I.D. Number: 072 Branch code: 861 SWIFT Code: UBHKHKHH |
Waivers. Obligor hereby waives presentment, diligence, protest and demand, notice of protest, demand, dishonor and nonpayment of this Note, and all other notices of any kind in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or enforcement of this Note.
Successors. The provisions hereof shall be binding upon the legal representatives, successors and assigns of Obligor and shall inure to the benefit of Holder and its successors by operation of law.
Governing Law. This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Obligor has executed this Note as of the day and year first above written.
CNC Network Corporation Limited
By:____________________________
Name:
Title:
EXHIBIT 10.25
Execution Version
SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
THIS SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of December 2, 2003, by and among SBAIF Asia Netcom (Cayman) Holdings ("Seller"), China Netcom Corporation International Limited ("CNCIL"), Asia Netcom Corporation Limited ("ANC") and China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited ("Buyer").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Seller, CNCIL and the Buyer are parties to a shareholders agreement, dated as of March 12, 2003, by and among the Buyer, CNCIL, Newbridge Asia Netcom (Cayman) Holdings, SB Asia Infrastructure Fund L.P. (an affiliate of Seller and its predecessor in interest) and ANC (the "Shareholders Agreement");
WHEREAS, the Seller owns 29,400,000 common shares of ANC;
WHEREAS, the Seller desires to sell to the Buyer, and the Buyer desires to purchase from the Seller, all of the common shares of ANC held by Seller on the terms and conditions set forth herein;
WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to terminate the Shareholders Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Shareholders Agreement.
2. Purchase and Sale of Shares. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, on the date thirty (30) business days after the date hereof (the "Closing Date"), the Buyer shall purchase from the Seller and the Seller shall sell to the Buyer, free and clear of any Encumbrance, 29,400,000 common shares of ANC. At the Closing, the Buyer shall pay the Seller the Purchase Price. The Purchase Price payable to the Seller shall be an amount in U.S. Dollars equal to (x) the sum of US$29,400,000, plus the amount of all fees and out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Seller in connection with the initial acquisition by the Seller of its common shares of ANC (including such fees and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation of the Shareholders Agreement), the Acquisition and the monitoring and management of its investment in ANC plus (y) the product of (i) eight percent (8%) of the amount calculated in (x), multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days elapsed from (and including) March 27, 2003 to (but excluding) the Closing Date, and the denominator of which is 365. Payment of the total amount of the Purchase Price shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account specified by Seller in writing without withholding, set-off or deduction of any kind whatsoever.
3. Closing. The closing of the purchase and sale hereunder (the "Closing") shall be held on the Closing Date at the offices of Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton, 39th Floor, Bank of China Tower, One Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong.
4. Representations and Warranties. Each of the parties hereto severally, but not jointly, represents and warrants to each other party to this Agreement as follows:
(a) Organization and Authority. It is duly incorporated or organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization and has all necessary power and authority to enter into this Agreement, to carry out its obligations hereunder and to perform the actions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by it, the performance by it of its obligations hereunder and the performance by it of the actions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all requisite action on its part. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by it, and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties signatory hereto) this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.
(b) No Conflict; No Consents. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by it does not and will not (a) violate, conflict with or result in the breach of any provision of its charter or by-laws (or similar organizational documents), (b) conflict with, violate or require any consent under any Law applicable to such party or any of its assets, properties or businesses or (c) conflict with, result in any breach of, constitute a default (or event which with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would become a default) under, require any consent under, or give to others any rights pursuant to, any contract, agreement or arrangement by which such party is bound, except to the extent that any conflict under (b) or (c) above would not prevent or materially hinder the performance of the actions contemplated by this Agreement.
5. Representations and Warranties in respect of the Shares. The Seller represents and warrants to the Buyer that it has good and marketable title to, and is the lawful record and beneficial owner of the shares of ANC it is transferring to the Buyer.
6. Reasonable Best Efforts. Each of the parties hereto agrees to use its reasonable best efforts promptly to take or cause to be taken all actions and promptly to do or cause to be done all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Law to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
7. CNC Group IPO. Buyer shall use its reasonable best efforts to provide the Seller with the opportunity to purchase shares in CNC Group prior to its initial public offering.
8. Termination of the Shareholders Agreement; Resignation of Directors. Each of the Seller, the Buyer and CNCIL hereby agree that the Shareholders Agreement shall be terminated as of the Closing. Seller shall cause Andrew Yan to resign from the board of directors of ANC, effective immediately after the Closing.
9. Termination of this Agreement. If the Closing has not occurred prior to January 31, 2004, this Agreement may be terminated by Seller or Buyer on any date thereafter by delivering written notice to each of the other parties hereto; provided, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this paragraph 9 shall not be available to any party whose failure to fulfill in a timely manner any of its obligations hereunder or failure to satisfy any condition to Closing hereunder, has been the cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Closing to occur on or before such date.
10. Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the Share Transfer Form annexed hereto) and any collateral agreements executed in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby contain the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the transfer of the shares of ANC to the Buyer and supersede all prior agreements, written or oral, with respect thereto.
11. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
12. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, United States of America. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each party hereto irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of any federal or state court in the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York, County and State of New York, United States of America, in any suit or proceeding based on or arising under this Agreement, and irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of such suit or proceeding may be determined in any such court. Each party hereto, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, irrevocably and fully waives the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such suit or proceeding and Buyer and Seller each hereby irrevocably designate and appoint CT Corporation System located at 1633 Broadway, New York, New York 10019 (the "Process Agent"), as its authorized agent upon whom process may be served in any such suit or proceeding. Buyer and Seller shall notify the Process Agent of such designation and appointment and the Process Agent shall accept the same in writing within five (5) days after the date hereof. Buyer and Seller each hereby irrevocably authorize and direct the Process Agent to accept such service. Each party hereto agrees that a final action in any such suit or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other lawful manner.
13. Specific Performance. The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event any provision of this Agreement was not performed in accordance with the terms hereof and that the parties hereto shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, in addition to any other remedy at law or in equity.
14. Public Announcements. Except as required by Law or by the requirements of any securities exchange on which the securities of a party hereto are listed, no party to this Agreement shall make, or cause to be made, any press release or public announcement in respect of this Agreement or otherwise communicate with any
news media without the prior written consent of the other parties, and the parties shall cooperate as to the timing and contents of any such press release or public announcement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Share Purchase Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first written above.
SBAIF ASIA NETCOM (CAYMAN)
HOLDINGS
By ____________________________________
Name:
Title:
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION
(HONG KONG) LIMITED
By ____________________________________
Name:
Title:
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION
INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
By ____________________________________
Name:
Title:
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION
LIMITED
By ____________________________________
Name:
Title:
SHARE TRANSFER FORM
FOR VALUE RECEIVED
SBAIF ASIA NETCOM (CAYMAN) HOLDINGS (the "Transferor")
HEREBY SELL AND ASSIGN AND TRANSFER UNTO:
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED (the "Transferee") of
[ADDRESS]
29,400,000 Common Shares of ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
Dated this day of , 2003.
For Transferor:
By:_____________________________
SBAIF ASIA NETCOM (CAYMAN) HOLDINGS
For Transferee:
By:_____________________________
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
EXHIBIT 10.26
EXECUTION COPY
SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT
AMONG
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
SB ASIA INFRASTRUCTURE FUND L.P.
NEWBRIDGE ASIA NETCOM (CAYMAN) HOLDINGS
AND
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
DATED AS OF MARCH 12, 2003
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page ---- ARTICLE I DEFINED TERMS SECTION 1.01. Certain Defined Terms........................................... 1 ARTICLE II GENERAL SECTION 2.01. Interpretation.................................................. 9 SECTION 2.02. Organizational Documents........................................ 9 SECTION 2.03. Purpose......................................................... 10 SECTION 2.04. Principal Place of Business..................................... 10 ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SHAREHOLDERS SECTION 3.01. Organization and Authority...................................... 10 SECTION 3.02. No Conflict..................................................... 10 ARTICLE IV CAPITALIZATION SECTION 4.01. Capitalization.................................................. 11 SECTION 4.02. Covenant ....................................................... 12 SECTION 4.03. Shares ......................................................... 12 SECTION 4.04. Management Option Plan.......................................... 12 SECTION 4.05. Management Purchase Plan........................................ 12 SECTION 4.06. Reservation..................................................... 12 ARTICLE V FUNDING SECTION 5.01. Debt Financing.................................................. 12 SECTION 5.02. Additional Funding and Failure to Fund.......................... 13 ARTICLE VI GOVERNANCE SECTION 6.01. General Meetings................................................ 14 SECTION 6.02. Prior Approval of Shareholders.................................. 15 SECTION 6.03. Prior Approval of Board......................................... 16 SECTION 6.04. Management of the Company....................................... 17 |
SECTION 6.05. Board .......................................................... 17 SECTION 6.06. Frequency and Language of Meetings.............................. 18 SECTION 6.07. Removal of Directors; Vacancies................................. 19 SECTION 6.08. Action by Written Consent....................................... 19 SECTION 6.09. Telephonic Meetings............................................. 19 SECTION 6.10. Company Minutes................................................. 19 SECTION 6.11. Remuneration for Directors...................................... 20 SECTION 6.12. Compensation and Employment Committee; Executive Committee...... 20 SECTION 6.13. Officers ....................................................... 21 SECTION 6.14. Subsidiaries.................................................... 21 ARTICLE VII BOOKS AND RECORDS; FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SECTION 7.01. Books and Records; Financial Statements......................... 22 ARTICLE VIII IPO AND SHARE TRANSFERS. SECTION 8.01. Put Option ..................................................... 22 SECTION 8.02. Participation in a Company IPO; Registration Rights............. 23 SECTION 8.03. Participation in a Group IPO.................................... 24 SECTION 8.04. Co-operation between Shareholders............................... 26 SECTION 8.05. Transferees to Execute Agreement................................ 26 SECTION 8.06. Ceasing to be a Shareholder..................................... 27 SECTION 8.07. Determination of Fair Market Value.............................. 27 SECTION 8.08. Decrease in Ownership of Shares................................. 28 ARTICLE IX NON-COMPETITION SECTION 9.01. Non-Competition................................................. 29 ARTICLE X OTHER AGREEMENTS SECTION 10.01. Use of Names................................................... 30 SECTION 10.02. Covenant to Support Business................................... 30 SECTION 10.03. Waivers under the Purchase Agreement........................... 30 SECTION 10.04. Unlawful Gifts and Payments.................................... 30 ARTICLE XI CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION SECTION 11.01. Confidential Information....................................... 31 |
ARTICLE XII TERMINATION SECTION 12.01. Termination.................................................... 32 ARTICLE XIII MISCELLANEOUS SECTION 13.01. Further Assurances............................................. 33 SECTION 13.02. Expenses. ..................................................... 33 SECTION 13.03. Notices ....................................................... 34 SECTION 13.04. Public Announcements........................................... 35 SECTION 13.05. Cumulative Remedies............................................ 35 SECTION 13.06. Binding Effect................................................. 35 SECTION 13.07. Severability................................................... 36 SECTION 13.08. Counterparts................................................... 36 SECTION 13.09. Entire Agreement............................................... 36 SECTION 13.10. Governing Law; Dispute Resolution.............................. 36 SECTION 13.11. Specific Performance........................................... 36 SECTION 13.12. Amendments and Waivers; Assignment............................. 37 SECTION 13.13. No Third Party Beneficiaries................................... 37 EXHIBIT 2.02(a) - MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION EXHIBIT 2.02(b) - BYE-LAWS EXHIBIT 5.02 - TERMS OF CNCHK GUARANTEE EXHIBIT 8.02 - REGISTRATION RIGHTS EXHIBIT 4.01(b)(i) - OPINIONS OF COUNSEL EXHIBIT 4.01(b)(ii) - COMPANY CERTIFICATES SCHEDULE 4.01(b) - SHAREHOLDERS SCHEDULE 10.02 - CNCHK EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS |
SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT
OF
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
This SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT of Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, a Bermuda company (the "Company"), is made as of March 12, 2003 and effective as of the Effective Date, among China Netcom Corporation International Limited, a Bermuda company ("Netcom"), China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited, a company organized and existing under the laws of Hong Kong, SAR ("CNCHK"), SB Asia Infrastructure Fund L.P., an exempted limited partnership organized and existing under the laws of the Cayman Islands ("SAIF"), Newbridge Asia Netcom (Cayman) Holdings, an exempted limited company organized and existing under the laws of the Cayman Islands ("Newbridge"), and the Company.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Netcom, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNCHK, has formed the Company to enter into a Share and Asset Purchase Agreement dated November 17th, 2002 (as amended as of January 29, 2003, the "Purchase Agreement") with Asia Global Crossing Ltd. ("AGC") to acquire certain assets and assume certain liabilities of AGC (the "Acquisition");
WHEREAS, the purpose of the Company shall be to establish and develop the Business (as defined below);
WHEREAS, the Shareholders (as defined below) wish to invest in the Company on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, the parties deem it in their best interest and the best interest of the Company to set forth their agreement regarding management of the Company, to regulate certain of their interests in the Company, to place certain restrictions on and to provide for the orderly disposition of the Shares now or hereafter held by any of them and certain other matters, and desire to enter into this Agreement to effectuate those purposes;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements and obligations set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Shareholders hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINED TERMS
SECTION 1.01. Certain Defined Terms. (a) As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
"Acquisition" has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.
"Additional Debt Funding" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 5.02(a).
"Additional Funding Requirement" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 5.02(a).
"Affiliate" means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, is Controlled by, Controls, or is under common Control with, such specified Person.
"AGC" has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.
"Agreement" means this Shareholders Agreement of Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, as amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time.
"Annual Budget" means the annual budget for the Company and its Subsidiaries approved from time to time by the Board pursuant to Section 6.03(b) and which shall include the capital expenditure budget, operating budget and financing plan.
"Appraisal Firms" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.07(a).
"Auditors" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 7.01(a).
"Available Amount" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.03(b).
"Available Amount Notice" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 8.03(b).
"Bermuda Approvals" means all Bermuda governmental approvals, including that of the Bermuda Monetary Authority, required to issue Shares.
"Board" means the board of directors of the Company.
"Bridge Funding" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.01.
"Business" means the business of telecommunication network services (including, bandwidth and value-added data services) to enterprise and carrier customers at various locations in Asia using the longhaul network (including the subsea, terrestrial, national and international fiber optic networks extending over approximately 17,900 kilometers and including landing stations and cable houses ) and other telecommunication facilities.
"Business Day" means any day on which banks in Hong Kong are ordinarily open for business, excluding Saturday and Sunday and any other day that is a public holiday in Hong Kong.
"Business Plan" means the business plan of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as approved by the Board each year for the Company's next succeeding year including, among other things, projected revenues, headcount additions, operating costs, selling,
general and administrative expenses, capital expenditures, vendor payments, EBITDA and profits and a plan of financing.
"Capital Contribution" means, with respect to any Shareholder, the aggregate amount of cash to be contributed to the Company in exchange for Shares, as set forth in Schedule 4.01(b).
"CEO" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.13(a).
"CFO" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.13(a).
"Chairman" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.05(a).
"China Netcom Group" means China Network Communications Group Corporation, a company organized under the laws of the PRC.
"Closing Date" means the first (1st) Business Day on which (i) both
Newbridge and SAIF have received all Bermuda Approvals, (ii) the closing
under the Purchase Agreement has occurred, (iii) opinions of counsel and
closing certificates substantially in the form and substance as set forth
in Exhibit 4.01(b)(i) and Exhibit 4.01(b)(ii) shall have been delivered,
(iv) none of the Purchase Agreement, this Agreement or any related
agreement shall have been breached or repudiated, in whole or in part, by
any party thereto or hereto, and (v) Newbridge and SAIF have been entered
in the Register of Members.
"CNC Consents" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.02.
"CNC Guarantee" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.02(a).
"CNCHK" has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.
"Companies Act 1981" means the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda.
"Company" has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.
"Compensation and Employment Committee" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.12(a).
"Confidential Information" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 11.01(a).
"Control" means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee or executor, by contract or otherwise, including, without limitation, the ownership, directly or indirectly, of securities having the power to elect a majority of the board of directors or similar body governing the affairs of such Person.
"COO" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.13(a).
"Current Scope" means the current scope of the Business as of the Effective Date, with reference to the assets, regional coverage, product lines, and customer focus of the Business and other relevant factors.
"Defaulting Shareholder" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4.01(b).
"Deputy CFO" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.13(a).
"Director" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.05(a).
"Dispute" means any controversy, claim or dispute.
"Effective Date" means the date of the closing under the Purchase Agreement.
"Encumbrance" means any security interest, pledge, mortgage, lien (including environmental and tax liens), charge, adverse claim of ownership or use, or other encumbrance of any kind.
"Exchange Deadline" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.03(a).
"Exchange Period" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.03(a).
"Exchange Price" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.03(a).
"Exchange Request" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.03(b).
"Exchange Right" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.03(a).
"Exchanging Shareholder" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.03(a).
"Executive Committee" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.12(c).
"Exercise Price" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.01(a).
"Fair Market Value" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.07(a).
"Fiscal Year" means each consecutive twelve (12) month period commencing on April 1 and ending on the following March 31.
"GAAP" means United States generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time.
"Group IPO" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.03(a).
"HKIAC" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 13.10.
"HK IPO" means, in relation to an entity, the first underwritten public offering of equity securities of such entity, pursuant to which Shares become listed on the HKSE, the net proceeds of which are at least the Hong Kong Dollar equivalent of U.S.$100 million
and the price of which is based on a U.S.$500 million or greater (pre-IPO) equity valuation of the Company.
"HKSE" means the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.
"Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person, whether secured or unsecured, (a) all indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent, for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or other similar instruments, (c) all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement with respect to property acquired by such Person (even though the rights and remedies of the sellers or lenders under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property), (d) all obligations of such Person as lessee under leases that have been or should be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capital leases, (e) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person under acceptance, letter of credit or similar facilities, (f) all obligations of such Person to purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise acquire for value any equity interests of such Person, valued, in the case of redeemable preferred stock, at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference, plus accrued and unpaid dividends, (g) all obligations of such Person for the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than current trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business), (h) all obligations of such Person in respect of interest rate swaps, caps or collar agreements or similar arrangements, and (i) all Indebtedness of others referred to in clauses (a) through (h) above guaranteed directly or indirectly in any manner by such Person or secured by any Encumbrance on property (including accounts and contract rights) owned by such Person.
"Independent Director" means an independent director of the Company which director (i) is not a current or former director, officer, employee or consultant of (A) any party hereto (other than the Company), (B) China Netcom Group, (C) AGC or (D) any of their respective Affiliates and (ii) is not an officer, employee or consultant of the Company.
"Initial Funding" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.01.
"Internal Observer" means any director, officer or employee of a Shareholder appointed by a Shareholder pursuant to Section 6.05(a).
"Investor Rights Agreement" means that Investor Rights Agreement, dated September 29, 2000 by and among CNCHK, CNC Fund L.L.P., a limited partnership formed under the laws of the Cayman Islands and China Netcom Holdings (BVI) Limited, a company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands.
"IPO" means, in relation to an entity, the first underwritten public offering of equity securities of such entity, pursuant to which Shares become registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the net proceeds of which are at least U.S.$100 million and the price of which is based on a U.S.$500 million or greater (pre-IPO) equity valuation of the Company.
"IPO Entity" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.03(a).
"IPO Price" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.04(a).
"Law" means any statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, executive order, injunction, judgment, decree or other order issued or promulgated by any national, supranational, foreign, state, federal, provincial, local or municipal government or any administrative or regulatory body with authority therefrom with jurisdiction over the Company or the Shareholders, as the case may be.
"LIBOR" shall mean, in relation to a particular period, the arithmetic mean (rounded upward if necessary to three decimal places) of the London interbank offered rates for U.S. Dollar deposits for a period equal to such period at or about 11 a.m. (London time) on the first day of such period as displayed on the relevant page of the Bloomberg Money Market Rates Services (or such other page as may replace such page on such service for the purpose of displaying London interbank offered rates of major banks for U.S. Dollar deposits).
"Majority Vote" means, with respect to any matter to be voted on at a duly convened Board meeting where a quorum exists, the affirmative vote by a simple majority of the Directors attending such Board meeting.
"Management Option Plan" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4.04.
"Management Purchase Plan" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 4.05.
"Mutually Designated Appraiser" means an independent investment banking, accounting or consulting firm of internationally recognized standing jointly designated by the firms initially appointed by the interested parties to determine the Fair Market Value, which firm is neither an Affiliate of any Shareholder, CNCHK or China Netcom Group nor one which has provided significant services to the Company in the preceding four (4) years.
"Netcom" has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals and its Affiliate transferees.
"Netcom Directors" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.05(a).
"Newbridge" has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals and its Affiliate transferees.
"Newbridge Director" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.05(a).
"Non-Passive Interest" means an equity interest held by any Person in another Person which has the purpose, or the effect of, changing or influencing Control of such other Person, or is held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose or effect.
"Officers" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.13(a).
"Organizational Documents" means the Memorandum of Association and the Bye-laws of the Company, as amended and in effect from time to time.
"Original Other Shareholders" means SAIF and Newbridge and their respective Affiliate transferees.
"Original Purchase Price" means U.S.$1.00 per Share, as adjusted for any share splits, reverse share splits, share subdivisions, share consolidations, bonus issues, share dividends, reclassifications, rights offerings, dilutive offerings of equity or equity-linked securities or other events having similar effect.
"Other Shareholders" means SAIF and Newbridge and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
"Payment" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4.01(b).
"Person" means any individual, corporation, company, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, unincorporated or governmental organization or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
"PRC" means the People's Republic of China, excluding Hong Kong, S.A.R., Macau, and Taiwan.
"Price Range" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.03(a).
"Prohibited Payment" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 10.04.
"Prospective Transferee" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.05.
"Purchase Agreement" has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.
"Put Option" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.01(a).
"Put Option Notice" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.01(b).
"Put Option Period" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.01(b).
"Register of Members" means the register of members referred to in the Bye-laws of the Company as attached hereto as Exhibit 2.02(b).
"Registration Rights Agreement" means the Registration Rights Agreement dated September 29, 2000 between CNCHK and CNC Fund, LLP.
"Related Party" means with respect to any individual, (i) the Relatives of such individual, (ii) any Affiliate of such individual or of any such Relative or Relatives, (iii) any entity in respect of which such individual or any Relative of such individual serves as an officer or director.
"Relatives" means, with respect to any individual, the parents, step-parents, siblings, spouse, children, and step-children of such individual and/or of his or her spouse, and the spouses of the children and step-children of such individual and/or of his or her spouse.
"Representatives" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 11.01(a).
"Restricted Party" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 11.01(a).
"SAIF" has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals and its Affiliate transferees.
"SAIF Director" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.05(a).
"Sale" means, in respect of any Share, property or other asset, any sale, assignment, transfer, distribution or other disposition thereof or of a participation therein, or other conveyance of legal or beneficial interest therein, or any short position in a security, whether voluntarily or by operation of Law.
"SAS" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 9(f) of Exhibit
8.02 (Registration Rights) hereto.
"Secretary" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.06.
"Selling Shareholder" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.01(b).
"Shareholder" means any Person named as shareholder of the Company on Schedule 4.01(b) hereto and any Person admitted as an additional Shareholder pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, in each case, in such Person's capacity as a shareholder of the Company.
"Shares" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4.01(a).
"Subscription Agreement" means the Subscription Agreement for Series A Convertible Preferred Shares dated September 29, 2000 among China Netcom Holdings (BVI) Limited, CNCHK, China Netcom Corporation Limited and CNC Fund, LLP.
"Subsidiary" or "Subsidiaries" of any specified Person means any other Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, is Controlled by such specified Person.
"Termination Notice" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4.01(b).
"Transferring Shareholder" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 5.02(c).
"Transfer Notice" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.02(c).
"Transfer Period" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.02(b).
"Transfer Price" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.02(b).
"Transfer Right" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.02(b).
"Written Consent" means the unanimous written consent of the shareholders of the Company.
ARTICLE II
GENERAL
SECTION 2.01. Interpretation. In this Agreement:
(a) when a reference is made in this Agreement to an Article, Section, Exhibit or Schedule, such reference is to an Article or Section of, or an Exhibit to, or a Schedule to, this Agreement unless otherwise indicated;
(b) the table of contents and headings for this Agreement are for reference purposes only and do not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement;
(c) whenever the words "include," "includes" or "including" are used in this Agreement, they are deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation";
(d) the words "hereof," "herein" and "hereunder" and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement;
(e) the definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms;
(f) any Law defined or referred to herein or in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such Law or statute as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including by succession of comparable successor Laws;
(g) references to a Person are also to its permitted successors and assigns;
(h) the use of "or" is not intended to be exclusive unless expressly indicated otherwise; and
(i) references to "U.S.$" (or "$") or "HK$"denote the lawful currency of the United States of America or of Hong Kong, SAR, as the case may be.
SECTION 2.02 Organizational Documents. (a) The Memorandum of Association and the Bye-laws of the Company are attached hereto as Exhibit 2.02(a) and Exhibit 2.02(b), respectively. The Company shall, and each Shareholder shall vote all of its Shares to cause the Company to, take all necessary corporate and other steps to amend the Organizational Documents so as to fully reflect the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Each Shareholder also agrees that:
(i) it shall vote or cause to be voted all of its Shares to accomplish and give effect to the terms and conditions of this Agreement; and
(ii) if there is any conflict between the Organizational Documents and this Agreement, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control and it shall vote or cause to be voted all of its Shares to amend the Organizational Documents to resolve any such conflict in favor of the provisions of this Agreement.
SECTION 2.03. Purpose. The purpose of the Company is to (a) consummate the Acquisition, (b) engage in the Business and (c) conduct any and all lawful activities in accordance with this Agreement, the Organizational Documents and the Companies Act 1981 that the Board deems necessary or advisable in connection with the Business.
SECTION 2.04. Principal Place of Business. The principal place of business of the Company shall be in Hong Kong or, if the Board so resolves, Shanghai, PRC, or such other place as the Board may determine from time to time in accordance with Section 6.03(a)(i). The Company shall have other regional offices and operations as the Board may determine from time to time.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
OF THE SHAREHOLDERS
Each of the Shareholders and CNCHK severally, but not jointly, represents and warrants to each other party to this Agreement as follows:
SECTION 3.01. Organization and Authority. It is duly incorporated or organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization and has all necessary power and authority to enter into this Agreement, to carry out its obligations hereunder and to perform the actions contemplated hereby. It is duly licensed or qualified to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the properties owned or leased by it or the operation of its business makes such licensing or qualification necessary, except to the extent that the failure to be so licensed or qualified would not prevent or materially hinder the performance of the actions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by it, the performance by it of its obligations hereunder and the performance by it of the actions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all requisite action on its part. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by it, and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other Persons signatory hereto) this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.
SECTION 3.02. No Conflict. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by it does not and will not (a) violate, conflict with or result in the breach of any provision of its charter or by-laws (or similar organizational documents), (b) conflict with or violate any Law applicable to such party or any of its assets, properties or businesses, (c) conflict with, result in any breach of, constitute a default (or event which with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would become a default) under, require any consent under, or give to
others any rights pursuant to, any contract, agreement or arrangement by which such party is bound, except to the extent that any conflict under (b) or (c) above would not prevent or materially hinder the performance of the actions contemplated by this Agreement or give rise to claims against the Other Shareholders, provided, however, that, for the purposes of Section 8.03 only, the representation by CNCHK set forth in (c) above shall be subject to CNCHK obtaining such consents (the "CNC Consents") under the Investor Rights Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement and the Subscription Agreement, as may be required in connection with the performance of the obligations as set forth in Section 8.03. CNCHK and Netcom shall use best efforts to obtain such CNC Consents in the event that the rights of the Other Shareholders are triggered under Section 8.03.
ARTICLE IV
CAPITALIZATION
SECTION 4.01. Capitalization. (a) As of the date of this Agreement, the authorized capital of the Company consists of 12,000 common shares of par value of U.S.$1.00 and, subject to amendment of the Organizational Documents and the receipt of all Bermuda Approvals, on the Closing Date the authorized capital of the Company shall consist of 120,000,000 common shares of par value of U.S.$0.01 (together with any common shares subsequently issued by the Company in accordance with the terms hereof, the "Shares").
(b) The Company shall issue that number of Shares set forth opposite
each Shareholder's name in Schedule 4.01(b) upon payment by the Shareholder to
the Company of the corresponding amount set forth opposite such Shareholder's
name in Schedule 4.01(b) (the "Payment") and each Shareholder shall be obligated
to provide evidence that the Payment has been initiated (and may not be revoked)
within two (2) Business Days of the Closing Date. If a Shareholder does not
provide evidence that the Payment has been initiated (and may not be revoked)
within two (2) Business Days of the Closing Date (the "Defaulting Shareholder"),
interest payable by the Defaulting Shareholder on the Payment shall accrue on a
daily basis, calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed and a
365-day year, from (and including) the third (3rd) Business Day after the
Closing Date through to (but excluding) the date of the Payment at a per annum
rate of interest equal to the three (3) month LIBOR for each of the first five
(5) days of interest accrual and at a per annum rate of interest equal to three
percent (3%) for each day of interest accrual thereafter. At any time before the
Defaulting Shareholder fully discharges its obligation to make the Payment (plus
any accrued interest) and at least five (5) Business Days after the Closing
Date, the Company may, by written notice to the Defaulting Shareholder (the
"Termination Notice"), choose to terminate this Agreement (and repurchase at the
Original Purchase Price any Shares issued to the Defaulting Shareholder) with
respect to such Defaulting Shareholder (but without prejudice to any rights or
obligations hereunder that such Defaulting Shareholder may have accrued prior to
such date). The Company will not be able to terminate this Agreement (and
repurchase at the Original Purchase Price any Shares issued to the Defaulting
Shareholder) with respect to the Defaulting Shareholder if the Defaulting
Shareholder fully discharges its obligations to make the Payment (plus any
accrued interest) within five (5) Business Days of receiving the Termination
Notice from the Company.
SECTION 4.02. Covenant. Since the date of its incorporation, the Company has not taken any action that would require consent by the Shareholders pursuant to Section 6.02 or consent by the Board pursuant to Section 6.03, except such actions as were necessary in connection with the Purchase Agreement. Each of the parties hereto confirms that the Other Shareholders shall as of the Effective Date enjoy all rights that they would enjoy under Articles 6, 7, and 10 if they each held 24.5% of the Shares regardless of whether the Other Shareholders have purchased any Shares as of such time; provided, that such rights shall terminate as of April 1, 2003 if the Other Shareholders have not subscribed for Shares by such date.
SECTION 4.03. Shares. Each Share shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote on all matters upon which the holders of the Shares are entitled to vote. The Company shall deliver share certificates evidencing the Shares to each Shareholder upon receipt of such Shareholder's Payment.
SECTION 4.04. Management Option Plan. The Company shall, within six
(6) months of the Effective Date, implement a plan (the "Management Option
Plan"), to grant to certain of its officers, share options to purchase a maximum
aggregate number of Shares representing up to five percent (5%) of the
outstanding Shares of the Company. The exercise price per Share of any such
share options shall be equal to or higher than the Original Purchase Price. The
terms and conditions of the Management Option Plan shall be determined by the
Compensation and Employment Committee in accordance with Section 6.12.
SECTION 4.05. Management Purchase Plan. The Company shall, within six (6) months of the Effective Date, implement a plan (the "Management Purchase Plan") to issue to certain of its top officers and Directors, a maximum aggregate number of Shares representing up to five percent (5%) of the outstanding Shares of the Company. The purchase price per Share of any such additional Shares shall be equal to the Original Purchase Price. The terms and conditions of the Management Purchase Plan shall be determined by the Compensation and Employment Committee in accordance with Section 6.12.
SECTION 4.06. Reservation. The Company shall, at all times, reserve out of its authorized but unissued capital, a sufficient number of Shares to permit the issue of Shares pursuant to the Management Option Plan and/or the Management Purchase Plan.
ARTICLE V
FUNDING
SECTION 5.01. Debt Financing. The Company shall obtain debt financing in the form of a U.S.$150 million or greater credit or loan facility (which facility may be guaranteed by CNCHK) provided by a bank or banks on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Shareholders decided pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 6.02 (the "Initial Funding"). The Initial Funding shall be drawn down in accordance with the Business Plan as in effect from time to time. The Company shall be responsible for the costs and fees associated with the Initial Funding. The Company and CNCHK shall maintain the Company's current U.S.$150 million credit facility (the "Bridge Funding") (which credit facility is guaranteed by CNCHK and collateralized by CNCHK's cash deposits) with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
(Asia) Limited on its current terms until such time as funds under the Initial Funding become available to the Company.
SECTION 5.02. Additional Funding and Failure to Fund. (a) If the Board determines at any one or more points in time that additional capital is required to support those operations of the Company contemplated by the Current Scope (each, an "Additional Funding Requirement"), such additional capital shall be obtained through additional debt financing (each, an "Additional Debt Funding") from a bank or banks. If the Company is unable to obtain such Additional Debt Funding without a guarantee from CNCHK within two (2) months following such determination by the Board, CNCHK shall, (i) within one (1) additional month, provide the Company with a binding commitment to provide a guarantee (each, a "CNC Guarantee") in support of the Company's obligations under such Additional Debt Funding and (ii) provide the CNC Guarantee in respect of any Additional Debt Funding obtained, provided, that the CNC Guarantees, with respect to the aggregate principal amount outstanding under the Additional Debt Funding at any time, shall not exceed at any time the lesser of (i) the aggregate of all Additional Funding Requirements and (ii) the excess of (x) $300 million over (y) the Initial Funding. The CNC Guarantees will contain, at a minimum, provisions substantially similar to those set forth in Exhibit 5.02 attached hereto. CNCHK's obligation to provide any CNC Guarantee shall terminate upon the closing of an IPO or HK IPO of the Company; provided, however, that any CNC Guarantee outstanding at the closing of an IPO or HK IPO shall continue until the credit facility underlying such CNC Guarantee expires or terminates according to its terms. The Company shall pay a guarantee fee to CNCHK in respect of any CNC Guarantee and any other guarantee that CNCHK provides on behalf of the Company in respect of the Bridge Funding or the Initial Funding as described in Section 5.01 above after the Effective Date. Such fees shall be equal to one percent (1%) per annum of amounts outstanding from time to time under the guaranteed portion of the Bridge Funding, the Initial Funding, and any Additional Debt Funding.
(b) If CNCHK fails to comply with its obligations to provide a
binding commitment to provide a guarantee or to provide a CNC Guarantee within
the time periods specified in paragraph (a) or, within one hundred and eighty
(180) days from the Board's determination of an Additional Funding Requirement,
the Company fails to obtain Additional Debt Funding equal to the lesser of (i)
such Additional Funding Requirement and (ii) the excess of (x) $300 million over
(y) the Initial Funding, each of the Original Other Shareholders shall have the
right (the "Transfer Right"), exercisable once only during a period of thirty
(30) days following the earliest such failure (the "Transfer Period") to
transfer to CNCHK a number of Shares equal to the lesser of (x) the total number
of Shares it holds and (y) the aggregate of the number of Shares it originally
purchased pursuant to Section 4.01(b) plus the number of Shares subsequently
purchased or received from any other original Shareholder or an Affiliate of an
original Shareholder (in each case, adjusted for any share splits, reverse share
splits, share subdivisions, share consolidations, bonus issues, share dividends,
reclassifications, rights offerings, dilutive offerings of equity or
equity-linked securities or other events having similar effect) at a price per
Share (the "Transfer Price") equal to the Original Purchase Price.
(c) Each such Original Other Shareholder desiring to exercise its Transfer Right (each, a "Transferring Shareholder") shall, prior to the expiration of the relevant Transfer Period
deliver to CNCHK, a written notice (the "Transfer Notice") stating its intention to exercise its Transfer Right and identifying the total number of Shares to be transferred.
(d) The transfer of the Shares identified in a Transfer Notice shall be completed on a date mutually agreed upon by CNCHK and the Transferring Shareholder delivering such Transfer Notice and, in any event within seven (7) Business Days after the date of such Transfer Notice at such reasonable time and place as CNCHK and such Transferring Shareholder shall agree. At the completion of such transfer, the Transferring Shareholder shall, against payment of the Transfer Price, deliver to CNCHK such certificate or certificates evidencing all the Shares identified in the Transfer Notice, free and clear of all Encumbrances together with duly executed written instruments of transfer with respect thereto, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to CNCHK. CNCHK shall pay in U.S. Dollars an amount equal to the Transfer Price multiplied by the number of Shares being transferred by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the bank account designated by the Transferring Shareholder at least three (3) Business Days prior to such date of completion.
ARTICLE VI
GOVERNANCE
SECTION 6.01. General Meetings. Meetings of the shareholders of the Company shall be either annual general meetings or special general meetings and shall be convened and held in accordance herewith and with the Bye-laws of the Company.
(b) An annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Company shall be held during the first three (3) months following the close of each Fiscal Year. Special general meetings of the shareholders may be held upon written request (i) pursuant to a Majority Vote or (ii) by shareholders representing at least twenty percent (20%) of the outstanding Shares, which requests in each case shall specify the subject to be addressed at such meeting. Written notice of a general meeting shall be given to all shareholders at least twenty (20) Business Days prior to the date of any annual general meeting and at least five (5) Business Days prior to the date of any special general meeting, provided, that in the case of an annual general meeting, the requirement for such notice may be waived by all of the shareholders of the Company, and in the case of a special general meeting, the requirement may be waived by a majority in number of the shareholders who together hold at least ninety-five percent (95%) of the Shares.
(c) Unless otherwise required by Bermuda law or by this Agreement,
the quorum for a general meeting shall require the presence of shareholders
representing a simple majority of the total number of outstanding Shares and
must include Netcom as a Shareholder and at least one of the Other Shareholders.
If a quorum is not present at any duly convened general meeting of shareholders,
then an adjourned general meeting shall be called in accordance with paragraph
(b) above, and a quorum for such adjourned general meeting shall be shareholders
representing a simple majority of the total number of outstanding Shares. Every
shareholder entitled to vote shall be entitled to one vote for each Share held
by it. Subject to Section 6.02, resolutions of a general meeting shall be
adopted by an affirmative vote of shareholders holding a simple majority of the
Shares present at such meeting.
(d) All general meetings of the shareholders shall be held at the principal place of business of the Company unless agreed otherwise by all shareholders.
SECTION 6.02. Prior Approval of Shareholders. The Company shall not take any of the following actions, or any other action specified herein to be subject to approval in accordance with this Section 6.02, except pursuant to prior approval by affirmative vote of holders of at least sixty six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of all outstanding Shares at a duly convened general meeting of the shareholders or by Written Consent:
(a) any material change in the strategic direction of the Company or the way in which the Business is conducted other than in accordance with the Business Plan or the relevant Annual Budget;
(b) any change in the number of, or method of appointing, designating, nominating, or electing Directors;
(c) the amendment of the Organizational Documents;
(d) any transaction or series of related transactions between (i) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries on the one hand and (ii) on the other hand, (w) any Shareholder, Shareholder Affiliate, or non wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, (x) China Netcom Group or any of its Affiliates, (y) any director, officer or employee of any Person described in (w) or (x) above, or (z) any Related Party of any Person described in (y) above in excess of U.S.$1 million (for any transactions with any individuals or their Related Parties) and U.S.$5 million (for all other related party transactions) in aggregate value over any twelve (12) month period;
(e) any loans or advances by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
(i) to any officer or employee of the Company or of any of its
Subsidiaries, other than reasonable advances for travel expenses, or (ii)
to any other Person other than a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company,
except for account receivables in the ordinary course of business,
provided, however, any such loans or advances to any director of the
Company or of any of its Subsidiaries shall require prior approval by
affirmative vote of holders of at least ninety percent (90%) of all
outstanding Shares;
(f) (i) any recapitalization, reclassification, split-off, spin-off, dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) the filing or commencement of insolvency, bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or similar proceedings with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;
(g) any merger, amalgamation, consolidation or other business combination, any acquisition of all or a material part of the assets or business of any other Person, any sale, transfer, lease, license or other direct or indirect disposition of all or a material part of the assets or business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any similar transaction, of or by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in one or a series of related transactions;
(h) the authorization, issuance or sale by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any Shares, any other equity interest (including any option, warrant, conversion or
similar right with respect to any equity interest) or any securities (whether equity or debt) in or of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including the approval of the terms and conditions of the Management Option Plan and the Management Purchase Plan;
(i) any redemption, purchase or other acquisition or voluntary prepayment, directly or indirectly, in cash or in property by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any Shares or other securities (whether equity or debt) or other Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;
(j) any declaration, making or payment of any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) on any Shares or other equity securities;
(k) the sale, transfer, lease, sublease, license or other disposition by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to a third party of any property or asset, real, personal or mixed (including leasehold interests and intangible assets) in excess of U.S.$10 million in one or a series of transactions over any twelve (12) month period, other than IRU sales in the ordinary course of business not exceeding U.S.$15 million to a single purchaser (together with its Affiliates) in one or a series of transactions during any twelve (12) month period;
(l) the appointment or replacement of the Auditors;
(m) except for Indebtedness under U.S.$20 million in one or a series of transactions during any twelve (12) month period as specifically provided in the applicable Business Plan or Annual Budget, the creation, incurrence, assumption, guarantee or otherwise becoming liable (in each case, directly or indirectly) by the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to any Indebtedness;
(n) any matter required to be brought before the shareholders pursuant to Section 6.03; or
(o) the creation of new subsidiaries.
SECTION 6.03. Prior Approval of Board. (a) The Company shall not take any of the following actions, or any other action specified herein to be subject to approval in accordance with this Section 6.03, except with prior approval by a Majority Vote, provided, that such Majority Vote shall include the affirmative vote of either a SAIF Director or a Newbridge Director:
(i) any change in the principal place of business of the Company to anywhere other than Hong Kong or Shanghai, PRC;
(ii) subject to Section 6.02, any delegation of authority (other than those required by Bermuda law) to the Officers or to others to act on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to Section 6.04;
(iii) any change in the number of members on the Compensation and Employment Committee or the Executive Committee or in the method of designating,
nominating, appointing or electing members to the Compensation and Employment Committee or the Executive Committee; or
(iv) except for matters requiring approval under Section 6.02, the taking of any action by or with respect to one or more Subsidiaries of the Company (or by the Company and one or more Subsidiaries of the Company) which, if taken by the Company, would require approval under Section 6.02 or this Section 6.03.
(b) The Company shall not take any of the following actions except with prior approval by at least sixty six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the Directors, provided, that, subject to Section 8.08, any Shareholder at or prior to the duly constituted Board meeting at which any matter specified below is to be considered, may, by giving oral or written notice to all Directors or, if given at such meeting, to the Directors present at the meeting called to consider such matter, require any such matter to be brought before the shareholders for approval pursuant to Section 6.02:
(i) the approval of, any amendment to and any material deviation from, any Business Plan or Annual Budget; provided, that any deviation from numerically quantified goals or projections in such Business Plan or Annual Budget which, either alone or together with all prior deviations during the effective period of such Business Plan or Annual Budget, is in excess of fifteen percent (15%) shall be deemed to be material, provided, further, that no spending by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall be permitted except pursuant to an approved Annual Budget;
(ii) the creation, incurrence or assumption of any Encumbrance on any assets of the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries or any guarantee by the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries in excess of U.S.$10 million over any twelve (12) month period;
(iii) except as contemplated by the then applicable Annual Budget, any capital expenditures, investments or other purchase of tangible or intangible assets in a single transaction or a series of transactions by the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries aggregating in excess of U.S.$10 million during any twelve (12) month period; or
(iv) the selection of any exchange or automated quotation system on which the Shares or any other securities of the Company will be listed or quoted.
SECTION 6.04. Management of the Company. (a) The management of the Company shall be vested exclusively in the Board, which may from time to time by resolution delegate authority to the Officers or to others to act on behalf of the Company. No Shareholder shall have any right or authority to take any action on behalf of the Company or to bind or commit the Company.
(b) The Company's operations and activities shall be governed and carried out in accordance with the Business Plan and Annual Budget in effect from time to time and approved by the Board in accordance with Section 6.03(b).
SECTION 6.05. Board. (a) Subject to Section 8.08, each Shareholder shall be entitled to appoint one or more individuals as directors of the Company (each a "Director") as
provided in this Section 6.05. The total number of Directors shall be seven (7)
of whom, (i) three (3) shall be appointed by Netcom (the "Netcom Directors"),
(ii) one (1) shall be appointed by SAIF (the "SAIF Director"), (iii) one (1)
shall be appointed by Newbridge (the "Newbridge Director"), and (iv) two (2)
shall be Independent Directors, one (1) being appointed by Netcom with the prior
consent of SAIF or Newbridge and one (1) being appointed by agreement between
SAIF and Newbridge with the prior consent of Netcom. The Board shall appoint the
Chairman of the Board (the "Chairman"), and the initial Chairman shall be a
Netcom Director. Each Shareholder may also appoint an Internal Observer who may
attend the meetings of the Board in a non-voting capacity, provided, that each
Shareholder shall bear the costs and expenses of its respective Internal
Observer.
(b) All seven (7) Directors must be present for the first meeting of the Board held on or after the Effective Date, thereafter, the presence of a simple majority of Directors shall constitute a quorum; provided, that a quorum shall require the presence of one Netcom Director and either the Newbridge Director or the SAIF Director (unless waived by such directors in writing prior to a meeting). If a quorum is not present at any duly convened meeting of the Board, then an adjourned meeting shall be called in accordance with Section 6.06, and a quorum for such adjourned meeting shall be a majority of the Directors. A quorum must exist at all times during a meeting, including the reconvening of any meeting that has been adjourned, for any action taken at such meeting to be valid. Except as provided in Section 6.03 or otherwise required herein, all decisions of the Board shall be taken by a Majority Vote. At any Board meeting each Director is entitled to one vote.
(c) The Chairman shall chair meetings of the Board and in his absence the Chairman shall select another Director as a chairperson to preside over such meetings.
SECTION 6.06. Frequency and Language of Meetings. (a) The Board shall meet no less frequently than quarterly at such place and time as shall be determined by Majority Vote at a duly constituted previous meeting of the Directors. Special meetings of the Board, to be held at the offices of the Company as above provided (or such other place as shall be agreed by all the Directors), shall be called at the direction of the Chairman, the President or one or more Directors, upon not less than five (5) Business Days' notice given by the Chairman or the Secretary of the Company (the "Secretary") (which Officers shall give such notice if properly directed so to do as aforesaid), provided, that any Director may consent to shorter notice being given to such Director. If a Director reasonably believes there is an emergency, a special meeting of the Board may be held at the offices of the Company (or such other place as shall be agreed by all the Directors) upon not less than two (2) Business Days' telephone notice specifying in reasonable detail the nature of such emergency (to be confirmed by written facsimile notice) by any Director, the Chairman or the Secretary of the Company, provided, that any Director may consent to shorter notice being given to such Director.
(b) With respect to quarterly meetings and special meetings, not later than five (5) Business Days before each such meeting, there shall be delivered to each Director, together with the notice of each such meeting, an agenda specifying in reasonable detail the matters to be discussed at the applicable Board meeting. Any Director that wishes to have any additional matter discussed at any such meeting shall give to the Secretary of the Company and each other Director not later than two (2) Business Days prior to any such meeting, notice of each matter it
so wishes to discuss, provided, that any Director may consent to shorter notice being given to such Director.
(c) Board meetings shall be conducted in English, with simultaneous translation into Chinese provided by the Company, if requested by any Director.
SECTION 6.07. Removal of Directors; Vacancies. (a) All Shareholders shall cause a special general meeting to be convened and shall vote to remove any Director appointed by a Shareholder pursuant to Section 6.05, with or without cause, upon receipt of written notice from such Shareholder; provided, however, that Independent Directors may only be removed at a duly convened general meeting of shareholders with the affirmative vote of holders of sixty six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the Shares outstanding.
(b) In the event a vacancy occurs on the Board as a result of the
retirement, removal, resignation or death of a Director appointed pursuant to
Section 6.05, such vacancy shall be filled by a person appointed by the
Shareholder, the retirement, removal, resignation or death of whose appointee
created the vacancy (or in the manner specified in Section 6.05, with respect to
Independent Directors).
SECTION 6.08. Action by Written Consent. Subject to the Companies Act 1981, any action required or permitted to be taken by the shareholders or the Board at a meeting may be taken without a meeting by a unanimous written resolution in the case of the Directors, and by Written Consent in the case of the shareholders. Such resolution or Written Consent shall be filed with the minutes of proceedings of the shareholders or the Directors, as the case may be. Written notice of the action to be taken by unanimous written resolution or Written Consent will be given by the Chairman or Secretary of the Company to all shareholders or the Directors, as the case may be, at least two (2) Business Days prior to the effectiveness of any such action, provided, that any Director or shareholder, as the case may be, may consent to shorten notice being given to him.
SECTION 6.09. Telephonic Meetings. Directors may participate in any meeting of the Board by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment through which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation in a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting. Such communications equipment shall be available for all emergency meetings of the Directors and for any other meeting of the Directors if requested by any Director not less than three (3) hours prior to the commencement of such meeting.
SECTION 6.10. Company Minutes. The decisions and resolutions of the shareholders and the Board shall be reported in minutes, which shall state the date, time and place of the meeting (or the date of the unanimous written resolution or Written Consent in lieu of meeting), the Shareholders or Directors, as the case may be, present at the meeting, the resolutions put to a vote (or the subject of a unanimous written resolution or Written Consent) and the results of such voting (or unanimous written resolution or Written Consent). The minutes shall be entered in a minute book kept at the registered office of the Company and a copy of the minutes shall be provided to each Shareholder and Director.
SECTION 6.11. Remuneration for Directors. The Independent Directors shall be compensated by the Company as determined by the vote of holders of at least sixty six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the Shares outstanding at a properly constituted general meeting. The Company shall also bear, or reimburse, the costs and expenses of all Directors, including travel expenses, reasonably incurred in attending each Board meeting. The Company shall indemnify the Directors and hold them harmless against any claims, losses or liabilities of any kind whatsoever in connection with the performance of their duties as Directors, except in the case of fraud or dishonesty. No later than the Effective Date, the Company shall obtain and cause to be maintained in effect, with financially sound insurers, a policy of directors' and officers' liability insurance covering each Director upon such terms as shall be consistent with U.S. market standards.
SECTION 6.12. Compensation and Employment Committee; Executive Committee. (a) The Board shall establish and maintain a Compensation and Employment Committee of the Board (the "Compensation and Employment Committee"). The Board shall decide pursuant to a Majority Vote (which shall include the affirmative vote of either the SAIF Director or the Newbridge Director) whether to accept or reject the recommendations of the Compensation and Employment Committee with respect to matters specified in Section 6.12(b). The Compensation and Employment Committee shall consist of three (3) members of the Board, including one (1) Netcom Director, one (1) Director jointly appointed by Newbridge and SAIF and one (1) Independent Director (selected by the mutual agreement of all the Shareholders). The Independent Director shall be Chairman of the Compensation and Employment Committee.
(b) The approval of the Compensation and Employment Committee by
simple majority vote shall be required for: (i) the approval, and in certain
cases recommendation, to appoint and discharge, and establishing or modifying
the compensation of, the management team of the Company, which shall include, at
a minimum, the CEO, the CFO and the Deputy CFO of the Company and the ten (10)
highest compensated employees of the Company, including its Subsidiaries; (ii)
establishing or modifying the compensation and benefit plans of the Company and
its Subsidiaries and (iii) all matters relating to the creation, terms, any
amendment to or implementation of the Management Option Plan and Management
Purchase Plan; provided, however, that the CEO shall be appointed (and may be
removed) by unanimous consent of the Board (other than the Independent Directors
and the CEO as a Director, if applicable). Any personnel decision to be approved
pursuant to this Section 6.12(b) must be recommended by the CEO or a member of
the Compensation and Employment Committee (which recommendation may be vetoed by
the CEO). The Board shall not approve any action or matter specified in this
Section 6.12(b) that has not been approved by the Compensation and Employment
Committee.
(c) The Board shall also establish and maintain an Executive
Committee of the Board (the "Executive Committee"). The Board shall decide
pursuant to a Majority Vote (which shall include the affirmative vote of either
the SAIF Director or the Newbridge Director) whether to accept or reject the
recommendations of the Executive Committee with respect to matters specified in
Section 6.12(d). The Executive Committee shall consist of five (5) members,
including two (2) Netcom Directors, the SAIF Director, the Newbridge Director,
and the most senior officer of the Company not affiliated with any Shareholder.
(d) The approval of the Executive Committee by simple majority vote of the members then in office shall be required for approval of material financial decisions of, or spending by, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. The Deputy CFO shall report equally to the Executive Committee and the CFO. The Executive Committee shall meet weekly for the first two months following the Effective Date and bi-weekly thereafter or at such times as may be decided by simple majority vote of the members of the Executive Committee. The Board shall not approve any action or matter specified in this Section 6.12(d) that has not been approved by the Executive Committee.
SECTION 6.13. Officers. (a) The Company shall have employees or agents who are elected as officers including, but not limited to, a Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), a Chief Operating Officer ("COO"), one or more vice presidents, a Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), a Deputy Chief Financial Officer (the "Deputy CFO"), a Secretary, and one or more Assistant Secretaries, and such other officers as the Board shall deem necessary from time to time (the "Officers").
(b) The Officers shall be responsible for implementing the decisions of the Board and for conducting the ordinary and usual business and affairs of the Company, subject to the policies and limitations established by, and the supervision of, the Board and subject to the terms of this Agreement, including, without limitation, Sections 6.02 and 6.03.
(c) The Officers shall be entitled to receive for their services to the Company such compensation as may be determined by the Compensation and Employment Committee from time to time, such compensation to be paid by the Company. Except as otherwise authorized by the Board, no other Person shall have authority to bind or act for, or assume any obligations or responsibilities on behalf of, the Company. The Officers shall keep the Board informed as to all matters of concern to the Company.
(d) Unless consented to by holders of at least sixty six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of outstanding Shares, any Officer (other than the CEO) or other employee of the Company serving as an officer or employee of any Shareholder or any Affiliate of a Shareholder shall terminate such relationship prior to accepting employment with the Company.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the CFO and Deputy CFO of the Company shall be jointly designated (and may be removed) by Newbridge and SAIF (in the case of the Deputy CFO, subject to the approval of the CEO).
SECTION 6.14. Subsidiaries. The bye-laws or other organizational documents of each Subsidiary of the Company shall be amended as of the Effective Date so that any action to be taken by such Subsidiary with respect to any matter specified in Section 6.02 or 6.03 shall be taken by such Subsidiary only pursuant to a resolution of the shareholders of such Subsidiary, which resolution the Company shall approve (or cause any intermediary to approve) only pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.02 or 6.03 hereunder, as applicable.
ARTICLE VII
BOOKS AND RECORDS; FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 7.01. Books and Records; Financial Statements. (a) At all times during the continuance of the Company, the Company shall prepare and maintain separate books of account for the Company that shall show a true and accurate record of all costs and expenses incurred, all charges made, all credits made and received and all income derived in connection with the operation of the Business in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, and, to the extent inconsistent therewith, in accordance with this Agreement. Such books of account, together with a certified copy of this Agreement and of the Organizational Documents, shall at all times be maintained at the principal place of business of the Company and shall be open to inspection and examination at reasonable times by each Shareholder and its duly authorized representatives for any purpose reasonably related to such Shareholder's interest in the Company. The books of account and the records of the Company shall be examined and reported upon as of the end of each Fiscal Year by a firm of independent certified public accountants that shall be selected by the shareholders of the Company (the "Auditors"). Each Shareholder shall have access to all properties, books of account, records, facilities and personnel of the Company and its Subsidiaries at reasonable times and upon reasonable advance notice to the Company and each such Shareholder shall have the right to make copies from such books and records at its own expense.
(b) The Company shall provide each Shareholder with regular information reports on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis. Such reports shall contain, at a minimum, the following information: an income statement; a cash flow statement; a balance sheet; and a narrative summary of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries with respect to each such period.
(c) The Company shall, at its own expense, maintain such records and provide such information as may reasonably be requested by a Shareholder in order for the Shareholder or any indirect owner to comply with tax or other reporting requirements.
ARTICLE VIII
IPO AND SHARE TRANSFERS.
SECTION 8.01. Put Option. (a) If an IPO or a HK IPO has not been consummated by the Company on or prior to three and one-half (3-1/2) years after the Effective Date, each of the Original Other Shareholders shall have an option (each, a "Put Option") to require CNCHK to purchase a number of Shares equal to the lesser of (i) the total number of Shares it holds and (ii) the number of Shares it originally purchased pursuant to Section 4.01(b) plus the number of Shares subsequently purchased or received from any other Original Other Shareholder or an Affiliate of an Original Other Shareholder (in each case adjusted for any share splits, reverse share splits, share subdivisions, share consolidations, bonus issues, share dividends, reclassifications, rights offerings, dilutive offerings of equity or equity-linked securities or other events having similar effect) at a price per Share (the "Exercise Price") equal to the higher of (x) fifty percent (50%) of the Original Purchase Price and (y) Fair Market Value determined in accordance with Section 8.07.
(b) A Put Option may be exercised only once by each of the Original Other Shareholders during the six (6) month period from three and one-half (3-1/2) years after the Effective Date (the "Put Option Period"), provided, that a Put Option is not exercisable by an Original Other Shareholder if an IPO or a HK IPO is consummated prior to such Original Other Shareholder delivering written notice of its intention to exercise the Put Option. Any Original Other Shareholder desiring to exercise its Put Option (each being, a "Selling Shareholder") shall, prior to the expiration of the Put Option Period deliver a written notice (the "Put Option Notice") to CNCHK stating its intention to exercise its Put Option and identifying the total number of Shares it desires to sell to CNCHK as at the date of the Put Option Notice (which shall be payable exclusively in U.S. Dollars in cash (unless otherwise agreed)).
(c) The sale of the Shares identified in a Put Option Notice shall be completed on a date mutually agreed upon by CNCHK and the Selling Shareholder delivering such Put Option Notice and, in any event within seven (7) Business Days after the date of the Fair Market Value determination at such reasonable time and place that CNCHK and such Selling Shareholder agree. At the completion of such sale, the Selling Shareholder shall, against payment of the Exercise Price multiplied by the number of Shares identified in the Put Option Notice, deliver to CNCHK such certificate or certificates evidencing all the Shares identified in the Put Option Notice, free and clear of all Encumbrances. CNCHK shall pay in U.S. Dollars an amount equal to the Exercise Price multiplied by the number of Shares identified in the Put Option Notice by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the bank account designated by the Selling Shareholder at least three (3) Business Days prior to such date of completion. If the Selling Shareholder does not deliver to CNCHK such certificate or certificates evidencing all the Shares identified in the Put Option Notice, the obligation of CNCHK to purchase the Shares and the obligation of the Selling Shareholder to sell the Shares pursuant to the Put Option Notice from the Selling Shareholder shall be terminated.
SECTION 8.02. Participation in a Company IPO; Registration Rights.
(a) If the Company proposes to conduct an initial public offering of its Shares
or securities convertible or exchangeable into common equity securities of the
Company, the Company shall have first right of sale of Shares in such offering.
Each Shareholder shall have second right of sale and may request the Company to
include in the offering, up to its pro rata portion (according to the number of
Shares it holds) of the maximum number of Shares that may be sold by
Shareholders electing to participate in the offering. The Shareholders shall not
be obliged to subscribe for any new Shares issued pursuant to any such offering
or otherwise. If amendment of any Organizational Documents is necessary to
effectuate the offering, the Shareholders shall not unreasonably withhold their
consent for any necessary amendments. The terms of such participation are more
particularly set forth in, and shall be governed entirely by, Section 5 of
Exhibit 8.02 hereto, "Registration Rights".
(b) Upon the consummation of a public offering of the Company's Shares or securities convertible or exchangeable into common equity securities of the Company, the provisions of Exhibit 8.02 regarding registration rights of the Shareholders shall become effective.
(c) The Company has not entered into and will not enter into any agreement with respect to the share capital of the Company that is inconsistent with the provisions of this Section 8.02 or Exhibit 8.02 hereto. In particular, the Company shall not, by any means, grant to any Person any registration rights with priority over the rights of the Shareholders hereunder.
(d) If the Board determines, in consultation with an internationally recognized investment banking firm acceptable to the Board, that the Company is able to successfully conduct an IPO or HK IPO at such time, the Shareholders shall take all actions as may be necessary to cause the Company to consummate an IPO or HK IPO. The Board determination regarding conducting an IPO or HK IPO will be made in a manner consistent with its fiduciary duties to the Company and the shareholders as a whole.
SECTION 8.03. Participation in a Group IPO. (a) If CNCHK or any of its Affiliates which directly or indirectly through intermediaries holds Shares in the Company (each, an "IPO Entity") proposes to conduct an initial public offering of its common equity securities, the price of which is based, in the written opinion of the managing underwriter, on a U.S.$500 million (pre-IPO) equity valuation of the IPO Entity (each a "Group IPO"), prior to the Company conducting its IPO or HK IPO, the Other Shareholders (each an "Exchanging Shareholder") shall have a right (the "Exchange Right"), exercisable during the thirty (30) Business Day period (the "Exchange Period") ending five (5) Business Days prior to the date such preliminary prospectus is scheduled by the managing underwriter to be printed (the "Exchange Deadline"), to exchange any and all of the Shares that it holds for the common equity securities of such IPO Entity that are proposed to be sold in the Group IPO ("IPO Entity Shares"). The managing underwriter shall provide to each Other Shareholder a price range per IPO Entity Share (which shall provide for a deviation from the midpoint thereof consistent with current SEC or HKSE practice but in no event greater than 15%) that such managing underwriter reasonably believes in good faith to be the price range pursuant to which the shares will be offered to the public in the Group IPO (the "Price Range"). The determination of the Price Range shall be made by the managing underwriter and the IPO Entity and be based on a fully diluted equity valuation of the IPO Entity or by such other generally accepted method as deemed appropriate in good faith by IPO Entity and the managing underwriter. The IPO Entity shall also provide to each Other Shareholder the financial statements of the IPO Entity that will be included in the preliminary prospectus and an estimate of the capitalization of the IPO Entity, pre- and post-Group IPO (the "Financial Information"). Such Price Range and Financial Information shall be provided to the Other Shareholders no later than ten (10) Business Days prior to the Exchange Deadline.
(i) The IPO Entity shall deliver to each Shareholder a notice (a "Mandate Notice") within ten (10) Business Days of the execution of an investment bank mandate with respect to the Group IPO. Fifteen (15) days in advance of the Mandate Notice, the IPO Entity shall notify each Shareholder it has entered discussions with one or more investment banks.
(ii) Each Share shall be exchangeable into IPO Entity Shares at a ratio (the "Exchange Price") equal to the higher of:
(A) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be fifty percent (50%) of the Original Purchase Price and the denominator of which shall be the midpoint of the Price Range; and
(B) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the Fair Market Value, per Share, of the Company and the denominator of which shall be the midpoint of the Price Range.
(b) Each such Exchanging Shareholder shall, prior to the Exchange Deadline, deliver a written notice (the "Exchange Request") to the Company and the IPO Entity identifying the total number of Shares it holds as of the date of the Exchange Request and the number of Shares that it intends to exchange. An Exchanging Shareholder may withdraw its Exchange Request at any time prior, but not subsequent to, the Exchange Deadline, except that, if the actual IPO price per IPO Entity Share is equal to or less than seventy-five percent (75%) of the lowest price of the Price Range, each Exchanging Shareholder shall have the option to withdraw or amend its Exchange Request. Each Exchanging Shareholder shall have the right to sell the shares of the IPO Entity that it receives pursuant to such exchange in the Group IPO ("Exchange Shares"), except that, if the managing underwriter(s) of the Group IPO determines that marketing factors require a limitation of the number or principal amount of secondary securities that can be included in such offering, the managing underwriter(s) may exclude the appropriate number or principal amount of the Exchange Shares held by the Exchanging Shareholders from such Group IPO.
If the managing underwriter(s) determines in good faith to include
in such offering an amount of Exchange Shares that is less than all of the
Exchange Shares that the Other Shareholders desire to include, the Exchanging
Shareholders and any other securityholder of the IPO Entity requesting
registration pursuant to such registration statement shall share in the portion
of such offering available to them (the "Available Amount"). Such allocation of
the Available Amount among the Exchanging Shareholders shall be based on the
number of Exchange Shares that each such Exchanging Shareholder has requested to
be included in the Group IPO and the number of shares subject to a request for
registration by any other securityholders of the IPO Entity, pro rata. The IPO
Entity and the managing underwriters shall provide notice of the Available
Amount (the "Available Amount Notice") on the date that the Price Range is
provided to the Other Shareholders. To the extent that any Exchange Shares are
not to be included in the Group IPO, any Exchanging Shareholder holding such
shares shall not be obligated to exchange such shares into IPO Entity Shares,
except that, such determination must be made within ten (10) Business Days
following receipt of the Available Amount Notice. The IPO Entity shall have the
right to terminate or withdraw any registration initiated by it under this
Section 8.03 prior to the effectiveness of such registration whether or not any
Exchanging Shareholder has elected to include securities in such registration.
If the Group IPO is not completed within sixty (60) days of the Exchange
Deadline, each Exchanging Shareholder that has exchanged pursuant to this
section shall have the right, exercisable for the ten (10) Business Days period
following the 60th day after the Exchange Deadline, to exchange its IPO Entity
Shares back into Shares of the Company.
(c) The exchange of the Shares identified in a Exchange Request shall be completed by the Company and the IPO Entity in sufficient time to allow for the delivery of the
appropriate number of IPO Entity Shares to the underwriter(s) for sale in the Group IPO. Upon exchange of all the Shares that a Shareholder holds into the shares of an IPO Entity and their inclusion in the Group IPO, such Shareholder shall cease to be a "Shareholder" for the purposes of this Agreement in accordance with Section 8.06, provided, that such Shareholder shall be afforded registration rights substantially similar to those contained in Exhibit 8.02 hereof. No IPO Entity shall conduct any Group IPO prior to the latest to occur of the Exchange Deadline or, if applicable, (i) the conclusion of the determination of the Fair Market Value in accordance with Section 8.07 and (ii) the exchange of Shares provided under this Section 8.03.
SECTION 8.04. Co-operation between Shareholders. If the Company encounters significant delays or difficulties in conducting an IPO or a HK IPO because the Company is directly or indirectly majority owned by Chinese entities, Netcom (and any relevant transferee of Netcom Shares) shall allow the Other Shareholders to purchase, at the closing of an IPO or a HK IPO (or earlier, if required by applicable law or listing requirements), such number of Shares held by Netcom and its relevant transferees as are required to be divested to facilitate an IPO or a HK IPO. If applicable law or listing requirements require that the purchase occur prior to the closing date to facilitate an IPO or a HK IPO, and if it is permissible under applicable law and listing requirements, the Shares may be placed in escrow pursuant to an escrow agreement reasonably acceptable to the Company. Such Other Shareholders shall purchase such Shares at a price per Share equal to the proceeds per Share received (or to be received) by the Company in the IPO or HK IPO, net of underwriting discounts or commissions (but in no event net of offering expenses or extraordinary fees or payments to the underwriters actually paid by the Company) (the "IPO Price"). At all times prior to any sale of such Shares in an IPO or a HK IPO the Other Shareholders shall exercise all rights in relation to such Shares as directed by Netcom (if permissible under applicable law and listing requirements), and the Other Shareholders shall not incur any Encumbrance on such Shares. If the Shares are transferred prior to closing as contemplated above, and the closing of the IPO or HK IPO is not consummated within thirty (30) days of the scheduled date thereof, all right, title and interest in the Shares shall be immediately transferred back to Netcom. Payment for such Shares to Netcom shall be made at the closing of such IPO or HK IPO upon receipt by the Other Shareholders of proceeds of the sale of such Shares in the IPO or HK IPO. After the IPO or HK IPO, subject to applicable Law and listing requirements of any applicable stock exchange or automated securities quotation system, Netcom shall have the right to repurchase at the IPO Price any Shares purchased by the Other Shareholders from Netcom pursuant to this Section 8.04 and not sold in the IPO or HK IPO.
SECTION 8.05. Transferees to Execute Agreement. Each Shareholder agrees that it shall not, during the term of this Agreement, directly or indirectly, make any Sale of any Shares held by such Shareholder unless prior to the consummation of any such Sale, the Person to whom such Sale is proposed to be made (a "Prospective Transferee") executes and delivers this Agreement to the Company and each Shareholder. Upon the execution and delivery by such Prospective Transferee of this Agreement and consummation of the Sale such Prospective Transferee shall become a "Shareholder" for purposes of this Agreement and shall have the rights and be subject to the obligations of the transferor under this Agreement with respect to the Shares owned by such Prospective Transferee and shall further have any rights assigned to it by Newbridge, SAIF or any immediate or subsequent transferee, assignee, or successor of
Newbridge or SAIF; provided, that neither the Transfer Right nor the right to exercise the Put Option may be transferred or assigned by Newbridge or SAIF to any Person other than Newbridge, SAIF, or an Affiliate of Newbridge or SAIF.
SECTION 8.06. Ceasing to be a Shareholder. If any Person sells, transfers or otherwise disposes of all Shares owned by it, such Person shall cease to be a Shareholder. On ceasing to be a Shareholder:
(a) the former Shareholder shall certify to the Company that all material correspondence, Annual Budgets, Business Plans, schedules, documents and other records provided to it by the Company and held by it or any Shareholder or any third party which has acquired such matter through such former Shareholder has been destroyed and shall not keep any copies or electronic versions thereof, in each case, except as required by applicable Law or pursuant to established record keeping policies;
(b) the former Shareholder shall immediately upon transfer of its Shares procure the resignation of all its appointees to the Board (other than Independent Directors) unless it has transferred its rights hereunder to appoint Directors to its transferee (in which case such transferee may remove such Directors in accordance with Section 6.07 as if such transferee had appointed such Directors); and
(c) the former Shareholder shall continue to comply with its obligations under Article XI for the term specified in Article XI (including with respect to any items not destroyed pursuant to Section 8.06(a)).
SECTION 8.07. Determination of Fair Market Value. (a) "Fair Market Value" shall mean the fair market value of Shares on a per Share basis as determined pursuant to the terms of this Section 8.07. Two independent investment banking, accounting or consulting firms of recognized international standing, neither of which shall have provided significant services to the Company in the preceding four (4) years (the "Appraisal Firms") shall be appointed by the Shareholders for purposes of determining Fair Market Value, one by CNCHK and the other by the mutual agreement of the Other Shareholders, selected within ten (10) days after the date of the Put Option Notice or the Mandate Notice, as the case may be. Fair Market Value determinations made pursuant to Section 8.01 shall be made as of the date of the Put Option Notice. Fair Market Value determinations made pursuant to Section 8.03 shall be made as of the date of the Mandate Notice.
(b) Within 10 (ten) days after appointment, each Appraisal Firm
shall determine its initial view as to the Fair Market Value. Within thirty five
(35) days after the date of the Put Option Notice or the Mandate Notice, as the
case may be, each Appraisal Firm shall have determined its final view as to the
Fair Market Value and shall have delivered such final view to each participant
in the appraisal process.
(c) If the difference between the higher of the respective final views of the two Appraisal Firms and the lower of the respective final views of the two Appraisal Firms is less than fifteen percent (15%) of the higher view, then the Fair Market Value determined shall be the average of those two views.
(d) If the difference between the higher of the respective final views of the two Appraisal Firms and the lower of the respective final views of the two Appraisal Firms is equal to or greater than fifteen percent (15%) of the higher view, the Appraisal Firms shall jointly designate the Mutually Designated Appraiser, which Mutually Designated Appraiser shall not have any conflict of interest. The Mutually Designated Appraiser shall be designated within forty five (45) days from the date of the Put Option Notice or the Mandate Notice, as the case may be, and shall, within twenty five (25) days of such designation, determine its final view as to the Fair Market Value by selecting a figure between the range of the higher view and the lower view of the Fair Market Value.
(e) If required to facilitate a Group IPO pursuant to Section 8.03, the Shareholders agree to use their commercially reasonable efforts to shorten the time periods specified in this Section 8.07 for determination of Fair Market Value. Any determination of Fair Market Value shall be valid for six (6) months from the date of the Option Notice or the Mandate Notice, as the case may be. At the expiration of such six (6) month period, the Appraisal Firms (and the Mutually Designated Appraiser, if applicable) shall update their valuations, subject to the procedures set forth in this Section 8.07.
(f) The Company shall provide reasonable access to each of the designated Appraisal Firms and, if applicable, the Mutually Designated Appraiser, to members of management of the Company and to the facilities, books and records of the Company so as to allow such Appraisal Firms and, if applicable, the Mutually Designated Appraiser, to conduct due diligence examinations in scope and duration as are customary in valuations of this kind. Each of the Shareholders and CNCHK agrees to cooperate with each of the Appraisal Firms and, if applicable, the Mutually Designated Appraiser, and to provide such information as may reasonably be requested. The reasonable fees and expenses of the Appraisal Firms and the Mutually Designated Appraiser shall be borne by the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the appraisal is conducted pursuant to Section 8.03, all reasonable fees and expenses of the Appraisal Firms and the Mutually Designated Appraiser shall be borne by CNCHK. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event either of the Other Shareholders or CNCHK does not appoint an Appraisal Firm within the time periods specified above, such party shall be deemed to have waived its rights to appoint an Appraisal Firm and the determination of the Fair Market Value shall be made solely by the Appraisal Firm of the party which did appoint an Appraisal Firm.
SECTION 8.08. Decrease in Ownership of Shares. If at any time, any Shareholder transfers more than fifty percent (50%) of the number of Shares originally purchased by such Shareholder pursuant to Section 4.01(b) (adjusted for any share splits, reverse share splits, share subdivisions, share consolidations, bonus issues, share dividends, reclassifications, rights offerings, dilutive offerings of equity or equity-linked securities or other events having similar effect), such Shareholder shall, without prejudice to the other rights that may be transferred hereunder, have the right to assign to such new Shareholder its right to cause certain matters to be brought before the Shareholders instead of the Board for approval pursuant to Section 6.03(b) and the right to appoint a Director and an Independent Director pursuant to Section 6.05(a); provided, however, such Shareholder shall continue to enjoy its other rights hereunder and shall continue to comply with its obligations under this Agreement including, but not limited to, its obligations under Articles IX, X, XI and XIII. If at any time a Shareholder
(together with its Affiliates) holds less than twenty percent (20%) of the
number of Shares originally purchased by such Shareholder pursuant to Section
4.01(b) (adjusted for any share splits, reverse share splits, share
subdivisions, share consolidations, bonus issues, share dividends,
reclassifications, rights offerings, dilutive offerings of equity or
equity-linked securities or other events having similar effect), such
Shareholder shall no longer be entitled to any specific rights conferred upon a
Shareholder under this Agreement with respect to the Transfer Right or the right
to exercise the Put Option; provided, however, such Shareholder shall continue
to enjoy its other rights hereunder and shall continue to comply with its
obligations under this Agreement including, but not limited to, its obligations
under Articles IX, X, XI and XIII.
ARTICLE IX
NON-COMPETITION
SECTION 9.01. Non-Competition. (a) CNCHK agrees that it will not,
directly or indirectly through its Affiliates, engage in any business
opportunity which is directly or indirectly in competition with the Business or
the Company without the agreement of the Other Shareholders; provided, that
CNCHK and its Affiliates may engage in business opportunities (i) in the PRC or
(ii) anywhere in the world outside the PRC, to the extent such business
opportunities (A) are in the lines of business that CNCHK and its Subsidiaries
engage in outside the PRC as at the Effective Date, (B) are consistent with the
scope of the business outside the PRC of CNCHK and its Subsidiaries, as at the
Effective Date, and (C) are within the geographical area of CNCHK and its
Subsidiaries, as at the Effective Date, provided, that this subclause (C) shall
not purport to restrict any such business opportunities (1) in existing
locations of business of CNCHK and its Subsidiaries as at the Effective Date,
(2) in countries in which the Company does not operate and which the Company has
not communicated to the Shareholders its intention to enter, (3) which are not
in competition with the Business or the Company or (4) are outside Asia and
Australia.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if such party's interest in any business opportunity that it pursues pursuant to Section 9.01(b) is a substantial Non-Passive Interest and such business directly competes with the Business (or any part thereof) or the Company, the rights of such party (together with its Affiliates), together with its appointees to the Board (other than an Independent Director), to exercise any voting rights in respect of matters that relate solely and directly to the businesses of the Company that compete directly with such business, shall be suspended for so long as such party holds a substantial Non-Passive Interest in such competing business.
(c) The covenants set out in this Section 9.01 shall cease to apply upon the earlier of (i) the termination of this Agreement and (ii) CNCHK ceasing to hold Shares in the Company, whether directly or indirectly through one or more Affiliates or China Netcom Group and its Affiliates.
ARTICLE X
OTHER AGREEMENTS
SECTION 10.01. Use of Names. Neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates shall use the names of any Shareholder, CNCHK or any of their Affiliates in any press release, notice or other publication without the prior written consent of such Shareholder or CNCHK, as the case may be, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
SECTION 10.02. Covenant to Support Business. Each of the Shareholders and CNCHK shall, and shall cause each of their respective Subsidiaries to, use its good faith best efforts (i) to maximize the success of the Business and the Company and (ii) to support the Business and the Company by utilizing the Company's services, including by routing any intra-Asia telecommunications traffic through the network of the Company, provided, that any such transactions shall be conducted on an arm's length basis and CNCHK and its Subsidiaries shall not have any obligations under this Section 10.02 to route any intra-Asia telecommunications traffic with the Company to the extent it has entered into existing arrangements as of the date hereof, as described on Schedule 10.02.
SECTION 10.03. Waivers under the Purchase Agreement. The Company shall not decline to enforce any of its rights under, waive any condition or rights under or provision of, or agree to any amendment of the Purchase Agreement or any document related thereto or to the Acquisition or the Business, without the prior written consent of each Shareholder. The Company and CNCHK shall promptly deliver to the Shareholders any information, request or documentation received by the Company or CNCHK from (i) AGC or any of its employees, agents or representatives, or (ii) any of the financial, accounting, legal or other advisors of the Company or CNCHK, in each case with respect to the Acquisition.
SECTION 10.04. Unlawful Gifts and Payments. Each Shareholder agrees that it shall cause the Company and its Subsidiaries not to, and none of the Company and its Subsidiaries and its and their respective officers, employees, directors, representatives or agents shall, pay, offer, promise to pay, or authorize the payment directly or indirectly of any monies or anything of value to any government official or employee, including any official or employee of an entity owned or controlled by the government, international organization official or employee, or any political party or candidate for political office, for the purpose of (i) influencing any act or decision of such person in such person's official capacity or of the government or instrumentality thereof, (ii) inducing such person to do or omit to do any act in violation of the lawful duty of such person, (iii) inducing such person to use his influence with a government or instrumentality thereof to affect or influence any act or decision of such government or instrumentality, in each case in order to obtain or retain business or to secure any improper advantage (any such act being a "Prohibited Payment"). Each Shareholder further agrees that it shall cause the Company and its Subsidiaries not to, and none of the Company and its Subsidiaries and its and their respective officers, employees, directors, representatives or agents shall make any such payments or other inducements as described above in violation of any applicable Law against improper payments or inaccurate recordkeeping. No officer, director or employee of the Company or of any Affiliate of the Company is or will become an official or employee of any government or international organization during the term of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Board.
ARTICLE XI
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
SECTION 11.01. Confidential Information. (a) Each of the Shareholders and CNCHK (each, a "Restricted Party") (i) shall, and shall cause its officers, directors, employees, attorneys, accountants, auditors, sources of capital and financing and agents to the extent such Persons have received any Confidential Information (as defined herein) (collectively, "Representatives") and its Affiliates and their Representatives, to the extent such Persons have received any Confidential Information, to maintain in strictest confidence the existence and terms of this Agreement and any and all confidential information relating to the Company or the other Restricted Parties that is proprietary to the Company or other Restricted Parties, as applicable, or otherwise not available to the general public including, but not limited to, information about properties, employees, finances, businesses and operations of the Company or of the other Restricted Parties and all notes, analyses, compilations, studies, forecasts, interpretations or other documents prepared by a receiving Restricted Party or its Representatives which contain, reflect or are based upon, in whole or in part, the information furnished to or acquired by such Restricted Party ("Confidential Information") and (ii) shall not disclose, and shall cause its Representatives, its Affiliates and their Representatives, not to disclose, Confidential Information to any Person other than to the other Restricted Parties and the Company (including the agents, employees and attorneys thereof and the Affiliates and their Representatives), except only to the extent such disclosure is required by Law or legal process (including pursuant to any listing agreement with, or the rules or regulations of, any national securities exchange on which any securities of such Restricted Party (or any Affiliate thereof) are listed or traded) in which event the Restricted Party making such disclosure or whose Affiliates or Representatives are making such disclosure shall (unless prohibited by Law) so notify the other Restricted Parties as promptly as practicable (and if possible, prior to making such disclosure) and shall seek confidential treatment of such information.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 11.01(a), any Restricted Party may provide or require the Company to provide, Confidential Information to a prospective purchaser of such Restricted Party's Shares in connection with reasonable bona fide due diligence by such prospective purchaser in connection with the possible purchase of such Restricted Party's Shares provided, that, and so long as (i) prior to any such disclosure, such prospective purchaser executes a confidentiality agreement that contains reasonable protective provisions for the Company, (ii) such disclosure, to the extent it requires an inspection of the books of account or other business records of the Company, occurs during normal business hours of the Company and does not unreasonably interfere with the normal operations of the Company, and (iii) within thirty (30) days of terminating its due diligence process, and except as required by Law, such prospective purchaser promptly returns or destroys all materials delivered to it pursuant to this Section 11.01 (including all copies and electronic versions thereof) and all analyses, computations, studies or other written or tangible material (including all copies and electronic versions thereof) prepared by such prospective purchaser which includes any Confidential Information; provided, however, that neither such Restricted Party nor the Company shall provide or disclose any Confidential Information to any prospective purchaser pursuant to this paragraph (b) or otherwise if such provision or disclosure is prohibited by any agreement between the Company and any Person (including any Restricted Party or any Affiliate thereof and other than this Agreement).
(c) Notwithstanding Section 11.01(a):
(i) Any Restricted Party or any Representative thereof may disclose any Confidential Information for bona fide business purposes on a strict "need to know" basis to its Affiliates, its board of directors (or equivalent governing body), its Representatives, its lenders and its investors, provided, that in each such case each such Person agrees to be bound by confidentiality obligations substantially similar to those set forth in this Article 11; and
(ii) The provisions of Section 11.01(a) shall not apply to, and Confidential Information shall not include:
(A) any information that is or has become generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by any Restricted Party or any Affiliate or Representative thereof in breach of any of the provisions of this Section 11.01;
(B) any information that has been independently developed by such Restricted Party (or any Affiliate thereof) without violating any of the provisions of this Agreement or any other similar contract to which such Restricted Party, or any Affiliate thereof or their respective Representatives, is or are bound; or
(C) any information made available to such Restricted Party (or any Affiliate thereof), on a non-confidential basis by any third party unless such Restricted Party (or any Affiliate thereof) has actual knowledge that such third party breached an obligation of confidentiality to a Restricted Party, the Company, or any other Person by making such information available to such Restricted Party.
(d) Except as otherwise provided for in this Section 11.01, Confidential Information received hereunder shall be used by each Restricted Party and its Affiliates solely for use in connection with such Restricted Party's direct or indirect investment in the Company and with respect to the Company.
(e) The obligations of each Restricted Party under this Section 11.01 shall survive for so long as such Restricted Party or any of its Affiliates remains a Shareholder, and for three (3) years after such Restricted Party or Affiliate ceases to be a Shareholder, notwithstanding the winding-up of the Company, such Restricted Party's or Affiliate's Sale of its Shares, the withdrawal by such Restricted Party or Affiliate from the Company and/or any Person ceasing to be an Affiliate of such Restricted Party.
ARTICLE XII
TERMINATION
SECTION 12.01. Termination. This Agreement shall terminate only:
(a) by virtue of a written agreement to that effect, signed by all parties hereto or all parties then possessing any rights hereunder; or
(b) upon the expiration of (i) all rights created hereunder and (ii) all statutes of limitations applicable to the enforcement of claims hereunder,
provided, that no termination of this Agreement pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) above shall affect the right of any party to recover damages or collect indemnification for any breach of the representations, warranties or covenants herein that occurred prior to such termination.
ARTICLE XIII
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 13.01. Further Assurances. Each of parties hereto shall use commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all appropriate action, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Law to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated hereunder, including, without limitation, using reasonable efforts to obtain all licenses, permits, consents, approvals, authorizations, qualifications and orders of the competent governmental entities. Each of the parties hereto shall cooperate with the other parties when required in order to effect the transactions contemplated hereunder. In case at any time after the date hereof, any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, the proper officers and directors of each of the parties shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to take all such action.
SECTION 13.02. Expenses. Except as otherwise specified in this Agreement, the Company shall be responsible for all costs and expenses, including, without limitation, fees and disbursements of counsel, financial advisors and accountants, investment-related and financing costs and out of pocket expenses incurred by each Shareholder in connection with the Acquisition (including the preparation, review and negotiation of this Agreement and agreements or arrangements related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement), provided, that if the Acquisition is not consummated, all breakup fees and purchaser fees and expenses reimbursements obtained under the Purchase Agreement and costs and expenses incurred by each Shareholder after September 2, 2002 (including equitably apportioned fees of advisors attributable to the period after September 2, 2002, to the extent that such fees are not segregable by date) shall be shared among the Shareholders on a pro rata basis in accordance with the percentage of total outstanding Shares proposed to be held by such Shareholder. If the Acquisition is not consummated as a result of or based on a material act or omission of CNCHK or Netcom or any material breach hereof or of the Purchase Agreement or any related document by CNCHK or Netcom, and no breakup fees or purchaser fees and expenses reimbursements under the Purchase Agreement are received by the Company, CNCHK shall be solely responsible for all such costs and expenses. If the Acquisition is not consummated as a result of or based on any material breach hereof by SAIF, and no breakup fees or purchaser fees and expenses reimbursements under the Purchase Agreement are received by the Company, SAIF shall be solely responsible for all such costs and expenses. If the Acquisition is not consummated as a result of or based on any material breach hereof by Newbridge, and no breakup fees or purchaser fees and expenses reimbursements under the Purchase Agreement are received by the Company, Newbridge shall be solely responsible for all such costs and expenses.
SECTION 13.03. Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by courier service, by fax or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by such party by notice given in accordance with this Section 13.03:
(a) If to the Company:
Asia Netcom Corporation Limited c/o China Netcom Corporation Limited 9/F Building A, Corporate Square No. 35 Financial Street Xicheng District, Beijing 100032, P.R. China Fax: (8610) 8809-2473 Attention: Wenlong Sun
with a copy to:
Shearman & Sterling
12th Floor Gloucester Tower
The Landmark
Pedder Street
Central
Hong Kong
Fax: (852) 2978-8099
Attention: Edward L. Turner III
(b) If to a Shareholder, then to the address or fax number set forth opposite such Shareholder's name on Schedule 4.01.
(c) If to Newbridge:
Newbridge Asia Netcom (Cayman) Holdings
c/o Newbridge Capital LLC
Suite 2002-2005
One International Finance Centre
One Harbour View Street
Central, Hong Kong
Fax: (852) 2530-9948
Attention: Weijian Shan
with a copy to:
Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton
39th Floor, Bank of China Tower
One Garden Road
Central, Hong Kong
Fax: (852) 2845-9026
Attention: Neil Q. Whoriskey
(d) If to SAIF:
SB Asia Infrastructure Fund L.P.
c/o SAIF Advisors Ltd.
Suites 2115-2118
Two Pacific Place
88 Queensway, Hong Kong
Fax: (852) 2234-9116
Attention: Brandon H.P. Lin
with a copy to:
Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton
39th Floor, Bank of China Tower
One Garden Road
Central, Hong Kong
Fax: (852) 2845-9026
Attention: Neil Q. Whoriskey
(e) If to CNCHK:
59th Floor, Bank of China Tower
One Garden Road
Central, Hong Kong
Fax: (852) 3108-3800
Attention: Wenlong Sun
SECTION 13.04. Public Announcements. Except as required by Law or by the requirements of any securities exchange on which the securities of a party hereto are listed, no party to this Agreement shall make, or cause to be made, any press release or public announcement in respect of this Agreement or otherwise communicate with any news media without the prior written consent of the other parties, and the parties shall cooperate as to the timing and contents of any such press release or public announcement.
SECTION 13.05. Cumulative Remedies. The rights and remedies provided by this Agreement are cumulative and the use of any one right or remedy by any party shall not preclude or waive its right to use any or all other remedies. Said rights and remedies are given in addition to any other rights the parties may have by Law, statute, ordinance or otherwise.
SECTION 13.06. Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of all of the parties and, to the extent permitted by this Agreement, their successors, executors, administrators, heirs, legal representatives and assigns.
SECTION 13.07. Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of Law, or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon a determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
SECTION 13.08. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Copies of executed counterparts transmitted by telecopy or other electronic transmission service shall be considered original executed counterparts for purposes of this Section 13.08.
SECTION 13.09. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties hereto pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings pertaining thereto.
SECTION 13.10. Governing Law; Dispute Resolution. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, United States of America. All disputes among the parties hereto arising out of, or relating to, this Agreement shall be settled by the parties amicably through good faith discussions upon the written request of any party. In the event that any such dispute cannot be resolved thereby within a period of sixty (60) days after such notice has been given, such dispute shall be submitted to arbitration and finally settled under the Arbitration Rules of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre ("HKIAC") as in effect on the date hereof by three arbitrators appointed in accordance with such Rules. The appointing authority shall be the HKIAC. The arbitration shall be conducted in the English language in Hong Kong. Any award of the arbitration tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties. The parties hereto waive, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any rights to appeal to, or to seek review of such award by, any court of tribunal. Judgment upon the award so rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction or application may be made to such court for judicial acceptance of any award and an order of enforcement, as the case may be. The arbitration tribunal shall have authority to grant provisional remedies, including injunctive relief and shall have authority to award specific performance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties hereto shall be entitled to apply for injunctive relief and/or a decree for specific performance to a court of competent jurisdiction pending arbitration or in aid or arbitration.
SECTION 13.11. Specific Performance. (a) The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event any provision of this Agreement was not performed in accordance with the terms hereof and that the parties hereto shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, in addition to any other remedy at law or in equity.
(b) In the event that there is a violation of Section 3.02 by CNCHK or Netcom which violation prevents or materially hinders the exercise by an Other Shareholder of any of its
rights hereunder or results in any legal or equitable claim against such Other Shareholder, CNCHK and Netcom shall cure such violation. If such violation has not been cured before the ninetieth (90th) day following the date that such Other Shareholder seeks to exercise its rights hereunder in writing (the "Cure Deadline"), as the sole remedy with respect to the failure of CNCHK to cure such violation, such Original Other Shareholders shall have the right, exercisable at any time in the ninety (90) day period following the Cure Deadline (if such violation has not been previously cured), to deliver a notice (the "Cure Option Notice") requiring CNCHK to purchase, and CNCHK shall purchase, a number of Shares equal to the lesser of (x) the total number of Shares it holds and (y) the aggregate of the number of Shares it purchased pursuant to Section 4.01(b) plus the number of Shares subsequently purchased or received from any other original Shareholder or an Affiliate of an original Shareholder (in each case, adjusted for any share splits, reverse share splits, share subdivisions, share consolidations, bonus issues, share dividends, reclassifications, rights offerings, dilutive offerings of equity or equity-linked securities or other events having similar effect) at a price per Share equal to the higher of the Fair Market Value (determined in accordance with Section 8.07 as if the Cure Option Notice were a Put Option Notice) and the Original Purchase Price. The provisions of Section 8.01(c) or Sections 5.02(c) and 5.02(d), as the case may be, shall apply to the exercise of this right.
SECTION 13.12. Amendments and Waivers; Assignment. (a) Any provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived if, and only if, such amendment or waiver is in writing and signed, in the case of an amendment, by all parties hereto, or in the case of a waiver, by the party or parties against whom the waiver is to be effective; provided, however, that Schedule 4.01(b) to this Agreement shall be deemed amended from time to time to reflect the admission of a new Shareholder, the withdrawal pursuant to Section 8.06 of a Shareholder and the adjustment of the Shares resulting from any Sale or other disposition of a Share, in each case that is made in accordance with the provisions hereof.
(b) No failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder (other than a failure or delay beyond a period of time specified herein) shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by Law.
(c) This Agreement and the rights and obligations of any Shareholder
hereunder (other than the Transfer Right and the right to exercise the Put
Option under Sections 5.02 and 8.01 respectively) (including, without
limitation, the rights of the Other Shareholders under Sections 6.02, 6.03,
6.05, 6.07, 6.12, 7.01, 8.02, 8.03, 8.04, 8.07, and 9.01 hereof) may be assigned
in connection with any Sale of Shares complying with the requirements of Section
8.05. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, CNCHK may not assign any
of its obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of all
of the Other Shareholders. For the avoidance of doubt, each such Shareholder
shall continue to comply with its obligations under Article XI for the term
specified in Article XI.
SECTION 13.13. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of the parties hereto and their permitted assigns and successors and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other
Person or entity, any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, any obligation of the Shareholders to make Capital Contributions to the Company under this Agreement is an agreement only between the Shareholders and no other person or entity, including the Company, shall have any rights to enforce such obligations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have entered into this Agreement or have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers, in each case as of the date first above stated.
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION
INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
By: _________________________________
Name: Tian Suning
Title: Director
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION
(HONG KONG) LIMITED
By: _________________________________
Name: Tian Suning
Title: Director
SB ASIA INFRASTRUCTURE FUND L.P.
By: _________________________________
Name: Andrew Y. Yan
Title: Authorized Signatory
NEWBRIDGE ASIA NETCOM (CAYMAN) HOLDINGS
By: _________________________________
Name: Weijian Shan
Title: Authorized Signatory
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
By: _________________________________
Name: Tian Suning
Title: Director
EXHIBIT 2.02(a)
MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION
FORM NO. 2
(LOGO)
BERMUDA
THE COMPANIES ACT 1981
MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION OF
COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
(Section 7(1) and (2))
MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION
OF
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
(hereinafter referred to as "the Company")
1. The liability of the members of the Company is limited to the amount (if any) for the time being unpaid on the shares respectively held by them.
2. We, the undersigned, namely,
NAME ADDRESS BERMUDIAN NATIONALITY NUMBER OF STATUS SHARES (Yes/No) SUBSCRIBED D.J. DOYLE CLARENDON HOUSE YES BRITISH ONE 2 CHURCH STREET HAMILTON HM 11 BERMUDA D.W.P. COOKE " YES BRITISH ONE A.R. GUILFOYLE " NO BRITISH ONE |
do hereby respectively agree to take such number of shares of the Company as may be allotted to us respectively by the provisional directors of the Company, not exceeding the number of shares for which we have respectively subscribed, and to satisfy such calls as may be made by the directors, provisional directors or promoters of the Company in respect of the shares allotted to us respectively.
3. The Company is to be an EXEMPTED Company as defined by the Companies Act 1981.
4. The Company, with the consent of the Minister of Finance, has power to hold land situate in Bermuda not exceeding ___ in all, including the following parcels:-
N/A
5. The authorised share capital of the Company is U.S.$12,000 divided into shares of U.S.$1.00 each. The minimum subscribed share capital of the Company is U.S.$12,000.00.
6. The objects for which the Company is formed and incorporated are -
1. To act and or to perform all the functions of a holding company in
all its branches and to coordinate the policy and administration of
(i) any entity or entities wherever incorporated, established or
carrying on business which are in any manner directly or indirectly
owned or controlled by the Company or by the same entity in any
manner directly or indirectly owning or controlling the Company or
(ii) any group of which the Company or any such entity owned or
controlled by, or under common ownership or control with, the
Company is a member;
2. To provide and or procure financing and financial investment, management and advisory services and administrative services to any entity in which the Company owns, directly or indirectly an equity interest (regardless of whether the same carries any voting rights or preferred rights or restrictions); and, in connection with any of the foregoing, to provide and or procure credit, credit enhancement, financial accommodation, guarantees, loans and or advances with or without interest or benefit to the Company to any such entity and to lend to, deposit with and or charge or otherwise encumber in favour of any financial institution, fund and or trust, all or any property of the Company and or any interest therein to provide security or collateral for any financing provided to any such entity;
3. To act as an investment company and for that purpose to acquire, hold upon any terms, either in the name of the Company or that of any nominee, personal property of all kinds, including without limitation, shares, stock, debentures, debenture stock, ownership interests, swaps, hedging securities (including put and call options) annuities, notes, mortgages, bonds, obligations and other securities, foreign exchange, foreign currency deposits and commodities, issued or guaranteed by any company, partnership or other entity wherever incorporated, established or carrying on business, or by any government, sovereign, ruler, commissioners, public body or authority, supreme, municipal, local or otherwise, by original subscription, tender, purchase, exchange, underwriting, participation in syndicates or in any other manner and whether or not fully paid up, and to make payments thereon as called up or in advance of calls or otherwise and to subscribe for the same, whether conditionally or absolutely, and to hold the same with a view to investment, but with the power to vary any investments, and to
exercise and enforce all rights and powers conferred by or incident to the ownership thereof, and to invest and deal with the moneys of the Company upon such securities and in such manner as may be from time to time determined (including , without limitation, entering into, investing in and reinvesting in futures and forward contracts, derivative financial investments, foreign exchange contracts and related options thereon);
4. packaging of goods of all kinds;
5. buying, selling and dealing in goods of all kinds;
6. designing and manufacturing of goods of all kinds;
7. mining and quarrying and exploration for metals, minerals, fossil fuel and precious stones of all kinds and their preparation for sale or use;
8. exploring for, the drilling for, the moving, transporting and refining petroleum and hydro carbon products including oil and oil products;
9. scientific research including the improvement discovery and development of processes, inventions, patents and designs and the construction, maintenance and operation of laboratories and research centres;
10. land, sea and air undertakings including the land, ship and air carriage of passengers, mails and goods of all kinds;
11. ships and aircraft owners, managers, operators, agents, builders and repairers;
12. acquiring, owning, selling, chartering, repairing or dealing in ships and aircraft;
13. travel agents, freight contractors and forwarding agents;
14. dock owners, wharfingers, warehousemen;
15. ship chandlers and dealing in rope, canvas oil and ship stores of all kinds;
16. all forms of engineering;
17. farmers, livestock breeders and keepers, graziers, butchers, tanners and processors of and dealers in all kinds of live and dead stock, wool, hides, tallow, grain, vegetables and other produce;
18. acquiring by purchase or otherwise and holding as an investment inventions, patents, trade marks, trade names, trade secrets, designs and the like;
19. buying, selling, hiring, letting and dealing in conveyances of any sort;
20. employing, providing, hiring out and acting as agent for artists, actors, entertainers of all sorts, authors, composers, producers, directors, engineers and experts or specialists of any kind;
21. to acquire by purchase or otherwise and hold, sell, dispose of and deal in real property situated outside Bermuda and in personal property of all kinds wheresoever situated; and
22. to enter into any guarantee, contract of indemnity or suretyship and to assure, support or secure with or without consideration or benefit the performance of any obligations of any person or persons and to guarantee the fidelity of individuals filling or about to fill situations of trust or confidence.
7. Powers of the Company
1. The Company shall, pursuant to Section 42 of the Companies Act 1981, have the power to issue preference shares which are, at the option of the holder, liable to be redeemed.
2. The Company shall, pursuant to Section 42A of the Companies Act 1981, have the power to purchase its own shares.
Signed by each subscriber in the presence of at least one witness attesting the signature thereof
.............................. ...................................
.............................. ...................................
.............................. ...................................
.............................. ...................................
(Subscribers) (Witnesses)
SUBSCRIBED this 11th day of OCTOBER, 2002.
EXHIBIT 2.02(b)
BYE-LAWS
BYE-LAWS
OF
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTERPRETATION
1. Definitions
SHARES
2. Power to Issue Shares
3. Power of the Company to Purchase its Shares
4. Rights Attaching to Shares
5. Calls on Shares
6. Prohibition on Financial Assistance
7. Forfeiture of Shares
8. Share Certificates
9. Fractional Shares
REGISTRATION OF SHARES
10. Register of Members
11. Registered Owner Absolute Owner
12. Transfer of Registered Shares
13. Transmission of Registered Shares
ALTERATION IN SHARE CAPITAL
14. Power to Alter Capital
15. Variation of Rights Attaching to Shares
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITALISATION
16. Dividends
17. Power to Set Aside Profits
18. Method of Payment
19. Capitalisation
MEETINGS OF MEMBERS
20. Annual General Meetings
21. Special General Meetings
22. Requisitioned General Meetings
23. Notice
24. Giving Notice
25. Postponement of General Meeting
26. Participation in Meetings by Telephone
27. Quorum at General Meetings
28. Chairman to Preside
29. Voting on Resolutions
30. Power to Demand Vote on Poll
31. Voting by Joint Holders of Shares
32. Instrument of Proxy
33. Representation of Corporate Member
34. Adjournment of General Meeting
35. Written Resolutions
36. Directors' Attendance at General Meetings
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
37. Election of Directors
38. Number of Directors
39. Term of Office of Directors
40. Alternate Directors
41. Removal of Directors
42. Vacancy in the Office of Director
43. Remuneration of Directors
44. Defect in Appointment of Director
45. Directors to Manage Business
46. Powers of the Board of Directors
47. Register of Directors and Officers
48. Officers
49. Appointment of Officers
50. Duties of Officers
51. Remuneration of Officers
52. Conflicts of Interest
53. Indemnification and Exculpation of Directors and Officers
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
54. Board Meetings
55. Notice of Board Meetings
56. Participation in Meetings by Telephone
57. Quorum at Board Meetings
58. Board to Continue in Event of Vacancy
59. Chairman to Preside
60. Written Resolutions
61. Validity of Prior Acts of the Board
CORPORATE RECORDS
62. Minutes
63. Place Where Corporate Records Kept
64. Form and Use of Seal
ACCOUNTS
65. Books of Account
66. Financial Year End
AUDITS
67. Annual Audit
68. Appointment of Auditors
69. Remuneration of Auditors
70. Duties of Auditors
71. Access to Records
72. Financial Statements
73. Distribution of Auditors Report
74. Vacancy in the Office of Auditor
VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP AND DISSOLUTION
75. Winding-Up
CHANGES TO CONSTITUTION
76. Changes to Bye-laws
77. Changes to Memorandum of Association
78. Discontinuance
INTERPRETATION
1. DEFINITIONS
1.1 In these Bye-laws, the following words and expressions shall, where not inconsistent with the context, have the following meanings, respectively:
Act the Companies Act 1981 as amended from time to time; Alternate Director an alternate director appointed in accordance with these Bye-laws; Auditor includes an individual or partnership; Board the board of directors appointed or elected pursuant to these Bye-laws and acting by resolution in accordance with the Act and these Bye-laws or the Directors present at a meeting of Directors at which there is a quorum; Company the company for which these Bye-laws are approved and confirmed; Director a director of the Company and shall include an Alternate Director; Member the person registered in the Register of Members as the holder of shares in the Company and, when two or more persons are so registered as joint holders of shares, means the person whose name stands first in the Register of Members as one of such joint holders or all of such persons, as the context so requires; notice written notice as further defined in these Bye-laws unless otherwise specifically stated; Officer any person appointed by the Board to hold an office in the Company; Register of the register of directors and officers Directors and referred to in these Bye-laws; Officers Register of Members the register of members referred to in these Bye-laws; Resident any person appointed to act as resident Representative representative and includes any deputy 49 |
or assistant resident representative; and Secretary the person appointed to perform any or all of the duties of secretary of the Company and includes any deputy or assistant secretary. |
1.2 In these Bye-laws, where not inconsistent with the context:
(a) words denoting the plural number include the singular number and vice versa;
(b) words denoting the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter genders;
(c) words importing persons include companies, associations or bodies of persons whether corporate or not;
(d) the words:-
(i) "may" shall be construed as permissive; and
(ii) "shall" shall be construed as imperative; and
(e) unless otherwise provided herein words or expressions defined in the Act shall bear the same meaning in these Bye-laws.
1.3 Expressions referring to writing or its cognates shall, unless the contrary intention appears, include facsimile, printing, lithography, photography, electronic mail and other modes of representing words in visible form.
1.4 Headings used in these Bye-laws are for convenience only and are not to be used or relied upon in the construction hereof.
SHARES
2. POWER TO ISSUE SHARES
2.1 Subject to these Bye-laws and to any resolution of the Members to the contrary, and without prejudice to any special rights previously conferred on the holders of any existing shares or class of shares, the Board shall have the power to issue any unissued shares of the Company on such terms and conditions as it may determine and any shares or class of shares may be issued with such preferred, deferred or other special rights or such restrictions, whether in regard to dividend, voting, return of capital, or otherwise as the Company may by resolution of the Members prescribe.
2.2 Subject to the provisions of the Act, any preference shares may be issued or converted into shares that (at a determinable date or at the option of the Company or holder) are liable to be redeemed on such terms and in such manner as the Company (before the issue or conversion) may by resolution of the Members determine.
3. POWER OF THE COMPANY TO PURCHASE ITS SHARES
The Company may purchase its own shares in accordance with the provisions of the Act on such terms as the Board shall think fit. The Board may exercise all the powers of the Company to purchase all or any part of its own shares in accordance with the Act.
4. RIGHTS ATTACHING TO SHARES
Subject to any resolution of the Members to the contrary and without prejudice to any special rights previously conferred on the holders of any existing shares or class of shares, the share capital of the Company shall be divided into shares of a single class the holders of which shall, subject to the provisions of these Bye-laws:
(a) be entitled to one vote per share;
(b) be entitled to such dividends as the Board may from time to time declare;
(c) in the event of a winding-up or dissolution of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary or for the purpose of a reorganization or otherwise or upon any distribution of capital, be entitled to the surplus assets of the Company; and
(d) generally be entitled to enjoy all of the rights attaching to shares.
5. CALLS ON SHARES
5.1 The Board may make such calls as it thinks fit upon the Members in respect of any monies unpaid on the shares allotted to or held by such Members and, if a call is not paid on or before the day appointed for payment thereof, the Member may at the discretion of the Board be liable to pay the Company interest on the amount of such call at such rate as the Board may determine, from the date when such call was payable up to the actual date of payment. The Board may differentiate between the holders as to the amount of calls to be paid and the times of payment of such calls.
5.2 The joint holders of a share shall be jointly and severally liable to pay all calls in respect thereof.
5.3 The Company may accept from any Member the whole or a part of the amount remaining unpaid on any shares held by him, although no part of that amount has been called up.
6. PROHIBITION ON FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The Company shall not give, whether directly or indirectly, whether by means of loan, guarantee, provision of security or otherwise, any financial assistance for the purpose of the acquisition or proposed acquisition by any person of any shares in the Company, but nothing in this Bye-law shall prohibit transactions permitted under the Act.
7. FORFEITURE OF SHARES
7.1 If any Member fails to pay, on the day appointed for payment thereof, any call in respect of any share allotted to or held by such Member, the Board may, at any time thereafter during such time as the call remains unpaid, direct the Secretary to forward such Member a notice in writing in the form, or as near thereto as circumstances admit, of the following:
Notice of Liability to Forfeiture for Non-Payment of Call
- (the "Company")
You have failed to pay the call of [amount of call] made on the [ ]
day of [ ], 200[ ], in respect of the [number] share(s) [number in
figures] standing in your name in the Register of Members of the
Company, on the [ ] day of [ ], 200[ ], the day appointed for
payment of such call. You are hereby notified that unless you pay
such call together with interest thereon at the rate of [ ] per
annum computed from the said [ ] day of [ ], 200[ ] at the
[registered office/place of business] of the Company the share(s)
will be liable to be forfeited.
Dated this [ ] day of [ ], 200[ ]
[Signature of Secretary] By Order of the Board
7.2 If the requirements of such notice are not complied with, any such share may at any time thereafter before the payment of such call and the interest due in respect thereof be forfeited by a resolution of the Board to that effect, and such share shall thereupon become the property of the Company and may be disposed of as the Board shall determine.
7.3 A Member whose share or shares have been forfeited as aforesaid shall, notwithstanding such forfeiture, be liable to pay to the Company all calls owing on such share or shares at the time of the forfeiture and all interest due thereon.
8. SHARE CERTIFICATES
8.1 Every Member shall be entitled to a certificate under the seal of the Company (or a facsimile thereof) specifying the number and, where appropriate, the class of shares held by such Member and whether the same are fully paid up and, if not, how much has been paid thereon. The Board may by resolution determine, either generally or in a particular case, that any or all signatures on certificates may be printed thereon or affixed by mechanical means.
8.2 The Company shall be under no obligation to complete and deliver a share certificate unless specifically called upon to do so by the person to whom the shares have been allotted.
8.3 If any share certificate shall be proved to the satisfaction of the Board to have been worn out, lost, mislaid, or destroyed the Board may cause a new certificate to be issued and request an indemnity for the lost certificate if it sees fit.
9. FRACTIONAL SHARES
The Company may issue its shares in fractional denominations and deal with such fractions to the same extent as its whole shares and shares in fractional denominations shall have in proportion to the respective fractions represented thereby all of the rights of whole shares including (but without limiting the generality of the foregoing) the right to vote, to receive dividends and distributions and to participate in a winding-up.
REGISTRATION OF SHARES
10. REGISTER OF MEMBERS
10.1 The Board shall cause to be kept in one or more books a Register of Members and shall enter therein the particulars required by the Act.
10.2 The Register of Members shall be open to inspection at the registered office of the Company on every business day, subject to such reasonable restrictions as the Board may impose, so that not less than two hours in each business day be allowed for inspection. The Register of Members may, after notice has been given by advertisement in an appointed newspaper to that effect, be closed for any time or times not exceeding in the whole thirty days in each year.
11. REGISTERED HOLDER ABSOLUTE OWNER
The Company shall be entitled to treat the registered holder of any share as the absolute owner thereof and accordingly shall not be bound to recognise any equitable claim or other claim to, or interest in, such share on the part of any other person.
12. TRANSFER OF REGISTERED SHARES
12.1 An instrument of transfer shall be in writing in the form of, or as near thereto as the following or in such other common form as the Board may accept:
Transfer of a Share or Shares
- (the "Company")
FOR VALUE RECEIVED....................[amount], I, [name of
transferor] hereby sell, assign and transfer unto [transferee] of
[address], [number] of shares of the Company.
DATED this [ ] day of [ ], 200[ ]
Signed by: In the presence of: ----------------------------- ------------------------ Transferor Witness ----------------------------- ------------------------ Transferee Witness |
12.2 Such instrument of transfer shall be signed by or on behalf of the transferor and transferee, provided that, in the case of a fully paid share, the Board may accept the instrument signed by or on behalf of the transferor alone. The transferor shall be deemed to remain the holder of such share until the same has been transferred to the transferee in the Register of Members.
12.3 The Board may refuse to recognise any instrument of transfer unless it is accompanied by the certificate in respect of the shares to which it relates and by such other evidence as the Board may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer.
12.4 The joint holders of any share may transfer such share to one or more of such joint holders, and the surviving holder or holders of any share previously held by them jointly with a deceased Member may transfer any such share to the executors or administrators of such deceased Member.
12.5 The Board may in its absolute discretion and without assigning any reason therefor refuse to register the transfer of a share. The Board shall refuse to register a transfer unless all applicable consents, authorisations and permissions of any governmental body or agency in Bermuda have been obtained. If the Board refuses to register a transfer of any share the Secretary shall, within three months after the date on which the transfer was lodged with the Company, send to the transferor and transferee notice of the refusal.
13. TRANSMISSION OF SHARES
13.1 In the case of the death of a Member, the survivor or survivors where the deceased Member was a joint holder, and the legal personal representatives of the deceased Member where the deceased Member was a sole holder, shall be the only persons recognised by the Company as having any title to the deceased Member's interest in the shares. Nothing herein contained shall release the estate of a deceased joint holder from any liability in respect of any share which had been jointly held by such deceased Member with other persons. Subject to the provisions of the Act, for the purpose of this Bye-law, legal personal representative means the executor or administrator of a deceased Member or such other person as the Board may, in its absolute discretion, decide as being properly authorised to deal with the shares of a deceased Member.
13.2 Any person becoming entitled to a share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of any Member may be registered as a Member upon such evidence as the Board may deem sufficient or may elect to nominate some person to be registered as a transferee of such share, and in such case the person becoming entitled shall execute in favour of such nominee an instrument of transfer in writing in the form, or as near thereto as circumstances admit, of the following:
Transfer by a Person Becoming Entitled on Death/Bankruptcy of a Member
- (the "Company")
I/We, having become entitled in consequence of the
[death/bankruptcy] of [name and address of deceased Member] to
[number] share(s) standing in the Register of Members of the Company
in the name of the said [name of deceased/bankrupt Member] instead
of being registered myself/ourselves, elect to have [name of
transferee] (the "Transferee") registered as a transferee of such
share(s) and I/we do hereby accordingly transfer the said share(s)
to the Transferee to hold the same unto the Transferee, his or her
executors, administrators and assigns, subject to the conditions on
which the same were held at the time of the execution hereof; and
the Transferee does hereby agree to take the said share(s) subject
to the same conditions.
DATED this [ ] day of [ ], 200[ ]
Signed by: In the presence of: ----------------------------- ------------------------ Transferor Witness ----------------------------- ------------------------ Transferee Witness |
13.3 On the presentation of the foregoing materials to the Board, accompanied by such evidence as the Board may require to prove the title of the transferor, the transferee shall be registered as a Member. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board shall, in any case, have the same right to decline or suspend registration as it would have had in the case of a transfer of the share by that Member before such Member's death or bankruptcy, as the case may be.
13.4 Where two or more persons are registered as joint holders of a share or shares, then in the event of the death of any joint holder or holders the remaining joint holder or holders shall be absolutely entitled to the said share or shares and the Company shall recognise no claim in respect of the estate of any joint holder except in the case of the last survivor of such joint holders.
REDUCTION OR INCREASE IN SHARE CAPITAL
14. POWER TO ALTER CAPITAL
14.1 The Company may by resolution of the Members increase, divide, consolidate, subdivide, change the currency denomination of, diminish or reduce its share capital in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
14.2 Where, on any alteration of share capital, fractions of shares or some other difficulty would arise, the Board may deal with or resolve the same in such manner as it thinks fit.
15. VARIATION OF RIGHTS ATTACHING TO SHARES
If, at any time, the share capital is divided into different classes of shares, the rights attached to any class (unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class) may, whether or not the Company is being wound-up, be varied with the consent in writing of the holders of three-fourths of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a resolution passed by a majority of the votes cast at a separate general meeting of the holders of the shares of the class. The rights conferred upon the holders of the shares of any class issued with preferred or other rights shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class, be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu therewith.
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITALISATION
16. DIVIDENDS
16.1 The Board may, subject to these Bye-laws and in accordance with the Act, declare a dividend to be paid to the Members, in proportion to the number of shares held by them, and such dividend may be paid in cash or wholly or partly in specie in which case the Board may fix the value for distribution in specie of any assets.
16.2 The Board may fix any date as the record date for determining the Members entitled to receive any dividend.
16.3 The Company may pay dividends in proportion to the amount paid up on each share where a larger amount is paid up on some shares than on others.
16.4 The Board may declare and make such other distributions (in cash or in specie) to the Members as may be lawfully made out of the assets of the Company.
17. POWER TO SET ASIDE PROFITS
The Board may, before declaring a dividend, set aside out of the surplus or profits of the Company, such sum as it thinks proper as a reserve to be used to meet contingencies or for equalising dividends or for any other purpose.
18. METHOD OF PAYMENT
18.1 Any dividend, interest, or other monies payable in cash in respect of the shares may be paid by cheque or draft sent through the post directed to the Member at such Member's address in the Register of Members, or to such person and to such address as the holder may in writing direct.
18.2 In the case of joint holders of shares, any dividend, interest or other monies payable in cash in respect of shares may be paid by cheque or draft sent through the post directed to the address of the holder first named in the Register of Members, or to such person and to such address as the joint holders may in writing direct. If two or more persons are registered as joint holders of any shares any one can give an effectual receipt for any dividend paid in respect of such shares.
18.3 The Board may deduct from the dividends or distributions payable to any Member all monies due from such Member to the Company on account of calls or otherwise.
19. CAPITALISATION
19.1 The Board may resolve to capitalise any sum for the time being standing to the credit of any of the Company's share premium or other reserve accounts or to the credit of the profit and loss account or otherwise available for distribution by applying such sum in paying up unissued shares to be allotted as fully paid bonus shares pro rata to the Members.
19.2 The Board may resolve to capitalise any sum for the time being standing to the credit of a reserve account or sums otherwise available for dividend or distribution by applying such amounts in paying up in full partly paid or nil paid shares of those Members who would have been entitled to such sums if they were distributed by way of dividend or distribution.
MEETINGS OF MEMBERS
20. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
The annual general meeting of the Company shall be held in each year (other than the year of incorporation) at such time and place as the President or the Chairman or any two Directors or any Director and the Secretary or the Board shall appoint.
21. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS
The President or the Chairman or any two Directors or any Director and the Secretary or the Board may convene a special general meeting of the Company whenever in their judgment such a meeting is necessary.
22. REQUISITIONED GENERAL MEETINGS
The Board shall, on the requisition of Members holding at the date of the deposit of the requisition not less than one-tenth of such of the paid-up share capital of the Company as at the date of the deposit carries the right to vote at general meetings of the Company, forthwith proceed to convene a special general meeting of the Company and the provisions of the Act shall apply.
23. NOTICE
23.1 At least five days' notice of an annual general meeting shall be given to each Member entitled to attend and vote thereat, stating the date, place and time at which the meeting is to be held and that the election of Directors will take place thereat.
23.2 At least five days' notice of a special general meeting shall be given to each Member entitled to attend and vote thereat, stating the date, time, place and the general nature of the business to be considered at the meeting.
23.3 The Board may fix any date as the record date for determining the Members entitled to receive notice of and to vote at any general meeting of the Company.
23.4 A general meeting of the Company shall, notwithstanding that it is called on shorter notice than that specified in these Bye-laws, be deemed to have been properly called if it is so agreed by (i) all the Members entitled to attend and vote thereat in the case of an annual general meeting; and (ii) 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 95% in nominal value of the shares giving a right to attend and vote thereat in the case of a special general meeting.
23.5 The accidental omission to give notice of a general meeting to, or the non-receipt of a notice of a general meeting by, any person entitled to receive notice shall not invalidate the proceedings at that meeting.
24. GIVING NOTICE
24.1 A notice may be given by the Company to any Member either by delivering it to such Member in person or by sending it to such Member's address in the Register of Members or to such other address given for the purpose. For the purposes of this Bye-law, a notice may be sent by letter mail, courier service, cable, telex, telecopier, facsimile, electronic mail or other mode of representing words in a legible form.
24.2 Any notice required to be given to a Member shall, with respect to any shares held jointly by two or more persons, be given to whichever of such persons is named first in the Register of Members and notice so given shall be sufficient notice to all the holders of such shares.
24.3 Any notice shall be deemed to have been served at the time when the same would be delivered in the ordinary course of transmission and, in proving such service, it shall be sufficient to prove that the notice was properly addressed and prepaid, if posted, and the time when it was posted, delivered to the courier or to the cable company or transmitted by telex, facsimile, electronic mail, or such other method as the case may be.
25. POSTPONEMENT OF GENERAL MEETING
The Secretary may postpone any general meeting called in accordance with the provisions of these Bye-laws (other than a meeting requisitioned under these Bye-laws) provided that notice of postponement is given to each Member before the time for such meeting. Fresh notice of the date, time and place for the postponed meeting shall be given to each member in accordance with the provisions of these Bye-laws.
26. PARTICIPATING IN MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE
Members may participate in any general meeting by means of such telephone, electronic or other communication facilities as permit all persons participating in the meeting to communicate with each other simultaneously and instantaneously, and participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
27. QUORUM AT GENERAL MEETINGS
27.1 At any general meeting of the Company two or more persons present in person and representing in person or by proxy in excess of 50% of the total issued voting shares in the Company throughout the meeting shall form a quorum for the transaction of business, provided that if the Company shall at any time have only one Member, one Member present in person or by proxy shall form a quorum for the transaction of business at any general meeting of the Company held during such time.
27.2 If within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting a quorum is not present, then, in the case of a meeting convened on a requisition, the meeting shall be deemed cancelled and, in any other case, the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same day one week later, at the same time and place or to such other day, time or place as the Secretary may determine. If the meeting shall be adjourned to the same day one week later or the Secretary shall determine that the meeting is adjourned to a specific date, time and place, it is not necessary to give notice of the adjourned meeting other than by announcement at the meeting being adjourned. If the Secretary shall determine that the meeting be adjourned to an unspecified date, time or place, fresh notice of the resumption of the meeting shall be given to each Member entitled to attend and vote thereat in accordance with the provisions of these Bye-laws.
28. CHAIRMAN TO PRESIDE
Unless otherwise agreed by a majority of those attending and entitled to vote thereat, the Chairman, if there be one, and if not the President, shall act as chairman at all meetings of the Members at which such person is present. In their absence, the Deputy Chairman or Vice President, if present, shall act as chairman and in the absence of all of them a chairman shall be appointed or elected by those present at the meeting and entitled to vote.
29. VOTING ON RESOLUTIONS
29.1 Subject to the provisions of the Act and these Bye-laws, any question proposed for the consideration of the Members at any general meeting shall be decided by the affirmative votes of a majority of the votes cast in accordance with the provisions of these Bye-laws and in the case of an equality of votes the resolution shall fail.
29.2 No Member shall be entitled to vote at a general meeting unless such Member has paid all the calls on all shares held by such Member.
29.3 At any general meeting a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall, in the first instance, be voted upon by a show of hands and, subject to any rights or restrictions for the time being lawfully attached to any class of shares and subject to the provisions of these Bye-laws, every Member present in person and every person holding a valid proxy at such meeting shall be entitled to one vote and shall cast such vote by raising his or her hand.
29.4 At any general meeting a declaration by the chairman of the meeting that a question proposed for consideration has, on a show of hands, been carried, or carried unanimously, or by a particular majority, or lost, and an entry to that effect in a book containing the minutes of the proceedings of the Company shall, subject to the provisions of these Bye-laws, be conclusive evidence of that fact.
30. POWER TO DEMAND A VOTE ON A POLL
30.1 Notwithstanding the foregoing, a poll may be demanded by any of the following persons:
(a) the chairman of such meeting; or
(b) at least three Members present in person or represented by proxy; or
(c) any Member or Members present in person or represented by proxy and holding between them not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights of all the Members having the right to vote at such meeting; or
(d) any Member or Members present in person or represented by proxy holding shares in the Company conferring the right to vote at such meeting, being
shares on which an aggregate sum has been paid up equal to not less than one-tenth of the total sum paid up on all such chares conferring such right.
30.2 Where a poll is demanded, subject to any rights or restrictions for the time being lawfully attached to any class of shares, every person present at such meeting shall have one vote for each share of which such person is the holder or for which such person holds a proxy and such vote shall be counted by ballot as described herein, or in the case of a general meeting at which one or more Members are present by telephone, in such manner as the chairman of the meeting may direct and the result of such poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the meeting at which the poll was demanded and shall replace any previous resolution upon the same matter which has been the subject of a show of hands.
30.3 A poll demanded for the purpose of electing a chairman of the meeting or on a question of adjournment shall be taken forthwith and a poll demanded on any other question shall be taken in such manner and at such time and place at such meeting as the chairman (or acting chairman) of the meeting may direct and any business other than that upon which a poll has been demanded may be proceeded with pending the taking of the poll.
30.4 Where a vote is taken by poll, each person present and entitled to vote shall be furnished with a ballot paper on which such person shall record his vote in such manner as shall be determined at the meeting having regard to the nature of the question on which the vote is taken, and each ballot paper shall be signed or initialed or otherwise marked so as to identify the voter and the registered holder in the case of a proxy. At the conclusion of the poll, the ballot papers shall be examined and counted by a committee of not less than two Members or proxy holders appointed by the chairman for the purpose and the result of the poll shall be declared by the chairman.
31. VOTING BY JOINT HOLDERS OF SHARES
In the case of joint holders, 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 of Members.
32. INSTRUMENT OF PROXY
32.1 An instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing or transmitted by electronic mail in substantially the following form or such other form as the chairman of the meeting shall accept:
Proxy
- (the "Company")
I/We, [insert names here], being a Member of the Company with
[number] shares, HEREBY APPOINT [name] of [address] or failing him,
[name] of [address] to be my/our proxy to
vote for me/us at the meeting of the Members held on the [ ] day of
[ ], 200[ ] and at any adjournment thereof. (Any restrictions on
voting to be inserted here.)
Signed this [ ] day of [ ], 200[ ]
Member(s)
32.2 The instrument of proxy shall be signed or, in the case of a transmission by electronic mail, electronically signed in a manner acceptable to the chairman, by the appointor or by the appointor's attorney duly authorised in writing, or if the appointor is a corporation, either under its seal or signed or, in the case of a transmission by electronic mail, electronically signed in a manner acceptable to the chairman, by a duly authorised officer or attorney.
32.3 The decision of the chairman of any general meeting as to the validity of any instrument of proxy shall be final.
33. REPRESENTATION OF CORPORATE MEMBER
33.1 A corporation which is a Member may, by written instrument, authorise such person as it thinks fit to act as its representative at any meeting of the Members and the person so authorised shall be entitled to exercise the same powers on behalf of the corporation which such person represents as that corporation could exercise if it were an individual Member.
33.2 33.2 Notwithstanding the foregoing, the chairman of the meeting may accept such assurances as he thinks fit as to the right of any person to attend and vote at general meetings on behalf of a corporation which is a Member.
34. ADJOURNMENT OF GENERAL MEETING
The chairman of a general meeting may, with the consent of the Members at any general meeting at which a quorum is present, and shall if so directed, adjourn the meeting. Unless the meeting is adjourned to a specific date, place and time announced at the meeting being adjourned, fresh notice of the date, place and time for the resumption of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each Member entitled to attend and vote thereat in accordance with the provisions of these Bye-laws.
35. WRITTEN RESOLUTIONS
35.1 Subject to the following, anything which may be done by resolution of the Company in general meeting or by resolution of a meeting of any class of the Members may, without a meeting and without any previous notice being required, be done by resolution in writing signed by, or in the case of a Member that is a corporation whether or not a company within the meaning of the Act, on behalf of, all the Members who at the date of the resolution would be entitled to attend the meeting and vote on the resolution.
35.2 A resolution in writing may be signed by, or in the case of a Member that is a corporation whether or not a company within the meaning of the Act, on behalf of, all the Members, or all of the Members of the relevant class thereof, in as many counterparts as may be necessary.
35.3 A resolution in writing made in accordance with this Bye-law is as valid as if it had been passed by the Company in general meeting or by a meeting of the relevant class of Members, as the case may be, and any reference in any Bye-law to a meeting at which a resolution is passed or to Members voting in favour of a resolution shall be construed accordingly.
35.4 A resolution in writing made in accordance with this Bye-law shall constitute minutes for the purposes of the Act.
35.5 This Bye-law shall not apply to:
(a) a resolution passed to remove an auditor from office before the expiration of his term of office; or
(b) a resolution passed for the purpose of removing a Director before the expiration of his term of office under these Bye-laws.
35.6 For the purposes of this Bye-law, the date of the resolution is the date when the resolution is signed by, or in the case of a Member that is a corporation whether or not a company within the meaning of the Act, on behalf of, the last Member to sign and any reference in any Bye-law to the date of passing of a resolution is, in relation to a resolution made in accordance with this Bye-law, a reference to such date.
36. DIRECTORS ATTENDANCE AT GENERAL MEETINGS
The Directors of the Company shall be entitled to receive notice of, attend and be heard at any general meeting.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
37. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
37.1 The Board of Directors shall be elected or appointed in the first place at the statutory meeting of the Company and thereafter, except in the case of a casual vacancy, at the annual general meeting or at any special general meeting called for that purpose.
37.2 At any general meeting the Members may authorise the Board to fill any vacancy in their number left unfilled at a general meeting.
38. NUMBER OF DIRECTORS
The Board shall consist of not less than two Directors or such number in excess thereof as the Members may determine.
39. TERM OF OFFICE OF DIRECTORS
Directors shall hold office for such term as the Members may determine or, in the absence of such determination, until the next annual general meeting or until their successors are elected or appointed or their office is otherwise vacated.
40. ALTERNATE DIRECTORS
40.1 At any general meeting of the Company, the Members may elect a person or persons to act as a Director in the alternative to any one or more Directors of the Company or may authorise the Board to appoint such Alternate Directors.
40.2 Unless the Members otherwise resolve, any Director may appoint a person or persons to act as a Director in the alternative to himself by notice in writing deposited with the Secretary. Any person so elected or appointed shall have all the rights and powers of the Director or Directors for whom such person is appointed in the alternative provided that such person shall not be counted more than once in determining whether or not a quorum is present.
40.3 An Alternate Director shall be entitled to receive notice of all meetings of the Board and to attend and vote at any such meeting at which a Director for whom such Alternate Director was appointed in the alternative is not personally present and generally to perform at such meeting all the functions of such Director for whom such Alternate Director was appointed.
40.4 An Alternate Director shall cease to be such if the Director for whom such Alternate Director was appointed ceases for any reason to be a Director but may be re-appointed by the Board as an alternate to the person appointed to fill the vacancy in accordance with these Bye-laws.
41. REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
41.1 Subject to any provision to the contrary in these Bye-laws, the Members may, at any special general meeting convened and held in accordance with these Bye-laws, remove a Director provided that the notice of any such meeting convened for the purpose of removing a Director shall contain a statement of the intention so to do and be served on such Director not less than 14 days before the meeting and at such meeting the Director shall be entitled to be heard on the motion for such Director's removal.
41.2 If a Director is removed from the Board under the provisions of this Bye-law the Members may fill the vacancy at the meeting at which such Director is removed. In the absence of such election or appointment, the Board may fill the vacancy.
42. VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF DIRECTOR
42.1 The office of Director shall be vacated if the Director:
(a) is removed from office pursuant to these Bye-laws or is prohibited from being a Director by law;
(b) is or becomes bankrupt, or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors generally;
(c) is or becomes of unsound mind or dies; or
(d) resigns his office by notice in writing to the Company.
42.2 The Board shall have the power to appoint any person as a Director to fill a vacancy on the Board occurring as a result of the death, disability, disqualification or resignation of any Director and to appoint an Alternate Director to any Director so appointed.
43. REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS
The remuneration (if any) of the Directors shall be determined by the Company in general meeting and shall be deemed to accrue from day to day. The Directors may also be paid all travel, hotel and other expenses properly incurred by them in attending and returning from the meetings of the Board, any committee appointed by the Board, general meetings of the Company, or in connection with the business of the Company or their duties as Directors generally.
44. DEFECT IN APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR
All acts done in good faith by the Board or by a committee of the Board or by any person acting as a Director shall, notwithstanding that it be afterwards discovered that there was some defect in the appointment of any Director or person acting as aforesaid, or that they or any of them were disqualified, be as valid as if every such person had been duly appointed and was qualified to be a Director.
45. DIRECTORS TO MANAGE BUSINESS
The business of the Company shall be managed and conducted by the Board. In managing the business of the Company, the Board may exercise all such powers of the Company as are not, by statute or by these Bye-laws, required to be exercised by the Company in general meeting subject, nevertheless, to these Bye-laws, the provisions of any statute and to such directions as may be prescribed by the Company in general meeting.
46. POWERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
46.1 The Board may:
(a) appoint, suspend, or remove any manager, secretary, clerk, agent or employee of the Company and may fix their remuneration and determine their duties;
(b) exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge its undertaking, property and uncalled capital, or any part thereof, and may issue debentures, debenture stock and other securities whether outright or as security for any debt, liability or obligation of the Company or any third party;
(c) appoint one or more Directors to the office of Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer of the Company, who shall, subject to the control of the Board, supervise and administer all of the general business and affairs of the Company;
(d) appoint a person to act as manager of the Company's day-to-day business and may entrust to and confer upon such manager such powers and duties as he deems appropriate for the transaction or conduct of such business;
(e) by power of attorney, appoint any company, firm, person or body of persons, whether nominated directly or indirectly by the Board, to be an attorney of the Company for such purposes and with such powers, authorities and discretions (not exceeding those vested in or exercisable by the Board) 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 authorise any such attorney to sub-delegate all or any of the powers, authorities and discretions so vested in the attorney. Such attorney may, if so authorised under the seal of the Company, execute any deed or instrument under such attorney's person seal with the same effect as the affixation of the seal of the Company;
(f) procure that the Company pays all expenses incurred in promoting and incorporating the Company;
(g) delegate any of its powers to a committee appointed by the Board which may consist partly or entirely of non-Directors provided that every such committee shall conform to such directions as the Board shall impose of them and provided further that the meetings and proceedings of any such committee shall be governed by the provisions of these Bye-laws regulating the meetings and proceedings of the Board, so far as the same are applicable and are not superceded by directions imposed by the Board;
(h) in connection with the issue of any share, pay such commission and brokerage as may be permitted by law; and
(i) authorise any company, firm, person or body of persons to act on behalf of the Company for any specific purpose and in connection therewith to execute any agreement, document or instrument on behalf of the Company.
47. REGISTER OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The Board shall cause to be kept in one or more books at the registered office of the Company a Register of Directors and Officers and shall enter therein the particulars required by the Act.
48. OFFICERS
The Officers shall consist of a President and a Vice President or a Chairman and a Deputy Chairman, a Secretary and such additional Officers as the Board may determine all of whom shall be deemed to be Officers for the purposes of these Bye-laws.
49. APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS
The Board shall, as soon as possible after the statutory meeting of Members and after each annual general meeting, appoint a President and Vice President or a Chairman and Deputy Chairman who shall be Directors. The Secretary (and additional Officers, if any) shall be appointed by the Board from time to time.
50. DUTIES OF OFFICERS
The Officers 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 Board from time to time.
51. REMUNERATION OF OFFICERS
The Officers shall receive such remuneration as the Board may determine.
52. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
52.1 Any Director, or any Director's firm, partner or any company with whom any Director is associated, may act in a professional capacity for the Company and such Director or such Director's firm, partner or company shall be entitled to remuneration for professional services as if such Director were not a Director. Nothing herein contained shall authorise a Director of Director's firm, partner or company to act as Auditor to the Company.
52.2 A Director who is directly or indirectly interested in a contract or proposed contract or arrangement with the Company shall declare the nature of such interest as required by the Act.
52.3 Following a declaration being made pursuant to this Bye-law, and unless disqualified by the chairman of the relevant Board meeting, a Director may vote
in respect of any contract or proposed contract or arrangement in which such Director is interested and may be counted in the quorum for such meeting.
53. INDEMNIFICATION AND EXCULPATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The Directors, Secretary and other Officers (such term to include any person appointed to any committee by the Board) for the time being acting in relation to any of the affairs 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 every one of them, and their heirs, executors and administrators, shall be indemnified and secured harmless out of the assets of the Company from and against all actions, costs, charges, losses, damages and expenses which they or any of them, 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, or in their respective offices or trusts, and none of them shall be answerable for the acts, receipts, neglects or defaults of the 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 the said persons. Each Member agrees to waive any claim or right of action such Member might have, whether individually or by or in the right of the Company, against any Director or Officer on account of any action taken by such Director or Officer, or the failure of such Director or Officer 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 with may attach to such Director or Officer.
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
54. BOARD MEETINGS
The Board may meet for the transaction of business, adjourn and otherwise regulate its meetings as it sees fit. A resolution put to the vote at a meeting of the Board shall be carried by the affirmative votes of a majority of the votes cast and in the case of an equality of votes the resolution shall fail.
55. NOTICE OF BOARD MEETINGS
A Director may, and the Secretary on the requisition of a Director shall, at any time summon a meeting of the Board. Notice of a meeting of the Board shall be deemed to be duly given to a Director if it is given to such Director verbally (in person or by telephone) or otherwise communicated or sent to such Director by post, cable, telex, telecopier, facsimile, electronic mail or other mode of representing words in a legible form at such Director's last known address or any other address given by such Director to the Company for this purpose.
56. PARTICIPATION IN MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE
Directors may participate in any meeting of the Board by means of such telephone, electronic or other communication facilities as permit all persons participating in the meeting to communicate with each other simultaneously and instantaneously, and participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
57. QUORUM AT BOARD MEETINGS
The quorum necessary for the transaction of business at a meeting of the Board shall be two Directors.
58. BOARD TO CONTINUE IN THE EVENT OF VACANCY
The Board may act notwithstanding any vacancy in its number but, if and so long as its number is reduced below the number fixed by these Bye-laws as the quorum necessary for the transaction of business at meetings of the Board, the continuing Directors or Director may act for the purpose of (i) summoning a general meeting of the Company; or (ii) preserving the assets of the Company.
59. CHAIRMAN TO PRESIDE
Unless otherwise agreed by a majority of the Directors attending, the Chairman, if there be one, and if not the President shall act as chairman at all meetings of the Board at which such person is present. In their absence the Deputy Chairman or Vice President, if present, shall act as chairman and in the absence of all of them a chairman shall be appointed or elected by the Directors present at the meeting.
60. WRITTEN RESOLUTIONS
A resolution signed by all the Directors, which may be in counterparts, shall be as valid as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Board duly called and constituted, such resolution to be effective on the date on which the last Director signs the resolution. For the purposes of this Bye-law only, "Director" shall not include an Alternate Director.
61. VALIDITY OF PRIOR ACTS OF THE BOARD
No regulation or alteration to these Bye-laws made by the Company in general meeting shall invalidate any prior act of the Board which would have been valid if that regulation or alteration had not been made.
CORPORATE RECORDS
62. MINUTES
62.1 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 Board and of any committee appointed by the Board; and
(c) of all resolutions and proceedings of general meetings of the Members, meetings of the Board, meetings of managers and meetings of committees appointed by the Board.
63. PLACE WHERE CORPORATE RECORDS KEPT
Minutes prepared in accordance with the Act and these Bye-laws shall be kept by the Secretary at the registered office of the Company.
64. FORM AND USE OF SEAL
64.1 The seal of the Company shall be in such form as the Board may determine. The Board may adopt one or more duplicate seals for use outside Bermuda.
64.2 The seal of the Company shall not be affixed to any instrument except attested by the signature of a Director and the Secretary or any two Directors, or any person appointed by the Board for that purpose, provided that any Director, Officer or Resident Representative, may affix the seal of the Company attested by such Director, Officer or Resident Representative's signature to any authenticated copies of these Bye-laws, the incorporating documents of the Company, the minutes of any meetings or any other documents required to be authenticated by such Director, Officer or Resident Representative.
ACCOUNTS
65. BOOKS OF ACCOUNT
65.1 The Board shall cause to be kept proper records of account with respect to all transactions of the Company and in particular with respect to:
(a) all sums of money received and expended by the Company and the matters in respect of which the receipt and expenditure relates;
(b) all sales and purchases of goods by the Company; and
(c) all assets and liabilities of the Company.
65.2 Such records of account shall be kept at the registered office of the Company, or subject to the provisions of the Act, at such other place as the Board thinks fit and shall be available for inspection by the Directors during normal business hours.
66. FINANCIAL YEAR END
The financial year end of the Company may be determined by resolution of the Board and failing such resolution shall be 31st December in each year.
AUDITS
67. ANNUAL AUDIT
Subject to any rights to waive laying of accounts or appointment of an Auditor pursuant to the Act, the accounts of the Company shall be audited at least once in every year.
68. APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS
68.1 Subject to the provisions of the Act, at the annual general meeting or at a subsequent special general meeting in each year, an independent representative of the Members shall be appointed by them as Auditor of the accounts of the Company.
68.2 The Auditor may be a Member but no Director, Officer or employee of the Company shall, during his continuance in office, be eligible to act as an Auditor of the Company.
69. REMUNERATION OF AUDITORS
The remuneration of the Auditor shall be fixed by the Company in general meeting or in such manner as the Members may determine.
70. DUTIES OF AUDITORS
70.1 The financial statements provided for by these Bye-laws 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.
70.2 The generally accepted auditing standards referred to in this Bye-law may be those of a country or jurisdiction other than Bermuda or such other generally accepted auditing standards as may be provided for in the Act. If so, the financial statements and the report of the Auditor shall identify the generally accepted auditing standards used.
71. ACCESS TO RECORDS
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 the Auditor 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.
72. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Subject to any rights to waive laying of accounts pursuant to the provisions of the Act, financial statements as required by the Act shall be laid before the Members in general meeting.
73. DISTRIBUTION OF AUDITORS REPORT
The report of the Auditor shall be submitted to the Members in general meeting.
74. VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF AUDITOR
The Board may fill any casual vacancy in the office of the auditor.
VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP AND DISSOLUTION
75. WINDING-UP
If the Company shall be wound up the liquidator may, with the sanction of a resolution of the Members, divide amongst the Members in specie or in kind the whole or any part of the assets of the Company (whether they shall consist of property of the same kind or not) and may, for such purpose, set such value as he deems fair upon any property to be divided as aforesaid 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 sanction, vest the whole or any part of such assets in the trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the Members as the liquidator shall think fit, but so that no Member shall be compelled to accept any shares or other securities or assets whereon there is any liability.
CHANGES TO CONSTITUTION
76. CHANGES TO BYE-LAWS
No Bye-law shall be rescinded, altered or amended and no new Bye-law shall be made save in accordance with the provisions of the Act and until the same has been approved by a resolution of the Board and by a resolution of Members.
77. CHANGES TO THE MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION
No alteration or amendment to the Memorandum of Association shall be made save in accordance with the provisions of the Act and until same has been approved by a resolution of the Board and by a resolution of the Members.
78. DISCONTINUANCE
The Board may exercise all the powers of the Company to discontinue the Company to a jurisdiction outside Bermuda pursuant to the Act.
EXHIBIT 4.01(b)(i)
OPINIONS OF COUNSEL (A)
[ ] 2003 SB Asia Infrastructure Fund L.P. DIRECT LINE: [Address] E-MAIL: dwcooke@cdp.bm OUR REF: Newbridge Asia Netcom (Cayman) Holdings DWPC/siw/325232/62692/corpdocs [Address] YOUR REF: |
Dear Sirs
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED (THE "COMPANY")
We have acted as special legal counsel in Bermuda to the Company in connection with a Shareholders Agreement (the "Shareholders Agreement", which term does not include any other instrument or agreement whether or not specifically referred to therein or attached as an exhibit or schedule thereto) among China Netcom Corporation International Limited ("Netcom"), China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited ("CNC"), SB Asia Infrastructure Fund L.P., Newbridge Asia Netcom (Cayman) Holdings and the Company dated as of [ ] 2003.
For the purposes of giving this opinion, we have examined a [facsimile copy of] the Shareholders Agreement. We have also reviewed the memorandum of association and the bye-laws of the Company, each certified by the Secretary of the Company on [ ] 2003, minutes of a meeting of its directors and minutes of a meeting of its shareholders, each held on [ ] 2003 (together, the "Minutes"), and such other documents and made such enquiries as to questions of law as we have deemed necessary in order to render the opinion set forth below.
We have assumed (a) the genuineness and authenticity of all signatures and the conformity to the originals of all copies (whether or not certified) examined by us and the authenticity and completeness of the originals from which such copies were taken, (b) that where a document has been examined by us in draft form, it will be or has been executed in the form of that draft, and where a number of drafts of a document have been examined by us all changes thereto have been marked or otherwise drawn to our attention, (c) the capacity, power and authority of each of the parties to the Shareholders Agreement, other than the Company, to enter into and perform its respective obligations under the Shareholders Agreement, (d) the due execution of the Shareholders Agreement by each of the parties thereto, other than the Company, and the delivery thereof by each of the parties thereto, (e) the accuracy and completeness of all factual representations made in the Shareholders Agreement and other documents reviewed by us, (f) that the resolutions contained in the Minutes remain in full
force and effect and have not been rescinded or amended, (g) that the Company is entering into the Shareholders Agreement pursuant to its business of acquiring, holding and dealing in personal property of all kinds, (h) that there is no provision of the law of any jurisdiction, other than Bermuda, which would have any implication in relation to the opinions expressed herein, (i) the validity and binding effect under the laws of the State of New York (the "Foreign Laws") of the Shareholders Agreement in accordance with its terms, (j) the validity and binding effect under the Foreign Laws of the submission by the Company pursuant to the Shareholders Agreement to arbitration in accordance with the terms thereof, (k) that none of the parties to the Shareholders Agreement has carried on or will carry on activities, other than the performance of its obligations under the Shareholders Agreement, which would constitute the carrying on of investment business in or from within Bermuda and that none of the parties to the Shareholders Agreement, other than the Company, will perform its obligations under the Shareholders Agreement in or from within Bermuda, (l) that on the date of entering into the Shareholders Agreement the Company is and at all material times thereafter will be able to pay its liabilities as they become due.
The obligations of the Company under the Shareholders Agreement (a) will be subject to the laws from time to time in effect relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, possessory liens, rights of set off, reorganisation, amalgamation, moratorium or any other laws or legal procedures, whether of a similar nature or otherwise, generally affecting the rights of creditors, (b) will be subject to statutory limitation of the time within which proceedings may be brought, (c) will be subject to general principles of equity and, as such, specific performance and injunctive relief, being equitable remedies, may not be available, (d) may not be given effect to by a Bermuda court, whether or not it was applying the Foreign Laws, if and to the extent they constitute the payment of an amount which is in the nature of a penalty and not in the nature of liquidated damages. Notwithstanding any contractual submission to the jurisdiction of specific courts, a Bermuda court has inherent discretion to stay or allow proceedings in the Bermuda courts.
We express no opinion as to the enforceability of any provision of the Shareholders Agreement which provides for the payment of a specified rate of interest on the amount of a judgment after the date of judgment or which purports to fetter the statutory powers of the Company (e.g. the powers to amend its memorandum of association or bye-laws, to wind-up, to amalgamate, to repurchase or redeem its shares and to appoint or remove its auditors). We express no opinion in respect of the second sentence of Section 4.02 of the Shareholders Agreement which provides for persons who do not hold shares of the Company to enjoy rights as shareholders of the Company.
We have made no investigation of and express no opinion in relation to the laws of any jurisdiction other than Bermuda. This opinion is to be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Bermuda and is limited to and is given on the basis of the current law and practice in Bermuda. This opinion is issued solely for your benefit and is not to be relied upon by any other person, firm or entity or in respect of any other matter.
On the basis of and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
1. The Company is duly incorporated and existing under the laws of Bermuda.
2. The Company has the necessary corporate power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under the Shareholders Agreement. The execution and delivery of the Shareholders Agreement by the Company and the performance by the Company, Netcom and CNC of their obligations thereunder will not violate the memorandum of association or bye-laws of the Company nor any applicable law, regulation, order or decree in Bermuda.
3. The Company has taken all corporate action required to authorise its execution, delivery and performance of the Shareholders Agreement. The Shareholders Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Company, and constitutes the valid, binding and enforceable obligations of the Company in accordance with the terms thereof.
4. No order, consent, approval, licence, authorisation or validation of or exemption by any government or public body or authority of Bermuda or any sub-division thereof is required to authorise or is required in connection with the execution, delivery, performance and enforcement of the Shareholders Agreement, except such as have been duly obtained in accordance with Bermuda law.
5. It is not necessary or desirable to ensure the enforceability in Bermuda of the Shareholders Agreement that it be registered in any register kept by, or filed with, any governmental authority or regulatory body in Bermuda. However, to the extent that the Shareholders Agreement creates a charge over assets of the Company, it may be desirable to ensure the priority in Bermuda of the charge that it be registered in the Register of Charges in accordance with Section 55 of the Companies Act 1981. On registration, to the extent that Bermuda law governs the priority of a charge, such charge will have priority in Bermuda over any unregistered charges, and over any subsequently registered charges, in respect of the assets which are the subject of the charge. A registration fee of $468 will be payable in respect of the registration.
While there is no exhaustive definition of a charge under Bermuda law, a charge normally has the following characteristics:
(i) it is a proprietary interest granted by way of security which entitles the chargee to resort to the charged property only for the purposes of satisfying some liability due to the chargee (whether from the chargor or a third party); and
(ii) the chargor retains an equity of redemption to have the property restored to him when the liability has been discharged.
However, as the Shareholders Agreement is governed by the Foreign Laws, the question of whether it would possess these particular characteristics would be determined under the Foreign Laws.
6. The choice of the Foreign Laws as the governing law of the Shareholders Agreement is a valid choice of law and would be recognised and given effect to in any action brought before a court of competent jurisdiction in Bermuda, except for those laws (i) which such court considers to be procedural in nature, (ii) which are revenue or penal laws or (iii) the application of which would be inconsistent with public policy, as such term is interpreted under the laws of Bermuda.
Yours faithfully
CONYERS DILL & PEARMAN
c.c. The Company
EXHIBIT 4.01(b)(i)
OPINION OF COUNSEL (B)
Asia Netcom Corporation Limited
Newbridge Asia Netcom (Cayman) Holdings
SB Asia Infrastructure Fund L.P.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special Taiwan counsel to Asia Netcom Corporation Limited ("ANC"), a Hong Kong company, in connection with the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents (as defined below). This opinion letter is furnished to you at the request of ANC.
In arriving at the opinions expressed below, we have reviewed copies of the following documents (collectively the "Transaction Documents"):
(a) a Declaration of Trust dated March 7, 2003 (the "Declaration") executed by Wilmington Trust (Cayman) Ltd. (the "Trustee"), a Cayman Islands company;
(b) a facility letter dated March [10], 2003 executed by ANC and Taiwan Holdings Co (the "Grandparent Company"), a Cayman Islands company;
(c) the form of Deed of Retirement and Appointment of Enforcer to be executed by Newbridge Star Trust Enforcer (Cayman) (the "Enforcer"), a Cayman Islands company, the Trustee and ANC;
(d) a form of letter of resignation to be executed by the Enforcer;
(e) a Letter of Fees dated March 7, 2003 executed by the Trustee and the Grandparent Company, together with a related guarantee dated March 7, 2003 executed by ANC;
(f) a Deed of Indemnity dated March 7, 2003 executed by the Trustee and the Grandparent Company, together with a related guarantee dated March 7, 2003 executed by ANC; and
(g) a draft Sales and Distribution Agreement dated March 6, 2003 (the "Distribution Agreement") to be executed by ANC and Asia Global Crossing Holdings HK Limited (the "Parent Company"), a Hong Kong company.
You have asked us to assume the following additional matters:
(a) that on March 10, 2003 the Grandparent Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Parent Company, pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated March 9, 2003 executed by ANC, Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and the Grandparent Company;
(b) that the Parent Company is the owner of [substantially] all of the issued and outstanding shares of East Asia Crossing Taiwan, Inc. ("EACT"), a Taiwan company;
(c) that EACT is the owner of 60% of the issued and outstanding shares of Asia Global Crossing Taiwan, Inc. ("AGCT"), all of the issued and outstanding shares of IXnet Taiwan Limited ("IXnet") and approximately 4.25% of the issued and outstanding shares of Digital United Inc. ("Digital"), each a Taiwan company;
(d) that AGCT is licensed to operate an international submarine cable circuit leasing business and a type II telecommunications business in Taiwan and each of IXnet and Digital is licensed to operate a type II telecommunications business in Taiwan;
(e) that neither the Trustee nor the Enforcer is owned directly or indirectly by a citizen, company or agency of the People's Republic of China;
(f) that ANC is majority owned by China Netcom International Limited ("Netcom"); and
(g) that Netcom is wholly owned by China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited ("CNCHK") and CNCHK is indirectly, majority owned by entities organized in the People's Republic of China.
For purposes of this opinion, we also have assumed:
(a) that each legal entity which is party to any of the Transaction Documents is duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation;
(b) that each party has power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under and has duly authorized, executed and delivered the Transaction Documents to which it is party;
(c) that all signatures, seals and chops on the Transaction Documents are genuine and have been duly affixed, the Transaction Documents are authentic and complete and have not been amended, supplemented, superseded, revoked or revised in any manner, and the copies thereof which we have reviewed conform to the originals;
(d) that each of the Transaction Documents other than the Distribution Agreement constitutes, and the Distribution Agreement upon due authorization, execution and delivery shall constitute, legal, valid and binding obligations of the parties thereto under the laws by which it purports to be governed;
(e) that the Declaration creates a trust (the "Trust") which holds all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Grandparent Company pursuant to the Special Trusts (Alternative Regime) Law, Part VIII of the Trust Law (2001 Revision) of the Cayman Islands; and
(f) that it is intended that ANC will be named as beneficiary of the Trust.
We have understood our engagement not to include, and accordingly have not endeavored to make, any independent verification of the factual representations in the Transaction Documents or stated above.
This opinion is confined to and given on the basis of the laws of Taiwan and prevailing interpretations thereof as of the date hereof. We have not investigated, and we do not express or imply any opinion on the laws of any other jurisdiction, and except as stated above we have assumed that no such other laws would affect the opinions stated herein. Insofar as this opinion relies on any decision of any regulatory agency, court or other government agency or authority or any government guideline or policy statement, it is based exclusively on those materials published and available to the public as of the date hereof, plus such unpublished information, if any, as to which we have actual knowledge. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, this opinion is confined to and given on the basis of the current interpretation of the term "member of an organization" within the meaning of Article 72 of the Statute for Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the People of the Mainland Area (the "Cross-Straits Statute") and we express no opinion concerning any future expansion or other revision of the Taiwan Government's current interpretation of such term.
Based on the foregoing, and subject to the qualification set forth below, it is our opinion that:
1. The execution and delivery of the Transaction Agreements by the parties thereto and the performance of their obligations thereunder will not conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any Taiwan law or regulation, including, without limitation, the Cross-Straits Statute.
2. Article 72 of the Cross-Straits Statute prohibits any citizen, company or agency of the People's Republic of China from becoming a "member of an organization" in Taiwan, but the legal relationships created by the Transaction Documents do not make ANC a "member of an organization" within the meaning of that Article nor would ANC be a "member of an organization" within the meaning of that Article if it was named as the beneficiary of the Trust.
3. It is not necessary to ensure the legality of any of the Transactions Agreements in Taiwan that any consent, approval, authorization or order be obtained from or that any document be filed or recorded with any Taiwan regulatory agency, court or other government agency or authority.
The foregoing opinions are subject to the following qualification:
(a) we express no opinion whether following execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents the Taiwan Government may determine that any of the investments described in this opinion is prohibited pursuant to any public policy prohibiting investments which may adversely affect Taiwan's national security.
This opinion is addressed to you in connection with the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents. It may not be relied upon for any other purpose and may not be disclosed to any other person without our consent.
Sincerely,
YANGMING PARTNERS
EXHIBIT 4.01(b)(ii)
COMPANY CERTIFICATE (A)
Reference is made to the Shareholders Agreement (the "Shareholders Agreement") of Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda, made as of March _____, 2003 and effective as of the Effective Date, among China Netcom Corporation International Limited, China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited, (the "Company"), SB Asia Infrastructure Fund L.P., Newbridge Asia Netcom (Cayman) Holdings and the Company. Except as otherwise provided, capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Shareholders Agreement.
I, ________________, in my capacity as ________________ of the Company, and as duly authorized attorney-in-fact of the Board of Directors of the Company under that certain Power of Attorney, dated as of ______, 2003, hereby certify that:
(a) The representations and warranties of the Company in Article III of the Shareholders Agreement are true and correct on and as of the date hereof;
(b) Each person who, as a director or officer of the Company or attorney-in-fact of such director or officer, signed the Shareholders Agreement and any other document delivered prior to or on the date hereof in connection with the transactions contemplated in the such agreements (the "Transaction Agreements") was duly elected or appointed, qualified and acting as such director or officer or duly appointed and acting as such attorney-in-fact, and the signatures or true facsimile signatures, of such persons are genuine; and
(c) The Company is not aware of any matter or development which constitutes a breach of or is inconsistent with any of the representations, warranties and covenants made by the Company under any of the Transaction Agreements to which the Company is a party.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed this certificate in the capacity indicated below.
Dated: March ______, 2003
By ___________________________ Name:
Title: ____________________ and
Attorney-in-Fact
EXHIBIT 4.01(b)(ii)
COMPANY CERTIFICATE (B)
Reference is made to the Shareholders Agreement (the "Shareholders Agreement") of Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda (the "Company"), made as of March _____, 2003 and effective as of the Effective Date, among China Netcom Corporation International Limited, China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited, SB Asia Infrastructure Fund L.P., Newbridge Asia Netcom (Cayman) Holdings and the Company. Except as otherwise provided, capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Shareholders Agreement.
I, ________________, in my capacity as ________________ of the Company, and as duly authorized attorney-in-fact of the Board of Directors of the Company under that certain Power of Attorney, dated as of ______, 2003, hereby certify that:
(d) The representations and warranties of the Company in Article III of the Shareholders Agreement are true and correct on and as of the date hereof;
(e) Attached hereto as Annex I is a true, correct and complete list of all agreements that the Company has executed or by which the Company is bound as of the date hereof;
(f) Attached hereto as Annex II is a true, correct and complete copy of resolutions duly adopted by each of the Board of Directors and the members of the Company since its incorporation; such resolutions have not been amended, modified or rescinded and remain in full force and effect; and such resolutions are the only resolutions adopted by the Company's Board of Directors and/or the Company's members, as the case may be, since the Company's incorporation;
(g) Attached hereto as Annex III is a true, correct and complete copy of the minutes of the meetings of each of the Board of Directors and the members of the Company since its incorporation; and such minutes accurately reflect the proceedings of every meeting of the Board of Directors and/or the members of the Company, as the case may be, since its incorporation;
(h) Attached hereto as Annex I is a true, correct and complete copy of the Memorandum of Association and Bye-Laws of the Company, as amended to date, which continue in full force and effect on the date hereof;
(i) No amendment or other document relating to or affecting the Memorandum of Association and Bye-Laws of the Company has been adopted or filed since March ______, 2003 and no action has been taken by the Company or its members, directors or officers in contemplation of the filing of any such amendment, or in contemplation of the liquidation or dissolution of the Company;
(j) Each person who, as a director or officer of the Company or attorney-in-fact of such director or officer, signed the Shareholders Agreement and any other document delivered prior to or on the date hereof in connection with the transactions contemplated in the such agreements (the "Transaction Agreements") was duly elected or appointed, qualified and acting as such director or officer or duly appointed and acting as such attorney-in-fact, and the signatures or true facsimile signatures, of such persons are genuine; and
(k) The Company is not aware of any matter or development which constitutes a breach of or is inconsistent with any of the representations, warranties and covenants made by the Company under any of the Transaction Agreements to which the Company is a party.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed this certificate in the capacity indicated below.
Dated: March ______, 2003
By ___________________________ Name:
Title: ____________________ and
Attorney-in-Fact
EXHIBIT 5.02
SELECTED TERMS OF THE CNC GUARANTEE
(a) CNCHK (the "Guarantor") irrevocably guarantees (as primary obligor and not merely as surety) payment in full of all amounts due and payable by the Company (the "Borrower") under the credit agreement (this "Agreement") evidencing the Additional Debt Funding as defined in the Shareholders Agreement among China Netcom Corporation International Limited, China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited, SB Asia Infrastructure Fund L.P., Newbridge Asia Netcom (Cayman) Holdings and Asia Netcom Corporation Limited dated March, [ ] 2003 (the "Shareholders Agreement") and the notes (the "Notes"), as and when those amounts become payable (whether in respect of principal or interest or otherwise, and whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise), strictly in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Notes, provided, however, that it being understood that the Guarantor's aggregate maximum liability hereunder in respect of principal amounts shall not exceed at any time the lesser of (i) all principal amounts due and payable by the Company under this Agreement and (ii) the excess of (x) $300 million over (y) the aggregate principal amount of the Initial Funding as defined in the Shareholders Agreement.
(b) This Guarantee is a Guarantee of payment and not of collection, and it shall not be affected in any way by the absence of any action to obtain payment from the Borrower, provided, however, that the Guarantor's obligation to make any payment shall be determined after giving effect to all payments whatsoever received by [Agent], [Bank] or [Manager] from the Borrower.
(c) The Guarantor's obligations under this Guarantee shall be unconditional, irrespective of any lack of capacity of the Borrower or any lack of validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement or the Notes, and this Guarantee shall not be affected in any way by any variation, extension, waiver, compromise or release of any or all of the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under the Notes or of any security from time to time therefor.
(d) This Guarantee is a continuing Guarantee and shall remain in full force and effect until all amounts payable by the Borrower under this Agreement and the Notes have been validly, finally and irrevocably paid in full. This Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect or shall be reinstated (as the case may be) if at any time any payment of the Borrower, in whole or in part, is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by any [Agent], [Bank] or [Manager] upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Borrower or otherwise, all as though that payment had not been made.
(e) If the Borrower merges, amalgamates or consolidates with or into another entity, loses its separate legal identity or ceases to exist, the Guarantor shall nonetheless continue to be liable for the payment of all amounts payable by the Borrower under this Agreement and the Notes.
(f) This Guarantee shall not be affected by the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, by the existence of any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar proceedings involving the Borrower, by any change in the laws, rules or regulations of [China, Hong Kong or
Bermuda] or by any present or future action of any governmental authority or court of any jurisdiction amending, varying, reducing or otherwise affecting, or purporting to amend, vary, reduce or otherwise affect, any of the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement or the Notes or by any other circumstance (other than by complete, irrevocable payment) that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a surety or a guarantor.
(g) The Guarantor recognizes that this Guarantee is governed by the laws of the State of New York, U.S.A. and expressly agrees that any rights or privileges that it might otherwise have under [___________](5)shall not be applicable to this Guarantee.
(h) If the Guarantor receives any amount as a result of any action against the Borrower or any of its property or assets or otherwise for or on account of any payment made by the Guarantor under this Guarantee and any amount payable by the Borrower under this Agreement or any Note is at the time overdue and unpaid, the Guarantor shall forthwith pay that amount received by it, to the [Lender Agent], without demand, to be credited and applied against the amount so payable by the Borrower.
(i) The Guarantor waives all requirements as to promptness, diligence, presentment, demand for payment, protest and notice of any kind with respect to this Guarantee, this Agreement and the Notes and with respect to any action taken in respect of any security provided from time to time for the Borrower's obligations hereunder and under the Notes.
(j) As further evidence of this Guarantee, the Guarantor shall endorse its Guarantee of payment on the Notes, but no failure by the [Lender Agent] or the Banks to insist upon that endorsement shall affect the existence, validity or terms of this Guarantee, and the form of Guarantee endorsed on the Notes by the Guarantor shall not be construed as in diminution of or substitution for any of the obligations or agreements of the Guarantor under this Guarantee.
EXHIBIT 8.02
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
Section 1. Definitions. The following definitions, as well as certain terms defined elsewhere in this Exhibit 8.02, shall apply to this Exhibit 8.02 only:
"Adverse Disclosure" means public disclosure of material non-public information which, in the Board's good faith judgment, after consultation with independent outside counsel to the Company, (i) would be required to be made in any registration statement filed by the Company with the SEC, the HKSE or any other exchange, as applicable, so that such registration statement would not be false or misleading in any material respect; (ii) would not be required to be made at such time but for the filing or publication of such registration statement; and (iii) the Company has a bona fide business purpose for not disclosing publicly.
"HKSE" means The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.
"HKSE Listing Rules" means the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange.
"Registrable Securities" means all Shares held by the Other Shareholders as of the date hereof or hereinafter acquired by the Other Shareholders, and all other common shares or other securities of the Company issued or issuable, directly or indirectly, to the Other Shareholders as a result of any share split, share division, share consolidation, bonus issues or share dividend, reclassification, exchange, exercise, exchange or similar event after the date of this Agreement.
"Registration Expenses" means all expenses, except underwriting discounts,
selling commissions and share transfer taxes incurred by the Company in
complying with the terms of this Exhibit 8.02, including, without limitation,
all registration, qualification, filing, listing and similar fees, fees and
expenses of any "qualified independent underwriter", printing fees and expenses,
reasonable fees and expenses of underwriters customarily paid by issuers or
sellers of securities, escrow fees, fees and disbursements of counsel for the
Company, blue sky fees and expenses, the expense of any special audits incident
to or required by any such registration, expenses incurred by employees of the
Company in connection with roadshows or other marketing and promotional efforts
reasonably requested by the managing underwriter (provided that the Company
shall not be required to pay such expenses in connection with a registration
solely of secondary shares) and copying, word processing, telephone, facsimile,
messenger and delivery expenses and disbursements of one counsel for the selling
shareholders in each jurisdiction in which the Registrable Securities will be
offered selected by the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities
being registered; provided, however, that if a registration request pursuant to
Section 2 is subsequently withdrawn at the request of the holders of a number of
shares of Registrable Securities such that the remaining holders requesting
registration would not have been able to request registration under the
provisions of Section 2, such withdrawing holders shall bear any such expenses
incurred prior to the date of withdrawal in connection with such right unless
such withdrawing holder shall forfeit their right to one requested registration
pursuant to Section 2 and provided, further, that if a registration request
pursuant to Section 8 is
subsequently withdrawn at the request of the holders of a number of shares of Registrable Securities such that the remaining holders requesting registration would not have been able to request registration under Section 8 of this Agreement, the Company shall not be required to pay any expenses of that registration proceeding, and the withdrawing holders shall bear such expenses. The holders shall bear and pay the underwriting commissions and discounts applicable to securities offered for their account in connection with any registrations, filings and qualifications made pursuant to this Agreement.
"SEC" means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Securities Act" means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
All other terms used but not defined in this Exhibit 8.02 shall have the meanings set forth in the Agreement. References in this Exhibit 8.02 to "Sections" are to the Sections of this Exhibit 8.02, unless otherwise specified.
Section 2. Demand Registration. Other Shareholders holding an aggregate of not less than thirty percent (30%) of all Registrable Securities held by all of the Other Shareholders may request that the Company effect: (i) a registration of Registrable Securities under the Securities Act, only on or after the one hundred and eightieth (180th) day following the closing date the Company's initial public offering under the Securities Act, or (ii) a listing of Registrable Securities on the HKSE (a "HK Listing") or any other exchange, only on or after the one hundred and eightieth (180th) day following the closing of the Company's listing on the HKSE or such other exchange (each of (i) and (ii) being a "Demand Registration"). Upon receipt of such demand, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to effect such Demand Registration as soon as practicable and, in any event, to file within ninety (90) days of receipt of such request, a registration statement under the Securities Act or a listing application with the HKSE or such other exchange, as applicable, covering the Registrable Securities subject to such request, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 3. The Company may include in any Demand Registration any other Shares so long as the inclusion in such registration thereof will not, in the reasonable judgment of the managing underwriter(s), if any, materially and adversely interfere with the timing, pricing or marketing in accordance with the intended method of sale or other disposition of all Registrable Securities sought to be registered. If it is determined as provided above that there will be such interference, the Shares sought to be so included shall be excluded to the extent deemed appropriate by the managing underwriter(s).
Section 3. Limitations. The Company's obligation to effect a Demand Registration requested pursuant to Section 2 shall be subject to the following limitations:
(a) The Company shall not be requested to effect any Demand Registration unless the expected aggregate market value of the Registrable Securities to be offered is at least U.S.$20 million.
(b) The Company shall not be required to effect any Demand Registration (i) except as otherwise set forth herein, within one hundred and twenty (120) days of a registration of equity securities of the Company or securities convertible or exchangeable into
equity securities of the Company or (ii) if the managing underwriter would require the conduct of an audit other than the regular audit conducted by the Company at the end of its fiscal year or otherwise as required by the Commission, the HKSE, the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder or the HKSE Listing Rules, in which case the filing may be delayed until the completion of such regular audit (unless the holders of the Registrable Securities to be registered agree to pay the expenses of the Company in connection with such an audit other than the regular audit).
(c) The Company may defer its obligations to effect a Demand Registration no more than twice in any twenty four (24) month period if, in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors, filing a registration statement with the SEC or a listing application with the HKSE or such other exchange, as applicable, at the time a Demand Registration is requested would require Adverse Disclosure, provided, however, that such deferral may not extend beyond the earlier to occur of (i) one hundred and twenty (120) days after the date upon which such filing would otherwise be required pursuant to Section 2, or (ii) with respect to an event requiring Adverse Disclosure, the date upon which such Adverse Disclosure is first made, or the date upon which filing of a registration statement with the SEC, the HKSE or such other exchange, as applicable, would not require Adverse Disclosure therein.
(d) Each of SAIF and Newbridge (or their successors and assigns) may make two requests for a Demand Registration (i.e., an aggregate maximum of four Demand Registrations).
(e) The Company shall not be required to effect any Demand Registration if the Registrable Securities subject to the demand may be immediately registered on Form F-3 pursuant to a request made with respect to Section 8 below.
Section 4. Selection of Underwriter for Demand Registration. Any Demand
Registration and related offering shall be managed by the Other Shareholders
holding a majority of the Registrable Securities to be registered as follows:
such Other Shareholders shall have the right, in each case, subject to the
approval of the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) to
(i) select the managing underwriter(s) for such offering, (ii) in consultation
with the managing underwriter(s), determine the aggregate number or principal
amount of Registrable Securities to be included in such registration/listing and
offering (subject to applicable limitations set forth herein), the offering
price per Registrable Security, the underwriting discounts and commissions per
Registrable Security, the terms of the underwriting agreement, the timing of the
registration/listing and related offering (subject to applicable limitations set
forth herein), and (iii) determine all other administrative matters related to
the registration/listing and related offering. If applicable, the Company and
the holders of the Registrable Securities subject to the Demand Registration
shall enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the
underwriter(s) selected by the Other Shareholders holding a majority of the
Registrable Securities to be registered in accordance with this Section 4 and
shall enter into such other customary agreements and take all such other
customary actions (including participation by the Company's management in
roadshows and other meetings with investors) as may reasonably be requested to
facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities.
Section 5. Piggyback Registration Rights. If at any time the Company determines that it shall file a registration statement under the Securities Act on any form that would also permit the registration of the Registrable Securities and such filing is to be with respect to the sale of its common shares or other securities convertible or exchangeable into the common shares of the Company to be sold solely for cash, for its own account, for the account of a shareholder or shareholders, or both (a "Company Registration"), the Company shall give the Other Shareholders prompt written notice of its intention to do so and of the intended method of sale along with reasonable details of such sale (the "Registration Notice"). The Other Shareholders may request inclusion of any Registrable Securities in such Company Registration by delivering to the Company, within fifteen (15) Business Days after receipt of the Registration Notice, a written notice (the "Piggyback Notice") stating the number or principal amount of Registrable Securities proposed to be included and that such securities are to be included in any underwriting only on the same or equivalent terms and conditions as the Shares or other securities otherwise being sold through underwriters under such registration or listing. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause all Registrable Securities specified in the Piggyback Notice to be included in the Company Registration and any related offering, and to permit the sale by the Other Shareholders of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the method of sale applicable to the other securities included in the Company Registration.
Section 6. Limitations on Piggyback Registrations. The Company's obligation to include Registrable Securities in the Company Registration pursuant to Section 5 shall be subject to the following limitations:
(a) The Company shall not be obligated to include any Registrable Securities in a registration statement (i) filed on Form F-4 or such other similar successor forms then in effect under the Securities Act, (ii) pursuant to which the Company is offering to exchange its own securities or is offering securities solely to its existing shareholders, or (iii) relating solely to dividend reinvestment plans.
(b) If the managing underwriter(s), with respect to an underwritten offering, or the Company, with respect to a non-underwritten offering, related to a Company Registration determines in its reasonable judgment that marketing factors require a limitation of the number or principal amount of securities that can be included in such offering, the managing underwriter(s) or Company may exclude the appropriate number or principal amount of the securities held by the securityholders of the Company, including the Other Shareholders, from such registration. If the managing underwriter(s) or Company determines to include in such offering an amount of Registrable Securities that is less than all of the Registrable Securities that the Other Shareholders desire to include, the Other Shareholders (except for such Other Shareholders, if any, upon whose demand such Registration is being made) shall share pro rata in the portion of such offering available to them (the "Available Portion"). Such pro rata allocation of the Available Portion among the Other Shareholders shall be based on the number of Registrable Securities which each such Other Shareholder has requested to be included in the Company Registration. The Company shall have the right to terminate or withdraw any registration initiated by it under this Section 6 prior to the effectiveness of such registration whether or not any holder has elected to include securities in such registration.
Section 7. Selection of Underwriter for Piggyback Registration. Any Company Registration and related offering shall be managed by the Company; the Company shall have the power to select the managing underwriter(s) for such offering and shall, in consultation with the managing underwriter(s), have the power to determine the offering price, the underwriting discounts and commissions, the terms of the underwriting agreement, the timing of the registration and related offering, counsel to the Company, and all other administrative matters related to the registration and related offering. To the extent that any Other Shareholder participates in a Company Registration and related offering pursuant to Section 5, such Other Shareholders shall enter into, and sell its Registrable Securities only pursuant to the terms of, an underwriting agreement between the Company and the underwriter, and shall commit to taking such actions as may be reasonably necessary to effect its participation in the offering and to provide any assurances reasonably requested by the Company and the managing underwriter(s) in that regard, and shall deliver to the Company in custody certificates representing all Registrable Securities to be included in the Registration or otherwise deliver such securities as requested by the Company. Any Other Shareholder may elect to withdraw from the Company Registration (in whole or in part) by written notice to the Company and the managing underwriter(s) delivered no later than three (3) days prior to the scheduled printing of the preliminary prospectus with respect thereto, as such schedule is determined by the underwriter(s) and the Registrable Securities of such Other Shareholder shall thereupon be withdrawn from such registration.
Section 8. Shelf Registration. If at any time and from time to time (a)
Other Shareholders holding an aggregate of not less than thirty percent (30%) of
all Registrable Securities held by all of the Other Shareholders request in
writing that the Company file a registration statement on Form F-3 or any
successor thereto for a public offering of all or any portion of the shares of
Registrable Securities held by such requesting holder, the reasonably
anticipated aggregate price to the public of which would exceed $10,000,000, and
(b) the Company is a registrant entitled to use Form F-3 or any successor
thereto to register such shares, the Company shall file with the SEC a shelf
registration statement on Form F-3 (or any successor form or other appropriate
form under the U.S. Securities Act) with respect to the offer and sale of the
Registrable Securities by the holders thereof from time to time in accordance
with the methods of distribution elected by such holders and set forth in such
registration statement, and thereafter shall use its reasonable best efforts to
cause such registration statement to be declared effective under the Securities
Act. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to keep such shelf
registration statement continuously effective in order to permit the prospectus
forming a part thereof to be usable by the holders until the second (2nd)
anniversary of the effective date thereof. The Company shall amend or supplement
the shelf registration statement as may be necessary to provide for an
underwritten offering of Registrable Securities pursuant thereto (such
underwriter being chosen by the holders of a majority of the Registrable
Securities to be so offered).
Section 9. Registration Procedures. If and whenever the Company is required pursuant to this Annex to use its reasonable best efforts to effect the registration of any of the Registrable Securities and subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 3(b) and 6(b) and otherwise as set forth herein, the Company shall, as expeditiously as reasonably practicable:
(a) prepare and file with the SEC, the HKSE or such other exchange, as applicable, a registration statement (including a prospectus therein) or listing application, as applicable, with respect to such securities and use its reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement to become and remain effective, with respect to a firm-commitment underwritten offering, for such period of distribution as may be necessary to permit the successful marketing of such securities, but not exceeding one hundred and eighty (180) days and, with respect to any other registrations, until the later of the sale of all Registrable Securities covered thereby and ninety (90) days after the effective date thereof; provided, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated to keep any shelf registration statement effective after such date that all holders are provided an opinion of counsel for the Company (which opinion shall be reasonably satisfactory to such holders) that all Registrable Securities subject thereto may be immediately sold publicly into the United States and any state thereof without registration under the Securities Act;
(b) prepare and file with the SEC the HKSE or such other exchange, as applicable, such amendments and supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus used in connection therewith and use its reasonable best efforts to cause each such amendment to become effective, as may be necessary to comply with the Securities Act, the HKSE Listing Rules or the registrations of such other exchange, and the rules of the SEC, the HKSE or such other exchange thereunder; and to keep such registration statement effective for that period of time specified in Section 9(a);
(c) furnish to Other Shareholders such number of prospectuses and preliminary prospectuses in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act or the HKSE Listing Rules, and such other documents as Other Shareholders may reasonably request in order to facilitate the public sale or other disposition of the Registrable Securities being sold;
(d) in the event of any underwritten public offering, enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual and customary form, with the managing underwriter of such offering (with each securityholder participating in such underwriting also entering into and performing its obligations under such an agreement, including furnishing any opinion of counsel reasonably requested by the managing underwriter);
(e) notify each holder of Registrable Securities promptly, and, if requested by such holder, confirm such advice in writing, (i) when a registration statement has become effective and when any post-effective amendments and supplements to such registration statement become effective, (ii) of the issuance by the SEC, the HKSE or any other securities authority of any stop order, injunction or other order or requirement suspending the effectiveness of a registration statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, (iii) if, between the effective date of a registration statement and the closing of any sale of securities covered thereby pursuant to any agreement to which the Company is a party, the representations and warranties of the Company contained in such agreement cease to be true and correct in all material respects or if the Company receives any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation of any proceeding for such purpose or (iv) of the happening of any event during the period a registration statement is effective as a result of which such registration statement or the related prospectus
contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; the Company shall use all reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of a registration statement at the earliest possible time;
(f) upon written request by any underwriters of the offering, and subject to applicable rules and guidelines, use reasonable best efforts to cause its independent certified public accountants and attorneys, as applicable, to furnish the Other Shareholders a signed counterpart, addressed to such party, and the underwriters, if any, of (i) a letter from the independent certified accountants of the Company in the form customarily furnished to underwriters in firm commitment underwritten offerings, providing substantially that such accountants are independent certified public accountants within the meaning of the Securities Act and that in the opinion of such accountants the financial statements and other financial data of the Company included in the registration statement and the prospectus, and any amendment or supplement to such registration statement, comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act, and additionally covering such other financial matters (including information as of the date of such letter) with respect to the registration in respect of which such letter is being given as the underwriters may reasonably request and as is consistent with the requirements of Statements on Auditing Standards ("SAS") No. 72 or SAS No. 76; (ii) an opinion of outside legal counsel to the Company, dated the effective date of the registration statement, covering substantially the same matters with respect to the registration statement and prospectus included therein as are customarily covered (at the time of such registration) in the opinions of issuer's counsel delivered to the underwriters in comparable underwritten public offerings; or (iii) equivalent items required under applicable Hong Kong laws and regulations;
(g) use its reasonable best efforts to register or qualify the Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement under the U.S. blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Other Shareholders or their underwriters, if any, shall reasonably request, and do any and all other acts and things which may be necessary or desirable to consummate the disposition of the securities in such jurisdiction; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not then so qualified, or to take any action that would subject it to general service of process in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject, or subject the Company to any tax in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject;
(h) provide a transfer agent and registrar for all such Registrable Securities not later than the effective date of such registration statement;
(i) Subject to the execution by such Persons of a confidentiality
agreement in customary form reasonably acceptable to the Company, make available
for reasonable inspection by the Other Shareholders and any participating
accountant or other agent retained by the Other Shareholders, and any
participating underwriter in a Demand Registration, all financial and other
records and pertinent documents, provide reasonable access to properties and
facilities of the Company, and cause the Company's Affiliates, directors,
officers, employees and agents to (i) make available all material information,
(ii) otherwise use their reasonable best efforts to
obtain all legal opinions, auditors' consents and comfort letters and (iii) participate in such road shows and similar marketing efforts, in each case as may be reasonably requested by any such underwriter, attorney, accountant or agent in connection with the preparation of such registration statement and the sale of such securities;
Section 10. Obligations of Other Shareholders.
(a) It shall be a condition precedent to the obligations of the Company to take any action pursuant to this Exhibit that the holders shall furnish to the Company such information regarding themselves, the Registrable Securities held by them, and the intended method of disposition of such securities as the Company shall reasonably request and as shall be required in connection with the action to be taken by the Company.
(b) Each holder of Registrable Securities agrees, if so required by the managing underwriters of any offering of the Company's common shares, or securities convertible or exchangeable into the Company's common shares, not to effect any public sale or distribution (including any sale pursuant to a registration or listing effected pursuant to this Agreement or pursuant to Rule 144 or Registration S of the Securities Act) of Registrable Securities within thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled effective date of any registration statement of the Company or one hundred and fifty (150) days after the effective date of any such registration statement.
Section 11. Transfer of Registration Rights. The registration rights of any Other Shareholder under this Agreement with respect to any Registrable Securities may be transferred to any transferee of such Registrable Securities; provided, that (i) the transferring Shareholder shall give the Company written notice at or prior to the time of such transfer stating the name and address of the transferee and identifying the securities with respect to which rights under this Agreement are being transferred; (ii) such transferee shall agree in writing, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to be bound as a Shareholder by the provisions of this Agreement; and (iii) immediately following such transfer such securities would remain restricted under Securities Act.
Section 12. Expenses. The Company shall pay all Registration Expenses.
Section 13. Termination of Registration Rights. The right of any Other Shareholder to request registration or inclusion in any registration pursuant to Sections 2, 5 or 8 shall (a) terminate with respect to a registration under the Securities Act, on the earlier to occur of (i) on or at any time after the closing of the IPO, if all shares of Registrable Securities held or entitled to be held upon conversion by such Holder, in the opinion of counsel to the Company (which opinion shall be reasonably satisfactory to such Other Shareholder), may be immediately sold publicly into the United States and any state thereof without registration under the Securities Act, or (ii) ten years after the closing of the IPO; and (b) be suspended with respect to a listing on the HKSE or such other exchange, in each case, (i) so long as the Shares are listed on the HKSE or such other exchange and (ii) no further listing application or other action is required by the Company for the listing and the sale of such Registrable Securities on such exchange.
SCHEDULE 4.01(b)
SHAREHOLDERS
SHAREHOLDER ADDRESS AND FACSIMILE CASH CONTRIBUTION SHARES ----------- --------------------- ----------------- ------ China Netcom Corporation c/o China Netcom Corporation (Hong International Limited Kong) Limited U.S.$61,200,000 60,000,000 59th Floor, Bank of China Tower One Garden Road Central, Hong Kong Fax: (852) 3108-3800 Attention: Wenlong Sun c/o Newbridge Capital LLC Newbridge Asia Netcom Suite 2002-2005 U.S.$29,400,000 29,400,000 (Cayman) Holdings One International Finance Centre One Harbour View Street Central, Hong Kong Fax: (852) 2530-9948 Attention: Weijian Shan c/o SAIF Advisors Ltd. SB Asia Infrastructure Fund Suites 2115-2118 U.S.$29,400,000 29,400,000 L.P. Two Pacific Place 88 Queensway, Hong Kong Fax: (852) 2234-9116 Attention: Brandon H.P. Lin |
SCHEDULE 10.02
CNCHK EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS
1. CNC's Capacity in the Submarine Cable Systems
CABLE SYSTEM CAPACITY ------------ -------- a. C2C 13xSTM-1 b. APCN2 16xSTM-1 c. FLAG 2xSTM-1 d. CH-US 2xSTM-1 e. EAC & PC-1 1xSTM-16 |
2. CNC has entered into the Services Agreement with Equant Mauritius Holding Ltd. dated October 2001 (the "Arrangement"). Under the Arrangement, each party is obligated to use the other party's services and networks relating to VPN Communications services. Each party (the "Service Provider") has a right of first refusal for the other party to seek VPN Communications service (the "Seeking Party") from a third party originating from where the Seeking party is licensed if the Seeking party is also licensed and terminating at the place where the Service Provider is licensed to provide such VPN Communications service.
EXHIBIT 10.27
CONFIDENTIAL
SHARE AND ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
Between
ASIA GLOBAL CROSSING LTD.
and
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
Dated as of November 17, 2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS SECTION 1.01 Certain Defined Terms ................................................ 2 SECTION 1.02 Interpretation and Rules of Construction ............................. 14 ARTICLE II PURCHASE AND SALE SECTION 2.01 Purchase and Sale of Assets .......................................... 15 SECTION 2.02 Assumption and Exclusion of Liabilities .............................. 15 SECTION 2.03 Purchase Price ....................................................... 16 SECTION 2.04 Closing .............................................................. 16 SECTION 2.05 Closing Deliveries by the Seller ..................................... 16 SECTION 2.06 Closing Deliveries by the Purchaser .................................. 17 SECTION 2.07 Closing Adjustments .................................................. 17 ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLER SECTION 3.01 Organization, Authority and Qualification of the Seller .............. 19 SECTION 3.02 Organization, Authority and Qualification of the Acquired Subsidiaries 20 SECTION 3.03 Capitalization, Corporate Books and Records .......................... 20 SECTION 3.04 No Conflict .......................................................... 21 SECTION 3.05 Consents and Approvals ............................................... 22 SECTION 3.06 SEC Reports .......................................................... 22 SECTION 3.07 Financial Information; Books and Records ............................. 22 SECTION 3.08 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities ................................... 24 SECTION 3.09 Receivables .......................................................... 24 SECTION 3.10 Regulatory Matters ................................................... 25 SECTION 3.11 Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities .............................. 26 SECTION 3.12 Conduct in the Ordinary Course; Absence of Certain Changes, Events and Conditions ....................................................... 27 SECTION 3.13 Litigation ........................................................... 30 SECTION 3.14 Compliance with Laws ................................................. 30 SECTION 3.15 Environmental and Other Permits and Licenses; Related Matters ........ 31 SECTION 3.16 Material Contracts ................................................... 32 SECTION 3.17 Intellectual Property; Technology .................................... 33 SECTION 3.18 Title to Property .................................................... 34 SECTION 3.19 Network Facilities ................................................... 35 SECTION 3.20 Customers ............................................................ 37 SECTION 3.21 Suppliers ............................................................ 37 |
SECTION 3.22 Employee Benefit Matters ............................................. 37 SECTION 3.23 Labor Matters; Employee Relations .................................... 39 SECTION 3.24 Key Employees ........................................................ 40 SECTION 3.25 Taxes ................................................................ 40 SECTION 3.26 Insurance ............................................................ 42 SECTION 3.27 Brokers .............................................................. 42 ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER SECTION 4.01 Organization and Authority of the Purchaser .......................... 43 SECTION 4.02 No Conflict .......................................................... 43 SECTION 4.03 Governmental Consents and Approvals .................................. 43 SECTION 4.04 Financing ............................................................ 43 SECTION 4.05 Litigation ........................................................... 44 SECTION 4.06 Brokers .............................................................. 44 SECTION 4.07 Acquisition for Investment ........................................... 44 SECTION 4.08 Assumption of Liabilities ............................................ 44 ARTICLE V ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS SECTION 5.01 Conduct of Business Prior to the Closing ............................. 44 SECTION 5.02 Access to Information ................................................ 46 SECTION 5.03 Delivery of Financial Information .................................... 47 SECTION 5.04 Co-operation regarding Activation Costs and Vendor Releases .......... 47 SECTION 5.05 Confidentiality ...................................................... 47 SECTION 5.06 Regulatory and Other Authorizations; Notices and Consents ............ 48 SECTION 5.07 Notice of Developments ............................................... 48 SECTION 5.08 No Solicitation or Negotiation ....................................... 49 SECTION 5.09 Excluded Liabilities ................................................. 49 SECTION 5.10 Global Crossing ...................................................... 50 SECTION 5.11 Winding-up of Seller and Excluded Subsidiaries ....................... 50 SECTION 5.12 Currency ............................................................. 50 SECTION 5.13 Insurance ............................................................ 50 SECTION 5.14 Finance Co ........................................................... 51 SECTION 5.15 Taiwan Share Transfer ................................................ 51 SECTION 5.16 Further Action ....................................................... 51 ARTICLE VI EMPLOYEE MATTERS SECTION 6.01 Employees ............................................................ 51 SECTION 6.02 Transfer and Assumption of the Retirement Plan; Contributions for Periods Prior to Closing ............................................. 52 SECTION 6.03 Directors and Officers of Acquired Subsidiaries ...................... 52 SECTION 6.04 Employee Confidentiality Agreements .................................. 52 |
ARTICLE VII CONDITIONS TO CLOSING SECTION 7.01 Conditions to Obligations of the Seller .............................. 53 SECTION 7.02 Conditions to Obligations of the Purchaser ........................... 54 ARTICLE VIII U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURT AND BERMUDA COURT SECTION 8.01 Chapter 11 Case ...................................................... 56 SECTION 8.02 U.S. Bankruptcy Court Approvals ...................................... 56 SECTION 8.03 Bermuda Case ......................................................... 57 SECTION 8.04 Co-operation ......................................................... 57 ARTICLE IX JOINT PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATORS SECTION 9.01 Joint Provisional Liquidators' Approval .............................. 59 SECTION 9.02 Exclusion of Personal Liability ...................................... 59 SECTION 9.03 The Actions of the Bermuda Debtor .................................... 59 SECTION 9.04 Purpose of the Joint Provisional Liquidators as a Party .............. 59 SECTION 9.05 Joint Provisional Liquidators ........................................ 59 SECTION 9.06 Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction ............................ 60 SECTION 9.07 Entire Agreement ..................................................... 60 SECTION 9.08 Amendments ........................................................... 60 SECTION 9.09 Notices to Joint Provisional Liquidators ............................. 60 ARTICLE X TERMINATION SECTION 10.01 Termination ......................................................... 61 SECTION 10.02 Break-up Fee ........................................................ 63 SECTION 10.03 Effect of Termination ............................................... 64 ARTICLE XI SURVIVAL PERIOD SECTION 11.01 Survival of Representations, Warranties, Covenants and Agreements ... 64 SECTION 11.02 Damage Claims ....................................................... 65 ARTICLE XII GENERAL PROVISIONS SECTION 12.01 Expenses ............................................................ 65 SECTION 12.02 Notices ............................................................. 65 SECTION 12.03 Public Announcements ................................................ 66 SECTION 12.04 Severability ........................................................ 66 SECTION 12.05 Entire Agreement .................................................... 67 SECTION 12.06 Assignment .......................................................... 67 SECTION 12.07 Amendment ........................................................... 67 SECTION 12.08 Waiver .............................................................. 67 |
SECTION 12.09 No Third Party Beneficiaries ........................................ 67 SECTION 12.10 Governing Law ....................................................... 67 SECTION 12.11 Waiver of Jury Trial ................................................ 68 SECTION 12.12 Headings ............................................................ 68 SECTION 12.13 Counterparts ........................................................ 68 SECTION 12.14 Service of Process .................................................. 68 |
EXHIBITS
1.01(a) Form of AGC Payables Agreement 1.01(b) Form of Assignment of Intellectual Property 1.01(c) Form of Assumption Agreement 1.01(d) Form of Bermuda Order 1.01(e) Form of Bill of Sale and Assignment 6.03 Form of Release of Directors and Officers of Acquired Subsidiaries 7.01(h) Form of Release of Seller and Excluded Subsidiaries 7.02(c) Form of Legal Opinion 7.02(k) Form of Consolidated Schedule of Cash Receipts and Cash Disbursements 8.02(b) Form of Bidding Procedures Order 8.02(c) Form of Approval Order SCHEDULES 1.01(a) Assigned AGC Contracts 1.01(b) Assigned Non-AGC Contracts 1.01(c) Knowledge of the Seller 2.01(a) Acquired Assets Attachment A Shares and Acquired Subsidiaries 2.01(b) Excluded Assets 2.02(a) Assumed Liabilities 2.02(b) Excluded Liabilities 5.06(b) Required Contractual Consents |
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE
SHARE AND ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of November 17, 2002, between Asia Global Crossing Ltd., a company organized under the laws of Bermuda (the "Seller"), and Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, a company organized under the laws of Bermuda (the "Purchaser").
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Seller owns shares described in column 2 of Attachment A to Schedule 2.01(a) (the "Shares") or indirect equity interests described in column 3 of Attachment A to Schedule 2.01(a) (the "Indirect Interests") in each company (each, an "Acquired Subsidiary" and collectively, the "Acquired Subsidiaries") described in column 1 of Attachment A to Schedule 2.01(a);
WHEREAS, the Seller, directly and through its various Subsidiaries, including the Acquired Subsidiaries, is engaged in the business of telecommunication network services (including, bandwidth and value-added data services) to enterprise and carrier customers at various locations in Asia using the Network Facilities and other telecommunications facilities (the "Business");
WHEREAS, the Seller intends to file a voluntary petition for relief commencing a case (the "Chapter 11 Case") under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the "Bankruptcy Code") in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the "U.S. Bankruptcy Court");
WHEREAS, immediately following the commencement of the Chapter 11 Case, the Seller (in such capacity, the "Bermuda Debtor") intends to petition the Supreme Court of Bermuda (the "Bermuda Court") for, inter alia, the appointment of the Joint Provisional Liquidators (the "Bermuda Case");
WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the closing of the transactions contemplated under this Agreement that the Joint Provisional Liquidators shall, following their appointment, be joined as a party to this Agreement for the sole purpose of agreeing to the matters set forth in Article IX;
WHEREAS, the Seller wishes to sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser wishes to purchase from the Seller, the Business, including, without limitation, the Acquired Assets, and in connection therewith the Purchaser is willing to assume the Assumed Liabilities, all upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and in accordance with sections 105, 363 and 365 of the Bankruptcy Code;
WHEREAS, the Purchaser is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited ("CNC"); and
WHEREAS, in support of Purchaser's obligations hereunder, CNC has, concurrently herewith, provided to the Seller a guarantee of payment and performance of Purchaser's obligations in an aggregate amount of up to $16 million.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual agreements and covenants hereinafter set forth, the Seller and the Purchaser hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01 Certain Defined Terms. For purposes of this Agreement:
"Acquired Assets" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2.01(a).
"Acquired Subsidiary" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.
"Acquisition Proposal" means any proposal or offer from any Person
other than the Purchaser, its Affiliates or the Taiwan Assignee for any or any
combination of the following transactions between the Seller or any of its
equity holders, or any Subsidiary of the Seller, and any Person other than the
Purchaser, its Affiliates or the Taiwan Assignee: (i) the acquisition, transfer,
purchase or other disposition of any equity interests of the Seller which would
be reasonably expected to have any of the consequences described in clause (v)
of this paragraph or any Acquired Subsidiary, (ii) any business combination
involving or otherwise relating to the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary, (iii)
any offer or proposal to acquire all or any part of the Seller's or any Acquired
Subsidiary's assets or business that are all or a part of the Acquired Assets,
(iv) any offer or proposal to restructure all or any part of the liabilities of
the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries that are all or a part of the Assumed
Liabilities (except as contemplated hereby), or (v) any other similar
transaction the consummation of which would reasonably be expected to prevent or
materially delay the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or which would
reasonably be expected to dilute materially the benefits to the Purchaser of
such transactions; provided, however, that the term "Acquisition Proposal" shall
not include any proposal or offer relating to any of the foregoing transactions
involving (1) PCL or (2) the acquisition of the Seller's shares of Broadband
Tower (Japan) ("BBT") by any other shareholder of BBT upon exercise of such
shareholder's right of first refusal; and; provided, further, that (a) clause
(i) of this definition shall not include any sale, transfer or other disposition
of shares of Seller's common stock by any shareholder of the Seller who is not
an Affiliate (for purpose of such determination the Global Crossing Entities
shall be deemed Affiliates) of the Seller; and (b) Acquisition Proposal shall
not include the consummation of any transaction pursuant to the GC Purchase
Agreement.
"Action" means any claim, action, suit, arbitration, inquiry, proceeding or investigation by or before any Governmental Authority.
"Activation Costs" means the Seller's good faith estimate of the aggregate backhaul costs, costs relating to carrying network traffic on the PC-1 system and the costs of using network facilities not owned by the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary, to the extent the same are expected by the Seller to be incurred by the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries in connection with the satisfaction of their respective obligations pursuant to the Customer IRU Agreements.
"Actual Closing Cash Balance" means the actual amount of cash and Cash Equivalents held by the Seller, Excluded Subsidiaries (excluding PCL) and the Acquired Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date.
"Additional Contract" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 8.02(e).
"Affiliate" means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified Person; provided, however, that, unless otherwise indicated, neither PCL nor any of the Global Crossing Entities shall be deemed an Affiliate of the Seller.
"AGC Payables Agreements" means the assignment and assumption agreement and the waiver agreement relating to certain intercompany amounts owed by the Acquired Subsidiaries to the Seller or the Excluded Subsidiaries, substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.01(a).
"AGC Policies" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.26.
"Ancillary Agreements" means the Bill of Sale, the Assignment of Intellectual Property, the Assumption Agreements, the Release of Directors and Officers of Acquired Subsidiaries to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.03, the Release of Seller and Excluded Subsidiaries to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.01(h), and the AGC Payables Agreements.
"Approval Order" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.02(c).
"Assets" means the Acquired Assets and the assets and properties of the Acquired Subsidiaries.
"Assigned AGC Contracts" means contracts set forth on Schedule 1.01(a).
"Assigned Contracts" means, collectively, the Assigned AGC Contracts and the Assigned Non-AGC Contracts.
"Assigned Non-AGC Contracts" means the contracts set forth on Schedule 1.01(b).
"Assignment of Seller Intellectual Property" means the assignment of Seller Intellectual Property to be executed by the Seller on the Closing Date, substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.01(b).
"Assumed Liabilities" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 2.02(a).
"Assumption Agreements" means each Assumption Agreement to be executed by the Purchaser and the Seller on the Closing Date, substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.01(c).
"Bankruptcy Code" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.
"Bermuda Case" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.
"Bermuda Court" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.
"Bermuda Debtor" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.
"Bermuda Order" means an order in the form of Exhibit 1.01(d), pursuant to which the Joint Provisional Liquidators shall be appointed by the Bermuda Court in respect of the Bermuda Debtor.
"Bermuda Law" means the laws from time to time in force in Bermuda.
"Bidding Procedures Order" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 8.02(b).
"Bill of Sale" means the Bill of Sale and Assignment to be executed by the Seller on the Closing Date, substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.01(e).
"Break-up Fee" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 10.02(a).
"Business" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.
"Business Day" means any day on which banks in Hong Kong are ordinarily open for business, excluding Saturday and Sunday and any other day that is a public holiday in Hong Kong.
"Cash Equivalents" means any of the following, to the extent owned by
the Seller, the Acquired Subsidiaries or the Excluded Subsidiaries free and
clear of all Encumbrances and having a maturity of not greater than 180 days
from the date of acquisition or issuance thereof: (a) readily marketable direct
obligations of the Government of the United States or any agency or
instrumentality thereof or obligations unconditionally guaranteed by the full
faith and credit of the Government of the United States, (b) insured
certificates of deposit of or time deposits with any commercial bank that is (i)
a member of the Federal Reserve System, (ii) issues (or the parent of which
issues) commercial paper rated as described in clause (c), (iii) is organized
under the laws of the United States or any State thereof and (iv) has combined
capital and surplus of at least $1 billion (provided, that in the case of any
certificates of deposit or time deposits held by Seller or any of its
Subsidiaries that are denominated in a foreign currency, clauses (i) through
(iv) hereof shall be deemed to refer to the reasonably equivalent criteria for a
commercial bank in the jurisdiction in question), or (c) commercial paper in an
aggregate amount of no more than $25,000,000 per issuer outstanding at any time,
issued by any corporation organized under the laws of any State of the United
States and rated at least "Prime-1" (or the then equivalent grade) by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. or "A-1" (or the then equivalent grade) by Standard &
Poor's Ratings Group.
"Chapter 11 Case" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.
"Claim" means a claim as defined in Section 101 of the Bankruptcy Code.
"Closing" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2.04.
"Closing Date" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2.04.
"CNC" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code.
"Commercial Payables" means the amount payable or other Liabilities to commercial suppliers including, without limitation, accounts payable consisting of accrued cost of access, customer deposits, accrued OA&M Liabilities and other third party accounts payable
accrued and arising in the ordinary course of business of the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries.
"Commitment Letter" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4.04(c).
"Communications Licenses" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 3.10(a).
"Confidentiality Agreement" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 5.02(a).
"Confirmation Date" shall mean the date initially set by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court as the date on which the confirmation hearing in respect of the Seller's Chapter 11 plan of reorganization shall be held.
"Control" (including the terms "controlled by" and "under common control with"), with respect to the relationship between or among two or more Persons, means the possession, directly or indirectly or as trustee, personal representative or executor, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the affairs or management of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee, personal representative or executor, by contract, credit arrangement or otherwise.
"Cure Costs" means the liabilities and obligations of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary that must be paid or otherwise satisfied to cure all defaults by the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary under the Assigned Contracts at the time of assignment thereof to and the assumption thereof by the Purchaser as provided herein.
"Customer Access Rights" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 3.19(c).
"Customer Base" shall mean those Persons to which the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary provides any telecommunications network services, whether over the Network Facilities (inclusive of any Customer Access Rights) or on a resale basis, including the sale of capacity, and services based on Frame Relay Networks, ATM Networks, private lines, IP transit, dedicated internet access, IP networks and voice.
"Customer IRU Agreements" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 3.19(a).
"Damage Claim" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 11.02.
"Disclosure Schedule" means the disclosure schedule attached hereto and made a part hereof, dated as of the date hereof.
"Distribution Amount" shall mean (a) if Final Cash is greater than or equal to $81,200,000, an amount equal to $81,200,000, and (b) if Final Cash is less than $81,200,000, an amount equal to Final Cash.
"EAC" means East Asia Crossing Ltd., a company organized under the laws of Bermuda.
"EAC Shares" means the 1,200,000 share, par value $0.01 per share, issued and outstanding, constituting 100% of the outstanding capital stock of EAC, all of which are held by GCT.
"Encumbrances" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2.01(a).
"Environmental Laws" shall mean any and all applicable international, federal, state, or local laws, statutes, ordinances, regulations, policies, guidance, rules, judgments, orders, court decisions or rule of common law, permits, restrictions and licenses, which: (i) regulate or relate to the protection or clean up of the environment; the use, treatment, storage, transportation, handling, disposal or release of Hazardous Materials, the preservation or protection of waterways, groundwater, drinking water, air, wildlife, plants or other natural resources; or (ii) impose liability or responsibility with respect to any of the foregoing, or any other Law of similar effect.
"Environmental Permits" means all permits, approvals, identification numbers, licenses and other authorizations required under or issued pursuant to any applicable Environmental Law.
"ERISA" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.22(a).
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor federal statute, and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time. Reference to a particular section of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, shall include reference to the comparable section, if any, of any such successor federal statute.
"Excluded Assets" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2.01(b).
"Excluded Liabilities" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 2.02(b).
"Excluded Subsidiaries" means Subsidiaries other than the Acquired Subsidiaries.
"Filing Subsidiary" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.16(c).
"Final Cash" shall mean the Actual Closing Cash Balance, plus the Paid Activation Costs, less the Vendor Payables.
"Final Order" means an order, judgment, ruling or decree issued by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, the Bermuda Court, or other court having jurisdiction of the same, that is in full force and effect, that has not been reversed, stayed, modified or amended, and for which the time for any appeal or request for rehearing or reargument or petition for certiorari thereof shall have expired without the filing of any appeal, request for rehearing or reargument or petition for certiorari having been made.
"Finance Co" shall mean a direct or indirect Subsidiary of Seller to be formed to hold intercompany payables between the Seller and the Excluded Subsidiaries on the one hand and certain Acquired Subsidiaries on the other hand, which shall, when formed, be included as an Acquired Subsidiary for all purposes hereof.
"Financial Statements" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 3.07(a).
"GC Payables" means the amounts owed by the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries to Global Crossing Entities prior to the Chapter 11 Case.
"GC Policies" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.26.
"GCT" means GCT Pacific Holdings Ltd., a company organized under the laws of Bermuda.
"Global Crossing" means Global Crossing Ltd., a company organized under the laws of Bermuda.
"Global Crossing Entities" means Global Crossing and all of its Subsidiaries (other than the Seller and the Seller's Subsidiaries).
"Governmental Authority" means any United States or non-United States federal, national, supranational, state, provincial, local, or similar government, governmental, regulatory or administrative authority, agency or commission or any court, tribunal, or judicial or arbitral body.
"Governmental Order" means any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, stipulation, determination or award entered by or with any Governmental Authority, except that Governmental Order shall not include the Communications Licenses or Other Licenses.
"Hazardous Materials" means (a) petroleum and petroleum products, radioactive materials, asbestos-containing materials, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, transformers or other equipment that contain polychlorinated biphenyls and radon gas, (b) any other chemicals, materials or substances defined as or included in the definition of "hazardous substances", "hazardous wastes", "hazardous materials", "extremely hazardous wastes", "restricted hazardous wastes", "toxic substances", "toxic pollutants", "contaminants" or "pollutants", or words of similar import, under any applicable Environmental Law, and (c) any other chemical, material or substance which is regulated by any Environmental Law.
"ICBC" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4.04(c).
"Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person, (a) all indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent, for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such Person for the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business), (c) all obligations of such Person evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or other similar instruments, (d) all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement with respect to property acquired by such Person (even though the rights and remedies of the seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property), (e) all obligations of such Person as lessee under leases that have been or should be, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, recorded as capital leases, (f) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person under acceptance, letter of credit or similar facilities, (g) all obligations of such Person to purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise acquire for value any capital stock of such Person or any warrants, rights or options to acquire such capital stock, valued, in the case of redeemable
preferred stock, at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation
preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends, (h) all Indebtedness of others
referred to in clauses (a) through (g) above guaranteed directly or indirectly
in any manner by such Person, or in effect guaranteed directly or indirectly by
such Person through an agreement (i) to pay or purchase such Indebtedness or to
advance or supply funds for the payment or purchase of such Indebtedness, (ii)
to purchase, sell or lease (as lessee or lessor) property, or to purchase or
sell services, primarily for the purpose of enabling the debtor to make payment
of such Indebtedness or to assure the holder of such Indebtedness against loss,
(iii) to supply funds to or in any other manner invest in the debtor (including
any agreement to pay for property or services irrespective of whether such
property is received or such services are rendered) or (iv) otherwise to assure
a creditor against loss, and (i) all Indebtedness referred to in clauses (a)
through (g) above secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has
an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Encumbrance on
property (including, without limitation, accounts and contract rights) owned by
such Person, even though such Person has not assumed or become liable for the
payment of such Indebtedness.
"Indirect Interests" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.
"Intellectual Property" shall mean all intellectual property, including trademarks, service marks, trade names, trade dress, domain names, logos, business and product names, and slogans including registrations and applications to register or renew the registration of any of the foregoing copyrights and registrations or renewals thereof; letters patent and patent applications, including all reissues, continuations, divisions, continuations-in-part or renewals or extensions thereof; inventions, processes, designs, formulae, trade secrets, know-how, confidential business and technical information; software and computer programs of any kind whatsoever (including all modeling software in both source code and object code versions) and all documentation relating thereto; Internet websites; mask works and other semiconductor chip rights and registrations or renewals thereof; and all other intellectual property and proprietary rights, tangible embodiments of any of the foregoing (in any form or medium including electronic media), and licenses of any of the foregoing.
"IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service.
"IRU" shall mean an indefeasible right of use.
"Independent Accounting Firm" means any internationally recognized accounting firm not representing the Seller or the Purchaser and reasonably acceptable to both parties.
"Joint Provisional Liquidators" means each and all of the joint provisional liquidators of the Bermuda Debtor appointed by the Bermuda Court in their capacity as joint provisional liquidators of the Bermuda Debtor.
"JV" means each Acquired Subsidiary whose capital stock is not 100% owned by the Seller or one of its Subsidiaries.
"JV Shares" means the shares of capital stock or other equity interests of the JVs that are owned of record and beneficially by the Seller or one of its Subsidiaries.
"KDDI" means KDDI Submarine Cable Systems, Inc., a company organized under the laws of Japan.
"KDDI Payment Deferral Option Agreement" means that Payment Deferral Option Agreement, dated as of March 25, 2002, among KDDI, the Seller and EAC, as amended.
"KDDI Supply Agreement" means that Project Development and Construction Contract, dated December 17, 1999, as amended and restated on July 28, 2000, between Seller and KDDI, as amended.
"Knowledge of the Seller" means the knowledge of the individuals listed on Schedule 1.01(c) after due and reasonable inquiry.
"Law" means any national, supranational, state, provincial, local or similar statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, order, judgment, decree requirement or rule of law (including, without limitation, common law).
"Lease Guaranties" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.18(c).
"Leased Real Property" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 3.18(b).
"Liabilities" means any and all debts, liabilities and obligations, whether accrued or fixed, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured or determined or determinable, including, without limitation, those arising under any Law (including, without limitation, any Environmental Law), Action or Governmental Order and those arising under any contract, agreement, arrangement, commitment or undertaking.
"Litigation" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.13.
"Losses" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 11.02.
"Material Adverse Effect" means any circumstance, change in, or effect on the Acquired Assets, the Assumed Liabilities or any Acquired Subsidiary that, individually or in the aggregate with all other circumstances, changes in or effects on the Acquired Assets, the Assumed Liabilities or any Acquired Subsidiary: (a) has had or is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, assets or liabilities (including, without limitation, contingent liabilities), prospects, results of operations or the condition (financial or otherwise) of the Acquired Assets, the Assumed Liabilities or the Acquired Subsidiaries, in each case taken as a whole, (b) is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Seller to perform any of its material obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or (c) that causes the sum of (x) the net cash balance of the Seller, the Excluded Subsidiaries (excluding PCL) and the Acquired Subsidiaries at December 31, 2002, and (y) the Activation Costs incurred and paid by the Seller from the date of this Agreement through and including December 31, 2002 to be less than $150,000,000; provided, however, that a circumstance, change or effect arising from or related to any of the following shall not give rise to a Material Adverse Effect: (1) the Chapter 11 Case, (2) the Bermuda Case, (3) the existence or public announcement of this Agreement, (4) any event or circumstance affecting the telecommunications industry generally which does not disproportionately affect the
Acquired Assets, the Assumed Liabilities or the Acquired Subsidiaries, in each case taken as a whole, (5) any action directly taken or not taken by the Seller pursuant to a requirement of this Agreement; or (6) the assignment of rights to acquire the Taiwan Shares under this Agreement or the transfer of the Taiwan Shares to the Taiwan Assignee. For the avoidance of doubt, any actual or prospective decrease in the revenues of the Acquired Subsidiaries or the Business that primarily results from the Chapter 11 Case, the Bermuda Case or any of the other items listed in clauses (1) through (5) of this definition shall not be deemed a Material Adverse Effect.
"Material Contracts" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.16.
"Multiemployer Plan" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.22(b).
"Multiple Employer Plan" shall have the meaning ascribed hereto in
Section 3.22(b).
"NEC" means NEC Corporation, a company organized under the laws of Japan.
"NEC Payment Deferral Agreement" means that Payment Deferral Loan Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2002, among NEC, the Seller and EAC, as amended.
"NEC Supply Agreement" means that Project Development and Construction Contract, dated as of October 13, 2000, between October 13, 2000, between NEC and EAC, as amended.
"Network Facilities" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.19(d).
"Network IRU Agreements" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 3.19(a).
"Non-U.S. Benefit Plan" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 3.22(g).
"OA&M Liabilities" means amounts payable to third party telecommunications services providers for (i) maintenance under Network IRU Agreements, (ii) maintenance on the EAC cable system and (iii) insurance and facilities management for cable landing stations relating to the EAC cable system.
"Other Licenses" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.10(g).
"Owned Real Property" means (a) the real property owned by the Seller that is related to the Business, together with all buildings and other structures, facilities or improvements currently or hereafter located thereon, all fixtures, systems, equipment and items of personal property of the Seller that are related to the Business attached or appurtenant thereto and all easements, licenses, rights and appurtenances relating to the foregoing, and (b) the real property owned by the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary, together with all buildings and other structures, facilities or improvements currently or hereafter located thereon, all fixtures, systems, equipment and items of personal property of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary attached or appurtenant thereto and all easements, licenses, rights and appurtenances relating to the foregoing.
"Paid Activation Costs" means Activation Costs that are incurred and paid by the Seller during the period commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending on the Closing Date.
"PCL" means Pacific Crossing Holdings Limited, a company organized under the laws of Bermuda and any of its direct or indirect Subsidiaries.
"Pending Policies" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.26.
"Permitted Encumbrances" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 3.18(a).
"Person" means any individual, partnership, firm, corporation, limited liability company, association, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity, as well as any syndicate or group that would be deemed to be a person under Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
"Process Agent" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 12.14.
"Purchase Price" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2.03(a).
"Purchaser" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.
"Purchaser Approvals" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 4.03.
"Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 10.02(a).
"Purchaser Material Default" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 10.01(h).
"Purchaser's Accountants" means Ernst & Young, independent accountants of the Purchaser.
"Real Property" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.18(b).
"Real Property Leases" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 3.18(b).
"Receivables" means any and all accounts receivable, notes and other amounts receivable from third parties by the Acquired Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, customers arising from the conduct of the Business before the Closing Date, whether or not in the ordinary course, together with any unpaid financing charges accrued thereon.
"Reference Balance Sheet" means the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities as of September 30, 2002.
"Regulatory Approvals" shall mean all approvals, consents (including consents to assignments of permits and authorizations to use public rights of way), certificates, waivers and other authorizations (inclusive of the Telecom Approvals) or orders required to be obtained from,
or filings or other notices required to be made with or to, any Governmental Authorities in order to enter into this Agreement and consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
"Reorganization Expenses" means the costs incurred and expenses paid or payable by the Seller in connection with the administration of the Chapter 11 Case and the Bermuda Case, including (a) fees and expenses related to any debtor-in-possession financing agreement, (b) obligations to pay professionals' fees and expenses in connection with the Chapter 11 Case and the Bermuda Case (including fees of the Joint Provisional Liquidators and of attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, financial advisors and consultants retained by the Seller or the Joint Provisional Liquidators, or any official committee appointed in the Chapter 11 Case, and any compensation for making a substantial contribution in the Chapter 11 Case) and reimbursement of any expenses incurred by the Seller prior to the Closing Date in connection therewith (including any obligations to pay any holdback of any such fees and expenses), (c) fees and expenses payable to the United States trustee under Section 1930 of Title 28 of the U. S. Bankruptcy Code, and (d) expenses of members of any official committee appointed in the Chapter 11 Case.
"Required Contractual Consents" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.06(b).
"Restricted Group Cash Financials" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.07(a)(v).
"Retirement Plans" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.02.
"Returns" means all returns, reports, tax computations, schedules and all forms relating to Taxes of the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries that are due on or before or relate to any taxable period ending on or before the Closing Date.
"Revised Statement of Closing Cash Balance" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2.07(b).
"SEC" means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and any successor Governmental Authority.
"SEC Reports" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.06.
"Section 365 Order" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.02(e).
"Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor federal statute, and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time. Reference to a particular section of the Securities Act shall include reference to the comparable section, if any, of such successor federal statute.
"Seller" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.
"Seller Approvals" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.05.
"Seller Benefit Plans" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 3.22(a).
"Seller Intellectual Property" means Intellectual Property owned or licensed by the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary and used in connection with the Business as presently conducted.
"Seller Material Default" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 10.01(g).
"Seller's Accountants" means PricewaterhouseCoopers, independent accountants of the Seller.
"Senior Notes" means $408,000,000 13.375% senior notes issued pursuant to the Indenture among the Seller, the guarantors from time to time and the United States Trust Company of New York dated October 12, 2000.
"Shares" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.
"Singapore-Sub" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2.01(a).
"Statement of Closing Cash Balance" means the statement of Actual Closing Cash Balance and Paid Activation Costs as of the Closing.
"Subsidiaries" means any and all corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, joint ventures, associations and other entities controlled or owned by the Seller directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.
"Subsidiary Bankruptcy Case" shall mean any case commenced by any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Seller under the Bankruptcy Code or any other insolvency or similar Law.
"Taiwan Assignee" means a Person designated by the Purchaser in its sole discretion prior to the Closing.
"Taiwan Shares" means the shares of Mebane Limited, a Hong Kong company that is in the process of changing its name to Asia Global Crossing Holdings (HK) Limited.
"Tax" or "Taxes" means any and all taxes, fees, levies, duties, tariffs, imposts, and other charges of any kind (together with any and all interest, penalties, additions to tax and additional amounts imposed with respect thereto) imposed by any government or taxing authority, including, without limitation, taxes or other charges on or with respect to income, franchises, windfall or other profits, gross receipts, property, sales, use, capital stock, payroll, employment, social security, workers' compensation, unemployment compensation, or net worth; taxes or other charges in the nature of excise, withholding, ad valorem, stamp, transfer, value added, or gains taxes; license, registration and documentation fees; and customs' duties, tariffs, and similar charges.
"Telecom Approvals" shall mean all approvals, consents (including consents to the transfer of the Shares, where applicable), certificates, waivers and other authorizations required to be obtained from, or filings or other notices required to be made with any Governmental Authority with respect to the Communications Licenses in order to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Ancillary Agreements.
"U.S. Bankruptcy Court" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.
"U.S. GAAP" means United States generally accepted accounting principles and practices in effect from time to time applied consistently throughout the periods involved.
"Vendors" means NEC and KDDI.
"Vendor Contracts" means the NEC Payment Deferral Agreement, the NEC Supply Agreement, the KDDI Payment Deferral Option Agreement and the KDDI Supply Agreement.
"Vendor Liens" means the security interests granted to the Vendors in the assets of the Seller and its direct and indirect Subsidiaries related to the East Asia Crossing Cable System, including, without limitation, in the equity securities of the Seller's direct and indirect Subsidiaries that were pledged to the Vendors or their agents as security for the obligations of the Seller and EAC under the Vendor Contracts.
"Vendor Payables" means the portion of the amounts owed by EAC at the Closing to the Vendors for settlement of outstanding claims under the Vendor Contracts, which portion aggregates $28,300,000.
SECTION 1.02 Interpretation and Rules of Construction. In this Agreement, except to the extent that the context otherwise requires
(a) when a reference is made in this Agreement to an Article, Section, Exhibit or Schedule, such reference is to an Article or Section of, or a Schedule to, this Agreement unless otherwise indicated;
(b) the table of contents and headings for this Agreement are for reference purposes only and do not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement;
(c) whenever the words "include," "includes" or "including" are used in this Agreement, they are deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation";
(d) the words "hereof," "herein" and "hereunder" and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement;
(e) all terms defined in this Agreement have the defined meanings when used in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto, unless otherwise defined therein;
(f) the definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms;
(g) any Law defined or referred to herein or in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such Law or statute as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including by succession of comparable successor Laws;
(h) references to a Person are also to its permitted successors and assigns; and
(i) the use of "or" is not intended to be exclusive unless expressly indicated otherwise.
ARTICLE II
PURCHASE AND SALE
SECTION 2.01 Purchase and Sale of Assets. (a) Upon the terms and
subject to the conditions of this Agreement and subject to approval of the U.S.
Bankruptcy Court pursuant to Sections 105, 363 and 365 of the Bankruptcy Code
and to the agreement of the Joint Provisional Liquidators in accordance with
Section 9.01 of this Agreement, at the Closing, the Seller shall sell, assign,
transfer, convey and deliver, or cause to be sold, assigned, transferred,
conveyed and delivered, to the Purchaser or to a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Purchaser ("Singapore-Sub") as determined by the Purchaser and notified to the
Seller in writing, as soon as reasonably practicable but in any event no later
than twenty (20) Business Days prior to the Closing, and the Purchaser or
Singapore-Sub (as the case may be) shall purchase from the Seller, the Shares,
the Indirect Interests and all the assets, properties and rights set forth in
Schedule 2.01(a), (the Shares, the Indirect Interests and the assets, properties
and rights to be purchased by the Purchaser or Singapore-Sub (as the case may
be) being referred to as the "Acquired Assets"), free and clear of any and all
Claims and any other interests, liens, mortgages, pledges, security interests,
rights of first refusal, obligations and encumbrances of any kind whatsoever
(collectively, "Encumbrances"), except for the Permitted Encumbrances, in
accordance with Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, provided, that any Acquired
Assets the Seller causes to be sold, assigned, transferred, conveyed and
delivered to the Purchaser or Singapore-Sub (as the case may be) pursuant to
this Section 2.01(a) that are not directly owned or held by the Seller shall not
be subject to Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code and shall not be deemed to be
free and clear of Encumbrances pursuant thereto.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in Section 2.01(a) to the contrary, the Acquired Assets shall exclude the assets, properties and rights set forth in Schedule 2.01(b) including, without limitation, all claims, rights or causes of action arising under Chapter 5 of the Bankruptcy Code (the "Excluded Assets").
SECTION 2.02 Assumption and Exclusion of Liabilities. (a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing, the Purchaser shall assume and shall agree to pay, perform and discharge the Liabilities of the Seller set forth in Schedule 2.02(a) (together with the Liabilities of the Acquired Subsidiaries, the "Assumed Liabilities"). For the avoidance of doubt, from and after the Closing Date, neither the Seller nor any Excluded Subsidiary shall have any responsibility for paying, performing or discharging the Assumed Liabilities.
(b) The Seller shall retain, and shall be responsible for paying, performing and discharging when due, and the Purchaser and Singapore-Sub shall not assume, be deemed to have assumed or have any responsibility for, all Liabilities of the Seller and the Excluded Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date set forth in Schedule 2.02(b) (including, without limitation, all Reorganization Expenses) other than the Assumed Liabilities (the "Excluded Liabilities").
SECTION 2.03 Purchase Price. The aggregate consideration given by the Purchaser and Singapore-Sub for the Acquired Assets shall be the sum of (a) $81,200,000 in cash to be retained by or transferred to the Seller and subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 2.07(e) and (b) the Assumed Liabilities (together, the "Purchase Price").
SECTION 2.04 Closing. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the sale and purchase of the Acquired Assets and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities contemplated by this Agreement shall take place at a closing (the "Closing") to be held at the offices of Shearman & Sterling in Hong Kong at 10 A.M (Hong Kong) time) on the fifth Business Day following the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions to the obligations of the parties set forth in Sections 7.01 and 7.02 or at such other place or at such other time or on such other date as the Seller and the Purchaser may mutually agree upon in writing (the day on which the Closing takes place being the "Closing Date").
SECTION 2.05 Closing Deliveries by the Seller. At the Closing, the Seller shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Purchaser:
(a) share certificates evidencing the Shares duly endorsed in blank, or accompanied by share transfer forms duly executed in blank, in form satisfactory to the Purchaser and with all required share transfer tax stamps affixed in accordance with Section 12.01, except in the case of (i) the Taiwan Shares which shall be delivered only to the Taiwan Assignee and (ii) the Shares which are identified in accordance with Section 2.01 shall be delivered to the Singapore-Sub;
(b) the Ancillary Agreements duly executed by the Seller;
(c) the resignations, effective as of the Closing, of all of the directors and officers of each Acquired Subsidiary, except for such persons as shall have been designated in writing prior to the Closing by the Purchaser to the Seller;
(d) a copy of (i) the Certificates of Incorporation, as amended (or similar organizational documents), of each Acquired Subsidiary, certified by the Secretary of State of the jurisdiction in which each such entity is incorporated or organized (or equivalent official depending on the applicable jurisdiction), as of a date not earlier than ten Business Days prior to the Closing Date and accompanied by an appropriate certificate of each such entity, dated as of the Closing Date, stating that no amendments have been made to such Certificate of Incorporation (or similar organizational documents) since such date, and (ii) the Bye-laws (or similar organizational documents) of each Acquired Subsidiary, certified by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary (or equivalent official) of each such entity;
(e) good standing certificates (or equivalent certificates), to the extent available in the applicable jurisdiction, for the Seller and for each Acquired Subsidiary from the Secretary of State (or equivalent official depending on the applicable jurisdiction) of the jurisdiction in which case such entity is incorporated or organized and from the Secretary of State (or equivalent official depending on the applicable jurisdiction) in each other jurisdiction in which the properties owned or leased by any of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary, or the operation of its business in such jurisdiction, requires the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary to qualify to do business as a foreign corporation, or such equivalent certificate or document as may be available
in the jurisdiction of organization for a particular Acquired Subsidiary and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser, in each case dated as of a date not earlier than five Business Days prior to the Closing Date;
(f) the opinions, certificates and other documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.02; and
(g) all such other bills of sale, assignments and other instruments of sale, assignment, transfer or conveyance as the Purchaser may reasonably request or as may be otherwise necessary to evidence and effect the sale, transfer, assignment, conveyance and delivery of the Acquired Assets and the Shares to the Purchaser and to put the Purchaser in actual possession or control of the Acquired Assets.
SECTION 2.06 Closing Deliveries by the Purchaser. At the Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver to the Seller:
(a) executed counterparts of the Ancillary Agreements to which the Purchaser or Singapore-Sub is a party;
(b) all such instruments of assumption as the Seller may reasonably require or as may be otherwise necessary to evidence and effect the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities by the Purchaser; and
(c) the certificates and other documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.02.
SECTION 2.07 Closing Adjustments.
(a) Closing Cash Balance. No later than 5 Business Days after the Closing Date, the Seller shall deliver to the Purchaser the Statement of Closing Cash Balance prepared by the Seller's Accountants on the basis of accounting principles and practices used by the Seller in the preparation of the Financial Statements, which shall, amongst other items, clearly identify the Paid Activation Costs. Seller shall also deliver copies of all documents, including work papers of the Seller's Accountants used in preparing the Statement of Closing Cash Balance and other information that may be reasonably requested by the Purchaser or the Purchaser's Accountants and otherwise provide the Purchaser or the Purchaser's Accountants access to such information for the purpose of verifying the accuracy of the Statement of Closing Cash Balance, including (which for purposes of this Section 2.07 shall include Cash Equivalents), without limitation, all receipts and other documents evidencing the Paid Activation Costs.
(b) Revised Statement of Closing Cash Balance. As promptly as practicable, but in any event within 10 Business Days following the receipt of the Statement of Closing Cash Balance, the Purchaser shall determine whether to accept the Statement of Closing Cash Balance or dispute it. If the Purchaser chooses to dispute the Statement of Closing Cash Balance, it shall deliver to the Seller a revised Statement of Closing Cash Balance, prepared by the Purchaser's Accountants in the form of the Statement of Closing Cash Balance and prepared on the basis of accounting principles and practices used by the Seller in the preparation of the Statement of Closing Cash Balance (the "Revised Statement of Closing Cash Balance"). Following the
delivery of the Revised Statement of Closing Cash Balance, the Purchaser shall, promptly upon request therefor by the Seller, provide copies of any documents, including the work papers of the Purchaser's Accountants used in preparing the Revised Statement of Closing Cash Balance, and other information that may be reasonably requested by the Seller or the Seller's Accountants or otherwise provide the Seller or the Seller's Accountants with reasonable access to such information for the purpose of verifying the Revised Statement of Closing Cash Balance.
(c) Disputes. (i) Subject to clause (ii) of this Section 2.07(c) and
Section 2.07(d), the Revised Statement of Closing Cash Balance delivered by the
Purchaser to the Seller shall be deemed to be and shall be final, binding and
conclusive on the parties hereto.
(ii) Seller may dispute any amounts reflected on the Revised Statement of Closing Cash Balance; provided, however, that the Seller shall have notified the Purchaser and the Purchaser's Accountants in writing of the amount thereof in dispute and setting forth, in reasonable detail, the basis for such dispute, within 10 Business Days of the Purchaser's delivery of the Revised Statement of Closing Cash Balance to the Seller. In the event of such a dispute, the Seller and the Purchaser shall attempt in good faith to reconcile their differences, and any resolution by them of the Revised Statement of Closing Cash Balance or as to any disputed amounts in connection therewith shall be final, binding and conclusive on the parties hereto. If the Seller and the Purchaser are unable to reach a resolution with such effect within 10 Business Days after the receipt by the Purchaser of the Seller's written notice of dispute, the dispute shall be submitted to the Independent Accounting Firm for expedited resolution. In acting under this Agreement, the Independent Accounting Firm shall be entitled to the privileges and immunities of arbitrators.
(d) Final Statement of Closing Cash Balance. The Statement of Closing Cash Balance shall be deemed final and the Distribution Amount shall be calculated in reference thereto, unless Purchaser disputes such amount pursuant to Section 2.07(b). In the event of such a dispute, the Revised Statement of Closing Cash Balance shall be deemed final and the Distribution Amount shall be calculated in reference thereto upon the earliest of (i) the failure of the Seller to notify the Purchaser of a dispute within 10 Business Days of the Purchaser's delivery of the Revised Statement of Closing Cash Balance to the Seller and (ii) the resolution of all disputes, pursuant to Section 2.07(c).
(e) Cash Transfers. (i) Within 5 Business Days of calculating the
Distribution Amount, transfers of cash shall be made such that the aggregate
amount of cash held by the Seller and the Excluded Subsidiaries (excluding PCL)
as of the Closing Date after giving effect to the transfers contemplated by this
Section 2.07(e) shall be equal to the Distribution Amount. If the aggregate
amount of cash held by the Seller and the Excluded Subsidiaries (excluding PCL)
as of the Closing Date (prior to any transfers under this Section 2.07(e)(i)) is
less than the Distribution Amount, cash shall be transferred to the Seller:
(A) first, to the extent necessary and possible, from the Acquired Subsidiaries; and
(B) second, to the extent necessary, from the Purchaser;
such that the aggregate amount of cash held by the Seller and the Excluded Subsidiaries (excluding PCL) as of the Closing Date (including amounts transferred pursuant to this Section 2.07(e)(i)) was equal to the Distribution Amount.
(ii) In the event that the aggregate amount of cash held by the Seller and the Excluded Subsidiaries (excluding PCL) as of the Closing Date (prior to any transfers under this subsection (e)(ii) was greater than the Distribution Amount, the Seller shall, and the Seller shall cause the Excluded Subsidiaries (excluding PCL) to, transfer to the Acquired Subsidiaries or the Purchaser, the excess of (x) the aggregate amount of cash held by the Seller and the Excluded Subsidiaries (excluding PCL) as of the Closing Date (prior to any transfers under this subsection (e)(ii)) over (y) the Distribution Amount.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
OF THE SELLER
Except as set forth in the Disclosure Schedule (which Disclosure
Schedule shall be arranged in Sections corresponding to the numbered and
lettered sections of this Article III, and any information disclosed in any such
Section shall be deemed to be disclosed only for purposes of such section,
unless it is readily apparent that the disclosure contained in such section
contains enough information regarding the subject matter of other
representations and warranties contained in this Agreement so as to clearly
qualify or otherwise clearly apply to such representations and warranties), as
an inducement to the Purchaser to enter into this Agreement, the Seller hereby
represents and warrants to the Purchaser as follows:
SECTION 3.01 Organization, Authority and Qualification of the Seller. The Seller is a company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (except for the commencement of the Bermuda Case and the appointment of the Joint Provisional Liquidators in Bermuda) under the laws of Bermuda and, subject to the requirements that, (i) under Section 9.01 the Joint Provisional Liquidators obtain sanction from the Bermuda Court of their decision to approve the Bermuda Debtor's entry into this Agreement, (ii) the U.S. Bankruptcy Court approves the Seller's entry into this Agreement, and (iii) the Joint Provisional Liquidators do not withdraw their approval of the Bermuda Debtor's entry into this Agreement pursuant to their fiduciary duties under Bermuda Law, has all necessary corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, to carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and thereby. The Seller is duly licensed or qualified to do business and is in good standing (except for the commencement of the Bermuda Case and the appointment of the Joint Provisional Liquidators in Bermuda) in each jurisdiction (to the extent such concept is recognized therein) in which the properties owned or leased by it or the operation of its business makes such licensing or qualification necessary, except to the extent that the failure to be so licensed or qualified and in good standing would not (a) have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Seller to carry out its obligations under, and to consummate the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements or (b) have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries to conduct the Business. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements by the Seller, the performance by the Seller of its obligations
hereunder and thereunder and the consummation by the Seller of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and thereby have been duly authorized by all requisite action on the part of the Seller. Upon the entry of the Approval Order, and the obtaining of sanction from the Bermuda Court under Section 9.01 by the Joint Provisional Liquidators, this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements shall have been duly executed and delivered by the Seller, and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Purchaser) this Agreement shall constitute, and upon their execution the Ancillary Agreements shall constitute, legal, valid and binding obligations of the Seller, enforceable against the Seller in accordance with their respective terms.
SECTION 3.02 Organization, Authority and Qualification of the Acquired Subsidiaries. Section 3.02 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of all Acquired Subsidiaries, listing for each its name, type of entity, the jurisdiction and date of its incorporation or organization, its authorized capital stock, partnership capital or equivalent, the number and type of its issued and outstanding shares of capital stock, partnership interests or similar ownership interests and the current ownership of such shares, partnership interests or similar ownership interests. Each Acquired Subsidiary is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and, to the extent such concept is recognized therein, in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and has all necessary corporate or organizational power and authority to own, operate or lease the properties and assets now owned, operated or leased by it and to carry on the Business as it has been and is currently conducted by it, except to the extent that the failure to be so organized, existing and in good standing would not (a) have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Seller to carry out its obligations under, and to consummate the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements or (b) have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries to conduct the Business. Each Acquired Subsidiary is duly licensed or qualified to do business and is in good standing (in jurisdictions where such concept is recognized) in each jurisdiction in which the properties owned or leased by it or the operation of its business makes such licensing or qualification necessary or desirable, except to the extent that the failure to be so licensed or qualified and in good standing would not materially (x) adversely affect the ability of the Seller to carry out its obligations under, and to consummate the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, or (y) adversely affect the ability of the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries to conduct the Business, and all such jurisdictions are set forth in Section 3.02 of the Disclosure Schedule. All corporate actions taken by each Acquired Subsidiary in connection with the negotiation, execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements have been duly authorized, and no Acquired Subsidiary has taken any action in connection therewith that in any respects conflicts with, constitutes a default under or results in a violation of any provision of its Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws or similar organizational documents. True and correct copies of the Certificate of Incorporation, By-laws or similar organizational documents of each Acquired Subsidiary , each as in effect on the date hereof, have been delivered by the Seller to the Purchaser.
SECTION 3.03 Capitalization, Corporate Books and Records. (a) None of the issued and outstanding Shares were issued in violation of any preemptive rights. There are no options, warrants, convertible securities or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character relating to the Shares, the Indirect Interests or any Acquired Subsidiary or obligating the Seller, the Excluded Subsidiaries or any Acquired Subsidiary to issue or sell any Shares, or any other interest in, any Acquired Subsidiary. There are no
outstanding contractual obligations of any Acquired Subsidiary to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any Shares or any other securities issued by any Acquired Subsidiary or to provide funds to, or make any investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in, any other Person. The Shares and the Indirect Interests constitute all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Acquired Subsidiaries (except the JVs) and are owned of record and beneficially by the Seller or its Acquired Subsidiaries free and clear of all Encumbrances (except the Vendor Liens). Upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and registration of the Shares and the EAC Shares in the name of the Purchaser in the stock records of the Acquired Subsidiaries, the Purchaser, assuming it shall have purchased such interests for value in good faith and without notice of any adverse claim, will own, directly or indirectly, all the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Acquired Subsidiaries (except the JVs), free and clear of all Encumbrances (except the Vendor Liens). Upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, the Shares and the EAC Shares will be fully paid and non-assessable (in jurisdictions where such concept is recognized). There are no voting trusts, shareholder agreements, proxies or other agreements or understandings in effect with respect to the voting or transfer of any of the Shares. The JV Shares represent the percentage of the outstanding capital stock or other equity interests and the number of such interests of each JV set forth next to such JV's name on Attachment A to Schedule 2.01(a) and are owned of record and beneficially by the Seller or one of its Subsidiaries, free and clear of all Encumbrances (except the Vendor Liens). Upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and registration of the JV Shares in the name of the Purchaser in the stock records of the respective JVs, the Purchaser, assuming it shall have purchased the JV Shares for value in good faith and without notice of any adverse claim, will own the JV Shares free and clear of all Encumbrances (except the Vendor Liens). Section 3.03 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth the exceptions to the representations and warranties made by the Seller in this Section 3.03(a).
(b) The share register of each Acquired Subsidiary accurately records:
(i) the name and address of each Person owning shares and (ii) the certificate
number of each certificate evidencing shares of capital stock issued by the
Acquired Subsidiary, the number of shares evidenced by each such certificate,
the date of issuance thereof and, in the case of cancellation, the date of
cancellation.
(c) The minute books of the Acquired Subsidiaries contain accurate records of all meetings and accurately reflect all other actions taken by the shareholders, boards of directors and all committees of the boards of directors of the Acquired Subsidiaries.
SECTION 3.04 No Conflict. Assuming that all consents, approvals,
authorizations and other actions described in Section 3.05 have been obtained,
except as may result from any facts or circumstances relating solely to the
Purchaser or any Affiliate of the Purchaser, the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements by the Seller do not
and will not (a) violate, conflict with or result in the breach of any provision
of the Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws (or similar organizational
documents) of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary, (b) except as set forth in
Section 3.04 of the Disclosure Schedule, conflict with or violate any material
Law or Governmental Order applicable to the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary,
or any of their respective assets, properties or businesses including, without
limitation, the Business, or (c) except as set forth in Section
3.04 of the Disclosure Schedule, conflict with, result in any breach of,
constitute a default (or event which with the giving of notice or lapse of time,
or both, would become a default) under, require any consent under, or give to
others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration, suspension,
revocation or cancellation of, or result in the creation of any Encumbrance on
any of the Acquired Assets pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage or indenture,
contract, agreement, lease, sublease, license, permit, franchise or other
instrument or arrangement to which the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary is a
party or by which any of the Acquired Assets is bound or affected, except, in
the case of clauses (b) and (c), to the extent that such conflicts, breaches,
defaults or other matters would not have a material adverse effect on (i) the
ability of the Seller to carry out its obligations under, and to consummate the
transactions contemplated by, this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, or
(ii) the ability of the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries to conduct the
Business.
SECTION 3.05 Consents and Approvals. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement by the Seller do not
and will not require any Regulatory Approvals, except (a) the entry by the U.S.
Bankruptcy Court of the Bidding Procedures Order, the Approval Order, any
Section 365 Orders and related orders of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court affecting
matters of procedure; (b) the approval by the Bermuda Court of the decision of
the Joint Provisional Liquidators to enter into this Agreement, (c) the approval
of the Joint Provisional Liquidators, subject to the sanction of the Bermuda
Court, of the entry by the Bermuda Debtor into this Agreement; (d) the approval
of the Bermuda Monetary Authority; (e) the Regulatory Approvals listed in
Section 3.05 of the Disclosure Schedule; and (f) the Telecom Approvals (the
Regulatory Approvals referred to in (a) through (f) being the "Seller
Approvals").
SECTION 3.06 SEC Reports. Except as set forth in Section 3.06 of the Disclosure Schedule, the Seller has timely filed all proxy statements, reports, registration statements, schedules, forms and other documents required to be filed by it under the Exchange Act and the Securities Act and has made available to the Purchaser complete copies of all such proxy statements, reports, registration statements, schedules, forms and other documents and other reports filed by the Seller since May 23, 2000 under the Exchange Act and the Securities Act, each as filed with the SEC (collectively, the "SEC Reports"). All SEC Reports filed by the Seller and/or the Acquired Subsidiaries after the date hereof through the Closing Date will, if and when filed, be in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of its respective report form, the Exchange Act and the Securities Act and will not, at the time they are filed or declared effective, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. The failure of Seller to file any SEC Reports shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement. None of the Acquired Subsidiaries are required to file any statements or reports with the SEC.
SECTION 3.07 Financial Information; Books and Records. Except as set forth in Section 3.07 of the Disclosure Schedule, (a) True and complete copies of (i) the Reference Balance Sheet, (ii) the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Seller for the fiscal year ended as of December 31, 2000 and the related audited consolidated statements of income, consolidated statement of cash flow, retained earnings, shareholders' equity and changes in financial position of the Seller, together with all related notes and schedules thereto, accompanied by the reports
thereon of the Seller's Accountants, (iii) the unaudited consolidated balance
sheet of the Seller and the unaudited balance sheet of each Acquired Subsidiary,
in each case for the fiscal year ended as of December 31, 2001, and the related
unaudited consolidated statements of income, cash flow, retained earnings,
shareholders' equity and changes in financial position of the Seller for such
fiscal year, together with (except in the case of the balance sheet of each
Acquired Subsidiary) all related notes and schedules thereto, and (iv) the
unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Seller and the unaudited balance
sheet of each Acquired Subsidiary, in each case for each of the three fiscal
quarters ended as of March 31, 2002, June 30, 2002, and September 30, 2002 and
the related unaudited consolidated statements of income and cash flow of the
Seller for each of such fiscal quarters ((ii) - (iv) inclusive collectively
referred to herein as the "Financial Statements") and (v) the cash financials of
the Seller and its Subsidiaries (excluding PCL) for the three fiscal quarters
ended as of March 31, 2002, June 30, 2002, and September 30, 2002 (the
"Restricted Group Cash Financials") have been delivered by the Seller to the
Purchaser provided, however, that the balance sheet for Broadband Tower (Japan)
dated as of March 31, 2002, and June 30, 2002 and the balance sheet for
Philippines Crossing Land Corporation dated as of December 31, 2001 have not
been so delivered and shall not be included in the term Financial Statements.
The Reference Balance Sheet (i) was prepared in accordance with the books of
account and other financial records of the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries,
(ii) presents fairly in all material respects as required under U.S. GAAP the
consolidated financial condition of the Acquired Subsidiaries, the Assumed
Liabilities and the Acquired Assets as of the date thereof (except that they
exclude the Excluded Assets and Excluded Liabilities), (iii) has been prepared
in accordance with U.S. GAAP applied on a basis consistent with the preparation
of the Financial Statements (except that (A) it excludes the Excluded Assets and
Excluded Liabilities and (B) long-lived asset impairments have not been
reflected in the Reference Balance Sheet), and (iv) includes all adjustments
(consisting only of normal recurring accruals) that are necessary for a fair
presentation of the consolidated financial condition of the Acquired
Subsidiaries, Assumed Liabilities and the Acquired Assets as of the date
thereof. The Financial Statements and the audited statements, when delivered (w)
were, or will have been, prepared in accordance with the books of account and
other financial records of the Seller and, as applicable, the Acquired
Subsidiaries, (x) present fairly in all material respects the consolidated
financial condition, results of operations and cash flow of the Seller and, as
applicable, the Acquired Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof or for the periods
covered thereby, (y) have been, or will have been, prepared in accordance with
U.S. GAAP applied on a basis consistent with the past practices of the Seller
and, as applicable, the Acquired Subsidiaries (except (1) for the absence of
footnotes from the quarterly financial statements and (2) that long-lived asset
impairments have not been reflected in the Financial Statements), and (z) except
in the case of the quarterly financial statements, include all adjustments
(consisting only of normal recurring accruals) that are necessary for a fair
presentation of the consolidated financial condition of the Seller and, as
applicable, the Acquired Subsidiaries, the results of the operations and cash
flow of the Seller as of the dates thereof or for the periods covered thereby.
The Restricted Group Cash Financials: (a) were prepared in accordance with the
books of account and other financial records of the Seller and its Subsidiaries
(excluding PCL) and (b) present fairly in all material respects the results of
operations of the Seller and, as applicable, its Subsidiaries (excluding PCL)
based on the methodology set forth in the Restricted Group Cash Financials.
(c) The books of account and other financial records of the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries: (i) reflect all items of income and expense and all assets and Liabilities
required to be reflected therein in accordance with U.S. GAAP applied on a basis consistent with the past practices of the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries, respectively (except that long-lived asset impairments have not been reflected therein), (ii) are in all material respects complete and correct, and do not contain or reflect any material inaccuracies or discrepancies and (iii) have been maintained in accordance with good business and accounting practices.
(d) Since January 1, 2001, the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries have maintained a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management's general or specific authorizations, (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management's general or specific authorization, and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.
(e) The Seller has not factored any of its receivables or entered into any off balance sheet or other financing arrangements of a type that would not be required to be shown or reflected on the Reference Balance Sheet or the SEC Reports.
SECTION 3.08 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. As of the date of this Agreement, there are no material Liabilities of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary, other than Liabilities (i) reflected on or reserved against the Reference Balance Sheet, (ii) set forth in Section 3.08 of the Disclosure Schedule, or (iii) incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. As of the Closing Date, there will be no material Liabilities of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary, other than (i) reflected on or reserved against the Reference Balance Sheet, (ii) set forth in Section 3.08 of the Disclosure Schedule, (iii) incurred in the ordinary course of business after the date of this Agreement, (iv) incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (v) the Activation Costs. To the extent required by U.S. GAAP, reserves are reflected on the Reference Balance Sheet against all material Liabilities of the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries as of the date thereof, other than Liabilities relating to the Excluded Assets and Excluded Liabilities, in amounts established on a basis consistent with the past practices of the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries and in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
SECTION 3.09 Receivables. Section 3.09 of the Disclosure Schedule is an aged list of the Receivables (based on 30, 60, 90 and 120-day Receivables) of the Seller and each of the Acquired Subsidiaries included on the Reference Balance Sheet. All Receivables reflected on the Reference Balance Sheet (other than those identified as inter-company receivables) arose from the sale of services to Persons who are not Affiliates of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice. Neither the Seller nor any Acquired Subsidiary has received notice of any claims of setoff or other defenses or counterclaims to any Receivable, other than normal cash discounts accrued in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice. The reserves for doubtful accounts on the Reference Balance Sheet is adequate in accordance with U.S. GAAP and the Seller's past practices. Neither the Seller nor any Acquired Subsidiary has any Encumbrance subsisting over any part of its present or future revenues or any other obligation having similar effect.
SECTION 3.10 Regulatory Matters. (a) The Seller or the Acquired Subsidiaries have all licenses, permits, certificates, franchises, consents, waivers, registrations or other regulatory authorizations from the appropriate Governmental Authority in each applicable jurisdiction required to provide the telecommunications network services and operate the Network Facilities or otherwise provide telecommunication services as presently conducted by the Business (the "Communications Licenses"). All of the Communications Licenses are set forth in Section 3.10(a) of the Disclosure Schedule.
(b) Each of the Communications Licenses was duly issued, is valid and in full force and effect, has not been suspended, canceled, revoked or modified in any adverse manner, and is validly held, free and clear of all Encumbrances and, in each case, to the Knowledge of the Seller and upon the grant of the Telecom Approvals, shall remain so immediately following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements. Except as set forth on Section 3.10(b) of the Disclosure Schedule, to the Knowledge of the Seller, there is no circumstance, Law, event or other reason that exists or is likely to exist that would prevent the granting of the Telecom Approvals or the transfer of the Communications Licenses.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 3.10(c) of the Disclosure Schedule, each holder of a Communications License (i) has operated in all material respects in compliance with all terms thereof including all systems build-out requirements, and (ii) is in all material respects in compliance with, and the conduct of its business has been and is in all material respects in compliance with, the applicable Law, and has filed all registrations, statements, documents and reports and paid all fees required by all applicable Law, in each case, relating to the Communications Licenses and any other applicable Law. There is no pending or, to the Knowledge of the Seller, threatened action by or before any Governmental Authority to revoke, cancel, suspend, modify or refuse to renew any of the Communications Licenses, there is not now issued, outstanding or, to the Knowledge of the Seller, threatened, any notice by any Governmental Authority of any violation or complaint, or any application, complaint, or proceeding (other than applications, proceedings, or complaints that generally affect the Seller's industry as a whole) relating to the business or operations of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary. To the Knowledge of the Seller, no Person has asserted in writing to a Governmental Authority that a material Communications License should be modified or revoked, or that the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary is not in material compliance with any Communications License.
(d) To the Knowledge of the Seller, no event has occurred which would permit the revocation or termination of any of the Communications Licenses or the imposition of any restriction thereon, or that would prevent any of the Communications Licenses from being renewed on a routine basis or in the ordinary course.
(e) To the Knowledge of the Seller, Section 3.10(e) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete list of all Telecom Approvals required by Seller in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements. Assuming the receipt of the Telecom Approvals, to the Knowledge of the Seller, none of the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or any of the other Ancillary Agreements by the Seller, nor the consummation by Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, will result in any revocation, cancellation, suspension or modification of any
Communications Licenses or give rise to the right of any Governmental Authority to take any such action or to fail to renew any Communications License.
(f) No Acquired Subsidiary has (i) a security clearance issued by any Governmental Authority or (ii) a request for a new or upgraded security clearance in process with any Governmental Authority.
(g) In addition to the Communications Licenses, the Seller and each Acquired Subsidiary holds and is in compliance with all other material licenses, franchise permits, consents, registrations, certificates, and other governmental or regulatory permits, authorizations or approvals required for the operation of the business as presently conducted and for the ownership, lease or operation of the Seller's and the Acquired Subsidiaries' properties (collectively, "Other Licenses"). All of such Other Licenses are valid and in full force and effect and, to the Knowledge of the Seller, upon grant of any Regulatory Approvals applicable to the Other Licenses, shall remain so immediately following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Ancillary Agreements, and the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries have duly performed and are in compliance in all material respects with all of their respective obligations under such Other Licenses. Except as set forth on Section 3.10(g) of the Disclosure Schedule, to the Knowledge of the Seller, there is no circumstance, Law, event or other reason that exists or is likely to exist that would prevent the granting of the Regulatory Approvals or the transfer of the Other Licenses. To the Knowledge of the Seller, no Person has alleged any violation or failure to comply by the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary, with any Other License, no suspension, cancellation or termination of any such Other License is threatened, and no event has occurred or circumstances exist that may (with or without notice or lapse of time) constitute or result directly or indirectly in a violation of or failure to comply with any term or requirement of any such Other License, or result directly or indirectly in the revocation, withdrawal, suspension, cancellation or termination of, or any modification to, any such Other License.
SECTION 3.11 Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities. (a) Except as set forth in Section 3.11(a) of the Disclosure Schedule, all of the Assets acquired since the date of the Reference Balance Sheet and that would otherwise have been set forth in the Reference Balance Sheet have been acquired for consideration not less or greater than the fair market value of such Assets at the date of such acquisition.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 3.11(b) of the Disclosure Schedule, each of the Seller or an Acquired Subsidiary, as the case may be, owns, leases or has the legal right to use all the properties and assets, including, without limitation, the Seller Intellectual Property and the Real Property, used or intended by Seller to be used in the conduct of the Business or otherwise owned, leased or used by the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary, and, with respect to contract rights, is a party to and enjoys the right to the benefits of all contracts, agreements and other arrangements used or intended to be used by the Seller (as such relate to the Business), or any Acquired Subsidiary or in or relating to the conduct of the Business, all of which properties, assets and rights constitute Acquired Assets or Excluded Assets. Each of the Seller or an Acquired Subsidiary (as the case may be) has good and marketable title to, or, in the case of leased or subleased Acquired Assets, valid and subsisting leasehold interests in, all the Acquired Assets, free and clear of all Encumbrances other than Permitted Encumbrances.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 3.11(c) of the Disclosure Schedule, the Acquired Assets constitute all the properties, assets and rights forming a part of, used or held in the conduct of, the Business (other than the Excluded Assets).
(d) Except as set forth in Section 3.11(d) of the Disclosure Schedule, the Seller has the complete and unrestricted power and unqualified right to sell, assign, transfer, convey and deliver the Acquired Assets to the Purchaser, Singapore-Sub or the Taiwan Assignee (as the case may be) in accordance with the terms of this Agreement without penalty or other materially adverse consequences. Following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the execution of the instruments of transfer contemplated by this Agreement, the Purchaser, Singapore-Sub or the Taiwan Assignee (as the case may be) will own, with good, valid and marketable title, or lease, under valid and subsisting leases, or otherwise acquire the interests of the Seller (as the case may be) in the Acquired Assets, free and clear of any Encumbrances, other than Permitted Encumbrances, and without incurring any penalty or other materially adverse consequence, including, without limitation, any increase in rentals, royalties, or license or other fees imposed as a result of, or arising from, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(e) Other than the network facilities which are addressed in Section 3.19 below, the Acquired Assets are structurally sound, are in good operating condition and repair as is consistent with standards generally followed in the industry and have been maintained in accordance with good business practice. The Acquired Assets are adequate for the uses to which they are being and intended by Seller to be put, and none of the Acquired Assets is in need of maintenance or repairs except for ordinary, routine maintenance and repairs that are not material in nature or cost and taking into account the age and length of the use of the same, ordinary wear and tear excepted. There are no facts or conditions affecting any of the Acquired Assets which could, individually or in the aggregate, interfere in any material respect with the occupancy or operation thereof as currently occupied or operated.
SECTION 3.12 Conduct in the Ordinary Course; Absence of Certain Changes, Events and Conditions. Since the date of the Reference Balance Sheet, except as contemplated by this Agreement or as set forth in Section 3.12 of the Disclosure Schedule, the Business has been conducted in the ordinary course and consistent with past practice. As amplification and not limitation of the foregoing, except as contemplated by this Agreement or as set forth in Section 3.12 of the Disclosure Schedule, since the date of the Reference Balance Sheet, none of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary has:
(a) permitted or allowed any of the Assets to be subjected to any Encumbrance, other than Permitted Encumbrances and Encumbrances that will be released at or prior to the Closing;
(b) written down or written up (or failed to write down or write up) as required by U.S. GAAP consistent with past practice the value of any Receivables or revalued any of the Assets;
(c) made any change in any method of accounting or accounting practice or policy used by the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary, except as may have been required by a change in U.S. GAAP or by applicable Law;
(d) amended, terminated, cancelled or compromised any material claims of the Seller (related to the Business) or any Acquired Subsidiary or waived any other rights of substantial value to the Seller (related to the Business) or any Acquired Subsidiary;
(e) sold, transferred, leased, subleased, licensed or otherwise disposed of any material properties or assets, real, personal or mixed (including, without limitation, leasehold interests and intangible property);
(f) issued or sold any capital stock, notes, bonds or other securities, or any option, warrant or other right to acquire the same, of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary;
(g) redeemed any of the capital stock or declared, made or paid any dividends or distributions (whether in cash, securities or other property) to the holders of capital stock of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary or otherwise, other than dividends, distributions and redemptions declared, made or paid by the Seller solely to the Seller or by any Acquired Subsidiary solely to the Seller or another Acquired Subsidiary;
(h) merged or amalgamated with, entered into a consolidation with or acquired an interest in any Person or acquired any portion of the assets or business of any Person or any division or line of business thereof, or otherwise acquired any material assets, except as provided in Section 3.12(i) below.
(i) issued any sales orders or otherwise agreed to make any purchases involving exchanges in value in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,500,000 in the aggregate, other than the sale or purchase of capacity arrangements (including IRUs) in the ordinary course of business that are on terms consistent with market practice and that provide a positive cash contribution over the life of the agreement;
(j) made any material changes in the customary methods of operations of the Seller, any Acquired Subsidiary or the Business, including, without limitation, practices and policies relating to maintenance, purchasing, inventories, marketing, selling and pricing;
(k) shortened or lengthened the customary payment cycles for any of their payables or receivables including the Commercial Payables and Receivables;
(l) entered into any contracts, agreements or other obligations for the expenditure of any amounts in respect of capital expenditures (as such term is used in the Financial Statements) otherwise than as reasonably required in the ordinary course of business or made any capital expenditures that are in excess of or less than otherwise reasonably required in the ordinary course of business;
(m) made any express or deemed election or settled or compromised any liability with respect to Taxes of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary;
(n) incurred any Indebtedness (including Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course) in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,500,000 in the aggregate;
(o) made any loan to, guaranteed any Indebtedness of or otherwise incurred any Indebtedness on behalf of any Person, in each case in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate;
(p) paid any creditor any material amount owed to such creditor except with the prior written approval of the Purchaser and/or, if applicable, pursuant to an order of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court or the Bermuda Court, including, without limitation, (i) making any overhang payments other than payments necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) making any payments to Vendors, other than Vendor Payables, and (iii) making any payments on the Senior Notes;
(q) (i) granted any increase, or announced any increase, in the wages, salaries, compensation, bonuses, incentives, pension or other benefits payable by the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary to any of its employees in excess of 10% of base cash compensation for any individual and $2,000,000 in the aggregate for all such employees, including, without limitation, any increase or change pursuant to any Seller Benefit Plan, or (ii) established or increased or agreed to increase any benefits under any Seller Benefit Plan, in either case except as required by the terms of any existing agreement or by applicable Law;
(r) entered into any agreement, arrangement or transaction with any of its directors, officers, employees or shareholders (or with any relative, beneficiary, spouse or Affiliate of such Persons);
(s) terminated, discontinued, closed or disposed of any facility or other business operation, or laid off any employees (other than layoffs of fewer than 50 employees in any six-month period in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice);
(t) disclosed any secret or confidential Intellectual Property (except by way of issuance of a patent) or permitted to lapse or become abandoned any Intellectual Property (or any registration or grant thereof or any application relating thereto) to which, or under which, the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary has any right, title, interest or license;
(u) allowed any Environmental Permit that was issued or relates to the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary or otherwise relates to the Business to lapse or terminate or failed to renew any insurance policy or Environmental Permit that is scheduled to terminate or expire within 45 calendar days of the Closing Date;
(v) amended or modified any material provision of, or consented to the termination of any Material Contract or the Seller's or any Acquired Subsidiary's rights thereunder;
(w) amended or restated the certificate of incorporation or Bye-laws (or other organizational documents) of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary;
(x) made any charitable contribution (other than contributions not exceeding $25,000 in the aggregate);
(y) (i) abandoned, sold, assigned, or granted any security interest in or to any item of the Seller Intellectual Property, including, without limitation, to the Seller's Knowledge, failing to perform or cause to be performed all applicable filings, recordings and other acts, and pay or caused to be paid all required fees and taxes, to maintain and protect its interest in such Seller Intellectual Property, (ii) granted to any third party any license with respect to any Seller Intellectual Property, (iii) developed, created or invented any Intellectual Property jointly with any third party, or (iv) disclosed, or allow to be disclosed, any confidential Intellectual Property, unless such disclosure of Intellectual Property is subject to a confidentiality or non-disclosure covenant or in connection with the issuance of a patent; or
(z) agreed, whether in writing or otherwise, to take any of the actions specified in this Section 3.12 or granted any options to purchase, rights of first refusal, rights of first offer or any other similar rights or commitments with respect to any of the actions specified in this Section 3.12, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.
SECTION 3.13 Litigation. Except as set forth in Section 3.13 of the
Disclosure Schedule, (a) there is no claim, action, suit, investigation or
proceeding ("Litigation") against the Seller or any of its direct or indirect
Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of the Seller, any Global Crossing Entity
pending or, to the Knowledge of the Seller, threatened before any court,
arbitrator or other Governmental Authority which (i) seeks to restrain,
materially modify, prevent or materially delay the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Ancillary Agreements,
(ii) to the Seller's Knowledge, which seeks to prohibit or limit the ownership
or operation by the Purchaser or any of its Affiliates of any material portion
of the Acquired Assets or the Acquired Subsidiaries taken as a whole or any
material business or asset of the Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, or to
compel the Purchaser, any of its Affiliates or any of the Acquired Subsidiaries
to dispose or hold separate any portion of such business or assets, (iii) to the
Seller's Knowledge, which seeks damages or a discovery order in connection with
such transactions against the Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, or (iv) if
resolved adversely to the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary, would reasonably be
expected to result in, individually or in the aggregate, a material liability or
obligation of or on the Acquired Assets, the Assumed Liabilities or the Acquired
Subsidiaries.
(b) None of the Seller, any Acquired Subsidiary or GCT is a party or subject to any order, judgment, injunction or decree of any court, arbitrator or other Governmental Authority other than those directly resulting from or pursuant to the Chapter 11 Case, the Bermuda Case or the execution of this Agreement.
SECTION 3.14 Compliance with Laws. (a) Except as set forth in Section 3.14(a) of the Disclosure Schedule or as would not materially (i) adversely affect the ability of the Seller to carry out its obligations under, and to consummate the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements or (ii) adversely affect the ability of the Purchaser and the Acquired Subsidiaries to conduct the Business, the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries have each conducted and continue to conduct the Business in accordance with all Laws and
Governmental Orders applicable to the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary or any of their properties or assets, including, without limitation, the Acquired Assets, and neither the Seller nor any Acquired Subsidiary is in violation of any such Law or Governmental Order.
(b) Section 3.14(b) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of each Governmental Order applicable to the Seller (related to the Business), GCT (related to any Assets) or any Acquired Subsidiary or any of their properties or assets, including, without limitation, the Acquired Assets or the Business, and no such Governmental Order has or has had a Material Adverse Effect or would reasonably be expected to affect the legality, validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or thereby.
(c) None of the Seller, any Acquired Subsidiary or any officer, director, employee, agent or representative of the Seller, or any Acquired Subsidiary has offered, given, paid, authorized the payment of, or promised, directly or indirectly, any money, gift, promise or other thing of value to any Person for the purpose of inducing such Person to do or omit to do any action in violation of their lawful duty, or unlawfully inducing such Person to use their influence with any Governmental Authority to affect or influence any act or decision of such Governmental Authority, in order to assist the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary to obtain or retain business for or with, or in directing business to, any Person.
SECTION 3.15 Environmental and Other Permits and Licenses; Related Matters. Except as described in Section 3.15 of the Disclosure Schedule, (a) each of the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries and their respective predecessors and Affiliates (collectively for this Section 3.15, the "Companies") are now and have always been in compliance in all material respects with all Environmental Laws and the Companies have all Environmental Permits, in each case, necessary for the conduct and operation of the business as now being conducted, and all such permits are in good standing; (b) there is not now and has not been any Hazardous Material used, generated, treated, stored, transported, disposed of, released, handled or otherwise existing on, under, about, or emanating from or to, any of the Companies' owned, leased or operated property associated with the Business except in full compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws; (c) none of the Companies has received any written notice of alleged, actual or potential responsibility or liability for, or any written inquiry or investigation regarding, any release or threatened release of Hazardous Materials or alleged violation of, or non-compliance with, any Environmental Law, nor to the Knowledge of the Seller are any of the Companies aware of any information which might form the basis of any such notice or claim; (d) there is no site to which any of the Companies have transported or arranged for the transport of Hazardous Materials which is or may become the subject of any environmental action; (e) there is not now nor has there ever been any underground storage tank at any of the Companies' owned, leased or operated property; (f) none of the Companies has released any other Person from claims or liability under any Environmental Law nor waived any rights concerning any claims under any Environmental Law; and (g) true, complete and correct copies of sampling results, environmental or safety audits or inspections, or other written reports concerning environmental, health or safety issues, pertaining to any operations of any of the Companies or property owned, leased or operated by any of the Companies, have been provided to the Purchaser.
SECTION 3.16 Material Contracts. (a) Section 3.16(a) of the Disclosure Schedule lists each of the following contracts and agreements (including, without limitation, oral agreements) of the Seller (relating to the Acquired Assets, the Assumed Liabilities or the Business) and the Acquired Subsidiaries (such contracts and agreements, being "Material Contracts"):
(i) each contract, agreement, invoice, purchase order and other arrangement, for the purchase of materials or personal property, with any supplier or for the furnishing of services to the Seller (related to the Business), any Acquired Subsidiary or otherwise related to the Business under the terms of which the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary: (A) is contractually required to pay or otherwise give consideration of more than $500,000 in the aggregate during the calendar year ending December 31, 2002, (B) is contractually required to pay or otherwise give consideration of more than $2,000,000 in the aggregate over the remaining term of such contract or (C) cannot be cancelled by the Seller or such Acquired Subsidiary without more than 30 days' notice and without penalty or further payment beyond such 30 days notice;
(ii) each contract, agreement, invoice, sales order and other arrangement, for the furnishing of services by the Seller (relating to the Business) or any Acquired Subsidiary pursuant to which: (A) the Seller or such Acquired Subsidiary will receive more than $500,000 in the aggregate during the calendar year ending December 31, 2002, or more than $2,000,000 in the aggregate over the remaining term of the contract or (B) cannot be cancelled by the Seller or such Acquired Subsidiary without more than 30 days' notice and without penalty or further payment beyond such 30 days' notice;
(iii) all material distributor, dealer, franchise and agency agreements to which any Acquired Subsidiary is a party;
(iv) all management contracts and contracts with independent contractors or consultants (or similar arrangements) to which the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary is a party, which involve payments by the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary in excess of $500,000 over the remaining life of the contract, and which are not cancellable without more than 30 days' notice and without penalty or further payment beyond such 30 days notice;
(v) all contracts and agreements relating to Indebtedness of the Seller (as it relates to the Business) or any Acquired Subsidiary, in any case involving amounts in excess of $500,000;
(vi) all material contracts and agreements with any Governmental Authority to which the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary is a party;
(vii) all contracts and agreements that limit or purport to limit the ability of the Seller (as it relates to the Business) or any Acquired Subsidiary to compete in any line of business or with any Person or in any geographic area or during any period of time;
(viii) all contracts and agreements between or among any Acquired Subsidiary, on the one hand, and the Seller or any Affiliate of the Seller (other than the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary), on the other hand;
(ix) all licenses of Intellectual Property that are material to the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or the Business, from third parties and all material licenses of Seller Intellectual Property to third parties; and
(x) all other contracts and agreements, whether or not made in the ordinary course of business, which are material to the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or the conduct of the Business, or the absence of which would have a Material Adverse Effect.
For purposes of this Section 3.16, the term "lease" shall include any and all leases, subleases, sale/leaseback agreements or similar arrangements.
(b) Each Material Contract: (i) is valid and binding on the parties
thereto except as enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws affecting enforcement of
creditors' rights generally, and is in full force and effect, (ii) except as set
forth in Section 3.16(b)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedule, in the case of Material
Contracts to which the Seller is a party and which constitute Acquired Assets or
Assumed Liabilities, is freely and fully assignable to the Purchaser without
penalty or other similar adverse consequences and (iii) except as set forth in
Section 3.16(b)(iii) of the Disclosure Schedule, upon consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, except
to the extent that any consents set forth in Section 3.05 of the Disclosure
Schedule are not obtained, shall continue in full force and effect without
penalty or other similar adverse consequence. None of the Seller nor any
Acquired Subsidiary is in material breach of, or material default under, any
Material Contract.
(c) To the Knowledge of the Seller, no other party to any Material Contract is in material breach thereof or material default thereunder and none of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary has received any notice of termination, cancellation, breach or default under any Material Contract.
(d) The Seller has made available to the Purchaser true and complete copies of all Material Contracts.
(e) There is no contract, agreement or other arrangement granting any Person any preferential right to purchase, any of the Acquired Assets.
SECTION 3.17 Intellectual Property; Technology. (a) Section 3.17(a) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of all material Seller Intellectual Property, all of which is held by the Seller or one of the Acquired Subsidiaries, free and clear of all Encumbrances. No other Intellectual Property right is necessary for the conduct of the businesses of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary as presently conducted and as presently planned by Seller to be conducted. To the Knowledge of the Seller, the Seller Intellectual Property is valid and enforceable.
(b) (i) The Seller Intellectual Property and the business of the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries (as presently and proposed to be conducted) do not infringe upon, violate or misappropriate the rights of any Person, (ii) the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not result in the loss or impairment of any of the Seller Intellectual Property, or any right pertaining thereto, and (iii) the Seller and each Acquired Subsidiary have taken all reasonable precautions and security measures to protect the secrecy, confidentiality and value of its trade secrets. Except as set forth in Section 3.17(b) of the Disclosure Schedule, (A) neither the Seller nor any Acquired Subsidiary is aware of any infringement or unauthorized use by any Person of any of the Seller Intellectual Property, and (B) the Seller Intellectual Property (including the validity and title thereto) has not been questioned in or the subject of any prior Litigation, is not being questioned in or the subject of any pending Litigation, and, to the Knowledge of the Seller, is not the subject of any threatened or proposed Litigation.
SECTION 3.18 Title to Property. (a) Neither the Seller nor any Acquired
Subsidiary owns any real property or interests in real property except for the
Owned Real Property, as set forth on Section 3.18(a) of the Disclosure Schedule.
With respect to any Owned Real Property set forth in Section 3.18(a) of the
Disclosure Schedule, the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries have good, valid
and marketable title to the Owned Real Property, free and clear of all
Encumbrances other than (i) liens for Taxes not yet due and payable (or that are
being contested in good faith), (ii) landlords', mechanics', workmen's,
materialmen's, or similar liens, to the extent the obligations secured thereby
are not past due, (iii) the Vendor Liens, (iv) the encumbrances set forth in
Section 3.18(a) of the Disclosure Schedule and (v) any Encumbrances that would
not reasonably be expected to materially affect the use of such asset as used by
the Seller or its Acquired Subsidiaries (the Encumbrances referred to in clauses
(i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) being, collectively, the "Permitted Encumbrances"
and shall apply to Encumbrances against both real and personal property of the
Seller). Except as set forth in Schedule 3.18(a), neither the Seller nor any
Acquired Subsidiary is a lessor, sublessor or grantor under any lease, sublease
or other instrument granting to another Person any material right to the
possession, lease, occupancy or enjoyment of the Owned Real Property.
(b) Section 3.18(b)(i) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of all leases, subleases, licenses and other agreements in effect as of the date hereof (collectively, the "Real Property Leases") under which the Seller and any Acquired Subsidiary leases, subleases, uses or occupies or has the right to use or occupy, now or in the future, any real property which require payments in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate over its remaining term (the land, buildings and other improvements covered by the Real Property Leases, collectively, the "Leased Real Property"). The Seller has heretofore made available to the Purchaser true, correct and complete copies of all of the Real Property Leases (including all modifications thereof and all amendments and supplements thereto). Except as set forth in Section 3.18(b)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedule or as enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws affecting enforcement of creditors' rights generally, each Real Property Lease is valid, binding and in full force and effect; no notice of default or termination under any Real Property Lease is outstanding; no termination event or condition or uncured default on the part of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary, or, to the Knowledge of the Seller, the landlord, exists under any Real Property Lease and, to the Knowledge of the Seller, no event has occurred and no condition exists which, with the giving of
notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute such a default or termination event. The Seller and each Acquired Subsidiary has good and valid title to the leasehold estates under each Real Property Lease that it is a party to, free and clear of all Encumbrances except for matters set forth in the Real Property Leases and except for Permitted Encumbrances. The Owned Real Property and the Leased Real Property (collectively, the "Real Property") constitute all material real property interests held and used by the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries in the operation of the Business. Neither the Seller nor any Acquired Subsidiary is obligated under any option, right of first refusal or other contractual right to purchase, acquire, sell or dispose of any material real property interests included in the Real Property or any material portion thereof. Neither the Seller nor any Acquired Subsidiary has received written notice of any actual, pending or threatened condemnation proceeding affecting, in any material respect the Real Property or any material part thereof. No portion of the Real Property nor the use, occupancy and operation thereof, is in violation of any Law or any building zoning or other ordinance code or regulation.
(c) Neither the Seller nor any Acquired Subsidiary is a guarantor of any Indebtedness of any party under any lease, sublease or other occupancy agreement which require payments in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate over its remaining term, other than the agreements listed in Schedule 3.18(c) of the Disclosure Schedule (collectively, the "Lease Guaranties"). Except as set forth in Schedule 3.18(c) of the Disclosure Schedule, neither the Seller nor any Acquired Subsidiary has received any notice of any default or any claim, for any amounts required to be paid by the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary under any Lease Guaranties and all such Lease Guaranties are in full, force and effect.
SECTION 3.19 Network Facilities. (a) Section 3.19(a) of the Disclosure Schedule contains a map of the longhaul network (including the subsea, terrestrial, national and international fiber optic networks extending over approximately 17,900 kilometers, in the case of the subsea networks, and 870 kilometers, in the case of the terrestrial networks) which is owned or leased by the Seller or the Acquired Subsidiaries and each longhaul segment therein, with each longhaul network and each longhaul segment clearly labeled. Section 3.19(a) of the Disclosure Schedule separately describes the Seller's and the Acquired Subsidiaries' longhaul network and each longhaul segment therein, setting forth, for each longhaul segment, the Seller or Acquired Subsidiary which owns or leases the segment, the number of route miles in the segment and the number of wavelengths (with a description of the capacity of such wavelengths), fibers and fiber miles owned by the Seller or the relevant Acquired Subsidiary (indicating those fibers that are currently equipped for the transmission of telecommunication services and those that are not yet so equipped, i.e., both light and dark fibers). Section 3.19(a) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth the number of route miles of fibers on each route provided by the Seller or the relevant Acquired Subsidiary to third parties pursuant to agreements providing for an IRU (the "Customer IRU Agreements"), lease or other agreements. Section 3.19(a) of the Disclosure Schedule also sets forth the portions of the longhaul network and the longhaul segments (including the number of fibers on each route) that are provided by third parties to the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary through IRU agreements ("Network IRU Agreements"), lease or other agreements and the Seller and/or Acquired Subsidiary party thereto. Section 3.19(a) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of the landing stations with their respective locations and the owners or lessors of the landing stations.
(b) Section 3.19(b) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth the Layer 2 (ATM network map, frame relay map), the Layer 3 (IP network map), equipment list related to layers 2 and 3 and the asset register of the Acquired Subsidiaries and each longhaul segment therein which are currently under construction and not available to the Seller or the Acquired Subsidiaries with each longhaul network and each longhaul segment therein clearly labeled. Section 3.19(b) of the Disclosure Schedule describes the Seller's and the Acquired Subsidiaries' longhaul network and each longhaul segment therein which is currently under construction and not available for use, setting forth, for each longhaul segment, the expected number of route miles in the segment and the expected number of wavelengths (with a description of the capacity of such wavelengths), and the expected date of completion of construction and availability of the fibers and fiber miles to the Seller or the relevant Acquired Subsidiary.
(c) Except to the extent that the Seller or an Acquired Subsidiary can
access the Seller's Customer Base directly through the facilities set forth in
Section 3.19(a) of the Disclosure Schedule, the Seller or an Acquired Subsidiary
has all rights necessary to offer telecommunication services to the Seller's
Customer Base on a resale or other basis ("Customer Access Rights") from a local
exchange carrier.
(d) The facilities shown in the maps and described in Sections 3.19
(a)-(b) of the Disclosure Schedule and the related rights and interests and
other personal property (including the equipment located on or required to
operate such facilities and the layer 2 and layer 3 equipments and software) of
the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries, both tangible and intangible
(collectively, the "Network Facilities"), are sufficient, structurally sound and
are in such operating condition and repair (given due account to the age and
length of use of the same, ordinary wear and tear excepted) as is reasonably
required to conduct the business as it is currently conducted by the Seller and
the Acquired Subsidiaries and provide all the services currently provided by the
Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries and all warranties applicable to the
Network Facilities are in full force and effect other than those that have
expired in accordance with their normal terms. The information provided in the
maps in Sections 3.19(a)-(b) of the Disclosure Schedule is true, complete and
current in all material respects subject to inherent dimensional limitations of
the presentation of such information on maps. Except as set forth in Section
3.19(d) of the Disclosure Schedule, since January 1, 2002, there has been no
material interruption or disruption of services provided to or by the Seller or
any Acquired Subsidiary or for which the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary is
liable, which resulted from (i) a series of repeated outages or (ii) a single
outage which lasted continuously for one hour or longer at the optical level
(OCS/STMI and above).
(e) Except as set forth in Section 3.19(e) of the Disclosure Schedule, the Seller or an Acquired Subsidiary has good and marketable title to each Network Facility owned by the Seller or a Subsidiary. Each of the Network Facilities owned by the Seller or an Acquired Subsidiary: (i) is located on property in which the Seller or such Acquired Subsidiary holds either good and marketable title or valid right of entry, easement or other right to access the facility; (ii) is free and clear of any Encumbrances except Permitted Encumbrances; (iii) is not subject to any pending Litigation or administrative actions relating to any such property or right of way; (iv) has received all approvals of Governmental Authorities required in the ownership or operation thereof and has been operated and maintained in accordance with all applicable Laws; and (v) is not subject to any lease, sublease, license, concession or other agreement, written or
oral, granting to any party or parties the right of use or occupancy of any portion of any property or right of way, except for such leases, subleases, licenses, concessions or other agreements granted to any party or parties in the ordinary course of business.
(f) Each Network IRU Agreement, lease or other agreement permitting the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary to use each Network Facility is legal, valid and binding on the parties thereto in accordance with it terms, subject to bankruptcy or insolvency Laws and permits the Seller and the relevant Acquired Subsidiary to use the applicable Network Facility listed in Section 3.19(a) of the Disclosure Schedule, and is enforceable in accordance with its terms. The Seller or an Acquired Subsidiary has a Network IRU Agreement or other agreement permitting it to use all of the Network Facilities (as presently used and as expected to be used by the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries) that are not owned by the Seller or an Acquired Subsidiary.
SECTION 3.20 Customers. Listed in Section 3.20 of the Disclosure Schedule are the names and addresses of the 50 most significant customers (by monthly recurring revenue for the month of August 2002) of the Business during the period beginning January 1, 2002 and ending August 30, 2002 and the amount for which each such customer was invoiced during such period. As of the date hereof, neither the Seller nor any Acquired Subsidiary has received any notice that any customer listed in Section 3.20 of the Disclosure Schedule has ceased, or will cease, to use the services of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary, or has substantially reduced, or will substantially reduce, the use of such services at any time.
SECTION 3.21 Suppliers. Listed in Section 3.21 of the Disclosure Schedule is a complete and accurate list of the twenty most significant (a) equipment suppliers, (b) maintenance suppliers, and (c) access providers of the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries (based upon dollars billed to the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary) during the period beginning January 1, 2002 and ending August 30, 2002, showing the approximate total billings to the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary from each such supplier or access provider during such fiscal period. Except as set forth in Section 3.21 of the Disclosure Schedule, since the date of the Reference Balance Sheet, there has not been any (i) termination, cancellation, curtailment or material change in terms of the business relationship of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary with any of the equipment suppliers or access providers set forth in Section 3.21 of the Disclosure Schedule or (ii) notice (written or otherwise) from any of the equipment suppliers or access providers set forth in Section 3.21 of the Disclosure Schedule of an intent or request to so terminate, cancel, curtail or materially change, and, to the Knowledge of the Seller, no threat or indication that any such termination, cancellation, curtailment or material change is reasonably foreseeable, other than as may directly result from this Agreement, the Chapter 11 Case or the Bermuda Case.
SECTION 3.22 Employee Benefit Matters. (a) Plans and Material Documents. Section 3.22(a) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list as of the date hereof each material employee benefit plan, program, agreement and contract (including, without limitation, each "employee benefit plan, as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA")) with respect to which the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary has any obligation and that is maintained, contributed to or sponsored by the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary for the benefit of any current or former employee, officer or director of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary, or with respect to which the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary could incur liability under Sections 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA (collectively,
the "Seller Benefit Plans"). Each Seller Benefit Plan is in writing and the Seller has furnished to the Purchaser a complete and accurate copy of each Seller Benefit Plan and, a complete and accurate copy of each material document currently in effect prepared in connection with each such Seller Benefit Plan, including, without limitation and where applicable, a copy of (i) each trust or other funding arrangement, (ii) each summary plan description and summary of material modifications, (iii) the most recently filed IRS Form 5500, (iv) the most recently received IRS determination letter for each such Seller Benefit Plan, and (v) the most recently prepared actuarial report and financial statement in connection with each such Seller Benefit Plan. Neither the Seller nor any Acquired Subsidiary has any express or implied commitment, whether legally enforceable or not, to (i) create, incur liability with respect to or cause to exist any other employee benefit plan, program or arrangement, (ii) to enter into any contract or agreement to provide compensation or benefits to any individual, or (iii) to modify, change or terminate any Seller Benefit Plan, other than with respect to a modification, change or termination required by applicable Law.
(b) Absence of Certain Types of Plans. None of the Seller Benefit Plans
is a multiemployer plan (within the meaning of Section 3(37) or 4001(a)(3) of
ERISA) (a "Multiemployer Plan") or a single employer pension plan (within the
meaning of Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA) for which the Seller or any Acquired
Subsidiary could incur liability under Section 4063 or 4064 of ERISA (a
"Multiple Employer Plan"). Except as set forth on Section 3.22(b) of the
Disclosure Schedule, (i) none of the Seller Benefit Plans provides for the
payment of separation, severance, termination or similar-type benefits to any
Person or obligates the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary to pay separation,
severance, termination or similar-type benefits solely as a result of any
transaction contemplated by this Agreement or as a result of a "change in
control", within the meaning of such term under Section 280G of the Code and
(ii) none of the Seller Benefit Plans provides for or promises retiree medical,
disability or life insurance benefits to any current or former employee, officer
or director of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary.
(c) Compliance with Applicable Law. Each Seller Benefit Plan is now and always has been operated in all material respects in accordance with the requirements of all applicable Law. The Seller (and each Acquired Subsidiary) has performed all obligations required to be performed by it under, is not in any respect in default under or in violation of, and has no knowledge of any default or violation by any party to, any Seller Benefit Plan, except where the failure of any of the foregoing actions would not result in a material liability. No legal action, suit or claim is pending or, to the Knowledge of the Seller, threatened with respect to any Seller Benefit Plan (other than claims for benefits in the ordinary course) and no fact or event exists that could give rise to any such action, claim or proceeding.
(d) Qualification of Certain Plans. Each Seller Benefit Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code or Section 401(k) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS that it is so qualified, and each trust established in connection with any Seller Benefit Plan that is intended to be exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(a) of the Code has received a determination letter from the IRS that it is so exempt, and, to the Knowledge of the Seller, no fact or event has occurred since the date of such determination letter from the IRS to adversely affect the qualified status of any such Seller Benefit Plan or the exempt status of any such trust.
(e) Absence of Certain Liabilities and Events. There has been no
prohibited transaction (within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section
4975 of the Code) with respect to any Seller Benefit Plan. Neither the Seller
nor any Acquired Subsidiary has incurred any liability for any penalty or tax
arising under Section 4971, 4972, 4980, 4980B or 6652 of the Code or any
liability under Section 502 of ERISA, and, to the Knowledge of the Seller, no
fact or event exists that could give rise to any such liability. Neither the
Seller nor any Acquired Subsidiary has incurred any liability under, arising out
of or by operation of Title IV of ERISA (other than liability for premiums to
the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation arising in the ordinary course),
including, without limitation, any liability in connection with (i) the
termination or reorganization of any employee benefit plan subject to Title IV
of ERISA or (ii) the withdrawal from any Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer
Plan, and no fact or event exists that could give rise to any such liability. No
complete or partial termination has occurred within the five years preceding the
date hereof with respect to any Seller Benefit Plan. No reportable event (within
the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA) has occurred or is expected to occur with
respect to any Seller Benefit Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA. No Seller
Benefit Plan had an accumulated funding deficiency (within the meaning of
Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code), whether or not waived, as of
the most recently ended plan year of such Seller Benefit Plan. None of the
assets of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary is the subject of any lien
arising under Section 302(f) of ERISA or Section 412(n) of the Code; neither the
Seller nor any Acquired Subsidiary has been required to post any security under
Section 307 of ERISA or Section 401(a)(29) of the Code; and no fact or event
exists which could give rise to any such lien or requirement to post any such
security.
(f) Seller Benefit Plan Contributions and Funding. All contributions, premiums or payments required to be made with respect to any Seller Benefit Plan have been made on or before their due dates. All such contributions have been fully deducted for income tax purposes and no such deduction has been challenged or disallowed by any Governmental Authority and no fact or event exists that could give rise to any such challenge or disallowance. As of the Closing Date, no Seller Benefit Plan that is subject to Title IV of ERISA will have an "unfunded benefit liability" (within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(18) of ERISA).
(g) Non-U.S. Benefit Plans. With respect to each Seller Benefit Plan that is not subject to United States Law (a "Non-U.S. Benefit Plan"), all employer and employee contributions to each Non-U.S. Benefit Plan required by Law or by the terms of such Non-U.S. Benefit Plan have been made or, if applicable, accrued in accordance with normal accounting practices and each Non-U.S. Benefit Plan required to be registered has been registered and has been maintained in good standing with applicable regulatory authorities.
SECTION 3.23 Labor Matters; Employee Relations. (a) Except as set forth
in Section 3.23(a) of the Disclosure Schedule, (i) there are no material claims
or proceedings pending or, to the Knowledge of the Seller, threatened, between
the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary and any of their respective employees;
(ii) neither the Seller nor any Acquired Subsidiary is a party to any collective
bargaining agreement or other labor union contract applicable to persons
employed by the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary; (iii) there is no activity
or, to the Knowledge of the Seller, any threatened activity the purpose of which
is to achieve representation of Persons employed by the Seller or any Acquired
Subsidiary; and (iv) there are
no strikes, slowdowns, work stoppages, lockouts, or, to the Knowledge of the Seller, threats thereof, by or with respect to any employees of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary.
(b) The Seller and each Acquired Subsidiary are and have been in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws respecting employment, employment practices, labor, terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours, in each case, with respect to employees.
(c) Except as disclosed in Section 3.23(c) of the Disclosure Schedule, no term of employment of any employee of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary provides that a change in control of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary entitles such employee to treat the change of control as amounting to a breach of such employee's contract or entitles such employee to any payment or benefit whatsoever or entitles such employee to treat himself or herself as redundant or otherwise dismissed or released from any obligation.
SECTION 3.24 Key Employees. Section 3.24 of the Disclosure Schedule lists the name, place of employment, the current annual salary rates, bonuses, deferred or contingent compensation, accrued vacation, "golden parachute" and other like benefits paid or payable (in cash or otherwise) in 2002, the date of employment and a description of the position of each current salaried employee, officer, director, consultant or agent of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary whose annual compensation in 2002 exceeds or is expected to exceed, $150,000.
SECTION 3.25 Taxes. (a) Except as set forth in Section 3.25(a) of the Disclosure Schedule, (i) all Returns required to be filed with respect to the Seller and each Acquired Subsidiary (for purposes of this Section 3.25 all references to the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries shall include any company or partnership to which the Seller or one of the Acquired Subsidiaries is a successor or assign) including any Return that includes the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary on a consolidated, combined or unitary basis have been filed in accordance with the provisions of the relevant jurisdiction and tax legislation; (ii) all Taxes required to be shown in accordance with the provisions of the relevant jurisdiction and tax legislation on such Returns have been timely paid; (iii) all such Returns (insofar as they relate to the activities, business or income of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary) are true, correct and complete in all material respects; (iv) neither Seller nor any Acquired Subsidiary has received any written proposal from, nor, to the knowledge of the Seller, is any such proposal expected from any Tax authority for any adjustment relating to the transactions occurring prior to the Closing Date in such Returns (insofar as either relates to the activities, business or income of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary or could result in liability of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary on the basis of joint and/or several liability) and, to the Knowledge of the Seller, no basis exists for any such adjustment; (v) there are no pending or, to the Knowledge of the Seller, threatened actions, enquiries, disputes or proceedings for the assessment or collection of Taxes against the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary or (insofar as either relates to the activities, business or income of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary or could result in liability of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary on the basis of joint and/or several liability) any corporation that was included in the filing of a return with the Seller on a consolidated, combined or unitary basis; (vi) all sales and license transactions between Global Crossing or any Affiliate of Global Crossing other than the Seller and its Subsidiaries and the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary and between the Seller and any Acquired Subsidiary and between any of the Acquired Subsidiaries,
have been conducted on an arm's-length basis; (vii) there are no Tax liens on any assets of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary, other than liens for Taxes that are not yet due and payable; (viii) none of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary has been includible in any combined, consolidated or unitary return (other than a return that includes the Seller as the parent) for any Tax period for which the statute of limitations is still open, and none of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary is liable for Tax of another company which shall include all taxes other than that of the Seller and any Acquired Subsidiary relating to Tax periods ending on or before the Closing Date which the Tax authorities could impose; (ix) none of the Seller or Acquired Subsidiaries has incurred or will incur any Taxes involving network service transfer pricing among the Acquired Subsidiaries, the Seller or the Excluded Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business or otherwise; and (x) none of the Seller or Acquired Subsidiaries is doing business in or engaged in a trade or business in any jurisdiction in which it has not filed all required income or franchise or any other necessary Return.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 3.25(b) of the Disclosure Schedule,
(i) there are no outstanding waivers or agreements extending the statute of
limitations for any period with respect to any Tax to which the Seller or any
Acquired Subsidiary may be subject; (ii) there are no requests for information
currently outstanding that could affect the Taxes of the Seller or any Acquired
Subsidiary; (iii) there are no proposed reassessments of any property owned by
the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary or other proposals that could increase the
amount of any Tax to which the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary would be
subject; (iv) no power of attorney that is currently in force has been granted
with respect to any matter relating to Taxes that could affect the Seller or any
Acquired Subsidiary; and (v) except in connection with sales of IRUs in the
ordinary course of business, none of the Seller or Acquired Subsidiaries has any
additional Tax adjustments arising from income reportable for a period ending
before the Closing Date and in respect of transactions occurring after the
Closing Date but attributable to a transaction occurring in or for a period
ending on or prior to the Closing Date.
(c) The Seller has delivered or has otherwise made available to the Purchaser: (i) correct and complete copies of all income and similar Returns, examination reports, all correspondence with the Tax authorities and statements of deficiencies assessed against or agreed to by the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary for all Tax periods for which the statute of limitations remains open, (ii) a true and complete copy of any Tax-sharing or allocation or tax consolidation agreement or arrangement involving the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary and a true and complete description of any such unwritten or informal agreement or arrangement, and (iii) all Tax correspondence with Tax authorities and all formal written Tax advice obtained from Seller's external Tax advisors, including but not limited to compliance and Tax planning matters, transfer pricing, shared services and all inter-company charge and revenue sharing arrangements in each case only to the extent the same relates to Tax periods for which the applicable statute of limitation remains open.
(d) (i) The Seller will, and will cause the Acquired Subsidiaries to, file in accordance with the provisions of the relevant jurisdiction and tax legislation, all Tax Returns required to be filed between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date with respect to the Seller and each Acquired Subsidiary and (ii) the Seller will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Purchaser in the preparation of any Tax Returns that are required to be filed after the Closing Date with respect to the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary for any Tax
period ending prior to or on the Closing Date. The Seller will prepare the Tax
computations with respect to the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary which
includes computing the tax loss position or assessable profits (the latter, if
any) up to the financial year ended December 31, 2001 and for the period from
January 1, 2002 up to the Closing Date. The Seller will deliver such Tax
computations for the period from January 1, 2002 up to the Closing Date within
thirty (30) Business Days of the Closing Date, or if transfers pursuant to
Section 2.07 would otherwise prevent the Tax computations and delivery, as soon
as practicable after such transfers have been made.
SECTION 3.26 Insurance. Section 3.26 of the Disclosure Schedule contains a complete and correct list and summary description (including the name of insurer(s), amount of coverage, type of coverage and deductible amounts) of all material insurance policies (including directors' and officers' liability insurance) (i) maintained by Seller and any Acquired Subsidiary (the "AGC Policies") or by Global Crossing (to the extent Seller, the Acquired Subsidiaries and their respective assets are covered thereby) (the "GC Policies") and (ii) all pending applications for material policies of insurance, by or on behalf of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary in respect of the Acquired Assets or the Acquired Subsidiaries (the "Pending Policies"). The Seller has made available to the Purchaser complete and correct copies of the AGC Policies, together with all riders and amendments thereto and all material correspondence (including any notices of cancellation) thereof. No notice of cancellation, termination or reduction of coverage, or increase of premium, or intention to cancel, terminate or reduce coverage or increase premium, has been received by the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary with respect to any AGC Policies or GC Policies. To the Knowledge of the Seller, the insurance coverage contemplated by the Pending Policies: (i) is on such terms (including as to deductibles and self-insured retentions), (ii) covers such categories of risk (including errors and omissions, property and casualty, directors' and officers' liability, and workers' compensation liability, securities liability, fiduciary liability, employment practices), and (iii) is in such amounts as, with respect to each of the criteria set forth in the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii), is adequate and suitable for the Business and operations of the Acquired Assets and the Acquired Subsidiaries. Neither the Seller nor any Acquired Subsidiary has done or omitted to do any act, or knowingly allowed any Person to do or omit to do any act, which act or omission might render any of the AGC Policies or GC Policies void or voidable.
SECTION 3.27 Brokers. Except for Lazard Freres & Co. LLC and Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin, no broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Seller. The Seller is solely responsible for the fees and expenses of Lazard Freres & Co. LLC and Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER
As an inducement to the Seller to enter into this Agreement, the Purchaser (on behalf of itself and, from and after the date of incorporation of the Singapore Sub, the Singapore Sub) hereby represents and warrants to the Seller as follows:
SECTION 4.01 Organization and Authority of the Purchaser. Such Person is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and has all necessary corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party, to carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and thereby. The execution and delivery by such Person of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party, the performance by such Person of its obligations hereunder and thereunder and the consummation by such Person of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and thereby have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action on the part of such Person. This Agreement has been, and upon their execution the Ancillary Agreements to which such Person is a party shall have been, duly executed and delivered by such Person, and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Seller) this Agreement constitutes, and upon their execution the Ancillary Agreements to which such Person is a party shall constitute, legal, valid and binding obligations of such Person, enforceable against such Person in accordance with their respective terms.
SECTION 4.02 No Conflict. Assuming all Purchaser Approvals are obtained, except as may result from any facts or circumstances relating solely to the Seller, the execution, delivery and performance by such Person of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party do not and will not (a) violate, conflict with or result in the breach of any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws (or similar organizational documents) of such Person, (b) conflict with or violate any Law or Governmental Order applicable to such Person or (c) conflict with, or result in any breach of, constitute a default (or event which with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would become a default) under, require any consent under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration, suspension, revocation or cancellation of, any note, bond, mortgage or indenture, contract, agreement, lease, sublease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or arrangement to which such Person is a party, which would adversely affect the ability of such Person to carry out its obligations under, and to consummate the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement or by the Ancillary Agreements.
SECTION 4.03 Governmental Consents and Approvals. The execution, delivery and performance by such Person of this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which such Person is a party do not and will not require any Regulatory Approvals except (i) the approval of each of the State Development Planning Commission, the Ministry of Finance, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange and the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (the "Purchaser Approvals") may be required and (ii) the Telecom Approvals. Purchaser reasonably believes that it will be able to obtain all Purchaser Approvals by January 15, 2003.
SECTION 4.04 Financing. Concurrently herewith, in support of the
Purchaser's obligations hereunder, Purchaser has delivered to Seller (a) an
original guarantee by CNC of Purchaser's obligations hereunder in an aggregate
amount of up to $16 million, (b) a true and correct copy of a commitment letter
from CNC to the Purchaser to invest $120 million in equity in the Purchaser, and
(c) a true and correct copy of a commitment letter from The Industrial and
Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited ("ICBC") evidencing its commitment to
provide $150 million in debt financing to Purchaser to enable Purchaser to
perform its obligations
hereunder (the "Commitment Letter"). Such documents have been duly executed and delivered and are legal, valid and binding obligations of the parties thereto, except as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws affecting enforcement of creditor's rights generally. The Purchaser agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Commitment Letter not to expire, be terminated or otherwise cease to be in full force and effect through the Closing Date or any earlier date on which the definitive loan documents contemplated by the Commitment Letter shall have been executed by Purchaser and ICBC (in which case Purchaser will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such loan documents not to expire, be terminated or otherwise cease to be in full force and effect through the Closing Date). The Purchaser has or as of the Closing Date will have sufficient cash, available lines of credit or other sources of immediately available funds such that it will be able to provide the consideration for the Purchase Price and consummate the transactions contemplated hereby (including the Vendor Contracts). From the date hereof through and including the Closing Date, the equity interests of the Purchaser that are owned by CNC shall represent directly or indirectly at least 50% of the Purchaser's total issued and outstanding equity.
SECTION 4.05 Litigation. There is no Litigation pending, or to the knowledge of such Person, threatened before any court, arbitrator or other Governmental Authority which (i) seeks to restrain, materially modify, prevent, or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and/or the Ancillary Agreements, (ii) seeks to impose material limitations on the ability of such Person to acquire or hold, or exercise full rights of ownership of, any Acquired Assets, (iii) seeks damages or a discovery order in connection with such transactions against such Person, or (iv) if resolved adversely to such Person, would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the ability of such Person to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
SECTION 4.06 Brokers. Except for Salomon Smith Barney, no broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Purchaser. The Purchaser is solely responsible for the fees and expenses of Salomon Smith Barney.
SECTION 4.07 Acquisition for Investment. Such Person is acquiring the Shares for its own account for investment and not with a view to the distribution thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act.
SECTION 4.08 Assumption of Liabilities. Upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the execution of the Assumption Agreements, the Purchaser will have validly assumed the obligations of the Seller in the Assumed Liabilities.
ARTICLE V
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
SECTION 5.01 Conduct of Business Prior to the Closing. The Seller
covenants and agrees that, except as (i) approved in writing by the Purchaser,
(ii) required by the terms of this Agreement, (iii) described in Section 5.01 of
the Disclosure Schedule, or (iv) required by, arising out of, relating to or
resulting from its obligations as a debtor or debtor in possession
under the Bankruptcy Code and as approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, or any requirements of the Joint Provisional Liquidators (whether pursuant to the Bermuda Order or any other order of the Bermuda Court), and/or any order of the Bermuda Court, between the date hereof and the time of the Closing:
(a) Neither the Seller (as it relates to the Business), any Acquired
Subsidiary nor the Excluded Subsidiaries (excluding PCL) shall conduct its
business other than in the ordinary course and consistent with the Seller's,
such Acquired Subsidiary's or Excluded Subsidiaries' prior practice, including
meeting its post-petition obligations as they become due. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing the Seller shall (as it relates to the Business),
and shall cause each Acquired Subsidiary and each Excluded Subsidiary (excluding
PCL) to, (v) not shorten or lengthen the customary payment cycles for any of
their payables or receivables, including the Commercial Payables and
Receivables; (w) use their reasonable efforts to (A) preserve intact their
business organizations and the business organization of the Business, the
Acquired Subsidiaries and the Excluded Subsidiaries (excluding PCL), (B) not
terminate the employment of any employees of Acquired Subsidiaries with an
annual base salary in excess of $100,000 (C) continue in full force and effect
without material modification all existing policies or binders of insurance
currently maintained in respect of the Seller, each Acquired Subsidiary and the
Business (except the GC Policies, as to which Seller makes no covenants) and,
and (D) preserve their current relationships with their customers, suppliers and
other persons with which they have had significant business relationships; (x)
not exercise, without the Purchaser's prior written approval, any rights of
renewal pursuant to the terms of any of the leases or subleases set forth in
Section 3.18(b)(i) of the Disclosure Schedule which by their terms would
otherwise expire; (y) enter into any contracts, agreements or other obligations
for the expenditure of any amounts in respect of capital expenditures (as such
term is used in the Financial Statements) otherwise than as reasonably required
in the ordinary course of business or not make any capital expenditures in
excess of or less than otherwise required in the ordinary course of business,
and after December 31, 2002, the Seller shall not make any expenditure of any
amounts in respect of capital expenditures (other than Activation Costs) in
excess of $200,000 per item unless the request for expenditure was itemized at
the biweekly management meeting between Seller and Purchaser setting out the
forthcoming two week plan for capital expenditure and Purchaser consents, such
consent not to be unreasonably withheld, within three (3) Business Days after
such meeting to such expenditure; and (z) not engage in any practice, take any
action, fail to take any action or enter into any transaction which would
reasonably be expected to cause any representation or warranty of the Seller to
be untrue or result in a breach of any covenant made by the Seller in this
Agreement.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 5.01 of the Disclosure Schedule, between the date hereof and the time of the Closing, without the prior written consent of the Purchaser, none of the Seller, any Acquired Subsidiary (in respect of any Assets) or any Excluded Subsidiary (excluding PCL) will do any of the things enumerated in the second sentence of Section 3.12 (including, without limitation, clauses (a) through (z) thereof).
(c) Between the date hereof and Closing, the Seller shall and shall cause the Acquired Subsidiaries to (i) use commercially reasonable efforts to safeguard, preserve and maintain the condition of the Acquired Assets; (ii) not without the prior written consent of the Purchaser, lease, license, or otherwise surrender, relinquish, encumber or dispose of any of the Acquired Assets; provided, however, that nothing shall prohibit or restrict the Seller from selling
capacity arrangements (including IRUs) in the ordinary course of business that are on terms consistent with market practice and that provide a positive cash contribution over the life of the agreement; and (iii) not dissolve, re-organize or take any steps towards the winding-up or the liquidation of the Excluded Subsidiaries; provided, however, that the foregoing clause (c)(iii) shall not apply to PCL or Asia Global Crossing Development Co.
(d) The Seller shall, and shall cause each of the Acquired Subsidiaries and each Excluded Subsidiary (excluding PCL) to, use its reasonable commercial efforts to implement and maintain cost reduction initiatives consistent with the plans disclosed to the Purchaser prior to the date hereof or as otherwise agreed in advance in writing with the Purchaser.
The Purchaser shall not unreasonably withhold or delay any approval or consent requested by the Seller pursuant to this Section 5.01. Any such approval or consent shall be deemed given if, within ten Business Days after the Purchaser's receipt of a written request for any such approval or consent (specifically stating that the matter requires prompt attention and referring to this Section 5.01 and the ten Business Day period), the Purchaser shall not have given written notice to the Seller of its denial, approval or consent.
SECTION 5.02 Access to Information. (a) From the date hereof until the Closing, upon reasonable notice, the Seller shall cause its officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, accountants and counsel and shall cause the Acquired Subsidiaries and each of the Seller's and the Acquired Subsidiaries' officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, accountants and counsel to: (i) afford the officers, employees, agents, accountants, counsel, financing sources and representatives of the Purchaser reasonable access, during normal business hours, to the offices, properties, plants, other facilities, books and records of the Seller relating to the Acquired Assets, the Assumed Liabilities and each Acquired Subsidiary and to those officers, directors, employees, agents, accountants and counsel of the Seller and of each Acquired Subsidiary who have any knowledge relating to the Seller, any Acquired Subsidiary or the Business, (ii) furnish to the officers, employees, agents, accountants, counsel, financing sources and representatives of the Purchaser such additional financial and operating data, including, but not limited to, internal management reports and financial information, and other information regarding the assets, properties, liabilities and goodwill of the Seller, the Acquired Subsidiaries and the Business (or legible copies thereof) as the Purchaser may from time to time reasonably request and (iii) consult with the Purchaser on all matters outside the ordinary course of business of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary relating to the Seller's or any Acquired Subsidiary's business, strategy and financing, including matters related to this Agreement. The Purchaser shall hold all information obtained hereunder in confidence in accordance with the provisions of the Confidentiality Letter, dated March 5, 2002, between the Seller and CNC (the "Confidentiality Agreement"). The parties hereto agree that no investigation by the Purchaser or its Affiliates or their representatives shall affect or limit the scope of the representations or warranties of the Seller contained in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement delivered pursuant hereto or limit the liability for breach of any such representation or warranty.
(b) After the Closing, the Seller may retain: (i) any information relating to the Seller, the Excluded Subsidiaries, PCL, the Excluded Liabilities and the Excluded Assets, (ii) copies of information relating to the Seller and its Subsidiaries that is required by the Seller in
connection with the Chapter 11 Case, the Bermuda Case, the Seller's Tax affairs or other matters reasonably determined by the Seller, and (iii) the Purchaser will provide the Seller and/or its representatives, at the cost of the Seller, with copies of any information regarding the Acquired Assets, the Acquired Subsidiaries and the Business that may be reasonably requested by the Seller in connection with the Chapter 11 Case, the Bermuda Case, the Seller's Tax affairs or other matters for which such information may be reasonably requested by the Seller.
SECTION 5.03 Delivery of Financial Information. From the date hereof until the Closing, the Seller agrees to, and shall cause the Acquired Subsidiaries to provide to the Purchaser (a) a written report delivered each Friday (or the immediately preceding Business Day if such Friday is not a Business Day) containing the amount of cash and Cash Equivalents held by the Seller, the Acquired Subsidiaries and the Excluded Subsidiaries (excluding PCL) as of the immediately preceding Friday, as reflected in each such entity's respective bank balances, (b) copies of all sales reports prepared by or for executive management promptly after such reports are delivered to executive management, (c) balance sheets of the Acquired Assets, the Assumed Liabilities and the Acquired Subsidiaries within 2 weeks of each month-end prior to the Closing and (d) as promptly as practicable after a written request, other information reasonably requested by the Purchaser regarding the financial and operational status of the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries.
SECTION 5.04 Co-operation regarding Activation Costs and Vendor Releases. (a) The Seller shall, and shall cause the Acquired Subsidiaries to negotiate in good faith with the counterparties to the overhang contracts to reduce the Activation Costs.
(b) The Purchaser shall cooperate in good faith to assist the Seller in causing reductions in the Activation Costs and to obtain the releases from the Vendors referenced in Section 7.01(f).
SECTION 5.05 Confidentiality. The Seller agrees to, and shall cause the Acquired Subsidiaries and their agents, representatives, Affiliates, employees, officers and directors to (other than as required by the Chapter 11 Case or the Bermuda Case or in connection with the winding up of Seller): (a) treat and hold as confidential and not disclose or provide access to any Person to) all information relating to this Agreement or to trade secrets, processes, patent and trademark applications, product development, price, customer and supplier lists, pricing and marketing plans, policies and strategies, details of client and consultant contracts, operations methods, product development techniques, business acquisition plans, new personnel acquisition plans and all other confidential or proprietary information with respect to the Business, the Seller and each Acquired Subsidiary, (b) in the event that the Seller, an Acquired Subsidiary or any such agent, representative, Affiliate, employee, officer or director thereof becomes legally compelled to disclose any such information, provide the Purchaser with prompt written notice of such requirement so that the Purchaser, the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary may seek a protective order or other remedy or waive compliance with this Section 5.05, (c) in the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained, or the Purchaser waives compliance with this Section 5.05, furnish only that portion of such confidential information which is legally required to be provided and exercise its reasonable efforts to obtain assurances that confidential treatment will be accorded such information, and (d) promptly furnish (prior to, at, or as soon as practicable following, the Closing) to the Purchaser any and all copies (in
whatever form or medium) of all such confidential information then in the possession of the Seller or any of its agents, representatives, Affiliates, employees, officers and directors and, except as otherwise required by Section 5.02(b), destroy any and all additional copies then in the possession of the Seller or any of its agents, representatives, Affiliates, employees, officers and directors of such information and of any analyses, compilations, studies or other documents prepared, in whole or in part, on the basis thereof; provided, however, that this sentence shall not apply to any information that, at the time of disclosure, is available publicly and was not disclosed in breach of this Agreement by the Seller, any Acquired Subsidiary, or any of their agents, representatives, Affiliates, employees, officers or directors; and; provided, further, that, with respect to Intellectual Property, specific information shall not be deemed to be within the foregoing exception merely because it is embraced in general disclosures in the public domain. In addition, with respect to Intellectual Property, any combination of features shall not be deemed to be within the foregoing exception merely because the individual features are in the public domain unless the combination itself and its principle of operation are in the public domain. The Seller agrees and acknowledges that remedies at law for any breach of its obligations under this Section 5.03 are inadequate and that in addition thereto the Purchaser shall be entitled to seek equitable relief, including injunction and specific performance, in the event of any such breach.
SECTION 5.06 Regulatory and Other Authorizations; Notices and Consents.
(a) The Seller shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain (or cause
the Acquired Subsidiaries to obtain) all Regulatory Approvals that may be or
become necessary or advisable for its execution and delivery of, and the
performance of its obligations pursuant to, this Agreement and the Ancillary
Agreements, including, without limitation, all Seller Approvals and will
cooperate fully with the Purchaser in promptly seeking to obtain all such
authorizations, consents, orders and approvals and all Purchaser Approvals and
Telecom Approvals.
(b) The Seller shall or shall cause the Acquired Subsidiaries to give promptly such notices to third parties and use its or their commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the third party consents and estoppel certificates set forth in Schedule 5.06(b) (the "Required Contractual Consents").
(c) The Purchaser shall cooperate fully with Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries and use its commercially reasonable efforts to assist the Seller in giving such notices and obtaining such Required Contractual Consents which may include providing guarantees in substitution for guarantees previously provided by Seller or an Excluded Subsidiary; provided, however, that the Purchaser shall have no obligation to consent to any change in the terms of any agreement or arrangement which the Purchaser in its reasonable discretion may deem materially adverse to the interests of the Purchaser, the Acquired Assets or any Acquired Subsidiary.
(d) Purchaser shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all Purchaser Approvals by January 15, 2003 and will cooperate fully with the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries and use its commercially reasonable efforts to assist the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries to obtain the Seller Approvals.
SECTION 5.07 Notice of Developments. Prior to the Closing, (a) the Seller, on the one hand, and the Purchaser, on the other, shall each promptly notify the other in writing of
all events, circumstances, facts and occurrences arising subsequent to the date of this Agreement which have resulted or would be reasonably expected to result in any breach of a representation or warranty or covenant of such Person contained in this Agreement or which have had or would be reasonably expected to have the effect of making any representation or warranty of such Person contained in this Agreement untrue or incorrect in any respect, and (b) the Seller, on the one hand, and the Purchaser, on the other, shall each promptly notify the other of such Person's receipt of any notice (written or oral) or other communication from any Person (including any Governmental Authority) with respect to (i) the requirement for consent from any Person (including any Governmental Authority) in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements and the performance by the parties hereunder and thereunder, and (ii) in the case of the Seller, any Actions commenced against or involving or relating to, directly or indirectly, the Seller, the Acquired Assets, the Assumed Liabilities or any Acquired Subsidiary.
SECTION 5.08 No Solicitation or Negotiation. (a) Except for (i) motions and related pleadings and documents to be filed by the Seller with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in connection with the Seller's efforts to cause the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to enter the Bidding Procedures Order, the Approval Order and any Section 365 Order and (ii) any and all actions that may be taken by or on behalf of the Seller in furtherance of the foregoing, from the date hereof until the moment the Bidding Procedures Order has been entered by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, the Seller shall not, nor shall the Seller authorize or permit any of its Subsidiaries or any officer, director, employee, agent or representative of the Seller or any of its Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, any investment banker, attorney or accountant retained by the Seller or any of its Subsidiaries) to (i) solicit, initiate, encourage or accept any inquiries, proposals or offers in respect of any Acquisition Proposal, (ii) participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish to any other Person any information with respect to, or otherwise cooperate in any way with, or assist or participate in, facilitate or encourage, any effort or attempt by any other Person to do or seek any Acquisition Proposal and, the Seller shall immediately cease and cause to be terminated all existing discussions or negotiations with any parties conducted heretofore with respect to any of the foregoing. The Seller shall notify Purchaser promptly of any Acquisition Proposal (or any amendment in respect thereof) made by any third party or any inquiry or contact with any Person with respect thereto, that is made and shall, in any such notice to Purchaser, indicate in reasonable detail the identity of the Person making such Acquisition Proposal or related inquiry or contact and the terms and conditions of such Acquisition Proposal or related inquiry or contact until the moment that the Bidding Procedures Order has been entered by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. The Seller shall not release any third party from, or waive any provision of, any confidentiality or standstill agreement to which it is a party until the moment that the Bidding Procedures Order has been entered by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
(b) The commitments and agreements contained in Section 5.08(a) shall
expire and be of no further force and effect at the moment that the U.S.
Bankruptcy Court enters the Bidding Procedures Order. Thereafter, the Bidding
Procedures Order shall govern all proceedings relating to the Seller's or any of
its Subsidiaries' consideration of any Acquisition Proposal. As used in this
Section 5.08, the term "Subsidiaries" does not include PCL.
SECTION 5.09 Excluded Liabilities. The Seller shall pay and discharge the Excluded Liabilities as and when the same become due and payable, except as otherwise
contemplated hereby or as may be required or prohibited by applicable provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and the Bermuda Companies Act and in each case any case law arising thereunder.
SECTION 5.10 Global Crossing. (a) The Seller shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to negotiate with Global Crossing definitive versions of the Transition Agreement, Ongoing Support Services Agreement, Operational Interface Agreement, GC Product Supply Agreement and AGC Product Supply Agreement which definitive agreements shall be reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser.
(b) The Seller shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to negotiate with Global Crossing Entities a reduction in the GC Payables. If following such negotiations the GC Payables due by the Acquired Subsidiaries have not been reduced to zero, the Seller and the Purchaser shall negotiate in good faith an alternate arrangement to achieve this result.
(c) The Seller shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to negotiate an agreement with Global Crossing preventing any Global Crossing Entity from using, or from entering into any agreement or license with any other Person that would provide such Person (other than the Purchaser or any Acquired Subsidiary) with the right to use, the name "Asia Global Crossing Limited" and all similar or related names and marks, for a period of three years after the Closing Date. Seller and the Excluded Subsidiaries shall not use any of the foregoing names, marks or logos from and after the Closing, except as necessary or convenient in connection with the winding-up of Seller.
SECTION 5.11 Winding-up of Seller and Excluded Subsidiaries. The Seller shall not (a) consummate any plan of reorganization pursuant to Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and relevant Bermuda Law, (b) effect, under applicable non-bankruptcy Law, the liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Seller and the Excluded Subsidiaries, or (c) otherwise distribute any assets to Persons holding Claims against the Seller in the Chapter 11 Case, prior to the 60th day immediately following the Closing Date at which time the Seller may distribute any or all assets of the Seller except for that amount of cash and/or Cash Equivalents equal to the sum of: (x) any amounts that are the subject of a post Closing dispute subject to resolution in accordance with Sections 2.07(c) or 2.07(d); and (y) subject to the provisions of Section 11.01, any amounts reasonably and in good faith claimed as damages by the Purchaser due to, arising from or related to any breach by the Seller of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement in this Agreement. The parties hereto shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to resolve any such disputes or claims as soon as possible after the Closing.
SECTION 5.12 Currency. Unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, all references to currency, monetary values and dollars set forth herein shall mean United States (U.S.) dollars and all payments hereunder shall be made in United States dollars.
SECTION 5.13 Insurance. The Seller will use its reasonable efforts (to be deemed not to include or require expenditure of any monies other than de minimis amounts) to cause the Pending Policies to take effect at the Closing, subject to the payment by Purchaser at the Closing of the premiums due under such Pending Policies. The Purchaser hereby agrees to pay the premiums due under such Pending Policies at or prior to the Closing in order that they may take effect at the Closing; provided, however, that Purchaser shall be reimbursed by the
Seller the amount of all premiums, net of any cancellation penalties or other amounts withheld by the insurer or broker if the Closing does not occur and the Purchaser does not otherwise receive reimbursement for such paid premiums.
SECTION 5.14 Finance Co. The Seller shall cause Finance Co to be established and cause the relevant intercompany amounts between the Seller and the Excluded Subsidiaries on the one hand and certain Acquired Subsidiaries on the other hand to be transferred to Finance Co after receipt of the Approval Order and prior to the Closing Date.
SECTION 5.15 Taiwan Share Transfer. Prior to Closing, the Purchaser shall irrevocably and unconditionally assign its rights hereunder to acquire the Taiwan Shares to the Taiwan Assignee (which shall be identified to the Seller prior to Closing).
SECTION 5.16 Further Action. (a) Each of the parties hereto shall use all reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all appropriate action, do or cause to be done all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Law, and to execute and deliver such documents and other papers, as may be required to carry out the provisions of this Agreement, to satisfy all conditions to the obligations of the parties and to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements shall obligate the Seller or the Purchaser, or any of their respective Affiliates, to waive or modify any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement or any of the documents contemplated hereby, except as expressly set forth herein.
(b) To the extent any Acquired Asset is not capable of being transferred to the Purchaser at the Closing in accordance with this Agreement, the Purchaser and the Seller agree to cooperate to devise appropriate alternative arrangements to transfer the benefit of such Acquired Asset to the Purchaser or to make such other alternative arrangements as the Seller and the Purchase may mutually agree.
(c) In the event that any Subsidiary of the Seller that holds any Indirect Interests or other Acquired Assets that the Seller is causing to be sold, assigned, transferred, conveyed and delivered pursuant to Section 2.01 of this Agreement shall, after the date hereof, commence a Subsidiary Bankruptcy Case (each, a "Filing Subsidiary"), the Seller, prior to the commencement of such Subsidiary Bankruptcy Case, shall (i) agree to such amendments to this Agreement, the Bidding Procedures Order and the Approval Order as the Purchaser may reasonably request in order to effect the transactions contemplated hereunder (including, without limitation, the addition of any such Filing Subsidiary as a party to this Agreement), and (ii) use its best efforts to cause any such Filing Subsidiary to execute this Agreement (as so amended) as a party hereto.
ARTICLE VI
EMPLOYEE MATTERS
SECTION 6.01 Employees. From the date hereof through the Closing, the Seller shall permit the Purchaser to, at reasonable times and upon reasonable notice to the Seller, communicate in writing with the Seller's and the Acquired Subsidiaries' employees and consultants concerning the Purchaser's plans, operations, business, customer relations, and general personnel matters and to interview the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries' employees
and consultants and review the personnel records and such other information concerning the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries' employees and consultants as the Purchaser may reasonably request (subject to obtaining any legally required written permission of any affected employee or consultant and to other applicable law and provided, that none of the foregoing shall be conducted in a manner that is unreasonably disruptive to the business of the Seller or any Acquired Subsidiary).
SECTION 6.02 Transfer and Assumption of the Retirement Plan; Contributions for Periods Prior to Closing. As of the Closing Date, the Purchaser shall adopt the retirement plans listed in Section 6.02 of the Disclosure Schedules (together, the "Retirement Plans") and the related trusts, and the Seller shall cause all right, title, interest, duties, liabilities and authorities of the Seller in, to and under the Retirement Plans and the related trusts to be transferred to the Purchaser in accordance with the applicable Law. At the Closing, the parties shall execute and deliver such documents and instruments as may be required to effect such an assumption and transfer and to reflect the parties' intent that the Retirement Plans not be or be deemed to be terminated, or partially terminated, as a result of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein and that all assets of the Retirement Plans, as the same exist immediately prior to the Closing Date, shall be transferred with the Retirement Plans as provided in this Section 6.02. As of the Closing Date, the Seller shall have made or caused each employer under the Retirement Plans to have made all contributions to the Retirement Plans for the portion of the current plan year which will be completed as of the Closing Date.
SECTION 6.03 Directors and Officers of Acquired Subsidiaries. The Purchaser shall deliver to the Seller a binding agreement regarding each director and officer of an Acquired Subsidiary releasing and forever discharging, on behalf of the Purchaser and the Acquired Subsidiaries, such officers and directors from all past, present and future claims, demands, actions and causes of action of any kind or nature whether known or unknown, for any Liability, loss, damage, claim, charge, action, proceedings, deficiency, payments, interest, penalty, costs and expenses arising out of or relating to such Person's employment or other similar relationship with any Acquired Subsidiary prior to the Closing in the form set forth in Exhibit 6.03; provided, however, that such release shall not release any such claims arising from or related to fraud or willful misconduct.
SECTION 6.04 Employee Confidentiality Agreements. The Seller shall use
reasonable efforts (to be deemed not to include or require expenditure of any
monies other than de minimis amounts, provided, however, that Seller shall not
be required to pay any consideration to any employee in connection with this
Section 6.04) to cause all directors, officers, management, employees and
technical and professional employees of the Seller and each Acquired Subsidiary
to execute and deliver a written obligation to maintain in confidence all
confidential or proprietary information acquired by them in the course of their
employment at the Seller or an Acquired Subsidiary and to assign to the Seller
or such Acquired Subsidiary all inventions made by them within the scope of
their employment during such employment and for a reasonable period thereafter.
ARTICLE VII
CONDITIONS TO CLOSING
SECTION 7.01 Conditions to Obligations of the Seller. The obligations of the Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment or written waiver, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:
(a) Representations, Warranties and Covenants. (i) The representations
and warranties of the Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall have been true
and correct in all material respects when made and shall be true and correct in
all material respects as of the Closing, except to the extent such
representations and warranties are as of another date, in which case such
representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of that other date,
in each case, with the same force and effect as if made as of the Closing Date,
(ii) the covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement to be complied
with by the Purchaser on or before the Closing Date shall have been complied
with in all material respects, and (iii) the Seller shall have received a
certificate from the Purchaser to such effect signed by a duly authorized
officer thereof.
(b) No Proceeding or Litigation. No Action shall have been commenced and remain pending, or shall have been threatened by or before any Governmental Authority against either the Seller or the Purchaser, seeking to restrain or materially and adversely alter the transactions contemplated by this Agreement which, in the reasonable, good faith determination of the Seller, is likely to render it impossible or unlawful to consummate such transactions or which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; provided, however, that the provisions of this Section 7.01(b) shall not apply if the Seller has directly or indirectly solicited or encouraged any such Action.
(c) Ancillary Agreements. The Purchaser shall have executed and delivered to the Seller each of the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party.
(d) Joint Provisional Liquidators. The Joint Provisional Liquidators shall have been appointed pursuant to the Bermuda Order, and shall have executed this Agreement for the sole purpose of agreeing to the matters set forth in Article IX, and shall have obtained sanction from the Bermuda Court for such appointment and execution in accordance with Section 9.01.
(e) Entry of Orders. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court shall have entered the Bidding Procedures Order and the Approval Order and any Section 365 Orders for which motions for approval thereof shall have been filed no less than twenty-five (25) days prior to the Closing Date, and such Bidding Procedures Order and such Approval Order and each such Section 365 Order shall be in full force and effect and shall not have been stayed, modified, reversed or amended as of the Closing Date.
(f) Vendor Releases. NEC and KDDI shall have executed and delivered to the Seller a full release of the Seller and its Affiliates (other than the Acquired Subsidiaries) from any and all obligations under the Vendor Contracts, each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Seller.
(g) Consents and Approvals. (i) The Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries shall have received all Seller Approvals and Purchaser shall have received all Purchaser Approvals, in each such case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Seller and the Purchaser and (ii) the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries shall have received all Required Contractual Consents; provided that clause (ii) shall be deemed satisfied if Purchaser waives each Required Contractual Consent that has not been received and the assumption of such agreements and contracts without such consent would not be reasonably likely to cause the Seller to incur material damages.
(h) Release of Seller and Excluded Subsidiaries. The Purchaser shall have delivered appropriate releases in favor of the Seller and the Excluded Subsidiaries with respect to all Assumed Liabilities in the form set forth in Exhibit 7.01(h).
(i) AGC Payables Agreements. All assignments and transfers provided for in the AGC Payables Agreement (or under an alternate arrangement agreed by the Seller and the Purchaser) shall have been completed with no material adverse financial effect on the Seller or the Excluded Subsidiaries.
SECTION 7.02 Conditions to Obligations of the Purchaser. The obligations of the Purchaser to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment or written waiver, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:
(a) Representations, Warranties and Covenants. (i) The representations and warranties of the Seller contained in this Agreement (x) that are not qualified by the words "material" or "Material Adverse Effect" shall have been true and correct in all material respects when made and shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made as of the Closing Date and (y) that are qualified by the words "material" or "Material Adverse Effect" shall have been true and correct when made and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made as of the Closing Date, except, in the case of both clauses (x) and (y), to the extent such representations and warranties are as of another date, in which case, such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects as of that other date; provided, however, that this condition shall be deemed satisfied unless the failure of the representations and warranties not qualified by the words "Material Adverse Effect," to be true and correct would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) the covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement to be complied with by the Seller on or before the Closing Date shall have been complied with by the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries in all material respects and (iii) the Purchaser shall have received a certificate of the Seller to such effect signed by a duly authorized officer thereof;
(b) No Proceeding or Litigation. No Action shall have been commenced and remain pending or shall have been threatened by or before any Governmental Authority against either the Seller or the Purchaser, seeking to restrain or materially and adversely alter the transactions contemplated by this Agreement which, in the reasonable, good faith determination of the Purchaser, is likely to render it impossible or unlawful to consummate such transactions or which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; provided, however, that
the provisions of this Section 7.02(b) shall not apply if the Purchaser has directly or indirectly solicited or encouraged any such Action;
(c) Legal Opinion. The Purchaser shall have received from Milligan-Whyte and Smith a legal opinion, addressed to the Purchaser and dated the Closing Date in the form set forth in Exhibit 7.02(c).
(d) Consents and Approvals. (i) The Purchaser shall have received all Purchaser Approvals and Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries shall have received all Seller Approvals, in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser and the Seller and (ii) the Seller and the Acquired Subsidiaries shall have received all Required Contractual Consents; provided, however, that this condition shall be deemed satisfied unless the failure of Seller to obtain any Seller Approval or Required Contractual Consent would result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(e) No Material Adverse Effect. There shall not have been a Material Adverse Effect since the date of this Agreement;
(f) Amendments to Certain Contracts. The amendments to the NEC Deferral Agreement and the KDDI Payment Deferral Option Agreement executed by Seller, Purchaser and the Vendors on or about the date hereof shall be in full force and effect, or such effectiveness shall be subject only to the Closing;
(g) Entry of Orders. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court shall have entered the Bidding Procedures Order, the Approval Order and any Section 365 Orders for which motions for approval thereof shall have been filed no less than twenty-five (25) days prior to the Closing Date, and such Bidding Procedures Order and such Approval Order and each such Section 365 Order shall be in full force and effect and shall not have been stayed, modified, reversed or amended as of the Closing Date.
(h) Ancillary Agreements. The Seller shall have executed and delivered to the Purchaser each of the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party.
(i) Joint Provisional Liquidators. The Joint Provisional Liquidators shall have been appointed pursuant to the Bermuda Order, and shall have executed this Agreement for the sole purpose of agreeing to the matters set forth in Article IX, and shall have obtained sanction from the Bermuda Court for such appointment and execution in accordance with Section 9.01.
(j) Communications Licenses. No event has occurred and no circumstance exists or will exist as a result of the Closing or otherwise which would permit the revocation or termination of any of the Communications Licenses or the imposition of any material restriction thereon, or that would prevent any of the Communications Licenses from being renewed on a routine basis or in the ordinary course as a result of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise; provided, however, that this condition shall be deemed to be satisfied unless the failure of such condition would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(k) Financial Statements. The Seller shall have delivered a consolidated Schedule of Cash Receipts and Cash Disbursements for Seller and its Subsidiaries (excluding PCL) substantially in the format of Exhibit 7.02(k) for the nine month period ended September 30, 2002, together with the related notes thereto and an unqualified audit opinion thereon. The Seller shall also have delivered a Consolidated Statement of Net Assets of Seller and its Subsidiaries (excluding PCL) as of September 30, 2002, and shall have used commercially reasonable efforts to obtain an unqualified audit opinion thereon. Seller shall have also delivered consolidating schedules (which need not contain any notes or be audited) of the Consolidated Statement of Net Assets for the foregoing period for each of the Seller and its Subsidiaries (excluding PCL).
(l) Insurance. The Pending Policies shall be in full force and effect, subject only to payment of any premiums due thereon by the Purchaser.
(m) AGC Payables Agreement. All assignments and transfers provided for in the AGC Payables Agreements (or under an alternate arrangement agreed by the Seller and the Purchaser) shall have been completed with no material adverse financial effect on the Purchaser or the Acquired Subsidiaries.
(n) Minute Books. Complete and accurate copies of all minute books and share registers or stock record books of each Acquired Subsidiary have been provided by the Seller to the Purchaser.
ARTICLE VIII
U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURT AND BERMUDA COURT
SECTION 8.01 Chapter 11 Case. In connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Seller shall, within two 2 Business Days of the date hereof file with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court the petition necessary to commence the Chapter 11 Case.
SECTION 8.02 U.S. Bankruptcy Court Approvals. (a) In connection with
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Seller shall, within one
(1) Business Day of the commencement of the Chapter 11 Case, file with the U.S.
Bankruptcy Court one or more motions seeking entry of the following orders:
(b) Bidding Procedures Order. An order in the form of Exhibit 8.02(b), subject only to such material and non-material changes as the Purchaser in its sole discretion may consent to (provided, however, that with respect to non-material changes only, the Purchaser's consent to such non-material changes shall not be unreasonably withheld) in writing (the "Bidding Procedures Order") providing, among other things, for the payment of the Break-Up Fee and the Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement in the circumstances and on the terms set forth in this Agreement.
(c) Approval Order. An order in the form of Exhibit 8.02(c), subject only to such material and non-material changes as the Purchaser in its sole discretion may consent to (provided, however, that with respect to non-material changes only, the Purchaser's consent to such non-material changes shall not be unreasonably withheld) in writing, pursuant to Sections 105, 363, 365 and other applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code (the "Approval Order"),
among other things, (A) authorizing and approving the sale to the Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement of the Acquired Assets, and approving the terms of this Agreement, (B) authorizing and approving the assumption by the Seller, and the assignment to the Purchaser, of the Assigned AGC Contracts, (C) finding the Purchaser is acting in good faith, and is entitled to the protections of a good faith purchaser under Section 363(m) of the Bankruptcy Code, and (D) containing such other findings and provisions consistent with applicable Law as may be reasonably requested by the Purchaser.
(d) Within five (5) Business Days of the entry of the Bidding Procedures Order, Seller shall file with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and serve on all counter-parties to the Assigned AGC Contracts, a notice of (i) the Seller's intent to assume and assign to the Purchaser (or its designee) the Assigned AGC Contracts in accordance with Section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (ii) the Cure Costs (if any) with respect to each Assigned AGC Contract.
(e) If the Purchaser determines at any time after the date hereof
(including, without limitation, after the Closing Date but not later than 30
days prior to the Confirmation Date) that the Seller is a party to any
contracts, agreements, leases, licenses, commitments, sales or purchase orders
or other instruments primarily related to the Business that have not been
previously designated to be Assigned AGC Contracts, the Purchaser shall have the
right in its discretion to demand, by written notice delivered to the Seller not
less than 30 days prior to the Confirmation Date, that any such contracts,
agreements, leases, licenses, commitments, sales or purchase orders or other
instruments (each, an "Additional Contract") be assumed by the Seller and
assigned to the Purchaser and thereby transferred to the Purchaser or its
designee effective upon the Closing as an Acquired Asset without any additional
consideration; provided that the Purchaser may not demand the assumption or
assignment of any Additional Contract that has been previously rejected by the
Seller. Upon receipt of any such notice, the Seller shall promptly file with the
U.S. Bankruptcy Court a motion for an order (each, a "Section 365 Order")
authorizing such assumption and assignment to the Purchaser pursuant to Section
365 of the Bankruptcy Code. Any such motion and Section 365 Order shall be in
form and substance reasonably acceptable to Purchaser. The Seller shall file
such motion and deliver notice thereof to all Persons entitled to notice
thereof, all in accordance with the applicable provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy
Code and applicable order(s) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. If such Section 365
Order is entered after the Closing Date, promptly upon approval of any such
Section 365 Order (unless such Section 365 Order shall have been stayed,
modified, reversed or amended), the Seller and the Purchaser shall take, or
cause to be taken, all actions necessary or desirable to effect the assumption
and assignment to the Purchaser of the applicable Additional Contracts.
SECTION 8.03 Bermuda Case. The Seller shall, promptly following the commencement of the Chapter 11 Case, petition the Bermuda Court for the commencement of the Bermuda Case and shall, as soon as practicable after the appointment of the Joint Provisional Liquidators by the Bermuda Court in accordance with the Bermuda Order, seek the approval by the Joint Provisional Liquidators of this Agreement in accordance with Section 9.01.
SECTION 8.04 Co-operation. (a) The Seller and the Purchaser shall each use their commercially reasonable efforts, and shall cooperate, assist and consult with each other, and take all actions reasonably necessary, in order to secure (i) the commencement of the Chapter 11 Case by no later than two (2) Business Days after the date hereof, (ii) the U.S.
Bankruptcy Court's approval of (A) the Bidding Procedures Order by no later than thirty (30) days after the commencement of the Chapter 11 Case, (B) the Approval Order by no later than seventy-five (75) days after the commencement of the Chapter 11 Case, and (C) any Section 365 Order or any other order of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court relating to this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, within twenty-five (25) days following the date of filing of the motion for approval thereof (including, without limitation, with respect to satisfying the Seller's burden to demonstrate under Sections 365(b)(1)(C) or 365(f)(2(B) of the Bankruptcy Code, as applicable, "adequate assurance of future performance" by the Purchaser under each Assigned AGC Contract or any Additional Contract (and, in connection therewith, the Purchaser agrees to provide to the Seller, for use in any hearing before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court relating to the Seller's request for entry of the Approval Order or any Section 365 Order, such financial or other information regarding the Purchaser as may reasonably be necessary or appropriate to satisfy such burden)), (iii) the appointment of the Joint Provisional Liquidators in accordance with the Bermuda Order and the approval by the Joint Provisional Liquidators in accordance with Section 9.01 within seven (7) days of the commencement of the Bermuda Case, and (iv) the Bermuda Court's approval of the decision of the Joint Provisional Liquidators to enter into this Agreement within twenty-eight (28) days of the commencement of the Bermuda Case. The Seller and the Purchaser shall consult with, and seek the advice of, one another regarding pleadings which any of them intends to file, or positions any of them intends to take, with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in connection with or which might reasonably affect, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court's approval of the Bidding Procedures Order, the Approval Order, any Section 365 Order and the appointment of the Joint Provisional Liquidators by the Bermuda Court pursuant to the Bermuda Order, or any other such order that could reasonably be anticipated to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. None of the Seller or the Purchaser will file any pleading or take any position that is inconsistent with obtaining the U.S. Bankruptcy Court's approval of the Bidding Procedures Order, the Approval Order, any Section 365 Order, or any other such order and the appointment of the Joint Provisional Liquidators by the Bermuda Court pursuant to the Bermuda Order. The Seller shall provide notice to the Purchaser of all the pleadings filed by the Seller in the Chapter 11 Case and, in the event that the Purchaser's counsel shall have informed the Seller's counsel that it cannot, after reasonable efforts, receive electronic access to such pleadings filed, the Seller shall promptly provide the Purchaser's counsel with copies of all motions, applications, supporting papers and notices, prepared and filed by the Seller in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court or the Bermuda Court or any other court pertaining to the motion for approval of the Bidding Procedures Order, the Approval Order, any Section 365 Order, or any other order relating to any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements or that could reasonably be anticipated to have a material effect thereon. The Seller's counsel further shall provide the Purchaser's counsel with copies of all applications, petitions, pleadings and supporting papers and notices submitted by the Seller to the Bermuda Court in connection with the appointment of the Joint Provisional Liquidators.
(b) If the Approval Order shall be appealed by any Person (or if any petition for certiorari or motion for reconsideration, amendment, clarification, modification, vacation, stay, rehearing or reargument shall be filed with respect to the Approval Order), Seller and Purchaser will cooperate in taking diligent steps and using commercially reasonable efforts for the purpose of consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Approval Order prior to the entry of an order of a court of competent jurisdiction staying the Approval Order.
(c) The Seller shall give appropriate notice, and provide appropriate opportunity for hearing to all parties entitled thereto, of all motions, orders, hearings, or other proceedings relating to the Chapter 11 Case or the Bermuda Case unless otherwise required by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court or the Bermuda Court.
ARTICLE IX
JOINT PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATORS
SECTION 9.01 Joint Provisional Liquidators' Approval. Subject to (a) their fiduciary duties under Bermuda Law and (b) their obtaining sanction from the Bermuda Court, the Joint Provisional Liquidators, by executing this Agreement, hereby approve the entry by the Bermuda Debtor into this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements and the transactions contemplated thereby.
SECTION 9.02 Exclusion of Personal Liability. The parties agree that the Joint Provisional Liquidators shall have no personal liability whatsoever arising howsoever under or in connection with this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements and the transactions contemplated thereby.
SECTION 9.03 The Actions of the Bermuda Debtor. It is acknowledged by the parties that the Joint Provisional Liquidators have not given any authority to the Board of Directors to act on behalf of the Bermuda Debtor, and that the Board of Directors is causing the Bermuda Debtor to enter into this Agreement and the other Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party, solely in accordance with the authority conferred upon it by the Bye-laws of the Seller and the Companies Act 1981 and related regulations and in accordance with its authority derived from the Bermuda Case.
SECTION 9.04 Purpose of the Joint Provisional Liquidators as a Party. It is acknowledged that the Joint Provisional Liquidators are joined as a party to this Agreement for the purpose of the matters set out in this Article IX only. In particular, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is acknowledged and agreed by the parties hereto that:
(a) the Joint Provisional Liquidators shall provide no confirmation of any nature whatsoever in respect of the representations, warranties and covenants of the Seller set out in this Agreement; and
(b) the Joint Provisional Liquidators shall not, by reason of being party to this Agreement, submit to the jurisdiction (exclusive or otherwise) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
SECTION 9.05 Joint Provisional Liquidators. Subject to the exercise of their fiduciary duties under Bermuda Law and in accordance with the powers conferred upon them by the Bermuda Court, the Joint Provisional Liquidators will take all actions necessary or appropriate to give effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements and the transactions contemplated thereby. Should the Joint Provisional Liquidators take any action or make any omission which causes the transactions contemplated by this Agreement not to be effected, and the Purchaser wishes to challenge the Joint Provisional Liquidators' action or omission, then the Joint Provisional Liquidators will not object to the Purchaser making whatever submissions it considers to be appropriate to the Bermuda Court.
Should the Joint Provisional Liquidators, acting pursuant to their fiduciary duties under Bermuda Law, consider that it is or may be appropriate to vary, modify or withdraw their consent in Section 9.01, then they will seek directions from the Bermuda Court so that the Bermuda Court may determine whether it is appropriate for the Joint Provisional Liquidators' approval to be varied, modified or withdrawn and they will give notice of the hearing of their application for directions to, inter alia, the Purchaser, as soon as reasonably practicable following the issue of their application, and the Joint Provisional Liquidators will not object to the Purchaser making any submissions it considers to be appropriate to the Bermuda Court. The Joint Provisional Liquidators shall promptly provide the Seller's counsel and the Purchaser's counsel with copies of all applications, petitions, pleadings and supporting papers and notices filed or submitted by the Joint Provisional Liquidators to the Bermuda Court in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements and shall not object to counsel for the Seller and/or the Purchaser appearing at the hearing of such application and making submissions to the Bermuda Court.
SECTION 9.06 Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction. This Article IX shall be governed by and construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the Laws of Bermuda, without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof. The parties hereby agree that, (a) the Supreme Court of Bermuda shall retain exclusive jurisdiction to enforce the terms of this Article IX and to decide any claims or disputes involving the Joint Provisional Liquidators that may arise or result from, or be connected with, this Agreement, any breach or default hereunder, or the transactions contemplated herein, and (b) any and all claims, causes of action, suits and proceedings relating to the foregoing shall be filed and maintained only in the Supreme Court of Bermuda, and the parties hereby consent and submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Bermuda for this purpose.
SECTION 9.07 Entire Agreement. This Article IX contains the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Article and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous arrangements or understandings with respect hereto. This Article IX shall be binding and effective as between the Seller and the Purchaser as of the date of this Agreement, and shall be binding and effective on the Joint Provisional Liquidators as of the date of their execution of this Agreement.
SECTION 9.08 Amendments. The terms and provisions of this Article IX may be modified or amended, or any of the provisions hereof waived, temporarily or permanently, in writing executed and delivered by the Joint Provisional Liquidators and the other parties. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Article IX shall be deemed to be, or shall constitute, a waiver of any other provision hereof (whether or not similar). No delay on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof. Any amendment of this Agreement under this Section 9.08 will require the express consent of the Joint Provisional Liquidators.
SECTION 9.09 Notices to Joint Provisional Liquidators. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder to the Joint Provisional Liquidators shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by an internationally recognized overnight courier service, by telecopy or registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the Joint Provisional Liquidators at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Joint
Provisional Liquidator as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with Section 12.02); all such communications from or by the Joint Provisional Liquidators shall be to the addresses set forth in Section 12.02 of this Agreement but shall otherwise be governed by the terms of this Section 9.09. The address for the Joint Provisional Liquidators is as follows:
Deloitte & Touche
Corner House
Church and Parliament Streets
Hamilton, HM12 Bermuda
Fax: 1-441-292-0961
Attention: Mr. Mark Smith
ARTICLE X
TERMINATION
SECTION 10.01 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing:
(a) by mutual written consent of the Seller and the Purchaser;
(b) by the Purchaser or the Seller if the Closing shall not have occurred by January 31, 2003; provided, however, that if, on such date, the only unsatisfied condition to Closing is the lack of receipt of any Regulatory Approval, such date shall be extended to March 31, 2003 or such later date as may be mutually agreed by the Seller and the Purchaser; provided, further, that no party shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.01(b) if the failure of the Closing to occur is the result of the failure of such party to comply fully with its obligations hereunder;
(c) by either party if (i) there shall be any law or regulation that makes consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby illegal or otherwise prohibited or (ii) consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby would violate any Final Order or non-appealable Governmental Order as the case may be, of (A) the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, (B) the Bermuda Court, or (C) any Governmental Authority having competent jurisdiction;
(d) by the Purchaser if, (i) within two (2) Business Days of the date
hereof the Seller shall not have commenced the Chapter 11 Case and within one
(1) Business Day thereafter, the Seller shall not have commenced the Bermuda
Case, (ii) the Seller shall not have filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court a
motion or motions seeking entry of the Bidding Procedures Order and the Approval
Order within one (1) Business Day of the commencement of the Chapter 11 Case;
(iii) the Bidding Procedures Order shall not have been approved by the U.S.
Bankruptcy Court within thirty (30) days of the commencement of the Chapter 11
Case; (iv) the Approval Order shall not have been approved by the U.S.
Bankruptcy Court within seventy-five (75) days of the commencement of the
Chapter 11 Case, (v) the Bermuda Court shall not have approved the appointment
of the Joint Provisional Liquidators in accordance with the Bermuda Order within
seven (7) days of the commencement of the Bermuda Case, (vi) the Bermuda Court
shall not have sanctioned the decision of the Joint Provisional Liquidators to
enter into this Agreement within twenty-eight days of the commencement of the
Bermuda Case; or (vii) any Section 365 Order for which approval is sought prior
to the Closing Date shall not have been
approved within twenty-five (25) days of the filing of the motion for approval thereof; provided, however, that Purchaser may only terminate this Agreement due to the failure of any of the deadlines (as such deadlines may be extended by amendment or waiver in accordance with Sections 12.07 and 12.08 of this Agreement) referred to in clauses (i) through (vii) of this Section 10.01(d) to be met if the Purchaser provides written notice to the Seller of its intent to terminate this Agreement within 5 Business Days after the expiration of the applicable deadline.
(e) by the Purchaser, if (i) the Seller shall (a) prior to approval of
the Bidding Procedures Order, accept any Acquisition Proposal, (b) prior to
approval of the Bidding Procedures Order, seek the approval by the U.S.
Bankruptcy Court of any Acquisition Proposal (whether pursuant to Section 363 of
the Bankruptcy Code, in a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization or otherwise), or
(c) following approval of the Bidding Procedures Order, take any action to
pursue any Acquisition Proposal other than as expressly permitted by the Bidding
Procedures Order, (ii) any Person or group shall have entered into a definitive
agreement or any agreement in principle with the Seller with respect to any
Acquisition Proposal, (iii) the board of directors of the Seller, or any
committee thereof, shall have resolved to do any of the foregoing or (iv) the
U.S. Bankruptcy Court shall have entered an order approving (x) an Acquisition
Proposal, (y) any sale of the Acquired Assets (or any material portion thereof)
other than to the Purchaser, or (z) any of the foregoing;
(f) by the Purchaser upon (i) the dismissal of the Chapter 11 Case or the conversion of the Chapter 11 Case to a case under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code; (ii) the appointment of a trustee or the appointment of an examiner with expanded powers in the Chapter 11 Case, or the appointment by the Bermuda Court of a liquidator of the Seller other than the appointment of the Joint Provisional Liquidators in accordance with the Bermuda Order; or (iii) the filing of a plan of reorganization for the Seller that is in any manner or respect materially inconsistent with, or would otherwise reasonably be expected to materially delay, materially adversely effect, or materially conflicts, directly or indirectly, with the transactions contemplated or the benefits reasonably expected to be gained by the Purchaser under this Agreement;
(g) by the Purchaser if, between the date hereof and the Closing: (i) any representations and warranties of the Seller contained in this Agreement (1) that are not qualified by the word "material" shall not have been true and correct in all material respects when made or (2) that are qualified by the words "material" or "Material Adverse Effect" shall not have been true and correct when made; or (ii) the Seller shall not have complied in all material respects with the covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement to be complied with by it, in each case, such that the conditions set forth in Section 7.02(a) would not be satisfied (any of the foregoing, a "Seller Material Default"); provided, however, that if such Seller Material Default is curable by the Seller, the Purchaser may not terminate this Agreement under this Section 10.01(g) for so long as the Seller continues to use commercially reasonable efforts to cure such breach, unless such breach is not cured within 30 days after notice of such breach and demand for a cure is provided by the Purchaser to the Seller;
(h) by Seller if, between the date hereof and the Closing: (i) any representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained in this Agreement (1) that are not qualified by the word "material" shall not have been true and correct in all material respects when made or (2) that are qualified by the word "material" shall not have been true and correct when made; or (ii)
the Purchaser shall not have complied in all material respects with the covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement to be complied with by it, in each case, such that the conditions set forth in Section 7.01(a) would not be satisfied (any of the foregoing, a "Purchaser Material Default"); provided, however, that if such Purchaser Material Default is curable by the Purchaser, the Seller may not terminate this Agreement under this Section 10.01(h) for so long as the Purchaser continues to use commercially reasonable efforts to cure such breach, unless such breach is not cured within 30 days after notice of such breach and demand for a cure is provided by the Seller to the Purchaser; or
(i) by the Purchaser if, after the date hereof, a Subsidiary Bankruptcy
Case shall be commenced by a Filing Subsidiary (i) under Chapter 7 of the
Bankruptcy Code or any other insolvency or similar Law, (ii) in which there
shall be appointed a trustee or an examiner with expanded powers, or (iii)
without (A) this Agreement having been amended in the manner set forth in
Section 5.16(c), and (B) the applicable Filing Subsidiary having executed this
Agreement (as so amended) and become a party hereto.
The party desiring to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.01 shall give written notice of such termination to the other party hereto.
SECTION 10.02 Break-up Fee. (a) The Seller acknowledges (i) that the Purchaser has made a substantial investment of management time and incurred substantial out-of-pocket expenses in connection with the negotiation and execution of this Agreement, its due diligence of the Business, and the Seller and its effort to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, and (ii) that the Purchaser's efforts have substantially benefited the Seller and will benefit the Seller and will benefit the bankruptcy estate of the Seller through the submission of the offer that is reflected in this Agreement, that will serve as a minimum bid on which other potential interested bidders can rely, thus increasing the likelihood that the price at which the Acquired Assets are sold will reflect its true worth. Therefore, as compensation for entering into this Agreement, taking action to consummate the transactions hereunder and incurring the costs and expenses related thereto and other losses and damages, including foregoing other opportunities, the Seller agrees to pay to the Purchaser, in accordance with the provisions of this Section 10.02, either (x) the amount of $16 million (the "Break-Up Fee"), which amount shall be inclusive of the reimbursement by the Seller of the reasonable, actual and documented out-of-pocket expenses of the Purchaser incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including, without limitation, professional fees and expenses), in an amount up to $7 million (the "Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement"), or (y) the Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement, in accordance with this Section 10.02.
(b) In the event of a termination by the Purchaser pursuant to Sections
10.01(e), (f)(iii), (g), or (i) or a termination by the Seller pursuant to
Section 10.01(b), the Seller shall pay to the Purchaser the Break-Up Fee not
later than the close of business on the third Business Day following such
termination.
(c) In the event of a termination by the Purchaser pursuant to Sections 10.01(b), (c), (d), (f)(i), or f(ii) the Seller shall pay to the Purchaser the Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement not later than the close of business on the third Business Day following such termination; provided, however, that in the event of termination by the Purchaser pursuant to Section 10.01(d), where the failure to satisfy the requirements thereof was caused by the Seller's
failure to fulfill its obligations under Article VIII of this Agreement, the Seller shall instead pay to the Purchaser the Break-Up Fee on the third Business Day following such termination; and; provided, further, that in the event of a termination by the Purchaser or the Seller pursuant to Section 10.01(b), where the only Regulatory Approval that has not been obtained is one or more Purchaser Approvals, Telecom Approvals or Regulatory Approvals or orders from any Taiwan Governmental Authority, the Purchaser shall not be entitled to the Break-Up Fee or the Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement (as applicable) following such termination by Purchaser or Seller.
(d) Payment of the Break-Up Fee or the Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement, as the case may be, shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Purchaser.
(e) All amounts payable in accordance with this Section 10.02 shall constitute an administrative expense in the Chapter 11 Case under Section 503(b) and 507(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code and shall be payable as specified herein.
(f) In the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to any provision of Section 10.01 above, payment of the Break-Up Fee or the Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement (as the case may be) in accordance with this Section 10.02 with shall constitute the Purchaser's sole remedy for (and such amounts shall constitute liquidated damages and not a penalty in respect of) any and all claims for monetary damages for any breach by the Seller of its obligations under this Agreement and any other claim for monetary damages the Purchaser may have against the Seller in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby; provided that nothing in this Section 10.02(f) shall be deemed to prevent or in any manner limit any claims for any equitable remedies available under this Agreement; and; provided, further, that in the event of a termination of the Agreement in accordance with Section 10.01 above that does not give rise to any right to payment for the Purchaser (or that gives rise to a right to receive the Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement only), upon any subsequent claim or claims for money damages by the Purchaser based on the Seller's (i) fraud, (ii) intentional and knowing breach of a covenant or agreement, or (iii) other willful misconduct, the Purchaser may seek payment of an amount equal to the Break-Up Fee less (if such amount was paid by the Seller upon the termination of the Agreement) the Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement, and such amount shall constitute liquidated damages and not a penalty.
SECTION 10.03 Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination of this Agreement as provided in Article X, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and there shall be no liability on the part of either party hereto, except as otherwise provided in Section 10.02; provided, however, that no termination will release Purchaser from liability for any breach of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Confidentiality Agreement, as well as Article X and XII hereof, shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE XI
SURVIVAL PERIOD
SECTION 11.01 Survival of Representations, Warranties, Covenants and Agreements. (a) The representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this
Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall survive the Closing through the 60th day immediately following the Closing; except that this Section 11.01 shall not limit any covenant or agreement of the parties contained in this Agreement that by its terms requires or contemplates performance after the Closing.
(b) Neither the period of survival nor the liability of the Seller, with respect to the Seller's representations and warranties, or the Purchaser, with respect to the Purchaser's representations and warranties, shall be reduced by any investigation made at any time by or on behalf of the Purchaser or the Seller, as the case may be.
SECTION 11.02 Damage Claims. No claim, action, suit, arbitration,
proceeding, inquiry or investigation (collectively, a "Damage Claim") may be
made or pursued by a party hereto for any losses, diminution in value, damages,
claims, costs and expenses, interest, awards, judgments and penalties (including
without limitation attorney's fees and expenses) ("Losses") actually suffered by
such party due to the breach of any representation or warranty herein by the
other party hereto more than 60 days after the Closing; provided, however, that
the foregoing time limitation shall not apply to any Damage Claim if the party
making such Damage Claim provides written notice to the other party hereto
(specifying in reasonable detail the nature and basis of such Damage Claim)
within such 60 day period. In calculating such Losses, the relevant
representation or warranty shall be interpreted without giving effect to any
limitations or qualifications as a result of the inclusion of the word
"material" or "Material Adverse Effect" set forth therein. No party to this
Agreement shall be liable to another party hereto for any Losses unless and
until the aggregate amount of such Losses which may be recovered by such party
equals or exceeds $5,000,000, after which such party may recover such aggregate
Losses in addition to any Losses in excess of such $5,000,000.
ARTICLE XII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 12.01 Expenses. Except as otherwise specified in this Agreement, all costs and expenses, including, without limitation, fees and disbursements of counsel, financial advisors and accountants, incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such costs and expenses, whether or not the Closing shall have occurred. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any stamp or transfer taxes incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party required to do so in accordance with applicable Law.
SECTION 12.02 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by an internationally recognized overnight courier service, by telecopy or registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 12.02):
(a) if to the Seller:
Asia Global Crossing Ltd.
11150 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 400
Los Angeles, California 90025
Fax: (310) 481-4757
Attention: Charles F. Carroll
with a copy to:
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP
333 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90071
Fax: (213) 229-7520
Attention: Andrew E. Bogen
(b) if to the Purchaser:
Asia Netcom Corporation Limited
c/o China Netcom Corporation Limited
9/F Building A, Corporate Square
No. 35 Financial Street
Xicheng District, Beijing 100032, P.R. China
Fax: (8601) 8809-2473
Attention: Wenlong Sun
with a copy to:
Shearman & Sterling
12th Floor Gloucester Tower
The Landmark
Pedder Street
Central
HONG KONG
Fax: (852) 2978 8099
Attention: Edward L. Turner III
SECTION 12.03 Public Announcements. Except as required by any applicable Law or by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, no party to this Agreement shall make, or cause to be made, any press release or public announcement in respect of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise communicate with any news media without the prior written consent of the other party and the parties shall cooperate as to the timing and contents of any such press release or public announcement.
SECTION 12.04 Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any Law or public policy, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect for so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as
possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.
SECTION 12.05 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements constitute the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersede all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, between the Seller and the Purchaser with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof (other than the Confidentiality Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect).
SECTION 12.06 Assignment. Except as required under Section 5.15, this Agreement may not be assigned by operation of law or otherwise without the express written consent of the Seller and the Purchaser (which consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of the Seller or the Purchaser); provided, however, that the Purchaser may assign this Agreement or any of its rights and obligations hereunder to one or more Affiliates of the Purchaser with prior written consent of the Seller (which consent may not be unreasonably withheld); provided, further, that no such assignment by Purchaser shall relieve Purchaser of its obligations hereunder.
SECTION 12.07 Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except (a) by an instrument in writing signed by, or on behalf of, the Seller and the Purchaser or (b) by a waiver in accordance with Section 12.08.
SECTION 12.08 Waiver. Either party to this Agreement may (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other party, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of the other party contained herein or in any document delivered by the other party pursuant hereto or (c) waive compliance with any of the agreements of the other party or conditions to such party's obligations contained herein. Any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the party to be bound thereby. Any waiver of any term or condition shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach or a subsequent waiver of the same term or condition, or a waiver of any other term or condition of this Agreement. The failure of any party to assert any of its rights hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any of such rights. All rights and remedies existing under this Agreement are cumulative to, and not exclusive of, any rights or remedies otherwise available.
SECTION 12.09 No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of the parties hereto and their permitted assigns and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person, including, without limitation, any union or any employee or former employee of the Seller (other than the releases provided for in Section 6.03 which shall be for the benefit of such officers and directors), any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, any rights of employment for any specified period, under or by reason of this Agreement.
SECTION 12.10 Governing Law. This Agreement (other than Article IX hereof) shall be governed by, and construed, interpreted and enforced first in accordance with the Bankruptcy Code and the applicable case law thereunder and, to the extent that the Bankruptcy Code and the applicable case law thereunder do not address the matter at hand, then in
accordance with the internal Laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of law thereof. The parties hereby agree that (except as provided otherwise in Article IX hereof), without limitation of any party's right to appeal any order of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, (a) the U.S. Bankruptcy Court shall retain exclusive jurisdiction to enforce the terms of this Agreement and to decide any claims or disputes that may relate to, arise or result from, or be connected with, this Agreement, any breach or default hereunder, or the transactions contemplated herein, and (b) any and all claims, causes of action, suits and proceedings relating to the foregoing shall be filed and maintained only in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and each party hereto hereby consents and submits to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, agrees not to assert any claim, motion or defense that is not subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and waives any claim that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the Action is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the Action is improper or that this Agreement may not be enforced by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
SECTION 12.11 Waiver of Jury Trial. Each of the parties hereto hereby waives to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law any right it may have to a trial by jury with respect to any litigation directly or indirectly arising out of, under or in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each of the parties hereto (a) certifies that no representative, agent or attorney of any other party has represented, expressly or otherwise, that such other party would not, in the event of litigation, seek to enforce that foregoing waiver and (b) acknowledges that it and the other party hereto have been induced to enter into this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as applicable, by, among other things, the mutual waivers and certifications in this Section 12.11.
SECTION 12.12 Headings. The descriptive headings contained in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
SECTION 12.13 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
SECTION 12.14 Service of Process. Purchaser hereby irrevocably appoints CT Corporation System (the "Process Agent," which has consented thereto) with offices on the date hereof at 111 8th Avenue, 13th floor, New York, New York, USA 10011, as Process Agent to receive for and on behalf of the Purchaser service of process in the County of New York relating to this Agreement. SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE PURCHASER MAY BE MADE ON THE PROCESS AGENT BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, OR BY ANY OTHER METHOD OF SERVICE PROVIDED FOR UNDER APPLICABLE LAW IN EFFECT IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AND THE PROCESS AGENT IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED TO ACCEPT SUCH SERVICE FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE PURCHASER AND TO ADMIT SERVICE WITH RESPECT THERETO. SUCH SERVICE UPON THE PROCESS AGENT SHALL BE DEEMED EFFECTIVE PERSONAL SERVICE ON THE PURCHASER, SUFFICIENT FOR PERSONAL JURISDICTION, AND SHALL BE LEGAL AND BINDING UPON THE
PURCHASER FOR ALL PURPOSES, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY FAILURE OF THE PROCESS AGENT TO MAIL COPIES OF SUCH LEGAL PROCESS TO THE PURCHASER, OR ANY FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE PURCHASER TO RECEIVE THE SAME. The Purchaser confirms that it has instructed the Process Agent to mail to the Purchaser, upon service of process being made on the Process Agent pursuant to this Section, a copy of the summons and complaint or other legal process served upon it, by registered mail, return receipt requested, at the Purchaser's address set forth in Section 12.02, or to such other address as the Purchaser may notify the Process Agent in writing. The Purchaser agrees that it will maintain a process agent to receive service of process in the County of New York on its behalf with respect to this Agreement for the one-year period following the date hereof. If for any reason the Process Agent or any successor thereto shall no longer serve as such process agent or shall have changed its address without notification thereof to the Seller, the Purchaser, immediately after gaining knowledge thereof, irrevocably shall appoint a substitute process agent acceptable to the Seller in the County of New York and advise the Seller thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Seller and the Purchaser have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized.
ASIA GLOBAL CROSSING LTD.
By:___________________________________
Name:
Title:
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
By:_____________________________________
Name:
Title:
JOINT PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATORS
(IN RESPECT OF ARTICLE IX ONLY)
By:_____________________________________
Name:
Title:
Date:
By:_____________________________________
Name:
Title:
Date:
EXHIBIT 1.01(a)
FORM OF AGC PAYABLES AGREEMENTS
ASSIGNMENT OF RECEIVABLES
THIS ASSIGNMENT OF RECEIVABLES, dated as of _______, 200_ (this "Assignment"), is between Asia Global Crossing Ltd., a Bermuda company (the "Seller"), the Excluded Subsidiaries and Finance Co., a [-] Company ("Finance Co").
WHEREAS, the Seller and Asia Netcom Corporation Limited (the "Purchaser") have entered into a Share and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of _______, 2002 (the "Share and Asset Purchase Agreement"; unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms shall be used herein as defined in the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement).
WHEREAS, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Seller and the Excluded Subsidiaries is a condition to the obligations of the Purchaser and the Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements and covenants set forth in the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement and hereinafter set forth, the Seller and the Excluded Subsidiaries hereby agree as follows:
1. Assignment of Receivables. Each of the Seller and each Excluded Subsidiary hereby assigns to Finance Co and its successors and assigns, its entire right, title and interest of, free and clear of all Encumbrances in and to any and all of the accounts receivable, notes and other amounts receivable from Acquired Subsidiaries by it (the "Assigned Rights").
2. Further Assurances. Each of the Seller and the Excluded Subsidiaries hereby covenants and agrees that, at any time and from time to time after the date of this Assignment, at Finance Co's reasonable request, it will do, execute, acknowledge and deliver, or will cause to be done, executed, acknowledged and delivered, any and all further acts, conveyances, transfers, assignments, and assurances as necessary to assign, transfer or vest in Finance Co any of the Assigned Rights.
3. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Assignment shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of Finance Co and its permitted assigns and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person, any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Assignment.
4. Severability. If any term or other provision of this Assignment is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any Law or public policy, all other terms and provisions of this Assignment shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated by this Assignment is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party.
5. Counterparts. This Assignment may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same assignment.
6. Governing Law. This Assignment shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in that State (without regard to conflicts of law provisions thereof).
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Assignment has been executed by the Seller, and the Excluded Subsidiaries and Finance Co as of the date first above written.
ASIA GLOBAL CROSSING LTD.
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
FOR AND ON BEHALF
OF THE EXCLUDED SUBSIDIARIES
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
FINANCE CO
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
RELEASE OF SELLER AND EXCLUDED SUBSIDIARIES
RELEASE OF SELLER AND EXCLUDED SUBSIDIARIES, dated as of _______, 200_
(this "Release") from the Acquired Subsidiaries.
WHEREAS, Asia Global Crossing Ltd., a Bermuda corporation (the "Seller") and Asia Netcom Corporation Limited (the "Purchaser") have entered into a Share and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of _______, 2002 (the "Share and Asset Purchase Agreement"; unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms shall be used herein as defined in the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Acquired Subsidiaries is a condition to the obligations of the Purchaser and the Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements and covenants set forth in the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement and hereinafter set other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Acquired Subsidiaries do hereby agree as follows:
1. Release. The Acquired Subsidiaries hereby unconditionally and irrevocably waive, release and discharge the Seller and each Excluded Subsidiary, and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns and any and all of the foregoing (collectively the "Released Parties") from any and all Claims (as defined below), known and unknown, which the Acquired Subsidiaries or their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns ever had, now have or hereafter can, shall or may have against the Released Parties for, upon, or by reason of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever. The Acquired Subsidiaries further agree to waive and release (to the maximum extent permitted by law) any and all claims, rights or defenses that any of them may have under the laws of any applicable jurisdiction that may otherwise limit or restrict the effectiveness or scope of the release granted hereunder.
As used herein, the term "Claims" shall mean all actions, causes of action, suits, debts (including, without limitation, indebtedness for borrowed money), dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises, variances, trespasses, damages, judgments, extents, executions, liabilities (statutory or otherwise), obligations, claims (including, without limitation, claims brought by third parties claiming subrogation), damages, penalties, losses, costs, expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and disbursements) and demands whatsoever, at law, in equity or otherwise.
2. Beneficiaries. This Release shall be binding upon the Acquired Subsidiaries and their heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the Released Parties and their representative heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.
3. Amendment. This Release may not be changed orally, but only in writing signed by the Released Party against whom such change is sought to be enforced.
4. Governing Law. This Release shall be governed by the law of the State of New York.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Acquired Subsidiaries have executed this Release as of the date first above written.
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE
ACQUIRED SUBSIDIARIES
By:______________________________________
Name:
Title:
EXHIBIT 1.01(b)
FORM OF ASSIGNMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
THIS IP ASSIGNMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, dated as of _______, 200_ (this "IP Assignment"), is from Asia Global Crossing Ltd., a Bermuda company (the "Seller"), to Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, a Bermuda company (the "Purchaser").
WHEREAS, the Seller and the Purchaser have entered into a Share and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of _______, 2002 (the "Share and Asset Purchase Agreement"; unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms shall be used herein as defined in the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements and covenants set forth in the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement and hereinafter set forth, the Purchaser and the Seller hereby agree as follows:
1. Assignment of Intellectual Property. The Seller hereby assigns to the Purchaser and its successors and assigns, the entire right, title and interest of the Seller free and clear of all Encumbrances in and to the Seller Intellectual Property including all rights to sue and recover damages for past, present and future infringement, dilution, misappropriation, violation, unlawful limitation or breach thereof (the "Assigned IP").
2. Authorization. Seller hereby authorizes and requests the United States Patent and Trademark Office whose duty it is to issue, certify, or assign registrations or applications for service marks, trademarks, patents, copyrights, Internet domain names or other evidence or forms of intellectual property protection, to issue, certify or assign as appropriate, the same to Purchaser and Purchaser's successors, assigns, designees, nominees and other legal representatives in accordance with the terms of this IP Assignment.
3. Further Assurances. The Seller hereby covenants and agrees that, at any time and from time to time after the date of this IP Assignment, at the Purchaser's reasonable request, the Seller will do, execute, acknowledge and deliver, or will cause to be done, executed acknowledged and delivered, any and all further acts, conveyances, transfers, assignments, and assurances as necessary to assign, transfer or vest in the Purchaser any of the Assigned IP.
3. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This IP Assignment shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of the Purchaser and its permitted assigns and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person, any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, any rights or employment for any specified period, under or by reason of this IP Assignment.
4. Severability. If any term or other provision of this IP Assignment is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any Law or public policy, all other terms and provisions of this IP Assignment shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the
economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated by this IP Assignment is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party.
5. Counterparts. This IP Assignment may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same assignment.
6. Governing Law. This IP Assignment shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in that State (without regard to conflicts of law provisions thereof).
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this IP Assignment has been executed by the Seller as of the date first above written.
ASIA GLOBAL CROSSING LTD.
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
EXHIBIT 1.01(c)
FORM OF ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT
THIS ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT, dated as of _______, 200_ (this "Agreement"), is between Asia Global Crossing Ltd., a Bermuda company (the "Seller"), and Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, a Bermuda company (the "Purchaser").
WHEREAS, the Seller and the Purchaser have entered into a Share and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of _______, 2002 (the "Share and Asset Purchase Agreement"; unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms shall be used herein as defined in the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement);
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement, Purchaser has agreed to assume, pay, perform and discharge when due, the Assumed Liabilities; and
WHEREAS, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Purchaser is a condition to the obligations of the Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements and covenants set forth in the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement and hereinafter set forth, the Purchaser and the Seller hereby agree as follows:
1. Assumption of Liabilities. (a) The Purchaser hereby assumes, and agrees to pay, perform and discharge when due, all of the Assumed Liabilities.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of paragraph (a), the Purchaser does not assume, or agree to pay, perform or discharge when due, any Liabilities of the Seller other than the Assumed Liabilities including, without limitation, the Excluded Liabilities.
2. Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned by operation of law or otherwise without the express written consent of the Seller and the Purchaser (which consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of the Seller or the Purchaser); provided, however, that the Purchaser may assign this Agreement or any of its rights and obligations hereunder to one or more Affiliates of the Purchaser without the consent of the Seller; provided, further, that no such assignment by Purchaser shall relieve Purchaser of its obligations hereunder.
3. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of the parties hereto and their permitted assigns and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person, including, without limitation, any union or any employee or former employee of the Seller, any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, any rights or employment for any specified period, under or by reason of this Agreement.
4. Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except by an instrument in writing signed by, or on behalf of, the Seller and the Purchaser.
5. Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any Law or public policy, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.
6. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
7. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in that State (without regard to conflicts of law provisions thereof).
8. Further Assurances. The Seller and the Purchaser hereby covenant and agree that, at any time and from time to time after the date of this Agreement, at the other's reasonable request, it will use all reasonable efforts to do, execute, acknowledge and deliver, or will use all reasonable efforts to cause to be done, executed, acknowledged and delivered, any and all further acts, conveyances, transfers, assignments, and assurances as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement; provided, however, that nothing herein shall obligate the Seller or the Purchaser, or any of their respective Affiliates, to waive or modify any of the terms and conditions of the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement or this Agreement except as expressly set forth herein or therein.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by the parties hereto as of the date first above written.
ASIA GLOBAL CROSSING LTD.
By:_________________________________
Name:
Title:
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
By:________________________________
Name:
Title:
EXHIBIT 1.01(d)
FORM OF BERMUDA ORDER
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BERMUDA
COMPANIES (WINDING UP)
NO: OF 2002
IN THE MATTER OF ASIA GLOBAL CROSSING LTD.
AND IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 1981
ORDER
UPON READING the Petition presented herein on the day of November, 2002;
AND UPON READING the Ex Parte Summons filed by ASIA GLOBAL CROSSING LTD. ("the Petitioner") on the day of November, 2002;
AND UPON READING the Affidavit of Stefan C. Reisenfeld sworn in support thereof on the day of November, 2002;
AND UPON HEARING Counsel for the Petitioner;
AND UPON THE PETITIONER HAVING FILED A PETITION UNDER CHAPTER 11 OF TITLE 11 OF THE US CODE ("the Bankruptcy Code") IN THE US BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ("the US Court");
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Mr. Mark Smith of Deloitte & Touche Bermuda and Mr. James Smith of Deloitte & Touche London be appointed as Joint Provisional Liquidators ("JPLs") of the Petitioner with the following powers:-
(a) to oversee the continuation of the business of the Petitioner under the control of the Petitioner's Board of Directors and under the supervision of this Court and the US Court;
(b) to oversee and otherwise liaise with the existing Board of Directors of the Petitioner in effecting a reorganization and/or refinancing of the Petitioner under the supervision of the US Court and this Court in connection with the proceedings that have been commenced by the Petitioner for that purpose under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code ("the Chapter 11 Case");
(c) as provided in certain orders that have been sought or it is anticipated will be sought from the US Court, to allow:
(i) the payment of pre-petition employee obligations (includes payroll, benefits, employment-related taxes, and reimbursement obligations for employees and, in limited instance, directors);
(ii) the continuance of employee benefits and workers compensation programs and insurance policies and the payment of all obligations in respect thereof;
(iii) the establishment of procedures for providing utilities with adequate assurance of future performance;
(iv) the continuation of the centralized cash management system;
(v) the maintenance of bank accounts and business forms and, the continued use of the Petitioner's existing business forms;
(vi) the establishment of interim fee payment procedures for the compensation and reimbursement of expenses of professionals;;
(vii) the employment of professionals used in the ordinary course of business
(viii) the retention of professionals to assist in the restructuring, including Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP, Milligan-Whyte & Smith, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, Lazard Freres & Co. LLC and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP;
(ix) the Joint Administration of certain US Chapter 11 proceedings relating to one or more companies that are affiliated with the Petitioner;
(x) the authorization and scheduling of an auction of all or substantially all of the Petitioner's assets, the approval of bidding and auction procedures, the approval of a break-up fee and other bid protections, the approval of procedures to determine cure amounts relating to assumed contracts, the
approval of notice procedures, the setting of a deadline for filing objections to the Petitioner's motion to approve the sale and the setting of a date and time for a hearing on the proposed sale;
(xi) the approval of the terms and conditions of the agreement providing for the sale of substantially all of the Petitioner's assets free and clear of liens, claims, encumbrances and interests, the authorization and approval of the assumption and assignment of related executory contracts and the authorization for the Petitioner to consummate the transactions contemplated in the sale agreement and
(xii) such other matters as may from time to time be ordered in the Chapter 11 Case.
(d) to consult with and assist the Petitioner as debtor in possession in the Chapter 11 Case regarding the strategy of the Chapter 11 reorganization;
(e) to receive notice of hearing and to appear and to be heard in the Chapter 11 Case;
(f) to be consulted prior to and have the power to authorize without further Order:
(i) the sale or other disposition of any business, operation, subsidiary, division or other significant asset of the Petitioner;
(ii) the incurrence of indebtedness or borrowing of money, whether pursuant to agreements with suppliers or pursuant to loan arrangements with financing institutions, and the granting of security in respect of the same, and the guaranteeing of such indebtedness or borrowings of affiliates; and carrying out their duties and functions and in the exercise of their powers under this Order shall be avoided by virtue of the provisions of section 166 of the Companies Act 1981;
(iii) the filing by the Petitioner of any plan of reorganization in the Chapter 11 Case.
(g) to provide a written report to this Court from time to time and as this Court may otherwise request on the progress of the Chapter 11 case;
(h) to retain and employ barristers, attorneys and solicitors, and such other agents and professional persons as the JPLs deem fit, in Bermuda, the United States, the
United Kingdom and elsewhere as the JPLs deem appropriate for the purpose of advising and assisting in the execution of his powers;
(i) to render and pay invoices out of the assets of the Petitioner for the JPLs' own remuneration at their usual and customary rates (and this shall include all costs, charges and expenses of their attorneys and all other agents, managers, accountants and other persons that the JPLs may employ);
(j) if deemed appropriate, to draft a Scheme of Arrangement under the provisions of s.99 of the Companies Act 1981 between the Petitioner and its creditors and/or shareholders to give effect to and/or facilitate a reorganization and/or refinancing and to seek whatever directions are required in respect thereof from this Court and the US Court for proposing and implementing such a Scheme;
(k) to take whatever steps the JPLs deem appropriate in order to deal with claims made or to be made against the Petitioner, including, without limitation, the power to require claims to be submitted to the JPLs and to fix a final date for the submission of claims for the purposes of participation in any proposed Scheme of Arrangement, subject to a discretion on the part of the JPLs to admit claims made after that date in special circumstances.
(l) if deemed necessary and/or appropriate, to seek the assistance
of the High Court in England and Wales under the provisions of
s. 426 of the Insolvency Act 1986; and
(m) to seek to enter such protocol or other agreement as the JPLs deem appropriate for the coordination of these proceedings, the Chapter 11 Case and any other like proceedings for the restructuring and/or reorganization of the Petitioner and other affiliates of the Petitioner and to seek the approval of such protocol or other agreement by this Court, the US Court and any other courts in which such proceedings are brought, as appropriate.
2. In respect of any act which, under the Companies Act 1981, is required to be done by a liquidator or to be authorized by him, the JPLs may do such act or give such authorization.
3. For the avoidance of doubt, no payment or disposition of the Petitioner's property shall be made or effected without the direct or indirect approval of the JPLs but no such
payment or other disposition made or effected by or with the authority of the JPLs in carrying out their duties and functions and in the exercise of their powers under this Order shall be avoided by virtue of the provisions of section 166 of the Companies Act 1981.
4. Save as are specifically set out herein:
(a) the JPLs will have no general or additional powers or duties with respect to the property or records of the Petitioner; and
(b) the Board of Directors of the Petitioner shall continue to manage the Petitioner's affairs in all respects and exercise the powers conferred upon it by the Petitioner's Memorandum of Association and Bye-laws, provided always that, should the Provisional Liquidator consider at any time that the Board of Directors of the Petitioner is not acting in the best interests of the Petitioner and its creditors, the JPLs shall have the power to report same to this Court and seek such directions from this Court as the JPLs are advised are appropriate.
5. The Petitioner shall provide the JPLs with such information as they may reasonably require in order that the JPLs should be able properly to discharge their functions under this Order and as officers of this Court.
6. The JPLs shall be at liberty to submit to the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Bermuda bills of costs for taxation for all costs, charges and expenses of themselves and those persons or firms employed by them, with such taxation to be on an attorney and own client basis with respect to attorneys and on an equivalent basis for all managers, accountants and other persons.
7. The Applicant's costs of this Application be taxed and paid out of the assets of the Petitioner on an attorney and own client basis.
DATED this day of November, 2002
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BERMUDA
COMPANIES (WINDING UP)
NO: OF 2002
IN THE MATTER OF ASIA GLOBAL CROSSING LTD.
AND IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 1981
ORDER
MILLIGAN-WHYTE & SMITH
BARRISTERS & ATTORNEYS
MINTFLOWER PLACE
8 PAR-LA-VILLE ROAD
HAMILTON HM 08
EXHIBIT 1.01(e)
FORM OF BILL OF SALE AND ASSIGNMENT
BILL OF SALE AND ASSIGNMENT, dated as of _______, 200__ (this "Bill of Sale and Assignment"), from Asia Global Crossing Ltd., a Bermuda company (the "Seller"), to Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, a Bermuda company (the "Purchaser").
WHEREAS, the Seller and the Purchaser have entered into a Share and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of ______, 2002 (the "Share and Asset Purchase Agreement"; unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms shall be used herein as defined in the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the execution and delivery of this Bill of Sale and Assignment by the Seller is a condition to the obligations of the Purchaser to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual agreements set forth in the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Seller does hereby agree as follows:
1. Sale and Assignment of Assets and Properties. The Seller hereby sells, assigns, transfers, conveys, grants, bargains, sets over, releases, delivers, vests and confirms unto the Purchaser and its successors and assigns, forever, the entire right, title and interest of the Seller free and clear of all Encumbrances (other than Permitted Encumbrances) in and to any and all of the Acquired Assets.
2. Obligations and Liabilities Not Assumed. Nothing expressed or implied in this Bill of Sale and Assignment shall be deemed to be an assumption by the Purchaser or its subsidiaries of any Liabilities of the Seller. Neither the Purchaser nor its subsidiaries by this Bill of Sale and Assignment, agree to assume or agree to pay, perform or discharge any liabilities of the Seller of any nature, kind or description whatsoever.
3. Further Assurances. The Seller hereby covenants and agrees that, at any time and from time to time after the date of this Bill of Sale and Assignment, at the Purchaser's reasonable request, the Seller will do, execute, acknowledge and deliver, or will cause to be done, executed, acknowledged and delivered, any and all further acts, conveyances, transfers, assignments, and assurances as necessary to grant, sell, convey, assign, transfer, set over to or vest in the Purchaser any of the Acquired Assets.
4. Power of Attorney. The Seller hereby constitutes and appoints the Purchaser and its successors and assigns, the true and lawful attorney and attorneys of the Seller, with full power of substitution, in the name of the Purchaser or in the name and stead of the Seller, but on behalf of and for the benefit of the Purchaser and its successors and assigns:
(a) to collect, demand and receive any and all Acquired Assets transferred hereunder and to give receipts and releases for and in respect of the same;
(b) to institute and prosecute in the Seller's name, or otherwise, at the expense and for the benefit of the Purchaser any and all actions, suits or proceedings, at law, in equity or otherwise, which the Purchaser may deem proper in order to collect, assert or enforce any claim, right or title of any kind in or to the Acquired Assets hereby sold and assigned to the Purchaser or intended so to be, to defend or compromise any and all such actions, suits or proceedings in respect of any of such Acquired Assets, and to do all such acts and things in relation thereto as the Purchaser shall deem necessary or reasonably advisable for the collection or reduction to possession of any of such Acquired Assets;
(c) to take any and all other reasonable action necessary or reasonably advisable to vest fully in the Purchaser the Acquired Assets hereby sold and assigned, or intended to be sold and assigned, to the Purchaser and in order to provide for the Purchaser the benefit, use, enjoyment and possession of such Acquired Assets; and
(d) to do all other reasonable acts and things in relation to the Acquired Assets sold and assigned hereunder as may be reasonably requested by the Purchaser.
The Seller acknowledges that the foregoing powers are coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable by it or upon its subsequent dissolution or in any manner or for any reason. The Purchaser shall be entitled to retain for its own account any amounts collected pursuant to the foregoing powers, including any amounts payable as interest with respect thereto. The Seller shall from time to time pay to the Purchaser, when received, any amounts that shall be received directly or indirectly by the Seller (including amounts received as interest) in respect of any Acquired Assets sold, assigned or transferred to the Purchaser pursuant hereto.
5. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Bill of Sale and Assignment shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of the Purchaser and its permitted assigns and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person, any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever, under or by reason of this Agreement.
6. Severability. If any term or other provision of this Bill of Sale and Assignment is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any Law or public policy, all other terms and provisions of this Bill of Sale and Assignment shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to either the Seller or the Purchaser.
7. Governing Law. This Bill of Sale and Assignment shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in that State (without regard to conflicts of law provisions thereof).
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Bill of Sale and Assignment has been executed by the Seller as of the date first above written.
ASIA GLOBAL CROSSING LTD.
By:_________________________________
Name:
Title:
EXHIBIT 6.03
FORM OF RELEASE OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF ACQUIRED
SUBSIDIARIES
RELEASE OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF ACQUIRED SUBSIDIARIES, dated as of _______, 200_ (this "Release") from Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, a Bermuda company (the "Purchaser").
WHEREAS, Asia Global Crossing Ltd., a Bermuda corporation and the Purchaser have entered into a Share and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of _______, 2002 (the "Share and Asset Purchase Agreement"; unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms shall be used herein as defined in the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Purchaser is an obligation of the Purchaser under the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements and covenants set forth in the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement and hereinafter set other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Purchaser does hereby agree as follows:
1. Release. The Purchaser, on behalf of itself and each of the Acquired Subsidiaries, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably waives, releases, discharges and agrees to hold harmless each director and officer of each Acquired Subsidiary and any and all of the foregoing (collectively the "Released Parties") from any and all Claims (as defined below), known and unknown, which the Purchaser, any Acquired Subsidiary, or their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns ever had, now have or hereafter can, shall or may have against the Released Parties for, upon, or by reason of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever arising out of or relating to such Person's employment or similar relationship with any Acquired Subsidiary prior to the Closing; provided, however, that such release shall not release any such Claims arising from or related to fraud or willful misconduct. The Purchaser further agrees to waive and release (to the maximum extent permitted by law) any and all claims, rights or defenses that it may have under the laws of any applicable jurisdiction that may otherwise limit or restrict the effectiveness or scope of the release granted hereunder.
As used herein, the term "Claims" shall mean all actions, causes of action, suits, debts (including, without limitation, indebtedness for borrowed money), dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises, variances, trespasses, damages, judgments, extents, executions, liabilities (statutory or otherwise), obligations, claims (including, without limitation, claims brought by third parties claiming subrogation), damages, penalties, losses, costs, expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and disbursements) and demands whatsoever, at law, in equity or otherwise.
2. Beneficiaries. This Release shall be binding upon the Purchaser, the Acquired Subsidiaries and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the Released Parties and their representative heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.
3. Amendment. This Release may not be changed orally, but only in writing signed by the Released Party against whom such change is sought to be enforced.
4. Governing Law. This Release shall be governed by the law of the State of New York.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Purchaser has executed this Release as of the date first above written.
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
By:________________________________
Name:
Title:
EXHIBIT 7.01(h)
FORM OF RELEASE OF SELLER AND EXCLUDED SUBSIDIARIES
RELEASE OF SELLER AND EXCLUDED SUBSIDIARIES, dated as of _______, 200_ (this "Release") from Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, a Bermuda company (the "Purchaser").
WHEREAS, Asia Global Crossing Ltd., a Bermuda corporation (the "Seller") and the Purchaser have entered into a Share and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of _______, 2002 (the "Share and Asset Purchase Agreement"; unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms shall be used herein as defined in the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Purchaser is a condition to the obligations of the Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements and covenants set forth in the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement and hereinafter set other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Purchaser does hereby agree as follows:
1. Release. The Purchaser hereby unconditionally and irrevocably waives, releases, discharges and agrees to hold harmless the Seller and each Excluded Subsidiary, and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns and any and all of the foregoing (collectively the "Released Parties") from any and all Claims (as defined below), known and unknown, which the Purchaser or its heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns ever had, now have or hereafter can, shall or may have against the Released Parties for, upon, or by reason of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever arising out of, in connection with, in any way related to the Assumed Liabilities. The Purchaser further agrees to waive and release (to the maximum extent permitted by law) any and all claims, rights or defenses that it may have under the laws of any applicable jurisdiction that may otherwise limit or restrict the effectiveness or scope of the release granted hereunder; provided, however, that notwithstanding anything in this Release to the contrary, the Purchaser does not release the Released Parties from any Claims, known and unknown which the Purchaser has or may have against any of the Released Parties for, upon, or by reason of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever arising out of, in connection with, in any way related to the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement.
As used herein, the term "Claims" shall mean all actions, causes of action, suits, debts (including, without limitation, indebtedness for borrowed money), dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises, variances, trespasses, damages, judgments, extents, executions, liabilities (statutory or otherwise), obligations, claims (including, without limitation, claims brought by third parties claiming subrogation), damages, penalties, losses, costs, expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and disbursements) and demands whatsoever, at law, in equity or otherwise.
2. Beneficiaries. This Release shall be binding upon the Purchaser and its heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the Released Parties and their representative heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.
3. Amendment. This Release may not be changed orally, but only in writing signed by the Released Party against whom such change is sought to be enforced.
4. Governing Law. This Release shall be governed by the law of the State of New York.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Purchaser has executed this Release as of the date first above written.
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
EXHIBIT 7.02(c)
FORM OF LEGAL OPINION
[date] 2002
Asia Netcom Corporation Limited
Clarendon House
2 Church Street
Hamilton HM 11
Bermuda
Dear Sirs
ASIA GLOBAL CROSSING LTD. (THE "COMPANY")
We have acted as special legal counsel in Bermuda to the Company in connection with the filing by the Company of a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code and the filing of a winding-up petition with the Supreme Court of Bermuda seeking the appointment of joint provisional liquidators of the Company (together, the "Proceedings") and have [not participated in the preparation of but have] reviewed a Share and Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") dated [date] 2002 between the Company and Asia Netcom Corporation Limited ("ANC").
For the purposes of giving this opinion, we have examined the following documents:
(i) the Purchase Agreement;
(ii) an Assumption Agreement dated as of [date] 2002 between the Company and ANC;
(iii) a Bill of Sale and Assignment dated [date] 2002 between the Company and ANC;
(iv) an Assignment of Intellectual Property dated [date] 2002 between the Company and ANC;
(v) an Assignment of Receivables dated [date] 2002 between the Company, the Excluded Subsidiaries (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) and [Finance Co.];
(vi) [Other agreements].
The documents listed in items (i) through [(vi)] above are herein sometimes collectively referred to as the "Documents".
We have also reviewed the memorandum of association and the bye-laws of the Company, each certified by the [Secretary] of the Company on [date] 2002, minutes of a meeting of its directors held on [date] 2002, (the "Minutes") a certificate of [ ] of the Company as to certain matters of fact and such other documents and made such searches and enquiries as to questions of law as we have deemed necessary in order to render the opinion set forth below.
This opinion is based upon the facts subsisting at the date hereof and of which we are aware. We do not purport to be experts on and do not purport to be generally familiar with or qualified to express legal opinions based on any law other than the laws of the Islands of Bermuda. Accordingly, we express no opinion as to any laws other than the laws of the Islands of Bermuda as in force at the effective date hereof and have not, for the purposes of giving this opinion, made any investigation of the laws of any other jurisdictions.
In giving the following opinions we have made the following assumptions which we have not independently verified:
(i) the genuineness of all signatures, the conformity of copy documents to their originals and the conformity of any draft documents to the executed originals thereof;
(ii) the due authorisation, execution and delivery of the Documents by the parties thereto (other than the Company as a matter of the laws of the Islands of Bermuda) and the power, authority and legal right of such parties under all relevant laws and regulations (other than, with respect to the Company the laws of the Islands of Bermuda) to enter into, execute and perform their respective obligations under the Documents;
(iii) the final and binding status of all Orders made in the Proceedings which impact on the obligations of the Company under the Documents;
(iv) that no subsequent resolutions have been passed or corporate or other action taken which would or might alter the effectiveness of the resolutions recorded in the Minutes;
(v) the Documents are not required to be executed as a deed or otherwise under the seal of the parties thereto as a matter of any applicable foreign laws.
On the basis of and subject to the foregoing and subject to the qualifications herein expressed, we are of the opinion that:
1. The Company is duly incorporated and existing under the laws of Bermuda.
2. The Company has the necessary corporate power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under the Documents and to commence the Proceedings. The execution
and delivery of the Documents by the Company, the performance by the Company of its obligations thereunder and the commencement of the Proceedings will not violate the memorandum of association or bye-laws of the Company nor any applicable law, regulation, order or decree in Bermuda.
3. The Company has taken all corporate action required to authorise its execution, delivery and performance of the Documents and the commencement of the Proceedings. The Documents have been duly executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Company, and constitute the valid and binding obligations of the Company in accordance with the terms thereof. No approval, resolution or consent of the shareholders of the Company is or was required in connection with the commencement of the Proceedings.
4. No order, consent, approval, licence, authorisation or validation of or exemption by any government or public body or authority of Bermuda or any sub-division thereof is required to authorise or is required in connection with the execution, delivery, performance and enforcement of the Documents, except the consent of the Bermuda Monetary Authority in respect of the transfer of shares of any Bermuda-registered exempted companies and the Orders related to the Proceedings, all of which have been obtained.
5. It is not necessary or desirable to ensure the enforceability or priority in Bermuda of the Documents that they be registered in any register kept by, or filed with, any governmental authority or regulatory body in Bermuda.
6. The Documents will not be subject to ad valorem stamp duty in Bermuda and no registration, documentary, recording, transfer or other similar tax, fee or charge is payable in Bermuda in connection with the execution, delivery, filing, registration or performance of the Documents.
7. The choice of the Foreign Laws as the governing law of the Documents is a
valid choice of law and would be recognised and given effect to in any
action brought before a court of competent jurisdiction in Bermuda, except
for those laws (i) which such court considers to be procedural in nature,
(ii) which are revenue or penal laws or (iii) the application of which
would be inconsistent with public policy, as such term is interpreted
under the laws of Bermuda.
8. The courts of Bermuda would recognise as a valid judgment, a final and
conclusive judgment in personam obtained in the Foreign Courts against the
Company based upon the Documents under which a sum of money is payable
(other than a sum of money payable in respect of multiple damages, taxes
or other charges of a like nature or in respect of a fine or other
penalty) and would give a judgment based thereon provided that (a) such
courts had proper jurisdiction over the parties subject to such judgment,
(b) such courts did not contravene the rules of natural justice of
Bermuda, (c) such judgment was not obtained by fraud, (d) the enforcement
of the judgment would not be contrary to the public policy of Bermuda, (e)
no new admissible evidence relevant to the action is submitted prior to
the rendering of the judgment by the courts of Bermuda and (f) there is
due compliance with the correct procedures under the laws of Bermuda.
9. Based solely upon a search of the Cause Book of the Supreme Court of Bermuda conducted at [time] on [date] 2002 (which would not reveal details of proceedings which have been filed but not actually entered in the Cause Book at the time of our search), there are no judgments against the Company, nor any legal or governmental proceedings pending in Bermuda to which the Company is subject, save for the Winding-up proceedings commenced by the Company referred to above.
10. Based solely on a search of the Register of Charges maintained by the Registrar of Companies pursuant to Section 55 of the Companies Act 1981 conducted at [time] on [date] 2002 (which would not reveal details of matters which have been lodged for registration but not actually registered at the time of our search), there are no charges registered on the assets of the Company.
11. Asia Netcom Corporation Limited and its affiliates will not be deemed to be resident, domiciled or carrying on business in Bermuda by reason only of the execution, performance and/or enforcement of the Documents by such persons.
Our opinion with respect to the enforceability of any of the Documents may be limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, re-organisation, moratorium or other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and (ii) general principles of equity such as the principle that remedies such as specific performance and injunction are in the discretion of the court and may not be available if damages are an adequate remedy or if other criteria are not met.
We have not been asked, nor do we seek, to render advice (other than this Opinion) to you in regard to the Documents, the Company or any related matter. The foregoing opinions are to be strictly construed. In particular, we offer no view or comment on the accuracy of representations, the fulfillment of warranties or conditions, the occurrence of events of default or terminating events or the existence of any conflict or inconsistency within the Documents or the commercial merits thereof save as expressly stated herein.
This letter is solely for the benefit of the addressees and their successors and permitted assigns and may not be relied upon by any other person without our prior written consent.
Yours faithfully
Milligan-Whyte& Smith
EXHIBIT 7.02(k)
FORM OF CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF
CASH RECEIPTS AND CASH DISBURSEMENTS
AGC RESTRICTED GROUP CASH FINANCIALS
Amounts in US$ millions
2002 Q1 Q2 Q3 --------- ---------- ---------- Cash Revenue Restricted Cash IRU OA&M Revenue Services --------- ---------- ---------- Total Cash Revenue Expenses Cash Operating Expenses OA&M Expenses Services Cost of Access --------- ---------- ---------- Total Expenses ADJUSTED EBITDA Capex/Overhang Backhaul/Offnet Overhang New IRU Backhaul PCL Overhang Services NEC/KDD Contracts Other Capex --------- ---------- ---------- Total Capex Other Expenses/(Income) Other Expenses/(Income) Net Interest --------- ---------- ---------- Total Other Expenses/(Income) |
Beginning Cash Balance
Net Cash Flow
ENDING CASH BALANCE
SAME METHODOLOGY TO BE USED AS IN THE RESTRICTED GROUP CASH FINANCIALS REFERENCED IN SECTION 3.07(a)
EXHIBIT 8.02(b)
FORM OF BIDDING PROCEDURES ORDER
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
----------------------------------X
In re : Chapter 11
: Case Nos. 02-_____
ASIA GLOBAL CROSSING LTD., et al.,: through 02- _____ ( )
: Debtors. : : (Jointly Administered) |
:
----------------------------------X
ORDER UNDER SECTIONS 105(A) AND 363(B) OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE AND
RULES 2002, 6004 AND 6006 OF THE FEDERAL RULES OF BANKRUPTCY
PROCEDURE (A) AUTHORIZING AND SCHEDULING AN AUCTION FOR THE SALE OF ALL OR SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF THE DEBTOR'S ASSETS FREE AND CLEAR OF ALL LIENS, CLAIMS, ENCUMBRANCES AND OTHER INTERESTS, (B) APPROVING BIDDING AND AUCTION PROCEDURES, (C) APPROVING A BREAKUP FEE AND OTHER BID PROTECTIONS, (d) APPROVING PROCEDURES TO DETERMINE CURE AMOUNTS RELATING TO ASSUMED CONTRACTS, (e) APPROVING NOTICE PROCEDURES, INCLUDING THE FORM, MANNER AND SCOPE OF NOTICE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE AUCTION AND THE SALE HEARING, (f) SETTING A DEADLINE FOR FILING OBJECTIONS TO DEBTOR'S MOTION SEEKING APPROVAL OF SALE, AND (g) SETTING A DATE AND TIME FOR HEARING TO APPROVE SALE RESULTING FROM AUCTION
Upon the motion dated November 17, 2002 (the "BIDDING PROCEDURES MOTION")(1), of Asia Global Crossing Ltd. ("AGCL" or the "COMPANY"), as debtor and debtor in possession, for an order (this "BIDDING PROCEDURES ORDER") pursuant to Sections 105(a) and 363(b) of title 11 of the United States Code (the "BANKRUPTCY CODE") and Rules 2002, 6004 and 6006 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the "BANKRUPTCY RULES") (A) scheduling an auction (the "AUCTION") for the sale (the "SALE") of all or substantially all of AGCL's assets
(1) All capitalized terms used herein, unless otherwise defined herein, shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in the Bidding Procedures Motion.
(the "ACQUIRED ASSETS")(2) free and clear of all claims (as defined in section 101(5) of the Bankruptcy Code) and any other interests, liens, mortgages, pledges, security interests, rights of first refusal, obligations and encumbrances of any kind whatsoever (collectively, "ENCUMBRANCES"), (B) approving bidding and auction procedures (the "BIDDING PROCEDURES") in connection with the Auction, (C) approving (i), and authorizing and directing the Debtor to pay to Asia Netcom Corporation Limited ("ASIA NETCOM" or the "PURCHASER"),(3) as the "stalking horse" bidder, a "breakup fee" (the "BREAKUP FEE") and authorizing and directing AGCL to reimburse Asia Netcom for certain costs, fees and expenses (as defined in the Sale Agreement, the "PURCHASER FEES AND EXPENSES REIMBURSEMENT") incurred and to be incurred by Asia Netcom in connection with the Chapter 11 Case, the Bermuda Case and the Sale, all as described more particularly in, and in accordance with the terms and conditions of, the Share and Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of November 17, 2002 between AGCL and Asia Netcom (together with any and all exhibits, schedules, appendices and attachments thereto, the "SALE AGREEMENT"), (ii) the limited non-solicitation provisions set forth in Section 5.08 of the Sale Agreement (the "LIMITED NON-SOLICITATION PROVISIONS"), and (iii) the termination provisions set forth in Article X of the Sale Agreement (the "TERMINATION PROVISIONS") (the Breakup Fee, the Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement, the Limited Non-Solicitation Provisions and the Termination Provisions, collectively, the "BID PROTECTIONS"), (D) approving the procedures (the "CURE AMOUNT PROCEDURES") to determine the amounts (the "CURE AMOUNTS") necessary to cure defaults, if any, under certain executory contracts and unexpired leases (the "ASSIGNED AGC CONTRACTS") that are to be assumed by AGCL and assigned by it to Asia Netcom pursuant to the Sale Agreement, which Assigned AGC Contracts are listed in Exhibit D annexed to the Sale Motion (as defined below), in accordance with sections 365(b) and 365(f) of the Bankruptcy Code, (E) approving the form, manner and scope of notice of the Auction, the Bidding
(3) As set forth in Section 2.01(a) of the Sale Agreement, at the closing of the Sale of the Asia Netcom Transaction, AGCL "will sell assign, transfer, convey and deliver, or cause to be assigned, transferred, conveyed and delivered, to the Purchaser or to a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Purchaser ("Singapore-Sub")" the Acquired Assets. For purposes of simplification and convenience of reference, all references herein to the assignee and transferee of the Acquired Assets shall be to the Purchaser.
Procedures, the Bid Protections, the Cure Amount Procedures, the Sale Motion, the Sale Motion Objection Deadline (as defined herein) and the ultimate hearing (the "SALE HEARING") to consider AGCL's motion (the "SALE MOTION"), filed concurrently with the Bidding Procedures Motion, seeking approval of the Sale to the Purchaser or, alternatively, to the successful bidder at the Auction, (F) setting a deadline (the "SALE MOTION OBJECTION DEADLINE") for filing objections to the Sale Motion and (G) setting a date and time for the Sale Hearing; and it appearing that, in accordance with the Court's order dated November ____, 2002 (the "BIDDING PROCEDURES MOTION NOTICE ORDER"), limiting notice of and expediting the hearing on the Bidding Procedures Motion, notice of the Bidding Procedures Motion has been provided to (i) the Office of the United States Trustee for the Southern District of New York (the "U.S. TRUSTEE"), (ii) if appointed by the Supreme Court of Bermuda prior to date of service, the Joint Provisional Liquidators of the Company (the "JPLS"), (iii) the attorneys for the ad hoc committee (the "AD HOC COMMITTEE") of holders of AGCL's publicly issued 13.375% Senior Notes due 2010 (the "SENIOR NOTES"), (iv) all non-debtor counterparties to the Assigned AGC Contracts (the "ASSIGNED AGC CONTRACT COUNTERPARTIES"), (v) counsel to any statutory committee appointed in the Chapter 11 Case, (vi) all parties who have delivered to Lazard Freres & Co. LLC during 2002 written expressions of interest in acquiring, or offers to acquire, the Acquired Assets, (vii) the Securities and Exchange Commission, 233 Broadway, New York, New York 10279, Attn: Regional Director, (viii) the Internal Revenue Service, 290 Broadway, New York, New York 10007, Attn: District Director, (ix) all appropriate federal, state and local taxing authorities, (x) all known persons holding a lien on any of the Acquired Assets, (xi) counsel to Global Crossing, (xii) Microsoft Corporation, (xiii) Softbank Corp., (xiv) all non-debtor parties to the Assumed Liabilities (exclusive of Liabilities of the Acquired Subsidiaries (each as defined in the Sale Agreement)) and (xv) all parties having filed in this case a notice of appearance or a request for notices pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 2002; and it appearing that such notice constitutes good and sufficient notice of the Bidding Procedures Motion and the hearing (the "BIDDING PROCEDURES HEARING") thereon and that no other or further notice need be provided; and upon the Bidding Procedures Motion, the Sale Motion and the record of the Bidding Procedures Hearing and all other proceedings had before the Court; and it appearing that an order authorizing the relief requested in the Bidding Procedures Motion is in the best interests of AGCL and parties in interest; and after due deliberation and sufficient cause appearing therefor, it is hereby
FOUND AND DETERMINED THAT:
A. On November 17, 2002 (the "PETITION DATE"), AGCL and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Asia Global Crossing Development Co. ("AGCDC", and, together with AGCL, the "DEBTORS"), each filed a voluntary petition for relief with this Court under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The Debtors' chapter 11 cases have been procedurally consolidated for administrative purposes. Each of the Debtors is continuing in possession of its property, and operating and managing its business, as a debtor-in-possession pursuant to Sections 1107 and 1108 of the Bankruptcy Code.
B. The Court has jurisdiction to consider the Bidding Procedures Motion
and the relief requested therein pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Sections 1334 and 157(a).
The Bidding Procedures Motion is a core proceeding pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Section
157(b)(2)(A), (N) and (O).
C. Findings of fact shall be construed as conclusions of law and conclusions of law shall be construed as findings of fact when appropriate.
D. Proper, timely, adequate and sufficient notice of the Bidding Procedures Motion, the relief requested therein and the Bidding Procedures Hearing has been provided in accordance with the Bidding Procedures Motion Notice Order and Bankruptcy Rules 2002, 9007 and 9013. No further or other notice of the Bidding Procedures Motion, the Bidding Procedures Hearing or the entry of this Bidding Procedures Order is necessary under the circumstances.
E. AGCL has articulated good and sufficient reasons (i) for approving
(a) the form of notice of the Auction and the Sale Hearing, substantially in the
form annexed hereto as EXHIBIT A (the "AUCTION AND SALE HEARING NOTICE"), to be
served by U.S. Mail in accordance with the provisions hereof, (b) the form of
notice of the Auction and the Sale Hearing,
substantially in the form annexed hereto as EXHIBIT C (the "PUBLICATION NOTICE"), to be published in accordance with the provisions hereof, (c) the Bidding Procedures and the Bid Protections (including the Breakup Fee and the Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement), and (d) the Cure Amount Procedures and the form of the Cure Amount Procedures Notice, substantially in the form annexed hereto as EXHIBIT B (the "CURE AMOUNT PROCEDURES NOTICE"), and (ii) for scheduling the Sale Hearing.
F. The Bidding Procedures and the Bid Protections have been negotiated in good faith and at arm's length between AGCL and the Purchaser. Payment by AGCL of the Breakup Fee or the Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement, as the case may be, if it were to be required, to the Purchaser in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Sale Agreement, such payment would be (i) an actual and necessary cost and expense of preserving AGCL's estate within the meaning of section 503(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, (ii) of substantial benefit to AGCL's estate, (iii) reasonable and appropriate in light of the size and nature of the Sale and the efforts that have been and will be expended by the Purchaser, notwithstanding that the Sale is subject to higher or better offers for the Acquired Assets, and (iv) necessary to ensure that the Purchaser will continue to pursue its proposed purchase of the Acquired Assets. The Bid Protections were a material inducement for, and condition of, the Purchaser's entry into the Sale Agreement.
G. The Bidding Procedures and the Bid Protections are fair and reasonable, reflect AGCL's exercise of prudent business judgment consistent with its fiduciary duties, and represent the best method for maximizing the value to AGCL's estate of the Acquired Assets.
H. Approval of the Bid Protections, including the Breakup Fee and the Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement, will not chill the bidding for the Acquired Assets. On the contrary, assurance to the Purchaser of payment of the Breakup Fee and the Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement has, in fact, promoted more competitive bidding by inducing the Purchaser's bid, which otherwise would not have been made. The Breakup Fee and the Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement have induced the Purchaser to analyze the value of the Acquired Assets and to submit a bid that will serve as a minimum or floor bid on which other bidders can rely. The Purchaser, therefore, has provided a benefit to AGCL's estate by increasing the likelihood that the consideration paid for the Acquired Assets will reflect their true worth. Conversely, absent authorization of the Breakup Fee and the Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement, AGCL may lose the opportunity to obtain the highest and best available offer for the Acquired Assets.
I. Additionally, the Breakup Fee and the Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement effectively constitute a "put" right or insurance policy for AGCL as it continues to solicit bids for the Acquired Assets in accordance with the Bidding Procedures and the Bid Protections, because AGCL effectively may "put" the Acquired Assets to the Purchaser for the consideration set forth in the Sale Agreement if no higher and better offers are made. As such, the incurrence of the obligation to pay the Breakup Fee and the Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement constitute an appropriate use of property of AGCL's estate outside of the ordinary course of business pursuant to section 363(b) of the Bankruptcy Code.
J. This Court concludes that entry of this Bidding Procedures Order is in the best interest of AGCL's estate and creditors, as AGCL will, among other things, retain for the benefit
of its estate the prospect of a successful Sale to the Purchaser, while enabling AGCL to solicit Competing Bids (as defined in the Bidding Procedures).
K. The Auction and Sale Hearing Notice and the Publication Notice are reasonably calculated to provide sufficient notice of the Sale to creditors, equity security holders and those persons interested in bidding on the Acquired Assets. The Cure Amount Procedures are reasonable and appropriate and represent the best method for determining the Cure Amounts, if any. The Cure Amount Procedures Notice is reasonably calculated to provide sufficient notice of the Cure Amount Procedures to the Assigned AGC Counterparties.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED THAT:
1. The relief requested in the Bidding Procedures Motion is granted in its entirety and in all respects.
2. All objections to the Bidding Procedures Motion or the relief requested therein, or any aspect thereof, that have not been withdrawn, waived or settled, and all reservations of rights included therein, are overruled on the merits.
BIDDING PROCEDURES
3. The Bidding Procedures, as set forth and described in the Auction and Sale Hearing Notice (and incorporated herein as if fully set forth in this Bidding Procedures Order), are hereby approved in their entirety. As set forth in the Bidding Procedures, the Bid Deadline shall be January ____, 2003 at 4:00 p.m (prevailing Eastern Time). If AGCL shall have received one or more Qualified Bids from Qualified Bidders (each as defined in the Bidding Procedures) on or
before the Bid Deadline, it is authorized and directed, pursuant to
Bankruptcy Rule 6004(f)(1), to conduct the Auction in respect of the
Acquired Assets at the offices of Kasowitz, Benson, Torres &
Friedman LLP, 1633 Broadway, New York, New York 10019, on January
_____, 2003 (the "AUCTION DATE") commencing at 10:00 a.m.
(prevailing Eastern Time), or at such other location or time as may
be timely disclosed by AGCL to Qualified Bidders, for the
consideration of Qualified Bids that have been presented to the
Company no later than the Bid Deadline. All proceedings relating to
(i) the submission, consideration, qualification and acceptance of
Qualified Bids submitted to AGCL, (ii) the Auction and (iii) the
identification and determination of the Successful Bid and the
Successful Bidder (each as defined in the Bidding Procedures) shall
be governed by and conducted in accordance with the Bidding
Procedures. Any person seeking to participate, and any person who
does participate, as a bidder at the Auction shall be bound by and
comply with the Bidding Procedures.
BID PROTECTIONS
4. The Breakup Fee and the Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement are hereby approved and shall be payable to the Purchaser as set forth in, and subject to the terms and conditions of, the Sale Agreement. AGCL is hereby authorized and directed, without further application to or order of this Court, to pay to Asia Netcom, if required under the terms and conditions of the Sale Agreement, (a) the Breakup Fee or (b) Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement, as the case may be, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Sale Agreement. AGCL's obligation to pay the Breakup Fee or the Purchaser Fees and Expenses
Reimbursement, as the case may be, shall survive termination of the Sale Agreement and, until indefeasibly paid in full in cash, shall constitute an administrative expense of its bankruptcy estate, ranking pari passu with all other administrative expenses of the kind specified in sections 503(b) and 507 of the Bankruptcy Code. The Limited Non-Solicitation Provisions and the Termination Provisions are also hereby approved, and AGCL is authorized and directed to comply therewith.
SALE HEARING
5. The Sale Hearing to approve (i) the Sale to the Purchaser or, alternatively, to the Successful Bidder (if other than the Purchaser) at the Auction, and (ii) the remainder of the relief requested in the Sale Motion, shall be held on January _____, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. (prevailing Eastern Time), or as soon thereafter as counsel may be heard, before the undersigned United States Bankruptcy Judge, in Room ____ of the United States Bankruptcy Court, Alexander Hamilton Customs House, One Bowling Green, New York, New York 10004.
6. Objections or responses, if any, to the relief sought in the Sale Motion, must be made in writing, conform to the Bankruptcy Rules and the Local Bankruptcy Rules for the Southern District of New York, shall set forth the basis for the objection and the specific grounds therefor, shall be filed with the Court electronically in accordance with General Order M-242 (General Order M-242 and the User's Manual for the Electronic Case filing System can be found at www.nysb.uscourts.gov, the official website for the Bankruptcy Court), by registered users of the Bankruptcy Court's case filing system and, by all other
parties interest, on a 3.5 inch disk, preferably in Portable
Document Format (PDF), WordPerfect or any other Windows-based word
processing format (with a hard copy delivered directly to Chambers)
and shall be served in accordance with General Order M-242, together
with proof of service thereof, in a manner so as to be received by
no later than 4:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) on January ______,
2003 by (i) Asia Global Crossing Ltd., 11150 Santa Monica Boulevard,
Suite 400, Los Angeles, California 90025, Attention: Charles F.
Carroll, General Counsel (Facsimile: 310-481-4757), (ii) Kasowitz,
Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP, 1633 Broadway, New York, New York
10019, Attention: Richard F. Casher, Esq. (Facsimile: 212-506-1800),
attorneys for the Debtors, (iii) the Office of the U.S. Trustee, 33
Whitehall Street, 21st Floor, New York, New York, 10004, Attn:
Lauren Landsbaum, Esq., (iv) the counsel to any statutory committee
of unsecured creditors appointed in the Chapter 11 Case, (v)
Shearman & Sterling, 599 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022,
Attention: Benjamin D. Feder (Facsimile: 212-848-7179), attorneys
for Asia Netcom and (vi) the JPLs, c/o Deloitte & Touche, Corner
House, Church and Parliament Streets, Hamilton, HM12 Bermuda,
Attention: Mark Smith (Facsimile: 1-441-292-0961).
7. The failure of any objecting person or entity to file its objection timely as set forth herein shall be a bar to the assertion, at the Sale Hearing or thereafter, of any objection to the Sale Motion, the Sale, or AGCL's consummation and performance of the Sale Agreement (if so authorized by the Court), including the
transfer of the Acquired Assets free and clear of all Encumbrances and the assumption and assignment of the Assigned AGC Contracts.
CURE AMOUNT PROCEDURES
8. AGCL hereby is authorized and directed to serve notice of the Cure Amount Procedures by mailing, within three (3) business days after the entry of the Bidding Procedures Order, via United States Postal Service, first class delivery, to all Assigned AGC Contract Counterparties the Cure Amount Procedures Notice, thereby providing notice of (i) AGCL's intent to assume, and to assign to the Purchaser, the Assigned AGC Contracts, (ii) the Cure Amount with respect to each Assigned AGC Contract, (iii) the procedure governing the filing and service of objections, if any, to the proposed Cure Amounts and (iv) the procedures governing resolution of disputes, if any, regarding the Cure Amounts.
9. The following Cure Amount Procedures set forth in the Bidding Procedures Motion shall govern the resolution of disputes, if any, regarding Cure Amounts with respect to the Assigned AGC Contracts:
a. If an Assigned AGC Contract Counterparty disagrees with the Cure Amount set forth in the Cure Amount Procedures Notice, (i) it must file, in the manner provided herein, a written objection to the assumption and assignment of such Assigned AGC Contract or the proposed Cure Amount with respect thereto (a "CURE AMOUNT OBJECTION") with the Bankruptcy Court and must state in its Cure Amount Objection with specificity the Cure Amount that such Assigned AGC Contract Counterparty believes is required (with supporting documentation in support thereof), (ii) such Cure Amount Objection must conform to the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and the Local Rules of the Bankruptcy Court and be filed with the Bankruptcy Court electronically in accordance with General Order M-242 (General Order M-242 and the User's Manual for the Electronic Case Filing System can be found at www.nysb.uscourts.gov, the official website for the Bankruptcy Court), by registered users of the Bankruptcy Court's case filing system and, by all other parties in interest, on a 3.5 inch disk, preferably in
Portable Document Format (PDF), Wordperfect or any other
Windows-based word processing format (with a hard copy delivered
directly to Chambers ) and (iii) it must serve a copy thereof on (a)
Asia Global Crossing Ltd., 11150 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 400,
Los Angeles, California 90025, Attention: Charles F. Carroll,
General Counsel (Facsimile: 310-481-4757), (b) Kasowitz, Benson,
Torres & Friedman LLP, 1633 Broadway, New York, New York 10019,
Attention: Richard F. Casher (Facsimile: 212-506-1800), attorneys
for the Debtors, (c) Shearman & Sterling, 599 Lexington Avenue, New
York, New York 10022, Attention: Benjamin D. Feder (Facsimile:
212-848-7179), attorneys for Asia Netcom and (d) the attorneys for
any statutory committee of unsecured creditors appointed in the
Chapter 11 Case, so that such Cure Amount Objection actually is
received by such persons no later than the Sale Motion Objection
Deadline.
b. With respect to each Assigned AGC Contract, if no Cure Objection timely is received, such Assigned AGC Contract shall be assumed by AGCL and assigned to the Purchaser (or the Successful Bidder, if other than the Purchaser) on the Closing Date (as defined in the Sale Agreement), and the Cure Amounts set forth in the Cure Amount Procedures Notice shall be controlling, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in such Assigned AGC Contract or any other document, and the Assigned AGC Contract Counterparty to such Assigned AGC Contract shall be forever barred from asserting any other claims arising under or with respect to such Assigned AGC Contract against the Debtors, the Purchaser, or the property of either of them.
c. If an objection to a Cure Amount is timely filed, and such Cure Amount cannot be resolved consensually prior to the Sale Hearing, the disputed portion of such Cure Amount will be held in an escrow account pending resolution. If the parties are unable to resolve the disputed Cure Amount, a hearing with respect to such objection, upon notice in accordance with General Order M-242 will be held before the Honorable ________________, United States Bankruptcy Judge, in Room ____ of the United States Bankruptcy Court, Alexander Hamilton Custom House, One Bowling Green, New York, New York, 10004, at such date and time as the Court may schedule.
NOTICE
10. Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rules 2002 and 6004, AGCL (or its agent) hereby is authorized and directed to serve notice of the entry of this Bidding Procedures
Order, the Auction, the Bidding Procedures, the Bid Protections, the
Sale Motion, the Sale Motion Objection Deadline and the Sale Hearing
by (a) mailing, within three (3) business days after the entry of
this Bidding Procedures Order, a copy of this Bidding Procedures
Order, the Sale Motion and the Auction and Sale Hearing Notice via
United States Postal Service, first class delivery, to (i) the
Office of the United States Trustee for the Southern District of New
York, (ii) if appointed by the Supreme Court of Bermuda prior to
date of service, the JPLs, (iii) the attorneys for the Ad Hoc
Committee, (iv) all Assigned AGC Contract Counterparties, (v)
counsel to any statutory committee appointed in the Chapter 11 Case,
(vi) all parties who have delivered to Lazard Freres & Co. LLC
during 2002 written expressions of interest in acquiring, or offers
to acquire, the Acquired Assets, (vii) the Securities and Exchange
Commission, 233 Broadway, New York, New York 10279, Attn: Regional
Director, (viii) the Internal Revenue Service, 290 Broadway, New
York, New York 10007, Attn: District Director, (ix) all appropriate
federal, state and local taxing authorities, (x) all known persons
holding a lien on any of the Acquired Assets, (xi) counsel to Global
Crossing, (xii) Microsoft Corporation, (xiii) Softbank Corp., (xiv)
all non-debtor parties to the Assumed Liabilities (exclusive of
Liabilities of the Acquired Subsidiaries) and (xv) all parties
having filed in this case a notice of appearance or a request for
notices pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 2002, (b) electronic
notification through posting on the Court's website,
www.nysb.uscourts.gov and (c) at least seven (7) days prior to the
Auction, publishing the Publication Notice once in the international
editions, to the extent applicable, of The Wall Street Journal and
The
Asian Wall Street Journal. Such service and notice shall be deemed due, timely, good and sufficient notice of the entry of this Bidding Procedures Order, the Auction, the Bidding Procedures, the Bid Protections, the Sale Motion, the Sale Motion Objection Deadline and the Sale Hearing and all proceedings to be held thereon.
11. This Order shall not constitute a determination of the substantive relief sought by AGCL pursuant to the Sale Motion, which relief shall be considered at the Sale Hearing. Subject to the objection procedures set forth herein relating to the Sale Motion, this Bidding Procedures Order shall not prejudice the right of any party in interest to object to any relief requested in the Sale Motion, including, without limitation, the approval of the Sale to the Purchaser or, alternatively, to the Successful Bidder at the Auction, the Cure Amounts, or any other relief sought by the Debtor at the Sale Hearing.
12. In accordance with the discretion afforded the Court pursuant to Bankruptcy Rules 6004(g) and 6006(d), this Sale Procedure Order shall be effective upon entry.
13. The Court shall retain jurisdiction over any matter or dispute arising from or relating to the implementation of this Bidding Procedures Order.
Dated: New York, New York
December ____, 2002
EXHIBIT A
Auction and Sale Hearing Notice
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
-----------------------------------X
:
IN RE : CHAPTER 11
: ASIA GLOBAL CROSSING, LTD., ET AL.,: CASE NO. 02-_______ ( ) : : DEBTORS. : |
:
-----------------------------------X
NOTICE OF (I) AUCTION, (II) BIDDING PROCEDURES, (III) DEBTOR'S MOTION FOR AN ORDER, PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 105(a), 363(b), (f) and (m), 365 AND 1146(c) OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE AND FED. R. BANKR. P. 6004 AND 6006, (1) APPROVING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF AGREEMENT PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF DEBTOR'S ASSETS FREE AND CLEAR OF LIENS, CLAIMS AND OTHER INTERESTS, (2) AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE ASSUMPTION AND ASSIGNMENT OF RELATED EXECUTORY CONTRACTS, (3) AUTHORIZING DEBTOR TO CONSUMMATE THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED IN SALE AGREEMENT AND (4) DETERMINING THAT SALE IS EXEMPT FROM STAMP TAXES UNDER SECTION 1146(c) OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE, (IV) SALE MOTION OBJECTION DEADLINE AND (V) HEARING ON SALE MOTION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, as follows:
1. On November 17, 2002, Asia Global Crossing Ltd., as a debtor and debtor in possession ("AGCL"), filed a motion (the "BIDDING PROCEDURES MOTION") with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the "COURT") for an order pursuant to Sections 105(a) and 363 of title 11 of the United States Code (the "BANKRUPTCY CODE") and Rules 2002, 6004 and 6006 of the Federal Rule, of Bankruptcy Procedure (the "BANKRUPTCY
RULES") (A) authorizing and scheduling an auction (the "AUCTION") for the sale (the "SALE") of all or substantially all of AGCL's assets (the "ACQUIRED ASSETS") (as described more particularly in the Sale Agreement (as defined herein)) free and clear of all claims, (as defined in Section 101(5) of the Bankruptcy Code) and any other interests, liens, mortgages, pledges, security interests, rights of first refusal, obligations and encumbrances of any kind whatsoever (collectively, "ENCUMBRANCES"), (B) approving bidding and auction procedures (the "BIDDING PROCEDURES") in connection with the Auction, (C) approving (i) and authorizing and directing AGCL to pay to Asia Netcom Corporation Limited ("ASIA NETCOM" or the "PURCHASER"), as the "stalking horse" bidder, a breakup fee (the "BREAKUP FEE") and authorizing and directing AGCL to reimburse Asia Netcom for certain costs, fees and expenses (the "PURCHASER FEES AND EXPENSES REIMBURSEMENT") incurred and to be incurred by Asia Netcom, as described in, and subject to the terms and conditions of, a certain Share and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2002 (together with any and all exhibits, schedules, appendices and attachments thereto, the "SALE AGREEMENT") between AGCL and Asia Netcom (a copy of the Sale Agreement is annexed as Exhibit A to AGCL's motion, dated November 17, 2002 (the "SALE MOTION"), filed concurrently with the Bidding Procedures Motion, seeking entry of an order (the "APPROVAL ORDER") (1) approving the terms and conditions of the Sale Agreement and the transactions described therein (the "ASIA NETCOM TRANSACTION"), or, alternatively, such other definitive agreement (the
"ALTERNATIVE SALE AGREEMENT"), and the related transaction (the "ALTERNATIVE SALE TRANSACTION"), between AGCL and the Successful Bidder (as defined herein) as may constitute the highest or otherwise best offer for the Acquired Assets received at the Auction, (2) authorizing the consummation of the transactions contemplated in the Sale Agreement or the Alternative Sale Agreement, as the case may be, including, without limitation, the Sale of the Acquired Assets free and clear of all Encumbrances, and the assumption and assignment of certain executory contracts and unexpired leases (the "ASSIGNED AGC CONTRACTS") in connection therewith, and (3) determining that the Asia Netcom Transaction, or the Alternative Sale Transaction, as the case may be, is exempt, under Section 1146(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, from any stamp, transfer, recording or similar tax as a sale in anticipation of a chapter 11 plan of reorganization), (ii) the limited non-solicitation provisions set forth in Section 5.08 of the Sale Agreement (the "LIMITED NON-SOLICITATION PROVISIONS") and (iii) the termination provisions set forth in Article X of the Sale Agreement (the "TERMINATION PROVISIONS") (the Break-up Fee, the Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement, the Limited Non-Solicitation Provisions and the Termination Provisions, collectively, the "BID PROTECTIONS"), (D) approving the procedures (the "CURE AMOUNT PROCEDURES") to determine the amounts (the "CURE AMOUNTS") necessary to cure defaults, if any, under the Assigned AGC Contracts to be assumed by AGCL and assigned to Asia Netcom pursuant to Section 365(f) of the Bankruptcy Code, (E) approving the form, manner and scope of notice of the
Auction, the Bidding Procedures, the Bid Protections, the Cure Amount Procedures, the Sale Motion, the Sale Motion Objection Deadline (as defined herein) and the ultimate hearing (the "SALE HEARING") to consider the Sale Motion, (F) setting a deadline (the "SALE MOTION OBJECTION DEADLINE") for filing objections to the Sale Motion and (G) setting a date and time for the Sale Hearing.
2. Pursuant to an order of the Court, dated December ___, 2002 (the "BIDDING PROCEDURES ORDER"), the Court approved the relief requested in the Bidding Procedures Motion. The Bidding Procedures Order, among other things, (A) approved the Bidding Procedures set forth herein, the Bid Protections and the Cure Amount Notice Procedures, (B) set the Sale Motion Objection Deadline and a date and time for the Sale Hearing and (C) authorized AGCL, among other things, to conduct the Auction of the Acquired Assets and entertain certain competing bids (the "COMPETING BIDS") for the Acquired Assets in accordance with the Bidding Procedures. Pursuant to the Bidding Procedures Order, the following Bidding Procedures shall govern all proceedings relating to, among other things, the consideration, qualification and acceptance of Competing Bids, and the Auction:
a. AUCTION DATE AND TIME. The Auction will be held on January ____, 2003, commencing at 10:00 a.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) (the "AUCTION DATE") at the offices of Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP, 1633 Broadway, New York, New York 10019, or at such later time and at such
alternative location as the Debtor may determine or the Court may direct, for consideration of Qualified Bids (as defined herein).
b. PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS. Any entity that wishes to make
a bid for the Acquired Assets must, prior to submitting its
bid, provide AGCL with sufficient and adequate information to
demonstrate, to the satisfaction of AGCL, in consultation with
(x) any statutory creditors' committee appointed in AGCL's
chapter 11 case (the "COMMITTEE") and (y) the joint
provisional liquidators appointed by the Supreme Court of
Bermuda in respect of AGCL on November __, 2002 (the "JPLS"),
that such competing bidder (i) has the financial wherewithal,
experience and ability, and is reasonably likely, to
consummate the transaction proposed by it within a time frame
acceptable to AGCL if such entity is selected as the
Successful Bidder (such information to include, in AGCL's sole
and absolute discretion, evidence of adequate capitalization,
available financing and a financial guaranty, if appropriate)
and (ii) can provide all non-debtor contracting parties to the
Assigned AGC Contracts with adequate assurance of future
performance as contemplated by Section 365 of the Bankruptcy
Code. Any party satisfying such criteria shall be designated
as a "QUALIFIED BIDDER" and shall be eligible to submit a
Competing Bid to AGCL. Any Qualified Bidder shall be permitted
to conduct reasonable due diligence for purposes of making a
Competing Bid, subject to executing a confidentiality
agreement that is substantially similar to any confidentiality
agreement executed by Asia Netcom in
contemplation of the Sale and is otherwise satisfactory, in form and substance, to AGCL. For purposes hereof, Asia Netcom is deemed to be a Qualified Bidder.
c. COMPETING BID REQUIREMENTS. AGCL shall only entertain
Competing Bids from Qualified Bidders that (i)(a) are on
substantially the same terms and conditions as those terms set
forth in the Sale Agreement or (b) present AGCL with an
alternative means of maximizing the value of its estate, (ii)
AGCL determines, in good faith and upon the advice of its
independent financial advisors (and in consultation with the
Committee, the JPLs and any of their respective financial
advisors) are not materially more burdensome or conditional
than the terms of the Sale Agreement, and set forth
consideration for the acquisition of the Acquired Assets that
would result in the net realization of value to AGCL's
bankruptcy estate that is greater than or equal to the sum of
(a) the value of the consideration for the acquisition of the
Acquired Assets set forth in the Sale Agreement plus (b) the
amount of the Breakup Fee plus (c) Five Million Dollars
($5,000,000), (iii) are irrevocable until the earlier to occur
of: (a) the closing of the transaction contemplated by the
Successful Bid (as defined herein) or (b) thirty (30) days
following the conclusion of the Auction (as it may be
adjourned from time to time) and (iv) do not request or
entitle Qualified Bidders to any break-up fees, termination
fees, expense reimbursements or similar types of payment. The
documents comprising the Competing Bid shall be marked to show
modifications to the Sale
Agreement. Competing Bids shall contain an acknowledgment that the offer is not conditioned upon obtaining financing, due diligence investigation, third party consent (other than the Court) or any board of directors, shareholders or other corporate approval as of the Auction Date.
d. COMPETING BID DEADLINE. Each Competing Bid must (a) be in
writing and (b) be transmitted by facsimile or hand delivery
AND by email to (i) Kasowitz Benson Torres & Friedman LLP
("KBT&F"), 1633 Broadway, New York, New York 10019, Attention:
Richard F. Casher, Esq. (rcasher@kasowitz.com) (Facsimile:
212-506-1800), attorneys for AGCL, (ii) Lazard Freres & Co.
LLC ("LAZARD"), 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York
10020, financial advisors for AGCL, Attention: Alexander F.
Stern (alex.stern@lazard.com) (Facsimile: 212-332-4624), (iii)
Shearman & Sterling, 599 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York
10022, Attention: Benjamin D. Feder, Esq.
(bfeder@shearman.com) (Facsimile: 212-848-7179), attorneys for
Asia Netcom, (iv) [ ], Attention: ______, Esq. (_______ .com)
(Facsimile: _________ ), attorneys for the Committee, (v) the
JPLs c/o Deloitte & Touche, Corner House, Church and
Parliament Streets, Hamilton, HM12 Bermuda, Attention: Mark
Smith (markwrs@deloitte.bm) and (vi) [counsel for the JPLs] so
that such Competing Bid is received by such parties no later
than January ____, 2003, at 4:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern
Time) (the "BID DEADLINE"). Parties not submitting Competing
Bids by the Bid Deadline shall not be permitted to participate
at the Auction.
e. DEPOSIT. Competing Bids must be accompanied by a good faith deposit in the amount of Twelve Million Dollars ($12,000,000) (the "DEPOSIT"). Prior to the Bid Deadline, a Qualified Bidder's Deposit shall be wire transferred to:
BANKERS TRUST COMPANY
ABA 021-001-033
ACCOUNT NAME: PRIVATE CLIENT GROUP #99401380
FOR FURTHER CREDIT TO ACCOUNT # 320133
ACCOUNT NAME: ASIA GLOBAL CROSSING LTD.
ATTN: RICK STOCKTON/LUTFIJE BAJROVIC
All such deposits shall be retained by AGCL pending the Sale Hearing and shall be returned at the close of such hearing, except that, if applicable, AGCL shall hold the deposit of the Successful Bidder, as determined by AGCL and approved by the Court, and apply such deposit to the applicable purchase price at closing.
f. DETERMINATION AND EVALUATION OF QUALIFIED BIDS. A
Competing Bid that is submitted by a Qualified Bidder and that
meets the requirements set forth in paragraphs (c), (d) and
(e) above shall be deemed a "QUALIFIED BID." For purposes
hereof, the Asia Netcom Transaction embodied in the Sale
Agreement shall be deemed to constitute a Qualified Bid (the
"ASIA NETCOM QUALIFIED BID"). AGCL shall, after the Bid
Deadline and prior to the Auction, upon consultation with
KBT&F and Lazard, as well as the Committee, the JPLs and any
of their respective counsel and financial advisors, evaluate
all Competing Bids received and determine (A) which Competing
Bids constitute Qualified Bids and (B) which Qualified Bid
reflects the highest or otherwise best offer for the Acquired Assets (the "PRE-AUCTION SUCCESSFUL BID"). A Qualified Bid will be valued based upon factors such as (i) the consideration for the acquisition of the Acquired Assets set forth in the Competing Bid and the net realization of value to AGCL's bankruptcy estate that would be provided by such proposal, (ii) the value of the Acquired Assets, if any, not being purchased, (iii) the amount and type of liabilities to be assumed and excluded, (iv) the likelihood and timing of consummation of the transactions contemplated by such proposal and (v) any other factor deemed relevant to AGCL (and the Committee and the JPLs ) in determining value.
g. AUCTION. If AGCL does not receive at least one Qualified Bid from a Qualified Bidder, other than the Asia Netcom Qualified Bid, no Auction will be conducted. AGCL will report such failure to the Court at the time of the Sale Hearing and, subject only to final Court approval, proceed with the Sale of the Acquired Assets to Asia Netcom under the Sale Agreement. If, however, AGCL receives at least one Qualified Bid from a Qualified Bidder, other than the Asia Netcom Qualified Bid, AGCL shall conduct the Auction. Only Qualified Bidders who submit Qualified Bids will be eligible to participate in the Auction. Lazard will distribute a copy of each Qualified Bid to each Qualified Bidder within two (2) business days after the Bid Deadline and inform each Qualified Bidder of the Pre-Auction Successful Bid and the identity of the Qualified Bidder that
submitted such bid. At least two (2) business days prior to the Auction, each Qualified Bidder who has submitted a Qualified Bid shall inform AGCL whether it intends to participate in the Auction. Thereafter, at least one (1) business day prior to the Auction, AGCL will inform all Qualified Bidders who submitted Qualified Bids of the identity of all Qualified Bidders that intend to participate in the Auction.
h. AUCTION PROCEDURES. Based upon the terms of the Qualified Bids received by AGCL, the number of Qualified Bidders participating in the Auction and such other information as AGCL determines is relevant, AGCL, in its sole discretion, may conduct the Auction in the manner it determines will achieve the maximum value for all parties in interest. Within the parameters set forth below, AGCL may adopt rules for bidding at the Auction that, in its business judgment, will best promote the goals of the process and that are not inconsistent with any of the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bidding Procedures or any order of the Court entered in connection herewith. In addition to the foregoing, the following rules shall apply at the Auction:
(1) SUBSEQUENT QUALIFIED OVERBIDS. Each Qualified Bidder shall have the right (but no obligation) to increase its Qualified Bid at the Auction. All such overbids (each, a "SUBSEQUENT QUALIFIED OVERBID") must set forth consideration of at least Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) in excess of, first, the Pre-Auction Successful Bid and, thereafter, the immediately preceding Subsequent Qualified Overbid;
(2) CREDIT OF BREAKUP FEE. The cost to AGCL's bankruptcy estate of the Breakup Fee shall be considered by AGCL and its advisors in determining the value of each Subsequent Qualified Overbid.
Accordingly, Asia Netcom shall be entitled to credit bid the amount of the Breakup Fee towards any Subsequent Qualified Overbid made by it at the Auction;
(3) OPEN AUCTION. All Subsequent Qualified Overbids made at the Auction shall be made and received in one room on an open basis and all other Qualified Bidders who have submitted Qualified Bids shall be entitled to be present for all bidding at the Auction, with the understanding that the true identity of each Qualified Bidder shall be fully disclosed to all other Qualified Bidders, AGCL, the Committee and the JPLs throughout the entire Auction;
(4) CONSIDERATION AND REJECTION OF QUALIFIED BIDS. No bid shall be considered by AGCL at the Auction unless a Qualified Bidder shall have submitted a Qualified Bid in accordance with the Bidding Procedures and participated in the Auction. AGCL, in consultation with its advisors, the Committee and the JPLs, may reject at any time before entry of an order of the Court approving the Successful Bid, any Qualified Bid or Subsequent Qualified Overbid that AGCL reasonably and in good faith determines is (i) not in conformity with the requirements of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, the Local Bankruptcy Rules of the Court, the Bidding Procedures or the terms and conditions of the Bidding Procedures Order, (ii) inadequate or insufficient or (iii) contrary to the best interests of AGCL and parties in interest.
(5) DETERMINATION OF SUCCESSFUL BID. Immediately prior to the conclusion of the Auction, AGCL, in consultation with its advisors, the Committee and the JPLs, shall (i) review each final Qualified Bid or Subsequent Qualified Overbid submitted by each Qualified Bidder on the basis of (x) the consideration to be paid for the acquisition of the Acquired Assets and the net realization of value to AGCL's bankruptcy estate that would result therefrom and (y) other financial and contractual terms and the factors relevant to the Sale process, including those factors affecting the speed and certainty of consummating such Qualified Bid or Subsequent Qualified Overbid (as the case may be), and (ii) identify the highest or otherwise best Qualified Bid or Subsequent Qualified Overbid (the "SUCCESSFUL BID") and the Qualified Bidder making the Successful Bid (the "SUCCESSFUL BIDDER") and notify all Qualified Bidders at the Auction, prior to its adjournment, of the name or names of the Successful Bidder and the amount and other material terms of the Successful Bid. AGCL promptly thereafter will notify the Court of the identity of the party that has submitted the Successful Bid. In the event of a disagreement, any Qualified Bidder, the Committee or the JPLs may seek a review
by the Court at the Sale Hearing of AGCL's determination of the Successful Bid.
i. SALE HEARING. AGCL will seek approval of the Successful Bid at the Sale Hearing.
j. ACCEPTANCE BY DEBTOR OF SUCCESSFUL BID. AGCL's presentation to the Court for approval of the Successful Bid does not constitute AGCL's acceptance of such proposal. AGCL shall be deemed to have accepted a Qualified Bid or Subsequent Qualified Overbid only when AGCL shall have declared such offer to be the Successful Bid, the Successful Bid shall have been approved by the Court and definitive documentation shall have been executed in respect of the Successful Bid.
k. FAILURE OF SUCCESSFUL BIDDER TO CLOSE. In the event that a Qualified Bidder who participates in the Auction is the Successful Bidder (as determined by AGCL and approved by the Court), and such Successful Bidder fails to consummate the transaction contemplated by the Successful Bid by the applicable closing date, the Successful Bidder's deposit shall be forfeited to AGCL (but not as liquidated damages, AGCL reserving the right to pursue all remedies that may be available to it), and AGCL shall be free to consummate, upon no less than two (2) business days' notice to the Committee and the JPLs, the transaction contemplated by the Qualified Bid or the Subsequent Qualified
Overbid proposed by the next highest Qualified Bidder at the final price bid by such Qualified Bidder at the Auction, such Qualified Bid or Subsequent Qualified Overbid thereupon being deemed to be the Successful Bid (or, if that Qualified Bidder is unable to consummate the transaction at that price, AGCL may consummate the transaction contemplated by the Qualified Bid or Subsequent Qualified Overbid proposed by the next highest Qualified Bidder, and so forth) without the need for an additional hearing or order of the Court.
l. EXPENSES. Except as otherwise set forth in the Sale Agreement and the Bidding Procedures Order, each person submitting a Competing Bid shall bear its own expenses in connection with the Sale of the Acquired Assets, whether or not such person is the Successful Bidder or the Sale of the Acquired Assets ultimately is approved.
3. The Bidding Procedures Order also provides that the Sale Hearing shall be held on January ___, 2003, at__:00 _.m. (prevailing Eastern Time), or as soon thereafter as counsel may be heard, before the Honorable ______________, United States Bankruptcy Judge, in Room ____ of the United States Court for the Southern District of New York, Alexander Hamilton Custom House, One Bowling Green, New York, New York 10004. The Sale Hearing may be adjourned from time to time without further notice other than an announcement in open court of the adjourned date or dates at the Sale Hearing or an adjourned hearing.
4. At the Sale Hearing, AGCL shall request entry of the Approval Order. At the Sale Hearing, the Court may enter such other orders as it deems appropriate
under applicable law and as required by the circumstances and equities of this case.
5. At the Sale Hearing, the Court will not consider any bids from entities that were not qualified to participate, or did not participate, in the Auction.
6. Responses or objections, if any, to the relief requested in the
Sale Motion must be in writing, conform to the Bankruptcy Rules and
the Local Rules of the Court, set forth the name of the objector,
state with particularity the nature and amount of any claims or
interests held or asserted against AGCL's estate or property, the
basis for the objection and the specific grounds therefor, and shall
be filed with the Court electronically in accordance with General
Order M-242 (General Order M-242 and the User's Manual for the
Electronic Case Filing System can be found at www.nysb.ucourts.gov,
the official website for the Court), by registered users of the
Court's case filing system and, by all other parties in interest, on
a 3.5 inch disk, preferably in Portable Document Format (PDF),
WordPerfect or any other Windows-based word processing format (with
a hard-copy delivered directly to Chambers), and shall be served in
accordance with General Order M-242 upon (a) AGCL, 11150 Santa
Monica Boulevard, Suite 400, Los Angeles, California 90025, Attn:
Charles Carroll, General Counsel (Facsimile: 310-481-4757), (b)
Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP, 1633 Broadway, New York,
New York 10019, Attn: Richard F. Casher, Esq. (Facsimile:
212-506-1800), attorneys for AGCL; (b) Lazard Freres & Co. LLC, 30
Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10020, Attention: Alexander F.
Stern (Facsimile: 212-332-4624), financial
advisors for AGCL; (c) Shearman & Sterling, 599 Lexington Avenue,
New York, New York 10022, Attn: Benjamin D. Feder, Esq. (Facsimile:
212-848-7179), attorneys for Asia Netcom, (d) the Office of the
United States Trustee, 33 Whitehall Street, 21st Floor, New York,
New York 10004 (Attn: Lauren Landsbaum, Esq.), (e) _________ , Attn:
__________, Esq. (Facsimile: ________ ), attorneys for the
Committee, and (f) _____________ Attn: _________ (Facsimile:
_________ ), counsel to the JPLs, so as to be actually received by
such persons by no later than 4:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) on
January ___, 2003 (the "SALE MOTION OBJECTION DEADLINE").
7. Other than as expressly set forth herein with respect to the right of any Qualified Bidder, the Committee or the JPLs to challenge AGCL's determination of the Successful Bid at the conclusion of the Auction, the failure of any objecting person or entity to file its objection by the Sale Motion Objection Deadline as set forth herein shall be a bar to the assertion, at the Sale Hearing or thereafter, of any objection to the Sale Motion, the Sale or AGCL's consummation and performance of the Asia Netcom Transaction or the Alternative Sale Transaction contemplated by the Successful Bid (if so authorized by the Court), as the case may be.
8. A copy of the Sale Agreement is annexed to the Sale Motion as Exhibit "A". Copies of the Sale Motion and the exhibits thereto may be (a) reviewed during regular Court hours at the United States Bankruptcy Court, Records Department, Room 511, Alexander Hamilton Custom House, One Bowling Green, New York, New York 10004, (b) reviewed electronically on
www.nysb.ucourts.gov, the official website for the Court, or (c) procured upon written request to Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP, attorneys for AGCL, 1633 Broadway, New York, New York 10019, Attention: Kate Lockhart, Legal Assistant (klockhart@kasowitz.com).
Dated: New York, New York
December ____, 2002
BY ORDER OF THE COURT
EXHIBIT B
Cure Amount Procedures Notice
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
--------------------------------------------X
In re : Chapter 11 : Case Nos. 02-_____ ASIA GLOBAL CROSSING LTD., et al., : through 02- _____ ( ) : Debtors. : (Jointly Administered) |
:
--------------------------------------------X
NOTICE OF CURE AMOUNT DETERMINATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE ASSUMPTION AND ASSIGNMENT OF CERTAIN EXECUTORY CONTRACTS BY ASIA GLOBAL CROSSING LTD.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT:
1. Pursuant to the Order Under Sections 105(a) and 363 of the
Bankruptcy Code and Rules 2002, 6004 and 6006 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy
Procedure (A) Authorizing and Scheduling an Auction for the Sale of All or
Substantially All of the Debtor's Assets Free and Clear of All Liens, Claims,
Encumbrances and Other Interests, (B) Approving Bidding and Auction Procedures,
(C) Approving a Breakup Fee and Other Bid Protections, (D) Approving Procedures
to Determine Cure Amounts Relating to the Assumed Contracts, (E) Approving
Notice Procedures, Including the Form, Manner and Scope of Notice, in Connection
with the Auction and the Sale Hearing, (F) Setting a Deadline for Filing
Objections to Debtor's Motion Seeking Approval of Sale, and (G) Setting a Date
and Time for Hearing to Approve Sale Resulting from Auction, dated December
_____ , 2002 (the "BIDDING PROCEDURES ORDER"), entered by the United States
Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the "COURT"), Asia
Global Crossing Ltd. ("ASIA GLOBAL CROSSING"), one of the debtors and debtors in
possession (collectively, the "DEBTORS") in the above-captioned case (the "CHAPTER 11 CASE"), hereby provides notice of its intent to (i) assume each of the executory contracts (collectively, the "ASSIGNED AGC CONTRACTS") identified on EXHIBIT A annexed hereto and (ii) assign the Assigned AGC Contracts to Asia Netcom Corporation Limited ("ASIA NETCOM") pursuant to a certain Share and Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of November 17, 2002, between Asia Global Crossing and Asia Netcom, subject to higher and better bids to be solicited in accordance with the terms of the Bidding Procedures Order at a competitive auction (the "AUCTION") of all or substantially all of the assets (the "ACQUIRED ASSETS") of Asia Global Crossing, at which Auction the successful bidder (the "SUCCESSFUL BIDDER") for the Acquired Assets (including the Assigned AGC Contracts) will be selected. Assumption and assignment of the Assigned AGC Contracts will be effective upon the date (the "CLOSING DATE") on which the sale (the "SALE") of the Acquired Assets is consummated. Pursuant to the Bidding Procedures Order, the Auction to determine the Successful Bidder is scheduled to commence on January _____, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. (prevailing Eastern Time), at the offices of Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP, 1633 Broadway, New York, New York 10019.
2. A hearing (the "SALE HEARING") to consider approval of the Sale will be held before the Honorable _______________, United States Bankruptcy Judge, in Room ____ of the United States Bankruptcy Court, Alexander Hamilton Custom House, One Bowling Green, New York, New York, 10004, on January _____, 2003, at 10:00 a.m. (prevailing Eastern Time), or as soon thereafter as counsel may be heard.
3. On the Closing Date, or as soon thereafter as practicable, Asia Global Crossing will pay you all amounts, if any, due and owing for prepetition and postpetition
arrearages (the "CURE AMOUNTS") under the Assigned AGC Contract to which you are
a party. Asia Global Crossing's records indicate that (a) it owes U.S. $0.00 for
the Cure Amounts relating to Assigned AGC Contract to which you are a party and
(b) there are no defaults by Asia Global Crossing under such Assigned AGC
Contract.
4. If you disagree with the Cure Amount set forth in this Cure Amount Procedures Notice, (i) you must file a written objection to the assumption and assignment of such Assigned AGC Contract or the proposed Cure Amount with respect thereto (a "CURE AMOUNT OBJECTION") with the Bankruptcy Court and state in your Cure Amount Objection with specificity the Cure Amount that you believe is required (with supporting documentation in support thereof), (ii) such Cure Amount Objection must conform to the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and the Local Rules of the Bankruptcy Court and be filed with the Bankruptcy Court electronically in accordance with General Order M-242 (General Order M-242 and the User's Manual for the Electronic Case Filing System can be found at www.nysb.uscourts.gov, the official website for the Bankruptcy Court), by registered users of the Bankruptcy Court's case filing system and, by all other parties in interest, on a 3.5 inch disk, preferably in Portable Document Format (PDF), Wordperfect or any other Windows-based word processing format (with a hard copy delivered directly to Chambers ) and (iii) you must serve a copy of your Cure Amount Objection on (a) Asia Global Crossing, 11150 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 400, Los Angeles, California 90025, Attention: Charles F. Carroll, General Counsel (Facsimile: 310-499-7504), (b) Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP, 1633 Broadway, New York, New York 10019, Attention: Richard F. Casher (Facsimile: 212-506-1800), attorneys for the Debtors, (c) Shearman & Sterling, 599 Lexington Avenue, New York,
New York 10022, Attention: Benjamin D. Feder (Facsimile: 212-848-7179), attorneys for Asia Netcom, and (d) the attorneys for any statutory committee of unsecured creditors appointed in the Chapter 11 Case, so that such Cure Amount Objection actually is received by such persons no later than January ___ , 2003 at 4:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) (the "SALE MOTION OBJECTION DEADLINE").
5. With respect to each Assigned AGC Contract, if no Cure Amount Objection timely is received, such Assigned AGC Contract shall be assumed by Asia Global Crossing and assigned to Asia Netcom (or the Successful Bidder, if other than Asia Netcom), effective on the Closing Date, and the Cure Amounts set forth in the Cure Amount Procedures Notice shall be controlling, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in such Assigned AGC Contract or any other document, and the Assigned AGC Contract Counterparty to such Assigned AGC Contract shall be forever barred from asserting any other claims arising under or with respect to such Assigned AGC Contract against the Debtors, Asia Netcom (or the Successful Bidder, if other than Asia Netcom), or the property of either of them.
6. If an objection to a Cure Amount is timely filed, and such Cure Amount cannot be resolved consensually prior to the Sale Hearing, the disputed portion of such Cure Amount will be held in an escrow account pending resolution. If the parties are unable to resolve the disputed Cure Amount, a hearing with respect to such objection, upon notice in accordance with General Order M-242 will be held before the Honorable ________________, United States Bankruptcy Judge, in Room ____ of the United States Bankruptcy Court, Alexander Hamilton Custom House, One Bowling Green, New York, New York, 10004, at such date and time as the Court may schedule.
7. Prior to the Closing Date, Asia Global Crossing may amend its decision with respect to the assumption and assignment of the Assigned AGC Contract to which you are a party and provide you with a new notice amending the information in this Notice.
Dated: New York, New York
December ____, 2002
KASOWITZ, BENSON, TORRES &
FRIEDMAN LLP
Attorneys for Debtors and Debtors in Possession
EXHIBIT A
LIST OF ASSIGNED AGC CONTRACTS
EXHIBIT A TO CURE AMOUNT PROCEDURES NOTICE
1. AGREEMENTS TO WHICH ASIA GLOBAL CROSSING LTD. IS A PARTY
ASIA GLOBAL CURE TITLE DATE CROSSING LTD. COUNTERPARTY (W/ ADDRESS) AMOUNT -------------------------- --------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------------ Agreement May 28, 2001 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. PB Constructors (Asia) Ltd. $0 Samsung Corporation (Engineering & Construction Group) Letter of Intent on July 12, 2002 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. Cisco Systems, Inc. $0 Trade-In Proposal Attn: Rick Timmins VP WW Sales Finance 170 Tasman Drive San Jose, CA 95134 USA Payment Deferral Loan March 29, 2002 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. NEC Corporation $0 Agreement Attn: Koji Takahashi 7-1, Shiba 5-chome Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8001, Japan copy to: Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison Attn: Lisa Yano Fukoku Seimei Building, 2-2 Uchisaiwai-cho 2-chome Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0011 East Asia Crossing Ltd. Mintflower Place, 2nd Floor 8 Par-la-Ville Road Hamilton HM 08 Bermuda Amendment No. 1 to Payment May 14, 2002 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. NEC Corporation $0 Deferral Loan Agreement Attn: Koji Takahashi 7-1, Shiba 5-chome Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8001 Japan copy to: Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison |
ASIA GLOBAL CURE TITLE DATE CROSSING LTD. COUNTERPARTY (W/ ADDRESS) AMOUNT -------------------------- --------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------------ Attn: Lisa Yano Fukoku Seimei Building 2-2 Uchisaiwaicho 2-chome Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0011 Japan East Asia Crossing Ltd. Mintflower Place, 2nd Floor 8 Par-la-Ville Road Hamilton HM 08 Bermuda Payment Deferral Option March 25, 2002 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. KDDI Submarine Cable Systems Inc. $0 Agreement Attn: Ichiro Kondo Chief Executive Officer 3-7-1 Nishishinjuku Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 163-1033, Japan East Asia Crossing Ltd. Mintflower Place, 2nd Floor 8 Par-la-Ville Road Hamilton HM 08 Bermuda Amendment No. 1 May 14, 2002 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. KDDI Submarine Cable Systems Inc. $0 Payment Deferral Option Attn: Ichiro Kondo Agreement Chief Executive Officer 3-7-1 Nishishinjuku Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 163-1033, Japan East Asia Crossing Ltd. Mintflower Place, 2nd Floor 8 Par-la-Ville Road Hamilton HM 08 Bermuda Master Services Agreement August 27, 2001 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. NTT Communications Corporation $0 1-6 Uchisaiwai-cho 1 chome Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 100-8019 Collateral Agency May 15, 2002 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. DB Trustees (Hong Kong) Limited $0 |
ASIA GLOBAL CURE TITLE DATE CROSSING LTD. COUNTERPARTY (W/ ADDRESS) AMOUNT -------------------------- --------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------------ Agreement (as successor to The Bank of New York, London Branch) 51-56 Floor Chung Kong, Center #2 Queens Road Central Hong Kong KDDI Submarine Cable Systems Inc. Attn: Masanori Egi 7-1 Nishi-shinjuku 3-chome Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 163-1033 Japan copy to: Tozai Sogo Law Office Attn: Norifumi Tateishi, Esq. Kioicho K Building, 3-28 Kioicho Chiyoda-Ku Tokyo 102, Japan copy to: Attn: Jonathan D. Clemente, Esq. Clemente, Mueller & Tobia, P.A. 218 Ridgedale Avenue P.O. Box 1296 Morristown, New Jersey 07962-1296 USA NEC Corporation Attn: Koji Takahashi 7-1, Shiba 5-chome Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8001 Japan copy to: Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison Attn: Lisa Yano Fukoku Seimei Building 2-2 Uchisaiwaicho 2-chome Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0011 |
ASIA GLOBAL CURE TITLE DATE CROSSING LTD. COUNTERPARTY (W/ ADDRESS) AMOUNT -------------------------- --------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------------ Japan East Asia Crossing Ltd. Mintflower Place, 2nd Floor 8 Par-la-Ville Road Hamilton HM 08 Bermuda Intercreditor Agreement May 14, 2002 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. DB Trustees (Hong Kong) Limited $0 (as successor to The Bank of New York, London Branch) 51-56 Floor Chung Kong, Center #2 Queens Road Central Hong Kong KDDI Submarine Cable Systems Inc. Attn: Masanori Egi 7-1 Nishi-shinjuku 3-chome Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 163-1033 Japan copy to: Tozai Sogo Law Office Attn: Norifumi Tateishi, Esq. Kioicho K Building, 3-28 Kioicho Chiyoda-Ku Tokyo 102, Japan copy to: Attn: Jonathan D. Clemente, Esq. Clemente, Mueller & Tobia, P.A. 218 Ridgedale Avenue P.O. Box 1296 Morristown, New Jersey 07962-1296 USA NEC Corporation Attn: Koji Takahashi 7-1, Shiba 5-chome Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8001 |
ASIA GLOBAL CURE TITLE DATE CROSSING LTD. COUNTERPARTY (W/ ADDRESS) AMOUNT -------------------------- --------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------------ Japan copy to: Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison Attn: Lisa Yano Fukoku Seimei Building 2-2 Uchisaiwaicho 2-chome Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0011 Japan East Asia Crossing Ltd. Mintflower Place, 2nd Floor 8 Par-la-Ville Road Hamilton HM 08 Bermuda Side Letter May 15, 2002 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. NEC Corporation $0 Attn: Koji Takahashi 7-1, Shiba 5-chome Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8001, Japan copy to: Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison Attn: Lisa Yano Fukoku Seimei Building, 2-2 Uchisaiwai-cho 2-chome Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0011 East Asia Crossing Ltd. Mintflower Place, 2nd Floor 8 Par-la-Ville Road Hamilton HM 08 Bermuda Amendment No. 2 to NEC November 16, Asia Global Crossing Ltd. East Asia Crossing Ltd. $0 Payment Deferral Loan 2002 Mintflower Place, 2nd Floor Agreement 8 Par-la-Ville Road Hamilton HM 08 Bermuda NEC Corporation Attn: Koji Takahashi 7-1, Shiba 5-chome Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8001, |
ASIA GLOBAL CURE TITLE DATE CROSSING LTD. COUNTERPARTY (W/ ADDRESS) AMOUNT -------------------------- --------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------------ Japan copy to: Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison Attn: Lisa Yano Fukoku Seimei Building, 2-2 Uchisaiwai-cho 2-chome Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0011 Amendment No. 2 to KDDI November 15, Asia Global Crossing Ltd. East Asia Crossing Ltd. $0 Payment Deferral Option 2002 Mintflower Place, 2nd Floor Agreement 8 Par-la-Ville Road Hamilton HM 08 Bermuda KDDI Submarine Cable Systems Attn: Ichiro Kondo Chief Executive Officer 3-7-1 Nishishinjuku Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 163-1033, Japan Share Charge May 14, 2002 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. DB Trustees (Hong Kong) Limited $0 (as successor to The Bank of New York, London Branch) 51-56 Floor Chung Kong, Center #2 Queens Road Central Hong Kong KDDI Submarine Cable Systems Inc. Attn: Masanori Egi 7-1 Nishi-shinjuku 3-chome Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 163-1033 Japan copy to: Tozai Sogo Law Office Attn: Norifumi Tateishi, Esq. Kioicho K Building, 3-28 Kioicho Chiyoda-Ku Tokyo 102, Japan |
ASIA GLOBAL CURE TITLE DATE CROSSING LTD. COUNTERPARTY (W/ ADDRESS) AMOUNT -------------------------- --------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------------ copy to: Attn: Jonathan D. Clemente, Esq. Clemente, Mueller & Tobia, P.A. 218 Ridgedale Avenue P.O. Box 1296 Morristown, New Jersey 07962-1296 USA NEC Corporation Attn: Koji Takahashi 7-1, Shiba 5-chome Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8001 Japan copy to: Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison Attn: Lisa Yano Fukoku Seimei Building 2-2 Uchisaiwaicho 2-chome Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0011 Japan Right of First March 29, 2002 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. NEC Corporation $0 Refusal/Right of First Attn: Koji Takahashi Negotiation General Manager 4th International Systems Division 7-1, Shiba 5-chome Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8001 Japan East Asia Crossing Ltd. Mintflower Place, 2nd Floor 8 Par-la-Ville Road Hamilton HM 08 Bermuda Exchange Agreement April 23, 2002 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. GCT Pacific Holdings, Ltd. $0 Attn: Corporate Secretary Wessex House 45 Reed Street |
ASIA GLOBAL CURE TITLE DATE CROSSING LTD. COUNTERPARTY (W/ ADDRESS) AMOUNT -------------------------- --------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------------ Hamilton, Bermuda HM12 Pacific Crossing Holdings Ltd. Attn: Corporate Secretary Wessex House 45 Reed Street Hamilton, Bermuda HM12 Vectant, Inc. Attn: Osamu Okubo 111 West 57th Street Suite 410 New York, NY 10019 USA Global Access Limited Attn: Jiro Saeki Fukida Bldg. 7F 4-1-13, Toranomon Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-001, Japan Amended and Restated December 20, Asia Global Crossing Ltd. Internet Research Institute, Inc. $0 Shareholders Agreement 2000 Attn: Hiroki Ohwada Ohtemachi Tatemono Kamiyacho Bldg. 8F 5-12-13 Toranomon Minato-ku, Tokyo Japan 105-0001 Softbank Corp. Attn: Naoki Noda, Legal Department 41-12, Nihonbashi-Hakozakicho Chuo-ku, Tokyo Japan 103-0015 Copy to: Softbank Networks Inc. Attn: Corporate Planning Division, Legal Oak Minami Azabu Building 3-19-23 Minami Azabu Minato-ku, Tokyo Japan 106-0047 |
ASIA GLOBAL CURE TITLE DATE CROSSING LTD. COUNTERPARTY (W/ ADDRESS) AMOUNT -------------------------- --------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------------ Amended and Restated 2001 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. Asia Global Crossing Japan KK $0 Operation and Landing 17F Kamiyacho Mori Building Agreement 4-3-20 Toranomon Minato-Ku, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan Asia Global Crossing Hong Kong Limited Two Exchange Square, 27th Floor Hong Kong, S.A.R., China, Hong Kong Asia Global Crossing Taiwan Inc. 5/F-F, 168 Tun Hwa North Road Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. Amended and Restated 2001 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. Asia Global Crossing Japan K.K. $0 Operation and Landing 17F Kamiyacho Mori Building Agreement 4-3-20 Toranomon Minato-Ku, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan Asia Global Crossing Hong Kong Limited Two Exchange Square, 27th Floor Hong Kong, S.A.R., China, Hong Kong DACOM Crossing Corporation 706-1, Yeoksam-dong, Kangnam-ku Seoul, Korea 110-122 Asia Global Crossing Taiwan Inc. 5/F-F, 168 Tun Hwa North Road Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. Memorandum February Asia Global Global Crossing Network Center $0 |
ASIA GLOBAL CURE TITLE DATE CROSSING LTD. COUNTERPARTY (W/ ADDRESS) AMOUNT -------------------------- --------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------------ of Understanding 9, 2001 Ltd., Global Access Limited Letter of Intent June 1, 2001 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. Softbank Corp. $0 Attn: President and CEO Mr. Masayoshi Son 24-1, Nihonbashi-Hakozakicho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan 103-8501 Binding Heads of Agreement May 3, 2002 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. Asia Global Crossing (Singapore) Pte Ltd. $0 Attn: General Counsel 46th Floor, Cheung Kong Center 2 Queens Road Central Hong Kong Asia Global Crossing Asia Pacific Commercial Limited Attn: General Counsel 46th Floor, Cheung Kong Center 2 Queens Road Central Hong Kong Starhub Pte Ltd. Attn: Senior Vice President - International 51 Cuppage Road #07-00, StarHub Centre Singapore (229469) copy to: Attn: General Counsel 51 Cuppage Road #07-00, StarHub Centre Singapore (229469) STT Communications Ltd. Attn: Vice President - Legal 51 Cuppage Road #10-11/17, StarHub Centre Singapore (229469) StarHub Crossing Pte Ltd. |
ASIA GLOBAL CURE TITLE DATE CROSSING LTD. COUNTERPARTY (W/ ADDRESS) AMOUNT -------------------------- --------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------------ Attn: General Counsel 46th Floor, Cheung Kong Center 2 Queens Road Central Hong Kong Letter Agreement July 2, 2001 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. PB Constructors (Asia) Ltd. $0 23/F, AIA Tower 183 Electric Road North Point, Hong Kong Sale, Assignment and March 29, 2002 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. Asia Global Crossing Asia Pacific $0 Assumption Agreement Commercial Limited Attn: General Counsel 46th Floor, Cheung Kong Center 2 Queens Road Central Hong Kong NEC Corporation Attn: Koji Takahashi 7-1, Shiba 5-chome Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8001, Japan copy to: Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison Attn: Lisa Yano Fukoku Seimei Building 2-2-2 Uchisaiwaicho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0011 Letter Agreement June 29, 2001 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. PB Constructors (Asia) Ltd. $0 Samsung Corporation Memorandum of January 24, Asia Global Crossing Ltd. Internet Research Institute, Inc. $0 Understanding 2002 Capacity Purchase August 27, Global Crossing USA, Inc., Exodus Communications, Inc. $0 Agreement 1999 as amended with Global Attn: General Counsel Crossing Bandwidth Inc. 2831 Mission College Blvd. (pursuant to Assignment and Santa Clara, CA 95054-1838 |
ASIA GLOBAL CURE TITLE DATE CROSSING LTD. COUNTERPARTY(W/ADDRESS) AMOUNT ----- ---- ------------- ----------------------- ------ Assumption Agreement dated January 30, 2001 and made between Global Crossing USA Inc. and Asia Global Crossing Limited) Commitment Agreement August 2, 2001 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. Global Switch (Property) Singapore Pte Ltd. $0 Global Switch SarL East Asia Crossing Singapore Pte Ltd. Services Agreement August 2, 2001 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. Global Switch (Property) Singapore Pte Ltd. $0 Global Switch SarL East Asia Crossing Singapore Pte Ltd. Network Agreement January 12, 2000 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. Global Crossing USA $0 (as successor in interest to Global Crossing USA Hutchison Communications Holdings Limited pursuant to the Purchase Contribution and Indemnification Agreement, dated October 5, 2000 among Global Crossing Ltd., Global Crossing USA, Microsoft Corporation, Microsoft AGC-Holdings, Inc., Softbank Corp., SBIS Corporation Pte Ltd. and Asia Global Crossing Ltd.) |
ASIA GLOBAL CURE TITLE DATE CROSSING LTD. COUNTERPARTY(W/ADDRESS) AMOUNT ----- ---- ------------- ----------------------- ------ Letter Agreement January 17, 2002 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. Hutchison Global Crossing Investments Ltd. $0 Turnkey Outside Plant March 29, 2001 Asia Global Crossing Ltd. Sumitomo Corporation $0 Network Engineering Services Contract (Philippines) |
2. Contracts Providing For Obligation to Provide Capacity or Other Services in Asia, and the Corresponding Right to Receive Payment, Assigned by Global Crossing Ltd. and its Affiliated Companies to Asia Global Crossing Ltd. Through Ordinary Course of Dealing With Asia Global Crossing Ltd.
GLOBAL CROSSING CURE TITLE DATE ENTITY COUNTERPARTY (W/ ADDRESS) AMOUNT ----- ---- -------------- ------------------------- ------ Capacity Purchase December 31, 2000 Global Crossing Bandwidth Exodus Communications, Inc. $0 Agreement Inc. Attn: General Counsel 2831 Mission College Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 95054-1838 IRU Agreement July 2, 2001 Global Crossing Services FLAG Telecom Global Network Limited $0 Europe Suite 770 48 Par-la-Ville Road Hamilton, Bermuda HM11 Bermuda Copy to: FLAG Telecom Limited 9 South Street London, England WIk2XA Purchase Agreement March 20, 2000 Global Crossing Japan KK Lucent Technologies Japan Ltd. $0 for WaveStar Metropoint OLS Capacity Purchase March 27, 2000 Global Crossing USA Inc. Softbank Corporation $0 Agreement (pursuant to |
GLOBAL CROSSING CURE TITLE DATE ENTITY COUNTERPARTY (W/ ADDRESS) AMOUNT ----- ---- -------------- ------------------------- ------ Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated March, 2000 between Global Crossing USA Inc. and Asia Global Crossing Asia Pacific Commercial Limited) Capacity Purchase October, 1999 Global Crossing USA Inc. Abovenet Communications Inc. $0 Agreement Capacity Lease March 28, 2000 Global Crossing USA Inc. AOL Japan, Inc $0 Agreement Tokyo Opera City Tower 16F, 3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuko Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo 163-1460 Japan Attn: AOL Japan President Capacity Purchase January, 2001 Global Crossing Europe Equant (Bermuda) Limited $0 Agreement Limited Capacity Purchase June 29, 2001 Global Crossing Services FLAG Telecom Global Network Limited $0 Agreement (and Europe Limited Suite 770 Supplemental Agreement 48 Par-la-Ville Road dated September 26, Hamilton, Bermuda HM11 2001) Bermuda Copy to: FLAG Telecom Limited 9 South Street London, England WIk2XA Capacity Purchase December 28, 1999 Global Crossing USA Inc., MCI Worldcom Global Networks Limited $0 Agreement Global Crossing Network Center Ltd. MFS Cableco (US) Inc. Capacity Purchase December 23, 1999 Global Crossing USA Inc. PSINetworks Inc. $0 Agreement |
EXHIBIT C
Publication Notice
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
X
In re : Chapter 11 : Case Nos. 02-_____ ASIA GLOBAL CROSSING LTD., et al., : through 02- _____ ( ) : Debtors. : (Jointly Administered) : X |
NOTICE OF AUCTION
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. On November 17, 2002, Asia Global Crossing Ltd., as debtor and debtor in possession (the "DEBTOR"), filed a motion (the "BIDDING PROCEDURES MOTION") with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the "COURT") for an order pursuant to Sections 105(a) and 363 of title 11 of the United States Code (the "BANKRUPTCY CODE") and Rules 2002, 6004 and 6006 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (A) authorizing and scheduling an auction (the "AUCTION") for the sale (the "SALE") of all or substantially all of the Debtor's assets (the "ACQUIRED ASSETS") (as described more particularly in the Sale Agreement (as defined herein)) free and clear of all claims (as defined in Section 101(5) of the Bankruptcy Code) and any other interests, liens, mortgages, pledges, security interests, rights of first refusal, obligations and encumbrances of any kind whatsoever (collectively, "ENCUMBRANCES"), (B) approving bidding and auction procedures (the "BIDDING PROCEDURES") in connection with the Auction, (C) approving (i) and authorizing and directing the Debtor to pay to Asia Netcom Corporation Limited ("ASIA NETCOM" or the "PURCHASER"), as the "stalking horse" bidder, a breakup fee (the "BREAKUP
FEE") and authorizing and directing the Debtor to reimburse Asia Netcom for certain costs, fees and expenses (the "PURCHASER FEES AND EXPENSES REIMBURSEMENT") incurred and to be incurred by Asia Netcom, as described in, and subject to the terms and conditions of, a certain Share and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2002 (the "SALE AGREEMENT") between the Debtor and Asia Netcom (a copy of the Sale Agreement is annexed as Exhibit A to the Debtor's motion, dated November 17, 2002 (the "SALE MOTION"), filed concurrently with the Bidding Procedures Motion, seeking entry of an order (the "APPROVAL ORDER") (1) approving the terms and conditions of the Sale Agreement and the transactions described therein (the "ASIA NETCOM TRANSACTION"), or, alternatively, such other definitive agreement (the "ALTERNATIVE SALE AGREEMENT"), and the related transaction (the "ALTERNATIVE SALE TRANSACTION"), between the Debtor and the Successful Bidder (as defined herein) as may constitute the highest or otherwise best offer for the Acquired Assets received at the Auction, (2) authorizing the consummation of the transactions contemplated in the Sale Agreement or the Alternative Sale Agreement, as the case may be, including, without limitation, the Sale of the Acquired Assets free and clear of all Encumbrances, and the assumption and assignment of certain executory contracts and unexpired leases (the "ASSIGNED AGC CONTRACTS") in connection therewith, and (3) determining that the Asia Netcom Transaction, or the Alternative Sale Transaction, as the case may be, is exempt, under Section 1146(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, from any stamp, transfer, recording or similar tax as a sale in anticipation of a chapter 11 plan of reorganization), (ii) the limited non-solicitation provisions set forth in Section 5.08 of the Sale Agreement (the "LIMITED NON-SOLICITATION PROVISIONS") and (iii) the termination provisions set forth in Article X of the Sale Agreement (the "TERMINATION PROVISIONS") (the Break-up Fee, the Purchaser Fees and
Expenses Reimbursement, the Limited Non-Solicitation Provisions and the Termination Provisions, collectively, the "BID PROTECTIONS"), (D) approving the procedures (the "CURE AMOUNT PROCEDURES") to determine the amounts (the "CURE AMOUNTS") necessary to cure defaults, if any, under the Assigned AGC Contracts to be assumed by the Debtor and assigned to Asia Netcom pursuant to Section 365(f) of the Bankruptcy Code, (E) approving the form, manner and scope of notice of the Auction, the Bidding Procedures, the Bid Protections, the Cure Amount Procedures, the Sale Motion, the Sale Motion Objection Deadline (as defined herein) and the ultimate hearing (the "SALE HEARING") to consider the Sale Motion, (F) setting a deadline (the "SALE MOTION OBJECTION DEADLINE") for filing objections to the Sale Motion and (G) setting a date and time for the Sale Hearing.
2. Pursuant to an order of the Court, dated December ___, 2002 (the "BIDDING PROCEDURES ORDER"), the Court approved the relief requested in the Bidding Procedures Motion. The Bidding Procedures Order, among other things, (A) approved the Bidding Procedures set forth in the Auction and Sale Hearing Notice (as defined in, and attached as Exhibit A to, the Bidding Procedures Order), the Bid Protections and the Cure Amount Procedures, (B) set the Sale Motion Objection Deadline and a date and time for the Sale Hearing and (C) authorized the Debtor, among other things, to conduct the Auction of the Acquired Assets and entertain certain competing bids (the "COMPETING BIDS") for the Acquired Assets in accordance with the Bidding Procedures. Pursuant to the Bidding Procedures Order, the Bidding Procedures shall govern all proceedings relating to, among other things, the consideration, qualification and acceptance of Competing Bids, and the Auction.
3. All interested parties are invited to submit Competing Bids in accordance with the Bidding Procedures. A copy of the Bidding Procedures Order, the Bidding Procedures, the Sale Motion and the exhibits thereto and other relevant documents and pleadings may be (a) reviewed during regular Court hours at the United States Bankruptcy Court, Records Department, Room 511, Alexander Hamilton Custom House, One Bowling Green, New York, New York 10004, (b) reviewed electronically on www.nysb.ucourts.gov, the official website for the Court, or (c) procured by contacting Jessica Basil, Esq., Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP, attorneys for the Debtor, 1633 Broadway, New York, New York 10019, in writing at the foregoing address, or by telephone at 212-506-1713, or by email at jbasil@kasowitz.com.
4. The deadline for submitting Competing Bids is January ___, 2003 at 4:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) (the "BID DEADLINE"). In order for a Competing Bid to be considered by the Debtor, such Competing Bid must be submitted by a "QUALIFIED BIDDER" (as defined in the Bidding Procedures) and otherwise satisfy the criteria for a "QUALIFIED BID" that are established by the Bidding Procedures.
5. For purposes of the Auction, the Asia Netcom Transaction embodied in the Sale Agreement shall be deemed to constitute a Qualified Bid (the "ASIA NETCOM QUALIFIED BID"). If the Debtor does not receive at least one Qualified Bid from a Qualified Bidder, other than the Asia Netcom Qualified Bid, no Auction will be conducted. The Debtor will report such failure to the Court at the time of the Sale Hearing and, subject only to final Court approval, proceed with the Sale of the Acquired Assets to Asia Netcom under the Sale Agreement.
6. If, however, the Debtor receives at least one Qualified Bid from a Qualified Bidder, other than the Asia Netcom Qualified Bid, the Debtor will conduct the Auction on January ___, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) at the offices of Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP, 1633 Broadway, New York, New York, 10019, or at such later time and at such alternative location as the Debtor may determine or the Court may direct.
7. The Sale Hearing shall be held on January ___, 2003 at __ : __
a.m. (prevailing Eastern Time), at which time the Court shall consider the
Qualified Bid selected by the Debtor as the "SUCCESSFUL BID" in accordance
with the Bidding Procedures, and the Debtor shall request the Court to
enter the Approval Order approving, among other things, the Sale of the
Acquired Assets. The Sale Hearing will be held at the United States
Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, Room ____,
Alexander Hamilton Custom House, One Bowling Green, New York, New York,
before the Honorable Judge _______________, United States Bankruptcy
Judge.
8. At the Sale Hearing, the Court will not consider any bids from entities that were not qualified to participate, or did not participate, in the Auction.
9. This Notice is qualified in its entirety by the Bidding Procedures.
Dated: December __, 2002
BY ORDER OF THE COURT.
EXHIBIT 8.02(c)
FORM OF APPROVAL ORDER
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
X
In re : Chapter 11 : Case Nos. 02-_____ ASIA GLOBAL CROSSING LTD., et al., : through 02- _____ (REG) : Debtors. : (Jointly Administered) : X |
ORDER PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 105(a), 363(b), (f) AND (m), 365 AND 1146(c) OF THE
BANKRUPTCY CODE AND FED. R. BANKR. P. 6004 AND 6006, (1) APPROVING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF AGREEMENT PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF THE DEBTOR'S ASSETS FREE AND CLEAR OF LIENS, CLAIMS, ENCUMBRANCES AND OTHER INTERESTS, (2) AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE ASSUMPTION AND ASSIGNMENT OF RELATED EXECUTORY CONTRACTS, (3) AUTHORIZING DEBTOR TO CONSUMMATE THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED IN SALE AGREEMENT AND (4) DETERMINING THAT SALE IS EXEMPT FROM STAMP TAXES UNDER SECTION 1146(c) OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE
Upon the motion dated November 17, 2002 (the "SALE MOTION")(1), of Asia Global Crossing Ltd. (the "COMPANY" or "AGCL"), as a debtor and debtor in possession (together with Asia Global Crossing Development Co., the "DEBTORS"), for an order (this "APPROVAL ORDER") pursuant to sections 105(a), 363(b), (f) and (m), 365 and 1146(c) of the title 11 of the United States Code (the "BANKRUPTCY CODE") and Rules 6004 and 6006 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the "BANKRUPTCY RULES"), (a) approving (i) the terms and conditions of a certain Share and Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of November 17, 2002 (together with any and all exhibits, schedules, appendices and attachments thereto, the "SALE AGREEMENT") between AGCL and Asia Netcom Corporation Limited ("ASIA NETCOM" or the "PURCHASER") providing for the sale (the "SALE") of substantially all of AGCL's assets (as more particularly
(1) All capitalized terms used herein, unless otherwise defined herein, shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in the Bidding Procedures Order (as defined herein) and the Auction and Sale Hearing Notice annexed to the Bidding Procedures Order as Exhibit "A."
described in the Sale Agreement, the "ACQUIRED ASSETS")(2) to Asia Netcom(3) free and clear of all claims (as defined in section 101(5) of the Bankruptcy Code) and any other interests, liens, mortgages, pledges, security interests, rights of first refusal, obligations and encumbrances of any kind whatsoever (collectively, "ENCUMBRANCES"), and (ii) the assumption and assignment by AGCL to Asia Netcom of certain executory contracts and unexpired leases (as more specifically defined in the Sale Agreement, the "ASSIGNED AGC CONTRACTS"), a copy of which Sale Agreement is annexed to the Sale Motion as Exhibit A, (b) authorizing and directing AGCL to consummate the Sale and the transactions contemplated therein, as such transactions are more fully described in the Sale Motion and the Sale Agreement and (c) determining that the Sale is exempt, under section 1146(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, from any stamp, transfer, recording or similar tax as a sale in anticipation of a chapter 11 plan of reorganization; and the Court having entered an order dated December __, 2002 (the "BIDDING PROCEDURES ORDER") (A) scheduling the Auction for the sale of the Acquired Assets free and clear of all Encumbrances, (B) approving bidding and auction procedures (the "BIDDING PROCEDURES") in connection with the Auction, (C) approving, (i) and authorizing and directing AGCL to pay to Asia Netcom, as the "stalking horse" bidder, a "breakup fee" (the "BREAK-UP FEE") and authorizing and directing AGCL to reimburse Asia Netcom for certain costs, fees and expenses (the "PURCHASER FEES AND EXPENSES REIMBURSEMENT") incurred and to be incurred by Asia Netcom in connection with the chapter 11 case, the Bermuda Case and the Sale, all as described more particularly in, and in accordance with the terms and conditions of, the Sale Agreement, (ii) the limited non-solicitation provisions set forth in Section 5.08 of the Sale Agreement (the "LIMITED NON-SOLICITATION PROVISIONS"), and (iii) the termination provisions set forth in Article X of the Sale Agreement (the "TERMINATION PROVISIONS") (the Break-up Fee, the Purchaser Fees and Expenses Reimbursement, the Limited Non-Solicitation Provisions and the Termination Provisions, collectively, the "BID PROTECTIONS"), (D) approving the procedures (the "CURE AMOUNT
(2) For purposes of this Approval Order, the term "Acquired Assets" shall refer solely to assets being sold, assigned, transferred, conveyed and delivered to the Purchaser by AGCL, and shall not include or be deemed to include any assets that AGCL is causing to be sold, assigned, transferred, conveyed and delivered to the Purchaser by any direct or indirect subsidiary of AGCL pursuant to the Sale Agreement.
(3) As set forth in Section 2.01(a) of the Sale Agreement, at the closing of the Sale of the Asia Netcom Transaction (as defined herein), AGCL "will sell assign, transfer, convey and deliver, or cause to be assigned, transferred, conveyed and delivered, to the Purchaser or to a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Purchaser ("Singapore-Sub")" the Acquired Assets. For purposes of simplification and convenience of reference, all references herein to the assignee and transferee of the Acquired Assets shall be to the Purchaser.
PROCEDURES") to determine the amounts (the "CURE AMOUNTS") necessary to cure defaults, if any, under the Assigned AGC Contracts in accordance with section 365(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, (E) approving the form, manner and scope of notice of the Auction, the Bidding Procedures, the Bid Protections, the Cure Amount Procedures, the Sale Motion, the Sale Motion Objection Deadline (as defined herein) and the ultimate hearing (the "SALE HEARING") to consider the Sale Motion, (F) setting a deadline (the "SALE MOTION OBJECTION DEADLINE") for filing objections to the Sale Motion, and (G) setting a date and time for the Sale Hearing; and the Sale Hearing having been held before this Court on January ____, 2003, at which time parties in interest were afforded an opportunity to be heard; and upon the Sale Motion and the record of the Sale Hearing and all of the proceedings had before this Court and the evidence received in connection therewith; and it appearing that an order authorizing the relief in the Sale Motion is in the best interests of AGCL, its estate and parties in interest; and after due deliberation and sufficient cause appearing therefor, it is hereby
FOUND AND DETERMINED THAT:
A. On November 17, 2002 (the "PETITION DATE") the Debtors each filed a voluntary petition for relief with this Court under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The Debtors' chapter 11 cases have been procedurally consolidated for administrative purposes. Each of the Debtors is continuing in possession of its property, and operating and managing its business, as a debtor-in-possession, pursuant to sections 1107 and 1108 of the Bankruptcy Code.
B. The Court has jurisdiction over this matter and over the property of
the Debtors and their bankruptcy estates pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Sections 1334 and
157(a). This is a core proceeding pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Section 157(b)(2)(A),
(N) and (O). The statutory predicates for the relief granted herein are sections
105(a), 363(b), 365(a), 365(b), 365(f), 365(k)and 1146(c) of the Bankruptcy
Code, Bankruptcy Rules 6004 and 6006 and the Bidding Procedures Order.
C. Findings of fact shall be construed as conclusions of law and conclusions of law shall be construed as findings of fact when appropriate.
D. Proper and timely notice of the Bidding Procedures Order, the Auction, the Bidding Procedures, the Bid Protections, the Cure Amount Procedures, the Sale Motion, the Sale Motion Objection Deadline and the Sale Hearing was provided to all parties entitled thereto in the manner and otherwise in accordance with the Bidding Procedures Order and the Bankruptcy Rules, as evidenced by the affidavits and certificates of service and publication filed with this Court. Such notice constitutes good and sufficient notice of the Bidding Procedures Order, the Auction, the Bidding Procedures, the Bid Protections, the Cure Amount Procedures, the Sale Motion, the Sale Motion Objection Deadline and the Sale Hearing in view of all relevant circumstances, and no other or further notice of the Bidding Procedures Order, the Bidding Procedures, the Bid Protections, the Auction, the Cure Amount Procedures, the Sale Motion, the Sale Motion Objection Deadline, the Sale Hearing or entry of this Approval Order is or shall be required.
E. A reasonable opportunity to object or be heard regarding the relief requested in the Sale Motion has been afforded to all interested persons and entities, including (i) the Office of the United States Trustee for the Southern District of New York (the "U.S. TRUSTEE"), (ii) the Joint Provisional Liquidators (the "JPLS") of AGCL appointed by the Supreme Court of Bermuda in the Bermuda Case, (iii) the attorneys for the Ad Hoc Committee, (iv) all non-debtor counterparties (the "ASSIGNED AGC CONTRACT COUNTERPARTIES") to the Assigned AGC Contracts, (v) any statutory committee of unsecured creditors appointed in the chapter 11 case, (vi) all parties who have delivered to Lazard Freres & Co. LLC during 2002 written expressions of interest in acquiring, or offers to acquire, the Acquired Assets, (vii) the Securities and Exchange Commission, 233 Broadway, New York, New York 10279, Attn: Regional Director, (viii) the Internal Revenue Service, 290 Broadway, New York, New York 10007, Attn: District
Director, (ix) all appropriate federal, state and local taxing authorities, (x) all known persons holding a lien on any of the Acquired Assets, (xi) counsel to Global Crossing Ltd. ("GLOBAL CROSSING"), (xii) Microsoft Corporation, (xiii) Softbank Corp., (xiv) all non-debtor parties to the Assumed Liabilities (exclusive of Liabilities of the Acquired Subsidiaries (each as defined in the Sale Agreement)) and (xv) all parties having filed in this case a notice of appearance or a request for notices pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 2002.
F. AGCL (i) has full corporate power and authority to execute the Sale Agreement and all other documents contemplated thereby, and the Sale Agreement and the Sale have been duly and validly authorized and approved by all necessary corporate action of AGCL, (ii) has all of the corporate power and authority necessary to consummate Sale and all other transactions contemplated by the Sale Agreement, (iii) has taken all corporate action necessary to authorize and approve the consummation by AGCL of the Sale and all other transactions contemplated thereby, and (iv) no consents or approvals, other than those expressly provided for in the Sale Agreement are required for AGCL to consummate the Sale.
G. The Sale, including, without limitation, the assumption and assignment to the Purchaser of the Assigned AGC Contracts, reflect the exercise of AGCL's sound business judgment consistent with its fiduciary duties.
H. Approval of the Sale Agreement, the Sale and the consummation of the
Sale is in the best interests of AGCL, its estate and parties in interest. Both
(i) good and sufficient business justification and (ii) compelling circumstances
for consummating the Sale outside of a plan of reorganization pursuant to
sections 105(a), 363(b), 365(a), 365(b), 365(f), 365(k) and 1146(c) of the
Bankruptcy Code have been established in that, among other things:
(1) Industrywide overcapacity and lagging demand have contributed to a dramatic slowdown in the sale of "indefeasible rights of use", which, historically, have been the Company's most significant source of cash proceeds from sales, thereby severely impairing the Company's liquidity.
(2) The Company's liquidity constraints were exacerbated further when, in December 2001, Global Crossing refused to honor its obligations under a $400 million subordinated standby credit facility (the "GX CREDIT FACILITY") that it had made available to AGCL in connection with AGCL's placement of $408 million principal amount of Senior Notes in October 2000.
(3) The Company, in the exercise of its sound business judgment,
has determined that, (i) due to the current slowdown affecting the
telecommunications sector, the Company lacks the ability to avail itself of the
capital markets as a means of addressing its liquidity constraints, (ii) the
Company's liquidity "runway" extends only through approximately the end of the
first quarter of 2003, rendering a stand-alone business plan infeasible, and
(iii) unless a sale to the Purchaser is concluded expeditiously as provided for
in the Sale Motion and under the Sale Agreement, the value of the Acquired
Assets may decline, and AGCL, its estate and its creditors may realize less
value for the Acquired Assets.
(4) Given these circumstances, the Purchaser is only willing to proceed to acquire the Acquired Assets if the Sale can be considered and approved by the Bankruptcy Court expeditiously. The timing of this Court's consideration and approval of the Sale is of such importance that the Purchaser could have terminated the Sale Agreement if the Bidding Procedures Order had not been entered by December 17, 2002, and the Purchaser may elect to terminate the Sale Agreement if the Approval Order is not entered by January 31, 2003.
(5) As demonstrated by the evidence presented in support of the Sale Motion and at the Sale Hearing, the Company diligently and in good faith marketed the Acquired Assets to secure the highest and best offer therefor. In addition, the Company (or its agents) mailed the Bidding Procedures Order, the Sale Motion (including the Sale Agreement) and the form of notice of the Auction and the Sale Hearing substantially in the form of Exhibit A to the Bidding Procedures Order (the "AUCTION AND SALE HEARING NOTICE") on December __, 2002 to, among other parties, each of the entities that had delivered to Lazard Freres & Co. LLC during 2002 written expressions of interest in acquiring, or offers to acquire, the Acquired Assets, and, at least seven (7) days prior to the Auction, published a notice substantially in the form of Exhibit C to the Bidding Procedures Order (the "PUBLICATION NOTICE") in the [international editions] of The Wall Street Journal and The Asian Wall Street Journal. The terms and conditions set forth in the Sale Agreement, and the transfer to the Purchaser of the Acquired Assets and the Assigned AGC Contracts pursuant thereto, represent fair and reasonable consideration and constitute the highest and best offer obtainable for the Acquired Assets.
(6) A sale of the Acquired Assets at this time to the Purchaser pursuant to section 363(b) of the Bankruptcy Code is the only viable alternative to preserve the value of the Acquired Assets and maximize AGCL's estate for the benefit of all constituencies. Delaying approval of the Sale may result in the Purchaser's termination of the Sale Agreement and result in an alternative outcome that will achieve far less value for creditors.
(7) Except as otherwise provided in this Approval Order, the assets remaining in AGCL's estate following consummation of the Sale will be distributed to AGCL's administrative and general unsecured creditors under the terms of a confirmed chapter 11 plan of reorganization.
I. The terms and conditions of the Sale Agreement are fair and
reasonable. The Purchase Price (as defined in the Sale Agreement) under the Sale
Agreement (i) represents the highest and best offer for the Acquired Assets,
(ii) is fair and reasonable, (iii) will provide a greater recovery for AGCL's
creditors than would be provided by any other practical, available alternative,
and (iv) constitutes reasonably equivalent value and fair consideration under
the Bankruptcy Code and under the laws of the United States, any state,
territory, possession, or the District of Columbia.
J. The Purchaser has provided adequate assurance of its future
performance under the Assigned AGC Contracts within the meaning of sections
365(b)(1)(C) (to the extent applicable) and 365(f)(2)(B) of the Bankruptcy Code.
K. The assumption and assignment of the Assigned AGC Contracts pursuant to the Sale Agreement are in the best interests of AGCL, its estate and its creditors.
L. The Auction was conducted without collusion and in good faith. The Sale Agreement was negotiated, proposed and entered into by the parties without collusion, in good faith, and from arm's length bargaining positions. The Purchaser is purchasing the Acquired Assets in good faith and, as such, is entitled to the protections afforded by section 363(m) of the Bankruptcy Code. Neither AGCL nor the Purchaser has engaged in any conduct that would cause or permit the Sale Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby to be avoided under section 363(n) of the Bankruptcy Code.
M. The transfer and assignment of the Acquired Assets, including, without limitation, the Assigned AGC Contracts, to the Purchaser pursuant to the Sale Agreement are or will be legal, valid and effective transfers and assignments to the Purchaser of property or rights in or to the Acquired Assets, and, except as provided in the Sale Agreement, vest or will vest the Purchaser with all right, title and interest of AGCL in and to the Acquired Assets, including the Assigned AGC Contracts, free and clear of all Encumbrances (other than the Permitted Encumbrances and the Assumed Liabilities (each as defined in the Sale Agreement)) under section 363(f) of the Bankruptcy Code.
N. Except as provided in the Sale Agreement or this Approval Order, consummation of the Sale does not and will not subject the Purchaser to any Encumbrances, existing as of the date hereof or hereafter arising, of or against the Debtors, any affiliate of AGCL, or any other person by reason of such transfer and assignment under the laws of the United States, any state, territory or possession applicable to such transactions; provided, however, that the Purchaser shall be liable to pay, perform and discharge the Assumed Liabilities as provided in the Sale Agreement.
O. The Purchaser would not have entered into the Sale Agreement and would not consummate the transactions contemplated thereby, thus adversely affecting AGCL, its estate and its creditors, if the sale of the Acquired Assets to the Purchaser were not free and clear of all Encumbrances (other than Permitted Encumbrances and the Assumed Liabilities), or if Purchaser would, or in the future could, be liable for any Encumbrances (other than Permitted Encumbrances and the Assumed Liabilities).
P. AGCL may sell the Acquired Assets free and clear of all Encumbrances
(other than Permitted Encumbrances and Assumed Liabilities) because, in each
case, one or more of the standards set forth in 11 U.S.C. Section 363(f)(1)-(5)
has been satisfied. Those holders of Encumbrances who did not object, or who
withdrew their objections, to the Sale or the Sale Motion are deemed to have
consented pursuant to 11 U.S.C. Section 363(f)(2). Those holders of Encumbrances
who did object fall within one or more of the other subsections of 11 U.S.C.
Section 363(f).
Q. The sale of the Acquired Assets to the Purchaser is a prerequisite to AGCL's ability to propose, confirm and consummate a plan of reorganization. The Sale is a sale in contemplation of a plan of reorganization and, accordingly, is a transfer pursuant to 11 U.S.C. Section 1146(c), which shall not be taxed under any law imposing a stamp tax or similar tax.
R. AGCL has demonstrated that (i) it is an exercise of its sound business judgment to assume the Assigned AGC Contracts and assign the Assigned AGC Contracts to the Purchaser in connection with the consummation of the Sale, and (ii) the assumption and assignment of the Assigned AGC Contracts is in the best interests of AGCL, its estate and its creditors. The Assigned AGC Contracts being assigned to, and the liabilities thereunder being assumed by, the Purchaser are an integral part of the Acquired Assets and, accordingly, such assignment and assumption are reasonable, enhance the value of AGCL's estate and do not constitute unfair discrimination.
S. The payment of the Cure Amounts (as set forth in the Cure Amount Procedures Notice) shall be deemed sufficient in all respects (i) to cure defaults, if any, existing prior to the date hereof under any of the Assigned AGC Contracts, within the meaning of section
365(b)(1)(A) of the Bankruptcy Code and (ii) to provide compensation or adequate assurance of compensation to any Assigned AGC Contract Counterparty for any actual pecuniary loss to such Assigned AGC Contract Counterparty resulting from a default prior to the date hereof under any of the Assigned AGC Contracts, within the meaning of section 365(b)(1)(B) of the Bankruptcy Code, and the Purchaser has provided adequate assurance of future performance of and under the Assigned AGC Contracts, within the meaning of section 365(b)(1)(C) of the Bankruptcy Code.
T. The relief requested in the Sale Motion is in the best interests of AGCL, its estate and parties in interest.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED THAT:
1. The Sale Motion is granted in its entirety, and the Sale and all other transactions contemplated under the Sale Agreement are hereby approved.
2. All objections, if any, to the Sale, the Sale Motion or the relief requested therein, or the assumption by Asia Global Crossing Ltd., and the assignment to the Purchaser, of the Assigned AGC Contracts that have not been withdrawn, waived or settled, and all reservations of rights set forth therein, are hereby overruled on the merits.
APPROVAL OF THE SALE AGREEMENT
3. The terms and conditions of the Sale Agreement and the Sale, including, without limitation, (i) the sale of the Acquired Assets to the Purchaser, (ii) the assumption by AGCL and the assignment to the Purchaser of the Assigned AGC Contracts, and (iii) the assumption by the Purchaser of the Assumed Liabilities, hereby are authorized and approved in
all respects, pursuant to sections 105(a), 363(b), 365(a), 365(b), 365(f) and 365(k) of the Bankruptcy Code.
4. Pursuant to sections 363(b) and 365(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, AGCL is hereby authorized, directed and empowered to assume fully, perform under, consummate and implement the Sale Agreement, together with any and all additional instruments and documents, including without limitation, the Ancillary Agreements (as defined in the Sale Agreement), that reasonably may be necessary or desirable to implement the Sale Agreement and consummate the Sale, and to take all further actions as may reasonably be requested by the Purchaser for the purpose of assigning, transferring, granting, conveying and conferring to the Purchaser or reducing to the Purchaser's possession any or all of the Acquired Assets, including the Assigned AGC Contracts and the Assumed Liabilities, or as may be necessary or appropriate to the performance of AGCL's obligations as contemplated by the Sale Agreement.
TRANSFER OF ACQUIRED ASSETS
5. Except as provided in the Sale Agreement, pursuant to sections 105(a) and 363(f) of the Bankruptcy Code, effective upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Sale Agreement, the Acquired Assets shall be transferred and assigned to the Purchaser free and clear of any and all Encumbrances, other than Permitted Encumbrances and the Assumed Liabilities, with all such Encumbrances to attach to the net proceeds of the Sale in the order of their priority, with the same validity, force and effect which they now have as against the Acquired Assets, all subject to the rights, claims, defenses and objections, if any, of AGCL and all interested parties with respect to such Encumbrances.
6. Except as expressly permitted or otherwise specifically provided by the Sale Agreement or this Approval Order, all persons and entities, including, but not limited to, all debt security holders, equity security holders, governmental, tax, and regulatory authorities, lenders, trade and other creditors, holding Encumbrances (other than Permitted Encumbrances and the Assumed Liabilities) against or in AGCL or the Acquired Assets (whether legal or equitable, secured or unsecured, matured or unmatured, contingent or non-contingent, senior or subordinated) arising under or out of, in connection with, or in any way relating to, AGCL, the Acquired Assets, the operation of AGCL's business prior to the Closing Date (as defined in the Sale Agreement) or the transfer of the Acquired Assets to the Purchaser, hereby are forever barred, estopped, and permanently enjoined from asserting against the Purchaser or its successors or assigns, their property, or the Acquired Assets, such persons' or entities' Encumbrances.
7. The transfer of the Acquired Assets to the Purchaser pursuant to the Sale Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and effective transfer of the Acquired Assets and shall vest
the Purchaser with all right, title, and interest of AGCL in and to all Acquired Assets free and clear of all Encumbrances (other than Permitted Encumbrances and the Assumed Liabilities).
ASSUMPTION AND ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNED AGC CONTRACTS
8. AGCL hereby is authorized, pursuant to sections 365(a), 365(b) and 365(f) of the Bankruptcy Code, to (a) assume the Assigned AGC Contracts and assign the Assigned AGC Contracts to the Purchaser, effective upon the Closing (as defined in the Sale Agreement), free and clear of any and all Encumbrances (other than Permitted Encumbrances and the Assumed Liabilities) and (b) execute and deliver to the Purchaser such documents or other instruments as may be necessary to transfer and assign to the Purchaser, and cause the Purchaser to assume, the Assigned AGC Contracts.
9. Pursuant to section 365(k) of the Bankruptcy Code, upon assignment by AGCL to the Purchaser of the Assigned AGC Contracts at the Closing, AGCL shall be relieved from any liability for any breach of such Assigned AGC Contracts occurring after such assignment.
10. The Assigned AGC Contracts shall be transferred to, and remain in full force and effect for the benefit of, the Purchaser in accordance with their respective terms, notwithstanding any provision in any such Assigned AGC Contract (including those of the type described in sections 365(f)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code) that prohibits, restricts, or conditions such assignment or transfer.
11. Pursuant to the terms of the Sale Agreement and consistent with the requirements of sections 365(b) and 365(f) of the Bankruptcy Code, AGCL is hereby authorized and directed to pay, at the Closing of the Sale, or as soon thereafter as is practicable or as
otherwise ordered by the Court, the Cure Amounts, if any, set forth in the Cure Amount Procedures Notice with respect to each Assigned AGC Contract, and upon such payment, all defaults or other obligations of AGCL under the Assigned AGC Contracts arising or accruing prior to the date of this Approval Order (without giving effect to any acceleration clauses or any default provisions of the kind specified in section 365(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code) shall be deemed in all respects cured by AGCL, and the Purchaser shall have no liability or obligation arising or accruing prior to the Closing Date, except as otherwise expressly provided in the Sale Agreement or as agreed between the Purchaser and any Assigned AGC Contract Counterparty.
12. Each Assigned AGC Contract Counterparty hereby is forever barred, estopped, and permanently enjoined from asserting against AGCL, the Purchaser, or the property of either of them, any default existing as of the date of the Sale Hearing or, against the Purchaser, any counterclaim, defense, setoff or any other claim asserted or assertable against AGCL.
13. The failure of AGCL or the Purchaser to enforce at any time one or more terms or conditions of any Assigned AGC Contract shall not be a waiver of such terms or conditions or of AGCL's and the Purchaser's rights to enforce every term and condition of the Assigned AGC Contracts.
ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
14. The consideration provided by the Purchaser for the Acquired Assets under the Sale Agreement shall be deemed to constitute reasonably equivalent value and fair consideration under the Bankruptcy Code and under the laws of the United States, any state, territory, possession, or the District of Columbia.
15. The consideration provided by the Purchaser for the Acquired Assets under the Sale Agreement is fair and reasonable and may not be avoided under section 363(n) of the Bankruptcy Code.
16. On the Closing Date, each creditor of AGCL holding an Encumbrance is authorized and directed to execute such documents and take all other actions as may be necessary to release its Encumbrances (other than Permitted Encumbrances and Assumed Liabilities) in the Acquired Assets, if any, as such Encumbrances may have been recorded or may otherwise exist.
17. This Approval Order is and shall be (a) effective as a determination that, effective on the Closing Date, (i) all Encumbrances (other than Permitted Encumbrances and the Assumed Liabilities) affecting the Acquired Assets prior to the Closing Date unconditionally have been released, discharged and terminated, and (ii) the transfer and assignment of the Acquired Assets has been effected and (b) binding upon and govern the acts of all entities, including, without limitation, all filing agents, filing officers, title agents, title companies, recorders of mortgages, recorders of deeds, registrars of deeds, registrars of patents, trademarks or other intellectual property, administrative agencies, governmental departments, secretaries of state, federal, state, and local officials, and all other persons and entities who may be required by operation of law, the duties of their office, or contract, to accept, file, register or otherwise record or release any documents or instruments, or who may be required to report or insure any title or state if title in or to any of the Acquired Assets. Each and every federal, state, and local governmental agency or department is hereby directed to accept any and all documents and instruments necessary and appropriate to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Sale Agreement.
18. If any person or entity that has filed financing statements or other documents or agreements evidencing Encumbrances in the Acquired Assets shall not have delivered to AGCL prior to the Closing, in proper form for filing and executed by the appropriate parties, termination statements, instruments of satisfaction or releases in respect of all Encumbrances (other than Permitted Encumbrances and Assumed Liabilities) which such person or entity has with respect to the Acquired Assets, AGCL hereby is authorized to execute and file such statements, instruments, releases and other documents on behalf of the person or entity with respect to the Acquired Assets.
19. All entities who are presently, or on the Closing Date may be, in possession of any of the Acquired Assets are hereby directed to surrender possession of such Acquired Assets to the Purchaser on the Closing Date.
20. Except as otherwise expressly set forth in the Sale Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements (and any and all other documents and agreements executed in connection with the Sale Agreement) and this Approval Order, the Purchaser shall not have any liability or responsibility for any obligation of, or claim against, AGCL arising under or related to the Acquired Assets. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as otherwise expressly set forth in the Sale Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements (and any and all other documents and agreements executed in connection with the Sale Agreement) and this Approval Order, the Purchaser shall not be liable for any claims against AGCL or any of its predecessors or affiliates, and the Purchaser shall not have any successor or vicarious liabilities of any kind or character whether known or unknown as of the Closing Date, now existing or hereafter arising, whether fixed or contingent, with respect to AGCL or any obligations of AGCL arising prior to the Closing Date, including, but not limited to, liabilities on account of any taxes arising, accruing,
or payable under, out of, in connection with, or in any way relating to the operation of AGCL's business prior to the Closing Date.
21. Other than with respect to Permitted Encumbrances and the Assumed Liabilities, (a) under no circumstances shall the Purchaser be deemed a successor of or to AGCL for any Encumbrance against or in AGCL or the Acquired Assets of any kind or nature whatsoever; and (b) following the Closing Date, no holder of an Encumbrance against or in AGCL or the Acquired Assets shall interfere with the Purchaser's title to or use and enjoyment of the Acquired Assets based on or related to such Encumbrance or any actions that AGCL may take in its chapter 11 case.
22. Amounts, if any, that become payable by AGCL to the Purchaser pursuant to Section 11.02 of the Sale Agreement shall constitute an administrative expense of AGCL's bankruptcy estate.
23. The Court retains jurisdiction (i) to enforce and implement the terms and provisions of the Sale Agreement, all amendments thereto authorized by this Approval Order, any waivers and consents thereunder, and of each of the agreements, documents and instruments executed in connection therewith, including, without limitation, the Ancillary Agreements, (ii) to compel delivery of the Acquired Assets to the Purchaser, (iii) to compel delivery of the Purchase Price to AGCL under the Sale Agreement, (iv) to resolve any disputes, controversies or claims arising out of or relating to the Sale Agreement and (v) to interpret, implement and enforce the provisions of this Approval Order.
24. The Purchaser is a purchaser in good faith of the Acquired Assets. Accordingly, in the absence of a stay pending appeal, if the Purchaser consummates the Asia
Netcom Transaction at any time after entry of this Approval Order, the Purchaser shall be entitled to the protections of section 363(m) of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to the Sale if this Approval Order or any authorization contained herein is reversed or modified on appeal.
25. The terms and provisions of the Sale Agreement, together with the terms and provisions of this Approval Order, shall be binding in all respects upon AGCL, the Purchaser and their respective affiliates, successors and assigns, including, without limitation, any trustee or examiner appointed in AGCL's chapter 11 case or any case under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code to which AGCL's chapter 11 case may be converted, any affected third parties, including, without limitation, the Assigned AGC Contract Counterparties and all non-debtor parties to the Assumed Liabilities, and all persons asserting a claim against or interest in AGCL's estate or any of the Acquired Assets.
26. The failure specifically to include any particular provisions of the Sale Agreement in this Approval Order shall not diminish or impair the efficacy of such provisions, it being the intent of the Court that the Sale Agreement be authorized and approved in its entirety.
27. The Sale Agreement and any related agreements, documents or other instruments, including, without limitation, the Ancillary Agreements, may be modified, amended or supplemented by the parties thereto in accordance with the terms thereof without further order of the Court, provided that any such modification, amendment or supplement has no material adverse effect on AGCL's estate or its creditors.
28. Nothing contained in any subsequent order of the Court, or in any plan of reorganization or any order of this Court confirming such plan in AGCL's chapter 11 case, shall conflict with or impair the provisions of the Sale Agreement or the terms of this Approval Order.
29. In accordance with sections 105(a) and 1146(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, the transfer of the Assets to the Purchaser is not subject to taxation under any state or local law imposing a stamp, transfer or similar tax.
30. Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rules 6004(g) and 6006(d), this Approval Order shall be effective and enforceable immediately upon entry.
Dated: New York, New York
__________, 2003
SCHEDULE 1.01(a)
ASSIGNED AGC CONTRACTS
1. Agreement, dated May 28, 2001 among PB Constructors (Asia) Ltd., Samsung Corporation (Engineering & Construction Group) and Asia Global Crossing Ltd.
2. Letter of Intent on Trade-In Proposal, dated July 12, 2002, from Cisco Systems Inc. to Asia Global Crossing.
3. Payment Deferral Loan Agreement dated March 29, 2002 by and among NEC Corporation, East Asia Crossing Ltd. and Asia Global Crossing Ltd. ("NEC PDA").
4. Amendment No. 1 dated May 14, 2002 to NEC PDA.
5. Payment Deferral Option Agreement dated March 25, 2002 by and between Asia Global Crossing Ltd., East Asia Crossing Ltd. and KDDI Submarine Cable Systems Inc "KDDI PDA").
6. Amendment No. 1 dated May 14, 2002 to KDDI PDA.
7. Master Services Agreement dated August 27, 2001 between Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and NTT Communications Corporation.
8. Collateral Agency Agreement dated May 15, 2002 among Asia Global Crossing Ltd., East Asia Crossing Ltd., DB Trustees (Hong Kong) Limited (as successor to The Bank of New York), KDDI Submarine Cable Systems Inc. and NEC Corporation.
9. Intercreditor Agreement dated May 14, 2002 among Asia Global Crossing Ltd., East Asia Crossing Ltd., DB Trustees (Hong Kong) Limited (as successor to The Bank of New York London Branch), KDDI Submarine Cable Systems Inc. and NEC Corporation.
10. Side Letter dated May 15, 2002 among NEC Corporation, Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and East Asia Crossing Ltd. re Payment Deferral Agreement dated 3/29/2002.
11. Amendment No. 2 to NEC PDA.
12. Amendment No. 2 to KDDI PDA.
13. Share Charge dated May 14, 2002 between Asia Global Crossing Ltd., The Bank of New York London Branch, KDDI Submarine Cable Systems Inc. and NEC Corporation.
14. Right of First Refusal/Right of First Negotiation dated March 29, 2002 among NEC Corporation, Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and East Asia Crossing Ltd.
15. Exchange Agreement dated April 23, 2002 by and among Asia Global Crossing, Ltd., GCT Pacific Holdings, Ltd., Pacific Crossing Holdings Ltd., Vectant, Inc. and Global Access Limited.
16. Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement, dated December 20, 2000 between Asia Global Crossing Ltd., Internet Research Institute, Inc. and Softbank Corp.
17. Amended and Restated Operation and Landing Agreement, dated 2001, by and among Asia Global Crossing Japan KK, Asia Global Crossing Taiwan Inc. and Asia Global Crossing Ltd.
18. Amended and Restated Operation and Landing Agreement, dated 2001, by and among Asia Global Crossing Hong Kong Limited, DACOM Crossing Corporation, Asia Global Crossing Taiwan Inc. and Asia Global Crossing Ltd.
19. Memorandum of Understanding, dated February 9, 2001, by and between Global Crossing Network Center Ltd., Global Access Limited and Asia Global Crossing Ltd. re: Ajigaura and Shima Cable Stations.
20. Letter of Intent, dated June 1, 2001, by and between Softbank Corp and Asia Global Crossing Limited re: Purchase of IP Transit Service.
21. Binding Heads of Agreement dated May 3, 2002 among Asia Global Crossing Ltd., Asia Global Crossing (Singapore) Pte Ltd., Asia Global Crossing Asia Pacific Commercial Limited, Starhub Pte Ltd., STT Communications Ltd. and StarHub Crossing Pte Ltd.
22. Letter Agreement dated July 2, 2001 between PB Contructors (Asia) Ltd. and Asia Global Crossing Ltd.
23. Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated March 29, 2002 by and among NEC Corporation, Asia Global Crossing Asia Pacific Commercial Limited and Asia Global Crossing Ltd.
24. Letter Agreement dated June 29, 2001 among Asia Global Crossing Ltd., PB Constructors (Asia) Ltd. and Samsung Corporation.
25. Memorandum of Understanding, dated January 24, 2002, between Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and Internet Research Institute, Inc. re: Buy-Out of Shareholders Agreement between Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and Internet Research Institute, Inc.
26. Capacity Purchase Agreement dated August 27, 1999 between Global Crossing USA, Inc. and Exodus Communications, Inc. (pursuant to Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated January 30, 2001 and made between Global Crossing USA Inc. and Asia Global Crossing Limited).
27. Commitment Agreement dated August 2, 2001 between Global Switch (Property) Singapore Pte Ltd., Global Switch SarL, East Asia Crossing Singapore Pte Ltd and Asia Global Crossing Ltd. re Building, 2 Tai Seng Avenue, Singapore 534408.
28. Services Agreement dated August 2, 2001 between Global Switch (Property) Singapore Pte Ltd., East Asia Crossing Singapore Pte Ltd., Global Switch SarL and Asia Global Crossing Ltd.
29. Network Agreement dated January 12, 2000 among Global Crossing USA, Hutchison Communications Holdings Limited and Asia Global Crossing Ltd. as successor in interest to Global Crossing USA (pursuant to the Purchase, Contribution and Indemnification Agreement dated October 5, 2000 among Global Crossing Ltd., Global Crossing USA, Microsoft Corporation, Microsoft AGC-Holdings, Inc., Softbank Corp., SBIS Corporation Pte Ltd. and Asia Global Crossing Ltd.).
30. Letter Agreement dated January 17, 2002 between Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and Hutchison Global Crossing Investments Ltd. re deductions from outstanding Capacity Credit.
31. Turnkey Outside Plant Network Engineering Services Contract (Philippines) dated March 29, 2001 between Sumitomo Corporation and Asia Global Crossing Ltd.
32. Obligations to provide capacity or other services in Asia and the corresponding right to receive payment under the agreements listed below were assigned to Asia Global Crossing Ltd. by the Global Crossing Entities which are parties to these agreements as part of the ordinary course of dealings between Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and the Global Crossing Entities:
a. IRU Agreement, dated July 2, 2001, by and between Global Crossing Services Europe Limited and FLAG Telecom Global Network Limited;
b. Purchase Agreement for WaveStar Metropoint OLS, dated March 20, 2000, by and between Global Crossing Japan KK and Lucent Technologies Japan Ltd.;
c. Capacity Purchase Agreement dated March 27, 2000 between Global Crossing USA Inc. and Softbank Corporation (pursuant to Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated March (undated), 2000 between Global Crossing USA Inc. and Asia Global Crossing Asia Pacific Commercial Limited);
d. Capacity Purchase Agreement dated October (undated), 1999 between Global Crossing USA, Inc. and Abovenet Communications Inc.;
e. Capacity Lease Agreement dated March 28, 2000 between Global Crossing USA, Inc. and AOL Japan, Inc.;
f. Capacity Purchase Agreement, dated January 2001, by and between Global Crossing Europe Limited and Equant (Bermuda) Limited relating to capacity on the EAC1 System;
g. Capacity Purchase Agreement, dated June 29, 2001, by and between Global Crossing Services Europe Limited and FLAG Telecom Global Network Limited and Supplemental Agreement dated September 26, 2001;
h. Capacity Purchase Agreement, dated December 28, 1999, among Global Crossing USA Inc., Global Crossing Network Center Ltd., MCI Worldcom Global Networks Limited, and MFS Cableco (US) Inc.;
i. Capacity Purchase Agreement, dated December 23, 1999, by and between Global Crossing USA Inc. and PSINetworks Inc.; and
j. Capacity Purchase Agreement dated September 28, 2000 as amended December 31, 2000 and made between Global Crossing Bandwidth Inc and Exodus Communications Inc.
SCHEDULE 1.01(b)
ASSIGNED NON-AGC CONTRACTS
1. Distribution, Support and License Agreement dated May 25, 2001 between AGCDC and OpenReach Inc.
2. Share Charge dated May 14, 2002 between GCT Pacific Holdings Ltd., The Bank of New York London Branch, KDDI Submarine Cable Systems Inc. and NEC Corporation.
SCHEDULE 1.01(c)
KNOWLEDGE OF THE SELLER
Bill Barney Jack Scanlon Stefan Riesenfeld Chian Feng Charlie Carroll Chris Staples David Milroy Yvonne Tsui Vinod Kumar Jason Yeates Wilfred Kwan Wendy Hsieh Greg Freiberg Ivy Fung Mark Simpson J.J. Song Paul Crosio Tomoo Okada Gareth Hayward Thomas Tai Claes Segelberg Lily Zhang Genius Wong John Hills Hideo Ishii Masato Kataoka Richard Sykes Monte Baier Martin Stone Celina Teh |
SCHEDULE 2.01(a)
ACQUIRED ASSETS
1. The Shares described in Attachment A.
2. The Seller's right, title and interest in, to and under the following contracts and agreements, to the extent the same are entered into by the Seller with Global Crossing prior to the Closing and are reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser:
(i) Transition Agreement;
(ii) Ongoing Support Services Agreement;
(iii) Operational Interface Agreement;
(iv) GC Product Supply Agreement; and
(v) AGC Product Supply Agreement.
3. All insurance policies held by the Seller as set forth in Section 2.36 of the Disclosure Schedule, except the insurance policies which are Excluded Assets.
4. In addition to the foregoing,
(i) the Business as a going concern;
(ii) all books of account, general, financial, tax and personnel records, invoices, shipping records, supplier lists, correspondence and other documents, records and files and any rights thereto owned, associated with or employed by the Seller in connection with the Business (other than as exclusively relate to the Excluded Assets or Excluded Liabilities) other than organization documents, minute books, share registers or stock record books, and the corporate seal of the Seller;
(iii) the goodwill of the Seller relating to the Business;
(iv) all the Seller's right, title and interest in, to and under the Seller Intellectual Property, copies and tangible embodiments thereof in whatever form or medium, and all rights to sue and recover damages for past, present and future infringement, dilution, misappropriation, violation, unlawful imitation or breach thereof;
(v) all claims, causes of action, choses in action, rights of recovery and rights of setoff of any kind (including rights to insurance proceeds and rights under and pursuant to all warranties, representations and guarantees made by suppliers of products, materials, or equipment, or components thereof), related to the Business (other than any of the foregoing that are solely related to the Excluded Assets or Excluded Liabilities) pertaining to, arising out of and inuring to the benefit of the Seller;
(vi) all rights of the Seller under all contracts, licenses, sublicenses, agreements, leases, commitments, and sales and purchase orders, and under all bids and offers (to the extent such offers are transferable) related to the Business (other than those solely related to the Excluded Assets or the Excluded Liabilities);
(vii) all of the Seller's right, title and interest on the Closing Date in, to and under all amounts receivable from third parties, other assets, rights and claims of every kind and nature used or intended to be used in the operation of, or residing with, the Business (except to the extent related to the Excluded Assets, including without limitation the proofs of claim evidencing accounts receivable described in the following sub-paragraph (viii), and Excluded Liabilities);
(viii) all of the Seller's right, title and interest in, to and under all outstanding and unsettled proofs of claim filed on or before October 25, 2002 by the Seller against Global Crossing Entities in connection with their chapter 11 cases pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, excluding, however, those proofs of claim evidencing accounts receivable owed by Global Crossing Entities to the Seller and its Subsidiaries as of October 25, 2002;
(ix) all the Seller's right, title and interest in, to and under the Revolving Loan Agreement dated July 17, 2001 between the Seller and AGC Hungary Holdings Property Management Limited Liability Company; and
(x) all the Seller's right, title and interest in, to and under the Loan Agreement dated July 10, 2001 between the Seller and DACOM Corporation and the Drawdown Request dated August 8, 2001 from DACOM Corporation to the Seller.
5. All right, title and interest of the Seller in and to the Assigned AGC Contracts.
6. All right, title and interest of the Excluded Subsidiaries in and to the Assigned Non-AGC Contracts.
ATTACHMENT A
SHARES AND ACQUIRED SUBSIDIARIES
Acquired Subsidiary Shares Indirect Interest ------------------- ------ ----------------- IXnet Telecommunications Japan KK (Japan) [3412] 2,000 shares par value 50,000 yen/share IXnet Korea Limited (Korea) [3408] 882,000 common shares par value 5,000 won/share Asia Global Crossing Asia Pacific Limited (Hong Kong) 2 shares par value [3112/3113] HK$1.00/share Asia Global Crossing Asia Pacific Commercial Limited (Hong 2 shares par value Kong) [3114] HK$1.00/share Global Crossing Japan Corporation (Japan) [3108] 2,000 shares Asia Global Crossing Ireland Limited (Ireland) [3126] 2 shares par value (euro) 1.00/share Mebane Limited (Hong Kong) (to be renamed Asia Global 2 shares par value Crossing Holdings (HK) Limited) HK$1.00/share (1 share held by Trucidator Services (Hong Kong) Limited in trust for AGC) East Asia Crossing Taiwan Inc. (Taiwan) [3512/3513] 48,211,950 common shares (100% share interest) held by Mebane Limited (Hong Kong). Acquisition through Mebane Limited (Hong Kong) |
Asia Global Crossing Taiwan Inc. (Taiwan) (JV) [3122] 28,800,000 common shares, 19,200,000 preferred shares (60% share interest) held by East Asia Crossing Taiwan Inc. (Taiwan). Acquisition through Mebane Limited (Hong Kong) Broadband Tower (Japan) 2,036 shares Asia Global Crossing Japan Corporation (Japan) [3118] 200 shares Asia Global Crossing Hong Kong (Hong Kong) [3504/3505] 2 shares par value HK$1.00/share Saturn Global Network Services Holdings Limited (UK) [1308] 507,097 shares par Bhd shares value 1.00/share To be dissolved upon completion of transfer of AGC Sdn Asia Global Crossing Sdn Bhd. (Malaysia) 2 shares par value RM1.00/share (100% Note that shares will be transferred to AGC. share interest)held by Saturn Global Network Services Holdings Limited (UK). Acquisition through Saturn Global Network Services Holdings Limited (UK). IXnet Taiwan Ltd. (Taiwan) [3418] 500,000 common shares (100% share interest) held by Mebane Limited (Hong Kong). Acquisition through Mebane Limited (Hong Kong). |
Asia Global Crossing Australia Pty Limited (Australia) [3800] 100,000 shares par value A$1.00/share 87,573 shares par value A$600.00/share (100% share interest) held by EAC UK Holdings Limited. Acquisition through Eat Asia Crossing Limited (Bermuda). Ixnet Hong Kong (Hong Kong) [3406] 1 share par value 414,110,130 shares par value HK$1.00/share HK $1.00/share (99.99% share interest) held by East Asia Crossing Limited (Bermuda). Acquisition through East Asia Crossing Limited (Bermuda). East Asia Crossing Limited (Bermuda) [3500] 1,200,000 shares par value US$0.01/share East Asia Crossing 2 Ltd. (Bermuda) [3501] 1,200,000 shares par value US$0.01/share (100% share interest) held by East Asia Crossing Limited (Bermuda). Acquisition through East Asia Crossing Limited (Bermuda) EAC UK Holdings Limited (UK) [3502] 2 shares par value $1.00/share through (100% share interest) held by East Asia Crossing Limited (Bermuda). Acquisition through East Asia Crossing Limited (Bermuda). |
EAC Japan Limited (Japan) (Yugen Kaisha EAC Japan) [3506] 60 units (100% share interest) held by EAC UK Holdings Limited. Acquisition through East Asia Crossing Limited (Bermuda). East Asia Crossing Korea (Korea) [3510/3511] 58,000 shares par value 50,000 won/share (100% share interest) held by EAC UK Holdings Limited. Acquisition through East Asia Crossing Limited (Bermuda) Asia Global Crossing (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (Singapore) 2 ordinary shares par value [3508/3509] (100% share interest) S$1.00/share held by EAC UK Holdings Limited. Acquisition through East Asia Crossing Limited (Bermuda). Asia Global Crossing Services (S) Pte. Ltd. (Singapore) 13,975,691 shares par value [3402] S$1.00/share (100% share interest) held by EAC UK Holdings Limited. Acquisition through East Asia Crossing Limited (Bermuda). East Asia Crossing Philippines, Inc. (Philippines) 500,000 shares (100% share [3514/3515] interest) held by EAC UK Holdings Limited. Acquisition through East Asia Crossing Limited (Bermuda). Ixnet Japan K.K. (Japan) [3404] 2,600 shares |
IPC Information Systems Asia Pacific Limited (Hong Kong) 1 share par value 999 shares par value [3708] HK$1.00/share HK$1.00/share (99.9% share interest) held by Ixnet Hong Kong (Hong Kong). Acquisition through East Asia Crossing Limited (Bermuda). DACOM Crossing Corporation (Korea) (JV) 3,257,618 shares par value 5,000 won/share (49% share interest) held by EAC UK Holdings Limited. Acquisition through East Asia Crossing Limited (Bermuda) Philippines Crossing Land Corporation (Philippines) (JV) 200,000 shares par value 1 peso/share (40% share interest) held by East Asia Crossing Philippines, Inc. (Philippines). Acquisition through East Asia Crossing Limited (Bermuda). Digitel Crossing Inc. (Philippines) (JV) 40,000,000 (40% share interest) held by East Asia Crossing Philippines, Inc. (Philippines). Acquisition through East Asia Crossing Limited (Bermuda) 20,000,000 (20% share interest) held by Philippines Crossing Landing Corporation. Acquisition through East Asia Crossing Limited (Bermuda). |
Southeast Asia Crossing (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (Singapore) 2,356,780 shares par value S$1.00/share (100% share interest) held by Asia Global Crossing (Singapore) Ptd. Ltd. (Singapore). Acquisition through East Asia Crossing Limited (Bermuda). Digital United, Inc. (Taiwan) 6,944,445 shares (4.25% share interest) held by East Asia Crossing Taiwan, Inc. (Taiwan). Acquisition through Mebane Limited Hong Kong). Finance Co Direct or Indirect Ownership of AGC |
SCHEDULE 2.01(b)
EXCLUDED ASSETS
1. Direct shareholding interest in Asia Global Crossing Holdings China Limited (Bermuda) [3130];
2. Direct shareholding interest in EAP Limited (Bermuda) [no reference number];
3. Direct shareholding interest in Asia Global Crossing Development Co (Delaware, US) [3110];
4. Indirect shareholding interest in AGC Bandwidth USA, Inc. (Delaware, US)
[3128];
5. Direct shareholding interest in Pacific Crossing Holdings Limited (Bermuda) [3100];
6. Direct shareholding interest in GCT Pacific Holdings Limited (Bermuda)
[3102] and indirect shareholding interests in SCS (Bermuda) Limited
(Bermuda) [3300], Pacific Crossing Limited (Bermuda) [3210], Pacific
Crossing UK Limited (UK) [3212], PC Landing Corporation (US) [3220] and
PCL Japan Limited (Japan) [3222];
7. Indirect shareholding interest in East Asia Crossing 1 Limited (Bermuda)
[no reference number];
8. Direct shareholding interest in GlobalCenter Japan Holdings Limited (Bermuda) [3568];
9. Direct 99% shareholding interest and GCT Pacific Holdings Limited's 1% direct shareholding interest in Bazisco Limited (Cyprus) [3115];
10. Indirect shareholding interest in AGC Hungary Holdings Limited (Hungary)
[3116];
11. The Seller's rights under this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements, the guarantee delivered by CNC pursuant to Section 4.04(a) of this Agreement, the Confidentiality Agreement and the releases of the Seller under amendments to the Vendor Contracts referred to in Section 7.02(f) of this Agreement;
12. All GC Policies and all directors and officers insurance policies held by the Seller; and
13. All right, title and interest of the Seller and its Subsidiaries in and to any claims, causes of action, choses in action, rights of recovery and rights of setoff of any kind or nature against directors, officers, shareholders, consultants (including attorneys and accountants) and other agents of the Seller and the Subsidiaries (other than, in the case of the Acquired Subsidiaries, any of the foregoing arising from the fraud or willful misconduct of any such Persons).
SCHEDULE 2.02(a)
ASSUMED LIABILITIES
1. The Seller's obligations under the following contracts and agreements to the extent they are Acquired Assets:
(i) Transition Agreement;
(ii) Ongoing Support Services Agreement;
(iii) Operational Interface Agreement;
(iv) GC Product Supply Agreement; and
(v) AGC Product Supply Agreement.
2. The Seller's liabilities under the Assigned AGC Contracts.
3. The Excluded Subsidiaries' liabilities under the Assigned Non-AGC Contracts.
4. The Seller's obligations and liabilities to Microelectronics Technologies Inc. ("MTI") under the Amended and Restated Joint Venture Agreement dated as of December 12, 2000, by and between the Seller and MTI.
5. The Seller's liabilities under all contracts referred to in Schedule
2.01(a) (Acquired Assets).
6. The Seller's obligations under the following agreements:
(i) Guarantee dated January 19, 2001 by Asia Global Crossing Ltd. in favor of Millennium Telecom Inc.;
(ii) Guarantee dated August 16, 2001 between MCI Worldcom Asia Pacific Limited, MCI Worldcom Japan Limited and Asia Global Crossing Limited;
(iii) Letter Agreement of guaranty dated March 27, 2001 from Asia Global Crossing Ltd. to Dacom Corporation re Joint Venture Agreement dated January 30, 2001 between DACOM Corporation and Asia Global Crossing Limited;
(iv) Parent Company Guaranty dated October 5, 2001 by Asia Global Crossing Ltd. to Primus Telecommunications KK;
(v) Guarantee pursuant to Assignment and Assumption Agreement between Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and East Asia Crossing Taiwan Inc.;
(vi) Guarantee pursuant to Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated January 1, 2000 between Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and East Asia Crossing Philippines Inc.; and
(vii) Letter Agreement, dated December 12, 2000, by and between Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and MTI.
SCHEDULE 2.02(b)
EXCLUDED LIABILITIES
1. All costs and expenses incurred by the Seller in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including, but not limited to, all expenses related to the Chapter 11 Case and the Bermuda Case.
2. GC Payables of the Seller and the Excluded Subsidiaries.
3. The following contracts and agreements:
1. Network Services, Marketing and Cooperation Agreement dated September 28, 2000 between Exodus Communications, Inc. and Asia Global Crossing Ltd.;
2. Project Coordination Agreement dated May 24, 2001 between DACOM Corporation and Asia Global Crossing Ltd.;
3. Services Agreement dated January 12, 2000 among Hutchison Whampoa Limited, Hutchison Communications Limited and Asia Global Crossing Ltd. as successor in interest to Global Crossing USA (pursuant to the Purchase, Contribution and Indemnification Agreement dated October 5, 2000 among Global Crossing Ltd., Global Crossing USA, Microsoft Corporation, Microsoft AGC-Holdings, Inc., Softbank Corp., SBIS Corporation Pte Ltd. and Asia Global Crossing Ltd.);
4. Termination Agreement dated January 11, 2002 between John J.
Legere and Asia Global Crossing Ltd.;
5. Guaranty dated March 30, 2001 by Asia Global Crossing Ltd. in favor of 360Networks (Holdings) Ltd. and 360Pacific (Bermuda) Ltd.;
6. Indenture dated October 12, 2000 between Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and Bank of New York as successor to United States Trust Company of New York;
7. Joint Venture Agreement dated September 28, 2000 Relating To Exodus Asia-Pacific Ltd. between Exodus Communications, Inc., Exodus Asia-Pacific Ltd. and Asia Global Crossing, Ltd.;
8. Subscription and Shareholders Agreement dated October 12, 2000 among Global Crossing Ltd., SoftBank Corp., Microsoft Corporation and Asia Global Crossing Ltd., as amended on July 10, 2001;
9. Non-Competition Agreement dated July 10, 2001 between Global Crossing Ltd. and Asia Global Crossing Ltd.;
10. Project Management Agreement dated September 15, 2000 between Asia Global Crossing, Ltd. and Global Crossing Development Co.;
11. Purchase Agreement dated November 16, 2001 among Global Crossing Ltd., Asia Global Crossing Ltd., Global Crossing North America Holdings Inc., Saturn Global Network Services Holdings Limited, IXnet Hong Kong Ltd. and Asia Global Crossing (Singapore) Pte Ltd., as Sellers, and GS Capital Partners 2000, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 Offshore, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 GmbH & Co. Beteiligungs KG, Bridge Street Special Opportunities Fund 2000, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 Employee Fund, L.P., Stone Street Fund 2000, L.P. and GS IPC Acquisition Corp., as Buyer;
12. Amendment dated December 20, 2001 to the Purchase Agreement dated November 16, 2001 among Global Crossing Ltd., Asia Global Crossing Ltd., Global Crossing North America Holdings Inc., Saturn Global Network Services Holdings Limited, IXnet Hong Kong Ltd. and Asia Global Crossing (Singapore) Pte Ltd., as Sellers, and GS Capital Partners 2000, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 Offshore, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 GmbH & Co. Beteiligungs KG, Bridge Street Special Opportunities Fund 2000, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 Employee Fund, L.P., Stone Street Fund 2000, L.P. and GS IPC Acquisition Corp., as Buyer;
13. Registration Rights Agreement dated November 24, 1999 among Global Crossing Ltd., Softbank Corp., Microsoft Corporation, Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.;
14. Shared Services and Operating Agreement dated September 15, 2000 between Global Crossing Ltd. and Asia Global Crossing Ltd.;
15. Stock Purchase Agreement dated July 10, 2001 among Global Crossing Ltd., Ixnet, Inc., International Exchange Networks, Ltd. and Asia Global Crossing Ltd.;
16. Deed of Counter-Indemnity dated May 8, 2002 between Hutchison Telecommunications Limited and Asia Global Crossing Ltd.;
17. Master Joint Venture Agreement, dated May 31, 2000, by and between Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and GlobalCenter Inc.;
18. Memorandum of Understanding dated November 1, 2001 between China United Telecommunications Corporation and Asia Global Crossing Ltd.;
19. Registration Rights Agreement dated October 12, 2000 by and among Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and Chase Securities Inc., Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co., Salomon Smith Barney Inc., ABN AMRO Incorporated, Barclays Capital Inc.;
20. Shareholder Agreement Waiver and Termination Agreement dated April 24, 2002 among Vectant, Inc., GCT Pacific Holdings, Ltd., SCS Pacific (Bermuda) Ltd. and Pacific Crossing Ltd.;
21. Strategic Investment Agreement dated October 7, 2000 between Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and Heroway Developments Inc.;
22. Strategic Investment Agreement dated October 7, 2000 between Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and Sasson International Holdings, Inc.;
23. Strategic Investment Agreement dated October 7, 2000 between Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and STT Ventures Ltd.;
24. Strategic Investment Agreement dated October 7, 2000 between Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and Taicom Capital Ltd.;
25. Voting Agreement dated October 7, 2000 between Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and Heroway Developments Inc.;
26. Voting Agreement dated October 7, 2000 between Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and Sasson International Holdings, Inc.;
27. Voting Agreement dated October 7, 2000 between Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and STT Ventures Ltd.;
28. Voting Agreement dated October 7, 2000 between Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and Taicom Capital Ltd.;
29. $200 million Subordinated Note - A dated October 12, 2000 made by Asia Global Crossing Ltd. for the benefit of Global Crossing Holdings Ltd.;
30. $200 million Subordinated Note - B dated October 12, 2000 made by Asia Global Crossing Ltd. for the benefit of Global Crossing Holdings Ltd.;
31. Cooperation Agreement dated May 8, 2002 among Hutchison Telecommunications Limited, Asia Global Crossing Ltd., Hutchison Global Crossing Holdings Limited, ESD Investments One Limited and Hazelwood Green Limited; and
32. Share and Loan Purchase Agreement dated April 29, 2002 between Asia Global Crossing Ltd. and Hutchison Telecommunications Limited.
SCHEDULE 5.06(b)
REQUIRED CONTRACTUAL CONSENTS
1. Consent from MTI prior to transfer of shares of East Asia Crossing Taiwan Inc. under the Amended and Restated Joint Venture Agreement dated as of December 12, 2000.
EXHIBIT 10.28
Execution Version
SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
THIS SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of December 2, 2003, by and among Newbridge Asia Netcom (Cayman) Holdings ("Seller"), China Netcom Corporation International Limited ("CNCIL"), Asia Netcom Corporation Limited ("ANC") and China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited ("Buyer").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Seller, CNCIL and the Buyer are parties to a shareholders agreement, dated as of March 12, 2003, by and among the Buyer, CNCIL, Seller, SB Asia Infrastructure Fund L.P. and ANC (the "Shareholders Agreement");
WHEREAS, the Seller owns 29,400,000 common shares of ANC;
WHEREAS, the Seller desires to sell to the Buyer, and the Buyer desires to purchase from the Seller, all of the common shares of ANC held by Seller on the terms and conditions set forth herein;
WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to terminate the Shareholders Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Shareholders Agreement.
2. Purchase and Sale of Shares. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, on the date thirty (30) business days after the date hereof (the "Closing Date"), the Buyer shall purchase from the Seller and the Seller shall sell to the Buyer, free and clear of any Encumbrance, 29,400,000 common shares of ANC. At the Closing, the Buyer shall pay the Seller the Purchase Price. The Purchase Price payable to the Seller shall be an amount in U.S. Dollars equal to (x) the sum of US$29,400,000, plus the amount of all fees and out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Seller in connection with the initial acquisition by the Seller of its common shares of ANC (including such fees and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation of the Shareholders Agreement), the Acquisition (including the Taiwan STAR Trust arrangements and all such fees and expenses incurred in connection with investigating and negotiating other potential investments for ANC) and the monitoring and management of its investment in ANC plus (y) the product of (i) eight percent (8%) of the amount calculated in (x), multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days elapsed from (and including) March 27, 2003 to (but excluding) the Closing Date, and the denominator of which is 365. Payment of the total amount of the Purchase Price shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an
account specified by Seller in writing without withholding, set-off or deduction of any kind whatsoever.
3. Closing. The closing of the purchase and sale hereunder (the "Closing") shall be held on the Closing Date at the offices of Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton, 39th Floor, Bank of China Tower, One Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong.
4. Representations and Warranties. Each of the parties hereto severally, but not jointly, represents and warrants to each other party to this Agreement as follows:
(a) Organization and Authority. It is duly incorporated or organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization and has all necessary power and authority to enter into this Agreement, to carry out its obligations hereunder and to perform the actions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by it, the performance by it of its obligations hereunder and the performance by it of the actions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all requisite action on its part. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by it, and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties signatory hereto) this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.
(b) No Conflict; No Consents. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by it does not and will not (a) violate, conflict with or result in the breach of any provision of its charter or by-laws (or similar organizational documents), (b) conflict with, violate or require any consent under any Law applicable to such party or any of its assets, properties or businesses or (c) conflict with, result in any breach of, constitute a default (or event which with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would become a default) under, require any consent under, or give to others any rights pursuant to, any contract, agreement or arrangement by which such party is bound, except to the extent that any conflict under (b) or (c) above would not prevent or materially hinder the performance of the actions contemplated by this Agreement.
5. Representations and Warranties in respect of the Shares. The Seller represents and warrants to the Buyer that it has good and marketable title to, and is the lawful record and beneficial owner of the shares of ANC it is transferring to the Buyer.
6. Reasonable Best Efforts. Each of the parties hereto agrees to use its reasonable best efforts promptly to take or cause to be taken all actions and promptly to do or cause to be done all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Law to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
7. CNC Group IPO. Buyer shall use its reasonable best efforts to provide the Seller with the opportunity to purchase shares in CNC Group prior to its initial public offering.
8. Hanaro Option. Newbridge agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to cause an option, on terms mutually satisfactory to Buyer and Newbridge, to be granted to Buyer or its affiliates/successors with respect to interests in Hanaro Telecom Limited.
9. Termination of the Shareholders Agreement; Resignation of Directors. Each of the Seller, the Buyer and CNCIL hereby agree that the Shareholders Agreement shall be terminated as of the Closing. Seller shall cause Lee Daniels to resign from the board of directors of ANC, effective immediately after the Closing.
10. Termination of this Agreement. If the Closing has not occurred prior to January 31, 2004, this Agreement may be terminated by Seller or Buyer on any date thereafter by delivering written notice to each of the other parties hereto; provided, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this paragraph 10 shall not be available to any party whose failure to fulfill in a timely manner any of its obligations hereunder or failure to satisfy any condition to Closing hereunder, has been the cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Closing to occur on or before such date.
11. Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the Share Transfer Form annexed hereto) and any collateral agreements executed in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby contain the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the transfer of the shares of ANC to the Buyer and supersede all prior agreements, written or oral, with respect thereto.
12. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
13. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, United States of America. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each party hereto irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of any federal or state court in the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York, County and State of New York, United States of America, in any suit or proceeding based on or arising under this Agreement, and irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of such suit or proceeding may be determined in any such court. Each party hereto, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, irrevocably and fully waives the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such suit or proceeding and Buyer and Seller each hereby irrevocably designate and appoint CT Corporation System located at 1633 Broadway, New York, New York 10019 (the "Process Agent"), as its authorized agent upon whom process may be served in any such suit or proceeding. Buyer and Seller shall notify the Process Agent of such designation and appointment and the Process Agent shall accept the same in writing within five (5) days after the date hereof. Buyer and Seller each hereby irrevocably authorize and direct the Process Agent to accept such service. Each party hereto agrees that a final action in any such suit or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other lawful manner.
14. Specific Performance. The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event any provision of this Agreement was not performed in accordance with the terms hereof and that the parties hereto shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, in addition to any other remedy at law or in equity.
15. Public Announcements. Except as required by Law or by the requirements of any securities exchange on which the securities of a party hereto are listed, no party to this Agreement shall make, or cause to be made, any press release or public announcement in respect of this Agreement or otherwise communicate with any news media without the prior written consent of the other parties, and the parties shall cooperate as to the timing and contents of any such press release or public announcement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Share Purchase Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first written above.
NEWBRIDGE ASIA NETCOM
(CAYMAN) HOLDINGS
By ____________________________________
Name:
Title:
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION
(HONG KONG) LIMITED
By_____________________________________
Name:
Title:
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION
INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
By ____________________________________
Name:
Title:
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION
LIMITED
By ____________________________________
Name:
Title:
SHARE TRANSFER FORM
FOR VALUE RECEIVED
NEWBRIDGE ASIA NETCOM (CAYMAN) HOLDINGS (the "Transferor")
HEREBY SELL AND ASSIGN AND TRANSFER UNTO:
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED (the "Transferee") of
[ADDRESS]
29,400,000 Common Shares of ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
Dated this day of , 2003.
For Transferor:
By:______________________________
NEWBRIDGE ASIA NETCOM (CAYMAN) HOLDINGS
For Transferee:
By:______________________________
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
EXHIBIT 10.29
TRASNFER AGREEMENT FOR EQUITY INTEREST IN
CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (BVI)
COMPANY LIMITED
BY AND BETWEEN
CHINA NETCOM (HOLDINGS) COMPANY LIMITED
AND
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
CONTENTS
1. EQUITY INTEREST TRANSFER........................................ 1 2. UNDERTAKINGS.................................................... 2 3. CONDITION PRECEDENT............................................. 3 4. TRANSFER COMPLETION............................................. 3 5. ENTIRE AGREEMENT................................................ 3 6. SEVERABILITY.................................................... 4 7. AMENDMENT....................................................... 4 8. AGREEMENT COPIES................................................ 4 9. INDEMNIFICATION................................................. 4 10. GOVERNING LAWS AND JURISDICTION................................. 5 11. NOTICE.......................................................... 5 12. MISCELLANEOUS................................................... 5 |
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into on June 10, 2004 by and between the following two parties:
(1) China Netcom (Holdings) Company Limited (hereinafter referred to as "China Netcom Holdings" or the "Transferor") is a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as "PRC") , with its registered address at: F3 Zhongguangcun Tower, No.27, Zhongguancun Avenue, Haiding District, Beijing, PRC;
(2) China Network Communications Group Corporation (hereinafter referred to as
"China Netcom Group" or the "Transferee") is a company duly incorporated
and validly existing under the laws of PRC, with its registered address
at: Building C, No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing,
PRC;
WHEREAS:
(1) As the step to implement China Netcom Group's Restructuring and Listing Plan approved by the State Council in principal, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Information and Network Center of State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, China Railways Telecommunications Center and Shanghai Alliance Investment Limited (hereinafter referred to as the "former four shareholders") and China Netcom Group entered into the Transfer Agreement for Equity Interest in China Netcom (Holdings) Company Limited on April 20 2004, according to which the former four shareholders transferred the 25% of equity interest of China Netcom Holdings held by each of them to Netcom Group respectively. When the transfer is completed, China Netcom Holdings became a wholly subsidiary of China Netcom Group;
(2) China Netcom Holdings holds all the equity interest of China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited (hereinafter referred to as "CNC BVI");
(3) Based on the terms and clauses set out in this Agreement, China Netcom Holdings agrees to transfer all of its holdings in CNC BVI and China Netcom Group agreed to receive all the transferred equity interest in CNC BVI.
Both parties hereby agree to the following provisions:
1. EQUITY INTEREST TRANSFER
1.1 Considering the mutual undertakings set out under this Agreement, China Netcom Holdings as the interest owner agrees to transfer to China Netcom Group all of its holdings in CNC BVI and Netcom Group agrees to receive all of the transferred equity interest of CNC BVI (hereinafter referred to as
the "transferred equity interest").
1.2 For the transferred equity interest defined in the above Clause 1.1, China Netcom Group needs pay no consideration to China Netcom Holdings. To make sure the equity interest transfer under this Agreement will not harm the interests of Netcom Holdings' creditors, Netcom Group agrees to, as required by the related laws and regulations, provide repayment guarantees for China Netcom Holdings' debt listed on its audited financial statements.
1.3 The transferred equity interest of CNC BVI contains any rights attached, but is not bound with any pledge interests, other guarantee interests, options, claims or other third party rights of any nature (including but not limited to the right of first refusal) (collectively refereed to as "property right burden").
1.4 Both parties to this Agreement hereby agree that the transferee is
entitled to the rights as a shareholder of CNC BVI beginning from
[December 31 2003] if all the conditions set out in Clause 3 of this
Agreement are satisfied.
2. UNDERTAKINGS
2.1 Each party hereto makes the following mutual representations and undertakings:
(a) It has the full legal rights and sufficient power and authorization to execute this Agreement and to perform the obligations under this Agreement, and according to this Agreement, such obligations constitute the duties that are legally valid and consequently binding on them;
(b) Executing the provisions of this Agreement will not result in:
(i) violations of its incorporation documents or other related documents, or any laws, regulations or rules applicable to it; or
(ii) violations of any important contracts, agreements, licenses or other written pledges, or orders, rulings and decrees by courts, government bodies or regulatory authorities.
2.2 As the transferor of the transfer mentioned in Clause 1 above, China Netcom Holdings makes to Netcom Group the following representations and undertakings:
(a) there are no liquidation orders or resolutions for liquidation or
closedown or other similar arrangements, nor any petitions submitted to the court for a verdict or intentions to hold meetings for a resolution in favor of the said liquidations or closedowns or other similar arrangements.
(b) there are no liquidators, takeovers, bankruptcy managers or other similar persons appointed, nor will there be any resolutions passed by the Board of Directors or Shareholders' Meeting in relation to the appointment of such persons.
3. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
The equity interest transfer defined in Clause 1.1 in this Agreement takes effect on the date when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
3.1 The State Council formally approves Netcom Group's Restructuring and Listing Plan submitted by China Securities Regulatory Commission;
3.2 Holders of the preferred shares of China Netcom Croup Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited (hereinafter referred to as "CNC HK") give consent to the equity interest transfer under this Agreement, or the preferred shares of CNC HK are already not in existence any longer.
4. TRANSFER COMPLETION
Within five days after all the conditions set out in Clause 3 of this Agreement are satisfied, China Netcom Holdings shall:
4.1 transfer to China Netcom Group the shares representing all of CNC BVI's equity interest, signed share-transfer notes, all of CNC BVI's stamps and seals, records and accounts, and cause CNC BVI to list the name of China Netcom Group in its register of shareholders;
4.2 procure CNC BVI to hold the meeting of directors to authorize the equity interest transfer and to appoint the person nominated by China Netcom Group as the director of CNC BVI; and
4.3 procure former directors of CNC BVI to resign as required by China Netcom Group.
5. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of both parties with respect to the equity interest transfer under this Agreement and
supersedes any and all prior agreements and understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof. Such agreements and understandings shall not be valid any longer. When signing this Agreement, no party depends on any representations, warranties and undertakings not included or mentioned in this Agreement.
6. SEVERABILITY
If any provisions of this Agreement are held to be ineffective or unenforceable, such provision(s) shall be void and excluded from this Agreement while the balance of the Agreement shall still be effective. Under such conditions, both parties shall make reasonable efforts to replace the ineffective or unenforceable provisions with effective and enforceable ones. The effectiveness of the replacements shall be as close to that of the ineffective or unenforceable provisions as possible.
7. AMENDMENTS
Any amendments made to this Agreement (or any documents mentioned in this Agreement) shall be made only in writing, and becomes effective when endorsed by each party to this Agreement or its authorized representative. The word "amendment" shall cover any modification, addition, deletion or change made in any form. The parties to this Agreement may waive in writing part of the condition precedent set out in Clause 3 so as to effectuate the transfer under this Agreement at an earlier date.
8. AGREEMENT COPIES
This Agreement is made into six (6) counterparts. Each party holds one (1) counterpart and remaining are used when submitted to relevant regulatory authorities for examination and approval.
9. INDEMNIFICATION
9.1 For any claims, debts or liabilities on the equity interest of CNC BVI and in connection with the equity interest transfer under this Agreement, which are not discovered at the effective date of the equity interest transfer, the Transferor warrants to indemnify the Transferee against any obligations and will make full compensation.
9.2 If any undertakings and representations made by the transferor as set out in Clause 3 of this Agreement are not accurate, the transferor shall completely indemnify the transferee against any obligations arising thereof at any time.
10. GOVERNING LAWS AND JURISDICTION
10.1 This Agreement and the relationship between both parties to this Agreement shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of PRC.
10.2 Both parties agree any disputes (including request for compensation or counterclaim) arising from the conclusion, validity, effectiveness interpretation or implementation, or the legal relationship established by this Agreement, or other reasons in connection with this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Chinese courts. For this purpose, each party shall irrevocably obey the jurisdiction of Chinese courts.
11. NOTICE
11.1 All notices required to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing, and delivered to the address as stated at the beginning part of this Agreement, or to addresses designated by one Party to the other Parties in writing from time to time. All notices shall be delivered in the form of telex, telegraph or facsimile.
11.2 Any notice shall be deemed to have been delivered at the time of actual receipt if delivered by hand; on the date of return receipt if delivered by registered mail; at the time of receiving the return receipt if delivered by telegraph; and at the time of transmission if delivered by facsimile.
12. MISCELLANEOUS
This Agreement has been signed and executed on the date stated at the beginning part of this Agreement by the representatives formally and legally authorized by the Parties hereto.
(Signature page)
China Netcom (Holdings) Company Limited
Authorized Representative:_______________
China Network Communications Group Corporation
Authorized Representative:_______________
EXHIBIT 10.30
TRANSFER AGREEMENT
IN RESPECT OF
EQUITY INTEREST IN CHINA NETCOM (HOLDINGS) COMPANY LIMITED
BY AND AMONG
CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
INFORMATION NETWORK CENTER OF STATE ADMINISTRATION OF RADIO,
FILM AND TELEVISION
CHINA RAILWAYS TELECOMMUNICATION CENTER
SHANGHAI ALLIANCE INVESTMENT LIMITED
AND
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
DATED AS OF APRIL 20, 2004
CONTENTS
1. DEFINITION............................................................................ 2 2. EQUITY INTEREST TRANSFER.............................................................. 3 3. CONSIDERATION FOR EQUITY INTEREST TRANSFER............................................ 3 4. UNDERTAKINGS AND WARRANTIES........................................................... 4 5. FURTHER UNDERTAKINGS.................................................................. 5 6. CONDITION PRECEDENT OF EQUITY INTEREST TRANSFER EFFECTIVENESS......................... 7 7. THE PARTIES' RESPONSIBILITIES FOLLOWING THE EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT............... 8 8. EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EQUITY INTEREST TRANSFER UNDER THIS AGREEMENT......................................................... 8 9. TERMINATION AND REVOKE OF THIS AGREEMENT.............................................. 9 10. FORCE MAJEURE......................................................................... 9 11. MISCELLANEOUS......................................................................... 9 |
This Equity Interest Transfer Agreement (hereinafter referred to as "this Agreement") is made and entered into on April 20, 2004 in Beijing, People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as "PRC") by and among the following parties:
1. Chinese Academy of Sciences (hereinafter referred to as "CAS")
Registered address:
Principle business address:
Legal representative:
2. Information Network Center of State Administration of Radio, Film and
Television (hereinafter referred to as "INC-SARFT")
Registered address:
Principle business address:
Legal representative:
3. China Railroad Communication Center (hereinafter referred to as "CRTC")
Registered address:
Principle business address:
Legal representative:
4. Shanghai Alliance Investment Limited (hereinafter referred to as "Shanghai
Alliance")
Registered address:
Principle business address:
Legal representative:
THE ABOVE FOUR PARTIES ARE COLLECTIVELY OR SEVERALLY REFEREED TO AS "THE TRANSFEROR" OR "THE RESPECTIVE TRANSFEROR." IN THIS AGREEMENT, "THE TRANSFEROR" ALSO REFERS TO OVERSEAS COMPANIES DESIGNATED BY THE RESPECTIVE TRANSFEROR AND RECOGNIZED BY CHINESE REGULATORY AUTHORITIES UNDER APPROPRIATE CIRCUMSTANCES.
5. China Network Communications Group Corporation ("China Netcom Group" or "the Transferee") Registered address: Building C, No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC Legal representative: Zhang Chun Jiang
WHEREAS:
(1) CAS, INC-SARFT, CRTC and Shanghai Alliance legally owns 25% equity interest in China Netcom (Holdings) Company Limited ("China Netcom Holdings");
(2) In order to fully implement the Telecommunication System Reform Plan (GUO FA [2004] 36) promulgated by the State Council , the Respective Transferor has in principle given their consent to the Restructuring and Listing Plan (hereinafter referred to as "China Netcom Group Restructuring and Listing Plan") submitted to the State Council by China Securities Regulatory Commission.
(3) Pursuant to the requirements of China Netcom Group Restructuring and Listing Plan and based on the terms and conditions of this Agreement, CAS, INC-SARFT, CRTC and Shanghai Alliance has agreed to transfer its 25% equity interest in China Netcom Holdings respectively and China Netcom Group has agreed to receive such equity interest transferred to it by the Respective Transferor.
NOW, THEREFORE, for the purpose of restructuring China Netcom Group's relevant assets and its overseas listing and after friendly consultation, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1 DEFINITION
Unless otherwise provided by the terms and content of this Agreement, the following terms have the meaning set out below:
"CHINA NETCOM China Netcom (Holdings) Company Limited, a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of PRC with HOLDI limited liability. Its registered address is 3/F, Zhong Guancun Building, No. 27 Zhong Guancun Avenue, Haidian District, NGS" Beijing, PRC. Its registered capital is RMB 155,193,800. "INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE The State Administration for Industry and REGISTRATION AUTHORITIES" Commerce. "TRANSFERRED EQUITY The 25% equity interest in INTEREST" China Netcom Holdings held by CAS, INC-SARFT, CRTC and Shanghai Alliance respectively. "CONVERSION REGISTRATION The date on which China Netcom Holdings' DATE" conversion registration with Industry and Commerce Registration Authorities is completed. "CNC BVI" Chine Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited. "CNC HK" China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited. The company registration number is 692041. "LISTING" The global initial public offering of CNC HK and its listing on Hong Kong or NY Stock Exchange. "RESTRUCTURING ASSET The restructuring of CNC HK for the purpose of INJECTION" listing and the injection of the would-be listed assets and equity interest approved by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission into CNC BVI, CNC HK and eventually into CNC China. "CNC HK PRE-LISTING NET The net assets value of CNC HK as of [December ASSETS VALUE" 31, 2003], audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian CPAs Limited Company in accordance with China GAAP and giving effect to the pro forma Restructuring Asset Injection. "CHC HK'S STATE CAS, INC-SARFT, CRTC, Shanghai Alliance, SHAREHOLDERS" Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (Shandong SASAC) as CNC HK's shareholders and their designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities (as the case may be) and CNC BVI. "STATE-OWNED ASSETS The State-owned Assets Supervision and SUPERVISION AND Administration Commission of the State Council ADMINISTRATION COMMISSION" "MINISTRY OF COMMERCE" The Ministry of Commerce of the PRC "TRUST SHARES" The shares of CNC HK whose beneficial ownership is held by the Respective Transferor (or the Respective Transferor's designated 2 |
overseas companies recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities) through overseas trust arrangement. |
2 EQUITY INTEREST TRANSFER
2.1 The Respective Transferor has agreed to transfer and the Transferee has agreed to receive the equity interests in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
2.2 The transferred equity interest shall include all the corresponding owner's equity and is subject to no security interest or other third party right of any nature (including but not limited to the right of first refusal).
2.3 Commencing from the Conversion Registration Date, China Netcom Group owns 100% equity interest in China Netcom Holdings that becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Netcom Group.
3 CONSIDERATION FOR EQUITY INTEREST TRANSFER
3.1 The parties herein unanimously confirm that the value of the 25% equity
interest in China Netcom Holdings held by the Respective Transferor
respectively is RMB 400 million. Notwithstanding of the foregoing, the
value of the 25% equity interest confirmed by Section 3.1 serves only as
the calculation basis for the number of CNC HK's shares transferred by CNC
BVI to the Respective Transferor (or the Respective Transferor's
designated companies recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities) (See
Section 3.2 for the calculation method). China Netcom Group has no
obligation to acquire the equity interest held by the Respective
Transferor at such price in other manners other than in the manner
stipulated in this Agreement.
3.2 As consideration for the receiving by the Transferee of the equity interest transferred to it, the Transferee will place the shares under trust with the Respective Transferor (or the Respective Transferor's designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities) through the Respective Transferor's designated directors in CNC BVI after the Conversion Registration Date. The details of such arrangement is as follows:
3.2.1 The Respective Transferor (or the Respective Transferor's designated
overseas companies holding the shares of CNC HK and recognized by
Chinese regulatory authorities) has entered into a Declaration of
Trust with CNC BVI and an agreement specifying the trust obligation
[this agreement is entered into by three parties which are CNC BVI,
China Netcom Group and the Respective Transferor (or their
designated overseas companies holding the shares of CNC HK and
recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities)]. (Please see Appendix
for the text of this agreement. Such agreements are collectively
referred to as the "Overseas Agreement" hereinafter referred to as.)
3.2.2 Through the foregoing arrangement, the Respective Transferor (or the Respective Transferor's designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities) becomes the beneficial owners of the Trust Shares and owns the corresponding voting rights, the right to receive CNC HK dividend, the right to receive the proceeds from the sale of CNC HK shares attaching to such Trust Shares and other rights set forth in the Overseas Agreement as described in Section 3.2.1 and assumes the obligations set forth in the above-mentioned agreements.
3.2.3 Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Overseas Agreement, CNC BVI is the
nominal owner of the Trust Shares in CNC HK's register of shareholders as the trustee for the Respective Assignor (or the Respective Transferor's designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities.
THE FOREGOING IS COLLECTIVELY REFEREED TO AS "OVERSEAS TRUST ARRANGEMENT".
3.3 The handling of all legal procedures related to CNC BVI's transfer of the
CNC HK Trust Shares it holds to the Respective Transferor (or the
Respective Transferor's designated overseas companies recognized by
Chinese regulatory authorities) specified in Section 3.2 (, including the
legal procedures related to the Overseas Trust Arrangement described in
Section 3.2) shall begin after China Netcom Group has injected into CNC HK
the would-be-listed assets and will be completed during CNC HK's
pre-listing period.
The number of Trust Shares that CNC BVI has transferred to CAS, INC-SARFT, CRTC and Shanghai Alliance (or the Respective Transferor's designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities) separately is calculated as follows:
The number of The value of the 25% equity interest in The number of CNC HK Trust Shares that China Netcom Holdings specified in ordinary shares as of CNC BVI shall Section 3.1 the time when the transfer to the -------------------------------------- transfer of the shares Respective = X specified in Section Transferor CNC HK's pre-listing net assets value 3.2 occurs |
3.4 The parties to this Agreement confirm that the value of the 25% equity interest in China Netcom Holdings held by the Respective Transferor specified in Section 3.1 is true and fair.
4 UNDERTAKINGS AND WARRANTIES
4.1 Each party to this Agreement severally or jointly undertakes and warrants to the other parties to this Agreement as follows:
4.1.1 Undertakings and warranties by the Respective Transferor
(a) The Respective Transferor has all the powers and authorization to execute this Agreement and performs its obligations under this Agreement;
(b) The Respective Transferor has severally obtained all internal approvals, authorizations and consents required for the execution of this Agreement;
(c) The signing representative of the Respective Transferor has obtained all necessary internal authorization for the execution of this Agreement and other actions;
(d) The Respective Transferor has agreed to actively cooperate with relevant government authorities in matters related to applications and approvals for the purpose of facilitating the equity interest transfer under this Agreement;
(e) All documentation and information related to the equity interest transfer under this Agreement provided by the Respective Transferor to the Transferee and the approval authorities are true, accurate and valid;
(f) Currently and till the Conversion Registration Date the transferred equity
interest is subject to no security interest or any other third party rights (including but not limited to the right of first refusal);
(g) The Respective Transferor will take necessary actions to expedite the satisfaction of the "condition precedent" specified in Section 6.2.
4.1.2 Undertakings and warranties by the Transferee
(a) The Transferee has all the powers and authorization to execute this Agreement and performs its obligations under this Agreement;
(b) The Transferee has obtained all internal approvals, authorizations and consents required for the execution of this Agreement;
(c) The signing representative of the Transferee has obtained all necessary internal authorization for the execution of this Agreement and other actions;
(d) The Transferee has agreed to actively cooperate with relevant government authorities in matters related to applications and approvals for the purpose of facilitating the equity interest transfer under this Agreement;
(e) All documentation and information related to the equity interest transfer under this Agreement provided by the Transferee to the Transferor and the approval authorities are true, accurate and valid;
(f) The Transferee will take necessary actions to expedite the satisfaction of the "condition precedent" specified in Section 6.2.
4.2 Each party (the "Responsible party") herein undertakes to the other parties to this Agreement that, if the falsity, inaccuracy or incompleteness of its warranties or the consequences caused by reasons related to its warranties or the content of its warranties during the period when such warranties are given till the date when CNC BVI transfers part of its CNC HK shares to the Respective Transferor (or the Respective Transferor's designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities) has resulted in any responsibility, obligation, loss, damage, injury, fine, penalty, claim, recourse, litigation, fee, spending and expenditure borne by any other party (the "Damaged party") (no matter whether all such losses have been caused by the other party's acts or omissions or other reasons), it will be responsible for fully indemnifying the Damaged party for all such losses.
5 FURTHER UNDERTAKINGS
In respect of the consideration payment arrangement specified in Section 3.2, the Respective Transferor has further undertaken as follows:
5.1 With reference to relevant stipulations of the Provisional Measures on Administration for Selling-down State-owned Shares and Raising Social Security Fund (hereinafter referred to as the "Selling-down Measures"), the Respective Transferor, as a state shareholder of CNC HK, shall fulfill its relevant obligations attached to state shareholders in CNC HK's initial public offering and has agreed, together with other CNC HK's shareholders such as China Netcom Group, Shandong SASAC, (or has procured its designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities), to jointly instruct the trustee of the Trust Shares to sell a certain amount of CNC HK shares and contribute all of the proceeds to the national social security fund. The number of CNC HK shares the Respective Transferor (or
the Respective Transferor's designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities) shall sell severally in accordance with the foregoing undertakings is calculated as follows:
The number of The number of CNC HK Trust Shares owned by The shares the the Respective Transferor number of Respective directly or indirectly additional Transferor ---------------------------------------------- new shares shall sell = X issued X 10% The number of the total CNC HK shares upon CNC owned by all the state shareholders of HK's CNC HK directly or indirectly listing |
5.2 Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Chinese regulatory authorities has further requirements regarding CNC HK state shareholders' selling-down of CNC HK shares and contribution to the national social security fund, the Respective Transferor shall complete relevant legal procedures as requested by Chinese regulatory authorities. Following the listing of CHC HK, if during the period when the Respective (or the Respective Transferor's designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities) remains the holder of CNC HK shares, the Respective Transferor shall be obliged to go on performing its obligations of selling down state-owned shares in accordance with the requirements of the Selling-down Measures (the number of shares the Respective Transferor shall sell is calculated according to the method set forth in Section 5.1).
5.3 The Respective Transferor, as CNC HK's state shareholder, shall not transfer the CNC HK shares it has acquired in accordance with the arrangement described in Section 3.2 (excluding the shares sold in accordance with in Section 5.1 and Section 5.2) within two years following the listing of CNC HK (hereinafter referred to as "Shares Lock-up Period) and shall enter into the Lock-up Agreement.
5.4 After the Lock-up Period, the Respective Transferor (or the Respective Transferor's designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities) can sell the CNC HK shares it holds upon the satisfaction of the following conditions:
5.4.1 Compliance with the prevailing applicable laws and regulations, or policies governing foreign capital's entry into Chinese telecommunication industry;
5.4.2 Approvals from Chinese supervisory authorities (including but not limited to the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission or the local state-owned assets supervision and administration authorities that have relevant powers, as well as the Ministry of Commerce) for the transfer by the Respective Transferor the CNC HK shares it holds (including but not limited to the number, manner and price of the share transfer) have been obtained.
5.5 The Respective Transferor (or the Respective Transferor's designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities), as the state shareholder of CNC HK, is required to fulfill other obligations attached to state shareholders during the period it holds CNC HK shares. The Respective Transferor should consult China Netcom Group before proceeding with the Chinese application and approval procedures required for the transfer of CNC HK Trust Shares. In addition, China Netcom Group (or CNC BVI) has the right of first refusal in respect of the transfer of part or the entire Trust Shares of CNC HK by the Respective Transferor (or the Respective Transferor's designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities) to an independent third party based on the
same prices.
5.6 Upon the completion of the legal procedures (including the legal procedures related to the Overseas Trust Arrangement) in respect of the transfer of part of the CNC HK shares in the manner specified in this Agreement by CNC BVI to the Respective Transferor (or the Respective Transferor's designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities), the Respective Transferor (or the Respective Transferor's designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities) has agreed to appoint CNC BVI as the trustee for the management of the Trust Shares. China Netcom Group has agreed to procure CNC BVI to confirm that the Respective Transferor (or the Respective Transferor's designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities) is the beneficial owner of the Trust Shares. The aforesaid Overseas Trust Arrangement shall include the following key points:
5.6.1 Pursuant to laws applicable to the trust arrangement, the Respective Transferor (or the Respective Transferor's designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities), as the beneficiary, has agreed to receive CNC BVI as the trustee for the Trust Shares and has entered into a Declaration of Trust and an agreement specifying the rights and obligations attaching to the trust to set forth the rights and obligations of both parties;
5.6.2 The Respective Transferor (or the Respective Transferor's designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities) shall entrust CNC BVI with relevant legal procedures in respect of the transfer of Trust Shares;
5.6.3 China Netcom Group herein confirms that the corresponding voting rights, the right to receive CNC HK dividend, the right to receive the proceeds from the sale of CNC HK shares attaching to the Trust Shares and other rights set forth in the Overseas Agreement as described in Section 3.2.1 shall be enjoyed by the Respective Transferor severally;
5.6.4 If the Respective Transferor (or the Respective Transferor's designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities) intends to create any lien over the Trust Shares, it should obtain the prior consent of CNC BVI and CNC BVI shall be responsible for relevant legal procedures.
5.7 The Respective Transferor undertakes that, as the state shareholder of China Netcom Holdings, it will make its best effort to expedite in the listing of CNC HK.
The Respective Transferor herein undertakes that, according to the principle of actual benefit, if the Respective Transferor's overseas companies recognized by Chinese regulatory authorities hold part of the CNC HK shares in accordance with the Overseas Trust Arrangement and the approvals by the governmental authorities, the Respective Transferor shall ensure that it will procure their respective overseas companies, as the state shareholders of CNC HK, to act in compliance with the undertakings by the Respective Transferor under Section 5.1 and Section 5.7.
6. CONDITION PRECEDENT OF EQUITY INTEREST TRANSFER EFFECTIVENESS
6.1 The parties have agreed to make their best effort severally or jointly to expedite the completion of all governmental approval and registration procedures required for the equity interest transfer.
6.2 Unless the parties to this Agreement have expressed their waiver of any of the following conditions in writing, the effectiveness of the transfer of the equity interest in China Netcom Group under this Agreement is conditional upon the full satisfaction of the following
conditions:
6.2.1 The Sate Council has approved the China Netcom Group Restructuring and Listing Plan;
6.2.2 Relevant Chinese governmental authorities has granted their waiver in respect of the assessment of the overall assets of China Netcom Holdings;
6.2.3 The Ministry of Commerce has granted the Respective Transferor (or the Respective Transferor's designated overseas companies) its permission to receive part of the CNC HK shares held by CNC BVI and which are transferred to it in the manner specified in Section 3.2.
6.2.4 The shareholders of CNC HK preference shares have agreed that the equity interest transfer under this Agreement or CNC HK preference shares no longer exist.
7 THE PARTIES' RESPONSIBILITIES FOLLOWING THE EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT
7.1 If the condition precedent specified in Section 6.2 is not fully satisfied by [August 1], 2004, upon unanimous agreement and for the purpose of expediting the equity interest transfer under this Agreement, the parties to this Agreement have agreed to waive the conditions precedent that can not be satisfied or take remedial actions in accordance with the stipulations set forth in Section 7.2;
7.2 If the China Netcom Group Restructuring and Listing Plan approved by the State Council does not include the consent to the Respective Transferor (or the Respective Transferor's designated overseas companies) directly holding CNC HK shares, the parties to this Agreement have agreed to enter into other agreements for the purpose of expediting the listing of CNC HK.
8 EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EQUITY INTEREST TRANSFER UNDER THIS AGREEMENT
8.1 This Agreement shall come into effect once executed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of the parties and affixed with their official seals.
8.2 The parties have unanimously agreed that, within two working days after the condition precedent specified in Section 6.2 is fully satisfied (including the waiver of some conditions precedent in accordance with the stipulations in Section 7.1), it will submit all the legal documents required for the industry and commerce conversion registration with the Industry and Commerce Registration Authorities.
8.3 To expedite the industry and commerce registration described in Section 8.2, the Respective Transferor hereto agree that it will execute and issue legal documents related to the industry and commerce conversion registration of the equity interest transfer within five working days upon the execution of this Agreement and will hand over such legal documents executed and sealed to China Netcom Group for filing and issue a power of attorney to entrust China Netcom Group with the industry and commerce conversion registration procedure.
8.4 The parties to this Agreement have unanimously confirmed that the profits or losses from the equity interest in China Netcom Holdings will be enjoyed or borne by China Netcom Group if the condition precedent specified in Section 6.2 is fully satisfied.
8.5 The parties have agreed that China Network Communications Group Corporation shall be
deemed to enjoy all rights attached to the shareholders of China Netcom (Holdings) Company Limited (including the investment approval right stipulated in its Articles of Association) since the execution date of this Agreement.
9 TERMINATION AND REVOKE OF THIS AGREEMENT
9.1 If agreement among the parties and confirmed in writing, this Agreement can be terminated any time for such reasons: (i) compulsory stipulation of laws and regulations; (ii) government supervisions; (iii) the occurrence of Force Majeure events specified in Section 10; (iv) the occurrence of events that will result in the unfulfilling of the purpose of this Agreement.
9.2 After this Agreement is terminated pursuant to the stipulations in Section 9.1, the parties to this Agreement shall return to the other party the interests or other properties it has acquired from such other party in accordance with the principle of good faith.
10 FORCE MAJEURE
10.1 The parties have agreed that the following events will constitute Force Majeure: 10.1.1 Objective situations that are unforeseeable, unavoidable and that cannot be overcome at the time this Agreement is executed and that will result in the failure of fulfilling this Agreement or timely fulfillment of this Agreement. 10.1.2 Changes in Chinese policies and laws that result in the failure of fulfilling this Agreement. 10.2 Other events that occur to the parties or any party other than that described in the previous Section, including but not limited to the changes in management, organizational structure and etc are not Force Majeure events specified in this Section. 10.3 In the event of Force Majeure that causes any party to fail to perform its obligation under this Agreement, this party is not liable for breach of agreement. However, this affected party shall provide to the other parties relevant evidences certified by the notary within [10] working days after the occurrence of the Force Majeure event. 11 MISCELLANEOUS 11.1 CONFIDENTIAL RESTRICTION In relation to the confidential and proprietary information (hereinafter referred to as "Confidential Information") disclosed by any party to another party with respect to its businesses, financial status and other confidential affairs for the purpose of equity interest transfer under this Agreement, the receiver shall: (i) keep the confidential information under confidentiality; (ii) not disclose above Confidential Information (except for the information disclosure as required by Section 11.2 under this Agreement) to any persons or entities other than its employees and professional advisors that need access to the Confidential Information to perform their duties. 11.2 INFORMATION DISCLOSURE In respect of this equity interest transfer, each party has agreed and undertaken to duly perform its information disclosure obligation under this Agreement in accordance with relevant regulations and laws to practically protect the interests of each party. Upon the completion of the equity interest transfer procedure, each party shall continue to duly perform its information disclosure obligation in accordance with relevant regulations and 9 |
laws. 11.3 GOVERNING LAWS The formation, effectiveness, interpretation and performance of this Agreement and dispute resolution shall be governed by the laws of PRC (excluding Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the purpose of this Agreement). 11.4 DISPUTE RESOLUTION Any disputes arising from the execution, performance and interpretation of this Agreement shall be first resolved by sincere negotiation. 11.5 EXPENSES AND TAXATION 11.5.1 Each party shall share equally the equity transfer expenses, such as approval and registration expenses that required to be paid and charged by governmental regulatory authorities in accordance with relevant laws and regulation. 11.5.2 The taxes to be collected individually from each party in accordance with laws and regulations shall be assumed by the taxpayer against whom the taxes are levied. 11.6 WAIVER The failure or delay of exercising the rights under this Agreement or any other contracts or agreements in connection with this Agreement of any party hereto shall not be deemed as the waiver of such rights; any sole or partial exercise of such rights shall not hinder the full exercise of such rights in the future. 11.7 AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENT This Agreement shall not be amended or supplemented orally and may be amended or supplemented only upon endorsement on written documents by each party. Any supplements to this Agreement shall be deemed as indivisible parts of this Agreement. 11.8 SEVERABILITY The invalidity of any Sections hereto shall not affect the validity of any other Sections of this Agreement. 11.9 ENTIRE AGREEMENT This Agreement, together with all the appendices hereto, constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes prior agreements entered into among the parties which are different from this Agreement. |
11.10 NOTIFICATION
Any notices as required by this Agreement sent by any party hereto to
another shall be written in Chinese and sent by registered mail, or by fax
confirmed by a registered mail immediately to relevant parties. Notices
required to be sent by this Agreement shall be deemed as received after
[3] days of the date of postmark if by registered mail, and the sending
date if by fax. All notices shall be addressed to the addresses first
listed above until the recipient issues a written notice to the other
party notifying the change of address.
11.11 COUNTERPARTS OF THIS AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made in fifteen counterparts, each party keeps one. The other ten counterparts will be used for approval processing and conversion registration procedures.
SCHEDULE A
Name and Address of the Transferors China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited P.O. Box 3140, Wickhams Cay I Road Town, Tortola British Virgin Islands Chinese Academy of Sciences No 52 Sanlihe Road Xicheng District Beijing, China Information and Network Center of State No 2 Fuxingmenwai Avenue Administration of Radio, Film and Television Xicheng District Beijing, China China Railways Telecommunications Center No 18 Beifengwo Road Haidian District Beijing, China Shanghai Alliance Investment Limited No 19 Gaoyou Road Shanghai, China Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision No 37 Jiefang Road and Administration Commission Jinan City Shandong Province, China |
EXHIBIT 10.31
SHANDONG RURAL TELECOMMUNICATION ASSET TRANSFER AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
SHANDONG PROVINCIAL STATE-OWNED ASSETS SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMISSION
AND
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
DATED AS OF APRIL 26, 2004
CONTENTS
1 DEFINITION...................................................................................... 1 2 ASSET TRANSFER.................................................................................. 2 3 CONSIDERATION FOR ASSET TRANSFER................................................................ 2 4 UNDERTAKINGS AND WARRANTIES..................................................................... 4 5 FURTHER UNDERTAKINGS............................................................................ 5 6 CONDITION PRECEDENT OF ASSET TRANSFER........................................................... 7 7 THE PARTIES' RESPONSIBILITIES FOLLOWING THE EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT......................... 8 8 EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ASSET TRANSFER UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.... 8 9 TERMINATION AND REVOKE OF THIS AGREEMENT........................................................ 8 10 FORCE MAJEURE................................................................................... 8 11 MISCELLANEOUS................................................................................... 9 |
This Asset Transfer Agreement (hereinafter referred to as "this Agreement") is made and entered into on April 20, 2004 in Beijing, People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as "PRC") by and between the following two parties:
(1) Shangdong Provincial State-owned Asset Supervision and Administration Commission (hereinafter referred to as "the "Transferor")
(2) China Network Communications Group Corporation ("China Netcom Group" or "the Transferee") Registered address: Building C, No.156, Fuxingmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC Legal representative: Zhang Chun Jiang
WHEREAS:
(1) In order to fully implement the Telecommunication System Reform Plan (GUO FA [2004] 36) promulgated by the State Council, the Transferor has in principle given their consent to the Restructuring and Listing Plan (hereinafter referred to as "China Netcom Group Restructuring and Listing Plan") submitted to the State Council by China Securities Regulatory Commission.
(2) It is specified in document 12 of Shandong provincial government's meeting memorandum that the Shandong State-owned Asset Supervision and Administration Commission (Shandong SASAC) will be responsible for the execution of relevant agreements in respect of Shandong Rural Telecommunication Asset allocation, the Transferor enter into this Agreement with China Network Communication Group Corporation.
(3) Pursuant to the requirements of China Netcom Group Restructuring and Listing Plan, the Transferor has agreed to transfer the Shandong Rural Telecommunication Asset it holds and China Netcom Group has agreed to receive the of Shandong Rural Telecommunication Asset Transfered to it by the Transferor.
NOW, THEREFORE, for the purpose of restructuring China Netcom Group's relevant assets and its overseas listing and after friendly consultation, the two parties to this Agreement hereto agree as follows:
1 DEFINITION
Unless otherwise provided by the terms and content of this Agreement, the following terms have the meaning set out below:
SHANDONG RURAL The entire telecommunication assets TELECOMMUNICATION ASSET and interests of the rural areas in Shandong province held by Shandong provincial government, as confirmed by both parties to this Agreement. "CNC BVI" Chine Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited. "CNC HK" China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited. The company registration number is 692041. "LISTING" The global initial public offering of CNC HK and its listing on 1 |
Hong Kong or NY Stock Exchange. "RESTRUCTURING ASSET INJECTION" The restructuring of CNC HK for the purpose of listing and the injection of the would-be listed assets and equity interest approved by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission into CNC BVI, CNC HK and eventually into CNC China. "CNC HK PRE-LISTING The net assets value of CNC NET ASSETS VALUE" HK as of [December 31,2003], audited by PricewaterhoueCoopers Zhong Tian CPAs Limited Company in accordance with China GAAP and giving effect to the pro forma Restructuring Asset Injection. "CHC HK'S STATE SHAREHOLDERS" CAS, INC-SARFT, CRTC, Shanghai Alliance, Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (or the Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) as CNC HK's shareholders and their designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities (as the case may be) and CNC BVI. "STATE-OWNED ASSETS The State-owned Assets Supervision SUPERVISION AND and Administration Commission of ADMINISTRATION the State Council COMMISSION" "MINISTRY OF COMMERCE" The Ministry of Commerce of the PRC "TRUST SHARES" The shares of CNC HK corresponding to the equity interest beneficially owned by the Transferor (or other entities designated by it and recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) through overseas trust arrangement. |
2 ASSET TRANSFER
2.1 Pursuant to the Request for Instruction to the Issues Regarding the Adjustment of Rural Telecommunication System and the State Council's feedback thereof, the Transferor has agreed to transfer and the Transferee has agreed to receive Shandong Rural Telecommunication Asset in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
2.2 China Netcom Group will own the entire Shandong Rural Telecommunication Asset and the interests thereof after giving effect to the asset transfer.
3 CONSIDERATION FOR ASSET TRANSFER
3.1 Pursuant to the Request for Instruction to the Issues Regarding the Adjustment of Rural Telecommunication System, both parties have unanimously agreed that China Netcom Group will recognize the shareholding of the Transferor (or the Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) in CNC HK in the amount of RMB 1,618 billion.
3.2 Both parties have unanimously agreed that the value of RMB 1,618 billion described in Section 3.4 serves only as the calculation basis for the number of CNC HK shares transferred to the Transferor (or the Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) by CNC BVI (See Section 3.3 for the
calculation method). China Netcom Group has no obligation to acquire the Shandong Rural Telecommunication Asset held by the Transferor in other manners other than that stipulated in this Agreement.
3.3 As consideration for the receiving by the Transferee of the asset transferred to it, the Transferee will transfer the Trust Shares to the Transferor (or the Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) through the Transferor's designated directors in CNC BVI after the Effective Date. The details of such arrangement is as follows:
3.3.1 The Transferor (or the Transferor's designated overseas companies holding the shares of CNC HK and recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) has entered into a Declaration of Trust with CNC BVI and an agreement specifying the trust obligation [this agreement is entered into by three parties which are CNC BVI, China Netcom Group and the Transferor (or their designated overseas companies holding the shares of CNC HK and recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities)]. (Please see Appendix for the text of this agreement. Such agreements are collectively referred to as the "Overseas Agreement" hereinafter referred to as.)
3.3.2 Through the foregoing arrangement, the Transferor (or the
Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese
governmental regulatory authorities) becomes the beneficial owners
of the Trust Shares and owns the corresponding voting rights, the
right to receive CNC HK dividend, the right to receive the proceeds
from the sale of CNC HK shares attaching to such Trust Shares and
other rights set forth in the Overseas Agreement as described in
Section 3.3.1 and assumes the obligations set forth in the
above-mentioned agreements.
3.3.3 Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Overseas Agreement, CNC BVI is the nominal owner of the Trust Shares in CNC HK's register of shareholders as the trustee for the Transferor (or the Transferor's designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities.
THE FOREGOING IS COLLECTIVELY REFEREED TO AS "OVERSEAS TRUST ARRANGEMENT".
3.4 The handling of all legal procedures related to CNC BVI's transfer of the CNC HK Trust Shares it holds to the Transferor (or the Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) specified in Section 3.2 (, including the legal procedures related to the Overseas Trust Arrangement described in Section 3.2) shall begin after China Netcom Group has injected into CNC HK the would-be-listed assets and will be completed during CNC HK's pre-listing period.
The number of Trust Shares that CNC BVI has transferred to CAS, INC-SARFT, CRTC and Shanghai Alliance (or the Transferor's designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) separately is calculated as follows:
The number of RMB 1.618 billion The number of CNC HK Trust Shares that -------------------- x ordinary shares as of CNC BVI shall the time when the transfer to the transfer of the shares Transferor (or the specified in Section Transferor's other CNC HK's pre-listing 3.2 occurs designated net assets value entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) |
4 UNDERTAKINGS AND WARRANTIES
4.1 Each party to this Agreement severally or jointly undertakes and warrants to the other party to this Agreement as follows:
4.1.1 Undertakings and warranties by the Transferor
(a) The Transferor has all the powers and authorization to execute this Agreement and performs its obligations under this Agreement;
(b) The Transferor has severally obtained all internal approvals, authorizations and consents required for the execution of this Agreement;
(c) The signing representative of the Transferor has obtained all necessary internal authorization for the execution of this Agreement and other actions;
(d) The Transferor has agreed to actively cooperate with relevant government authorities in matters related to applications and approvals for the purpose of facilitating the asset transfer under this Agreement;
(e) All documentation and information related to the asset transfer under this Agreement provided by the Transferor to the Transferee and the approval authorities are true, accurate and valid;
(f) Currently the transferred Shandong Rural Telecommunication Asset is subject to no security interest or any other third party rights (including but not limited to the right of first refusal);
(g) The Transferor will take necessary actions to expedite the satisfaction of the "condition precedent" specified in Section 6.2.
4.1.2 Undertakings and warranties by the Transferee
(a) The Transferee has all the powers and authorization to execute this Agreement and performs its obligations under this Agreement;
(b) The Transferee has obtained all internal approvals, authorizations and consents required for the execution of this Agreement;
(c) The signing representative of the Transferee has obtained all necessary internal authorization for the execution of this Agreement and other actions;
(d) The Transferee has agreed to actively cooperate with relevant government authorities in matters related to applications and approvals for the purpose of facilitating the asset Transfer under this Agreement;
(e) All documentation and information related to the asset Transfer under this Agreement provided by the Transferee to the Transferor and the approval authorities are true, accurate and valid;
(f) The Transferee will take necessary actions to expedite the satisfaction of the "condition precedent" specified in Section 6.2.
4.2 Both parties herein undertakes to the other party to this Agreement that, if the falsity, inaccuracy or incompleteness of its warranties or the consequences caused by reasons related to its warranties or the content of its warranties during the period when such warranties are given till the date when CNC BVI transfers part of its CNC HK shares to the Transferor (or the Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) has resulted in any responsibility, obligation, loss, damage, injury, fine, penalty, claim, recourse, litigation, fee, spending and expenditure borne by the other party (no matter whether all such losses have been caused by the other party's acts or omissions or other reasons), it will be responsible for fully indemnifying the other party for all such losses.
5 FURTHER UNDERTAKINGS
In respect of the consideration payment arrangement specified in Section 3.2, the Transferor (or the Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) has further undertaken as follows:
5.1 With reference to relevant stipulations of the Provisional Measures on Administration for Selling-down State-owned Shares and Raising Social Security Fund (hereinafter referred to as the "Selling-down Measures"), the Transferor (or the Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities), as a CNC HK State Shareholder, shall fulfill its relevant obligations attached to state shareholders in CNC HK's initial public offering and has agreed, together with other CNC HK's shareholders such as China Netcom Group, Chinese Academy of Science, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, Information Network Center of State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, China Railroad Communication Center, and Shanghai Alliance Investment Limited, , to jointly instruct the trustee of the Trust Shares to sell a certain amount of CNC HK shares and contribute all of the proceeds to the national social security fund. The number of CNC HK shares the Transferor (or the Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) shall sell severally in accordance with the foregoing undertakings is calculated as follows:
The number The number of CNC HK Trust Shares The of shares to directly or indirectly owned by the number of be sold by = Transferor (or the Transferor's other x additional the designated entities recognized by x 10% new shares Transferor Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) issued (or the ------------------------------------------- upon CNC Transferor's other The number of the total CNC HK shares HK's designated owned by all the state shareholders of listing entities CNC HK directly or indirectly recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) |
5.2 Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Chinese governmental regulatory authorities has further requirements regarding CNC HK state shareholders' selling-down of CNC HK shares and contribution to the national social security fund, the Transferor shall complete relevant legal procedures as requested by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities. Following the listing of CHC HK, if during the period when the (or the Transferor's designated overseas companies recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) remains the holder of CNC HK shares, the Transferor shall be obliged to go on performing its obligations of selling down state-owned shares in accordance with the requirements of the Selling-down Measures (the number of shares the Transferor shall sell is calculated according to the method set forth in Section 5.1).
5.3 The Transferor (or the Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities), as CNC HK's state shareholder, shall not transfer the CNC HK shares it has acquired in accordance with the arrangement described in Section 3.2 (excluding the shares sold in accordance with in Section 5.1 and Section 5.2) within two years following the listing of CNC HK (hereinafter referred to as "Shares Lock-up Period) and shall enter into the Lock-up Agreement.
5.4 After the Lock-up Period, the Transferor (or the Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) can sell the CNC HK shares it holds upon the satisfaction of the following conditions:
5.4.1 Compliance with the prevailing applicable laws and regulations, or policies governing foreign capital's entry into Chinese telecommunication industry;
5.4.2 Approvals from Chinese supervisory authorities (including but not limited to the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission or the local state-owned assets supervision and administration authorities that have relevant powers, as well as the Ministry of Commerce) for the transfer by the Transferor (or the Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) the CNC HK shares it holds (including but not limited to the number, manner and price of the share transfer) have been obtained.
5.5 The Transferor (or the Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities), as the state shareholder of CNC HK, is required to fulfill other obligations attached to state shareholders during the period it holds CNC HK shares. The Transferor (or the Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) should consult China Netcom Group before proceeding with the Chinese application and approval procedures required for the transfer of CNC HK Trust Shares. In addition, China Netcom Group (or CNC BVI) has the right of first refusal in respect of the transfer of part or the entire Trust Shares of CNC HK by the Transferor (or the Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) to an independent third party based on the same prices.
5.6 Upon the completion of the legal procedures (including the legal procedures related to the Overseas Trust Arrangement) in respect of the transfer of part of the CNC HK shares in the
manner specified in this Agreement by CNC BVI to the Transferor (or the Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities), the Transferor (or other entities designated by it and recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) has agreed to appoint CNC BVI as the trustee for the management of the Trust Shares. China Netcom Group has agreed to procure CNC BVI to confirm that the Transferor (or the Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) is the beneficial owner of the Trust Shares. The aforesaid Overseas Trust Arrangement shall include the following key points:
5.6.1 Pursuant to laws applicable to the trust arrangement, the Transferor (or the Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities), as the beneficiary, has agreed to receive CNC BVI as the trustee for the Trust Shares and has entered into a Declaration of Trust and an agreement specifying the rights and obligations attaching to the trust to set forth the rights and obligations of both parties;
5.6.2 The Transferor (or the Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) shall entrust CNC BVI with relevant legal procedures in respect of the transfer of Trust Shares;
5.6.3 China Netcom Group herein confirms that the corresponding voting rights, the right to receive CNC HK dividend, the right to receive the proceeds from the sale of CNC HK shares attaching to the Trust Shares and other rights set forth in the Overseas Agreement as described in Section 3.3.1 shall be enjoyed by the Transferor severally;
5.6.4 If the Transferor (or the Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) intends to create any lien over the Trust Shares, it should abide by relevant regulations related to the sale of shares, meaning that all conditions required for the sale of shares must be satisfied before any lien can be created over the Trust Shares (including but not limited to obtaining approval from relevant Chinese regulatory authorities, [including the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission and the Ministry of Commerce], for such lieu creation). Upon satisfaction of the condition specified by this Section, CNC BVI shall proceed with relevant lieu creation procedures per the Transferor's requirement.
6 CONDITION PRECEDENT OF ASSET TRANSFER
6.1 Both parties have agreed to make their best effort severally or jointly to expedite the completion of all governmental approval and registration procedures required for the transfer of Shandong Rural Telecommunication Asset.
6.2 Unless both parties to this Agreement have expressed their waiver of any of the following conditions in writing, the effectiveness of the transfer of Shandong Rural Telecommunication Asset under this Asset Transfer Agreement is conditional upon the full satisfaction of the following conditions:
6.2.1 The Sate Council has approved the China Netcom Group Restructuring and Listing Plan;
6.2.2 The Ministry of Commerce has granted the Transferor (or the Transferor's other designated entities recognized by Chinese governmental regulatory authorities) its permission to receive part of the CNC HK shares held by CNC BVI and which are transferred to it in the manner specified in Section 3.3.
6.3 Both parties have unanimously agreed that the Effective Date of the transfer of Shandong Rural Telecommunication Asset is December 31, 2003 if the aforesaid conditions are fully satisfied. Commencing from January 1, 2004, all the profits and losses from Shandong Rural Telecommunication Asset shall be enjoyed or borne by China Netcom Group and the management of the entire assets and financial affairs will be transferred to China Netcom Group Shandong Telecommunication Company.
7 THE PARTIES' RESPONSIBILITIES FOLLOWING THE EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT
7.1 If the condition precedent specified in Section 6.2 is not fully satisfied by [August 1], 2004, upon unanimous agreement and for the purpose of expediting the asset transfer under this Agreement, both parties to this Agreement have agreed to waive the conditions precedent that can not be satisfied or take remedial actions in accordance with the stipulations set forth in Section 7.2;
7.2 If the China Netcom Group Restructuring and Listing Plan approved by the State Council do not include the direct holding of CNC HK shares, both parties to this Agreement have agreed to enter into other agreements for the purpose of expediting the listing of CNC HK.
8 EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ASSET TRANSFER UNDER THIS AGREEMENT
8.1 This Agreement shall come into effect once executed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of the parties and affixed with their official seals.
8.2 The Transferor shall assist in the state-owned assets ownership conversion registration in respect of Shandong Rural Telecommunication Asset once this Agreement comes into effect.
9 TERMINATION AND REVOKE OF THIS AGREEMENT
9.1 If agreement among the parties and confirmed in writing, this Agreement can be terminated any time for such reasons: (i) compulsory stipulation of laws and regulations; (ii) government supervisions; (iii) the occurrence of Force Majeure events specified in Section 10; (iv) the occurrence of events that will result in the unfulfilling of the purpose of this Agreement.
9.2 After this Agreement is terminated pursuant to the stipulations in Section 9.1, both parties to this Agreement shall return to the other party the interests or other properties it has acquired from such other party in accordance with the principle of good faith.
10 FORCE MAJEURE
10.1 The parties have agreed that the following events will constitute Force Majeure: 10.1.1 Objective situations that are unforeseeable, unavoidable and that cannot be overcome at the time this Agreement is executed and that will result in the failure of fulfilling this Agreement or timely fulfillment of this Agreement. 10.1.2 Changes in Chinese policies and laws that result in the failure of fulfilling this Agreement. 10.2 Other events that occur to the parties or any party other than that described in the previous Section, including but not limited to the changes in management, organizational structure |
and etc are not Force Majeure events specified in this Section. 10.3 In the event of Force Majeure that causes any party to fail to perform its obligation under this Agreement, this party is not liable for breach of agreement. However, this affected party shall provide to the other party relevant evidences certified by the notary within [10] working days after the occurrence of the Force Majeure event. 11 MISCELLANEOUS 11.1 CONFIDENTIAL RESTRICTION In relation to the confidential and proprietary information (hereinafter referred to as "Confidential Information") disclosed by any party to another party with respect to its businesses, financial status and other confidential affairs for the purpose of asset transfer under this Agreement, the receiver shall: (i) keep the confidential information under confidentiality; (ii) not disclose above Confidential Information (except for the information disclosure as required by Section 11.2 under this Agreement) to any persons or entities other than its employees and professional advisors that need access to the Confidential Information to perform their duties. 11.2 INFORMATION DISCLOSURE In respect of this asset transfer, each party has agreed and undertaken to duly perform its information disclosure obligation under this Agreement in accordance with relevant regulations and laws to practically protect the interests of each party. Upon the completion of the asset transfer procedure, each party shall continue to duly perform its information disclosure obligation in accordance with relevant regulations and laws. 11.3 GOVERNING LAWS The formation, effectiveness, interpretation and performance of this Agreement and dispute resolution shall be governed by the laws of PRC (excluding Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the purpose of this Agreement). 11.4 DISPUTE RESOLUTION Any disputes arising from the execution, performance and interpretation of this Agreement shall be first resolved by sincere negotiation. 11.5 EXPENSES AND TAXATION 11.5.1 Each party shall share equally the expenses arising out of the transfer of Shandong Rural Telecommunication Asset, such as approval and registration expenses that required to be paid and charged by governmental regulatory authorities in accordance with relevant laws and regulation. 11.5.2 The taxes arising out of the transfer of Shandong Rural Telecommunication Asset and the stipulations of Section 3, which are to be collected individually from each party in accordance with laws and regulations, shall be assumed by the taxpayer against whom the taxes are levied. 11.6 WAIVER The failure or delay of exercising the rights under this Agreement or any other contracts or agreements in connection with this Agreement of any party hereto shall not be deemed as the waiver of such rights; any sole or partial exercise of such rights shall not hinder the full exercise of such rights in the future. 9 |
11.7 AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENT This Agreement shall not be amended or supplemented orally and may be amended or supplemented only upon endorsement on written documents by each party. Any supplements to this Agreement shall be deemed as indivisible parts of this Agreement. 11.8 SEVER ABILITY The invalidity of any Sections hereto shall not affect the validity of any other Sections of this Agreement. 11.9 ENTIRE AGREEMENT This Agreement, together with all the appendices hereto, constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes prior agreements entered into among the parties, which are different from this Agreement. |
11.10 NOTIFICATION
Any notices as required by this Agreement sent by any party hereto to
another shall be written in Chinese and sent by registered mail, or by fax
confirmed by a registered mail immediately to relevant parties. Notices
required to be sent by this Agreement shall be deemed as received after
[3] days of the date of postmark if by registered mail, and the sending
date if by fax. All notices shall be addressed to the addresses first
listed above until the recipient issues a written notice to the other
party notifying the change of address.
11.11 COUNTERPARTS OF THIS AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made in ten counterparts, each party keeps one. The other eight counterparts will be used for approval processing and conversion registration procedures.
(This page contains no body text)
TRANSFEROR:
Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission
(seal) Legal representative or Authorized representative (signature):
TRANSFEREE:
China Network Communications Group Corporation (seal) Legal representative or Authorized representative (signature):
EXHIBIT 10.32
TELECOMMUNICATION ASSETS TRANSFER AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
AND
JITONG NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS STOCK COMPANY LIMITED
TELECOMMUNICATION ASSETS TRANSFER AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into on June 10, 2004 in Beijing, People's Republic of China ("PRC") by and between the following two parties:
(1) PARTY A: CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
(2) PARTY B: JITONG NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS STOCK COMPANY LIMITED
WHEREAS:
(1) Party A is an organization established with investment authorized by the State and a pilot project for state-holding corporations, and Party B is a limited stock company which is wholly owned directly and indirectly by Party A;
(2) Currently, Party B owns the main telecommunication assets and their related liabilities and rights (except for those debts borne by the head office of Party B as confirmed by both parties hereto) ("Such Telecommunication Assets") which are listed in the Audit Report taking May 31, 2003 as the benchmark day ("Audit Report") prepared by ShineWing Certified Public Accountants - an auditing institution accepted by both parties;
(3) In the [Reply of The State Council on Establishment of China Network Communications Group Corporation], it's required that: "To avoid the internal competition between subsidiaries of the Group Corporation, and based on the needs of business development and market demand, China Network Communications Group Corporation shall, with compliance with relevant laws and regulations, consolidate the businesses and adjust the assets of the telecommunication and information service companies that are wholly owned, controlled or participated by the Group Corporation". According to this requirement, Such Telecommunication Assets shall be transferred to the possession of Party A;
(4) Based on following terms and conditions of this Agreement, Party B agrees to transfer to Party A, and Party A agrees to receive from Party B, Such Telecommunication Assets.
THEREFORE, based on the principles of fairness and mutual benefit, and through friendly
negotiations, both parties hereto agreed to the following:
I TRANSFER OF SUCH TELECOMMUNICATION ASSETS
1.1 Party B agrees to transfer to Party A, and Party A agrees to receive from Party B, Such Telecommunication Assets.
1.2 The parties hereto hereby confirm: the date of transferring of ownership of Such Telecommunication Assets is May 31, 2003. From this date, the ownership of Such Telecommunication Assets will be transferred into possession of Party A, and any profits or losses arising from Such Telecommunication Assets shall be taken or borne by Party A since then.
1.3 Party A undertakes that: Party A will provide repayment guarantee for the debts borne by the head office of Party B which are confirmed by both parties. Should Party B fail to pay off such due debts upon their maturities, Party A will be responsible for the repayment on behalf of Party B.
1.4 Based on the clause (1) and (3) in the recital (WHEREAS) section and the clause 1.3 of this Agreement, Party A does not need to pay to Party B the consideration for its receipt of Such Telecommunication Assets.
II REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND UNDERTAKINGS
2.1 Party A and Party B represents and warrants respectively to each other that:
(1) It is an independent legal entity incorporated and validly existing under applicable laws;
(2) It has obtained any and all internal or external authorizations, approvals and consents to sign and execute this Agreement, and this Agreement is binding upon it and enforceable.
2.2 Party B warrants and undertakes to Party A that:
(1) Such Telecommunication Assets is legally owned by Party B, and Party B has not bound on Such Telecommunication Assets any mortgage, pledge, lien or any other third-party rights;
(2) There is neither any litigation, arbitration or regulatory penalty against or in connection with Such Telecommunication Assets, nor any threats of such litigation, arbitration or regulatory penalty;
(3) Transferring of Such Telecommunication Assets from Party B to Party A according to this Agreement will not constitute a breach to any contracts or agreements entered by Party B or a disobedience of any applicable laws, administrative rules or regulations, and will not violate any third-party rights;
(4) The ownership of Such Telecommunication Assets is legitimate without any disputes;
(5) For any claims against Party A that are caused by Party A's receipt of Such Telecommunication Assets, Party B agrees to indemnify Party A completely, timely and sufficiently;
(6) Any and all consents, permissions or approvals from any third party required for the transfer of the Such Telecommunication Assets have already been obtained.
III INDEMNIFICATION
3.1 Should Party B breach any of its warranties and undertakings or any other terms and conditions under this Agreement, Party A shall be entitled to claim for indemnity from Party B. Party B agrees to indemnify Party A for any and all direct or indirect losses, expenses and liabilities suffered by Party A that are caused by Party B's breach to any of its warranties and undertakings or any other terms and conditions of this Agreement.
IV DISPUTE RESOLUTION
4.1 In case of disputes as to the power, interpretation or implementation of this agreement,
both parties shall seek to settle the matters of dispute by friendly negotiation. If the matters of dispute cannot be settled by negotiation within thirty (30) days from the day the matters of dispute arise, either party has the right to resort to litigation at the people's court with appropriate jurisdiction.
V EFFECTIVENESS AND MISCELLANEOUS
5.1 This Agreement shall come into effect and be binding upon both parties hereto once signed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of the Parties and affixed with their official seals.
5.2 All amendments or supplements to this Agreement shall come into effect only upon being signed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of both parties and affixed with their official seals.
5.3 This Agreement is made into four (4) duplicate originals. Each party holds two (2) copies, and each copy shall have the same legal binding force.
(No clause below)
(Signature page)
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION (OFFICIAL SEAL)
Signature of Legal Representative or Authorized Representative:
JITONG NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS STOCK COMPANY LIMITED (OFFICIAL SEAL)
Signature of Legal Representative or Authorized Representative:
EXHIBIT 10.33
TELECOMMUNICATION ASSETS TRANSFER AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION
&
GUANGDONG COMMUNICATIONS CO., LTD
TELECOMMUNICATION ASSETS TRANSFER AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into on June 10, 2004 in Beijing, People's Republic of China ("PRC") by and between the following two parties:
(1) PARTY A: CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION.
Legal Representative: Zhang Chunjiang
(2) PARTY B: GUANGDONG COMMUNICATIONS CO., LTD
Legal Representative: Fei Aihua
WHEREAS:
(1) Party A is an organization established with investment authorized by the State and a pilot project for state-holding corporations, and Party B is a limited stock company which is wholly owned directly and indirectly by Party A;
(2) Currently, Party B owns the main telecommunication assets and their related liabilities and rights ("Such Telecommunication Assets") located within Guangdong province which are listed in the Asset Valuation Report taking December 31, 2003 as the benchmark day for valuation ("Asset Valuation Report") prepared by Beijing Zhongqihua Asset Valuation Limited Company - an asset valuation institution accepted by both parties hereto;
(3) According to Party A's requirements for asset integration and in preparation for its overseas listing, Such Telecommunication Assets shall be transferred to Party A;
(4) Based on following terms and conditions of this Agreement, Party B agrees to transfer to Party A, and Party A agrees to receive from Party B, Such Telecommunication Assets.
THEREFORE, based on the principles of fairness and mutual benefit, and through friendly negotiations, both parties hereto agreed to the following:
I TRANSFER OF SUCH TELECOMMUNICATION ASSETS
1.1 Party B agrees to transfer to Party A, and Party A agrees to receive from Party B, Such Telecommunication Assets.
1.2 The date of transferring of ownership of Such Telecommunication Assets is December 31, 2003. From this date, the ownership of Such Telecommunication Assets will be transferred into possession of Party A, and any profits or losses arising from Such Telecommunication Assets shall be taken or borne by Party A since then.
1.3 The transfer prices of Such Telecommunication Assets shall be calculated in accordance with the net asset valuation results specified in the Asset Valuation Report.
1.4 Party A shall pay to Party B the transfer prices for Such Telecommunication Assets at the time and in the payment term that are separately agreed by both parties.
II REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND UNDERTAKINGS
2.1 Party A and Party B represent and warrant respectively to each other that:
(1) It is an independent legal entity incorporated and validly existing under applicable laws.
(2) It has obtained any and all internal or external authorizations, approvals and consents to sign and execute this Agreement, and this Agreement is binding upon it and enforceable.
2.2 Party B warrants and undertakes to Party A that:
(1) Such Telecommunication Assets is legally owned by Party B, and Party B has not bound on Such Telecommunication Assets any mortgage, pledge, lien or any other third-party rights;
(2) There is neither any litigation, arbitration or regulatory penalty against or in connection with Such Telecommunication Assets, nor any threats of such
litigation, arbitration or regulatory penalty;
(3) Transferring of Such Telecommunication Assets from Party B to Party A according to this Agreement will not constitute a breach to any contracts or agreements entered by Party B or a disobedience of any applicable laws, administrative rules or regulations, and will not violate any third-party rights;
(4) The ownership of Such Telecommunication Assets is legitimate without any disputes;
(5) For any claims against Party A that are caused by Party A's receipt of Such Telecommunication Assets, Party B agrees to indemnify Party A completely, timely and sufficiently;
(6) Any and all consents, permissions or approvals from any third party required for the transfer of the Such Telecommunication Assets have already been obtained.
III INDEMNIFICATION
3.1 Should Party B breach any of its warranties and undertakings or any other terms and conditions under this Agreement, Party A shall be entitled to claim for indemnity from Party B. Party B agrees to indemnify Party A for any and all direct or indirect losses, expenses and liabilities suffered by Party A that are caused by Party B's breach to any of its warranties and undertakings or any other terms and conditions of this Agreement.
IV DISPUTE RESOLUTION
4.1 In case of disputes as to the power, interpretation or implementation of this agreement, both parties shall seek to settle the matters of dispute by friendly negotiation. If the matters of dispute cannot be settled by negotiation within thirty (30) days from the day the matters of dispute arise, either party has the right to resort to litigation at the people's court with appropriate jurisdiction.
V EFFECTIVENESS AND MISCELLANEOUS
5.1 This Agreement shall come into effect and be binding upon both parties hereto once signed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of the Parties and affixed with their official seals.
5.2 All amendments or supplements to this Agreement shall come into effect only upon being signed by the legal representatives or authorized representatives of both parties and affixed with their official seals.
5.3 This Agreement constitutes and contains the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to transfer of Such Telecommunication Assets, and supersedes any and all prior written or oral agreements, contracts or memorandums (if) between the parties respecting the subject matter hereof.
5.4 This Agreement is made into four (4) duplicate originals. Each party holds two (2) copies, and each copy shall have the same legal binding force.
(No clause below)
(Signature page)
CHINA NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP CORPORATION (OFFICIAL SEAL)
Signature of Legal Representative or Authorized Representative:
GUANGDONG COMMUNICATIONS CO., LTD (OFFICIAL SEAL)
Signature of Legal Representative or Authorized Representative:
EXHIBIT 10.34
Execution Copy
Dated 29 July 2004
ASIA NETCOM ASIA PACIFIC LIMITED
ASIA NETCOM ASIA PACIFIC COMMERCIAL LIMITED
AND
ASIA NETCOM HONG KONG LIMITED
(as Chargors)
and
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
(as Security Trustee)
DEBENTURE
incorporating Fixed and Floating Charges
[Group Debenture]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CLAUSE NO. CLAUSE HEADING PAGE NO. --------- -------------- -------- 1 DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION....................................................................... 1 2. COVENANT TO PAY.................................................................................... 4 3 CHARGE AND ASSIGNMENT.............................................................................. 4 4 FLOATING CHARGE.................................................................................... 7 5 FURTHER ASSURANCE.................................................................................. 9 6 PERFORMANCE, RELEASE AND REGISTRATION.............................................................. 9 7 PROPERTIES......................................................................................... 10 8 LEASES............................................................................................. 14 9 RECEIVABLES AND BANK ACCOUNTS...................................................................... 15 10 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.............................................................................. 16 11 CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY................................................................ 17 12 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES..................................................................... 19 13 TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS......................................................................... 22 14 COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES........................................................................ 23 15 UNDERTAKINGS....................................................................................... 24 16 ENFORCEMENT........................................................................................ 28 17 APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS............................................................................ 33 19 SUSPENSE ACCOUNT................................................................................... 35 20 SET OFF............................................................................................ 35 21 POWER OF ATTORNEY.................................................................................. 35 22 NOTICES............................................................................................ 36 23 WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS.............. 37 24 GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION..................................................................... 38 25 OTHER SECURITY ETC................................................................................. 39 26 MISCELLANEOUS...................................................................................... 39 SCHEDULE 1 - CHARGORS' DETAILS.............................................................................. 41 |
[Group Debenture]
SCHEDULE 2 - PROPERTIES..................................................................................... 42 SCHEDULE 3 - BANK ACCOUNTS.................................................................................. 43 SCHEDULE 4 - DETAILS OF SHARES.............................................................................. 44 SCHEDULE 5 - PARTICULARS OF THE TKO LAND.................................................................... 45 SCHEDULE 6 - LIST OF TRADE AND TENANT MACHINERY CHATTELS AND FITTINGS....................................... 46 SCHEDULE 6A - STRAIGHT LINE DIAGRAMS OF THE AS-LAID SEGMENTS C AND D OF THE EAST ASIA CROSSING CABLE SYSTEMS PHASE 1............................................................................................. 48 SCHEDULE 6B - LIST OF TERMINATION STATION EQUIPMENT......................................................... 49 SIGNATURE PAGE.............................................................................................. 50 |
[Hong Kong Group Debenture]
THIS DEED OF GROUP DEBENTURE is made on 29 July 2004
BETWEEN:-
(1) THE COMPANIES NAMED AND PARTICULARS OF WHICH ARE SET OUT IN SCHEDULE 1 (each a "CHARGOR" and collectively the "CHARGORS"); and
(2) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong acting through its head office at ICBC Asia Building, 122-126 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong acting on its own behalf and as facility agent and security trustee for and on behalf of the Finance Parties (the "SECURITY TRUSTEE").
WHEREAS:-
(A) By a facility agreement signed on 2nd December, 2003 (but held undated in escrow) as released from escrow and amended and restated by the Supplemental Amendment and Restatement Deed (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT"), entered into by (1) Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, as borrower (the "BORROWER"); (2) the banks and financial institutions named therein as lenders (the "LENDERS"); (3) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as arranger; and (4) the Security Trustee as facility agent, the Finance Parties have agreed, upon and subject to the terms of the Facility Agreement, to make available to the Borrower a term loan facility of up to US$150,000,000 (the "FACILITY") for the purposes more particularly specified therein.
(B) The Security Trustee is acting as facility agent for the Finance Parties pursuant to the Facility Agreement and as security agent and trustee for the Finance Parties pursuant to this Deed and the other Finance Documents.
(C) It is a condition precedent to the availability of the Facility under the Facility Agreement that the Chargors shall have executed and delivered this Deed to the Security Trustee creating fixed and floating charges over their respective assets and undertakings.
NOW THIS DEED WITNESSES as follows:-
1 DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
1.1 TERMS DEFINED
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires, terms used shall have the meanings defined in the Facility Agreement and:-
"BANK ACCOUNTS" has the meaning given to it in Clause 3.1(b).
"BACKHAUL ASSETS" means telecommunications equipment that is used solely for the provision of terrestrial backhaul services, excluding, without limitation, any optical distribution frame ("ODF") provided by KDDI Submarine Cable Systems Inc. (a
[Hong Kong Group Debenture]
company incorporated under the laws of Japan) and located in the cable landing station and all equipment in the cable landing station that is ancillary to the ODF, such as power supply, air-conditioning, wiring and other related items.
"BUILDINGS ORDINANCE" means the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123) of the Laws of Hong Kong.
"COLLATERAL" means all the right, title, interest and benefit of the Chargors in and to all or any part of the Properties, Receivables, undertaking, property, assets and rights of each Chargor from time to time subject or expressed to be subject, to the security constituted by this Deed or any part of any thereof.
"COMPANIES ORDINANCE" means the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of the Laws of Hong Kong.
"CPO" means the Conveyancing and Property Ordinance (Cap. 219) of the Laws of Hong Kong.
"DMC" means the deed(s) of mutual covenant, deed(s) of covenant, deed(s) of mutual covenant and management agreement, supplemental deed(s) of mutual covenant, or similar document(s) and any variation or modification of that or those deed(s) of mutual covenant.
"FIXTURES" means fixtures, fittings (including trade fixtures and fittings) and fixed plant and machinery.
"GOVERNMENT" means the Government of Hong Kong.
"GOVERNMENT GRANT" means the government grants and conditions or government leases (and any variation or modification of that or those grants or leases) relating to any Properties which a Chargor from time to time benefits from.
"INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" of a Chargor means all patents, designs, copyrights, topographies, trade marks, service marks, trading names, domain names, rights in confidential information and know-how, any other intellectual property and any associated or similar rights, and any interest in any of the foregoing (in each case whether registered or unregistered and including any related licences and sub-licences of the same, applications and rights to apply for the same and wherever subsisting).
"LEASE" means any lease, tenancy, licence, letting arrangement, exchange, option, reservation, right of refusal or any other right or interest in any part of any Properties or any other agreement or contract for any of these, granted by a Chargor or any person deriving title from a Chargor.
"LESSEE" means each lessee, tenant or licencee of the Properties or any part of the Properties pursuant to a Lease.
"OFTA" means The Office of the Telecommunications Authority of Hong Kong.
[Hong Kong Group Debenture]
"PROPERTIES" of a Chargor means any real property described in Schedule 2 and any real property acquired by that Chargor whether freehold or leasehold, and subject to and with the benefit of all Rights from time to time attached or relating to that property and all buildings and Fixtures from time to time in or on that property.
"PERMITTED SECURITY INTEREST" means, in relation to any of the Chargors, any Security Interest permitted by clause 16.16(a) of the Facility Agreement.
"RECEIVABLES" has the meaning given to it in Clause 3.1(b)(i).
"RECEIVER" means any receiver, manager, receiver and manager or other similar officer appointed in respect of the Collateral by the Security Trustee in respect of the security hereby granted.
"RIGHTS" means rights (including rights of way), authorities, discretions, remedies, liberties, privileges, powers, easements, quasi-easements and appurtenances (in each case, of any nature whatsoever).
"SECURED OBLIGATIONS" means any and all moneys, liabilities and obligations (whether actual or contingent, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether or not for the payment of money, and including, without limitation, any obligation or liability to pay damages) which are or may become payable by the Borrower or any other Security Party which is a member of the CNC HK Group to the Finance Parties or any of them under or pursuant to the Finance Documents and/or all other obligations hereby secured.
"SHARES" means all those shares in the companies beneficially owned by the Chargors at the date hereof, particulars of which are set out in Schedule 4 and "SHARE" means each of them.
"TKO LAND" means all that piece or parcel of land more particularly described in Schedule 5 hereto together with all the messuages erections thereon or to be erected thereon.
"TRADE AND TENANT MACHINERY CHATTELS AND FITTINGS" means all plant, machinery, chattels, furnitures and fittings, computers and other equipments of any Chargor both present and future installed on or otherwise kept in the TKO Land, including but not limited to the cable and cable duct running from the beach to the TKO Land and all those items more particularly described in Schedule 6 (together with all spare parts replacements modifications and additions for the same) and the full benefit of all warranties and maintenance contracts for any of the same;provided, however, that in no event shall Trade and Tenant Machinery Chattels and Fittings include any Backhaul Assets.
1.2 TRUST
All rights, benefits, interests, powers and discretions granted to or conferred on the Security Trustee pursuant to this Deed shall be held by the Security Trustee on trust for the benefit of itself as Security Trustee and each Finance Party from time to time. The Security Trustee may do all acts within its powers to administer and manage the trust constituted by this Clause including any full or partial release by deed of the rights,
[Hong Kong Group Debenture]
benefits and interest conferred by Clause 3 or the release of all or any part of the Collateral from this Deed. The trust constituted by this Clause shall come into existence on the date of this Deed and shall last for so long as any of the Secured Obligations remain outstanding provided that for the purposes of the rule against perpetuities, the perpetuity period applicable to the trust and any dispositions made or to be made pursuant to this Deed and this trust, is hereby specified as a period of eighty (80) years less one (1) day from the date of this Deed.
1.3 CLAUSE HEADINGS
Clause headings and the table of contents are for ease of reference only and shall be ignored in the interpretation of this Deed.
1.4 CONSTRUCTION
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires:-
(a) Clause 1.3 of the Facility Agreement shall be deemed incorporated in this Deed mutatis mutandis as if set out separately in this Deed; and
(b) references to the "BORROWER", the "CHARGOR(S)", the "SECURITY TRUSTEE" or any "FINANCE PARTY" include, where the context permits, include their respective successors and transferees and permitted assigns in accordance with their respective interests.
COVENANT TO PAY
Each Chargor hereby covenants that it will on demand pay and discharge the Secured Obligations when due for payment or discharge in accordance with the Finance Documents or, if no time for payment is specified, within 4 Business Days after demand by the Security Trustee.
3 CHARGE AND ASSIGNMENT
3.1 CHARGE
In consideration of the Finance Parties agreeing to make the Facility available to the Borrower, upon the terms and conditions of the Facility Agreement and as a continuing security for the due and punctual payment and discharge of the Secured Obligations, each of the Chargors, as beneficial owner, hereby charges in favour of the Security Trustee as trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties:-
(a) all its right, title and interest in and to the Properties:-
(i) to the extent that its interest in the Properties constitutes a legal estate, it charges to the Security Trustee by way of a first fixed legal charge the Properties and all Rights relating to the Properties at any time used, occupied, held or enjoyed by that Chargor and all the estate, right, interest, benefit, title, property, claim and demand of that Chargor in and
[Hong Kong Group Debenture]
to the Property and those Rights subject to and with the benefit of each related Government Grant and DMC; and
(ii) to the extent that its interest (whether present or future) in the Properties constitutes an equitable interest, it charges by way of first fixed equitable charge the Properties and all Rights relating to the Properties at any time used, occupied, held or enjoyed by that Chargor and all the estate, right, interest, benefit, title, property, claim and demand of that Chargor in and to the Properties and those Rights subject to and with the benefit of each related Government Grant and DMC;
(b) by way of first fixed charge all its present and future right, title and interest in:-
(i) all book and other debts, receivables, monies, revenues, claims and things in action now or in the future due or owing to or purchased or otherwise acquired by any Chargor (including all credit balances and deposits and bank accounts as set out in Schedule 3 and any other bank accounts of any Chargor with any Finance Party or any other bank or financial institution ("BANK ACCOUNTS") and any surplus arising on a realisation of any legal and/or equitable assignment and/or charge whether in favour of the Security Trustee or any other person), the proceeds of the same, and the full benefit of all guarantees, indemnities, debentures, charges, pledges, liens, rights of set off, security reservations of proprietary rights, rights of tracing and all other rights and remedies in respect of the same in all such cases whether now or in the future (the "RECEIVABLES");
(ii) the Shares, and all other stocks, shares, bonds or other securities and investments and securities and all other interests of any Chargor in any person, any other share, stock, debenture, bond, certificate of deposit or other security or investment now or in the future owned at law or in equity by any Chargor, whether held directly by any Chargor or by any trustee, nominee, fiduciary or clearance system on its behalf (other than the investments secured in favour of the Security Trustee by a Share Mortgage), together with all dividends, interest and other moneys paid or payable in respect thereof and all rights, money and assets related to or accruing or offered or arising thereon from time to time, whether by way of redemption, conversion, exercise of option rights, substitution, exchange, preference, bonus or otherwise and all rights, benefits and advantages arising in respect of or incidental to the same;
(iii) the uncalled capital and goodwill of and Intellectual Property rights owned by any Chargor;
(iv) all fixed plant, other plant, machinery and equipment of any Chargor (except those the subject of the Security Interest constituted by Clause 3.1(a) and their respective interest in any plant, machinery or equipment in its possession, including the benefit of all contracts and warranties relating to the same;
(v) all of any Chargor's rights and benefits under any sale or purchase
[Hong Kong Group Debenture]
agreements, and distributorship or any similar agreements entered into by it, any letters of credit issued in its favour and all bills of exchange and other negotiable instruments held by it;
(vi) the benefit of all licences including (1) the Public Non-Exclusive Telecommunications Service Licence (Licence No. 917) issued by OFTA dated 19 December, 2001 and the Public Non-Exclusive Telecommunications Service Licence (Licence No. 789) issued by OFTA dated 9 January, 2002; and (2) (to the extent permitted by applicable law), quota, consents and authorities (statutory or otherwise) held in connection with its business or the use of any asset charged by any other sub-paragraph in this Clause and the right to recover and receive all proceeds and/or compensation which may be payable to it in respect of them;
(vii) all the Trade and Tenant Machinery Chattels and Fittings; and
(viii) all of any Chargor's rights, title and interest in and to any indefeasible right of use of bandwidth on any fibre optic cable system (whether leased by any such Chargor or owned by any other persons), including such Chargor's rights and benefit of all lease, contracts and warranties relating to such indefeasible right of use.
other than any asset the subject of any Permitted Security Interest;
(c) by way of second fixed charge ranking behind the Permitted Security Interests, the assets which are the subject of a Permitted Security Interests (but excluding Permitted Security Interests to the extent only that such charge would be contrary to a contractual term or mandatory provision of law prohibiting such charge) in favour of the Security Trustee (as trustee for the Finance Parties).
The Security Interest under paragraph (b)(vi)(1) above shall be subject to OFTA's prior written consent and subject to any condition which OFTA may impose in giving such consent.
3.2 ASSIGNMENT
Each of the Chargors as beneficial owner, and as continuing security for the due and punctual payment and discharge of the Secured Obligations hereby assigns and agrees to assign to the Security Trustee (as trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties) by way of security all its present and future:
(a) Rights (except those the subject of the Security Interest constituted by Clause 3.1(a)) relating to the Properties including:
(i) all Rights to any payment, covenant, agreement, undertaking or indemnity contained in any sale and purchase agreement, leases or other document, agreement or undertaking whatsoever relating to the Properties now or in the future including all its rights, title and interest in and to the present and future leases;
[Hong Kong Group Debenture]
(ii) the proceeds of sale of any part of the Properties and the benefits of any covenants for title given or entered into by any predecessor in title to that Chargor in respect of the Properties (or any moneys paid or payable in respect of those covenants); and
(iii) all rights against all past, present and future undertenants of the Properties and their respective guarantors and sureties;
(b) right, title and interest in and to all Insurances and all proceeds and benefits in respect of such Insurances (including the proceeds of all claims relating to, and all returns of premium in respect of, such Insurances) which are from time to time taken out by or on behalf of any Chargor (or to the extent of such interest) in which any Chargor has an interest; and
(c) Rights relating to any contracts or agreements including all Rights to any payment, covenant, agreement, undertaking or indemnity contained therein or other document, agreement or undertaking whatsoever relating to any contracts or agreements now or in the future including all its rights, title and interest in and to the present and future contracts and agreements and any moneys payable to any Chargor and any claims, awards and judgments in favour of any Chargor, under or in connection with such contracts or agreements.
3.3 NOTICES AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Each Chargor undertakes to the Security Trustee that, within 5 Business Days after the execution of this Deed or, if later, within 5 Business Days after the date on which any of the Collateral referred to therein are effected, established, acquired, obtained or executed, it shall give such notices of assignment and/or charge to the relevant parties in respect of the assignments referred to above in the form requested by the Security Trustee (acting reasonably) and shall request such relevant parties to return such acknowledgements to the Security Trustee as the Security Trustee reasonably considers necessary to perfect the Security Interests in respect thereof.
4 FLOATING CHARGE
4.1 CREATION
Each Chargor, as beneficial owner and as continuing security for the due and punctual payment and discharge of the Secured Obligations, hereby charges in favour of the Security Trustee (as trustee for the Finance Parties) by way of first floating charge its undertaking and all its assets, both present and future (including Receivables and Bank Accounts to the extent not otherwise effectively mortgaged or charged under Clause 3.1 or assigned by Clause 3.2 but excluding any assets which are effectively mortgaged, charged or assigned under any other Security Document) PROVIDED THAT each Chargor may deal with the assets charged under this Clause in the ordinary course of its business until the Security Interest created by this Deed becomes enforceable or this floating charge is converted into a fixed
[Hong Kong Group Debenture]
charge pursuant to Clause 4.3 or 4.4 (but so that the Chargor may continue to deal with any of the aforesaid assets unaffected by any partial conversion).
4.2 RANKING
The floating charge created by each Chargor ranks:
(a) behind all the fixed charges created by that Chargor pursuant to Clause 3.1 and Clause 3.2 or any other Security Documents; but
(b) in priority to any subsequently created Security Interest over the Collateral of that Chargor.
4.3 CONVERSION BY NOTICE
The Security Trustee may convert any floating charge created pursuant to Clause 4.1 into a fixed charge (either generally or specifically) by notice to the relevant Chargor specifying the relevant Collateral:
(a) if it (acting reasonably) considers it desirable to do so in order to protect or preserve the Security Interests over that Collateral and/or the priority of those Security Interests; and/or
(b) while an Event of Default is continuing.
4.4 AUTOMATIC CONVERSION
If:
(a) any Chargor takes any step to create any Security Interest in breach of Clause 16.16 of the Facility Agreement over any of the Collateral not subject to a Security Interest;
(b) an Event of Default occurs under clause 17.1(f), (g), (h), (i), (j) or (k) of the Facility Agreement; or
(c) any person takes any step to effect any Expropriation, attachment, sequestration, distress or execution against any of the Collateral,
the floating charge over the relevant Collateral shall automatically and immediately be converted into a fixed charge without notice.
4.5 CONVERSION TO FLOATING CHARGE
The Security Trustee may reconvert any fixed charge created pursuant to Clause 4.3 or Clause 4.4 into a floating charge by notice to the relevant Chargor specifying the relevant Collateral if:
(a) none of the events or circumstances referred to in paragraphs (a) or
(b) of Clause 4.3 or paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of Clause 4.4 is
continuing; and
[Hong Kong Group Debenture]
(b) the Security Trustee considers that such conversion into a floating charge would not prejudice the interests of any Finance Party under any Finance Document.
5 FURTHER ASSURANCE
Each Chargor shall, at its own expense, promptly take all such action as the Security Trustee may reasonably require:
(a) for the purpose of perfecting or protecting the Finance Parties' rights under and preserving the Security Interests intended to be created or evidenced by this Deed or the priority of such Security Interests; and
(b) for the purpose of facilitating the realisation of the Collateral or the exercise of any rights vested in the Security Trustee or any Receiver,
including the execution of any transfer, conveyance, charge, mortgage, assignment or assurance of the Collateral (whether to the Security Trustee or its nominees or otherwise), the making of any registration, the obtaining of any legal opinion and the giving of any notice, order or direction.
6 PERFORMANCE, RELEASE AND REGISTRATION
6.1 PERFORMANCE AND INDEMNITY
Notwithstanding the foregoing, each of the Chargors shall remain liable to perform all the obligations to be performed by it in respect of the Collateral and shall discharge fully its obligations thereunder as they become due and neither the Security Trustee nor any of the Finance Parties shall have any obligation of any kind whatsoever thereunder or be under any liabilities whatsoever in the event of any failure to perform their obligations thereunder, and each of the Chargors hereby indemnifies and agrees to keep indemnified the Security Trustee, and the other Finance Parties and each of them from and against any such liability unless such liability arose from the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of the Security Trustee or the Finance Parties.
6.2 RELEASE AND TRANSFER
(a) The Security Trustee shall, upon the full performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations to the satisfaction of the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties, at the request and cost of the relevant Chargor(s) and in such form as the Security Trustee shall reasonably approve, release and transfer to the relevant Chargor(s), the Collateral then the subject of the Security Interest constituted by this Deed.
(b) Notwithstanding any discharge, release or settlement from time to time between the Security Trustee and/or any other Finance Party and the Borrower and/or any Chargor, if any security, disposition or payment granted or made to the Security Trustee and/or any other Finance Party in respect of the Secured Obligations by the Borrower or any Chargor or any other person is avoided or set aside or
[Hong Kong Group Debenture]
ordered to be surrendered, paid away, refunded or reduced by virtue of any provision, law or enactment relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, winding-up, composition or arrangement for the time being in force or for any other reason, the Finance Parties shall be entitled thereafter to enforce this Deed as if no such discharge, release or settlement had occurred.
6.3 REGISTRATION
Each Chargor hereby authorises the Security Trustee forthwith upon execution of this Deed to procure the delivery to the Companies Registry of Hong Kong and the Land Registry of Hong Kong of the particulars of this Deed.
7 PROPERTIES
7.1 ACQUISITION
Each Chargor shall promptly notify the Security Trustee of its acquisition of, or agreement to acquire (either itself or through a nominee or delegate), any Properties, together with a certificate signed by an authorised officer of that Chargor certifying the total consideration paid or payable for those Properties. If any such Properties is in Hong Kong the relevant Chargor shall notify the Security Trustee of the Land Registry Memorial Number of the instrument vesting title to the Properties in that Chargor.
7.2 DOCUMENTS
Each Chargor shall deposit with the Security Trustee, and the Security Trustee shall be entitled to hold, all title deeds and documents relating to that Chargor's present and future Properties.
7.3 REGISTRATION OF FUTURE PROPERTIES
In the case of a Chargor's Properties in Hong Kong acquired after the date of this Deed, that Chargor shall:
(a) promptly after it becomes possible to do so, apply to the Land Registry for registration of the instrument vesting legal and beneficial ownership to the Properties in that Chargor and notify the Security Trustee of the Memorial Number of that instrument;
(b) execute a supplemental deed of charge in favour of the Security Trustee in substantially the same terms as the charge created by Clause 3.1(a) in respect of the Properties creating a legal charge over the same; and
(c) request the Land Registrar to register that supplemental deed of charge in relation to that Properties and notice of all charges.
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7.4 COMPLIANCE WITH OBLIGATIONS
Each Chargor shall comply with any material covenants, stipulations, conditions, licences, consents, legal requirements, notices and any other material statutory, regulatory or contractual obligations relating to the Properties or its use, including any of those in any Government Grant or DMC requiring payment of sums in respect of the Properties. No Chargor shall vary, modify or waive any of the material covenants, terms or conditions contained in the Government Grant or DMC or agree to or permit any such variation, modification or waiver without the consent of the Security Trustee (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).
7.5 COMPLIANCE WITH STATUTE
Each Chargor shall comply with all obligations imposed under any present or future ordinance, statute, regulation, order or instrument or under any bye-laws, regulations or requirements of any competent authority or any planning control, building regulation control or other approvals licences or consents which apply to the Properties or are required to be complied with for its use or enjoyment.
7.6 PLANNING
No Chargor shall, without the consent of the Security Trustee (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), apply for or implement any permission under the Buildings Ordinance (or other planning permission) or change or permit to be changed the use of any of the Property or carry out any operation or begin or continue any use of the Properties for which permission under the Buildings Ordinance (or other planning permission) is required but has not been obtained.
7.7 RESUMPTION OF LAND
No Chargor shall, without the consent of the Security Trustee (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), enter into any negotiations with any competent authorities relating to the resumption of any of the Properties pursuant to the Lands Resumption Ordinance (Cap. 124 of the Laws of Hong Kong) or consent to the resumption of any Properties and, if so requested by the Security Trustee (acting reasonably), it will permit the Security Trustee or its representatives to conduct any negotiations or give any consent on its behalf.
7.8 GOVERNMENT RENT
Each Chargor shall, whenever reasonably requested to do so in writing by the Security Trustee, apply to the Director of Lands for apportionment of the government rent and/or premium in respect of any of the Properties pursuant to the provisions of the Government Rent and Premium (Apportionment) Ordinance (Cap.125) of the Laws of Hong Kong.
7.9 GOVERNMENT LEASE
Each Chargor shall (if necessary in conjunction with the owners for the time being of the other undivided shares of and in the lot(s) comprising any of the Properties)
[Hong Kong Group Debenture] execute and take up the Government Grant relating to any of the Properties when called on so to do by the competent authority and pay the due proportion of the costs and expenses in connection with doing that, and that Chargor shall execute a new charge of any of the Properties, or the shares owned by that Chargor of and in the Properties (or the relevant part of it) when such Government Grant has been taken up, in favour of the Security Trustee in substitution for (and on terms no more onerous than) the original charge granted by this Deed over the relevant part of Properties. 7.10 RENEWAL OF GOVERNMENT GRANT Each Chargor shall, unless the Security Trustee otherwise agrees (such agreement not to be unreasonably refused or delayed), not later than six months before the expiration of the term agreed to be granted by any Government Grant or, if less than six months before such expiration, as soon as possible: (a) exercise any right of renewal (if any) granted by the Government Grant (if necessary in conjunction with the other owners for the time being of the other undivided parts or shares of and in the Government Grant of which the Properties (or the relevant part of it) forms part); (b) execute whatever deed(s) or document(s) are required to effect that renewal; |
(c) pay whatever fees are demanded by the competent authority; and
(d) execute a new charge of the Properties or any substituted Properties
(or any part of it or them, owned by that Chargor) for such renewed term, in favour of the Security Trustee in substitution for (and on terms no more onerous than) the original Security Interest granted by this Deed over the relevant part of the Properties. 7.11 COMPLIANCE WITH TERMS AND CONDITIONS If any Chargor is or becomes entitled to, and/or entitled to apply to the Government or any competent authority for, an extension of the term agreed to be granted by any Government Grant or any Chargor is or becomes entitled to, and/or entitled to apply to the Government or any competent authority for, a re-grant or new grant of an interest in the whole or any part of any of the Properties or of such new or substituted Properties as referred to in Clause 7.9 and Clause 7.10, that Chargor shall immediately comply with any terms and conditions affecting that entitlement (including the payment of whatever fees are demanded by the competent authority) and/or shall immediately make an application to the competent authority for that extension or re-grant or new grant unless the Security Trustee otherwise agrees (such agreement not to be unreasonably refused or delayed), and then shall do and perform all acts (including the payment of any necessary fees) and execute such deed(s) and document(s) as may be necessary to secure such an extension or re-grant or new grant, and shall execute a new charge (or such other security interest as the Security Trustee shall reasonably require) (on terms no more onerous than this Deed) to the Security Trustee of or in respect - 12 - |
[Hong Kong Group Debenture] of the subject matter of such extension, re-grant or new grant, as security for the Secured Obligations. 7.12 GOVERNMENT RENTS Each Chargor shall pay all premiums and government rents and other monies (if any) from time to time payable in respect of the Properties and all other normal operational expenses, charges and outgoings whatsoever arising in connection with the Properties from time to time, including management fees, Taxes and rates, except to the extent that the foregoing is/are being contested in good faith by the Chargor, and shall promptly following a request deliver to the Security Trustee all receipts or other evidence of payment. 7.13 REPAIR AND ALTERATIONS (a) Each Chargor shall repair its Properties and keep it in good and substantial repair and condition (fair wear and tear excepted) (provided that where such Properties are held under a lease, compliance by the relevant Chargor with its obligations under such lease shall be sufficient (fair wear and tear excepted). (b) Each Chargor shall ensure that neither it nor any other person demolishes or makes any alterations or additions to the Properties or injures or in any manner or by any means lessens the value of the Properties nor, unless it promptly replaces them with others of equal or greater value, removes any Fixtures from the Properties if, in any case, doing this will have a material adverse effect on the value of the Properties or will breach the terms or covenants contained in the Government Grant. (c) Each Chargor shall permit the Security Trustee, the Receiver or any other person appointed by any of them on reasonable notice at all reasonable times on Business Days to have access to and view the state of repair and condition of the Properties without such person, by so doing, being deemed to have taken possession of the Properties. 7.14 NOTICES, ETC Each Chargor shall give to the Security Trustee (within 10 Business Days of receiving them) full particulars of any notice, order or proposal given, issued or made to that Chargor in respect of any of the Properties which is material to the Properties by or on behalf of any planning, local government, public health, sanitary, housing or other authority and any other material communication from any person relating to any of the Properties and, if so required by the Security Trustee, produce such notice, order, proposal or other communication to the Security Trustee and also, without delay and within the period prescribed by such notice, order, proposal or other communication, take all necessary steps to comply with the provisions of such notice, order, proposal or other communication and also, at the request or with the consent of the Security Trustee (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and at the cost of the relevant Chargor make, or join with the Security Trustee in making, such objection or representation against or in respect of any such notice, order, proposal or other - 13 - |
[Hong Kong Group Debenture] communication as the Security Trustee or the relevant Chargor considers desirable. 7.15 RECEIPT OF ALL MONIES Each Chargor shall pay promptly following receipt into one of the Prepayment Escrow Accounts designated by the Security Trustee all monies which that Chargor may receive in respect of the Properties including all sale proceeds, licence fees, deposits, commissions, charges and expenses. 7.16 USE PROPERTY FOR PROPER PURPOSES Each Chargor shall not use the Properties or permit the Properties to be used for purposes other than those for which it has been permitted or designated in the Government Grant or by any other competent authority (or any building thereon has been built) and may lawfully be used. 7.17 IMPLIED COVENANTS FOR TITLE Each Chargor's obligations under this Deed are in addition to any covenant for title deemed to be included in this Deed under the CPO, any equivalent legislation or general law. 8 LEASES |
Each Chargor shall:
(a) comply with all material obligations imposed on it under any Lease;
(b) not exercise any power to determine or extend, or accept the surrender of, any Lease if to do so could have a material adverse effect on the ability of that Chargor to carry on its business or perform the obligations under the Finance Documents;
(c) take all reasonable steps to procure the due performance by each Lessee of its material obligations under the Leases, and shall not vary the terms of any Leases, or grant any waivers in respect thereof, or permit or agree to the cancellation of the same if to do so could have a material adverse effect on the ability if that Chargor to carry on its business or perform its obligations under the Finance Documents;
(d) promptly and diligently:
(i) notify the Security Trustee of any default by it or a Lessee under any Lease which could have a material adverse effect on the ability of that Chargor to carry on its business or perform its obligations under the Finance Documents; and
(ii) institute and maintain all such proceedings as may be necessary or desirable to preserve or protect the interests of that Chargor and the
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Finance Parties in any Lease unless not to do so would not have a material adverse effect on the ability if that Chargor to carry on its business or perform its obligations under the Finance Documents.
9 RECEIVABLES AND BANK ACCOUNTS
9.1 COLLECTION
Each Chargor shall promptly collect all Receivables and shall hold the proceeds of collection on trust for the Security Trustee.
9.2 PAYMENT INTO DESIGNATED BANK ACCOUNT(s)
Each Chargor shall promptly pay all moneys received or receivable by it from any source (including all proceeds of collection of Receivables) into a Bank Account.
9.3 RESTRICTIONS ON DEALING WITH RECEIVABLES
Without prejudice and in addition to Clause 5:
(a) except for the Security Interests constituted by this Deed and as otherwise permitted by Clause 16.16 of the Facility Agreement, no Chargor shall create or permit to subsist any Security Interest over, nor do anything else prohibited by Clause 16.16 of the Facility Agreement in respect of, all or any part of any of its Receivables; and
(b) except as required by Clause 5 or as otherwise permitted by clause 16.16 of the Facility Agreement, no Chargor shall enter into a single transaction or a series of transactions (whether related or not and whether voluntary or involuntary) to sell, factor, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or any part of any of its Receivables.
9.4 PROCEEDS OF BOOK DEBTS
So long as none of the Security Interests constituted by this Deed have not become enforceable, each Chargor shall be entitled to use the proceeds of collection of its Receivables in the ordinary course of its business.
9.5 DOCUMENTS
Each Chargor shall promptly execute and/or deliver to the Security Trustee such documents relating to such of its Receivables as the Security Trustee reasonably requires.
9.6 WITHDRAWALS FROM BANK ACCOUNTS
(a) A Chargor may make withdrawals from Bank Accounts (other than Escrow Accounts) unless prohibited by or pursuant to the Finance Documents.
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(b) No Chargor shall make any withdrawal from any Escrow Account except as permitted by the Facility Agreement.
(c) If an amount is withdrawn from a Bank Account as permitted by this Clause 9.6, that amount shall be automatically released from the fixed charge on that Bank Account on that withdrawal being made. However, if all or part of that amount is paid into another Bank Account which is in credit or becomes in credit as a result, it shall automatically become subject to the fixed charge on that Bank Account.
(d) Following notice from the Security Trustee of the occurrence of an Event of Default that is continuing, no Chargor shall be entitled to receive, withdraw or transfer credit balances from time to time on any Bank Account except as agreed by the Security Trustee.
9.7 RESTRICTIONS ON DEALING WITH BANK ACCOUNTS
Without prejudice and in addition to Clause 5:
(a) except for the Security Interests constituted by this Deed and as otherwise permitted by Clause 16.16 of the Facility Agreement, no Chargor shall create or have outstanding any Security Interest over, nor do anything else prohibited by Clause 16.16 of the Facility Agreement in respect of, all or any part of any of its Bank Accounts; and
(b) except as required by Clause 5 or as otherwise permitted by Clause 16.16 of the Facility Agreement, no Chargor shall enter into a single transaction or a series of transactions (whether related or not and whether voluntary or involuntary) to transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of all or any part of any of its Bank Accounts.
9.8 DOCUMENTS
Each Chargor shall promptly execute and/or deliver to the Security Trustee such documents relating to such of its Bank Accounts as the Security Trustee reasonably requires, including any notice to the relevant bank or financial institution of the charges over them. 10 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 10.1 ACQUISITION Each Chargor shall promptly notify the Security Trustee of its acquisition or grant of, or agreement to acquire or grant, (by licence or otherwise) any material Intellectual Property, and any application by it or on its behalf to register any Intellectual Property, and of the deposit of any Intellectual Property (including source codes of computer software) with escrow agents. - 16 - |
[Hong Kong Group Debenture] 10.2 DOCUMENTS AND CONSENTS (i) Each Chargor shall, as soon as reasonable practicable after it enters into this Deed, use reasonable endeavours to obtain such consents as may be necessary from licensors of any material Intellectual Property granted to it to ensure that licences of Intellectual Property granted to that Chargor will not be revoked by any licensor. (ii) Each Chargor shall as soon as reasonably practicable at the Security Trustee's request execute and/or deliver to the Security Trustee (a) originals of any certificate of registration of Intellectual Property; (b) all documents necessary to register or record this Deed or any Security Interest over Intellectual Property with each relevant government authority or agency responsible for keeping registers in which any of that Chargor's Intellectual Property is registered, and each receipt or confirmation of registration or recording of this Deed or any Security Interest over Intellectual Property issued by that government authority or agency; and (c) each escrow agreement which exists in respect of any of the Intellectual Property and a notice to each escrow agent holding any Intellectual Property on behalf of that Chargor substituting the Security Trustee as the party to whom, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing and notification to that effect from the Security Trustee to the escrow agent, that escrow agent shall release the Intellectual Property (including source codes of computer software) in discharge of that escrow agent's obligations to release the Intellectual Property to that Chargor. 11 CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY 11.1 CONTINUING SECURITY This Deed and the security hereby created shall remain in full force and effect by way of a continuing security notwithstanding the insolvency or liquidation or any incapacity or change in the constitution or status of any Chargor, the Borrower or any other person and in particular but without limitation shall not be, nor be considered as, satisfied by any intermediate discharge or payment on account of any liabilities or any settlement of accounts between the Borrower and/or any Chargor, and the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party. 11.2 ADDITIONAL SECURITY This Deed and the security hereby created shall be in addition to and not in substitution for or derogation of any other Security Interest, guarantee or other security (whether given by the Borrower and/or any Chargor or otherwise) now or from time to time hereafter held by the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party in respect of or in connection with the Secured Obligations. - 17 - |
[Hong Kong Group Debenture] 11.3 UNRESTRICTED ENFORCEMENT The Security Trustee need not before exercising any of the rights, powers or remedies conferred upon it by this Deed or by law (i) take action or obtain judgment against any Chargor or any other person in any court, (ii) make or file any claim or prove in a winding-up or liquidation of any Chargor or of any other person or (iii) enforce or seek to enforce the recovery of the moneys and liabilities hereby secured by any other security or other rights all of which the Chargors hereby waive and this Deed may be enforced for any balance due after resorting to any one or more other means of obtaining payment or discharge of the monies, obligations and liabilities hereby secured. 11.4 NO DISCHARGE The liabilities and obligations of each Chargor under this Deed and the security constituted by this Deed shall remain in force notwithstanding any act, omission, event or circumstance whatsoever until full, proper and valid payment and discharge of the Secured Obligations and without limiting the foregoing, neither the liabilities of any Chargor under this Deed nor the validity or enforceability of this Deed shall be prejudiced, affected or discharged by:- (a) the granting of any time or indulgence to the Borrower or any Chargor or any other person in respect of the Secured Obligations; (b) any variation or modification of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto; (c) the invalidity or unenforceability of any obligation or liability of any party under the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto; (d) any invalidity or irregularity in the execution of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or relating thereto; (e) any lack of capacity or deficiency in the powers of the Borrower or any Chargor or any other person to enter into or perform any of its respective obligations under the Facility Agreement or any of the other Finance Documents to which it is party or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto or any irregularity in the exercise thereof or any lack of authority by any person purporting to act on behalf of the Borrower, any Chargor or such other person; (f) the insolvency, bankruptcy or liquidation or any incapacity, disability or limitation or any change in the constitution or status of the Borrower, any Chargor or any other person; (g) any other Finance Document, Security Interest, guarantee or other security or right or remedy being or becoming held by or available to the Security Trustee, any Finance Party or by any other person or by any of the same being or becoming wholly or partly void, voidable or unenforceable or impaired or by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party at any time releasing, refraining from - 18 - |
[Hong Kong Group Debenture] enforcing, varying or in any other way dealing with any of the same or any power, right or remedy the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party may now or hereafter have from or against any Chargor or any other person; (h) any waiver, exercise, omission to exercise, compromise, renewal or release of any rights against any Chargor or any other person or any compromise, arrangement or settlement with any of the same; or (i) any act, omission, event or circumstance which would or may but for this provision operate to prejudice, affect or discharge this Deed or the liability of any Chargor hereunder. 11.5 NO SUBROGATION (a) None of the Chargors shall exercise any right of subrogation, contribution or any other rights of a surety or enforce any security or other right or claim against the Borrower or any of the other Chargors (whether in respect of its liability under this Deed or otherwise) or any other person who has guaranteed or given any security in respect of the Secured Obligations or claim in the insolvency or liquidation of the Borrower or any of the Chargor or any such other person in competition with the Security Trustee and/or the Finance Parties. (b) If any Chargor receives any payment or benefit in breach of this Clause 11.5, it shall hold the same upon trust for the Security Trustee as a continuing security for the Secured Obligations. 12 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES 12.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES Each of the Chargors hereby severally represents and warrants to the Security Trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties that:- (a) STATUS: it is a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of its respective place of incorporation and has full power, authority and legal right to own its property and assets and to carry on its business as such business is now being conducted; (b) POWER AND AUTHORITY: it has all legal power and authority to enter into this Deed and perform its obligations under this Deed and all actions (including any corporate action) required to authorise the execution and delivery of this Deed and the performance of its obligations under this Deed have been duly taken; (c) LEGAL VALIDITY: this Deed constitutes or, when so executed and delivered, will constitute its legal, valid and binding obligations enforceable in accordance with its terms; (d) NON-CONFLICT WITH LAWS: the entry into and performance of this Deed and the transactions contemplated by this Deed do not and will not conflict with or result in (i) a breach of any law, judgment or regulation or any official or judicial order, - 19 - |
[Hong Kong Group Debenture] or (ii) a breach of the constitutional documents of the Borrower or that Chargor (as the case may be), or (iii) a material breach of any agreement or document to which the Borrower or that Chargor (as the case may be) is a party or which is binding upon it or any of its assets or revenues with a monetary value greater than US$500,000, nor cause any limitation placed on it or the powers of its directors to be exceeded or result in the creation or imposition of any Security Interest on any part of the Collateral pursuant to the provisions of any such agreement or document; (e) NO CONSENTS: other than the Consents, no consent, authorisation, licence or approval of, or registration with or declaration to, any governmental or public bodies or authorities or courts in Singapore or in any relevant jurisdiction is required for or in connection with the execution, delivery, validity, enforceability and admissibility in evidence in proceeding of this Deed, or the performance by any Chargor of any of its respective obligations under this Deed; (f) NO REGISTRATION: it is not necessary in order to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of this Deed that it or any other instrument be notarised, filed, recorded, registered or enrolled in any court or other authority or that any stamp, registration or similar tax or charge be paid on or in relation to this Deed and this Deed is in proper form for its enforcement in the courts of Singapore and all jurisdictions the subject of any legal opinion referred to in paragraph 4 of Schedule 3 of the Facility Agreement; (g) LITIGATION: except as disclosed in a letter of even date from the Borrower to the Security Trustee, no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding is currently taking place or pending or, to the knowledge of the officers of that Chargor, threatened against that Chargor or any of its respective assets which could, in the reasonable opinion of the Security Trustee, materially and adversely affect its business, assets or financial condition or its respective ability to perform its obligations under this Deed; (h) WINDING UP AND STRIKING OFF: it has not taken any corporate action or no other step has been taken or legal proceedings have been commenced or threatened against it for its winding-up, dissolution, administration or reorganisation or for the appointment of a receiver, administrator, trustee or similar officer of it or all or any of its assets or revenues, except as permitted by clause 17.1(g) (Winding-up) of the Facility Agreement; (i) TAXES ON PAYMENTS: all payments to be made by it under this Deed may be made by it free and clear of, and without deduction for, Taxes and no deductions or withholdings are required to be made therefrom save as specified in any legal opinion referred to in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of Schedule 3 to the Facility Agreement; and no Taxes are imposed on or by virtue of the execution or delivery by that Chargor of this Deed or any document to be executed or delivered under this Deed; (j) TAX LIABILITIES: it has complied with all Taxation laws in all material respects in all jurisdictions in which it is subject to Taxation and has paid all Taxes due and payable by it; no material claims are being asserted against it with respect to - 20 - |
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(k) NO DEFAULT:
(i) no Default has occurred and is continuing;
(ii) it is not, or with the giving of notice or lapse of time or satisfaction of any other condition or any combination thereof, would not be in material breach of or in default under any agreement relating to Financial Indebtedness to which it is a party or by which it may be bound;
(l) NO IMMUNITY: it is generally subject to civil and commercial law and to legal proceedings and neither it or any of its assets or revenues are entitled to any immunity or privilege (sovereign or otherwise) from any set-off, judgment, execution, attachment or other legal process;
(m) COMPLIANCE, WITH CONSENTS AND LICENSES: every consent, authorisation, licence or approval required for the time being by it in connection with the conduct of its business and the ownership, use, exploitation or occupation of its property and assets has been applied for and not refused or has been obtained and is in full force and effect and there has been no material default in the observance of the conditions and restrictions (if any) imposed on, or in connection with, any of the same which may have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform its obligations under this Deed and, to the knowledge of its officers, no circumstances have arisen whereby any remedial action is likely to be required to be taken by it, or at its expense under or pursuant to any law or regulation applicable to its business, property or assets;
(n) NO FINANCIAL INDEBTEDNESS: it does not have any Financial Indebtedness other than as permitted by Clause 16.17 of the Facility Agreement;
(o) SOLE AND BENEFICIAL OWNER: it is or will be the sole, absolute legal and beneficial owner of its Collateral;
(p) SECURITY INTEREST: no Security Interest exists in any of its rights, title, interests or benefits in the Collateral (other than as created by this Deed or any Permitted Security Interests);
(q) THIRD PARTY RIGHT: it has not sold or otherwise disposes of any of the Collateral or granted in favour of any other person any interest in or any option or other rights in respect of any of the Collateral;
(r) PARTICULARS OF THE PROPERTIES: the particulars of the Properties set out in Schedule 2 are accurate and that Chargor has good and marketable title thereto; and
(s) RECEIVABLES: all Receivables are fully collectible in the ordinary course of business.
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12.2 CONTINUING REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTY
Each of the Chargors severally represents and warrants to and undertakes with the Security Trustee that the foregoing representations and warranties in Clause 12.1(a) to (n) inclusive are deemed to be made by the Chargors on each Drawdown Date and on each Interest Payment Date with reference to the facts and circumstances then existing and that the foregoing representations in Clause 12.1 (o), (r) and (s) will be true and accurate throughout the continuance of this Deed with reference to the facts and circumstances from time to time.
13 TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
13.1 TAX GROSS-UP
(a) All sums payable by any Chargor or any other person under this Deed shall be paid in full without any restriction or condition and free and clear of any Tax or other deductions or withholdings of any nature.
(b) If at any time any Chargor or any other person is required in any jurisdiction to make any deduction or withholding in respect of Taxes or otherwise from any payment due under this Deed for the account of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party (or if the Security Trustee is required to make any such deduction or withholding from a payment to other Finance Parties), the sum due from any Chargor in respect of such payment shall be increased to the extent necessary to ensure that, after the making of such deduction or withholding, the Security Trustee and each Finance Party receives on the due date for such payment (and retains, free from any liability in respect of such deduction or withholding) a net sum equal to the sum which it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been required to be made.
(c) The Chargor's obligations under Clause 13(a) and (b) shall not apply in respect of any Tax on Overall Net Income levied on the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party.
(d) All Taxes required by law to be deducted or withheld by the Chargor from any amounts paid or payable under this Deed shall be paid by the Chargor when due (except for such amounts being disputed by the Chargor in good faith) to the relevant tax authority.
13.2 TAX INDEMNITY
Each Chargor shall indemnify the Security Trustee and each other Finance Party against any losses or costs incurred by any of them by reason of:
(a) any failure of any Chargor or any other person to make any such deduction or withholding referred to in Clause 13.1; or
(b) any increased payment referred to in Clause 13.1 not being made on the due date for such payment; or
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(c) any Taxes which are being disputed by any Chargor and remaining unpaid; and
(d) any liability suffered (directly or indirectly) for or on account of Tax by that Finance Party in respect of any payment received or receivable or deemed to be received or receivable under this Deed.
13.3 EVIDENCE OF PROOF
Each Chargor shall promptly deliver to the Security Trustee any receipts, certificates or other proof evidencing the amounts (if any) paid or payable in respect of any deduction or withholding as aforesaid. Any certificate or determination of the Security Trustee showing in reasonable details the calculations made by the Security Trustee as to any amount for the purposes of this Clause 13 shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on each Chargor.
13.4 TAX CREDIT
If any Chargor makes a Tax Payment and the Security Trustee determines that:-
(a) a Tax Credit is attributable either to an increased payment of which that Tax Payment forms part, or to that Tax Payment; and
(b) it has obtained, utilised and retained that Tax Credit,
the Security Trustee shall, promptly after obtaining the benefit of that Tax Credit, pay an amount to that Chargor which will leave it (after that payment) in the same after-Tax position as it would have been in had the Tax Payment not been required to be made by that Chargor. Any certificate or determination of the Security Trustee showing in reasonable details the calculations made by the Security Trustee as to any amount for the purposes of this Clause 13 shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on each Chargor.
14 COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES
14.1 COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES
Each Chargor shall from time to time forthwith on demand pay to or reimburse the Finance Parties and the Receiver (on the basis of a full indemnity) the amount of:
(a) all costs, charges and expenses properly incurred by the Finance Parties or the Receiver in connection with the investigation of title to or any survey, inspection or valuation of the Collateral under or in connection with this Deed following an Event of Default, and the negotiation, preparation, registration, perfecting, amendment, modification or administration of this Deed (or any of the charges therein contained) or any other document relating thereto;
(b) all costs, charges and expenses properly incurred by the Finance Parties or the Receiver in connection with the exercise, or the attempted exercise, by or on behalf of the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party or the Receiver of any of the powers of the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party or the
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Receiver, or any other action taken by or on behalf of the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party with a view to or in connection with the recovery by the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party of the Secured Obligations from the Chargor or any other person;
(c) all costs, charges and expenses properly incurred by the Finance Parties or the Receiver in connection with the carrying out of any other act or matter which the Security Trustee or any Finance Party or the Receiver may reasonably consider to be necessary or required for the preservation of the Collateral; and
(d) all costs, charges and expenses (including legal and other fees on a full indemnity basis) properly incurred by the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party or Receiver in exercising any of its rights or powers hereunder or in suing for or seeking to recover any sums due hereunder or otherwise preserving or enforcing its rights hereunder or in defending any claims brought against it in respect of this Deed or in releasing or re-assigning this Deed upon payment of all moneys hereby secured,
and until payment of the same in full, all such costs, charges and expenses shall be secured by this Deed.
14.2 STAMP DUTY
Each Chargor shall pay all stamp, documentary, registration or other like duties or taxes (including any duties or taxes payable by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party) imposed on or in connection with this Deed and shall indemnify each of the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties against any liability arising by reason of any delay or omission by any Chargor to pay such duties or taxes.
The amounts payable under Clause 14 shall carry interest from the dates on which they were paid by the Security Trustee or such other Finance Party or the Receiver (as the case may require), and such amounts and interest may be debited by the Security Trustee to any account of the Chargor, but shall, in any event, form part of the Secured Obligations and accordingly be secured on the Collateral under the charges contained in this Deed. The computation of such interest shall be in accordance with the terms of the Facility Agreement.
15 UNDERTAKINGS
15.1 AFFIRMATIVE UNDERTAKINGS
Each Chargor hereby jointly and severally undertakes and agrees with the Security Trustee, for the benefit of the Finance Parties, throughout the continuance of this Deed and so long as the Secured Obligations or any part thereof remains owing that, unless the Security Trustee otherwise agrees in writing, it will:-
(a) INSURANCE: keep all Collateral of an insurable nature issued with reputable underwriters or insurance companies in such manner and to such extent as is reasonable and customary for a business enterprise engaged in the same or a similar business as the relevant Chargor and in the same or similar localities
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and whose practice is not self-insure;
(b) INTEREST OF FINANCE PARTIES: procure that the interest of the Finance Parties is noted on all Insurances and that clauses noting the interest of the Finance Parties as chargee are incorporated therein in such manner and on such terms as the Finance Parties may reasonably require and each Chargor assigns to the Security Trustee the benefit of all such policy or policies and agrees to enter into such further assignments in relation thereto in such manner and on such terms as the Security Trustee may reasonably require;
(c) PAYMENT OF PREMIUM: pay all premiums or sums of money necessary for effecting such Insurances as when due and payable (or within any applicable grace periods therefor in the policies for such Insurances), to comply with all warranties or other requirements relating thereto, and endorse over, produce or deliver to the Security Trustee all policy or policies of insurance and the receipts for every such payment.
(d) APPLICATION OF MONIES RECEIVED: apply any monies received by it in respect of any Insurances or from any other party in respect of the Insurances in repairing or reinstating the property or assets in respect of which the monies were received or as required under Clause 7.5 of the Facility Agreement;
(e) MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY AND ASSETS: keep all its property and assets including, but not limited to, all plant, equipment, machinery, buildings, fixtures, fittings, vehicles and other effects in good and substantial repair and in good working order and condition fair wear and tear excepted and not pull down, dismantle or remove any of the same except in the ordinary course of use, repair, maintenance or improvement;
(f) PAY OUTGOINGS: pay all rents, rates, Taxes, duties, fees, impositions and outgoings when due and payable (or within any applicable grace period therefor in the agreements stipulating such payments) which may be payable in respect of the Collateral and observe and perform in all material respects all the covenants, terms and conditions contained in any title deeds, leases or other documents of title under which any assets hereby charged is for the time being held provided that if any Chargor defaults in making any such payments or in the performance or observance of any of the above undertakings or in effecting Insurances or in paying insurance premiums or in repairing, the Security Trustee may make such payments or perform and observe such undertakings, effect such Insurances or repairs or pay such insurance premiums and any Chargor shall forthwith repay to the Security Trustee on demand all monies expended by the Security Trustee in so doing together with interest thereon at the rates determined in accordance with the terms of the Facility Agreement from the time of the same having been paid or incurred and until such repayment such monies together with such interest shall be secured by this Deed;
(g) ACCESS TO COLLATERAL: permit the Security Trustee or any other person appointed by it on reasonable notice to have access to and view the state, order and condition of the Collateral and take inventories thereof;
(h) NOTICE: attach to each item of the Properties or other plant, machinery and
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equipment, if reasonably required by the Security Trustee (but no so as to impede or restrict the normal use of operations thereof), a notice in such conspicuous place and in such form as the Security Trustee may specify stating that such item is subject to a charge in favour of the Security Trustee;
(i) DOCUMENTS OF TITLE: deposit with the Security Trustee or such person as the Security Trustee may appoint for such purpose, all documents of title relating to the Collateral when called upon by the Security Trustee;
(j) DISCHARGE OF DEBTS: pay and discharge in accordance with relevant agreement relating to the same all debts and obligations which by law have priority over the Security Interests hereby constituted;
(k) RECEIVABLES: upon a request from the Security Trustee, give notice of the charges hereby created in respect of the Receivables or the Bank Accounts or any of them to the relevant debtor in such form as the Security Trustee may reasonably direct and from time to time give such further notices in respect of the Receivables or the Bank Accounts or any of them as the Security Trustee may reasonably require;
(l) REALISATION OF RECEIVABLES: get in and realise all Receivables in the ordinary course of its business;
(m) NOTIFICATION OF DEFAULT: promptly inform the Security Trustee of any occurrence of any event which it becomes aware of which may materially and adversely affect its ability to perform its obligations under this Deed;
(n) SECURITY TRUSTEE ACCOUNT: at any time upon written notice from the Security Trustee to the relevant Chargor, to pay all moneys which it may receive in respect of such debts to such account and bank, in the name of the Security Trustee or otherwise (as the Security Trustee may specify) and, in such form and on such terms as the Security Trustee may reasonably requires, to give such notice and instruction to the bank in question authorising the Security Trustee to operate such account (including, without limitation, to enable the Security Trustee to consent to the Chargor utilising the funds from such account and to revoke such consent) and to obtain the acknowledgement of, and undertaking to comply with, such notice and instruction from the bank in question, but so that nothing in this paragraph shall be taken to affect the validity of the first fixed charge of such debts and moneys which is contained in clause 3.1(b)(i);
(o) NOTIFICATION OF INFORMATION AFFECTING THE COLLATERAL: forthwith to notify the Security Trustee in writing of any notice received by any Chargor affecting any of its interest in any of the Collateral, and, at the cost of the Chargor, to take any action regarding any such notice or information as the Security Trustee may reasonably require;
(p) FACILITY AGREEMENT UNDERTAKINGS: perform the undertakings set out in Clause 16 of the Facility Agreement which the Borrower is obliged to procure the Chargor to perform as if the same were separately set out herein mutatis mutandis.
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15.2 NEGATIVE UNDERTAKINGS
Each of the Chargors severally undertakes and agrees with the Security Trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties throughout the continuance of this Deed and so long as the Secured Obligations or any part thereof remains owing that, unless the Security Trustee otherwise agrees in writing, it will not:
(a) without the consent of the Security Trustee (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders) either in a single transaction or in a series of transactions whether related or not and whether voluntarily or involuntarily, sell, transfer, lease, assign or otherwise dispose of all or any material part of the Collateral, except disposals made in good faith for full consideration on an arm's length basis in the ordinary course of its business unless such disposal is of an asset which is material to the Borrower Group, or assign, discount or factor any of the Receivables, and provided in all cases that such disposal does not, materially and adversely affect the ability of that Chargor to perform its respective obligations under this Deed or the rights of the Finance Parties under the Finance Documents;
(b) other than the Permitted Security Interests, create or attempt or agree to create or permit to arise or exist any Security Interest over the Collateral or any interest therein (except under or pursuant to this Deed) unless contemporaneously therewith or prior thereto and subject to the prior written consent of the Security Trustee, the Indebtedness owing to the Finance Parties under this Deed is equally and rateably secured and to the intent of affording the Security Trustee's further and better security the Chargors agree and declare that the rule in Clayton's Case or any other rule of law or equity shall not apply so as to affect or diminish in any way the Security Trustee's rights under this Deed provided always that upon the commencement of the winding-up of any of the Chargors or of this Deed ceasing for any reason to be binding on any of the Chargors or if the Security Trustee shall at any time receive notice (either actual or otherwise) of any Security Interest affecting the Collateral or any part of it or any such breach by any Chargor the Security Trustee may open new or separate accounts in the name of any Chargor in the Security Trustee's books and if the Security Trustee has not in fact opened such new or separate accounts the Security Trustee shall nevertheless be deemed to have done so at the time of such breach and as from that time all payments made by the Chargors to the Security Trustee shall (notwithstanding any legal or equitable rule or presumption to the contrary) be placed or deemed to have been placed to the credit of such new or separate accounts and shall not go in reduction of the amounts due by any Chargors to the Security Trustee at the time of such breach notwithstanding that such payments had been paid into the existing accounts of any of the Chargors or were shown to be credited to that Chargors' existing accounts on the Security Trustee's statements and the Security Trustee shall immediately after the time of such breach have an absolute right of appropriation of such payments;
(c) (i) sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of their respective assets on terms whereby it is or may be leased to or re-acquired or acquired by any Chargor or any of their respective affiliates; or
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(ii) sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of their respective receivables on recourse terms, except for the discounting of bills or notes in the ordinary course of trading,
in circumstances where the transaction is entered into primarily as a method of raising finance or of financing the acquisition of an asset;
(d) do or cause or permit to be done any act, matter or thing in or on or respecting the Collateral which shall contravene the provisions of any ordinance, order, rule or regulation now or hereafter affecting the same unless such contravention could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the rights of the Finance Parties under the Finance Documents or the ability of the Chargor to perform its obligations hereunder;
(e) do or cause or permit to be done anything which may in any way depreciate, jeopardise or otherwise prejudice the value of the Security Interest created in favour of the Security Trustee hereunder;
(f) transfer, sell, lend or otherwise dispose of any of the Collateral, and, in particular not to exercise the statutory or other powers of making leases or of accepting or agreeing to accept surrenders of leases, nor to part with possession of, nor grant any licence or right to occupy, any of the freehold or leasehold property for the time being owned by the Chargor, but so that the Chargor may dispose of property and assets which are for the time being subject to the floating charge contained in Clause 4 by sale by way of bargain made at arms length in the usual course of the Chargor's day-to-day trading; and
(g) not, without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee, to enter into any debtor-creditor relationship (as a debtor) with any third party, including related or associated companies of the Chargor, except in the ordinary course of business of the Chargor.
16 ENFORCEMENT
16.1 POWERS OF SECURITY TRUSTEE
The security created by this Deed shall become enforceable immediately upon the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing and at any time thereafter, the Security Trustee shall be entitled to exercise, without prior notice and whether or not it shall have appointed a Receiver, all the powers and discretions hereby conferred either expressly or by implication on a Receiver (and in relation to express powers and discretions as if any reference to the Receiver were a reference to a Finance Party) and all other powers conferred upon mortgagees by law or otherwise.
16.2 APPOINTMENT OF RECEIVER
(a) At any time after the security constituted hereby has become enforceable or if requested by the Chargors the Security Trustee may by deed appoint such person or persons (including an officer or officers of the Security Trustee) as it thinks fit
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to be the Receiver or Receivers of the Collateral or any part thereof.
(b) The Security Trustee may by deed remove the Receiver and appoint another in his place, and the Security Trustee may also appoint another receiver if the Receiver resigns.
(c) The exclusion of any part of the Collateral from the appointment of the Receiver shall not preclude the Security Trustee from subsequently extending his appointment (or that of the Receiver replacing him) to that part.
(d) The Receiver shall, so far as the law permits, be the agent of each of the Chargor; and the Chargor shall be solely responsible for his acts and defaults (except for his wilful misconduct, wilful default and negligence) and liable on any contracts or engagements made or entered into by him; and in no circumstances whatsoever shall the Security Trustee be in any way responsible for any misconduct, or default of the Receiver.
(e) The remuneration of the Receiver may be fixed by the Security Trustee, but such remuneration shall be payable by the Chargor alone; provided that any remuneration so fixed by the Security Trustee shall in the reasonable opinion of the Security Trustee be appropriate to the work and responsibilities involved upon the basis of charging from time to time adopted in accordance with the Receiver's current practice or the current practice of his industry and the amount of such remuneration may be debited by the Security Trustee to any account of the Chargor, but shall, in any event, form part of the Secured Obligations and accordingly be secured on the Collateral under the charges contained in this Deed.
16.3 POWERS OF RECEIVER
The Receiver shall, in addition to all powers conferred from time to time on mortgagees or receivers by law or otherwise, have power (exercisable without further notice) either in his own name or in the name of the relevant Chargor or otherwise and in such manner and upon such terms and conditions as the Receiver shall think fit and either alone or jointly with any other person:
(a) to take possession of, collect and get in and give receipts for the Collateral;
(b) to sell by public auction or private contract or otherwise dispose of or deal with the Collateral in such manner, for such consideration and generally on such terms and subject to such conditions as the Receiver may think fit with full power to convey or otherwise transfer the Collateral in the name of any Chargor or other legal or registered owner. Any consideration may be in the form of cash, debentures, shares, stock or other valuable consideration and may be payable immediately or by instalments spread over such period as the Receiver shall think fit and so that any consideration received in a form other than cash shall forthwith on receipt be and become charged with the payment of the Secured Obligations. Plant, equipment and machinery and other Fixtures or any part there of may be severed and sold separately from the premises containing them and the Receiver may apportion any rent and the performance of any obligations affecting such premises sold without the consent of the Borrower or
[Hong Kong Group Debenture]
any Chargor;
(c) to insure and keep insured against loss or damage by such risks and contingencies as the Receiver may reasonably think fit the Collateral of an insurable nature in such manner in all respects as the Receiver may reasonably think fit and to maintain, renew or increase any Insurances in respect of the Collateral;
(d) to institute, prosecute, submit to arbitration, negotiate, compromise, abandon, settle and defend any claims and proceedings in the name of any Chargor or otherwise as may seem expedient concerning the Collateral;
(e) to make and effect all repairs, renewals, alterations, improvements and developments to or in respect of the Collateral;
(f) to carry on or authorise or concur in the carrying on of the business of any Chargor or any part thereof and to manage and conduct the same without being responsible for loss or damage unless caused by his negligence or wilful default;
(g) to form or promote the formation of companies with a view to the same purchasing all or any of the undertaking, property, assets and rights of any Chargor or otherwise;
(h) to make calls, conditionally or unconditionally, on the members of any Chargor in respect of uncalled capital;
(i) to redeem an Security Interest (whether or not having priority to the security constituted by this Deed) and make any arrangement, settlement or compromise or enter into any contracts and to perform, repudiate, rescind or vary any contract or arrangement to which a Chargor is a party in all such cases which the Receiver shall think expedient in the interests of the Finance Parties;
(j) for the purpose of exercising any of the powers, authorities and discretions conferred on him by or pursuant to this Deed and of defraying any costs, charges, losses or expenses (including his remuneration) which shall be incurred by him in the exercise thereof or for any other purpose in connection herewith, to enter into bonds, covenants, guarantees, indemnities and other commitment and/or to raise and borrow money either unsecured or on the security of the Collateral either in priority to this Deed or otherwise and generally on such terms and conditions as he may think fit provided that:
(i) no Receiver shall exercise such power without first obtaining the written consent of the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties shall incur no liability to any Chargor or any other person by reason of its giving or refusing such consent whether absolutely or subject to any limitation or condition; and
(ii) no person lending such money shall be concerned to enquire as to the existence of such consent or the terms thereof or as to the propriety or purpose of the exercise of such power or to see to the application of any money so raised or borrowed;
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(k) to appoint managers, agents, officers, solicitors, accountants, auctioneers, brokers, architects, engineers, workmen or other professional or non-professional advisers, agents or employees for any of the aforesaid purposes at such salaries or for such remuneration and for such periods as the Receiver may determine and to dismiss any of the same or any of the existing staff of any Chargor and to delegate to any person any of the powers hereby conferred on the Receiver;
(l) in the exercise of any of the above powers to expend such sums as the Receiver may think fit and each Chargor shall forthwith on demand repay to the Receiver all sums so expended together with interest thereon at such rates as the Security Trustee may from time to time determine from the time of the same having been paid or incurred and until such repayment such sums together with such interest shall be secured by this Deed;
(m) to have access to and make use of any tool, equipment, premises and the accounting and other records of any Chargor and the services of its staff for all or any of the purposes aforesaid;
(n) to transfer all or any of the Collateral and/or any of the liabilities of any Chargor to any other company or body corporate or person, whether or not formed or acquired for the purpose;
(o) to grant leases, tenancies, licences and rights of user, grant renewals and accept surrenders of leases, tenancies, licences or rights of user, and to give to any Lessee(s) notice to quit or to remedy a breach of covenant or to otherwise reach agreements and make arrangements with, and to make allowances to, any lessees, tenants or other persons (including a new company formed pursuant to paragraph (g)) from whom any rents and profits may be receivable (including those relating to the grant of any licences, the review of rent in accordance with the terms of, and the variation of, the provisions of any leases, tenancies, licences or rights of user affecting the Collateral);
(p) to manage and use the Collateral and to exercise and do (or permit any Chargor or any nominee of it to exercise and do) all such rights and things as the Receiver would be capable of exercising or doing if he were the absolute beneficial owner of the Collateral and in particular, without limitation, to exercise any rights of enforcing any Security Interest to entry into possession, foreclosure, sale or otherwise and to arrange for or provide all services which he may deem proper for the efficient management or use of the Collateral or the exercise of such rights;
(q) to enforce any covenant in any Lease (whether existing at the time of the appointment of such Receiver or otherwise created in any manner) and to exercise any right of re-entry or to commence proceedings to recover possession whenever such right to re-enter the Property arises, whether out of the proviso for re-entry contained in any Lease or by virtue of a notice to quite or otherwise and in the exercise of the power of sale in relation to the Property, to enter into any deed of mutual covenant or grant of any rights, easements or privileges as it shall think fit and to enter into such deeds, contracts,
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stipulations and agreements and to execute and do all such assurances and things as it may deem expedient or necessary.
(r) for such consideration and on such terms as he may think fit, to purchase outright or acquire by leasing, hiring, licensing or otherwise, any land, buildings, plant, equipment, vehicles or materials or any other property, assets or rights of any description which he considers necessary or desirable for the carrying on, improvement or realisation of any business of any Chargor or otherwise for the benefit of the Collateral;
(s) to do all such other acts and things as may be considered by the Receiver to be incidental or conducive to any of the matters or powers aforesaid or otherwise incidental or conducive to the exercise of any of the rights conferred on the Receiver under any Finance Document to which any Chargor is a party or under legislation or common law or to the realisation of the Finance Parties' security created by this Deed and which the Receiver may lawfully do.
16.4 RECEIVER TO CONFORM TO SECURITY TRUSTEE'S DIRECTIONS
The Receiver shall in the exercise of the Receiver's powers, authorities and discretions conform to the directions and regulations from time to time given or made by the Security Trustee.
16.5 POWERS TO BE GIVEN WIDE CONSTRUCTION
The powers of the Security Trustee and the Receiver hereunder shall be construed in the widest possible sense to the intent that the Security Trustee and the Receiver shall be afforded as wide and flexible a range of powers as possible.
16.6 NO LIABILITY TO ACCOUNT AS MORTGAGEE IN POSSESSION
(a) Neither the Security Trustee nor the Receiver shall be liable in respect of any loss or damage which arises out of the exercise, or the attempted or purported exercise of, or the failure to exercise any of their respective powers unless such loss or damage is caused by its or his negligence, wilful default or misconduct in the exercise of their respective powers.
(b) Without prejudice to the generality of Clause 16.6(a), entry into possession of the Collateral shall not render the Security Trustee or the Receiver liable to account as mortgagee in possession unless the Security Trustee, the Receiver or its officers, employees or agents had acted in wilful default, negligence or misconduct in the exercise of its powers; and if and whenever the Security Trustee or the Receiver enters into possession of the Collateral, it shall be entitled at any time at its pleasure to go out of such possession.
16.7 EVIDENCE OF DEBT
Any statement of account signed as correct by the Security Trustee showing any amount due under the Facility Agreement or under this Deed or under any other Finance Document shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive evidence of the amount so due.
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16.8 SALE OF COLLATERAL
Each of the Security Trustee and the Receiver shall be entitled to exercise such power of sale in such manner and at such time or times and for such consideration (whether payable immediately or by instalments) as it shall in its absolute discretion think fit (whether by private sale or otherwise) and so that the Collateral (or any relevant part thereof) may be sold (i) subject to any conditions which the Security Trustee or the Receiver may think fit to impose, (ii) to any person (including, without limitation, any person connected with the Borrower or any Chargor, the Security Trustee or the Finance Parties) and (iii) at any price which the Security Trustee or the Receiver in its absolute discretion, considers to be the best obtainable in the circumstances taking into account the nature of the Chargor as a private company.
16.9 PURCHASER NOT BOUND TO ENQUIRE
(a) No purchaser from, or other person dealing with, the Security Trustee and/or the Receiver shall be concerned to enquire whether any of the powers which they have exercised or purported to exercise has arisen or become exercisable, or whether the Secured Obligations remain outstanding, or whether any event has happened to authorise the Receiver to act or as to the propriety or validity of the exercise or purported exercise of any such power; and the title of such a purchaser and the position of such a person shall not be impeachable by reference to any of those matters.
(b) The receipt of the Security Trustee or the Receiver shall be an absolute and a conclusive discharge to a purchaser and shall relieve him of any obligation to see to the application of any moneys paid to or by the direction of the Security Trustee or the Receiver.
(c) In clauses 16.9(a) and 16.9(b), "PURCHASER" includes any person acquiring, for money or money's worth, any lease of, or Security Interest over, or any other interest or right whatsoever in relation to, the Collateral.
16.10 NO LIABILITY FOR LOSSES
None of the Chargors shall have any claim against the Security Trustee or the Receiver or any Finance Party in respect of any loss arising out of any such sale or any postponement thereof howsoever caused and whether or not a better price could or might have been obtained upon the sale of the Collateral or any of them by deferring or advancing the date of such sale or otherwise howsoever except in the case of the Security Trustee's or the Receiver's negligence or wilful default.
17 APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS
All monies received by the Security Trustee or the Receiver hereunder shall be applied in or towards satisfaction of the Secured Obligations in (subject to the prior discharge of all liabilities having priority thereto by law) in the following order of priority:-
(a) in payment or satisfaction of all costs, charges, expenses and liabilities properly
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incurred and payments made by or on behalf of the Security Trustee or the Receiver in connection with the exercise of any powers hereunder and in preserving or attempting to preserve this security or the Collateral and of all outgoings in respect of the Collateral paid by the Security Trustee or the Receiver pursuant to this Deed;
(b) in payment to the Receiver of all remuneration as may be agreed between it and the Security Trustee to be paid to him at, or at any time after, its appointment;
(c) in or towards reduction of the remaining Secured Obligations in such manner as is provided in the Facility Agreement;
(d) the surplus (if any) to the Chargor;
but so that if and for so long as any Chargor has any future or contingent liability to the Security Trustee, the Security Trustee may place and keep any such moneys to the credit of such account or accounts, in such name or names, as the Security Trustee may deem fit, without obligation to apply the same as mentioned above until all such liability is ascertained and due, and the same shall form part of the Collateral.
18 INDEMNITY
18.1 GENERAL INDEMNITY
Each of the Chargors hereby jointly and severally undertakes with the Security Trustee to indemnify and keep indemnified the Finance Parties and each of them (each an "INDEMNITEE") from and against all costs, charges and expenses which such Finance Party shall properly incur in connection with the exercise of any powers conferred by this Deed or the perfection, preservation or enforcement of the security created by this Deed (unless and to the extent that any of the foregoing results directly from the fraud, gross negligence or wilful misconduct of that indemnitee).
18.2 CURRENCY INDEMNITY
(a) If an amount due to the Security Trustee or any Finance Party from any Chargor under this Deed (a "SUM"), or any order, judgment or award given or made in relation to a sum, has to be converted from the currency (the "FIRST CURRENCY") in which that sum is payable into another currency (the "SECOND CURRENCY") for the purpose of:
(i) making or filing a claim or proof against any Chargor;
(ii) obtaining or enforcing an order, judgment or award in relation to any litigation or arbitration proceedings,
each Chargor shall, as an independent obligation to the Security Trustee or such Finance Party, indemnify the Security Trustee or such Finance Party to whom that sum is due against any cost, loss or liability arising out of or as a result of the conversion including any discrepancy between (A) the rate of exchange used to convert that sum from the first currency into the second
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currency and (B) the rate or rates of exchange available to that person at the time of its receipt of that sum.
(b) Each Chargors hereby waives any right it may have in any jurisdiction to pay any amount under the Facility Agreement or any other Finance Document in a currency or currency unit other than that in which it is expressed to be payable.
18.3 PAYMENT AND SECURITY
The Security Trustee or any Finance Party may retain and pay out of any money in the hands of the Security Trustee or such Finance Party all sums necessary to effect the indemnity contained in this Clause and all sums payable by any Chargor under this Clause shall form part of the monies hereby secured.
19 SUSPENSE ACCOUNT
The Security Trustee may, notwithstanding Clause 17 (Application of Proceeds), place and keep any monies received under this Deed, before or after the insolvency of any Chargor, to the credit of a suspense account in order to preserve the rights of the Finance Parties to sue or prove for the whole amount in respect of claims against any Chargor or any other person.
20 SET OFF
20.1 Without prejudice to any right of set-off, combination of accounts, lien or other rights which the Security Trustee or the Receiver is at any time entitled whether by operation of law or contract or otherwise, the Security Trustee and the Receiver may (but shall not be obliged to) set off against any obligation of any Chargor due and payable by it hereunder without prior notice any moneys held by the Security Trustee or such Receiver for the account of such Chargor at any office of the Security Trustee or such Receiver anywhere and in any currency. The Security Trustee or such Receiver may effect such currency exchanges as are appropriate to implement such set-off. 20.2 If the obligations are in different currencies, the Security Trustee or such Receiver may convert either obligation at a market rate of exchange in its usual course of business for the purpose of the set-off. |
21 POWER OF ATTORNEY
21.1 POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each Chargor irrevocably appoints the Security Trustee, the Receiver and any persons deriving title under either of them by way of security jointly and severally to be its attorney (with full power of substitution) and in its name or otherwise on its behalf and as its act and deed to sign, seal, execute, deliver, perfect and do all deeds, instruments, acts and things which may be required or which the Security Trustee or the Receiver shall think proper or reasonably expedient for carrying out any obligations imposed on each Chargor hereunder or for exercising, following the security constituted by this Deed becoming enforceable, any of the powers conferred by this Deed or in connection
[Hong Kong Group Debenture] with any sale or disposition of the Collateral or the exercise of any rights in respect thereof or for giving to the Security Trustee and the Receiver the full benefit of this security and so that this appointment shall operate to authorise the Security Trustee and the Receiver to do on behalf of each Chargor anything it can lawfully do by an attorney. Each Chargor ratifies and confirms and agrees to ratify and confirm any deed, instrument, act or thing which such attorney or substitute may execute or do in exercising its powers under this Clause. 21.2 DELEGATION The Security Trustee and/or the Receiver may delegate to any person all or any of the rights or powers conferred on it by this Deed or by law. Any such delegation may be made upon such terms and conditions (including power to sub-delegate) as the Security Trustee or the Receiver thinks fit. 22 NOTICES 22.1 NOTICES Any notice or communication under or in connection with this Deed shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or by prepaid letter (airmail if available) or facsimile transmission to the addresses or facsimile numbers set out below or at such other address or facsimile number as the recipient may have notified to the other parties in writing. Proof of posting or despatch of any notice or communication to any party hereto shall be deemed to be proof of receipt:- (a) in the case of a letter, on the fifth Business Day after posting if airmail or second Business Day if local mail; (b) in the case of a facsimile transmission, on the Business Day immediately following the date of despatch with confirmed facsimile report. All communications or other correspondence between any of the Chargors and any of the Finance Parties in connection with this Deed shall be made through the Security Trustee. 22.2 ADDRESSES Notices or communications shall be sent to the following addresses:- To any Chargor:- Name c/o Asia Netcom Corporation Limited Address 46/F Cheung Kong Center 2 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2121 2929 Attention Gregory Freiberg/Wenlong Sun -36- |
[Hong Kong Group Debenture] With a copy to:- Name Asia Netcom Singapore Pte. Ltd. Address 2 Shenton Way #11-01 SGX Centre 1 Singapore 068804 Fax (65) 6233 6390 Attention Oliver Ao |
To the Security Trustee:-
Name Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited Address 10/F, ICBC Asia Building 122-126 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2851 9361 Attention Ms. Esther Cheng/ Ms. Amy Wong 22.3 LANGUAGE Each notice or document referred to in this Deed or to be delivered under this Deed shall be in the English language. 23 WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS 23.1 WAIVERS No failure or delay on the part of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party to exercise any power, right or remedy under this Deed shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party of any power, right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power, right or remedy. 23.2 AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS (a) Any amendment of any provision of this Deed shall only be effective if made in accordance with the provisions of this Deed and if all parties hereto so agree in writing and any waiver of any breach or default under this Deed shall only be effective if the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Lenders or the Majority Lenders (as the case may be), agrees in writing. Any consent by the Security Trustee under this Deed must be made in writing. (b) Any such waiver or consent may be given subject to any conditions thought fit by the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Lenders or the Majority Lenders, as the case may be, and shall be effective only in the -37- |
[Hong Kong Group Debenture] instance and for the purpose for which it is given. 23.3 REMEDIES The remedies provided in this Deed are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies provided by law. 23.4 SEVERABILITY If any provision of this Deed is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction such prohibition or unenforceability shall not invalidate the remaining provisions hereof or affect the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. 23.5 ASSIGNMENT The Security Trustee may assign its rights under this Deed in accordance with the provisions of the Facility Agreement. None of the Chargors shall assign any of their respective rights hereunder without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee. 23.6 COUNTERPARTS This Deed may be executed in any number of counterparts including by facsimile and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Deed by signing any such counterpart. 24 GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION 24.1 GOVERNING LAW This Deed is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong. 24.2 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION For the benefit of the Security Trustee and each Finance Parties, each Chargor irrevocably agrees that the courts of Hong Kong are to have jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with this Deed and that, accordingly, any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Deed ("PROCEEDINGS") may be brought in those courts and each Chargor irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of those courts. 24.3 OTHER JURISDICTIONS Nothing in this Clause 24 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) shall limit the right of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party to take Proceedings against any Chargor in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the taking of Proceedings in one or more jurisdictions preclude the Security Trustee or any Finance Party from taking Proceedings in any other jurisdiction, whether concurrently or not. -38- |
[Hong Kong Group Debenture] 24.4 WAIVER OF INCONVENIENT FORUM Each Chargor irrevocably waives any objection which it may at any time have to the laying of the venue of any Proceedings in any court referred to in this Clause 24 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) and any claim that any such Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum. 24.5 SERVICE Each of the Chargors irrevocably consents to any process in any Proceeding anywhere being served by mailing a copy by post in accordance with Clause 22 (Notices). Nothing shall affect the right to serve any process in any other manner permitted by law. 24.6 WAIVER OF IMMUNITIES To the extent that each Chargor has or hereafter may acquire any immunity (sovereign or otherwise) from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from jurisdiction of any court or from set-off or any legal process (whether service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) with respect to itself or any of its property, each of the Borrower and Chargors hereby irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim such immunity in respect of its obligations under this Deed. 25 OTHER SECURITY ETC. 25.1 No restrictions imposed by any ordinance or other statutory provision in relation to the exercise of any power of sale or consolidation, including without limitation paragraph 11 of the Fourth Schedule to the CPO, shall apply to this Deed. 25.2 If the Security Trustee is obliged for any reason whatsoever to repay, whether to the Chargor or any other person, any amount received, recovered or applied by the Security Trustee in or towards satisfaction of the Secured Obligations, the liability of the Chargor for such Secured Obligations shall not be satisfied by such receipt, recovery or application, and the same shall remain due and payable by the Chargor as part of the Secured Obligations and secured by this Deed accordingly. 26 MISCELLANEOUS 26.1 The Security Trustee may act under this Deed through any of its branches or offices. 26.2 Each Chargor hereby irrevocably consents to the disclosure by the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties of such information about the Chargor as has been made available to them following, other than in the case of paragraphs (ii) and (vi) below, the execution of a confidentiality agreement in agreed form by the following parties, to (i) any of their head office, representative and branch offices and any of their related corporations in any jurisdiction (ii) any authority including without limitation any central bank or other fiscal or monetary authority in any jurisdiction (iii) any potential assignee or transferee in respect of their rights and/or obligations under or in connection with this Deed (iv) any other party which the Security Trustee and the -39- |
[Hong Kong Group Debenture] Finance Parties determine it is in their interests to do so or (vi) any other party to whom the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties are permitted by laws in the applicable jurisdiction to make such disclosure to. 26.3 It is intended that this document takes effect as a deed notwithstanding the fact that a party may only execute this document under hand. |
IN WITNESS whereof this Deed has been executed by the parties hereto and is intended to be and is hereby delivered by each Chargor as its deed on the day and year first above written.
[Hong Kong Group Debenture]
SCHEDULE 1
CHARGORS' DETAILS
NAME OF CHARGOR PLACE OF INCORPORATION REGISTERED OFFICE ASIA NETCOM ASIA PACIFIC LIMITED Hong Kong 46/F, Cheung Kong Centre 2 Queen's Road, Central Hong Kong ASIA NETCOM ASIA PACIFIC Hong Kong 46/F, Cheung Kong Centre COMMERCIAL LIMITED 2 Queen's Road, Central Hong Kong ASIA NETCOM HONG KONG LIMITED Hong Kong 46/F, Cheung Kong Centre 2 Queen's Road, Central Hong Kong |
[Hong Kong Group Debenture]
SCHEDULE 2
PROPERTIES
ASIA NETCOM HONG KONG LIMITED:
12 Chun Kwong Street, Tseung Kwan O Industrial Cable Landing Station Leasehold Estate, Hong Kong
11 Chun Kwong Street, Tseung Kwan O Industrial Cable Landing Station Leasehold Estate, Hong Kong
[Hong Kong Group Debenture]
SCHEDULE 3
BANK ACCOUNTS
Name of Bank Account Holder: ASIA NETCOM ASIA PACIFIC LTD. Bank Name : Citibank N.A. Bank Branch : 3 Garden Road, Central Hong Kong Bank Account Number : 1867842019 Name of Bank Account Holder: ASIA NETCOM ASIA PACIFIC LTD. Bank Name : Citibank N.A. Bank Branch : 3 Garden Road, Central Hong Kong Bank Account Number : 1867842027 Name of Bank Account Holder: ASIA NETCOM ASIA PACIFIC LTD. Bank Name : Bank of America (Asia) Ltd Bank Branch : 188 Des Voeux Road, Central Hong Kong Bank Account Number : 516378 Name of Bank Account Holder: ASIA NETCOM ASIA PACIFIC COMMERCIAL LTD. Bank Name : Citibank N.A. Bank Branch : 3 Garden Road, Central Hong Kong Bank Account Number : 1868727027 Name of Bank Account Holder: ASIA NETCOM ASIA PACIFIC COMMERCIAL LTD. Bank Name : Citibank N.A. Bank Branch : 3 Garden Road, Central Hong Kong Bank Account Number : 1868727035 Name of Bank Account Holder: ASIA NETCOM HONG KONG LTD. Bank Name : Citibank N.A. Bank Branch : 3 Garden Road, Central Hong Kong Bank Account Number : 1868754016 Name of Bank Account Holder: ASIA NETCOM HONG KONG LTD. Bank Name : Citibank N.A. Bank Branch : 3 Garden Road, Central Hong Kong Bank Account Number : 1868754008 |
[Hong Kong Group Debenture]
SCHEDULE 4
DETAILS OF SHARES
Name of Chargor Name of Company Details of Shareholding --------------- --------------- ----------------------- |
N/A
[Hong Kong Group Debenture]
SCHEDULE 5
PARTICULARS OF THE TKO LAND
ALL THAT piece or parcel of land (of 7,000 square metres appropriately) situate at TESUNG KWAN O, Sai Kung and known and registered in the Sai Kung New Territories Land Registry as SUBSECTION 2 OF SECTION 1 OF TESUNG KWAN O TOWN LOT NO. 39 AND EXTENSIONS THERETO and more particularly delineated and shown coloured pink, pink hatched back and gree hatched black on the plan annexed to an Agreement for Lease dated 22nd February, 2000 and registered in the Sai Kung New Territories Land Registry by Memorial No. 411320, the said land being a part or portion of ALL THOSE pieces or parcels of land known and registered in the Sai Kung New Territories Land Registry as Tseung Kwan O Town Lot No.39 And Extensions Thereto held by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation from the Government under an Agreement and Conditions of Grant dated the 14th day of October 1994 and registered in the said Sai Kung New Territories Land Registry as New Grant No. 8421 as supplemented and/or modified by (i) a Modification Letter dated the 31st day of March 1995 and registered in the said Sai Kung New Territories Land Registry by Memorial No. 235054, (ii) an Extension Letter dated the 18th day of May 1995 and registered in the said Sai Kung New Territories Land Registry by Memorial No. 235586, (iii) a Deed of Rectification dated the 2nd day of November, 1995 and registered in the said Sai Kung New Territories Land Registry by Memorial No. 239676, (iv) an Extension Letter dated the 31st day of March, 1996 and registered in the said Sai Kung New Territories Land Registry by Memorial No. 251278, (v) an Extension Letter dated the 3rd day of June, 1997 and registered in the said Sai Kung New Territories Land Registry by Memorial No. 282544, (vi) an Extension Letter dated the 22nd day of April, 1998 and registered in the said Sai Kung New Territories Land Registry by Memorial No. 318547, (vii) a Modification Letter dated the 30th day of April, 1999 and registered in the said Sai Kung New Territories Land Registry by Memorial No. 376216 and (viii) a Modification Letter dated the 2nd day of November 1999 and registered in the said Sai Kung New Territories Land Registry by Memorial No. 404069.
[Hong Kong Group Debenture]
SCHEDULE 6
LIST OF TRADE AND TENANT MACHINERY CHATTELS AND FITTINGS
1. Name of Chargor: ASIA NETCOM ASIA PACIFIC LIMITED
List of Trade and Tenants Machinery Chattels and Fittings: NIL
2. Name of Chargor: ASIA NETCOM ASIA PACIFIC COMMERCIAL LIMITED
List of Trade and Tenants Machinery Chattels and Fittings: NIL
3. Name of Chargor: ASIA NETCOM HONG KONG LIMITED
List of Trade and Tenants Machinery Chattels and Fittings:-
The plant, machinery, chattels, furnitures and fittings, computers and other equipments of the Chargor comprised in this Deed shall include without limitation the assets and properties described below and in any event shall include (i) any such items now or hereafter owned by the Chargor, together with all additions to, substitutions and replacements for, or accessions to any of the foregoing, together with all attachments, components, parts (including spare parts), equipment, and accessories installed thereon or affixed thereto; and (ii) any insurance or other payment that indemnifies or compensates for destroyed, damaged, stolen or lost personal property itemized below, together with, to the extent they relate to the Collateral, all books, accounts, invoices, letters, papers, documents, disks, and other records in any form, electronic or otherwise, evidencing or relating thereto and all contracts, securities, bills notes, instruments, writings and other documents and other rights and benefits in respect thereof, now or hereafter held or owned by the Chargor or anyone on behalf of the Chargor.
(a) SUBSEA ASSETS: The subsea cables, armouring, articulated pipe, fibers, and electrical/optical apparatus, including but not limited to branching units, passive equalization units ("PEU"), transition equipment, joint boxes and submarine repeaters, and all other personal property (including leasehold interests therein) as reflected in the Straight Line Diagrams of the As-Laid Segments C and D of the East Asia Crossing Cable System Phase 1, attached hereto as Schedule 6A.
(b) CABLE LANDING STATION ("CLS"): Structure, foundation, roofing, telecom rooms, offices, heating equipment, air conditioning equipment, DC power plant and batteries, AC power equipment and switchgear, cable vaults and ducts, loading dock, elevator, uninterruptible power supply equipment, fire suppression equipment and alarms, emergency diesel generators and fuel tanks, building management systems, PBX systems, DCN equipment, security system and cameras, indoor and outdoor lighting systems, cable racking and cabling, paving, landscaping, water tank, lightning protection, earth system, fencing, and manholes.
[Hong Kong Group Debenture]
(c) TERRESTRIAL PLANT: Beach manhole ("BMH"); Land cable route consisting of conduits and manholes, land cable and power cable, each from BMH to CLS (approx. 1.5 km); Ocean ground bed.
(d) TERMINAL STATION EQUIPMENT: Submarine Line Terminating Equipment ("SLTE"), including waverlength terminating unit ("WTU"), line terminating unit ("LTU"), high voltage power feed equipment ("PFE"), maintenance controller ("MC"), line monitoring equipment ("LME"), DCN; Synchronized Digital Hierarchy ("SDH"), including band width manager ("BWM"), SNMS element manager, optical distribution frame ("ODF" or "LGX") LS, and global positioning equipment ("GPS"), as partially reflected in Schedule 6B attached hereto.
[Hong Kong Group Debenture]
SCHEDULE 6A
STRAIGHT LINE DIAGRAMS OF THE AS-LAID SEGMENTS C AND D OF THE
EAST ASIA CROSSING CABLE SYSTEMS PHASE 1
[Hong Kong Group Debenture]
SCHEDULE 6B
LIST OF TERMINATION STATION EQUIPMENT
[Hong Kong Group Debenture]
SIGNATURE PAGE
THE CHARGORS
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) ASIA NETCOM ASIA PACIFIC LIMITED ) in the presence of:- ) SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) ASIA NETCOM ASIA PACIFIC ) COMMERCIAL LIMITED ) in the presence of:- ) SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) ASIA NETCOM HONG KONG LIMITED ) in the presence of:- ) - 50 - |
[Hong Kong Group Debenture] SECURITY TRUSTEE SIGNED by ) ) for and on behalf of ) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ) BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED ) |
EXHIBIT 10.35
Execution Copy
Dated 29 July 2004
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
(as Mortgagor)
in favour of
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
(as Security Trustee)
DEED OF MORTGAGE OF SHARES
in each of the Companies named in Schedule 1 herein
RICHARDS BUTLER
HONG KONG
[Mortgage of Shares]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CLAUSE NO. CLAUSE HEADING PAGE NO. --------- -------------- -------- 1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION........................................................................ 1 2. COVENANTS TO PAY.................................................................................... 3 3. MORTGAGE AND ASSIGNMENT............................................................................. 4 4. CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY................................................................. 6 5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES...................................................................... 8 6. TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS.......................................................................... 9 7. COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES......................................................................... 10 8. UNDERTAKINGS........................................................................................ 10 9. ENFORCEMENT......................................................................................... 12 10. DIVIDENDS AND VOTING RIGHTS......................................................................... 14 11. APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS............................................................................. 15 12. INDEMNITY........................................................................................... 15 13. SUSPENSE ACCOUNT.................................................................................... 16 14. SET-OFF............................................................................................. 16 15. POWER OF ATTORNEY................................................................................... 17 16. FURTHER ASSURANCE................................................................................... 17 17. NOTICES............................................................................................. 18 18. WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS............... 19 19. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION...................................................................... 20 SCHEDULE 1 - PARTICULARS OF THE COMPANIES AND THE SHARES..................................................... 22 SCHEDULE 2 - FORM OF INSTRUMENT OF TRANSFER AND BOUGHT AND SOLD NOTE ........................................ 24 SCHEDULE 3 - FORM OF LETTER OF RESIGNATION................................................................... 25 SCHEDULE 4 - FORM OF WRITTEN RESOLUTION...................................................................... 26 SCHEDULE 5 - FORM OF AUTHORISATION FROM DIRECTORS/SECRETARY.................................................. 27 SCHEDULE 6 - FORM OF LETTER OF UNDERTAKING................................................................... 28 SCHEDULE 7 - FORM OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NOMINEE.............................................................. 29 EXECUTION PAGE............................................................................................... 30 |
[Mortgage of Shares]
THIS DEED OF MORTGAGE OF SHARES is made on 29 July 2004
BETWEEN:-
(1) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda, and whose registered office is situate at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HN11, Bermuda (the "MORTGAGOR"); and
(2) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong through its head office at ICBC Asia Building, 122-126 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong acting on its own behalf and as facility agent and trustee for and on behalf of the Finance Parties (the "SECURITY TRUSTEE").
WHEREAS:-
(A) By the facility agreement signed on 2nd December, 2003 (but held undated in escrow), as released from escrow and amended and restated by the Supplemental Amendment and Restatement Deed (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT")), entered into by (1) the Mortgagor, as borrower; (2) the banks and financial institutions named therein as lender (the "LENDERS"); (3) Industrial Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as arranger; and (4) the Security Trustee as facility agent, the Lenders have agreed, upon and subject to the terms of the Facility Agreement, to make available to the Mortgagor a term loan facility of up to US$150,000,000 (the "FACILITY") for the purposes more particularly specified therein.
(B) The Security Trustee is acting as facility agent for the Finance Parties pursuant to the Facility Agreement and as security trustee for the Finance Parties pursuant to this Deed and the other Finance Documents.
(C) It is a condition precedent to the availability of the Facility that the Mortgagor shall have executed and delivered this Deed to the Security Trustee.
NOW THIS DEED WITNESSES as follows:-
1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
1.1 TERMS DEFINED
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires, terms used or defined in the Facility Agreement shall have the same meaning or construction and:-
"COLLATERAL" means the assets of the Mortgagor from time to time subject, or expressed to be subject to the Security Interest constituted or expressed to be constituted by this Deed or any part of those assets and includes:-
(i) the Shares;
[Mortgage of Shares]
(ii) all stocks, shares or other securities, rights, monies or other assets (the "RELATED ASSETS") accruing, offered or issued at any time by way of bonus, redemption, exchange, purchase, substitution, conversion, preference, option or otherwise in respect of the Shares or the above mentioned Related Assets;
(iii) all Dividends;
(iv) allotments, offers and rights accruing or offered in respect of any Shares or the above mentioned Related Assets; and
(v) other rights and assets attaching to or deriving from or exercisable by virtue of any right title or interest in or to any Shares or the above mentioned Related Assets.
"COMPANY" means each and any of the companies listed in Schedule 1 whose Shares are the subject of this Deed (and "COMPANIES" means any or all of them).
"DELEGATE" means a delegate or sub-delegate appointed under Clause 15.2.
"DIVIDENDS" means all dividends, interest and other sums received or receivable by any person in its capacity as shareholder of each Company and includes:
(i) the right to receive any and all such sums and all claims in respect of any default in paying such sums; and
(ii) all forms of remittance of such sums.
"NOMINEE" means in respect of any Share held by a person as nominee or on trust for the Mortgagor and who is described as "REGISTERED SHAREHOLDER IN SCHEDULE 1".
"RECEIVER" means any receiver, manager, receiver and manager or other similar officer appointed by the Security Trustee in respect of the security hereby granted.
"SECURED OBLIGATIONS" means any and all moneys, liabilities and obligations (whether actual or contingent, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether or not for the payment of money, and including, without limitation, any obligation or liability to pay damages) which are or may become due, owing or incurred by the Mortgagor or any other Security Party which is a member of the CNC HK Group to any Finance Party under or in connection with any Finance Document and/or all other obligations hereby secured.
"SECURITY PERIOD" means the period from the date of this Deed up to the date upon which all the Secured Obligations have been performed and discharged in full to the satisfaction of the Security Trustee.
"SHARES" means in respect of the Mortgagor:-
(a) all present and future shares in the each of the Companies as described in Schedule 1, including the shares issued and outstanding at the date of this Deed described in that Schedule 1 (including any shares held by any Nominee for and on behalf of the Mortgagor);
[Mortgage of Shares]
(b) all warrants, options or other rights to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire those shares; and
(c) all rights relating to any of those shares which are deposited with, or registered in the name of, any depositary, custodian, nominee or other similar person (including rights against any such person).
1.2 TRUST
All rights, benefits, interests, powers and discretions granted to or conferred on the Security Trustee pursuant to this Deed shall be held by the Security Trustee on trust for the benefit of itself as Security Trustee and each other Finance Party from time to time. The Security Trustee may do all acts within its powers to administer and manage the trust constituted by this Clause including any full or partial release by deed of the rights, benefits and interests conferred by Clause 3.1 (Mortgage) or the release of all or any part of the Collateral from this Deed. The trust constituted by this Clause shall come into existence on the date of this Deed and shall last for so long as any of the Secured Obligations remain outstanding provided that for the purposes of the rule against perpetuities, the perpetuity period applicable to the trust and any dispositions made or to be made pursuant to this Deed and this trust, is hereby specified as a period of eighty (80) years less one (1) day from the date of this Deed.
1.3 CLAUSE HEADINGS
Clause headings and the table of contents are for ease of reference only and shall be ignored in the interpretation of this Deed.
1.4 CONSTRUCTION
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires:-
(a) Clause 1.3 of the Facility Agreement shall be deemed incorporated in this Deed mutatis mutandis as if set out separately in this Deed; and
(b) references to the "MORTGAGOR", the "BORROWER", the "SECURITY TRUSTEE", any "FINANCE PARTY" or any "LENDER" include, where the context permits, their respective successors and permitted transferees and permitted assigns in accordance with their respective interests.
2. COVENANTS TO PAY
The Mortgagor hereby covenants that it will on demand pay to the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties, the Secured Obligations when the same become due for payment or discharge in accordance with the Finance Documents.
[Mortgage of Shares]
3. MORTGAGE AND ASSIGNMENT
3.1 MORTGAGE
In consideration of the Lenders agreeing to make the Facility available to the Mortgagor upon the terms and conditions of the Facility Agreement and as a continuing security for the due and punctual performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations, the Mortgagor as sole legal and beneficial owner of the Shares not held by a Nominee and as beneficial owner of the Shares held by a Nominee hereby:-
(a) mortgages and charges by way of first fixed charge to the Security Trustee (as trustee for the Finance Parties) all its rights, title and interest, present and future in and to, the Collateral.
(b) assigns, and agrees to assign absolutely to the Security Trustee (as trustee for the Finance Parties) all its rights (including those rights it may have against a Nominee), present and future, relating to any of the Shares, including:-
(i) its rights relating to or against any depositary, nominee or similar person with whom any of the Shares may be deposited to the extent of those Shares;
(ii) rights that it may have against any person to require delivery to it of any of the Shares;
(iii) rights (contractually or otherwise) to give instructions relating to the Shares; and
(iv) all claims for damages and rights to receive moneys due or to become due for any reason whatsoever in respect of any of the Shares;
including those rights it may have against a Nominee or Delegate.
3.2 DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS
The Mortgagor shall forthwith upon execution of this Deed deliver or procure to be delivered (as the case may be) to the Security Trustee each of the following documents:-
(i) all original share certificates or such other documents evidencing title in respect of the Shares;
(ii) instruments of transfer and bought and sold notes in the form of Schedule 2 duly executed by the Mortgagor and/or its Nominee (as the case may be) in respect of the Shares with the name(s) of the transferee(s), date and consideration left blank;
(iii) undated letters of resignation in the form of Schedule 3 duly executed by each of the directors and the secretary of each Company as at the date of this Deed;
(iv) signed but undated resolutions of the directors of each Company approving the resignation of the directors and the secretary referred to in sub-paragraph (iii)
[Mortgage of Shares]
above in the form set out in Schedule 4;
(v) letter of authority to date the letters of resignation and board
resolutions respectively referred to in sub-paragraphs (iii) and
(iv) above in the form set out in Schedule 5 signed by all the
directors and the secretary of each Company;
(vi) letter of undertaking not to appoint any additional or substitute directors in the form set out in Schedule 6 signed by all the directors of each Company; and
(vii) letter of acknowledgement in the form set out in Schedule 7 from the Nominees acknowledging the Security Interests constituted by this Deed and agreeing to act in accordance with the instructions of the Security Trustee.
3.3 PERFORMANCE AND INDEMNITY
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Mortgagor shall remain liable to perform all the obligations to be performed by it in respect of the Collateral and shall discharge fully its obligations thereunder as they become due and neither the Security Trustee nor any other Finance Party shall have any obligation of any kind whatsoever thereunder or be under any liabilities whatsoever in the event of any failure to perform its obligations thereunder and the Mortgagor hereby indemnifies and agrees to keep indemnified the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties and each of them from and against any such liability.
3.4 RELEASE AND TRANSFER
(a) The Security Trustee shall, upon the full performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations to the satisfaction of the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties, at the request and cost of the Mortgagor and in such form and with such conditions as the Security Trustee shall reasonably require, release and transfer and reassign (as appropriate) to the Mortgagor the Collateral.
(b) Notwithstanding any discharge, release or settlement from time to time between the Security Trustee and the Mortgagor, if any security, disposition or payment granted or made to the Security Trustee in respect of the Secured Obligations by the Mortgagor or any other person is avoided or set aside or ordered to be surrendered, paid away, refunded or reduced by virtue of any provision, law or enactment relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, winding-up, composition or arrangement for the time being in force or for any other reason, the Security Trustee shall be entitled thereafter to enforce this Deed as if no such discharge, release or settlement had occurred.
(c) For that Collateral which has been transferred and registered under the name of the Security Trustee (as trustee for the Finance Parties) or its nominee, the Security Trustee shall only be obliged to return the share certificate(s) then representing the Collateral not yet disposed of or realised by the Security Trustee pursuant to its powers under this Deed (but not the original share certificates originally delivered to the Security Trustee by the Mortgagor) with the instruments of transfer duly executed in favour of the Mortgagor or such other person as the Mortgagor may direct.
[Mortgage of Shares]
3.5 CALLS
The Mortgagor shall during the continuance of this security pay all calls or other payments which may become due in respect of any part of the Collateral and the Security Trustee may, if it thinks fit, make such payments on behalf of the Mortgagor. Any sums so paid by the Security Trustee shall be repayable by the Mortgagor to the Security Trustee on demand together with interest at the Default Rate from the date of such payment by the Security Trustee and pending such repayment shall constitute part of the Secured Obligations.
3.6 REGISTRATION OF TITLE TO THE SHARES
The Mortgagor hereby agrees and authorises the Security Trustee to arrange for the Shares and any other Collateral to be registered at any time following the security constituted by this Deed becoming enforceable in the name of the Security Trustee or its nominee and (under the powers of enforcement contained herein) to transfer or cause the Collateral to be transferred to and registered in the name of any purchasers or transferees from the Security Trustee or its nominee and the Mortgagor undertakes from time to time to execute and sign all transfers, powers of attorney and other documents which the Security Trustee may require for perfecting its title to or, otherwise registering and transferring any part of the Collateral or for vesting the same in itself or its nominee or in any purchasers or transferees.
4. CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY
4.1 CONTINUING SECURITY
This Deed shall remain in full force and effect by way of a continuing security notwithstanding the insolvency or liquidation or any incapacity or change in the constitution or status of the Mortgagor or any other person and in particular but without limitation shall not be, nor be considered as, satisfied by any intermediate discharge or payment on account of any liabilities or any settlement of accounts between the Mortgagor and the Security Trustee or any other person.
4.2 ADDITIONAL SECURITY
This Deed and the security hereby created shall be in addition to and not in substitution for or derogation of any other Security Interest, guarantee or other security (whether given by the Mortgagor or otherwise) now or from time to time hereafter held by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party in respect of or in connection with the Secured Obligations.
4.3 UNRESTRICTED ENFORCEMENT
The Security Trustee need not before exercising any of the rights, powers
or remedies conferred upon it by this Deed or by law (i) take action or
obtain judgment in any court against the Mortgagor or any other person,
(ii) make or file any claim or prove in a winding-up or liquidation of the
Mortgagor or of any other person or (iii) enforce or seek to enforce the
recovery of the monies and liabilities hereby secured by any other
security
[Mortgage of Shares]
or other rights all of which the Mortgagor hereby waives and may be enforced for any balance due after resorting to any one or more other means of obtaining payment or discharge of the monies, obligations and liabilities hereby secured.
4.4 NO DISCHARGE
The liabilities and obligations of the Mortgagor under this Deed and the security constituted by this Deed shall remain in force notwithstanding any act, omission, event or circumstance whatsoever until the expiry of the Security Period and without limiting the foregoing, neither the liabilities of the Mortgagor under this Deed nor the validity or enforceability of this Deed shall be prejudiced, affected or discharged by:-
(a) the granting of any time or indulgence to the Mortgagor or any other Security Party or any other person in respect of the Secured Obligations;
(b) any variation or modification of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto;
(c) the invalidity or unenforceability of any obligation or liability of any party under the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto;
(d) any invalidity or irregularity in the execution of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or relating thereto;
(e) any lack of capacity or deficiency in the powers of the Mortgagor or any other Security Party or any other person to enter into or perform any of its obligations under the Facility Agreement or any of the other Finance Documents to which it is party or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto or any irregularity in the exercise thereof or any lack of authority by any person purporting to act on behalf of the Mortgagor or such Security Party or such other person;
(f) the insolvency, bankruptcy or liquidation or any incapacity, disability, death or limitation or any change in the constitution or status of the Mortgagor or any other Security Party or any other person;
(g) any other Finance Document, Security Interest, guarantee or other security or right or remedy being or becoming held by or available to the Security Trustee and/or the Lenders or by any other person or by any of the same being or becoming wholly or partly void, voidable or unenforceable or impaired or by the Security Trustee and/or the Lenders at any time releasing, refraining from enforcing, varying or in any other way dealing with any of the same or any power, right or remedy the Security Trustee and/or the Lenders may now or hereafter have from or against the Mortgagor or any other Security Party or any other person;
(h) any waiver, exercise, omission to exercise, compromise, renewal or release of any rights against the Mortgagor or any other Security Party or any other person or any compromise, arrangement or settlement with any of the same;
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(i) any act, omission, event or circumstance which would or may but for this provision operate to prejudice, affect or discharge this Deed or the liability of the Mortgagor hereunder.
4.5 NO SUBROGATION
(a) The Mortgagor shall not exercise any right of subrogation, contribution or any other rights of a surety or enforce any security or other right or claim against any other person (whether in respect of its liability under this Deed or otherwise) who has guaranteed or given any security in respect of the Secured Obligations or claim in the insolvency or liquidation of any such other person in competition with the Security Trustee or the Lenders.
(b) If the Mortgagor receives any payment or benefit in breach of this Clause, it shall hold the same upon trust for the Security Trustee as a continuing security for the Secured Obligations.
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
5.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The Mortgagor represents and warrants to the Security Trustee and each of the other Finance Parties that:-
(a) ISSUED AND PAID-UP SHARES: the Shares represent all of the shares in each Company and all the Shares have been validly issued and are fully paid up;
(b) SOLE AND BENEFICIAL OWNER: other than the Shares held by any Nominee, the Mortgagor is the sole, absolute, direct legal and beneficial owner of the Collateral and it has good and marketable title thereto;
(c) SECURITY INTEREST: no Security Interest exists over all or any of its right, title, interest or benefit in the Collateral (other than as created by this Deed);
(d) THIRD PARTY RIGHT: it has not sold or otherwise disposed of any of the Collateral or granted in favour of any other person any interest in or any option or other rights in respect of any of the Collateral; and
(e) THE COMPANIES: Each Company is validly incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong.
5.2 CONTINUING REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTY
The Mortgagor also represents and warrants to and undertakes with the Security Trustee that the foregoing representations and warranties in Clause 5.1(a) and (e) will be true and accurate throughout the continuance of this Deed with reference to the facts and circumstances from time to time.
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6. TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
6.1 TAX GROSS-UP
(a) All sums payable by the Mortgagor under this Deed shall be paid in full without any restriction or condition and free and clear of any Tax or other deductions or withholdings of any nature.
(b) If at any time the Mortgagor or any other person is required in any jurisdiction to make any deduction or withholding in respect of Taxes or otherwise from any payment due under this Deed for the account of the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party (or if the Security Trustee is required to make any such deduction or withholding from a payment to any other Finance Party), the sum due from the Mortgagor in respect of such payment shall be increased to the extent necessary to ensure that, after the making of such deduction or withholding, the Security Trustee and each other Finance Party receives on the due date for such payment (and retains, free from any liability in respect of such deduction or withholding) a net sum equal to the sum which it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been required to be made.
(c) The Mortgagor's obligations under Clause 6.1(a) and (b) shall not apply in respect of any Tax on Overall Net Income levied on a Finance Party.
(d) All Taxes required by law to be deducted or withheld by the Mortgagor from any amounts paid or payable under this Deed shall be paid by the Mortgagor when due (except for such amounts being disputed by the Mortgagor in good faith) to the relevant taxing authority.
6.2 TAX INDEMNITY
The Mortgagor shall indemnify the Security Trustee and each other Finance Party against any losses or costs incurred by any of them by reason of:
(a) any failure of the Mortgagor or any other person to make any such deduction or withholding referred to in Clause 6.1; or
(b) any increased payment referred to in Clause 6.1 not being made on the due date for such payment; or
(c) any Taxes which are being disputed by the Mortgagor and remaining unpaid; and
(d) any liability suffered (directly or indirectly) for or on account of Tax by that Finance Party in respect of any payment received or receivable or deemed to be received or receivable under this Deed.
6.3 EVIDENCE OF PROOF
The Mortgagor shall promptly deliver to the Security Trustee any receipts, certificates or other proof evidencing the amounts (if any) paid or payable in respect of any deduction or withholding as aforesaid.
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6.4 TAX CREDIT
If the Mortgagor makes a Tax Payment and the Security Trustee determines that:-
(a) a Tax Credit is attributable either to an increased payment of which that Tax Payment forms part, or to that Tax Payment; and
(b) it has obtained, utilised and retained that Tax Credit,
the Security Trustee shall, promptly after obtaining the benefit of that Tax Credit, pay an amount to the Mortgagor which will leave it (after that payment) in the same after-Tax position as it would have been in had the Tax Payment not been required to be made by the Mortgagor. Any certificate or determination of the Security Trustee showing in reasonable details the calculations made by the Security Trustee as to any amount for the purposes of this Clause 6 shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Mortgagor.
7. COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES
7.1 EXPENSES
The Mortgagor shall pay to the Security Trustee on demand and in the currency specified by the Security Trustee:-.
(a) irrespective as to whether any Advance is made, all expenses (including legal, printing and out-of-pocket expenses) reasonably incurred by the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of this Deed and any amendment or extension of or the granting of any waiver or consent under this Deed; and
(b) all expenses on a full indemnity basis (including legal and out-of-pocket expenses) properly incurred by the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party in connection with the enforcement of or preservation of any rights under this Deed, or otherwise in respect of the monies owing under this Deed together with interest at the Default Rate from the date on which such expenses were incurred to the date of payment (both before and after judgment).
7.2 STAMP DUTY
The Mortgagor shall pay all stamp, documentary, registration or other like duties or taxes (including any duties or taxes payable by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party) imposed on or in connection with this Deed and shall indemnify each of the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties against any liability arising by reason of any delay or omission by the Mortgagor to pay such duties or taxes.
8. UNDERTAKINGS
The Mortgagor hereby undertakes and agrees with the Security Trustee, for the benefit
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of the Security Trustee and each Lender, throughout the continuance of this Deed and so long as the Secured Obligations or any part thereof remains owing that, unless the Security Trustee otherwise agrees in writing, it will:-
(a) not create or attempt or agree to create or permit to exist any Security Interest over all or any part of the Collateral or any interest therein or otherwise sell, transfer, assign, deal with or dispose of all or any part of the Collateral or attempt or agree to do any of the same (except under or pursuant to this Deed);
(b) not grant or attempt or agree to grant in favour of any other person any interest in or any option or other rights in respect of any of the Collateral;
(c) ensure that no person holding any of the Collateral as its Nominee for the time being does any of the acts prohibited in this Deed;
(d) at all times remain the sole, direct, absolute, legal and beneficial owner of the Collateral;
(e) procure that no material amendment or supplement is made to the constitutional documents of any of the Companies other than pursuant to Clause 16.15 of the Facility Agreement without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee;
(f) immediately upon the appointment of any new director of the relevant Company, deposit or procure that there be deposited with the Security Trustee, the equivalent documents mutatis mutandis with respect to such director in the forms set out in Schedules 3, 4, 5 and 6;
(g) not take or permit any action whereby the rights attaching to the Collateral and/or any other shares in the relevant Company are altered;
(h) give to the Security Trustee upon receipt copies of all notices, requests and other documents sent or received with respect to the Collateral;
(i) give to the Security Trustee such information regarding the Collateral as the Security Trustee shall reasonably require;
(j) do or permit to be done every act or thing which the Security Trustee may from time to time require for the purpose of enforcing the rights of the Security Trustee hereunder and will allow its name to be used as and when required for that purpose;
(k) not do or cause or permit to be done anything which may in any way depreciate, jeopardise or otherwise prejudice the value of the Security Trustee's security constituted hereunder;
(l) procure that the relevant Company will forthwith on presentation by the Security Trustee or its nominee following the security constituted by this Deed becoming enforceable, duly register all transfers of the Collateral; and
(m) if the Mortgagor shall acquire any such other stocks or shares as referred to in the definition of Collateral, it shall forthwith deliver or procure that there be
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delivered to the Security Trustee the certificates in respect thereof together with instruments of transfer and bought and sold notes in respect thereof duly executed in blank to enable the same to be registered in the name of the Security Trustee or its nominee following the security constituted by this Deed becoming enforceable.
9. ENFORCEMENT
9.1 EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The security created by this Deed shall become enforceable immediately upon the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing. For the purposes of this Clause, each of the following events and circumstances shall be an Event of Default:-
(a) any Event of Default as that term is defined in the Facility Agreement;
(b) if the Mortgagor purports or attempts to create any Security Interest (except under or as permitted by this Deed) over all or any part of the Collateral or any third party asserts a claim in respect thereof, and
the Security Trustee shall be entitled, without prior or further notice and whether or not it shall have appointed a Receiver, to exercise the power to sell or otherwise dispose of the whole or any part of the Collateral.
9.2 EXCLUSION OF LIMITATION
No restrictions imposed by any ordinance or other statutory provision in relation to the exercise of any power of sale or consolidation shall apply to this Deed.
9.3 APPOINTMENT AND POWERS OF RECEIVER
(a) At any time after the security hereby created has become enforceable, or if requested by the Mortgagor, the Security Trustee may in writing either under seal or under the hand of a duly authorised officer of the Security Trustee, appoint any person or persons to be a Receiver of the Collateral and may from time to time fix its or their remunerations and may remove any Receiver so appointed and appoint another in its place. Where more than one Receiver is so appointed, any reference in this Deed to a Receiver shall apply to both or all of the Receivers so appointed and the appointment shall be deemed to be a joint and several appointment so that the rights, powers, duties and discretions vested in the Receiver may be exercised jointly by the Receivers so appointed or severally by each of them.
(b) The Receiver shall be the agent of the Mortgagor and the Mortgagor shall be solely responsible for the Receiver's acts or defaults and for the Receiver's remuneration and the Receiver shall have all the powers conferred from time to time on mortgagees or receivers by law or otherwise (but without the restrictions imposed by law or any ordinance or other statutory provision in relation to the exercise of any power of sale or consolidation) and power on behalf and at the cost of the Mortgagor (notwithstanding any liquidation of the Mortgagor) to do
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or omit to do anything which the Mortgagor could do or omit to do in relation to the Collateral or any part thereof.
(c) The Receiver shall in the exercise of the Receiver's powers, authorities and discretions conform to the directions and regulations from time to time given or made by the Security Trustee.
9.4 POWERS TO BE GIVEN WIDE CONSTRUCTION
The powers of the Security Trustee and the Receiver hereunder shall be construed in the widest possible sense to the intent that the Security Trustee and the Receiver shall be afforded as wide and flexible a range of powers as possible.
9.5 NO LIABILITY TO ACCOUNT AS MORTGAGEE IN POSSESSION
Nothing that shall be done by or on behalf of the Security Trustee shall render it liable to account as a mortgagee in possession for any sums other than actual receipts.
9.6 AMENDMENT
Any amendment or waiver of any provision of this Deed and any waiver of any default under this Deed shall only be effective if made in writing and signed by the Security Trustee.
9.7 EVIDENCE OF DEBT
Any statement of account signed as correct by the Security Trustee showing any amount due under the Facility Agreement or under this Deed or under any other Finance Document shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive evidence of the amount so due.
9.8 SALE OF COLLATERAL
(a) Each of the Security Trustee and the Receiver shall be entitled to
exercise such power of sale in such manner and at such time or times
and for such consideration (whether payable immediately or by
instalments) as it shall in its absolute discretion think fit
(whether by private sale or otherwise) and so that the Collateral
(or any relevant part thereof) may be sold (i) subject to any
conditions which the Security Trustee or the Receiver may think fit
to impose, (ii) to any person (including, without limitation, any
person connected with the Mortgagor or the Security Trustee) and
(iii) at any price which the Security Trustee or the Receiver in its
absolute discretion considers to be the best obtainable in the
circumstances.
(b) If the Security Trustee exercises the rights conferred on it by this Clause 9, any sale or disposal of any of the Collateral pursuant to those rights shall not be treated as an absolute appropriation of or foreclosure on the Collateral to the exclusion of the Mortgagor and in extinguishment of its interest therein, unless the Security Trustee shall otherwise notify the Mortgagor (whether before or after the relevant appropriation or foreclosure has been effected), in which latter event any such appropriation or foreclosure shall be treated as a sale of the
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Collateral at a fair market value and the Secured Obligations shall be reduced by an equivalent amount.
(c) In any disposal pursuant to this Clause 9, the Security Trustee or the Finance Parties may, provided that they shall first have used reasonable efforts to dispose of the relevant Collateral or rights to third parties subject to compliance with any rules or regulations laid down by any governmental or other agency or authority, themselves purchase the whole or any part of the Collateral or rights disposed of free from any rights of redemption on the part of the Mortgagor which are hereby waived and released.
9.9 DIVIDENDS
At any time after the power of sale has arisen, any Dividends which have been or may be received or receivable by the Security Trustee or the Receiver may be applied by the Security Trustee or the Receiver as though they were proceeds of sale hereunder. 9.10 PURCHASER NOT BOUND TO ENQUIRE Each of the Security Trustee and the Receiver is authorised to give a good discharge for any monies received by it pursuant to the exercise of its power of sale and no purchaser or other person shall be bound to enquire whether the power of sale has arisen as herein provided nor be concerned with the manner of application of the proceeds of sale. 9.11 NO LIABILITY FOR LOSSES The Mortgagor shall not have any claim against the Receiver or the Security Trustee in respect of any loss arising out of the exercise by the Security Trustee or the Receiver of their respective powers hereunder including without limitation out of any such sale or any postponement thereof howsoever caused and whether or not a better price could or might have been obtained upon the sale of the Collateral or any part thereof by deferring or advancing the date of such sale or otherwise howsoever. 9.12 WAIVER OF PRE-EMPTION RIGHTS The Mortgagor hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any rights it may have under the constitutional documents of the Companies or otherwise to purchase the Shares or Related Assets or other Collateral in the event that they are or are proposed to be transferred, sold or otherwise disposed of pursuant to the provisions of this Deed. 10. DIVIDENDS AND VOTING RIGHTS 10.1 After the security under this Deed has become enforceable and subject to Clause 10.2, the Security Trustee shall have complete discretion to retain the dividends, interest and other moneys received by the Security Trustee in respect of the Collateral and to exercise or abstain from exercising all voting and other rights and powers attaching to the Collateral as the Security Trustee in its absolute discretion thinks fit without being liable for any losses which the Mortgagor may suffer as a result thereof (except in case of gross negligence or wilful default on the part of the Security Trustee) and in this respect the Mortgagor will, or will procure its Nominee to act or refrain from acting in - 14 - |
[Mortgage of Shares] accordance with the directions given by the Security Trustee from time to time. 10.2 The Security Trustee agrees with the Mortgagor that until the security under this Deed shall have become enforceable: (a) the Mortgagor shall be entitled to receive and retain all Dividends, interest or other distributions or payments paid to and received by the Mortgagor in respect of the Collateral; and (b) the Mortgagor shall be entitled to exercise all voting and other rights and powers attaching to the Collateral or any part thereof for all purposes, including but not limited to, exercising any option, warrant, conversion right or any other right, power or other privilege attaching to the Collateral provided that the same does not adversely affect or prejudice the rights of the Finance Parties or the security hereby created. 11. APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS All monies received by the Security Trustee or the Receiver hereunder shall be applied in or towards satisfaction of the Secured Obligations (subject to the prior discharge of all liabilities having priority thereto by law) in the following order of priority:- (a) in payment or satisfaction of all costs, charges, expenses and liabilities properly incurred and payments made by or on behalf of the Security Trustee or the Receiver in connection with the exercise of any powers hereunder and in preserving or attempting to preserve this security or the Collateral and of all outgoings in respect of the Collateral paid by the Security Trustee or the Receiver pursuant to this Deed; (b) in payment to the Receiver of all remuneration as may be agreed between it and the Security Trustee to be paid to it at, or at any time after, its appointment; (c) in or towards reduction of the remaining Secured Obligations in such manner as is provided in the Facility Agreement; and (d) surplus (if any) to the Mortgagor. 12. INDEMNITY 12.1 GENERAL INDEMNITY The Mortgagor hereby undertakes with the Security Trustee to indemnify and keep indemnified the Security Trustee and each other Finance Party, any nominee, agent, officer or employer thereof for whose liability the Security Trustee may be answerable, the Receiver and each of them (each an "INDEMNITEE") from and against all losses, actions, claims, demands, liabilities, costs, charges and expenses which such Indemnitee shall properly incur in connection with anything done or omitted to be done in the exercise or purported exercise of any powers conferred by this Deed or occasioned by any breach by the Mortgagor of any of its covenants or other obligations to the Security - 15 - |
[Mortgage of Shares] Trustee hereunder or the perfection, preservation or enforcement of the security created by this Deed (unless and to the extent that any of the foregoing results directly from the fraud, gross negligence or wilful misconduct of that indemnitee). 12.2 CURRENCY INDEMNITY (a) If an amount due to the Security Trustee or any Receiver from the Mortgagor under this Deed (a "SUM"), or any order, judgment or award given or made in relation to a sum, has to be converted from the currency (the "FIRST CURRENCY") in which that sum is payable into another currency (the "SECOND CURRENCY") for the purpose of: (i) making or filing a claim or proof against the Mortgagor; (ii) obtaining or enforcing an order, judgment or award in relation to any litigation or arbitration proceedings, the Mortgagor shall, as an independent obligation to the Security Trustee or such Receiver, indemnify the Security Trustee or such Receiver to whom that sum is due against any cost, loss or liability arising out of or as a result of the conversion including any discrepancy between (A) the rate of exchange used to convert that sum from the first currency into the second currency and (B) the rate or rates of exchange available to that person at the time of its receipt of that sum. (b) The Mortgagor waives any right it may have in any jurisdiction to pay any amount under this Deed in a currency or currency unit other than that in which it is expressed to be payable. 12.3 PAYMENT AND SECURITY The Security Trustee or the Receiver may retain and pay out of any money in the hands of the Security Trustee or the Receiver all sums necessary to effect the indemnity contained in this Clause and all sums payable by the Mortgagor under this Clause shall form part of the monies hereby secured. 13. SUSPENSE ACCOUNT The Security Trustee may, notwithstanding Clause 11 (Application of Proceeds) place and keep any monies received under this Deed, before or after the insolvency of the Mortgagor, to the credit of a suspense account in order to preserve the rights of the Security Trustee or the Receiver or the Lenders to sue or prove for the whole amount in respect of claims against the Mortgagor or any other person. 14. SET-OFF (a) Without prejudice to any right of set-off, combination of accounts, lien or other rights which the Security Trustee or the Receiver is at any time entitled whether by operation of law or contract or otherwise, the Security Trustee and the - 16 - |
[Mortgage of Shares] Receiver may (but shall not be obliged to) set off against any obligation of the Mortgagor due and payable by it hereunder without prior notice any moneys held by the Security Trustee or such Receiver for the account of the Mortgagor at any office of the Security Trustee or such Receiver anywhere and in any currency. The Security Trustee or such Receiver may effect such currency exchanges as are appropriate to implement such set-off. (b) If the obligations are in different currencies, the Security Trustee or such Receiver may convert either obligation at a market rate of exchange in its usual course of business for the purpose of the set-off. 15. POWER OF ATTORNEY 15.1 POWER OF ATTORNEY The Mortgagor irrevocably appoints the Security Trustee, the Receiver and any persons deriving title under either of them by way of security jointly and severally to be its attorney (with full power of substitution) and in its name or otherwise on its behalf and as its act and deed to sign, seal, execute, deliver, perfect and do all deeds, instruments, acts and things which may be required or which the Security Trustee or the Receiver shall think proper or reasonably expedient for carrying out any obligations imposed on the Mortgagor hereunder or for exercising, following the security constituted by this Deed becoming enforceable, any of the powers conferred by this Deed or in connection with any sale or disposition of the Collateral or the exercise of any rights in respect thereof or for giving to the Security Trustee and the Receiver the full benefit of this security and so that this appointment shall operate to authorise the Security Trustee and the Receiver to do on behalf of the Mortgagor anything it can lawfully do by an attorney. The Mortgagor ratifies and confirms and agrees to ratify and confirm any deed, instrument, act or thing which such attorney or substitute may execute or do in exercising its powers under this Clause. 15.2 DELEGATION The Security Trustee and/or the Receiver may delegate to any person all or any of the rights or powers conferred on it by this Deed or by law. Any such delegation may be made upon such terms and conditions (including power to sub-delegate) as the Security Trustee or the Receiver thinks fit. 16. FURTHER ASSURANCE The Mortgagor agrees that at any time and from time to time upon the written request of the Security Trustee it will promptly and duly execute and deliver any and all such further instruments and documents as the Security Trustee may reasonably require for the purpose of obtaining the full benefit of this Deed and of the rights and powers herein granted. - 17 - |
[Mortgage of Shares] 17. NOTICES 17.1 NOTICES Any notice or communication under or in connection with this Deed shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or by prepaid letter (airmail if available) or facsimile transmission to the addresses or facsimile numbers set out below or at such other address as the recipient may have notified to the other parties in writing. Proof of posting or despatch of any notice or communication to any party hereto shall be deemed to be proof of receipt:- (a) in the case of a letter, on the fifth Business Day after posting if airmail or second Business Day if local mail; (b) in the case of a facsimile transmission, on the Business Day immediately following the date of despatch with confirmed facsimile report. All communications or other correspondence between the Mortgagor and any of the Lenders in connection with this Deed shall be made through the Security Trustee. 17.2 ADDRESSES Notices or communications shall be sent to the following addresses:- To the Mortgagor:- Address c/o Asia Netcom Corporation Limited 46/F Cheung Kong Center 2 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2121 2929 Attention Gregory Freiberg/Wenlong Sun To the Security Trustee:- Address Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited 10/F., ICBC Asia Building 122-126 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2851 9361 Attention Ms. Esther Cheng/Ms. Amy Wong 17.3 Each notice or document referred to in this Deed or to be delivered under this Deed shall be in the English language. - 18 - |
[Mortgage of Shares] 18. WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS 18.1 WAIVERS No failure or delay on the part of the Security Trustee or any Lender to exercise any power, right or remedy under this Deed shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by the Security Trustee or any Lender of any power, right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power, right or remedy. 18.2 AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS (a) Any amendment of any provision of this Deed shall only be effective if made in accordance with the provisions of this Deed and the Mortgagor and the Security Trustee so agree in writing and any waiver of any breach or default under this Deed shall only be effective if the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Lenders or the Majority Lenders, as the case may be, agrees in writing. Any consent by the Security Trustee under this Deed must be made in writing. (b) Any such waiver or consent may be given subject to any conditions thought fit by the Security Trustee acting or the instructions of the Lenders or the Majority Lenders, as the case may be, and shall be effective only in the instance and for the purpose for which it is given. 18.3 REMEDIES The remedies provided in this Deed are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies provided by law. 18.4 SEVERABILITY If any provision of this Deed is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction such prohibition or unenforceability shall not invalidate the remaining provisions hereof or affect the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. 18.5 ASSIGNMENT The Security Trustee may assign its rights under this Deed in accordance with the provisions of the Facility Agreement. The Mortgagor may not assign any of its rights hereunder without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee. 18.6 COUNTERPARTS This Deed may be executed in any number of counterparts including by facsimile and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Deed by signing any such counterpart. 18.7 It is intended that this document takes effect as a deed notwithstanding the fact that a party may only execute this document under hand. - 19 - |
[Mortgage of Shares] 19. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION 19.1 GOVERNING LAW This Deed shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong. 19.2 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION For the benefit of the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties, the Mortgagor irrevocably agrees that the courts of the Hong Kong are to have jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with this Deed and that, accordingly, any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Deed ("PROCEEDINGS") may be brought in those courts and the Mortgagor irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of those courts. 19.3 OTHER JURISDICTIONS Nothing in this Clause shall limit the right of the Security Trustee to take proceedings against the Mortgagor in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the taking of Proceedings in one or more jurisdictions preclude the Security Trustee from taking Proceedings in any other jurisdiction, whether concurrently or not. 19.4 WAIVER OF INCONVENIENT FORUM The Mortgagor irrevocably waives any objection which it may at any time have to the laying of the venue of any Proceedings in any court referred to in this Clause 19 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) and any claim that any such Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum. 19.5 PROCESS AGENT The Mortgagor hereby irrevocably appoints Asia Netcom Asia Pacific Commercial Limited of 46th Floor, Cheung Kong Centre, 2 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong to receive, for it and on its behalf, service of process in any Proceedings in Hong Kong. Such service shall be deemed completed on delivery to the process agent whether or not it is forwarded to and received by the Mortgagor. If for any reason the process agent ceases to be able to act as such or no longer has an address in Hong Kong, the Mortgagor irrevocably agrees to appoint a substitute process agent acceptable to the Security Trustee, and to deliver to the Security Trustee a copy of the new process agent's acceptance of that appointment, within 30 days. 19.6 SERVICE The Mortgagor irrevocably consents to any process in any Proceedings anywhere being served by mailing a copy by post in accordance with the Clause 17 (Notices) provision of this Deed. Nothing shall affect the right to serve any process in any other manner permitted by law. - 20 - |
[Mortgage of Shares] 19.7 WAIVER OF IMMUNITIES To the extent that the Mortgagor has or hereafter may acquire any immunity (sovereign or otherwise) from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from jurisdiction of any court or from set-off or any legal process (whether service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) with respect to itself or any of its property, the Mortgagor hereby irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim such immunity in respect of its obligations under this Deed. |
IN WITNESS whereof this Deed has been executed by the parties hereto and is intended to be and is hereby delivered by the Mortgagor as a deed on the day and year first above written.
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SCHEDULE 1
PARTICULARS OF THE COMPANIES AND THE SHARES
REGISTERED SHAREHOLDERS AND NAME OF COMPANY DESCRIPTION AND NUMBER OF SHARES NUMBER OF SHARES HELD ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Asia Netcom Asia Pacific Limited 2 shares of HK$1.00 each 1. Asia Netcom Corporation (Company No.: 690530) Limited (1 share) 2. East Asia Netcom Ltd (1 share) as nominee Asia Netcom Asia Pacific Commercial Limited 2 shares of HK$1.00 each 1. Asia Netcom Corporation (Company No.: 690587) Limited (1 share) 2. East Asia Netcom Ltd (1 share) as nominee Asia Netcom Hong Kong Limited 2 shares of HK$1.00 each 1. Asia Netcom Corporation (Company No.: 594228) Limited (1 share) 2. East Asia Netcom Ltd (1 share) as nominee |
[Mortgage of Shares]
SCHEDULE 2
FORM OF INSTRUMENT OF TRANSFER AND BOUGHT AND SOLD NOTE
Instrument of Transfer
[-]
We, Asia Netcom Corporation Limited of Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HN11, Bermuda in consideration of the Sum of ____________ hereby paid to me by ________________ of ______________________ (the "TRANSFEREE"), do hereby transfer to the said Transferee the _______ Shares standing in our name in the Register of Members of [-] to hold unto the said Transferee, its executors, administrators or assigns, subject to the several conditions upon which we hold the same at the time of execution hereof. And we the said Transferee do hereby agree to take the said Shares subject to the same conditions.
Witness our hands the day of , . Witness to the signature(s) of Name ____________________________________ Address ____________________________________ ________________________________________ ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION ____________________________________ LIMITED Witness to the signature(s) of Name ____________________________________ Address ____________________________________ ________________________________________ ____________________________________ [THE TRANSFEREE] ____________________________________ |
[Mortgage of Shares] Sold Note Name of Purchaser (Transferee): ________________________________ Address: ________________________________ Name of the Company in which the Shares are to be transferred: [-] Number of Shares: ___________ Shares of ____________ each Consideration: ________________________________ ___________________________________________ Signed by: ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED Hong Kong, Dated: ________________________________________________________________________________ Bought Note Name of Seller (Transferor): ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED Address: Occupation: Name of the Company in which the Shares are to be transferred: [-] Number of Shares: _________ Shares of _________ each Consideration: ____________________________________ ___________________________________________ Signed by: [THE TRANSFEREE] Hong Kong, Dated: - 24 - |
[Mortgage of Shares] |
SCHEDULE 3
FORM OF LETTER OF RESIGNATION
To: The Board of Directors
of [-] (the "COMPANY")
Date: ______________________
I, [Name of director/secretary], hereby resign my position as a director/secretary of the Company with effect from and waive all claims to fees or compensation in connection with or arising from ______ my employment and/or resignation save as provided by law in Hong Kong.
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED by [Name of director/secretary] in the presence of:
Signature of witness: ___________________ Name of witness: ___________________ Address of witness: ___________________ - 25 - |
[Mortgage of Shares] |
SCHEDULE 4
FORM OF WRITTEN RESOLUTION
[-] (THE "COMPANY")
Written Resolutions of all the Directors of the Company dated the day of
We, the undersigned, being all the Directors of the Company, hereby resolve:-
1. Appointment of Directors/Secretary
That the following persons be appointed as Directors and/or Secretary of the Company with immediate effect:-
2. Resignation of Directors
That the Letters of Resignation signed by [names of all Directors/Secretary] be accepted and that the same shall take effect forthwith.
[signed by all Directors]
[Mortgage of Shares]
SCHEDULE 5
FORM OF AUTHORISATION FROM DIRECTORS/SECRETARY
[Date]
To: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10/F., ICBC Asia Building
122-126 Queen's Road Central
Hong Kong
We are, at the date hereof, all the directors and the sole secretary of [-] (the "COMPANY").
We refer to (a) the Facility Agreement dated [-], 2004, as amended and restated by the Supplemental Amendment and Restatement Deed dated [-], 2004 (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT"), entered into between (1) Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, as borrower (2) the banks and financial institutions named therein as lender (the "LENDERS") and (3) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as arranger and facility agent (b) the Deed of Mortgage of Shares dated [-], 2004 (the "DEED") made between Asia Netcom Corporation Limited as mortgagor and yourselves as security trustee in relation the Shares in the Company; and (c) an undated written resolution of all the directors of the Company signed by us resolving to approve the appointment of new director(s) and/or a new secretary of the Company and the resignation of us as directors and/or secretary of the Company (the "WRITTEN RESOLUTIONS").
We hereby irrevocably authorise you, at any time after the Mortgage has become enforceable without our consent, to nominate such person(s) as you may in your absolute discretion determine to be the director(s) and secretary of the Company and to complete the written resolutions in such manner as you may think fit, including to insert the date (which can be any date after the date hereof) and the name(s) of the additional director(s) and/or the secretary. We confirm and declare that the written resolutions as completed by you shall in all respects be valid and effective as a board resolutions of the Company on the date and to the effect as stated therein, and be binding on us and on the Company.
We also refer to the undated letters of resignation as directors and/or the secretary of the Company signed by us. Each of us hereby irrevocably authorises you at any time after the Mortgage has become enforceable without our consent to insert a date (which can be any date after the date hereof) on the letters of resignation, upon which our resignation of directorship and/or as secretary shall take immediate effect.
[signed by all Directors and secretary ]
[Mortgage of Shares]
SCHEDULE 6
FORM OF LETTER OF UNDERTAKING
[Date]
To: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10/F., ICBC Asia Building
122-126 Queen's Road Central
Hong Kong
We, the undersigned Directors of [-] (the "COMPANY"), refer to the Deed of Mortgage of Shares dated [ ], 2004 and made between Asia Netcom Corporation Limited as mortgagor and yourselves as Security Trustee, and in pursuance thereof hereby undertake not to appoint any additional or substitute Directors or Secretary of the Company without your written consent.
[signed by all Directors] __________________________________ ___________________________________ __________________________________ ___________________________________ - 28 - |
[Mortgage of Shares] |
SCHEDULE 7
FORM OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NOMINEE
To: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
_________________, 2004
Dear Sirs,
RE: [-] (THE "COMPANY")
I/We acknowledge that by a deed of mortgage of shares dated [___________], 2004 (the "SHARE MORTGAGE"), Asia Netcom Corporation Limited (the "MORTGAGOR") has agreed to mortgage the entire issued share capital of the Company (the "SHARES") of which the Mortgagor is the sole beneficial owner to you.
I/We hereby agree to deposit with you the certificates in respect of the Share(s) of which I/we are the registered holder and to execute and deliver to you such instruments of transfer, contract note, and other documents in respect of such Share(s), including a power of attorney to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of the same, in such form as you may at any time and from time to time require.
I/We [jointly and severally], until such time as I/we receive written notice from you stating that the Share Mortgage has been released or otherwise discharged:
1. warrant that I/we are the registered holder(s) of a total of [____]
[ordinary share(s)] of $[_______] each, in the Company;
2. confirm that I/we hold such share(s) as nominee(s) on trust for you and that I/we shall hereafter hold such share(s) on you behalf as mortgagee in accordance with the terms of the Share Mortgage; and
3. grant to you a power of attorney in the terms of clause 15 of the Share Mortgage as if references therein to the Mortgagor were references to me/us and undertake to grant you such further powers of attorney in such form as you may at any time and from time to time require.
EITHER:
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) by [___________________________] ) in the presence of: ) OR: THE COMMON SEAL of ) [---------------------------] ) was hereunto affixed in ) the presence of: ) |
[Mortgage of Shares]
EXECUTION PAGE
THE MORTGAGOR
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED ) in the presence of:- ) THE SECURITY TRUSTEE SIGNED BY ) for and on behalf of ) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK ) OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED ) in the presence of: ) |
EXHIBIT 10.36
Execution Copy
Dated 29 July 2004
ASIA NETCOM SERVICES (S) PTE. LTD. ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION (SINGAPORE) PTE. LIMITED |
ASIA NETCOM SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
and
SOUTHEAST ASIA NETCOM (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
(as Chargors)
and
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
(as Security Trustee)
DEBENTURE
incorporating Fixed and Floating Charges
RICHARDS BUTLER
HONG KONG
[Group Debenture]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CLAUSE NO. CLAUSE HEADING PAGE NO. --------- -------------- ------- 1 DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION..................................................................... 1 2 COVENANT TO PAY.................................................................................. 3 3 CHARGE AND ASSIGNMENT............................................................................ 4 4 FLOATING CHARGE.................................................................................. 6 5 FURTHER ASSURANCE................................................................................ 8 6 PERFORMANCE, RELEASE AND REGISTRATION............................................................ 8 7 PROPERTIES....................................................................................... 9 8 LEASES........................................................................................... 10 9 RECEIVABLES AND BANK ACCOUNTS.................................................................... 10 10 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY............................................................................ 12 11 CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY.............................................................. 13 12 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES................................................................... 15 13 TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS....................................................................... 18 14 COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES...................................................................... 19 15 UNDERTAKINGS..................................................................................... 20 16 ENFORCEMENT...................................................................................... 24 17 APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS.......................................................................... 30 19 SUSPENSE ACCOUNT................................................................................. 32 20 SET OFF.......................................................................................... 32 21 POWER OF ATTORNEY................................................................................ 32 22 NOTICES.......................................................................................... 33 23 WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS............ 34 24 GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION................................................................... 35 26 MISCELLANEOUS.................................................................................... 36 SCHEDULE 1 - CHARGORS' DETAILS.................................................................................. 38 SCHEDULE 2 - PROPERTIES......................................................................................... 39 |
[Group Debenture]
SCHEDULE 3 - BANK ACCOUNTS...................................................................................... 40 SCHEDULE 4 - DETAILS OF SHARES.................................................................................. 41 SIGNATURE PAGE ................................................................................................. 43 |
[Singapore Group Debenture]
THIS DEED OF GROUP DEBENTURE is made on 29 July 2004
BETWEEN:-
(1) THE COMPANIES NAMED AND PARTICULARS OF WHICH ARE SET OUT IN SCHEDULE 1 (each a "CHARGOR" and collectively the "CHARGORS"); and
(2) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong acting through its head office at ICBC Asia Building, 122-126 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong acting on its own behalf and as facility agent and security trustee for and on behalf of the Finance Parties (the "SECURITY TRUSTEE").
WHEREAS:-
(A) By a facility agreement signed on 2nd December, 2003 (but held undated in escrow) as released from escrow and amended and restated by the Supplemental Amendment and Restatement Deed (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT"), entered into by (1) Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, as borrower (the "BORROWER"); (2) the banks and financial institutions named therein as lenders (the "LENDERS"); (3) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as arranger; and (4) the Security Trustee as facility agent, the Finance Parties have agreed, upon and subject to the terms of the Facility Agreement, to make available to the Borrower a term loan facility of up to US$150,000,000 (the "FACILITY") for the purposes more particularly specified therein.
(B) The Security Trustee is acting as facility agent for the Finance Parties pursuant to the Facility Agreement and as security agent and trustee for the Finance Parties pursuant to this Deed and the other Finance Documents.
(C) It is a condition precedent to the availability of the Facility under the Facility Agreement that the Chargors shall have executed and delivered this Deed to the Security Trustee creating fixed and floating charges over their respective assets and undertakings.
NOW THIS DEED WITNESSES as follows:-
1 DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
1.1 TERMS DEFINED
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires, terms used shall have the meanings defined in the Facility Agreement and:-
"ACRA" means the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore.
"ACT" means the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act, Chapter 61.
"BANK ACCOUNTS" has the meaning given to it in Clause 3.1(b).
[Singapore Group Debenture]
"COLLATERAL" means all the right, title, interest and benefit of the Chargors in and to all or any part of the Properties, Receivables, undertaking, property, assets and rights of each Chargor from time to time subject or expressed to be subject, to the security constituted by this Deed or any part of any thereof.
"FIXTURES" means fixtures, fittings (including trade fixtures and fittings) and fixed plant and machinery.
"GOVERNMENT" means the Government of Singapore.
"GOVERNMENT GRANT" means the statutory land grants and state leases (and any variation or modification of that or those grants or leases) relating to any Properties which a Chargor from time to time benefits from.
"IDA" means the Info-communications Development Authority of Singapore.
"INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" of a Chargor means all patents, designs, copyrights, topographies, trade marks, service marks, trading names, domain names, rights in confidential information and know-how, any other intellectual property and any associated or similar rights, and any interest in any of the foregoing (in each case whether registered or unregistered and including any related licences and sub-licences of the same, applications and rights to apply for the same and wherever subsisting).
"LEASE" means any lease, tenancy, licence, letting arrangement, exchange, option, reservation, right of refusal or any other right or interest in any part of any Properties or any other agreement or contract for any of these, granted by a Chargor or any person deriving title from a Chargor.
"LESSEE" means each lessee, tenant or licencee of the Properties or any part of the Properties pursuant to a Lease.
"PROPERTIES" of a Chargor means any real property described in Schedule 2 and any real property acquired by that Chargor whether freehold or leasehold, and subject to and with the benefit of all Rights from time to time attached or relating to that property and all buildings and Fixtures from time to time in or on that property.
"PERMITTED SECURITY INTEREST" means, in relation to any of the Chargors, any Security Interest permitted by clause 16.16(a) of the Facility Agreement.
"RECEIVABLES" has the meaning given to it in Clause 3.1(b)(i).
"RECEIVER" means any receiver, manager, receiver and manager or other similar officer appointed in respect of the Collateral by the Security Trustee in respect of the security hereby granted.
"RIGHTS" means rights (including rights of way), authorities, discretions, remedies, liberties, privileges, powers, easements, quasi-easements and appurtenances (in each case, of any nature whatsoever).
[Singapore Group Debenture]
"SECURED OBLIGATIONS" means any and all moneys, liabilities and obligations (whether actual or contingent, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether or not for the payment of money, and including, without limitation, any obligation or liability to pay damages) which are or may become payable by the Borrower or any other Security Party which is a member of the CNC HK Group to the Finance Parties or any of them under or pursuant to the Finance Documents and/or all other obligations hereby secured.
"SHARES" means all those shares in the companies beneficially owned by the Chargors at the date hereof, particulars of which are set out in Schedule 4 and "SHARE" means each of them.
1.2 TRUST
All rights, benefits, interests, powers and discretions granted to or conferred on the Security Trustee pursuant to this Deed shall be held by the Security Trustee on trust for the benefit of itself as Security Trustee and each Finance Party from time to time. The Security Trustee may do all acts within its powers to administer and manage the trust constituted by this Clause including any full or partial release by deed of the rights, benefits and interest conferred by Clause 3 or the release of all or any part of the Collateral from this Deed. The trust constituted by this Clause shall come into existence on the date of this Deed and shall last for so long as any of the Secured Obligations remain outstanding provided that for the purposes of the rule against perpetuities, the perpetuity period applicable to the trust and any dispositions made or to be made pursuant to this Deed and this trust, is hereby specified as a period of twenty one (21) years less one (1) day from the date of this Deed.
1.3 CLAUSE HEADINGS
Clause headings and the table of contents are for ease of reference only and shall be ignored in the interpretation of this Deed.
1.4 CONSTRUCTION
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires:-
(a) Clause 1.3 of the Facility Agreement shall be deemed incorporated in this Deed mutatis mutandis as if set out separately in this Deed; and
(b) references to the "BORROWER", the "CHARGOR(S)", the "SECURITY TRUSTEE" or any "FINANCE PARTY" include, where the context permits, include their respective successors and transferees and permitted assigns in accordance with their respective interests.
2 COVENANT TO PAY
Each Chargor hereby covenants that it will on demand pay and discharge the Secured Obligations when due for payment or discharge in accordance with the Finance Documents or, if no time for payment is specified, within 4 Business Days after demand by the Security Trustee.
[Singapore Group Debenture]
3 CHARGE AND ASSIGNMENT
3.1 CHARGE
In consideration of the Finance Parties agreeing to make the Facility available to the Borrower, upon the terms and conditions of the Facility Agreement and as a continuing security for the due and punctual payment and discharge of the Secured Obligations, each of the Chargors, as beneficial owner, hereby charges and agrees to charge in favour of the Security Trustee as trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties:-
(a) all its right, title and interest in and to the Properties to the extent that its interest in the Properties constitutes a legal estate, it charges to the Security Trustee by way of a first fixed legal charge the Properties and all Rights relating to the Properties at any time used, occupied, held or enjoyed by that Chargor and all the estate, right, interest, benefit, title, property, of that Chargor in and to the Property and those Rights subject to and with the benefit of each related Government Grant except any and all rights, title and interest which the Asia Netcom (Singapore) Pte Ltd ("ANSPL") may have in the wayleave agreements in connection with the fibre optic cable system known as "East Asia Crossing Cable System Phase 2" entered into or to be entered into between the Government of the Republic of Singapore and ANSPL for the installation of telecommunication cables and construction of beach manholes/duct areas along (1) the foreshore and state land off Changi Coast Walk, Singapore and (2) the foreshore and state land off Changi Ferry Road, Singapore and where the Government of the Republic of Singapore requires that such wayleave agreements are not assignable or chargeable by ANSPL; and
(b) by way of first fixed charge all its present and future right, title and interest in:-
(i) all book and other debts, receivables, monies, revenues, claims and things in action now or in the future due or owing to or purchased or otherwise acquired by any Chargor (including all credit balances and deposits and bank accounts as set out in Schedule 3 and any other bank accounts of any Chargor with any Finance Party or any other bank or financial institution ("BANK ACCOUNTS") and any surplus arising on a realisation of any legal and/or equitable assignment and/or charge whether in favour of the Security Trustee or any other person), the proceeds of the same, and the full benefit of all guarantees, indemnities, debentures, charges, pledges, liens, rights of set off, security reservations of proprietary rights, rights of tracing and all other rights and remedies in respect of the same in all such cases whether now or in the future (the "RECEIVABLES");
(ii) the Shares, and all other stocks, shares, bonds or other securities and investments and securities and all other interests of any Chargor in any person, any other share, stock, debenture, bond, certificate of deposit or other security or investment now or in the future owned at law or in equity by any Chargor, whether held directly by any Chargor or by any trustee, nominee, fiduciary or clearance system on its behalf (other than the investments secured in favour of the Security Trustee by a Share
[Singapore Group Debenture]
Mortgage), together with all dividends, interest and other moneys paid or payable in respect thereof and all rights, money and assets related to or accruing or offered or arising thereon from time to time, whether by way of redemption, conversion, exercise of option rights, substitution, exchange, preference, bonus or otherwise and all rights, benefits and advantages arising in respect of or incidental to the same;
(iii) the uncalled capital and goodwill of and Intellectual Property rights owned by any Chargor;
(iv) all fixed plant, other plant, machinery and equipment of any Chargor (except those the subject of the Security Interest constituted by Clause 3.1(a) and their respective interest in any plant, machinery or equipment in its possession, including the benefit of all contracts and warranties relating to the same;
(v) all of any Chargor's rights and benefits under any sale or purchase agreements, and distributorship or any similar agreements entered into by it, any letters of credit issued in its favour and all bills of exchange and other negotiable instruments held by it; and
(vi) the benefit of all licences(to the extent permitted by applicable law), quota, consents and authorities (statutory or otherwise) held in connection with its business or the use of any asset charged by any other sub-paragraph in this Clause and the right to recover and receive all proceeds and/or compensation which may be payable to it in respect of them;
other than any asset the subject of any Permitted Security Interest;
3.2 ASSIGNMENT
Each of the Chargors as beneficial owner, and as continuing security for the due and punctual payment and discharge of the Secured Obligations hereby assigns and agrees to assign to the Security Trustee (as trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties) by way of security all its present and future:
(a) Rights (except those the subject of the Security Interest constituted by Clause 3.1(a)) relating to the Properties including:
(i) all Rights to any payment, covenant, agreement, undertaking or indemnity contained in any sale and purchase agreement, leases or other document, agreement or undertaking whatsoever relating to the Properties now or in the future including all its rights, title and interest in and to the present and future leases;
(ii) the proceeds of sale of any part of the Properties and the benefits of any covenants for title given or entered into by any predecessor in title to that Chargor in respect of the Properties (or any moneys paid or payable in respect of those covenants); and
[Singapore Group Debenture]
(iii) all Rights against all past, present and future tenants of the Properties and their respective guarantors and sureties; and
(b) right, title and interest in and to all Insurances and all proceeds and benefits in respect of such Insurances (including the proceeds of all claims relating to, and all returns of premium in respect of, such Insurances) which are from time to time taken out by or on behalf of any Chargor (or to the extent of such interest) in which any Chargor has an interest; and
(c) Rights relating to any contracts or agreements including all Rights to any payment, covenant, agreement, undertaking or indemnity contained therein or other document, agreement or undertaking whatsoever relating to any contracts or agreements now or in the future including all its rights, title and interest in and to the present and future contracts and agreements and any moneys payable to any Chargor and any claims, awards and judgments in favour of any Chargor, under or in connection with such contracts or agreements except any and all rights, title and interest which the ANSPL may have in the wayleave agreements in connection with the fibre optic cable system known as "East Asia Crossing Cable System Phase 2" entered into or to be entered into between the Government of the Republic of Singapore and ANSPL for the installation of telecommunication cables and construction of beach manholes/duct areas along (1) the foreshore and state land off Changi Coast Walk, Singapore and (2) the foreshore and state land off Changi Ferry Road, Singapore and where the Government of the Republic of Singapore requires that such wayleave agreements are not assignable or chargeable by ANSPL.
3.3 NOTICES AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Each Chargor undertakes to the Security Trustee that, within 5 Business Days after the execution of this Deed or, if later, within 5 Business Days after the date on which any of the Collateral referred to therein are effected, established, acquired, obtained or executed, it shall give such notices of assignment and/or charge to the relevant parties in respect of the assignments referred to above in the form requested by the Security Trustee (acting reasonably) and shall request such relevant parties to return such acknowledgements to the Security Trustee as the Security Trustee reasonably considers necessary to perfect the Security Interests in respect thereof.
4 FLOATING CHARGE
4.1 CREATION
Each Chargor, as beneficial owner and as continuing security for the due and punctual payment and discharge of the Secured Obligations, hereby charges in favour of the Security Trustee (as trustee for the Finance Parties) by way of first floating charge its undertaking and all its assets, both present and future (including Receivables and Bank Accounts to the extent not otherwise effectively mortgaged or charged under Clause 3.1 or assigned by Clause 3.2 but excluding any assets which are effectively mortgaged, charged or assigned under any other Security Document) PROVIDED THAT
[Singapore Group Debenture]
each Chargor may deal with the assets charged under this Clause in the ordinary course of its business until the Security Interest created by this Deed becomes enforceable or this floating charge is converted into a fixed charge pursuant to Clause 4.3 or 4.4 (but so that the Chargor may continue to deal with any of the aforesaid assets unaffected by any partial conversion). Nothing herein shall create a charge, whether fixed or floating, over (a) any and all rights, title and interest which the ANSPL may have in the wayleave agreements in connection with the fibre optic cable system known as "East Asia Crossing Cable System Phase 2" entered into or to be entered into between the Government of the Republic of Singapore and ANSPL for the installation of telecommunication cables and construction of beach manholes/duct areas along (1) the foreshore and state land off Changi Coast Walk, Singapore and (2) the foreshore and state land off Changi Ferry Road, Singapore and where the Government of the Republic of Singapore requires that such wayleave agreements are not assignable or chargeable by ANSPL; (b) any and all rights, title and interest which ANSPL has in the licence to provide facilities-based operations granted by the IDA to ANSPL under Section 5 of the Telecommunications Act 1999 on 11 October 2000.
4.2 RANKING
The floating charge created by each Chargor ranks:
(a) behind all the fixed charges created by that Chargor pursuant to Clause 3.1 and Clause 3.2 or any subsequently created Security Documents; but
(b) in priority to any subsequently created Security Interest over the Collateral of that Chargor.
4.3 CONVERSION BY NOTICE
The Security Trustee may convert any floating charge created pursuant to Clause 4.1 into a fixed charge (either generally or specifically) by notice to the relevant Chargor specifying the relevant Collateral:
(a) if it (acting reasonably) considers it desirable to do so in order to protect or preserve the Security Interests over that Collateral and/or the priority of those Security Interests; and/or
(b) while an Event of Default is continuing.
4.4 AUTOMATIC CONVERSION
If:
(a) any Chargor takes any step to create any Security Interest in breach of Clause 16.16 of the Facility Agreement over any of the Collateral not subject to a Security Interest;
(b) an Event of Default occurs under clause 17.1(f), (g), (h), (i), (j) or (k) of the Facility Agreement; or
[Singapore Group Debenture]
(c) any person takes any step to effect any Expropriation, attachment, sequestration, distress or execution against any of the Collateral,
the floating charge over the relevant Collateral shall automatically and immediately be converted into a fixed charge without notice.
4.5 CONVERSION TO FLOATING CHARGE
The Security Trustee may reconvert any fixed charge created pursuant to Clause 4.3 or Clause 4.4 into a floating charge by notice to the relevant Chargor specifying the relevant Collateral if:
(a) none of the events or circumstances referred to in paragraphs (a) or
(b) of Clause 4.3 or paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of Clause 4.4 is
continuing; and
(b) the Security Trustee considers that such conversion into a floating charge would not prejudice the interests of any Finance Party under any Finance Document.
5 FURTHER ASSURANCE
Each Chargor shall, at its own expense, promptly take all such action as the Security Trustee may reasonably require:
(a) for the purpose of perfecting or protecting the Finance Parties' rights under and preserving the Security Interests intended to be created or evidenced by this Deed or the priority of the Security Interests; and
(b) for the purpose of facilitating the realisation of the Collateral or the exercise of any rights vested in such Security Trustee or any Receiver,
including the execution of any transfer, conveyance, charge, mortgage, assignment or assurance of the Collateral (whether to the Security Trustee or its nominees or otherwise), the making of any registration, the obtaining of any legal opinion and the giving of any notice, order or direction.
6 PERFORMANCE, RELEASE AND REGISTRATION
6.1 PERFORMANCE AND INDEMNITY
Notwithstanding the foregoing, each of the Chargors shall remain liable to perform all the obligations to be performed by it in respect of the Collateral and shall discharge fully its obligations thereunder as they become due and neither the Security Trustee nor any of the Finance Parties shall have any obligation of any kind whatsoever thereunder or be under any liabilities whatsoever in the event of any failure to perform their obligations thereunder, and each of the Chargors hereby indemnifies and agrees to keep indemnified the Security Trustee, and the other Finance Parties and each of them from and against any such liability unless such liability arose from the gross negligence, or wilful misconduct of the Security Trustee or the Finance Parties.
[Singapore Group Debenture]
6.2 RELEASE AND TRANSFER
(a) The Security Trustee shall, upon the full performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations to the satisfaction of the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties, at the request and cost of the relevant Chargor(s) and in such form as the Security Trustee shall reasonably approve, release and transfer to the relevant Chargor(s), the Collateral then the subject of the Security Interest constituted by this Deed.
(b) Notwithstanding any discharge, release or settlement from time to time between the Security Trustee and/or any other Finance Party and the Borrower and/or any Chargor, if any security, disposition or payment granted or made to the Security Trustee and/or any other Finance Party in respect of the Secured Obligations by the Borrower or any Chargor or any other person is avoided or set aside or ordered to be surrendered, paid away, refunded or reduced by virtue of any provision, law or enactment relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, winding-up, composition or arrangement for the time being in force or for any other reason, the Finance Parties shall be entitled thereafter to enforce this Deed as if no such discharge, release or settlement had occurred.
6.3 REGISTRATION
Each Chargor hereby authorises the Security Trustee forthwith upon execution of this Deed to procure the delivery to ACRA of the particulars of this Deed.
7 PROPERTIES
7.1 ACQUISITION
Each Chargor shall promptly notify the Security Trustee of its acquisition of, or agreement to acquire (either itself or through a nominee or delegate), any Properties, together with a certificate signed by an authorised officer of that Chargor certifying the total consideration paid or payable for those Properties.
7.2 REGISTRATION OF FUTURE PROPERTIES
In the case of a Chargor's Properties in Singapore acquired after the date of this Deed, that Chargor shall
(a) promptly after it becomes possible to do so, apply to the Singapore Land Authority for registration of the instrument vesting legal and beneficial ownership to the Properties in that Chargor and notify the Security Trustee of the Registration Number of that instrument;
(b) execute a deed of assignment together with mortgage-in-escrow or (as the case may be) a mortgage in favour of the Security Trustee in substantially the same terms as the charge created by Clause 3.1(a) in respect of the Properties creating a legal charge over the same; and
[Singapore Group Debenture]
(c) request the Registrar of Titles to register that assignment, mortgage-in-escrow or mortgage in relation to that Properties and notice of all charges.
8 LEASES
Each Chargor shall:
(a) comply with all material obligations imposed on it;
(b) not exercise any power to determine or extend, or accept the surrender of, any Lease if to do so could have a material adverse effect on the ability of that Chargor to carry on its business or perform the obligations under the Finance Documents;
(c) take all reasonable steps to procure the due performance by each Lessee of its material obligations under the Leases, and shall not vary the terms of any Leases, or grant any waivers in respect thereof, or permit or agree to the cancellation of the same if (in each case) to do so could have a material adverse effect on the ability of that Chargor to carry on its business or perform its obligations under the Finance Documents;
(d) promptly and diligently:
(i) notify the Security Trustee of any default by it under any Lease which could have a material adverse effect on the ability of that Chargor to carry on its business or perform its obligations under the Finance Documents; and
(ii) institute and maintain all such proceedings as may be necessary or desirable to preserve or protect the interests of that Chargor and the Finance Parties in any Lease unless the failure or omission not to do so would not have a material adverse effect on the ability of that Chargor to carry on its business or perform its obligations under the Finance Documents.
9 RECEIVABLES AND BANK ACCOUNTS
9.1 COLLECTION
Each Chargor shall promptly collect all Receivables and shall hold the proceeds of collection on trust for the Security Trustee.
9.2 PAYMENT INTO DESIGNATED BANK ACCOUNT(S)
Each Chargor shall promptly pay all moneys received or receivable by it from any source (including all proceeds of collection of Receivables) into a Bank Account.
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9.3 RESTRICTIONS ON DEALING WITH RECEIVABLES
Without prejudice and in addition to Clause 5:
(a) except for the Security Interests constituted by this Deed and as otherwise permitted by Clause 16.16 of the Facility Agreement, no Chargor shall create or permit to subsist any Security Interest over, nor do anything else prohibited by Clause 16.16 of the Facility Agreement in respect of, all or any part of any of its Receivables; and
(b) except as required by Clause 5 or as otherwise permitted by Clause 16.16 of the Facility Agreement, no Chargor shall enter into a single transaction or a series of transactions (whether related or not and whether voluntary or involuntary) to sell, factor, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or any part of any of its Receivables.
9.4 PROCEEDS OF BOOK DEBTS
So long as none of the Security Interests constituted by this Deed have not become enforceable, each Chargor shall be entitled to use the proceeds of collection of its Receivables in the ordinary course of its business.
9.5 DOCUMENTS
Each Chargor shall promptly execute and/or deliver to the Security Trustee such documents relating to such of its Receivables as the Security Trustee reasonably requires.
9.6 WITHDRAWALS FROM BANK ACCOUNTS
(a) A Chargor may make withdrawals from Bank Accounts (other than Escrow Accounts) unless prohibited by or pursuant to the Finance Documents.
(b) No Chargor shall make any withdrawal from any Escrow Account except as permitted by the Facility Agreement.
(c) If an amount is withdrawn from a Bank Account as permitted by this Clause 9.6, that amount shall be automatically released from the fixed charge on that Bank Account on that withdrawal being made. However, if all or part of that amount is paid into another Bank Account which is in credit or becomes in credit as a result, it shall automatically become subject to the fixed charge on that Bank Account.
(d) Following notice from the Security Trustee of the occurrence of an Event of Default that is continuing, no Chargor shall be entitled to receive, withdraw or transfer credit balances from time to time on any Bank Account except as agreed by the Security Trustee.
9.7 RESTRICTIONS ON DEALING WITH BANK ACCOUNTS
Without prejudice and in addition to Clause 5:
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(a) except for the Security Interests constituted by this Deed and as otherwise permitted by Clause 16.16 of the Facility Agreement, no Chargor shall create or have outstanding any Security Interest over, nor do anything else prohibited by Clause 16.16 of the Facility Agreement in respect of, all or any part of any of its Bank Accounts; and
(b) except as required by Clause 5 or as otherwise permitted by Clause 16.16 of the Facility Agreement, no Chargor shall enter into a single transaction or a series of transactions (whether related or not and whether voluntary or involuntary) to transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of all or any part of any of its Bank Accounts.
9.8 DOCUMENTS
Each Chargor shall promptly execute and/or deliver to the Security Trustee such documents relating to such of its Bank Accounts as the Security Trustee reasonably requires, including any notice to the relevant bank or financial institution of the charges over them. 10 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 10.1 ACQUISITION Each Chargor shall promptly notify the Security Trustee of its acquisition or grant of, or agreement to acquire or grant, (by licence or otherwise) any material Intellectual Property, and any application by it or on its behalf to register any Intellectual Property, and of the deposit of any Intellectual Property (including source codes of computer software) with escrow agents. 10.2 DOCUMENTS AND CONSENTS (i) Each Chargor shall, as soon as reasonable practicable after it enters into this Deed, use reasonable endeavours to obtain such consents as may be necessary from licensors of any material Intellectual Property granted to it to ensure that licences of Intellectual Property granted to that Chargor will not be revoked by any licensor. (ii) Each Chargor shall as soon as reasonably practicable at the Security Trustee's request execute and/or deliver to the Security Trustee: (a) originals of any certificate of registration of Intellectual Property; (b) all documents necessary to register or record this Deed or any Security Interest over Intellectual Property with each relevant government authority or agency responsible for keeping registers in which any of that Chargor's Intellectual Property is registered, and each receipt or confirmation of registration or recording of this Deed or any Security Interest over Intellectual Property issued by that government authority or agency; and - 12 - |
[Singapore Group Debenture] (c) each escrow agreement which exists in respect of any of the Intellectual Property and a notice to each escrow agent holding any Intellectual Property on behalf of that Chargor substituting the Security Trustee as the party to whom, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing and notification to that effect from the Security Trustee to the escrow agent, that escrow agent shall release the Intellectual Property (including source codes of computer software) in discharge of that escrow agent's obligations to release the Intellectual Property to that Chargor. 11 CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY 11.1 CONTINUING SECURITY This Deed and the security hereby created shall remain in full force and effect by way of a continuing security notwithstanding the insolvency or liquidation or any incapacity or change in the constitution or status of any Chargor, the Borrower or any other person and in particular but without limitation shall not be, nor be considered as, satisfied by any intermediate discharge or payment on account of any liabilities or any settlement of accounts between the Borrower and/or any Chargor, and the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party. 11.2 ADDITIONAL SECURITY This Deed and the security hereby created shall be in addition to and not in substitution for or derogation of any other Security Interest, guarantee or other security (whether given by the Borrower and/or any Chargor or otherwise) now or from time to time hereafter held by the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party in respect of or in connection with the Secured Obligations. 11.3 UNRESTRICTED ENFORCEMENT The Security Trustee need not before exercising any of the rights, powers or remedies conferred upon it by this Deed or by law (i) take action or obtain judgment against any Chargor or any other person in any court, (ii) make or file any claim or prove in a winding-up or liquidation of any Chargor or of any other person or (iii) enforce or seek to enforce the recovery of the moneys and liabilities hereby secured by any other security or other rights all of which the Chargors hereby waive and this Deed may be enforced for any balance due after resorting to any one or more other means of obtaining payment or discharge of the monies, obligations and liabilities hereby secured. 11.4 NO DISCHARGE The liabilities and obligations of each Chargor under this Deed and the security constituted by this Deed shall remain in force notwithstanding any act, omission, event or circumstance whatsoever until full, proper and valid payment and discharge of the Secured Obligations and without limiting the foregoing, neither the liabilities of any Chargor under this Deed nor the validity or enforceability of this Deed shall not be prejudiced, affected or discharged by:- - 13 - |
[Singapore Group Debenture] (a) the granting of any time or indulgence to the Borrower or any Chargor or any other person in respect of the Secured Obligations; (b) any variation or modification of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto; (c) the invalidity or unenforceability of any obligation or liability of any party under the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto; (d) any invalidity or irregularity in the execution of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or relating thereto; (e) any lack of capacity or deficiency in the powers of the Borrower or any Chargor or any other person to enter into or perform any of its respective obligations under the Facility Agreement or any of the other Finance Documents to which it is party or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto or any irregularity in the exercise thereof or any lack of authority by any person purporting to act on behalf of the Borrower, any Chargor or such other person; (f) the insolvency, bankruptcy or liquidation or any incapacity, disability or limitation or any change in the constitution or status of the Borrower, any Chargor or any other person; (g) any other Finance Document, Security Interest, guarantee or other security or right or remedy being or becoming held by or available to the Security Trustee, any Finance Party or by any other person or by any of the same being or becoming wholly or partly void, voidable or unenforceable or impaired or by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party at any time releasing, refraining from enforcing, varying or in any other way dealing with any of the same or any power, right or remedy the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party may now or hereafter have from or against any Chargor or any other person; (h) any waiver, exercise, omission to exercise, compromise, renewal or release of any rights against any Chargor or any other person or any compromise, arrangement or settlement with any of the same; or (i) any act, omission, event or circumstance which would or may but for this provision operate to prejudice, affect or discharge this Deed or the liability of any Chargor hereunder. 11.5 NO SUBROGATION (a) None of the Chargors shall exercise any right of subrogation, contribution or any other rights of a surety or enforce any security or other right or claim against the Borrower or any of the other Chargors (whether in respect of its liability under this Deed or otherwise) or any other person who has guaranteed or given any security in respect of the Secured Obligations or claim in the insolvency or liquidation of the Borrower or any of the Chargor or any such other person in |
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competition with the Security Trustee and/or the Finance Parties.
(b) If any Chargor receives any payment or benefit in breach of this
Clause 11.5, it shall hold the same upon trust for the Security Trustee as a continuing security for the Secured Obligations. For the purposes of the rule against perpetuities, the perpetuity period applicable to the trust constituted under this Clause is hereby specified as a period of twenty-one (21) years less one (1) day from the date of this Deed. 12 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES 12.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES Each of the Chargors hereby severally represents and warrants to the Security Trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties that:- (a) STATUS: it is a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of its respective place of incorporation and has full power, authority and legal right to own its property and assets and to carry on its business as such business is now being conducted; (b) POWER AND AUTHORITY: it has all legal power and authority to enter into this Deed and perform its obligations under this Deed and all actions (including any corporate action) required to authorise the execution and delivery of this Deed and the performance of its obligations under this Deed have been duly taken; (c) LEGAL VALIDITY: this Deed constitutes or, when so executed and delivered, will constitute its legal, valid and binding obligations enforceable in accordance with its terms; (d) NON-CONFLICT WITH LAWS: the entry into and performance of this Deed and the transactions contemplated by this Deed do not and will not conflict with or result in (i) a breach of any law, judgment or regulation or any official or judicial order, or (ii) a breach of the constitutional documents of the Borrower or that Chargor (as the case may be), or (iii) a material breach of any agreement or document to which the Borrower or that Chargor (as the case may be) is a party or which is binding upon it or any of its assets or revenues with a monetary value greater than US$500,000, nor cause any limitation placed on it or the powers of its directors to be exceeded or result in the creation or imposition of any Security Interest on any part of the Collateral pursuant to the provisions of any such agreement or document; (e) NO CONSENTS: other than the Consents and the stamping and registration of this Deed at the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore, no consent, authorisation, licence or approval of, or registration with or declaration to, any governmental or public bodies or authorities or courts in Singapore or in any relevant jurisdiction is required for or in connection with the execution, delivery, validity, enforceability and admissibility in evidence in proceeding of this Deed, or the performance by any Chargor of any of its respective obligations under this Deed; - 15 - |
[Singapore Group Debenture] (f) NO REGISTRATION: save for the lodgment of the Statement Containing Particulars of Charge with ACRA within 30 days from the date hereof (or 37 days, if executed outside Singapore) and the stamping of this Deed with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore, it is not necessary in order to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of this Deed that it or any other instrument be notarised, filed, recorded, registered or enrolled in any court or other authority or that any stamp, registration or similar tax or charge be paid on or in relation to this Deed and this Deed is in proper form for its enforcement in the courts of Singapore and all jurisdictions the subject of any legal opinion referred to in paragraph 4 of Schedule 3 of the Facility Agreement; (g) LITIGATION: except as disclosed in a letter of even date from the Borrower to the Security Trustee, no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding is currently taking place or pending or, to the knowledge of the officers of that Chargor, threatened against that Chargor or any of its respective assets which could, in the reasonable opinion of the Security Trustee, materially and adversely affect its business, assets or financial condition or its respective ability to perform its obligations under this Deed; (h) WINDING UP AND STRIKING OFF: it has not taken any corporate action or no other step has been taken or legal proceedings have been commenced or threatened against it for its winding-up, dissolution, administration or reorganisation or for the appointment of a receiver, administrator, trustee or similar officer of it or all or any of its assets or revenues, except as permitted by clause 17.1(g) (Winding-up) of the Facility Agreement, and no demand under Section 254(1), and no enquiry under Section 344(1), of the Companies Act, Cap 50, has been received by the Chargor; (i) TAXES ON PAYMENTS: all payments to be made by it under this Deed may be made by it free and clear of, and without deduction for, Taxes and no deductions or withholdings are required to be made therefrom save as specified in any legal opinion referred to in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of Schedule 3 to the Facility Agreement; and no Taxes are imposed on or by virtue of the execution or delivery by that Chargor of this Deed or any document to be executed or delivered under this Deed; (j) TAX LIABILITIES: it has complied with all Taxation laws in all material respects in all jurisdictions in which it is subject to Taxation and has paid all Taxes due and payable by it; no material claims are being asserted against it with respect to Taxes; |
(k) NO DEFAULT:
(i) no Default has occurred and is continuing;
(ii) it is not, or with the giving of notice or lapse of time or satisfaction of any other condition or any combination thereof, would not be in material breach of or in default under any agreement relating to Financial Indebtedness to which it is a party or by which it may be bound;
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(l) NO IMMUNITY: it is generally subject to civil and commercial law and to legal proceedings and neither it or any of its assets or revenues are entitled to any immunity or privilege (sovereign or otherwise) from any set-off, judgment, execution, attachment or other legal process;
(m) COMPLIANCE, WITH CONSENTS AND LICENSES: every consent, authorisation, licence or approval required for the time being by it in connection with the conduct of its business and the ownership, use, exploitation or occupation of its property and assets has been applied for and not refused or has been obtained and is in full force and effect and there has been no material default in the observance of the conditions and restrictions (if any) imposed on, or in connection with, any of the same which may have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform its obligations under this Deed and, to the knowledge of its officers, no circumstances have arisen whereby any remedial action is likely to be required to be taken by it, or at its expense under or pursuant to any law or regulation applicable to its business, property or assets;
(n) NO FINANCIAL INDEBTEDNESS: it does not have any Financial Indebtedness other than as permitted by Clause 16.17 of the Facility Agreement;
(o) SOLE AND BENEFICIAL OWNER: it is or will be the sole, absolute legal and beneficial owner of its Collateral;
(p) SECURITY INTEREST: no Security Interest exists in any of its rights, title, interests or benefits in the Collateral (other than as created by this Deed or any Permitted Security Interests);
(q) THIRD PARTY RIGHT: it has not sold or otherwise disposes of any of the Collateral or granted in favour of any other person any interest in or any option or other rights in respect of any of the Collateral;
(r) PARTICULARS OF THE PROPERTIES: the particulars of the Properties set out in Schedule 2 are accurate and that Chargor has good and marketable title thereto; and
(s) RECEIVABLES: all Receivables are fully collectible in the ordinary course of business.
12.2 CONTINUING REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTY Each of the Chargors severally represents and warrants to and undertakes with the Security Trustee that the foregoing representations and warranties in Clause 12.1(a) to (n) inclusive are deemed to be made by the Chargors on each Drawdown Date and on each Interest Payment Date with reference to the facts and circumstances then existing and that the foregoing representations in Clause 12.1(o), (r) and (s) will be true and accurate throughout the continuance of this Deed with reference to the facts and circumstances from time to time. - 17 - |
[Singapore Group Debenture] 13 TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS 13.1 TAX GROSS-UP (a) All sums payable by any Chargor or any other person under this Deed shall be paid in full without any restriction or condition and free and clear of any Tax or other deductions or withholdings of any nature. (b) If at any time any Chargor or any other person is required in any jurisdiction to make any deduction or withholding in respect of Taxes or otherwise from any payment due under this Deed for the account of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party (or if the Security Trustee is required to make any such deduction or withholding from a payment to other Finance Parties), the sum due from any Chargor in respect of such payment shall be increased to the extent necessary to ensure that, after the making of such deduction or withholding, the Security Trustee and each Finance Party receives on the due date for such payment (and retains, free from any liability in respect of such deduction or withholding) a net sum equal to the sum which it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been required to be made. (c) The Chargor's obligations under Clause 13(a) and (b) shall not apply in respect of any Tax on Overall Net Income levied on the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party. (d) All Taxes required by law to be deducted or withheld by the Chargor from any amounts paid or payable under this Deed shall be paid by the Chargor when due (except for such amounts being disputed by the Chargor in good faith) to the relevant tax authority. 13.2 TAX INDEMNITY Each Chargor shall indemnify the Security Trustee and each other Finance Party against any losses or costs incurred by any of them by reason of: (a) any failure of any Chargor or any other person to make any such deduction or withholding referred to in Clause 13.1; or (b) any increased payment referred to in Clause 13.1 not being made on the due date for such payment; or (c) any Taxes which are being disputed by any Chargor and remaining unpaid; and (d) any liability suffered (directly or indirectly) for or on account of Tax by that Finance Party in respect of any payment received or receivable or deemed to be received or receivable under this Deed. 13.3 EVIDENCE OF PROOF Each Chargor shall promptly deliver to the Security Trustee any receipts, certificates or other proof evidencing the amounts (if any) paid or payable in respect of any deduction or withholding as aforesaid. Any certificate or determination of the - 18 - |
[Singapore Group Debenture] Security Trustee showing in reasonable details the calculations made by the Security Trustee as to any amount for the purposes of this Clause 13 shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on each Chargor. 13.4 TAX CREDIT If any Chargor makes a Tax Payment and the Security Trustee determines that:- (a) a Tax Credit is attributable either to an increased payment of which that Tax Payment forms part, or to that Tax Payment; and (b) it has obtained, utilised and retained that Tax Credit, the Security Trustee shall, promptly after obtaining the benefit of that Tax Credit, pay an amount to that Chargor which will leave it (after that payment) in the same after-Tax position as it would have been in had the Tax Payment not been required to be made by that Chargor. Any certificate or determination of the Security Trustee showing in reasonable details the calculations made by the Security Trustee as to any amount for the purposes of this Clause 13 shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on each Chargor. 14 COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES 14.1 COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES Each Chargor shall from time to time forthwith on demand pay to or reimburse the Finance Parties and the Receiver (on the basis of a full indemnity) the amount of: (a) all costs, charges and expenses properly incurred by the Finance Parties or the Receiver in connection with the investigation of title to or any survey, inspection or valuation of the Collateral under or in connection with this Deed following an Event of Default, and the negotiation, preparation, registration, perfecting, amendment, modification or administration of this Deed (or any of the charges therein contained) or any other document relating thereto; (b) all costs, charges and expenses properly incurred by the Finance Parties or the Receiver in connection with the exercise, or the attempted exercise, by or on behalf of the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party or the Receiver of any of the powers of the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party or the Receiver, or any other action taken by or on behalf of the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party with a view to or in connection with the recovery by the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party of the Secured Obligations from the Chargor or any other person; (c) all costs, charges and expenses properly incurred by the Finance Parties or the Receiver in connection with the carrying out of any other act or matter which the Security Trustee or any Finance Party or the Receiver may reasonably consider to be necessary or required for the preservation of the Collateral; and (d) all costs, charges and expenses (including legal and other fees on a full - 19 - |
[Singapore Group Debenture] indemnity basis) properly incurred by the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party or Receiver in exercising any of its rights or powers hereunder or in suing for or seeking to recover any sums due hereunder or otherwise preserving or enforcing its rights hereunder or in defending any claims brought against it in respect of this Deed or in releasing or re-assigning this Deed upon payment of all moneys hereby secured, and until payment of the same in full, all such costs, charges and expenses shall be secured by this Deed. 14.2 STAMP DUTY Each Chargor shall pay all stamp, documentary, registration or other like duties or taxes (including any duties or taxes payable by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party) imposed on or in connection with this Deed and shall indemnify each of the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties against any liability arising by reason of any delay or omission by any Chargor to pay such duties or taxes. The amounts payable under Clause 14 shall carry interest from the dates on which they were paid by the Security Trustee or such other Finance Party or the Receiver (as the case may require), and such amounts and interest may be debited by the Security Trustee to any account of the Chargor, but shall, in any event, form part of the Secured Obligations and accordingly be secured on the Collateral under the charges contained in this Deed. The computation of such interest shall be in accordance with the terms of the Facility Agreement. 15 UNDERTAKINGS 15.1 AFFIRMATIVE UNDERTAKINGS Each Chargor hereby jointly and severally undertakes and agrees with the Security Trustee, for the benefit of the Finance Parties, throughout the continuance of this Deed and so long as the Secured Obligations or any part thereof remains owing that, unless the Security Trustee otherwise agrees in writing, it will:- (a) INSURANCE: keep all Collateral of an insurable nature issued with reputable underwriters or insurance companies in such manner and to such extent as is reasonable and customary for a business enterprise engaged in the same or a similar business as the relevant Chargor and in the same or similar localities and whose practice is not self-insure; (b) INTEREST OF FINANCE PARTIES: procure that the interest of the Finance Parties is noted on all Insurances and that clauses noting the interest of the Finance Parties as chargee are incorporated therein in such manner and on such terms as the Finance Parties may reasonably require and each Chargor assigns to the Security Trustee the benefit of all such policy or policies and agrees to enter into such further assignments in relation thereto in such manner and on such terms as the Security Trustee may reasonably require; |
(c) PAYMENT OF PREMIUM: pay all premiums or sums of money necessary for
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effecting such Insurances as when due and payable (or within any applicable grace periods therefor in the policies for such Insurances), to comply with all warranties or other requirements relating thereto, and endorse over, produce or deliver to the Security Trustee all policy or policies of insurance and the receipts for every such payment;
(d) APPLICATION OF MONIES RECEIVED: apply any monies received by it in respect of any Insurances or from any other party in respect of the Insurances in repairing or reinstating the property or assets in respect of which the monies were received or as required under Clause 7.5 of the Facility Agreement;
(e) MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY AND ASSETS: keep all its property and assets including, but not limited to, all plant, equipment, machinery, buildings, fixtures, fittings, vehicles and other effects in good and substantial repair and in good working order and condition fair wear and tear excepted and not pull down, dismantle or remove any of the same except in the ordinary course of use, repair, maintenance or improvement;
(f) PAY OUTGOINGS: pay all rents, rates, Taxes, duties, fees, impositions and outgoings when due and payable (or within any applicable grace period therefor in the agreements stipulating such payments) which may be payable in respect of the Collateral and observe and perform in all material respects all the covenants, terms and conditions contained in any title deeds, leases or other documents of title under which any assets hereby charged is for the time being held provided that if any Chargor defaults in making any such payments or in the performance or observance of any of the above undertakings or in effecting Insurances or in paying insurance premiums or in repairing, the Security Trustee may make such payments or perform and observe such undertakings, effect such Insurances or repairs or pay such insurance premiums and any Chargor shall forthwith repay to the Security Trustee on demand all monies expended by the Security Trustee in so doing together with interest thereon at the rates determined in accordance with the terms of the Facility Agreement from the time of the same having been paid or incurred and until such repayment such monies together with such interest shall be secured by this Deed;
(g) ACCESS TO COLLATERAL: permit the Security Trustee or any other person appointed by it and on reasonable notice to have access to and view the state, order and condition of the Collateral and take inventories thereof;
(h) NOTICE: attach to each item of the Properties or other plant, machinery and equipment, if reasonably required by the Security Trustee (but not so as to impede or restrict the normal use or operations thereof), a notice in such conspicuous place and in such form as the Security Trustee may reasonably specify stating that such item is subject to a charge in favour of the Security Trustee;
(i) DOCUMENTS OF TITLE: deposit with the Security Trustee or such person as the Security Trustee may appoint for such purpose, all documents of title relating to the Collateral when called upon by the Security Trustee;
(j) DISCHARGE OF DEBTS: pay and discharge in accordance with relevant agreement
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relating to the same all debts and obligations which by law have priority over the Security Interests hereby constituted;
(k) RECEIVABLES:, upon a request from the Security Trustee, give notice of the charges hereby created in respect of the Receivables or the Bank Accounts or any of them to the relevant debtor in such form as the Security Trustee may reasonably direct and from time to time give such further notices in respect of the Receivables or the Bank Accounts or any of them as the Security Trustee may reasonably require;
(l) REALISATION OF RECEIVABLES: get in and realise all Receivables in the ordinary course of its business;
(m) NOTIFICATION OF DEFAULT: promptly inform the Security Trustee of any occurrence of any event which it becomes aware of which may materially and adversely affect its ability to perform its obligations under this Deed;
(n) SECURITY TRUSTEE ACCOUNT: at any time upon written notice from the Security Trustee to the relevant Chargor, to pay all moneys which it may receive in respect of such debts to such account and bank, in the name of the Security Trustee or otherwise (as the Security Trustee may specify) and, in such form and on such terms as the Security Trustee may reasonably require, to give such notice and instruction to the bank in question authorising the Security Trustee to operate such account (including, without limitation, to enable the Security Trustee to consent to the Chargor utilising the funds from such account and to revoke such consent) and to obtain the acknowledgement of, and undertaking to comply with, such notice and instruction from the bank in question, but so that nothing in this paragraph shall be taken to affect the validity of the first fixed charge of such debts and moneys which is contained in clause 3.1(b)(i);
(o) NOTIFICATION OF INFORMATION AFFECTING THE COLLATERAL: forthwith to notify the Security Trustee in writing of any notice received by any Chargor affecting any of its interest in any of the Collateral, and, at the cost of the Chargor, to take any action regarding any such notice or information as the Security Trustee may reasonably require;
(p) FACILITY AGREEMENT UNDERTAKINGS: perform the undertakings set out in
Clause 16 of the Facility Agreement which the Borrower is obliged to procure the Chargor to perform as if the same were separately set out herein mutatis mutandis. 15.2 NEGATIVE UNDERTAKINGS Each of the Chargors severally undertakes and agrees with the Security Trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties throughout the continuance of this Deed and so long as the Secured Obligations or any part thereof remains owing that, unless the Security Trustee otherwise agrees in writing, it will not: (a) without the consent of the Security Trustee (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders) either in a single transaction or in a series of transactions whether related or not and whether voluntarily or involuntarily, sell, transfer, - 22 - |
[Singapore Group Debenture] lease, assign or otherwise dispose of all except disposals made in good faith for full consideration on an arm's length basis in the ordinary course of its business unless such disposal is of an asset which is material to the Borrower Group or assign, discount or factor any of the Receivables to an extent that would prejudice the rights of that Chargor, and provided that such disposal does not, materially and adversely affect the ability of that Chargor to perform its respective obligations under this Deed or the rights of the Finance Parties under the Finance Documents; (b) other than Permitted Security Interests, create or attempt or agree to create or permit to arise or exist any Security Interest over the Collateral or any interest therein (except under or pursuant to this Deed) unless contemporaneously therewith or prior thereto and subject to the prior written consent of the Security Trustee, the Indebtedness owing to the Finance Parties under this Deed is equally and rateably secured and to the intent of affording the Security Trustee's further and better security the Chargors agree and declare that the rule in Clayton's Case or any other rule of law or equity shall not apply so as to affect or diminish in any way the Security Trustee's rights under this Deed provided always that upon the commencement of the winding-up of any of the Chargors or of this Deed ceasing for any reason to be binding on any of the Chargors or if the Security Trustee shall at any time receive notice (either actual or otherwise) of any Security Interest affecting the Collateral or any part of it or any such breach by any Chargor the Security Trustee may open new or separate accounts in the name of any Chargor in the Security Trustee's books and if the Security Trustee has not in fact opened such new or separate accounts the Security Trustee shall nevertheless be deemed to have done so at the time of such breach and as from that time all payments made by the Chargors to the Security Trustee shall (notwithstanding any legal or equitable rule or presumption to the contrary) be placed or deemed to have been placed to the credit of such new or separate accounts and shall not go in reduction of the amounts due by any Chargors to the Security Trustee at the time of such breach notwithstanding that such payments had been paid into the existing accounts of any of the Chargors or were shown to be credited to that Chargors' existing accounts on the Security Trustee's statements and the Security Trustee shall immediately after the time of such breach have an absolute right of appropriation of such payments; (c) (i) sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of their respective assets on terms whereby it is or may be leased to or re-acquired or acquired by any Chargor or any of their respective affiliates; or (ii) sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of their respective receivables on recourse terms, except for the discounting of bills or notes in the ordinary course of trading, in circumstances where the transaction is entered into primarily as a method of raising finance or of financing the acquisition of an asset; (d) do or cause or permit to be done any act, matter or thing in or on or respecting the Collateral which shall contravene the provisions of any ordinance, order, rule or regulation now or hereafter affecting the same unless such contravention could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse - 23 - |
[Singapore Group Debenture] effect on the rights of the Finance Parties under the Finance Documents or the ability of the Chargor to perform its obligations hereunder; (e) do or cause or permit to be done anything which may in any way depreciate, jeopardise or otherwise prejudice the value of the Security Interest created in favour of the Security Trustee hereunder; (f) transfer, sell, lend or otherwise dispose of any of the Collateral, and, in particular not to exercise the statutory or other powers of making leases or of accepting or agreeing to accept surrenders of leases, nor to part with possession of, nor grant any licence or right to occupy, any of the freehold or leasehold property for the time being owned by the Chargor, but so that the Chargor may dispose of property and assets which are for the time being subject to the floating charge contained in Clause 4 by sale by way of bargain made at arms length in the usual course of the Chargor's day-to-day trading; and (g) not, without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee, to enter into any debtor-creditor relationship (as a debtor) with any third party, including related or associated companies of the Chargor, except in the ordinary course of business of the Chargor. 16 ENFORCEMENT 16.1 POWERS OF SECURITY TRUSTEE (a) The Secured Obligations (including, without limitation, any Secured Obligations arising under the Facility Agreement, notwithstanding any provision therein otherwise) shall become due for the purposes of this Deed and of section 24 of the Act and the security constituted hereby shall become enforceable upon an Event of Default has occurred which is continuing; (b) Section 25 of the Act (regulation of exercise of power of sale) shall not apply in relation to any of the charges contained in this Deed, and the statutory power of sale (as extended by this Deed) shall be exercisable at any time after an Event of Default has occurred which is continuing; (c) the provisions of the Act relating to the power of sale and the other powers conferred by section 24 of the Act are hereby extended (as if such extensions were contained in the Act) to authorise the Security Trustee at its absolute discretion: (i) to sell all the title to and interest in the Collateral, or any interest in the same, and to do so for shares, debentures or any other securities whatsoever, or in consideration of an agreement to pay all or part of the purchase price at a later date or dates, or an agreement to make periodical payments, whether or not the agreement is secured by a security interest whatsoever, however created or arising or a guarantee, or for such other consideration whatsoever as the Security Trustee may - 24 - |
[Singapore Group Debenture] think fit, and also to grant any option to purchase, and to effect exchanges; (ii) with a view to selling the Collateral (or offering it for sale) to repair, replace and develop the Collateral and to apply for any appropriate permission, licence or approval which the Security Trustee may, in its absolute discretion, consider appropriate; (iii) to sever any fixtures and to sell them apart from the land or buildings on or to which they are affixed, and also to apportion any rent affecting the property sold, to charge such rent upon the property sold or retained and to agree to indemnify any purchaser in respect of such rent or any covenants by the limitation of a new rent, by granting powers of entry or otherwise, or to reserve any such indemnity or powers of entry; (iv) with a view to, or in connection with, the sale of the Collateral, to carry out any transaction, scheme or arrangement which the Security Trustee may, in its absolute discretion, consider appropriate; (v) to insure the Collateral against such risks (in addition to loss or damage by fire) and for such amounts as the Security Trustee may consider prudent; (vi) to do all or any of the things or exercise all or any of the powers (mutatis mutandis) which are mentioned or referred to in clause 8.4 and which may not be included in paragraphs (i) to (v) above; and it is hereby further agreed that the powers conferred on the Security Trustee by this clause shall be exercisable as if they were conferred by the Act, and whether or not the Security Trustee is in possession of the Collateral, and whether or not a receiver of the income of the Properties has been appointed by it under its statutory power and is acting. 16.2 APPOINTMENT OF RECEIVER (a) At any time after the security constituted hereby has become enforceable or if requested by the Chargors the Security Trustee may by deed appoint such person or persons (including an officer or officers of the Security Trustee) as it thinks fit to be the Receiver or Receivers of the Collateral or any part thereof. (b) The Security Trustee may by deed remove the Receiver and appoint another in his place, and the Security Trustee may also appoint another receiver if the Receiver resigns. (c) Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act Cap 50, the exclusion of any part of the Collateral from the appointment of the Receiver shall not preclude the Security Trustee from subsequently extending his appointment (or that of the Receiver replacing him) to that part. (d) The Receiver shall, so far as the law permits, be the agent of each of the Chargor; and (subject to the Companies Act, Chapter 50) the Chargor shall be - 25 - |
[Singapore Group Debenture] solely responsible for his acts and defaults (except for his wilful misconduct, wilful default and negligence) and liable on any contracts or engagements made or entered into by him; and in no circumstances whatsoever shall the Security Trustee be in any way responsible for any misconduct, or default of the Receiver. (e) The remuneration of the Receiver may be fixed by the Security Trustee, but such remuneration shall be payable by the Chargor alone; provided that any remuneration so fixed by the Security Trustee shall in the reasonable opinion of the Security Trustee be appropriate to the work and responsibilities involved upon the basis of charging from time to time adopted in accordance with the Receiver's current practice or the current practice of his industry and the amount of such remuneration may be debited by the Security Trustee to any account of the Chargor, but shall, in any event, form part of the Secured Obligations and accordingly be secured on the Collateral under the charges contained in this Deed. 16.3 POWERS OF RECEIVER The Receiver shall, in addition to all powers conferred from time to time on mortgagees or receivers by law or otherwise, have power (exercisable without further notice) either in his own name or in the name of the relevant Chargor or otherwise and in such manner and upon such terms and conditions as the Receiver shall think fit and either alone or jointly with any other person: (a) to take possession of, collect and get in and give receipts for the Collateral; (b) to sell by public auction or private contract or otherwise dispose of or deal with the Collateral in such manner, for such consideration and generally on such terms and subject to such conditions as the Receiver may think fit with full power to convey or otherwise transfer the Collateral in the name of any Chargor or other legal or registered owner. Any consideration may be in the form of cash, debentures, shares, stock or other valuable consideration and may be payable immediately or by instalments spread over such period as the Receiver shall think fit and so that any consideration received in a form other than cash shall forthwith on receipt be and become charged with the payment of the Secured Obligations. Plant, equipment and machinery and other Fixtures or any part there of may be severed and sold separately from the premises containing them and the Receiver may apportion any rent and the performance of any obligations affecting such premises sold without the consent of the Borrower or any Chargor; (c) to insure and keep insured against loss or damage by such risks and contingencies as the Receiver may reasonably think fit the Collateral of an insurable nature in such manner in all respects as the Receiver may reasonably think fit and to maintain, renew or increase any Insurances in respect of the Collateral; (d) to institute, prosecute, submit to arbitration, negotiate, compromise, abandon, settle and defend any claims and proceedings in the name of any Chargor or otherwise as may seem expedient concerning the Collateral; - 26 - |
[Singapore Group Debenture] (e) to make and effect all repairs, renewals, alterations, improvements and developments to or in respect of the Collateral; (f) to carry on or authorise or concur in the carrying on of the business of any Chargor or any part thereof and to manage and conduct the same without being responsible for loss or damage unless caused by his negligence or wilful default; (g) to form or promote the formation of companies with a view to the same purchasing all or any of the undertaking, property, assets and rights of any Chargor or otherwise; (h) to make calls, conditionally or unconditionally, on the members of any Chargor in respect of uncalled capital; (i) to redeem an Security Interest (whether or not having priority to the security constituted by this Deed) and make any arrangement, settlement or compromise or enter into any contracts and to perform, repudiate, rescind or vary any contract or arrangement to which a Chargor is a party in all such cases which the Receiver shall think expedient in the interests of the Finance Parties; (j) for the purpose of exercising any of the powers, authorities and discretions conferred on him by or pursuant to this Deed and of defraying any costs, charges, losses or expenses (including his remuneration) which shall be incurred by him in the exercise thereof or for any other purpose in connection herewith, to enter into bonds, covenants, guarantees, indemnities and other commitment and/or to raise and borrow money either unsecured or on the security of the Collateral either in priority to this Deed or otherwise and generally on such terms and conditions as he may think fit provided that: (i) no Receiver shall exercise such power without first obtaining the written consent of the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties shall incur no liability to any Chargor or any other person by reason of its giving or refusing such consent whether absolutely or subject to any limitation or condition; and (ii) no person lending such money shall be concerned to enquire as to the existence of such consent or the terms thereof or as to the propriety or purpose of the exercise of such power or to |
see to the application of any money so raised or borrowed;
(k) to appoint managers, agents, officers, solicitors, accountants, auctioneers, brokers, architects, engineers, workmen or other professional or non-professional advisers, agents or employees for any of the aforesaid purposes at such salaries or for such remuneration and for such periods as the Receiver may determine and to dismiss any of the same or any of the existing staff of any Chargor and to delegate to any person any of the powers hereby conferred on the Receiver;
(l) in the exercise of any of the above powers to expend such sums as the Receiver may think fit and each Chargor shall forthwith on demand repay to the Receiver
[Singapore Group Debenture]
all sums so expended together with interest thereon at such rates as the Security Trustee may from time to time determine from the time of the same having been paid or incurred and until such repayment such sums together with such interest shall be secured by this Deed;
(m) to have access to and make use of any tool, equipment, premises and the accounting and other records of any Chargor and the services of its staff for all or any of the purposes aforesaid;
(n) to transfer all or any of the Collateral and/or any of the liabilities of any Chargor to any other company or body corporate or person, whether or not formed or acquired for the purpose;
(o) to grant leases, tenancies, licences and rights of user, grant renewals and accept surrenders of leases, tenancies, licences or rights of user, and to give to any Lessee(s) notice to quit or to remedy a breach of covenant or to otherwise reach agreements and make arrangements with, and to make allowances to, any lessees, tenants or other persons (including a new company formed pursuant to paragraph (g)) from whom any rents and profits may be receivable (including those relating to the grant of any licences, the review of rent in accordance with the terms of, and the variation of, the provisions of any leases, tenancies, licences or rights of user affecting the Collateral);
(p) to manage and use the Collateral and to exercise and do (or permit any Chargor or any nominee of it to exercise and do) all such rights and things as the Receiver would be capable of exercising or doing if he were the absolute beneficial owner of the Collateral and in particular, without limitation, to exercise any rights of enforcing any Security Interest to entry into possession, foreclosure, sale or otherwise and to arrange for or provide all services which he may deem proper for the efficient management or use of the Collateral or the exercise of such rights;
(q) to enforce any covenant in any Lease (whether existing at the time of the appointment of such Receiver or otherwise created in any manner) and to exercise any right of re-entry or to commence proceedings to recover possession whenever such right to re-enter the Property arises, whether out of the proviso for re-entry contained in any Lease or by virtue of a notice to quit or otherwise and in the exercise of the power of sale in relation to the Property, to enter into any deed of mutual covenant or grant of any rights, easements or privileges as it shall think fit and to enter into such deeds, contracts, stipulations and agreements and to execute and do all such assurances and things as it may deem expedient or necessary;
(r) for such consideration and on such terms as he may think fit, to purchase outright or acquire by leasing, hiring, licensing or otherwise, any land, buildings, plant, equipment, vehicles or materials or any other property, assets or rights of any description which he considers necessary or desirable for the carrying on, improvement or realisation of any business of any Chargor or otherwise for the benefit of the Collateral;
(s) to do all such other acts and things as may be considered by the Receiver to be
[Singapore Group Debenture] incidental or conducive to any of the matters or powers aforesaid or otherwise incidental or conducive to the exercise of any of the rights conferred on the Receiver under any Finance Document to which any Chargor is a party or under legislation or common law or to the realisation of the Finance Parties' security created by this Deed and which the Receiver may lawfully do. 16.4 RECEIVER TO CONFORM TO SECURITY TRUSTEE'S DIRECTIONS The Receiver shall in the exercise of the Receiver's powers, authorities and discretions conform to the directions and regulations from time to time given or made by the Security Trustee. 16.5 POWERS TO BE GIVEN WIDE CONSTRUCTION The powers of the Security Trustee and the Receiver hereunder shall be construed in the widest possible sense to the intent that the Security Trustee and the Receiver shall be afforded as wide and flexible a range of powers as possible. 16.6 NO LIABILITY TO ACCOUNT AS MORTGAGEE IN POSSESSION (a) Neither the Security Trustee nor the Receiver shall be liable in respect of any loss or damage which arises out of the exercise, or the attempted or purported exercise of, or the failure to exercise any of their respective powers unless such loss or damage is caused by its or his negligence, wilful default or misconduct in the exercise of their respective powers. (b) Without prejudice to the generality of clause 16.6 (a), entry into possession of the Collateral shall not render the Security Trustee or the Receiver liable to account as mortgagee in possession unless the Security Trustee, the Receiver or its officers, employees or agents had acted in wilful default, negligence or misconduct in the exercise of its powers; and if and whenever the Security Trustee or the Receiver enters into possession of the Collateral, it shall be entitled at any time at its pleasure to go out of such possession. 16.7 EVIDENCE OF DEBT Any statement of account signed as correct by the Security Trustee showing any amount due under the Facility Agreement or under this Deed or under any other Finance Document shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive evidence of the amount so due. 16.8 SALE OF COLLATERAL Each of the Security Trustee and the Receiver shall be entitled to exercise such power of sale in such manner and at such time or times and for such consideration (whether payable immediately or by instalments) as it shall in its absolute discretion think fit (whether by private sale or otherwise) and so that the Collateral (or any relevant part thereof) may be sold (i) subject to any conditions which the Security Trustee or the Receiver may think fit to impose, (ii) to any person (including, without limitation, any person connected with the Borrower or any Chargor, the Security Trustee or the Finance Parties) and (iii) at any price which the Security Trustee or the Receiver in its absolute - 29 - |
[Singapore Group Debenture] discretion, considers to be the best obtainable in the circumstances taking into account the nature of the Chargor as a private company. 16.9 PURCHASER NOT BOUND TO ENQUIRE (a) No purchaser from, or other person dealing with, the Security Trustee and/or the Receiver shall be concerned to enquire whether any of the powers which they have exercised or purported to exercise has arisen or become exercisable, or whether the Secured Obligations remain outstanding, or whether any event has happened to authorise the Receiver to act or as to the propriety or validity of the exercise or purported exercise of any such power; and the title of such a purchaser and the position of such a person shall not be impeachable by reference to any of those matters. (b) The receipt of the Security Trustee or the Receiver shall be an absolute and a conclusive discharge to a purchaser and shall relieve him of any obligation to see to the application of any moneys paid to or by the direction of the Security Trustee or the Receiver. (c) In clauses 16.9(a) and 16.9(b), "PURCHASER" includes any person acquiring, for money or money's worth, any lease of, or Security Interest over, or any other interest or right whatsoever in relation to, the Collateral. |
16.10 NO LIABILITY FOR LOSSES
None of the Chargors shall have any claim against the Security Trustee or the Receiver or any Finance Party in respect of any loss arising out of any such sale or any postponement thereof howsoever caused and whether or not a better price could or might have been obtained upon the sale of the Collateral or any of them by deferring or advancing the date of such sale or otherwise howsoever except in the case of the Security Trustee's or the Receiver's negligence or wilful default.
17 APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS
17.1 All monies received by the Security Trustee or the Receiver hereunder shall be applied in or towards satisfaction of the Secured Obligations in (subject to the prior discharge of all liabilities having priority thereto by law) in the following order of priority:- (a) in payment or satisfaction of all costs, charges, expenses and liabilities properly incurred and payments made by or on behalf of the Security Trustee or the Receiver in connection with the exercise of any powers hereunder and in preserving or attempting to preserve this security or the Collateral and of all outgoings paid in respect of the Collateral by the Security Trustee or the Receiver pursuant to this Deed; (b) in payment to the Receiver of all remuneration as may be agreed between it and the Security Trustee to be paid to him at, or at any time after, its appointment; (c) in or towards reduction of the remaining Secured Obligations in such manner as is provided in the Facility Agreement; - 30 - |
[Singapore Group Debenture] (d) the surplus (if any) to the Chargor; but so that if and for so long as any Chargor has any future or contingent liability to the Security Trustee, the Security Trustee may place and keep any such moneys to the credit of such account or accounts, in such name or names, as the Security Trustee may deem fit, without obligation to apply the same as mentioned above until all such liability is ascertained and due, and the same shall form part of the Collateral. 17.2 Sections 29(6) and (8) of the Act (application of moneys received by receiver) shall not apply in relation to a Receiver appointed under the foregoing provisions of this clause. 18 INDEMNITY 18.1 GENERAL INDEMNITY Each of the Chargors hereby jointly and severally undertakes with the Security Trustee to indemnify and keep indemnified the Finance Parties and each of them (each an "INDEMNITEE") from and against all costs, charges and expenses which such Finance Party shall properly incur in connection with the exercise of any powers conferred by this Deed or the perfection, preservation or enforcement of the security created by this Deed (unless and to the extent that any of the foregoing results directly from the fraud, gross negligence or wilful misconduct of that indemnitee). 18.2 CURRENCY INDEMNITY (a) If an amount due to the Security Trustee or any Finance Party from any Chargor under this Deed (a "SUM"), or any order, judgment or award given or made in relation to a sum, has to be converted from the currency (the "FIRST CURRENCY") in which that Sum is payable into another currency (the "SECOND CURRENCY") for the purpose of: (i) making or filing a claim or proof against any Chargor; (ii) obtaining or enforcing an order, judgment or award in relation to any litigation or arbitration proceedings, each Chargor shall, as an independent obligation to the Security Trustee or such Finance Party, indemnify the Security Trustee or such Finance Party to whom that sum is due against any cost, loss or liability arising out of or as a result of the conversion including any discrepancy between (A) the rate of exchange used to convert that sum from the first currency into the second currency and (B) the rate or rates of exchange available to that person at the time of its receipt of that sum. (b) Each Chargors hereby waives any right it may have in any jurisdiction to pay any amount under the Facility Agreement or any other Finance Document in a currency or currency unit other than that in which it is expressed to be payable. - 31 - |
[Singapore Group Debenture] 18.3 PAYMENT AND SECURITY The Security Trustee or any Finance Party may retain and pay out of any money in the hands of the Security Trustee or such Finance Party all sums necessary to effect the indemnity contained in this Clause and all sums payable by any Chargor under this Clause shall form part of the monies hereby secured. 19 SUSPENSE ACCOUNT The Security Trustee may, notwithstanding Clause 17 (Application of Proceeds), place and keep any monies received under this Deed, before or after the insolvency of any Chargor, to the credit of a suspense account in order to preserve the rights of the Finance Parties to sue or prove for the whole amount in respect of claims against any Chargor or any other person. 20 SET OFF 20.1 Without prejudice to any right of set-off, combination of accounts, lien or other rights which the Security Trustee or the Receiver is at any time entitled whether by operation of law or contract or otherwise, the Security Trustee and the Receiver may (but shall not be obliged to) set off against any obligation of any Chargor due and payable by it hereunder without prior notice any moneys held by the Security Trustee or such Receiver for the account of such Chargor at any office of the Security Trustee or such Receiver anywhere and in any currency. The Security Trustee or such Receiver may effect such currency exchanges as are appropriate to implement such set-off. 20.2 If the obligations are in different currencies, the Security Trustee or such Receiver may convert either obligation at a market rate of exchange in its usual course of business for the purpose of the set-off. 21 POWER OF ATTORNEY 21.1 POWER OF ATTORNEY Each Chargor irrevocably appoints the Security Trustee, the Receiver and any persons deriving title under either of them by way of security jointly and severally to be its attorney (with full power of substitution) and in its name or otherwise on its behalf and as its act and deed to sign, seal, execute, deliver, perfect and do all deeds, instruments, acts and things which may be required or which the Security Trustee or the Receiver shall think proper or reasonably expedient for carrying out any obligations imposed on each Chargor hereunder or for exercising, following the security constituted by this Deed becoming enforceable, any of the powers conferred by this Deed or in connection with any sale or disposition of the Collateral or the exercise of any rights in respect thereof or for giving to the Security Trustee and the Receiver the full benefit of this security and so that this appointment shall operate to authorise the Security Trustee and the Receiver to do on behalf of each Chargor anything it can lawfully do by an attorney. Each Chargor ratifies and confirms and agrees to ratify and confirm any deed, instrument, act or thing which such attorney or substitute may execute or do in - 32 - |
[Singapore Group Debenture] exercising its powers under this Clause. 21.2 DELEGATION The Security Trustee and/or the Receiver may delegate to any person all or any of the rights or powers conferred on it by this Deed or by law. Any such delegation may be made upon such terms and conditions (including power to sub-delegate) as the Security Trustee or the Receiver reasonably thinks fit. 22 NOTICES 22.1 NOTICES Any notice or communication under or in connection with this Deed shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or by prepaid letter (airmail if available) or facsimile transmission to the addresses or facsimile numbers set out below or at such other address or facsimile number as the recipient may have notified to the other parties in writing. Proof of posting or despatch of any notice or communication to any party hereto shall be deemed to be proof of receipt:- (a) in the case of a letter, on the fifth Business Day after posting if airmail or second Business Day if local mail; (b) in the case of a facsimile transmission, on the Business Day immediately following the date of despatch with confirmed facsimile report. All communications or other correspondence between any of the Chargors and any of the Finance Parties in connection with this Deed shall be made through the Security Trustee. 22.2 ADDRESSES Notices or communications shall be sent to the following addresses:- To any Chargor:- Name c/o Asia Netcom Corporation Limited Address 46/F Cheung Kong Center 2 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2121 2929 Attention Gregory Freiberg/Wenlong Sun With a copy to:- Name Asia Netcom Singapore Pte. Ltd. Address 2 Shenton Way #11-01 SGX Centre 1 Singapore 068804 - 33 - |
[Singapore Group Debenture] Fax (65) 6233 6390 Attention Oliver Ao |
To the Security Trustee:-
Name Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited Address 10/F, ICBC Asia Building 122-126 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2851 9361 Attention Ms. Esther Cheng/ Ms. Amy Wong 22.3 LANGUAGE Each notice or document referred to in this Deed or to be delivered under this Deed shall be in the English language. 23 WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS 23.1 WAIVERS No failure or delay on the part of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party to exercise any power, right or remedy under this Deed shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party of any power, right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power, right or remedy. 23.2 AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS (a) Any amendment of any provision of this Deed shall only be effective if made in accordance with the provisions of this Deed and if all parties hereto so agree in writing and any waiver of any breach or default under this Deed shall only be effective if the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Lenders or the Majority Lenders (as the case may be), agrees in writing. Any consent by the Security Trustee under this Deed must be made in writing. (b) Any such waiver or consent may be given subject to any conditions thought fit by the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Lenders or the Majority Lenders, as the case may be, and shall be effective only in the instance and for the purpose for which it is given. 23.3 REMEDIES The remedies provided in this Deed are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies provided by law. - 34 - |
[Singapore Group Debenture] 23.4 SEVERABILITY If any provision of this Deed is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction such prohibition or unenforceability shall not invalidate the remaining provisions hereof or affect the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. 23.5 ASSIGNMENT The Security Trustee may assign its rights under this Deed in accordance with the provisions of the Facility Agreement. None of the Chargors shall assign any of their respective rights hereunder without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee.. 23.6 COUNTERPARTS This Deed may be executed in any number of counterparts including by facsimile and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Deed by signing any such counterpart. 24 GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION 24.1 GOVERNING LAW This Deed is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Singapore. 24.2 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION For the benefit of the Security Trustee and each Finance Parties, each Chargor irrevocably agrees that the courts of Singapore and Hong Kong are to have jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with this Deed and that, accordingly, any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Deed ("PROCEEDINGS") may be brought in those courts and each Chargor irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of those courts. 24.3 OTHER JURISDICTIONS Nothing in this Clause 24 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) shall limit the right of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party to take Proceedings against any Chargor in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the taking of Proceedings in one or more jurisdictions preclude the Security Trustee or any Finance Party from taking Proceedings in any other jurisdiction, whether concurrently or not. 24.4 WAIVER OF INCONVENIENT FORUM Each Chargor irrevocably waives any objection which it may at any time have to the laying of the venue of any Proceedings in any court referred to in this Clause 24 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) and any claim that any such Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum. - 35 - |
[Singapore Group Debenture] 24.5 PROCESS AGENT Each Chargor irrevocably appoints Asia Netcom Asia Pacific Commercial Limited of 46th Floor, Cheung Kong Centre, 2 Queen's Road, Central, Hong Kong (the "PROCESS AGENT") to receive, for it and on its behalf, service of process in any Proceedings in Hong Kong. Such service shall be deemed completed on delivery to the Process Agent (whether or not it is forwarded to and received by such Chargor). If for any reason the Process Agent ceases to be able to act as such or no longer has an address in Hong Kong, each Chargor irrevocably agrees to appoint a substitute process agent acceptable to the Security Trustee, and to deliver to the Security Trustee a copy of the new process agent's acceptance of that appointment, within 14 days. 24.6 SERVICE Each of the Chargors irrevocably consents to any process in any Proceeding anywhere being served by mailing a copy by post in accordance with Clause 22 (Notices). Nothing shall affect the right to serve any process in any other manner permitted by law. 24.7 WAIVER OF IMMUNITIES To the extent that each Chargor has or hereafter may acquire any immunity (sovereign or otherwise) from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from jurisdiction of any court or from set-off or any legal process (whether service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) with respect to itself or any of its property, each of the Borrower and Chargors hereby irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim such immunity in respect of its obligations under this Deed. 25 OTHER SECURITY ETC. 25.1 Section 21 of the Act shall not apply in relation to any of the charges contained in this Deed. 25.2 If the Security Trustee is obliged for any reason whatsoever to repay, whether to the Chargor or any other person, any amount received, recovered or applied by the Security Trustee in or towards satisfaction of the Secured Obligations, the liability of the Chargor for such Secured Obligations shall not be satisfied by such receipt, recovery or application, and the same shall remain due and payable by the Chargor as part of the Secured Obligations and secured by this Deed accordingly. 26 MISCELLANEOUS 26.1 The Security Trustee may act under this Deed through any of its branches or offices. 26.2 Each Chargor hereby irrevocably consents to the disclosure by the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties of such information about the Chargor as has been made available to them following, other than in the case of paragraphs (ii) and (vi) below, the execution of a confidentiality agreement in agreed form by the following parties, to (i) any of their head office, representative and branch offices and any of their - 36 - |
[Singapore Group Debenture] related corporations in any jurisdiction (ii) any authority including without limitation any central bank or other fiscal or monetary authority in any jurisdiction (iii) any potential assignee or transferee in respect of their rights and/or obligations under or in connection with this Deed (iv) any other party which the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties determine it is in their interests to do so or (vi) any other party to whom the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties are permitted by laws in the applicable jurisdiction to make such disclosure to. 26.3 It is intended that this document takes effect as a deed notwithstanding the fact that a party may only execute this document under hand. 27 THE CONTRACTS (RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES) ACT, CAP 53B 27.1 The Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act, Cap 53B shall not under any circumstances apply to this Deed and any person who is not a party to this Deed (whether or not such person shall be named, referred to, or otherwise identified, or shall form part of a class of persons so named, referred to, or identified, in this Deed) shall have no right whatsoever under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 53B to enforce this Deed or any of its terms. |
IN WITNESS whereof this Deed has been executed by the parties hereto and is intended to be and is hereby delivered by each Chargor as its deed on the day and year first above written.
[Singapore Group Debenture]
SCHEDULE 1
CHARGORS' DETAILS
Name of Chargor Place of Incorporation/Registered Office --------------- ---------------------------------------- ASIA NETCOM SERVICES (S) PTE. LTD 101-A, Upper Cross Street #11-16 People's Park Centre Singapore 058358 ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION (SINGAPORE) PTE. LIMITED 101-A, Upper Cross Street #11-16 People's Park Centre Singapore 058358 ASIA NETCOM SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. 101-A, Upper Cross Street #11-16 People's Park Centre Singapore 058358 SOUTHEAST ASIA NETCOM (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD. 101-A, Upper Cross Street #11-16 People's Park Centre Singapore 058358 |
[Singapore Group Debenture]
SCHEDULE 2
PROPERTIES
Asia Netcom (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.: ---------------------------------- Private Lot A20789 at Changi North Crescent, Cable Landing Station Leasehold Government SurveyLot 2825Mpt Mukim No.31 |
[Singapore Group Debenture]
SCHEDULE 3
BANK ACCOUNTS
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD DOES NOT POSSESS A BANK ACCOUNT AT THIS POINT IN TIME.
Name of Bank Account Holder: ASIA NETCOM (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD. Bank Name : Citibank N.A. Bank Branch : Temasek Avenue, Singapore Bank Account Number : 0-817187-013 Name of Bank Account Holder: ASIA NETCOM (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD. Bank Name : DBS Bank. Bank Branch : Shenton Way, Singapore Bank Account Number : 0010-000409-01-2-022 Name of Bank Account Holder: ASIA NETCOM SERVICES (S) PTE. LTD Bank Name : Citibank N.A. Bank Branch : Temasek Avenue, Singapore Bank Account Number : 0-829229-029 Name of Bank Account Holder: ASIA NETCOM SERVICES (S) PTE. LTD Bank Name : DBS Bank. Bank Branch : Shenton Way, Singapore Bank Account Number : 022-020221-9 Name of Bank Account Holder: SOUTHEAST ASIA NETCOM (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD. Bank Name : Citibank N.A. Bank Branch : Temasek Avenue, Singapore Bank Account Number : 0-817438-016 - 40 - |
[Singapore Group Debenture] |
SCHEDULE 4
DETAILS OF SHARES
Name of Chargor Name of Company Details of Shareholding ASIA NETCOM SERVICES (S) NIL NIL PTE. LTD. ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION Asia Netcom Australia 100,000 shares of A$1.00 each (SINGAPORE) PTE.LTD. Pty Ltd 87,573 shares of A$600 each Asia Netcom Japan Corp. 4,800 shares of Yen50,000 each Asia Netcom Tsushin Corp. 200 shares Asia Netcom Korea Ltd. 882,000 shares of Won5,000 each Asia Netcom Holdings (Thailand) 19,600 shares at Baht5.00 each Ltd Saturn Global Network Services 507,097 shares of GBP1.00 each Holdings Limited Asia Netcom USA, Inc. 1 share of US$1.00 each China Netcom (Hong Kong) 999 shares of HK$1.00 each Operations Limited China Netcom (USA) Operations 1,000 shares of US$50 each Limited Asia Netcom (UK) Limited 5,000 shares of GBP1.00 each South Asia ANC Philippines 499,993 shares of Peso1.00 each Services Inc Asia Netcom Services 2 shares of RM1.00 each Sdn Bhd Asia Netcom Singapore 2 shares of S$1.00 each Pte. Ltd. Asia Netcom Services (S) Pte. Ltd. 13,975,691 shares of S$1.00 each |
[Singapore Group Debenture]
Name of Chargor Name of Company Details of Shareholding ASIA NETCOM SINGAPORE Asia Netcom India Private Limited 722,973 shares of Rs10 each PTE. LTD. Southeast Asia Netcom (Singapore) 2,356,780 shares of S$1.00 each Pte. Ltd. SOUTHEAST ASIA NETCOM NIL NIL (SINGAPORE) PTE.LTD. |
[Singapore Group Debenture]
SIGNATURE PAGE
THE CHARGORS ------------ SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) ASIA NETCOM SERVICES (S) PTE. LTD. ) in the presence of:- ) SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION ) (SINGAPORE) PTE. LIMITED ) in the presence of:- ) SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) ASIA NETCOM SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. ) in the presence of:- ) SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) SOUTHEAST ASIA NETCOM ) (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD. ) in the presence of:- ) |
[Singapore Group Debenture]
SECURITY TRUSTEE
SIGNED by ) ) for and on behalf of ) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ) BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED ) |
EXHIBIT 10.37
Execution Copy
Dated 29 July 2004
THE COMPANIES NAMED IN SCHEDULE 7
(as Mortgagors)
in favour of
THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
(as Security Trustee)
GROUP SHARE MORTGAGE
IN EACH OF THE COMPANIES NAMED IN SCHEDULE 1 HEREIN
RICHARDS BUTLER
HONG KONG
[Group Share Mortgage]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CLAUSE NO. CLAUSE HEADING PAGE NO. --------- -------------- ------- 1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION.................................................................... 1 2. COVENANT TO PAY................................................................................. 3 3. MORTGAGE AND ASSIGNMENT......................................................................... 4 4. CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY............................................................. 6 5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.................................................................. 8 6. TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS...................................................................... 11 7. COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES..................................................................... 12 8. UNDERTAKINGS.................................................................................... 13 9. ENFORCEMENT..................................................................................... 14 10. DIVIDENDS AND VOTING RIGHTS..................................................................... 17 11. APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS......................................................................... 18 12. INDEMNITY....................................................................................... 18 13. SUSPENSE ACCOUNT................................................................................ 19 14. SET-OFF......................................................................................... 20 15. POWER OF ATTORNEY............................................................................... 20 16. FURTHER ASSURANCE............................................................................... 21 17. NOTICES......................................................................................... 21 18. WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS........... 22 19. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION.................................................................. 23 20. AVOIDANCE OF PAYMENTS........................................................................... 24 21. THE CONTRACTS (RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES) ACT, CAP 53B............................................ 25 22. MISCELLANEOUS................................................................................... 25 SCHEDULE 1 PARTICULARS OF THE SHARES...................................................................... 27 SCHEDULE 2 FORM OF INSTRUMENT OF TRANSFER................................................................. 28 |
[Group Share Mortgage]
SCHEDULE 3 FORM OF LETTER OF RESIGNATION.................................................................. 30 SCHEDULE 4 FORM OF WRITTEN RESOLUTION..................................................................... 31 SCHEDULE 5 FORM OF AUTHORISATION FROM DIRECTORS/SECRETARY................................................. 32 SCHEDULE 6 FORM OF LETTER OF UNDERTAKING.................................................................. 33 SCHEDULE 7 MORTGAGORS..................................................................................... 34 SCHEDULE 8 FORM OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NOMINEE............................................................. 35 EXECUTION PAGE ............................................................................................. 36 |
[Group Share Mortgage]
THIS DEED OF GROUP SHARE MORTGAGE is made on 29 July 2004
BETWEEN:-
(1) THE COMPANIES NAMED AND PARTICULARS OF WHICH ARE SET OUT IN SCHEDULE 7 (each a "MORTGAGOR" and together the "MORTGAGORS"); and
(2) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong acting through its head office at ICBC Asia Building, 122-126 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong acting on its own behalf and as facility agent and trustee for and on behalf of the Finance Parties (the "SECURITY TRUSTEE").
WHEREAS:-
(A) By a facility agreement dated signed on 2nd December, 2003 (but held undated in escrow), as released from escrow and amended and restated by the Supplemental Amendment and Restatement Deed (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT"), entered into by (1) Asia Netcom International Limited, as borrower (the "BORROWER"); (2) the banks and financial institutions named therein as lenders (the "LENDERS"); (3) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as arranger; and (4) the Security Trustee as facility agent, the Lenders have agreed, upon and subject to the terms of the Facility Agreement, to make available to the Borrower a term loan facility of up to US$150,000,000 (the "FACILITY") for the purposes more particularly specified therein.
(B) The Security Trustee is acting as facility agent for the Finance Parties pursuant to the Facility Agreement and as security trustee for the Finance Parties pursuant to this Deed and the other Finance Documents.
(C) It is a condition precedent to the availability of the Facility under the Facility Agreement that the Mortgagors shall each have executed and delivered this Deed to the Security Trustee.
NOW THIS DEED WITNESSES as follows:-
1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
1.1 TERMS DEFINED
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires, terms used or defined in the Facility Agreement shall have the same meaning or construction and:-
"COLLATERAL" means the assets of each Mortgagor from time to time subject, or expressed to be subject to the Security Interest constituted or expressed to be constituted by this Deed or any part of those assets and includes:-
(i) the Shares;
[Group Share Mortgage]
(ii) all stocks, shares or other securities, rights, monies or other assets (the "RELATED ASSETS") accruing, offered or issued at any time by way of bonus, redemption, exchange, purchase, substitution, conversion, preference, option or otherwise in respect of the Shares or the above mentioned Related Assets; and
(iii) all Dividends;
(iv) allotments, offers and rights accruing or offered in respect of any Shares or the above mentioned Related Assets
(v) other rights and assets attaching to or deriving from or exercisable by virtue of any right title or interest in or to any Shares or the above mentioned Related Assets.
"COMPANY" means each and any of the companies listed in Schedule 1, being direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of the Borrower, whose Shares are the subject of this Deed (and "COMPANIES" means any or all of them).
"DELEGATE" means a delegate or sub-delegate appointed under Clause 15.2.
"DIVIDENDS" means all dividends, interest and other sums received or receivable by any person in its capacity as shareholder of that Company and includes:
(i) the right to receive any and all such sums and all claims in respect of any default in paying such sums; and
(ii) all forms of remittance of such sums.
"NOMINEE" means in respect of any Share held by a person as nominee or on trust for the Mortgagor and who is described as "REGISTERED SHAREHOLDER IN SCHEDULE 1".
"RECEIVER" means any receiver, manager, receiver and manager or other similar officer appointed by the Security Trustee in respect of the security hereby granted.
"SECURED OBLIGATIONS" means any and all moneys, liabilities and obligations of the Borrower (whether actual or contingent, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether or not for the payment of money, and including, without limitation, any obligation or liability to pay damages) which are or may become due, owing or incurred by the Borrower or any other Security Party which is a member of the CNC HK Group to any Finance Party under or in connection with any Finance Document and/or all other obligations hereby secured.
"SHARES" means in respect of the relevant Mortgagor:
(a) all present and future shares in the Companies described in Schedule 1 against that Mortgagor's name, including the shares issued and outstanding at the date of this Deed as described in Schedule 1 (including any shares held by any Nominee for and on behalf of that Mortgagor);
[Group Share Mortgage]
(b) all warrants, options or other rights to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire those shares; and
(c) all rights relating to any of those shares which are deposited with, or registered in the name of, any depositary, custodian, nominee or other similar person (including rights against any such person).
1.2 TRUST
All rights, benefits, interests, powers and discretions granted to or conferred on the Security Trustee pursuant to this Deed shall be held by the Security Trustee on trust for the benefit of itself as Security Trustee and each Lender from time to time. The Security Trustee may do all acts within its powers to administer and manage the trust constituted by this Clause including any full or partial release by deed of the rights, benefits and interests conferred by Clause 3.1 (Mortgage) or the release of all or any part of the Collateral from this Deed. The trust constituted by this Clause shall come into existence on the date of this Deed and shall last for so long as any of the Secured Obligations remain outstanding provided that for the purposes of the rule against perpetuities, the perpetuity period applicable to the trust and any dispositions made or to be made pursuant to this Deed and this trust, is hereby specified as a period of twenty one (21) years less one (1) day from the date of this Deed.
1.3 CLAUSE HEADINGS
Clause headings and the table of contents are for ease of reference only and shall be ignored in the interpretation of this Deed.
1.4 CONSTRUCTION
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires:-
(a) Clause 1.3 of the Facility Agreement shall be deemed incorporated in this Deed mutatis mutandis as if set out separately in this Deed; and
(b) references to the "MORTGAGOR", the "BORROWER", the "SECURITY TRUSTEE", any "FINANCE PARTY" or any "LENDER" include, where the context permits, their respective successors and permitted transferees and permitted assigns in accordance with their respective interests.
2. COVENANT TO PAY
Each Mortgagor hereby covenants that it will on demand pay to the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties, the Secured Obligations when the same become due for payment or discharge in accordance with the Finance Documents.
[Group Share Mortgage]
3. MORTGAGE AND ASSIGNMENT
3.1 MORTGAGE
In consideration of the Security Trustee and the Lenders agreeing to make the Facility available to the Borrower upon the terms and conditions of the Facility Agreement and as a continuing security for the due and punctual performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations, each Mortgagor as sole legal and beneficial owner of the Shares not held by a Nominee and as beneficial owner of the Shares held by a Nominee hereby:
(a) mortgages and charges by way of first fixed charge to the Security Trustee (as trustee for the Finance Parties) all its right title and interest present and future in and to, the Collateral; and
(b) assigns, and agrees to assign absolutely to the Security Trustee (as trustee for the Finance Parties) all its rights (including those rights it may have against a Nominee), present and future, relating to any of the Shares, including:
(i) its rights relating to or against any depositary, nominee or similar person with whom any of the Shares may be deposited to the extent of those Shares;
(ii) rights that it may have against any person to require delivery to it of any of the Shares;
(iii) rights (contractually or otherwise) to give instructions relating to the Shares; and
(iv) all claims for damages and rights to receive moneys due or to become due for any reason whatsoever in respect of any of the Shares;
including those rights it may have against a Nominee or Delegate.
3.2 DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS
Each Mortgagor shall forthwith upon execution of this Deed deliver or procure to be delivered (as the case may be) to the Security Trustee each of the following documents:-
(i) all original share certificates or such other documents evidencing title in respect of the Shares;
(ii) instruments of transfer in the form of Schedule 2 duly executed by each Mortgagor and/or its Nominee (as the case may be) in respect of the Shares with the name(s) of the transferee(s), date and consideration left blank;
(iii) undated letters of resignation in the form of Schedule 3 duly executed by each of the directors and the secretary of each Company as at the date of this Deed;
(iv) signed but undated resolutions of the directors of each Company
[Group Share Mortgage]
approving the resignation of the directors and secretary referred to in sub-paragraph (iii) above in the form set out in Schedule 4;
(v) letter of authority to date the letters of resignation and
board resolutions respectively referred to in sub-paragraphs
(iii) and (iv) above in the form set out in Schedule 5 signed
by all the directors and the secretary of each Company;
(vi) letter of undertaking not to appoint any additional or substitute directors in the form set out in Schedule 6 signed by all the directors of each Company; and
(vii) letter of acknowledgement in the form set out in Schedule 8 from the Nominees acknowledging the Security Interests constituted by this Deed and agreeing to act in accordance with the instructions of the Security Trustee.
3.3 PERFORMANCE AND INDEMNITY
Notwithstanding the foregoing, each of the Mortgagors shall remain liable to perform all the obligations to be performed by it in respect of the Collateral and shall discharge fully its respective obligations thereunder as they become due and neither the Security Trustee nor any other Finance Party shall have any obligation of any kind whatsoever thereunder or be under any liabilities whatsoever in the event of any failure to perform their obligations thereunder, and each Mortgagor hereby jointly and severally indemnifies and agrees to keep indemnified the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties and each of them from and against any such liability.
3.4 RELEASE AND TRANSFER
(a) The Security Trustee shall, upon the full performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations to the satisfaction of the Security Trustee and the Lenders, at the request and cost of the Mortgagors and in such form as the Security Trustee shall reasonably approve, release and transfer and reassign (as appropriate) to the Mortgagors the Collateral.
(b) Notwithstanding any discharge, release or settlement from time to time between the Security Trustee and any Mortgagor, if any security, disposition or payment granted or made to the Security Trustee in respect of the Secured Obligations by any Mortgagor or any other person is avoided or set aside or ordered to be surrendered, paid away, refunded or reduced by virtue of any provision, law or enactment relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, winding-up, composition or arrangement for the time being in force or for any other reason, the Security Trustee shall be entitled thereafter to enforce this Deed as if no such discharge, release or settlement had occurred.
(c) For that Collateral which has been transferred and registered under the name of the Security Trustee (as trustee for the Finance Parties) or its nominee, the Security Trustee shall only be obliged to return the share certificate(s) then representing the Collateral not yet disposed of or realised by the Security Trustee pursuant to its powers under this Deed (but not the original share certificates
[Group Share Mortgage]
originally delivered to the Security Trustee by the relevant Mortgagor) with the instruments of transfer duly executed in favour of the relevant Mortgagor or such other person as that Mortgagor may direct.
3.5 CALLS
Each Mortgagor shall during the continuance of this security pay all calls or other payments which may become due in respect of any part of the Collateral and the Security Trustee may, if it thinks fit, make such payments on behalf of a Mortgagor. Any sums so paid by the Security Trustee shall be repayable by that Mortgagor to the Security Trustee on demand together with interest at the Default Rate from the date of such payment by the Security Trustee and pending such repayment shall constitute part of the Secured Obligations.
3.6 REGISTRATION OF TITLE TO THE SHARES
Each Mortgagor hereby agrees and authorises the Security Trustee to arrange for the Shares and any other Collateral to be registered at any time following the security constituted by this Deed becoming enforceable in the name of the Security Trustee or its nominee and (under the powers of enforcement contained herein) to transfer or cause the Collateral to be transferred to and registered in the name of any purchasers or transferees from the Security Trustee or its nominee and each Mortgagor undertakes from time to time to execute and sign all transfers, powers of attorney and other documents which the Security Trustee may require for perfecting its title to or, otherwise registering and transferring any part of the Collateral or for vesting the same in itself or its nominee or in any purchasers or transferees.
4. CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY
4.1 CONTINUING SECURITY
This Deed and the security hereby created shall remain in full force and effect by way of a continuing security notwithstanding the insolvency or liquidation or any incapacity or change in the constitution or status of any Mortgagor, the Borrower or any other person and in particular but without limitation shall not be, nor be considered as, satisfied by any intermediate discharge or payment on account of any liabilities or any settlement of accounts between any Mortgagor and the Security Trustee or any other person.
4.2 ADDITIONAL SECURITY
This Deed and the security hereby created shall be in addition to and not in substitution for or derogation of any other Security Interest, guarantee or other security (whether given by any Mortgagor or otherwise) now or from time to time hereafter held by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party in respect of or in connection with the Secured Obligations.
4.3 UNRESTRICTED ENFORCEMENT
The Security Trustee need not before exercising any of the rights, powers or remedies conferred upon it by this Deed or by law (i) take action or obtain judgment against any
[Group Share Mortgage]
Mortgagor or any other person in any court, (ii) make or file any claim or prove in a winding-up or liquidation of any Mortgagor or of any other person or (iii) enforce or seek to enforce the recovery of the moneys and liabilities hereby secured by any other security or other rights all of which the Mortgagors hereby waive and may be enforced for any balance due after resorting to any one or more other means of obtaining payment or discharge of the monies, obligations and liabilities hereby secured.
4.4 NO DISCHARGE
The liabilities and obligations of each Mortgagor under this Deed and the security constituted by this Deed shall remain in force notwithstanding any act, omission, event or circumstance whatsoever until full, proper and valid payment and discharge of the Secured Obligations and without limiting the foregoing, neither the liabilities of any Mortgagor under this Deed nor the validity or enforceability of this Deed shall be prejudiced, affected or discharged by:-
(a) the granting of any time or indulgence to the Borrower or any Mortgagor or any other Security Party or any other person in respect of the Secured Obligations;
(b) any variation or modification of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto;
(c) the invalidity or unenforceability of any obligation or liability of any party under the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto;
(d) any invalidity or irregularity in the execution of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or relating thereto;
(e) any lack of capacity or deficiency in the powers of the Borrower or any Mortgagor or any other Security Party or any other person to enter into or perform any of its obligations under the Facility Agreement or any of the other Finance Documents to which it is party or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto or any irregularity in the exercise thereof or any lack of authority by any person purporting to act on behalf of the Borrower or any such Mortgagor or such Security Party or such other person;
(f) the insolvency, bankruptcy or liquidation or any incapacity, disability, death or limitation or any change in the constitution or status of the Borrower or any Mortgagor or any other Security Party or any other person;
(g) any other Finance Document, Security Interest, guarantee or other security or right or remedy being or becoming held by or available to the Security Trustee and/or the Lenders or by any other person or by any of the same being or becoming wholly or partly void, voidable or unenforceable or impaired or by the Security Trustee and/or the Lenders at any time releasing, refraining from enforcing, varying or in any other way dealing with any of the same or any power, right or remedy the Security Trustee and/or the Lenders may now or hereafter have from or against any Mortgagor or any other Security Party or any other person;
[Group Share Mortgage]
(h) any waiver, exercise, omission to exercise, compromise, renewal or release of any rights against any Mortgagor or any other Security Party or any other person or any compromise, arrangement or settlement with any of the same;
(i) any act, omission, event or circumstance which would or may but for this provision operate to prejudice, affect or discharge this Deed or the liability of any Mortgagor hereunder.
4.5 NO SUBROGATION
(a) None of the Mortgagors shall exercise any right of subrogation, contribution or any other rights of a surety or enforce any security or other right or claim against the Borrower or any of the other Mortgagors (whether in respect of its liability under this Deed or otherwise) or any other person who has guaranteed or given any security in respect of the Secured Obligations or claim in the insolvency or liquidation of the Borrower or any Mortgagor or any such other person in competition with the Security Trustee and/or the Lenders.
(b) If any Mortgagor receives any payment or benefit in breach of this Clause 4.5, it shall hold the same upon trust for the Security Trustee as a continuing security for the Secured Obligations. For the purpose of the rule against perpetuities, the perpetuity period applicable to the trust constituted under this Clause is hereby specified as a period of twenty-one (21) years less one day from the date of this Mortgage.
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
5.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Each of the Mortgagors hereby severally represents and warrants to the Security Trustee and each of the other Finance Parties for itself that:-
(a) STATUS: it is a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of its respective place of incorporation and has full power, authority and legal right to own its property and assets, to carry on its business as such business is now being conducted;
(b) POWER AND AUTHORITY: it has all legal power and authority to enter into this Deed and perform its obligations under this Deed and all actions (including any corporate actions) required to authorise the execution and delivery of this Deed and the performance of its obligations under this Deed have been duly taken;
(c) LEGAL VALIDITY: this Deed constitutes or, when so executed and delivered, will constitute its legal, valid and binding obligations enforceable in accordance with its terms;
(d) NON-CONFLICT WITH LAWS: the entry into and performance of this Deed and the transactions contemplated by this Deed do not and will not conflict with or result in (i) a breach of any law, judgment or regulation or any official or judicial order,
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or (ii) a breach of the constitutional documents of that Mortgagor, or (iii) a material breach of any agreement or document to which that Mortgagor is a party or which is binding upon it or any of its assets or revenues with a monetary value greater than US$500,000, nor cause any limitation placed on it or the powers of its directors to be exceeded or result in the creation or imposition of any Security Interest on any of its assets or revenues pursuant to the provisions of any such agreement or document;
(e) NO CONSENTS: save for the lodgment of the Statement Containing Particulars of Charge with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore within 30 days from the date hereof (or 37 days, if executed outside Singapore) and stamping of this Deed with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore, other than the Consents, no consent, authorisation, licence or approval of, or registration with or declaration to, any governmental or public bodies or authorities or courts in Singapore or in any relevant jurisdiction is required for or in connection with the execution, delivery, validity, enforceability and admissibility in evidence in proceedings of this Deed, or the performance by that Mortgagor of any of its respective obligations under this Deed;
(f) NO REGISTRATION: save for the lodgment of the Statement Containing Particulars of Charge with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore within 30 days from the date hereof (or 37 days, if executed outside Singapore) and stamping of this Deed with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore, it is not necessary in order to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of this Deed that it or any other instrument be notarised, filed, recorded, registered or enrolled in any court or other authority or that any stamp, registration or similar tax or charge be paid on or in relation to this Deed and this Deed is in proper form for its enforcement in the courts of Singapore and all jurisdictions which are the subject of any legal opinion referred to in paragraph 4 of Schedule 3 of the Facility Agreement;
(g) LITIGATION: except as disclosed in a letter of even date from the Borrower to the Security Trustee, no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding is currently taking place or pending or, to the knowledge of the officers of that Mortgagor, threatened against that Mortgagor or any of its respective assets which could, in the reasonable opinion of the Security Trustee, materially and adversely affect its business, assets or financial condition or its respective ability to perform its obligations under this Deed;
(h) WINDING UP AND STRIKING OFF: it has not taken any corporate action or no other step has been taken or legal proceedings have been commenced or threatened against it for its winding-up, dissolution, administration or reorganisation or for the appointment of a receiver, administrator, trustee or similar officer of it or all or any of its assets or revenues, except as permitted by clause 17.1(g) (Winding-up) of the Facility Agreement, and no demand under Section 254(1), and no enquiry under Section 344(1), of the Companies Act, Cap 50, has been received by the Mortgagor;
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(i) TAXES ON PAYMENTS: all payments to be made by it under this Deed may be made by it free and clear of, and without deduction for, Taxes and no deductions or withholdings are required to be made therefrom save as specified in any legal opinion referred to in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of Schedule 3 to the Facility Agreement; and no Taxes are imposed on or by virtue of the execution or delivery by that Mortgagor of this Deed or any document to be executed or delivered under this Deed;
(j) TAX LIABILITIES: it has complied with all Taxation laws in all jurisdictions in all material respects in which it is subject to Taxation and has paid all Taxes due and payable by it and no material claims are being asserted against it with respect to Taxes;
(k) NO DEFAULT:
(i) no Default has occurred and is continuing;
(ii) it is not, or with the giving of notice or lapse of time or satisfaction of any other condition or any combination thereof, would not be in material breach of or in default under any agreement relating to Financial Indebtedness to which it is a party or by which it may be bound;
(l) NO IMMUNITY: it is generally subject to civil and commercial law and to legal proceedings and neither it nor any of its assets or revenues is entitled to any immunity or privilege (sovereign or otherwise) from any set-off, judgment, execution, attachment or other legal process;
(m) COMPLIANCE, WITH CONSENTS AND LICENSES: every consent, authorisation, licence or approval required for the time being by it in connection with the conduct of its business and the ownership, use, exploitation or occupation of its property and assets has been applied for and not refused or has been obtained and is in full force and effect and there has been no material default in the observance of the conditions and restrictions (if any) imposed on, or in connection with, any of the same which may have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform its obligations under this Deed and, to the knowledge of its officers, no circumstances have arisen whereby any remedial action is likely to be required to be taken by it, or at its expense under or pursuant to any law or regulation applicable to its business, property or assets;
(n) NO FINANCIAL INDEBTEDNESS: it does not have any Financial Indebtedness other than as permitted by Clause 16.17 of the Facility Agreement;
(o) ISSUED AND PAID-UP SHARES: the Shares represent all the shares in the relevant Company and all the Shares have been validly issued and are fully paid up;
(p) SOLE AND BENEFICIAL OWNER: other than the Shares held by any Nominee, it is or will be the sole, absolute, direct legal and beneficial owner of the Collateral and it has good and marketable title thereto;
(q) SECURITY INTEREST: no Security Interest exists over all or any of its right, title,
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interest or benefit in its Collateral (other than as created by this Deed);
(r) THIRD PARTY RIGHT: it has not sold or otherwise disposed of any of its Collateral or granted in favour of any other person any interest in or any option or other rights in respect of any of its Collateral; and
(s) COMPANY: each Company is validly incorporated under the laws of Singapore.
5.2 CONTINUING REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTY
Each of the Mortgagors severally represents and warrants to and undertakes with the Security Trustee that the foregoing representations and warranties in Clause 5.1(a) to (n) inclusive are deemed to be made by the Mortgagor on each Drawdown Date and on each Interest Payment Date with reference to the facts and circumstances then existing and that the foregoing representations in Clause 5.1(o) and (s) will be true and accurate throughout the continuance of this Deed with reference to the facts and circumstances from time to time.
6. TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
6.1 TAX GROSS-UP
(a) All sums payable by any Mortgagor or any other person under this Deed shall be paid in full without any restriction or condition and free and clear of any Tax or other deductions or withholdings of any nature.
(b) If at any time any Mortgagor or any other person is required in any jurisdiction to make any deduction or withholding in respect of Taxes or otherwise from any payment due under this Deed for the account of the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party (or if the Security Trustee is required to make any such deduction or withholding from a payment to other Finance Party), the sum due from that Mortgagor in respect of such payment shall be increased to the extent necessary to ensure that, after the making of such deduction or withholding, the Security Trustee and each other Finance Party receives on the due date for such payment (and retains, free from any liability in respect of such deduction or withholding) a net sum equal to the sum which it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been required to be made.
(c) The Mortgagor's obligations under Clause 6.1(a) and (b) shall not apply in respect of any Tax on Overall Net Income levied on a Finance Party.
(d) All Taxes required by law to be deducted or withheld by any Mortgagor from any amounts paid or payable under this Deed shall be paid by such Mortgagor when due (except for such amounts being disputed by such Mortgagor in good faith) to the relevant taxing authority.
6.2 TAX INDEMNITY
Each Mortgagor shall indemnify the Security Trustee and each other Finance Party against any losses or costs incurred by any of them by reason of:
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(a) any failure of any Mortgagor or any other person to make any such deduction or withholding referred to in Clause 6.1; or
(b) any increased payment referred to in Clause 6.1 not being made on the due date for such payment; or
(c) any Taxes which are being disputed by any Mortgagor and remaining unpaid; and
(d) any liability suffered (directly or indirectly) for or on account of Tax by that Finance Party in respect of any payment received or receivable or deemed to be received or receivable under this Deed.
6.3 EVIDENCE OF PROOF
Each Mortgagor shall promptly deliver to the Security Trustee any receipts, certificates or other proof evidencing the amounts (if any) paid or payable in respect of any deduction or withholding as aforesaid.
6.4 TAX CREDIT
If any Mortgagor makes a Tax Payment and the Security Trustee determines that:-
(a) a Tax Credit is attributable either to an increased payment of which that Tax Payment forms part, or to that Tax Payment; and
(b) it has obtained, utilised and retained that Tax Credit,
the Security Trustee shall, promptly after obtaining the benefit of that Tax Credit, pay an amount to that Mortgagor which will leave it (after that payment) in the same after-Tax position as it would have been in had the Tax Payment not been required to be made by that Mortgagor. Any certificate or determination of the Security Trustee showing in reasonable details the calculations made by the Security Trustee as to any amount for the purposes of this Clause 6 shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on each Mortgagor.
7. COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES
7.1 EXPENSES
Each Mortgagor shall pay to the Security Trustee on demand and in the currency specified by the Security Trustee.
(a) irrespective as to whether any Advance is made, all expenses (including legal, printing and out-of-pocket expenses) reasonably incurred by the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of this Deed and any amendment or extension of or the granting of any waiver or consent under this Deed; and
(b) all expenses on a full indemnity basis (including legal and out-of-pocket
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expenses) properly incurred by the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party in connection with the enforcement of or preservation of any rights under this Deed, or otherwise in respect of the monies owing under this Deed together with interest at the Default Rate from the date on which such expenses were incurred to the date of payment (both before and after judgment).
7.2 STAMP DUTY
Each Mortgagor shall pay all stamp, documentary, registration or other like duties or taxes (including any duties or taxes payable by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party) imposed on or in connection with this Deed and shall indemnify each of the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties against any liability arising by reason of any delay or omission by any Mortgagor to pay such duties or taxes.
8. UNDERTAKINGS
Each Mortgagor hereby undertakes and agrees with the Security Trustee, for the benefit of the Finance Parties, throughout the continuance of this Deed and so long as the Secured Obligations or any part thereof remains owing that, unless the Security Trustee otherwise agrees in writing, it will:-
(a) not create or attempt or agree to create or permit to exist (conditionally or unconditionally) any Security Interest over all or any part of its Collateral or any interest therein or otherwise sell, transfer, assign, deal with or dispose of all or any part of its Collateral or attempt or agree to do any of the same (except under or pursuant to this Deed);
(b) not grant or attempt or agree to grant (conditionally or unconditionally) in favour of any other person any interest in or any option or other rights in respect of any of its Collateral;
(c) ensure that no person holding any of its Collateral as its Nominee for the time being does any of the acts prohibited in this Deed;
(d) at all times remain the sole, direct absolute legal and beneficial owner of its Collateral;
(e) procure that no material amendment or supplement is made to the memorandum or articles of association of the relevant Company other than pursuant to Clause 16.15 of the Facility Agreement without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee;
(f) immediately upon the appointment of any new director of the relevant Company, deposit or procure that there be deposited with the Security Trustee, the equivalent documents mutatis mutandis with respect to such director in the forms set out in Schedules 3, 4, 5 and 6;
(g) not take or permit any action whereby the rights attaching to the Collateral and/or any other shares in the relevant Company are altered or any further shares in the relevant Company are issued;
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(h) give to the Security Trustee upon receipt copies of all notices, requests and other documents sent or received with respect to its Collateral;
(i) give to the Security Trustee such information regarding its Collateral as the Security Trustee shall reasonably require;
(j) do or permit to be done every act or thing which the Security Trustee may from time to time require for the purpose of enforcing the rights of the Security Trustee hereunder and will allow its name to be used as and when required for that purpose;
(k) not do or cause or permit to be done anything which may in any way depreciate, jeopardise or otherwise prejudice the value of the Security Trustee's security hereunder and will at its own expense promptly take all action which is at any time necessary or desirable to protect its and the Security Trustee's interests in and rights to its Collateral;
(l) procure that the relevant Company will forthwith on presentation by the Security Trustee or its nominee following the security constituted by this Deed becoming enforceable, duly register all transfers of the Collateral;
(m) if it shall acquire any such other stocks or shares as referred to in the definition of Collateral, it shall forthwith deliver or procure that there be delivered to the Security Trustee the certificates in respect thereof together with instruments of transfer in respect thereof duly executed in blank to enable the same to be registered in the name of the Security Trustee or its nominee following the security constituted by this Deed becoming enforceable; and
(n) from time to time duly execute and lodge for registration or procure the due execution and lodgement for registration with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority or any other companies registry or other authority of all such forms and documents as may be required under all applicable laws and regulations with respect to the security created or intended to be created by this Deed.
9. ENFORCEMENT
9.1 EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The security created by this Deed shall become enforceable immediately upon the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing. For the purposes of this Clause, each of the following events and circumstances shall be an Event of Default:-
(a) any Event of Default as that term is defined in the Facility Agreement;
(b) if any Mortgagor is declared by the Minister (as defined in the Companies Act, Chapter 50), to be a declared company under the provisions of Part IX of the Companies Act, Chapter 50;
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(c) if any Mortgagor purports or attempts to create any Security Interest (except under or as permitted by this Deed) over all or any part of the Collateral or any third party asserts a claim in respect thereof, and
the Security Trustee shall be entitled, without prior or further notice and whether or not it shall have appointed a Receiver, to exercise the power to sell or otherwise dispose of the whole or any part of the Collateral.
9.2 EXCLUSION OF LIMITATION
No restrictions imposed by any ordinance or other statutory provision in relation to the exercise of any power of sale or consolidation, including without limitation, section 25 of the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act, Chapter 61, shall apply to this Deed.
9.3 APPOINTMENT AND POWERS OF RECEIVER
(a) At any time after the security hereby created has become enforceable, or if requested by any Mortgagor, the Security Trustee may in writing either under seal or under the hand of a duly authorised officer of the Security Trustee, appoint any person or persons to be a Receiver of the Collateral and may from time to time fix its or their remunerations and may remove any Receiver so appointed and appoint another in its place. Where more than one Receiver is so appointed, any reference in this Deed to a Receiver shall apply to both or all of the Receivers so appointed and the appointment shall be deemed to be a joint and several appointment so that the rights, powers, duties and discretions vested in the Receiver may be exercised jointly by the Receivers so appointed or severally by each of them.
(b) The Receiver shall be the agent of each Mortgagor and each Mortgagor shall be solely responsible for the Receiver's acts or defaults and for the Receiver's remuneration and the Receiver shall have all the powers (save for his wilful default or gross negligence) conferred from time to time on mortgagees or receivers by law or otherwise (but without the restrictions imposed by law or any ordinance or other statutory provision in relation to the exercise of any power of sale or consolidation) and power on behalf and at the cost of any Mortgagor (notwithstanding any liquidation of any Mortgagor) to do or omit to do anything which any Mortgagor could do or omit to do in relation to the Collateral or any part thereof.
(c) The Receiver shall in the exercise of the Receiver's powers, authorities and discretions conform to the directions and regulations from time to time given or made by the Security Trustee.
9.4 POWERS TO BE GIVEN WIDE CONSTRUCTION
The powers of the Security Trustee and the Receiver hereunder shall be construed in the widest possible sense to the intent that the Security Trustee and the Receiver shall be afforded as wide and flexible a range of powers as possible.
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9.5 NO LIABILITY TO ACCOUNT AS MORTGAGEE IN POSSESSION
Nothing that shall be done by or on behalf of the Security Trustee shall render it liable to account as a mortgagee in possession for any sums other than actual receipts.
9.6 AMENDMENT
Any amendment or waiver of any provision of this Deed and any waiver of any default under this Deed shall only be effective if made in writing and signed by the Security Trustee.
9.7 EVIDENCE OF DEBT
Any statement of account signed as correct by the Security Trustee showing any amount due under the Facility Agreement or under this Deed or under any other Security Document shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive evidence of the amount so due.
9.8 SALE OF COLLATERAL
(a) Section 21 of the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act, Chapter 61, (the "ACT") shall not apply to the security created by this Deed. The Security Trustee may exercise the power of sale conferred on mortagees by the Act (as varied and extended by this Deed) free from the restrictions imposed by Section 25 of the Act.
(b) Each of the Security Trustee and the Receiver shall be entitled to
exercise such power of sale in such manner and at such time or times
and for such consideration (whether payable immediately or by
instalments) as it shall in its absolute discretion think fit
(whether by private sale or otherwise) and so that the Collateral
(or any relevant part thereof) may be sold (i) subject to any
conditions which the Security Trustee or the Receiver may think fit
to impose, (ii) to any person (including, without limitation, any
person connected with any Mortgagor or the Security Trustee) and
(iii) at any price which the Security Trustee or the Receiver in its
absolute discretion considers to be the best obtainable in the
circumstances.
(c) The powers conferred by this Deed in relation to the Collateral or any part thereof on the Security Trustee shall be in addition to and not in substitution for the powers conferred on Security Trustees under the Act, which shall apply to the security created by the Security Trustee except insofar as they are expressly or impliedly excluded. Where there is any ambiguity or conflict between the powers contained in the Act and those conferred by this Security Trustee, the terms of this Deed shall prevail.
(d) If the Security Trustee exercises the rights conferred on it by this Clause 9 any sale or disposal of any of the Collateral pursuant to those rights shall not be treated as an absolute appropriation of or foreclosure on the Collateral to the exclusion of any Mortgagor and in extinguishment of its interest therein, unless the Security Trustee shall otherwise notify the Mortgagors (whether before or after the relevant appropriation or foreclosure has been effected), in which latter
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event any such appropriation or foreclosure shall be treated as a sale of the Collateral at a fair market value and the Secured Obligations shall be reduced by an equivalent amount.
(e) In any disposal pursuant to this Clause 9, the Security Trustee or the Finance Parties may, provided that they shall first have used reasonable efforts to dispose of the relevant Collateral or rights to third parties subject to compliance with any rules or regulations laid down by any governmental or other agency or authority, themselves purchase the whole or any part of the Collateral or rights disposed of free from any rights of redemption on the part of the Mortgagors which are hereby waived and released.
9.9 DIVIDENDS
At any time after the power of sale has arisen, any Dividends which have been or may be received or receivable by the Security Trustee or the Receiver may be applied by the Security Trustee or the Receiver as though they were proceeds of sale hereunder. 9.10 PURCHASER NOT BOUND TO ENQUIRE Each of the Security Trustee and the Receiver is authorised to give a good discharge for any monies received by it pursuant to the exercise of its power of sale and no purchaser or other person shall be bound to enquire whether the power of sale has arisen as herein provided nor be concerned with the manner of application of the proceeds of sale. 9.11 NO LIABILITY FOR LOSSES None of the Mortgagors shall have any claim against the Receiver or the Security Trustee in respect of any loss arising out of the exercise by the Security Trustee or the Receiver of their respective powers hereunder including without limitation out of any such sale or any postponement thereof howsoever caused and whether or not a better price could or might have been obtained upon the sale of the Collateral or any part thereof by deferring or advancing the date of such sale or otherwise howsoever unless caused by the negligence or wilful default of the Security Trustee or the Receiver. 9.12 WAIVER OF PRE-EMPTION RIGHTS Each Mortgagor hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any rights it may have under the constitutional documents of the Companies or otherwise to purchase the Shares or Related Assets or other Collateral in the event that they are or are proposed to be transferred, sold or otherwise disposed of pursuant to the provisions of this Deed. 10. DIVIDENDS AND VOTING RIGHTS 10.1 After the security under this Deed has become enforceable and subject to Clause 10.2, the Security Trustee shall have complete discretion to retain the dividends, interest and other moneys received by the Security Trustee in respect of the Collateral and to exercise or abstain from exercising all voting and other rights and powers attaching to the Collateral as the Security Trustee in its absolute discretion thinks fit without being liable for any losses which the Mortgagors may suffer as a result thereof (except in case - 17 - |
[Group Share Mortgage] of gross negligence or wilful default on the part of the Security Trustee) and in this respect each Mortgagor will, or will procure its Nominee to act or refrain from acting in accordance with the directions given by the Security Trustee from time to time. 10.2 The Security Trustee agrees with the Mortgagor that until the security under this Deed shall have become enforceable: (a) the Mortgagor shall be entitled to receive and retain all Dividends, interest or other distributions or payments paid to and received by the Mortgagor in respect of the Collateral; and (b) the Mortgagor shall be entitled to exercise all voting and other rights and powers attaching to the Collateral or any part thereof for all purposes, including but not limited to, exercising any option, warrant, conversion right or any other right, power or other privilege attaching to the Collateral provided that the same does not adversely affect or prejudice the rights of the Finance Parties or the security hereby created. 11. APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS All monies received by the Security Trustee or the Receiver hereunder shall be applied in or towards satisfaction of the Secured Obligations (subject to the prior discharge of all liabilities having priority thereto by law) in the following order of priority:- (a) in payment or satisfaction of all costs, charges, expenses and liabilities properly incurred and payments made by or on behalf of the Security Trustee or the Receiver in connection with the exercise of any powers hereunder and in preserving or attempting to preserve this security or the Collateral and of all outgoings in respect of the Collateral paid by the Security Trustee or the Receiver pursuant to this Deed; (b) in payment to the Receiver of all remuneration as may be agreed between it and the Security Trustee to be paid to it at, or at any time after, its appointment; (c) in or towards reduction of the remaining Secured Obligations in such manner as is provided in the Facility Agreement; and (d) surplus (if any) to the Mortgagors. 12. INDEMNITY 12.1 GENERAL INDEMNITY Each of the Mortgagors hereby jointly and severally undertakes with the Security Trustee to indemnify and keep indemnified the Security Trustee and each other Finance party, any nominee, agent, officer or employer thereof for whose liability the Security Trustee may be answerable, the Receiver and each of them (each an "INDEMNITEE") from and against all costs, charges and expenses which the Security Trustee or such Lender shall properly incur in connection with the exercise of any powers conferred by this - 18 - |
[Group Share Mortgage] Deed or the perfection, preservation or enforcement of the security created by this Deed (unless and to the extent that any of the foregoing results directly from the fraud, gross negligence or wilful misconduct of that indemnitee). 12.2 CURRENCY INDEMNITY (a) If an amount due to the Security Trustee or any Lender from any Mortgagor under this Deed (a "SUM"), or any order, judgment or award given or made in relation to a sum, has to be converted from the currency (the "FIRST CURRENCY") in which that sum is payable into another currency (the "SECOND CURRENCY") for the purpose of: (i) making or filing a claim or proof against any Mortgagor; (ii) obtaining or enforcing an order, judgment or award in relation to any litigation or arbitration proceedings, that Mortgagor shall, as an independent obligation to the Security Trustee or such Lender, indemnify the Security Trustee or such Lender to whom that sum is due against any cost, loss or liability arising out of or as a result of the conversion including any discrepancy between (A) the rate of exchange used to convert that sum from the first currency into the second currency and (B) the rate or rates of exchange available to that person at the time of its receipt of that sum. (b) Each Mortgagor waives any right it may have in any jurisdiction to pay any amount under this Deed in a currency or currency unit other than that in which it is expressed to be payable. 12.3 PAYMENT AND SECURITY The Security Trustee or the Receiver may retain and pay out of any money in the hands of the Security Trustee or the Receiver all sums necessary to effect the indemnity contained in this Clause and all sums payable by the Mortgagor under this Clause shall form part of the monies hereby secured. 13. SUSPENSE ACCOUNT Notwithstanding Clause 11 (Application of Proceeds), in the event of the commencement at any time of the insolvency, bankruptcy winding-up or analogous proceedings of any Mortgagor, or of the security created under or pursuant to this Deed ceasing for any reason to be binding on the Mortgagor or if the Security Trustee should receive notice (either actual or otherwise) of any other security or interest affecting any of the Collateral, the Security Trustee may at any time open a new account or continue any then existing account in the name of the Mortgagor. No moneys paid into any such new account or continued account thereafter shall discharge or reduce the amount recoverable pursuant to this Deed. If the Security Trustee does not open a new account for such purposes, each Mortgagor shall nevertheless be treated as if it had done so at such time and as from that time all payments made by or on that Mortgagor's behalf for the account of the Security - 19 - |
[Group Share Mortgage] Trustee shall be treated as having been credited to the new account and shall not operate to reduce the Secured Obligations at such time. 14. SET-OFF (a) Without prejudice to any right of set-off, combination of accounts, lien or other rights which the Security Trustee or any Lender is at any time entitled whether by operation of law or contract or otherwise, the Security Trustee and each Lender may (but shall not be obliged to) set off against any obligation of any Mortgagor due and payable by it hereunder without prior notice any moneys held by the Security Trustee or such Lender for the account of such Mortgagorat any office of the Security Trustee or such Lender anywhere and in any currency. The Security Trustee or such Lender may effect such currency exchanges as are appropriate to implement such set-off. (b) If the obligations are in different currencies, the Security Trustee or any Lender may convert either obligation at a market rate of exchange in its usual course of business for the purpose of the set-off. 15. POWER OF ATTORNEY 15.1 POWER OF ATTORNEY (a) Each Mortgagor irrevocably appoints the Security Trustee, the Receiver and any persons deriving title under either of them by way of security jointly and severally to be his attorney (hereinafter referred to as the "ATTORNEY", which expression shall include any substitute attorney appointed hereunder and for the time being acting) (with full power of substitution) and in its name or otherwise on its behalf and as its act and deed to sign, seal, execute, deliver, perfect and do all deeds, instruments, acts and things which may be required or which the Security Trustee or the Receiver shall think proper or reasonably expedient for carrying out any obligations imposed on each Mortgagor hereunder or for exercising, following the security constituted by this Deed becoming enforceable, any of the powers conferred by this Deed or in connection with any sale or disposition of the Collateral or the exercise of any rights in respect thereof or for giving to the Security Trustee and the Receiver the full benefit of this security and so that this appointment shall operate to authorise the Security Trustee and the Receiver to do on behalf of each Mortgagor anything it can lawfully do by an attorney. (b) Each Mortgagor hereby declare that all acts and things done and all deeds, instruments and documents executed by the Attorney by virtue of the provisions hereof on behalf of the Mortgagor shall be as good, valid and effectual to all intents and purposes whatsoever as if the same had been duly and properly done or lawfully executed by itself and each Mortgagor hereby undertakes to ratify and confirm all such acts and things done and all such deeds, instruments and documents lawfully executed by virtue of the powers and authority hereby conferred. - 20 - |
[Group Share Mortgage] (c) Each Mortgagor hereby further declares that the powers and authority conferred by this clause 14.1 are given for valuable consideration and shall be and remain irrevocable until payment and discharge of all of the Secured Obligations. (d) None of the Security Trustee and the Attorney shall be liable to the Mortgagor for any loss suffered by any Mortgagor as a result of the exercise by the Attorney in good faith of the powers conferred by this clause 8.1. 15.2 DELEGATION The Security Trustee and the Receiver may delegate to any person all or any of the rights or powers conferred on it by this Deed or by law and any such delegation may be made upon such terms and conditions (including power to sub-delegate) and subject to such regulations as the Security Trustee may think fit and the Security Trustee shall not be in any way liable or responsible to the Mortgagors for any loss or damage arising from any act, default, omission or misconduct on the part of any such delegate or sub-delegate. 16. FURTHER ASSURANCE The Mortgagor agrees that at any time and from time to time upon the written request of the Security Trustee it will promptly and duly execute and deliver any and all such further instruments and documents as the Security Trustee may reasonably require for the purpose of obtaining the full benefit of this Deed and of the rights and powers herein granted. 17. NOTICES 17.1 NOTICES Any notice or communication under or in connection with this Deed shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or by prepaid letter (airmail if available) or facsimile transmission to the addresses or facsimile numbers set out below or at such other address as the recipient may have notified to the other party in writing. Proof of posting or despatch of any notice or communication to any party hereto shall be deemed to be proof of receipt:- (a) in the case of a letter, on the fifth Business Day after posting if airmail or second Business Day if local mail; (b) in the case of a facsimile transmission, on the Business Day immediately following the date of despatch with confirmed facsimile report. All communications or other correspondence between any of the Mortgagors and any of the Lenders in connection with this Deed shall be made through the Security Trustee 17.2 ADDRESSES Notices or communications shall be sent to the following addresses:- - 21 - |
[Group Share Mortgage] To any Mortgagor:- Address c/o Asia Netcom Corporation Limited 46/F Cheung Kong Center 2 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2121 2929 Attention Gregory Freiberg/Wenlong Sun With a copy to: Asia Netcom Singapore Pte Limited 2 Shenton Way #11-01 SGX Centre 1 Singapore 068804. Fax (65) 6233 6390 Attention Oliver Ao |
To the Security Trustee:-
Address Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited 10/F., ICBC Asia Building 122-126 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2851 9361 Attention Ms. Esther Cheng/Ms Amy Wong 17.3 LANGUAGE Each notice or document referred to in this Deed or to be delivered under this Deed shall be in the English language. 18. WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS 18.1 WAIVERS No failure or delay on the part of the Security Trustee or any Lender to exercise any power, right or remedy under this Deed shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by the Security Trustee or any Lender of any power, right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power, right or remedy. 18.2 AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS (a) Any amendment of any provision of this Deed shall only be effective if made in accordance with the provisions of this Deed and each Mortgagor and the Security Trustee so agree in writing and any waiver of any breach or default under this Deed shall only be effective if the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Lenders or the Majority Lenders (as the case may be) agrees in writing. Any consent by the Security Trustee under this Deed must be made - 22 - |
[Group Share Mortgage] in writing. (b) Any such waiver or consent may be given subject to any conditions thought fit by the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Lenders or the Majority Lenders, as the case may be, and shall be effective only in the instance and for the purpose for which it is given. 18.3 REMEDIES The remedies provided in this Deed are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies provided by law. 18.4 SEVERABILITY If any provision of this Deed is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction such prohibition or unenforceability shall not invalidate the remaining provisions hereof or affect the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. 18.5 ASSIGNMENT The Security Trustee may assign its rights under this Deed in accordance with the provisions of the Facility Agreement. None of the Mortgagors may assign any of their respective rights hereunder without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee. 18.6 COUNTERPARTS This Deed may be executed in any number of counterparts including by facsimile and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Deed by signing any such counterpart. 18.7 It is intended that this document takes effect as a deed notwithstanding the fact that a party may only execute this document under hand. 19. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION 19.1 GOVERNING LAW This Deed shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Singapore. 19.2 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION For the benefit of the Security Trustee, each Mortgagor irrevocably agrees that the courts of the Singapore are to have jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with this Deed and that, accordingly, any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Deed ("PROCEEDINGS") may be brought in those courts and each Mortgagor irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of those courts. - 23 - |
[Group Share Mortgage] 19.3 OTHER JURISDICTIONS Nothing in this Clause 18 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) shall limit the right of the Security Trustee to take Proceedings against any Mortgagor in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the taking of Proceedings in one or more jurisdictions preclude the Security Trustee from taking Proceedings in any other jurisdiction, whether concurrently or not. 19.4 WAIVER OF INCONVENIENT FORUM Each Mortgagor irrevocably waives any objection which it may at any time have to the laying of the venue of any Proceedings in any court referred to in this Clause 19 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) and any claim that any such Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum. 19.5 PROCESS AGENT Each of the Mortgagors hereby irrevocably appoints Asia Netcom Singapore Pte Limited, 2 Shenton Way #11-01, SGX Centre 1, Singapore 068804 to receive, for it and on its behalf, service of process in any Proceedings in Singapore. Such service shall be deemed completed on delivery to the process agent whether or not it is forwarded to and received by the Mortgagors). If for any reason the process agent ceases to be able to act as such or no longer has an address in Singapore, the Mortgagors irrevocably agree to appoint a substitute process agent acceptable to the Security Trustee, and to deliver to the Security Trustee a copy of the new process agent's acceptance of that appointment, within 30 days. 19.6 SERVICE Each of the Mortgagors irrevocably consents to any process in any Proceedings anywhere being served by mailing a copy by post in accordance with Clause 17 (Notices). Nothing shall affect the right to serve any process in any other manner permitted by law. 19.7 WAIVER OF IMMUNITIES To the extent that each Mortgagor has or hereafter may acquire any immunity (sovereign or otherwise) from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from jurisdiction of any court or from set-off or any legal process (whether service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) with respect to itself or any of its property, each Mortgagor hereby irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim such immunity in respect of its obligations under this Deed. 20. AVOIDANCE OF PAYMENTS No assurance, security or payment which may be avoided under any law relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or under Section 329 or 330 of the Companies Act (Cap. 50), and no release, settlement or discharge given or made by the Security Trustee on the faith of any such assurance, security or payment, shall prejudice or affect the right - 24 - |
[Group Share Mortgage] of the Security Trustee to enforce the security created by this Deed in respect of the full extent of the moneys hereby secured. It is further agreed that (to the extent that the Security Trustee is of the opinion that there is a reasonable prospect of any assurance, security or payment being avoided as aforesaid) the Security Trustee shall be at liberty at its absolute discretion to retain any of the Collateral as security for the Secured Amounts for a period of seven months after the Secured Amounts shall have been paid in full, notwithstanding any release, settlement, discharge or arrangement given or made by the Security Trustee on, or as a consequence of, such termination of liability and, if at any time within the period of six months after such termination a petition (or equivalent) shall be presented to a competent court for an order for the bankruptcy or winding up (or equivalent) of any Mortgagor, or any Mortgagor shall be declared a bankrupt or commence to be wound up voluntarily (or equivalent), the Security Trustee shall be at liberty, notwithstanding the same, to continue to retain such Collateral or any part thereof for and during such further period as the Security Trustee in its absolute discretion shall determine and each Mortgagor agree that such security shall be deemed to have been and to have remained held by the Security Trustee as and by way of security for the payment and discharge of the Secured Amounts. 21. THE CONTRACTS (RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES) ACT, CAP 53B The Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act, Cap 53B shall not under any circumstances apply to this Deed and any person who is not a party to this Deed (whether or not such person shall be named, referred to, or otherwise identified, or shall form part of a class of persons so named, referred to, or identified, in this Deed) shall have no right whatsoever under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 53B to enforce this Deed or any of its terms. 22. MISCELLANEOUS 22.1 The Security Trustee may convert any moneys available to it by virtue of this Deed from their existing currency of denomination into such other currency of denomination as may be necessary to enable it to discharge the Secured Obligations, any such conversion to be effected at the prevailing spot rate of exchange selected by the Security Trustee for the sale of such existing currency for such other currency (or, if there is no such rate, such other rate (being a rate generally available in the ordinary course of business) as the Security Trustee may select for this purpose). 22.2 The Security Trustee may act under this Deed through any of its branches or offices. 22.3 Each Mortgagor hereby irrevocably consents to the disclosure by the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties on a confidential basis of such information about the Mortgagor as has been made available to them to any potential assignee or transferee in respect of their rights and/or obligations under or in connection with this Deed. 22.4 It is intended that this document takes effect as a deed notwithstanding the fact that a party may only execute this document under hand. - 25 - |
[Group Share Mortgage] |
IN WITNESS whereof this Deed has been executed by the parties hereto and is intended to be and is hereby delivered by each Mortgagor as its deed on the day and year first above written.
[Group Share Mortgage]
SCHEDULE 1
PARTICULARS OF THE SHARES
DESCRIPTION AND NUMBER OF REGISTERED SHAREHOLDERS AND NAME OF COMPANY SHARES NUMBER OF SHARES HELD --------------- ------ --------------------- Asia Netcom Corporation 2 shares of S$1.00 each Asia Netcom Corporation (Singapore) Pte. Limited Limited (2 shares) Asia Netcom Services (S) Pte. Ltd. 13,975,691 shares of S$1.00 Asia Netcom Corporation each (Singapore) Pte Limited (13,975,691 shares) Southeast Asia Netcom (Singapore) 2,356,780 shares of Asia Netcom Singapore Pte Pte. Ltd. S$1.00 each Ltd (2,356,780 shares) Asia Netcom Singapore Pte. Ltd. 2 shares of S$1.00 each Asia Netcom Corporation (Singapore) Pte Limited (2 shares) |
[Group Share Mortgage]
SCHEDULE 2
FORM OF INSTRUMENT OF TRANSFER
Instrument of Transfer
[-]
TRANSFER
FOR THE CONSIDERATION stated the Transferor named below hereby transfers to the Transferee named below the shares or stock stated subject to the several conditions on which the said shares or stock are or is now held by the Transferor and the Transferee hereby agree(s) to accept and hold the said shares or stock subject to the conditions aforesaid.
Full Name of Company -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amount or Number and full details of Share or Stock -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transfer from Transferor Name and Address in full -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consideration -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transfer to Transferee Name and Address in full -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Dated SIGNED by the Transferor ) in the presence of: ) SIGNED by the Transferee ) in the presence of: ) - 28 - |
[Group Share Mortgage] |
SCHEDULE 3
FORM OF LETTER OF RESIGNATION
To: The Board of Directors
of [-] (the "COMPANY") Date: ______________________
I, [Name of director/secretary], hereby resign my position as a
[director/secretary] of the Company with effect from ______ and waive all claims
to fees or compensation in connection with or arising from my employment and/or
resignation save as provided by law in Singapore.
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED by
[Name of director/secretary]
in the presence of:
Signature of witness: _____________________ Name of witness: _____________________ Address of witness: _____________________ - 29 - |
[Group Share Mortgage] |
SCHEDULE 4
FORM OF WRITTEN RESOLUTION
[-]
Written Resolutions of all the Directors of the Company dated the day of
We, the undersigned, being all the Directors of the Company, hereby resolve:-
1. Appointment of Directors/Secretary
That the following persons be appointed as Directors and/or Secretary of the Company with immediate effect:-
2. Resignation of Directors
That the Letters of Resignation signed by [names of all Directors/secretary] be accepted and that the same shall take effect forthwith.
[signed by all Directors]
[Group Share Mortgage]
SCHEDULE 5
FORM OF AUTHORISATION FROM DIRECTORS/SECRETARY
[Date]
To: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10/F., ICBC Asia Building
122-126 Queen's Road Central
Hong Kong
We are, at the date hereof, all the directors and the sole secretary of [-] (the "COMPANY").
We refer to (a) the facility agreement dated [-], 2004, as amended and restated by the Supplemental Amendment and Restatement Deed dated [ ], 2004 (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT"), entered into between (1) Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, as borrower (the "BORROWER") (2) the banks and financial institutions named therein as lenders (the "LENDERS") and (3) the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as arranger and facility agent; (b) the Group Share Mortgage dated [-], 2004 (the "MORTGAGE") made between the companies named in Schedule 7 therein and yourselves as Security Trustee in relation the Shares in the Company; and (c) an undated written resolution of all the directors of the Company signed by us resolving to approve the appointment of new director(s) and/or a new secretary of the Company and the resignation of us as directors and/or secretary of the Company (the "WRITTEN RESOLUTIONS").
We hereby irrevocably authorise you, at any time after the Mortgage has become enforceable without our consent, to nominate such person(s) as you may in your absolute discretion determine to be the director(s) of the Company and to complete the written resolutions in such manner as you may think fit, including to insert the date (which can be any date after the date hereof) and the name(s) of the additional director(s) and/or the secretary. We confirm and declare that the written resolutions as completed by you shall in all respects be valid and effective as a board resolutions of the Company on the date and to the effect as stated therein, and be binding on us and on the Company.
We also refer to the undated letters of resignation as directors and/or the secretary of the Company signed by us. Each of us hereby irrevocably authorises you at any time after the Mortgage has become enforceable without our consent to insert a date (which can be any date after the date hereof) on the letters of resignation, upon which our resignation of directorship and/or as secretary shall take immediate effect.
[signed by all Directors and the secretary]
[Group Share Mortgage]
SCHEDULE 6
FORM OF LETTER OF UNDERTAKING
[Date]
To: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10/F., ICBC Asia Building
122-126 Queen's Road Central
Hong Kong
We, the undersigned Directors of [ - ] (the "COMPANY"), refer to the Mortgage of Shares dated [ ], 2004 and made between the companies named in Schedule 7 therein as mortgagors and yourselves as Security Trustee, and in pursuance thereof hereby undertake not to appoint any additional or substitute Directors or Secretary of the Company without your written consent.
[signed by all Directors] ______________________________ ___________________________ ______________________________ ___________________________ - 32 - |
[Group Share Mortgage] |
SCHEDULE 7
MORTGAGORS
Name of Mortgagor Shares being Mortgaged ----------------- ---------------------- 1. Asia Netcom Corporation Limited Asia Netcom Corporation (Singapore) Pte. Limited 2. Asia Netcom Corporation (Singapore) Asia Netcom Services (S) Pte. Ltd. AND Pte. Limited Asia Netcom Singapore Pte. Ltd. 3. Asia Netcom Singapore Pte. Ltd. Southeast Asia Netcom (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. |
[Group Share Mortgage]
SCHEDULE 8
FORM OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NOMINEE
To: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
_________________, 2004
Dear Sirs,
RE: ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED (THE "COMPANY")
I/We acknowledge that by a deed of mortgage of shares dated [___________], 2004 (the "SHARE MORTGAGE"), China Netcom Corporation International Limited (the "MORTGAGOR") has agreed to mortgage the entire issued share capital of the Company (the "SHARES") of which the Mortgagor is the sole beneficial owner to you.
I/We hereby agree to deposit with you the certificates in respect of the Share(s) of which I/we are the registered holder and to execute and deliver to you such instruments of transfer, contract note, and other documents in respect of such Share(s), including a power of attorney to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of the same, in such form as you may at any time and from time to time require.
I/We [jointly and severally], until such time as I/we receive written notice from you stating that the Share Mortgage has been released or otherwise discharged:
1. warrant that I/we are the registered holder(s) of a total of [____]
[ordinary share(s)] of $[_______] each, in the Company;
2. confirm that I/we hold such share(s) as nominee(s) on trust for you and that I/we shall hereafter hold such share(s) on you behalf as mortgagee in accordance with the terms of the Share Mortgage; and
3. grant to you a power of attorney in the terms of clause 15 of the Share Mortgage as if references therein to the Mortgagor were references to me/us and undertake to grant you such further powers of attorney in such form as you may at any time and from time to time require.
EITHER:
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) by [___________________________] ) in the presence of: ) OR: THE COMMON SEAL of ) [---------------------------] ) was hereunto affixed in ) the presence of: ) - 34 - |
[Group Share Mortgage] |
EXECUTION PAGE
THE MORTGAGORS
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED ) in the presence of:- ) SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION (SINGAPORE) ) PTE LIMITED ) in the presence of:- ) SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) ASIA NETCOM SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. ) in the presence of:- ) - 35 - |
[Group Share Mortgage] THE SECURITY TRUSTEE SIGNED by ) ) for and on behalf of ) THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ) BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED ) in the presence of:- |
EXHIBIT 10.38
EXECUTION COPY
ASIA NETCOM SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
AS ASSIGNOR
and
THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
AS SECURITY TRUSTEE
ASSIGNMENT OF BUILDING AGREEMENT
DATED 2004
WTL
WONG TAN & MOLLY LIM LLC
Advocates & Solicitors * Notaries Public
Commissioners for Oaths
80 Robinson Road #17-02
Singapore 068898
Tel: 6222 8008
Fax: 6222 8001
(RP/2004192267IR/ja)
(SW/CSJ/NHP/2004192267IR)
TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTENTS PAGE 1. INTERPRETATION ............................................................. 1 2. COVENANT TO PAY ............................................................ 3 3. ASSIGNMENT ................................................................. 3 4. CONTINUING SECURITY ........................................................ 5 5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES ............................................. 6 6. UNDERTAKINGS ............................................................... 7 7. CONTINUING OBLIGATIONS ..................................................... 9 8. INDEMNITY .................................................................. 9 9. ENFORCEMENT ................................................................ 10 10. APPLICATION OF MONEYS ..................................................... 10 11. DELEGATION ................................................................ 11 12. FURTHER ASSURANCE ......................................................... 11 13. POWER OF ATTORNEY ......................................................... 11 14. AVOIDANCE OF PAYMENTS ..................................................... 12 15. BENEFIT OF ASSIGNMENT ..................................................... 12 16. REMEDIES AND WAIVERS ...................................................... 12 17. CURRENCY INDEMNITY ........................................................ 13 18. PARTIAL INVALIDITY ........................................................ 13 19. THE CONTRACTS (RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES) ACT, CAP 53B ...................... 13 20. COMMUNICATIONS ............................................................ 13 21. GOVERNING LAW ............................................................. 14 SCHEDULE ...................................................................... 15 APPENDIX ...................................................................... 16 |
This Assignment is made on the day of 2004 between:
(1) ASIA NETCOM SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. ("the ASSIGNOR"), a company incorporated in Singapore with its registered office 2 Shenton Way #11-01 SGX Centre 1 Singapore 068804; and
(2) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong acting through its head office at ICBC Asia Building, 122-126 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong acting on its own behalf and as facility agent and security trustee for and on behalf of the Finance Parties (the "SECURITY TRUSTEE").
WHEREAS:
(A) By a facility agreement signed on 2nd December, 2003 (but held undated in escrow) as released from escrow and amended and restated by the Supplemental and Amendment Deed (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT"), entered into by (1) Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, as borrower (the "BORROWER"); (2) the banks and financial institutions named therein as lenders (the "LENDERS"); (3) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as arranger; and (4) the Security Trustee as facility agent, the Finance Parties have agreed, upon and subject to the terms of the Facility Agreement, to make available to the Borrower a term loan facility of up to US$150,000,000 (the "FACILITY") for the purposes more particularly specified therein.
(B) The Security Trustee is acting as facility agent for the Finance Parties pursuant to the Facility Agreement and as security agent and trustee for the Finance Parties pursuant to this Deed and other Finance Documents.
(C) It is a condition precedent to the availability of the Facility under the Facility Agreement that the Assignor shall have executed and delivered this Deed of Assignment in respect of the Building Agreement.
It is agreed as follows:
1. INTERPRETATION
1.1 Definitions: In this Assignment, except to the extent that the context requires otherwise:
"ACT" means the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act, Chapter 61;
"ASSIGNED PROPERTY" means all the assets and property of the Assignor assigned under or pursuant to Clause 3.1;
"BUILDING AGREEMENT" means the building agreement dated 9 May 2002 entered into between the Lessor and Assignor pursuant to the Letter of Offer (and any reference in this Assignment to the Building Agreement includes the Building Agreement as from time to time amended, modified and supplemented and any document which amends, modifies or supplements the Building Agreement);
"BUSINESS DAY" means any day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which commercial banks are generally open for business in Singapore and Hong Kong;
"COMPANIES ACT" means the Companies Act, Chapter 50 of Singapore;
"DEFAULT RATE" has the meaning assigned thereto in the Facility Agreement;
"ESCROW MORTGAGE" means a mortgage executed or to be executed in escrow by the Assignor, as mortgagor in favour of the Security Trustee, as mortgagee, substantially in the form of the Appendix (or in such other form as may be approved by the Security Trustee), as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time;
"EVENT OF DEFAULT" has the meaning assigned thereto in the Facility Agreement;
"FACILITY AGENT" has the meaning assigned thereto in the Facility Agreement;
"INTEREST PAYMENT DATE" has the meaning assigned thereto in the Facility Agreement;
"INTEREST RATE" has the meaning assigned in clause 8.1 of the Facility Agreement;
"LEASE" means a lease of the Property granted or to be granted by the Lessor to the Assignor on the terms and subject to the conditions set out in the Building Agreement (and any reference in this Assignment to the Lease includes the Lease as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented and any document which amends, modifies or supplements the Lease);
"LENDERS" has the meaning assigned thereto in the Facility Agreement;
"LESSOR" means Jurong Town Corporation and its successors in title and assigns;
"LETTER OF OFFER" means the Letter of Offer dated 5 March 2001 from the Lessor to the Assignor (under its former name of Asia Global Crossing (Singapore) Pte Ltd) and accepted by the Assignor and the agreement between the Lessor and the Assignor pursuant to the Assignor's acceptance of the Letter of Offer and containing the Lessor's agreement to enter into the Building Agreement and to grant to the Assignor the Lease (and any reference in this Agreement to the Letter of Offer includes the Letter of Offer as from time amended, modified and supplemented and any document which amends, modifies or supplements the Letter of Offer);
"PARTIES" means the parties to this Assignment;
"PERMITTED SECURITY INTEREST" means any Security Interest permitted by clause 16.16(a) of the Facility Agreement;
"PERSON" shall mean any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, joint stock company, limited liability company, any governmental authority or other entity of any kind, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity;
"PROPERTY" means the property described in the Schedule;
"SECURED OBLIGATIONS" means any and all moneys, liabilities and obligations of the Borrower (whether actual or contingent, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether or not for the payment of money, and including, without limitation, any obligation or liability to pay damages) which are or may become due, owing or incurred by the Borrower or any other Security Party which is a member of the CNC HK Group to the Finance Parties or any of them under or pursuant to the Finance Documents and/or all other obligations hereby secured;
"SECURITY INTEREST" has the meaning assigned thereto in the Facility Agreement;
"SECURITY TRUSTEE" includes its successors and assigns.
1.2 THIS ASSIGNMENT: Except to the extent that the context otherwise requires any reference to "this Assignment" includes this Assignment as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time and shall include any document which is supplemental to or is expressed to be collateral herewith, or is entered into pursuant to or in accordance with the terms.
1.3 CONSTRUCTION
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires:-
(a) Clauses 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 of the Facility Agreement shall be deemed incorporated in this Deed mutatis mutandis as if set out separately in this Deed; and
(b) references to the "BORROWER", the "ASSIGNOR", any "SECURITY PARTY", the "SECURITY TRUSTEE" or any "FINANCE PARTY", and any other person include, where the context permits, include their respective successors and transferees and permitted assigns in accordance with their respective interests.
2. COVENANT TO PAY
2.1 The Assignor hereby covenants that it will pay and discharge:
2.1.1 all amounts, interests, expenses, claims, liabilities, losses, costs, duties, fees, charges or other moneys as are stated in this Assignment to be payable by the Assignor to be recoverable from the Assignor by the Security Trustee at the times and in the manner specified in this Agreement; and
2.1.2 interest on any such amounts, interests, expenses, claims, liabilities, losses, costs, duties, fees, charges or other moneys referred to in Clause 2.1.1 from the date on which the relevant amount, interest, expense, claim, liability, loss, cost, duty, fee, charge or other money is paid or discharged by the Security Trustee until the date of reimbursement thereof to the Security Trustee (both before and after any relevant judgment) at the Interest Rate or, if an Event of Default has occurred, at the Default Rate, such interest to be calculated on the basis of a 360 day year and the actual number of days elapsed. Accrued interest on all amounts outstanding hereunder shall be payable in arrears on the Interest Payment Date for the calendar month immediately preceding such Interest Payment Date; provided however, that if an Event Default has occurred, any such interest shall be payable on demand of the Security Trustee and to be payable on demand.
3. ASSIGNMENT
3.1 ASSIGNMENT: In consideration of the Security Trustee agreeing, at the request of the Assignor and the Borrower, upon and subject to the terms of the Facility Agreement, to make available to the Borrower a term loan facility of up to US$150,000,000.00 for the purposes more particularly specified therein and as a continuing security for the Secured Obligations, the Assignor as beneficial owner hereby assigns and agrees to assign absolutely to the Security Trustee, free for all Security Interests:
3.1.1 all the present and future rights, title, interest, benefits, advantages, permits, licences and remedies which the Assignor has in, under or arising out of the Building Agreement and the Assignor's rights to the issue of the Lease whether pursuant to the Building Agreement or otherwise;
3.1.2 all the present and future estate, right, title and interest of the Assignor in and to the Property.
PROVIDED ALWAYS that such assignment shall be subject to the provisions of the Building Agreement and the Lease and the claims of the Lessor thereunder.
3.2 UNDERTAKINGS: The Assignor hereby undertakes to the Security Trustee that:
3.2.1 PAYMENTS: the Assignor shall pay all sums of money and other charges or payments as and when the same are due under the Building Agreement and shall make all such payments and do all such acts as may be required to obtain the grant to it of the Lease or other document of title relating to the Property, and produce to the Security Trustee as and when required the issued receipts for all such payments and further the Assignor shall observe and perform all the covenants, undertakings, stipulations, terms and conditions therein contained and shall save harmless and indemnify the Security Trustee in full against all actions, proceedings, claims, demands, losses, fees, expenses, damages, costs, liabilities and penalties whatsoever in relation thereto;
3.2.2 LEASE: as soon as the Lease or other documents of title relating to the Assigned Property shall have been issued and, if required, the transfer relating thereto executed, the Assignor shall forthwith cause the same to be delivered to the Security Trustee and shall make all such payments and do all such acts as shall enable the Escrow Mortgage referred to in Clauses 3.3 and 3.4 to be completed and perfected;
3.2.3 AUTHORITY OF SECURITY TRUSTEE: if the Assignor shall neglect or refuse to comply in any way with the provisions of Clauses 3.2.1 and 3.2.2, it shall be lawful for the Security Trustee in the name of the Assignor or otherwise to demand and receive the Building Agreement, the Lease or other documents of title relating to the Property from the Lessor and to make such payments and do such acts as shall enable the Escrow Mortgage referred to in Clauses 3.3 and 3.4 to be completed and perfected; and
3.2.4 NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS: the Assignor shall keep the Security Trustee informed of any notice or communication relating to the Building Agreement, the Lease and the Property which may reasonably be deemed to affect the rights of the Security Trustee to the Assigned Property as and when the Assignor receives the same.
3.3 ESCROW MORTGAGE: Contemporaneous with the execution of this Assignment the Assignor shall execute and deliver to the Security Trustee the Escrow Mortgage with the intent that, upon the delivery by the Lessor to the Assignor of the Lease or other documents of title relating to the Property, the Escrow Mortgage shall be registered and take effect as a first legal mortgage over the Property if, on the date of such delivery of the Lease or other documents of title relating to the Property, any sum remains payable by the Assignor, whether actually or contingently, under or in connection with any of the Facility Agreement, this Assignment or such other Finance Documents.
3.4 PERFECTION OF ESCROW MORTGAGE: the Assignor undertakes to do all
such acts as shall enable the Escrow Mortgage to be completed and
perfected and further undertakes that in the event that following
the issue of the Lease the Escrow Mortgage is not acceptable for
registration under applicable law, the Assignor shall at its own
cost and at the request of the Security Trustee, either (1) vary or
amend the Escrow Mortgage so that the Escrow Mortgage, so varied or
amended, may be acceptable for registration under applicable law, or
(2) execute and deliver to the Security Trustee a fresh registrable
legal mortgage over the Property in favour of the Security Trustee
in substitution for the Escrow Mortgage in such form as may
be acceptable for registration under applicable law, and containing substantially the terms and conditions contained in the Escrow Mortgage.
3.5 TERMS OF ESCROW MORTGAGE: it is hereby expressly agreed and declared that notwithstanding that the Escrow Mortgage is inoperative as a legal mortgage of the Property pending the issue of the Lease or other documents of title relating to the Property and registration of the Escrow Mortgage, all the covenants, undertakings, stipulations, terms and conditions as contained and referred to in the Escrow Mortgage shall be deemed to have full force and effect as if they were contained and referred to in this Assignment with the intent that the Escrow Mortgage and this Assignment shall be read as one document, and the Assignor hereby covenants to perform and observe all such covenants, undertakings, stipulations, terms and conditions contained and referred to in the Escrow Mortgage.
4. CONTINUING SECURITY
4.1 CONTINUING OBLIGATIONS: The security created by this Assignment shall constitute and be a continuing security for the payment and discharge of the Secured Obligations notwithstanding any intermediate payment or satisfaction of any part of the Secured Obligations, and shall be in addition to and shall not in any way prejudiced or affected by any of the Finance Documents.
4.2 UNCONDITIONALITY OF SECURITY: Neither the Secured Obligations nor
the security created by this Assignment shall be discharged or
affected by (i) any time, indulgence, concession, waiver or consent
at any time given to the Assignor, the Borrower, any other Security
Party or any other person, (ii) any amendment, modification or
supplement to the Building Agreement, this Assignment, the Facility
Agreement, any Finance Document, or any other agreement, document or
security, guarantee, indemnity, right, remedy or lien, (iii) the
making or absence of any demand on the Assignor, the Borrower, any
Security Party or any other person for payment, (iv) the enforcement
or absence of enforcement of any of the Facility Agreement, this
Assignment, any Finance Document, or any other agreement, security,
guarantee, indemnity, right, remedy or lien, (v) the taking,
variation, compromise, renewal or release of or refusal or neglect
to perfect or enforce any rights, remedies or securities against the
Assignor, the Borrower or any Security Party or any other person,
(vi) the insolvency, winding-up, amalgamation, reconstruction or
reorganisation of the Assignor, the Borrower, any Security Party or
any other person (or the commencement of any of the foregoing), or
(vii) the illegality, invalidity or unenforceability of or any
defect in any provision of any of the Building Agreement, the
Facility Agreement, any Finance Document, this Assignment or any
other agreement, security, guarantee, indemnity, right, remedy or
lien or any of the obligations of any of the parties thereunder.
4.3 CONTINUING/OPENING OF ACCOUNTS: In the event of the commencement of the winding up of the Assignor or the Borrower or of this Assignment ceasing for any reason to be binding on the Assignor or the Borrower or if the Security Trustee shall at any time receive notice (either actual or otherwise) of any subsequent or other Security Interest or other like interest, matter, event or transaction affecting the Assigned Property or any part of it, the Security Trustee may on receiving such notice forthwith open a new or separate account or separate accounts for the Assignor and/or the Borrower in its books either alone or jointly with any other person or party. If the Security Trustee does not in fact open such new or separate account or accounts for the Assignor and/or the Borrower either alone or jointly with any other person or party, the Security Trustee shall nevertheless be deemed to have done so at the time when the Security Trustee received or was deemed to have received such notice (the "time of notice") and as from and after the time of notice, all payments in account made by or on behalf of the Assignor and/or the Borrower to the Security Trustee shall (notwithstanding any legal or equitable rule of presumption to the contrary) be placed or deemed to have been placed to the
credit of the new or separate account or accounts so opened or deemed to have been opened as aforesaid and shall not go in reduction of any part of the Secured Obligations at the time of notice. Nothing contained in this Clause 4.3 shall prejudice the security which the Security Trustee otherwise would have had under this Assignment for the payment of the moneys costs charges and expenses secured or intended to be secured by this Assignment notwithstanding that the same may become due or owing or be incurred after the time of notice.
4.4 SUSPENSE ACCOUNT: All moneys received, recovered or realised by the Security Trustee under this Assignment (including, without limitation, the proceeds of any conversion of currency) may at the discretion of the Security Trustee be credited to any suspense or impersonal account and may be held in such account for so long as the Security Trustee may think fit (without liability to pay interest thereon) pending their application from time to time (as the Security Trustee shall be entitled to do its discretion) in or towards the discharge of any part of the Secured Obligations; provided, however, that if the Security Trustee does not apply any such amounts to the discharge of the Secured Obligations, the Security Trustee shall be deemed to have waived its right to receive interest at the Default Rate otherwise payable on the portion of the Secured Obligations that could otherwise be discharged by virtue of such application.
4.5 NO RIGHT OF INDEMNITY: During the continuance of this Assignment:
4.5.1 the Assignor shall not have any right to be indemnified by the Borrower or to take the benefit of or to enforce any Security Interest in respect of all or any part of the Secured Obligations;
4.5.2 any right or proof of the Assignor in the winding up of the Borrower in respect of any indebtedness whatsoever shall be exercised and enforced by it only in such manner and on such terms as the Security Trustee may require; and
4.5.3 any amount received or recovered by the Assignor as a result of any exercise by it of any such right shall be immediately paid to the Security Trustee.
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
5.1 BY ASSIGNOR: The Assignor represents and warrants to and for the benefit of the Security Trustee as follows:
5.1.1 INCORPORATION: it is a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of Singapore;
5.1.2 POWERS: it has all requisite power and authority, corporate or otherwise, to (i) engage in the business in which it currently engages and proposes to engage, (ii) to own the Assigned Property and (iii) execute, deliver and perform all of its obligations under this Assignment and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby (including the creation of the security to be created by this Assignment);
5.1.3 AUTHORISATION AND CONSENTS: no consent of any other Person, and no consent, licence, permit, approval or authorisation of, exemption by, or registration, filing or declaration with, any governmental authority is required to be obtained or made in connection with the execution, delivery, performance, validity or enforceability of this Assignment, other than those which have been obtained or made and remain in full force and effect, the stamping of this Assignment and any filing in relation thereto in the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority and those that the
failure of which to obtain, will not have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Assignor to perform its obligations under this Assignment; 5.1.4 OBLIGATIONS BINDING: this Assignment has been executed and delivered by a duly authorised officer of the Assignor, and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Assignor enforceable against the Assignor in accordance with its terms except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganisation, moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights only and by general equitable principles; 5.1.5 NON VIOLATION OF LAWS, ETC: the entry into and performance of this Assignment and the transactions contemplated by this Assignment do not and will not conflict with or result in (i) a breach of any law, judgment or regulation or any official or judicial order, or (ii) a breach of the constitutional documents of the Assignor, or (iii) a material breach of any agreement or document to which the Assignor is a party or which is binding upon it or any of its assets or revenues with a monetary value greater than US$500,000, nor cause any limitation placed on it or the powers of its directors to be exceeded or result in the creation or imposition of any Security Interest on any part of the Collateral pursuant to the provisions of any such agreement or document; 5.1.6 LITIGATION: no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding is currently taking place or pending or, to the knowledge of the officers of that Assignor, threatened against the Assignor or any of its respective assets which could, in the reasonable opinion of the Security Trustee, materially and adversely affect its business, assets or financial condition or its respective ability to perform its obligations under this Assignment; 5.1.7 BUILDING AGREEMENT: the Building Agreement constitutes valid, binding and enforceable obligations of the Assignor, are in full force and effect and have not been varied or modified in any respect from the form in which they were entered into, or cancelled, and neither it nor, to the best of the Assignor's knowledge, the Lessor, is in default thereunder or has asserted or threatened to assert any right of termination or repudiation thereof or any right of re-entry; and 5.1.8 OWNERSHIP: it is the sole and beneficial owner of the Assigned Property free from any Security Interest (other than those created by this Assignment and permitted under the terms of the Facility Agreement). |
6. UNDERTAKINGS
6.1 The Assignor hereby undertakes to the Security Trustee that:
6.1.1 DISPOSITION: it will not, (and will not agree, conditionally or unconditionally, to) sell assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of, or create (or agree, conditionally or unconditionally, to create) or have outstanding any Security Interest on or over any part of the Assigned Property or any interest in the Assigned Property, except for the security created by this Assignment and Permitted Security Interest; 6.1.2 IMPAIRMENT OF SECURITY: it will not take or omit to take any action the taking or omission of which will result in any alteration or impairment of this Assignment or of any of the rights created under this Assignment; 7 |
6.1.3 ESCROW MORTGAGE: it will promptly upon the grant of the Lease or other documents of title relating to the Property, deliver the documents of title to the Security Trustee and will complete and perfect the Escrow Mortgage; 6.1.4 PERFORMANCE: it will take all commercially reasonable steps necessary or reasonably advisable to secure the due performance by the Lessor of its obligations under the Building Agreement; 6.1.5 BUILDING AGREEMENT: (1) it will promptly and diligently perform and comply with the obligations on its part contained in the Building Agreement, remedy any breach of its obligations under the Building Agreement, notify the Security Trustee of any breach of or default of which it has knowledge under the Building Agreement and institute and prosecute all such proceedings as may be necessary or reasonably advisable to preserve or protect its interests and the interests of the Security Trustee in the Building Agreement, and (2) it will at its own cost and expense use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the grant to it of the Lease pursuant to the Building Agreement and will promptly upon the grant of the Lease, notify the Security Trustee of such grant; 6.1.6 VARIATION: it will not, except with the prior consent in writing of the Security Trustee, make or agree to any amendment, modification or variation of the Building Agreement, agree to any extension of time or period for any matter in the Building Agreement, release the Lessor from any of its obligations under the Building Agreement, exercise any rights or powers of termination under the Building Agreement or waive any breach of the Building Agreement; 6.1.7 FRUSTRATION: it will not make or agree to any claim that the Building Agreement is frustrated or invalid; 6.1.8 EXERCISE: it will at no time exercise any right or power conferred on it by the Building Agreement in any manner which is in the reasonable opinion of the Security Trustee adverse to the interests of the Security Trustee under this Assignment; 6.1.9 ENFORCEMENT OF RIGHTS: it will do or permit to be done each and every act or thing which the Security Trustee may from time to time reasonably require to be done for the purpose of enforcing the rights of the Security Trustee under the Building Agreement and this Assignment and will allow its name to be used as and when required by the Security Trustee for that purpose; 6.1.10 RENDERING BUILDING AGREEMENT VOID: it will not do, or omit to do, or permit to be done, anything which will render the Building Agreement to be or become, in any respect, invalid, void or voidable; 6.1.11 ASSIGNMENT OF BUILDING AGREEMENT: as soon as the Building Agreement shall have been made between the Lessor and the Security Trustee and, if so required by the Security Trustee, deliver to the Security Trustee an assignment in substantially the same form as this Assignment as agreed by the Security Trustee and/or such further instruments or documents, and do such act or thing as the Security Trustee may require or which is required by law, for the purpose of perfecting the security created or intended to be created by this Assignment over the Property and for obtaining the full benefit of this Assignment and the rights and powers hereby granted. |
7. CONTINUING OBLIGATIONS
7.1 ASSIGNOR'S OBLIGATIONS: It is further agreed and declared by the Assignor that notwithstanding this Assignment:
7.1.1 NO OBLIGATION: the Security Trustee shall not be obliged to enforce any rights and benefits hereby assigned to it or to which it may at any time be entitled under this Assignment;
7.1.2 ASSIGNOR TO REMAIN LIABLE: the Assignor shall remain liable under the Building Agreement to perform all the conditions and obligations provided in the Building Agreement to be observed and performed by it and neither this Assignment nor the receipt by the Security Trustee of any payment pursuant hereto shall cause the Security Trustee to be under any obligation or liability under the Building Agreement or for the performance or observance of any of the representations, warranties, conditions, covenants, agreements or other terms of the Building Agreement; and
7.1.3 CONTRACTING PARTY: the Lessor shall continue to give or receive instructions to or from the Security Trustee and in all other respects deal with and look to the Security Trustee as its contracting party until the Security Trustee shall notify the Lessor of the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default.
7.2 RIGHTS OF SECURITY TRUSTEE: At any time after the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default and subject to the terms of the Facility Agreement, the Security Trustee shall be entitled either in its own name or as agent for the Assignor;
7.2.1 PERFORMANCE: to perform and enforce the Building Agreement;
7.2.2 AMENDMENT: to agree to the amendment, variation, termination or repudiation of the Building Agreement and/or the Lease;
7.2.3 DISPOSAL: to sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of the Assigned Property or of any interest therein or of any property, assets or rights received thereunder or pursuant thereto;
7.2.4 DEALING: in all other respects to exercise the Assignor's rights under the Building Agreement as if it were the contracting party thereto; and
7.2.5 POWERS AS SECURITY TRUSTEE: otherwise to put into force and effect all rights, powers and remedies available to it at law or otherwise as assignee of the Building Agreement.
8. INDEMNITY
8.1 The Assignor agrees (i) to pay, indemnify, and hold harmless the Security Trustee on demand from, any and all stamp, excise, withholding, documentary and other like duties and taxes and all recording and filing fees (collectively, "Taxes and Fees") and any and all liabilities with respect to, or resulting from any delay or omission on the part of the Assignor to pay Taxes and Fees which may be payable or determined to be payable in connection with the execution and delivery of, or consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by, or any amendment, supplement or modification of, or any waiver or consent under or in respect of, this Assignment, and (ii) to, on demand, pay, indemnify, and hold the Security Trustee and its Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys, successors and assigns, harmless from and against any and all other liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions,
judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses) with respect to (i) negotiation, preparation, execution, delivery, consummation, enforcement, performance and administration of this Assignment and any amendment, supplement or modification to, or extension of this Assignment (whether or not the same is actually implemented, completed or granted, as the case may be) and any other documents prepared in connection herewith and (ii) the enforcement or preservation of any of the Security Trustee's rights under the Assignment (all of the foregoing, collectively, the "Indemnified Liabilities"); provided, that the Assignor shall have no obligation hereunder with respect to Indemnified Liabilities directly arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Security Trustee.
8.2 If the Security Trustee expends any moneys reimbursable by Assignor by reason of Section 8.1 or any other provision of this Assignment, all moneys so expended by the Security Trustee shall on demand be repaid by the Assignor to the Security Trustee in the currency in which such moneys were expended together with interest thereon from the date such moneys were expended until the date of reimbursement thereof to the Security Trustee (whether before or after judgment) at the Interest Rate or, if an Event of Default has occurred, at the Default Rate, such interest to be calculated on the basis of a 360 day year and the actual number of days elapsed. Accrued interest on all amounts hereunder shall be payable in arrears on the Interest Payment Date for the calendar month immediately preceding such Interest Payment Date; provided, however, that if an Event of Default has occurred, any such interest shall be payable on demand to the Security Trustee.
9. ENFORCEMENT
9.1 SECTION 21: Section 21 of the Act shall not apply to this Assignment;
9.2 POWER OF SALE: the Security Trustee may exercise the power of sale conferred on mortgagees by the Act (as varied and extended by this Assignment) free from the restrictions imposed by Section 25 thereof. The security created by this Assignment shall become immediately enforceable and the power of sale and all other powers conferred by the Act and/or this Assignment shall arise and may be immediately exercised by the Security Trustee at any time after the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default.
9.3 STATUTORY POWERS: the powers conferred by this Assignment in relation to the Assigned Property or any part thereof on the Security Trustee shall be addition to and not in substitution for the powers conferred on mortgagees under the Act, which shall apply to the security created by this Assignment except insofar as they are expressly or impliedly excluded. Where there is any ambiguity or conflict between the powers contained in the Act and those conferred by this Assignment as aforesaid or where the powers or protections in this Assignment are more extensive or less restricted than those provided by the Act, then the terms of this Assignment shall prevail to the extent permitted by law.
10. APPLICATION OF MONEYS
10.1 Any moneys received by the Security Trustee under or pursuant to this Assignment and/or the powers conferred by this Assignment shall be applied by it in the following manner and order:
10.1.1 first, in or towards payment of any costs, charges and expenses reasonably incurred by the Security Trustee in exercising the powers specified in this Assignment or as otherwise referred to herein:
10.1.2 secondly, in or towards payment of the Secured Obligations; and
10.1.3 thirdly, in payment of any surplus to the Assignor or any other person lawfully entitled thereto.
11. DELEGATION
The Security Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may delegate by power of attorney or in any other manner to such person or persons as the Security Trustee may select in its reasonable commercial judgment, all or any of the powers, authorities and discretions which are for the time being exercisable by the Security Trustee under this Assignment in relation to the Assigned Property or any part thereof. Any such delegation may be made upon such terms and be subject to such regulations between the Security Trustee and its delegate as the Security Trustee may think fit. The Security Trustee shall not be in any way liable or responsible to the Assignor for any loss or damage arising from any act, default, omission or misconduct on the part of any such delegate, provided the Security Trustee has acted reasonably in its selection of such delegate.
12. FURTHER ASSURANCE
The Assignor shall at its own expense execute and do all such assurances, acts and things as the Security Trustee may reasonably deem necessary or advisable for perfecting or protecting the security over the Assigned Property or any part thereof or for facilitating the realisation of the Assigned Property and the exercise of all powers, authorities and discretions vested in the Security Trustee or in any such delegate as aforesaid and shall in particular execute all transfers, conveyances, assignments and assurances relating to the Assigned Property (whether to the Security Trustee or to its nominees) and give all notices, orders and directions which the Security Trustee may in its reasonable opinion think expedient.
13. POWER OF ATTORNEY
13.1 POWERS: the Assignor hereby by way of security irrevocably appoints the Security Trustee and every such delegate or sub-delegate as aforesaid to be its attorney and on its behalf and in its name or otherwise, and with full power of substitution, to execute and do all or any of the following acts, things or deeds:
13.1.1 DELIVERY OF LEASE: from and after the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default, to take delivery of the Lease or other documents of title relating to the Property from the Lessor and execute and accept the Lease or other documents of title relating to the Property on such terms and subject to such conditions as the Security Trustee may accept;
13.1.2 DOCUMENTS OF TITLE: to execute the Lease with the Lessor and accept and take delivery of the Certificates of Title or other documents of title relating to the Property on such terms and subject to such conditions as the Security Trustee may accept; provided that, until the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Security Trustee will execute and do the aforesaid in the name of the Assignor;
13.1.3 PERFECTION OF ESCROW MORTGAGE: to execute, deliver and otherwise complete and perfect the Escrow Mortgage as a legal mortgage of the Property in favour of the Security Trustee and to register the Escrow Mortgage with the relevant authority;
13.1.4 OTHER ASSURANCES: to execute and do all such other assurances, acts and things required of the Assignor pursuant to this Assignment;
13.1.5 GENERAL: (i) to execute (whether by seal or otherwise) and do all such other assurances, acts and things which may be required for the full exercise of all or any of the powers conferred or which may be deemed proper on or in connection with any of the purposes aforesaid.
13.2 RATIFICATION: the Assignor declares that such power of attorney has been given for valuable consideration and shall remain irrevocable for as long as any part of the Secured Obligations remain outstanding. The Security Trustee hereby ratifies and confirms and agrees to ratify and confirm whatever any such attorney as is mentioned in Clause 13.1 shall do or purport to do in the exercise or purported exercise of all or any of the powers, authorities and discretion referred to in Clause 13.1. In relation to the power referred to herein, the exercise by the Security Trustee of such power shall be conclusive evidence of its right to exercise the same.
14. AVOIDANCE OF PAYMENTS
No assurance, security, guarantee or payment which may be avoided under any law relating to the bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up, and no release, settlement or discharge given or made by the Security Trustee on the faith of any such assurance, security, guarantee or payment, shall prejudice or affect the right of the Security Trustee to enforce the security created by this Assignment in respect of the full extent of the moneys hereby secured. Any such release, settlement or discharge shall be deemed to be made subject to the condition that it will be void if any payment or security which the Security Trustee may previously have received or may thereafter receive from any person in respect of the Secured Obligations is set aside under any applicable law or proves to have been for any reason invalid.
15. BENEFIT OF ASSIGNMENT
This Assignment shall be binding upon and enure to the benefit of each party hereto and its successors and permitted assigns (as provided in this Clause 15). The Assignor may not assign or transfer all or any of its rights, benefits and/or obligations under this Assignment. The Security Trustee may assign or transfer all or any of its rights, benefits and/or obligations under this Assignment.
16. REMEDIES AND WAIVERS
16.1 The Security Trustee may in its discretion grant time or other indulgence, or make any other arrangement, variation or release with, any person or persons whether or not a party hereto (whether or not such person or persons are jointly liable with the Assignor) in respect of any part of the Secured Obligations or any other security therefor, or guarantee in respect thereof without prejudice either to the security constituted by or pursuant to this Assignment or to the liability of the Assignor for the Secured Obligations or the exercise by the Security Trustee of any rights, remedies and privileges conferred upon by this Assignment.
16.2 The rights, powers and remedies provided in this Assignment are cumulative and are not, nor are they to be construed as, exclusive of any rights, powers or remedies provided by law.
16.3 No failure on the part of the Security Trustee to exercise or delay on its part in exercising, any of the rights, powers and remedies provided by this Assignment or by law shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such rights, powers or remedies preclude any further or other exercise of the Security Trustee's rights, powers or remedies concerned or the exercise of any other rights, powers or remedies.
17. CURRENCY INDEMNITY
If, under any applicable law or regulation, and whether pursuant to a judgment being made or registered against the Assignor or the bankruptcy or liquidation of the Assignor or for any other reason any payment under or in connection with this Assignment is made or fails to be satisfied in a currency (the "PAYMENT CURRENCY") other than the currency in which such payment is due under or in connection with this Assignment (the "CONTRACTUAL CURRENCY"), then to the extent that the amount of such payment actually received by the Security Trustee when converted into the Contractual Currency at the rate of exchange, falls short of the amount due under or in connection with this Assignment, the Assignor, as a separate and independent obligation, shall indemnify and hold harmless the Security Trustee against the amount of such shortfall. For the purposes of this Clause 17, "RATE OF EXCHANGE" means the rate at which the Security Trustee is able on or about the date of such payment to purchase the Contractual Currency with the Payment Currency and shall take into account any premium and other costs of exchange with respect thereto.
18. PARTIAL INVALIDITY
The illegality, invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Assignment under the law of any jurisdiction shall not affect its legality, validity or enforceability under the law of any other jurisdiction nor the legality, validity or enforceability of any other provision.
19. THE CONTRACTS (RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES) ACT, CAP 53B
The Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act, Cap 53B shall not under any circumstances apply to this Assignment and any person who is not a party to this Assignment (whether or not such person shall be named, referred to, or otherwise identified, or shall form part of a class of persons so named, referred to, or identified, in this Assignment) shall have no right whatsoever under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 53B to enforce this Assignment or any of its terms.
20. COMMUNICATIONS
20.1 All notices, consents, requests and demands to or upon the Parties to be effective shall be in writing in the English language and, unless otherwise expressly provided herein, shall be deemed to have been duly given or made when delivered by hand, or five (5) Business Days after being deposited in the mail, certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or, in the case of facsimile notice, when sent and receipt has been confirmed, addressed as set forth to the Party or Parties on the signature page hereof (or to such other address as may be hereafter notified by the Parties).
20.2 Notices or communications shall be sent to the following addresses:
To the Assignor:
Name : Asia Netcom (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Address : 2 Shenton Way
#11-01 SGX Centre 1
Singapore 068804
Fax :(65) 6233 6325
Attention : Oliver Ao
To the Security Trustee:
Name : Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited Address : 10/F, ICBC Asia Building 122-126 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong
Fax : 2851 9361
Attention : Ms Esther Cheng/Ms Amy Wong
21. GOVERNING LAW
21.1 This Assignment is governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Singapore.
21.2 For the benefit of the Security Trustee, the parties irrevocably agree that the courts of Singapore are to have jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with this Assignment and that, accordingly, any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Assignment ("Proceedings") may be brought in those courts and the Assignor irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of those courts.
21.3 Nothing in this Clause shall limit the right of the Security Trustee to take Proceedings against the Assignor in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the taking of Proceedings in one or more jurisdictions preclude the Security Trustee from taking Proceedings in any other jurisdiction, whether concurrently or not.
21.4 The Assignor irrevocably waives any objection which it may at any time have to the laying of the venue of any Proceedings in any court referred to in this Clause and any claim that any such Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum.
SCHEDULE
PROPERTY
All that piece of land known as Private Lot A20789 at Changi North Crescent Singapore, forming part Government Survey Lot 3754C of Mukim 31, estimated to contain an area of 5,312 square metres, more or less subject to survey, and more particularly shown on the plan attached to the Letter of Offer and the Building Agreement.
APPENDIX
FORM OF MORTGAGE
In witness whereof this Assignment has been entered into on the date stated at the beginning of this Assignment.
THE ASSIGNOR
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its authorised attorney ) ) ) for and on behalf of ) ASIA NETCOM SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. ) in the presence of:- ) ) THE SECURITY TRUSTEE SIGNED BY ) ) ) ) For and on behalf of ) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ) BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED ) |
EXHIBIT 10.39
Execution Copy
SHARE PLEDGE AGREEMENT
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
- Pledgor -
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
- Security Agent -
THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
LISTED IN SCHEDULE I HERETO
- Pledgees -
LEE & KO
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE NO. SECTION 1. INTERPRETATION........................................................ 2 SECTION 2. PLEDGE................................................................ 3 SECTION 3. PLEDGOR'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.............................. 3 SECTION 4. PLEDGOR'S OBLIGATION.................................................. 4 SECTION 5. DIVIDENDS AND VOTING RIGHTS........................................... 5 SECTION 6. ENFORCEMENT BY SECURITY AGENT AND PLEDGEES............................ 6 SECTION 7. ATTORNEY-IN-FACT...................................................... 7 SECTION 8. ASSIGNMENT............................................................ 8 SECTION 9. FURTHER ASSURANCE..................................................... 8 SECTION 10. TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY................................... 8 SECTION 11. SECURITY AGENT........................................................ 8 SECTION 12. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION; APPOINTMENT OF PROCESS AGENT.... 9 SECTION 13. MISCELLANEOUS......................................................... 9 |
SCHEDULES
Schedule I Name of Pledgees
Schedule II List of Pledged Shares
THIS SHARE PLEDGE AGREEMENT is entered into as of this day____ of July, 2004, by and among:
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD, a company duly incorporated and existing under the laws of Singapore, with its registered office at 101-A, Upper Cross Street, #11-16 People's Park Centre, Singapore 058358 (the "PLEDGOR", which expression shall include its successors, transferees and assigns);
THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS LISTED IN SCHEDULE I HERETO, as pledgees (individually, a "PLEDGEE" and collectively, the "PLEDGEES" which term shall include their respective successors, transferees and assigns); and
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED, (the "SECURITY AGENT", which expression shall include its successors, transferees and assigns) acting as security agent for the benefit of the Pledgees.
RECITALS
WHEREAS:
A. By a facility agreement signed on 2nd December, 2003 (but held undated in
escrow), as released from escrow and amended and restated by the
Supplemental and Amendment Deed (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT") entered into by
(1) Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, as borrower (the "BORROWER"); (2) the
Pledgees; (3) Industrial Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as
arranger; and (4) the Security Agent as facility agent, the Pledgees have
agreed, upon and subject to the terms of the Facility Agreement, to make
available to the Borrower a term loan facility of up to US$150,000,000
(the "FACILITY") for the purposes more particularly specified therein.
B. The Pledgor is the legal and beneficial owner of one hundred percent (100%) of the outstanding shares of Asia Netcom Korea Limited. (the "ISSUER") as of the date hereof (the "SHARES").
C. It is a condition precedent to the availability of the Facility that the Pledgor shall have executed and delivered this Share Pledge Agreement to the Security Agent.
D. The Pledgees desire to appoint the Security Agent as their agent, as herein specified, and by virtue of this Share Pledge Agreement authorize the Security Agent to take action on their behalf, and to exercise such powers as are specifically delegated herein to the Security Agent, in accordance with this Share Pledge Agreement.
Shares Pledge Agreement
NOW THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows:
SECTION 1. INTERPRETATION
Words and expressions defined in the Facility Agreement shall, unless otherwise defined herein or the context otherwise requires, have the same meaning when used in this Share Pledge Agreement. References to any agreement or document shall be construed as references to such agreement or document as varied, amended, novated or supplemented from time to time. In addition thereto, as used in this Share Pledge Agreement:
1.1 "PLEDGED SHARES" means each of the Shares listed in Schedule II (as amended from time to time pursuant hereto) and subject to the pledge created herein under Section 2 and shall include (i) any share or other securities, rights, moneys or assets of the Issuer that the Pledgor comes to own after the date of this Share Pledge Agreement by virtue of share split, bonus stock, subscription, acquisition, conversion, redemption, exchange, preference, option or otherwise as provided for in Section 4.4, including the relevant pre-emptive rights and subscription rights appertaining thereto and (ii) all dividends, interests or other income at any time deriving from the Shares.
1.2 "SECURED OBLIGATIONS" means any and all moneys, liabilities and obligations (whether actual or contingent, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether or not for the payment of money, and including, without limitation, any obligation or liability to pay damages) which are or may become payable or liable to be performed by the Borrower or any other member of the Borrower Group or the Pledgor or any other Security Party which is a member of the CNC HK Group to the Finance Parties or any of them under or pursuant to the Finance Documents and/or all other obligations hereby secured.
1.3 "SHARES" has the meaning given to it in Recital B.
1.4 "TERMINATION DATE" means the date on which all Secured Obligations have been unconditionally and irrevocably paid and discharged in full to the satisfaction of the Security Agent; provided, however, that this Share Pledge Agreement shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any amount received by the Security Agent or any other Pledgee in respect of the Secured Obligations is rescinded, reduced or must otherwise be restored, refunded or returned by the Security Agent or any other Pledgee upon the insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or reorganization of the Pledgor, the Issuer or the Borrower or upon the appointment of an intervenor, administrator or conservator of, or agent or similar official for, the Pledgor, the Issuer or the Borrower or any part of their respective assets, or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made.
Shares Pledge Agreement
SECTION 2. PLEDGE
2.1 The Pledgor as legal and beneficial owner of the Shares hereby pledges by way of first priority pledge ("kun-jilkwon") all of its rights, title, interests and benefits in the Pledged Shares to the Pledgees, and the Pledgees hereby accept such pledge of the Pledged Shares as collateral security for the Borrower's due and punctual payment, performance and discharge in full of the Secured Obligations.
2.2 The maximum pledge amount to be secured by the pledge created hereunder over the Pledged Shares shall be US$ 195,000,000.
SECTION 3. PLEDGOR'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The Pledgor hereby represents and warrants to the Security Agent and the Pledgees that as of the date hereof:
(a) the Shares constitute, on the date hereof, all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Issuer; and all of the Shares were duly authorized and issued and are fully paid-in;
(b) it has full rights, title, interests and benefits in the Shares free and clear of all Security Interest (save for the pledge created hereunder);
(c) the making of the pledge hereunder does not and will not violate its Articles of Incorporation or any law, regulation, directive, agreement, contract or other obligations of the Pledgor;
(d) the making of the pledge hereunder does not and will not violate any law, decree or regulation of Korea;
(e) obligations of the Pledgor under this Share Pledge Agreement rank at least pari passu with all present and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Pledgor;
(f) the Pledgor is a company duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Singapore and has full power, authority and legal right to own its property and assets and to carry on its business as such business is now being conducted;
(g) the entry into and performance of this Share Pledge Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Share Pledge Agreement do not and will not conflict with or result in a breach of (i) any law, judgment or regulation or any official or judicial
Shares Pledge Agreement
order, or (ii) the constitutional documents of the Pledgor, or (iii) any agreement or document to which the Pledgor is a party or which is binding upon it or any of its assets or revenues with a monetary value greater than US$500,000, nor cause any limitation placed on it or the powers of its directors to be exceeded or result in the creation or imposition of any Security Interest on any of its assets or revenues pursuant to the provisions of any such agreement or document;
(h) no consent of, giving of notice to, or registration with, or taking of any other action in respect of, any governmental authority or agency in any relevant jurisdiction (including Singapore) or of any creditors of the Pledgor is required for or in connection with the execution, performance, validity, enforceability and admissibility in evidence in the proceedings of this Share Pledge Agreement, or the carrying out by the Pledgor of its obligations under this Share Pledge Agreement, provided that, if this Share Pledge Agreement is to be submitted to a Korean court, a Korean language translation of the Share Pledge Agreement should accompany this Share Pledge Agreement;
(i) the Pledgor is the sole legal and beneficial owner of the Pledged Shares;
(j) the Pledgor has not granted in favor of any other person any interest in or any option or other rights in respect of the Pledged Shares;
(k) it has the full power and authority to enter into this Share Pledge Agreement and to assume and perform the obligations hereunder and has taken all steps necessary to authorize its execution and performance of its obligations under this Share Pledge Agreement; and
(l) this Share Pledge Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Pledgor enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting enforcement of creditors' rights generally and (ii) general principles of good morals and the general principle of good faith under applicable laws.
SECTION 4. PLEDGOR'S OBLIGATION
4.1 The Pledgor hereby agrees and undertakes to the Security Agent and the Pledgees that until the final payment in full of all of the Secured Obligations, the Pledgor shall not create or permit the creation of any Security Interest or lien on the Pledged Shares or on a part thereof save for the pledge created hereunder, and shall use its best reasonable efforts to ensure that, subject to Section 4.4, the Issuer issues no shares except the Shares without the prior written consent of the Security Agent.
Shares Pledge Agreement
4.2 The Pledgor covenants and agrees that it will ensure that the Issuer shall
(a) cause all certificates representing the Pledged Shares to be delivered
to Security Agent on behalf of the Pledgees with proper endorsement on the
back of the said share certificates; and (b) record the Pledgees and the
Security Agent in the shareholders registry of the Issuer as the pledgees
of the Pledged Shares.
4.3 The Pledgor shall do any and all such acts as may be necessary or appropriate (including maintaining the shareholders registry by the Issuer) in such manner as to indicate that all of the Pledged Shares have been pledged to the Pledgees and the Security Agent and not to remove such indication, except with the prior consent of the Security Agent on behalf of the Pledgees.
4.4 It is hereby agreed and acknowledged that during the term of this Share Pledge Agreement and until the full repayment by the Borrower of the Secured Obligations, any shares which may be subscribed for, acquired by and/or attributed by any means whatsoever (including capital increase) to the Pledgor in the share capital of the Issuer shall also be automatically subject to the pledge created hereunder without further agreement among the parties hereto, and the Pledgor shall promptly (i) pledge such additional shares by way of any necessary instrument acceptable to the Security Agent and deliver to the Security Agent Schedule II (List of Pledged Shares) as updated such that it shall include such additional shares, (ii) cause the Issuer to issue new share certificates representing the capital increase and deliver such new share certificates to the Security Agent on behalf of the Pledgees and register the pledge on the shareholders registry or other official register, and (iii) do or cause the Issuer to do all such acts as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to indicate that such additional shares have been pledged to the Pledgees and Security Agent. Upon registration of the pledge on the additional shares, such Pledgor shall submit to the Security Agent a copy of an amended shareholders registry certified by the Issuer showing the establishment of a pledge on such additional shares.
4.5 The Pledgor shall not divest or otherwise dispose of its shareholding in the Issuer throughout the term of this Share Pledge Agreement without prior written consent of the Security Agent.
4.6 The Pledgor shall remain liable to perform all of the obligations performed by it in respect of the Pledged Shares. The Pledgor holds the Pledgees and the Security Agent harmless and indemnifies the Pledgees and the Security Agent from any loss and damage from its failure to do so.
SECTION 5. DIVIDENDS AND VOTING RIGHTS
Shares Pledge Agreement
5.1 Subject to Section 5.2, the Security Agent shall have complete discretion to retain the dividends, interest and other moneys received by the Security Agent in respect of the Pledged Shares. After the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Security Agent may at its discretion (in the name of the Pledgor or otherwise) exercise or cause to be exercised in respect of any Pledged Shares any voting rights and any rights to receive dividends, interest, principal or other payments of money, as the case may be, forming a part of the Pledged Shares and any rights and powers conferred on or exercisable by the bearer or holder thereof in its capacity as such.
5.2 The Pledgees and the Security Agent agree with the Pledgor that unless and until an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Security Agent or its nominee, as the case may be, will hold all dividends, interest and other moneys received by it in respect of the Pledged Shares for the account of the Pledgor and will promptly pay such dividends, interest and other moneys to the Pledgor.
5.3 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary stated herein, the Pledgor hereby covenants and agrees that no vote shall be cast, or waiver or ratification given or taken by the Pledgor without the prior written consent of the Security Agent with respect to:
(a) merger or consolidation of the Issuer with any other company;
(b) sale of all or substantially all the assets, properties or revenues of the Issuer;
(c) any amendment to or modification of the Articles of Incorporation of the Issuer; or
(d) commencement of any voluntary dissolution, reorganization, winding-up or other relief or proceeding with respect to the Issuer under the bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws.
5.4 The Pledgor shall not cause the Issuer to reduce any of the Issuer's registered capital without the prior written consent of the Security Agent.
SECTION 6. ENFORCEMENT BY SECURITY AGENT AND PLEDGEES
6.1 Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing, the Pledgees and the Security Agent shall become forthwith entitled, as and when they may see fit, to put into force and to exercise all or any of the rights and power possessed by them as pledgees of the Pledged Shares in or towards satisfaction of the Secured Obligations, including without limitation, the right and power to:
(a) exercise, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all voting, consensual and Shares Pledge Agreement
other powers of ownership pertaining to the Pledged Shares as if the Security Agent and the Pledgees were the sole and absolute owners thereof (and the Pledgor agrees that at such time and upon the Security Agent's request it will take all such actions as may be appropriate to give effect to such right);
(b) demand, sue for, collect or receive, in the name of the Security Agent or in the name of the Pledgor, any money or property at any time payable or receivable on account of or in exchange for any of the Pledged Shares, but shall be under no obligation to do so; and
(c) assign, sell or otherwise dispose of the Pledged Shares to such person, at a public or a private sale, and upon such terms as the Security Agent may determine in its absolute discretion and the Security Agent or any Pledgee or anyone else may be the purchaser, assignee or recipient of any or all of the Pledged Shares and thereafter hold the same absolutely, free from any claims or rights whatsoever;
The proceeds of each collection, sale or other disposition under this
Section 6.1 shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of the
Facility Agreement.
6.2 It is acknowledged by the parties that if the proceeds of the sale, collection or other collection upon or realization of the Pledged Shares pursuant to Section 6.1 hereof are insufficient to cover the costs and expenses of such realization and the payment in full of the Secured Obligations, the Borrower shall remain liable for any such deficiency.
6.3 The Security Agent and the Pledgees shall incur no liability as a result of the sale of the Pledged Shares or any part thereof, at any private sale pursuant to Section 6.1 hereof . The Pledgor hereby waives any claims against the Security Agent or any Pledgee arising by reason of the fact that the price at which the Pledged Shares may have been sold at such private sale may be less than the price that the Pledged Shares may have been sold if the Security Agent had accepted the first offer received or if the Security Agent had offered the Pledged Shares to more than one offeree.
6.4 In case of the enforcement by the Security Agent and the Pledgees under this Section, no rights of the Pledgees shall pass to the Pledgor by subrogation or otherwise unless and until all of the Secured Obligations have been satisfied and discharged in full to the satisfaction of the Security Agent. Until then, the Security Agent shall be entitled to treat all enforcement proceeds as additional collateral for the Secured Obligations, notwithstanding its right to seek satisfaction from such proceeds at any time.
SECTION 7. ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
Effective upon the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing, the Pledgor shall be
Shares Pledge Agreement
deemed to have constituted the Security Agent, its successors and assigns as the Pledgor's true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full power to require, demand and receive any and all moneys and claims for money due and to become due under or with respect to the Pledged Shares and to take any action or execute any instrument which the Security Agent may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes hereof.
SECTION 8. ASSIGNMENT
This Share Pledge Agreement and the pledge created hereunder shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Pledgor, the Security Agent and the Pledgees and their respective heirs, successors and assigns. The Security Agent and any Pledgee may, in accordance with the applicable laws and the Facility Agreement, at any time assign all or any part of its rights or obligations hereunder to any party to whom it assigns or transfers all or part of its rights or obligations under the Facility Agreement in accordance therewith (each an "ASSIGNEE"). The parties hereto agree that to the extent of any assignment, the Assignee shall be deemed to have the same rights and benefits under this Share Pledge Agreement as it would have had if it were a signatory Pledgee hereunder. The Pledgor may not assign any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Security Agent on behalf of the Pledgees.
SECTION 9. FURTHER ASSURANCE
The Pledgor shall do all such acts as may be necessary or appropriate including, but not limited to, the execution and delivery of all further instruments, notices and documents and all further action that the Security Agent may deem necessary or reasonably request in order to perfect and/or protect the pledge and any Security Interest granted or purported to be granted hereby or to enable the Security Agent and the Pledgees to exercise and enforce their rights and remedies hereunder with respect to the Pledged Shares.
SECTION 10. TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY
The term of this Share Pledge Agreement shall begin on the date of this Share Pledge Agreement and end on the Termination Date. Promptly after the Termination Date, the Security Agent and the Pledgees shall, at the cost of the Pledgor, release the Pledged Shares then held by the Security Agent and the Pledgees to the Pledgor, give such notices and take such other actions as may be reasonably requested to effectuate the discharge of security given under this Share Pledge Agreement.
SECTION 11. SECURITY AGENT
The Pledgees hereby appoint the Security Agent as their agent, as herein specified, and by virtue
Shares Pledge Agreement
of this Share Pledge Agreement authorize the Security Agent to take action on their behalf, and to exercise such powers as are specifically delegated herein to the Security Agent, in accordance with this Share Pledge Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, in acting under this Share Pledge Agreement, the Security Agent shall be entitled to all of the immunities, privileges, benefits, protections and indemnities provided for by the Facility Agreement including, without limitation, pursuant to Clause 19 (the Facility Agent, the Arranger and the Lenders) thereof, mutatis mutandis.
SECTION 12. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION; APPOINTMENT OF PROCESS AGENT
12.1 This Share Pledge Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder and the security created pursuant hereto shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Korea. The parties hereto agree that any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Share Pledge Agreement may be brought in the Seoul Central District Court in Korea and the Pledgor hereby irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such court. The foregoing, however, shall not limit the rights or either Security Agent or the Pledgees to bring any legal action or proceeding or to obtain execution of judgment in any other jurisdiction. 12.2 The Pledgor irrevocably designates, appoints and empowers Asia Netcom Korea Limited , with office on the date hereof at 17/F Korea First Bank Building #100, Kongpyong-dong, Chongro-gu, Seoul 110-702, Korea, as its designee, appointee and agent with respect to any action or proceeding in Korea, to receive, accept and acknowledge, for and on its behalf, and in respect of its property, service of any and all legal process, summons, notices and documents which may be served in any such action or proceeding. The Pledgor agrees that the failure of such agent to give any advice of any such service of process to it shall not impair or affect the validity of such service or of any judgment in any action commenced on the basis of such service. The Pledgor agrees that if for any reason its designee, appointee and agent shall cease to be available to act as such, it shall designate a new designee, appointee and agent in Korea on the terms and for the purposes of this provision satisfactory to the Security Agent. SECTION 13. MISCELLANEOUS 13.1 All notices, requests and demands to or upon the respective parties to be effective shall be in writing (including facsimile communication), and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made when delivered by hand, or five (5) days after being deposited in the post office, postage prepaid, or, in the case of facsimile notice, when confirmation is received, or, in the case of an internationally recognized overnight courier service, one (1) Business Day after delivery to such courier service, addressed, in the case of each party, at its address or numbers specified below or to such other address as may be Shares Pledge Agreement Page 9 |
designated by any party in a written notice to the other parties: Pledgor: Asia Netcom Corporation (Singapore) Pte Ltd. c/o 46/F, Cheung Kong Centre 2 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Attention: Wenlong Sun Telephone: (852) 2121 2828 Facsimile: (852) 2121 2929 Security Agent: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited 10/F, ICBC Asia Building 122-126 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Attention: Ms. Esther Cheng/Ms. Amy Wong Telephone:_________________________________ Facsimile: (85) 2851 9361 And to other Pledgees, to their respective address and facsimile numbers set forth in Schedule I hereto. 13.2 If any of the provisions of this Share Pledge Agreement shall contravene any law or regulation or be held invalid, this Share Pledge Agreement shall be construed as if it does not contain those provisions, and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be construed and enforced accordingly. 13.3 This Share Pledge Agreement shall not be amended, changed, modified, altered or terminated unless in accordance with Clause 24.2 (Amendments and Consents) of the Facility Agreement. This Share Pledge Agreement shall not be amended by an oral agreement. 13.4 This Share Pledge Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which, when executed, shall constitute an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. 13.5 Headings and titles herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this Share Pledge Agreement. 13.6 This Share Pledge Agreement is intended by the parties as the written final expression of each party's obligations and rights in connection with the pledge of the Pledged Shares and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings or agreements concerning Shares Pledge Agreement Page 10 |
the subject matter hereof. 13.7 In the case of a conflict between the provisions of this Share Pledge Agreement and the provisions of the Facility Agreement, the provisions of the Facility Agreement shall prevail. 13.8 Neither the Security Agent nor any Pledgee shall, by any act, delay, indulgence, omission or otherwise, except by an express written instrument clearly indicating an intention to waive, be deemed to have waived any right or remedy hereunder or to have acquiesced in any Event of Default. No failure to exercise, or any delay in exercising on the part of the Security Agent and the Pledgees, any rights, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof. No single or partial exercise of any right, power, privilege hereunder shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. 13.9 The rights and remedies provided herein are cumulative and may be exercised individually or concurrently, and are not exclusive of any other rights or remedies provided by law. |
13.10 The Pledgor hereby agrees that until the indefeasible payment and satisfaction in full of all Secured Obligations, it shall not exercise any right or remedy arising by reason of any performance by it of its obligations under this Share Pledge Agreement, whether by subrogation or otherwise, against the Borrower.
(Signature Pages Follow)
Shares Pledge Agreement
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Share Pledge Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
PLEDGOR: ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD.
By _________________________________
Name:
Title:
SECURITY AGENT: INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
By _________________________________
Name:
Title:
Shares Pledge Agreement
PLEDGEES: THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF
CHINA, BEIJING BRANCH
By _______________________________________________
Name:
Title:
THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF
CHINA, SHANGHAI BRANCH
By _______________________________________________
Name:
Title:
THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF
CHINA, HONG KONG BRANCH
By _______________________________________________
Name:
Title:
CHINA MINSHENG BANKING CORP. LTD.
By _______________________________________________
Name:
Title:
Shares Pledge Agreement
CITIC INDUSTRIAL BANK
By _______________________________________________
Name:
Title:
BANK OF COMMUNICATIONS
By _______________________________________________
Name:
Title:
HUAXIA BANK
By _______________________________________________
Name:
Title:
Shares Pledge Agreement
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CONSENT
The undersigned, being the representative of the Issuer referred to in the foregoing Share Pledge Agreement, hereby acknowledges that: (i) the Issuer has received a copy of the Share Pledge Agreement and (ii) the Issuer is receiving substantial benefit as a result of the Share Pledge Agreement and the Finance Documents. The Issuer agrees to be bound by the terms in the Share Pledge Agreement and to comply with the terms thereof insofar as such terms related to it or applicable to it. The Issuer agrees to notify the Security Agent promptly in writing of the occurrence with respect to it of any of the events described in Section 4.4 of the Share Pledge Agreement. The Issuer further agrees that the terms of Sections 4 and 5 of the Share Pledge Agreement shall apply to it, mutantis mutandis, with respect to any and all actions that may be required of it pursuant to or arising out of Section 4 or 5 of the Share Pledge Agreement. For the avoidance of any doubt and notwithstanding the Article 11 of its Articles of Incorporation, the Issuer agrees to do, to the extent permitted by applicable laws, any and all actions that may be required of it pursuant to or arising out of Section 4 of the Share Pledge Agreement without any application by the Pledgor.
ASIA NETCOM KOREA LIMITED.
By: __________________________________
Name:
Title:
Shares Pledge Agreement
SCHEDULE I
Names of Pledgees
THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA, BEIJING BRANCH
THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA, SHANGHAI BRANCH
THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA, HONG KONG BRANCH
CHINA MINSHENG BANKING CORP. LTD.
CITIC INDUSTRIAL BANK
BANK OF COMMUNICATIONS
HUAXIA BANK
Shares Pledge Agreement
SCHEDULE II
List of Pledged Shares
Type of Shares Number of Certificates Certificate No. Number of Shares -------------- ---------------------- --------------- ---------------- 10,000 Share Certificate 88 010001- 010028 880,000 110001- 110060 1,000 Share Certificate 2 001001- 001002 2,000 Total 90 882,000 |
Shares Pledge Agreement
Exhibit 10.40
Execution Copy
DATED 27TH JULY, 2004
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
AS BORROWER
THE BANKS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
NAMED IN SCHEDULE 1 AS LENDERS
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
AS ARRANGER
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
AS FACILITY AGENT
AMENDED AND RESTATED FACILITY AGREEMENT
RELATING TO A TERM LOAN FACILITY
OF UP TO US$150,000,000
RICHARDS BUTLER
HONG KONG
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CLAUSE PAGE NO. ------ -------- 1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION....................................................................... 1 2. THE FACILITY....................................................................................... 26 3. PURPOSE ........................................................................................... 27 4. DRAWDOWN .......................................................................................... 28 5. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT............................................................................... 29 6. REPAYMENT.......................................................................................... 30 7. VOLUNTARY PREPAYMENT, CANCELLATION AND MANDATORY PREPAYMENT........................................ 32 8. INTEREST .......................................................................................... 37 9. SUBSTITUTE BASIS................................................................................... 39 10. INCREASED COSTS.................................................................................... 40 11. ILLEGALITY......................................................................................... 42 12. INDEMNITIES........................................................................................ 43 13. PAYMENTS .......................................................................................... 44 14. TAXES 46 15. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES..................................................................... 48 16. UNDERTAKINGS....................................................................................... 51 17. EVENTS OF DEFAULT.................................................................................. 66 18. ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER............................................................................ 71 19. THE FACILITY AGENT, THE ARRANGER AND THE LENDERS................................................... 73 20. FEES AND EXPENSES.................................................................................. 79 21. SET-OFF ........................................................................................... 81 22. PRO RATA SHARING................................................................................... 81 23. NOTICES ........................................................................................... 83 24. AGREEMENT TO PERMIT ADDITIONAL LENDERS............................................................. 84 25. AGREEMENT TO PERMIT LENDER TO INCREASE ITS COMMITMENT.............................................. 86 |
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26. WAIVER; AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS; REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY AND COUNTERPARTS........................... 87 27. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION..................................................................... 88 SCHEDULE 1 90 THE ORIGINAL LENDERS AND THEIR COMMITMENTS.................................................................. 90 SCHEDULE 2 91 FORM OF DRAWDOWN NOTICE..................................................................................... 91 SCHEDULE 3 92 DOCUMENTS AND EVIDENCE REQUIRED AS.......................................................................... 92 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO FIRST ADVANCE....................................................................... 92 SCHEDULE 4 95 FORM OF AUTHORISED SIGNATORY CERTIFICATE.................................................................... 95 SCHEDULE 5 98 FORM OF TRANSFER CERTIFICATE................................................................................ 98 SCHEDULE 6 101 VENDOR FINANCING ........................................................................................... 101 SCHEDULE 7 102 CONSENTS 102 SCHEDULE 8 103 FINANCIAL COVENANTS......................................................................................... 103 SCHEDULE 9 105 CONFIRMATION OF IPO PROCEEDS................................................................................ 105 SCHEDULE 10 106 FORM OF HYBRID FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND..................................................................... 106 HYBRID FINANCIAL PRO-FORMAS................................................................................. 106 SCHEDULE 11 108 DEBENTURES 108 SCHEDULE 12 110 SHARE MORTGAGES ............................................................................................ 110 SHARE MORTGAGES TO BE GRANTED BY THE FOLLOWING SECURITY PARTIES IN FAVOUR OF THE SECURITY................... 110 |
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SCHEDULE 13 112 SUBORDINATION DEEDS........................................................................................ 112 SCHEDULE 14 113 BORROWER'S BRINGDOWN CERTIFICATE........................................................................... 113 SCHEDULE 15 115 GROUP STRUCTURE CHART...................................................................................... 115 SCHEDULE 16 117 INITIAL MATERIAL SUBSIDIARIES.............................................................................. 117 SCHEDULE 17 118 DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO BE DELIVERED BY AN................................................................... 118 ADDITIONAL SECURITY PARTY.................................................................................. 118 SCHEDULE 18 119 Security PeRfection requirements........................................................................... 119 EXECUTION PAGE ............................................................................................ 126 |
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THIS AGREEMENT is made on 27th July 2004
BETWEEN:-
(1) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda whose registered office is situate at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, HM11 Bermuda (the "BORROWER");
(2) THE BANKS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS listed in Schedule 1 as lenders (collectively the "ORIGINAL LENDERS" and each an "ORIGINAL LENDER");
(3) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED as arranger (in such capacity, the "Arranger"); and
(4) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED as facility
agent for the Finance Parties (in such capacity the "FACILITY AGENT").
WHEREAS:-
The Lenders have agreed, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, to make available to the Borrower a term loan facility in the maximum aggregate amount of up to US$150,000,000.
IT IS HEREBY AGREED as follows:-
1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
1.1 TERMS DEFINED
In this Agreement and the Recitals and the Schedules, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms and expressions shall have the following respective meanings:-
"ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENT OF INSURANCES" means a document in agreed form under which a Security Party or, as the case may be, an Additional Security Party is expressed to create assignments by way of security or other Security Interests of its rights to Insurances and Insurance Proceeds or over additional rights to Insurances and Insurance Proceeds, as the case may be in favour of the Security Trustee in form and substance satisfactory to the Finance Parties.
"ADDITIONAL DEBENTURE" means a document in agreed form under which a Security Party or, as the case may be, an Additional Security Party is expressed to create Security Interests over its assets or over additional assets as the case may be in favour of the Security Trustee in form and substance satisfactory to the Finance Parties.
"ADDITIONAL FINANCING" shall have the meaning given to it in Clause
16.17 (No Additional Borrowing).
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"ADDITIONAL LENDERS" shall have the meaning given to it in Clause 24 (Agreement to Permit Additional Lenders).
"ADDITIONAL SECURITY DOCUMENT" means a document in agreed form under which a Security Party or, as the case may be, an Additional Security Party is expressed to create Security Interests over particular assets specified therein or over additional assets specified therein, as the case may be in favour of the Security Trustee in form and substance satisfactory to the Finance Parties.
"ADDITIONAL SECURITY PARTY" means at any relevant time a member of the Borrower Group or the EAN Group which has become or is required by the Facility Agent to become an Additional Security Party under this Agreement.
"ADDITIONAL SHARE MORTGAGE" means a document in agreed form under which a Security Party or, as the case may be, an Additional Security Party is expressed to create Security Interests over inter alia, shares owned by that Security Party or, as the case may be that Additional Security Party in any person in favour of the Security Trustee in form and substance satisfactory to the Finance Parties.
"ADDITIONAL SUBORDINATION DEED" means a document in agreed form under which a Security Party, or as the case may be, an Additional Security Party inter alia, subordinates its rights in respect of loans or advances made or to be made by it to members of the Group and, as appropriate, its obligations in respect of loans or advances made or to be made to it by members of the Group, in each case, to the Indebtedness constituted by this Agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Finance Parties.
"ADVANCE" means either a Tranche A Advance or a Tranche B Advance.
"AFFILIATE" means, in relation to any person, a Subsidiary of that person or a Holding Company of that person or any other Subsidiary of that Holding Company.
"AGREED PROPORTIONS" shall have the meaning given to it in Clause 2.2 (Pro Rata Participation).
"ALTERNATIVE FURTHER FINANCING" shall have the meaning given to it in Clause 16.17 (No Additional Borrowing).
"ANC MORTGAGED SHARES" means 100% of the shares in the Borrower which shares are held legally and beneficially directly or indirectly by CNC International and which are the subject of the ANC Share Mortgage.
"ANC SHARE MORTGAGE" means the share mortgage to be entered into by CNC International in favour of the Security Trustee over the ANC Mortgaged Shares and the other Charged Assets (as defined therein) in form and substance satisfactory to the Finance Parties.
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"APPROVED CAPITAL EXPENDITURE" means any expenditure by the Borrower Group on capital equipment and working capital (excluding repayment or refinancing or any other payment in respect of the Vendor Financing) and costs, fees and expenses directly incurred in connection with this Facility.
"APPROVED OFFICER" means the chief financial officer of the Borrower or the person as notified to the Facility Agent in writing from time to time who is a senior financial officer of the Borrower.
"ASSETCO" means CNC Network Corporation Limited, a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, whose registered office is at Romasco Place, Wickham's Cay 1, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, the immediate Holding Company of EAN and a wholly owned Subsidiary of China Netcom Holdings (BVI) Limited.
"ASSETCO GROUP" means AssetCo and each of its Subsidiaries.
"AVAILABLE COMMITMENT" means in relation to a Facility, a Lender's Commitment under that Facility minus:
(a) the amount of its participation in any outstanding Loan under that Facility; and
(b) in relation to any proposed Advance, the amount of its participation in any Advances that are due to be made under that Facility on or before the proposed Drawdown Date.
"AVAILABLE FACILITY" means, in relation to a Facility, the aggregate for the time being of each Lender's Available Commitment in respect of that Facility.
"BACKHAUL/OFFNET OVERHANG" means cash outflow incurred by a member of the Borrower Group for the purchase of IRU Capacity from a third party in respect of which a member of the Borrower Group has already received payment from a customer purchasing IRU Capacity from a member of the Borrower Group.
"BORROWER GROUP" means the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries.
"BUSINESS DAY" means:-
(a) for the purposes of determining LIBOR, a day on which Dollar deposits may be dealt with in the London interbank market;
(b) in relation to a day on which payment is to be made in Dollars, a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks are open for business in Beijing, London, Hong Kong and New York; and
(c) in relation to any other day, a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks are open for business in London, Beijing and Hong Kong.
"BREAKAGE COSTS" means the amount (if any) by which:
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(a) the interest which a Lender should have received for the period from the date of receipt of all or any part of its participation in a Loan or Unpaid Sum to the last day of the current Interest Period in respect of that Loan or Unpaid Sum, had the principal amount or Unpaid Sum received been paid on the last day of that Interest Period;
exceeds:
(b) the amount which that Lender would be able to obtain by placing an amount equal to the principal amount or Unpaid Sum received by it on deposit with a leading bank in the London interbank market for a period starting on the Business Day following receipt or recovery and ending on the last day of the current Interest Period.
"CHARGE OVER ACCOUNT" means a charge over the Escrow Accounts to be entered into by the Borrower in favour of the Security Trustee in form and substance satisfactory to the Finance Parties.
"CHARGE OVER DEPOSIT" means a charge over the Deposit to be entered into by the Borrower in favour of the Security Trustee in form and substance satisfactory to the Finance Parties.
"CHINA NETCOM" means China Netcom Corporation Limited [CHAINISE
CHARACTOR], a wholly foreign owned corporation organized under the laws
of the People's Republic of China and a Subsidiary of the Guarantor
having registration number 0443376 whose principal place of business is
at No.1, Beihuan Donglu, Beijing, Development Area, Beijing 100176,
PRC.
"CHINA NETWORK" means China Network Communications Group Corporation, whose principal place of business is at No. 156 Fu Xin Min Nei Da Jie, Xicheng District, Beijing 100032, PRC.
"CHINA NETWORK COMFORT LETTER" means a letter agreement between China Network and the Facility Agent stating China Network's support for the Borrower in the agreed form.
"CNC HK" means China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited, a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong, whose registered office is at 59/F., Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong.
"CNC HK GROUP" means CNC HK and each of its Subsidiaries.
"CNC HK GUARANTEE" means an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee and indemnity to be entered into by CNC HK in favour of the Security Trustee in respect of the obligations of the Borrower under the Finance Documents in form and substance satisfactory to the Finance Parties.
"CNC INTERNATIONAL" means China Netcom Corporation International Limited whose registered address is at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HN11, Bermuda.
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"COA EXPENSES" means the aggregate of all costs, charges, expenses or the like calculated in accordance with US GAAP, payable by members of the Borrower Group to any of its joint venture partners or other third party telecommunications, information technology, or Internet network, or service providers for the provision of the following services and capacity (but not including IRUs):-
(a) International Circuits;
(b) Local Loops;
(c) IP Transit Charges;
(d) Voice Usage;
(e) Internet Peering Charges;
(f) Managed Router; and
(g) any other similar expenses that are not OA&M Expenses or SG&A Expenses,
in each case excluding any prepayments made by a member of the Borrower Group in respect thereof.
"COLLATERAL" means together all the assets over which the Security Parties have created or are to create a Security Interest in favour of:
(a) the Security Trustee, and/or
(b) any of the Vendor Financing Secured Parties which Security Interests are to be transferred to NewCo pursuant to the Deeds of Transfer, Release and Settlement,
and any documents contemplated thereunder.
"COMMITMENT" means a Tranche A Commitment or a Tranche B Commitment.
"CONFIRMATION OF IPO PROCEEDS" means a notice substantially in the form of Schedule 9 (IPO Notice Confirmation of IPO Proceeds).
"CONSENT" means each of the consents, approvals, registrations, permits and other matters referred to in Schedule 7.
"CPE" means customer premises equipment purchased by a member of the Borrower Group for a customer with title to such equipment transferred to that customer at a pre-determined later date.
"CURRENCY EQUIVALENT" of any amount denominated in any currency at any time means:
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(a) if such amount is denominated in Dollars the amount therefor in Dollars; and
(b) in any other case, the equivalent of such amount in Dollars, as determined by the Facility Agent in its sole discretion, at such time; provided that, for these purposes in relation to any amount denominated in a currency other than Dollars in respect of which the Borrower or any member of the Borrower Group, or, as the case may be, AssetCo or any member of the AssetCo Group, has the benefit of any instrument issued by a third party providing a fixed rate of exchange from Dollars into such currency and which is available to be used at the time of such conversion, the amount of Dollars required at such time, as determined by the Facility Agent in its sole discretion, in order to purchase such amount in the currency in which it is denominated using the rate of exchange provided for in such instrument at such time.
"DEBENTURES" means collectively the debentures or similar security documents in agreed form creating Security Interests to be entered into by the relevant Security Party set out in Schedule 11 Column 1 in favour of the Security Trustee and other Finance Party as the case may be, over assets of the members of the Borrower Group and/or the EAN Group in form and substance satisfactory to the Finance Parties.
"DEBT SERVICE" means in relation to a stated period the principal repayments and interest payments of the outstanding Indebtedness of the Borrower Group in respect of that period but excluding the Vendor Financing.
"DEBT SERVICE COVERAGE RATIO" means the ratio of:-
(a) Total Cash Available for Debt Service;
to
(b) Debt Service.
"DEEDS OF TRANSFER, RELEASE AND SETTLEMENT" means together the NEC Deed of Transfer, Release and Settlement and the KDDI Deed of Transfer, Release and Settlement.
"DEFAULT" means any Event of Default or any event which with the giving of notice or lapse of time or the satisfaction of any other condition or making of any relevant determination or forming of any opinion under the Finance Documents (or any combination thereof) would constitute an Event of Default.
"DEFAULT RATE" means the annual rate of interest determined by the Facility Agent to be the aggregate of (a) the Margin, (b) LIBOR or, if the provisions of Clause 9.1 (Market Disruption) apply, the cost to each Lender referred to in Clause 9.3(b) (No Agreement) and (c) 2% per annum.
"DEPOSIT" means the cash deposit or other cash instruments reasonably acceptable to the Facility Agent in a principal amount of, subject to Clause 16.18 (Cash Deposits), not less than US$50,000,000 to be made under Clause 16.18 (Cash Deposits) by the
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Borrower with the Facility Agent together with all interest accrued thereon from time to time.
"DEPOSIT ACCOUNT" means the US$ interest bearing account opened and maintained with the Facility Agent in Hong Kong in the name of the Borrower into which the Deposit is to be deposited.
"DISPOSITION" means any sale, assignment, transfer, exchange or other disposition of any assets or any rights or interests therein or thereto (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) by any member of the Borrower Group to any person but excluding dispositions of any obsolete or worn-out property sold or disposed of on arm's length ordinary business terms.
"DISPOSITION PROCEEDS" means in the case of any Disposition, the aggregate amount of all cash payments, and the cash equivalent of the fair market value of any non-cash consideration, received by any member of the Group directly or indirectly in connection with such Disposition.
"DISPOSITION PROCEEDS ESCROW ACCOUNT" means the account opened and maintained with the Security Trustee in the name of the Borrower for the purpose of holding amounts paid under the proviso to Clause 7.5A(a).
"DOLLARS" or "US$" means the lawful currency for the time being of the United States of America.
"DRAWDOWN DATE" means each date, being a Business Day falling within the Drawdown Period, on which an Advance is or is to be drawn.
"DRAWDOWN NOTICE" means a notice substantially in the form of Schedule
2 (Form of Drawdown Notice).
"DRAWDOWN PERIOD" means the period commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending on the earlier of (i) 31st March, 2005 and (ii) the date the amount of the Facility has been reduced to nil.
"EAC NETWORK" means the fibre optic cable network of the EAN Group excluding network capacity purchased from third parties.
"EAN" means East Asia Netcom Ltd., an exempted company incorporated in Bermuda, whose registered office is at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM11, Bermuda.
"EAN GROUP" means EAN and each of its Subsidiaries.
"EAN GUARANTEE" means an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee and indemnity to be entered into by EAN in favour of the Security Trustee in respect of the obligations of the Borrower and the other Security Parties under the Finance Documents in form and substance satisfactory to the Finance Parties.
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"EAN MORTGAGED SHARES" means 100% of the shares in EAN which shares are held legally and beneficially directly by AssetCo and which are the subject of the EAN Share Mortgage.
"EAN SHARE MORTGAGE" means the share mortgage to be entered into by AssetCo in favour of the Security Trustee over the EAN Mortgaged Shares and the other Collateral (as defined therein) in form and substance satisfactory to the Finance Parties.
"EBITDA" means in relation to a stated period, the amount equal to Total Revenue less Total Expenses.
"EFFECTIVE DATE" means the date on which the Facility Agent notifies the Borrower in writing that all the conditions in Clause 2 of the Supplemental Amendment and Restatement Deed shall have been satisfied or waived by the Finance Parties.
"ESCROW ACCOUNTS" means collectively the Prepayment Escrow Account, the Insurance Proceeds Escrow Account, the Disposition Proceeds Escrow Account and the Requisition Proceeds Escrow Account.
"EXISTING SHAREHOLDER LOANS" means collectively the three shareholder loans made by CNC HK to the Borrower on 15 March 2004, 25 March 2004 and 1 April 2004 respectively and the shareholder loan made by CNC International to the Borrower on 7 April 2004, and which together with all interest and other costs in respect thereof in aggregate do not at the Effective Date exceed US$20,900,000.
"EXPROPRIATION" means the expropriation, appropriation, confiscation, compulsory acquisition, deprivation, requisition for title or use of one person's asset(s) by another.
"EVENT OF DEFAULT" means any of the events or circumstances described in Clause 17.1 (Events of Default).
"FACILITY" means Tranche A or Tranche B or, where the context permits the total transferable term loan facility to be made available by the Lenders to the Borrower on the terms set out in this Agreement.
"FACILITY OFFICE" means the office or offices notified by a Lender to the Facility Agent in writing on or before the date it becomes a Lender (or, following that date, by not less than 5 Business Days written notice) as the office or offices through which it will perform its obligations under this Agreement.
"FEE LETTER" means any letter or letters dated on or about the date of this Agreement between the Arranger and/or the Facility Agent and the Borrower referred to in Clause 20 (Fees and Expenses) setting out any agreed fees.
"FINAL MATURITY DATE" means the earlier of (a) the date falling 5 years from the First Drawdown Date; and (b) 31st July, 2009.
"FINANCE PARTY" means the Facility Agent, the Arranger or a Lender.
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"FINANCIAL COVENANT TEST DATE" means 31st March, 30th June, 30th September and 31st December in each calendar year.
"FINANCE DOCUMENTS" means collectively, this Agreement, the Security Documents, the Fee Letter and any other document designated as such by the Facility Agent and the Borrower.
"FINANCIAL INDEBTEDNESS" means any Indebtedness for or in respect of:-
(a) monies borrowed and debit balances at banks;
(b) any amount raised under any note purchase facility on the issue of any debenture, bond, note, loan stock or other instrument or security;
(c) any acceptance credit;
(d) receivables sold or discounted (otherwise than on a non-recourse basis);
(e) the acquisition cost of any asset to the extent payable before or after the time of acquisition or possession by the party liable where the advance or deferred payment is arranged primarily as a method of raising finance or financing the acquisition of that asset;
(f) leases or hire purchase contracts entered into primarily as a method of raising finance or financing the acquisition of the asset leased unless the aggregate financing amount of all such leases at any time does not exceed US$500,000;
(g) net amount payable in respect of currency swap or interest rate swap, cap or collar arrangements or other derivative instruments;
(h) amounts raised under any other transaction having the commercial effect of a borrowing or raising of money;
(i) preferred shares or shares which are issued or the terms of which are varied in each case after the Effective Date and which are expressed to be redeemable;
(j) deferred payments for assets (other than current assets) or services acquired other than on trade credit terms in the ordinary course of a person's business; and
(k) any guarantee, indemnity (including counter indemnity) or similar assurance against financial loss of any other person,
but no particular Indebtedness shall be taken into account more than once.
"FINANCIAL YEAR" means each period commencing on 1 January in a calendar year and ending on 31 December in that calendar year.
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"FIRST DRAWDOWN DATE" means the first date on which an Advance is made under this Agreement.
"FREE CASH" means US GAAP Cash less the sum of (i) US GAAP Restricted Cash and (ii) Restricted Cash.
"FURTHER FINANCING" shall have the meaning given to it in Clause 16.17 (No Additional Borrowing).
"GROSS INTEREST" means in relation to any stated financial period, the aggregate of all interest, fees, commission, discounts (other than trade discounts) and other cost, charges or expenses accruing due from the Borrower Group on a consolidated basis during such financial period in respect of the Financial Indebtedness of the Borrower Group, including without limitation:
(i) capitalised interest;
(ii) the portion of any payments under finance leases which exceeds the reduction of the principal indebtedness under such leases resulting from such payments; and
(iii) the amount by which the price payable on redemption of any debt securities issued by the Borrower Group exceeds the original issue proceeds thereof,
without deduction in respect of interest (including capitalised interest) received by the Borrower Group on a consolidated basis during such period.
"GROUP" means together the CNC HK Group, China Network, and the AssetCo Group, including, for the avoidance of doubt all Material Subsidiaries for the time being.
"GROUP ASSIGNMENTS OF INSURANCES" means collectively each assignment by way of security and/or composite assignment by way of security of the Insurances and Insurance Proceeds to be entered into by any one or more of the Security Parties in favour of the Security Trustee in form and substance satisfactory to the Finance Parties.
"GROUP STRUCTURE CHART" means the Group Structure Chart set out in Schedule 15 setting out the structure of the Borrower Group and the EAN Group as at the Effective Date.
"GUARANTEES" means the CNC HK Guarantee and the EAN Guarantee.
"GUARANTORS" means (i) CNC HK, and (ii) EAN and "GUARANTOR" means any one of them.
"GUARANTOR IPO DATE" shall have the meaning given to it in the CNC HK Guarantee.
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"GUARANTOR STOCK EXCHANGES" means the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and/or the New York Stock Exchange.
"HOLDING COMPANY" means in relation to any person, an entity of which that person is a Subsidiary.
"HONG KONG" means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.
"HYBRID FINANCIAL PRO-FORMA" means in relation to any relevant future financial period, the consolidated cash and US GAAP hybrid financial projections in respect of the Borrower Group for that period prepared by the Borrower and delivered to the Facility Agent, such projections to be in substantially the form of Schedule 10 Part A.
"HYBRID FINANCIAL STATEMENT" means in relation to any relevant financial period, consolidated cash and US GAAP hybrid financial statements of the Borrower Group for such period such statements to be in substantially the form set out in Schedule 10 Part B.
"INDEBTEDNESS" means any obligation for the payment or repayment of money, whether as principal or as surety and whether present or future, actual or contingent, primary or collateral, several or joint, secured or unsecured, subordinated or unsubordinated.
"INITIAL GROUP ASSIGNMENT OF INSURANCES" means the assignment by way of security of Insurances and Insurance Proceeds to be entered into by, inter alia, the Borrower and EAN in favour of the Security Trustee in form and substance satisfactory to the Finance Parties.
"INITIAL DEBENTURES" means each of the Debentures nos 1 to 10 inclusive in Schedule 11 to be entered into by the relevant Security Party listed in Schedule 11, in favour of the Security Trustee in form and substance satisfactory to the Finance Parties.
"INITIAL SHARE MORTGAGES" means each of the Share Mortgages nos 1 to 13 inclusive in Schedule 12 to be entered into by the relevant Security Party listed in Schedule 12 in favour of the Security Trustee in form and substance satisfactory to the Finance Parties.
"INITIAL SUBORDINATION DEEDS" means each of the Subordination Deeds listed in Schedule 13 to be entered into by the relevant Security Parties referred to in Schedule 13 in favour of the Security Trustee in form and substance satisfactory to the Finance Parties.
"INSURANCE PROCEEDS" means the proceeds of Insurances received or receivable by any member of the Borrower Group or the AssetCo Group.
"INSURANCE PROCEEDS ESCROW ACCOUNT" means the account opened and maintained with the Security Trustee in the name of the Borrower for the purposes of holding amounts paid under the proviso to Clause 7.5A(c).
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"INSURANCES" means all policies and contracts of insurance of any kind and every renewal thereof, in respect of which any member of the Borrower Group or the AssetCo Group has or in the future may have any right, title or interest (including, without limitation as loss payee or co-insured), and in particular, but without limitation, the insurance which is to be maintained pursuant to Clause 16.5 (Insurance).
"INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT" means an intercreditor agreement entered into, or to be entered into, by NewCo, the Security Trustee for and on behalf of the Finance Parties, EAN, the Junior Security Provider (as defined therein), the Senior Security Providers and the Borrower, whereby, among other things, NewCo agrees to subordinate in all respects its right to the Junior Debt (as defined therein) and the Junior Security (as defined therein) and which sets outs the terms upon which any enforcement by NewCo of any or all of its rights thereunder or in respect thereof shall be subject and subordinated, both in priority and decision making, to the Security Trustee (acting on the instructions of the Finance Parties).
"INTEREST EXPENSE" means in relation to a stated period, the aggregate of all interest (including, without limitation, the interest element of leasing and hire purchase payments and interest which has been capitalised), commission, fees, discount and other charge accruing during such period in respect of the indebtedness for borrowed money of each member of the Borrower Group and the net amount payable in respect of any interest hedging arrangements (or, as the case may be, deducting the amount receivable in respect of interest hedging arrangements) in respect of such relevant period in the case of any other credit facility and Interest Expense payable under such facility prior to the date on which the same ceases to be available for drawing to the extent that such facility is available for the payment of such Interest Expense.
"INTEREST PAYMENT DATE" means the last day of an Interest Period.
"INTEREST PERIOD" means each period for the calculation of interest in respect of any Advance or the Loan ascertained in accordance with Clauses 8.2 (Interest Periods), 8.3 (Day Count Convention) or 8.4 (Default Interest).
"INTERNATIONAL CIRCUITS" means telecommunications transmission facilities, in the form of telecommunications submarine or land cables, satellites or otherwise, connecting two jurisdictions.
"INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED STOCK EXCHANGE" means any internationally recognized stock exchange or over-the-counter market, and shall include the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, The Growth Enterprise Market of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ or any other recognized stock exchange (as defined in section 49BA of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32 of the Laws of Hong Kong).
"INTERNET PEERING CHARGES" means charges payable for the delivery and termination of data through the Internet.
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"IPO" means the becoming effective of a listing of any share capital of any member of the Borrower Group or the EAN Group on an Internationally Recognised Stock Exchange.
"IPO NET PROCEEDS" means all monies raised by any member of the Borrower Group or the EAN Group from an IPO of its shares less all costs, expenses, Taxes, fees and commissions paid or incurred by any such member of the Borrower Group or the EAN Group in connection therewith.
"IP TRANSIT CHARGES" means the charges for the delivery of data by means of Internet Protocol networks including any fees payable for termination of traffic into the United States of America.
"IRU" means an indefeasible right of use.
"IRU AGREEMENT" means an agreement or arrangement by which a member of the Borrower Group grants IRU Capacity to a customer in return for payments of IRU Cash Revenue and OA & M Revenues.
"IRU CAPACITY" means indefeasible rights of use of capacity on any cable network.
"IRU CAPACITY PROVIDER" means a provider of IRU Capacity.
"IRU CASH REVENUE" means payments received by any member of the Borrower Group in return for the grant of rights under an IRU Agreement less all costs, expenses, Taxes, fees and commissions paid or incurred by any member of the Borrower Group in connection therewith.
"KDDI" means KDDI Submarine Cable Systems Inc., a corporation organised under the laws of Japan.
"KDDI DEED OF TRANSFER, RELEASE AND SETTLEMENT" means the agreement to be entered into between EAN, the Borrower, NewCo, KDDI, DB Trustees (Hong Kong) Limited, and the Security Trustee relating to the transfer of the rights in respect of the Vendor Financing from KDDI and the Vendor Financing Security Documents granted in favour of KDDI or the Vendor Security Trustees.
"LENDER" means:
(a) any Original Lender;
(b) any bank, financial institution, trust, fund or other person which is a New Lender in accordance with Clause 18 (Assignment and Transfer); and
(c) any bank or financial institution which is an Additional Lender in accordance with Clause 24 (Agreement to Permit Additional Lenders).
"LIBOR" means, in relation to any relevant sum and any relevant period:-
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(a) the annual rate of interest displayed on Moneyline Telerate Page 3750 (or such page as may replace that page from time to time) as being the rate per annum at which Dollar deposits are offered for a period equal or comparable to such period at or about 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the second Business Day before the first day of such period (the "QUOTATION DATE"); or
(b) if, on the Quotation Date, no such rate appears on Moneyline Telerate Page 3750 (or such page as may replace that page from time to time) or no such page is on display, the arithmetic mean (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/16%) of the respective rates quoted by the Reference Banks to the Facility Agent as their offered rates to leading banks in the London interbank market for deposits in Dollars in an amount comparable to such sum for such period at or about 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the Quotation Date provided that if any Reference Bank does not quote such a rate to the Facility Agent for any relevant period, LIBOR for such period shall be determined on the basis of the rates quoted by the other Reference Banks, subject as provided in Clause 9 (Substitute Basis).
For the purposes of this definition, "RELEVANT PERIOD" means in relation to an Advance or the Loan, as the case may be, each Interest Period or, in relation to any unpaid sum, the period in respect of which LIBOR falls to be determined with respect to such unpaid sum.
"LOAN" means either the Tranche A Loan or the Tranche B Loan or where the context requires, both of them.
"LOCAL LOOPS" means a circuit connecting the premises of end users to the technical site of a member of the Borrower Group.
"MANAGED ROUTER" means a Switch for internet network.
"MANDATORY PREPAYMENT" means a prepayment of all or part of the Tranche A Loan and the Tranche B Loan pursuant to Clause 7.5 (Mandatory Prepayment).
"MAJORITY LENDERS" means:
(a) if there are no Loans then outstanding, a Lender or Lenders whose Commitments aggregate more than 66 2/3% of the Total Commitments (or, if the Total Commitments have been reduced to zero, aggregated more than 66 2/3% of the Total Commitments immediately prior to the reduction); or
(b) at any other time, a Lender or Lenders whose participations in the Loans then outstanding aggregate more than 66 2/3% of all the Loans then outstanding.
"MATERIAL SUBSIDIARY" means:
(a) the persons listed in Schedule 16; and
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(b) any Subsidiary of the Borrower (i) whose turnover is equal to at least 10% of the turnover of the Borrower as disclosed in the latest audited financial statements of the Borrower delivered pursuant to Clause 16.2; or (ii) whose net assets exceed 10% of the consolidated total assets of the Borrower as determined by the Facility Agent by reference to the latest audited financial statements of the Borrower delivered pursuant to Clause 16.2; and
(c) any Subsidiary of EAN (i) whose turnover is equal to at least 10% of the turnover of EAN as disclosed in the latest audited financial statements of EAN delivered pursuant to Clause 7.2 of the EAN Guarantee; or (ii) whose net assets exceed 10% of the consolidated total assets of EAN as determined by the Facility Agent by reference to the latest audited financial statements of EAN delivered pursuant to Clause 7.2 of the EAN Guarantee;
PROVIDED THAT:
(i) the net assets or turnover of a Subsidiary of the Borrower or a Subsidiary of EAN will be determined from their respective financial statements (consolidated if it has Subsidiaries) upon which the latest audited financial statements of the Borrower Group or the EAN Group (as the case may be) have been based;
(ii) if a Subsidiary of the Borrower or, as the case may be, of EAN becomes a member of the Borrower Group or, as the case may be, the EAN Group, after the date on which the latest audited financial statements of the Borrower Group or, as the case may be, the EAN Group have been prepared, the net assets or turnover of that Subsidiary will be determined from its latest financial statements until the Borrower Group or, as the case may be, the EAN Group produces its next audited financial statements;
(iii) the net assets or turnover of the Borrower Group and the EAN Group will be determined from its latest respective audited financial statements, adjusted (where appropriate) to reflect the net assets or turnover of any company or business subsequently acquired or disposed of;
(iv) if a Material Subsidiary disposes of all or
substantially all of its assets to another Subsidiary
of the Borrower or EAN, it will, subject to paragraph
(b) of this definition, immediately cease to be a
Material Subsidiary and the other Subsidiary (if it
is not already) will immediately become a Material
Subsidiary; the subsequent financial statements of
those Subsidiaries, of the Borrower Group and of the
EAN Group will be used to determine whether those
Subsidiaries are Material Subsidiaries or not,
If there is a dispute as to whether or not a company is a Material Subsidiary, a certificate of the auditors of the Borrower or, as the case may be EAN will be, in the absence of manifest error, conclusive.
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"MARGIN" means 1.573% per annum.
"NEC" means NEC Corporation, a corporation organised under the laws of Japan.
"NEC CONTRACT" means the project development and construction contract, dated 13th October 2000 (as amended from time to time) between NEC and EAN whereby NEC agreed to provide, and EAN agreed to purchase the submarine fiber optic cable system known as East Asia Crossing Cable System Phase 2 (as more fully described in such contract).
"NEC DEED OF TRANSFER, RELEASE AND SETTLEMENT" means the agreement to be entered into between EAN, the Borrower, China Netcom Holdings (BVI) Limited, NewCo, NEC, DB Trustees (Hong Kong) Limited, and the Security Trustee relating to the transfer of the rights in respect of the Vendor Financing from NEC and the Vendor Financing Security Documents granted in favour of NEC or the Vendor Security Trustees.
"NET DEBT" means, in relation to a stated period, the Financial Indebtedness of the Borrower Group less Free Cash.
"NEWCO" means Group Wealth Finance Limited, a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands whose registered office at P.O. Box 957, Offshore Incorporations Centre, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands being a wholly owned Subsidiary of EAN.
"NEW LENDER" shall have the meaning attributed to it in Clause 18.4 (Transfer Certificates).
"OA & M CASH REVENUE" means payments received by any member of the Borrower Group in consideration for the operation and maintenance service provided under an IRU Agreement.
"OA&M EXPENSES" means the aggregate of the following three items:-
(a) cash payments to Third Party IRU Capacity Providers for maintenance used by the relevant member of the Borrower Group or of the EAN Group under a Third Party IRU Agreement;
(b) cash payments to third party companies engaged by a member of the Borrower Group to maintain the EAC Network; and
(c) US GAAP calculation of internal costs either directly attributable or allocated to the maintenance of the EAC Network from SG&A Expenses.
"OBLIGORS" means the Borrower and the Guarantors.
"ORIGINAL FACILITY AGREEMENT" means the Facility Agreement signed by the Borrower, the Original Lenders, China Everbright Bank, the Arranger and the Facility
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Agent, on 2 December, 2003 but held undated in escrow pursuant to an escrow authorisation letter dated 2 December 2003 between the same parties, as amended and extended from time to time.
"OUTSTANDINGS" means in relation to a Lender at any relevant time the principal amount of the Tranche A Loan and the Tranche B Loan owing to such Lender.
"PCL" means Pacific Holdings Limited and its Subsidiaries currently in Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of New York.
"PCL OVERHANG" means in relation to a stated period expenditure to be incurred for that period by a member of the Borrower Group in respect of which a member of the Borrower Group has already received payment.
"PRC" means the People's Republic of China and where the context admits includes the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
"PERMITTED INDEBTEDNESS" means:-
(a) any one of:
(i) the Further Financing; or
(ii) the Additional Financing; or
(iii) Alternative Further Financing;
(b) any other indebtedness (i) raised by the Borrower or EAN with the prior written consent of the Lenders and (ii) which the Lenders have agreed in writing is not required to be applied to make a Mandatory Prepayment; or
(c) any Indebtedness referred to in Clause 16.16(a)(v) (Borrower Negative Pledge) and in the provisions of Clause 7.15(a)(v) of the EAN Share Mortgage.
"PREPAYMENT ESCROW ACCOUNT" means the interest bearing account opened and maintained with the Security Trustee in the name of the Borrower into which any amount comprising Mandatory Prepayments are paid in accordance with Clause 7.5 (Mandatory Prepayments) including any sub-accounts thereof.
"REFERENCE BANKS" means the principal London offices of Bank of China, Citibank N.A., and HSBC Bank plc or any substitute reference banks appointed pursuant to Clause 18.10 (Reference Banks).
"REPAYMENT DATES" means the dates set out in Column 2 of the table in Clause 6.1 under "Repayment Date".
"REQUISITION PROCEEDS" means any and all amounts (other than Insurance Proceeds) payable by any relevant governmental or other competent authority or by any person
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acting by authority of the same in respect of any compensation or reimbursement of fees or otherwise payable in consequence of an Expropriation of an asset of any member of the Borrower Group or any member of the EAN Group or of any of AssetCo's right title or interest in and to any member of the EAN Group (after deducting the amount required by any other member of the Borrower Group or other member of the EAN Group to pay as compensation attributable to such event to third parties that are not Affiliates of the Borrower Group or the EAN Group).
"REQUISITION PROCEEDS ESCROW ACCOUNT" means the account opened and maintained with the Security Trustee in the name of the Borrower for the purposes of holding amounts paid under the proviso to Clause 7.5A(d).
"RESTRICTED CASH" means, in respect of one or more members of the Borrower Group and the EAN Group, cash deposited or credit balances with a financial institution in a jurisdiction imposing restrictions, penalties and/or duties for the remittance of such cash or credit balances or part of any thereof outside that jurisdiction in each case not subject to a Security Interest.
"RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL AGREEMENT" means the agreement between CNC HK and the Borrower whereby CNC HK grants the Borrower on behalf of the Borrower Group a right of first refusal or other similar arrangement reasonably acceptable to the Facility Agent in respect of any network capacity or service requirements of the Restricted Group (as defined therein) terminating outside China but within the Asia Pacific region in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Facility Agent but subject to any contractual obligations which CNC HK may have entered into prior to 2nd December 2003.
"SECURITY ASSIGNMENT OF THE RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL AGREEMENT" means the assignment by way of security of the Right of First Refusal Agreement entered into or to be entered into by the Borrower in favour of the Security Trustee in form and substance satisfactory to the Finance Parties.
"SECURITY DOCUMENTS" means collectively:
(a) the Debentures;
(b) the Guarantees:
(c) the China Network Comfort Letter;
(d) the Group Assignments of Insurances;
(e) the Subordination Deeds;
(f) the Share Mortgages;
(g) the Charge Over Deposit;
(h) the Right of First Refusal Agreement;
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(i) the Security Assignment of the Right of First Refusal Agreement;
(j) the Charge Over Account;
(k) the Vendor Financing Security Documents;
(l) the Deeds of Transfer, Release and Settlement;
(m) the Vendor Financing Transfer Documents;
(n) the Intercreditor Agreement;
(o) each Additional Debenture;
(p) each Additional Share Mortgage;
(q) each Additional Assignment of Insurances;
(r) each Additional Subordination Deed; and
(s) each Additional Security Document;
and any other document executed from time to time by whatever person as a further guarantee or security for the Borrower's obligations hereunder or any other Security Party's obligations under any other Finance Document and "SECURITY DOCUMENT" means any of them.
"SECURITY INTEREST" means any mortgage, charge (whether fixed or floating), pledge, lien, hypothecation, assignment, security interest or encumbrance of any other kind securing or conferring any priority of payment in respect of any obligation of any person and including any right granted by a transaction which, in legal terms, is not the granting of security but which has an economic or financial effect similar to the granting of security in each case under any applicable law.
"SECURITY PARTY" means the Borrower, the Guarantors, China Network, each other member of the Group and, where the context permits, any Additional Security Party or other person which has provided, or subsequently provides, a guarantee of or security, for all or any part of the obligations under the Finance Documents.
"SECURITY PERFECTION REQUIREMENTS" means with respect to a Security Document payment of all stamp and documentary taxes and duties (including the payment of all such taxes and duties upon a revaluation of the Collateral the subject of such Security Document) required to be paid in any jurisdictions in order for the relevant Security Document to be admissible in evidence in the courts of those jurisdictions and valid, binding and enforceable and any other registration or notice requirement which is required in order to make the Security Document fully enforceable in Hong Kong and in the jurisdiction of the law governing that Security Document and (if requested by
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the Facility Agent or the Security Trustee, acting reasonably) the jurisdiction of the principal assets secured by that Security Document.
"SECURITY TRUSTEE" means Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited in its capacity as security trustee for the Finance Parties.
"SERVICE REVENUE" means the US GAAP calculation for Total Revenue, including US GAAP Service Revenue not previously reported, from customers of the Borrower Group excluding IRU Cash Revenue or OA&M Cash Revenue.
"SG&A EXPENSES" means the US GAAP calculation of selling, general and administrative expenses of the Borrower Group.
"SHARE MORTGAGES" means collectively the ANC Share Mortgage, the EAN Share Mortgage and each of the mortgages or similar security documents in agreed form creating Security Interests to be entered into by the relevant Security Party set out in Schedule 12 Column 1 in favour of the Security Trustee over, inter alia, shares of the members of the Group in form and substance satisfactory to the Finance Parties.
"SUBORDINATION DEEDS" means collectively each of the subordination deeds or similar security documents in agreed form under which the Borrower and EAN and each of their respective Material Subsidiaries, inter alia, subordinates its rights in respect of loans or advances made or to be made by it to members of the Borrower Group or as the case may be, the EAN Group and, as appropriate, its obligations in respect of loans or advances made or to be made to it by members of the Borrower's Group, in each case, to the Indebtedness constituted by this Agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Finance Parties.
"SUBSIDIARY" of a person means any company or entity directly or indirectly controlled by such person, for which purpose "control" means either ownership of more than 50% of the voting share capital (or equivalent right of ownership) of such company or entity or power to direct its policies and management whether by contract or otherwise.
"SUPPLEMENTAL AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT DEED" means the deed dated 27 July, 2004 amending and restating the Original Facility Agreement entered into by the Borrower, the Original Lenders, the Arrangers, China Everbright Bank and the Facility Agent.
"SWITCH" means an electronic device connecting a telecommunication signal from one end-user to another end-user.
"TAXES" includes all present and future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, fees or charges of whatever nature together with interest thereon and penalties in respect thereof and "TAXATION" shall be construed accordingly.
"TAX CREDIT" means a credit against, relief or remission for, or repayment of any Tax.
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"TAX ON OVERALL NET INCOME" of a person shall be construed as a reference to a Tax imposed on that person by the jurisdiction in which its principal office (and/or, in the case of a Lender, its Facility Office) is located by reference to (a) the net income, profits or gains received or receivable (but not any sum deemed to be received or receivable) of that person worldwide or (b) such of its net income, profits or gains received or receivable (but not any sum deemed to be received or receivable) as arise in or relate to that jurisdiction.
"TAX PAYMENT" means either an increase in a payment made by the Borrower or any other Security Party under Clause 14.1 (Tax Gross-up) or a payment under Clause 14.2 (Tax Indemnity).
"TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROVIDER" means a provider of telecommunications with a credit rating of "BB-" or above (as determined by Standard & Poor's International Ratings, or, if not rated by Standard & Poor's, the equivalent credit rating as determined by Moody's).
"THIRD PARTY IRU" means an agreement or arrangement by which a member of the Borrower Group agrees to purchase IRUs of a Third Party IRU Capacity Provider.
"THIRD PARTY IRU AGREEMENT" means an agreement between a member of the Borrower Group and a Third Party IRU Capacity Provider to purchase IRUs from that Third Party IRU Capacity Provider.
"THIRD PARTY IRU CAPACITY PROVIDER" means a third party provider of capacity who is not a member of the Borrower Group.
"TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE" means in relation to a stated period, the total aggregate expenditure by the Borrower Group on items of a capital nature but excluding:
(i) payments of interest and principal in relation to the Vendor Financing;
(ii) Backhaul/Offnet Overhang; and
(iii) CPE.
"TOTAL CASH AVAILABLE FOR DEBT SERVICE" means in relation to a stated period the Currency Equivalent of the sum of the amounts referred to on each Financial Covenant Test Date as Free Cash in the Borrower Group's latest audited consolidated financial statements or, as the case may be, its unaudited consolidated financial statements.
"TOTAL COMMITMENTS" means the aggregate of the Total Tranche A Commitments and the Total Tranche B Commitments, being, subject to Clause 24 and Clause 25, in aggregate US$130,000,000 at the date of this Agreement.
"TOTAL EXPENSES" means, in relation to a stated period, the aggregate for that period of:-
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(i) SG&A Expenses;
(ii) OA&M Expenses; and
(iii) CoA Expenses.
"TOTAL REVENUE" means, in relation to a stated period, the aggregate for that period of:-
(i) IRU Cash Revenue;
(ii) OA & M Cash Revenue; and
(iii) Service Revenue.
"TOTAL TRANCHE A COMMITMENTS" means the aggregate of the Tranche A Commitments, being, subject to Clause 24 and Clause 25, US$73,666,666.67 at the date of this Agreement.
"TOTAL TRANCHE B COMMITMENTS" means the aggregate of the Tranche B Commitments, being, subject to Clause 24 and Clause 25, US$56,333,333.33 at the date of this Agreement.
"TRANCHE A" means the facility referred in Clause 2.1(a) (The Facility).
"TRANCHE A ADVANCE" means an advance made or to be made by the Lenders to the Borrower under Tranche A or, as the case may be, the principal amount outstanding for the time being of any such advance.
"TRANCHE A COMMITMENT" means:
(a) in relation to an Original Lender, the amount set opposite its name under the heading "Tranche A Commitment" in Schedule 1 (The Lenders and their Commitments) and the amount of any other Tranche A Commitment transferred to it under this Agreement; and
(b) in relation to any other Lender, the amount of any Tranche A Commitment transferred to it under this Agreement,
to the extent not cancelled, reduced or transferred by it under this Agreement.
"TRANCHE A LOAN" means at any time, the aggregate amount of all Advances outstanding under Tranche A at that time.
"TRANCHE B" means the facility referred in Clause 2.1(b) (The Facility).
"TRANCHE B ADVANCE" means an advance made or to be made by the Lenders to the Borrower under Tranche B or, as the case may be, the principal amount outstanding for the time being of any such advance.
"TRANCHE B COMMITMENT" means:
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(a) in relation to an Original Lender, the amount set opposite its name under the heading "Tranche B Commitment" in Schedule 1 (The Lenders and their Commitment) and the amount of any other Tranche B Commitment transferred to it under this Agreement; and
(b) in relation to any other Lender, the amount of any Tranche B Commitment transferred to it under this Agreement,
to the extent not cancelled, reduced or transferred by it under this Agreement.
"TRANCHE B LOAN" means at any time, the aggregate amount of all Advances outstanding under Tranche B at that time.
"TRANSFER CERTIFICATE" means a certificate substantially in the form set out in Schedule 5.
"US GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles applicable in the United States of America in effect from time to time.
"US GAAP CASH" means the Currency Equivalent of the sum of the amounts referred to as cash in hand and credit bank balance in the Borrower Group's latest audited consolidated financial statements or, as the case may be, its unaudited consolidated financial statements.
"US GAAP RESTRICTED CASH" means the sum of the amounts of cash deposited by any one or more members of the Borrower Group and used as collateral for a guarantee issued by a financial institution at the request of any one or more members of the Borrower Group in the ordinary course of business.
"UNPAID SUM" means any sum due and payable but unpaid by a Security Party under the Finance Documents.
"VENDORS" means NEC and KDDI.
"VENDOR FINANCING" means the secured financings made available to, inter alia, EAN by the Vendors brief details of which are set out in Schedule 6.
"VENDOR FINANCING INTERCREDITOR DOCUMENTS" means the collateral agency agreement dated 14th May 2002 between Asia Global Crossing Limited, EAN, the Collateral Agent (as defined therein), NEC and KDDI and the intercreditor agreement dated 14th May 2002 between Asia Global Crossing Limited EAN, the Collateral Agent (as defined therein), NEC and KDDI.
"VENDOR FINANCING SECURED PARTIES" means KDDI, NEC and the Vendor Security Trustees as the beneficiaries of the Vendor Financing Security Documents.
"VENDOR FINANCING SECURITY DOCUMENTS" means together, the NEC PDA and the KDDI PDA (each as defined in Schedule 6), the agreements constituting or evidencing the Security Interests granted as security for the Vendor Financing in
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favour of KDDI and NEC or the Vendor Security Trustee or any of them, and the Vendor Financing Intercreditor Documents.
"VENDOR FINANCING TRANSFER DOCUMENTS" means collectively the NEC Deed of Transfer, Release and Settlement, the KDDI Deed of Transfer, Release and Settlement and each of the agreements and documents listed in the respective Schedules thereto or required under any such agreement or document.
"VENDOR SECURITY TRUSTEES" means together, DB Trustees (Hong Kong)
Limited and Fubon Commercial Bank Co., Ltd., and each a "VENDOR
SECURITY TRUSTEE".
"VOICE USAGE" means the transmission and delivery of voice traffic for other telecommunications carriers.
1.2 CLAUSE HEADINGS
Clause headings and the table of contents are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall be ignored in the interpretation of this Agreement.
1.3 CONSTRUCTION
In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires:-
(a) references to an "AFFILIATE" means, with respect to any specified person, any other person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, is controlled by, controls, or is under common control with, such specified person;
(b) references to a document being in "AGREED FORM" or to a matter being "AGREED" means such document or matter as agreed by the Facility Agent;
(c) references to "ASSETS" include present and future properties, revenues and rights of every description (whether real, personal or mixed, and whether tangible or intangible);
(d) references to an "AUTHORISATION" includes any authorisation, consent, approval, resolution, licence, exemption, filing, notarisation, lodgement or registration;
(e) references to "CONTROL" of a person means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person and the investment in such person, whether through the ownership of share capital or voting securities, as trustee or executor, by contract or otherwise, including, without limitation, the ownership, directly or indirectly, of share capital or securities having the power to elect and/or remove a majority of the board of directors or similar body governing the affairs of such person; and "CONTROLLED" shall be construed accordingly;
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(f) references to "DISPOSAL" includes any sale, transfer, grant, assignment, lease, exchange or other disposal, whether voluntary or involuntary, and "DISPOSE" shall be construed accordingly;
(g) a reference to "GUARANTEE" includes any other obligation (whatever called) of any person to pay, purchase, provide funds (whether by way of the advance of money, the purchase of or subscription for shares or other securities, the purchase of assets or services, or otherwise) for the payment of, or otherwise indemnify against the consequences of default in the payment of, or otherwise be responsible for, any indebtedness of any other person;
(h) "MONTH" shall be construed as a reference to a period starting on one day in a calendar month and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the next calendar month (and any reference to "MONTHS" shall be construed accordingly) save that, where any such period would otherwise end on a day which is not a Business Day, it shall end on the next Business Day (or, if that Business Day falls in the following month, on the immediately preceding Business Day), PROVIDED THAT if a period starts on the last Business Day in a calendar month or if there is no numerically corresponding day in the month in which that period ends, that period shall end on the last Business Day in that later month;
(i) references to a "PERSON" include references to an individual, firm, company, corporation, unincorporated body of persons or any state or any agency thereof;
(j) references to a "REGULATION" includes any regulation, rule, official directive, request or guideline (whether or not having the force of law) of any governmental, intergovernmental or supranational body, agency, department or regulatory, self-regulatory or other authority or organisation;
(k) references to "SHARE CAPITAL" includes in respect of any person, any subscriptions, options, warrants, commitments, pre-emptive rights or agreements of any kind (including any shareholders' or voting trust agreements) for the issuance, sale, registration or voting of, or securities convertible into, any additional shares of share capital of any class, or partnership or other ownership interests of any type in, that person and references to "CLASS" means a class of common shares, preferred shares, loan stock or equivalent instruments of a company, whenever issued and, for the avoidance of doubt, each series of ordinary shares, preferred shares, loan stock or equivalent instruments in a company, whenever issued and whether or not having different features, shall be considered as a separate class;
(l) references to "INCLUDE", "INCLUDES" and "INCLUDING" shall be construed without limitation;
(m) references to Clauses, Schedules and Recitals include references to the clauses of, schedules and recitals to, this Agreement and references to this Agreement include its Schedules;
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(n) references in a Clause to a Sub-Clause include references to a sub-clause of that Clause;
(o) references to (or to any specified provision of) this Agreement or any other Finance Document or other document include references to this Agreement, that Finance Document, that provision or that document as in force for the time being and as amended, varied, novated or supplemented in accordance with the terms thereof;
(p) words importing the plural include the singular and vice versa;
(q) references to an "ADDITIONAL SECURITY PARTY", the "BORROWER", the "FACILITY AGENT", an "ORIGINAL LENDER", any "FINANCE PARTY" any "OBLIGOR", any "SECURITY PARTY", any "FINANCE PARTY" the "SECURITY TRUSTEE" or any "LENDER" where the context permits, include their respective successors and permitted transferees and permitted assigns in accordance with their respective interests;
(r) a Default (other than an Event of Default) is "CONTINUING" if it has not been remedied or waived and an Event of Default is "CONTINUING" if it has not been waived.
2. THE FACILITY
2.1 THE FACILITY
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Lenders hereby agree to make available to the Borrower, the Facility in two tranches:-
(a) Tranche A of up to an aggregate amount equal to the Total Tranche A Commitments; and
(b) Tranche B of up to an aggregate amount equal to the Total Tranche B Commitments.
2.2 PRO RATA PARTICIPATION
(a) Subject to the remaining provisions of this Clause 2 each Lender shall participate in each Advance to be made under the Facility in the proportion borne by its Commitment to the Total Commitments (the "AGREED PROPORTIONS").
(b) Each Lender shall participate in the first Advance made under Tranche A as follows:
LENDER AMOUNT OF TRANCHE A FIRST ADVANCE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ICBC Beijing Branch 13,500,000.00 ICBC Shanghai Branch 9,000,000.00 |
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ICBC Hong Kong Branch 4,500,000.00 China Minsheng Banking Corp. Ltd. 0.00 CITIC Industrial Bank 3,333,333.33 Bank of Communications 1,666,666.67 Huaxia Bank 1,666,666.67 TOTAL 33,666,666.67 |
(c) For each subsequent Tranche A Advance, each Lender shall participate in that Tranche A Advance in such amounts determined by the Facility Agent (acting reasonably) as will as quickly as possible, result in each Lender's proportion of the Tranche A Advances being in the Agreed Proportions and thereafter, each Lender shall participate in any Tranche A Advance in accordance with Clause 2.2 (a) above PROVIDED THAT no Lender shall be obliged to participate for more than its Tranche A Commitment.
2.3 RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF EACH LENDER SEVERAL
(a) Subject as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the obligations of each Finance Party under the Finance Documents are several and failure of a Finance Party to carry out its obligations does not affect the obligations of any other party under any of the Finance Documents nor shall any other party to the Finance Documents be responsible or liable for the obligations of such Finance Party under the Finance Documents.
(b) The rights of each Finance Party under or in connection with a Finance Document are separate and independent rights and any debt arising under a Finance Document to a Finance Party from a Security Party shall be a separate and independent debt.
(c) Each Finance Party to this Agreement shall except as otherwise stated in the Finance Documents, be entitled to protect and enforce its rights arising out of the Finance Documents independently.
3. PURPOSE
(a) Tranche A shall be used towards financing Approved Capital Expenditure and part towards the on-lending of funds to NewCo to purchase the indebtedness and Security Interests constituted by the Vendor Financing and, subject to prior written consent from the Facility Agent acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders, the repayment of Existing Shareholder Loans; and
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(b) Tranche B shall be used solely towards the on-lending of funds
to NewCo to purchase the indebtedness and Security Interests
constituted by the Vendor Financing subject always to Clause
24 (Agreement to Permit Additional Lenders) and Clause 25
(Agreement to Permit Lender to Increase its Commitment),
but no Finance Party shall be obliged to monitor or verify the application of the proceeds by the Borrower.
4. DRAWDOWN
4.1 DRAWDOWN
Subject to Clause 5 (Conditions Precedent), each Advance in respect of a Facility shall only be made by the Lenders through the Facility Agent to the Borrower on each Drawdown Date if the following conditions are fulfilled:-
(a) not later than 11:00 a.m. (Hong Kong time) on the second Business Day before the proposed Drawdown Date of the relevant Advance, the Facility Agent has received from the Borrower a Drawdown Notice which shall be irrevocable and shall oblige the Borrower to borrow such Advance on the Drawdown Date as stated in that Drawdown Notice upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement;
(b) the proposed Drawdown Date of that Advance is a Business Day falling within the Drawdown Period;
(c) the proposed Drawdown Date of that Advance is not less than 4 Business Days after the date upon which the previous Advance (if any) was made under this Agreement; and
(d) the proposed amount of that Advance is either (i) an amount of not less than US$1,000,000 or if greater an integral multiple of US$100,000 which is less than the amount of the aggregate Available Commitments in respect of that Facility or (ii) equal to the amount of the aggregate Available Commitments in respect of that Facility on the proposed Drawdown Date for that Advance.
4.2 NOTIFICATION OF DRAWDOWN NOTICE AND LENDERS' PARTICIPATIONS
Upon receipt of a Drawdown Notice complying with the terms of this Agreement in respect of an Advance, the Facility Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the proposed Drawdown Date and the amount of each Lender's proportion of that Advance and subject to the terms of this Agreement, each of the Lenders shall make available to the Facility Agent on such Drawdown Date its proportion of that Advance.
4.3 PAYMENT OF PROCEEDS
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All amounts to be made available by the Lenders to the Facility Agent shall be made available not later than 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on the relevant due date in Dollars in immediately available freely transferable cleared funds to the account of the Facility Agent as specified by the Facility Agent for this purpose from time to time.
4.4 REDUCTION OF ADVANCE
If a Lender's Available Commitment is reduced in accordance with the terms of this Agreement after the Facility Agent has received a Drawdown Notice for an Advance then the amount of that Advance shall be reduced accordingly.
4.5 CANCELLATION AFTER DRAWDOWN PERIOD
Any part of the Facility which remains undrawn or uncancelled by the end of the Drawdown Period shall at that time be automatically cancelled and the Available Commitment of each Lender shall at that time be reduced to zero.
5. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
5.1 DOCUMENTARY CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
Subject to Clause 5.3 (Waiver or Deferral of Conditions), unless all the Finance Parties otherwise agree in writing with the Borrower, the Borrower may not deliver a Drawdown Notice for the first Advance until the Facility Agent, or its duly authorised representative, shall have confirmed to the Borrower and the Lenders that it has received the documents and evidence specified in Schedule 3, each in form and substance satisfactory to the Facility Agent.
5.2 FURTHER CONDITIONS
The obligation of each Lender to contribute to any Advance is subject to the further conditions that at the time of the making of that Advance:-
(i) no event mentioned in Clause 9.1 (Market Disruption) occurs or has occurred in relation to that Advance or any other Advance or the Loan;
(ii) the representations and warranties in Clause 15 (Representations and Warranties) are true and correct in all material respects (in the Facility Agent's sole opinion) as if made on and as of the time of the making of that Advance by reference to the facts and circumstances existing at such time;
(iii) no Default is continuing, or will occur as a result of making that Advance; and
(iv) not later than 11:00 a.m. (Hong Kong time) on the proposed Drawdown Date of that Advance, the Facility Agent has received and found satisfactory such additional information, legal opinions and/or other documents (if any) relevant in the context of or relating to the Finance Documents and the Borrower or the
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transactions contemplated hereby as the Facility Agent may reasonably request as a result of circumstances which have arisen or come to its attention since the signing of this Agreement.
5.3 WAIVER OR DEFERRAL OF CONDITIONS
If all the conditions set out in Clauses 5.1 (Documentary Conditions Precedent) have not, in the sole opinion of each Finance Party, been satisfied in full, the Borrower may within 3 months from the date of this Agreement request all the Lenders (who shall not be obliged to do so and shall each have an absolute discretion whether or not to do so and in any event only if all agree to do so) to make one or more Advances in an aggregate amount not to exceed US$90,000,000 subject to the following conditions:-
(a) if any of the conditions specified in Clause 5.1 (Documentary Conditions Precedent) is waived or deferred by the Facility Agent (acting in accordance with the instructions of all the other Finance Parties), prior to such an Advance being made, the Facility Agent shall (if so requested by all the other Finance Parties) attach to such waiver or deferral such requirements and further or other conditions as it thinks fit in relation to that waiver or deferral, and the Obligors shall and undertake to fulfil, or procure fulfilment of, all such requirements or further or other conditions as may be notified to the Obligors by the Facility Agent (acting in accordance with the instructions of all the other Finance Parties) in writing, in accordance with the terms of such notification; and
(b) if the Facility Agent agrees (in accordance with the instructions of all the other Finance Parties) to permit an Advance on terms (express or otherwise) that any condition specified in Clause 5.1 (Documentary Conditions Precedent) may be fulfilled after the First Drawdown Date, the Obligors shall (unless the Facility Agent (acting in accordance with the instructions of all the other Finance Parties) shall have expressly agreed otherwise in writing with the Obligors) procure that such condition is fulfilled within 3 months after the First Drawdown Date (or such other period as the Obligors and the Facility Agent (acting in accordance with the instructions of all the other Finance Parties) may agree having regard to the nature of such condition to be fulfilled) failing which it shall be an Event of Default.
6. REPAYMENT
6.1 REPAYMENT
The Borrower shall repay each of the Tranche A Loan and Tranche B Loan in instalments by repaying on each Repayment Date the amount set out under the column "Repayment Amount" in the table below adjacent to such Repayment Date in the manner set out below:-
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INSTALMENT NO. REPAYMENT DATE REPAYMENT AMOUNT Instalment 1 36 months after the earlier of (i) Equal to 7.5% of the amount of each First Drawdown Date and (ii) 31 of the Tranche A Loan and the July 2004 Tranche B Loan outstanding as at the end of the Drawdown Period Instalment 2 39 months after the earlier of (i) Equal to 7.5% of the amount of each First Drawdown Date and (ii) 31 of the Tranche A Loan and the July 2004 Tranche B Loan outstanding as at the end of the Drawdown Period Instalment 3 42 months after the earlier of (i) Equal to 10% of the amount of each First Drawdown Date and (ii) 31 of the Tranche A Loan and the July 2004 Tranche B Loan outstanding as at the end of the Drawdown Period Instalment 4 45 months after the earlier of (i) Equal to 10% of the amount of each First Drawdown Date and (ii) 31 of the Tranche A Loan and the July 2004 Tranche B Loan outstanding as at the end of the Drawdown Period Instalment 5 48 months after the earlier of (i) Equal to 10% of the amount of each First Drawdown Date and (ii) 31 of the Tranche A Loan and the July 2004 Tranche B Loan outstanding as at the end of the Drawdown Period Instalment 6 51 months after the earlier of (i) Equal to 10% of the amount of each First Drawdown Date and (ii) 31 of the Tranche A Loan and the July 2004 Tranche B Loan outstanding as at the end of the Drawdown Period Instalment 7 54 months after the earlier of (i) Equal to 10% of the amount of each First Drawdown Date and (ii) 31 of the Tranche A Loan and the July 2004 Tranche B Loan then outstanding as at the end of the Drawdown Period Instalment 8 57 months after the earlier of (i) Equal to 10% of the amount of each First Drawdown Date and (ii) the of the Tranche A Loan and the 31 July 2004 Tranche B Loan outstanding as at the end of the Drawdown Period |
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Instalment 9 Final Maturity Date Outstanding balance of each of the Tranche A Loan and the Tranche B Loan outstanding as at the end of the Drawdown Period |
6.2 REPAYMENTS OR PREPAYMENTS PRIOR TO PARTICIPATIONS IN THE AGREED PROPORTIONS
If after the First Drawdown Date but before the participation of each Lender in the Tranche A Advances has reached that Lender's Agreed Proportion, a repayment is made under Clause 6.1 or a prepayment is made under Clause 7.1, the Facility Agent shall apply the amount received as between the two Loans in the proportions that the amounts then actually outstanding in respect of each Loan bears to the aggregate amount then actually outstanding in respect of both Loans and then as between the Lenders under a Loan, in the proportions that their actual participation in that Loan outstanding immediately prior to that date bears to the aggregate sum of the Tranche A Loan and the Tranche B Loan outstanding immediately before the repayment or prepayment, as the case may be.
7. VOLUNTARY PREPAYMENT, CANCELLATION AND MANDATORY PREPAYMENT
7.1 VOLUNTARY PREPAYMENT
The Borrower may, at any time after the Drawdown Period, prepay without premium or penalty (subject to Clause 12 (Indemnities)) all or any part of any Advance or the Loan on an Interest Payment Date applicable to the amount to be prepaid, provided that:-
(a) the Borrower shall have given to the Facility Agent not less than 14 Business Days' prior written notice of the amount and proposed date of prepayment; and
(b) the amount of any partial prepayment shall be not less than US$20,000,000 and an integral multiple of US$10,000,000 or the remaining balance of the Loan; and
(c) subject to the provisions of Clause 6.2 and Clause 13.4 the amount of any prepayment shall be applied to reduce the Tranche A Loan and the Tranche B Loan pro rata and in inverse order of maturity.
No amount prepaid may subsequently be reborrowed.
7.2 ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS ON PREPAYMENT
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Any prepayment under this Agreement shall be made together with accrued interest thereon, any Breakage Costs and all other sums then due and payable under the Finance Documents.
7.3 CANCELLATION OF AVAILABLE COMMITMENTS
The Borrower may within the Drawdown Period, by giving to the Facility Agent not less than 14 Business Days' prior written notice specifying the amount to be cancelled, cancel without premium or penalty all or any part (but, if in part, being an amount of not less than US$20,000,000 and an integral multiple of US$10,000,000) of the Total Commitments under an Available Facility. Any cancellation in part shall reduce the Available Commitment of each Lender under that Facility rateably, and any amount cancelled may not be reinstated.
7.4 IRREVOCABILITY
Any notice of prepayment or cancellation given by the Borrower under this Agreement shall be irrevocable and shall specify the date upon which such prepayment or cancellation is to be made and the amount of such prepayment or cancellation and shall oblige the Borrower to make such prepayment or cancellation on such date.
7.5 MANDATORY PREPAYMENT
A. Without prejudice to the Borrower's obligations under Clause 6 (Repayment), but subject to Clause 7.5B (Provisions applicable to Mandatory Prepayments), the Borrower shall, in the circumstances and manner described below make a Mandatory Prepayment.
(a) ASSET DISPOSALS: Without prejudice to Clause 16.16(c) (Further Undertakings) and without limiting the obligation of any member of the Borrower Group to obtain the consent of the Facility Agent pursuant to Clause 16.20 (Notification and Consent), the Borrower shall, not later than 5 Business Days prior to the occurrence of a Disposition or, as the case may be, the anticipated occurrence of the circumstances listed in Clause 7.5A.(a)(ii) below notify the Facility Agent in writing, and, in the case of a Disposition, deliver to the Facility Agent a statement certified by an Approved Officer of the Borrower, in form and detail satisfactory to the Facility Agent, of the amount of the expected Disposition Proceeds and upon completion of the Disposition or occurrence of the circumstances listed in Clause 7.5A.(a)(ii) below, as the case may be, the Borrower shall ensure that any Disposition Proceeds or amounts referred to in Clause 7.5A(a)(ii) below as the case may be are paid into the Prepayment Escrow Account for the purpose of making a Mandatory Prepayment in accordance with Clause 7.5B in an amount equal to:
(i) the Disposition Proceeds of each Disposition of any asset occurring outside the ordinary course of its business whether in a single transaction or a series of transactions where the receivable proceeds of such Dispositions in any Financial Year of the Borrower are in
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aggregate in excess of US$250,000 and such proceeds are not reinvested in the business of the Borrower Group with the prior approval of the Facility Agent within 180 days of such Disposition, less, an amount, calculated by the Borrower to the reasonable satisfaction of the Facility Agent, equal to the aggregate of (x) agreed costs of such member of the Borrower Group directly attributable to the Disposition and (y) reasonable provision for Taxes directly attributable to the Disposition; and
(ii) the IRU Cash Revenue whether in a single transaction or a series of transactions by any member of the Borrower Group where such IRU Cash Revenue is in aggregate in excess of US$80,000,000 ( excluding OA & M Cash Revenue) in any Financial Year commencing after 1 April 2004,
PROVIDED THAT pending any reinvestment of such proceeds as referred to in paragraph (i) above the Borrower shall ensure that such Disposition Proceeds shall be paid into the Disposition Proceeds Escrow Account and no part of any Disposition Proceeds paid into the Disposition Proceeds Escrow Account shall be withdrawn except either to apply the same in such reinvestment or at the end of the 180 days periods to be transferred to the Prepayment Escrow Account.
(b) IPO: Upon the receipt of any IPO Net Proceeds, the Borrower shall notify the Facility Agent by giving it notice in the form of Schedule 9 and shall:
(i) immediately after their receipt pay into the Prepayment Escrow Account an amount equal to 50% of such IPO Net Proceeds (unless a lesser amount is required to fully pay off all amounts outstanding under the Finance Documents) for the purpose of making a Mandatory Prepayment in accordance with Clause 7.5B; and
(ii) procure that the balance of such IPO Net Proceeds are reinvested in the business of the Borrower and/or any member of the Borrower Group.
(c) INSURANCE PROCEEDS: The Borrower shall or shall procure that any Insurance Proceeds received by (i) the Borrower or any member of the Borrower Group; or (ii) AssetCo or any member of the AssetCo Group; or (iii) the relevant loss payee, as the case maybe, in excess of US$1,000,000 (or its Currency Equivalent) in respect of any single incident (less any compensation and/or claim due to be paid out in settlement of claims in respect of third party liability in respect of such incident) are paid as soon as reasonably practicable to the Prepayment Escrow Account for the purposes of making a Mandatory Prepayment in accordance with Clause 7.5B UNLESS:
(i) within 30 days of such incident the Borrower or AssetCo provides the Facility Agent with a reinstatement plan for the repair or replacement of the damaged asset to restore such damaged assets to a state and level
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of performance substantially similar to the state and level of performance immediately prior to the incident (the "REINSTATEMENT PLAN"); and
(ii) within 240 days after the Reinstatement Plan is submitted to the Facility Agent, the damaged asset the subject of such incident has been restored to its state and level of performance immediately prior to the incident to the reasonable satisfaction of the Facility Agent,
PROVIDED THAT pending the satisfaction of the conditions in paragraphs (i) and (ii) above the Borrower shall ensure that such Insurance Proceeds shall be paid into the Insurance Proceeds Escrow Account and no part of any Insurance Proceeds paid into the Insurance Proceeds Escrow Account shall be withdrawn except for the purpose described in Clause 7.5A(c)(ii) within that 240 days period or at the end of such 240 days period to be transferred to the Prepayment Escrow Account.
(d) REQUISITION PROCEEDS: Upon the receipt by any member of the Borrower Group of any Requisition Proceeds, the Borrower shall or shall procure that such member of the Borrower Group pays such Requisition Proceeds into the Prepayment Escrow Account for the purposes of making a Mandatory Prepayment in accordance with Clause 7.5B in an amount equal to the amount of Requisition Proceeds received, but excluding Requisition Proceeds which:
(i) relate to assets/facilities of the Borrower essential for the continued operation of the Borrower Group's core business which are applied to replace assets and/or establish alternative facilities similar or comparable to the assets and/or facilities in respect of which Requisition Proceeds were received; or
(ii) which do not fall within paragraph (i) above but which the Facility Agent acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders has agreed (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) may be applied to replace assets and/or establish alternative facilities similar or comparable to the assets and/or facilities in respect of which the Requisition Proceeds were received.
PROVIDED THAT in the case of any Requisition Proceeds falling within the terms of Clause 7.5A(d)(i) or (ii) above, the Borrower shall ensure that such Requisition Proceeds shall be paid into the Requisition Proceeds Escrow Account.
(e) NEW INDEBTEDNESS: Upon any member of the Borrower Group raising any Indebtedness from time to time which is not Permitted Indebtedness ("NEW INDEBTEDNESS PROCEEDS"), the Borrower shall or shall procure that simultaneously therewith an amount equal to the amount of such New Indebtedness Proceeds is immediately paid into the Prepayment Escrow Account for the purpose of making a Mandatory Prepayment in accordance with Clause 7.5B.
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Nothing in this Clause 7.5A (Mandatory Prepayment) shall be deemed to limit any obligation of any member of the Borrower Group or the AssetCo Group (as the case may be) pursuant to the other provisions of this Clause 7.5 or any of the other Finance Documents to remit any of the Insurance Proceeds, the Requisition Proceeds, the IPO Net Proceeds, the New Indebtedness Proceeds or the Disposition Proceeds to the Prepayment Escrow Account maintained by the Borrower with the Facility Agent pursuant to any of the Finance Documents.
B. Within 5 Business Days after the date on which any Disposition Proceeds, IPO Net Proceeds, Insurance Proceeds, Requisition Proceeds, New Indebtedness Proceeds or any other monies payable pursuant to Clause 7.5A ("PROCEEDS") have been received, (such dates the "RECEIPT DATE") the Borrower shall deliver a certificate to the Facility Agent confirming the relevant Receipt Date, the amount and nature of such Proceeds and amounts deducted therefrom, and the Borrower shall ensure that all Proceeds are paid directly upon receipt into the Prepayment Escrow Account or, as the case may be, the other relevant Escrow Account and shall upon receipt into the Prepayment Escrow Account make a Mandatory Prepayment in an amount equal to such Proceeds and:
(a) any Mandatory Prepayment shall be made together with accrued interest thereon, any Breakage Costs and all other sums then due and payable under the Finance Documents;
(b) each Mandatory Prepayment shall be applied to reduce the Tranche A Loan and the Tranche B Loan pro rata and in inverse order of maturity.
Where, pursuant to Clause 7.5A and 7.5B (Mandatory Prepayment), the Borrower is required to procure a prepayment of the Loan on any day which is not an Interest Payment Date under this Agreement, the Borrower shall unless such has already been deposited pursuant to the provisions of Clause 7.5A., deposit into the Prepayment Escrow Account the amount of the required prepayment, which amount shall (a) be required to be retained in such Prepayment Escrow Account until the next Interest Payment Date under this Agreement whereupon the Borrower will make the required prepayment of the Loan on such relevant Interest Payment Date by applying the credit balance on such Prepayment Escrow Account in such prepayment and (b) bear interest for the period of such deposit (on the basis of a year of 360 days and the actual number of days elapsed) at the rate per annum conclusively determined by the Facility Agent to be the rate per annum at which Dollar deposits in an amount comparable to such credit balance may be deposited by the Facility Agent for the relevant period of such deposit in London interbank market.
C. If at any time so long as any sum remains payable under the Finance Documents or any part of a Facility remains available:
(a) (i) China Network ceases to control or to be the Holding Company of CNC HK or AssetCo; or (ii) any person or groups of persons acting in concert or acting together gains control or becomes the Holding Company of CNC HK or AssetCo; or
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(b) prior to the Guarantor IPO Date, any change is made to the general nature of the business of the CNC HK Group which is reasonably likely to materially and adversely affect the business or financial condition of the CNC HK Group as compared to the financial condition of the CNC HK Group as at 31 December 2003 or the ability of any Security Party to perform its respective obligations under the Finance Documents,
then:
(i) the Borrower shall promptly notify the Facility Agent upon becoming aware of that event; and
(ii) without prejudice to paragraph (i) above, upon the Facility Agent becoming aware of that event, if the Lenders so require, the Facility Agent shall by not less than 14 days notice to the Borrower cancel the Total Commitments of each Facility and declare all Outstandings of the Lenders together with accrued interest thereon, any Breakage Costs and all other amounts accrued and then due and payable under the Finance Documents immediately due and payable, whereupon the Total Commitments of each Facility will be cancelled and all such outstanding amounts will immediately become due and payable and the Borrower shall prepay an amount equal to such outstanding amounts subject to and in accordance with Clause 7.2 and 7.4.
For the purpose of paragraph 7.5C(a)(ii) above, a person "ACTING IN CONCERT" with another person has the meaning given to it in the Codes on Takeovers and Mergers and Share Repurchases published from time to time by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong and "ACTING TOGETHER" means two or more persons acting together for the purposes of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of equity securities or share capital as referred to in the United States Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 13d-5.
8. INTEREST
8.1 INTEREST RATE
The Borrower shall pay interest in arrears on each Advance or, as the case may be, the Loan in respect of each Interest Period on each Interest Payment Date at the annual rate of interest determined by the Facility Agent to be the aggregate of (i) the Margin and (ii) LIBOR for that Interest Period.
8.2 INTEREST PERIODS
The Interest Periods applicable to each Advance or, as the case may be, the Loan shall be of 3 month's duration PROVIDED THAT:-
(a) the first Interest Period in relation to each Advance shall commence on the Drawdown Date of that Advance;
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(b) each Interest Period (other than the first Interest Period in relation to each Advance) shall commence on the last day of the preceding Interest Period;
(c) in relation to each Advance other than the first Advance, the first Interest Period shall end on the last day of the then current Interest Period in respect of the Loan so that all existing Advances shall be consolidated upon the expiry of each Interest Period (to the extent not already consolidated in accordance with this Clause 8.2 (Interest Periods));
(d) any Interest Period which would otherwise end on a non-Business Day shall instead end on the next following Business Day or, if that Business Day is in another calendar month, on the immediately preceding Business Day;
(e) if any Interest Period commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month 3 months thereafter, as the case may be, that Interest Period shall, subject to Clause 8.2 (c) and (f) (Interest Periods), end on the last Business Day of such later calendar month; and
(f) any Interest Period which would otherwise overrun a Repayment Date or the Final Maturity Date shall instead end on that Repayment Date or, as the case may be, the Final Maturity Date, subject to adjustment in accordance with Clause 13.7 (Business Day Convention).
8.3 DAY COUNT CONVENTION
Interest shall accrue from day to day and shall be calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed and a 360-day year, including the first day of the period during which it accrues but excluding the last.
8.4 DEFAULT INTEREST
(a) If a Security Party fails to pay any amount payable by it under a Finance Document on its due date, (to the extent that such Finance Document does not contain provisions for the payment of interest at a default rate) interest shall accrue on the overdue amount from the due date up to the date of actual payment (both before and after judgment) at the Default Rate in the currency of the overdue amount for successive Interest Periods, each of a duration selected by the Facility Agent. Any interest accruing under this Clause 8.4 (Default Interest) shall be immediately payable by the Borrower on demand by the Facility Agent.
(b) If any overdue amount consists of all or part of a Loan which became due on a day which was not the last day of an Interest Period relating to that Loan:
(i) the first Interest Period for that overdue amount shall have a duration equal to the unexpired portion of the current Interest Period relating to that Loan; and
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(ii) the rate of interest applying to the overdue amount during that first Interest Period shall be the Default Rate.
(c) Default Interest (if unpaid) arising on an overdue amount will be compounded with the overdue amount at the end of each Interest Period applicable to that overdue amount but will remain immediately due and payable.
8.5 NOTIFICATION OF RATES OF INTEREST
The Facility Agent shall promptly notify the Lenders and the Borrower of the determination of a rate of interest pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
9. SUBSTITUTE BASIS
9.1 MARKET DISRUPTION
If, in relation to an Advance or the Loan for any Interest Period:-
(a) the Facility Agent, acting reasonably determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding) that by reason of circumstances affecting the London interbank market generally, adequate and fair means do not or will not exist for ascertaining LIBOR for that Interest Period; or
(b) only one or no Reference Bank notifies the Facility Agent of a rate for the purpose of determining LIBOR for that Interest Period; or
(c) the Facility Agent is notified by a group of Lenders to whom in aggregate fifty per cent. (50%) or more of an Advance or the Loan is (or if that Advance were then made, would be) owed that deposits in Dollars in the required amount for the relevant Interest Period are not available to them in the London interbank market or that LIBOR does not adequately reflect the cost to those Lenders of obtaining funds for that Interest Period,
the Facility Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders accordingly and no Advance or further Advance, as the case may be, shall be made until a substitute basis pursuant to this Clause 9 (Substitute Basis) is agreed.
9.2 CONSULTATION AND AGREEMENT
Immediately following the notification referred to in Clause 9.1 (Market Disruption), the Borrower and the Facility Agent, in consultation with the Lenders, shall negotiate in good faith with a view to agreeing upon a substitute basis for funding an Advance or the Loan, as the case may be, and determining the applicable interest rate. If a substitute basis is agreed in writing within 30 days after such notification or such longer period for discussion as the Borrower and the Facility Agent acting on the instructions of the Lenders may agree, that substitute basis shall take effect in accordance with its terms.
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9.3 NO AGREEMENT
If a substitute basis is not so agreed and an Advance has been made, the Borrower shall pay interest to each Lender on that Lender's Outstandings for the relevant Interest Period at the rate per annum equal to the aggregate of:-
(a) the Margin; and
(b) the rate notified to the Facility Agent to be that which expresses as a percentage rate per annum the cost to that Lender of funding its Outstandings during the relevant Interest Period (from whatever source that Lender may select).
9.4 CANCELLATION OR PREPAYMENT
If a substitute basis is not so agreed pursuant to Clause 9.2 (Consultation and Agreement) and:- (a) if no Advance has been made, the Facility shall be cancelled and all sums outstanding under the Finance Documents shall be paid to the Facility Agent at the end of the period for negotiation ascertained in accordance with Clause 9.2 (Consultation and Agreement); or (b) if one or more Advances have been made, the Facility Agent may require the prepayment of the whole of the Loan, by giving written notice to the Borrower specifying a prepayment date which is not less than 30 days after such notice is given. On such specified date the Facility shall be cancelled and the Borrower shall prepay (without premium or penalty, other than any amounts payable pursuant to Clause 12 (Indemnities)) the Loan in full together with interest accrued thereon to the date of prepayment and all other sums payable under the Finance Documents. For this purpose, the interest rate from time to time applicable to each Lender's Outstandings shall be the rate as ascertained in accordance with Clause 9.3 (No Agreement) in relation to the relevant period. 10. INCREASED COSTS 10.1 INCREASED COSTS If the result of any change in, or the introduction of, any law, regulation or regulatory requirement or any change in the interpretation or application thereof or compliance by any Finance Party or any of its Affiliates with any direction, request or requirement (whether or not having the force of law) of any central bank, monetary, regulatory or other authority (including, in each case without limitation, those relating to Taxation, capital adequacy, liquidity, reserve assets and special deposits) is to:- |
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(a) subject any Finance Party or any of its Affiliates to Taxes or change the basis of Taxation of any Finance Party or any of its Affiliates with respect to any payment under the Finance Documents (other than Taxes or Taxation on the overall net income or profits of such Finance Party or any such Affiliate imposed in the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated or in which its lending office under this Agreement is located); and/or
(b) increase the cost of, or impose an additional cost on, any Finance Party or any of its Affiliates in relation to the making of an Advance or maintaining or funding any Lender's Available Commitment or Outstandings; and/or
(c) reduce the amount payable or the effective return to any Finance Party or any of its Affiliates under the Finance Documents; and/or
(d) reduce any Finance Party's or any of its Affiliates' rate of return on its overall capital by reason of a change in the manner in which it is required to allocate capital resources to its obligations under the Finance Documents; and/or
(e) require any Finance Party or any of its Affiliates to make a payment or forgo a return on or calculated by reference to any amount received or receivable by it under or by reason of the Finance Documents,
then and in each such case:-
(i) such Finance Party shall notify the Borrower through the Facility Agent in writing of such event promptly upon its becoming aware of the same; and
(ii) the Borrower shall on demand pay to the Facility Agent for the account of such Finance Party the amount which such Finance Party certifies as the amount required to compensate such Finance Party or its Affiliates for such increased cost, reduction, payment or forgone return; and
(iii) without prejudice to the obligations of the Borrower under paragraph (ii) above, so long as the circumstances giving rise to such increased cost, reduction, payment of foregone return continue, the Borrower may with respect to a Lender prepay (without premium or penalty, other than any amounts payable pursuant to Clause 12 (Indemnities)) all but not part of such Lender's Outstandings together with accrued interest thereon to the date of actual payment and all other sums payable hereunder in relation to such Outstandings or under the Finance Documents, on giving not less than 30 days' prior written notice to the Facility Agent. Such Lender's Commitment shall be cancelled on the giving of such notice.
A demand may be made by a Finance Party under this Clause at any time whether or not any of the Outstandings has been repaid.
10.2 ALLOCATION
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Each Finance Party may allocate or spread costs and/or losses among its assets and liabilities (or any class thereof) on such basis as it reasonably considers appropriate.
10.3 MITIGATION
(a) Each Finance Party agrees that it shall negotiate with the Borrower with a view to mitigating the circumstances giving rise to an increased cost set out in Clause 10.1 (Increased Costs) including without limitation by transferring its rights and obligations under the Finance Documents to another Affiliate or Facility Office.
(b) Paragraph (a) above does not in any way limit the obligations of any Security Party under the Finance Documents.
10.4 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
(a) The Borrower shall indemnify each Finance Party for all costs and expenses reasonably incurred by that Finance Party as a result of steps taken by it under Clause 10.3 (Mitigation).
(b) A Finance Party is not obliged to take any steps under Clause
10.3 (Mitigation) if, in the opinion of that Finance Party
acting reasonably, to do so might be prejudicial to it.
11. ILLEGALITY
If it shall become unlawful or contrary to any law, regulation, treaty or official directive (whether or not having the force of law), as the case may be, in any jurisdiction applicable to any Lender for that Lender to perform any of its obligations as contemplated by this Agreement or to fund its participation in the Loan, that Lender shall, by written notice to the Borrower through the Facility Agent, declare that its obligations shall be terminated on the earlier of (i) the last day of the then current Interest Period and (ii) the latest date as such Lender may certify as being permitted by the relevant law, regulation, treaty or official directive whereupon at the end of the applicable period the Borrower shall, if so required pursuant to such law, regulation, treaty or official directive, prepay forthwith (without premium or penalty, other than any amounts payable pursuant to Clause 12 (Indemnities)) (or, if permitted by the relevant law, regulation, treaty or official directive, at the end of the then current Interest Period) that Lender's Outstandings together with accrued interest thereon to the date of actual payment and all other sums payable under the Finance Documents. On the giving of such notice that Lender's Commitment shall immediately be reduced to zero and its obligations under this Agreement shall cease.
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12. INDEMNITIES 12.1 GENERAL INDEMNITY The Borrower shall (and shall procure that a member of the Borrower Group will), forthwith on demand of the Facility Agent, indemnify each Finance Party against all costs, losses, expenses and liabilities, including without limitation Breakage Costs and loss of Margin, which that Finance Party may properly sustain or incur as a consequence of all or any of:- (a) any default in payment on the due date by a Security Party of any sum due or expressed to be due under any of the Finance Documents; |
(b) the occurrence or continuation of any Default;
(c) any accelerated repayment under Clause 17 (Events of Default);
(d) the operation of Clause 22 (Pro rata Sharing);
(e) any failure to borrow in accordance with any Drawdown Notice, including any failure in the due satisfaction of any of the conditions in Clause 5 (Conditions Precedent) or any failure to prepay any Advance or the Loan or any part thereof in accordance with a notice of prepayment given in accordance with this Agreement;
(f) any prepayment of the Loan or any part thereof other than in accordance with the provisions of Clause 7.1 (Voluntary Prepayment Cancellation);
(g) any payment of principal or an overdue amount being received otherwise than on the last day of an Interest Period or on its due date with respect to such overdue amount; or
(h) any other default by a Security Party with respect to any of its obligations under any of the Finance Documents to which it is a party,
provided such costs, losses, expenses and liabilities including without limitation Breakage Costs and loss of Margin have not arisen due to the Finance Parties' fraud, wilful misconduct or gross negligence.
12.2 CURRENCY INDEMNITY
(a) If an amount due to the Facility Agent or any Finance Party from a Security Party under the Finance Documents (a "SUM"), or any order, judgment or award given or made in relation to a sum, has to be converted from the currency (the "FIRST CURRENCY") in which that sum is payable into another currency (the "SECOND CURRENCY") for the purpose of:
(i) making or filing a claim or proof against that Security Party;
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(ii) obtaining or enforcing an order, judgment or award in relation to any litigation or arbitration proceedings, the Borrower shall, as an independent obligation to the Facility Agent or such Finance Party, indemnify the Facility Agent or such Finance Party to whom that sum is due against any cost, loss or liability arising out of or as a result of the conversion including any discrepancy between (A) the rate of exchange used to convert that sum from the first currency into the second currency and (B) the rate or rates of exchange available to that person at the time of its receipt of that sum. (b) The Borrower waives any right it may have in any jurisdiction to pay any amount under the Finance Documents in a currency or currency unit other than that in which it is expressed to be payable. 13. PAYMENTS 13.1 PLACE All payments by the Borrower or a Lender under this Agreement shall be made to the Facility Agent to its account at such office or bank as it may notify the Borrower or that Lender from time to time for this purpose. All payments by the Facility Agent to the Borrower or the Lenders under this Agreement shall be made to the account at such office or bank as they may notify the Facility Agent from time to time for this purpose. 13.2 FUNDS Payments under this Agreement shall be made for value on the relevant due date before 11:00 a.m. (New York time) in immediately available funds to such account as the Facility Agent or the Borrower may specify or in such other manner as the Facility Agent or the Borrower may specify as being customary at the time for the settlement of transactions in Dollars. 13.3 NO SET-OFF AND COUNTERCLAIM All payments made by a Security Party under the Finance Documents shall be calculated and made without (and free and clear of any deduction for) set-off or counterclaim. 13.4 DISTRIBUTION Except as otherwise indicated in this Agreement, all payments made to the Facility Agent by the Borrower under this Agreement shall be with same day value and distributed by the Facility Agent among the Lenders rateably in accordance with their Commitments and in like funds as they are received by the Facility Agent, to such account of each Lender as shall have previously been notified to the Facility Agent. |
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13.5 PARTIAL PAYMENTS If the Facility Agent receives from the Borrower or any other person on its behalf a payment that is insufficient to discharge all the amounts then due and payable by the Borrower under the Finance Documents , the Facility Agent may apply such payment towards the obligations of the Borrower under the Finance Documents in the following order:- (a) firstly, in or towards payment, on a pro rata basis, of any unpaid fees (including, without limitation, the commitment fee payable under Clause 20.3 (Commitment Fee)), costs and expenses of the Facility Agent under this Agreement; (b) secondly, in or towards payment to the Finance Parties, on a pro rata basis, of any accrued interest, fee or commission which shall have become due but remains unpaid under the Finance Documents; (c) thirdly, in or towards payment to the Lenders, on a pro rata basis, of any principal which shall have become due but remains unpaid under the Finance Documents; and (d) fourthly, in or towards payment of any other sum which shall have become due but remains unpaid under the Finance Documents. The order of application set out in sub-clauses (b) to (d) may be varied by the Facility Agent if the Finance Parties so direct. 13.6 REFUNDS Where any sum is to be paid under the Finance Documents to the Facility Agent for the account of another person, the Facility Agent may assume that the payment will be made when due and may (but shall not be obliged to) make such sum available to the person so entitled. If it proves to be the case that such payment was not made to the Facility Agent, then the person to whom such sum was so made available shall on request refund such sum to the Facility Agent together with interest thereon sufficient to compensate the Facility Agent for the cost of making available such sum up to the date of such repayment and the person by whom such sum was payable shall indemnify the Facility Agent for any and all losses or expenses which the Facility Agent may sustain or reasonably incur as a consequence of such sum not having been paid on its due date. 13.7 BUSINESS DAY CONVENTION (a) Any payment under the Finance Documents which is due to be made on a day which is not a Business Day shall be made on the next Business Day in the same calendar month (if there is one) or the preceding Business Day (if there is not). |
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(b) During any extension of the due date for payment of any principal or any other sum which is due and payable but unpaid by a Security Party under the Finance Documents, interest is payable on the principal at the rate payable on the original due date. 13.8 CONTROL ACCOUNT Each Lender shall maintain, in accordance with its usual practices, an account or accounts evidencing the amounts from time to time lent by, owing to and paid to it under this Agreement. The Facility Agent shall maintain a control account showing the Advances made, the Loan and other sums owing by the Borrower under this Agreement and all payments in respect thereof made by the Borrower from time to time. The control account shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive as to the amount from time to time owing by the Borrower under this Agreement. 13.9 CERTIFICATES Any certificate or determination of the Facility Agent or any Finance Party as to any rate of interest or any amount or otherwise under or for the purposes of this Agreement shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Borrower and (in the case of a certificate or determination by the Facility Agent) on the Finance Parties. 13.10 CURRENCY OF ACCOUNT (a) Subject to paragraph (b) to (c) below, Dollars is the currency of account and payment for any sum due. (b) Each payment in respect of costs, expenses or Taxes shall be made in the currency in which the costs, expenses or Taxes are incurred. (c) Any amount expressed to be payable in a currency other than Dollars shall be paid in that other currency. 14. TAXES 14.1 TAX GROSS-UP (a) All sums payable by the Borrower or any other Security Party under the Finance Documents shall be paid in full without any restriction or condition and free and clear of any Tax or other deductions or withholdings of any nature. (b) If at any time the Borrower or any other Security Party or any other person is required in any jurisdiction to make any deduction or withholding in respect of Taxes or otherwise from any payment due under the Finance Documents for the account of the Facility Agent or any Finance Party (or the Facility Agent is required to make any such deduction or withholding from a payment to any |
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Finance Party), the sum due from the Borrower or such other Security Party in respect of such payment shall be increased to the extent necessary to ensure that, after the making of such deduction or withholding, the Facility Agent or each Finance Party receives on the due date for such payment (and retains, free from any liability in respect of such deduction or withholding) a net sum equal to the sum which it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been required to be made. (c) The Borrower's obligations under Clause 14.1(a) and (b) shall not apply in respect of any Tax on Overall Net Income levied on a Finance Party. (d) All Taxes required by law to be deducted or withheld by the Borrower from any amounts paid or payable under this Agreement shall be paid by the Borrower when due (except for such amounts being disputed by the Borrower in good faith) to the relevant taxing authority. 14.2 TAX INDEMNITY The Borrower shall indemnify each Finance Party against any losses or costs incurred by any of them by reason of: (a) any failure of any Security Party to make any such deduction or withholding referred to in Clause 14.1; or (b) any increased payment referred to in Clause 14.1 not being made on the due date for such payment; or (c) any Taxes which are being disputed by any Security Party and remaining unpaid; and (d) any liability suffered (directly or indirectly) for or on account of Tax by that Finance Party in respect of any payment received or receivable or deemed to be received or receivable under a Finance Document. 14.3 EVIDENCE OF PROOF Each Security Party shall promptly deliver to the Facility Agent any receipts, certificates or other proof evidencing the amounts (if any) paid or payable in respect of any deduction or withholding as aforesaid. 14.4 TAX CREDIT If Security Party makes a Tax Payment and the relevant Finance Party determines that:- (a) a Tax Credit is attributable either to an increased payment of which that Tax Payment forms part, or to that Tax Payment; and (b) that Finance Party has obtained, utilised and retained that Tax Credit, |
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the Finance Party shall, promptly after obtaining the benefit of that Tax Credit, pay an amount to the Security Party which will leave it (after that payment) in the same after-Tax position as it would have been in had the Tax Payment not been required to be made by the Security Party. Any certificate or determination of a Finance Party showing in reasonable details the calculations made by that Finance Party as to any amount for the purposes of this Clause 14 shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Borrower and the other Security Parties. 15. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES 15.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES The Borrower represents and warrants to the Facility Agent and each of the Finance Parties that: (a) STATUS: each member of the Borrower Group is a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of its place of incorporation and has full power, authority and legal right to own its property and assets and to carry on its business as such business is now being conducted; (b) POWER AND AUTHORITY: each member of the Borrower Group has all legal power and authority to enter into each of the Finance Documents to which it is or will be a party and perform its obligations under each of such Finance Documents and all actions (including any corporate action) required to authorise the execution and delivery of each of such Finance Documents and the performance of its obligations under each of the Finance Documents to which it is or will be a party have been duly taken; (c) LEGAL VALIDITY: the Finance Documents to which each member of the Borrower Group is or will be a party constitute or, when so executed and delivered, will constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower and each member of the Borrower Group enforceable in accordance with their respective terms; (d) NON-CONFLICT WITH LAWS: the entry into, performance and delivery of each of the Finance Documents to which it is or will be a party and the transactions contemplated thereby do not and will not conflict with or result in a breach of (i) any law, judgment, regulation or any official or judicial order, or (ii) the constitutional documents of each member of the Borrower Group, or (iii) any agreement or document to which each member of the Borrower Group is a party or which is binding upon it or any of its assets or revenues with a monetary value greater than US$500,000, nor cause any limitation placed on it or the powers of its directors to be exceeded or result in the creation or imposition of any Security Interest on any of its assets or revenues pursuant to the provisions of any such agreement or document; |
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(e) NO CONSENTS: other than the Consents, no consent, authorisation, licence or approval of, or registration with or declaration to, governmental or public bodies or authorities or courts is required for or in connection with, the execution, delivery, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of the Finance Documents to which it is party or the performance by each member of the Borrower Group of its obligations under such Finance Documents;
(f) NO REGISTRATION: it is not necessary in order to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of the Finance Documents that it or any other instrument be notarised, filed, recorded, registered or enrolled in any court or other authority or that any stamp, registration or similar tax or charge be paid on or in relation to this Agreement and this Agreement is in proper form for its enforcement in the courts of England, Hong Kong and all jurisdictions the subject of any legal opinion referred to in paragraph 4 of Schedule 3;
(g) LITIGATION: except as disclosed in a letter of even date from the Borrower to the Facility Agent, no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding is currently taking place or pending or, to the knowledge of the officers of the Borrower, threatened against the Borrower or any member of the Borrower Group or any of their respective assets which could, in the reasonable opinion of the Majority Lenders, materially and adversely affect its business, assets or financial condition or their respective ability to perform its obligations under the Finance Documents to which each is party;
(h) NO TAXES: under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation in force at the date of this Agreement, all payments to be made by each member of the Borrower Group under the Finance Documents may be made by the Borrower and each member of the Borrower Group free and clear of, and without deduction for, Taxes and no deductions or withholdings are required to be made therefrom save as specified in any legal opinion referred to in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of Schedule 3; and no Taxes are imposed on or by virtue of the execution or delivery by each member of the Borrower Group of the Finance Documents to which it is party or any document to be executed or delivered under such Finance Documents;
(i) TAX LIABILITIES: each member of the Borrower Group has complied with all Taxation laws in all material respects in all jurisdictions in which they are subject to Taxation and has paid all Taxes due and payable by each of them; no material claims are being asserted against them with respect to Taxes;
(j) NO DEFAULT:
(a) no Default has occurred and is continuing or might reasonably be expected to result from the making of an Advance;
(b) no member of the Borrower Group is or, with the giving of notice or lapse of time or satisfaction of any other condition or any combination thereof, would be in material breach of or in default under any
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agreement relating to Financial Indebtedness to which it is a party or by which it may be bound;
(k) NO IMMUNITY: the Borrower is generally subject to civil and commercial law and to legal proceedings and neither the Borrower nor any of its assets or revenues is entitled to any immunity or privilege (sovereign or otherwise) from any set-off, judgment, execution, attachment or other legal process;
(l) INFORMATION: all information supplied to the Facility Agent or any Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower in respect any member of the Borrower Group under or in connection with the Finance Documents is true, complete and accurate in all material respects and not misleading in any material respect or does not omit any material facts and all reasonable enquiries have been made to verify the facts contained in the Finance Documents; and there are no other facts the omission of which would make any fact or statement therein misleading in any material respect;
(m) SECURITY INTEREST: save as permitted by Clause 16.16(a) (Borrower Negative Pledge), no Security Interest exists over all or any of the present or future revenues or assets of any member of the Borrower Group;
(n) NO WINDING-UP: no member of the Borrower Group has taken any corporate action or no other step has been taken or legal proceedings have been commenced or threatened against it for its winding-up, dissolution, administration or reorganisation or for the appointment of a receiver, administrator, trustee or similar officer of it or all or any of its assets or revenues, except as permitted by Clause 17.1(g) (Winding-up);
(o) GROUP STRUCTURE CHART: the Group Structure Chart shows:-
(i) each member of the Group and any person in whose shares any member of the Group has an interest (and the percentage of the issued share capital held, and whether legally or beneficially, by that member), in each case as at the Effective Date;
(ii) the jurisdiction of incorporation or establishment of each person shown in it;
(iii) the status of each person shown in it which is not a limited liability company or corporation;
(p) NO FINANCIAL INDEBTEDNESS: no member of the Borrower Group has any Financial Indebtedness other than as permitted by Clause 16.17; and
(q) COMPLIANCE WITH CONSENTS AND LICENCES: every consent, authorisation, licence or approval required for the time being by each member of the Borrower Group in connection with the conduct of its business and the ownership, use, exploitation or occupation of its property and assets has been applied for and not refused or has been obtained and is in full force and effect
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and there has been no material default in the observance of the conditions and restrictions (if any) imposed on, or in connection with, any of the same which may have a material adverse effect on the ability of each member of the Borrower Group to perform its obligations under the Finance Documents to which it is party and, to the knowledge of the officers of the Borrower, no circumstances have arisen whereby any remedial action is likely to be required to be taken by, or at the expense of, any member of the Borrower Group under or pursuant to any law or regulation applicable to the business, property or assets of a member of the Borrower Group. 15.2 REPETITION The representations and warranties in Clause 15.1 (Representations and Warranties) shall be deemed to be repeated by the Borrower each time a Drawdown Notice is issued, on each Drawdown Date and on each Interest Payment Date with reference to the facts and circumstances existing from time to time. 16. UNDERTAKINGS 16.1 DURATION The undertakings in Clause 16 (Undertakings) shall remain in force from and after the date of this Agreement and so long as any sum remains payable under this Agreement or any part of a Facility remains available. 16.2 INFORMATION The Borrower shall furnish to the Facility Agent, in sufficient copies for each of the Finance Parties:- (a) as soon as they are available, but in any event within 180 days after the end of each of its Financial Year, copies of the audited consolidated financial statements (including, but not limited to, a balance sheet profit and loss statement and cashflow statement prepared on a consolidated basis) of the Borrower Group in respect of such Financial Year together with a certificate signed by an Approved Officer and countersigned by an executive director of the Borrower certifying that the financial covenants set out in Schedule 8 have been complied with as of the immediately preceding Financial Covenant Test Date and setting out the calculations in reasonable detail; (b) as soon as they are available, but in any event within 30 days after the end of each quarter period of each of its Financial Years, copies of the unaudited consolidated financial statements (including, but not limited to, a balance sheet profit and loss statement and cashflow statement prepared on a consolidated basis) of the Borrower Group in respect of such quarter year period together with a certificate signed by an Approved Officer and countersigned by an executive director of the Borrower certifying that no Default has occurred during such quarter year period; |
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(c) as soon as they are available, but in any event within 30 days after the end of each quarter period of each of its Financial Years copies of the Hybrid Financial Statements for such quarter period certified as correct by an Approved Officer and countersigned by an executive director of the Borrower;
(d) as soon as they are available, but in any event within 60 days after the end of each of its Financial Year, copies of the Hybrid Financial Pro-forma for the next Financial Year and/or any other cash flow or financial projections prepared on a US GAAP basis as the Facility Agent may request;
(e) upon written request from the Facility Agent following the occurrence of a Default (i) promptly the then latest available unaudited financial statements of the Borrower Group whether for the previous half-yearly, quarterly or monthly period or otherwise and (ii) as soon as they are available, but no later than 30 days after the end of the month in which the Default occurred, copies of the unaudited consolidated financial statements (including a profit and loss account, cash flow statement and balance sheet prepared on a basis consistent with the audited financial statements prepared on a consolidated basis) of the Borrower Group in respect of such period between the date of the latest audited or unaudited (as the case may be) consolidated financial statements provided by the Borrower Group to the Facility Agent and the end of the month in which the Default occurred;
(f) promptly on request, all notices or other documents despatched by the Borrower or any other member of the Borrower Group to its shareholders or creditors (or any class thereof);
(g) promptly on request, such further information (including without limitation, any cash flow or financial projections prepared on a US GAAP basis for any period, except that a Hybrid Financial Pro-forma in addition to a Hybrid Financial Pro-forma provided pursuant to 16.2(d) above may only be requested following a Default which is continuing) in the possession or control of the Borrower with respect to the financial condition and operations of any other member of the Group as the Facility Agent or any Finance Parties may from time to time reasonably request;
(h) promptly, details of any actual, pending or threatened litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings against any member of the Borrower Group or any of their respective assets which may, materially and adversely affect any Security Party's financial condition or its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement;
(i) promptly, details of any circumstance which might lead to a Mandatory Prepayment; and
(j) promptly, details of any change in the structure of the Borrower Group or the EAN Group or the ownership of any member of the Borrower Group or the
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EAN Group from that set out in the Group Structure Chart which may be materially adverse to the interests of the Finance Parties. All financial statements required under this Agreement (except any Hybrid Financial Pro-forma) shall be prepared in accordance with US GAAP consistently applied (or if not consistently applied accompanied by details of the inconsistencies) and shall fairly represent the financial condition of the Borrower Group. Such financial statements, if audited, shall be certified without qualification by a recognised firm of independent accountants acceptable to the Facility Agent or if qualified by such accountants, the qualification is acceptable to the Facility Agent acting reasonably; and, if unaudited, shall be accompanied by a certificate signed by an Approved Officer and countersigned by an executive director of the Borrower to the effect that such financial statements are true in all respects and fairly represent the financial condition of the Borrower Group or the AssetCo Group as the case may be. 16.3 PROPER RECORDS The Borrower Group shall keep proper records and books of account in respect of its business and permit the Facility Agent or any Lender and/or any professional consultants appointed by the Facility Agent or such Lender at all reasonable times upon reasonable prior notice to inspect and examine the records and books of account of the Borrower and each member of the Borrower Group. 16.4 MERGERS No member of the Borrower Group will, without the prior written consent of the Facility Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders) enter into any merger or consolidation with any entity or take any step with a view to dissolution, liquidation or winding-up. 16.5 INSURANCE (a) The Borrower will, and for other members of the Borrower Group which currently maintains any Insurances, procure that such member of the Borrower Group effect and maintain such Insurance over and in respect of the assets and business with reputable underwriters or insurance companies in such manner and to such extent as is reasonable and customary for a business enterprise engaged in the same or a similar business and in the same or similar localities and whose practice is not to self-insure; (b) The Facility Agent may at any time and from time to time appoint an independent insurance advisor experienced in the field in which the Borrower or other member of the Borrower Group effects and maintains Insurances, to review and advise the Facility Agent and the Lenders on the Insurances effected by the Borrower and other members of the Borrower Group and, if agreed to by the insurance advisor, provide a summary of such advice to the Borrower. Upon receipt of such a summary the Borrower shall consult its own insurance advisor and the Facility Agent, the independent insurance advisor, the Borrower and the Borrower's insurance advisor shall negotiate for a period |
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of 14 days with each other in good faith to implement the recommendations (if any) set out in such a summary and, if after a period of 14 days the Borrower's insurance advisor agrees with the advice of such independent insurance advisor, the Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to implement the advice contained in such summary; (c) The Borrower will promptly notify the Facility Agent if any member of the Borrower Group takes out (or if there is taken out on behalf of it) any Insurances (other than director's liability insurance or third party liability insurance) and such Insurances are not subject to any Security Interests in favour of the Finance Parties under a Security Document and, within 10 Business Days of request by the Facility Agent, execute an Additional Assignment of Insurances on terms substantially similar to the other Assignments of Insurances and deliver such other documentation in form and substance satisfactory to the Security Trustee in respect of such Insurances. 16.6 SHARE CAPITAL The Borrower will not, and will procure that no other member of the Borrower Group or CNC HK will, without the prior written consent of the Facility Agent, purchase or redeem any of its issued shares or reduce its share capital or make a distribution of assets or other capital distribution to its shareholders except if :- (a) no Default is continuing or would occur at the time of or as a result of such purchase, redemption, reduction or distribution; (b) the Facility Agent has been granted a Security Interest over the shares in the member of the Borrower Group which is purchasing or redeeming any of its issued shares or reducing its share capital or to which a distribution of assets or other capital distribution is being made; (c) the Facility Agent has been granted a Security Interest over the assets or capital the subject of such distribution; and (d) such purchase, redemption, reduction or distribution is by and amongst members of the Borrower Group. 16.7 DIVIDENDS The Borrower undertakes and agrees with the Facility Agent throughout the continuance of the Facility Agreement and so long as any sum remains owing hereunder that it will not declare or pay any dividends or make any other distribution (whether of an income or capital nature) except if:- (i) no Default has occurred or would occur at the time of or as a result of such declaration, payment or distribution; (ii) such declaration, payment or distribution shall not result in a breach of the financial covenants under Clause 3 of Schedule 8; and |
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(iii) the amount in respect of which such declaration, payment or
distribution has been made is not greater than 50% of the distributable profits of the Borrower in the Financial Year preceding the time of such declaration, payment or distribution. 16.8 LENDING AND GUARANTEES The Borrower will not and will procure that no other member of the Borrower Group will make or grant any loan or advance to, or give any guarantee, indemnity, bond or letter of credit to or for the benefit of, or in respect of the liabilities or obligations of, any other person other than a member of the Borrower Group or voluntarily assume any liability (whether actual or contingent) of any other person other than a member of the Borrower Group. For the avoidance of doubt, intra group loans by and amongst members of the Borrower Group are permitted provided that such intra group loans are expressly subordinated to all amounts owing under the Finance Documents under the terms of a subordination deed in form and substance satisfactory to the Lenders pursuant to which, inter alia, upon the occurrence of a Default, the principal of, and interest accruing on such intra group loans shall not be paid, repaid, payable or repayable in whole or in part. 16.9 FURTHER INFORMATION The Borrower shall provide the Facility Agent with such financial and other information concerning the Borrower or any other member of the Borrower Group as the Facility Agent or any Lender (acting through the Facility Agent) may from time to time reasonably require provided that the disclosure of such financial or other information is permitted by law or regulation (whether or not having force of law) applicable to the Borrower. 16.10 NOTIFICATION OF DEFAULTS The Borrower will and shall procure that each other member of the Borrower Group promptly inform the Facility Agent of any occurrence of any event which it becomes aware of which may adversely affect its ability to perform its respective obligations under the Finance Documents in any material respect or of any Default forthwith upon becoming aware of the same and will from time to time, if so requested by the Facility Agent, confirm to the Facility Agent in writing that, save as otherwise stated in such confirmation, no Default has occurred and is continuing. 16.11 CONSENTS The Borrower will, and shall procure that each other member of the Borrower Group obtain and promptly renew from time to time and thereafter maintain in full force and effect, and will comply in all material respects with, all Consents and all authorisations, approvals, consents, licences and exemptions as may be required under any applicable law or regulation to enable it to perform its obligations under the Finance Documents to which it is respectively a party or required for the validity or enforceability of such Finance Documents. |
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16.12 USE OF PROCEEDS The Borrower will use the proceeds of each Advance for the purposes specified in Clause 3 (Purpose). 16.13 PARI PASSU RANKING The Borrower undertakes that its obligations under this Agreement do and will at all times rank at least pari passu with all other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Borrower save for any obligations mandatorily preferred by law and not by contract. 16.14 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS The Borrower will comply, and will ensure that each other member of the Borrower Group complies with all laws, regulations, agreements, licences and concessions material to the carrying on of its respective business. 16.15 CONSTITUTIONAL DOCUMENTS The Borrower will (and the Borrower shall ensure that each other member of the Borrower Group will) procure that no material amendment or supplement is made to its Memorandum of Association and Bye-Laws other than any amendment which (a) is made pursuant to any shareholders' agreement among the Borrower and its shareholders and (b) does not materially and adversely affect the ability of the Borrower or any member of the Borrower Group to perform its respective obligations under the Finance Documents. 16.16 FURTHER UNDERTAKINGS The Borrower undertakes with the Facility Agent and the Lenders that, without the prior written consent of the Majority Lenders:- (a) BORROWER NEGATIVE PLEDGE: it will not and shall procure that no other member of the Borrower Group shall create or permit to arise or exist any Security Interest on all or any part of the assets of the Borrower or any other member of the Borrower Group or any income or profit therefrom, unless contemporaneously therewith or prior thereto Indebtedness owing to the Lenders under this Agreement is equally and |
rateably secured, other than:
(i) Vendor Financing Security;
(ii) Security Interests created prior to the date of this Agreement and previously disclosed in writing to the Lenders;
(iii) liens arising solely by operation of law in the ordinary course of a Borrower Group member's business;
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(iv) any Security Interest over an asset acquired by the Borrower or any other member of the Borrower Group after the date of this Agreement in existence at the time such asset was acquired but only to the extent that the principal amount secured by that Security Interest has not been incurred or increased in contemplation of, or since, the acquisition;
(v) Security Interests over assets acquired or to be acquired or developed or to be developed and created for the purpose of securing repayment of Indebtedness borrowed solely for the purpose of financing or refinancing the acquisition or development cost of such asset and in circumstances where the aggregate principal amount of such financings or refinancings, when aggregated together with the aggregate principal amount of the financings or refinancings referred to in Clause 7.15(a)(v) of the EAN Guarantee does not exceed at any time US$500,000; and
(vi) to the extent it creates a Security Interest, any Security Interest that arises in connection with the deposit of cash with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited or any of its affiliates for the issuance of guarantees or other banking facilities as collateral for trade finance facilities in the ordinary course of business of any member of the Borrower Group provided that the aggregate amount of such deposits when aggregated together with any deposits referred to in Clause 7.15(a)(vi) of the EAN Guarantee, shall not exceed US$10,000,000 at any time.
(b) TRANSACTIONS SIMILAR TO SECURITY: it will not (and shall procure that no other member of the Borrower Group will):
(i) sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its assets on terms whereby it is or may be leased to or re-acquired or acquired by the Borrower or any member of the Borrower Group or any of its or their Affiliates; or
(ii) sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its receivables on recourse terms, except for the discounting of bills or notes in the ordinary course of trading,
in circumstances where the transaction is entered into primarily as a method of raising finance or of financing the acquisition of an asset;
(c) DISPOSALS: it will not (and shall procure that no other member of the Borrower Group will), without the consent of the Facility Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders) either in a single transaction or in a series of transactions whether related or not and whether voluntarily or involuntarily, dispose of all or any material part of the business or assets or revenues of the Borrower or such other member of the Borrower Group, except disposals made in good faith for full consideration on an arm's length basis in the ordinary course of its business, and provided that such disposal does not, materially and adversely affect the ability of the Borrower or any
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other member of the Borrower Group to perform its respective obligations under the Finance Documents or the rights of the Finance Parties under the Finance Documents.
(d) ACCESSION/SECURITY FOR FUTURE MEMBERS OF THE BORROWER GROUP:
The Borrower shall ensure that any person which becomes a
Material Subsidiary shall, to the extent permitted by law and
as soon as is reasonably possible after becoming a Material
Subsidiary but in any event no later than 30 Business Days
after the date on which it becomes a Material Subsidiary,
become a Security Party and provide the documents and other
evidence listed in Schedule 17 (Documents required to be
delivered by an Additional Security Party) to the Security
Trustee as security in favour of the Finance Parties to secure
all of the obligations and liabilities of the Security Parties
under the Finance Documents.
(e) ALTERNATIVE SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS: If a Material Subsidiary is, or is likely to be, unable to grant the Security Interests required to be granted pursuant to paragraph (d) above as a result of applicable law or regulatory restrictions, the Borrower and the Facility Agent shall negotiate in good faith to agree alternative security arrangements.
(f) NEW ASSETS WHICH MAY NEED SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY: The Borrower shall procure that each member of the Borrower Group which is a Material Subsidiary shall to the extent legally possible promptly notify the Facility Agent if it increases its issued or registered share capital or if any investments or assets are acquired by it or on its behalf and such shares or investments or assets are not subject to any Security Interests in favour of the Finance Parties under a Security Document and, within 10 Business Days of request by the Facility Agent, execute (or, in the case of shares, procure the execution of a Security Document on terms substantially similar to the appropriate Share Mortgage, subject to any necessary changes) an Additional Security Document and deliver such other documentation in form and substance satisfactory to the Security Trustee (acting reasonably) in respect of such Collateral.
(g) RIGHT TO REQUEST SECURITY OVER SHARES IN A MEMBER OF THE GROUP WHICH BECOMES A MATERIAL SUBSIDIARY: Within 30 Business Days of receipt of a request by the Security Trustee, the Borrower or any other member of the Borrower Group shall execute a share pledge or a share charge over any share capital it owns in any member of the Borrower Group which becomes a Material Subsidiary (on terms substantially similar to the appropriate Share Mortgage, subject to any necessary changes) and deliver such other documentation in form and substance satisfactory to the Security Trustee (acting reasonably) in respect of that share capital.
(h) FURTHER ACTION TO PERFECT SECURITY: Each member of the Borrower Group shall (and the Borrower shall ensure that each other member of the Borrower Group will), at its own expense, promptly take all such action as the Facility Agent or the Security Trustee may require:
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(i) for the purpose of perfecting or protecting the Finance Parties' rights under, and preserving the Security Interests, ranking and subordination, as the case may be, intended to be created or evidenced by, any of the Finance Documents; and
(ii) for the purpose of facilitating the realisation of any of those Security Interests,
including the execution of any transfer, conveyance, assignment or assurance of any asset and the giving of any notice, order or direction and the making of any registration which the Facility Agent or the Security Trustee may require under the terms of the Finance Documents or by any law or regulation.
(i) NO ACTION WHICH MAY PREJUDICE SECURITY: No member of the Borrower Group shall (and the Borrower shall ensure that no other member of the Borrower Group will) do, or consent to the doing of, anything which might prejudice the effectiveness, enforceability or priority of any of the Security Interests created pursuant to the Security Documents.
(j) RESTRICTIVE AGREEMENTS, NEGATIVE PLEDGES: No member of the Borrower Group shall (and the Borrower shall ensure that no other member of the Borrower Group will) enter into (or permit to exist) any agreement or arrangement (other than the Finance Documents) prohibiting or restricting:
(i) the creation or existence of any Security Interest on any of the assets of any member of the Borrower Group except assets the subject of Security Interests permitted under Clause 16.16
(ii) the ability of any member of the Group to make any payments, directly or indirectly, to any member of the Group (whether by way of dividends, advances, repayments of or payments of interest on advances, reimbursement of management and other intercom any charges, expenses, accruals or other returns on investments, or otherwise),
provided that if any relevant laws, agreements or arrangements restrict or prohibit the creation or existence of any Security Interests required to be given by a member of the Borrower Group, the Borrower will (and the Borrower will ensure that any relevant member of the Borrower Group will) use all reasonable endeavours to remove the restriction or prohibition or implement arrangements which provide economically substantially the same result as if Security Interests were granted over the relevant assets.
16.17 NO ADDITIONAL BORROWING
(a) The Borrower will not and will procure that no members of the Borrower Group shall without the consent of the Lenders, borrow or raise or have outstanding Indebtedness or credit except (i) pursuant to this Agreement, (ii)
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pursuant to the Vendor Financing or (iii) subject always to
the other provisions and only on the terms of this Clause
16.17 (No Additional Borrowing), Permitted Indebtedness.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower undertakes that if the Borrower wishes to raise any further Indebtedness or credit at any time after the date of this Agreement, the Borrower shall first be obliged to give Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited or its affiliates ("ICBC") the first right of refusal to arrange a facility of an amount which, when aggregated with (A) any EAN Request for Further Financing (as defined in Clause 7.16(b) of the EAN Guarantee) and (B) any EAN Further Financing (as defined in Clause 7.16(b) of the EAN Guarantee) as referred to in Clause 7.16 of the EAN Guarantee, shall not in aggregate at any time be more than US$100,000,000 ("REQUEST FOR FURTHER FINANCING") on terms and conditions acceptable to ICBC and the Borrower, such terms and conditions to be determined at such time (the "FURTHER FINANCING") PROVIDED THAT :-
(i) any Security Interest created to secure such Further Financing shall rank pari passu with the Security Interests constituted by the Finance Documents; and
(ii) without prejudice to the provisions of Clause 5.3(b) (Waiver or Deferral of Conditions) and the Finance Parties' rights thereunder including in respect of any Default which may occur:
(x) if the Facility Agent confirms that the conditions precedent in Clause 5 (Conditions Precedent) have, in the opinion of the Finance Parties, been satisfied in full or otherwise unconditionally waived by the date on which ICBC has received a Request for Further Financing, ICBC shall have until the date falling 5 months after the date of ICBC's receipt of the Request for Further Financing to sign a mandate letter to arrange such Further Financing with the Borrower; or
(y) if the Facility Agent confirms that the conditions precedent in Clause 5 (Conditions Precedent) have not, in the opinion of the Finance Parties, been satisfied in full or otherwise unconditionally waived by the date on which ICBC has received a Request for Further Financing, then ICBC shall have until whichever date ("LONGSTOP DATE") is the later of (1) the date falling 2 weeks after the date on which the Facility Agent confirms that the conditions precedent in Clause 5 (Conditions Precedent) have, in the opinion of the Finance Parties, been satisfied in full and (2) the date falling 5 months from the date of ICBC's receipt of the Request for Further Financing, to sign a mandate letter to arrange such Further Financing with the Borrower; and
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(iii) if so arranged, the Borrower undertakes to borrow the Further Financing subject to the terms and conditions thereof.
(c) (i) If where the circumstances set out in Clause 16.17(b)
(ii)(x) (No Additional Borrowing) apply, ICBC and the
Borrower have not, by the end of the period set out
therein, signed a mandate letter to arrange such
Further Financing, the Borrower may then be permitted
to seek to raise additional Indebtedness (other than
the Further Financing) from persons other than a
member of the CNC HK Group or any of their respective
Affiliates (a "THIRD PARTY") of an amount which when
aggregated with any additional Indebtedness of EAN
which is expressly permitted pursuant to Clause 7.16
of the EAN Guarantee shall not in aggregate at any
time be more than US$200,000,000 (the "ADDITIONAL
FINANCING"); or
(ii) If where the circumstances set out in Clause
16.17(b)(ii)(y) (No Additional Borrowing) apply, ICBC
and the Borrower have not, by the Longstop Date,
signed a mandate letter to arrange such Further
Financing, the Borrower may then be permitted to seek
Additional Financing,
in each such case, subject always to the provisions of Clauses 16.17(d) to (g) (No Additional Borrowing) inclusive below.
(d) Any Further Financing and any Additional Financing shall be on terms acceptable to the Finance Parties and which do not prejudice any of the Security Interests constituted by the Finance Documents or any of the rights and remedies of the Finance Parties thereunder.
(e) The Borrower further agree that it will, prior to entering into any binding contract for Additional Financing with any such Third Party, offer ICBC the opportunity to provide or arrange the Additional Financing on terms no less favourable to ICBC than those proposed to be offered by the Third Party and ICBC shall make its determination within one month of the receipt by ICBC of the material terms offered by the Third Party to the Borrower and if ICBC makes a determination to provide such financing ("ALTERNATIVE FURTHER FINANCING"), any Security Interest created to secure such Alternative Further Financing shall rank pari passu with the Security Interests constituted by the Finance Documents.
(f) Any additional Indebtedness permitted pursuant to this Clause 16.17(b) to (e) (No Additional Borrowing) inclusive shall:-
(i) in respect of any Additional Financing arrangement with a Third Party, other than, for the avoidance of doubt, any Further Financing, bear interest at a rate comparable to that obtainable by a Telecommunications Provider;
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(ii) in respect of any Additional Financing arrangement with a Third Party, other than any Further Financing or Alternative Further Financing, be on terms entered into in writing beforehand that it shall be expressly subordinated to all amounts outstanding from time to time under the Finance Documents and that any Security Interests created to secure such Indebtedness shall rank behind the Security Interests constituted by the Finance Documents, and be on the condition that the persons in whose favour the Security Interests to secure such Indebtedness have been created cannot enforce their subordinated Security Interests without the prior written consent of the Lenders; and
(iii) be subject to the parties to the documents evidencing
such additional Indebtedness and any related Security Interests ("ADDITIONAL INDEBTEDNESS DOCUMENTS") entering into intercreditor arrangements with the Finance Parties contemporaneously with the execution of the Additional Indebtedness Documents and which intercreditor arrangement shall be negotiated in good faith and on terms satisfactory to the Finance Parties acting reasonably. (g) The Borrower shall be permitted to pay interest on the Further Financing, the Additional Financing or the Alternative Further Financing as the case maybe for so long as no Default has occurred. For the avoidance of doubt the Borrower and EAN can together only raise (i) the Further Financing or (ii) the Alternative Further Financing or (iii) the Additional Financing but not more than one of them. 16.18 CASH DEPOSIT On the Business Day falling at least 5 days prior to each Interest Payment Date, the Borrower shall ensure that it deposits the Deposit in the Deposit Account and shall maintain a credit balance of not less than US$50,000,000 therein provided that subject to the provisions of the Charge Over Deposit, and provided further that no Default is continuing, the Borrower may, on the first Business Day falling 2 days after such Interest Payment Date, withdraw the Deposit and apply it as the Borrower may see fit. 16.19 OPENING OF DEPOSIT ACCOUNT AND ESCROW ACCOUNTS Within 7 Business Days from the date of this Agreement and throughout the term of this Agreement, the Borrower shall open and maintain with the Facility Agent the Deposit Account and the Escrow Accounts. 16.20 NOTIFICATION AND CONSENT The Borrower undertakes that it shall and shall procure that each other member of the Borrower Group notifies and obtains the prior written consent of the Facility Agent without which the following matters shall |
not be permitted:
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(i) to the proposed sale, transfer, lease or other disposal by any member of the Borrower Group of any of its respective material assets by giving 14 Business Days prior written notice; and (ii) where any member of the Borrower Group proposes to seek or launch an IPO, including any proposal to effect any reorganization or restructuring schemes or arrangements in preparation for an IPO by giving 60 days prior written notice. 16.21 MANDATORY PREPAYMENT The Borrower shall comply with its obligations under Clause 7 (Prepayment). 16.22 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Subject to any applicable law, regulation or listing rule of any Internationally Recognised Stock Exchange, the Borrower shall at all times ensure that it controls the appointment of the directors to the board of directors of each member of the Borrower Group. 16.23 CHANGE OF BUSINESS The Borrower shall procure that no material change is made to the general nature of the business of the Borrower or other members of the Borrower Group from that carried on at the Effective Date without the prior written consent of the Facility Agent. 16.24 FINANCIAL UNDERTAKINGS The Borrower undertakes with the Facility Agent that it will comply and will procure compliance with the financial covenants set out in Schedule 8. 16.25 FINANCIAL YEAR The Borrower shall maintain 31st December as the last day of its Financial Year and shall notify the Facility Agent of any change to its Financial Year end. 16.26 SECURITY AND SECURITY PERFECTION REQUIREMENTS The Borrower shall ensure: (a) FURTHER SECURITY AND PERFECTED SECURITY: that the Debentures (other than the Initial Debentures), the Share Mortgages (other than the Initial Share Mortgages) and the Subordination Deeds (other than the Initial Subordination Deeds) are executed and delivered to the Security Trustee as soon as practicable after the First Drawdown Date and in any event no later than 4 months from the First Drawdown Date (in the case of the Debenture no.17 in Schedule 11) and no later than 2 months from the First Drawdown Date (in all other cases) (or such longer period as the Facility Agent and the Security Trustee, acting reasonably, shall agree) and that with respect to each Security Document, all Security Perfection Requirements with respect to that Security |
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Document are completed to the satisfaction of the Facility Agent and the Security Trustee including without limitation that:
(i) those listed in Part A of Schedule 18, are completed and evidence to the satisfaction of the Finance Parties in respect thereof is provided to the Facility Agent within 1 Business Day from the date of execution of the relevant document(s) referred to in such Part;
(ii) those listed in Part B of Schedule 18, are completed and evidence to the satisfaction of the Finance Parties in respect thereof is provided to the Facility Agent within 5 Business Days from the date of execution of the relevant document(s) referred to in such Part;
(iii) those listed in Part C of Schedule 18, are completed and evidence to the satisfaction of the Finance Parties in respect thereof is provided to the Facility Agent within 7 Business Days from the date of execution of the relevant document(s) referred to in such Part;
(iv) those listed in Part D of Schedule 18, are completed and evidence to the satisfaction of the Finance Parties in respect thereof is provided to the Facility Agent within 14 Business Days from the date of execution of the relevant document(s) referred to in such Part;
(v) those listed in Part E of Schedule 18, are completed and evidence to the satisfaction of the Finance Parties in respect thereof is provided to the Facility Agent within 21 days from the date of execution of the relevant document(s) referred to in such Part;
(vi) those listed in Part F of Schedule 18, are completed and evidence to the satisfaction of the Finance Parties in respect thereof is provided to the Facility Agent within 30 days from the date of execution of the relevant document(s) referred to in such Part;
(vii) those listed in Part G of Schedule 18, are completed and evidence to the satisfaction of the Finance Parties in respect thereof is provided to the Facility Agent within 5 weeks from the date of execution of the relevant document(s) referred to in such Part;
(viii) those listed in Part H of Schedule 18, are completed and evidence to the satisfaction of the Finance Parties in respect thereof is provided to the Facility Agent within 37 days from the date of execution of the relevant document(s) referred to in such Part; and
(ix) those listed in Part I of Schedule 18, are completed and evidence to the satisfaction of the Finance Parties in respect thereof is provided to the Facility Agent within the time limit specified in the relevant Security Document referred to therein.
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(b) EAC2 SECURITY: as soon as reasonably practicable following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Deeds of Transfer, Release and Settlement and the Vendor Financing Transfer Documents, (the "SETTLEMENT DATE") that:-
(i) EAN enters into an Additional Security Document and/or Additional Debenture in respect of any right, title or interest which it has in and to the EAC2 Project (as defined in the NEC Contract) and/or the System and/or any System Upgrade and/or any Segment Upgrade (each as respectively defined in the NEC Contract) as soon as possible after the Settlement Date and in any event within 4 months of the Settlement Date and provides evidence satisfactory to the Facility Agent that all the Security Perfection Requirements in respect thereof have been completed and in any event within 4 months of the Settlement Date; and
(iii) any member of the Borrower Group which has at any time any right, title or interest, in and to the EAC2 Project (as defined in the NEC Contract) and/or the System and/or any System Upgrade and/or any Segment Upgrade (each as respectively defined in the NEC Contract) or any part thereof or to any assets or licenses, permits or consents which are necessary in respect of, or connected with, the EAC2 Project or the System or any System Upgrade or any Segment Upgrade or its, commissioning or operation shall enter into an Additional Security Document as soon as possible after the Settlement Date and in any event within 4 months of the Settlement Date and provides evidence satisfactory to the Facility Agent that all the Security Perfection Requirements in respect thereof have been completed and in any event within 4 months of the Settlement Date.
(c) ADDITIONAL SECURITY: that each Additional Security Party enters into an Additional Security Document, Additional Debenture, Additional Assignment of Insurances, Additional Share Mortgage and/or Additional Subordination Deed as soon as practicable after request from the Facility Agent and in any event no later than 4 months from such date and that such Additional Security Party provides the documents and other evidence listed in Schedule 17 to the Security Trustee.
(d) NEWLY PERMITTED SECURITY: that with respect to any member of the Borrower Group or the EAN Group or CNC BVI which, owing to the laws or regulations in any relevant jurisdiction, is not as at the Effective Date able to provide a Security Interest over certain of its assets, such member of the Borrower Group, EAN Group or CNC BVI as the case may be shall, as soon as reasonably practicable following a change in or introduction of or change in interpretation of a law or regulation in any such jurisdiction which permits or enables such member of the Borrower Group, EAN Group or CNC BVI as the case may be so to provide such a Security Interest over those assets (the "PERMISSION DATE"), such member of the Borrower Group, EAN Group or CNC BVI as the case may be shall enter into an Additional Security
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Document and/or Additional Debenture as soon as possible after the Permission Date and in any event within 4 months of the Permission Date and provides evidence satisfactory to the Facility Agent that all the Security Perfection Requirements in respect thereof have been completed and in any event within 4 months of the Permission Date. (e) CHINA NETWORK COMFORT LETTER: if by 31st August 2004, CNC HK is unable to satisfy the financial criteria set out in paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) of the definition of "GUARANTOR IPO DATE" in clause 1.1 of the CNC HK Guarantee, that China Network executes a comfort letter in favour of the Security Trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties in form and substance acceptable to the Finance Parties in support of the obligations of CNC HK and the Borrower under the Finance Documents. 17. EVENTS OF DEFAULT 17.1 EVENTS OF DEFAULT There shall be an Event of Default if, for any reason and whether or not for a reason outside the control of the Borrower:- (a) NON-PAYMENT: the Borrower or any Security Party fails to pay any sum due from it under this Agreement or any other Finance Document to which it is a party at the time, in the currency and in the manner stipulated herein or therein unless :- (i) its failure to pay is caused by administrative or technical error; and (ii) payment is received within 4 Business Days of its due date. |
(b) OTHER BREACHES:
(i) the Borrower fails duly and punctually to comply with any of its obligations under Clause 16.18 (Cash Deposits); or
(ii) any Security Party fails duly and punctually to comply with any of its other obligations (other than those referred to in Clause 17.1(a) (Non-Payment) above) under any of the Finance Documents and in respect only of a failure which in the opinion of the Facility Agent (after consulting with the Majority Lenders) is capable of remedy, does not remedy such failure to the Facility Agent's satisfaction within 3 Business Days after receipt of written notice from the Facility Agent requiring it to do so; or
(c) BREACH OF REPRESENTATION: any representation or warranty made or deemed to be made or repeated by or in respect of the any Security Party in or pursuant to any of the Finance Documents or in any notice, certificate or statement referred to or delivered under any Finance Document is or proves to have been
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incorrect or misleading in any respect considered by the Majority Lenders to be material; or
(d) CONSENTS: any consent, authorisation, licence or approval of, or registration with or declaration to, governmental or public bodies or authorities or courts required by the Borrower or any other Security Party to authorise, or required by the Borrower or any other Security Party in connection with, the execution, delivery, performance, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of any of the Finance Documents is modified in a manner unacceptable to the Majority Lenders or is not granted or is revoked or terminated or expires and is not renewed or otherwise ceases to be in full force and effect and such Security Party has not within 1 month of such modification, non granting, revocation or termination obtained the necessary consent, authorisation, license or approval; or
(e) LEGAL PROCESS: any judgment or order made against the Borrower or any other Security Party is not stayed or complied with within 14 Business Days or a creditor attaches or takes possession of, or a distress, execution, sequestration or other process is levied or enforced upon or sued out against, any of the undertakings, assets, rights or revenues of the Borrower or any other Security Party and is not discharged within 30 Business Days or any step is taken to enforce any present or future Security Interest on or over all or any part of the assets or revenues of the Borrower or any other Security Party or any other member of the Borrower Group PROVIDED THAT any of the aforementioned actions has a material adverse effect on the business or financial condition of the Borrower Group or the AssetCo Group or the ability of any Security Party to perform all or any of its obligations under or otherwise to comply with the terms of any of the Finance Documents; or
(f) INSOLVENCY: the Borrower or any other Security Party is deemed to be unable to pay its debts or becomes, or admits to being unable to pay its debts as they fall due or otherwise becomes insolvent or stops or suspends or threatens to stop or suspend making payments (whether of principal or interest) with respect to all or any class of its debts or announces an intention to do so or any person takes any action, or any proceedings are started or other steps taken by any person for the Borrower or any other Security Party to be adjudicated or found bankrupt or insolvent unless otherwise permitted by Clause 16.4 (Mergers); or
(g) WINDING-UP: any person takes any action or any petition is presented or other step is taken for the purpose of winding up, re-organising, reconstructing or dissolution of the Borrower or any other Security Party not being a petition which the Borrower or any other Security Party can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Facility Agent is either frivolous, vexatious or an abuse of the process of the court or relates to a claim to which the Borrower or any other Security Party has a good defence and which is being contested by the Borrower or any other Security Party and by appropriate proceedings and in each case provided that such petition is discharged within 14 Business Days or an order is made or resolution is passed for the winding up, re-organising,
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reconstructing or dissolution of the Borrower or any other Security Party or a meeting is convened for the purpose of passing any such resolution unless otherwise permitted by Clause 16.4 (Mergers); or
(h) LIQUIDATION/ADMINISTRATION: any person takes any action or any proceedings are started or other step taken by any person for a liquidator, administrator, trustee or similar officer to be appointed by the Borrower or any other Security Party or any part of their respective undertakings, assets, rights or revenues or the Majority Lenders have reasonable grounds to believe that any such proceedings or other step is imminent unless otherwise permitted by Clause 16.4 (Mergers); or
(i) APPOINTMENT OF RECEIVERS AND MANAGERS: any person takes any action or any proceedings are started or other step taken by any person for any administrative or other receiver to be appointed of the Borrower or any other Security Party or any part of their respective material assets, rights, revenues and/or undertakings or the directors of the Borrower or any other Security Party request any person to appoint such a receiver unless otherwise permitted by Clause 16.4 (Mergers); or
(j) COMPOSITIONS: any negotiations are commenced or any other steps are taken, by the Borrower or any other Security Party by any of their respective creditors with a view to proposing any kind of composition, compromise general assignment or arrangement involving such company or with a view to the general readjustment or rescheduling or a moratorium of all or part of its debts or proceedings are commenced in relation to the Borrower or any other Security Party under any law regulation or procedure relating to construction or readjustment of debts; or
(k) ANALOGOUS PROCEEDINGS: there occurs, in relation to the Borrower or any other Security Party, in any country or territory (including Hong Kong) in which it carries on business or to the jurisdiction of whose courts any part of its assets is subject, any event which, in the opinion of the Majority Lenders, appears in that country or territory to correspond with, or have an effect equivalent or similar to, any of those mentioned in Clauses 17.1 (e) to (j) (Events of Default) (inclusive) or the Borrower or any other Security Party otherwise becomes subject, in any such country or territory, to the operation of any law relating to insolvency, bankruptcy or liquidation; or
(l) SUSPENSION OF BUSINESS OR EXPROPRIATION: the Borrower or any other Security Party suspends or ceases or threatens to suspend or cease to carry on its business or any substantial part thereof or changes or threatens to change the nature or scope of its business or any governmental or other authority through Expropriation acquires all or any substantial part of its respective business, assets, rights or revenues, or shares or other ownership therein; or
(m) CESSATION OR SUSPENSION OF LISTING:
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(i) after the listing of the shares in CNC HK on a Guarantor Stock Exchange has occurred, the shares in CNC HK cease to be listed on such Guarantor Stock Exchange or trading in the shares in CNC HK is suspended for a period of more than 14 consecutive trading days; or
(ii) after the listing of the shares of any member of the Group on any Internationally Recognised Stock Exchange has occurred, the shares in such member of the Group cease to be listed on such Internationally Recognised Stock Exchange or trading in such shares is suspended for a period of 14 consecutive trading days; or
(n) ILLEGALITY: it becomes or will become unlawful at any time for the Borrower or any other Security Party to perform all or any of its obligations under any of the Finance Documents or any of the obligations of the Borrower or any other Security Party under any of the Finance Documents is not or ceases to be or is claimed by it not to be legal, valid and binding or in full force and effect; or
(o) CROSS DEFAULT:
(i) any Financial Indebtedness of the Borrower, any other Security Party, or any other member of the CNC HK Group or the AssetCo Group:-
(A) is not paid when due nor within any applicable grace period in any agreement relating to that Financial Indebtedness; or
(B) becomes due and payable, or capable of being declared due and payable, before its stated maturity by reason of a default or event of default, however described;
(ii) any Security Interest, guarantee or other security created or to be created by the Borrower, or any other Security Party or any other member of the CNC HK Group or the EAN Group becomes enforceable; or
(p) REPUDIATION: the Borrower or any other Security Party repudiates any of the Finance Documents, or does or causes to be done any act or thing evidencing an intention to repudiate any of the Finance Documents or any action or proceedings are commenced (and not withdrawn or dismissed within a period of 14 Business Days after its commencement) to enjoin or restrain the performance of or compliance with any respective obligation of the Borrower or any other Security Party under any of the Finance Documents or otherwise dispute the ability of the Borrower or any other Security Party to enter into, exercise its respective rights or perform or comply with any of its respective obligations under any of the Finance Documents; or
(q) MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE: there occurs, in the reasonable opinion of the Majority Lenders, a material adverse change in the financial condition of the Borrower, any other Security Party or any other member of the CNC HK Group or the AssetCo Group; or
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(r) MATERIAL EVENTS: any other event occurs or circumstance arises which, in the reasonable opinion of the Majority Lenders, is likely to materially and adversely affect the ability of the Borrower or any other Security Party to perform all or any of its obligations under or otherwise to comply with the terms of any of the Finance Documents, as the case may be; or (s) REDUCTION OR LOSS OF CAPITAL: a meeting is convened by the Borrower or any other Security Party for the purpose of passing any resolution to purchase, reduce or redeem any of its share capital other than in accordance with Clause 16.6 (Share Capital); or (t) OWNERSHIP: (i) CNC HK ceases to be the Holding Company of the Borrower; or (ii) China Network ceases to be the Holding Company of CNC HK, AssetCo and EAN; or (u) MATERIAL LITIGATION: any litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding is taking place against the Borrower or any other Security Party which, in the reasonable opinion of the Majority Lenders, is likely to materially and adversely affect the ability of the Borrower or any other Security Party to perform all or any of their respective obligations under or otherwise to comply with the terms of any of the Finance Documents; or (v) FINANCIAL COVENANTS: the Borrower fails to comply with any of its financial covenants in Schedule 8 on any Financial Covenant Test Date; or (w) WAIVER: any of the conditions precedent (if any) which have been the subject of a waiver in accordance with Clause 5.3 (Waiver or Deferral of Conditions) has not been fulfilled in full and to the Finance Parties' satisfaction on the date stipulated in the relevant waiver, or, if no date is stipulated, then the date falling 3 months after the First Drawdown Date. 17.2 ACCELERATION The Facility Agent may, and if so requested by the Majority Lenders shall, without prejudice to any other rights of the Lenders, at any time after the occurrence of an Event of Default by notice to the Borrower:- (a) declare that the obligation of each Lender to make its Commitment available shall be terminated, whereupon the Total Commitments shall be reduced to zero forthwith; and/or (b) declare that the Tranche A Loan and/or the Tranche B Loan, all interest and all other sums payable under the Finance Documents have become immediately due and payable, whereupon the same shall, immediately or in accordance with the terms of such notice, become due and payable without further demand or other legal formality of any kind; and/or |
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(c) take any action, exercise any other right or pursue any other remedy conferred upon the Facility Agent and/or the Lenders by this Agreement or by any applicable law or regulation or otherwise as a consequence of such Event of Default. 18. ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER 18.1 BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT This Agreement shall be binding upon, and enure for the benefit of each Finance Party, the Facility Agent and the Borrower and their respective successors and permitted assigns. 18.2 TRANSFERS BY THE BORROWER The Borrower may not assign, transfer, novate or in any way dispose of any of its rights and/or obligations under this Agreement. 18.3 ASSIGNMENTS BY THE LENDERS Each Lender may assign or otherwise transfer or grant participations in all or any part of its rights under any of the Finance Documents to any other bank or financial institution without the consent of the Borrower in accordance with Clause 18.4 (Transfer Certificates) in respect of transfers or novations. 18.4 TRANSFER CERTIFICATES Each Lender (an "EXISTING LENDER") may assign or novate or otherwise transfer all or any part of its rights, benefits and/or obligations under the Finance Documents to another person (a "NEW LENDER"). Any such transfer shall be effected upon 5 Business Days' prior notice by delivery to the Facility Agent of a duly executed and duly completed Transfer Certificate in which event, on the transfer date specified in such Transfer Certificate, to the extent that they are expressed to be the subject of the novation established by the Transfer Certificate:- (a) the Borrower, the Existing Lender and the other parties to the Finance Documents shall be released from further obligations towards one another under any of the Finance Documents and their respective rights against one another under any of the Finance Documents shall be cancelled (such rights and obligations being referred to in this Clause 18.4 (Transfer Certificates) as "DISCHARGED RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS"); (b) the Borrower and the New Lender shall assume obligations towards one another and/or acquire rights against one another which differ from such Discharged Rights and Obligations only insofar as the New Lender have assumed and/ or acquired the same in place of the Existing Lender; |
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(c) the Facility Agent, the Co-ordinating Arrangers, the New Lender and other Lenders shall acquire the same rights and assume the same obligations between themselves as they would have acquired and assumed had the New Lender been an Existing Lender with the rights and/ or obligations acquired or assumed by it as a result of the transfer and to that extent the Facility Agent, the Arrangers and the Existing Lender shall each be released from further obligations to each other under this Agreement; and (d) the New Lender shall become a party to this Agreement as a "Lender", and, on the date upon which such novation or transfer takes effect, the New Lender shall pay to the Facility Agent for its own account a fee of US$800. The Facility Agent shall promptly notify the other parties to this Agreement of the receipt by it of any Transfer Certificate and shall promptly deliver a copy of such Transfer Certificate to the Borrower. For the avoidance of doubt, the Borrower shall not be responsible for paying the above fee of US$800 on behalf of the New Lender. 18.5 RELIANCE The Facility Agent and the Borrower shall be fully entitled to rely on any Transfer Certificate delivered to the Facility Agent in accordance with the foregoing provisions of Clause 18 (Assignment and Transfer) which is complete and regular on its face as regards its contents and purportedly signed on behalf of the Existing Lender and the New Lender and neither the Facility Agent nor the Borrower shall have any liability or responsibility to any party as a consequence of placing reliance on and acting in accordance with any such Transfer Certificate if it proves to be the case that the same was not authentic or duly authorised. 18.6 SIGNATURE OF TRANSFER CERTIFICATE The Borrower and each Finance Party irrevocably authorises the Facility Agent to countersign each Transfer Certificate on its behalf without any further consent of, or consultation with, the Borrower or such Lender. 18.7 REFERENCES If any Lender assigns or novates or otherwise transfers all or any part of its rights, benefits and/or obligations in accordance with Clause 18 (Assignment and Transfer), all relevant references in the Finance Documents to such Lender shall thereafter be construed as a reference to such Lender and/or its assignee or transferee (as the case may be) to the extent of their respective interests. 18.8 FACILITY OFFICE Each Lender shall lend through its Facility Office at the address specified in Schedule 1 or as the case may be in any Transfer Certificate or through any of its other offices as selected from time to time by such Lender for the purposes of this Agreement. A |
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Lender shall notify the Facility Agent promptly of any change of its office pursuant to Clause 23 (Notices). 18.9 DISCLOSURE The Facility Agent or any Lender may disclose on a confidential basis to a prospective assignee or Transferee or to any other person who may propose entering into, or who has entered into, contractual relations with the Facility Agent or such Lender in relation to this Agreement such information about the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or about any member of the Group as the Facility Agent or such Lender shall consider appropriate. 18.10 REFERENCE BANKS If a Reference Bank ceases to act as such for any reason, it shall be replaced by such other bank as the Facility Agent (after consultation with the Lenders) shall designate by notice to the Borrower and the Lenders. 19. THE FACILITY AGENT, THE ARRANGER AND THE LENDERS 19.1 APPOINTMENT (a) Each Finance Party hereby irrevocably appoints the Facility Agent as its agent for the purposes of this Agreement and as its agent and trustee to receive, hold, administer and enforce the security created by the Security Documents. (b) Each Finance Party hereby irrevocably authorises the Facility Agent (whether or not by or through employees or agents) to take such action on such Finance Party's behalf and to exercise such rights, remedies, powers and discretion as are specifically delegated to the Facility Agent by the Finance Documents, together with such powers and discretions as are reasonably incidental thereto. (c) The Facility Agent shall not have any duties, obligations or liabilities to the Finance Parties beyond those expressly stated in the Finance Documents; and those duties are solely of a mechanical and administrative nature. (d) The Facility Agent may act under the Finance Documents through its personnel and agents. 19.2 VARIATION (a) Subject to Clause 19.2(b) (Variation), the Facility Agent may, with the prior written consent of the Majority Lenders, amend, modify or otherwise vary or waive breaches of, or defaults under, or otherwise excuse performance of, any provision of any of the Finance Documents. Any such action so authorised and effected by the Facility Agent shall be promptly notified to the Finance Parties by the Facility Agent and shall be binding on all the Finance Parties. |
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(b) Except with the prior written consent of all the Finance
Parties, the Facility Agent shall not have authority on behalf
of the Finance Parties to agree with the Borrower or the
Guarantor any amendment to any of the Finance Documents which
would (i) reduce the rate of interest payable under any of the
Finance Documents, (ii) extend the due date or reduce the
amount of any payment of principal, interest or other amount
payable under any of the Finance Documents, (iii) change the
currency in which any amount is payable under any of the
Finance Documents, (iv) increase any Lender's Commitment or
the length of the Drawdown Period, (v) release or amend any of
the obligations of any Security Party under any of the Finance
Documents, (vi) change the definition of "Majority Lenders" in
Clause 1.1 (Terms Defined), (vii) change Clause 16
(Undertakings) or Clause 17 (Events of Default) or (viii)
change this Clause 19.2 (Variation).
(c) Any amendment, modification or variation of any of the Facility Agent's rights and/or obligations under any of the Finance Documents shall require the prior written consent of the Facility Agent.
19.3 FACILITY AGENT AND THE ARRANGER INDIVIDUALLY
(a) With respect to its own Commitment and Outstandings (if any), each of the Facility Agent and the Arrangers shall have the same rights and powers under the Finance Documents as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not performing the duties and functions delegated to it as agent or arranger, as the case may be, under the Finance Documents and the term "Lenders" shall unless the context clearly otherwise indicates, include the Facility Agent and the Arranger, in their respective individual capacity as a Lender. This Agreement shall not and shall not be construed so as to constitute a partnership between the parties or any of them. (b) In acting as the Facility Agent, the agency division of the Facility Agent will be treated as a separate entity from its other divisions and departments. Any information acquired by the Facility Agent which, in its opinion, is acquired by it otherwise than in its capacity as the Facility Agent may be treated as confidential by the Facility Agent and will not be deemed to be information possessed by the Facility Agent in its capacity as such. 19.4 EXONERATION The Facility Agent shall not:- (a) be obliged to request any certificate or opinion under any of the Finance Documents or to make any enquiry as to the use of the proceeds of any Advance or the Loan unless so required in writing by any Lender, in which case the Facility Agent shall promptly make the appropriate request to the Borrower, or be obliged to make any enquiry as to any Default or other breach by the Borrower or the Guarantor in the performance or observance of any of the provisions of any of the Finance Documents or as to the existence of any Default or other breach unless the Facility Agent has actual knowledge thereof |
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or has been notified in writing thereof by a Lender, in which case the Facility Agent shall promptly notify the Lenders of the relevant event or circumstance; or (b) be liable to any Lender for any action taken or omitted under or in connection with the Finance Documents, the Facility or the Loan unless caused by its gross negligence or wilful misconduct, and no party to this Agreement may take any proceedings against any officer, employee or agent of the Facility Agent in respect of any claim it might have against the Facility Agent or in respect of any act or omission of any kind (including gross negligence or wilful misconduct) by that officer, employee or agent in relation to any of the Finance Documents. For the purposes of this Clause 19.4 (Exoneration), the Facility Agent shall not be treated as having actual knowledge of any matter of which the corporate finance or any other division outside the corporate lending or loan administration department of the person for the time being acting as the Facility Agent may become aware in the context of corporate finance or advisory activities from time to time undertaken by the Facility Agent for the Borrower or any associated companies. 19.5 INFORMATION AND ACTION The Facility Agent shall:- (a) promptly notify each Finance Party of the contents of each material notice, certificate or other document received by the Facility Agent from the Borrower or any other Security Party in relation to the Facility; (b) promptly notify each Finance Party of any Event of Default of which the Facility Agent has actual knowledge; and (c) (subject to its being indemnified to its satisfaction) take such action or, as the case may be, refrain from taking such action with respect to any Default of which the Facility Agent has actual knowledge as the Majority Lenders may reasonably direct. 19.6 RELIANCE The Facility Agent may deem and treat (i) each Lender as the person entitled to the benefit of the Outstandings of such Lender for all purposes of this Agreement unless and until a notice of assignment of such Lender's Outstandings or any part thereof or a Transfer Certificate shall have been delivered to the Facility Agent, and (ii) the Facility Office specified in Schedule 1 or, as the case may be, in any relevant Transfer Certificate as such Lender's Facility Office unless and until a written notice of change of Facility Office shall have been received by the Facility Agent and the Facility Agent may act upon any such notice unless and until the same is superseded by a further such notice. The Facility Agent shall be entitled to rely on any communication, instrument or document believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been appropriately authorised and signed or sent by the proper person and |
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shall be entitled to rely as to legal or other professional matters on opinions and statements of any legal or other professional advisers selected or approved by it. 19.7 CREDIT APPROVAL Each Lender acknowledges that it has not relied on any statement, opinion, forecast or other representation made by the Facility Agent to induce it to enter into this Agreement and that it has made and will continue to make without reliance on the Facility Agent and based on such documents as it considers appropriate its own appraisal of the creditworthiness of the Borrower and the Group and its own independent investigation of the financial condition and affairs of the Borrower and the Group in connection with the making of any Advance and continuation of the Loan under this Agreement. The Facility Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility, either initially or on a continuing basis, to provide any Lender with any credit or other information with respect to the Borrower or any other member of the Group whether coming into its possession before the drawdown of any Advance or at any time or times thereafter, other than as provided in Clause 19.5(a) (Information and Action). 19.8 DOCUMENTATION The Facility Agent shall not have any responsibility to any Finance Party for: (a) the performance by the Borrower or any other Security Party of their respective obligations under any of the Finance Documents; (b) the financial condition of the Borrower or any other Security Party; (c) the completeness or accuracy of any statements, representations or warranties in any of the Finance Documents or any document delivered thereunder; (d) the execution, effectiveness, adequacy, genuineness, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of any of the Finance Documents or of any certificate, report or other documents executed or delivered under any of the Finance Documents; (e) the collectability of amounts payable under any of the Finance Documents; or (f) otherwise in connection with the Facility or its negotiation or for acting (or, as the case may be, refraining from acting) in accordance with the instructions of the Majority Lenders, or the Lenders, as the case may be. 19.9 OTHER BUSINESS Each of the Facility Agent and the Arranger may, without any liability to account to the Lenders, accept deposits from, lend money to, and generally engage in any kind of banking or trust business with, the Borrower, CNC HK or any other member of the Group or any of the Lenders as if it were not the Facility Agent or the Arranger (as the case may be). |
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19.10 REIMBURSEMENT AND INDEMNITY
(a) Each Lender shall reimburse the Facility Agent (rateably in accordance with its Outstandings or, if at the relevant time, no Advance has been made under this Agreement, its Commitment), to the extent the Facility Agent is not reimbursed by the Borrower, for the charges and expenses incurred by the Facility Agent in contemplation of, or otherwise in connection with, the enforcement of, or the preservation of any rights under, or in carrying out its duties under any of the Finance Documents, including (in each case) the fees and expenses of legal or other professional advisers.
(b) Each Lender shall indemnify the Facility Agent (rateably in accordance with its Outstandings or, if at the relevant time, no Advance has been made under this Agreement, its Commitment) against all liabilities, damages, costs and claims whatsoever incurred by the Facility Agent in connection with any of the Finance Documents or the performance of its duties under any of the Finance Documents or any action taken or omitted by the Facility Agent under any of the Finance Documents, unless such liabilities, damages, costs or claims arise from the Facility Agent's own gross negligence or wilful misconduct.
(c) The Borrower shall forthwith on demand reimburse each Lender for any payment made by it under Clauses 19.10(a) and (b) (Reimbursement and Indemnity).
(d) The Facility Agent may require the receipt of security satisfactory to it, whether by way of payment in advance or otherwise, against any liability or loss which it will or may incur in taking any proceedings or action arising out of or in connection with any of the Finance Documents before it commences those proceedings or takes that action.
19.11 MAJORITY LENDERS' INSTRUCTIONS
(a) Unless expressly stated in the provisions of the Finance Documents, the Facility Agent shall (i) act in accordance with any instructions given to it by the Majority Lenders (or, if so instructed by the Majority Lenders, refrain from acting or exercising any right, power, authority or discretion vested in it as Facility Agent) and (ii) not be liable for any act (or omission) if it acts (or refrains from taking any action) in accordance with such an instruction of the Majority Lenders.
(b) Unless expressly stated in the provisions of the Finance Documents, any instructions given by the Majority Lenders will be binding on all the Lenders.
(c) Where a provision of any of the Finance Documents provides for any matter to be determined by reference to the opinion of the Majority Lenders or to be subject to the consent or request of the Majority Lenders or for any action to be taken on the instructions of the Majority Lenders, such opinion, consent,
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request or instructions shall (as between the Lenders) only be regarded as having been validly given or issued by the Majority Lenders if all the Lenders shall have received prior notice of the matter on which such opinion, consent, request or instructions are required to be obtained and the relevant majority of the Lenders shall have given or issued such opinion, consent, request or instructions but so that the Borrower shall be entitled (and bound) to assume that such notice shall have been duly received by each Lender and that the relevant majority shall have been obtained to constitute Majority Lenders whether or not this is the case.
(d) The Facility Agent may decline to take any action except upon the written direction of the Majority Lenders, or the Lenders, as the case may be, and the Facility Agent may obtain a ratification by the Majority Lenders of any action taken by it under the Finance Documents. The Facility Agent shall have no liability to any of the Lenders for any action taken by it upon the instructions of the Majority Lenders or if such actions is ratified by the Majority Lenders.
(e) In the absence of instructions from the Majority Lenders, or the Lenders, as the case may be, the Facility Agent may act (or refrain from taking action) as it considers to be in the best interest of the Lenders.
(f) The Facility Agent is not authorized to act on behalf of a Lender (without first obtaining that Lender's consent) in any legal or arbitration proceedings relating to any of the Finance Documents.
19.12 RETIREMENT
(a) The Facility Agent may retire from its appointment as Facility Agent under the Finance Documents having given to the Borrower and each of the Finance Parties not less than 30 days' notice of its intention to do so, provided that no such retirement shall take effect unless there has been appointed by the Finance Parties as a successor agent:-
(i) a Lender nominated by the Majority Lenders within 30 days after notice of retirement or, failing such a nomination,
(ii) any reputable and experienced bank or financial institution with offices in Hong Kong nominated by the Facility Agent.
(b) Upon any such successor as aforesaid being appointed, the retiring Facility Agent shall deliver or make available to such successor all records, files and information held by it as the Facility Agent. The retiring Facility Agent shall then be discharged from any further obligation under the Finance Documents and its successor and each of the other parties to any of the Finance Documents shall have the same rights and obligations among themselves as they would have had if such successor had been a party to the Finance Documents in place of the retiring Facility Agent. No member of the Borrower Group shall be required to pay any fees or expenses in relation to the retirement or appointment of a Facility Agent pursuant to this Clause 19.12
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(Retirement) if such fees have already been paid in accordance with Clause 20 (Fees and Expenses).
19.13 COMPLIANCE
(a) The Facility Agent may refrain from doing anything which might, in its opinion, constitute a breach of any law or regulation or be otherwise actionable at the suit of any person, and may do anything which, in its opinion, is necessary or desirable to comply with any law or regulation of any jurisdiction. (b) Without prejudice to Clause 19.13(a) (Compliance) above, the Facility Agent need not disclose any information relating to the Borrower or any member of the Group if the disclosure might, in the opinion of the Agent, constitute a breach of any law or regulation or any duty of secrecy or confidentiality or be otherwise actionable at the suit of any person. 19.14 THE ARRANGER The Arranger in its capacity as such shall have no duties or obligations under or in respect of the Finance Documents. Clauses 19.7 (Credit Approval), 19.8 (Documentation) and 19.9 (Other Business) shall apply for the benefit of the Arranger in its capacity as such as if references therein to the Facility Agent were references to the Arranger. 19.15 RELATIONSHIP (a) The relationship between the Facility Agent and the Lenders is that of agent and principal only. (b) Except as specifically provided in this Agreement, the Arranger has no other obligations to any other party to this Agreement under or in connection with the Finance Documents. (c) Nothing in this Agreement constitutes the Facility Agent or the Arranges as a trustee or fiduciary of any other person. (d) Neither the Facility Agent nor the Arranger shall be bound to account to any Lender for any sum or the profit element of any sum received by it for its own account. 20. FEES AND EXPENSES 20.1 ARRANGEMENT FEE The Borrower shall pay to the Arranger an arrangement fee in the amount set out in the Fee Letter. |
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20.2 AGENCY FEE The Borrower shall pay to the Facility Agent an agency fee in the amount and at the times set out in the Fee Letter. 20.3 COMMITMENT FEE (a) The Borrower shall pay to the Facility Agent for the account of each Lender, a commitment fee computed at the rate of 0.45% per annum on that Lender's Available Commitment in respect of Tranche A for the Drawdown Period. (b) The Borrower shall pay to the Facility Agent for the account of each Lender a commitment fee computed at the rate of 0.45% per annum on that Lender's Available Commitment in respect of Tranche B for the Drawdown Period for Tranche B set out in Schedule 3. (c) The accrued commitment fee in this Clause 20.3 (Commitment Fee) is payable on the last day of each successive period of three months during the Drawdown Period, and the last such payment to be made on the last day of the Drawdown Period, and if any Lender's Available Commitment is cancelled in full, on the cancelled amount of the relevant Available Lender's Commitment at the time the cancellation is effective. (d) The commitment fee payable in this Clause 20.3 (Commitment Fee) shall accrue from day to day and shall be calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed and a 360-day year, including the first day of the period during which it accrues but excluding the last. 20.4 EXPENSES The Borrower shall pay to the Facility Agent and the Arranger on demand and in the currency specified by the Facility Agent and Arranger:- (a) irrespective as to whether any Advance is made, all expenses (including legal, printing and out-of-pocket expenses) reasonably incurred by the Facility Agent or the Arranger or any Lender in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of the Finance Documents and any amendment or extension of or the granting of any waiver or consent under the Finance Documents; and (b) all expenses on a full indemnity basis (including legal and out-of-pocket expenses) incurred by the Facility Agent or the Arranger or any Lender in connection with the enforcement of or preservation of any rights under any of the Finance Documents, or otherwise in respect of the monies owing under any of the Finance Documents together with interest at the Default Rate from the date on which such expenses were incurred to the date of payment (both before and after judgment). |
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20.5 STAMP DUTY The Borrower shall pay all stamp, documentary, registration or other like duties or taxes (including any duties or taxes payable by any Lender) imposed on or in connection with the Finance Documents, the Facility or the Loan and shall indemnify each of the Facility Agent, the Arranger and the Lenders against any liability arising by reason of any delay or omission by the Borrower to pay such duties or taxes. 21. SET-OFF (a) Without prejudice to any right of set-off, combination of accounts, lien or other rights which the Facility Agent or any Lender is at any time entitled whether by operation of law or contract or otherwise, the Facility Agent or any Lender may (but shall not be obliged to) set off against any obligation of the Borrower due and payable by it under the Finance Documents without prior notice any monies held by the Facility Agent or any Lender for the account of the Borrower regardless of the place of payment, booking branch or currency of either obligation. (b) If the obligations are in different currencies, the Facility Agent or any Finance Party may convert either obligation at a market rate of exchange in its usual course of business for the purpose of the set-off. 22. PRO RATA SHARING 22.1 REDISTRIBUTION If at any time any Lender (a "RECEIVING LENDER") has received (including without limitation by way of payment into a suspense account) or recovered (whether by set-off or otherwise) any amount owing by the Borrower under this Agreement other than through the Facility Agent (which for the avoidance of doubt shall include by reference to Clause 6 or Clause 7) in accordance with Clause 13.4 (Distribution) (a "RECOVERY"), then:- (a) such Receiving Lender shall, within 3 Business Days of such Recovery, notify details of the Recovery to the Facility Agent; (b) the Facility Agent shall determine whether the Recovery is in excess of the amount which the Receiving Lender would have received had the Recovery been received by the Facility Agent and distributed in accordance with Clause 13.4 (Distribution); (c) subject to Clause 22.2 (Exceptions), the Receiving Lender shall within 3 Business Days of demand by the Facility Agent pay to the Facility Agent an amount equal to the excess (the "REDISTRIBUTION"); |
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(d) the Facility Agent shall treat the Redistribution as if it were a payment by the Borrower under Clause 13 (Payments) and shall pay the Redistribution to the Lenders (other than the Receiving Lender) in accordance with Clause 13.4 (Distribution); and
(e) after payment of the Redistribution, the Receiving Lender will be subrogated to the portion of the claims paid under (d) above and the Borrower will owe the Receiving Lender a debt which is equal to the Redistribution immediately payable and of the type originally discharged;
PROVIDED THAT where a Receiving Lender is subsequently required to repay to the Borrower any amount received or recovered by it and dealt with under sub-clauses (a) to (e) above:
(i) each Lender which has received a share of the relevant Redistribution pursuant to this Clause shall, upon request of the Facility Agent, pay to the Facility Agent for account of that Recovering Lender an amount equal to its share of the Redistribution (together with an amount as is necessary to reimburse that Recovering Lender for its proportion of any interest on the Redistribution which that Recovering Lender is required to pay);
(ii) that Recovering Lender's rights of subrogation in respect of any reimbursement shall be cancelled and the Borrower will be liable to the reimbursing Lender for the amount so reimbursed;
(iii) this Clause 22.1 (Redistribution) shall not constitute and shall not be construed as constituting a Security Interest by any Lender over all or any part of any sum received or recovered by it in the manner set out in Clause 22 (Pro Rata Sharing).
22.2 EXCEPTIONS
(a) A Receiving Lender need not pay a redistribution to the extent that it would not after the payment have a valid and enforceable claim against the Borrower in the amount of the redistribution pursuant to Clause 22.1(e) (Redistribution). (b) Where a recovery is resulted from the satisfaction or enforcement of a judgment obtained in any legal action or proceedings taken by a Receiving Lender, Clause 22 (Pro rata Sharing) shall not apply so as to benefit any other Lender which (being entitled so to do) did not join with the Receiving Lender in such action or proceedings, unless the Receiving Lender did not give prior notice of its involvement in such action or proceedings to the Facility Agent for disclosure to the other Lenders. 22.3 NOTIFICATION Each Lender shall promptly give notice to the Facility Agent of:- |
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(a) the institution by such Lender of any legal action or proceedings under this Agreement or in connection with the Finance Document prior to such institution; and (b) the receipt or recovery by such Lender of any amount received or recovered by it under the Finance Document or in connection with the Finance Document otherwise than through the Facility Agent. Upon receipt of any such notice the Facility Agent shall as soon as practicable thereafter notify all the other Lenders. 23. NOTICES 23.1 NOTICES Any notice or communication under or in connection with the Finance Documents shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or by prepaid letter (airmail if available) or facsimile transmission to the addresses or facsimile numbers set out below or at such other address as the recipient may have notified to the other parties in writing. Proof of posting or despatch of any notice or communication to any party hereto shall be deemed to be proof of receipt:- (a) in the case of a letter, on the fifth Business Day after posting if airmail or second Business Day if local mail; (b) in the case of a facsimile transmission, on the Business Day immediately following the date of despatch with confirmed facsimile report. All communications or other correspondence between the Borrower and any of the Lenders in connection with the Finance Documents shall be made through the Facility Agent. 23.2 ADDRESSES Notices or communications shall be sent to the following addresses and facsimile numbers:- To the Borrower:- Name Asia Netcom Corporation Limited Address 46 Cheung Kong Center 2 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2121 2929 Attention Gregory Freiberg/Wenlong Sun With a copy to: Asia Netcom Singapore Pte Limited [Facility Agreement] -83- |
2 Shenton Way #11-01 SGX Centre 1 Singapore 068804 Fax (65) 6233 6390 Attention Oliver Ao With a copy to: China Netcom Corporation Limited No.1 Beihuan Donglu Beijing Development Area Beijing 100176 PRC Fax (86 10) 6787 8624 Attention Zhou Yun/Nicole Pan To the Facility Agent:- Name Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited Address 10/F, ICBC Asia Building 122-126 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2851 9361 Attention Ms. Esther Cheng/ Ms. Amy Wong And to the Lenders at their respective Facility Offices specified in Schedule 1 or as notified by the Facility Agent in writing. 23.3 LANGUAGE Each notice or document referred to in the Finance Documents or to be delivered under the Finance Documents shall be in the English language. 24. AGREEMENT TO PERMIT ADDITIONAL LENDERS 24.1 AGREEMENT TO PERMIT ADDITIONAL LENDERS Each of the parties to this Agreement agrees with the other parties that the Borrower or the Arranger shall have the right to procure that following the First Drawdown Date, an additional financial institution or financial institutions (the "ADDITIONAL LENDERS" and each an "ADDITIONAL LENDER") accedes to this Agreement for the purposes of providing additional funding to the Borrower under this Agreement of up to an amount which, when aggregated with the Total Commitments set out as at the date of this Agreement in Schedule 1, would result in the Total Commitments at that |
[Facility Agreement]
time being increased to an amount which is no greater than US$150,000,000 and this Agreement shall be amended and restated accordingly. 24.2 SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT, ACCESSION AND RECALCULATION If the circumstances set out in Clause 24.1 occur, each of the parties to this Agreement agrees with the other parties that each Lender's proportion of the Total Commitments set out as at the date hereof in Schedule 1 shall be recalculated by the Facility Agent for the purposes of Clauses 2, 4, 6 and 13 and Schedule 1. Each of the parties to this Agreement agrees with the other parties that such Additional Lender's accession to this Agreement, the increase in the Total Commitments and recalculation as aforesaid shall be evidenced by a supplemental agreement or deed at that time, amending and restating this Agreement which shall be entered into by the parties to this Agreement at that time and such Additional Lender(s), in form and substance satisfactory to the Facility Agent. Each of the parties to this Agreement agrees with the other parties that the terms of such supplemental agreement shall include without limitation: (a) an obligation on such Additional Lender(s) to advance to the Borrower immediately after so acceding to this Agreement and in any event, at the time of the then next succeeding Advance to the Borrower under this Agreement, sufficient amounts (which will be deemed to be an Advance under whichever Tranche the Facility Agent shall determine as appropriate in good faith for the purposes of this Agreement) and which amounts shall be distributed by the Facility Agent to the Lenders as a prepayment of Tranche A, so as to adjust the proportion of the then Tranche A Advances outstanding to the Lenders to the Agreed Proportion (if and to the extent the same has not already occurred at such date pursuant to Clause 2); and (b) an acknowledgement by the Finance Parties at that date in favour of the Additional Lender(s) that the Additional Lender(s) are entitled and shall share in the Security Interests constituted by or the subject of the Security Documents pro rata pari passu with the other Lenders, and the Facility Agent is hereby authorised by the parties to this Agreement to make such amendments to this Agreement as it shall consider necessary to give effect to the intention of the parties to this Agreement for the purposes of this Clause. 24.3 BORROWER'S UNDERTAKING The Borrower undertakes to the Finance Parties that it shall use all reasonable endeavours to procure the introduction of such Additional Lender(s) as soon as possible after the date hereof so as to give effect to the intention of the parties to this Agreement for the purposes of this Clause. |
[Facility Agreement]
25. AGREEMENT TO PERMIT LENDER TO INCREASE ITS COMMITMENT 25.1 AGREEMENT TO PERMIT LENDER TO INCREASE ITS COMMITMENT Each of the parties to this Agreement agrees with the other parties that following the First Drawdown Date, any Lender shall have the right, upon giving not less than 14 Business Days' notice to the Facility Agent and the Borrower, to provide additional funding to the Borrower under this Agreement of up to an amount which, when aggregated with the Total Commitments set out as at the date of this Agreement in Schedule 1, would result in the Total Commitments at that time being increased to an amount which is no greater than US$150,000,000 and this Agreement shall be amended and restated accordingly. 25.2 SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT AND RECALCULATION If the circumstances set out in Clause 25.1 occur, each of the parties to this Agreement agrees with the other parties that each Lender's proportion of the Total Commitments set out as at the date hereof in Schedule 1 shall be recalculated by the Facility Agent for the purposes of Clauses 2, 4, 6 and 13 and Schedule 1. Each of the parties to this Agreement agrees with the other parties that such increase in the Total Commitments and recalculation as aforesaid shall be evidenced by a supplemental agreement or deed at that time, amending and restating this Agreement which shall be entered into by the parties to this Agreement at that time, in form and substance satisfactory to the Facility Agent. Each of the parties to this Agreement agrees with the other parties that the terms of such supplemental agreement shall include without limitation: (a) an obligation on such Lender to advance to the Borrower immediately after so notifying the Facility Agent, and in any event, at the time of the then next succeeding Advance to the Borrower under this Agreement, sufficient amounts (which will be deemed to be an Advance under whichever Tranche the Facility Agent shall determine as appropriate in good faith for the purposes of this Agreement) and which amounts shall be distributed by the Facility Agent to the Lenders as a prepayment of Tranche A, so as to adjust the proportion of the then Tranche A Advances outstanding to the Lenders to the Agreed Proportion (if and to the extent the same has not already occurred at such date pursuant to Clause 2); and (b) an acknowledgement by the Finance Parties at that date in favour of the relevant Lender that such relevant Lender is entitled and shall share in the Security Interests constituted by or the subject of the Security Documents pro rata pari passu with the other Lenders, and the Facility Agent is hereby authorised by the parties to this Agreement to make such amendments to this Agreement as it shall consider necessary to give effect to the intention of the parties to this Agreement for the purposes of this Clause. |
[Facility Agreement]
25.3 BORROWER'S UNDERTAKING The Borrower undertakes to the Finance Parties that it shall use all reasonable endeavours to procure the occurrence of the circumstances set out in Clause 24.1 as soon as possible after the date hereof so as to give effect to the intention of the parties to this Agreement for the purposes of this Clause. 26. WAIVER; AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS; REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY AND COUNTERPARTS 26.1 WAIVERS No failure or delay on the part of the Facility Agent or any Finance Party to exercise any power, right or remedy under the Finance Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by the Facility Agent or any Finance Party of any power, right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power, right or remedy. 26.2 AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS (a) Any amendment of any provision of the Finance Documents shall only be effective if made in accordance with provisions with this Agreement and the Borrower and the Facility Agent so agree in writing and any waiver of any breach or default under the Finance Documents shall only be effective if the Facility Agent acting on the instructions of the Lenders or the Majority Lenders, as the case may be agrees in writing. Any consent by the Facility Agent under this Agreement must be made in writing. (b) Any such waiver or consent may be given subject to any conditions thought fit by the Facility Agent or the Lenders or the Majority Lenders, as the case may be, and shall be effective only in the instance and for the purpose for which it is given. 26.3 REMEDIES The remedies provided in the Finance Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies provided by law. 26.4 SEVERABILITY If any provision of the Finance Documents is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction such prohibition or unenforceability shall not invalidate the remaining provisions hereof or affect the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. |
[Facility Agreement]
26.5 COUNTERPARTS This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts including by facsimile and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Agreement by signing any such counterpart. 27. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION 27.1 GOVERNING LAW This Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with Hong Kong law. 27.2 SUBMISSION OF JURISDICTION For the benefit of the Facility Agent, the Arranger and each Lender, the Borrower irrevocably agrees that the courts of Hong Kong are to have jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with this Agreement and that, accordingly, any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Agreement ("PROCEEDINGS") may be brought in those courts and the Borrower irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of those courts. 27.3 OTHER JURISDICTIONS Nothing in this Clause 27 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) shall limit the right of the Facility Agent the Arranger or any Lender to take Proceedings against the Borrower in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the taking of Proceedings in one or more jurisdictions preclude the Facility Agent or the Arranger or any Lender from taking Proceedings in any other jurisdiction, whether concurrently or not. 27.4 WAIVER OF INCONVENIENT FORUM The Borrower irrevocably waives any objection which it may at any time have to the laying of the venue of any Proceedings in any court referred to in Clause 27 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) and any claim that any such Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum. 27.5 PROCESS AGENT The Borrower irrevocably appoints Asia Netcom Asia Pacific Commercial Limited of 46th Floor, Cheung Kong Centre, 2 Queen's Road, Central, Hong Kong (the "PROCESS AGENT") to receive, for it and on its behalf, service of process in any Proceedings in Hong Kong. Such service shall be deemed completed on delivery to the Process Agent (whether or not it is forwarded to and received by the Borrower). If for any reason the Process Agent ceases to be able to act as such or no longer has an address in Hong Kong, the Borrower irrevocably agrees to appoint a substitute process agent acceptable to the Facility Agent, and to deliver to the Facility Agent a copy of the new process agent's acceptance of that appointment, within 14 days. |
[Facility Agreement]
27.6 SERVICE The Borrower irrevocably consents to any process in any Proceedings anywhere being served by mailing a copy by post in accordance with Clause 23 (Notices). Nothing shall affect the right to serve any process in any other manner permitted by law. 27.7 WAIVER IMMUNITIES To the extent that the Borrower has or hereafter may acquire any immunity (sovereign or otherwise) from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from the jurisdiction of any court or from setoff or any legal process (whether service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aide of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) with respect to itself or any of its property, the Borrower hereby irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim such immunity in respect of its obligations under this Agreement. |
IN WITNESS whereof this Agreement has been entered into on the date stated at the beginning of this Agreement.
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 1]
(Original Lenders)
SCHEDULE 1
THE ORIGINAL LENDERS AND THEIR COMMITMENTS
Subject to Clause 24 and Clause 25
Tranche A Tranche B Name Commitment Commitment ---- ---------- ---------- THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA, BEIJING US$17,000,000.00 US$13,000,000.00 BRANCH THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA, SHANGHAI US$11,333,333.33 US$8,666,666.67 BRANCH THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA, HONG US$5,666,666.67 US$4,333,333.33 KONG BRANCH CHINA MINSHENG BANKING CORP. LTD. US$17,000,000.00 US$13,000,000.00 CITIC INDUSTRIAL BANK US$11,333,333.33 US$8,666,666.67 BANK OF COMMUNICATIONS US$5,666,666.67 US$4,333,333.33 HUAXIA BANK US$5,666,666.67 US$4,333,333.33 Total Tranche A Total Tranche B Commitments Commitments US$73,666.666,67 US$56,333,333.33 Total Commitments US$130,000,000 |
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 2]
(Form of Drawdown Notice)
SCHEDULE 2
FORM OF DRAWDOWN NOTICE
[Date]
To: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10/F, ICBC Asia Building
122-126 Queen's Road Central
Hong Kong
Term Loan Facility Agreement dated [ ] 2004
We refer to the facility agreement as amended and restated by the Supplemental Amendment and Restatement Deed (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT") dated July, 2004 between (1) Asia Netcom Corporation Limited as borrower (the "BORROWER"); (2) the lenders named therein (the "LENDERS"), (3) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as facility agent for the Lenders, and (4) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as arranger in relation to a loan facility in the maximum aggregate amount of up to US$150,000,000.
We hereby give you notice that we wish to draw down in respect of [Tranche A/Tranche B] an Advance in the sum of US$[ ] on [ ]. The funds should be credited to the account of [ ] with [ ].
For the purpose of Clause 8.2(c) (Interest Periods), the Interest Period of this
Advance shall end on [the last day of the then current Interest Period]. [NOTE:
FOR ADVANCES OTHER THAN THE FIRST]
We confirm that:-
(a) no Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the making of the Advance hereunder;
(b) the representations and warranties contained in Clause 15 (Representations and Warranties) of the Facility Agreement are true and correct at the date hereof as if made with respect to the facts and circumstances existing at such date;
(c) the borrowing to be effected by the drawdown of the Advance hereunder will be within our powers, has been validly authorised by appropriate action and will not cause any limit on our borrowings (whether imposed by statute, regulation, agreement or otherwise) to be exceeded.
Words and expressions defined in the Facility Agreement shall have the same meanings where used herein.
For and on behalf of
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 3]
(CP Documents)
SCHEDULE 3
DOCUMENTS AND EVIDENCE REQUIRED AS
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO FIRST ADVANCE
1. Fully duly executed originals or counterparts or, in the case of the Vendor Financing Security Documents, certified true copies, of each of-
(a) this Agreement;
(b) the Initial Group Debentures;
(c) the Guarantees
(d) the Initial Group Assignment of Insurances;
(e) the Initial Subordination Deeds;
(f) the Initial Share Mortgages;
(g) the Right of First Refusal Agreement;
(h) the Security Assignment of the Right of First Refusal Agreement;
(i) the Charge Over Account;
(j) the Charge Over Deposit;
(k) the Vendor Financing Security Documents;
(l) the Deeds of Transfer, Release and Settlement;
(m) the Vendor Financing Transfer Documents;
(n) the Intercreditor Agreement;
(o) the Fee Letters; and
(p) all the other documents required to be executed and/or delivered pursuant to the documents listed above, the Deeds of Transfer, Release and Settlement and the Vendor Financing Transfer Documents.
2. Legal opinion of Richards Butler as Hong Kong legal counsel to the Lenders.
3. Legal opinion of Appleby Spurling Hunter as the Bermuda legal counsel to the Lenders.
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 3]
(CP Documents)
4. Legal opinions from Lenders' legal counsel in each jurisdiction in which a Security Party is incorporated or in which any asset the subject of a Security Document is situated if required by the Facility Agent.
5. A copy of the constitutional documents of the Borrower and each other Security Party a party to any of the documents listed in paragraph 1 of this Schedule.
6. A copy of a resolution of the board of directors of the Borrower and each other Security Party a party to any of the documents listed in paragraph 1 of this Schedule approving the terms of, and the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents.
7. Subject to confirmation from legal counsel in the relevant jurisdiction that such are required, a copy of a resolution of the shareholders of the Borrower and each other Security Party approving the terms of, and the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents.
8. Each Authorised Signatory Certificate for the Borrower and each other Security Party a party to any of the documents listed in paragraph 1 of this Schedule substantially in the form of Schedule 4.
9. Evidence that all authorisations, if any, have been obtained and that all necessary filings, registrations and other formalities, if any, have been or will be completed or arrangement satisfactory to the Facility Agent has been or will be made in order to ensure the Finance Documents are valid and legally binding and enforceable.
10. Certified copy of the audited financial statements of the Borrower Group for the year ended 31st March, 2003 (containing, among other information, evidence of the injection of US$120,000,000 cash, in the form of equity by the shareholders of the Borrower at 31st March 2003) in form and substance satisfactory to the Facility Agent.
11. Hybrid Financial Pro-forma of the Borrower in respect of the financial year ended 31st March, 2003 up to financial year ended 31st March, 2009.
12. A certified true copy of the documentation entered into between the Borrower and AssetCo and various other Security Parties in respect of transfer of shares in various Subsidiaries of the Borrower to AssetCo and EAN or other evidence acceptable to the Facility Agent that the transactions contemplated thereby have been consummated.
13. Evidence that all fees under Clauses 20.1 (Arrangement Fee), 20.2 (Agency Fee) and 20.3 (Commitment Fee) and 20.4 then due and payable from the Security Parties under this Agreement have been or will be paid by the time required under the provisions of this Agreement.
14. Evidence that the process agent referred to in Clause 25.5 (Process Agent) and in the equivalent provisions of the other Finance Documents has accepted its appointment.
15. Evidence satisfactory to the Finance Parties that all arrangements are in place for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Deeds of Transfer, Release and
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 3]
(CP Documents)
Settlement and the Vendor Financing Transfer Documents simultaneously with the advance of the first Advance on the First Drawdown Date including without limitation all payment flows and instructions between the relevant parties thereto.
16. Certificates from the Borrower confirming, amongst other things, the accuracy of information provided to the Facility Agent; no material change in the information provided to the Facility Agent and its advisers; approvals; no litigation; and no default, such Certificate substantially in the form of Schedule 14.
17. Such other documents and evidence relating to any of the matters contemplated herein as the Facility Agent may reasonably require.
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 4]
(Director's Certificate)
SCHEDULE 4
FORM OF AUTHORISED SIGNATORY CERTIFICATE
[Date]
To: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10/F, ICBC Asia Building
122-126 Queen's Road Central
Hong Kong
and to each Finance Party
I refer to the facility agreement as amended and restated by the Supplemental Amendment and Restatement Deed (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT") dated July, 2004, between (1) Asia Netcom Corporation Limited as borrower (the "BORROWER"); (2) the lenders named therein (the "LENDERS"), (3) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as facility agent for the Lenders, and (4) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as arranger in relation to a loan facility in the maximum aggregate amount of up to US$150,000,000 to be made available on the terms and conditions set out therein. Terms defined in the Facility Agreement have the same meaning when used in this Certificate unless otherwise defined in this Certificate.
I am an authorised signatory of [NB: INSERT NAME OF RELEVANT SECURITY PARTY] (the "COMPANY") and hereby certify as follows:-
1. I am duly authorised to give this Certificate.
2. POWERS: Delivered with this Certificate and signed or initialled by me for the purpose of identification is a true, complete and up-to-date copy of the [Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum of Association and [constitutional documents]] Bye-laws of the Company as in effect when it signed [the Facility Agreement and] the Finance Documents to which it is a party on the date of this Certificate. The Company is carrying on a business authorised under its [constitutional documents]. Neither the entry into of [the Facility Agreement and] the Finance Documents to which it is a party by the Company, nor the exercise of its rights and/or performance of or compliance with its obligations thereunder does or will violate, or exceed any borrowing or other power or restriction granted or imposed by its [Memorandum of Association and Bye-Laws [constitutional documents]] and at the date of this Certificate the Company is solvent.
3. DUE AUTHORISATION: Delivered with this Certificate and signed or initialled by me for the purpose of identification is a true and complete copy of (i) the minutes of a duly convened meeting of the board of directors * of the Company duly held at which a duly constituted quorum was present throughout and at which the resolutions set out in the minutes were duly passed and (ii) the written resolutions of the shareholders of
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 4]
(Director's Certificate)
the Company duly passed. Each of those resolutions remains in full force and effect without modification. Those resolutions constitute all actions necessary on the part of the Company to approve the [Facility Agreement and] the Finance Documents to which it is a party and to authorise the signing or execution of, under hand or under seal, [the Facility Agreement and] the Finance Documents to which it is a party and the giving of any notices or other communications and/or taking of any other actions required thereunder or in connection therewith on behalf of the Company.
4. DUE EXECUTION: [The Facility Agreement and] the Finance Documents to which it is a party have been unconditionally signed or executed and delivered by the Company. The person(s) who signed the [Facility Agreement and the Finance Documents to which it is a party] on behalf of the Company was/were duly authorised signatory(ies) of the Company when the same was entered into. Delivered with this Certificate is a list of the name(s) and title(s) and specimen(s) of the signature(s) of the person(s) who is/are at the date of this Certificate directors of the Company or who (either individually or with others, as provided in the resolutions referred to in 3 above) are authorised to sign [the Facility Agreement and] the Finance Documents to which the Company is a party and/or is/are authorised to give all notices and other communications and take any other actions required thereunder or in connection therewith on behalf of the Company.
NAME: _______________________________
AUTHORISED SIGNATORY
[Facility Agreement]
[COMPANY]
SPECIMEN SIGNATURES
Name Title Specimen Signature [Facility Agreement] -97- |
[Schedule 5] (Form of Transfer Certificate) |
SCHEDULE 5
FORM OF TRANSFER CERTIFICATE
[Date]
To: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10/F, ICBC Asia Building
122-126 Queen's Road Central
Hong Kong
as Facility Agent
From: [Name of Existing Lender] and [Name of Transferee]
TRANSFER CERTIFICATE
Relating to the facility agreement as amended and restated by the Supplemental Amendment and Restatement Deed (and as from time to time further amended, varied, novated or supplemented) (the "AGREEMENT") whereby a term loan facility of up to US$150,000,000 was made available to Asia Netcom Corporation Limited (the "BORROWER") by a group of banks and other financial institutions on whose behalf Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited (the "FACILITY AGENT") acted as agent in connection therewith. Words and expressions defined in the Agreement shall have the same meanings when used in this Transfer Certificate.
1. [Name of Existing Lender] (the "EXISTING LENDER") (a) confirms the accuracy of the summary of its participation in the Agreement set out in the Schedule below; and (b) requests [Name of Transferee] (the "TRANSFEREE") to accept and procure the novation of the portion of such participation specified in the Schedule below by countersigning and delivering this Transfer Certificate to the Facility Agent at its address for the service of notices specified in the Agreement.
2. The Transferee hereby requests the Facility Agent (on behalf of itself, the Borrower and the Lenders) to accept this Transfer Certificate as being delivered to the Facility Agent pursuant to and for the purposes of Clause 18.4 (Transfer Certificates) of the Agreement so as to take effect as a novation of the rights and obligations of the Existing Lender to the extent of the portion of the Existing Lender's participation referred to in paragraph 1 above in accordance with the terms of the Agreement on [date of transfer*] (the "TRANSFER DATE").
[*NOTE.- To be not earlier than [5] Business Days after the date of delivery of this Transfer Certificate to the Facility Agent.]
3. The Transferee confirms that:-
(a) it has received a copy of the Agreement, the Security Documents and all other documentation and information required by it in connection with the transaction contemplated by this Transfer Certificate;
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 5]
(Form of Transfer Certificate)
(b) it has not relied on any statement, opinion, forecast or other representation made by the Facility Agent to induce it to execute this Transfer Certificate and has made, without reliance on the Facility Agent and based on such documents as it considers appropriate, its own appraisal of the creditworthiness of the Borrower and its own independent investigation of the financial condition and affairs of the Borrower in connection with the assumption by the Transferee of its obligations arising under or by virtue of this Transfer Certificate.
4. The Existing Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of the Agreement or any document relating thereto and assumes no responsibility for the financial condition of the Borrower or any other party to the Agreement or the Security Documents or for the performance and observance by the Borrower or any other such party of any of their respective obligations under the Agreement or the Security Documents or any document relating thereto and any and all such conditions and warranties, whether express or implied by law or otherwise, are hereby excluded. The Transferee acknowledges that it has not relied on any statement, opinion, forecast or other representation made by the Existing Lender to induce it to enter into this Agreement and that it has made and will continue to make without reliance on the Existing Lender and based on such documents as it considers appropriate its own appraisal of the creditworthiness of the Borrower and the Group and its own independent investigation of the financial condition and affairs of the Borrower and the Group in connection with the Agreement.
5. This Transfer Certificate and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder are governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of England.
THE SCHEDULE
1. The Existing Lender's participation
(a) The Existing Lender's Commitment US$_____________
(b) The Existing Lender's Outstandings US$_____________
2. The portion of the amount in 1 above to be novated
(a) US$
(b) US$
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 5]
(Form of Transfer Certificate)
Administrative Details of the Transferee
Lending Office: Account for Payments: Fax: Attention: [Name of Existing Lender] [Name of Transferee] By:____________________________________ By:_________________________________ |
Date: Date:
THE FACILITY AGENT
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
By:______________________________________
on its own behalf
and on behalf of
the Borrower and the Lenders
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 6]
(Vendor Financing)
SCHEDULE 6
VENDOR FINANCING
NEC
(a) Project Development and Construction Contract between East Asia Crossing Ltd and NEC dated October 13, 2000 and supplemented by a payment deferral loan agreement dated March 29, 2002 (the "NEC PDA") as amended by an amendment No. 1 to the NEC PDA dated May 14, 2002 and amendment No.2 to the NEC PDA dated November 16, 2002 and amendment No.3 to the NEC PDA dated March 10, 2003; and
(b) the documents listed in Schedule 3 of the NEC PDA; and.
(c) all documents relating to the creation of security interests in certain assets related to the business of the Borrower in Taiwan.
KDDI
(a) Project Development and Construction Contract between East Asia Crossing Ltd and KDDI originally dated December 17, 1999 as amended and restated on July 28, 2000 and supplemented by a payment deferral option agreement dated as of March 25, 2002 (the "KDDI PDA") as amended by an amendment No. 1 to the KDDI PDA dated May 14, 2002 (the "Amendment No. 1 to the Payment Deferral Option Agreement") and amendment No. 2 to the KDDI PDA dated as of November 15, 2002 and amendment No.3 dated January 2, 2003.
(b) the Security Agreements referred to in Exhibit E of KDDI PDA; and
(c) all documents relating to the creation of security interests in certain assets related to the business of the Borrower in Taiwan.
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 7]
(Consents)
SCHEDULE 7
CONSENTS
Each of the consents, approvals, registrations, permits and licenses mentioned in the legal opinions referred to in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of Schedule 3 to this Agreement.
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 8]
(Financial Covenants)
SCHEDULE 8
FINANCIAL COVENANTS
1. The Borrower undertakes and agrees with the Facility Agent and the Lenders that the Borrower will, unless the Facility Agent otherwise agrees in writing, ensure that the financial condition of the Borrower Group is such that on each Financial Covenant Test Date:-
(a) commencing from 1st January, 2005, the ratio of Total Capital Expenditure for the immediately preceding 12 months period to Total Revenue for the immediately preceding 12 months period is equal to or less than 1.4:10;
(b) commencing from 1st January, 2005 and subject to Clause 3(a) of this Schedule 8, the Debt Service Coverage Ratio for the then next 6 months is equal to or more than 1:1;
(c) commencing from 1st January, 2006, the ratio of EBITDA for the immediately preceding 12 months period (excluding OA & M Expenses not exceeding US$35,000,000) to Total Revenue for the immediately preceding 12 months period is equal to or more than 1:5;
(d) subject to Clause 3(b) of this Schedule 8:-
(i) commencing from 1st January, 2006 for the period up to and including 31st December, 2006, the ratio of Net Debt for the immediately preceding 12 months period to EBITDA for the immediately preceding 12 months period is equal to or less than 10:1; and
(ii) commencing from 1st January, 2007, the ratio of Net Debt for the immediately preceding 12 months period to EBITDA for the immediately preceding 12 months period is equal to or less than 2.5:1;
(e) subject to Clause 3(c) of this Schedule 8, commencing from 1st January, 2006, the ratio of EBITDA for the immediately preceding 3 months period to Interest Expense for the immediately preceding 3 months period is equal to or more than 2.5:1.
2. The Borrower undertakes and agrees with the Facility Agent and the Lenders that the Borrower will ensure that the Borrower Group, unless the Facility Agent otherwise agrees in writing, shall at each Financial Year end listed in column 1 hereunder achieve the IRU Cash Revenue and OA&M Cash Revenue and Service Revenue targets set out in Columns 2 and 3 respectively below opposite such Financial Year end by reference to the financial statements for such Financial Year delivered in accordance with this Agreement to the Lenders:-
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 8]
(Financial Covenants)
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 IRU OA&M CASH CASH REVENUE AND PERIOD REVENUE SERVICE REVENUE ------------------------------- ------------- --------------- For the Financial Year ended 31 US$20,000,000 US$143,300,000 December 2004 For the Financial Year ended 31 US$25,000,000 US$185,500,000 December 2005 For the Financial Year ended 31 US$30,000,000 US$253,400,000 December 2006 For the Financial Year ended 31 US$30,000,000 US$350,600,000 December 2007 For the Financial Year ended 31 US$30,000,000 US$473,400,000 December 2008 |
3. If the Borrower, at any time, declares or pays any dividends or makes any other distribution (whether of an income or capital nature) pursuant to Clause 16.7 (Dividends), it shall ensure that the financial condition of the Borrower Group is such that: :-
(a) the Debt Service Coverage Ratio for the then next 12 months from the date of such declaration or making of such distribution is equal to or more than 2:1;
(b) from the date of such declaration or making of such distribution until the Final Maturity Date, the ratio of Net Debt to EBITDA is at all times equal to or less than 2.5:1; and
(c) from the date of such declaration or making of such distribution until the Final Maturity Date, the ratio of EBITDA to Gross Interest is at all times equal to or more than 4:1.
For the purposes of calculating any of the financial ratios in this Schedule 8, any amount outstanding or payable in a currency other than US Dollars shall on that day be taken into account:
(i) if an audited consolidated balance sheet of a member of the Borrower Group has been prepared as at that day, in their US Dollar equivalent at the rate of exchange used for the purpose of preparing that balance sheet; and
(ii) in any other case, in their US Dollar equivalent at the rate of exchange that would have been used had an audited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower Group been prepared as at that day in accordance with US GAAP; and
All terms and expressions used in this Schedule 8 are to be calculated and interpreted in accordance with US GAAP.
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 9]
(Confirmation of IPO Proceeds)
SCHEDULE 9
CONFIRMATION OF IPO PROCEEDS
To: The Facility Agent
From: The Borrower
We refer to a facility agreement as amended and restated by the Supplemental Amendment and Restatement Deed (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT"), and made between Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, as Borrower, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as Facility Agent, and the financial institutions listed therein as Lenders. Terms defined in the Facility Agreement shall have the same meanings in this IPO Confirmation Notice.
We confirm that:-
(i) we have received IPO Net Proceeds in an amount equal to [ ]; and
(ii) at the date hereof the representations set out in Clause 15 (Representations and Warranties) of the Facility Agreement are true and correct and no Default has occurred and is continuing.
Yours faithfully,
For and on behalf of
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 10]
(Form of Hybrid Financial Statements/Proformas)
SCHEDULE 10
FORM OF HYBRID FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
HYBRID FINANCIAL PRO-FORMAS
PART A
ANC Annual Hybrid US GAAP and Cash Financial Proforma
$millions Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash Revenue Restricted Cash IRU OA&M Revenue Services Total Revenue Expenses Cash Operating Expenses OA&M Expenses Services Cost of Access Total Expense Capex/Overhang Backhaul/Offnet Overhang New IRU Backhaul PCL Overhang Services NEC/KDDI Contracts Other Capex Total Capex/Overhang Other Expenses/(Income) Other Expenses/(Income) Net Interest Total Other Expense/(Income) Net Cash Flow Beginning Cash Balance Net Cash Flow Ending Cash Balance |
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 10]
(Form of Hybrid Financial Statements/Proformas)
PART B
ANC Quarterly Hybrid US GAAP and Cash Financial Statement
$millions Q4 2003 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash Revenue Restricted Cash IRU OA&M Revenue Services Total Revenue Expenses Cash Operating Expenses OA&M Expenses Services Cost of Access Total Expense Capex/Overhang Backhaul/Offnet Overhang New IRU Backhaul PCL Overhang Services NEC/KDDI Contracts Other Capex Total Capex/Overhang Other Expenses/(Income) Other Expenses/(Income) Net Interest Total Other Expense/(Income) Net Cash Flow Beginning Cash Balance Net Cash Flow Ending Cash Balance |
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 11]
(Debentures)
SCHEDULE 11
DEBENTURES
Security Documents to be granted by the following Security Parties in favour of the Security Trustee:
COLUMN 1 COLUMN 2 COLUMN 2 JURISDICTION OF NO SECURITY PARTY DOCUMENT SECURITY PARTY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. ASIA NETCOM ASIA PACIFIC LIMITED HONG KONG GROUP DEBENTURE HONG KONG 2. ASIA NETCOM ASIA PACIFIC HONG KONG GROUP DEBENTURE HONG KONG COMMERCIAL LIMITED 3. ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED DEBENTURE BERMUDA 4. ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION (SINGAPORE) SINGAPORE GROUP DEBENTURE SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. 5. ASIA NETCOM HONG KONG LIMITED HONG KONG GROUP DEBENTURE HONG KONG 6. ASIA NETCOM SERVICES (S) PTE. LTD. SINGAPORE GROUP DEBENTURE SINGAPORE 7. ASIA NETCOM SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. SINGAPORE GROUP DEBENTURE SINGAPORE 8. EAST ASIA NETCOM LTD. DEBENTURE BERMUDA 9. GROUP WEALTH FINANCE LIMITED DEBENTURE BVI 10. SOUTHEAST ASIA NETCOM SINGAPORE GROUP DEBENTURE SINGAPORE (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD. 11. ASIA NETCOM AUSTRALIA PTY LTD. DEBENTURE AUSTRALIA 12. ASIA NETCOM JAPAN CORP. MOVABLES SECURITY ASSIGNMENT JAPAN 13. ASIA NETCOM SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF BUILDING SINGAPORE AGREEMENT 14. ASIA NETCOM TSUSHIN CORP. MOVABLES SECURITY ASSIGNMENT JAPAN 15. ASIA NETCOM USA, INC. SECURITY AGREEMENT USA |
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 11]
(Debentures)
16. EAST ASIA NETCOM JAPAN LTD. MOVABLES SECURITY ASSIGNMENT JAPAN / MOVABLES PLEDGE 17. EAST ASIA NETCOM PHILIPPINES, INC. CHATTEL MORTGAGE PHILIPPINES |
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 12]
(Share Mortgages)
SCHEDULE 12
SHARE MORTGAGES
SHARE MORTGAGES TO BE GRANTED BY THE FOLLOWING SECURITY PARTIES IN FAVOUR OF
THE SECURITY
COLUMN 1 COLUMN 2 COLUMN 2 COLUMN 4 JURISDICTION COMPANIES WHOSE SHARES ARE THE OF SUBJECT OF THE SHARE CHARGE - SECURITY NO. (JURISDICTION) SECURITY PARTY PARTY DOCUMENT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Asia Netcom Asia Pacific Commercial ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION BERMUDA HK GROUP SHARE MORTGAGE Limited - (Hong Kong) LIMITED 2. Asia Netcom Asia Pacific Limited ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION BERMUDA HK GROUP SHARE MORTGAGE - (Hong Kong) LIMITED 3. Asia Netcom Corporation Limited CHINA NETCOM BERMUDA ANC SHARE MORTGAGE - (Bermuda) INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 4. Asia Netcom Corporation (Singapore) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION BERMUDA SINGAPORE GROUP SHARE Pte Limited - (Singapore) LIMITED MORTGAGE 5. Asia Netcom Hong Kong Limited ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION BERMUDA HK GROUP SHARE MORTGAGE - (Hong Kong) LIMITED 6. Asia Netcom Korea Ltd. ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION SINGAPORE SHARE PLEDGE - (Korea) (SINGAPORE) PTE. LIMITED 7. Asia Netcom Services (S) Pte. Ltd. ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION SINGAPORE SINGAPORE GROUP SHARE - (Singapore) (SINGAPORE) PTE. LIMITED MORTGAGE 8. Asia Netcom Singapore Pte. Ltd. ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION SINGAPORE SINGAPORE GROUP SHARE - (Singapore) (SINGAPORE) PTE. LIMITED MORTGAGE 9. East Asia Netcom Korea Limited. EAST ASIA NETCOM UK ENGLAND SHARE PLEDGE AGREEMENT - (Korea) HOLDINGS LIMITED 10. East Asia Netcom Ltd. ASSETCO BVI EAN SHARE MORTGAGE - (Bermuda) 11 East Asia Netcom EAST ASIA NETCOM LTD. BERMUDA SHARE MORTGAGE UK Holdings Limited - (England) |
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 12]
(Share Mortgages)
12 Group Wealth Finance Limited (BVI) EAST ASIA NETCOM LTD. BERMUDA SHARE MORTGAGE 13 Southeast Asia Netcom ASIA NETCOM SINGAPORE SINGAPORE SINGAPORE GROUP SHARE (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. PTE. LTD. MORTGAGE - (Singapore) 14. Asia Netcom Australia Pty Ltd. ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION SINGAPORE SHARE MORTGAGE - (Australia) (SINGAPORE) PTE. LIMITED 15. Asia Netcom Japan Corp. ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION SINGAPORE EQUITY UNIT PLEDGE - (Japan) (SINGAPORE) PTE. LIMITED AGREEMENT 16. Asia Netcom Tsushin Corp. ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION SINGAPORE EQUITY UNIT PLEDGE - (Japan) (SINGAPORE) PTE. LIMITED AGREEMENT 17. Asia Netcom USA, Inc. ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION SINGAPORE STOCK PLEDGE AGREEMENT - (USA) (SINGAPORE) PTE. LIMITED 18. East Asia Netcom Japan Ltd. EAST ASIA NETCOM UK ENGLAND EQUITY UNIT PLEDGE - (Japan) HOLDINGS LIMITED |
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 13]
(Subordination Deeds)
SCHEDULE 13
SUBORDINATION DEEDS
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 14]
(Bring Down Certificate)
SCHEDULE 14
BORROWER'S BRINGDOWN CERTIFICATE
______________, 2004
To: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10/F, ICBC Asia Building
122-126 Queen's Road Central
Hong Kong
and to each Finance Party
I refer to the facility agreement as amended and restated by the Supplemental Amendment and Restatement Deed (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT") dated July, 2004, between (1) Asia Netcom Corporation Limited as borrower (the "BORROWER"); (2) the lenders named therein (the "LENDERS"), (3) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as facility agent for the Lenders, and (4) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as arranger in relation to a loan facility in the maximum aggregate amount of up to US$150,000,000 to be made available on the terms and conditions set out therein.
Terms defined in the Facility Agreement have the same meaning when used in this Certificate unless otherwise defined in this Certificate.
I am an authorised signatory of the Borrower and, pursuant to paragraph 16 of Schedule 3 to the Facility Agreement, hereby certify as follows:-
INFORMATION: All information supplied to the Facility Agent or any other Finance Party by or on behalf of the Borrower in respect of any member of the Borrower Group under or in connection with the Finance Documents, including but not limited to the Group Structure Chart and the audited accounts of the Borrower Group for the year ended 31st March, 2003, is true, complete and accurate in all material respects and not misleading in any material respect or does not omit any material facts and all reasonable enquiries have been made to verify the facts contained in the Finance Documents; and there are no other facts the omission of which would make any fact or statement therein misleading in any material respect nor there is any material adverse change in the financial condition of the Borrower or the Borrower Group from the date when such information was provided.
COMPLIANCE WITH CONSENTS AND LICENCES: every consent, authorisation, licence or approval required for the time being by each member of the Borrower Group in connection with the conduct of its business and the ownership, use, exploitation or occupation of its property and assets has been applied for and not refused or has been obtained and is in full force and effect and there has been no material default in the observance of the conditions and restrictions (if any) imposed on, or in connection with, any of the same which may have a material adverse effect on the ability of each member of the Borrower Group to perform its obligations under the Finance Documents to which it is party and, to the knowledge of the officers of the Borrower, no circumstances have arisen whereby any remedial action is likely to be required to be taken by, or at the expense of, any member of the
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 14]
(Bring Down Certificate)
Borrower Group under or pursuant to any law or regulation applicable to the business, property or assets of a member of the Borrower Group.
LITIGATION: except as disclosed in a letter of even date from the Borrower to the Facility Agent, no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding is currently taking place or pending or, to the knowledge of the officers of the Borrower, threatened against the Borrower or any member of the Borrower Group or any of their respective assets which could, in the reasonable opinion of the Majority Lenders, materially and adversely affect its business, assets or financial condition or their respective ability to perform its obligations under the Finance Documents to which each is party.
NO DEFAULT: no Default has occurred and is continuing or might reasonably be expected to result from the making of an Advance and no member of the Borrower Group is or, with the giving of notice or lapse of time or satisfaction of any other condition or any combination thereof, would be in material breach of or in default under any agreement relating to Financial Indebtedness to which it is a party or by which it may be bound.
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 15]
(Group Structure Chart)
SCHEDULE 15
GROUP STRUCTURE CHART
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 15]
(Group Structure Chart)
[ASIA NETCOM CHART]
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 16]
(Initial Material Subsidiaries)
SCHEDULE 16
INITIAL MATERIAL SUBSIDIARIES
JURISDICTION OF INITIAL MATERIAL SUBSIDIARIES INCORPORATION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASIA NETCOM ASIA PACIFIC LIMITED HONG KONG ASIA NETCOM ASIA PACIFIC COMMERCIAL LIMITED HONG KONG ASIA NETCOM AUSTRALIA PTY LTD. AUSTRALIA ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED BERMUDA ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD. SINGAPORE ASIA NETCOM HONG KONG LIMITED HONG KONG ASIA NETCOM JAPAN CORP JAPAN ASIA NETCOM KOREA LTD KOREA ASIA NETCOM SERVICES (S) PTE LTD. SINGAPORE ASIA NETCOM SINGAPORE PTE LTD. SINGAPORE ASIA NETCOM TSUSHIN CORP JAPAN ASIA NETCOM USA INC USA EAST ASIA NETCOM LTD. BERMUDA EAST ASIA NETCOM JAPAN LTD. JAPAN EAST ASIA NETCOM KOREA LIMITED KOREA EAST ASIA NETCOM PHILIPPINES, INC. PHILIPPINES EAST ASIA NETWORK TAIWAN INC. TAIWAN EAST ASIA NETCOM UK HOLDINGS LIMITED ENGLAND GROUP WEALTH FINANCE LIMITED BVI SOUTHEAST ASIA NETCOM (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD SINGAPORE |
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 17]
(Documents required to be delivered by an Additional Security Party)
SCHEDULE 17
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO BE DELIVERED BY AN
ADDITIONAL SECURITY PARTY
1. A certified true copy of the constitutional documents of the Additional Security Party.
2. A certified true copy of a resolution of the board of directors and the shareholders of the Additional Security Party:
(a) approving the terms of, and the transactions contemplated by, the Finance Documents and resolving that it execute the Finance Documents to which it is a party;
(b) authorizing a specified person to execute such Finance Documents; and
(c) authorizing a specified person, on its behalf, to sign and deliver all other documents and notices to be signed and/or delivered by it under or in connection with the Finance Documents.
3. A specimen of the signature of each person referred to in paragraph 2. above.
4. A copy of any other authorization or other document, opinion, or assurance which the Facility Agent considers to be necessary or desirable in connection with the entry into and performance of the transactions contemplated by such Finance Documents, or for the validity and enforceability of such Finance Documents.
5. Legal opinions from legal advisers in all relevant jurisdictions as required by the Facility Agent.
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 18]
(Security Perfection Requirements)
SCHEDULE 18
SECURITY PERFECTION REQUIREMENTS
PART A PERFECTION OF SECURITY REQUIREMENTS WITHIN 1 BUSINESS DAY OF THE DATE Checklist OF EXECUTION Item No. BERMUDA SHARE MORTGAGE OVER SHARES IN NEWCO GRANTED BY EAN - submit original of A -II1A2(ii) the Share Mortgage to the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda for registration. THIRD PRIORITY DEBENTURE OVER ASSETS OF EAN - submit original of the A - II1A3(b) Third Priority Debenture to the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda for registration DEBENTURE OVER ASSETS OF THE BORROWER - submit original of the A - II1B1 Debenture to the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda for registration CHARGE OVER DEPOSIT GRANTED BY THE BORROWER - submit original of the A - II1B7(b) Charge over Deposit to the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda for registration DEED OF ACCOUNT CHARGE GRANTED BY THE BORROWER - submit original of the A - II1B9(b) Deed of Account Charge to the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda for registration SHARE MORTGAGE OVER SHARES IN THE BORROWER GRANTED BY CNC INTERNATIONAL A - II1C1(i) - submit original of the Share Mortgage to the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda for registration SECOND DEED OF MORTGAGE OVER SHARES IN EAN - submit original of the A - II7A1(c) Second Deed of Mortgage to the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda for registration ASSIGNMENT OF FIXED AND FLOATING CHARGE OVER ASSETS OF EAN FROM KDDI TO B - II1A1(b) NEWCO - submit original of the Assignment together with Form 9 (revised particulars) to Registrar of Companies in Bermuda ASSIGNMENT OF FIXED AND FLOATING CHARGE OVER ASSETS OF EAN FROM NEC TO B - II1A2(b) NEWCO - submit original of the Assignment together with Form 9 (revised particulars) to Registrar of Companies in Bermuda ASSIGNMENT OF SHARE CHARGE GRANTED BY EAST ASIA NETCOM UK HOLDINGS B - II1A3(d) LIMITED OVER SHARES OF EAN FROM DB TRUSTEES TO NEWCO - submit original of the Assignment together with Form 9 (revised particulars) to Registrar of Companies in Bermuda |
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 18]
(Security Perfection Requirements)
DEED OF ASSIGNMENT OF CHARGE GRANTED BY ASSETCO OVER SHARES OF EAN FROM B - II7A1(b) DB TRUSTEES TO NEWCO - submit original Deed of Assignment together with Form 9 (revised particulars) to Registrar of Companies in Bermuda BVI SECOND DEED OF MORTGAGE OVER SHARES IN EAST ASIA NETCOM LIMITED - A - II7A1(b)(i) Registration of Second Deed of Mortgage on AssetCo's Register of Mortgages DEBENTURE OVER ASSETS OF NEWCO - Registration of Debenture on NewCo's A - II7B1(a)(i) Register of Mortgages SHARE PLEDGE AGREEMENT to be given by ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD. [3020] (SINGAPORE) over shares in ASIA NETCOM JAPAN CORP. AND ASIA NETCOM TSUSHIN CORP. - entry of the pledge interest in the shareholders register of Asia A - II5a5(b) Netcom Japan Corp. - entry of the pledge interest in the shareholders register of Asia A - II5a5(b) Netcom Tsushin Corp. JAPAN TRANSFER OF PLEDGE OF MOVABLES GRANTED BY EAST ASIA NETCOM JAPAN B - II3A1(b) LIMITED FROM KDDI TO NEWCO - affixation of official date stamp (kakutei-hizuke) on the Confirmation and Consent to be given by Asia Netcom Japan Corp (as possessor of movables) TRANSFER OF PLEDGE OF MOVABLES GRANTED BY EAST ASIA NETCOM JAPAN B - II3A2(b) LIMITED FROM NEC TO NEWCO - affixation of official date stamp (kakutei-hizuke) on the Confirmation and Consent to be given by Asia Netcom Japan Corp (as possessor of movables) TRANSFER OF MORTGAGE GRANTED BY EAST ASIA NETCOM JAPAN LIMITED FROM KDDI TO NEWCO - entry in the property registry maintained by (a) Aji Branch of Tsu B - II3A3(b) Local Legal Affairs Bureau with respect to the Ajigaura Property and (b) Htachinaka Branch of Mito Local Legal Affairs Bureau with respect to the Shima Property - payment of governmental commission for the registration of the B - II3A3(c) transfer of mortgage TRANSFER OF MORTGAGE GRANTED BY EAST ASIA NETCOM JAPAN LIMITED FROM NEC TO NEWCO - entry in the property registry maintained by (a) Aji Branch of Tsu B - II3A4(b) Local Legal Affairs Bureau with respect to the Ajigaura Property and (b) Htachinaka Branch of Mito Local Legal Affairs Bureau with respect to the Shima Property |
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 18]
(Security Perfection Requirements)
- payment of governmental commission for the registration of the B - II3A3(c) transfer of mortgage TRANSFER OF EQUITY UNIT PLEDGE GRANTED BY EAST ASIA NETCOM UK HOLDINGS B - II6A2(d) LIMITED OVER SHARES IN EAST ASIA NETCOM JAPAN LTD FROM KDDI TO NEWCO - entry into the shareholders register of East Asia Netcom Japan Ltd regarding the transfer of the pledge TRANSFER OF EQUITY UNIT PLEDGE GRANTED BY EAST ASIA NETCOM UK HOLDINGS B - II6A3(d) LIMITED OVER SHARES IN EAST ASIA NETCOM JAPAN LTD FROM NECTO NEWCO - entry into the shareholders register of East Asia Netcom Japan Ltd regarding the transfer of the pledge KOREA SHARE PLEDGE OVER SHARES IN ASIA NETCOM KOREA LTD GRANTED BY ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD - affix official fixed date stamp on the acknowledgment and consent to A - II5A4 (b) be given by Asia Netcom Korea Ltd - submit application form to Asia Netcom Korea Ltd for the recordation A - II5A4 (d) of the Lenders' pledge interest in Shareholders Registry of Asia Netcom Korea Ltd. ASSIGNMENT OF SHARE PLEDGE GRANTED BY EAST ASIA NETCOM UK HOLDINGS B - II6A1(a) LIMITED OVER SHARES IN EAST ASIA NETCOM KOREA LTD FROM DB TRUSTEES AND NEWCO - affix official fixed date stamp on the acknowledgment and consent to be given by East Asia Netcom Korea Ltd USA STOCK PLEDGE AGREEMENT OVER SHARES IN ASIA NETCOM USA, INC. GRANTED BY A - II5A6(c) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD AND SECURITY ASSIGNMENT - and A - II9A1 submit UCC filings in the State of Delaware against Asia Netcom USA, Inc. DEBENTURE OVER ASSETS OF THE BORROWER - submit UCC filings in A - II1B1 Washington DC against the Borrower ASSIGNMENT OF FIXED AND FLOATING CHARGE OVER ASSETS OF EAN FROM KDDI TO B - II1A1(e) NEWCO - submit UCC filings in Washington DC against EAN PART B PERFECTION OF SECURITY REQUIREMENTS WITHIN 5 BUSINESS DAYS OF THE DATE OF EXECUTION KOREA ASSIGNMENT OF SHARE PLEDGE OVER SHARES IN EAST ASIA NETCOM KOREA LTD. B - II6A1(b) GRANTED BY EAST ASIA NETCOM UK HOLDINGS LIMITED FROM DB TRUSTEES TO NEWCO - submit application form to East Asia Netcom Korea Ltd for the recordation of the Lenders' pledge interest in Shareholders Registry of East Asia Netcom Korea Ltd. |
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 18]
(Security Perfection Requirements)
SECOND PRIORITY SHARE PLEDGE OVER SHARES IN EAST ASIA NETCOM KOREA LTD. A - II6A2(d) GRANTED BY EAST ASIA NETCOM UK HOLDINGS LIMITED - submit application form to East Asia Netcom Korea Ltd for the recordation of the Lenders' second priority pledge interest in Shareholders Registry of East Asia Netcom Korea Ltd. PART C PERFECTION OF SECURITY REQUIREMENTS WITHIN 10 BUSINESS DAYS OF THE DATE OF EXECUTION BVI SHARE MORTGAGE OVER SHARES IN NEWCO GRANTED BY EAN - entry of notation A - II1A2(i) of Share Mortgage on NewCo's share register and filing of share register with the BVI Companies Registry SECOND DEED OF MORTGAGE OVER SHARES IN EAN - filing of AssetCo's A - II7A1(b)(ii) Register of Mortgages with the BVI Companies Registry DEBENTURE OVER ASSETS OF NEWCO - filing of NewCo's Register of A - II7B1(a)(ii) Mortgages with the BVI Companies Registry PART D PERFECTION OF SECURITY REQUIREMENTS WITHIN 14 DAYS OF THE DATE OF EXECUTION HONG KONG DEED OF RELEASE OF CHARGE OVER SHARES IN ASIA NETCOM HONG KONG LIMITED B - III1A1 - submit Form M2 to Companies Registry of Hong Kong for registration. KDDI DEED OF TRANSFER, SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE AND KDDI DEED OF B - III2A1 TRANSFER, SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE - submit Form M2 to Companies Registry of Hong Kong for registration of the release of Fixed and Floating Charge in Asia Netcom Hong Kong Limited granted in favour of KDDI. NEC DEED OF TRANSFER, SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE AND KDDI DEED OF TRANSFER, B - III3A1 SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE - submit Form M2 to Companies Registry of Hong Kong for registration of the release of Fixed and Floating Charge in Asia Netcom Hong Kong Limited granted in favour of NEC. JAPAN KDDI DEED OF TRANSFER, RELEASE AND SETTLEMENT - KDDI to file an ex post B - IA(a) notice with the Bank of Japan regarding the transfer of the portion of the Vendor Financing from KDDI to NewCo. NEC DEED OF TRANSFER, RELEASE AND SETTLEMENT - NEC to file an ex post B - IA(a) notice with the Bank of Japan regarding the transfer of the portion of the |
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 18]
(Security Perfection Requirements)
Vendor Financing from NEC to NewCo. PART E PERFECTION OF SECURITY REQUIREMENTS WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF EXECUTION ENGLAND SECOND DEED OF MORTGAGE OVER SHARES IN EAST ASIA NETCOM UK HOLDINGS A - II 1A4(a) LIMITED GRANTED BY EAN - submit original of the Second Deed of Mortgage to Companies House for registration ASSIGNMENT OF SHARE PLEDGE GRANTED BY EAST ASIA NETCOM UK HOLDINGS B - II6A1(d) LIMITED OVER SHARES IN EAST ASIA NETCOM KOREA LIMITED FROM DB TRUSTEE TO NEWCO - submit original of the Assignment of Share Pledge to Companies House for registration DEBENTURE OVER ASSETS OF EAST ASIA NETCOM UK HOLDINGS LIMITED - submit A - II6A1 original of the Debenture to Companies House for registration SECOND PRIORITY SHARE PLEDGE GRANTED BY EAST ASIA NETCOM UK HOLDINGS A - II6A2(e) LIMITED OVER SHARES IN EAST ASIA NETCOM KOREA LIMITED - submit original of the Second Priority Share Pledge to Companies House for registration THIRD PRIORITY EQUITY UNIT PLEDGE GRANTED BY EAST ASIA NETCOM UK A - II6A4(a) HOLDINGS LIMITED OVER SHARES IN EAST ASIA NETCOM JAPAN LTD - submit original of the Third Priority Equity Unit Pledge to Companies House for registration TRANSFER OF EQUITY UNIT PLEDGE GRANTED BY EAST ASIA NETCOM UK HOLDINGS B - II6A2(e) LIMITED OVER SHARES IN EAST ASIA NETCOM JAPAN LTD FROM KDDI TO NEWCO - submit original of the Transfer of Equity Unit Pledge to Companies House for registration TRANSFER OF EQUITY UNIT PLEDGE GRANTED BY EAST ASIA NETCOM UK HOLDINGS B - II6A3(e) LIMITED OVER SHARES IN EAST ASIA NETCOM JAPAN LTD FROM NECTO NEWCO - submit original of the Transfer of Equity Unit Pledge to Companies House for registration DEED OF ASSIGNMENT OF PLEDGE AGREEMENT GRANTED BY EAST ASIA NETCOM UK B - II6A4(c) HOLDINGS LIMITED OVER SHARES IN EAST ASIA NETCOM PHILIPPINES, INC. - submit original of the Deed of Assignment to Companies House for registration ALL OTHER SECURITY DOCUMENTS - submit original of all other Security Documents to Companies House for registration. JAPAN TRANSFER OF MORTGAGE GRANTED BY EAST ASIA NETCOM JAPAN LIMITED FROM B - II3A3(d) KDDI TO NEWCO - consent from landowner for the transfer of mortgage |
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 18]
(Security Perfection Requirements)
TRANSFER OF MORTGAGE GRANTED BY EAST ASIA NETCOM JAPAN LIMITED FROM NEC B - II3A4(d) TO NEWCO - consent from landowner for the transfer of mortgage PART F PERFECTION OF SECURITY REQUIREMENTS WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE DATE OF EXECUTION SINGAPORE GROUP DEBENTURE OVER ASSETS OF ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION (SINGAPORE) PTE A - II5A3(ae) LTD, ASIA NETCOM SINGAPORE PTE. LTD, ASIA NETCOM SERVICES (S) PTE LTD, AND SOUTHEAST ASIA NETCOM (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD. - submit Group Debenture for stamping with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore ASSIGNMENT OF BUILDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN ASIA NETCOM SINGAPORE PTE LTD A - II5B2(c) AND ICBC ASIA - submit Assignment of Building Agreement for stamping with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore NEC DEED OF TRANSFER, SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE AND RELEASE OF SHARE B - II3B1 CHARGE OVER SHARES IN ASIA NETCOM SINGAPORE PTE LTD - submit notification to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority regarding the release of the Share Charge NEC DEED OF TRANSFER, SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE AND RELEASE OF SHARE B -II3B3 CHARGE OVER FUTURE SHARES IN ASIA NETCOM SINGAPORE PTE LTD - submit notification to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority regarding the release of the future Share Charge NEC DEED OF TRANSFER, SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE AND RELEASE OF DEBENTURE B -II3B3 OVER ASSETS PF ASIA NETCOM SINGAPORE PTE LTD - submit notification to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority regarding the release of the Debenture NEC DEED OF TRANSFER, SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE AND RELEASE OF ASSIGNMENT B -II3B10 OF BUILDING AGREEMENT - submit notification to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority regarding the release of the Assignment of Building Agreement NEC DEED OF TRANSFER, SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE AND RELEASE OF ASSIGNMENT B - II3B7 OF BUILDING AGREEMENT - notice of release and reassignment to Jurong Town Corporation NEC DEED OF TRANSFER, SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE AND RELEASE OF ASSIGNMENT B - II3B8 OF BUILDING AGREEMENT - withdrawal of previous caveat lodged with respect of the Assignment of Building Agreement NEC DEED OF TRANSFER, SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE AND RELEASE OF DEBENTURE B -II3B11 OVER ASSETS PF SOUTHEAST ASIA NETCOM (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD - submit notification to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority regarding the release of the Debenture |
[Facility Agreement]
[Schedule 18]
(Security Perfection Requirements)
PART G PERFECTION OF SECURITY REQUIREMENTS WITHIN 5 WEEKS OF THE DATE OF EXECUTION HONG KONG GROUP SHARE MORTGAGE OVER SHARES IN ASIA NETCOM ASIA PACIFIC LIMITED, A - II 1B3(y) ASIA NETCOM ASIA PACIFIC COMMERCIAL LIMITED AND ASIA NETCOM HONG KONG LIMITED GRANTED BY THE BORROWER - submit original of the Group Share Mortgage to Companies Registry of Hong Kong for registration CHARGE OVER DEPOSIT GRANTED BY THE BORROWER - submit original of the A - II 1B7(c) Charge over Deposit to the Companies Registry of Hong Kong for registration DEED OF ACCOUNT CHARGE GRANTED BY THE BORROWER - submit original of the A - II 1B9(c) Deed of Account Charge to the Companies Registry of Hong Kong for registration GROUP DEBENTURE OVER ASSETS OF ASIA NETCOM ASIA PACIFIC LIMITED, ASIA A - II 2A(a) NETCOM ASIA PACIFIC COMMERCIAL LIMITED AND ASIA NETCOM HONG KONG LIMITED - submit original of the Group Debenture to Companies Registry of Hong Kong for registration ALL OTHER SECURITY DOCUMENTS - submit original of all other Security Documents to the Companies Registry of Hong Kong for registration. PART H PERFECTION OF SECURITY REQUIREMENTS WITHIN 37 DAYS OF THE DATE HEREOF SINGAPORE GROUP DEBENTURE OVER ASSETS OF ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION (SINGAPORE) PTE A - II5A3(ad) LTD, ASIA NETCOM SINGAPORE PTE. LTD, ASIA NETCOM SERVICES (S) PTE LTD, AND SOUTHEAST ASIA NETCOM (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD. - lodgement of the Statement Containing Particulars of Charge with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ASSIGNMENT OF BUILDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN ASIA NETCOM SINGAPORE PTE LTD A - II5B2(b) AND ICBC ASIA - lodgement of the Statement Containing Particulars of Charge with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority PART I NOTICES OF ASSIGNMENT AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND OTHER CONSENTS (IF ANY) REQUIRED TO BE RECEIVED UNDER ALL RELEVANT SECURITY DOCUMENTS - execution and delivery of all notices of assignment and acknowledgment and other consents (if any) within the time limit specified under the relevant Security Document. |
[Facility Agreement]
EXECUTION PAGE
THE BORROWER
SIGNED by ) ) ) for and on behalf of ) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED ) THE LENDERS SIGNED by ) ) ) for and on behalf of ) THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ) BANK OF CHINA, BEIJING BRANCH ) SIGNED by ) ) ) for and on behalf of ) THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ) BANK OF CHINA, SHANGHAI BRANCH ) SIGNED by ) ) ) for and on behalf of ) THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ) BANK OF CHINA, HONG KONG BRANCH ) [Facility Agreement] -126- |
SIGNED by ) ) ) for and on behalf of ) CHINA MINSHENG BANKING ) CORP. LTD. ) SIGNED by ) ) ) for and on behalf of ) CITIC INDUSTRIAL BANK ) SIGNED by ) ) ) for and on behalf of ) BANK OF COMMUNICATIONS ) [Facility Agreement] -127- |
SIGNED by ) ) ) for and on behalf of ) HUAXIA BANK ) THE ARRANGER SIGNED by ) ) ) for and on behalf of ) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF ) CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED ) THE FACILITY AGENT SIGNED by ) ) ) for and on behalf of ) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF ) CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED ) [Facility Agreement] |
EXHIBIT 10.41
Execution Copy
Dated 27 July 2004
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
(as Subordinated Lender)
in favour of
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
(as Security Trustee)
GROUP SUBORDINATION DEED
RICHARDS BUTLER
HONG KONG
[Group Subordination Deed]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CLAUSE NO. CLAUSE HEADING PAGE NO. --------- -------------- ------- 1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION....................................................................... 1 2. SUBORDINATION OF INDEBTEDNESS...................................................................... 3 3. ASSIGNMENT OF SUBORDINATED INDEBTEDNESS............................................................ 5 4. NOTICE OF SUBORDINATION AND ASSIGNMENT TO DEBTORS.................................................. 7 5. CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY................................................................ 8 6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES..................................................................... 9 7. TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS......................................................................... 12 8. COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES........................................................................ 13 9. UNDERTAKINGS....................................................................................... 14 10. NO SECURITY BY SUBORDINATED LENDER................................................................. 15 11. INDEMNITY.......................................................................................... 15 12. SUSPENSE ACCOUNT................................................................................... 16 13. SET OFF............................................................................................ 16 14. POWER OF ATTORNEY.................................................................................. 16 15. FURTHER ASSURANCE.................................................................................. 17 16. NOTICES............................................................................................ 17 17. WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS.............. 18 18. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION..................................................................... 19 SCHEDULE 1 - PARTICULARS OF SUBORDINATED INDEBTEDNESS....................................................... 21 SCHEDULE 2 - DEBTORS........................................................................................ 22 SCHEDULE 3 - FORM OF NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT TO BE GIVEN TO THE DEBTORS........................................ 23 SIGNATURE PAGE.............................................................................................. 26 |
[Group Subordination Deed]
THIS GROUP SUBORDINATION DEED is made on 27 July 2004
BETWEEN:-
(1) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda, and whose registered office is situated at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, HM11 Bermuda (the "SUBORDINATED LENDER"); and
(2) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong acting through its head office at ICBC Asia Building, 122-126 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong acting on its own behalf and as facility agent and trustee for and on behalf of the Finance Parties (the "SECURITY TRUSTEE").
WHEREAS:-
(A) By a facility agreement signed on 2 December, 2003 (but held undated in
escrow) as released from escrow and amended and restated by the
Supplemental Amendment and Restatement Deed (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT")
entered into by (1) the Subordinated Lender, as borrower (2) the banks and
financial institutions named therein as lenders (the "LENDERS"); (3) the
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as arranger; and
(4) the Security Trustee, the Lenders have agreed, upon and subject to
the terms of the Facility Agreement, to make available to the
Subordinated Lender a term loan facility of up to US$150,000,000 (the
"FACILITY") for the purposes more particularly specified therein.
(B) The Security Trustee is acting as facility agent for the Finance Parties pursuant to the Facility Agreement and security agent and trustee for the Finance Parties pursuant to this Deed and other Finance Documents.
(C) It is a condition precedent to the availability of the Facility under the Facility Agreement that the Subordinated Lender shall have executed and delivered this Deed to the Security Trustee.
NOW THIS DEED WITNESSES as follows:-
1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
1.1 TERMS DEFINED
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires, terms used shall have the meanings defined in the Facility Agreement and:-
"DEBTORS" means the companies named and particulars of which are set out in Schedule 2 and "DEBTOR" means any of them, as the context may require.
"SECURED OBLIGATIONS" means any and all moneys, liabilities and obligations or liability
[Group Subordination Deed]
(whether actual or contingent, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether or not for the payment of money, and including, without limitation, any obligation to pay damages) which are or may become payable by the Subordinated Lender or any other Finance Party which is a member of the CNC HK Group to the Finance Parties pursuant to the Finance Documents and/or all other obligations hereby secured.
"SUBORDINATED INDEBTEDNESS" means the loans particulars of which are set out in Schedule 1 in respect of which the Debtors are currently indebted to the Subordinated Lender and all and any sums which are now or may hereafter become due, owing or incurred by the the Debtors to the Subordinated Lender, whether in respect of principal, interest or otherwise, on account of any advance, loan or payment made to or for the account of the Debtors.
"SUBORDINATED LOAN AGREEMENT" means any loan agreement, facility letter or other document now or hereafter entered into between the Subordinated Lender and any of the Debtors creating or evidencing the Subordinated Indebtedness (or any part thereof).
1.2 TRUST
All rights, benefits, interests, powers and discretions granted to or
conferred on the Security Trustee pursuant to this Deed shall be held by
the Security Trustee on trust for the benefit of itself as Security
Trustee and each Finance Party from time to time. The Security Trustee
may do all acts within its powers to administer and manage the trust
constituted by this Clause including any full or partial release and/or
re-assignment by deed of the rights, benefits and interests conferred by
Clauses 2.1 and 3.2 or the release of all or any part of the Subordinated
Indebtedness from this Deed. The trust constituted by this Clause shall
come into existence on the date of this Deed and shall last for so long
as any of the Secured Obligations remain outstanding provided that for
the purposes of the rule against perpetuities, the perpetuity period
applicable to the trust and any dispositions made or to be made pursuant
to this Deed and this trust, is hereby specified as a period of eighty
(80) years less than (1) day from the date of this Deed.
1.3 CLAUSE HEADINGS
Clause headings and the table of contents are for ease of reference only and shall be ignored in the interpretation of this Deed.
1.4 CONSTRUCTION
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires:-
(a) Clause 13 of the Facility Agreement shall be deemed incorporated in this Deed mutatis mutandis as if set out separately in this Deed; and
(b) references to the "SUBORDINATED LENDER", the "DEBTOR", the "SECURITY TRUSTEE" or any "FINANCE PARTY" include, where the context permits, their respective successors and transferees and permitted assigns in accordance with their respective interests.
[Group Subordination Deed]
2. SUBORDINATION OF INDEBTEDNESS
2.1 SUBORDINATION
In consideration of the Lenders agreeing to make the Facility available to the Subordinated Lender upon the terms and conditions of the Facility Agreement and as a continuing security for the due and punctual performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations, the Subordinated Lender agrees that throughout the continuance of this Deed and so long as the Secured Obligations or any part thereof remains owing:-
(a) the Subordinated Indebtedness owing to it:-
(i) is, and shall remain, subordinated and the payment thereof deferred to all and any rights, claims and actions which the Security Trustee or any Finance Party may now or hereafter have against any of the Debtors in respect of the Secured Obligations;
(ii) shall not be repaid or repayable, in whole or in part, except with the prior written consent of the Security Trustee or in the event of the winding-up, liquidation or dissolution of any of the Debtors (or any proceedings analogous thereto);
(iii) shall not, except with the prior written consent of the Security Trustee, be subject to payment of interest (although interest may accrue thereon);
(iv) is and shall remain unsecured by any Security Interest over the whole or any part of the assets of any of the Debtors;
(v) is not, and shall not become capable of being, subject to any right of set-off or counterclaim;
(b) the Subordinated Lender shall not claim, request, demand, sue for, take or receive (whether by set-off or in any other manner and whether from any of the Debtors or any other person) any money or other property in respect of the Subordinated Indebtedness or any part thereof except with the prior written consent of the Security Trustee;
(c) if any monies (including the proceeds of any set-off or counterclaim) or other property are received in respect of the Subordinated Indebtedness by or on behalf of the Subordinated Lender, it shall forthwith pay or transfer the same to the Security Trustee and the Security Trustee shall apply the same in or towards satisfaction of the Secured Obligations; and
(d) if any Security Interest is created as security for the Subordinated Indebtedness then, immediately on the creation thereof, the benefit of such Security Interest shall be assigned or transferred in favour of the Security Trustee as security for the Secured Obligations and any instrument or agreement evidencing such
[Group Subordination Deed]
Security Interest shall be deposited with the Security Trustee.
2.2 WINDING-UP OF DEBTOR
In any proceedings for the compulsory or voluntary winding-up, liquidation or dissolution of any of the Debtors (or any proceedings analogous thereto):-
(a) the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties shall be entitled to receive payment in full of the Secured Obligations before the Subordinated Lender shall be entitled to receive any payment on account of the Subordinated Indebtedness or any part thereof;
(b) the Subordinated Lender agrees that it will prove for the full amount of its claims in respect of the Subordinated Indebtedness and that any amounts payable to the Subordinated Lender in respect of the Subordinated Indebtedness shall be applied in payment or satisfaction of the Secured Obligations until the whole of the Secured Obligations shall have been certified by the Security Trustee as having been discharged and the remaining balance (if any) may be applied towards payment of the amounts owing to the Subordinated Lender in respect of such Subordinated Indebtedness.
2.3 SUBORDINATED LOAN AGREEMENTS
The Subordinated Lender agrees that:-
(a) each and every Subordinated Loan Agreement now or hereafter entered into shall be subject in every respect to the terms of this Deed;
(b) insofar as the terms of any Subordinated Loan Agreement or any transaction in connection therewith are or may be inconsistent with the terms of this Deed, the terms contained herein shall prevail;
(c) no amendment to the principal amount, interest rate or payment terms shall be made to any Subordinated Loan Agreement except in writing and with the Security Trustee's prior written approval, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, of the terms thereof; and
(d) immediately after the execution of any Subordinated Loan Agreement or any agreement for the amendment of any Subordinated Loan Agreement, copies thereof shall be delivered to the Security Trustee as evidence thereof.
2.4 TRUST
If at any time throughout the continuance of this Deed and so long as the Secured Obligations or any part remains owing, the Subordinated Lender receives from any of the Debtors a payment (including by way of set-off) or distribution in cash or in kind of, or an account of, the Subordinated Indebtedness, that the Subordinated Lender shall:
[Group Subordination Deed]
(a) forthwith notify the Security Trustee of such receipt;
(b) hold any payment so received on trust for the Security Trustee (for the account of the Finance Parties) in a separate account; and
(c) pay and distribute any payment so received, or (in the case of a set-off) pay an equivalent amount, on demand, to the Security Trustee for application in or towards the Secured Obligations.
3. ASSIGNMENT OF SUBORDINATED INDEBTEDNESS
3.1 COVENANT TO PAY
The Subordinated Lender hereby covenants that it will on demand pay to the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties the Secured Obligations when the same become due for payment or discharge in accordance with the Finance Documents.
3.2 ASSIGNMENT
In consideration as aforesaid, the Subordinated Lender hereby assigns to the Security Trustee absolutely all the Subordinated Lender's right, title, interest and benefit in and to the Subordinated Indebtedness owing to it and all and any moneys (including the proceeds of any set-off or counterclaim) or other property which it may receive on account of such Subordinated Indebtedness or any part thereof and the full benefit of all rights and remedies relating thereto including, but not limited to, all claims and remedies for non-payment of the same and all claims under charges, encumbrances, guarantees and other security and all proceeds and forms of remittance in respect of the same and the full benefit of all powers and provisions whatsoever contained in the relevant Subordinated Loan Agreements (or any of them) as a continuing security for the due and punctual performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations.
3.3 APPLICATION
All monies or other property hereby assigned to or otherwise received by the Security Trustee in respect of the Subordinated Indebtedness may be applied by the Security Trustee in or towards satisfaction of the Secured Obligations in such manner as it may think fit.
3.4 PERFORMANCE AND INDEMNITY
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Subordinated Lender shall remain liable to perform all the obligations to be performed by it in respect of the Subordinated Indebtedness and shall discharge fully its obligations thereunder as they become due and neither the Security Trustee nor any of the Finance Parties shall have any obligation of any kind whatsoever thereunder or be under any liabilities whatsoever in the event of any failure to perform their obligations thereunder and the Subordinated Lender hereby indemnifies and agrees to keep indemnified the Security Trustee, the Finance Parties and each of them from and against any such liability.
[Group Subordination Deed]
3.5 RELEASE AND TRANSFER
(a) The Security Trustee shall, upon the full performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations to the satisfaction of the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties, at the request and cost of the Subordinated Lender and in such form as the Security Trustee shall reasonably approve, release and transfer to the Subordinated Lender, the Secured Indebtedness then the subject of the Security Interest constituted by this Deed.
(b) Notwithstanding any discharge, release or settlement from time to time between the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party and the Subordinated Lender or any of the Debtors, if any security, disposition or payment granted or made to the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party in respect of the Secured Obligations by the Subordinated Lender, any of the Debtors or any other person is avoided or set aside or ordered to be surrendered, paid away, refunded or reduced by virtue of any provision, law or enactment relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, winding-up, composition or arrangement for the time being in force or for any other reason, the Security Trustee shall be entitled thereafter to enforce this Deed as if no such discharge, release or settlement had occurred.
3.6 NO DISCHARGE
The liabilities and obligations of the Subordinated Lender under this deed and the security constituted by this Deed shall remain in force notwithstanding any act, omission, event or circumstance whatsoever until the expiry of the Security Period and without limiting the foregoing, neither the liabilities of the Subordinated Lender under this Deed nor the validity or enforceability of this Deed shall be prejudiced, affected or discharged by:-
(a) the granting of any time or indulgence to any of the Debtors, the Subordinated Lender or any other person in respect of the Secured Obligations;
(b) any variation or modification of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto;
(c) the invalidity or unenforceability of any obligation or liability of any party under the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto;
(d) any invalidity or irregularity in the execution of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or relating thereto;
(e) any lack of capacity or deficiency in the powers of any of the Debtors, the Subordinated Lender or any other person to enter into or perform any of its respective obligations under the Facility Agreement or any of the other Finance Documents to which it is party or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto or any irregularity in the exercise thereof or any lack of authority
[Group Subordination Deed]
by any person purporting to act on behalf of any Debtor, the Subordinated Lender or such other person;
(f) the insolvency, bankruptcy or liquidation or any incapacity, disability or limitation or any change in the constitution or status of any Debtor, the Subordinated Lender or any other person;
(g) any other Finance Document, Security Interest, guarantee or other security or right or remedy being or becoming held by or available to the Security Trustee, any Finance Party or by any other person or by any of the same being or becoming wholly or partly void, voidable or unenforceable or impaired or by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party at any time releasing, refraining from enforcing, varying or in any other way dealing with any of the same or any power, right or remedy the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party may now or hereafter have from or against the Subordinated Lender, any Debtor or any other person;
(h) any waiver, exercise, omission to exercise, compromise, renewal or release of any rights against any Debtor or the Subordinated Lender or any other person or any compromise, arrangement or settlement with any of the same; or
(i) any act, omission, event or circumstance which would or may but for this provision operate to prejudice, affect or discharge this Deed or the liability of the Subordinated Lender hereunder.
3.7 NO SUBROGATION
(a) The Subordinated Lender shall not exercise any right of subrogation, contribution or any other rights of a surety or enforce any security or other right or claim against any of the Debtors (whether in respect of its liability under this Deed or otherwise) or any other person who has guaranteed or given any security in respect of the Secured Obligations or claim in the insolvency or liquidation of any of the Debtors or any such other person in competition with the Security Trustee and/or the Finance Parties.
(b) If any Debtor or the Subordinated Lender receives any payment or benefit in breach of this Clause 3.7, it shall hold the same upon trust for the Security Trustee as a continuing security for the Secured Obligations.
4. NOTICE OF SUBORDINATION AND ASSIGNMENT TO DEBTORS
The Subordinated Lender hereby covenants with the Security Trustee that it will forthwith upon execution of this Deed, give irrevocable notice to each Debtor, substantially in the form of Schedule 3, of the subordination and assignment of the Subordinated Indebtedness contained herein, and procure each Debtor to execute the consent and agreement annexed thereto, and the Subordinated Lender hereby warrants and undertakes throughout the continuance of this Deed and so long as the Secured Obligations or any part thereof remains owing :-
[Group Subordination Deed]
(a) to procure that after the occurrence of a Default the Debtors will make all payments in full without set-off or counterclaim due in respect of the Subordinated Indebtedness to the Security Trustee or as the Security Trustee shall direct;
(b) to procure that the Debtor will promptly notify the Security Trustee whenever it incurs any Subordinated Indebtedness; and
(c) to procure the Debtor not to dispose of or charge or encumber any Subordinated Indebtedness or any part thereof to any other person.
5. CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY
5.1 CONTINUING SECURITY
This Deed and the security hereby created shall remain in full force and effect by way of a continuing security notwithstanding the insolvency or liquidation or any incapacity or change in the constitution or status of the Subordinated Lender, any Debtor or any other person and in particular but without limitation shall not be, nor be considered as, satisfied by any intermediate discharge or payment on account of any liabilities or any settlement of accounts between any Debtor or the Subordinated Lender and the Security Trustee or any Finance Party.
5.2 ADDITIONAL SECURITY
This Deed and the security hereby created shall be in addition to and not in substitution for or derogation of any other Security Interest, guarantee or other security (whether given by the Subordinated Lender, any Debtor or otherwise) now or from time to time hereafter held by the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party in respect of or in connection with the Secured Obligations.
5.3 UNRESTRICTED ENFORCEMENT
The Security Trustee need not before exercising any of the rights, powers or remedies conferred upon it by this Deed or by law (i) take action or obtain judgment against any Debtor or the Subordinated Lender or any other person in any court, (ii) make or file any claim or prove in a winding-up or liquidation of any Debtor or the Subordinated Lender or of any other person or (iii) enforce or seek to enforce the recovery of the moneys and liabilities hereby secured by any other security or other rights and may be enforced for any balance due after resorting to any one or more other means of obtaining payment or discharge of the monies obligations and liabilities hereby secured.
[Group Subordination Deed]
6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
6.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY THE SUBORDINATED LENDER
The Subordinated Lender represents and warrants to the Security Trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties that:-
(a) STATUS: it is a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of its respective jurisdiction of incorporation and has full power, authority and legal right to own its property and assets and to carry on its business as such business is now being conducted;
(b) POWER AND AUTHORITY: it has all legal power and authority to enter into this Deed and perform its obligations under this Deed and all action (including any corporate action) required to authorise the execution and delivery of this Deed and the performance of its obligations under this Deed has been duly taken;
(c) LEGAL VALIDITY: this Deed constitutes or, when so executed and delivered, will constitute its legal, valid and binding obligations enforceable in accordance with its terms;
(d) NON-CONFLICT WITH LAWS: the entry into and performance of this Deed
and the transactions contemplated by this Deed do not and will not
conflict with or result in (i) a breach of any law, judgment or
regulation or any official or judicial order, or (ii) a breach of
the constitutional documents of the Subordinated Lender, or
(iii) any material breach of any agreement or document to which the
Subordinated Lender is a party or which is binding upon it or any
of its assets or revenues with a monetary value greater than
US$500,000, nor cause any limitation placed on it or the powers of
its directors to be exceeded or result in the creation or
imposition of any Security Interest on any part of its assets or
revenues pursuant to the provisions of any such agreement or
document;
(e) NO CONSENTS: other than the Consents, no consent of, giving of notice to, or registration with, or taking of any other action in respect of, any governmental authority or agency in any relevant jurisdiction is required for or in connection with the execution, validity, delivery and admissibility in evidence in proceeding of this Deed, or the carrying out by, the Subordinated Lender of any of the transactions contemplated hereby;
(f) NO REGISTRATION: it is not necessary in order to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of this Deed that it or any other instrument be notarised, filed, recorded, registered or enrolled in any court or other authority or that any stamp, registration or similar tax or charge be paid on or in relation to this Deed and this Deed is in proper form for its enforcement in the courts of Hong Kong and all jurisdictions the subject of any legal opinion referred to in paragraph 4 of Schedule 3 of the Facility Agreement;
(g) LITIGATION: except as disclosed in a letter of even date from the Subordinated
[Group Subordination Deed]
Lender to the Security Trustee, no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding is currently taking place or pending or, to the knowledge of the officers of the Subordinated Lender, threatened against it or its assets which could, in the reasonable opinion of the Security Trustee, materially and adversely affect its business, assets or financial condition or its respective ability to perform its obligations under this Deed;
(h) WINDING UP AND STRIKING OFF: it has not taken any corporate action
or no other step has been taken or legal proceedings have been
commenced or threatened against it for its winding-up, dissolution,
administration or reorganisation or for the appointment of a
receiver, administrator, trustee or similar officer of it or all or
any of its assets or revenues, except as permitted by clause
17.1(g) (Winding-up) of the Facility Agreement;
(i) TAXES ON PAYMENTS: all payments to be made by it under this Deed may be made by it free and clear of, and without deduction for, Taxes and no deductions or withholdings are required to be made therefrom save as specified in any legal opinion referred to in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of Schedule 3 to the Facility Agreement; and no Taxes are imposed on or by virtue of the execution or delivery by the Subordinated Lender of this Deed or any document to be executed or delivered under this Deed;
(j) TAX LIABILITIES: it has complied with all Taxation laws in all material respects in all jurisdictions in which it is subject to Taxation and has paid all Taxes due and payable by it; no material claims are being asserted against it with respect to Taxes;
(k) NO DEFAULT:
(i) no Default has occurred and is continuing;
(ii) it is not, or with the giving of notice or lapse of time or satisfaction of any other condition or any combination thereof, would not be in material breach of or in default under any agreement relating to Financial Indebtedness to which it is a party or by which it may be bound;
(l) NO IMMUNITY: it is generally subject to civil and commercial law and to legal proceedings and none of any Debtor nor the Subordinated Lender nor any of their assets or revenues is entitled to any immunity or privilege (sovereign or otherwise) from any set-off, judgment, execution, attachment or other legal process;
(m) COMPLIANCE, WITH CONSENTS AND LICENSES: every consent, authorisation, licence or approval required for the time being by it in connection with the conduct of its business and the ownership, use, exploitation or occupation of its property and assets has been applied for and not refused or has been obtained and is in full force and effect and there has been no material default in the observance of the conditions and restrictions (if any) imposed on, or in connection with, any of the same which may have a material adverse effect on its ability to
[Group Subordination Deed]
perform its obligations under this Deed and, to the knowledge of its officers, no circumstances have arisen whereby any remedial action is likely to be required to be taken by it, or at its expense under or pursuant to any law or regulation applicable to its business, property or assets;
(n) NO FINANCIAL INDEBTEDNESS: it does not have any Financial Indebtedness other than as permitted by Clause 16.17 of the Facility Agreement;
(o) SOLE AND BENEFICIAL OWNER: it is or will be the sole, absolute and beneficial owner of the Subordinated Indebtedness and it has good and marketable title thereto;
(p) LEGAL AND BINDING OBLIGATIONS: the obligations under the Subordinated Loan Agreements are or will be legal, valid and binding and enforceable in accordance with their terms and none of the Debtors are in default in respect of any provision thereof;
(q) SECURITY INTEREST: no Security Interest exists in any of its rights, title, interests or benefits in the Subordinated Indebtedness (other than as created by this Deed);
(r) THIRD PARTY RIGHT: it has not sold or otherwise disposed of any of the Subordinated Indebtedness or granted in favour of any other person any interest in or any option or other rights in respect of any of the Subordinated Indebtedness; and
(s) PARTICULARS OF LOANS: the particulars of the Subordinated Indebtedness set out in Schedule 1 are accurate.
6.2 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY THE SUBORDINATED LENDER
The Subordinated Lender represents and warrants to the Security Trustee
in the terms of Clause 15 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i),
(j), (k), (n) and (q) of the Facility Agreement mutatis mutandis.
6.3 CONTINUING REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTY
The Subordinated Lender also represents and warrants to and undertakes with the Security Trustee that the foregoing representations and warranties made by them respectively in Clause 6.1(a) to (n) inclusive are deemed to be made by the Subordinated Lender on each Drawdown Date and on each Interest Payment Date with reference to the facts and circumstances then existing and that the foregoing representations in Clause 6.1(o), (p) and (s) will be true and accurate throughout the continuance of this Deed with reference to the facts and circumstances subsisting from time to time.
[Group Subordination Deed]
7. TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
7.1 TAX GROSS-UP
(a) All sums payable by the Subordinated Lender or any other person under this Deed shall be paid in full without any restriction or condition and free and clear of any Tax or other deductions or withholdings of any nature.
(b) If at any time the Subordinated Lender or any other person is required in any jurisdiction to make any deduction or withholding in respect of Taxes or otherwise from any payment due under this Deed for the account of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party (or if the Security Trustee is required to make any such deduction or withholding from a payment to any other Finance Party), the sum due from the Subordinated Lender in respect of such payment shall be increased to the extent necessary to ensure that, after the making of such deduction or withholding, the Security Trustee receives on the due date for such payment (and retains, free from any liability in respect of such deduction or withholding) a net sum equal to the sum which it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been required to be made.
(c) The Subordinated Lender's obligations under Clauses 7.1(a) and (b) shall not apply in respect of any Tax on Overall Net Income levied on the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party.
(d) All Taxes required by law to be deducted or withheld by the Subordinated Lender from any amount paid or payable under this Deed shall be paid by the Subordinated Lender when due (except for such amounts being disputed by the Subordinated Lender in good faith) to the relevant tax authority.
7.2 TAX INDEMNITY
The Subordinated Lender shall indemnify the Security Trustee and each other Finance Party against any losses or costs incurred by any of them by reason of:
(a) any failure of the Subordinated Lender or any other person to make any such deduction or withholding referred to in Clause 7.1; or
(b) any increased payment referred to in Clause 7.1 not being made on the due date for such payment; or
(c) any Taxes which are being disputed by the Subordinated Lender and remaining unpaid; and
(d) any liability suffered (directly or indirectly) for or on account of Tax by that Finance Party in respect of any payment received or receivable or deemed to be received or receivable under this Deed.
[Group Subordination Deed]
7.3 EVIDENCE OF PROOF
The Subordinated Lender shall and procure that each of the Debtors shall promptly deliver to the Security Trustee any receipts, certificates or other proof evidencing the amounts (if any) paid or payable in respect of any deduction or withholding as aforesaid.
7.4 TAX CREDIT
If the Subordinated Lender or a Debtor, as the case may be, makes a Tax payment and the Security Trustee determines that:-
(a) a Tax Credit is attributable either to an increased payment of which that Tax payment forms part, or to that Tax payment; and
(b) it has obtained, utilised and retained that Tax Credit,
the Security Trustee shall, promptly after obtaining the benefit of that Tax Credit, pay an amount to the Subordinated Lender or that Debtor, as the case may be, which the Security Trustee determines will leave it (after that payment) in the same after-Tax position as it would have been in had the Tax payment not been required to be made by the Subordinated Lender or that Debtor, as the case may be. Any certificate or determination of the Security Trustee showing in reasonable details the calculations made by the Security Trustee as to any amount for the purposes of this Clause 7 shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Subordinated Lender.
8. COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES
8.1 COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES
The Subordinated Lender shall from time to time forthwith on demand pay to or reimburse the Security Trustee for:
(a) all expenses (including legal, printing and out-of-pocket expenses) reasonably incurred by the Security trustee or any other Finance Party in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of this deed and any amendment or extension of or the granting of any waiver or consent under this Deed; and
(b) all costs, charges and expenses (including legal fees on a full indemnity basis properly incurred by the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party in connection with the enforcement of or preservation of any rights under this Deed, or otherwise in respect of the monies owing under this Deed unless and to the extent such costs, charges, and expenses results directly from the gross negligence, fraud or wilful misconduct of the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party.
and until payment of the same in full, all such costs, charges and expenses shall be
[Group Subordination Deed]
secured by this Deed.
8.2 STAMP DUTY
The Subordinated Lender shall pay all stamp, documentary, registration or other like duties or taxes (including any duties or taxes payable by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party) imposed on or in connection with this Deed and shall indemnify each of the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties against any liability arising by reason of any delay or omission by the Subordinated Lender to pay such duties or taxes.
9. UNDERTAKINGS
9.1 UNDERTAKINGS BY THE SUBORDINATED LENDER
The Subordinated Lender hereby undertakes and agrees with the Security Trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties, throughout the continuance of this Deed and so long as the Secured Obligations or any part thereof remains owing that, unless the Security Trustee otherwise agrees in writing, it will:-
(a) NO SECURITY INTEREST: not create or permit to exist any Security Interest over all or any part of the Subordinated Indebtedness or any interest therein or otherwise sell, transfer, assign, deal with or dispose of all or any part of the Subordinated Indebtedness or attempt or agree to do any of the same (except under or pursuant to this Deed);
(b) BENEFICIAL OWNER: subject to the provisions of this Deed, at all times remain the sole, absolute and beneficial owner of the Subordinated Indebtedness;
(c) NO WAIVER OF LIABILITIES: not waive, release, compromise or vary the liability of any Debtor in relation to the Subordinated Indebtedness or do or omit to do any act or thing whereby the recovery in full of any monies payable in respect thereof may be prejudiced or affected;
(d) INFORMATION: give to the Security Trustee such information regarding the amount and terms of the Subordinated Indebtedness as the Security Trustee may reasonably require;
(e) PERFORMANCE: subject to the provisions of this Deed, duly observe and perform all its obligations under the Subordinated Loan Agreements; and
(f) NO DEPRECIATION TO SECURITY: not do or cause or permit to be done anything which may in any way depreciate, jeopardise or otherwise prejudice the value of the Security Trustee's security hereunder.
[Group Subordination Deed]
10. NO SECURITY BY SUBORDINATED LENDER
The Subordinated Lender represents to and undertakes with the Security Trustee that it has not taken and will not take any security in respect of its liability under this Deed whether from any Debtor or any other person. 11. INDEMNITY 11.1 GENERAL INDEMNITY The Subordinated Lender hereby undertakes with the Security Trustee to indemnify and keep indemnified the Security Trustee, the Finance Parties and each of them (each an "INDEMNITEE") from and against all costs, charges and expenses which the Security Trustee or any Finance Party shall properly incur in connection with the exercise of any powers conferred by this Deed or the perfection, preservation or enforcement of the security created by this Deed (unless and to the extent that any of the foregoing results directly from the fraud, gross negligence or wilful misconduct of that indemnitee). 11.2 CURRENCY INDEMNITY (a) If an amount due to the Security Trustee from the Subordinated Lender or any Debtor under the Facility Agreement and/or other Finance Document (a "SUM"), or any order, judgment or award given or made in relation to a sum, has to be converted from the currency (the "FIRST CURRENCY") in which that sum is payable into another currency (the "SECOND CURRENCY") for the purpose of: (i) making or filing a claim or proof against the Subordinated Lender or, as the case may be, any Debtor; (ii) obtaining or enforcing an order, judgment or award in relation to any litigation or arbitration proceedings, the Subordinated Lender shall, as an independent obligation to the Security Trustee, indemnify the Security Trustee to whom that sum is due against any cost, loss or liability arising out of or as a result of the conversion including any discrepancy between (A) the rate of exchange used to convert that sum from the first currency into the second currency and (B) the rate or rates of exchange available to that person at the time of its receipt of that sum. (b) The Subordinated Lender hereby waives any right it may have in any jurisdiction to pay any amount under the Facility Agreement and/or any other Finance Document in a currency or currency unit other than that in which it is expressed to be payable. 11.3 PAYMENT AND SECURITY The Security Trustee may retain and pay out of any money in the hands of the Security Trustee all sums necessary to effect the indemnity contained in this Clause and all -15- |
[Group Subordination Deed] sums payable by the Subordinated Lender under this Clause shall form part of the monies hereby secured. 12. SUSPENSE ACCOUNT The Security Trustee may, place and keep any monies received under this Deed, before or after the insolvency of the Subordinated Lender to the credit of a suspense account in order to preserve the rights of the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties to sue or prove for the whole amount in respect of claims against the Subordinated Lender or any other person. 13. SET OFF (a) Without prejudice to any right of set-off, combination of accounts, lien or other rights which the Security Trustee is at any time entitled whether by operation of law or contract or otherwise, the Security Trustee may (but shall not be obliged to) set off against any obligation of the Subordinated Lender due and payable by it hereunder without prior notice any moneys held by the Security Trustee for the account of the Subordinated Lender at any office of the Security Trustee anywhere and in any currency. The Security Trustee may effect such currency exchanges as are appropriate to implement such set-off. (b) If the obligations are in different currencies, the Security Trustee may convert either obligation at a market rate of exchange in its usual course of business for the purpose of the set-off. 14. POWER OF ATTORNEY 14.1 POWER OF ATTORNEY The Subordinated Lender appoints the Security Trustee, and any persons deriving title under it by way of security severally to be its attorney (with full power of substitution) and in its name or otherwise on its behalf and as its act and deed to sign, seal, execute, deliver, perfect and do all deeds, instruments, acts and things which may be required or which the Security Trustee shall think proper or reasonably expedient for carrying out any obligations imposed on the Subordinated Lender hereunder or for exercising, following the security constituted by this Deed becoming enforceable, any of the powers conferred by this Deed or for giving to the Security Trustee the full benefit of this security and so that this appointment shall operate to authorise the Security Trustee to do on behalf of the Subordinated Lender anything it can lawfully do by an attorney. The Subordinated Lender ratifies and confirms and agrees to ratify and confirm any deed, instrument, act or thing which such attorney or substitute may execute or do in exercising its powers conferred by this Clause. -16- |
[Group Subordination Deed] 14.2 DELEGATION The Security Trustee may delegate to any person all or any of the rights or powers conferred on it by this Deed or by law. Any such delegation may be made upon such terms and conditions (including power to sub- delegate) as the Security Trustee thinks fit. 15. FURTHER ASSURANCE 15.1 The Subordinated Lender agrees that at any time and from time to time upon the written request of the Security Trustee it will promptly and duly execute and deliver any and all such further instruments and documents as the Security Trustee may reasonably require for the purpose of obtaining the full benefit of this Deed and of the rights and powers herein granted. 16. NOTICES 16.1 NOTICES Any notice or communication under or in connection with this Deed shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or by prepaid letter (airmail if available) or facsimile transmission to the addresses or facsimile numbers set out below or at such other address as the recipient may have notified to the other parties in writing. Proof of posting or despatch of any notice or communication to any party hereto shall be deemed to be proof of receipt:- (a) in the case of a letter, on the fifth Business Day after posting if airmail or second Business Day if local mail; (b) in the case of a facsimile transmission, on the Business Day immediately following the date of despatch with confirmed facsimile report. All communications or other correspondence between the Subordinated Lender and any of the Finance Parties in connection with this Deed shall be made through the Security Trustee. 16.2 ADDRESSES Notices or communications shall be sent to the following addresses:- To the Subordinated Lender:- Name Asia Netcom Corporation Limited Address 46/F Cheung Kong Center 2 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2121 2929 -17- |
[Group Subordination Deed] Attention Gregory Freiberg/Wenlong Sun With a copy to: Asia Netcom Singapore Pte Limited 2 Shenton Way #11-01 SGX Centre 1 Singapore 068804 Fax (65) 6233 6390 Attention Oliver Ao |
To the Security Trustee:-
Name Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited Address 10/F, ICBC Asia Building 122-126 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2851 9361 Attention Ms. Esther Cheng/ Ms. Amy Wong 16.3 LANGUAGE Each notice or document referred to in this Deed or to be delivered under this Deed shall be in the English language. 17. WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS 17.1 WAIVERS Time shall be of the essence under this Deed but no failure or delay on the part of the Security Trustee, the Finance Parties or any of them to exercise any power, right or remedy under this Deed shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by the Security Trustee, the Finance Parties or any of them of any power, right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power, right or remedy. 17.2 AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS (a) Any amendment of any provision of this Deed shall only be effective if made in accordance with provisions with this Deed and if all parties hereof so agree in writing and any waiver of any breach or default under this Deed shall only be effective if the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Finance Parties or the Majority Lenders (as the case may be), agrees in writing. Any consent by the Security Trustee under this Deed must be made in writing. (b) Any such waiver or consent may be given subject to any conditions thought fit by the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Finance Parties or the -18- |
[Group Subordination Deed] Majority Lenders, as the case may be, and shall be effective only in the instance and for the purpose for which it is given. 17.3 REMEDIES The remedies provided in this Deed are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies provided by law. 17.4 SEVERABILITY If any provision of this Deed is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction such prohibition or unenforceability shall not invalidate the remaining provisions hereof or affect the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. 17.5 ASSIGNMENT The Security Trustee may assign its rights under this Deed in accordance with the provisions of the Facility Agreement. The Subordinated Lender shall not assign any of their rights hereunder without the consent of the Security Trustee. 17.6 COUNTERPARTS This Deed may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Deed by signing any such counterpart. 17.7 It is intended that this document takes effect as a deed notwithstanding the fact that a party may only execute this document under hand. 18. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION 18.1 GOVERNING LAW This Deed is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong. 18.2 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION For the benefit of the Security Trustee and each Finance Party, the Subordinated Lender irrevocably agrees that the courts of Hong Kong are to have jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with this Deed and that, accordingly, any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Deed ("PROCEEDINGS") may be brought in those courts and the Subordinated Lender hereto irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of those courts. -19- |
[Group Subordination Deed] 18.3 OTHER JURISDICTIONS Nothing in this Clause 18 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) shall limit the right of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party to take Proceedings against the Subordinated Lender in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the taking of Proceedings in one or more jurisdictions preclude the Security Trustee or any Finance Party from taking Proceedings in any other jurisdiction, whether concurrently or not. 18.4 WAIVER OF INCONVENIENT FORUM The Subordinated Lender irrevocably waives any objection which it may at any time have to the laying of the venue of any Proceedings in any court referred to in this Clause 18 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) and any claim that any such Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum. 18.5 PROCESS AGENT The Subordinated Lender hereby irrevocably appoints Asia Netcom Asia Pacific Commercial Limited of 46th Floor, Cheung Kong Centre, 2 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong to receive, for it and on its behalf, service of process in any Proceedings in Hong Kong. Such service shall be deemed completed on delivery to the process agent whether or not it is forwarded to and received by the Subordinated Lender). If for any reason the process agent ceases to be able to act as such or not longer has an address in Hong Kong, the Subordinated Lender irrevocably agrees to appoint a substitute process agent acceptable to the Security Trustee, and to deliver to the Security Trustee a copy of the new process agent's acceptance of that appointment, within 30 days. 18.6 SERVICE The Subordinated Lender irrevocably consents to any process in any Proceeding anywhere being served by mailing a copy by post in accordance with Clause 16 (Notices). Nothing shall affect the right to serve any process in any other manner permitted by law. 18.7 WAIVER OF IMMUNITIES To the extent that the Subordinated Lender has or hereafter may acquire any immunity (sovereign or otherwise) from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from jurisdiction of any court or from set- off or any legal process (whether service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) with respect to itself or any of its property, it hereby irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim such immunity in respect of its obligations under this Deed. |
IN WITNESS whereof this Deed has been executed by the parties hereto and is intended to be and is hereby delivered by the Subordinated Lender as its deed on the day and year first above written.
[Group Subordination Deed]
SCHEDULE 1
PARTICULARS OF SUBORDINATED INDEBTEDNESS
Date and description of Loan Agreement or Amount other Instrument Outstanding |
All inter-company loans and indebtedness which are now or may become due, owing or incurred by each Debtor to the Subordinated Lender.
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SCHEDULE 2
DEBTORS
[Group Subordination Deed]
SCHEDULE 3
FORM OF NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT TO BE GIVEN TO THE DEBTORS
[-]
To: [-]
(together, the "DEBTORS" and each a "DEBTOR")
We refer to the loan agreement, facility letter or other document (the "SUBORDINATED LOAN AGREEMENT") now or hereafter entered into between us and each of the Debtors respectively creating or evidencing the respective loans, particulars of which are set out in Schedule 1 herein in respect of which the relevant Debtor is currently indebted to us and all and any sum which are now or may hereafter become due, owing or incurred by the relevant Debtor to us, whether in respect of principal, interest or otherwise, on account of any advance, loan or payment made to or for the account of the relevant Debtor (the "SUBORDINATED INDEBTEDNESS").
WE HEREBY GIVE YOU NOTICE:-
1. That by a Group Subordination Deed dated , 2004 (together with all amendments and addenda thereto hereinafter called the "DEED") made between us in favour of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited acting on its own behalf and as facility agent and trustee for and on behalf of the Finance Parties (as therein defined) (the "SECURITY TRUSTEE"),we have:-
(a) agreed, inter alia, that the Subordinated Indebtedness owing to us is, and shall remain, subordinated and the payment thereof deferred to all and any rights, claims and actions which the Security Trustee or any Finance Party may now or hereafter have against any of the Debtors in respect of the Secured Obligations (as defined in the Deed);
(b) assigned to the Security Trustee absolutely all our right, title, interest and benefit in and to the Subordinated Indebtedness owing to us and all and any moneys (including the proceeds of any set-off or counterclaim) or other property which we may receive on account of such Subordinated Indebtedness or any part thereof and the full benefit of all rights and remedies relating thereto including, but not limited to, all claims and remedies for non-payment of the same and all claims under charges, encumbrances, guarantees and other security and all proceeds and forms of remittance in respect of the same and the full benefit of all powers and provisions whatsoever contained in the relevant Subordinated Loan Agreements (or any of them) as a continuing security for the due and punctual performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations.
2. That you are hereby irrevocably authorised and instructed to:-
[Group Subordination Deed]
(a) upon the Security Trustee shall notify you upon the occurrence of a Default (as defined in the Deed), make all payments in full without set-off or counterclaim due in respect of the Subordinated Indebtedness to the Security Trustee or as the Security Trustee shall direct; and
(b) promptly notify the Security Trustee whenever it incurs any Subordinated Indebtedness.
For and on behalf of Asia Netcom Corporation Limited
Title:
[Group Subordination Deed]
CONSENT AND AGREEMENT
[-], 2004
To: Asia Netcom Corporation Limited
and to:Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited,
10/F., ICBC Asia Building,
122-126 Queen's Road Central,
Hong Kong.
We, the undersigned, refer to your notice of assignment to us dated [ - ], 2004 (the "NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT") hereby:-
(1) acknowledge receipt of the said Notice of Assignment;
(2) agree:-
(a) that upon the Security Trustee shall notify us upon the occurrence of a Default (as defined in the Deed), we will make all payments in full without set-off or counterclaim due in respect of the Subordinated Indebtedness to the Security Trustee or as the Security Trustee shall direct; and
(b) to promptly notify the Security Trustee whenever we incur any Subordinated Indebtedness; and
(3) warrant that we have not disposed of or charged or created any encumbrance over the Subordinated Indebtedness or any part thereof to any person nor have any notice of the same.
Words and expressions defined in the Notice of Assignment shall, unless the context otherwise requires or unless otherwise defined herein, have the same meanings when used in this consent and agreement.
For and on behalf of
[-]
Title:
[Group Subordination Deed]
SIGNATURE PAGE
THE SUBORDINATED LENDER
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATON LIMITED ) in the presence of: ) THE SECURITY TRUSTEE SIGNED BY ) for and on behalf of ) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK ) OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED ) in the presence of: ) |
EXHIBIT 10.42
Execution Copy
Dated 27 July 2004
THE COMPANIES NAMED IN SCHEDULE 2
(as Subordinated Lenders)
and
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
(as Borrower)
in favour of
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
(as Security Trustee)
GROUP SUBORDINATION DEED
RICHARDS BUTLER
HONG KONG
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CLAUSE NO. CLAUSE HEADING PAGE NO. --------- -------------- -------- 1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTIONS ........................................... 1 2. SUBORDINATION OF INDEBTEDNESS............................................ 3 3. ASSIGNMENT OF SUBORDINATED INDEBTEDNESS.................................. 5 4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BY BORROWER.............................................. 8 5. CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY...................................... 8 6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES........................................... 9 7. TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS............................................... 12 8. COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES.............................................. 13 9. UNDERTAKINGS............................................................. 14 10. NO SECURITY BY SUBORDINATED LENDER....................................... 15 11. INDEMNITY................................................................ 15 12. SUSPENSE ACCOUNT......................................................... 16 13. SET OFF.................................................................. 16 14. POWER OF ATTORNEY........................................................ 17 15. FURTHER ASSURANCE........................................................ 17 16. NOTICES.................................................................. 17 17. WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND OUNTERPARTS .............................................. 19 18. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION........................................... 20 SCHEDULE 1 - PARTICULARS OF SUBORDINATED INDEBTEDNESS................................. 22 SCHEDULE 2 - SUBORDINATED LENDERS..................................................... 23 SIGNATURE PAGE........................................................................ 24 |
[Group Subordination Deed]
THIS GROUP SUBORDINATION DEED is made on 27 July 2004
BETWEEN:-
(1) THE COMPANIES NAMED AND PARTICULARS OF WHICH ARE SET OUT IN SCHEDULE 2 (each a "SUBORDINATED LENDER" and collectively the "SUBORDINATED LENDERS");
(2) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda, and whose registered office is situated at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, HM11 Bermuda (the "BORROWER"); and
(3) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong acting through its head office at ICBC Asia Building, 122-126 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong acting on its own behalf and as facility agent and trustee for and on behalf of the Finance Parties (the "SECURITY TRUSTEE").
WHEREAS:-
(A) By a facility agreement signed on 2 December, 2003 (but held undated in escrow) as released from escrow and amended and restated by the Supplemental Amendment and Restatement Deed (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT") entered into by (1) the Borrower, as borrower (2) the banks and financial institutions named therein as lenders (the "LENDERS"); (3) the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as arranger; and (4) the Security Trustee, the Lenders have agreed, upon and subject to the terms of the Facility Agreement, to make available to the Borrower a term loan facility of up to US$150,000,000 (the "FACILITY") for the purposes more particularly specified therein.
(B) The Security Trustee is acting as facility agent for the Finance Parties pursuant to the Facility Agreement and security agent and trustee for the Finance Parties pursuant to this Deed and other Finance Documents.
(C) It is a condition precedent to the availability of the Facility under the Facility Agreement that the Subordinated Lenders and the Borrower shall have executed and delivered this Deed to the Security Trustee.
NOW THIS DEED WITNESSES as follows:-
1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
1.1 TERMS DEFINED
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires, terms used shall have the meanings defined in the Facility Agreement and:-
[Group Subordination Deed]
"SECURED OBLIGATIONS" means any and all moneys, liabilities and obligations or liability (whether actual or contingent, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether or not for the payment of money, and including, without limitation, any obligation to pay damages) which are or may become payable by the Borrower or any of the Subordinated Lenders or any other Finance Party which is a member of the CNC HK Group to the Finance Parties pursuant to the Finance Documents and/or all other obligations hereby secured.
"SUBORDINATED INDEBTEDNESS" means the loans particulars of which are set out in Schedule 1 in respect of which the Borrower is currently indebted to the Subordinated Lenders and all and any sums which are now or may hereafter become due, owing or incurred by the Borrower to any of the Subordinated Lenders, whether in respect of principal, interest or otherwise, on account of any advance, loan or payment made to or for the account of the Borrower.
"SUBORDINATED LOAN AGREEMENT" means any loan agreement, facility letter or other document now or hereafter entered into between any of the Subordinated Lenders and the Borrower creating or evidencing the Subordinated Indebtedness (or any part thereof).
1.2 TRUST
All rights, benefits, interests, powers and discretions granted to or
conferred on the Security Trustee pursuant to this Deed shall be held by
the Security Trustee on trust for the benefit of itself as Security
Trustee and each Finance Party from time to time. The Security Trustee
may do all acts within its powers to administer and manage the trust
constituted by this Clause including any full or partial release and/or
re-assignment by deed of the rights, benefits and interests conferred by
Clauses 2.1 and 3.2 or the release of all or any part of the Subordinated
Indebtedness from this Deed. The trust constituted by this Clause shall
come into existence on the date of this Deed and shall last for so long
as any of the Secured Obligations remain outstanding provided that for
the purposes of the rule against perpetuities, the perpetuity period
applicable to the trust and any dispositions made or to be made pursuant
to this Deed and this trust, is hereby specified as a period of eighty
(80) years less than (1) day from the date of this Deed.
1.3 CLAUSE HEADINGS
Clause headings and the table of contents are for ease of reference only and shall be ignored in the interpretation of this Deed.
1.4 CONSTRUCTION
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires:-
(a) Clause 13 of the Facility Agreement shall be deemed incorporated in this Deed mutatis mutandis as if set out separately in this Deed; and
(b) references to the "SUBORDINATED LENDER", the "BORROWER", the "SECURITY
[Group Subordination Deed]
TRUSTEE" or any "FINANCE PARTY" include, where the context permits, their respective successors and transferees and permitted assigns in accordance with their respective interests.
1.5 SUBORDINATED LENDERS' LIABILITY
The rights and obligations of the Subordinated Lenders hereunder and all representations, warranties, undertakings, and indemnities given by each and any of them in this Deed are several.
2. SUBORDINATION OF INDEBTEDNESS
2.1 SUBORDINATION
In consideration of the Lenders agreeing to make the Facility available to the Borrower upon the terms and conditions of the Facility Agreement and as a continuing security for the due and punctual performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations, each of the Subordinated Lenders agrees that throughout the continuance of this Deed and so long as the Secured Obligations or any part thereof remains owing:-
(a) the Subordinated Indebtedness owing to it:-
(i) is, and shall remain, subordinated and the payment thereof deferred to all and any rights, claims and actions which the Security Trustee or any Finance Party may now or hereafter have against the Borrower in respect of the Secured Obligations;
(ii) shall not be repaid or repayable, in whole or in part, except with the prior written consent of the Security Trustee or in the event of the winding-up, liquidation or dissolution of the Borrower (or any proceedings analogous thereto);
(iii) shall not, except with the prior written consent of the Security Trustee, be subject to payment of interest (although interest may accrue thereon);
(iv) is and shall remain unsecured by any Security Interest over the whole or any part of the assets of the Borrower;
(v) is not, and shall not become capable of being, subject to any right of set-off or counterclaim;
(b) none of the Subordinated Lenders shall claim, request, demand, sue for, take or receive (whether by set-off or in any other manner and whether from the Borrower or any other person) any money or other property in respect of the Subordinated Indebtedness or any part thereof except with the prior written consent of the Security Trustee;
[Group Subordination Deed]
(c) if any monies (including the proceeds of any set-off or counterclaim) or other property are received in respect of the Subordinated Indebtedness by or on behalf of any Subordinated Lender, it shall forthwith pay or transfer the same to the Security Trustee and the Security Trustee shall apply the same in or towards satisfaction of the Secured Obligations; and
(d) if any Security Interest is created as security for the Subordinated Indebtedness then, immediately on the creation thereof, the benefit of such Security Interest shall be assigned or transferred in favour of the Security Trustee as security for the Secured Obligations and any instrument or agreement evidencing such Security Interest shall be deposited with the Security Trustee.
2.2 WINDING-UP OF BORROWER
In any proceedings for the compulsory or voluntary winding-up, liquidation or dissolution of the Borrower (or any proceedings analogous thereto):-
(a) the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties shall be entitled to receive payment in full of the Secured Obligations before any Subordinated Lender shall be entitled to receive any payment on account of the Subordinated Indebtedness or any part thereof;
(b) each Subordinated Lender agrees that it will prove for the full amount of its claims in respect of the Subordinated Indebtedness and that any amounts payable to such Subordinated Lender in respect of the Subordinated Indebtedness shall be applied in payment or satisfaction of the Secured Obligations until the whole of the Secured Obligations shall have been certified by the Security Trustee as having been discharged and the remaining balance (if any) may be applied towards payment of the amounts owing to such Subordinated Lender in respect of such Subordinated Indebtedness.
2.3 SUBORDINATED LOAN AGREEMENTS
Each Subordinated Lender agrees that:-
(a) each and every Subordinated Loan Agreement now or hereafter entered into shall be subject in every respect to the terms of this Deed;
(b) insofar as the terms of any Subordinated Loan Agreement or any transaction in connection therewith are or may be inconsistent with the terms of this Deed, the terms contained herein shall prevail;
(c) no amendment to the principal amount, interest rate or payment terms shall be made to any Subordinated Loan Agreement except in writing and with the Security Trustee's prior written approval, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, of the terms thereof; and
(d) immediately after the execution of any Subordinated Loan Agreement or any
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agreement for the amendment of any Subordinated Loan Agreement, copies thereof shall be delivered to the Security Trustee as evidence thereof.
2.4 TRUST
If at any time throughout the continuance of this Deed and so long as the Secured Obligations or any part remains owing, any of the Subordinated Lender receives from the Borrower a payment (including by way of set-off) or distribution in cash or in kind of, or an account of, the Subordinated Indebtedness, that Subordinated Lender shall:
(a) forthwith notify the Security Trustee of such receipt;
(b) hold any payment so received on trust for the Security Trustee (for the account of the Finance Parties) in a separate account; and
(c) pay and distribute any payment so received, or (in the case of a set-off) pay an equivalent amount, on demand, to the Security Trustee for application in or towards the Secured Obligations.
3. ASSIGNMENT OF SUBORDINATED INDEBTEDNESS
3.1 COVENANT TO PAY
Each of the Subordinated Lenders hereby covenants that it will on demand pay to the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties the Secured Obligations when the same become due for payment or discharge in accordance with the Finance Documents.
3.2 ASSIGNMENT
In consideration as aforesaid, each Subordinated Lender hereby assigns to the Security Trustee absolutely all such Subordinated Lender's right, title, interest and benefit in and to the Subordinated Indebtedness owing to it and all and any moneys (including the proceeds of any set-off or counterclaim) or other property which it may receive on account of such Subordinated Indebtedness or any part thereof and the full benefit of all rights and remedies relating thereto including, but not limited to, all claims and remedies for non-payment of the same and all claims under charges, encumbrances, guarantees and other security and all proceeds and forms of remittance in respect of the same and the full benefit of all powers and provisions whatsoever contained in the relevant Subordinated Loan Agreements (or any of them) as a continuing security for the due and punctual performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations.
3.3 APPLICATION
All monies or other property hereby assigned to or otherwise received by the Security Trustee in respect of the Subordinated Indebtedness may be applied by the Security Trustee in or towards satisfaction of the Secured Obligations in such manner as it may think fit.
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3.4 PERFORMANCE AND INDEMNITY
Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Subordinated Lender shall remain liable to perform all the obligations to be performed by it in respect of the Subordinated Indebtedness and shall discharge fully its obligations thereunder as they become due and neither the Security Trustee nor any of the Finance Parties shall have any obligation of any kind whatsoever thereunder or be under any liabilities whatsoever in the event of any failure to perform their obligations thereunder and each Subordinated Lender hereby indemnifies and agrees to keep indemnified the Security Trustee, the Finance Parties and each of them from and against any such liability.
3.5 RELEASE AND TRANSFER
(a) The Security Trustee shall, upon the full performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations to the satisfaction of the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties, at the request and cost of the relevant Subordinated Lenders and in such form as the Security Trustee shall reasonably approve, release and transfer to the relevant Subordinated Lenders, the Secured Indebtedness then the subject of the Security Interest constituted by this Deed.
(b) Notwithstanding any discharge, release or settlement from time to time between the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party and any Subordinated Lender or the Borrower, if any security, disposition or payment granted or made to the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party in respect of the Secured Obligations by any Subordinated Lender, the Borrower or any other person is avoided or set aside or ordered to be surrendered, paid away, refunded or reduced by virtue of any provision, law or enactment relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, winding-up, composition or arrangement for the time being in force or for any other reason, the Security Trustee shall be entitled thereafter to enforce this Deed as if no such discharge, release or settlement had occurred.
3.6 NO DISCHARGE
The liabilities and obligations of each Subordinated Lender under this deed and the security constituted by this Deed shall remain in force notwithstanding any act, omission, event or circumstance whatsoever until the expiry of the Security Period and without limiting the foregoing, neither the liabilities of any of the Subordinated Lenders under this Deed nor the validity or enforceability of this Deed shall be prejudiced, affected or discharged by:-
(a) the granting of any time or indulgence to the Borrower, any Subordinated Lender or any other person in respect of the Secured Obligations;
(b) any variation or modification of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto;
(c) the invalidity or unenforceability of any obligation or liability of any party under
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the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto;
(d) any invalidity or irregularity in the execution of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or relating thereto;
(e) any lack of capacity or deficiency in the powers of the Borrower, any Subordinated Lender or any other person to enter into or perform any of its respective obligations under the Facility Agreement or any of the other Finance Documents to which it is party or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto or any irregularity in the exercise thereof or any lack of authority by any person purporting to act on behalf of the Borrower, any Subordinated Lender or such other person;
(f) the insolvency, bankruptcy or liquidation or any incapacity, disability or limitation or any change in the constitution or status of the Borrower, any Subordinated Lender or any other person;
(g) any other Finance Document, Security Interest, guarantee or other security or right or remedy being or becoming held by or available to the Security Trustee, any Finance Party or by any other person or by any of the same being or becoming wholly or partly void, voidable or unenforceable or impaired or by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party at any time releasing, refraining from enforcing, varying or in any other way dealing with any of the same or any power, right or remedy the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party may now or hereafter have from or against each Subordinated Lender, the Borrower or any other person;
(h) any waiver, exercise, omission to exercise, compromise, renewal or release of any rights against the Borrower or any Subordinated Lender or any other person or any compromise, arrangement or settlement with any of the same; or
(i) any act, omission, event or circumstance which would or may but for this provision operate to prejudice, affect or discharge this Deed or the liability of each Subordinated Lender hereunder.
3.7 NO SUBROGATION
(a) None of the Subordinated Lenders shall exercise any right of subrogation, contribution or any other rights of a surety or enforce any security or other right or claim against the Borrower or any of the other Subordinated Lenders (whether in respect of its liability under this Deed or otherwise) or any other person who has guaranteed or given any security in respect of the Secured Obligations or claim in the insolvency or liquidation of the Borrower or any of the other Subordinated Lenders or any such other person in competition with the Security Trustee and/or the Finance Parties.
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(b) If the Borrower or any Subordinated Lender receives any payment or benefit in breach of this Clause 3.7, it shall hold the same upon trust for the Security Trustee as a continuing security for the Secured Obligations.
4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BY BORROWER
The Borrower acknowledges the subordination and assignment of the Subordinated Indebtedness and warrants and undertakes throughout the continuance of this Deed and so long as the Secured Obligations or any part thereof remains owing that:-
(a) after the occurrence of a Default it will make all payments in full without set-off or counterclaim due in respect of the Subordinated Indebtedness to the Security Trustee or as the Security Trustee shall direct and it will comply with all the other provisions of this Deed and it will not do, take part in or take the benefit of anything which would or may breach the provisions of this Deed;
(b) it will promptly notify the Security Trustee whenever it incurs any Subordinated Indebtedness; and
(c) it has no notice of any prior disposal of or charge or encumbrance over the Subordinated Indebtedness or any part thereof to any other person.
5. CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY
5.1 CONTINUING SECURITY
This Deed and the security hereby created shall remain in full force and effect by way of a continuing security notwithstanding the insolvency or liquidation or any incapacity or change in the constitution or status of any Subordinated Lender, the Borrower or any other person and in particular but without limitation shall not be, nor be considered as, satisfied by any intermediate discharge or payment on account of any liabilities or any settlement of accounts between the Borrower or any Subordinated Lender and the Security Trustee or any Finance Party.
5.2 ADDITIONAL SECURITY
This Deed and the security hereby created shall be in addition to and not in substitution for or derogation of any other Security Interest, guarantee or other security (whether given by any Subordinated Lender, the Borrower or otherwise) now or from time to time hereafter held by the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party in respect of or in connection with the Secured Obligations.
5.3 UNRESTRICTED ENFORCEMENT
The Security Trustee need not before exercising any of the rights, powers or remedies conferred upon it by this Deed or by law (i) take action or obtain judgment against the
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Borrower or any Subordinated Lender or any other person in any court, (ii) make or file any claim or prove in a winding-up or liquidation of the Borrower or any Subordinated Lender or of any other person or (iii) enforce or seek to enforce the recovery of the moneys and liabilities hereby secured by any other security or other rights and may be enforced for any balance due after resorting to any one or more other means of obtaining payment or discharge of the monies obligations and liabilities hereby secured.
6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
6.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY THE SUBORDINATED LENDERS
Each of the Subordinated Lenders severally represents and warrants to the Security Trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties that:-
(a) STATUS: it is a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of its respective jurisdiction of incorporation and has full power, authority and legal right to own its property and assets and to carry on its business as such business is now being conducted;
(b) POWER AND AUTHORITY: it has all legal power and authority to enter into this Deed and perform its obligations under this Deed and all action (including any corporate action) required to authorise the execution and delivery of this Deed and the performance of its obligations under this Deed has been duly taken;
(c) LEGAL VALIDITY: this Deed constitutes or, when so executed and delivered, will constitute its legal, valid and binding obligations enforceable in accordance with its terms;
(d) NON-CONFLICT WITH LAWS: the entry into and performance of this Deed and the transactions contemplated by this Deed do not and will not conflict with or result in (i) a breach of any law, judgment or regulation or any official or judicial order, or (ii) a breach of the constitutional documents of that Subordinated Lender, or (iii) any material breach of any agreement or document to which that Subordinated Lender is a party or which is binding upon it or any of its assets or revenues with a monetary value greater than US$500,000, nor cause any limitation placed on it or the powers of its directors to be exceeded or result in the creation or imposition of any Security Interest on any part of its assets or revenues pursuant to the provisions of any such agreement or document;
(e) NO CONSENTS: other than the Consents, no consent of, giving of notice to, or registration with, or taking of any other action in respect of, any governmental authority or agency in any relevant jurisdiction is required for or in connection with the execution, validity, delivery and admissibility in evidence in proceeding of this Deed, or the carrying out by, that Subordinated Lender of any of the transactions contemplated hereby;
(f) NO REGISTRATION: it is not necessary in order to ensure the legality, validity,
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enforceability or admissibility in evidence of this Deed that it or any other instrument be notarised, filed, recorded, registered or enrolled in any court or other authority or that any stamp, registration or similar tax or charge be paid on or in relation to this Deed and this Deed is in proper form for its enforcement in the courts of Hong Kong and all jurisdictions the subject of any legal opinion referred to in paragraph 4 of Schedule 3 of the Facility Agreement;
(g) LITIGATION: except as disclosed in a letter of even date from the Borrower to the Security Trustee, no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding is currently taking place or pending or, to the knowledge of the officers of the relevant Subordinated Lender, threatened against it or its assets which could, in the reasonable opinion of the Security Trustee, materially and adversely affect its business, assets or financial condition or its respective ability to perform its obligations under this Deed;
(h) WINDING UP AND STRIKING OFF: it has not taken any corporate action or no other step has been taken or legal proceedings have been commenced or threatened against it for its winding-up, dissolution, administration or reorganisation or for the appointment of a receiver, administrator, trustee or similar officer of it or all or any of its assets or revenues, except as permitted by clause 17.1(g) (Winding-up) of the Facility Agreement;
(i) TAXES ON PAYMENTS: all payments to be made by it under this Deed may be made by it free and clear of, and without deduction for, Taxes and no deductions or withholdings are required to be made therefrom save as specified in any legal opinion referred to in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of Schedule 3 to the Facility Agreement; and no Taxes are imposed on or by virtue of the execution or delivery by that Subordinated Lender of this Deed or any document to be executed or delivered under this Deed;
(j) TAX LIABILITIES: it has complied with all Taxation laws in all material respects in all jurisdictions in which it is subject to Taxation and has paid all Taxes due and payable by it; no material claims are being asserted against it with respect to Taxes;
(k) NO DEFAULT:
(i) no Default has occurred and is continuing;
(ii) it is not, or with the giving of notice or lapse of time or satisfaction of any other condition or any combination thereof, would not be in material breach of or in default under any agreement relating to Financial Indebtedness to which it is a party or by which it may be bound;
(l) NO IMMUNITY: it is generally subject to civil and commercial law and to legal proceedings and none of the Borrower nor any Subordinated Lenders nor any of their assets or revenues is entitled to any immunity or privilege (sovereign or
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otherwise) from any set-off, judgment, execution, attachment or other legal process;
(m) COMPLIANCE, WITH CONSENTS AND LICENSES: every consent, authorisation, licence or approval required for the time being by it in connection with the conduct of its business and the ownership, use, exploitation or occupation of its property and assets has been applied for and not refused or has been obtained and is in full force and effect and there has been no material default in the observance of the conditions and restrictions (if any) imposed on, or in connection with, any of the same which may have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform its obligations under this Deed and, to the knowledge of its officers, no circumstances have arisen whereby any remedial action is likely to be required to be taken by it, or at its expense under or pursuant to any law or regulation applicable to its business, property or assets;
(n) NO FINANCIAL INDEBTEDNESS: it does not have any Financial Indebtedness other than as permitted by Clause 16.17 of the Facility Agreement;
(o) SOLE AND BENEFICIAL OWNER: it is or will be the sole, absolute and beneficial owner of the Subordinated Indebtedness and it has good and marketable title thereto;
(p) LEGAL AND BINDING OBLIGATIONS: the obligations under the Subordinated Loan Agreements are or will be legal, valid and binding and enforceable in accordance with their terms and the Borrower is not in default in respect of any provision thereof;
(q) SECURITY INTEREST: no Security Interest exists in any of its rights, title, interests or benefits in the Subordinated Indebtedness (other than as created by this Deed);
(r) THIRD PARTY RIGHT: it has not sold or otherwise disposed of any of the Subordinated Indebtedness or granted in favour of any other person any interest in or any option or other rights in respect of any of the Subordinated Indebtedness; and
(s) PARTICULARS OF LOANS: the particulars of the Subordinated Indebtedness set out in Schedule 1 are accurate.
6.2 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY THE BORROWER
The Borrower represents and warrants to the Security Trustee in the terms of Clause15 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), (n) and (q) of the Facility Agreement mutatis mutandis.
6.3 CONTINUING REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTY
Each of the Subordinated Lenders also represents and warrants to and undertakes with the Security Trustee that the foregoing representations and warranties made by them
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respectively in Clause 6.1(a) to (n) inclusive are deemed to be made by the Subordinated Lenders on each Drawdown Date and on each Interest Payment Date with reference to the facts and circumstances then existing and that the foregoing representations in Clause 6.1(o), (p) and (s) will be true and accurate throughout the continuance of this Deed with reference to the facts and circumstances subsisting from time to time.
7. TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
7.1 TAX GROSS-UP
(a) All sums payable by the Borrower and any Subordinated Lender or any other person under this Deed shall be paid in full without any restriction or condition and free and clear of any Tax or other deductions or withholdings of any nature.
(b) If at any time the Borrower or any Subordinated Lender or any other person is required in any jurisdiction to make any deduction or withholding in respect of Taxes or otherwise from any payment due under this Deed for the account of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party (or if the Security Trustee is required to make any such deduction or withholding from a payment to the Borrower or any other Finance Party), the sum due from the Borrower or any Subordinated Lender in respect of such payment shall be increased to the extent necessary to ensure that, after the making of such deduction or withholding, the Security Trustee receives on the due date for such payment (and retains, free from any liability in respect of such deduction or withholding) a net sum equal to the sum which it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been required to be made.
(c) The Borrower's and Subordinated Lender's obligations under Clauses 7.1(a) and (b) shall not apply in respect of any Tax on Overall Net Income levied on the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party.
(d) All Taxes required by law to be deducted or withheld by the Borrower or any Subordinated Lender from any amount paid or payable under this Deed shall be paid by the Borrower or the relevant Subordinated Lender (as the case may be) when due (except for such amounts being disputed by the Borrower or such Subordinated Lender in good faith) to the relevant tax authority.
7.2 TAX INDEMNITY
Each of the Borrower and Subordinated Lenders shall jointly and severally indemnify the Security Trustee and each other Finance Party against any losses or costs incurred by any of them by reason of:
(a) any failure of the Borrower or any Subordinated Lender or any other person to make any such deduction or withholding referred to in Clause 7.1; or
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(b) any increased payment referred to in Clause 7.1 not being made on the due date for such payment; or
(c) any Taxes which are being disputed by the Borrower or any Subordinated Lender and remaining unpaid; and
(d) any liability suffered (directly or indirectly) for or on account of Tax by that Finance Party in respect of any payment received or receivable or deemed to be received or receivable under this Deed.
7.3 EVIDENCE OF PROOF
Each of the Borrower and Subordinated Lenders shall promptly deliver to the Security Trustee any receipts, certificates or other proof evidencing the amounts (if any) paid or payable in respect of any deduction or withholding as aforesaid.
7.4 TAX CREDIT
If a Subordinated Lender or the Borrower, as the case may be, makes a Tax payment and the Security Trustee determines that:-
(a) a Tax Credit is attributable either to an increased payment of which that Tax payment forms part, or to that Tax payment; and
(b) it has obtained, utilised and retained that Tax Credit,
the Security Trustee shall, promptly after obtaining the benefit of that Tax Credit, pay an amount to that Subordinated Lender or the Borrower, as the case may be, which the Security Trustee determines will leave it (after that payment) in the same after-Tax position as it would have been in had the Tax payment not been required to be made by that Subordinated Lender or the Borrower, as the case may be. Any certificate or determination of the Security Trustee showing in reasonable details the calculations made by the Security Trustee as to any amount for the purposes of this Clause 7 shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on that Subordinated Lender or the Borrower.
8. COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES
8.1 COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES
Each of the Subordinated Lenders and the Borrower shall from time to time forthwith on demand pay to or reimburse the Security Trustee for:
(a) all expenses (including legal, printing and out-of-pocket expenses) reasonably incurred by the Security trustee or any other Finance Party in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of this deed and any amendment or extension of or the granting of any waiver or consent under this Deed; and
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(b) all costs, charges and expenses (including legal fees on a full indemnity basis properly incurred by the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party in connection with the enforcement of or preservation of any rights under this Deed, or otherwise in respect of the monies owing under this Deed unless and to the extent such costs, charges, and expenses results directly from the gross negligence, fraud or wilful misconduct of the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party.
and until payment of the same in full, all such costs, charges and expenses shall be secured by this Deed.
8.2 STAMP DUTY
Each of the Subordinated Lenders and the Borrower shall pay all stamp, documentary, registration or other like duties or taxes (including any duties or taxes payable by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party) imposed on or in connection with this Deed and shall indemnify each of the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties against any liability arising by reason of any delay or omission by Subordinated Lenders and/or the Borrower to pay such duties or taxes.
9. UNDERTAKINGS
9.1 UNDERTAKINGS BY THE SUBORDINATED LENDER
Each of the Subordinated Lenders hereby severally undertakes and agrees with the Security Trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties, throughout the continuance of this Deed and so long as the Secured Obligations or any part thereof remains owing that, unless the Security Trustee otherwise agrees in writing, it will:-
(a) NO SECURITY INTEREST: not create or permit to exist any Security Interest over all or any part of the Subordinated Indebtedness or any interest therein or otherwise sell, transfer, assign, deal with or dispose of all or any part of the Subordinated Indebtedness or attempt or agree to do any of the same (except under or pursuant to this Deed);
(b) BENEFICIAL OWNER: subject to the provisions of this Deed, at all times remain the sole, absolute and beneficial owner of the Subordinated Indebtedness;
(c) NO WAIVER OF LIABILITIES: not waive, release, compromise or vary the liability of the Borrower in relation to the Subordinated Indebtedness or do or omit to do any act or thing whereby the recovery in full of any monies payable in respect thereof may be prejudiced or affected;
(d) INFORMATION: give to the Security Trustee such information regarding the amount and terms of the Subordinated Indebtedness as the Security Trustee may reasonably require;
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(e) PERFORMANCE: subject to the provisions of this Deed, duly observe and perform all its obligations under the Subordinated Loan Agreements; and
(f) NO DEPRECIATION TO SECURITY: not do or cause or permit to be done anything which may in any way depreciate, jeopardise or otherwise prejudice the value of the Security Trustee's security hereunder.
9.2 UNDERTAKINGS BY THE BORROWER
The Borrower undertakes and agrees with the Security Trustee in the terms of Clauses 9.1(d) to (f) mutatis mutandis.
10. NO SECURITY BY SUBORDINATED LENDER
Each of the Subordinated Lenders represents to and undertakes with the Security Trustee that it has not taken and will not take any security in respect of its liability under this Deed whether from the Borrower or any other person. 11. INDEMNITY 11.1 GENERAL INDEMNITY Each of the Subordinated Lenders and the Borrower hereby severally undertakes with the Security Trustee to indemnify and keep indemnified the Security Trustee, the Finance Parties and each of them (each an "INDEMNITEE") from and against all costs, charges and expenses which the Security Trustee or any Finance Party shall properly incur in connection with the exercise of any powers conferred by this Deed or the perfection, preservation or enforcement of the security created by this Deed (unless and to the extent that any of the foregoing results directly from the fraud, gross negligence or wilful misconduct of that indemnitee). 11.2 CURRENCY INDEMNITY (a) If an amount due to the Security Trustee from the Subordinated Lender or the Borrower under the Facility Agreement and/or other Finance Document (a "SUM"), or any order, judgment or award given or made in relation to a sum, has to be converted from the currency (the "FIRST CURRENCY") in which that sum is payable into another currency (the "SECOND CURRENCY") for the purpose of: (i) making or filing a claim or proof against the Subordinated Lender or, as the case may be, the Borrower; (ii) obtaining or enforcing an order, judgment or award in relation to any litigation or arbitration proceedings, - 15 - |
[Group Subordination Deed] the Subordinated Lender or, as the case may be, the Borrower shall, as an independent obligation to the Security Trustee, indemnify the Security Trustee to whom that sum is due against any cost, loss or liability arising out of or as a result of the conversion including any discrepancy between (A) the rate of exchange used to convert that sum from the first currency into the second currency and (B) the rate or rates of exchange available to that person at the time of its receipt of that sum. (b) The Subordinated Lender or, as the case may be, the Borrower hereby waives any right it may have in any jurisdiction to pay any amount under the Facility Agreement and/or any other Finance Document in a currency or currency unit other than that in which it is expressed to be payable. 11.3 PAYMENT AND SECURITY The Security Trustee or any Finance Party may retain and pay out of any money in the hands of the Security Trustee or such Finance Party all sums necessary to effect the indemnity contained in this Clause and all sums payable by any Subordinated Lender or the Borrower under this Clause shall form part of the monies hereby secured. 12. SUSPENSE ACCOUNT The Security Trustee may, place and keep any monies received under this Deed, before or after the insolvency of any Subordinated Lender or the Borrower to the credit of a suspense account in order to preserve the rights of the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties to sue or prove for the whole amount in respect of claims against any Subordinated Lender, the Borrower or any other person. 13. SET OFF (a) Without prejudice to any right of set-off, combination of accounts, lien or other rights which the Security Trustee is at any time entitled whether by operation of law or contract or otherwise, the Security Trustee may (but shall not be obliged to) set off against any obligation of any Subordinated Lender or, as the case may be, the Borrower due and payable by it hereunder without prior notice any moneys held by the Security Trustee for the account of relevant Subordinated Lender or, as the case may be, the Borrower at any office of the Security Trustee anywhere and in any currency. The Security Trustee may effect such currency exchanges as are appropriate to implement such set-off. (b) If the obligations are in different currencies, the Security Trustee may convert either obligation at a market rate of exchange in its usual course of business for the purpose of the set-off. - 16 - |
[Group Subordination Deed] 14. POWER OF ATTORNEY 14.1 POWER OF ATTORNEY Each of the Subordinated Lenders and the Borrower irrevocably appoints the Security Trustee, and any persons deriving title under it by way of security severally to be its attorney (with full power of substitution) and in its name or otherwise on its behalf and as its act and deed to sign, seal, execute, deliver, perfect and do all deeds, instruments, acts and things which may be required or which the Security Trustee shall think proper or reasonably expedient for carrying out any obligations imposed on the Subordinated Lenders and the Borrower or any of them hereunder or for exercising, following the security constituted by this Deed becoming enforceable, any of the powers conferred by this Deed or for giving to the Security Trustee the full benefit of this security and so that this appointment shall operate to authorise the Security Trustee to do on behalf of the Subordinated Lenders and the Borrower anything it can lawfully do by an attorney. Each of the Subordinated Lenders and the Borrower ratifies and confirms and agrees to ratify and confirm any deed, instrument, act or thing which such attorney or substitute may execute or do in exercising its powers conferred by this Clause. 14.2 DELEGATION The Security Trustee may delegate to any person all or any of the rights or powers conferred on it by this Deed or by law. Any such delegation may be made upon such terms and conditions (including power to sub- delegate) as the Security Trustee thinks fit. 15. FURTHER ASSURANCE 15.1 Each of the Subordinated Lenders and the Borrower agrees that at any time and from time to time upon the written request of the Security Trustee it will promptly and duly execute and deliver any and all such further instruments and documents as the Security Trustee may reasonably require for the purpose of obtaining the full benefit of this Deed and of the rights and powers herein granted. 16. NOTICES 16.1 NOTICES Any notice or communication under or in connection with this Deed shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or by prepaid letter (airmail if available) or facsimile transmission to the addresses or facsimile numbers set out below or at such other address as the recipient may have notified to the other parties in writing. Proof of posting or despatch of any notice or communication to any party hereto shall be deemed to be proof of receipt:- (a) in the case of a letter, on the fifth Business Day after posting if airmail or second Business Day if local mail; - 17 - |
[Group Subordination Deed] (b) in the case of a facsimile transmission, on the Business Day immediately following the date of despatch with confirmed facsimile report. All communications or other correspondence between the Borrower or any Subordinated Lender and any of the Finance Parties in connection with this Deed shall be made through the Security Trustee. 16.2 ADDRESSES Notices or communications shall be sent to the following addresses:- To any Subordinated Lender:- Name c/o Asia Netcom Corporation Limited Address 46/F Cheung Kong Center 2 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2121 2929 Attention Gregory Freiberg/Wenlong Sun With a copy to: Asia Netcom Singapore Pte Limited 2 Shenton Way #11-01 SGX Centre 1 Singapore 068804 Fax (65) 6233 6390 Attention Oliver Ao To the Borrower:- Name Asia Netcom Corporation Limited Address 46/F Cheung Kong Center 2 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2121 2929 Attention Gregory Freiberg/Wenlong Sun With a copy to: Asia Netcom Singapore Pte Limited 2 Shenton Way #11-01 SGX Centre 1 Singapore 068804 Fax (65) 6233 6390 Attention Oliver Ao - 18 - |
[Group Subordination Deed] |
To the Security Trustee:-
Name Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited Address 10/F, ICBC Asia Building 122-126 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2851 9361 Attention Ms. Esther Cheng/ Ms. Amy Wong 16.3 LANGUAGE Each notice or document referred to in this Deed or to be delivered under this Deed shall be in the English language. 17. WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS 17.1 WAIVERS Time shall be of the essence under this Deed but no failure or delay on the part of the Security Trustee, the Finance Parties or any of them to exercise any power, right or remedy under this Deed shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by the Security Trustee, the Finance Parties or any of them of any power, right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power, right or remedy. 17.2 AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS (a) Any amendment of any provision of this Deed shall only be effective if made in accordance with provisions with this Deed and if all parties hereof so agree in writing and any waiver of any breach or default under this Deed shall only be effective if the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Finance Parties or the Majority Lenders (as the case may be), agrees in writing. Any consent by the Security Trustee under this Deed must be made in writing. (b) Any such waiver or consent may be given subject to any conditions thought fit by the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Finance Parties or the Majority Lenders, as the case may be, and shall be effective only in the instance and for the purpose for which it is given. 17.3 REMEDIES The remedies provided in this Deed are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies provided by law. - 19 - |
[Group Subordination Deed] 17.4 SEVERABILITY If any provision of this Deed is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction such prohibition or unenforceability shall not invalidate the remaining provisions hereof or affect the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. 17.5 ASSIGNMENT The Security Trustee may assign its rights under this Deed in accordance with the provisions of the Facility Agreement. None of the Subordinated Lenders and the Borrower shall assign any of their rights hereunder without the consent of the Security Trustee. 17.6 COUNTERPARTS This Deed may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Deed by signing any such counterpart. 17.7 It is intended that this document takes effect as a deed notwithstanding the fact that a party may only execute this document under hand. 18. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION 18.1 GOVERNING LAW This Deed is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong. 18.2 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION For the benefit of the Security Trustee and each Finance Party, each of the Subordinated Lenders and the Borrower irrevocably agrees that the courts of Hong Kong are to have jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with this Deed and that, accordingly, any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Deed ("PROCEEDINGS") may be brought in those courts and each of the Subordinated Lenders and the Borrower hereto irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of those courts. 18.3 OTHER JURISDICTIONS Nothing in this Clause 18 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) shall limit the right of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party to take Proceedings against any Subordinated Lender or the Borrower in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the taking of Proceedings in one or more jurisdictions preclude the Security Trustee or any Finance Party from taking Proceedings in any other jurisdiction, whether concurrently or not. - 20 - |
[Group Subordination Deed] 18.4 WAIVER OF INCONVENIENT FORUM Each of the Subordinated Lenders and the Borrower irrevocably waives any objection which it may at any time have to the laying of the venue of any Proceedings in any court referred to in this Clause 18 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) and any claim that any such Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum. 18.5 PROCESS AGENT Each of the Borrower and the Subordinated Lenders hereby irrevocably appoint Asia Netcom Asia Pacific Commercial Limited of 46th Floor, Cheung Kong Centre, 2 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong to receive, for it and on its behalf, service of process in any Proceedings in Hong Kong. Such service shall be deemed completed on delivery to the process agent whether or not it is forwarded to and received by the Borrower and the Subordinated Lenders). If for any reason the process agent ceases to be able to act as such or not longer has an address in Hong Kong, the Borrower and the Subordinated Lenders irrevocably agree to appoint a substitute process agent acceptable to the Security Trustee, and to deliver to the Security Trustee a copy of the new process agent's acceptance of that appointment, within 30 days. 18.6 SERVICE Each of the Subordinated Lenders and the Borrower irrevocably consents to any process in any Proceeding anywhere being served by mailing a copy by post in accordance with Clause 16 (Notices). Nothing shall affect the right to serve any process in any other manner permitted by law. 18.7 WAIVER OF IMMUNITIES To the extent that any Subordinated Lender or the Borrower has or hereafter may acquire any immunity (sovereign or otherwise) from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from jurisdiction of any court or from set- off or any legal process (whether service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) with respect to itself or any of its property, it hereby irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim such immunity in respect of its obligations under this Deed. |
IN WITNESS whereof this Deed has been executed by the parties hereto and is intended to be and is hereby delivered by each of the Subordinated Lenders and the Borrower as its deed on the day and year first above written.
[Group Subordination Deed]
SCHEDULE 1
PARTICULARS OF SUBORDINATED INDEBTEDNESS
Date and description of Loan Agreement or Amount other Instrument Outstanding -------------------- ----------- Shareholder's Loan from China Netcom Corporation USD 6,500,000.00 (Hong Kong) Limited dated 15 March 2004 Shareholder's Loan from China Netcom Corporation USD 5,000,000.00 (Hong Kong) Limited dated 25 March 2004 Shareholder's Loan from China Netcom Corporation USD 4,259,000.00 (Hong Kong) Limited dated 1 April 2004 Shareholder's Loan from China Netcom Corporation USD 5,000,000.00 International Limited dated 7 April 2004 Shareholder's Loan from China Netcom Corporation USD 15,000,000.00 International Limited in June 2004 Shareholder's Loan from China Netcom Corporation USD 4,000,000.00 International Limited in July 2004 Shareholder's Loan from China Netcom Corporation USD 55,000,000.00 International Limited in July 2004 |
[Group Subordination Deed]
SCHEDULE 2
SUBORDINATED LENDERS
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
[Group Subordination Deed]
SIGNATURE PAGE
THE SUBORDINATED LENDERS
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION ) INTERNATIONAL LIMITED ) in the presence of: ) SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION ) (HONG KONG) LIMITED ) in the presence of: ) THE BORROWER SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATON LIMITED ) in the presence of: ) |
THE SECURITY TRUSTEE
SIGNED BY ) for and on behalf of ) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK ) OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED ) in the presence of: ) |
EXHIBIT 10.43
Execution Copy
Dated 27 July 2004
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
(as Chargor)
and
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
(as Security Trustee)
DEBENTURE
incorporating Fixed and Floating Charges
RICHARDS BUTLER
HONG KONG
[Debenture]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CLAUSE NO. CLAUSE HEADING PAGE NO. --------- -------------- -------- 1 DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION....................................................................... 1 2 COVENANT TO PAY.................................................................................... 3 3 CHARGE AND ASSIGNMENT.............................................................................. 4 4 FLOATING CHARGE.................................................................................... 6 5 FURTHER ASSURANCE.................................................................................. 8 6 PERFORMANCE, RELEASE AND REGISTRATION.............................................................. 8 7 PROPERTIES......................................................................................... 9 8 LEASES............................................................................................. 11 9 RECEIVABLES AND BANK ACCOUNTS...................................................................... 12 10 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.............................................................................. 13 12 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES..................................................................... 16 13 TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS......................................................................... 19 14 COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES........................................................................ 20 15 UNDERTAKINGS....................................................................................... 21 16 ENFORCEMENT........................................................................................ 25 17 APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS............................................................................ 30 19 SUSPENSE ACCOUNT................................................................................... 32 20 SET OFF............................................................................................ 32 21 POWER OF ATTORNEY.................................................................................. 32 22 NOTICES............................................................................................ 33 23 WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS.............. 34 24 GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION..................................................................... 35 25 OTHER SECURITY ETC................................................................................. 36 26 MISCELLANEOUS...................................................................................... 36 SCHEDULE 1 - PROPERTIES..................................................................................... 38 |
[Debenture]
SCHEDULE 2 - BANK ACCOUNTS.................................................................................. 39 SCHEDULE 3 - DETAILS OF SHARES.............................................................................. 40 SIGNATURE PAGE.............................................................................................. 42 |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture]
THIS DEED OF DEBENTURE is made on 27 July 2004
BETWEEN:-
(1) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and whose registered office is situate at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, HM11, Bermuda (the "CHARGOR"); and
(2) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong acting through its head office at ICBC Asia Building, 122-126 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong acting on its own behalf and as facility agent and security trustee for and on behalf of the Finance Parties (the "SECURITY TRUSTEE").
WHEREAS:-
(A) By a facility agreement signed on 2nd December, 2003 (but held undated in escrow) as released from escrow and amended and restated by the Supplemental Amendment and Restatement Deed (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT"), entered into by (1) the Chargor, as borrower; (2) the banks and financial institutions named therein as lenders (the "LENDERS"); (3) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as arranger; and (4) the Security Trustee as facility agent, the Finance Parties have agreed, upon and subject to the terms of the Facility Agreement, to make available to the Chargor a term loan facility of up to US$150,000,000 (the "FACILITY") for the purposes more particularly specified therein.
(B) The Security Trustee is acting as facility agent for the Finance Parties pursuant to the Facility Agreement and as security agent and trustee for the Finance Parties pursuant to this Deed and the other Finance Documents.
(C) It is a condition precedent to the availability of the Facility under the Facility Agreement that the Chargor shall have executed and delivered this Deed to the Security Trustee creating fixed and floating charges over its assets and undertakings.
NOW THIS DEED WITNESSES as follows:-
1 DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
1.1 TERMS DEFINED
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires, terms used shall have the meanings defined in the Facility Agreement and:-
"ACT" means the Conveyancing Act 1983 as amended from time to time;
"BANK ACCOUNTS" has the meaning given to it in Clause 3.1(b)
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture]
"COLLATERAL" means all the right, title, interest and benefit of the Chargor in and to all or any part of the Properties, Receivables, undertaking, property, assets and rights of the Chargor from time to time subject or expressed to be subject, to the security constituted by this Deed or any part of any thereof.
"FIXTURES" means fixtures, fittings (including trade fixtures and fittings) and fixed plant and machinery.
"INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" means all patents, designs, copyrights, topographies, trade marks, service marks, trading names, domain names, rights in confidential information and know-how, any other intellectual property and any associated or similar rights of the Chargor, and any interest in any of the foregoing (in each case whether registered or unregistered and including any related licences and sub-licences of the same, applications and rights to apply for the same and wherever subsisting).
"LEASE" means any lease, tenancy, licence, letting arrangement, exchange, option, reservation, right of refusal or any other right or interest in any part of any Properties or any other agreement or contract for any of these, granted by the Chargor or any person deriving title from the Chargor.
"LESSEE" means each lessee, tenant or licencee of the Properties or any part of the Properties pursuant to a Lease.
"PROPERTIES" means any real property described in Schedule 1 and any real property acquired by the Chargor whether freehold or leasehold, and subject to and with the benefit of all Rights from time to time attached or relating to that property and all buildings and Fixtures from time to time in or on that property.
"PERMITTED SECURITY INTEREST" means, in relation to the Chargor, any Security Interest permitted by clause 16.16(a) of the Facility Agreement.
"RECEIVABLES" has the meaning given to it in Clause 3.1(b)(i).
"RECEIVER" means any receiver, manager, receiver and manager or other similar officer appointed in respect of the Collateral by the Security Trustee in respect of the security hereby granted.
"RIGHTS" means rights (including rights of way), authorities, discretions, remedies, liberties, privileges, powers, easements, quasi-easements and appurtenances (in each case, of any nature whatsoever).
"SECURED OBLIGATIONS" means any and all moneys, liabilities and obligations (whether actual or contingent, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether or not for the payment of money, and including, without limitation, any obligation or liability to pay damages) which are or may become payable by the Chargor or any other Security Party which is a member of the CNC HK Group to the Finance Parties or any of them under or pursuant to the Finance Documents and/or all other obligations hereby secured.
"SHARES" means all those shares in the companies beneficially owned by the Chargor at the date hereof, particulars of which are set out in Schedule 3 and "SHARE" means each
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture]
of them.
1.2 TRUST
All rights, benefits, interests, powers and discretions granted to or conferred on the Security Trustee pursuant to this Deed shall be held by the Security Trustee on trust for the benefit of itself as Security Trustee and each Finance Party from time to time. The Security Trustee may do all acts within its powers to administer and manage the trust constituted by this Clause including any full or partial release by deed of the rights, benefits and interest conferred by Clause 3 or the release of all or any part of the Collateral from this Deed. The trust constituted by this Clause shall come into existence on the date of this Deed and shall last for so long as any of the Secured Obligations remain outstanding provided that for the purposes of the rule against perpetuities, the perpetuity period applicable to the trust and any dispositions made or to be made pursuant to this Deed and this trust, is hereby specified as a period of eighty (80) years less one (1) day from the date of this Deed.
1.3 CLAUSE HEADINGS
Clause headings and the table of contents are for ease of reference only and shall be ignored in the interpretation of this Deed.
1.4 CONSTRUCTION
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires:-
(a) Clause 1.3 of the Facility Agreement shall be deemed incorporated in this Deed mutatis mutandis as if set out separately in this Deed; and
(b) references to the "CHARGOR", the "SECURITY TRUSTEE" or any "FINANCE PARTY" include, where the context permits, include their respective successors and transferees and permitted assigns in accordance with their respective interests.
2 COVENANT TO PAY
The Chargor hereby covenants that it will on demand pay and discharge the Secured Obligations when due for payment or discharge in accordance with the Finance Documents or, if no time for payment is specified, within 4 Business Days after demand by the Security Trustee.
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture]
3 CHARGE AND ASSIGNMENT
3.1 CHARGE
In consideration of the Finance Parties agreeing to make the Facility available to the Chargor, upon the terms and conditions of the Facility Agreement and as a continuing security for the due and punctual payment and discharge of the Secured Obligations, the Chargor, as beneficial owner hereby charges and agrees to charge in favour of the Security Trustee as trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties:-
(a) all its right, title and interest in and to the Properties:-
(i) to the extent that its interest in the Properties constitutes a legal estate, it charges to the Security Trustee by way of a first fixed legal charge the Properties and all Rights relating to the Properties at any time used, occupied, held or enjoyed by the Chargor and all the estate, right, interest, benefit, title, property, claim and demand of the Chargor in and to the Property and those Rights; and
(ii) to the extent that its interest (whether present or future) in the Properties constitutes an equitable interest, it charges by way of first fixed equitable charge the Properties and all Rights relating to the Properties at any time used, occupied, held or enjoyed by the Chargor and all the estate, right, interest, benefit, title, property, claim and demand of the Chargor in and to the Properties and those Rights;
(b) by way of first fixed charge all its present and future right, title and interest in:-
(i) all book and other debts, receivables, monies, revenues, claims and things in action now or in the future due or owing to or purchased or otherwise acquired by the Chargor (including all credit balances and deposits and bank accounts as set out in Schedule 2 and any other bank accounts of the Chargor with any Finance Party or any other bank or financial institution ("BANK ACCOUNTS") and any surplus arising on a realisation of any legal and/or equitable assignment and/or charge whether in favour of the Security Trustee or any other person), the proceeds of the same, and the full benefit of all guarantees, indemnities, debentures, charges, pledges, liens, rights of set off, security reservations of proprietary rights, rights of tracing and all other rights and remedies in respect of the same in all such cases whether now or in the future (the "RECEIVABLES");
(ii) the Shares, and all other stocks, shares, bonds or other securities and investments and securities and all other interests of the Chargor in any person, any other share, stock, debenture, bond, certificate of deposit or other security or investment now or in the future owned at law or in equity by the Chargor, whether held directly by the Chargor or by any trustee, nominee, fiduciary or clearance system on its behalf (other than the investments secured in favour of the Security Trustee by a Share Mortgage), together with all dividends, interest and other moneys paid or payable in respect thereof and all rights, money and assets related to or
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture]
accruing or offered or arising thereon from time to time, whether by way of redemption, conversion, exercise of option rights, substitution, exchange, preference, bonus or otherwise and all rights, benefits and advantages arising in respect of or incidental to the same;
(iii) the uncalled capital and goodwill of and Intellectual Property rights owned by the Chargor;
(iv) all fixed plant, other plant, machinery and equipment of the Chargor (except those the subject of the Security Interest constituted by Clause 3.1(a) and its respective interest in any plant, machinery or equipment in its possession, including the benefit of all contracts and warranties relating to the same;
(v) all of the Chargor's rights and benefits under any sale or purchase agreements, and distributorship or any similar agreements entered into by it, any letters of credit issued in its favour and all bills of exchange and other negotiable instruments held by it; and
(vi) the benefit of all licences (to the extent permitted by applicable law), quota, consents and authorities (statutory or otherwise) held in connection with its business or the use of any asset charged by any other sub-paragraph in this Clause and the right to recover and receive all proceeds and/or compensation which may be payable to it in respect of them;
other than any asset the subject of any Permitted Security Interest;
(c) by way of second fixed charge ranking behind the Permitted Security Interests, the assets which are the subject of a Permitted Security Interests (but excluding Permitted Security Interests to the extent only that such charge would be contrary to a contractual term or mandatory provision of law prohibiting such charge) in favour of the Security Trustee (as trustee for the Finance Parties).
3.2 ASSIGNMENT
The Chargor as beneficial owner, and as continuing security for the due and punctual payment and discharge of the Secured Obligations hereby assigns and agrees to assign to the Security Trustee (as trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties) by way of security all its present and future:
(a) Rights (except those the subject of the Security Interest constituted by Clause 3.1(a)) relating to the Properties including:
(i) all Rights to any payment, covenant, agreement, undertaking or indemnity contained in any sale and purchase agreement, leases or other document, agreement or undertaking whatsoever relating to the Properties now or in the future including all its rights, title and interest in and to the present and future leases;
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture]
(ii) the proceeds of sale of any part of the Properties and the benefits of any covenants for title given or entered into by any predecessor in title to the Chargor in respect of the Properties (or any moneys paid or payable in respect of those covenants); and
(iii) all rights against all past, present and future undertenants of the Properties and their respective guarantors and sureties;
(b) right, title and interest in and to all Insurances and all proceeds and benefits in respect of such Insurances (including the proceeds of all claims relating to, and all returns of premium in respect of, such Insurances) which are from time to time taken out by or on behalf of the Chargor (or to the extent of such interest) in which the Chargor has an interest; and
(c) Rights relating to any contracts or agreements including all Rights to any payment, covenant, agreement, undertaking or indemnity contained therein or other document, agreement or undertaking whatsoever relating to any contracts or agreements now or in the future including all its rights, title and interest in and to the present and future contracts and agreements and any moneys payable to the Chargor and any claims, awards and judgments in favour of the Chargor, under or in connection with such contracts or agreements.
3.3 NOTICES AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Chargor undertakes to the Security Trustee that, within 5 Business Days after the execution of this Deed or, if later, within 5 Business Days after the date on which any of the Collateral referred to therein are effected, established, acquired, obtained or executed, it shall give such notices of assignment and/or charge to the relevant parties in respect of the assignments referred to above in the form requested by the Security Trustee (acting reasonably) and shall request such relevant parties to return such acknowledgements to the Security Trustee as the Security Trustee reasonably considers necessary to perfect the Security Interests in respect thereof.
4 FLOATING CHARGE
4.1 CREATION
The Chargor, as beneficial owner and as continuing security for the due and punctual payment and discharge of the Secured Obligations, hereby charges in favour of the Security Trustee (as trustee for the Finance Parties) by way of first floating charge its undertaking and all its assets, both present and future (including Receivables and Bank Accounts to the extent not otherwise effectively mortgaged or charged under Clause 3.1 or assigned by Clause 3.2 but excluding any assets which are effectively mortgaged, charged or assigned under any other Security Document) PROVIDED THAT the Chargor may deal with the assets charged under this Clause in the ordinary course of its business until the Security Interest created by this Deed becomes enforceable or this floating charge is converted into a fixed
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture]
charge pursuant to Clause 4.3 or 4.4 (but so that the Chargor may continue to deal with any of the aforesaid assets unaffected by any partial conversion).
4.2 RANKING
The floating charge created by the Chargor ranks:
(a) behind all the fixed charges created by it pursuant to Clause 3.1 and Clause 3.2 or any other Security Documents; but
(b) in priority to any subsequently created Security Interest over the Collateral of the Chargor.
4.3 CONVERSION BY NOTICE
The Security Trustee may convert any floating charge created pursuant to Clause 4.1 into a fixed charge (either generally or specifically) by notice to the Chargor specifying the relevant Collateral:
(a) if it (acting reasonably) considers it desirable to do so in order to protect or preserve the Security Interests over that Collateral and/or the priority of those Security Interests; and/or
(b) while an Event of Default is continuing.
4.4 AUTOMATIC CONVERSION
If:
(a) the Chargor takes any step to create any Security Interest in breach of Clause 16.16 of the Facility Agreement over any of the Collateral not subject to a Security Interest;
(b) an Event of Default occurs under clause 17.1(f), (g), (h), (i), (j) or (k) of the Facility Agreement; or
(c) any person takes any step to effect any Expropriation, attachment, sequestration, distress or execution against any of the Collateral,
the floating charge over the relevant Collateral shall automatically and immediately be converted into a fixed charge without notice.
4.5 CONVERSION TO FLOATING CHARGE
The Security Trustee may reconvert any fixed charge created pursuant to Clause 4.3 or Clause 4.4 into a floating charge by notice to the Chargor specifying the relevant Collateral if:
(a) none of the events or circumstances referred to in paragraphs (a) or
(b) of Clause 4.3 or paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of Clause 4.4 is
continuing; and
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture]
(b) the Security Trustee considers that such conversion into a floating charge would not prejudice the interests of any Finance Party under any Finance Document.
5 FURTHER ASSURANCE
The Chargor shall, at its own expense, promptly take all such action as the Security Trustee may reasonably require:
(a) for the purpose of perfecting or protecting the Finance Parties' rights under and preserving the Security Interests intended to be created or evidenced by this Deed or the priority of such Security Interests; and
(b) for the purpose of facilitating the realisation of the Collateral or the exercise of any rights vested in the Security Trustee or any Receiver,
including the execution of any transfer, conveyance, charge, mortgage, assignment or assurance of the Collateral (whether to the Security Trustee or its nominees or otherwise), the making of any registration, the obtaining of any legal opinion and the giving of any notice, order or direction.
6 PERFORMANCE, RELEASE AND REGISTRATION
6.1 PERFORMANCE AND INDEMNITY
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Chargor shall remain liable to perform all the obligations to be performed by it in respect of the Collateral and shall discharge fully its obligations thereunder as they become due and neither the Security Trustee nor any of the Finance Parties shall have any obligation of any kind whatsoever thereunder or be under any liabilities whatsoever in the event of any failure to perform their obligations thereunder, and the Chargor hereby indemnifies and agrees to keep indemnified the Security Trustee, and the other Finance Parties and each of them from and against any such liability unless such liability arose from the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of the Security Trustee or the Finance Parties.
6.2 RELEASE AND TRANSFER
(a) The Security Trustee shall, upon the full performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations to the satisfaction of the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties, at the request and cost of the Chargor and in such form as the Security Trustee shall reasonably approve, release and transfer to the Chargor, the Collateral then the subject of the Security Interest constituted by this Deed.
(b) Notwithstanding any discharge, release or settlement from time to time between the Security Trustee and/or any other Finance Party and the Chargor, if any security, disposition or payment granted or made to the Security Trustee and/or any other Finance Party in respect of the Secured Obligations by the Chargor or any other person is avoided or set aside or ordered to be surrendered, paid away, refunded or reduced by virtue of any provision, law or enactment relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, winding-up, composition or arrangement for
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the time being in force or for any other reason, the Finance Parties shall be entitled thereafter to enforce this Deed as if no such discharge, release or settlement had occurred.
6.3 REGISTRATION
The Chargor hereby authorises the Security Trustee forthwith upon execution of this Deed to procure the delivery to the Registrar of Companies of this Deed duly executed, together with the appropriate Form 9.
7 PROPERTIES
7.1 ACQUISITION
The Chargor shall promptly notify the Security Trustee of its acquisition of, or agreement to acquire (either itself or through a nominee or delegate), any Properties, together with a certificate signed by an authorised officer of the Chargor certifying the total consideration paid or payable for those Properties.
7.2 DOCUMENTS
The Chargor shall deposit with the Security Trustee, and the Security Trustee shall be entitled to hold, all title deeds and documents relating to the Chargor's present and future Properties.
7.3 REGISTRATION OF FUTURE PROPERTIES
In the case of the Chargor's Properties acquired after the date of this Deed, the Chargor shall:
(a) promptly after it becomes possible to do so, apply to the relevant local Land Registry for registration of the instrument vesting legal and beneficial ownership to the Properties in the Chargor;
(b) execute a supplemental deed of charge in favour of the Security Trustee in substantially the same terms as the charge created by Clause 3.1(a) in respect of the Properties creating a legal charge over the same; and
(c) request the relevant local Land Registry to register that supplemental deed of charge in relation to that Properties and notice of all charges.
7.4 COMPLIANCE WITH OBLIGATIONS
The Chargor shall comply with any material covenants, stipulations, conditions, licences, consents, legal requirements, notices and any other material statutory, regulatory or contractual obligations relating to the Properties or its use.
7.5 COMPLIANCE WITH STATUTE
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The Chargor shall comply with all obligations imposed under any present or future ordinance, statute, regulation, order or instrument or under any bye-laws, regulations or requirements of any competent authority or any planning control, building regulation control or other approvals licences or consents which apply to the Properties or are required to be complied with for its use or enjoyment.
7.6 PLANNING
The Chargor shall not, without the consent of the Security Trustee (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), change or permit to be changed the use of any of the Property or carry out any operation or begin or continue any use of the Properties for which permission under the relevant local legislation (or other planning permission) is required but has not been obtained.
7.7 REPAIR AND ALTERATIONS
(a) The Chargor shall repair its Properties and keep it in good and substantial repair and condition (fair wear and tear excepted) (provided that where such Properties are held under a lease, compliance by the Chargor with its obligations under such lease shall be sufficient (fair wear and tear excepted).
(b) The Chargor shall ensure that neither it nor any other person demolishes or makes any alterations or additions to the Properties or injures or in any manner or by any means lessens the value of the Properties nor, unless it promptly replaces them with others of equal or greater value, removes any Fixtures from the Properties if, in any case, doing this will have a material adverse effect on the value of the Properties.
(c) The Chargor shall permit the Security Trustee, the Receiver or any other person appointed by any of them on reasonable notice at all reasonable times on Business Days to have access to and view the state of repair and condition of the Properties without such person, by so doing, being deemed to have taken possession of the Properties.
7.8 NOTICES, ETC
The Chargor shall give to the Security Trustee (within 10 Business Days of receiving them) full particulars of any notice, order or proposal given, issued or made to the Chargor in respect of any of the Properties which is material to the Properties by or on behalf of any planning, local government, public health, sanitary, housing or other authority and any other material communication from any person relating to any of the Properties and, if so required by the Security Trustee, produce such notice, order, proposal or other communication to the Security Trustee and also, without delay and within the period prescribed by such notice, order, proposal or other communication, take all necessary steps to comply with the provisions of such notice, order, proposal or other communication and also, at the request or with the consent of the Security Trustee (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and at the cost of the Chargor make, or join with the Security Trustee in making, such objection or representation against or in
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respect of any such notice, order, proposal or other communication as the Security Trustee or the Chargor considers desirable.
7.9 RECEIPT OF ALL MONIES
The Chargor shall pay promptly following receipt into one of the Prepayment Escrow Accounts designated by the Security Trustee all monies which the Chargor may receive in respect of the Properties including all sale proceeds, licence fees, deposits, commissions, charges and expenses. 7.10 USE PROPERTY FOR PROPER PURPOSES The Chargor shall not use the Properties or permit the Properties to be used for purposes other than those for which it has been permitted or designated by any relevant competent authority (or any building thereon has been built) and may lawfully be used. 8 LEASES |
The Chargor shall:
(a) comply with all material obligations imposed on it under any Lease;
(b) not exercise any power to determine or extend, or accept the surrender of, any Lease if to do so could have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Chargor to carry on its business or perform the obligations under the Finance Documents;
(c) take all reasonable steps to procure the due performance by each Lessee of its material obligations under the Leases, and shall not vary the terms of any Leases, or grant any waivers in respect thereof, or permit or agree to the cancellation of the same if to do so could have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Chargor to carry on its business or perform its obligations under the Finance Documents;
(d) promptly and diligently:
(i) notify the Security Trustee of any default by it or a Lessee under any Lease which could have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Chargor to carry on its business or perform its obligations under the Finance Documents; and
(ii) institute and maintain all such proceedings as may be necessary or desirable to preserve or protect the interests of the Chargor and the Finance Parties in any Lease unless not to do so would not have a material adverse effect on the ability if the Chargor to carry on its business or perform its obligations under the Finance Documents.
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9 RECEIVABLES AND BANK ACCOUNTS
9.1 COLLECTION
The Chargor shall promptly collect all Receivables and shall hold the proceeds of collection on trust for the Security Trustee.
9.2 PAYMENT INTO DESIGNATED BANK ACCOUNT(S)
The Chargor shall promptly pay all moneys received or receivable by it from any source (including all proceeds of collection of Receivables) into a Bank Account.
9.3 RESTRICTIONS ON DEALING WITH RECEIVABLES
Without prejudice and in addition to Clause 5:
(a) except for the Security Interests constituted by this Deed and as otherwise permitted by Clause 16.16 of the Facility Agreement, the Chargor shall not create or permit to subsist any Security Interest over, nor do anything else prohibited by Clause 16.16 of the Facility Agreement in respect of, all or any part of any of its Receivables; and
(b) except as required by Clause 5 or as otherwise permitted by clause 16.16 of the Facility Agreement, the Chargor shall not enter into a single transaction or a series of transactions (whether related or not and whether voluntary or involuntary) to sell, factor, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or any part of any of its Receivables.
9.4 PROCEEDS OF BOOK DEBTS
So long as none of the Security Interests constituted by this Deed have not become enforceable, the Chargor shall be entitled to use the proceeds of collection of its Receivables in the ordinary course of its business.
9.5 DOCUMENTS
The Chargor shall promptly execute and/or deliver to the Security Trustee such documents relating to such of its Receivables as the Security Trustee reasonably requires.
9.6 WITHDRAWALS FROM BANK ACCOUNTS
(a) The Chargor may make withdrawals from Bank Accounts (other than Escrow Accounts) unless prohibited by or pursuant to the Finance Documents.
(b) The Chargor shall not make any withdrawal from any Escrow Account except as permitted by the Facility Agreement.
(c) If an amount is withdrawn from a Bank Account as permitted by this Clause 9.6, that amount shall be automatically released from the fixed
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charge on that Bank Account on that withdrawal being made. However, if all or part of that amount is paid into another Bank Account which is in credit or becomes in credit as a result, it shall automatically become subject to the fixed charge on that Bank Account.
(d) Following notice from the Security Trustee of the occurrence of an Event of Default that is continuing, the Chargor shall not be entitled to receive, withdraw or transfer credit balances from time to time on any Bank Account except as agreed by the Security Trustee.
9.7 RESTRICTIONS ON DEALING WITH BANK ACCOUNTS
Without prejudice and in addition to Clause 5:
(a) except for the Security Interests constituted by this Deed and as otherwise permitted by Clause 16.16 of the Facility Agreement, the Chargor shall not create or have outstanding any Security Interest over, nor do anything else prohibited by Clause 16.16 of the Facility Agreement in respect of, all or any part of any of its Bank Accounts; and
(b) except as required by Clause 5 or as otherwise permitted by Clause 16.16 of the Facility Agreement, the Chargor shall not enter into a single transaction or a series of transactions (whether related or not and whether voluntary or involuntary) to transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of all or any part of any of its Bank Accounts.
9.8 DOCUMENTS
The Chargor shall promptly execute and/or deliver to the Security Trustee such documents relating to such of its Bank Accounts as the Security Trustee reasonably requires, including any notice to the relevant bank or financial institution of the charges over them. 10 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 10.1 ACQUISITION The Chargor shall promptly notify the Security Trustee of its acquisition or grant of, or agreement to acquire or grant, (by licence or otherwise) any material Intellectual Property, and any application by it or on its behalf to register any Intellectual Property, and of the deposit of any Intellectual Property (including source codes of computer software) with escrow agents. 10.2 DOCUMENTS AND CONSENTS (i) The Chargor shall, as soon as reasonable practicable after it enters into this Deed, use reasonable endeavours to obtain such consents as may be necessary from licensors of any material Intellectual Property granted to it to ensure that licences of Intellectual Property granted to the Chargor will not be revoked by any licensor. - 13 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] (ii) The Chargor shall as soon as reasonably practicable at the Security Trustee's request execute and/or deliver to the Security Trustee (a) originals of any certificate of registration of Intellectual Property; (b) all documents necessary to register or record this Deed or any Security Interest over Intellectual Property with each relevant government authority or agency responsible for keeping registers in which any of the Chargor's Intellectual Property is registered, and each receipt or confirmation of registration or recording of this Deed or any Security Interest over Intellectual Property issued by that government authority or agency; and (c) each escrow agreement which exists in respect of any of the Intellectual Property and a notice to each escrow agent holding any Intellectual Property on behalf of the Chargor substituting the Security Trustee as the party to whom, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing and notification to that effect from the Security Trustee to the escrow agent, that escrow agent shall release the Intellectual Property (including source codes of computer software) in discharge of that escrow agent's obligations to release the Intellectual Property to the Chargor. 11 CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY 11.1 CONTINUING SECURITY This Deed and the security hereby created shall remain in full force and effect by way of a continuing security notwithstanding the insolvency or liquidation or any incapacity or change in the constitution or status of the Chargor or any other person and in particular but without limitation shall not be, nor be considered as, satisfied by any intermediate discharge or payment on account of any liabilities or any settlement of accounts between the Chargor, and the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party. 11.2 ADDITIONAL SECURITY This Deed and the security hereby created shall be in addition to and not in substitution for or derogation of any other Security Interest, guarantee or other security (whether given by the Chargor or otherwise) now or from time to time hereafter held by the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party in respect of or in connection with the Secured Obligations. - 14 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] 11.3 UNRESTRICTED ENFORCEMENT The Security Trustee need not before exercising any of the rights, powers or remedies conferred upon it by this Deed or by law (i) take action or obtain judgment against the Chargor or any other person in any court, (ii) make or file any claim or prove in a winding-up or liquidation of the Chargor or of any other person or (iii) enforce or seek to enforce the recovery of the moneys and liabilities hereby secured by any other security or other rights all of which the Chargor hereby waives and this Deed may be enforced for any balance due after resorting to any one or more other means of obtaining payment or discharge of the monies, obligations and liabilities hereby secured. 11.4 NO DISCHARGE The liabilities and obligations of the Chargor under this Deed and the security constituted by this Deed shall remain in force notwithstanding any act, omission, event or circumstance whatsoever until full, proper and valid payment and discharge of the Secured Obligations and without limiting the foregoing, neither the liabilities of the Chargor under this Deed nor the validity or enforceability of this Deed shall be prejudiced, affected or discharged by:- (a) the granting of any time or indulgence to the Chargor or any other person in respect of the Secured Obligations; (b) any variation or modification of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto; (c) the invalidity or unenforceability of any obligation or liability of any party under the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto; (d) any invalidity or irregularity in the execution of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or relating thereto; (e) any lack of capacity or deficiency in the powers of the Chargor or any other person to enter into or perform any of its respective obligations under the Facility Agreement or any of the other Finance Documents to which it is party or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto or any irregularity in the exercise thereof or any lack of authority by any person purporting to act on behalf of the Chargor or such other person; (f) the insolvency, bankruptcy or liquidation or any incapacity, disability or limitation or any change in the constitution or status of the Chargor or any other person; (g) any other Finance Document, Security Interest, guarantee or other security or right or remedy being or becoming held by or available to the Security Trustee, any Finance Party or by any other person or by any of the same being or becoming wholly or partly void, voidable or unenforceable or impaired or by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party at any time releasing, refraining from enforcing, varying or in any other way dealing with any of the same or any - 15 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] power, right or remedy the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party may now or hereafter have from or against the Chargor or any other person; (h) any waiver, exercise, omission to exercise, compromise, renewal or release of any rights against the Chargor or any other person or any compromise, arrangement or settlement with any of the same; or (i) any act, omission, event or circumstance which would or may but for this provision operate to prejudice, affect or discharge this Deed or the liability of the Chargor hereunder. 11.5 NO SUBROGATION (a) The Chargor shall not exercise any right of subrogation, contribution or any other rights of a surety nor enforce any security or other right or claim against any person who has guaranteed or given any security in respect of the Secured Obligations nor claim in the insolvency or liquidation of any such other person in competition with the Security Trustee and/or the Finance Parties. (b) If the Chargor receives any payment or benefit in breach of this Clause 11.5, it shall hold the same upon trust for the Security Trustee as a continuing security for the Secured Obligations. 12 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES 12.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES The Chargor hereby severally represents and warrants to the Security Trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties that:- (a) STATUS: it is a company duly incorporated and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Bermuda and has full power, authority and legal right to own its property and assets and to carry on its business as such business is now being conducted; (b) POWER AND AUTHORITY: it has all legal power and authority to enter into this Deed and perform its obligations under this Deed and all actions (including any corporate action) required to authorise the execution and delivery of this Deed and the performance of its obligations under this Deed have been duly taken including the authorisation of the person or persons who have executed and delivered this Deed to act for and on its behalf thereby binding the Chargor to all the terms and conditions hereof; (c) LEGAL VALIDITY: this Deed constitutes or, when so executed and delivered, will constitute its legal, valid and binding obligations enforceable in accordance with its terms; (d) NON-CONFLICT WITH LAWS: the entry into and performance of this Deed and the transactions contemplated by this Deed do not and will not conflict with or result in (i) a breach of any law, judgment or regulation or any official or judicial order, - 16 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] or (ii) a breach of the constitutional documents of the Chargor, or (iii) a material breach of any agreement or document to which the Chargor is a party or which is binding upon it or any of its assets or revenues with a monetary value greater than US$500,000, nor cause any limitation placed on it or the powers of its directors to be exceeded or result in the creation or imposition of any Security Interest on any part of the Collateral pursuant to the provisions of any such agreement or document; (e) NO CONSENTS: other than the Consents, no consent, authorisation, licence or approval of, or registration with or declaration to, any governmental or public bodies or authorities or courts in Bermuda or in any relevant jurisdiction is required for or in connection with the execution, delivery, validity, enforceability and admissibility in evidence in proceeding of this Deed, or the performance by the Chargor of any of its respective obligations under this Deed; (f) NO REGISTRATION: it is not necessary in order to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of this Deed that it or any other instrument be notarised, filed, recorded, registered or enrolled in any court or other authority or that any stamp, registration or similar tax or charge be paid on or in relation to this Deed and this Deed is in proper form for its enforcement in the courts of Bermuda and Hong Kong and all jurisdictions the subject of any legal opinion referred to in paragraph 4 of Schedule 3 of the Facility Agreement; (g) LITIGATION: except as disclosed in a letter of even date from the Borrower to the Security Trustee, no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding is currently taking place or pending or, to the knowledge of the officers of the Chargor, threatened against the Chargor or any of its assets which could, in the reasonable opinion of the Security Trustee, materially and adversely affect its business, assets or financial condition or its respective ability to perform its obligations under this Deed; (h) WINDING UP AND STRIKING OFF: it has not taken any corporate action or no other step has been taken or legal proceedings have been commenced or threatened against it for its winding-up, dissolution, administration or reorganisation or for the appointment of a receiver, administrator, trustee or similar officer of it or all or any of its assets or revenues, except as permitted by clause 17.1(g) (Winding-up) of the Facility Agreement; (i) TAXES ON PAYMENTS: all payments to be made by it under this Deed may be made by it free and clear of, and without deduction for, Taxes and no deductions or withholdings are required to be made therefrom save as specified in any legal opinion referred to in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of Schedule 3 to the Facility Agreement; and no Taxes are imposed on or by virtue of the execution or delivery by the Chargor of this Deed or any document to be executed or delivered under this Deed; (j) TAX LIABILITIES: it has complied with all Taxation laws in all material respects in all jurisdictions in which it is subject to Taxation and has paid all Taxes due and payable by it; no material claims are being asserted against it with respect to Taxes; - 17 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] (k) NO DEFAULT: (i) no Default has occurred and is continuing; (ii) it is not, or with the giving of notice or lapse of time or satisfaction of any other condition or any combination thereof, would not be in material breach of or in default under any agreement relating to Financial Indebtedness to which it is a party or by which it may be bound; (l) NO IMMUNITY: it is generally subject to civil and commercial law and to legal proceedings and neither it or any of its assets or revenues are entitled to any immunity or privilege (sovereign or otherwise) from any set-off, judgment, execution, attachment or other legal process; (m) COMPLIANCE, WITH CONSENTS AND LICENSES: every consent, authorisation, licence or approval required for the time being by it in connection with the conduct of its business and the ownership, use, exploitation or occupation of its property and assets has been applied for and not refused or has been obtained and is in full force and effect and there has been no material default in the observance of the conditions and restrictions (if any) imposed on, or in connection with, any of the same which may have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform its obligations under this Deed and, to the knowledge of its officers, no circumstances have arisen whereby any remedial action is likely to be required to be taken by it, or at its expense under or pursuant to any law or regulation applicable to its business, property or assets; (n) NO FINANCIAL INDEBTEDNESS: it does not have any Financial Indebtedness other than as permitted by Clause 16.17 of the Facility Agreement; (o) SOLE AND BENEFICIAL OWNER: it is or will be the sole, absolute legal and beneficial owner of the Collateral; (p) SECURITY INTEREST: no Security Interest exists in any of its rights, title, interests or benefits in the Collateral (other than as created by this Deed or any Permitted Security Interests); (q) THIRD PARTY RIGHT: it has not sold or otherwise disposes of any of the Collateral or granted in favour of any other person any interest in or any option or other rights in respect of any of the Collateral; (r) PROPERTIES: as at the date of this Deed, the Chargor has no right, title, interest or benefit in any Property; and (s) RECEIVABLES: all Receivables are fully collectible in the ordinary course of business. 12.2 CONTINUING REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTY The Chargor represents and warrants to and undertakes with the Security Trustee that the foregoing representations and warranties in Clause 12.1(a) to (n) inclusive are - 18 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] deemed to be made by the Chargor on each Drawdown Date and on each Interest Payment Date with reference to the facts and circumstances then existing and that the foregoing representations in Clause 12.1(o), (r) and (s) will be true and accurate throughout the continuance of this Deed with reference to the facts and circumstances from time to time. 13 TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS 13.1 TAX GROSS-UP (a) All sums payable by the Chargor or any other person under this Deed shall be paid in full without any restriction or condition and free and clear of any Tax or other deductions or withholdings of any nature. (b) If at any time the Chargor or any other person is required in any jurisdiction to make any deduction or withholding in respect of Taxes or otherwise from any payment due under this Deed for the account of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party (or if the Security Trustee is required to make any such deduction or withholding from a payment to other Finance Parties), the sum due from the Chargor in respect of such payment shall be increased to the extent necessary to ensure that, after the making of such deduction or withholding, the Security Trustee and each Finance Party receives on the due date for such payment (and retains, free from any liability in respect of such deduction or withholding) a net sum equal to the sum which it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been required to be made. (c) The Chargor's obligations under Clause 13(a) and (b) shall not apply in respect of any Tax on Overall Net Income levied on the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party. (d) All Taxes required by law to be deducted or withheld by the Chargor from any amounts paid or payable under this Deed shall be paid by the Chargor when due (except for such amounts being disputed by the Chargor in good faith) to the relevant tax authority. 13.2 TAX INDEMNITY The Chargor shall indemnify the Security Trustee and each other Finance Party against any losses or costs incurred by any of them by reason of: (a) any failure of the Chargor or any other person to make any such deduction or withholding referred to in Clause 13.1; or (b) any increased payment referred to in Clause 13.1 not being made on the due date for such payment; or (c) any Taxes which are being disputed by the Chargor and remaining unpaid; and (d) any liability suffered (directly or indirectly) for or on account of Tax by that Finance Party in respect of any payment received or receivable or deemed to - 19 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] be received or receivable under this Deed. 13.3 EVIDENCE OF PROOF The Chargor shall promptly deliver to the Security Trustee any receipts, certificates or other proof evidencing the amounts (if any) paid or payable in respect of any deduction or withholding as aforesaid. Any certificate or determination of the Security Trustee showing in reasonable details the calculations made by the Security Trustee as to any amount for the purposes of this Clause 13 shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on each Chargor. 13.4 TAX CREDIT If the Chargor makes a Tax Payment and the Security Trustee determines that:- (a) a Tax Credit is attributable either to an increased payment of which that Tax Payment forms part, or to that Tax Payment; and (b) it has obtained, utilised and retained that Tax Credit, the Security Trustee shall, promptly after obtaining the benefit of that Tax Credit, pay an amount to the Chargor which will leave it (after that payment) in the same after-Tax position as it would have been in had the Tax Payment not been required to be made by the Chargor. Any certificate or determination of the Security Trustee showing in reasonable details the calculations made by the Security Trustee as to any amount for the purposes of this Clause 13 shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Chargor. 14 COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES 14.1 COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES The Chargor shall from time to time forthwith on demand pay to or reimburse the Finance Parties and the Receiver (on the basis of a full indemnity) the amount of: (a) all costs, charges and expenses properly incurred by the Finance Parties or the Receiver in connection with the investigation of title to or any survey, inspection or valuation of the Collateral under or in connection with this Deed following an Event of Default, and the negotiation, preparation, registration, perfecting, amendment, modification or administration of this Deed (or any of the charges therein contained) or any other document relating thereto; (b) all costs, charges and expenses properly incurred by the Finance Parties or the Receiver in connection with the exercise, or the attempted exercise, by or on behalf of the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party or the Receiver of any of the powers of the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party or the Receiver, or any other action taken by or on behalf of the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party with a view to or in connection with the recovery by the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party of the Secured Obligations from the Chargor or any other person; - 20 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] (c) all costs, charges and expenses properly incurred by the Finance Parties or the Receiver in connection with the carrying out of any other act or matter which the Security Trustee or any Finance Party or the Receiver may reasonably consider to be necessary or required for the preservation of the Collateral; and (d) all costs, charges and expenses (including legal and other fees on a full indemnity basis) properly incurred by the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party or Receiver in exercising any of its rights or powers hereunder or in suing for or seeking to recover any sums due hereunder or otherwise preserving or enforcing its rights hereunder or in defending any claims brought against it in respect of this Deed or in releasing or re-assigning this Deed upon payment of all moneys hereby secured, and until payment of the same in full, all such costs, charges and expenses shall be secured by this Deed. 14.2 STAMP DUTY The Chargor shall pay all stamp, documentary, registration or other like duties or taxes (including any duties or taxes payable by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party) imposed on or in connection with this Deed and shall indemnify each of the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties against any liability arising by reason of any delay or omission by any Chargor to pay such duties or taxes. The amounts payable under Clause 14 shall carry interest from the dates on which they were paid by the Security Trustee or such other Finance Party or the Receiver (as the case may require), and such amounts and interest may be debited by the Security Trustee to any account of the Chargor, but shall, in any event, form part of the Secured Obligations and accordingly be secured on the Collateral under the charges contained in this Deed. The computation of such interest shall be in accordance with the terms of the Facility Agreement. 15 UNDERTAKINGS 15.1 AFFIRMATIVE UNDERTAKINGS The Chargor hereby jointly and severally undertakes and agrees with the Security Trustee, for the benefit of the Finance Parties, throughout the continuance of this Deed and so long as the Secured Obligations or any part thereof remains owing that, unless the Security Trustee otherwise agrees in writing, it will:- (a) INSURANCE: keep all Collateral of an insurable nature issued with reputable underwriters or insurance companies in such manner and to such extent as is reasonable and customary for a business enterprise engaged in the same or a similar business as the relevant Chargor and in the same or similar localities and whose practice is not self-insure; (b) INTEREST OF FINANCE PARTIES: procure that the interest of the Finance Parties is noted on all Insurances and that clauses noting the interest of the Finance Parties - 21 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] as chargee are incorporated therein in such manner and on such terms as the Finance Parties may reasonably require and the Chargor assigns to the Security Trustee the benefit of all such policy or policies and agrees to enter into such further assignments in relation thereto in such manner and on such terms as the Security Trustee may reasonably require; (c) PAYMENT OF PREMIUM: pay all premiums or sums of money necessary for effecting such Insurances as when due and payable (or within any applicable grace periods therefor in the policies for such Insurances), to comply with all warranties or other requirements relating thereto, and endorse over, produce or deliver to the Security Trustee all policy or policies of insurance and the receipts for every such payment. (d) APPLICATION OF MONIES RECEIVED: apply any monies received by it in respect of any Insurances or from any other party in respect of the Insurances in repairing or reinstating the property or assets in respect of which the monies were received or as required under Clause 7.5 of the Facility Agreement; (e) MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY AND ASSETS: keep all its property and assets including, but not limited to, all plant, equipment, machinery, buildings, fixtures, fittings, vehicles and other effects in good and substantial repair and in good working order and condition fair wear and tear excepted and not pull down, dismantle or remove any of the same except in the ordinary course of use, repair, maintenance or improvement; (f) PAY OUTGOINGS: pay all rents, rates, Taxes, duties, fees, impositions and outgoings when due and payable (or within any applicable grace period therefor in the agreements stipulating such payments) which may be payable in respect of the Collateral and observe and perform in all material respects all the covenants, terms and conditions contained in any title deeds, leases or other documents of title under which any assets hereby charged is for the time being held provided that if the Chargor defaults in making any such payments or in the performance or observance of any of the above undertakings or in effecting Insurances or in paying insurance premiums or in repairing, the Security Trustee may make such payments or perform and observe such undertakings, effect such Insurances or repairs or pay such insurance premiums and the Chargor shall forthwith repay to the Security Trustee on demand all monies expended by the Security Trustee in so doing together with interest thereon at the rates determined in accordance with the terms of the Facility Agreement determined in accordance with the terms of the Facility Agreement from the time of the same having been paid or incurred and until such repayment such monies together with such interest shall be secured by this Deed; (g) ACCESS TO COLLATERAL: permit the Security Trustee or any other person appointed by it on reasonable notice to have access to and view the state, order and condition of the Collateral and take inventories thereof; (h) NOTICE: attach to each item of the Properties or other plant, machinery and equipment, if reasonably required by the Security Trustee (but not so as to impede or restrict the normal use or operations thereof), a notice in such conspicuous place and in such form as the Security Trustee may specify stating - 22 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] that such item is subject to a charge in favour of the Security Trustee; (i) DOCUMENTS OF TITLE: deposit with the Security Trustee or such person as the Security Trustee may appoint for such purpose, all documents of title relating to the Collateral when called upon by the Security Trustee; (j) DISCHARGE OF DEBTS: pay and discharge in accordance with relevant agreement relating to the same all debts and obligations which by law have priority over the Security Interests hereby constituted; (k) RECEIVABLES: upon a request from the Security Trustee, give notice of the charges hereby created in respect of the Receivables or the Bank Accounts or any of them to the relevant debtor in such form as the Security Trustee may reasonably direct and from time to time give such further notices in respect of the Receivables or the Bank Accounts or any of them as the Security Trustee may reasonably require; (l) REALISATION OF RECEIVABLES: get in and realise all Receivables in the ordinary course of its business (m) NOTIFICATION OF DEFAULT: promptly inform the Security Trustee of any occurrence of any event which it becomes aware of which may materially and adversely affect its ability to perform its obligations under this Deed (n) SECURITY TRUSTEE ACCOUNT: at any time upon written notice from the Security Trustee to the Chargor, to pay all moneys which it may receive in respect of such debts to such account and bank, in the name of the Security Trustee or otherwise (as the Security Trustee may specify) and, in such form and on such terms as the Security Trustee may reasonably requires, to give such notice and instruction to the bank in question authorising the Security Trustee to operate such account (including, without limitation, to enable the Security Trustee to consent to the Chargor utilising the funds from such account and to revoke such consent) and to obtain the acknowledgement of, and undertaking to comply with, such notice and instruction from the bank in question, but so that nothing in this paragraph shall be taken to affect the validity of the first fixed charge of such debts and moneys which is contained in clause 3.1(b)(i); (o) NOTIFICATION OF INFORMATION AFFECTING THE COLLATERAL: forthwith to notify the Security Trustee in writing of any notice received by the Chargor affecting any of its interest in any of the Collateral, and, at the cost of the Chargor, to take any action regarding any such notice or information as the Security Trustee may reasonably require; (p) FACILITY AGREEMENT UNDERTAKINGS: perform the undertakings set out in Clause 16 of the Facility Agreement which the Chargor is obliged to procure the Chargor to perform as if the same were separately set out herein mutatis mutandis. 15.2 NEGATIVE UNDERTAKINGS The Chargor undertakes and agrees with the Security Trustee for the benefit of the - 23 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] Finance Parties throughout the continuance of this Deed and so long as the Secured Obligations or any part thereof remains owing that, unless the Security Trustee otherwise agrees in writing, it will not: (a) without the consent of the Security Trustee (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders) either in a single transaction or in a series of transactions whether related or not and whether voluntarily or involuntarily, sell, transfer, lease, assign or otherwise dispose of all or any material part of the Collateral, except, disposals made in good faith for full consideration on an arm's length basis in the ordinary course of its business unless such disposal is of an asset which is material to the Borrower Group or assign, discount or factor any of the Receivables, and provided in all cases that such disposal does not, materially and adversely affect the ability of the Chargor to perform its respective obligations under this Deed or the rights of the Finance Parties under the Finance Documents; (b) other than the Permitted Security Interests, create or attempt or agree to create or permit to arise or exist any Security Interest over the Collateral or any interest therein (except under or pursuant to this Deed) unless contemporaneously therewith or prior thereto and subject to the prior written consent of the Security Trustee, the Indebtedness owing to the Finance Parties under this Deed is equally and rateably secured and to the intent of affording the Security Trustee's further and better security the Chargor agrees and declares that the rule in Clayton's Case or any other rule of law or equity shall not apply so as to affect or diminish in any way the Security Trustee's rights under this Deed provided always that upon the commencement of the winding-up of the Chargor or of this Deed ceasing for any reason to be binding on the Chargor or if the Security Trustee shall at any time receive notice (either actual or otherwise) of any Security Interest affecting the Collateral or any part of it or any such breach by the Chargor the Security Trustee may open new or separate accounts in the name of the Chargor in the Security Trustee's books and if the Security Trustee has not in fact opened such new or separate accounts the Security Trustee shall nevertheless be deemed to have done so at the time of such breach and as from that time all payments made by the Chargor to the Security Trustee shall (notwithstanding any legal or equitable rule or presumption to the contrary) be placed or deemed to have been placed to the credit of such new or separate accounts and shall not go in reduction of the amounts due by the Chargor to the Security Trustee at the time of such breach notwithstanding that such payments had been paid into the existing accounts of the Chargor or were shown to be credited to that Chargor's existing accounts on the Security Trustee's statements and the Security Trustee shall immediately after the time of such breach have an absolute right of appropriation of such payments; (c) (i) sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its assets on terms whereby it is or may be leased to or re-acquired or acquired by the Chargor or any of its affiliates; or (ii) sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its receivables on recourse terms, except for the discounting of bills or notes in the ordinary course of trading, - 24 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] in circumstances where the transaction is entered into primarily as a method of raising finance or of financing the acquisition of an asset; (d) do or cause or permit to be done any act, matter or thing in or on or respecting the Collateral which shall contravene the provisions of any ordinance, order, rule or regulation now or hereafter affecting the same unless such contravention could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the rights of the Finance Parties under the Finance Documents or the ability of the Chargor to perform its obligations hereunder; (e) do or cause or permit to be done anything which may in any way depreciate, jeopardise or otherwise prejudice the value of the Security Interest created in favour of the Security Trustee hereunder; (f) transfer, sell, lend or otherwise dispose of any of the Collateral, and, in particular not to exercise the statutory or other powers of making leases or of accepting or agreeing to accept surrenders of leases, nor to part with possession of, nor grant any licence or right to occupy, any of the freehold or leasehold property for the time being owned by the Chargor, but so that the Chargor may dispose of property and assets which are for the time being subject to the floating charge contained in Clause 4 by sale by way of bargain made at arms length in the usual course of the Chargor's day-to-day trading; and (g) not, without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee, to enter into any debtor-creditor relationship (as a debtor) with any third party, including related or associated companies of the Chargor, except in the ordinary course of business of the Chargor. 16 ENFORCEMENT 16.1 POWERS OF SECURITY TRUSTEE The security created by this Deed shall become enforceable immediately upon the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing and at any time thereafter, the Security Trustee shall be entitled to exercise, without prior notice and without the restrictions contained in Section 31 of the Act, whether or not it shall have appointed a Receiver, all the powers and discretions conferred on mortgagees by the Act, as hereby varied or extended and all the powers and discretions hereby conferred, either expressly or by implication on a Receiver (and in relation to express powers and discretions as if any reference to the Receiver were a reference to a Finance Party) and all other powers conferred upon mortgagees by law or otherwise. Section 29 of the Act shall not apply to this Deed or to any other security given to the Security Trustee pursuant hereto. 16.2 APPOINTMENT OF RECEIVER (a) At any time after the security constituted hereby has become enforceable or if requested by the Chargor the Security Trustee may by deed appoint such person or persons (including an officer or officers of the Security Trustee) as it thinks fit to be the Receiver or Receivers of the Collateral or any part thereof. - 25 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] (b) The Security Trustee may by deed remove the Receiver and appoint another in his place, and the Security Trustee may also appoint another receiver if the Receiver resigns. (c) The exclusion of any part of the Collateral from the appointment of the Receiver shall not preclude the Security Trustee from subsequently extending his appointment (or that of the Receiver replacing him) to that part. (d) The Receiver shall, so far as the law permits, be the agent of each of the Chargor; and the Chargor shall be solely responsible for his acts and defaults (except for his wilful misconduct, wilful default and negligence) and liable on any contracts or engagements made or entered into by him; and in no circumstances whatsoever shall the Security Trustee be in any way responsible for any misconduct, or default of the Receiver. (e) The remuneration of the Receiver may be fixed by the Security Trustee, but such remuneration shall be payable by the Chargor alone; provided that any remuneration so fixed by the Security Trustee shall in the reasonable opinion of the Security Trustee be appropriate to the work and responsibilities involved upon the basis of charging from time to time adopted in accordance with the Receiver's current practice or the current practice of his industry and the amount of such remuneration may be debited by the Security Trustee to any account of the Chargor, but shall, in any event, form part of the Secured Obligations and accordingly be secured on the Collateral under the charges contained in this Deed. 16.3 POWERS OF RECEIVER The Receiver shall, in addition to all powers conferred from time to time on mortgagees or receivers by law or otherwise, have power (exercisable without further notice) either in his own name or in the name of the Chargor or otherwise and in such manner and upon such terms and conditions as the Receiver shall think fit and either alone or jointly with any other person: (a) to take possession of, collect and get in and give receipts for the Collateral; (b) to sell by public auction or private contract or otherwise dispose of or deal with the Collateral in such manner, for such consideration and generally on such terms and subject to such conditions as the Receiver may think fit with full power to convey or otherwise transfer the Collateral in the name of the Chargor or other legal or registered owner. Any consideration may be in the form of cash, debentures, shares, stock or other valuable consideration and may be payable immediately or by instalments spread over such period as the Receiver shall think fit and so that any consideration received in a form other than cash shall forthwith on receipt be and become charged with the payment of the Secured Obligations. Plant, equipment and machinery and other Fixtures or any part there of may be severed and sold separately from the premises containing them and the Receiver may apportion any rent and the performance of any obligations affecting such premises sold without the consent of the Chargor; - 26 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] (c) to insure and keep insured against loss or damage by such risks and contingencies as the Receiver may reasonably think fit the Collateral of an insurable nature in such manner in all respects as the Receiver may reasonably think fit and to maintain, renew or increase any Insurances in respect of the Collateral; (d) to institute, prosecute, submit to arbitration, negotiate, compromise, abandon, settle and defend any claims and proceedings in the name of the Chargor or otherwise as may seem expedient concerning the Collateral; (e) to make and effect all repairs, renewals, alterations, improvements and developments to or in respect of the Collateral; (f) to carry on or authorise or concur in the carrying on of the business of the Chargor or any part thereof and to manage and conduct the same without being responsible for loss or damage unless caused by his negligence or wilful default; (g) to form or promote the formation of companies with a view to the same purchasing all or any of the undertaking, property, assets and rights of the Chargor or otherwise; (h) to make calls, conditionally or unconditionally, on the members of the Chargor in respect of uncalled capital; (i) to redeem an Security Interest (whether or not having priority to the security constituted by this Deed) and make any arrangement, settlement or compromise or enter into any contracts and to perform, repudiate, rescind or vary any contract or arrangement to which the Chargor is a party in all such cases which the Receiver shall think expedient in the interests of the Finance Parties; (j) for the purpose of exercising any of the powers, authorities and discretions conferred on him by or pursuant to this Deed and of defraying any costs, charges, losses or expenses (including his remuneration) which shall be incurred by him in the exercise thereof or for any other purpose in connection herewith, to enter into bonds, covenants, guarantees, indemnities and other commitment and/or to raise and borrow money either unsecured or on the security of the Collateral either in priority to this Deed or otherwise and generally on such terms and conditions as he may think fit provided that: (i) no Receiver shall exercise such power without first obtaining the written consent of the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties shall incur no liability to the Chargor or any other person by reason of its giving or refusing such consent whether absolutely or subject to any limitation or condition; and (ii) no person lending such money shall be concerned to enquire as to the existence of such consent or the terms thereof or as to the propriety or purpose of the exercise of such power or to |
see to the application of any money so raised or borrowed;
(k) to appoint managers, agents, officers, solicitors, accountants, auctioneers,
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture]
brokers, architects, engineers, workmen or other professional or non-professional advisers, agents or employees for any of the aforesaid purposes at such salaries or for such remuneration and for such periods as the Receiver may determine and to dismiss any of the same or any of the existing staff of the Chargor and to delegate to any person any of the powers hereby conferred on the Receiver;
(l) in the exercise of any of the above powers to expend such sums as the Receiver may think fit and the Chargor shall forthwith on demand repay to the Receiver all sums so expended together with interest thereon at such rates as the Security Trustee may from time to time determine from the time of the same having been paid or incurred and until such repayment such sums together with such interest shall be secured by this Deed;
(m) to have access to and make use of any tool, equipment, premises and the accounting and other records of the Chargor and the services of its staff for all or any of the purposes aforesaid;
(n) to transfer all or any of the Collateral and/or any of the liabilities of the Chargor to any other company or body corporate or person, whether or not formed or acquired for the purpose;
(o) to grant leases, tenancies, licences and rights of user, grant renewals and accept surrenders of leases, tenancies, licences or rights of user, and to give to any Lessee(s) notice to quit or to remedy a breach of covenant or to otherwise reach agreements and make arrangements with, and to make allowances to, any lessees, tenants or other persons (including a new company formed pursuant to paragraph (g)) from whom any rents and profits may be receivable (including those relating to the grant of any licences, the review of rent in accordance with the terms of, and the variation of, the provisions of any leases, tenancies, licences or rights of user affecting the Collateral;
(p) to manage and use the Collateral and to exercise and do (or permit the Chargor or any nominee of it to exercise and do) all such rights and things as the Receiver would be capable of exercising or doing if he were the absolute beneficial owner of the Collateral and in particular, without limitation, to exercise any rights of enforcing any Security Interest to entry into possession, foreclosure, sale or otherwise and to arrange for or provide all services which he may deem proper for the efficient management or use of the Collateral or the exercise of such rights;
(q) to enforce any covenant in any Lease (whether existing at the time of the appointment of such Receiver or otherwise created in any manner) and to exercise any right of re-entry or to commence proceedings to recover possession whenever such right to re-enter the Property arises, whether out of the proviso for re-entry contained in any Lease or by virtue of a notice to quite or otherwise and in the exercise of the power of sale in relation to the Property, to enter into any deed of mutual covenant or grant of any rights, easements or privileges as it shall think fit and to enter into such deeds, contracts, stipulations and agreements and to execute and do all such assurances and things as it may deem expedient or necessary;
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture]
(r) for such consideration and on such terms as he may think fit, to purchase outright or acquire by leasing, hiring, licensing or otherwise, any land, buildings, plant, equipment, vehicles or materials or any other property, assets or rights of any description which he considers necessary or desirable for the carrying on, improvement or realisation of any business of the Chargor or otherwise for the benefit of the Collateral;
(s) to do all such other acts and things as may be considered by the
Receiver to be incidental or conducive to any of the matters or powers aforesaid or otherwise incidental or conducive to the exercise of any of the rights conferred on the Receiver under any Finance Document to which the Chargor is a party or under legislation or common law or to the realisation of the Finance Parties' security created by this Deed and which the Receiver may lawfully do. 16.4 RECEIVER TO CONFORM TO SECURITY TRUSTEE'S DIRECTIONS The Receiver shall in the exercise of the Receiver's powers, authorities and discretions conform to the directions and regulations from time to time given or made by the Security Trustee. 16.5 POWERS TO BE GIVEN WIDE CONSTRUCTION The powers of the Security Trustee and the Receiver hereunder shall be construed in the widest possible sense to the intent that the Security Trustee and the Receiver shall be afforded as wide and flexible a range of powers as possible. 16.6 NO LIABILITY TO ACCOUNT AS MORTGAGEE IN POSSESSION (a) Neither the Security Trustee nor the Receiver shall be liable in respect of any loss or damage which arises out of the exercise, or the attempted or purported exercise of, or the failure to exercise any of their respective powers unless such loss or damage is caused by its or his negligence, wilful default or misconduct in the exercise of their respective powers. (b) Without prejudice to the generality of clause 16.6(a), entry into possession of the Collateral shall not render the Security Trustee or the Receiver liable to account as mortgagee in possession unless the Security Trustee, the Receiver or its officers, employees or agents had acted in wilful default, negligence or misconduct in the exercise of its powers; and if and whenever the Security Trustee or the Receiver enters into possession of the Collateral, it shall be entitled at any time at its pleasure to go out of such possession. 16.7 EVIDENCE OF DEBT Any statement of account signed as correct by the Security Trustee showing any amount due under the Facility Agreement or under this Deed or under any other Finance Document shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive evidence of the amount so due. 16.8 SALE OF COLLATERAL - 29 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] Each of the Security Trustee and the Receiver shall be entitled to exercise such power of sale in such manner and at such time or times and for such consideration (whether payable immediately or by instalments) as it shall in its absolute discretion think fit (whether by private sale or otherwise) and so that the Collateral (or any relevant part thereof) may be sold (i) subject to any conditions which the Security Trustee or the Receiver may think fit to impose, (ii) to any person (including, without limitation, any person connected with the Chargor, the Security Trustee or the Finance Parties) and (iii) at any price which the Security Trustee or the Receiver in its absolute discretion, considers to be the best obtainable in the circumstances taking into account the nature of the Chargor as a private company. 16.9 PURCHASER NOT BOUND TO ENQUIRE (a) No purchaser from, or other person dealing with, the Security Trustee and/or the Receiver shall be concerned to enquire whether any of the powers which they have exercised or purported to exercise has arisen or become exercisable, or whether the Secured Obligations remain outstanding, or whether any event has happened to authorise the Receiver to act or as to the propriety or validity of the exercise or purported exercise of any such power; and the title of such a purchaser and the position of such a person shall not be impeachable by reference to any of those matters. (b) The receipt of the Security Trustee or the Receiver shall be an absolute and a conclusive discharge to a purchaser and shall relieve him of any obligation to see to the application of any moneys paid to or by the direction of the Security Trustee or the Receiver. (c) In clauses 16.9(a) and 16.9(b), "PURCHASER" includes any person acquiring, for money or money's worth, any lease of, or Security Interest over, or any other interest or right whatsoever in relation to, the Collateral. |
16.10 NO LIABILITY FOR LOSSES
The Chargor shall not have any claim against the Security Trustee or the Receiver or any Finance Party in respect of any loss arising out of any such sale or any postponement thereof howsoever caused and whether or not a better price could or might have been obtained upon the sale of the Collateral or any of them by deferring or advancing the date of such sale or otherwise howsoever except in the case of the Security Trustee's or the Receiver's negligence or wilful default.
17 APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS. APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS
17.1 All monies received by the Security Trustee or the Receiver hereunder shall be applied in or towards satisfaction of the Secured Obligations in (subject to the prior discharge of all liabilities having priority thereto by law) in the following order of priority:- (a) in payment or satisfaction of all costs, charges, expenses and liabilities properly incurred and payments made by or on behalf of the Security Trustee or the Receiver in connection with the exercise of any powers hereunder and in - 30 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] preserving or attempting to preserve this security or the Collateral and of all outgoings in respect of the Collateral paid by the Security Trustee or the Receiver pursuant to this Deed; (b) in payment to the Receiver of all remuneration as may be agreed between it and the Security Trustee to be paid to him at, or at any time after, its appointment; (c) in or towards reduction of the remaining Secured Obligations in such manner as is provided in the Facility Agreement; (d) the surplus (if any) to the Chargor; but so that if and for so long as any Chargor has any future or contingent liability to the Security Trustee, the Security Trustee may place and keep any such moneys to the credit of such account or accounts, in such name or names, as the Security Trustee may deem fit, without obligation to apply the same as mentioned above until all such liability is ascertained and due, and the same shall form part of the Collateral. 18 INDEMNITY 18.1 GENERAL INDEMNITY The Chargor hereby undertakes with the Security Trustee to indemnify and keep indemnified the Finance Parties and each of them (each an "INDEMNITEE") from and against all costs, charges and expenses which such Finance Party shall properly incur in connection with the exercise of any powers conferred by this Deed or the perfection, preservation or enforcement of the security created by this Deed (unless and to the extent that any of the foregoing results directly from the fraud, gross negligence or wilful misconduct of that indemnitee). 18.2 CURRENCY INDEMNITY (a) If an amount due to the Security Trustee or any Finance Party from the Chargor this Deed (a "SUM"), or any order, judgment or award given or made in relation to a sum, has to be converted from the currency (the "FIRST CURRENCY") in which that sum is payable into another currency (the "SECOND CURRENCY") for the purpose of: (i) making or filing a claim or proof against the Chargor; (ii) obtaining or enforcing an order, judgment or award in relation to any litigation or arbitration proceedings, the Chargor shall, as an independent obligation to the Security Trustee or such Finance Party, indemnify the Security Trustee or such Finance Party to whom that sum is due against any cost, loss or liability arising out of or as a result of the conversion including any discrepancy between (A) the rate of exchange used to convert that sum from the first currency into the second currency and (B) the rate or rates of exchange available to that person at the time of its receipt of that sum. - 31 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] (b) The Chargor hereby waives any right it may have in any jurisdiction to pay any amount under the Facility Agreement or any other Finance Document in a currency or currency unit other than that in which it is expressed to be payable. 18.4 PAYMENT AND SECURITY The Security Trustee or any Finance Party may retain and pay out of any money in the hands of the Security Trustee or such Finance Party all sums necessary to effect the indemnity contained in this Clause and all sums payable by the Chargor under this Clause shall form part of the monies hereby secured. 19 SUSPENSE ACCOUNT The Security Trustee may, notwithstanding Clause 17 (Application of Proceeds), place and keep any monies received under this Deed, before or after the insolvency of the Chargor, to the credit of a suspense account in order to preserve the rights of the Finance Parties to sue or prove for the whole amount in respect of claims against the Chargor or any other person 20 SET OFF 20.1 Without prejudice to any right of set-off, combination of accounts, lien or other rights which the Security Trustee or the Receiver is at any time entitled whether by operation of law or contract or otherwise, the Security Trustee and the Receiver may (but shall not be obliged to) set off against any obligation of the Chargor due and payable by it hereunder without prior notice any moneys held by the Security Trustee or such Receiver for the account of the Chargor at any office of the Security Trustee or such Receiver anywhere and in any currency. The Security Trustee or such Receiver may effect such currency exchanges as are appropriate to implement such set-off. 20.2 If the obligations are in different currencies, the Security Trustee or such Receiver may convert either obligation at a market rate of exchange in its usual course of business for the purpose of the set-off. 21 POWER OF ATTORNEY 21.1 POWER OF ATTORNEY The Chargor irrevocably appoints the Security Trustee, the Receiver and any persons deriving title under either of them by way of security jointly and severally to be its attorney (with full power of substitution) and in its name or otherwise on its behalf and as its act and deed to sign, seal, execute, deliver, perfect and do all deeds, instruments, acts and things which may be required or which the Security Trustee or the Receiver shall think proper or reasonably expedient for carrying out any obligations imposed on the Chargor hereunder or for exercising, following the security constituted by this Deed becoming enforceable, any of the powers conferred by this Deed or in connection with any sale or disposition of the Collateral or the exercise of any rights in respect thereof or - 32 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] for giving to the Security Trustee and the Receiver the full benefit of this security and so that this appointment shall operate to authorise the Security Trustee and the Receiver to do on behalf of the Chargor anything it can lawfully do by an attorney. The Chargor ratifies and confirms and agrees to ratify and confirm any deed, instrument, act or thing which such attorney or substitute may execute or do in exercising its powers under this Clause. 21.2 DELEGATION The Security Trustee and/or the Receiver may delegate to any person all or any of the rights or powers conferred on it by this Deed or by law. Any such delegation may be made upon such terms and conditions (including power to sub-delegate) as the Security Trustee or the Receiver thinks fit. 22 NOTICES 22.1 NOTICES Any notice or communication under or in connection with this Deed shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or by prepaid letter (airmail if available) or facsimile transmission to the addresses or facsimile numbers set out below or at such other address or facsimile number as the recipient may have notified to the other parties in writing. Proof of posting or despatch of any notice or communication to any party hereto shall be deemed to be proof of receipt:- (a) in the case of a letter, on the fifth Business Day after posting if airmail or second Business Day if local mail; (b) in the case of a facsimile transmission, on the Business Day immediately following the date of despatch with confirmed facsimile report. All communications or other correspondence between the Chargor and any of the Finance Parties in connection with this Deed shall be made through the Security Trustee. 22.2 ADDRESSES Notices or communications shall be sent to the following addresses:- To the Chargor:- Name Asia Netcom Corporation Limited Address 46/F Cheung Kong Center 2 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2121 2929 Attention Gregory Freiberg/Wenlong Sun With a copy to: Asia Netcom Singapore Pte Limited - 33 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] 2 Shenton Way #11-01 SGX Centre 1 Singapore 068804 Fax (65) 6233 6390 Attention Oliver Ao To the Security Trustee:- Name Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited Address 10/F, ICBC Asia Building 122-126 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2851 9361 Attention Ms. Esther Cheng/ Ms. Amy Wong 22.3 LANGUAGE Each notice or document referred to in this Deed or to be delivered under this Deed shall be in the English language. 23 WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS 23.1 WAIVERS No failure or delay on the part of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party to exercise any power, right or remedy under this Deed shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party of any power, right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power, right or remedy. 23.2 AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS (a) Any amendment of any provision of this Deed shall only be effective if made in accordance with the provisions of this Deed and if all parties hereto so agree in writing and any waiver of any breach or default under this Deed shall only be effective if the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Lenders or the Majority Lenders (as the case may be), agrees in writing. Any consent by the Security Trustee under this Deed must be made in writing. (b) Any such waiver or consent may be given subject to any conditions thought fit by the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Lenders or the Majority Lenders, as the case may be, and shall be effective only in the instance and for the purpose for which it is given. 23.3 REMEDIES - 34 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] The remedies provided in this Deed are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies provided by law. 23.4 SEVERABILITY If any provision of this Deed is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction such prohibition or unenforceability shall not invalidate the remaining provisions hereof or affect the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. 23.5 ASSIGNMENT The Security Trustee may assign its rights under this Deed in accordance with the provisions of the Facility Agreement. The Chargor shall not assign any of its rights hereunder without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee. 23.6 COUNTERPARTS This Deed may be executed in any number of counterparts including by facsimile and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Deed by signing any such counterpart. 24 GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION 24.1 GOVERNING LAW This Deed is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Bermuda. 24.2 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION For the benefit of the Security Trustee and each Finance Parties, the Chargor irrevocably agrees that the courts of Bermuda and Hong Kong are to have jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with this Deed and that, accordingly, any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Deed ("PROCEEDINGS") may be brought in those courts and the Chargor irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of those courts. 24.3 OTHER JURISDICTIONS Nothing in this Clause 24 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) shall limit the right of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party to take Proceedings against the Chargor in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the taking of Proceedings in one or more jurisdictions preclude the Security Trustee or any Finance Party from taking Proceedings in any other jurisdiction, whether concurrently or not. - 35 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] 24.4 WAIVER OF INCONVENIENT FORUM The Chargor irrevocably waives any objection which it may at any time have to the laying of the venue of any Proceedings in any court referred to in this Clause 24 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) and any claim that any such Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum. 24.5 SERVICE The Chargor irrevocably consents to any process in any Proceeding anywhere being served by mailing a copy by post in accordance with Clause 22 (Notices). Nothing shall affect the right to serve any process in any other manner permitted by law. 24.6 WAIVER OF IMMUNITIES To the extent that the Chargor has or hereafter may acquire any immunity (sovereign or otherwise) from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from jurisdiction of any court or from set-off or any legal process (whether service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) with respect to itself or any of its property, the Chargor hereby irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim such immunity in respect of its obligations under this Deed. 25 OTHER SECURITY ETC. 25.1 If the Security Trustee is obliged for any reason whatsoever to repay, whether to the Chargor or any other person, any amount received, recovered or applied by the Security Trustee in or towards satisfaction of the Secured Obligations, the liability of the Chargor for such Secured Obligations shall not be satisfied by such receipt, recovery or application, and the same shall remain due and payable by the Chargor as part of the Secured Obligations and secured by this Deed accordingly. 26 MISCELLANEOUS 26.1 The Security Trustee may act under this Deed through any of its branches or offices. 26.2 The Chargor hereby irrevocably consents to the disclosure by the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties of such information about the Chargor as has been made available to them following, other than in the case of paragraphs (ii) and (vi) below, the execution of a confidentiality agreement in agreed form by the following parties, to (i) any of their head office, representative and branch offices and any of their related corporations in any jurisdiction (ii) any authority including without limitation any central bank or other fiscal or monetary authority in any jurisdiction (iii) any potential assignee or transferee in respect of their rights and/or obligations under or in connection with this Deed (iv) any other party which the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties determine it is in their interests to do so or (vi) any other party to whom the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties are permitted by laws in the applicable jurisdiction to make such disclosure to. - 36 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] 26.3 It is intended that this document takes effect as a deed notwithstanding the fact that a party may only execute this document under hand. |
IN WITNESS whereof this Deed has been executed by the parties hereto and is intended to be and is hereby delivered by the Chargor as its deed on the day and year first above written.
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture]
SCHEDULE 1
PROPERTIES
Asia Netcom Corporation Limited has no properties at the date of this Deed.
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture]
SCHEDULE 2
BANK ACCOUNTS
Name of Bank Account Holder : Asia Netcom Corporation Ltd
Bank Name : Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Ltd Bank Branch : Central, Hong Kong. Bank Account Number : 01-56-00607-5 - 39 - |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture] |
SCHEDULE 3
DETAILS OF SHARES
NAME OF CHARGOR NAME OF COMPANY DETAILS OF SHAREHOLDING --------------- --------------- ----------------------- ASIA NETCOM SERVICES (S) NIL NIL PTE. LTD. ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION Asia Netcom Australia 100,000 shares of A$1.00 each (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD. Pty Ltd 87,573 shares of A$600 each Asia Netcom Japan Corp. 4,800 shares of Yen50,000 each Asia Netcom Tsushin Corp. 200 shares Asia Netcom Korea Ltd. 882,000 shares of Won5,000 each Asia Netcom Holdings 19,600 shares at Baht5 each (Thailand) Ltd Saturn Global Network 507,097 shares of GBP1.00 Services Holdings Limited each Asia Netcom USA, Inc. 1 share of US$1.00 each China Netcom (Hong 999 shares of HK$1.00 each Kong) Operations Limited China Netcom (USA) 1,000 shares of US$50 each Operations Limited Asia Netcom (UK) Limited 5,000 shares of GBP1.00 each South Asia ANC 499,993 shares of Peso1.00 Philippines Services Inc each Asia Netcom Services 2 shares of RM1.00 each Sdn Bhd Asia Netcom Singapore 2 shares of S$1.00 each Pte. Ltd. Asia Netcom Services (S) 13,975,691 shares of S$1.00 Pte. Ltd. each ASIA NETCOM SINGAPORE Asia Netcom India Private 722,973 shares of Rs10 each PTE. LTD. Limited |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture]
Southeast Asia Netcom 2,356,780 shares of S$1.00 (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. each SOUTHEAST ASIA NETCOM NIL NIL (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD. |
[Asia Netcom Corporation Debenture]
SIGNATURE PAGE
THE CHARGOR
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED ) in the presence of:- ) SECURITY TRUSTEE SIGNED by ) ) for and on behalf of ) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ) BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED ) |
EXHIBIT 10.44
Execution Copy
Dated 27 July 2004
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
(as Borrower)
and
THE COMPANIES LISTED IN SCHEDULE 2
(as Assignors)
in favour of
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
(as Security Trustee)
GROUP ASSIGNMENT OF INSURANCES
RICHARDS BUTLER
HONG KONG
[Group Assignment of Insurances]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CLAUSE NO. CLAUSE HEADING PAGE NO. --------- -------------- ------- 1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION............................................................... 1 2. CHARGE AND ASSIGNMENT...................................................................... 3 3. CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY........................................................ 5 4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES............................................................. 7 5. TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS................................................................. 9 6. COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES................................................................ 11 7. UNDERTAKINGS............................................................................... 12 8. ENFORCEMENT................................................................................ 13 9. APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS.................................................................... 14 10. INDEMNITY.................................................................................. 15 11. SUSPENSE ACCOUNT........................................................................... 16 12. SET OFF.................................................................................... 16 13. POWER OF ATTORNEY.......................................................................... 16 14. FURTHER ASSURANCE.......................................................................... 17 15. NOTICES.................................................................................... 17 16. WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS...... 18 17. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION............................................................. 20 SCHEDULE 1 - FORM OF NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT.............................................................. 22 SCHEDULE 2 - THE ASSIGNORS............................................................................. 24 SCHEDULE 3 - FORM OF LOSS PAYABLE AND NOTICE OF CANCELLATION CLAUSE.................................... 25 SIGNATURE PAGE......................................................................................... 26 |
[Group Assignment of Insurances]
THIS DEED OF ASSIGNMENT OF INSURANCES is made on 27 July 2004
BETWEEN:-
(1) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda whose registered office is situate at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, HM11 Bermuda (the "BORROWER");
(2) THE COMPANIES NAMED AND PARTICULARS OF WHICH ARE SET OUT IN SCHEDULE 2 (each an "ASSIGNOR" and collectively the "ASSIGNORS"); and
(3) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong acting through its head office at ICBC Asia Building, 122-126 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong acting on its own behalf and as facility agent and trustee for and on behalf of the Finance Parties (the "SECURITY TRUSTEE").
WHEREAS:-
(A) By a facility agreement signed on 2 December, 2003 (but held undated in escrow) as released from escrow and amended and restated by the Supplemental Amendment and Restatement Deed (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT") entered into by (1) Borrower, as borrower; (2) the banks and financial institutions named therein as lenders (the "LENDERS"); (3) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as arranger; and (4) the Security Trustee, the Lenders have agreed, upon and subject to the terms of the Facility Agreement, to make available to the Borrower a term loan facility of up to US$150,000,000 (the "FACILITY") for the purposes more particularly specified therein.
(B) The Security Trustee is acting as facility agent for the Finance Parties pursuant to the Facility Agreement and security trustee for the Finance Parties pursuant to this Deed and other Finance Documents.
(C) It is a condition precedent to the availability of the Facility under of the Facility Agreement that the Borrower and the Assignors shall have executed and delivered this Assignment to the Security Trustee assigning their respective rights and benefits under the Insurances and the Insurance Proceeds in favour of the Security Trustee by way of security.
NOW THIS DEED WITNESSES as follows:-
1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
1.1 TERMS DEFINED
In this Assignment, unless the context otherwise requires, terms used shall have the
[Group Assignment of Insurances]
meanings defined in the Facility Agreement and:-
"COLLATERAL" means all of the right, title, interest and benefit, present and future, of the Borrower and each Assignor in and to the Insurances (including, without limitation, insurance policy certificate no.PTF/2003/ASINET/1206 issued by Pender Telecommunications Facility Members Association Limited and dated 24 June, 2003) and all rights of the Borrower and each Assignor to make recovery under the Insurances and all Insurance Proceeds receivable by the Borrower and/or each Assignor;
"INSURER" means each of the insurance companies or brokers through whom the Insurances are presently to be effected (including, without limitation, Pender Telecommunications Facility Members Association Limited); and
"SECURED OBLIGATIONS" means
(i) in respect of the Borrower, any and all moneys, liabilities and obligations (whether actual or contingent, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether or not for the payment of money, and including, without limitation, any obligation or liability to pay damages) which are or may become payable by the Borrower or any other Security Party which is a member of the CNC HK Group or any of them to the Security Trustee and/or the Finance Parties or any of them under or pursuant to the Facility Agreement and/or any other Finance Document and/or all other obligations hereby secured; and
(ii) in respect of the Assignors, any and all moneys, liabilities and obligations (whether actual or contingent, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether or not for the payment of money, and including, without limitation, any obligation or liability to pay damages) which are or may become payable by the Borrower or any of the Assignors or any other Security Party or any of them to the Security Trustee and/or the Finance Parties or any of them under or pursuant to the Facility Agreement and/or any other Finance Document and/or all other obligations hereby secured.
1.2 TRUST
All rights, benefits, interests, powers and discretions granted to or
conferred on the Security Trustee pursuant to this Assignment shall be
held by the Security Trustee on trust for the benefit of itself as
Security Trustee and each Finance Party from time to time. The Security
Trustee may do all acts within its powers to administer and manage the
trust constituted by this Clause including any full or partial release
and/or re-assignment by deed of the rights, benefits and interests
conferred by Clause 2.1 or the release and/or reassignment of all or any
part of the Collateral secured by this Deed. The trust constituted by this
Clause shall come into existence on the date of this Assignment and shall
last for so long as any of the Secured Obligations remain outstanding
provided that for the purposes of the rule against perpetuities, the
perpetuity period applicable to the trust constituted under this Clause
and any dispositions made or to be made pursuant to this Assignment and
this trust, is hereby specified as a period of eighty (80) years less one
(1) day from the date of this Assignment.
[Group Assignment of Insurances]
1.3 CLAUSE HEADINGS
Clause headings and the table of contents are for ease of reference only and shall be ignored in the interpretation of this Assignment.
1.4 CONSTRUCTION
In this Assignment, unless the context otherwise requires:-
(a) Clause 1.3 of the Facility Agreement shall be deemed incorporated in this Assignment mutatis mutandis as if set out separately in this Assignment; and
(b) references to the "ASSIGNOR(S)", the "BORROWER", the "SECURITY TRUSTEE" or any "FINANCE PARTY" include, where the context permits, include their respective successors and transferees and permitted assigns in accordance with their respective interests.
1.5 SEVERAL LIABILITY
The rights and obligations of each of the Borrower and Assignors hereunder and all representations, warranties, undertakings and indemnities given by each and any of them in this Assignment are several.
2. CHARGE AND ASSIGNMENT
2.1 CHARGE AND ASSIGNMENT
(a) In consideration of the Lenders agreeing to make the Facility available to the Borrower upon the terms and conditions of the Facility Agreement and as a continuing security for the due and punctual performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations, each of the Borrower and Assignors, as beneficial owner, hereby mortgages, charges and agrees to charge in favour of the Security Trustee as trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties by way of first legal charge, the Collateral.
(b) Each of the Borrower and Assignors as beneficial owner hereby assigns to the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties and each of them all of their respective rights, title and interest in and to the Collateral, present and future, in and to the Collateral.
2.2 NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT
Each of the Borrower and Assignors shall forthwith upon execution of this Assignment:
(a) deliver a notice of assignment in the form set out in Schedule 1, to each Insurer and shall, as soon as possible, request that such Insurer executes and delivers to the Security Trustee an acknowledgement to the notice of assignment; and
(b) give instructions to incorporate the loss payable and notice of cancellation clause
[Group Assignment of Insurances]
substantially in the form of Schedule 3, and in any event in a form satisfactory to the Security Trustee, into each of the policies or contracts of insurance comprised in the Insurances.
2.3 COVENANT TO PAY
Each of the Assignors hereby covenants that it will on demand pay to the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties all moneys and discharge all obligations and liabilities now or hereafter due, owing or incurred to the Security Trustee and/or the Finance Parties or any of them under or pursuant to the Facility Agreement and/or any other Finance Document when the same become due for payment or discharge.
2.4 PERFORMANCE AND INDEMNITY
Notwithstanding the foregoing, each of the Borrower and Assignors shall remain liable to perform all the obligations to be performed by it in respect of the Insurances and shall discharge fully its obligations thereunder as they become due and neither the Security Trustee nor any of the Finance Parties shall have any obligation of any kind whatsoever thereunder or be under any liabilities whatsoever in the event of any failure to perform their obligations thereunder, and each of the Borrower and Assignors hereby indemnifies and agrees to keep indemnified the Security Trustee, the Finance Parties and each of them from and against any such liability.
2.5 RELEASE AND TRANSFER
(a) The Security Trustee shall, upon the full performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations to the satisfaction of the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties, at the request and cost of the Borrower and the relevant Assignor(s) and in such form as the Security Trustee shall reasonably approve, release and transfer to the Borrower or the relevant Assignor(s) (as the case maybe), the Collateral then the subject of the Security Interest constituted by this Deed.
(b) Notwithstanding any discharge, release or settlement from time to time between the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party and the Borrower and/or any Assignor, if any security, disposition or payment granted or made to the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party in respect of the Secured Obligations by the Borrower or any Assignor or any other person is avoided or set aside or ordered to be surrendered, paid away, refunded or reduced by virtue of any provision, law or enactment relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, winding-up, composition or arrangement for the time being in force or for any other reason, the Security Trustee shall be entitled thereafter to enforce this Assignment as if no such discharge, release or settlement had occurred.
2.6 REGISTRATION
The Borrower and each Assignor hereby authorises the Security Trustee forthwith upon execution of this Assignment to procure the delivery to the Companies Registry in Hong Kong or other competent authority in the place of incorporation of the Assignors (if necessary) the particulars of this Assignment.
[Group Assignment of Insurances]
3. CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY
3.1 CONTINUING SECURITY
This Assignment and the security hereby created shall remain in full force and effect by way of a continuing security notwithstanding the insolvency or liquidation or any incapacity or change in the constitution or status of the Borrower or any Assignor or any other person and in particular but without limitation shall not be, nor be considered as, satisfied by any intermediate discharge or payment on account of any liabilities or any settlement of accounts between the Borrower and/or any Assignor and the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party.
3.2 ADDITIONAL SECURITY
This Assignment and the security hereby created shall be in addition to and not in substitution for or derogation of any other Security Interest, guarantee or other security (whether given by the Borrower and/or any Assignor or otherwise) now or from time to time hereafter held by the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party in respect of or in connection with the Secured Obligations.
3.3 UNRESTRICTED ENFORCEMENT
The Security Trustee need not before exercising any of the rights, powers
or remedies conferred upon it by this Assignment or by law (i) take action
or obtain judgment against the Borrower or any Assignor, or any other
person in any court, (ii) make or file any claim or prove in a winding-up
or liquidation of the Borrower or any Assignor or of any other person or
(iii) enforce or seek to enforce the recovery of the moneys and
liabilities hereby secured by any other security or other rights all of
which the Assignors hereby waive and may be enforced for any balance due
after resorting to any one or more other means of obtaining payment or
discharge of the monies, obligations and liabilities hereby secured.
3.4 NO DISCHARGE
The liabilities and obligations of each Assignor under this Deed and the security constituted by this Deed shall remain in force notwithstanding any act, omission, event or circumstance whatsoever until full, proper and valid payment and discharge of the Secured Obligations and without limiting the foregoing, neither the liabilities of any Assignor under this Deed nor the validity or enforceability of this Deed shall be prejudiced, affected or discharged by:-
(a) the granting of any time or indulgence to the Borrower, any Assignor or any other person in respect of the Secured Obligations;
(b) any variation or modification of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto;
(c) the invalidity or unenforceability of any obligation or liability of any party under the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other
[Group Assignment of Insurances]
documents referred to therein or related thereto;
(d) any invalidity or irregularity in the execution of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or relating thereto;
(e) any lack of capacity or deficiency in the powers of the Borrower, any Assignor or any other person to enter into or perform any of its respective obligations under the Facility Agreement or any of the other Finance Documents to which it is party or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto or any irregularity in the exercise thereof or any lack of authority by any person purporting to act on behalf of the Borrower, any Assignor or such other person;
(f) the insolvency, bankruptcy or liquidation or any incapacity, disability or limitation or any change in the constitution or status of the Borrower, any Assignor or any other person;
(g) any other Finance Document, Security Interest, guarantee or other security or right or remedy being or becoming held by or available to the Security Trustee, any Finance Party or by any other person or by any of the same being or becoming wholly or partly void, voidable or unenforceable or impaired or by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party at any time releasing, refraining from enforcing, varying or in any other way dealing with any of the same or any power, right or remedy the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party may now or hereafter have from or against the Borrower, any Assignor or any other person;
(h) any waiver, exercise, omission to exercise, compromise, renewal or release of any rights against the Borrower, any Assignor or any other person or any compromise, arrangement or settlement with any of the same; or
(i) any act, omission, event or circumstance which would or may but for this provision operate to prejudice, affect or discharge this Assignment or the liability of the Borrower or any Assignor hereunder.
3.5 NO SUBROGATION
(a) Neither the Borrower nor any of the Assignors shall exercise any right of subrogation, contribution or any other rights of a surety or enforce any security or other right or claim against the Borrower or any of the other Assignors (whether in respect of its liability under this Assignment or otherwise) or any other person who has guaranteed or given any security in respect of the Secured Obligations or claim in the insolvency or liquidation of the Borrower or any of the Assignors or any such other person in competition with the Security Trustee and/or the Finance Parties.
(b) If the Borrower or any Assignor receives any payment or benefit in breach of this Clause 3.5, it shall hold the same upon trust for the Security Trustee as a continuing security for the Secured Obligations.
[Group Assignment of Insurances]
4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
4.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Each of the Borrower and Assignors hereby severally represents and warrants to the Security Trustee that for the benefit of the Finance Parties:-
(a) STATUS: it is a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of its respective place of incorporation and has full power, authority and legal right to own its property and assets and to carry on its business as such business is now being conducted;
(b) POWER AND AUTHORITY: it has all legal power and authority to enter into this Assignment and perform its obligations under this Assignment and all actions (including any corporate action) required to authorise the execution and delivery of this Assignment and the performance of its obligations under this Assignment have been duly taken;
(c) LEGAL VALIDITY: this Assignment constitutes or, when so executed and delivered, will constitute its legal, valid and binding obligations enforceable in accordance with its terms;
(d) NON-CONFLICT WITH LAWS: the entry into and performance of this Assignment and the transactions contemplated by this Assignment do not and will not conflict with or result in (i) a breach of any law, judgment or regulation or any official or judicial order, or (ii) a breach of the constitutional documents of the Borrower or that Assignor (as the case may be), or (iii) a material breach of any agreement or document to which the Borrower or that Assignor (as the case may be) is a party or which is binding upon it or any of its assets or revenues with a monetary value greater than US$500,000, nor cause any limitation placed on it or the powers of its directors to be exceeded or result in the creation or imposition of any Security Interest on any part of the Collateral pursuant to the provisions of any such agreement or document;
(e) NO CONSENTS: other than the Consents, no consent, authorisation, licence or approval of, or registration with or declaration to, any governmental or public bodies or authorities or courts in Hong Kong or in any relevant jurisdiction is required for or in connection with the execution, delivery, validity, enforceability and admissibility in evidence in proceeding of this Assignment, or the performance by, the Borrower or that Assignor (as the case may be) of any of its respective obligations under this Assignment;
(f) NO REGISTRATION: it is not necessary in order to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of this Deed that it or any other instrument be notarised, filed, recorded, registered or enrolled in any court or other authority or that any stamp, registration or similar tax or charge be paid on or in relation to this Deed and this Deed is in proper form for its enforcement in the courts of Hong Kong and all jurisdictions the subject of any legal opinion referred to in paragraph 4 of Schedule 3 of the Facility
[Group Assignment of Insurances]
Agreement
(g) LITIGATION: except as disclosed in a letter of even date from the Borrower to the Security Trustee, no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding is currently taking place or pending or, to the knowledge of the officers of the Borrower or that Assignor (as the case may be), threatened against the Borrower or that Assignor (as the case may be) or its assets which could, in the reasonable opinion of the Majority Finance Parties, materially and adversely affect its business, assets or financial condition or its respective ability to perform its obligations under this Assignment;
(h) WINDING UP AND STRIKING OFF: it has not taken any corporate action or no other step has been taken or legal proceedings have been commenced or threatened against it for its winding-up, dissolution, administration or reorganisation or for the appointment of a receiver, administrator, trustee or similar officer of it or all or any of its assets or revenues, except as permitted by clause 17.1(g) (Winding-up) of the Facility Agreement;
(i) TAXES ON PAYMENTS: all payments to be made by it under this Assignment may be made by it free and clear of, and without deduction for, Taxes and no deductions or withholdings are required to be made therefrom save as specified in any legal opinion referred to in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of Schedule 3 to the Facility Agreement; and no Taxes are imposed on or by virtue of the execution or delivery by the Borrower or that Assignor of this Assignment or any document to be executed or delivered under this Assignment;
(j) TAX LIABILITIES: it has complied with all Taxation laws in all material respects in all jurisdictions in which it is subject to Taxation and has paid all Taxes due and payable by it; no material claims are being asserted against it with respect to Taxes;
(k) NO DEFAULT:
(i) no Default has occurred and is continuing;
(ii) it is not, or with the giving of notice or lapse of time or satisfaction of any other condition or any combination thereof, would not be in material breach of or in default under any agreement relating to Financial Indebtedness to which it is a party or by which it may be bound;
(l) NO IMMUNITY: it is generally subject to civil and commercial law and to legal proceedings and neither it or any of its assets or revenues are entitled to any immunity or privilege (sovereign or otherwise) from any set-off, judgment, execution, attachment or other legal process;
(m) COMPLIANCE, WITH CONSENTS AND LICENSES: every consent, authorisation, licence or approval required for the time being by it in connection with the conduct of its business and the ownership, use, exploitation or occupation of its property and assets has been applied for and not refused or has been obtained and is in full force and effect and there has been no material default in the observance of
[Group Assignment of Insurances]
the conditions and restrictions (if any) imposed on, or in connection with, any of the same which may have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform its obligations under this Deed and, to the knowledge of its officers, no circumstances have arisen whereby any remedial action is likely to be required to be taken by it, or at its expense under or pursuant to any law or regulation applicable to its business, property or assets;
(n) NO FINANCIAL INDEBTEDNESS: it does not have any Financial Indebtedness other than as permitted by Clause 16.17 of the Facility Agreement;
(o) SOLE AND BENEFICIAL OWNER: it is or will be the sole, absolute and beneficial owner of the Collateral and it has good and marketable title thereto;
(p) LEGAL AND BINDING OBLIGATIONS: the obligations of the parties to the Insurances are legal, valid and binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms;
(q) SECURITY INTEREST: no Security Interest exists in any of its rights, title, interests or benefits in the Collateral (other than as created by this Assignment);
(r) THIRD PARTY RIGHT: it has not sold or otherwise disposed of any of the Collateral or granted in favour of any other person any interest in or any option or other rights in respect of any of the Collateral;
(s) VALID AND IN FULL FORCE: the Insurances are valid and in full force and effect and are not void or voidable; and
(t) PREMIUMS: all premiums and other monies (if any) due and payable in respect of the Insurances have been duly paid and all covenants, terms and conditions contained in the Insurances have been duly observed and performed.
4.2 CONTINUING REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTY
Each of the Borrower and Assignors severally represents and warrants to and undertakes with the Security Trustee that the foregoing representations and warranties made by them respectively in Clause 4.1(a) to (n) inclusive are deemed to be made by the Assignors on each Drawdown Date and on each Interest Payment Date with reference to the facts and circumstances then existing and that the foregoing representations in Clause 4.1(o), (p), (s) and (t) will be true and accurate throughout the continuance of this Assignment with reference to the facts and circumstances from time to time.
5. TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
5.1 TAX GROSS-UP
(a) All sums payable by the Borrower or any Assignor under this Assignment shall be paid in full without any restriction or condition and free and clear of any Tax or other deductions or withholdings of any nature.
(b) If at any time the Borrower or any Assignor or any other person is required in
[Group Assignment of Insurances]
any jurisdiction to make any deduction or withholding in respect of Taxes or otherwise from any payment due under this Assignment for the account of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party (or if the Security Trustee is required to make any such deduction or withholding from a payment to any Finance Party), the sum due from any Assignor in respect of such payment shall be increased to the extent necessary to ensure that, after the making of such deduction or withholding, the Security Trustee and each Finance Party receives on the due date for such payment (and retains, free from any liability in respect of such deduction or withholding) a net sum equal to the sum which it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been required to be made.
(c) The Borrower's and any Assignor's obligations under Clauses 5(a) and
(b) shall not apply in respect of any Tax on Overall Net Income
levied on the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party.
(d) All Taxes required by law to be deducted or withheld by the Borrower or any Assignor from any amounts paid or payable under this Deed shall be paid by the Borrower or the relevant Assignor (as the case may be) when due (except for such amounts being disputed by the Borrower or such Assignor in good faith) to the relevant tax authority.
5.2 TAX INDEMNITY
Each Assignor shall indemnify the Security Trustee and each other Finance Party against any losses or costs incurred by any of them by reason of:
(a) any failure of any Assignor or any other person to make any such deduction or withholding referred to in Clause 5.1; or
(b) any increased payment referred to in Clause 5.1 not being made on the due date for such payment; or
(c) any Taxes which are being disputed by any Assignor and remaining unpaid; and
(d) any liability suffered (directly or indirectly) for or on account of Tax by that Finance Party in respect of any payment received or receivable or deemed to be received or receivable under this Deed.
5.3 EVIDENCE OF PROOF
Each of the Borrower and Assignors shall promptly deliver to the Security Trustee any receipts, certificates or other proof evidencing the amounts (if any) paid or payable in respect of any deduction or withholding as aforesaid. Any certificate or determination of the Security Trustee showing in reasonable details the calculations made by the Security Trustee as to any amount for the purposes of this Clause 5 shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on each Borrower or Assignor, as the case may be.
[Group Assignment of Insurances]
5.4 TAX CREDIT
If an Assignor or the Borrower, as the case may be, makes a Tax payment and the relevant Finance Party determines that:-
(a) a Tax Credit is attributable either to an increased payment of which that Tax payment forms part, or to that Tax payment; and
(b) that Finance Party has obtained, utilised and retained that Tax Credit,
the Finance Party shall pay an amount to that Assignor or the Borrower, as the case may be, which that Finance Party determines will leave it (after that payment) in the same after-Tax position as it would have been in had the Tax payment not been required to be made by that Assignor or the Borrower, as the case may be.
6. COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES
6.1 COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES
Each of the Borrower and Assignors shall from time to time forthwith on demand pay to or reimburse the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties for:
(a) all expenses (including legal, printing and out-of-pocket expenses) reasonably incurred by the Security trustee or any other Finance Party in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of this deed and any amendment or extension of or the granting of any waiver or consent under this Deed; and
(b) all costs, charges and expenses (including legal fees) on a full indemnity basis properly incurred by the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party in connection with the enforcement of or preservation of any rights under this Assignment unless and to the extent such costs, charges and expenses results directly from the gross negligence, fraud or wilful misconduct of the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party,
and until payment of the same in full, all such costs, charges and expenses shall be secured by this Assignment.
6.2 STAMP DUTY
Each of the Borrower and Assignors shall pay all stamp, documentary, registration or other like duties or taxes (including any duties or taxes payable by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party) imposed on or in connection with this Deed and shall indemnify each of the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties against any liability arising by reason of any delay or omission by the Borrower and/or Assignors to pay such duties or taxes.
[Group Assignment of Insurances]
7. UNDERTAKINGS
Each of the Borrower and Assignors hereby jointly and severally undertakes and agrees with the Security Trustee for the benefit of the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties throughout the continuance of this Assignment and so long as the Secured Obligations or any part thereof remains owing that, unless the Security Trustee otherwise agrees in writing, it will:-
(a) perform all its obligations under the Insurances;
(b) notify the Security Trustee of any breach by any party to the Insurances;
(c) give to the Security Trustee upon receipt copies of all cover notes, policies, notices, requests and other documents sent or received with respect to the Insurances;
(d) give to the Security Trustee such information regarding the Collateral as the Security Trustee shall reasonably require;
(e) do or permit to be done every act or thing which the Security Trustee may require to be done for the purpose of enforcing the rights of the Security Trustee hereunder and will allow its name to be used as and when required for that purpose;
(f) not amend or agree to amend the Insurances or waive any of its rights thereunder, except in accordance with Clause 16.5 of the Facility Agreement;
(g) not create or attempt or agree to create or permit to exist any Security Interest over all or any part of the Collateral or any interest therein or otherwise sell, transfer, assign, deal with or dispose of all or any part of the Collateral (except under or pursuant to this Assignment) or attempt or agree to do any of the same;
(h) not sell or agree to sell, transfer or assign, any part of the Collateral;
(i) not grant in favour of any other person any interest in or any option or other rights in respect of any of the Collateral;
(j) not do or cause or permit to be done anything which may in any way depreciate, jeopardise or otherwise prejudice the value of the Security Trustee's security hereunder;
(k) punctually pay all premiums or sums of money necessary for effecting such Insurances and endorse over, produce or deliver to the Security Trustee all policy or policies of insurance and the receipts for every such payment;
(l) promptly advise the Security Trustee upon any of the following:
(i) if any Insurer cancels, purports to cancel or gives notice of cancellation of any of the Insurances;
[Group Assignment of Insurances]
(ii) any purported or actual variation or alteration to the terms of or termination or expiry of any of the Insurances;
(iii) any default in the payment of any premium or call;
(iv) knowledge of any act or omission or event which might invalidate or render unenforceable in whole or in part of any of the Insurances;
(m) take all reasonable steps which may be necessary or expedient to keep the Insurances in full force and effect in such manner and to such extent as is reasonable and customary for a business enterprise engaged in the same or similar business and in the same locations as the Borrower and the relevant Assignor, and whose practice is not to self-insure;
(n) not, without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee, waive, release, settle, compromise or abandon any claim made in relation to or under the Insurances or do or omit to do any other act or thing whereby the recovery in full of any amounts in respect of the Insurances as and when they become payable may be impeded; and
(o) subject to Clause 16.5 of the Facility Agreement, renew all policies or contracts of Insurances within fourteen (14) days of the expiry of such policies or contracts.
8. ENFORCEMENT
8.1 EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The security created by this Assignment shall become enforceable immediately upon the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing. For the purposes of this Clause, each of the following events and circumstances shall be an Event of Default:-
(a) any Event of Default as that term is defined in the Facility Agreement; or
(b) if the Borrower or any Assignor purports or attempts to create any Security Interest (except under or as permitted by this Assignment) over all or any part of the Collateral or any third party asserts a claim in respect thereof.
8.2 ENFORCEMENT OF SECURITY
Upon this Assignment becoming enforceable the Security Trustee may, at any time or times thereafter and without further notice or restriction, withdraw, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the monies in the Deposit Account in or towards the payment or discharge of the Secured Obligations in accordance with Clause 9, for this purpose, the Security Trustee may, at the expense of the Borrower or the Assignors, convert all or any part of such monies into other currencies. The above provisions apply notwithstanding any other terms upon which such monies may have been deposited or that any such monies may have been deposited for a fixed period or be subject to a period of notice and that the fixed period or period of notice may not have expired or
[Group Assignment of Insurances]
that notice or sufficient notice may not have been given.
8.3 AMENDMENT
Any amendment or waiver of any provision of this Assignment and any waiver of any default under this Assignment shall only be effective if made in writing and signed by the Security Trustee.
8.4 EVIDENCE OF DEBT
Any statement of account signed as correct by the Security Trustee showing any amount due under the Facility Agreement or under any other Finance Document or under this Assignment shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive evidence of the amount so due.
9. APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS
9.1 APPLICATION
All monies received by the Security Trustee hereunder shall be applied in or towards satisfaction of the Secured Obligations (subject to the prior discharge of all liabilities having priority thereto by law) in the following order of priority:-
(a) in payment or satisfaction of all costs, charges, expenses and liabilities properly incurred and payments made by or on behalf of the Security Trustee in connection with the exercise of any powers hereunder and in preserving or attempting to preserve this security or the Collateral and of all outgoings in respect of the Collateral paid by the Security Trustee pursuant to this Deed;
(b) in payment to the Receiver of all remuneration as may be agreed between it and the Security Trustee to be paid to him at, or at any time after, its appointment;
(c) in or towards reduction of the remaining Secured Obligations in such manner as is provided in the Facility Agreement; and
(d) the surplus (if any) to the Borrower or the respective Assignor Proceeds as the case may be.
9.2 THE DEPOSIT ACCOUNT
Notwithstanding Clause 9.1, the Borrower and each Assignor shall pay or
cause to be paid to the credit of the Prepayment Escrow Account all
Insurance Proceeds received or receivable by it (in respect of any
one claim but aggregating all claims in respect of the same or
related incidents) except (i) for all costs or expenses reasonably
incurred in procuring the recovery of the Insurance Proceeds, which
it shall be entitled to apply in meeting or relieving the same and
(ii) to the extent that proceeds of claims under third party
liability policies are applied directly in discharge of the relevant
claim and provided that after the occurrence of an Event of Default
which is continuing, all Insurance Proceeds
[Group Assignment of Insurances] received or receivable by the Borrower or any Assignor, shall be paid or caused to be paid directly into the Prepayment Escrow Account (except to the extent that proceeds of claim under third party liability policies are applied by the Insurers directly in discharge of the relevant claim for the purposes of making a Mandatory Prepayment under Clause 7.5B of the Facility Agreement). 10. INDEMNITY 10.1 GENERAL INDEMNITY Each of the Borrower and Assignors hereby jointly and severally undertakes with the Security Trustee to indemnify and keep indemnified the Security Trustee, Finance Parties and each of them (each an "INDEMNITEE") from and against all costs, charges and expenses which the Security Trustee or such Finance Party shall properly incur in connection with the exercise of any powers conferred by this Assignment or the perfection, preservation or enforcement of the security created by this Assignment (unless and to the extent that any of the foregoing results directly from the fraud, gross negligence or wilful misconduct of that indemnitee). 10.2 CURRENCY INDEMNITY (a) If an amount due to the Security Trustee or any Finance Party from the Borrower or any Assignor under the Facility Agreement and/or any other Finance Document (a "SUM"), or any order, judgment or award given or made in relation to a sum, has to be converted from the currency (the "FIRST CURRENCY") in which that sum is payable into another currency (the "SECOND CURRENCY") for the purpose of: (i) making or filing a claim or proof against the Borrower or any Assignor; (ii) obtaining or enforcing an order, judgment or award in relation to any litigation or arbitration proceedings, the Borrower and any Assignor shall, as an independent obligation to the Security Trustee or such Finance Party, indemnify the Security Trustee or such Finance Party to whom that sum is due against any cost, loss or liability arising out of or as a result of the conversion including any discrepancy between (A) the rate of exchange used to convert that sum from the first currency into the second currency and (B) the rate or rates of exchange available to that person at the time of its receipt of that sum. (b) Each of the Borrower and Assignors hereby waives any right it may have in any jurisdiction to pay any amount under the Facility Agreement and/or any other Finance Document in a currency or currency unit other than that in which it is expressed to be payable. 10.3 PAYMENT AND SECURITY The Security Trustee or any Finance Party may retain and pay out of any money in the - 15 - |
[Group Assignment of Insurances] hands of the Security Trustee or such Finance Party all sums necessary to effect the indemnity contained in this Clause and all sums payable by any Assignor under this Clause shall form part of the monies hereby secured. 11. SUSPENSE ACCOUNT The Security Trustee may, notwithstanding Clause 9 (Application of Proceeds), place and keep any monies received under this Assignment, before or after the insolvency of the Borrower or any Assignor, to the credit of a suspense account in order to preserve the rights of the Security Trustee or the Finance Parties to sue or prove for the whole amount in respect of claims against the Borrower and any Assignor or any other person. 12. SET OFF (a) Without prejudice to any right of set-off, combination of accounts, lien or other rights which the Security Trustee or any Finance Party is at any time entitled whether by operation of law or contract or otherwise, the Security Trustee and each Finance Party may (but shall not be obliged to) set off against any obligation of the Borrower or any Assignor due and payable by it hereunder without prior notice any moneys held by the Security Trustee or such Finance Party for the account of the Borrower or any Assignor at any office of the Security Trustee or such Finance Party anywhere and in any currency. The Security Trustee or such Finance Party may effect such currency exchanges as are appropriate to implement such set-off. (b) If the obligations are in different currencies, the Security Trustee or any Finance Party may convert either obligation at a market rate of exchange in its usual course of business for the purpose of the set-off. 13. POWER OF ATTORNEY 13.1 POWER OF ATTORNEY Each of the Borrower and Assignors irrevocably appoints the Security Trustee and any persons deriving title under it by way of security jointly and severally to be its attorney (with full power of substitution) and in its name or otherwise on its behalf and as its act and deed to sign, seal, execute, deliver, perfect and do all deeds, instruments, acts and things which may be required or which the Security Trustee shall think proper or expedient for carrying out any obligations imposed on the Borrower or any Assignor hereunder or for exercising, following the security constituted by this Deed becoming enforceable, any of the powers conferred by this Assignment or for giving to the Security Trustee the full benefit of this security and so that this appointment shall operate to authorise the Security Trustee to do on behalf of the Borrower and any Assignor anything it can lawfully do by an attorney. Each of the Borrower and Assignors ratifies and confirms and agrees to ratify and confirm any deed, instrument, act or thing which such attorney or substitute may execute or do in exercising its powers under this Clause. - 16 - |
[Group Assignment of Insurances] 13.2 DELEGATION The Security Trustee may delegate to any person all or any of the rights or powers conferred on it by this Assignment or by law. Any such delegation may be made upon such terms and conditions (including power to sub-delegate) as the Security Trustee or the Receiver thinks fit. 14. FURTHER ASSURANCE Each of the Borrower and Assignors agrees that at any time and from time to time upon the written request of the Security Trustee it will promptly and duly execute and deliver any and all such further instruments and documents as the Security Trustee may reasonably require for the purpose of obtaining the full benefit of this Assignment and of the rights and powers herein granted. 15. NOTICES 15.1 NOTICES Any notice or communication under or in connection with this Assignment shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or by prepaid letter (airmail if available) or facsimile transmission to the addresses or facsimile numbers set out below or at such other address as the recipient may have notified to the other parties in writing. Proof of posting or despatch of any notice or communication to any party hereto shall be deemed to be proof of receipt:- (a) in the case of a letter, on the fifth Business Day after posting if airmail or second Business Day if local mail; (b) in the case of a facsimile transmission, on the Business Day immediately following the date of despatch with confirmed facsimile report. All communications or other correspondence between any Assignor and any of the Finance Parties in connection with this Assignment shall be made through the Security Trustee. 15.2 ADDRESSES Notices or communications shall be sent to the following addresses:- To the Borrower:- Name Asia Netcom Corporation Limited Address 46/F Cheung Kong Center 2 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong - 17 - |
[Group Assignment of Insurances] Fax (852) 2121 2929 Attention Gregory Freiberg/Wenlong Sun With a copy to: Asia Netcom Singapore Pte Limited 2 Shenton Way #11-01 SGX Centre 1 Singapore 068804 Fax (65) 6233 6390 Attention Oliver Ao To any Assignor:- Name c/o Asia Netcom Corporation Limited Address 46/F Cheung Kong Center 2 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2121 2929 Attention Gregory Freiberg/ Wenlong Sun With a copy to: Asia Netcom Singapore Pte Limited 2 Shenton Way #11-01 SGX Centre 1 Singapore 068804 Fax (65) 6233 6390 Attention Oliver Ao To the Security Trustee:- Name Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited Address 10/F, ICBC Asia Building 122-126 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2851 9361 Attention Ms. Esther Cheng/ Ms. Amy Wong 15.3 LANGUAGE |
Each notice or document referred to in this Assignment or to be delivered under this Assignment shall be in the English language.
16. WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS
[Group Assignment of Insurances] 16.1 WAIVERS No failure or delay on the part of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party to exercise any power, right or remedy under this Assignment shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party of any power, right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power, right or remedy. 16.2 AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS (a) Any amendment of any provision of this Assignment shall only be effective if made in accordance with provisions with this Assignment and if all the parties hereto so agree in writing and any waiver of any breach or default under this Assignment shall only be effective if the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Finance Parties or the Majority Finance Parties (as the case may be) agrees in writing. Any consent by the Security Trustee under this Assignment must be made in writing. (b) Any such waiver or consent may be given subject to any conditions thought fit by the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Finance Parties or the Majority Finance Parties, as the case may be, and shall be effective only in the instance and for the purpose for which it is given. 16.3 REMEDIES The remedies provided in this Assignment are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies provided by law. 16.4 SEVERABILITY If any provision of this Assignment is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction such prohibition or unenforceability shall not invalidate the remaining provisions hereof or affect the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. 16.5 ASSIGNMENT The Security Trustee may assign its rights under this Assignment in accordance with the provisions of the Facility Agreement. None of the Borrower or the Assignor shall assign any of its respective rights hereunder without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee. 16.6 COUNTERPARTS This Assignment may be executed in any number of counterparts including by facsimile and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Assignment by signing any such counterpart. - 19 - |
[Group Assignment of Insurances] 16.7 It is intended that this document takes effect as a deed notwithstanding the fact that a party may only execute this document under hand. 17. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION 17.1 GOVERNING LAW This Assignment is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong. 17.2 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION For the benefit of the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties, each of the Borrower and Assignors irrevocably agrees that the courts of Hong Kong are to have jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with this Assignment and that, accordingly, any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Assignment ("PROCEEDINGS") may be brought in those courts and each of the Borrower and Assignors irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of those courts. 17.3 OTHER JURISDICTIONS Nothing in this Clause 17 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) shall limit the right of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party to take Proceedings against the Borrower or any Assignor in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the taking of Proceedings in one or more jurisdictions preclude the Security Trustee or any Finance Party from taking Proceedings in any other jurisdiction, whether concurrently or not. 17.4 WAIVER OF INCONVENIENT FORUM Each of the Borrower and Assignors irrevocably waives any objection which it may at any time have to the laying of the venue of any Proceedings in any court referred to in this Clause 17 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) and any claim that any such Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum. 17.5 PROCESS AGENT Each of the Borrower and Assignors hereby irrevocably appoints Asia Netcom Asia Pacific Commercial Limited of 46th Floor, Cheung Kong Centre, 2 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong to receive, for it and on its behalf, service of process in any Proceedings in Hong Kong. Such service shall be deemed completed on delivery to the process agent whether or not it is forwarded to and received by the Borrower or that Assignor. If for any reason the process agent ceases to be able to act as such or not longer has an address in Hong Kong, each of the Borrower and Assignors irrevocably agrees to appoint a substitute process agent acceptable to the Security Trustee, and to deliver to the Security Trustee a copy of the new process agent's acceptance of that appointment, within 30 days. 17.6 SERVICE - 20 - |
[Group Assignment of Insurances] Each of the Borrower and Assignors irrevocably consents to any process in any Proceeding anywhere being served by mailing a copy by post in accordance with Clause 15 (Notices). Nothing shall affect the right to serve any process in any other manner permitted by law. 17.7 WAIVER OF IMMUNITIES To the extent that the Borrower or any Assignor has or hereafter may acquire any immunity (sovereign or otherwise) from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from jurisdiction of any court or from set-off or any legal process (whether service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) with respect to itself or any of its property, each of the Borrower and Assignors hereby irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim such immunity in respect of its obligations under this Assignment. |
IN WITNESS whereof this Assignment has been executed by the parties hereto and is intended to be and is hereby delivered by the Borrower and each Assignor as its deed on the day and year first above written.
[Group Assignment of Insurances]
SCHEDULE 1
FORM OF NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT
(for attachment by way of endorsement to the relevant policy in respect of the Insurances)
To: [the Insurer(s)]
Copy to: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited (as Security Trustee)
[INSERT POLICY NUMBER OF INSURANCES AND OTHER DETAILS OF POLICY OF INSURANCES
(THE "POLICY")]
[Name of Borrower or Assignor], (the "INSURED") referred to in this Policy, HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that by a Group Assignment of Insurances dated ______________ 2004 (a copy of which is attached hereto) (the "ASSIGNMENT") and executed by us, among others, in favour of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited, as facility agent and security trustee (the "SECURITY TRUSTEE"), there has been assigned by us to the Security Trustee all our right, title, interest and benefit in and the Policy stated above whereon this Notice is endorsed.
Following an event of default as notified by the Security Trustee, we hereby authorise and instruct you, upon receiving a notice from the Security Trustee requesting for proceeds of the insurance under the Policy to be paid over to the Security Trustee, to pay directly to the Security Trustee all payments then due to us under the Policy into such account as the Security Trustee shall direct or to such person and in such manner as the Security Trustee may from time to time instruct.
Please note that the authority and instructions herein contained cannot be revoked or varied by us without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee.
This Notice is governed by the laws of Hong Kong.
Please countersign one copy of this Notice to record your acknowledgment of receipt and to record that you will act in accordance with the terms hereof.
Dated _____________ 2004.
[Group Assignment of Insurances]
We acknowledge receipt of the above notice of assignment and we agree to act in accordance with its terms.
For and on behalf of
[Group Assignment of Insurances]
SCHEDULE 2
THE ASSIGNORS
NAME PLACE OF INCORPORATION REGISTERED OFFICE ---- ---------------------- ----------------- East Asia Netcom Ltd. Bermuda Clarendon House 2 Church Street HM11 Bermuda |
[Group Assignment of Insurances]
SCHEDULE 3
FORM OF LOSS PAYABLE AND NOTICE OF CANCELLATION CLAUSE
By a Deed of Assignment of Insurances, [-] (the "Assignor") assigned all its right, title, interest and benefit in and to this policy/contract of insurance and the benefits and proceeds hereof including all claims of whatever nature and returns of premiums to the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited (the "Security Trustee") acting on its own behalf and as agent and trustee for the Lenders (as defined therein). Until notice in writing to the contrary is received by the insurer or insurance broker hereunder from the Security Trustee, all the proceeds of any claim for an amount not exceeding US$1,000,000 shall be paid to the Assignor and all the proceeds of any claim for an amount exceeding US$1,000,000 shall be paid to the Security Trustee. Following receipt of such notice in writing, all proceeds payable hereunder shall be paid directly to the Security Trustee.
The Security Trustee shall be advised:
(i) if any insurer under this policy/contract gives notice of cancellation of any insurance hereunder, at least fourteen (14) days before any such cancellation is to take effect;
(ii) of any proposed alteration in or termination or expiry of any such insurance at least fourteen (14) days before such alteration, termination or expiry is to take effect;
(iii) promptly of any default in the payment of any premium or call;
(iv) promptly of any act or omission or of any event of which any insurer hereunder has knowledge and which might invalidate or render unenforceable in whole or in part such insurance.
No cancellation, termination or expiry of or alteration to any insurance hereunder shall be effective as against the Security Trustee or the Lenders unless the relevant provision of this Clause have been complied with in full.
The rights of the Security Trustee and the Lenders under this policy/contract of insurance shall not be prejudiced by any act or neglect of the Assignor or any other person nor by any foreclosure or other proceedings.
The Security Trustee may, but shall not be required to, pay any insurance premiums unpaid by the Assignor.
[Group Assignment of Insurances]
SIGNATURE PAGE
THE BORROWER
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED ) in the presence of:- ) THE ASSIGNOR SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) EAST ASIA NETCOM LTD. ) in the presence of:- ) THE SECURITY TRUSTEE SIGNED BY ) ) for and on behalf of ) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ) BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED ) in the presence of:- ) |
EXHIBIT 10.45
Execution Copy
Dated 27 July 2004
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATON LIMITED
(as Assignor)
in favour of
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
(as Security Trustee)
SECURITY ASSIGNMENT
in respect of the
Deed of Right of First Refusal
RICHARDS BUTLER
HONG KONG
[Security Assignment]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CLAUSE NO. CLAUSE HEADING PAGE NO. ---------- -------------- -------- 1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION................................................................. 1 2. ASSIGNMENT................................................................................... 3 3. CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY.......................................................... 4 4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES............................................................... 6 5. TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS................................................................... 9 6. COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES.................................................................. 10 7. UNDERTAKINGS................................................................................. 11 8. ENFORCEMENT.................................................................................. 12 9. APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS...................................................................... 13 10. INDEMNITY.................................................................................... 13 11. SUSPENSE ACCOUNT............................................................................. 14 12. SET OFF...................................................................................... 14 13. POWER OF ATTORNEY............................................................................ 14 14. FURTHER ASSURANCE............................................................................ 15 15. NOTICES...................................................................................... 15 16. WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS....... 16 17. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION............................................................... 17 SCHEDULE 1 - PART I: FORM OF NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT......................................................... 20 SCHEDULE 2 - PART 2: FORM OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF ASSIGNMENT................................................ 20 SIGNATURE PAGE............................................................................................ 22 |
[Security Assignment]
THIS DEED OF SECURITY ASSIGNMENT is made on 27 July 2004
BETWEEN:-
(1) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda whose registered office is situate at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, HM11 Bermuda (the "ASSIGNOR"); and
(2) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong acting through its head office at ICBC Asia Building, 122-126 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong acting on its own behalf and as facility agent and trustee for and on behalf of the Finance Parties (the "SECURITY TRUSTEE").
WHEREAS:
(A) By a facility agreement signed on 2nd December, 2003 (but held undated in escrow) as released from escrow and amended and restated by the Supplemental Amendment and Restatement Deed (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT"), entered into by (1) the Assignor, as borrower; (2) the banks and financial institutions named therein as lenders (the "LENDERS"); (3) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as arranger; and (4) the Security Trustee as facility agent, the Finance Parties have agreed, upon and subject to the terms of the Facility Agreement, to make available to the Assignor a term loan facility of up to US$150,000,000 (the "FACILITY") for the purposes more particularly specified therein.
(B) The Security Trustee is acting as facility agent for the Finance Parties pursuant to the Facility Agreement and as security trustee for the Finance Parties pursuant to this Deed and the other Finance Documents.
(C) It is a condition precedent to the availability of the Facility under the Facility Agreement that the Assignor shall have executed and delivered this Deed to the Security Trustee assigning its rights, title and interest in and to the Assigned Agreement (as defined below) by way of security.
NOW THIS DEED WITNESSES as follows:-
1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
1.1 TERMS DEFINED
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires, terms used shall have the meanings defined in the Facility Agreement and:-
"ASSIGNED AGREEMENT" means the Deed of Right of First Refusal.
[Security Assignment]
"COLLATERAL" means all of the right, title, interest and benefit, present and future, of the Assignor in and to the Assigned Agreement including, without limitation:-
(i) the right to receive any and all moneys due or to become due to the Assignor under or pursuant to the Assigned Agreement upon the occurrence of an Event of Default;
(ii) all claims in respect of any breach of the Assigned Agreement (including any claims for liquidated damages);
(iii) the right (but not the obligation) of the Assignor to perform and to compel performance of the Assigned Agreement;
(iv) any right of the Assignor to rescind or otherwise terminate the Assigned Agreement; and
(v) any right of the Assignor to give and receive notices, requests and consents, to exercise discretion and to exercise all options and elections under the Assigned Agreement.
"DEED OF RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL" means the deed of right of first refusal entered or to be entered into between China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited and the Assignor.
"RECEIVER" means any receiver, manager, receiver and manager or other similar officer appointed by the Security Trustee in respect of the Security Interest hereby granted.
"SECURED OBLIGATIONS" means any and all moneys, liabilities and obligations (whether actual or contingent, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether or not for the payment of money, and including, without limitation, any obligation or liability to pay damages) which are or may become due, owing or incurred by the Assignor or any other Security Party which is a member of the CNC HK Group to any Finance Parties or any of them under or pursuant to the Finance Documents and/or all other obligations hereby secured.
1.2 TRUST
All rights, benefits, interests, powers and discretions granted to or conferred on the Security Trustee pursuant to this Deed shall be held by the Security Trustee on trust for the benefit of itself as Security Trustee and each Finance Party from time to time. The Security Trustee may do all acts within its powers to administer and manage the trust constituted by this Clause including any full or partial release and/or re-assignment by deed of the rights, benefits and interests conferred by Clause 2.1 or the release of all or any part of the Collateral from this Deed. The trust constituted by this Clause shall come into existence on the date of this Deed and shall last for so long as any of the Secured Obligations remain outstanding provided that for the purposes of the rule against perpetuities, the perpetuity period applicable to the trust constituted under this Clause and any dispositions made or to be made pursuant to this Deed and this trust, is hereby specified as a period of eighty (80) years less one (1) day from the date of this
[Security Assignment]
Deed.
1.3 CLAUSE HEADINGS
Clause headings and the table of contents are for ease of reference only and shall be ignored in the interpretation of this Deed.
1.4 CONSTRUCTION
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires:-
(a) Clause 1.3 of the Facility Agreement shall be deemed incorporated in this Deed mutatis mutandis as if set out separately in this Deed; and
(b) references to the "ASSIGNOR", the "SECURITY TRUSTEE" or any "FINANCE PARTY" include, where the context permits, include their respective successors and transferees and permitted assigns in accordance with their respective interests.
2. ASSIGNMENT
2.1 ASSIGNMENT
In consideration of the Lenders agreeing to make the Facility available to the Assignor upon the terms and conditions of the Facility Agreement and as a continuing security for the due and punctual performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations, the Assignor, as beneficial owner, hereby assigns absolutely by way of security all of its rights, title and interest in and to the Collateral to the Security Trustee.
2.2 NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT
The Assignor shall forthwith upon execution of this Deed deliver a notice of assignment, in the form set out in Part I of the Schedule, to each of the other parties to the Assigned Agreement and shall request that each such other party to the Assigned Agreement executes and delivers to the Security Trustee an acknowledgement of assignment in the form set out in
Part II of the Schedule.
2.3 PERFORMANCE AND INDEMNITY
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Assignor shall remain liable to perform all the obligations to be performed by it in respect of the Assigned Agreement and shall discharge fully its obligations thereunder as they become due and neither the Security Trustee nor any of the Finance Parties shall have any obligation of any kind whatsoever thereunder or be under any liabilities whatsoever in the event of any failure to perform their obligations thereunder and the Assignor hereby indemnifies and agrees to keep indemnified the Security Trustee, the other Finance Parties and each of them from and against any such liability.
2.4 RELEASE AND TRANSFER
[Security Assignment]
(a) The Security Trustee shall, at the request and cost of the Assignor and in such form as the Security Trustee shall reasonably approve, release and transfer to the Assignor, the Collateral then the subject of the Security Interest constituted by this Deed upon the full performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations to the satisfaction of the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties.
(b) Notwithstanding any discharge, release or settlement from time to time between the Security Trustee and/or any other Finance Party and the Assignor, if any security, disposition or payment granted or made to the Security Trustee and/or any other Finance Party in respect of the Secured Obligations by the Assignor or any other person is avoided or set aside or ordered to be surrendered, paid away, refunded or reduced by virtue of any provision, law or enactment relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, winding-up, composition or arrangement for the time being in force or for any other reason, the Finance Parties shall be entitled thereafter to enforce this Deed as if no such discharge, release or settlement had occurred.
2.5 REGISTRATION
The Assignor hereby authorises the Security Trustee forthwith upon execution of this Deed to procure the delivery to the Companies Registry in Hong Kong or other competent authority in the place of incorporation of the Assignor of the particulars of this Deed.
3. CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY
3.1 CONTINUING SECURITY
This Deed and the security hereby created shall remain in full force and effect by way of a continuing security notwithstanding the insolvency or liquidation or any incapacity or change in the constitution or status of the Assignor or any other person and in particular but without limitation shall not be, nor be considered as, satisfied by any intermediate discharge or payment on account of any liabilities or any settlement of accounts between the Assignor and the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party.
3.2 ADDITIONAL SECURITY
This Deed and the security hereby created shall be in addition to and not in substitution for or derogation of any other Security Interest, guarantee or other security (whether given by the Assignor or otherwise) now or from time to time hereafter held by the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party in respect of or in connection with the Secured Obligations.
3.3 UNRESTRICTED ENFORCEMENT
The Security Trustee need not before exercising any of the rights, powers or remedies conferred upon it by this Deed or by law (i) take action or obtain judgment against the
[Security Assignment]
Assignor, or any other person in any court, (ii) make or file any claim or prove in a winding-up or liquidation of the Assignor or of any other person or (iii) enforce or seek to enforce the recovery of the monies and liabilities hereby secured by any other security or other rights all of which the Assignor hereby waive and may be enforced for any balance due after resorting to any one or more other means of obtaining payments or discharge of the monies, obligations and liabilities hereby secured.
3.4 NO DISCHARGE
The liabilities and obligations of the Assignor under this Deed and the security constituted by this Deed shall remain in force notwithstanding any act, omission, event or circumstance whatsoever until full, proper and valid payment and discharge of the Secured Obligations and without limiting the foregoing, neither the liabilities of the Assignor under this Deed nor the validity or enforceability of this Deed shall be prejudiced, affected or discharged by:-
(a) the granting of any time or indulgence to the Assignor or any other person in respect of the Secured Obligations;
(b) any variation or modification of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto;
(c) the invalidity or unenforceability of any obligation or liability of any party under the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto;
(d) any invalidity or irregularity in the execution of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or relating thereto;
(e) any lack of capacity or deficiency in the powers of the Assignor or any other person to enter into or perform any of its respective obligations under the Facility Agreement or any of the other Finance Documents to which it is party or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto or any irregularity in the exercise thereof or any lack of authority by any person purporting to act on behalf of the Assignor or such other person;
(f) the insolvency, bankruptcy or liquidation or any incapacity, disability or limitation or any change in the constitution or status of the Assignor or any other person;
(g) any other Finance Document, Security Interest, guarantee or other security or right or remedy being or becoming held by or available to the Security Trustee, any Finance Party or by any other person or by any of the same being or becoming wholly or partly void, voidable or unenforceable or impaired or by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party at any time releasing, refraining from enforcing, varying or in any other way dealing with any of the same or any power, right or remedy the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party may now or hereafter have from or against the Borrower, any Assignor or any other
[Security Assignment]
person;
(h) any waiver, exercise, omission to exercise, compromise, renewal or release of any rights against the Assignor or any other person or any compromise, arrangement or settlement with any of the same; or
(i) any act, omission, event or circumstance which would or may but for this provision operate to prejudice, affect or discharge this Deed or the liability of the Assignor hereunder.
3.5 NO SUBROGATION
(a) The Assignor shall not exercise any right of subrogation,
contribution or any other rights of a surety or enforce any security
or other right or claim against the Assignor or any other person
(whether in respect of its liability under this Deed or otherwise)
who has guaranteed or given any security in respect of the Secured
Obligations or claim in the insolvency or liquidation of the
Assignor or any such other person in competition with the Security
Trustee and/or the Finance Parties.
(b) If the Assignor receives any payment or benefit in breach of this Clause 3.5, it shall hold the same upon trust for the Security Trustee as a continuing security for the Secured Obligations.
4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
4.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The Assignor hereby represents and warrants to the Security Trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties that:-
(a) STATUS: the Assignor is a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of Bermuda and has full power, authority and legal right to own its property and assets and to carry on its business as such business is now being conducted;
(b) POWER AND AUTHORITY: the Assignor has all legal power and authority to enter into this Deed and perform its obligations under this Deed and all actions (including any corporate action) required to authorise the execution and delivery of this Deed and the performance of its obligations under this Deed have been duly taken;
(c) LEGAL VALIDITY: this Deed constitutes or, when so executed and delivered, will constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Assignor enforceable in accordance with its terms;
(d) NON-CONFLICT WITH LAWS: the entry into and performance of this Deed and the transactions contemplated by this Deed do not and will not conflict with or result in (i) a breach of any law, judgment or regulation or any official or judicial order,
[Security Assignment]
or (ii) a breach of the constitutional documents of the Assignor, or
(iii) a material breach of any agreement or document to which the
Assignor is a party or which is binding upon it or any of its assets
or revenues with a monetary value greater than US$500,000, nor cause
any limitation placed on it or the powers of its directors to be
exceeded or result in the creation or imposition of any Security
Interest on any part of the Collateral pursuant to the provisions of
any such agreement or document;
(e) NO CONSENTS: other than the Consents and any registration of this Deed by the Security Trustee pursuant to Clause 2.5, no consent, authorisation, licence or approval of, or registration with or declaration to, any governmental or public bodies or authorities or courts in Hong Kong or in any relevant jurisdiction is required for or in connection with the execution, delivery, validity, enforceability and admissibility in evidence in proceeding of this Deed, or the performance by, the Assignor of any of its obligations under this Deed;
(f) NO REGISTRATION: it is not necessary in order to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of this Deed that it or any other instrument be notarised, filed, recorded, registered or enrolled in any court or other authority or that any stamp, registration or similar tax or charge be paid on or in relation to this Deed and this Deed is in proper form for its enforcement in the courts of Hong Kong and all jurisdictions the subject of any legal opinion referred to in paragraph 4 of Schedule 3 of the Facility Agreement;
(g) LITIGATION: except as disclosed in a letter of even date from the Borrower to the Security Trustee, no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding is currently taking place or pending or, to the knowledge of the officers of the Assignor, threatened against the Assignor or any of its assets which could, in the reasonable opinion of the Security Trustee, materially and adversely affect its business, assets or financial condition or its ability to perform its obligations under this Deed;
(h) WINDING UP: it has not taken any corporate action or no other step has been taken or legal proceedings have been commenced or threatened against it for its winding-up, dissolution, administration or reorganisation or for the appointment of a receiver, administrator, trustee or similar officer of it or all or any of its assets or revenues, except as permitted by clause 17.1(g) (Winding-up) of the Facility Agreement;
(i) TAXES ON PAYMENTS: all payments to be made by the Assignor under this Deed may be made by the Assignor free and clear of, and without deduction for, Taxes and no deductions or withholdings are required to be made therefrom save as specified in any legal opinion referred to in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of Schedule 3 to the Facility Agreement; and no Taxes are imposed on or by virtue of the execution or delivery by the Assignor of this Deed or any document to be executed or delivered under this Deed;
(j) TAX LIABILITIES: the Assignor has complied with all Taxation laws in all material
[Security Assignment]
respects in all jurisdictions in which it is subject to Taxation and has paid all Taxes due and payable by it; no material claims are being asserted against it with respect to Taxes;
(k) NO DEFAULT:
(i) no Default has occurred and is continuing:
(ii) it is not, or with the giving of notice or lapse of time or satisfaction of any other condition or any combination thereof, would not be in material breach of or in default under any agreement relating to Financial Indebtedness to which it is a party or by which it may be bound;
(l) COMPLIANCE, WITH CONSENTS AND LICENSES: every consent, authorisation, licence or approval required for the time being by it in connection with the conduct of its business and the ownership, use, exploitation or occupation of its property and assets has been applied for and not refused or has been obtained and is in full force and effect and there has been no material default in the observance of the conditions and restrictions (if any) imposed on, or in connection with, any of the same which may have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform its obligations under this Deed and, to the knowledge of its officers, no circumstances have arisen whereby any remedial action is likely to be required to be taken by it, or at its expense under or pursuant to any law or regulation applicable to its business, property or assets;
(m) NO FINANCIAL INDEBTEDNESS: it does not have any Financial Indebtedness other than as permitted by Clause 16.17 of the Facility Agreement;
(n) NO IMMUNITY: the Assignor is generally subject to civil and commercial law and to legal proceedings and neither the Assignor nor any of its assets or revenues is entitled to any immunity or privilege (sovereign or otherwise) from any set-off, judgment, execution, attachment or other legal process;
(o) SOLE AND BENEFICIAL OWNER: the Assignor is or will be the sole, absolute and beneficial owner of the Collateral;
(p) LEGAL AND BINDING OBLIGATIONS: the obligations of the parties to the Assigned Agreement are legal, valid and binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms;
(q) SECURITY INTEREST: no Security Interest exists in any of its rights, title, interests or benefits in the Collateral (other than as created by this Deed); and
(r) THIRD PARTY RIGHT: it has not granted in favour of any other person any interest in or any option or other rights in respect of any of the Collateral.
4.2 CONTINUING REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTY
The Assignor also represents and warrants to and undertakes with the Security Trustee
[Security Assignment]
that the foregoing representations and warranties in Clause 4.1 (a) to (n) inclusive are deemed to be made by the Assignors on each Drawdown Date and on each Interest Payment Date with reference to the facts and circumstances then existing and that the foregoing representations in Clause 4.1(o) and (p) will be true and accurate throughout the continuance of this Deed with reference to the facts and circumstances from time to time.
5. TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
5.1 TAX GROSS-UP
(a) All sums payable by the Assignor under this Deed shall be paid in full without any restriction or condition and free and clear of any Tax or other deductions or withholdings of any nature.
(b) If at any time the Assignor or any other person is required in any jurisdiction to make any deduction or withholding in respect of Taxes or otherwise from any payment due under this Deed for the account of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party (or if the Security Trustee is required to make any such deduction or withholding from a payment to other Finance Parties), the sum due from the Assignor in respect of such payment shall be increased to the extent necessary to ensure that, after the making of such deduction or withholding, the Security Trustee and each Finance Party receives on the due date for such payment (and retains, free from any liability in respect of such deduction or withholding) a net sum equal to the sum which it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been required to be made.
(c) The Assignor's obligations under Clause 5.1(a) and (b) shall not apply in respect of any Tax on Overall Net Income levied on the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party.
(d) All Taxes required by law to be deducted or withheld by the Assignor from any amounts paid or payable under this Deed shall be paid by the Assignor when due (except for such amounts being disputed by the Assignor in good faith) to the relevant tax authority.
5.2 TAX INDEMNITY
The Assignor shall indemnify the Security Trustee and each other Finance Party against any losses or costs incurred by any of them by reason of:
(a) any failure of the Assignor or any other person to make any such deduction or withholding referred to in Clause 5.1; or
(b) any increased payment referred to in Clause 5.1 not being made on the due date for such payment; or
(c) any Taxes which are being disputed by the Assignor and remaining unpaid;
[Security Assignment]
and
(d) any liability suffered (directly or indirectly) for or on account of Tax by that Finance Party in respect of any payment received or receivable or deemed to be received or receivable under this Deed.
5.3 EVIDENCE OF PROOF
The Assignor shall promptly deliver to the Security Trustee any receipts, certificates or other proof evidencing the amounts (if any) paid or payable in respect of any deduction or withholding as aforesaid. Any certificate or determination of the Security Trustee showing in reasonable details the calculations made by the Security Trustee as to any amount for the purposes of this Clause 5 shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Assignor.
5.4 TAX CREDIT
If the Assignor makes a Tax payment and the Security Trustee determines that:-
(a) a Tax Credit is attributable either to an increased payment of which that Tax payment forms part, or to that Tax payment; and
(b) it has obtained, utilised and retained that Tax Credit,
the Security Trustee shall, promptly after obtaining the benefit of that Tax Credit, pay an amount to the Assignor which will leave it (after that payment) in the same after-Tax position as it would have been in had the Tax Payment not been required to be made by the Assignor.
6. COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES
6.1 The Assignor shall from time to time forthwith on demand pay to or reimburse the Finance Parties and the Receiver (on the basis of a full indemnity) the amount of:
(a) all costs, charges and expenses properly incurred by the Finance Parties or the Receiver in connection with the investigation of title to or any survey, inspection or valuation of the Collateral under or in connection with this Deed following an Event of Default, and the negotiation, preparation, registration, perfecting, amendment, modification or administration of this Deed (or any of the charges therein contained) or any other document relating thereto;
(b) all costs, charges and expenses properly incurred by the Finance Parties or the Receiver in connection with the exercise, or the attempted exercise, by or on behalf of the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party or the Receiver of any of the powers of the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party or the Receiver, or any other action taken by or on behalf of the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party with a view to or in connection with the recovery by
[Security Assignment]
the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party of the Secured Obligations from the Assignor or any other person;
(c) all costs, charges and expenses properly incurred by the Finance Parties or the Receiver in connection with the carrying out of any other act or matter which the Security Trustee or any Finance Party or the Receiver may reasonably consider to be necessary or required for the preservation of the Collateral; and
(d) all costs, charges and expenses (including legal and other fees on a full indemnity basis) properly incurred by the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party or Receiver in exercising any of its rights or powers hereunder or in suing for or seeking to recover any sums due hereunder or otherwise preserving or enforcing its rights hereunder or in defending any claims brought against it in respect of this Deed or in releasing or re-assigning this Deed upon payment of all moneys hereby secured,
and until payment of the same in full, all such costs, charges and expenses shall be guaranteed by this Deed.
6.2 STAMP DUTY
The Assignor shall pay all stamp, documentary, registration or other like duties or taxes (including any duties or taxes payable by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party) imposed on or in connection with this Deed and shall indemnify each of the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties against any liability arising by reason of any delay or omission by the Assignor to pay such duties or taxes.
7. UNDERTAKINGS
The Assignor hereby undertakes and agrees with the Security Trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties throughout the continuance of this Deed and so long as the Secured Obligations or any part thereof remains owing that, unless the Security Trustee otherwise agrees in writing, it will:-
(a) perform all its obligations under the Assigned Agreement;
(b) notify the Security Trustee of any breach by any party to the Assigned Agreement;
(c) give to the Security Trustee upon receipt copies of all notices, requests and other documents sent or received with respect to the Assigned Agreement;
(d) give to the Security Trustee such information regarding the Collateral as the Security Trustee shall reasonably require;
(e) do or permit to be done every act or thing which the Security Trustee may require to be done for the purpose of enforcing the rights of the Security Trustee hereunder and will allow its name to be used as and when required for that
[Security Assignment]
purpose;
(f) not amend or agree to amend the Assigned Agreement or waive any of its rights thereunder without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld);
(g) not create or attempt or agree to create or permit to exist any Security Interest over all or any part of the Collateral or any interest therein or otherwise assign, deal with or dispose of all or any part of the Collateral (except under or pursuant to this Deed);
(h) not sell or agree to sell, transfer or assign, any part of the Collateral;
(i) not grant in favour of any other person any interest in or any option or other rights in respect of any of the Collateral; and
(j) not do or cause or permit to be done anything which may in any way depreciate, jeopardise or otherwise prejudice the value of the Security Trustee's security hereunder.
8. ENFORCEMENT
8.1 EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The security created by this Deed shall become enforceable immediately upon the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing. For the purposes of this Clause, each of the following events and circumstances shall be an Event of Default:-
(a) any Event of Default as that term is defined in the Facility Agreement;
(b) if the Assignor purports or attempts to create any Security Interest (except under or as permitted by this Deed) over all or any part of the Collateral or any third party asserts a claim in respect thereof.
8.2 ENFORCEMENT OF SECURITY
Upon this Assignment becoming enforceable, the Security Trustee may, at any time or times thereafter and without further notice or restriction, except as required in accordance with any applicable laws, be entitled to exercise and enforce any or all rights of the Assignor in respect of the Collateral in or towards the payment or discharge of the Secured Obligations in accordance with Clause 9, for this purpose, the Security Trustee may, at the expense of the Assignor, convert all or any part of such monies into other currencies. The above provisions apply notwithstanding any other terms upon which such monies may have been deposited or that any such monies may have been deposited for a fixed period or be subject to a period of notice and that the fixed period or period of notice may not have expired or that notice or sufficient notice may not have been given.
[Security Assignment]
8.3 AMENDMENT
Any amendment or waiver of any provision of this Deed and any waiver of any default under this Deed shall only be effective if made in writing and signed by the Security Trustee.
8.4 EVIDENCE OF DEBT
Any statement of account signed as correct by the Security Trustee showing any amount due under the Facility Agreement or under any other Finance Document or under this Deed shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive evidence of the amount so due.
9. APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS
All monies received by the Security Trustee or the Receiver hereunder shall be applied in or towards satisfaction of the Secured Obligations (subject to the prior discharge of all liabilities having priority thereto by law) in the following order of priority:-
(a) in payment or satisfaction of all costs, charges, expenses and liabilities properly incurred and payments made by or on behalf of the Security Trustee or the Receiver in connection with the exercise of any powers hereunder and in preserving or attempting to preserve this security or the Collateral and of all outgoings in respect of the Collateral paid by the Security Trustee or the Receiver pursuant to this Deed;
(b) in payment to the Receiver of all remuneration as may be agreed between it and the Security Trustee to be paid to him at, or at any time after, its appointment;
(c) in or towards reduction of the remaining Secured Obligations in such manner as is provided in the Facility Agreement; and
(d) the surplus (if any) to the Assignor.
10. INDEMNITY 10.1 GENERAL INDEMNITY The Assignor hereby undertakes with the Security Trustee to indemnify and keep indemnified the Finance Parties and each of them (each an "INDEMNITEE") from and against all costs, charges and expenses which the Security Trustee or such Finance Party shall properly incur in connection with the exercise of any powers conferred by this Deed or the perfection, preservation or enforcement of the security created by this Deed (unless and to the extent that any of the foregoing results directly from the fraud, gross negligence or wilful misconduct of that indemnitee). 10.2 CURRENCY INDEMNITY - 13 - |
[Security Assignment] (a) If an amount due to the Security Trustee or any Finance Party from the Assignor under this Deed (a "SUM"), or any order, judgment or award given or made in relation to a sum, has to be converted from the currency (the "FIRST CURRENCY") in which that Sum is payable into another currency (the "SECOND CURRENCY") for the purpose of: (i) making or filing a claim or proof against the Assignor; (ii) obtaining or enforcing an order, judgment or award in relation to any litigation or arbitration proceedings, the Assignor shall, as an independent obligation to the Security Trustee or such Finance Party, indemnify the Security Trustee or such Finance Party to whom that sum is due against any cost, loss or liability arising out of or as a result of the conversion including any discrepancy between (A) the rate of exchange used to convert that sum from the first currency into the second currency and (B) the rate or rates of exchange available to that person at the time of its receipt of that sum. (b) The Assignor waives any right it may have in any jurisdiction to pay any amount under the Facility Agreement and/or any other Finance Document in a currency or currency unit other than that in which it is expressed to be payable. 10.3 PAYMENT AND SECURITY The Security Trustee or any other Finance Parties may retain and pay out of any money in the hands of the Security Trustee or such Finance Party all sums necessary to effect the indemnity contained in this Clause and all sums payable by any Assignor under this Clause shall form part of the monies hereby secured. 11. SUSPENSE ACCOUNT The Security Trustee may, notwithstanding Clause 9 (Application of Proceeds), place and keep any monies received under this Deed, before or after the insolvency of the Assignor, to the credit of a suspense account in order to preserve the rights of the Security Trustee or the Finance Parties to sue or prove for the whole amount in respect of claims against the Assignor or any other person. 12. SET OFF (a) Without prejudice to any right of set-off, combination of accounts, lien or other rights which the Security Trustee or any Receiver is at any time entitled whether by operation of law or contract or otherwise, the Security Trustee and the Receiver may (but shall not be obliged to) set off against any obligation of the Assignor due and payable by it hereunder without prior notice any moneys held - 14 - |
[Security Assignment] by the Security Trustee or such Receiver for the account of the Assignor at any office of the Security Trustee or such Receiver anywhere and in any currency. The Security Trustee or such Receiver may effect such currency exchanges as are appropriate to implement such set off. (b) If the obligations are in different currencies, the Security Trustee or any Receiver may convert either obligation at a market rate of exchange in its usual course of business for the purpose of the set-off. 13. POWER OF ATTORNEY 13.1 POWER OF ATTORNEY The Assignor irrevocably appoints the Security Trustee, the Receiver and any persons deriving title under it by way of security jointly and severally to be its attorney (with full power of substitution) and in its name or otherwise on its behalf and as its act and deed to sign, seal, execute, deliver, perfect and do all deeds, instruments, acts and things which may be required or which the Security Trustee or the Receiver shall think proper or reasonably expedient for carrying out any obligations imposed on the Assignor hereunder or for exercising, following the security constituted by this Deed becoming enforceable, any of the powers conferred by this Deed or for giving to the Security Trustee the full benefit of this security and so that this appointment shall operate to authorise the Security Trustee and the Receiver to do on behalf of the Assignor anything it can lawfully do by an attorney. The Assignor ratifies and confirms and agrees to ratify and confirm any deed, instrument, act or thing which such attorney or substitute may execute or do in exercising its powers conferred by this Clause. 13.2 DELEGATION The Security Trustee and/or the Receiver may delegate to any person all or any of the rights or powers conferred on it by this Deed or by law Any such delegation may be made upon such terms and conditions (including power to sub-delegate) as the Security Trustee or the Receiver thinks fit. 14. FURTHER ASSURANCE The Assignor agrees that at any time and from time to time upon the written request of the Security Trustee it will promptly and duly execute and deliver any and all such further instruments and documents as the Security Trustee may reasonably require for the purpose of obtaining the full benefit of this Deed and of the rights and powers herein granted. 15. NOTICES 15.1 NOTICES - 15 - |
[Security Assignment] Any notice or communication under or in connection with this Deed shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or by prepaid letter (airmail if available) or facsimile transmission to the addresses or facsimile numbers set out below or at such other address as the recipient may have notified to the other parties in writing. Proof of posting or despatch of any notice or communication to any party hereto shall be deemed to be proof of receipt:- (a) in the case of a letter, on the fifth Business Day after posting if airmail or second Business Day if local mail; (b) in the case of a facsimile transmission, on the Business Day immediately following the date of despatch with confirmed facsimile report. All communications or other correspondence between the Assignor and any of the Finance Parties in connection with this Deed shall be made through the Security Trustee. 15.2 ADDRESSES Notices or communications shall be sent to the following addresses:- To the Assignor:- Name Asia Netcom Corporation Limited Address 46/F Cheung Kong Center 2 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2121 2929 Attention Gregory Freiberg/Wenlong Sun With a copy to: Asia Netcom Singapore Pte Limited 2 Shenton Way #11-01 SGX Centre 1 Singapore 068804 Fax (65) 6233 6390 Attention Oliver Ao |
To the Security Trustee:-
Name Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited Address 10/F, ICBC Asia Building 122-126 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2851 9361 Attention Ms. Esther Cheng/ Ms. Amy Wong - 16 - |
[Security Assignment] 15.3 LANGUAGE Each notice or document referred to in this Deed or to be delivered under this Deed shall be in the English language. 16. WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS 16.1 WAIVERS No failure or delay on the part of the Security Trustee or Finance Party to exercise any power, right or remedy under this Deed shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party of any power, right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power, right or remedy. 16.2 AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS (a) Any amendment of any provision of this Deed shall only be effective if made in accordance with provisions with this Deed and if all parties hereto so agree in writing and any waiver of any breach or default under this Deed shall only be effective if the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Lenders or the Majority Lenders (as the case may be), agrees in writing. Any consent by the Security Trustee under this Deed must be made in writing. (b) Any such waiver or consent may be given subject to any conditions thought fit by the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Lenders or the Majority Lenders, as the case may be, and shall be effective only in the instance and for the purpose for which it is given. 16.3 REMEDIES The remedies provided in this Deed are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies provided by law. 16.4 SEVERABILITY If any provision of this Deed is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction such prohibition or unenforceability shall not invalidate the remaining provisions hereof or affect the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. 16.5 ASSIGNMENT The Security Trustee may assign its rights under this Deed in accordance with the provisions of the Facility Agreement. The Assignor shall not assign any of its rights hereunder without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee. - 17 - |
[Security Assignment] 16.6 COUNTERPARTS This Deed may be executed in any number of counterparts including by facsimile and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Deed by signing any such counterpart. 16.7 It is intended that this document takes effect as a deed notwithstanding the fact that a party may only execute this document under hand. 17. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION 17.1 GOVERNING LAW This Deed is governed by the laws of Hong Kong. 17.2 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION For the benefit of the Security Trustee and each Finance Party, the Assignor irrevocably agrees that the courts of Hong Kong are to have jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with this Deed and that, accordingly, any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Deed ("PROCEEDINGS") may be brought in those courts and the Assignor irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of those courts. 17.3 OTHER JURISDICTIONS Nothing in this Clause 17 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) shall limit the right of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party to take Proceedings against the Assignor in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the taking of Proceedings in one or more jurisdictions preclude the Security Trustee or any Finance Party from taking Proceedings in any other jurisdiction, whether concurrently or not. 17.4 WAIVER OF INCONVENIENT FORUM The Assignor irrevocably waives any objection which it may at any time have to the laying of the venue of any Proceedings in any court referred to in this Clause 17 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) and any claim that any such Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum. 17.5 PROCESS AGENT The Assignor hereby irrevocably appoints Asia Netcom Asia Pacific Commercial Limited of 46th Floor, Cheung Kong Centre, 2 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong to receive, for it and on its behalf, service of process in any Proceedings in Hong Kong. Such service shall be deemed completed on delivery to the process agent whether or not it is forwarded to and received by the Assignor). If for any reason the process agent ceases to be able to act as such or no longer has an address in Hong Kong, the Assignor irrevocably agrees to appoint a substitute process agent acceptable to the - 18 - |
[Security Assignment] Security Trustee, and to deliver to the Security Trustee a copy of the new process agent's acceptance of that appointment, within 30 days. 17.6 SERVICE The Assignor irrevocably consents to any process in any Proceeding anywhere being served by mailing a copy by post in accordance with Clause 15 (Notices). Nothing shall affect the right to serve any process in any other manner permitted by law. 17.7 WAIVER OF IMMUNITIES To the extent that the Assignor has or hereafter may acquire any immunity (sovereign or otherwise) from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from jurisdiction of any court or from set-off or any legal process (whether service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) with respect to itself or any of its property, the Assignor hereby irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim such immunity in respect of its obligations under this Deed. |
IN WITNESS whereof this Deed has been executed by the parties hereto and is intended to be and is hereby delivered by the Assignor as its deed on the day and year first above written.
[Security Assignment]
SCHEDULE
PART I
FORM OF NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT
To: China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited Copy to: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited Date: 2004 |
Dear Sirs,
We refer to the Deed of Right of First Refusal dated [_____________________] and made between us (the "DEED").
We hereby give you notice that by a deed of security assignment dated as of the date of this Notice (a copy of which is attached), we have assigned to the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited (the "SECURITY TRUSTEE") all our rights, title, interest and benefits in and to the Deed and all benefits and proceeds thereof.
Following an event of default as notified by the Security Trustee, we hereby irrevocably instruct you that all payments which you may be required to make under the Deed shall be made directly to the Security Trustee or its order.
However, in all other respects you shall continue to deal with us in respect of the Deed until you receive written notice to the contrary from the Security Trustee.
These instructions shall not be altered or revoked by us without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee.
This letter is governed by the laws of Hong Kong.
Please acknowledge this Notice by signing and returning the enclosed acknowledgement to the Security Trustee with a copy to ourselves.
Yours faithfully,
[Security Assignment]
SCHEDULE
PART II
FORM OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF ASSIGNMENT
To: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
Copy to: Asia Netcom Corporation Limited
We acknowledge receipt from Asia Netcom Corporation Limited (the "ASSIGNOR") of a notice dated [__________________] (the "NOTICE") of a security assignment upon the terms of the Deed of Security Assignment dated [_________________] of all the Assignor's rights, title, interest and benefit in and to the Deed. We confirm that we:-
(a) have received no other notice in respect of the Deed;
(b) are not aware of any default by any party in the performance of its obligations under the Deed; and
(c) will comply with the terms of the said Notice.
This letter shall be governed by the laws of Hong Kong.
Dated _________________________
[Security Assignment]
SIGNATURE PAGE
ASSIGNOR
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED ) in the presence of:- ) SECURITY TRUSTEE SIGNED by ) ) for and on behalf of ) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK ) OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED ) |
EXHIBIT 10.46
Execution Copy
Dated 27 July 2004
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
(as Chargor)
and
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
(as Security Trustee)
CHARGE OVER DEPOSIT ACCOUNT
RICHARDS BUTLER
HONG KONG
[Charge Over Deposit Account]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CLAUSE NO. CLAUSE HEADING PAGE NO. --------- -------------- ------- 1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION......................................................................... 1 2. COVENANT TO PAY...................................................................................... 3 3. CHARGE............................................................................................... 3 4. CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY.................................................................. 5 5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES....................................................................... 7 6. TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS........................................................................... 9 7 COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES.......................................................................... 11 8. UNDERTAKINGS......................................................................................... 12 9. ENFORCEMENT.......................................................................................... 13 10. APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS.............................................................................. 17 11. INDEMNITY............................................................................................ 17 12. SUSPENSE ACCOUNT..................................................................................... 18 13. SET OFF.............................................................................................. 18 14. POWER OF ATTORNEY.................................................................................... 18 15. FURTHER ASSURANCE.................................................................................... 19 16. NOTICES.............................................................................................. 19 17. WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS................ 20 18. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION....................................................................... 21 SCHEDULE - FORM OF NOTICE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF DEPOSIT ACCOUNT............................................... 24 EXECUTION PAGE.................................................................................................. 26 |
[Charge Over Deposit Account]
THIS DEED OF CHARGE OVER DEPOSIT ACCOUNT is made on 27 July 2004
BETWEEN:-
(1) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda whose registered office is situate at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, HM11 Bermuda (the "CHARGOR"); and
(2) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong acting through its head office at ICBC Asia Building, 122-126 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong acting on its own behalf and as security trustee and trustee for and on behalf of the Finance Parties (the "SECURITY TRUSTEE").
WHEREAS:-
(A) By a facility agreement signed on 2nd December, 2003 (but held undated in
escrow) as released from escrow and amended and restated by the
Supplemental Amendment and Restatement Deed (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT"),
entered into between (1) the Chargor, as borrower; (2) the banks and
financial institutions named therein as lenders (the "LENDERS"); (3)
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as arranger; and
(4) the Security Trustee as facility agent, the Finance Parties have
agreed, upon and subject to the terms of the Facility Agreement, to make
available to the Chargor a term loan facility of up to US$150,000,000 (the
"FACILITY") for the purposes more particularly specified therein.
(B) The Security Trustee is acting as facility agent for the Finance Parties pursuant to the Facility Agreement and as security agent and trustee for the Finance Parties pursuant to this Deed and other Finance Documents.
(C) It is a condition precedent to the availability of the Facility under the Facility Agreement that the Chargor shall have executed and delivered this Deed to the Security Trustee creating fixed and floating charges over its assets and undertakings.
NOW THIS DEED WITNESSES as follows:-
1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
1.1 TERMS DEFINED
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires, terms used shall have the meanings defined in the Facility Agreement and:-
"COLLATERAL" means all the right, title, interest and benefit of the Chargor in and to the Charged Account and, subject to Clause 2.4, the Deposit.
"CHARGED ACCOUNT" means the Deposit Account and all sums now or hereafter deposited in such account and all additions to or renewals or replacements thereof (in
[Charge Over Deposit Account]
whatever currency) and all interest or other sums which may accrue from time to time thereon.
"DEPOSIT ACCOUNT" means the account of the Chargor with the Deposit Bank account number 0160042616.
"DEPOSIT BANK" means Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited.
"RECEIVER" means any receiver, manager, provisional supervisor or other similar officer appointed by the Security Trustee in respect of the security hereby granted.
"SECURED OBLIGATIONS" means any and all moneys, liabilities and obligations (whether actual or contingent, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether or not for the payment of money, and including, without limitation, any obligation or liability to pay damages) which are or may become payable by the Chargor or any other member of the Borrower Group or any other Security Party which is a member of the CNC HK Group to the Finance Parties or any of them under or pursuant to the Facility Agreement and/or any other Finance Documents and/or all other obligations hereby secured.
1.2 TRUST
All rights, benefits, interests, powers and discretions granted to or conferred on the Security Trustee pursuant to this Deed shall be held by the Security Trustee on trust for the benefit of itself as Security Trustee and each Finance Parties from time to time. The Security Trustee may do all acts within its powers to administer and manage the trust constituted by this Clause including any full or partial release by deed of the rights, benefits and interest conferred by Clause 3 or the release of all or any part of the Collateral from this Deed. The trust constituted by this Clause shall come into existence on the date of this Deed and shall last for so long as any of the Secured Obligations remain outstanding provided that for the purposes of the rule against perpetuities, the perpetuity period applicable to the trust constituted under this Clause and any dispositions made or to be made pursuant to this Deed and this trust, is hereby specified as a period of eighty (80) years less one (1) day from the date of this Deed.
1.3 CLAUSE HEADINGS
Clause headings and the table of contents are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall be ignored in the interpretation of this Deed.
1.4 CONSTRUCTION
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires:-
(a) Clause 1.3 of the Facility Agreement shall be deemed incorporated in this Deed mutatis mutandis as if set out separately in this Deed; and
(b) references to the "CHARGOR", the "SECURITY TRUSTEE" or any "FINANCE PARTIES" include, where the context permits, include their respective successors and transferees and permitted assigns in accordance with their respective interests.
[Charge Over Deposit Account]
2. COVENANT TO PAY
The Chargor hereby covenants that it will on demand pay and discharge the Secured Obligations when due for payment or discharge in accordance with the Finance Documents.
3. CHARGE
3.1 CHARGE
In consideration of the Finance Parties agreeing to make the Facility available to the Chargor upon the terms and conditions of the Facility Agreement and as a continuing security for the due and punctual payment and discharge of the Secured Obligations, the Chargor as sole beneficial owner hereby irrevocably charges by way of first floating charge to the Security Trustee as trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties, the Collateral.
3.2 CONVERSION BY NOTICE
The Security Trustee may convert any floating charge created pursuant to Clause 3.1 into a fixed charge (either generally or specifically) by notice to the Chargor specifying the relevant Collateral:
(a) if it (acting reasonably) considers it desirable to do so in order to protect or preserve the Security Interests over that Collateral and/or the priority of those Security Interests; and/or
(b) while an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
3.3 AUTOMATIC CONVERSION
If:
(a) the Chargor takes any step to create any Security Interest in breach of this Deed over any of the Collateral not subject to a Security Interest;
(b) an Event of Default occurs under clause 17.1(f), (g), (h), (i), (j) or (k) of the Facility Agreement; or
(c) any person takes any step to effect any Expropriation, attachment, sequestration, distress or execution against any of the Collateral,
the floating charge over the relevant Collateral shall automatically and immediately be converted into a fixed charge without notice.
[Charge Over Deposit Account]
3.4 CONVERSION TO FLOATING CHARGE
Security Trustee may reconvert any fixed charge created pursuant to Clause 3.2 or Clause 3.3 into a floating charge by notice to the Chargor specifying the relevant Collateral if:
(a) none of the events or circumstances referred to in paragraphs (a) or
(b) of Clause 3.2 or paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of Clause 3.3 is
continuing; and
(b) the Security Trustee considers that such conversion into a floating charge would not prejudice the interests of any Finance Party under any Finance Document.
3.5 PERFORMANCE AND INDEMNITY
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Chargor shall remain liable to perform all the obligations to be performed by it in respect of the Collateral and shall discharge fully its obligations thereunder as they become due and neither the Security Trustee nor any of the other Finance Parties shall have any obligation of any kind whatsoever thereunder or be under any liabilities whatsoever in the event of any failure to perform their obligations thereunder and the Chargor hereby indemnifies and agrees to keep indemnified the Security Trustee, and the other Finance Parties and each of them from and against any such liability.
3.6 DEPOSIT
Throughout the term of the Facility and so long as any part of the Secured Obligations remain outstanding, the Chargor shall, on the Business Day falling at least 5 days prior to each Interest Payment Date, deposit and maintain in the Deposit Account an amount equal to the Deposit and subject always to the payment and discharge in full of all amounts then due and owing on each Interest Payment Date and provided further that no Default is continuing, the Chargor may only withdraw the Deposit on the first Business Day falling 2 days after such Interest Payment Date.
3.7 WITHDRAWAL BY SECURITY TRUSTEE
If the Chargor, as borrower, is not able on an Interest Payment Date to repay in full any amount then due and owing, the Security Trustee may, and the Chargor hereby irrevocably appoints and authorises the Security Trustee on its behalf, to instruct the Facility Agent to:-
(a) withdraw from the Deposit Account an amount (the "BALANCE") equal to the difference between (i) the aggregate of all the amounts then due and owing on that Interest Payment Date and (ii) the amount received by the Facility Agent and/or the Security Trustee from the Chargor, as borrower on such Interest Payment Date; and
(b) apply the Balance in satisfaction of the amounts then due and payable on that Interest Payment Date to the Finance Parties.
[Charge Over Deposit Account]
3.8 RELEASE AND TRANSFER
(a) The Security Trustee shall, at the request and cost of the Chargor and in such form as the Security Trustee shall reasonably approve, release and transfer to the Chargor the Collateral upon the full performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations to the reasonable satisfaction of the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties.
(b) Notwithstanding any discharge, release or settlement from time to time between the Security Trustee and/or any other Finance Party and the Chargor, if any security, disposition or payment granted or made to the Security Trustee and/or any other Finance Party in respect of the Secured Obligations by the Chargor or any other person is avoided or set aside or ordered to be surrendered, paid away, refunded or reduced by virtue of any provision, law or enactment relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, winding-up, composition or arrangement for the time being in force or for any other reason, the Security Trustee shall be entitled thereafter to enforce this Deed as if no such discharge, release or settlement had occurred.
3.9 NOTICE OF CHARGE
The Chargor shall forthwith upon execution of this Deed deliver a notice of charge to the Deposit Bank, in the form set out in the Schedule and shall, as soon as possible, procure that an acknowledgement of notice is duly received by the Security Trustee. 3.10 REGISTRATION The Chargor hereby authorises the Security Trustee forthwith upon execution of this Deed to procure the delivery to the Companies Registry in Bermuda and the Companies Registry in Hong Kong or other competent authority in the place of incorporation of the Chargor of the particulars of this Deed. 4. CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY 4.1 CONTINUING SECURITY This Deed and the security hereby created shall remain in full force and effect by way of a continuing security notwithstanding the insolvency or liquidation or any incapacity or change in the constitution or status of the Chargor or any other person and in particular but without limitation shall not be, nor be considered as, satisfied by any intermediate discharge or payment on account of any liabilities or any settlement of accounts between the Chargor and the Security Trustee and/or any other Finance Party. 4.2 ADDITIONAL SECURITY This Deed and the security hereby created shall be in addition to and not in substitution for or derogation of any other Security Interest, guarantee or other security (whether given by the Chargor or otherwise) now or from time to time hereafter held by the Security Trustee and/or any other Finance Party in respect of or in connection with the - 5 - |
[Charge Over Deposit Account] Secured Obligations. 4.3 UNRESTRICTED ENFORCEMENT The Security Trustee need not before exercising any of the rights, powers or remedies conferred upon it by this Deed or by law (i) take action or obtain judgment in any court against the Chargor, any other person, (ii) make or file any claim or prove in a winding-up or liquidation of the Chargor or of any other person or (iii) enforce or seek to enforce the recovery of the monies and liabilities hereby secured by any other security or other rights and may be enforced for any balance due after resorting to any one or more other means of obtaining payment or discharge of the monies, obligations and liabilities hereby secured. 4.4 NO DISCHARGE The liabilities and obligations of the Chargor under this Deed and the security constituted by this Deed shall remain in force notwithstanding any act, omission, event or circumstance whatsoever until full, proper and valid payment and discharge of the Secured Obligations and without limiting the foregoing, neither the liabilities of the Chargor under this Deed nor the validity or enforceability of this Deed shall not be prejudiced, affected or discharged by:- (a) the granting of any time or indulgence to the Chargor or any other person in respect of the Secured Obligations; (b) any variation or modification of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto; (c) the invalidity or unenforceability of any obligation or liability of any party under the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto; (d) any invalidity or irregularity in the execution of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or relating thereto; (e) any lack of capacity or deficiency in the powers of the Chargor or any other person to enter into or perform any of its respective obligations under the Facility Agreement or any of the other Finance Documents to which it is party or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto or any irregularity in the exercise thereof or any lack of authority by any person purporting to act on behalf of the Chargor or such other person; (f) the insolvency, bankruptcy or liquidation or any incapacity, disability or limitation or any change in the constitution or status of the Chargor or any other person; (g) any other Finance Document, Security Interest, guarantee or other security or right or remedy being or becoming held by or available to the Security Trustee, any Finance Party or by any other person or by any of the same being or - 6 - |
[Charge Over Deposit Account] becoming wholly or partly void, voidable or unenforceable or impaired or by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party at any time releasing, refraining from enforcing, varying or in any other way dealing with any of the same or any power, right or remedy the Security Trustee and/or any Finance Party may now or hereafter have from or against the Chargor or any other person; (h) any waiver, exercise, omission to exercise, compromise, renewal or release of any rights against the Chargor or any other person or any compromise, arrangement or settlement with any of the same; or (i) any act, omission, event or circumstance which would or may but for this provision operate to prejudice, affect or discharge this Deed or the liability of the Chargor hereunder. 4.5 NO SUBROGATION (a) The Chargor shall not exercise any right of subrogation, contribution or any other rights of a surety or enforce any security or other right or claim against any other Security Party (whether in respect of its liability under this Deed or otherwise) or any other person who has guaranteed or given any security in respect of the Secured Obligations or claim in the insolvency or liquidation of any other Security Party or any such other person in competition with the Security Trustee and/or the Finance Parties. (b) If the Chargor receives any payment or benefit in breach of this Clause 4.5, it shall hold the same upon trust for the Security Trustee as a continuing security for the Secured Obligations. 5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES 5.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES The Chargor hereby represents and warrants to the Security Trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties that:- (a) STATUS: it is a company duly incorporated and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Bermuda and has full power, authority and legal right to own its property and assets and to carry on its business as such business is now being conducted; (b) POWER AND AUTHORITY: it has all legal power and authority to enter into this Deed and perform its obligations under this Deed and all actions (including any corporate action) required to authorise the execution and delivery of this Deed and the performance of its obligations under this Deed have been duly taken including the authorisation of the person or persons who have executed and delivered this Deed to act for and on its behalf thereby binding the Chargor to all the terms and conditions hereof; (c) LEGAL VALIDITY: this Deed constitutes or, when so executed and delivered, will - 7 - |
[Charge Over Deposit Account] constitute its legal, valid and binding obligations enforceable in accordance with its terms; (d) NON-CONFLICT WITH LAWS: the entry into and performance of this Deed and the transactions contemplated by this Deed do not and will not conflict with or result in (i) a breach of any law, judgment or regulation or any official or judicial order, or (ii) a breach of the constitutional documents of the Chargor, or (iii) any material breach of agreement or document to which the Chargor is a party or which is binding upon it or any of its assets or revenues with a monetary value greater than US$500,000, nor cause any limitation placed on it or the powers of its directors to be exceeded or result in the creation or imposition of any Security Interest on any part of the Collateral pursuant to the provisions of any such agreement or document; (e) NO CONSENTS: other than the Consents, no consent, authorisation, licence or approval of, or registration with or declaration to, any governmental or public bodies or authorities or courts in Bermuda or in any relevant jurisdiction is required for or in connection with the execution, delivery, validity, enforceability and admissibility in evidence in proceeding of this Deed, or the performance by the Chargor of any of its respective obligations under this Deed; (f) NO REGISTRATION: it is not necessary in order to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of this Deed that it or any other instrument be notarised, filed, recorded, registered or enrolled in any court or other authority or that any stamp, registration or similar tax or charge be paid on or in relation to this Deed and this Deed is in proper form for its enforcement in the courts of Bermuda and Hong Kong and all jurisdictions the subject of any legal opinion referred to in paragraph 4 of Schedule 3 of the Facility Agreement; (g) WINDING UP AND STRIKING OFF: it has not taken any corporate action or no other step has been taken or legal proceedings have been commenced or threatened against it for its winding-up, dissolution, administration or reorganisation or for the appointment of a receiver, administrator, trustee or similar officer of it or all or any of its assets or revenues, except as permitted by clause 17.1(g) (Winding-up) of the Facility Agreement; (h) TAXES ON PAYMENTS: all payments to be made by it under this Deed may be made by it free and clear of, and without deduction for, Taxes and no deductions or withholdings are required to be made therefrom save as specified in any legal opinion referred to in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of Schedule 3 to the Facility Agreement; and no Taxes are imposed on or by virtue of the execution or delivery by the Chargor of this Deed or any document to be executed or delivered under this Deed; (i) TAX LIABILITIES: it has complied with all Taxation laws in all material respects in all jurisdictions in which it is subject to Taxation and has paid all Taxes due and payable by it; no material claims are being asserted against it with respect to Taxes; - 8 - |
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(j) NO DEFAULT:
(i) no Default has occurred and is continuing;
(ii) it is not, or with the giving of notice or lapse of time or satisfaction of any other condition or any combination thereof, would not be in material breach of or in default under any agreement relating to Financial Indebtedness to which it is a party or by which it may be bound;
(k) NO IMMUNITY: it is generally subject to civil and commercial law and to legal proceedings and neither it or any of its assets or revenues are entitled to any immunity or privilege (sovereign or otherwise) from any set-off, judgment, execution, attachment or other legal process;
(l) COMPLIANCE, WITH CONSENTS AND LICENSES: every consent, authorisation, licence or approval required for the time being by it in connection with the conduct of its business and the ownership, use, exploitation or occupation of its property and assets has been applied for and not refused or has been obtained and is in full force and effect and there has been no material default in the observance of the conditions and restrictions (if any) imposed on, or in connection with, any of the same which may have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform its obligations under this Deed and, to the knowledge of its officers, no circumstances have arisen whereby any remedial action is likely to be required to be taken by it, or at its expense under or pursuant to any law or regulation applicable to its business, property or assets;
(m) SOLE AND BENEFICIAL OWNER: it is the sole, absolute legal and beneficial owner of the Collateral;
(n) SECURITY INTEREST: no Security Interest exists in any of its rights, title, interests or benefits in the Collateral (other than as created by this Deed);
(o) THIRD PARTY RIGHT: it has not sold or otherwise disposed of any of the Collateral or granted in favour of any other person any interest in or any option or other rights in respect of any of the Collateral.
5.2 CONTINUING REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTY
The Chargor represents and warrants to and undertakes with the Security Trustee that the foregoing representations and warranties in Clause 5.1(a) to (l) inclusive are deemed to be made by the Chargor on each Drawdown Date and on each Interest Payment Date with reference to the facts and circumstances then existing.
6. TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
6.1 TAX GROSS-UP
(a) All sums payable by the Chargor or any other person under this Deed shall be paid in full without any restriction or condition and free and clear of any Tax
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or other deductions or withholdings of any nature.
(b) If at any time the Chargor or any other person is required in any jurisdiction to make any deduction or withholding in respect of Taxes or otherwise from any payment due under this Deed for the account of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party (or if the Security Trustee is required to make any such deduction or withholding from a payment to other Finance Parties), the sum due from the Chargor in respect of such payment shall be increased to the extent necessary to ensure that, after the making of such deduction or withholding, the Security Trustee and each Finance Party receives on the due date for such payment (and retains, free from any liability in respect of such deduction or withholding) a net sum equal to the sum which it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been required to be made.
(c) The Chargor's obligations under Clause 6.1(a) and (b) shall not apply in respect of any Tax on Overall Net Income levied on the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party.
(d) All Taxes required by law to be deducted or withheld by the Chargor from any amounts paid or payable under this Deed shall be paid by the Chargor when due (except for such amounts being disputed by the Chargor in good faith) to the relevant tax authority.
6.2 TAX INDEMNITY
The Chargor shall indemnify the Security Trustee and each other Finance Party against any losses or costs incurred by any of them by reason of:
(a) any failure of the Chargor or any other person to make any such deduction or withholding referred to in Clause 6.1; or
(b) any increased payment referred to in Clause 6.1 not being made on the due date for such payment; or
(c) any Taxes which are being disputed by the Chargor and remaining unpaid; and
(d) any liability suffered (directly or indirectly) for or on account of Tax by that Finance Party in respect of any payment received or receivable or deemed to be received or receivable under this Deed.
6.3 EVIDENCE OF PROOF
The Chargor shall promptly deliver to the Security Trustee any receipts, certificates or other proof evidencing the amounts (if any) paid or payable in respect of any deduction or withholding as aforesaid. Any certificate or determination of the Security Trustee showing in reasonable details the calculations made by the Security Trustee as to any amount for the purposes of this Clause 6 shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Chargor.
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6.4 TAX CREDIT
If the Chargor makes a Tax Payment and the Security Trustee determines that:-
(a) a Tax Credit is attributable either to an increased payment of which that Tax Payment forms part, or to that Tax Payment; and
(b) it has obtained, utilised and retained that Tax Credit,
the Security Trustee shall, promptly after obtaining the benefit of that Tax Credit, pay an amount to the Chargor which will leave it (after that payment) in the same after-Tax position as it would have been in had the Tax Payment not been required to be made by the Chargor.
7 COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES
7.1 COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES
The Chargor shall from time to time forthwith on demand pay to or reimburse the Finance Parties and the Receiver (on the basis of a full indemnity) the amount of all costs, charges and expenses incurred by the Finance Parties or the Receiver in connection with:
(a) the investigation of title to or any inspection or valuation of the Collateral under or in connection with this Deed following an Event of Default, and the negotiation, preparation, registration, perfecting, amendment, modification or administration of this Deed (or any of the charges therein contained) or any other document relating thereto;
(b) the carrying out of any other act or matter which the Security Trustee or any Finance Party or the Receiver may reasonably consider to be necessary or required for the preservation of the Collateral; and
(c) all costs, charges and expenses (including legal and other fees on a full indemnity basis) properly incurred by the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party or Receiver in exercising any of its rights or powers hereunder or in suing for or seeking to recover any sums due hereunder or otherwise preserving or enforcing its rights hereunder or in defending any claims brought against it in respect of this Deed or in releasing or re-assigning this Deed upon payment of all moneys hereby secured,
unless in respect of a Finance Party, such costs, charges, and expenses are caused by the wilful misconduct or gross negligence of that Finance Party and until payment of the same in full, all such costs, charges and expenses shall be secured by this Deed.
7.2 STAMP DUTY
The Chargor shall pay all stamp, documentary, registration or other like duties or taxes (including any duties or taxes payable by the Security Trustee or any Finance
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Party) imposed on or in connection with this Deed and shall indemnify each of the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties against any liability arising by reason of any delay or omission by any Chargor to pay such duties or taxes.
8. UNDERTAKINGS
The Chargor hereby undertakes and agrees with the Security Trustee for the benefit of the other Finance Parties throughout the continuance of this Deed and so long as the Secured Obligations or any part thereof remains owing that, unless the Security Trustee otherwise agrees in writing, it will:-
(a) NO SECURITY INTEREST: not create or attempt or agree to create or permit to exist any Security Interest over all or any part of the Collateral or any interest therein unless contemporaneously therewith or prior thereto Indebtedness owing to the Finance Parties under this Deed is equally and rateably secured and no Security Interest purported to be created in breach of this restriction shall take priority over or rank pari passu with this Deed and with the intent of affording the Security Trustee further and better security the Chargor agrees and declares that the rule in Clayton's Case or any other rule of law or equity shall not apply so as to affect or diminish in any way the Security Trustee's rights under this Deed provided always that upon receipt by any Finance Party of notice (either actual or otherwise) of any subsequent Security Interest affecting the Collateral or upon the presentation of a petition or the passing of a resolution in relation to the winding up or equivalent action in any jurisdiction of the Chargor, any Finance Party may or the Security Trustee may instruct the Deposit Bank to open new or separate accounts in the name of the Chargor with that Finance Party and if that Finance Party has not in fact opened such new or separate accounts, it shall nevertheless be treated as if it has done so when the relevant event occurred and as from that time all payments made by the Chargor to any Finance Party shall (notwithstanding any legal or equitable rule or presumption to the contrary) be placed or deemed to have been placed to the credit of such new or separate accounts and shall not go in reduction of the amounts due by the Chargor to the Finance Parties at the time of such event notwithstanding that such payments had been paid into the existing accounts of the Chargor or were shown to be credited to the Chargor's existing accounts on the statements and the Finance Parties shall immediately after the time of such breach have an absolute right of appropriation of such payments;
(b) THIRD PARTY RIGHT: not grant in favour of any other person any interest in or any option or other rights in respect of any of the Collateral or agree or attempt to do any of the foregoing (except under or pursuant to this Deed);
(c) OWNERSHIP OF COLLATERAL: at all times remain the sole, absolute and legal and beneficial owner of the Collateral;
(d) COPIES OF NOTICES: upon request of the Security Trustee, give to the Security Trustee copies of all notices, requests and other documents sent or received with respect to the Deposit Accounts and/or Deposits;
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(e) INFORMATION: give to the Security Trustee such information regarding the Deposit Account and/or Deposits as the Security Trustee shall reasonably require;
(f) NO WITHDRAWAL OR DISPOSAL: not withdraw or agree or attempt or be entitled to withdraw or deal with all or any part of the Collateral or any of the monies in the Deposit Account except as permitted under or pursuant to this Deed and not to sell or agree to sell or assign, any part of the Collateral or attempt to do any of the foregoing;
(g) ENFORCEMENT: do or permit to be done every act or thing which the Security Trustee may from time to time reasonably require for the purpose of enforcing the rights of the Security Trustee hereunder and will allow its name to be used as and when required for that purpose;
(h) NO DEPRECIATION TO SECURITY: not do or cause or permit to be done anything which may in any way depreciate or otherwise prejudice the value of the Security Trustee's security hereunder; and
(i) DEPOSIT ACCOUNT: ensure that all moneys payable (whether now or in the future) pursuant to this Deed will be deposited into the Deposit Account in accordance with the terms hereof and the Chargor shall not withdraw and utilise the Deposit or any part thereof other than as permitted by this Deed and the Chargor will not close the Deposit Account or vary the terms of its agreement with the Deposit Bank or agree or attempt to do any of the same except as otherwise agreed in advance by the Security Trustee or otherwise in accordance with the provisions of the Facility Agreement.
9. ENFORCEMENT
9.1 EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The security created by this Deed shall become enforceable immediately upon the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing. For the purposes of this Clause, each of the following events and circumstances shall be an Event of Default:-
(a) any Event of Default under the Facility Agreement; or
(b) if the Chargor purports or attempts to create any Security Interest (except under or as permitted by this Deed) over all or any part of the Collateral or any third party asserts a claim in respect thereof.
9.2 ENFORCEMENT OF SECURITY
Upon the security created by this Deed becoming enforceable, the Security Trustee may at any time or times thereafter exercise without prior or further notice or restriction and whether or not it shall have appointed a Receiver, all the powers and discretions hereby conferred either expressly or by implication on a Receiver (and in relation to express powers and discretions as if any reference to the Receiver were a reference to the
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Security Trustee) and all other powers conferred upon mortgagees by law or otherwise and shall be entitled to withdraw, appropriate, transfer, set-off or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Deposit in the Charged Account in or towards the payment or discharge of the Secured Obligations in accordance with Clause 10, for this purpose, the Security Trustee may, at the expense of the Chargor, convert all or any part of such monies into other currencies. The above provisions apply notwithstanding any other terms upon which such monies may have been deposited or that any such monies may have been deposited for a fixed period or be subject to a period of notice and that the fixed period or period of notice may not have expired or that notice or sufficient notice may not have been given.
9.3 EXCLUSION OF LIMITATIONS
No restrictions imposed by any ordinance or other statutory provision in relation to the exercise of any power of sale or consolidation, including without limitation paragraph 11 of the Fourth Schedule to the Conveyancing and Property Ordinance (Chapter 219 of the laws of Hong Kong) shall apply to this Deed.
9.4 APPOINTMENT OF RECEIVER
At any time after the security hereby created has become enforceable, or if requested by the Chargor, the Security Trustee may in writing either under seal or under the hand of a duly authorised officer of the Security Trustee, appoint any person or persons to be a Receiver of the Collateral and may from time to time fix his or their remuneration and may remove any Receiver so appointed and appoint another in his place. Where more than one Receiver is so appointed any reference in this Deed to a Receiver shall apply to both or all of the Receivers so appointed and the appointment shall be deemed to be a joint and several appointment so that the rights, powers, duties and discretions vested in the Receiver may be exercised jointly by the Receivers so appointed or severally by each of them.
9.5 POWERS OF RECEIVER
The Receiver shall be the agent of the Chargor and the Chargor shall be solely responsible for the Receiver's acts or defaults and for the Receiver's remuneration and the Receiver shall, in addition to all powers conferred from time to time on mortgagees or receivers by law or otherwise (but without the restrictions imposed by law or any ordinance or other statutory provision in relation to the exercise of any power of sale or consolidation), have power (exercisable without further notice):-
(a) to take possession of, collect and get in and give receipts for the Collateral;
(b) to dispose of or deal with the Collateral in such manner, for such consideration and generally on such terms and subject to such conditions as the Receiver may think fit with full power to convey or otherwise transfer the Collateral in the name of the Chargor or other legal or registered owner;
(c) to institute, prosecute and defend any proceedings in the name of the Chargor or otherwise as may deem expedient;
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(d) to redeem any Security Interest (whether or not having priority to the security constituted by this Deed) and make any arrangement, settlement or compromise or enter into any contracts which the Receiver shall think expedient in the interests of the Security Trustee;
(e) for the purpose of exercising any of the powers, authorities and discretions conferred on him by or pursuant to this Deed and of defraying any costs, charges, losses or expenses (including his remuneration) which shall be incurred by him in the exercise thereof or for any other purpose in connection herewith, to raise and borrow money either unsecured or on the security of the Collateral either in priority to this Deed or otherwise and generally on such terms and conditions as he may think fit provided that:-
(i) no Receiver shall exercise such power without first obtaining the written consent of the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties shall incur no liability to the Chargor or any other person by reason of its giving or refusing such consent whether absolutely or subject to any limitation or condition; and
(ii) no person lending such money shall be concerned to enquire as to the existence of such consent or the terms thereof or as to the propriety or purpose of the exercise of such power or to see to the application of any money so raised or borrowed;
(f) to appoint managers, agents, officers, solicitors, accountants or other professional or non-professional advisers, agents or employees for any of the aforesaid purposes at such salaries or for such remuneration and for such periods as the Receiver may determine and to delegate to any person any of the powers hereby conferred on the Receiver;
(g) in the exercise of any of the above powers to expend such sums as the Receiver may think fit and the Chargor shall forthwith on demand repay to the Receiver all sums so expended together with interest thereon at such rates as the Security Trustee may from time to time determine from the time of the same having been paid or incurred and until such repayment such sums together with such interest shall be secured by this Deed;
(h) to do all such other acts and things as may be considered by the Receiver to be incidental or conducive to any of the matters or powers aforesaid or otherwise incidental or conducive to the exercise of any of the rights conferred on the Receiver under any Finance Document to which the Chargor is a party or under legislation or common law or to the realisation of the security created by this Deed and which the Receiver may lawfully do and to use the name of the Chargor for all the purposes aforesaid.
9.6 RECEIVER TO CONFORM TO SECURITY TRUSTEE'S DIRECTIONS
The Receiver shall in the exercise of the Receiver's powers, authorities and discretions conform to the directions and regulations from time to time given or made by the Security Trustee.
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9.7 POWERS TO BE GIVEN WIDE CONSTRUCTION
The powers of the Security Trustee and the Receiver hereunder shall be construed in the widest possible sense to the intent that the Security Trustee and the Receiver shall be afforded as wide and flexible a range of powers as possible.
9.8 NO LIABILITY TO ACCOUNT AS MORTGAGEE IN POSSESSION
Nothing that shall be done by or on behalf of the Security Trustee or any Receiver shall render the Security Trustee or any Receiver or any of the other Finance Parties liable to account as a mortgagee in possession for any sums other than actual receipts.
9.9 EVIDENCE OF DEBT
Any statement of account signed as correct by the Security Trustee showing any amount due under the Facility Agreement or under this Deed or under any other Finance Document shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive evidence of the amount so due. 9.10 SALE OF COLLATERAL Each of the Security Trustee and the Receiver shall be entitled to exercise such power of sale in such manner and at such time or times and for such consideration (whether payable immediately or by instalments) as it shall in its absolute discretion think fit (whether by private sale or otherwise) and so that the Collateral (or any relevant part thereof) may be sold (i) subject to any conditions which the Security Trustee or the Receiver may think fit to impose and (ii) to any person (including, without limitation, any person connected with the Chargor or the Security Trustee). 9.11 PURCHASER NOT BOUND TO ENQUIRE Each of the Security Trustee and the Receiver is authorised to give a good discharge for any monies received by it pursuant to the exercise of its power of sale and no purchaser or other person shall be bound to enquire whether the power of sale has arisen as herein provided nor be concerned with the manner of application of the proceeds of sale. 9.12 NO LIABILITY FOR LOSSES The Chargor shall not have any claim against the Security Trustee or the Receiver in respect of any loss arising out of the exercise by the Security Trustee or the Receiver of their respective powers hereunder including without limitation out of any such sale or any postponement thereof howsoever caused and whether or not a better price could or might have been obtained upon the sale of the Collateral or any part thereof by deferring or advancing the date of such sale or otherwise howsoever, except and to the extent that loss is caused by the Security Trustee's or the Receiver's fraud, negligence or wilful misconduct. - 16 - |
[Charge Over Deposit Account] 10. APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS All monies received by the Security Trustee or the Receiver hereunder shall be applied in or towards satisfaction of the Secured Obligations (subject to the prior discharge of all liabilities having priority thereto by law) in the following order of priority:- (a) in payment or satisfaction of all costs, charges, expenses and liabilities properly incurred and payments made by or on behalf of the Security Trustee or the Receiver in connection with the exercise of any powers hereunder and in preserving or attempting to preserve this security or the Collateral and of all outgoings in respect of the Collateral paid by the Security Trustee or the Receiver pursuant to this Deed; (b) in payment to the Receiver of all remuneration as may be agreed between it and the Security Trustee to be paid to him at, or at any time after, its appointment; (c) in or towards reduction of the remaining Secured Obligations in such manner as is provided in the Facility Agreement; and (d) the surplus (if any) to the Chargor. 11. INDEMNITY 11.1 GENERAL INDEMNITY The Chargor hereby undertakes with the Security Trustee to indemnify and keep indemnified the Security Trustee, the other Finance Parties and each of them (each an "INDEMNITEE") from and against all costs, charges and expenses which the Security Trustee or such other Finance Parties shall properly incur in connection with the exercise of any powers conferred by this Deed or the perfection, preservation or enforcement of the security created by this Deed (unless and to the extent that any of the foregoing results directly from the fraud, gross negligence or wilful misconduct of that indemnitee). 11.2 CURRENCY INDEMNITY (a) If an amount due to the Security Trustee or any other Finance Parties from the Chargor under this Deed (a "SUM"), or any order, judgment or award given or made in relation to a sum, has to be converted from the currency (the "FIRST CURRENCY") in which that sum is payable into another currency (the "SECOND CURRENCY") for the purpose of: (i) making or filing a claim or proof against the Chargor; (ii) obtaining or enforcing an order, judgment or award in relation to any litigation or arbitration proceedings, the Chargor shall, as an independent obligation to the Security Trustee or such other Finance Parties, indemnify the Security Trustee or such other Finance - 17 - |
[Charge Over Deposit Account] Parties to whom that sum is due against any cost, loss or liability arising out of or as a result of the conversion including any discrepancy between (A) the rate of exchange used to convert that sum from the first currency into the second currency and (B) the rate or rates of exchange available to that person at the time of its receipt of that sum. (b) The Chargor waives any right it may have in any jurisdiction to pay any amount under the Facility Agreement and or/any other Finance Document in a currency or currency unit other than that in which it is expressed to be payable. 11.3 PAYMENT AND SECURITY The Security Trustee or any other Finance Parties may retain and pay out of any money in the hands of the Security Trustee or such Finance Party all sums necessary to effect the indemnity contained in this Clause and all sums payable by any Chargor under this Clause shall form part of the monies hereby secured. 12. SUSPENSE ACCOUNT The Security Trustee may, notwithstanding, Clause 10 (Application of Proceeds), place and keep any monies received under this Deed, before or after the insolvency of the Chargor, to the credit of a suspense account in order to preserve the rights of the Finance Parties to sue or prove for the whole amount in respect of claims against the Chargor or any other person. 13. SET OFF 13.1 Without prejudice to any right of set-off, combination of accounts, lien or other rights which the Security Trustee or the Receiver is at any time entitled whether by operation of law or contract or otherwise, the Security Trustee and the Receiver may (but shall not be obliged to) set off against any obligation of the Chargor due and payable by it hereunder without prior notice any moneys held by the Security Trustee or such Receiver for the account of the Chargor at any office of the Security Trustee or such Receiver anywhere and in any currency. The Security Trustee or such Receiver may effect such currency exchanges as are appropriate to implement such set-off. 13.2 If the obligations are in different currencies, the Security Trustee or such Receiver may convert either obligation at a market rate of exchange in its usual course of business for the purpose of the set-off. 14. POWER OF ATTORNEY 14.1 POWER OF ATTORNEY The Chargor irrevocably appoints the Security Trustee, the Receiver and any persons deriving title under either of them by way of security jointly and severally to be its attorney (with full power of substitution) and in its name or otherwise on its behalf and - 18 - |
[Charge Over Deposit Account] as its act and deed to sign, seal, execute, deliver, perfect and do all deeds, instruments, acts and things which may be required or which the Security Trustee or the Receiver shall think proper or reasonably expedient for carrying out any obligations imposed on the Chargor hereunder or for exercising, following the security constituted by this Deed becoming enforceable, any of the powers conferred by this Deed or in connection with any sale or disposition of the Collateral or the exercise of any rights in respect thereof or for giving to the Security Trustee and the Receiver the full benefit of this security and so that this appointment shall operate to authorise the Security Trustee and the Receiver to do on behalf of the Chargor anything it can lawfully do by an attorney. The Chargor ratifies and confirms and agrees to ratify and confirm any deed, instrument, act or thing which such attorney or substitute may execute or do in exercising its powers under this Clause. 14.2 DELEGATION The Security Trustee and/or the Receiver may delegate to any person all or any of the rights or powers conferred on it by this Deed or by law. Any such delegation may be made upon such terms and conditions (including power to sub-delegate) as the Security Trustee or the Receiver thinks fit. 15. FURTHER ASSURANCE The Chargor agrees that at any time and from time to time upon the written request of the Security Trustee it will promptly and duly execute and deliver any and all such further instruments and documents as the Security Trustee may reasonably require for the purpose of obtaining the full benefit of this Deed and of the rights and powers herein granted. 16. NOTICES 16.1 NOTICES Any notice or communication under or in connection with this Deed shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or by prepaid letter (airmail if available) or facsimile transmission to the addresses or facsimile numbers set out below or at such other address or facsimile number as the recipient may have notified to the other parties in writing. Proof of posting or despatch of any notice or communication to any party hereto shall be deemed to be proof of receipt:- (a) in the case of a letter, on the fifth Business Day after posting if airmail or second Business Day if local mail; (b) in the case of a facsimile transmission, on the Business Day immediately following the date of despatch with confirmed facsimile report. All communications or other correspondence between the Chargor and any of the Finance Parties in connection with this Deed shall be made through the Security Trustee. - 19 - |
[Charge Over Deposit Account] 16.2 ADDRESSES Notices or communications shall be sent to the following addresses:- To the Chargor:- Name Asia Netcom Corporation Limited Address 46/F Cheung Kong Center 2 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2121 2929 Attention Gregory Freiberg/Wenlong Sun With a copy to: Asia Netcom Singapore Pte Limited 2 Shenton Way #11-01 SGX Centre 1 Singapore 068804 Fax (65) 6233 6390 Attention Oliver Ao |
To the Security Trustee:-
Name Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited Address 10/F, ICBC Asia Building 122-126 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2851 9361 Attention Ms. Esther Cheng/ Ms. Amy Wong 16.3 LANGUAGE Each notice or document referred to in this Deed or to be delivered under this Deed shall be in the English language. 17. WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS 17.1 WAIVERS No failure or delay on the part of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party to exercise any power, right or remedy under this Deed shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party of any power, right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power, right or remedy. - 20 - |
[Charge Over Deposit Account] 17.2 AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS (a) Any amendment of any provision of this Deed shall only be effective if made in accordance with the provisions of this Deed and if all parties hereto so agree in writing and any waiver of any breach or default under this Deed shall only be effective if the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Lenders or the Majority Lenders (as the case may be), agrees in writing. Any consent by the Security Trustee under this Deed must be made in writing. (b) Any such waiver or consent may be given subject to any conditions thought fit by the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Lenders or the Majority Lenders, as the case may be, and shall be effective only in the instance and for the purpose for which it is given. 17.3 REMEDIES The remedies provided in this Deed are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies provided by law. 17.4 SEVERABILITY If any provision of this Deed is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction such prohibition or unenforceability shall not invalidate the remaining provisions hereof or affect the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. 17.5 ASSIGNMENT The Security Trustee may assign its rights under this Deed in accordance with the provisions of the Facility Agreement. The Chargor shall not assign any of its respective rights hereunder. 17.6 COUNTERPARTS This Deed may be executed in any number of counterparts including by facsimile and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Deed by signing any such counterpart. 17.6 It is intended that this document takes effect as a deed notwithstanding the fact that a party may only execute this document under hand. 18. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION 18.1 GOVERNING LAW This Deed shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong. - 21 - |
[Charge Over Deposit Account] 18.2 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION For the benefit of the Security Trustee, the Chargor irrevocably agrees that the courts of Hong Kong are to have jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with this Deed and that, accordingly, any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Deed ("PROCEEDINGS") may be brought in those courts and the Chargor irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of those courts. 18.3 OTHER JURISDICTIONS Nothing in this Clause 17 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) shall limit the right of the Security Trustee to take Proceedings against the Chargor in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the taking of Proceedings in one or more jurisdictions preclude the Security Trustee from taking Proceedings in any other jurisdiction, whether concurrently or not. 18.4 WAIVER OF INCONVENIENT FORUM The Chargor irrevocably waives any objection which it may at any time have to the laying of the venue of any Proceedings in any court referred to in this Clause 18 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) and any claim that any such Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum. 18.5 PROCESS AGENT The Chargor hereby irrevocably appoints Asia Netcom Asia Pacific Commercial Limited of 46th Floor, Cheung Kong Centre, 2 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong to receive, for it and on its behalf, service of process in any Proceedings in Hong Kong. Such service shall be deemed completed on delivery to the process agent whether or not it is forwarded to and received by the Chargor). If for any reason the process agent ceases to be able to act as such or not longer has an address in Hong Kong, the Chargor irrevocably agrees to appoint a substitute process agent acceptable to the Security Trustee, and to deliver to the Security Trustee a copy of the new process agent's acceptance of that appointment, within 30 days. 18.6 SERVICE The Chargor irrevocably consents to any process in any Proceedings anywhere being served by mailing a copy by post in accordance with Clause 15 (Notices). Nothing shall affect the right to serve any process in any other manner permitted by law. 18.7 WAIVER OF IMMUNITIES To the extent that the Chargor has or hereafter may acquire any immunity (sovereign or otherwise) from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from jurisdiction of any court of from set-off or any legal process (whether service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) with respect to itself or any of its property, the Chargor hereby irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim such immunity in respect of its obligations under this Deed. - 22 - |
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IN WITNESS whereof this Deed has been executed by the parties hereto and is intended to be and is hereby delivered by the Chargor as its deed on the day and year first above written.
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SCHEDULE
FORM OF NOTICE AND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF DEPOSIT ACCOUNT
[Date]
To: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
Dear Sirs,
ACCOUNT NO.[-] (THE "DEPOSIT ACCOUNT")
We hereby give you notice that by a charge over account dated [ ], 2004 (the "CHARGE", which expression shall include all subsequent amendments and supplements thereto), we have assigned and charged to Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as security trustee for the Finance Parties (as defined therein) (the "SECURITY TRUSTEE") the Deposit Account including all monies which may be at any time be standing to the credit of the Deposit Account and all other Collateral (as defined in the Charge) and all our right, title, interest and benefit therein and thereto upon the terms and conditions of the Charge.
Following an event of default as notified by the Security Trustee, we hereby authorise and instruct you from time to time, upon receipt of such instructions from the Security Trustee:-
1. to pay to the Security Trustee, or as it may direct, any or all monies standing to the credit of the Deposit Account in accordance with such instructions; and
2. to disclose to the Security Trustee any information relating to the Collateral as the Security Trustee may request.
Following such notice, all rights, powers and discretions of the Chargor in relation to the Collateral shall be exercisable solely by the Security Trustee and the instructions and authorisations contained in this letter shall remain in full force and effect unless and until the Security Trustee gives you notice in writing to the contrary.
You hereby agree not to claim or exercise any Security Interest in, set-off, counterclaim or other rights in respect of any of the Collateral.
This letter shall be governed by the laws of Hong Kong.
Please acknowledge your receipt of this notice and confirm that you will pay all monies as directed by or pursuant to this notice and will comply other provisions of this notice of charge by signing as indicated.
Yours faithfully,
For and on behalf of
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
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For and on behalf of
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
(AS SECURITY TRUSTEE)
We acknowledge receipt of the above notice and agree to comply with the terms of the above notice. We confirm that we have not received any other notice of charge or assignment or other Security Interest or notice that any other person claims any rights in respect of any of the Collateral.
Dated ______________
For and on behalf of
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
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EXECUTION PAGE
THE CHARGOR
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED ) in the presence of:- ) THE SECURITY TRUSTEE SIGNED by ) ) for and on behalf of ) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK ) OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED ) in the presence of:- ) |
EXHIBIT 10.47
Execution Copy
Dated 27 July 2004
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
(as Chargor)
and
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
(as Security Trustee)
CHARGE OVER ACCOUNTS
RICHARDS BUTLER
HONG KONG
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CLAUSE NO. CLAUSE HEADING PAGE NO. --------- -------------- ------- 1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION......................................................................... 1 2. COVENANT TO PAY...................................................................................... 3 3. CHARGE............................................................................................... 3 4. CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY.................................................................. 5 5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES....................................................................... 5 6. TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS........................................................................... 8 7 COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES.......................................................................... 9 8. UNDERTAKINGS......................................................................................... 10 9. ENFORCEMENT.......................................................................................... 11 10. APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS.............................................................................. 15 11. INDEMNITY............................................................................................ 15 12. SUSPENSE ACCOUNT..................................................................................... 16 13. SET OFF.............................................................................................. 16 14. POWER OF ATTORNEY.................................................................................... 17 15. FURTHER ASSURANCE.................................................................................... 17 16. NOTICES.............................................................................................. 17 17. WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS......................................................................................... 19 18. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION....................................................................... 20 SCHEDULE - FORM OF NOTICE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF CHARGED ACCOUNTS............................................ 22 EXECUTION PAGE............................................................................................... 24 |
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THIS DEED OF CHARGE OVER ACCOUNTS is made on 27 July 2004
BETWEEN:-
(1) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda whose registered office is situate at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, HM11 Bermuda (the "CHARGOR"); and
(2) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong acting through its head office at ICBC Asia Building, 122-126 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong acting on its own behalf and as security trustee and trustee for and on behalf of the Finance Parties (the "SECURITY TRUSTEE").
WHEREAS:-
(A) By a facility agreement signed on 2nd December, 2003 (but held undated in
escrow) as released from escrow and amended and restated by the
Supplemental Amendment and Restatement Deed (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT"),
entered into between (1) the Chargor, as borrower; (2) the banks and
financial institutions named therein as lenders (the "LENDERS"); (3)
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as arranger; and
(4) the Security Trustee as facility agent, the Finance Parties have
agreed, upon and subject to the terms of the Facility Agreement, to make
available to the Chargor a term loan facility of up to US$150,000,000 (the
"FACILITY") for the purposes more particularly specified therein.
(B) The Security Trustee is acting as facility agent for the Finance Parties pursuant to the Facility Agreement and as security agent and trustee for the Finance Parties pursuant to this Deed and other Finance Documents.
(C) It is a condition precedent to the availability of the Facility under the Facility Agreement that the Chargor shall have executed and delivered this Deed to the Security Trustee creating fixed and floating charges over its assets and undertakings.
NOW THIS DEED WITNESSES as follows:-
1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
1.1 TERMS DEFINED
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires, terms used shall have the meanings defined in the Facility Agreement and:-
"COLLATERAL" means all the right, title, interest and benefit of the Chargor present and future in and to the Charged Accounts.
"CHARGED ACCOUNTS" means collectively the Prepayment Escrow Account, the Insurance Proceeds Escrow Account, the Disposition Proceeds Escrow Account and the
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Requisition Proceeds Escrow Account.
"DEPOSIT BANK" means Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited.
"DISPOSITION PROCEEDS ESCROW ACCOUNT" means the US$ denominated interest bearing account of the Chargor with the Deposit Bank designated "ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED - DISPOSITION PROCEEDS" including any sub accounts thereof and all sums now or hereafter deposited in any such accounts and all additions to or renewals or replacements thereof (in whatever currency) and all interest or other sums which may accrue from time to time thereon.
"INSURANCE PROCEEDS ESCROW ACCOUNT" means the US$ denominated interest bearing account of the Chargor with the Deposit Bank designated "ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED - INSURANCE PROCEEDS" including any sub accounts thereof and all sums now or hereafter deposited in any such accounts and all additions to or renewals or replacements thereof (in whatever currency) and all interest or other sums which may accrue from time to time thereon.
"PREPAYMENT ESCROW ACCOUNT" means the US$ denominated interest bearing account of the Chargor with the Deposit Bank designated "ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED - PREPAYMENT ESCROW" including any sub accounts thereof and all sums now or hereafter deposited in any such accounts and all additions to or renewals or replacements thereof (in whatever currency) and all interest or other sums which may accrue from time to time thereon.
"RECEIVER" means any receiver, manager, provisional supervisor or other similar officer appointed by the Security Trustee in respect of the security hereby granted.
"REQUISITION PROCEEDS ESCROW ACCOUNT" means the US$ denominated interest bearing account of the Chargor with the Deposit Bank designated "ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED - REQUISITION PROCEEDS" including any sub accounts thereof and all sums now or hereafter deposited in any such accounts and all additions to or renewals or replacements thereof (in whatever currency) and all interest or other sums which may accrue from time to time thereon.
"SECURED OBLIGATIONS" means any and all moneys, liabilities and obligations (whether actual or contingent, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether or not for the payment of money, and including, without limitation, any obligation or liability to pay damages) which are or may become payable by the Chargor or any other member of the Borrower Group or any other Security Party which is a member of the CNC HK Group to the Finance Parties or any of them under or pursuant to the Facility Agreement and/or any other Finance Documents and/or all other obligations hereby secured.
1.2 TRUST
All rights, benefits, interests, powers and discretions granted to or conferred on the Security Trustee pursuant to this Deed shall be held by the Security Trustee on trust for the benefit of itself as Security Trustee and each Finance Parties from time to time. The Security Trustee may do all acts within its powers to administer and manage the trust constituted by this Clause including any full or partial release by deed of the rights,
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benefits and interest conferred by Clause 3 or the release of all or any part of the Collateral from this Deed. The trust constituted by this Clause shall come into existence on the date of this Deed and shall last for so long as any of the Secured Obligations remain outstanding provided that for the purposes of the rule against perpetuities, the perpetuity period applicable to the trust constituted under this Clause and any dispositions made or to be made pursuant to this Deed and this trust, is hereby specified as a period of eighty (80) years less one (1) day from the date of this Deed.
1.3 CLAUSE HEADINGS
Clause headings and the table of contents are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall be ignored in the interpretation of this Deed.
1.4 CONSTRUCTION
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires:-
(a) Clause 1.3 of the Facility Agreement shall be deemed incorporated in this Deed mutatis mutandis as if set out separately in this Deed; and
(b) references to the "CHARGOR", the "SECURITY TRUSTEE" or any "FINANCE PARTIES" include, where the context permits, include their respective successors and transferees and permitted assigns in accordance with their respective interests.
2. COVENANT TO PAY
The Chargor hereby covenants that it will on demand pay and discharge the Secured Obligations when due for payment or discharge in accordance with the Finance Documents.
3. CHARGE
3.1 CHARGE
In consideration of the Finance Parties agreeing to make the Facility available to the Chargor upon the terms and conditions of the Facility Agreement and as a continuing security for the due and punctual payment and discharge of the Secured Obligations, the Chargor as sole beneficial owner hereby irrevocably by way of first fixed charge, charges to the Security Trustee as trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties, the Collateral.
3.2 PERFORMANCE AND INDEMNITY
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Chargor shall remain liable to perform all the obligations to be performed by it in respect of the Collateral and shall discharge fully its obligations thereunder as they become due and neither the Security Trustee nor any of the other Finance Parties shall have any obligation of any kind whatsoever thereunder or be under any liabilities whatsoever in the event of any failure to perform their
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obligations thereunder and the Chargor hereby indemnifies and agrees to keep indemnified the Security Trustee, and the other Finance Parties and each of them from and against any such liability.
3.3 WITHDRAWAL BY SECURITY TRUSTEE
The Chargor hereby undertakes to comply with the provisions of the Facility Agreement in particular of in respect of Mandatory Prepayments and irrevocably appoints and authorises the Security Trustee on its behalf to, and where appropriate, to instruct the Facility Agent to, withdraw all amounts required from the Insurances Proceeds Prepayment Account, the Requisition Proceeds Prepayment Account and/or the Disposition Proceeds Prepayment Account, as the case may be, and transfer such amounts to the Prepayment Escrow Account and subsequently to withdraw any amounts required by the Facility Agent for the purposes of enabling the Chargor to make a Mandatory Prepayment in accordance with Clause 7.5 of the Facility Agreement.
3.4 RELEASE AND TRANSFER
(a) The Security Trustee shall, at the request and cost of the Chargor and in such form as the Security Trustee shall reasonably approve, release and transfer to the Chargor the Collateral upon the full performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations to the reasonable satisfaction of the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties.
(b) Notwithstanding any discharge, release or settlement from time to time between the Security Trustee and/or any other Finance Party and the Chargor, if any security, disposition or payment granted or made to the Security Trustee and/or any other Finance Party in respect of the Secured Obligations by the Chargor or any other person is avoided or set aside or ordered to be surrendered, paid away, refunded or reduced by virtue of any provision, law or enactment relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, winding-up, composition or arrangement for the time being in force or for any other reason, the Security Trustee shall be entitled thereafter to enforce this Deed as if no such discharge, release or settlement had occurred.
3.5 NOTICE OF CHARGE
The Chargor shall forthwith upon execution of this Deed deliver a notice of charge to the Deposit Bank, in the form set out in the Schedule and shall, as soon as possible thereafter, procure that an acknowledgement of notice is duly received by the Security Trustee.
3.6 REGISTRATION
The Chargor hereby authorises the Security Trustee forthwith upon execution of this Deed to procure the delivery to the Companies Registry in Bermuda and the Companies Registry in Hong Kong or other competent authority in the place of incorporation of the Chargor of the particulars of this Deed.
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4. CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY
4.1 CONTINUING SECURITY
This Deed and the security hereby created shall remain in full force and effect by way of a continuing security notwithstanding the insolvency or liquidation or any incapacity or change in the constitution or status of the Chargor or any other person and in particular but without limitation shall not be, nor be considered as, satisfied by any intermediate discharge or payment on account of any liabilities or any settlement of accounts between the Chargor and the Security Trustee and/or any other Finance Party.
4.2 ADDITIONAL SECURITY
This Deed and the security hereby created shall be in addition to and not in substitution for or derogation of any other Security Interest, guarantee or other security (whether given by the Chargor or otherwise) now or from time to time hereafter held by the Security Trustee and/or any other Finance Party in respect of or in connection with the Secured Obligations.
4.3 UNRESTRICTED ENFORCEMENT
The Security Trustee need not before exercising any of the rights, powers or remedies conferred upon it by this Deed or by law (i) take action or obtain judgment in any court against the Chargor, any other person, (ii) make or file any claim or prove in a winding-up or liquidation of the Chargor or of any other person or (iii) enforce or seek to enforce the recovery of the monies and liabilities hereby secured by any other security or other rights and may be enforced for any balance due after resorting to any one or more other means of obtaining payment or discharge of the monies, obligations and liabilities hereby secured.
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
5.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The Chargor hereby represents and warrants to the Security Trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties that:-
(a) STATUS: it is a company duly incorporated and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Bermuda and has full power, authority and legal right to own its property and assets and to carry on its business as such business is now being conducted;
(b) POWER AND AUTHORITY: it has all legal power and authority to enter into this Deed and perform its obligations under this Deed and all actions (including any corporate action) required to authorise the execution and delivery of this Deed and the performance of its obligations under this Deed have been duly taken including the authorisation of the person or persons who have executed and delivered this Deed to act for and on its behalf thereby binding the Chargor to all the terms and conditions hereof;
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(c) LEGAL VALIDITY: this Deed constitutes or, when so executed and delivered, will constitute its legal, valid and binding obligations enforceable in accordance with its terms;
(d) NON-CONFLICT WITH LAWS: the entry into and performance of this Deed and the transactions contemplated by this Deed do not and will not conflict with or result in (i) a breach of any law, judgment or regulation or any official or judicial order, or (ii) a breach of the constitutional documents of the Chargor, or (iii) any material breach of agreement or document to which the Chargor is a party or which is binding upon it or any of its assets or revenues with a monetary value greater than US$500,000, nor cause any limitation placed on it or the powers of its directors to be exceeded or result in the creation or imposition of any Security Interest on any part of the Collateral pursuant to the provisions of any such agreement or document;
(e) NO CONSENTS: other than the Consents, no consent, authorisation, licence or approval of, or registration with or declaration to, any governmental or public bodies or authorities or courts in Bermuda or in any relevant jurisdiction is required for or in connection with the execution, delivery, validity, enforceability and admissibility in evidence in proceeding of this Deed, or the performance by the Chargor of any of its respective obligations under this Deed;
(f) NO REGISTRATION: it is not necessary in order to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of this Deed that it or any other instrument be notarised, filed, recorded, registered or enrolled in any court or other authority or that any stamp, registration or similar tax or charge be paid on or in relation to this Deed and this Deed is in proper form for its enforcement in the courts of Bermuda and Hong Kong and all jurisdictions the subject of any legal opinion referred to in paragraph 4 of Schedule 3 of the Facility Agreement;
(g) WINDING UP AND STRIKING OFF: it has not taken any corporate action or no other step has been taken or legal proceedings have been commenced or threatened against it for its winding-up, dissolution, administration or reorganisation or for the appointment of a receiver, administrator, trustee or similar officer of it or all or any of its assets or revenues, except as permitted by clause 17.1(g) (Winding-up) of the Facility Agreement;
(h) TAXES ON PAYMENTS: all payments to be made by it under this Deed may be made by it free and clear of, and without deduction for, Taxes and no deductions or withholdings are required to be made therefrom save as specified in any legal opinion referred to in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of Schedule 3 to the Facility Agreement; and no Taxes are imposed on or by virtue of the execution or delivery by the Chargor of this Deed or any document to be executed or delivered under this Deed;
(i) TAX LIABILITIES: it has complied with all Taxation laws in all material respects in all jurisdictions in which it is subject to Taxation and has paid all Taxes due and payable by it; no material claims are being asserted against it with respect to
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Taxes;
(j) NO DEFAULT:
(i) no Default has occurred and is continuing;
(ii) it is not, or with the giving of notice or lapse of time or satisfaction of any other condition or any combination thereof, would not be in material breach of or in default under any agreement relating to Financial Indebtedness to which it is a party or by which it may be bound;
(k) NO IMMUNITY: it is generally subject to civil and commercial law and to legal proceedings and neither it or any of its assets or revenues are entitled to any immunity or privilege (sovereign or otherwise) from any set-off, judgment, execution, attachment or other legal process;
(l) COMPLIANCE, WITH CONSENTS AND LICENSES: every consent, authorisation, licence or approval required for the time being by it in connection with the conduct of its business and the ownership, use, exploitation or occupation of its property and assets has been applied for and not refused or has been obtained and is in full force and effect and there has been no material default in the observance of the conditions and restrictions (if any) imposed on, or in connection with, any of the same which may have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform its obligations under this Deed and, to the knowledge of its officers, no circumstances have arisen whereby any remedial action is likely to be required to be taken by it, or at its expense under or pursuant to any law or regulation applicable to its business, property or assets;
(m) SOLE AND BENEFICIAL OWNER: it is the sole, absolute legal and beneficial owner of the Collateral;
(n) SECURITY INTEREST: no Security Interest exists in any of its rights, title, interests or benefits in the Collateral (other than as created by this Deed);
(o) THIRD PARTY RIGHT: it has not sold or otherwise disposed of any of the Collateral or granted in favour of any other person any interest in or any option or other rights in respect of any of the Collateral;
5.2 CONTINUING REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTY
The Chargor represents and warrants to and undertakes with the Security Trustee that the foregoing representations and warranties in Clause 5.1(a) to (l) inclusive are deemed to be made by the Chargor on each Drawdown Date and on each Interest Payment Date with reference to the facts and circumstances then existing.
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6. TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
6.1 TAX GROSS-UP
(a) All sums payable by the Chargor or any other person under this Deed shall be paid in full without any restriction or condition and free and clear of any Tax or other deductions or withholdings of any nature.
(b) If at any time the Chargor or any other person is required in any jurisdiction to make any deduction or withholding in respect of Taxes or otherwise from any payment due under this Deed for the account of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party (or if the Security Trustee is required to make any such deduction or withholding from a payment to other Finance Parties), the sum due from the Chargor in respect of such payment shall be increased to the extent necessary to ensure that, after the making of such deduction or withholding, the Security Trustee and each Finance Party receives on the due date for such payment (and retains, free from any liability in respect of such deduction or withholding) a net sum equal to the sum which it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been required to be made.
(c) The Chargor's obligations under Clause 6.1(a) and (b) shall not apply in respect of any Tax on Overall Net Income levied on the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party.
(d) All Taxes required by law to be deducted or withheld by the Chargor from any amounts paid or payable under this Deed shall be paid by the Chargor when due (except for such amounts being disputed by the Chargor in good faith) to the relevant tax authority.
6.2 TAX INDEMNITY
The Chargor shall indemnify the Security Trustee and each other Finance Party against any losses or costs incurred by any of them by reason of:
(a) any failure of the Chargor or any other person to make any such deduction or withholding referred to in Clause 6.1; or
(b) any increased payment referred to in Clause 6.1 not being made on the due date for such payment; or
(c) any Taxes which are being disputed by the Chargor and remaining unpaid; and
(d) any liability suffered (directly or indirectly) for or on account of Tax by that Finance Party in respect of any payment received or receivable or deemed to be received or receivable under this Deed.
6.3 EVIDENCE OF PROOF
The Chargor shall promptly deliver to the Security Trustee any receipts, certificates or other proof evidencing the amounts (if any) paid or payable in respect of any
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deduction or withholding as aforesaid. Any certificate or determination of the Security Trustee showing in reasonable details the calculations made by the Security Trustee as to any amount for the purposes of this Clause 6 shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Chargor.
6.4 TAX CREDIT
If the Chargor makes a Tax Payment and the Security Trustee determines that:-
(a) a Tax Credit is attributable either to an increased payment of which that Tax Payment forms part, or to that Tax Payment; and
(b) it has obtained, utilised and retained that Tax Credit,
the Security Trustee shall, promptly after obtaining the benefit of that Tax Credit, pay an amount to the Chargor which will leave it (after that payment) in the same after-Tax position as it would have been in had the Tax Payment not been required to be made by the Chargor.
7 COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES
7.1 COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES
The Chargor shall from time to time forthwith on demand pay to or reimburse the Finance Parties and the Receiver (on the basis of a full indemnity) the amount of all costs, charges and expenses incurred by the Finance Parties or the Receiver in connection with:
(a) the investigation of title to or any inspection or valuation of the Collateral under or in connection with this Deed following an Event of Default, and the negotiation, preparation, registration, perfecting, amendment, modification or administration of this Deed (or any of the charges therein contained) or any other document relating thereto;
(b) the carrying out of any other act or matter which the Security Trustee or any Finance Party or the Receiver may reasonably consider to be necessary or required for the preservation of the Collateral; and
(c) all costs, charges and expenses (including legal and other fees on a full indemnity basis) properly incurred by the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party or Receiver in exercising any of its rights or powers hereunder or in suing for or seeking to recover any sums due hereunder or otherwise preserving or enforcing its rights hereunder or in defending any claims brought against it in respect of this Deed or in releasing or re-assigning this Deed upon payment of all moneys hereby secured,
unless in respect of a Finance Party, such costs, charges, and expenses are caused by the wilful misconduct or gross negligence of that Finance Party and until payment of the same in full, all such costs, charges and expenses shall be secured by this Deed.
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7.2 STAMP DUTY
The Chargor shall pay all stamp, documentary, registration or other like duties or taxes (including any duties or taxes payable by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party) imposed on or in connection with this Deed and shall indemnify each of the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties against any liability arising by reason of any delay or omission by any Chargor to pay such duties or taxes.
8. UNDERTAKINGS
The Chargor hereby undertakes and agrees with the Security Trustee for the benefit of the other Finance Parties throughout the continuance of this Deed and so long as the Secured Obligations or any part thereof remains owing that, unless the Security Trustee otherwise agrees in writing, it will:-
(a) NO SECURITY INTEREST: not create or attempt or agree to create or permit to exist any Security Interest over all or any part of the Collateral or any interest therein unless contemporaneously therewith or prior thereto Indebtedness owing to the Finance Parties under this Deed is equally and rateably secured and no Security Interest purported to be created in breach of this restriction shall take priority over or rank pari passu with this Deed and with the intent of affording the Security Trustee further and better security the Chargor agrees and declares that the rule in Clayton's Case or any other rule of law or equity shall not apply so as to affect or diminish in any way the Security Trustee's rights under this Deed provided always that upon receipt by any Finance Party of notice (either actual or otherwise) of any subsequent Security Interest affecting the Collateral or upon the presentation of a petition or the passing of a resolution in relation to the winding up or equivalent action in any jurisdiction of the Chargor, any Finance Party may or the Security Trustee may instruct the Deposit Bank to open new or separate accounts in the name of the Chargor with that Finance Party and if that Finance Party has not in fact opened such new or separate accounts, it shall nevertheless be treated as if it has done so when the relevant event occurred and as from that time all payments made by the Chargor to any Finance Party shall (notwithstanding any legal or equitable rule or presumption to the contrary) be placed or deemed to have been placed to the credit of such new or separate accounts and shall not go in reduction of the amounts due by the Chargor to the Finance Parties at the time of such event notwithstanding that such payments had been paid into the existing accounts of the Chargor or were shown to be credited to the Chargor's existing accounts on the statements and the Finance Parties shall immediately after the time of such breach have an absolute right of appropriation of such payments;
(b) THIRD PARTY RIGHT: not grant in favour of any other person any interest in or any option or other rights in respect of any of the Collateral or agree or attempt to do any of the foregoing (except under or pursuant to this Deed);
(c) OWNERSHIP OF COLLATERAL: at all times remain the sole, absolute and legal and beneficial owner of the Collateral;
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(d) COPIES OF NOTICES: upon request of the Security Trustee, give to the Security Trustee copies of all notices, requests and other documents sent or received with respect to the Deposit Accounts and/or Deposits;
(e) INFORMATION: give to the Security Trustee such information regarding the Deposit Account and/or Deposits as the Security Trustee shall reasonably require;
(f) NO WITHDRAWAL OR DISPOSAL: not withdraw or agree or attempt or be entitled to withdraw or deal with all or any part of the Collateral or any of the monies in the Deposit Account except as permitted under or pursuant to this Deed or Clause 7.5 of the Facility Agreement and not to sell or agree to sell or assign, any part of the Collateral or attempt to do any of the foregoing;
(g) ENFORCEMENT: do or permit to be done every act or thing which the Security Trustee may from time to time reasonably require for the purpose of enforcing the rights of the Security Trustee hereunder and will allow its name to be used as and when required for that purpose;
(h) NO DEPRECIATION TO SECURITY: not do or cause or permit to be done anything which may in any way depreciate or otherwise prejudice the value of the Security Trustee's security hereunder; and
(i) DEPOSIT ACCOUNT: ensure that all moneys payable (whether now or in the future) pursuant to this Deed will be deposited into the Deposit Account in accordance with the terms hereof and the Chargor shall not withdraw and utilise the Deposit or any part thereof other than as permitted by this Deed and the Chargor will not close the Deposit Account or vary the terms of its agreement with the Deposit Bank or agree or attempt to do any of the same except as otherwise agreed in advance by the Security Trustee or otherwise in accordance with the provisions of the Facility Agreement.
9. ENFORCEMENT
9.1 EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The security created by this Deed shall become enforceable immediately upon the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing. For the purposes of this Clause, each of the following events and circumstances shall be an Event of Default:-
(a) any Event of Default under the Facility Agreement; or
(b) if the Chargor purports or attempts to create any Security Interest (except under or as permitted by this Deed) over all or any part of the Collateral or any third party asserts a claim in respect thereof.
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9.2 ENFORCEMENT OF SECURITY
Upon the security created by this Deed becoming enforceable, the Security Trustee may at any time or times thereafter exercise without prior or further notice or restriction and whether or not it shall have appointed a Receiver, all the powers and discretions hereby conferred either expressly or by implication on a Receiver (and in relation to express powers and discretions as if any reference to the Receiver were a reference to the Security Trustee) and all other powers conferred upon mortgagees by law or otherwise and shall be entitled to withdraw, appropriate, transfer, set-off or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Deposit in the Charged Account in or towards the payment or discharge of the Secured Obligations in accordance with Clause 10, for this purpose, the Security Trustee may, at the expense of the Chargor, convert all or any part of such monies into other currencies. The above provisions apply notwithstanding any other terms upon which such monies may have been deposited or that any such monies may have been deposited for a fixed period or be subject to a period of notice and that the fixed period or period of notice may not have expired or that notice or sufficient notice may not have been given.
9.3 EXCLUSION OF LIMITATIONS
No restrictions imposed by any ordinance or other statutory provision in relation to the exercise of any power of sale or consolidation, including without limitation paragraph 11 of the Fourth Schedule to the Conveyancing and Property Ordinance (Chapter 219 of the laws of Hong Kong) shall apply to this Deed.
9.4 APPOINTMENT OF RECEIVER
At any time after the security hereby created has become enforceable, or if requested by the Chargor, the Security Trustee may in writing either under seal or under the hand of a duly authorised officer of the Security Trustee, appoint any person or persons to be a Receiver of the Collateral and may from time to time fix his or their remuneration and may remove any Receiver so appointed and appoint another in his place. Where more than one Receiver is so appointed any reference in this Deed to a Receiver shall apply to both or all of the Receivers so appointed and the appointment shall be deemed to be a joint and several appointment so that the rights, powers, duties and discretions vested in the Receiver may be exercised jointly by the Receivers so appointed or severally by each of them.
9.5 POWERS OF RECEIVER
The Receiver shall be the agent of the Chargor and the Chargor shall be solely responsible for the Receiver's acts or defaults and for the Receiver's remuneration and the Receiver shall, in addition to all powers conferred from time to time on mortgagees or receivers by law or otherwise (but without the restrictions imposed by law or any ordinance or other statutory provision in relation to the exercise of any power of sale or consolidation), have power (exercisable without further notice):-
(a) to take possession of, collect and get in and give receipts for the Collateral;
(b) to dispose of or deal with the Collateral in such manner, for such consideration
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and generally on such terms and subject to such conditions as the Receiver may think fit with full power to convey or otherwise transfer the Collateral in the name of the Chargor or other legal or registered owner;
(c) to institute, prosecute and defend any proceedings in the name of the Chargor or otherwise as may deem expedient;
(d) to redeem any Security Interest (whether or not having priority to the security constituted by this Deed) and make any arrangement, settlement or compromise or enter into any contracts which the Receiver shall think expedient in the interests of the Security Trustee;
(e) for the purpose of exercising any of the powers, authorities and discretions conferred on him by or pursuant to this Deed and of defraying any costs, charges, losses or expenses (including his remuneration) which shall be incurred by him in the exercise thereof or for any other purpose in connection herewith, to raise and borrow money either unsecured or on the security of the Collateral either in priority to this Deed or otherwise and generally on such terms and conditions as he may think fit provided that:-
(i) no Receiver shall exercise such power without first obtaining the written consent of the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties shall incur no liability to the Chargor or any other person by reason of its giving or refusing such consent whether absolutely or subject to any limitation or condition; and
(ii) no person lending such money shall be concerned to enquire as to the existence of such consent or the terms thereof or as to the propriety or purpose of the exercise of such power or to see to the application of any money so raised or borrowed;
(f) to appoint managers, agents, officers, solicitors, accountants or other professional or non-professional advisers, agents or employees for any of the aforesaid purposes at such salaries or for such remuneration and for such periods as the Receiver may determine and to delegate to any person any of the powers hereby conferred on the Receiver;
(g) in the exercise of any of the above powers to expend such sums as the Receiver may think fit and the Chargor shall forthwith on demand repay to the Receiver all sums so expended together with interest thereon at such rates as the Security Trustee may from time to time determine from the time of the same having been paid or incurred and until such repayment such sums together with such interest shall be secured by this Deed;
(h) to do all such other acts and things as may be considered by the Receiver to be incidental or conducive to any of the matters or powers aforesaid or otherwise incidental or conducive to the exercise of any of the rights conferred on the Receiver under any Finance Document to which the Chargor is a party or under legislation or common law or to the realisation of the security created by this Deed and which the Receiver may lawfully do and to use the name of the
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Chargor for all the purposes aforesaid.
9.6 RECEIVER TO CONFORM TO SECURITY TRUSTEE'S DIRECTIONS
The Receiver shall in the exercise of the Receiver's powers, authorities and discretions conform to the directions and regulations from time to time given or made by the Security Trustee.
9.7 POWERS TO BE GIVEN WIDE CONSTRUCTION
The powers of the Security Trustee and the Receiver hereunder shall be construed in the widest possible sense to the intent that the Security Trustee and the Receiver shall be afforded as wide and flexible a range of powers as possible.
9.8 NO LIABILITY TO ACCOUNT AS MORTGAGEE IN POSSESSION
Nothing that shall be done by or on behalf of the Security Trustee or any Receiver shall render the Security Trustee or any Receiver or any of the other Finance Parties liable to account as a mortgagee in possession for any sums other than actual receipts.
9.9 EVIDENCE OF DEBT
Any statement of account signed as correct by the Security Trustee showing any amount due under the Facility Agreement or under this Deed or under any other Finance Document shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive evidence of the amount so due. 9.10 SALE OF COLLATERAL Each of the Security Trustee and the Receiver shall be entitled to exercise such power of sale in such manner and at such time or times and for such consideration (whether payable immediately or by instalments) as it shall in its absolute discretion think fit (whether by private sale or otherwise) and so that the Collateral (or any relevant part thereof) may be sold (i) subject to any conditions which the Security Trustee or the Receiver may think fit to impose and (ii) to any person (including, without limitation, any person connected with the Chargor or the Security Trustee). 9.11 PURCHASER NOT BOUND TO ENQUIRE Each of the Security Trustee and the Receiver is authorised to give a good discharge for any monies received by it pursuant to the exercise of its power of sale and no purchaser or other person shall be bound to enquire whether the power of sale has arisen as herein provided nor be concerned with the manner of application of the proceeds of sale. 9.12 NO LIABILITY FOR LOSSES The Chargor shall not have any claim against the Security Trustee or the Receiver in respect of any loss arising out of the exercise by the Security Trustee or the Receiver of their respective powers hereunder including without limitation out of any such sale or - 14 - |
[Charge Over Deposit Account] any postponement thereof howsoever caused and whether or not a better price could or might have been obtained upon the sale of the Collateral or any part thereof by deferring or advancing the date of such sale or otherwise howsoever, except and to the extent that loss is caused by the Security Trustee's or the Receiver's fraud, negligence or wilful misconduct. 10. APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS All monies received by the Security Trustee or the Receiver hereunder shall be applied in or towards satisfaction of the Secured Obligations subject to the prior discharge of all liabilities having priority thereto by law in the following order of priority:- (a) in payment or satisfaction of all costs, charges, expenses and liabilities properly incurred and payments made by or on behalf of the Security Trustee or the Receiver in connection with the exercise of any powers hereunder and in preserving or attempting to preserve this security or the Collateral and of all outgoings in respect of the Collateral paid by the Security Trustee or the Receiver pursuant to this Deed; (b) in payment to the Receiver of all remuneration as may be agreed between it and the Security Trustee to be paid to him at, or at any time after, its appointment; (c) in or towards reduction of the remaining Secured Obligations in such manner as is provided in the Facility Agreement. (d) the surplus (if any) to the Chargor. 11. INDEMNITY 11.1 GENERAL INDEMNITY The Chargor hereby undertakes with the Security Trustee to indemnify and keep indemnified the Security Trustee, the other Finance Parties and each of them (each an "INDEMNITEE") from and against all costs, charges and expenses which the Security Trustee or such other Finance Parties shall properly incur in connection with the exercise of any powers conferred by this Deed or the perfection, preservation or enforcement of the security created by this Deed (unless and to the extent that any of the foregoing results directly from the fraud, gross negligence or wilful misconduct of that indemnitee). 11.2 CURRENCY INDEMNITY (a) If an amount due to the Security Trustee or any other Finance Parties from the Chargor under this Deed (a "SUM"), or any order, judgment or award given or made in relation to a sum, has to be converted from the currency (the "FIRST CURRENCY") in which that sum is payable into another currency (the "SECOND CURRENCY") for the purpose of: - 15 - |
[Charge Over Deposit Account] (i) making or filing a claim or proof against the Chargor; (ii) obtaining or enforcing an order, judgment or award in relation to any litigation or arbitration proceedings, the Chargor shall, as an independent obligation to the Security Trustee or such other Finance Parties, indemnify the Security Trustee or such other Finance Parties to whom that sum is due against any cost, loss or liability arising out of or as a result of the conversion including any discrepancy between (A) the rate of exchange used to convert that sum from the first currency into the second currency and (B) the rate or rates of exchange available to that person at the time of its receipt of that sum. (b) The Chargor waives any right it may have in any jurisdiction to pay any amount under the Facility Agreement and or/any other Finance Document in a currency or currency unit other than that in which it is expressed to be payable. 11.3 PAYMENT AND SECURITY The Security Trustee or any other Finance Parties may retain and pay out of any money in the hands of the Security Trustee or such Finance Party all sums necessary to effect the indemnity contained in this Clause and all sums payable by any Chargor under this Clause shall form part of the monies hereby secured. 12. SUSPENSE ACCOUNT The Security Trustee may, notwithstanding, Clause 10 (Application of Proceeds), place and keep any monies received under this Deed, before or after the insolvency of the Chargor, to the credit of a suspense account in order to preserve the rights of the Finance Parties to sue or prove for the whole amount in respect of claims against the Chargor or any other person. 13. SET OFF 13.1 Without prejudice to any right of set-off, combination of accounts, lien or other rights which the Security Trustee or the Receiver is at any time entitled whether by operation of law or contract or otherwise, the Security Trustee and the Receiver may (but shall not be obliged to) set off against any obligation of the Chargor due and payable by it hereunder without prior notice any moneys held by the Security Trustee or such Receiver for the account of the Chargor at any office of the Security Trustee or such Receiver anywhere and in any currency. The Security Trustee or such Receiver may effect such currency exchanges as are appropriate to implement such set-off. 13.2 If the obligations are in different currencies, the Security Trustee or such Receiver may convert either obligation at a market rate of exchange in its usual course of business for the purpose of the set-off. - 16 - |
[Charge Over Deposit Account] 14. POWER OF ATTORNEY 14.1 POWER OF ATTORNEY The Chargor irrevocably appoints the Security Trustee, the Receiver and any persons deriving title under either of them by way of security jointly and severally to be its attorney (with full power of substitution) and in its name or otherwise on its behalf and as its act and deed to sign, seal, execute, deliver, perfect and do all deeds, instruments, acts and things which may be required or which the Security Trustee or the Receiver shall think proper or reasonably expedient for carrying out any obligations imposed on the Chargor hereunder or for exercising, following the security constituted by this Deed becoming enforceable, any of the powers conferred by this Deed or in connection with any sale or disposition of the Collateral or the exercise of any rights in respect thereof or for giving to the Security Trustee and the Receiver the full benefit of this security and so that this appointment shall operate to authorise the Security Trustee and the Receiver to do on behalf of the Chargor anything it can lawfully do by an attorney. The Chargor ratifies and confirms and agrees to ratify and confirm any deed, instrument, act or thing which such attorney or substitute may execute or do in exercising its powers under this Clause. 14.2 DELEGATION The Security Trustee and/or the Receiver may delegate to any person all or any of the rights or powers conferred on it by this Deed or by law. Any such delegation may be made upon such terms and conditions (including power to sub-delegate) as the Security Trustee or the Receiver thinks fit. 15. FURTHER ASSURANCE The Chargor agrees that at any time and from time to time upon the written request of the Security Trustee it will promptly and duly execute and deliver any and all such further instruments and documents as the Security Trustee may reasonably require for the purpose of obtaining the full benefit of this Deed and of the rights and powers herein granted. 16. NOTICES 16.1 NOTICES Any notice or communication under or in connection with this Deed shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or by prepaid letter (airmail if available) or facsimile transmission to the addresses or facsimile numbers set out below or at such other address or facsimile number as the recipient may have notified to the other parties in writing. Proof of posting or despatch of any notice or communication to any party hereto shall be deemed to be proof of receipt:- (a) in the case of a letter, on the fifth Business Day after posting if airmail or second Business Day if local mail; - 17 - |
[Charge Over Deposit Account] (b) in the case of a facsimile transmission, on the Business Day immediately following the date of despatch with confirmed facsimile report. All communications or other correspondence between the Chargor and any of the Finance Parties in connection with this Deed shall be made through the Security Trustee. 16.2 ADDRESSES Notices or communications shall be sent to the following addresses:- To the Chargor:- Name Asia Netcom Corporation Limited Address 46/F Cheung Kong Center 2 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2121 2929 |
Attention Gregory Freiberg/Wenlong Sun
With a copy to: Asia Netcom Singapore Pte Limited
2 Shenton Way #11-01
SGX Centre 1
Singapore 068804
Fax (65) 6233 6390
Attention Oliver Ao
To the Security Trustee:-
Name Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited Address 10/F, ICBC Asia Building 122-126 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2851 9361 Attention Ms. Esther Cheng/ Ms. Amy Wong 16.3 LANGUAGE Each notice or document referred to in this Deed or to be delivered under this Deed shall be in the English language. - 18 - |
[Charge Over Deposit Account] 17. WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS 17.1 WAIVERS No failure or delay on the part of the Security Trustee or any Finance Party to exercise any power, right or remedy under this Deed shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party of any power, right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power, right or remedy. 17.2 AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS (a) Any amendment of any provision of this Deed shall only be effective if made in accordance with the provisions of this Deed and if all parties hereto so agree in writing and any waiver of any breach or default under this Deed shall only be effective if the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Lenders or the Majority Lenders (as the case may be), agrees in writing. Any consent by the Security Trustee under this Deed must be made in writing. (b) Any such waiver or consent may be given subject to any conditions thought fit by the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Lenders or the Majority Lenders, as the case may be, and shall be effective only in the instance and for the purpose for which it is given. 17.3 REMEDIES The remedies provided in this Deed are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies provided by law. 17.4 SEVERABILITY If any provision of this Deed is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction such prohibition or unenforceability shall not invalidate the remaining provisions hereof or affect the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. 17.5 ASSIGNMENT The Security Trustee may assign its rights under this Deed in accordance with the provisions of the Facility Agreement. The Chargor shall not assign any of its respective rights hereunder. 17.6 COUNTERPARTS This Deed may be executed in any number of counterparts including by facsimile and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Deed by signing any such counterpart. 17.7 It is intended that this document takes effect as a deed notwithstanding the fact that a party may only execute this document under hand. - 19 - |
[Charge Over Deposit Account] 18. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION 18.1 GOVERNING LAW This Deed shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong. 18.2 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION For the benefit of the Security Trustee, the Chargor irrevocably agrees that the courts of Hong Kong are to have jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with this Deed and that, accordingly, any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Deed ("PROCEEDINGS") may be brought in those courts and the Chargor irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of those courts. 18.3 OTHER JURISDICTIONS Nothing in this Clause 17 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) shall limit the right of the Security Trustee to take Proceedings against the Chargor in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the taking of Proceedings in one or more jurisdictions preclude the Security Trustee from taking Proceedings in any other jurisdiction, whether concurrently or not. 18.4 WAIVER OF INCONVENIENT FORUM The Chargor irrevocably waives any objection which it may at any time have to the laying of the venue of any Proceedings in any court referred to in this Clause 18 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) and any claim that any such Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum. 18.5 PROCESS AGENT The Chargor hereby irrevocably appoints Asia Netcom Asia Pacific Commercial Limited of 46th Floor, Cheung Kong Centre, 2 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong to receive, for it and on its behalf, service of process in any Proceedings in Hong Kong. Such service shall be deemed completed on delivery to the process agent whether or not it is forwarded to and received by the Chargor). If for any reason the process agent ceases to be able to act as such or not longer has an address in Hong Kong, the Chargor irrevocably agrees to appoint a substitute process agent acceptable to the Security Trustee, and to deliver to the Security Trustee a copy of the new process agent's acceptance of that appointment, within 30 days. 18.6 SERVICE The Chargor irrevocably consents to any process in any Proceedings anywhere being served by mailing a copy by post in accordance with Clause 15 (Notices). Nothing shall affect the right to serve any process in any other manner permitted by law. - 20 - |
[Charge Over Deposit Account] 18.7 WAIVER OF IMMUNITIES To the extent that the Chargor has or hereafter may acquire any immunity (sovereign or otherwise) from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from jurisdiction of any court of from set-off or any legal process (whether service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) with respect to itself or any of its property, the Chargor hereby irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim such immunity in respect of its obligations under this Deed. |
IN WITNESS whereof this Deed has been executed by the parties hereto and is intended to be and is hereby delivered by the Chargor as its deed on the day and year first above written.
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SCHEDULE
FORM OF NOTICE AND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF CHARGED ACCOUNTS
[Date]
To: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
Dear Sirs,
US$ ACCOUNT DESIGNATED "ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED - DISPOSITION PROCEEDS" US$ ACCOUNT DESIGNATED "ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED - INSURANCE PROCEEDS" US$ ACCOUNT DESIGNATED "ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED - PREPAYMENT ESCROW" US$ ACCOUNT DESIGNATED "ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED - REQUISITION PROCEEDS" |
EACH IN THE NAME OF ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED HELD AND MAINTAINED WITH
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
(TOGETHER THE "CHARGED ACCOUNTS")
We hereby give you notice that by a charge over accounts dated [ ], 2004 (the "CHARGE", which expression shall include all subsequent amendments and supplements thereto), we have assigned and charged to Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as security trustee for the Finance Parties (as defined therein) (the "SECURITY TRUSTEE") the Charged Accounts including all monies which may be at any time be standing to the credit of the Charged Accounts and all other Collateral (as defined in the Charge) and all our right, title, interest and benefit therein and thereto upon the terms and conditions of the Charge.
Following an event of default as notified by the Security Trustee, we hereby authorise and instruct you from time to time, upon receipt of such instructions from the Security Trustee:-
1. to pay to the Security Trustee, or as it may direct, any or all monies standing to the credit of any of the Charged Accounts in accordance with such instructions; and
2. to disclose to the Security Trustee any information relating to the Collateral as the Security Trustee may request.
Following such notice, all rights, powers and discretions of the Chargor in relation to the Collateral shall be exercisable solely by the Security Trustee and the instructions and authorisations contained in this letter shall remain in full force and effect unless and until the Security Trustee gives you notice in writing to the contrary.
You hereby agree not to claim or exercise any Security Interest in, set-off, counterclaim or other rights in respect of any of the Collateral.
This letter shall be governed by the laws of Hong Kong.
Please acknowledge your receipt of this notice and confirm that you will pay all monies as directed by or pursuant to this notice and will comply other provisions of this notice of charge by signing as indicated.
[Charge Over Deposit Account]
Yours faithfully,
For and on behalf of
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
For and on behalf of
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
(AS SECURITY TRUSTEE)
We acknowledge receipt of the above notice and agree to comply with the terms of the above notice. We confirm that we have not received any other notice of charge or assignment or other Security Interest or notice that any other person claims any rights in respect of any of the Collateral.
Dated _________
For and on behalf of
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
[Charge Over Deposit Account]
EXECUTION PAGE
THE CHARGOR
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED ) in the presence of:- ) THE SECURITY TRUSTEE SIGNED by ) ) for and on behalf of ) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK ) OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED ) in the presence of:- ) |
EXHIBIT 10.48
Execution Copy
Dated 27 July 2004
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
(as Mortgagor)
in favour of
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
(as Security Trustee)
DEED OF MORTGAGE OF SHARES
in Asia Netcom Corporation Limited
RICHARDS BUTLER
HONG KONG
[Mortgage of Shares]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CLAUSE NO. CLAUSE HEADING PAGE NO. ---------- -------------- -------- 1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION.......................................................................... 1 2. COVENANT TO PAY....................................................................................... 3 3. MORTGAGE AND ASSIGNMENT............................................................................... 3 4. CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY................................................................... 6 5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES........................................................................ 8 6. TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS............................................................................ 11 7. COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES........................................................................... 12 8. UNDERTAKINGS.......................................................................................... 13 9. ENFORCEMENT........................................................................................... 14 10. DIVIDENDS AND VOTING RIGHTS........................................................................... 16 11. APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS............................................................................... 17 12. INDEMNITY............................................................................................. 17 13. SUSPENSE ACCOUNT...................................................................................... 18 14. SET-OFF............................................................................................... 18 15. POWER OF ATTORNEY..................................................................................... 19 16. FURTHER ASSURANCE..................................................................................... 19 17. NOTICES............................................................................................... 20 18. WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS................. 21 19. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION........................................................................ 22 SCHEDULE 1 - PARTICULARS OF THE SHARES............................................................................ 24 SCHEDULE 2 - FORM OF INSTRUMENT OF TRANSFER....................................................................... 25 SCHEDULE 3 - FORM OF LETTER OF RESIGNATION........................................................................ 26 SCHEDULE 4 - FORM OF WRITTEN RESOLUTION........................................................................... 27 SCHEDULE 5 - FORM OF AUTHORISATION FROM DIRECTORS/SECRETARY....................................................... 28 SCHEDULE 6 - FORM OF LETTER OF UNDERTAKING........................................................................ 29 SCHEDULE 7 - FORM OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NOMINEE................................................................... 30 EXECUTION PAGE ................................................................................................... 31 |
[Mortgage of Shares]
THIS DEED OF MORTGAGE OF SHARES is made on 27 July 2004
BETWEEN:-
(1) CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, a company incorporated
under the laws of Bermuda, and whose registered office is situate at
Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM11, Bermuda (the
"MORTGAGOR"); and
(2) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong through its head office at ICBC Asia Building, 122-126 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong acting on its own behalf and as facility agent and trustee for and on behalf of the Finance Parties (the "SECURITY TRUSTEE").
WHEREAS:-
(A) By a facility agreement signed on 2 December, 2003 (but held undated in escrow), as released from escrow and amended and restated by the Supplemental Amendment and Restatement Deed (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT") entered into by (1) Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, as borrower (the "BORROWER"); (2) the banks and financial institutions named therein as lenders (the "LENDERS"); (3) Industrial Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as arranger; and (4) the Security Trustee as facility agent, the Lenders have agreed, upon and subject to the terms of the Facility Agreement, to make available to the Borrower a term loan facility of up to US$150,000,000 (the "FACILITY") for the purposes more particularly specified therein.
(B) The Security Trustee is acting as facility agent for the Finance Parties pursuant to the Facility Agreement and as security trustee for the Finance Parties pursuant to this Deed and the other Finance Documents.
(C) It is a condition precedent to the availability of the Facility that the Mortgagor shall have executed and delivered this Deed to the Security Trustee.
NOW THIS DEED WITNESSES as follows:-
1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
1.1 TERMS DEFINED
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires, terms used or defined in the Facility Agreement shall have the same meaning or construction and:-
"COLLATERAL" means the assets of the Mortgagor from time to time subject, or expressed to be subject to the Security Interest constituted or expressed to be constituted by this Deed or any part of those assets and includes:-
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(i) the Shares;
(ii) all stocks, shares or other securities, rights, monies or other assets (the "RELATED ASSETS") accruing, offered or issued at any time by way of bonus, redemption, exchange, purchase, substitution, conversion, preference, option or otherwise in respect of the Shares or the above mentioned Related Assets;
(iii) all Dividends;
(iv) allotments, offers and rights accruing or offered in respect of any Shares or the above mentioned Related Assets; and
(v) other rights and assets attaching to or deriving from or exercisable by virtue of any right title or interest in or to any Shares or the above mentioned Related Assets.
"DELEGATE" means a delegate or sub-delegate appointed under Clause 15.2.
"DIVIDENDS" means all dividends, interest and other sums received or receivable by any person in its capacity as shareholder of the Borrower and includes:
(i) the right to receive any and all such sums and all claims in respect of any default in paying such sums; and
(ii) all forms of remittance of such sums.
"NOMINEE" means in respect of any Share held by a person as nominee or on trust for the Mortgagor and who is described as "REGISTERED SHAREHOLDER IN SCHEDULE 1".
"RECEIVER" means any receiver, manager, receiver and manager or other similar officer appointed by the Security Trustee in respect of the security hereby granted.
"SECURED OBLIGATIONS" means any and all moneys, liabilities and obligations (whether actual or contingent, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether or not for the payment of money, and including, without limitation, any obligation or liability to pay damages) which are or may become due owing, or incurred by the Borrower or any other Security Party which is a member of the CNC HK Group to any Finance Party under or in connection with any Finance Document and/or all other obligations hereby secured.
"SECURITY PERIOD" means the period from the date of this Deed up to the date upon which all the Secured Obligations have been performed and discharged in full to the satisfaction of the Security Trustee.
"SHARES" means in respect of the Mortgagor:
(a) all present and future shares in the Borrower, including the shares issued and outstanding at the date of this Deed as described in Schedule 1 (including any shares held by Nominee for and on behalf of the Mortgagor);
(b) all warrants, options or other rights to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire those shares; and
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(c) all rights relating to any of those shares which are deposited with, or registered in the name of, any depositary, custodian, nominee or other similar person (including rights against any such person).
1.2 TRUST
All rights, benefits, interests, powers and discretions granted to or conferred on the Security Trustee pursuant to this Deed shall be held by the Security Trustee on trust for the benefit of itself as Security Trustee and each other Finance Party from time to time. The Security Trustee may do all acts within its powers to administer and manage the trust constituted by this Clause including any full or partial release by deed of the rights, benefits and interests conferred by Clause 3.1 (Mortgage) or the release of all or any part of the Collateral from this Deed. The trust constituted by this Clause shall come into existence on the date of this Deed and shall last for so long as any of the Secured Obligations remain outstanding provided that for the purposes of the rule against perpetuities, the perpetuity period applicable to the trust and any dispositions made or to be made pursuant to this Deed and this trust, is hereby specified as a period of eighty (80) years less one (1) day from the date of this Deed.
1.3 CLAUSE HEADINGS
Clause headings and the table of contents are for ease of reference only and shall be ignored in the interpretation of this Deed.
1.4 CONSTRUCTION
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires:-
(a) Clause 1.3 of the Facility Agreement shall be deemed incorporated in this Deed mutatis mutandis as if set out separately in this Deed; and
(b) references to the "MORTGAGOR", the "BORROWER", the "SECURITY TRUSTEE", any "FINANCE PARTY" or any "LENDER" include, where the context permits, their respective successors and permitted transferees and permitted assigns in accordance with their respective interests.
2. COVENANT TO PAY
The Mortgagor hereby covenants that it will on demand pay to the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties, the Secured Obligations when the same become due for payment or discharge in accordance with the Finance Documents.
3. MORTGAGE AND ASSIGNMENT
3.1 MORTGAGE
In consideration of the Lenders agreeing to make the Facility available to the Borrower upon the terms and conditions of the Facility Agreement and as a continuing security for
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the due and punctual performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations, the Mortgagor as sole legal and beneficial owner of the Shares not held by a Nominee and as beneficial owner of the Shares held by a Nominee hereby:
(a) mortgages and charges by way of first fixed charge to the Security Trustee (as trustee for the Finance Parties) all its rights, title and interest, present and future, in and to, the Collateral; and
(b) assigns, and agrees to assign absolutely to the Security Trustee (as trustee for the Finance Parties) all its rights (including those rights it may have against a Nominee), present and future, relating to any of the Shares, including:
(i) its rights relating to or against any depositary, nominee or similar person with whom any of the Shares may be deposited to the extent of those Shares;
(ii) rights that it may have against any person to require delivery to it of any of the Shares;
(iii) rights (contractually or otherwise) to give instructions relating to the Shares; and
(iv) all claims for damages and rights to receive moneys due or to become due for any reason whatsoever in respect of any of the Shares,
including those rights it may have against a Nominee or Delegate.
3.2 DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS
The Mortgagor shall forthwith upon execution of this Deed deliver or procure to be delivered (as the case may be) to the Security Trustee each of the following documents:-
(i) all original share certificates or such other documents evidencing title in respect of the Shares;
(ii) instruments of transfer in the form of Schedule 2 duly executed by the Mortgagor and/or its Nominee (as the case may be) in respect of the Shares with the name(s) of the transferee(s), date and consideration left blank;
(iii) undated letters of resignation in the form of Schedule 3 duly executed by each of the directors and the secretary of the Borrower as at the date of this Deed;
(iv) signed but undated resolutions of the directors of the Borrower approving the resignation of the directors and the secretary referred to in sub-paragraph (iii) above in the form set out in Schedule 4;
(v) letter of authority to date the letters of resignation and board
resolutions respectively referred to in sub-paragraphs (iii) and
(iv) above in the form set out in Schedule 5 signed by all the
directors and the secretary of the Borrower;
(vi) letter of undertaking not to appoint any additional or substitute directors in the
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form set out in Schedule 6 signed by all the directors of the Borrower; and
(vii) letter of acknowledgement in the form set out in Schedule 7 from the Nominees acknowledging the Security Interests constituted by this Deed and agreeing to act in accordance with the instructions of the Security Trustee.
3.3 PERFORMANCE AND INDEMNITY
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Mortgagor shall remain liable to perform all the obligations to be performed by it in respect of the Collateral and shall discharge fully its obligations thereunder as they become due and neither the Security Trustee nor any other Finance Party shall have any obligation of any kind whatsoever thereunder or be under any liabilities whatsoever in the event of any failure to perform its obligations thereunder and the Mortgagor hereby indemnifies and agrees to keep indemnified the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties and each of them from and against any such liability.
3.4 RELEASE AND TRANSFER
(a) The Security Trustee shall, upon the full performance and discharge of the Secured Obligations to the satisfaction of the Security Trustee and the Finance Parties, at the request and cost of the Mortgagor and in such form and with such conditions as the Security Trustee shall reasonably require, release and transfer and reassign (as appropriate) to the Mortgagor the Collateral.
(b) Notwithstanding any discharge, release or settlement from time to time between the Security Trustee and the Mortgagor, if any security, disposition or payment granted or made to the Security Trustee in respect of the Secured Obligations by the Mortgagor or any other person is avoided or set aside or ordered to be surrendered, paid away, refunded or reduced by virtue of any provision, law or enactment relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, winding-up, composition or arrangement for the time being in force or for any other reason, the Security Trustee shall be entitled thereafter to enforce this Deed as if no such discharge, release or settlement had occurred.
(c) For that Collateral which has been transferred and registered under the name of the Security Trustee (as trustee for the Finance Parties) or its Nominee, the Security Trustee shall only be obliged to return the share certificate(s) then representing the Collateral not yet disposed of or realised by the Security Trustee pursuant to its powers under this Deed (but not the original share certificates originally delivered to the Security Trustee by the Mortgagor) with the instruments of transfer duly executed in favour of the Mortgagor or such other person as the Mortgagor may direct.
3.5 CALLS
The Mortgagor shall during the continuance of this security pay all calls or other payments which may become due in respect of any part of the Collateral and the Security Trustee may, if it thinks fit, make such payments on behalf of the Mortgagor. Any sums so paid by the Security Trustee shall be repayable by the Mortgagor to the Security Trustee on demand together with interest at the Default Rate from the date of
[Mortgage of Shares]
such payment by the Security Trustee and pending such repayment shall constitute part of the Secured Obligations.
3.6 REGISTRATION OF TITLE TO THE SHARES
The Mortgagor hereby agrees and authorises the Security Trustee to arrange for the Shares and any other Collateral to be registered at any time following the security constituted by this Deed becoming enforceable in the name of the Security Trustee or its nominee and (under the powers of enforcement contained herein) to transfer or cause the Collateral to be transferred to and registered in the name of any purchasers or transferees from the Security Trustee or its nominee and the Mortgagor undertakes from time to time to execute and sign all transfers, powers of attorney and other documents which the Security Trustee may require for perfecting its title to or, otherwise registering and transferring any part of the Collateral or for vesting the same in itself or its nominee or in any purchasers or transferees.
4. CONTINUING AND INDEPENDENT SECURITY
4.1 CONTINUING SECURITY
This Deed shall remain in full force and effect by way of a continuing security notwithstanding the insolvency or liquidation or any incapacity or change in the constitution or status of the Mortgagor, the Borrower or any other person and in particular but without limitation shall not be, nor be considered as, satisfied by any intermediate discharge or payment on account of any liabilities or any settlement of accounts between the Mortgagor and the Security Trustee or any other person.
4.2 ADDITIONAL SECURITY
This Deed and the security hereby created shall be in addition to and not in substitution for or derogation of any other Security Interest, guarantee or other security (whether given by the Mortgagor or otherwise) now or from time to time hereafter held by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party in respect of or in connection with the Secured Obligations.
4.3 UNRESTRICTED ENFORCEMENT
The Security Trustee need not before exercising any of the rights, powers
or remedies conferred upon it by this Deed or by law (i) take action or
obtain judgment in any court against the Borrower or the Mortgagor or any
other person, (ii) make or file any claim or prove in a winding-up or
liquidation of the Borrower or the Mortgagor or of any other person or
(iii) enforce or seek to enforce the recovery of the monies and
liabilities hereby secured by any other security or other rights all of
which the Mortgagor hereby waives and may be enforced for any balance due
after resorting to any one or more other means of obtaining payment or
discharge of the monies, obligations and liabilities hereby secured.
4.4 NO DISCHARGE
The liabilities and obligations of the Mortgagor under this Deed and the security
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constituted by this Deed shall remain in force notwithstanding any act, omission, event or circumstance whatsoever until the expiry of the Security Period and without limiting the foregoing, neither the liabilities of the Mortgagor under this Deed nor the validity or enforceability of this Deed shall be prejudiced, affected or discharged by:-
(a) the granting of any time or indulgence to the Borrower or the Mortgagor or any other Security Party or any other person in respect of the Secured Obligations;
(b) any variation or modification of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto;
(c) the invalidity or unenforceability of any obligation or liability of any party under the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto;
(d) any invalidity or irregularity in the execution of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or relating thereto;
(e) any lack of capacity or deficiency in the powers of the Borrower or the Mortgagor or any other Security Party or any other person to enter into or perform any of its obligations under the Facility Agreement or any of the other Finance Documents to which it is party or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto or any irregularity in the exercise thereof or any lack of authority by any person purporting to act on behalf of the Borrower or the Mortgagor or such Security Party or such other person;
(f) the insolvency, bankruptcy or liquidation or any incapacity, disability, death or limitation or any change in the constitution or status of the Borrower or the Mortgagor or any other Security Party or any other person;
(g) any other Finance Document, Security Interest, guarantee or other security or right or remedy being or becoming held by or available to the Security Trustee and/or the Lenders or by any other person or by any of the same being or becoming wholly or partly void, voidable or unenforceable or impaired or by the Security Trustee and/or the Lenders at any time releasing, refraining from enforcing, varying or in any other way dealing with any of the same or any power, right or remedy the Security Trustee and/or the Lenders may now or hereafter have from or against the Borrower or the Mortgagor or any other Security Party or any other person;
(h) any waiver, exercise, omission to exercise, compromise, renewal or release of any rights against the Borrower or the Mortgagor or any other Security Party or any other person or any compromise, arrangement or settlement with any of the same;
(i) any act, omission, event or circumstance which would or may but for this provision operate to prejudice, affect or discharge this Deed or the liability of the Mortgagor hereunder.
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4.5 NO SUBROGATION
(a) The Mortgagor shall not exercise any right of subrogation, contribution or any other rights of a surety or enforce any security or other right or claim against the Borrower (whether in respect of its liability under this Deed or otherwise) or any other person who has guaranteed or given any security in respect of the Secured Obligations or claim in the insolvency or liquidation of the Borrower or any such other person in competition with the Security Trustee or the Lenders.
(b) If the Mortgagor receives any payment or benefit in breach of this Clause, it shall hold the same upon trust for the Security Trustee as a continuing security for the Secured Obligations.
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
5.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The Mortgagor represents and warrants to the Security Trustee and each of the other Finance Parties that:-
(a) STATUS: the Mortgagor is a company duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Bermuda and has full power, authority and legal right to own its property and assets and to carry on its business as such business is now being conducted;
(b) POWER AND AUTHORITY: the Mortgagor has all legal power, authority and capacity to enter into this Deed and perform its obligations under this Deed and all actions (including any corporate actions) required to authorise the execution and delivery of this Deed and the performance of its obligations under this Deed have been duly taken;
(c) LEGAL VALIDITY: this Deed constitutes or, when so executed and delivered, will constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Mortgagor enforceable in accordance with its terms;
(d) NON-CONFLICT WITH LAWS: the entry into and performance of this Deed and the transactions contemplated by this Deed do not and will not conflict with or result in (i) a breach of any law, judgment or regulation or any official or judicial order, or (ii) a breach of the constitutional documents of the Mortgagor, or (iii) a material breach of any agreement or document to which the Mortgagor is a party or which is binding upon it or any of its assets or revenues with a monetary value greater than US$500,000, nor cause any limitation placed on it or the powers of its directors to be exceeded or result in the creation or imposition of any Security Interest on any of its assets or revenues pursuant to the provisions of any such agreement or document;
(e) NO CONSENT: other than the Consents, no consent of, giving of notice to, or registration with, or taking of any other action in respect of, any governmental authority or agency in any relevant jurisdiction (including Bermuda) or of any creditors of the Mortgagor is required for or in connection with the execution,
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performance, validity, enforceability and admissibility in evidence in the proceedings of this Deed, or the carrying out by the Mortgagor of its obligations under this Deed;
(f) NO REGISTRATION: it is not necessary in order to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of this Deed that it or any other instrument be notarised, filed, recorded, registered or enrolled in any court or other authority or that any stamp, registration or similar tax or charge be paid on or in relation to this Deed and this Deed is in proper form for its enforcement in the courts of Hong Kong, Bermuda and all jurisdictions the subject of any legal opinion referred to in paragraph 4 of Schedule 3 of the Facility Agreement;
(g) LITIGATION: except as disclosed in a letter of even date from the Borrower to the Security Trustee, no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding is currently taking place or pending or, to the knowledge of the officers of the Mortgagor, threatened against the Mortgagor or any of its assets which could in the reasonable opinion of the Security Trustee materially and adversely affect its business, assets or financial condition or its ability to perform its obligations under this Deed;
(h) NO WINDING-UP: it has not taken any corporate action nor has any other step has been taken or legal proceedings have been commenced or threatened against it for its winding-up, dissolution, administration or reorganisation or for the appointment of a receiver, administrator, trustee or similar officer of it or all or any of its assets or revenues, except as permitted by Clause 17.1(g) of the Facility Agreement;
(i) TAXES ON PAYMENTS: all payments to be made by the Mortgagor under this Deed may be made by the Mortgagor free and clear of, and without deduction for, Taxes and no deductions or withholdings are required to be made therefrom save as specified in any legal opinion referred to in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of Schedule 3 to the Facility Agreement; and no Taxes are imposed on by virtue of the execution or delivery by the Mortgagor of this Deed or any document to be executed or delivered under this Deed;
(j) TAX LIABILITIES: the Mortgagor has complied with all Taxation laws in all material respects in all jurisdictions in which it is subject to Taxation and has paid all Taxes due and payable by it and no material claims are being asserted against it with respect to Taxes;
(k) NO DEFAULT:
(a) no Default has occurred and is continuing;
(b) it is not nor, with the giving of notice or lapse of time or satisfaction of any other condition or any combination therefore, would it be in material breach of or in default under any agreement relating to Financial Indebtedness of which it is a party or by which it may be bound;
(l) NO IMMUNITY: the Mortgagor is generally subject to civil and commercial law
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and to legal proceedings and neither the Mortgagor nor any of its assets or revenues is entitled to any immunity or privilege (sovereign or otherwise) from any set-off, judgment, execution, attachment or other legal process;
(m) COMPLIANCE, WITH CONSENTS AND LICENSES: every consent, authorisation, licence or approval required for the time being by the Mortgagor in connection with the conduct of its business and the ownership, use, exploitation or occupation of its property and assets has been applied for and not refused or has been obtained and is in full force and effect and there has been no material default in the observance of the conditions and restrictions (if any) imposed on, or in connection with, any of the same which may have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform its obligations under this Deed and, to the knowledge of the officers of the Mortgagor, no circumstances have arisen whereby any remedial action is likely to be required to be taken by, or at the expense of the Mortgagor under or pursuant to any law or regulation applicable to the business, property or assets of the Mortgagor;
(n) NO FINANCIAL INDEBTEDNESS: it does not have any Financial Indebtedness other than as permitted by Clause 16.17 of the Facility Agreement;
(o) ISSUED AND PAID-UP SHARES: the Shares represent all of the shares in the Borrower and all the Shares have been validly issued and are fully paid up;
(p) SOLE AND BENEFICIAL OWNER: other than the Shares held by any Nominee, the Mortgagor is the sole, absolute, legal and beneficial owner of the Collateral and its has good and marketable title thereto;
(q) SECURITY INTEREST: no Security Interest exists over all or any of its right, title, interest or benefit in the Collateral (other than as created by this Deed); and
(r) THIRD PARTY RIGHT: it has not sold or otherwise disposed of any of the Collateral or granted in favour of any other person any interest in or any option or other rights in respect of any of the Collateral.
(s) COMPANY: the Company is validly incorporated and registered as an exempted company in and under the laws of Bermuda and, if so required by the Security Trustee, and at the expense of the Mortgagor, the Mortgagor shall at any time apply to the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda for the official form of Certificate of Compliance relating to the continued corporate existence of the Borrower and shall, if the same is issued, deliver the same to the Security Trustee.
5.2 CONTINUING REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTY
The Mortgagor also represents and warrants to and undertakes with the Security Trustee that the foregoing representations and warranties in Clause 5.1(a) to (n) inclusive are deemed to be made by the Mortgagor on each Drawdown Date and on each Interest Payment Date with reference to the facts and circumstances then existing and that the foregoing representations in Clause 5.1(o) and (s) will be true and accurate throughout the continuance of this Deed with reference to the facts and circumstances from time to time.
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6. TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
6.1 TAX GROSS-UP
(a) All sums payable by the Mortgagor under this Deed shall be paid in full without any restriction or condition and free and clear of any Tax or other deductions or withholdings of any nature.
(b) If at any time the Mortgagor or any other person is required in any jurisdiction to make any deduction or withholding in respect of Taxes or otherwise from any payment due under this Deed for the account of the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party (or if the Security Trustee is required to make any such deduction or withholding from a payment to any other Finance Party), the sum due from the Mortgagor in respect of such payment shall be increased to the extent necessary to ensure that, after the making of such deduction or withholding, the Security Trustee and each other Finance Party receives on the due date for such payment (and retains, free from any liability in respect of such deduction or withholding) a net sum equal to the sum which it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been required to be made.
(c) The Mortgagor's obligations under Clause 6.1(a) and (b) shall not apply in respect of any Tax on Overall Net Income levied on a Finance Party.
(d) All Taxes required by law to be deducted or withheld by the Mortgagor from any amounts paid or payable under this Deed shall be paid by the Mortgagor when due (except for such amounts being disputed by the Mortgagor in good faith) to the relevant taxing authority.
6.2 TAX INDEMNITY
The Mortgagor shall indemnify the Security Trustee and each other Finance Party against any losses or costs incurred by any of them by reason of:
(a) any failure of the Mortgagor or any other person to make any such deduction or withholding referred to in Clause 6.1; or
(b) any increased payment referred to in Clause 6.1 not being made on the due date for such payment; or
(c) any Taxes which are being disputed by the Mortgagor and remaining unpaid; and
(d) any liability suffered (directly or indirectly) for or on account of Tax by that Finance Party in respect of any payment received or receivable or deemed to be received or receivable under this Deed.
6.3 EVIDENCE OF PROOF
The Mortgagor shall promptly deliver to the Security Trustee any receipts, certificates
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or other proof evidencing the amounts (if any) paid or payable in respect of any deduction or withholding as aforesaid.
6.4 TAX CREDIT
If the Mortgagor makes a Tax Payment and the Security Trustee determines that:-
(a) a Tax Credit is attributable either to an increased payment of which that Tax Payment forms part, or to that Tax Payment; and
(b) it has obtained, utilised and retained that Tax Credit,
the Security Trustee shall, promptly after obtaining the benefit of that Tax Credit, pay an amount to the Mortgagor which will leave it (after that payment) in the same after-Tax position as it would have been in had the Tax Payment not been required to be made by the Mortgagor. Any certificate or determination of the Security Trustee showing in reasonable details the calculations made by the Security Trustee as to any amount for the purposes of this Clause 6 shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Mortgagor.
7. COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES
7.1 EXPENSES
The Mortgagor shall pay to the Security Trustee on demand and in the currency specified by the Security Trustee:-
(a) irrespective as to whether any Advance is made, all expenses (including legal, printing and out-of-pocket expenses) reasonably incurred by the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of this Deed and any amendment or extension of or the granting of any waiver or consent under this Deed; and
(b) all expenses on a full indemnity basis (including legal and out-of-pocket expenses) properly incurred by the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party in connection with the enforcement of or preservation of any rights under this Deed, or otherwise in respect of the monies owing under this Deed together with interest at the Default Rate from the date on which such expenses were incurred to the date of payment (both before and after judgment).
7.2 STAMP DUTY
The Mortgagor shall pay all stamp, documentary, registration or other like duties or taxes (including any duties or taxes payable by the Security Trustee or any Finance Party) imposed on or in connection with this Deed and shall indemnify each of the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties against any liability arising by reason of any delay or omission by the Mortgagor to pay such duties or taxes.
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8. UNDERTAKINGS
The Mortgagor hereby undertakes and agrees with the Security Trustee, for the benefit of the Finance Parties, throughout the continuance of this Deed and so long as the Secured Obligations or any part thereof remains owing that, unless the Security Trustee otherwise agrees in writing, it will:-
(a) not create or attempt or agree to create or permit to exist any Security Interest over all or any part of the Collateral or any interest therein or otherwise sell, transfer, assign, deal with or dispose of all or any part of the Collateral or attempt or agree to do any of the same (except under or pursuant to this Deed);
(b) not grant or attempt or agree to grant in favour of any other person any interest in or any option or other rights in respect of any of the Collateral;
(c) ensure that no person holding any of the Collateral as its Nominee for the time being does any of the acts prohibited in this Deed;
(d) subject to Clause 7.6(b) of the CNC HK Guarantee at all times remain the sole, direct, absolute, legal and beneficial owner of the Collateral;
(e) subject to Clause 7.6(b) of the CNC HK Guarantee procure that no material amendment or supplement is made to the constitutional documents of the Borrower other than pursuant to Clause 16.15 of the Facility Agreement without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee;
(f) immediately upon the appointment of any new director of the Borrower, deposit or procure that there be deposited with the Security Trustee, the equivalent documents mutatis mutandis with respect to such director in the forms set out in Schedules 3, 4, 5 and 6;
(g) not take or permit any action whereby the rights attaching to the Collateral and/or any other shares in the Borrower are altered;
(h) give to the Security Trustee upon receipt copies of all notices, requests and other documents sent or received with respect to the Collateral;
(i) give to the Security Trustee such information regarding the Collateral as the Security Trustee shall reasonably require;
(j) do or permit to be done every act or thing which the Security Trustee may from time to time require for the purpose of enforcing the rights of the Security Trustee hereunder and will allow its name to be used as and when required for that purpose;
(k) not do or cause or permit to be done anything which may in any way depreciate, jeopardise or otherwise prejudice the value of the security constituted hereunder;
(l) procure that the Borrower will forthwith on presentation by the Security Trustee or its nominee following the security constituted by this Deed becoming enforceable, duly register all transfers of the Collateral; and
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(m) if the Mortgagor shall acquire any such other stocks or shares as referred to in the definition of Collateral, it shall forthwith deliver or procure that there be delivered to the Security Trustee the certificates in respect thereof together with instruments of transfer in respect thereof duly executed in blank to enable the same to be registered in the name of the Security Trustee or its nominee following the security constituted by this Deed becoming enforceable.
9. ENFORCEMENT
9.1 EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The security created by this Deed shall become enforceable immediately upon the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing. For the purposes of this Clause, each of the following events and circumstances shall be an Event of Default:-
(a) any Event of Default as that term is defined in the Facility Agreement;
(b) if the Mortgagor purports or attempts to create any Security Interest (except under or as permitted by this Deed) over all or any part of the Collateral or any third party asserts a claim in respect thereof, and
the Security Trustee shall be entitled, without prior or further notice and whether or not it shall have appointed a Receiver, to exercise the power to sell or otherwise dispose of the whole or any part of the Collateral.
9.2 EXCLUSION OF LIMITATION
No restrictions imposed by any ordinance or other statutory provision in relation to the exercise of any power of sale or consolidation shall apply to this Deed.
9.3 APPOINTMENT AND POWERS OF RECEIVER
(a) At any time after the security hereby created has become enforceable, or if requested by the Mortgagor, the Security Trustee may in writing either under seal or under the hand of a duly authorised officer of the Security Trustee, appoint any person or persons to be a Receiver of the Collateral and may from time to time fix its or their remunerations and may remove any Receiver so appointed and appoint another in its place. Where more than one Receiver is so appointed, any reference in this Deed to a Receiver shall apply to both or all of the Receivers so appointed and the appointment shall be deemed to be a joint and several appointment so that the rights, powers, duties and discretions vested in the Receiver may be exercised jointly by the Receivers so appointed or severally by each of them.
(b) The Receiver shall be the agent of the Mortgagor and the Mortgagor shall be solely responsible for the Receiver's acts or defaults and for the Receiver's remuneration and the Receiver shall have all the powers conferred from time to time on mortgagees or receivers by law or otherwise (but without the restrictions imposed by law or any ordinance or other statutory provision in relation to the
[Mortgage of Shares]
exercise of any power of sale or consolidation) and power on behalf and at the cost of the Mortgagor (notwithstanding any liquidation of the Mortgagor) to do or omit to do anything which the Mortgagor could do or omit to do in relation to the Collateral or any part thereof.
(c) The Receiver shall in the exercise of the Receiver's powers, authorities and discretions conform to the directions and regulations from time to time given or made by the Security Trustee.
9.4 POWERS TO BE GIVEN WIDE CONSTRUCTION
The powers of the Security Trustee and the Receiver hereunder shall be construed in the widest possible sense to the intent that the Security Trustee and the Receiver shall be afforded as wide and flexible a range of powers as possible.
9.5 NO LIABILITY TO ACCOUNT AS MORTGAGEE IN POSSESSION
Nothing that shall be done by or on behalf of the Security Trustee shall render it liable to account as a mortgagee in possession for any sums other than actual receipts.
9.6 AMENDMENT
Any amendment or waiver of any provision of this Deed and any waiver of any default under this Deed shall only be effective if made in writing and signed by the Security Trustee.
9.7 EVIDENCE OF DEBT
Any statement of account signed as correct by the Security Trustee showing any amount due under the Facility Agreement or under this Deed or under any other Finance Document shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive evidence of the amount so due.
9.8 SALE OF COLLATERAL
(a) Each of the Security Trustee and the Receiver shall be entitled to
exercise such power of sale in such manner and at such time or times
and for such consideration (whether payable immediately or by
instalments) as it shall in its absolute discretion think fit
(whether by private sale or otherwise) and so that the Collateral
(or any relevant part thereof) may be sold (i) subject to any
conditions which the Security Trustee or the Receiver may think fit
to impose, (ii) to any person (including, without limitation, any
person connected with the Mortgagor or the Security Trustee) and
(iii) at any price which the Security Trustee or the Receiver in its
absolute discretion considers to be the best obtainable in the
circumstances.
(b) If the Security Trustee exercises the rights conferred on it by this Clause 9 any sale or disposal of any of the Collateral pursuant to those rights shall not be treated as an absolute appropriation of or foreclosure on the Collateral to the exclusion of the Mortgagor and in extinguishment of its interest therein, unless the Security Trustee shall otherwise notify the Mortgagor (whether before or
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after the relevant appropriation or foreclosure has been effected), in which latter event any such appropriation or foreclosure shall be treated as a sale of the Collateral at a fair market value and the Secured Obligations shall be reduced by an equivalent amount.
(c) In any disposal pursuant to this Clause 9, the Security Trustee or the Finance Parties may, provided that they shall first have used reasonable efforts to dispose of the relevant Collateral or rights to third parties subject to compliance with any rules or regulations laid down by any governmental or other agency or authority, themselves purchase the whole or any part of the Collateral or rights disposed of free from any rights of redemption on the part of the Mortgagor which are hereby waived and released.
9.9 DIVIDENDS
At any time after the power of sale has arisen, any dividends which have been or may be received or receivable by the Security Trustee or the Receiver may be applied by the Security Trustee or the Receiver as though they were proceeds of sale hereunder. 9.10 PURCHASER NOT BOUND TO ENQUIRE Each of the Security Trustee and the Receiver is authorised to give a good discharge for any monies received by it pursuant to the exercise of its power of sale and no purchaser or other person shall be bound to enquire whether the power of sale has arisen as herein provided nor be concerned with the manner of application of the proceeds of sale. 9.11 NO LIABILITY FOR LOSSES The Mortgagor shall not have any claim against the Receiver or the Security Trustee in respect of any loss arising out of the exercise by the Security Trustee or the Receiver of their respective powers hereunder including without limitation out of any such sale or any postponement thereof howsoever caused and whether or not a better price could or might have been obtained upon the sale of the Collateral or any part thereof by deferring or advancing the date of such sale or otherwise howsoever. 9.12 WAIVER OF PRE-EMPTION RIGHTS The Mortgagor hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any rights it may have under the constitutional documents of the Borrower or otherwise to purchase the Shares or Related Assets or other Collateral in the event that they are or are proposed to be transferred, sold or otherwise disposed of pursuant to the provisions of this Deed. 10. DIVIDENDS AND VOTING RIGHTS 10.1 After the security under this Deed has become enforceable and subject to Clause 10.2, the Security Trustee shall have complete discretion to retain the dividends, interest and other moneys received by the Security Trustee in respect of the Collateral and to exercise or abstain from exercising all voting and other rights and powers attaching to the Collateral as the Security Trustee in its absolute discretion thinks fit without being liable for any losses which the Mortgagor may suffer as a result thereof (except in case -16- |
[Mortgage of Shares] of gross negligence or wilful default on the part of the Security Trustee) and in this respect the Mortgagor will, or will procure its Nominee to act or refrain from acting in accordance with the directions given by the Security Trustee from time to time. 10.2 The Security Trustee agrees with the Mortgagor that until the security under this Deed shall have become enforceable: (a) the Mortgagor shall be entitled to receive and retain all dividends, interest or other distributions or payments paid to and received by the Mortgagor in respect of the Collateral; and (b) the Mortgagor shall be entitled to exercise all voting and other rights and powers attaching to the Collateral or any part thereof for all purposes, including but not limited to, exercising any option, warrant, conversion right or any other right, power or other privilege attaching to the Collateral provided that the same does not adversely affect or prejudice the rights of the Finance Parties or the security hereby created. 11. APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS All monies received by the Security Trustee or the Receiver hereunder shall be applied in or towards satisfaction of the Secured Obligations (subject to the prior discharge of all liabilities having priority thereto by law) in the following order of priority:- (a) in payment or satisfaction of all costs, charges, expenses and liabilities properly incurred and payments made by or on behalf of the Security Trustee or the Receiver in connection with the exercise of any powers hereunder and in preserving or attempting to preserve this security or the Collateral and of all outgoings in respect of the Collateral paid by the Security Trustee or the Receiver pursuant to this Deed; (b) in payment to the Receiver of all remuneration as may be agreed between it and the Security Trustee to be paid to it at, or at any time after, its appointment; (c) in or towards reduction of the remaining Secured Obligations in such manner as is provided in the Facility Agreement; and (d) surplus (if any) to the Mortgagor. 12. INDEMNITY 12.1 GENERAL INDEMNITY The Mortgagor hereby undertakes with the Security Trustee to indemnify and keep indemnified the Security Trustee and each other Finance Party, any nominee, agent, officer or employer thereof for whose liability the Security Trustee may be answerable, the Receiver and each of them (each an "INDEMNITEE") from and against all losses, actions, claims, demands, liabilities, costs, charges and expenses which such indemnitee shall properly incur in connection with anything done or omitted to be done in the - 17 - |
[Mortgage of Shares] exercise or purported exercise of any powers conferred by this Deed or occasioned by any breach by the Mortgagor of any of its covenants or other obligations to the Security Trustee hereunder or the perfection, preservation or enforcement of the security created by this Deed (unless and to the extent that any of the foregoing results directly from the fraud, gross negligence or wilful misconduct of that indemnitee). 12.2 CURRENCY INDEMNITY (a) If an amount due to the Security Trustee or any Receiver from the Mortgagor under this Deed (a "SUM"), or any order, judgment or award given or made in relation to a sum, has to be converted from the currency (the "FIRST CURRENCY") in which that sum is payable into another currency (the "SECOND CURRENCY") for the purpose of: (i) making or filing a claim or proof against the Mortgagor; (ii) obtaining or enforcing an order, judgment or award in relation to any litigation or arbitration proceedings, the Mortgagor shall, as an independent obligation to the Security Trustee or such Receiver, indemnify the Security Trustee or such Receiver to whom that sum is due against any cost, loss or liability arising out of or as a result of the conversion including any discrepancy between (A) the rate of exchange used to convert that sum from the first currency into the second currency and (B) the rate or rates of exchange available to that person at the time of its receipt of that sum. (b) The Mortgagor waives any right it may have in any jurisdiction to pay any amount under this Deed in a currency or currency unit other than that in which it is expressed to be payable. 12.3 PAYMENT AND SECURITY The Security Trustee or any Finance Party may retain and pay out of any money in the hands of the Security Trustee or such Finance Party all sums necessary to effect the indemnity contained in this Clause and all sums payable by the Mortgagor under this Clause shall form part of the monies hereby secured. 13. SUSPENSE ACCOUNT The Security Trustee may, notwithstanding Clause 11 (Application of Proceeds) place and keep any monies received under this Deed, before or after the insolvency of the Mortgagor, to the credit of a suspense account in order to preserve the rights of the Security Trustee or the Receiver or the Lenders to sue or prove for the whole amount in respect of claims against the Mortgagor or any other person. 14. SET-OFF (a) Without prejudice to any right of set-off, combination of accounts, lien or other - 18 - |
[Mortgage of Shares] rights which the Security Trustee or the Receiver is at any time entitled whether by operation of law or contract or otherwise, the Security Trustee and the Receiver may (but shall not be obliged to) set off against any obligation of the Mortgagor due and payable by it hereunder without prior notice any moneys held by the Security Trustee or such Receiver for the account of the Mortgagorat any office of the Security Trustee or such Receiver anywhere and in any currency. The Security Trustee or such Receiver may effect such currency exchanges as are appropriate to implement such set-off. (b) If the obligations are in different currencies, the Security Trustee or such Receiver may convert either obligation at a market rate of exchange in its usual course of business for the purpose of the set-off. 15. POWER OF ATTORNEY 15.1 POWER OF ATTORNEY The Mortgagor irrevocably appoints the Security Trustee, the Receiver and any persons deriving title under either of them by way of security jointly and severally to be its attorney (with full power of substitution) and in its name or otherwise on its behalf and as its act and deed to sign, seal, execute, deliver, perfect and do all deeds, instruments, acts and things which may be required or which the Security Trustee or the Receiver shall think proper or reasonably expedient for carrying out any obligations imposed on the Mortgagor hereunder or for exercising, following the security constituted by this Deed becoming enforceable, any of the powers conferred by this Deed or in connection with any sale or disposition of the Collateral or the exercise of any rights in respect thereof or for giving to the Security Trustee and the Receiver the full benefit of this security and so that this appointment shall operate to authorise the Security Trustee and the Receiver to do on behalf of the Mortgagor anything it can lawfully do by an attorney. The Mortgagor ratifies and confirms and agrees to ratify and confirm any deed, instrument, act or thing which such attorney or substitute may execute or do in exercising its powers under this Clause. 15.2 DELEGATION The Security Trustee and/or the Receiver may delegate to any person all or any of the rights or powers conferred on it by this Deed or by law. Any such delegation may be made upon such terms and conditions (including power to sub-delegate) as the Security Trustee or the Receiver thinks fit. 16. FURTHER ASSURANCE The Mortgagor agrees that at any time and from time to time upon the written request of the Security Trustee it will promptly and duly execute and deliver any and all such further instruments and documents as the Security Trustee may reasonably require for the purpose of obtaining the full benefit of this Deed and of the rights and powers herein granted. - 19 - |
[Mortgage of Shares] 17. NOTICES 17.1 NOTICES Any notice or communication under or in connection with this Deed shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or by prepaid letter (airmail if available) or facsimile transmission to the addresses or facsimile numbers set out below or at such other address as the recipient may have notified to the other parties in writing. Proof of posting or despatch of any notice or communication to any party hereto shall be deemed to be proof of receipt:- (a) in the case of a letter, on the fifth Business Day after posting if airmail or second Business Day if local mail; (b) in the case of a facsimile transmission, on the Business Day immediately following the date of despatch with confirmed facsimile report. All communications or other correspondence between the Mortgagor and any of the Lenders in connection with this Deed shall be made through the Security Trustee. 17.2 ADDRESSES Notices or communications shall be sent to the following addresses:- To the Mortgagor:- Address c/o Asia Netcom Corporation Limited 46/F Cheung Kong Center 2 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2121 2929 Attention Gregory Freiberg/Wenlong Sun To the Security Trustee:- Address Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited 10/F., ICBC Asia Building 122-126 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 2851 9361 Attention Ms. Esther Cheng/Ms. Amy Wong 17.3 Each notice or document referred to in this Deed or to be delivered under this Deed shall be in the English language. - 20 - |
[Mortgage of Shares] 18. WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT AND COUNTERPARTS 18.1 WAIVERS No failure or delay on the part of the Security Trustee or any Lender to exercise any power, right or remedy under this Deed shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by the Security Trustee or any Lender of any power, right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power, right or remedy. 18.2 AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS (a) Any amendment of any provision of this Deed shall only be effective if made in accordance with the provisions of this Deed and the Mortgagor and the Security Trustee so agree in writing and any waiver of any breach or default under this Deed shall only be effective if the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Lenders or the Majority Lenders, as the case may be, agrees in writing. Any consent by the Security Trustee under this Deed must be made in writing. (b) Any such waiver or consent may be given subject to any conditions thought fit by the Security Trustee acting or the instructions of the Lenders or the Majority Lenders, as the case may be, and shall be effective only in the instance and for the purpose for which it is given. 18.3 REMEDIES The remedies provided in this Deed are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies provided by law. 18.4 SEVERABILITY If any provision of this Deed is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction such prohibition or unenforceability shall not invalidate the remaining provisions hereof or affect the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. 18.5 ASSIGNMENT The Security Trustee may assign its rights under this Deed in accordance with the provisions of the Facility Agreement. The Mortgagor may not assign any of its rights hereunder without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee. 18.6 COUNTERPARTS This Deed may be executed in any number of counterparts including by facsimile and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Deed by signing any such counterpart. 18.7 It is intended that this document takes effect as a deed notwithstanding the fact that a party may only execute this document under hand. - 21 - |
[Mortgage of Shares] 19. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION 19.1 GOVERNING LAW This Deed shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Bermuda. 19.2 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION For the benefit of the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties, the Mortgagor irrevocably agrees that the courts of the Bermuda and Hong Kong are to have non-exclusive jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with this Deed and that, accordingly, any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Deed ("PROCEEDINGS") may be brought in those courts and the Mortgagor irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of those courts. 19.3 OTHER JURISDICTIONS Nothing in this Clause shall limit the right of the Security Trustee to take proceedings against the Mortgagor in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the taking of Proceedings in one or more jurisdictions preclude the Security Trustee from taking Proceedings in any other jurisdiction, whether concurrently or not. 19.4 WAIVER OF INCONVENIENT FORUM The Mortgagor irrevocably waives any objection which it may at any time have to the laying of the venue of any Proceedings in any court referred to in this Clause 19 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) and any claim that any such Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum. 19.5 PROCESS AGENT The Mortgagor hereby irrevocably appoints Asia Netcom Asia Pacific Commercial Limited of 46th Floor, Cheung Kong Centre, 2 Queen's Road, Central, Hong Kong to receive, for it and on its behalf, service of process in any Proceedings in Hong Kong. Such service shall be deemed completed on delivery to the process agent whether or not it is forwarded to and received by the Mortgagor. If for any reason the process agent ceases to be able to act as such or no longer has an address in Hong Kong, the Mortgagor irrevocably agrees to appoint a substitute process agent acceptable to the Security Trustee, and to deliver to the Security Trustee a copy of the new process agent's acceptance of that appointment, within 30 days. 19.6 SERVICE The Mortgagor irrevocably consents to any process in any Proceedings anywhere being served by mailing a copy by post in accordance with the Clause 17 (Notices) provision of this Deed. Nothing shall affect the right to serve any process in any other manner permitted by law. - 22 - |
[Mortgage of Shares] 19.7 Waiver of Immunities To the extent that the Mortgagor has or hereafter may acquire any immunity (sovereign or otherwise) from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from jurisdiction of any court or from set-off or any legal process (whether service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) with respect to itself or any of its property, the Mortgagor hereby irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim such immunity in respect of its obligations under this Deed. |
IN WITNESS whereof this Deed has been executed by the parties hereto and is intended to be and is hereby delivered by the Mortgagor as a deed on the day and year first above written.
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SCHEDULE 1
PARTICULARS OF THE SHARES
REGISTERED SHAREHOLDERS AND DESCRIPTION AND NUMBER OF SHARES NAME OF COMPANY NUMBER OF SHARES HELD Asia Netcom Corporation 120,000,000 shares of US$0.01 China Netcom Corporation Limited each International Limited (120,000,000 shares) |
[Mortgage of Shares]
SCHEDULE 2
FORM OF INSTRUMENT OF TRANSFER
INSTRUMENT OF TRANSFER
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
We, China Netcom Corporation International Limited of [ ] in consideration of the Sum of ____________ hereby paid to me by ________________ of ______________________ (the "TRANSFEREE"), do hereby transfer to the said Transferee the _______ Shares standing in our name in the Register of Members of Asia Netcom Corporation Limited to hold unto the said Transferee, its executors, administrators or assigns, subject to the several conditions upon which we hold the same at the time of execution hereof. And we the said Transferee do hereby agree to take the said Shares subject to the same conditions.
Witness our hands the day of , . Witness to the signature(s) of Name ---------------------------------------- Address ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL LIMITED ---------------------------------------- Witness to the signature(s) of Name ---------------------------------------- Address ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ [THE TRANSFEREE] ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ -25- |
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SCHEDULE 3
FORM OF LETTER OF RESIGNATION
To: The Board of Directors
of Asia Netcom Corporation Limited (the "COMPANY")
Date: __________________
I, [Name of director/secretary], hereby resign my position as a director/secretary of the Company with effect from and waive all claims to fees or compensation in connection with or arising from my employment and/or resignation save as provided by law in Bermuda.
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED by
[Name of director/secretary]
in the presence of:
Signature of witness:____________________________
Name of witness: ____________________________ Address of witness: ____________________________ -26- |
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SCHEDULE 4
FORM OF WRITTEN RESOLUTION
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
Written Resolutions of all the Directors of the Company dated the day of
We, the undersigned, being all the Directors of the Company, hereby resolve:-
1. Appointment of Directors/Secretary
That the following persons be appointed as Directors and/or Secretary of the Company with immediate effect:-
2. Resignation of Directors
That the Letters of Resignation signed by [names of all Directors/Secretary] be accepted and that the same shall take effect forthwith.
[signed by all Directors]
[Mortgage of Shares]
SCHEDULE 5
FORM OF AUTHORISATION FROM DIRECTORS/SECRETARY
[Date]
To: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10/F., ICBC Asia Building
122-126 Queen's Road Central
Hong Kong
We are, at the date hereof, all the directors and the sole secretary of Asia Netcom Corporation Limited (the "COMPANY").
We refer to (a) the Facility Agreement dated [-], 2004, as amended and restated by the Supplemental Amendment and Restatement Deed dated [-], 2004 (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT") entered into between (1) the Company, as borrower (2) the banks and financial institutions named therein as lender (the "LENDERS") and (3) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited as arranger and facility agent (b) the Deed of Mortgage of Shares dated [-], 2004 (the "MORTGAGE") made between China Netcom Corporation International Limited as mortgagor and yourselves as Security Trustee in relation the Shares in the Company; and (c) an undated written resolution of all the directors and secretary of the Company signed by us resolving to approve the appointment of new director(s) and/or new secretary of the Company and the resignation of us as directors and/or secretary of the Company (the "WRITTEN RESOLUTIONS").
We hereby irrevocably authorise you, at any time after the Mortgage has become enforceable without our consent, to nominate such person(s) as you may in your absolute discretion determine to be the director(s) and secretary of the Company and to complete the written resolutions in such manner as you may think fit, including to insert the date (which can be any date after the date hereof) and the name(s) of the additional director(s) and/or the secretary. We confirm and declare that the written resolutions as completed by you shall in all respects be valid and effective as a board resolutions of the Company on the date and to the effect as stated therein, and be binding on us and on the Company.
We also refer to the undated letters of resignation as directors and/or the secretary of the Company signed by us. Each of us hereby irrevocably authorises you at any time after the Mortgage has become enforceable without our consent to insert a date (which can be any date after the date hereof) on the letters of resignation, upon which our resignation of directorship and/or as secretary shall take immediate effect.
[signed by all Directors and Secretary]
-------------------------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------------- ------------------------------- -28- |
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SCHEDULE 6
FORM OF LETTER OF UNDERTAKING
[Date]
To: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
10/F., ICBC Asia Building
122-126 Queen's Road Central
Hong Kong
We, the undersigned Directors of Asia Netcom Corporation Limited (the "COMPANY"), refer to the Deed of Mortgage of Shares dated [ ], 2004 and made between China Netcom Corporation International Limited as mortgagor and yourselves as Security Trustee, and in pursuance thereof hereby undertake not to appoint any additional or substitute Directors or Secretary of the Company without your written consent.
[signed by all Directors] -------------------------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------------- ------------------------------- -29- |
[Mortgage of Shares] |
SCHEDULE 7
FORM OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NOMINEE
To: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
_________________, 2004
Dear Sirs,
RE: ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED (THE "COMPANY")
I/We acknowledge that by a deed of mortgage of shares dated [___________], 2004 (the "SHARE MORTGAGE"), China Netcom Corporation International Limited (the "MORTGAGOR") has agreed to mortgage the entire issued share capital of the Company (the "SHARES") of which the Mortgagor is the sole beneficial owner to you.
I/We hereby agree to deposit with you the certificates in respect of the Share(s) of which I/we are the registered holder and to execute and deliver to you such instruments of transfer, contract note, and other documents in respect of such Share(s), including a power of attorney to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of the same, in such form as you may at any time and from time to time require.
I/We [jointly and severally], until such time as I/we receive written notice from you stating that the Share Mortgage has been released or otherwise discharged:
1. warrant that I/we are the registered holder(s) of a total of [____]
[ordinary share(s)] of $[_______] each, in the Company;
2. confirm that I/we hold such share(s) as nominee(s) on trust for you and that I/we shall hereafter hold such share(s) on you behalf as mortgagee in accordance with the terms of the Share Mortgage; and
3. grant to you a power of attorney in the terms of clause 15 of the Share Mortgage as if references therein to the Mortgagor were references to me/us and undertake to grant you such further powers of attorney in such form as you may at any time and from time to time require.
EITHER:
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) by [___________________________] ) in the presence of: ) OR: THE COMMON SEAL of ) [___________________________] ) was hereunto affixed in ) the presence of: ) -30- |
[Mortgage of Shares] |
EXECUTION PAGE
THE MORTGAGOR
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED ) as a Deed by its duly authorised attorney ) ) for and on behalf of ) CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION ) INTERNATIONAL LIMITED ) in the presence of:- ) THE SECURITY TRUSTEE SIGNED BY ) for and on behalf of ) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK ) OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED ) in the presence of: ) |
EXHIBIT 10.49
EXECUTION COPY
DATED 27 JULY 2004
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
(AS GUARANTOR)
IN FAVOR OF
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED
(AS SECURITY TRUSTEE)
GUARANTEE AND INDEMNITY
IN RESPECT OF THE OBLIGATIONS OF
ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
RICHARDS BUTLER
HONG KONG
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CLAUSE PAGE NO.
1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION....................................1 2. GUARANTEE AND INDEMNITY.........................................4 3. CONTINUING GUARANTEE............................................5 4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES..................................7 5. TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS......................................9 6. COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES....................................11 7. UNDERTAKINGS...................................................11 8. CLAIMS BY GUARANTOR............................................21 9. FURTHER INDEMNITIES............................................22 10. GUARANTOR IPO DATE.............................................22 11. SUSPENSE ACCOUNT...............................................23 12. SET OFF........................................................23 13. FURTHER ASSURANCE..............................................23 14. NOTICES........................................................23 15. WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT, COUNTERPARTS AND DEED..............................24 16. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION.................................26 SCHEDULE 1..........................................................27 FORM OF CONFIDENTIALITY UNDERTAKING.................................27 SIGNATURE PAGE......................................................28 |
THIS DEED OF GUARANTEE AND INDEMNITY (this "Deed") is made on 27 July, 2004 between:
(1) CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED, a company incorporated and existing under the laws of Hong Kong, whose registered office is situated at 59/F., Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong (the "GUARANTOR"); and
(2) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong acting through its head office at 10/F, ICBC Asia Building, 122-126 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong acting on its own behalf and as security trustee for and on behalf of itself and the Finance Parties (the "SECURITY TRUSTEE").
WHEREAS:
(A) By a facility agreement signed on 2 December, 2003 (but held undated in
escrow) as released from escrow and amended and restated by the
Supplemental and Amendment Deed (the "FACILITY AGREEMENT") entered into
by (1) Asia Netcom Corporation Limited, as borrower (the "BORROWER");
(2) the banks and financial institutions named therein as lenders (the
"LENDERS"); (3) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited
as arranger (the "ARRANGER"); and (4) Industrial and Commercial Bank of
China (Asia) Limited as facility agent (the "FACILITY AGENT"), the
Lenders have agreed, upon and subject to the terms of the Facility
Agreement, to make available to the Borrower a term loan facility of up
to US$150,000,000 (the "FACILITY") for the purposes more particularly
specified therein.
(B) It is a condition precedent to the Lenders making the Facility available to the Borrower that the Guarantor executes and delivers this Deed.
NOW THIS DEED WITNESSES as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
1.1 TERMS DEFINED
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires, terms and expressions used or defined in the Facility Agreement shall have the same meaning and construction and:
"BALANCE SHEET" means the audited balance sheet of the Guarantor as of 31 December, 2003 prepared in accordance with GAAP, or if as of a later date, the then latest audited or unaudited (as the case may be) consolidated balance sheet of the Guarantor, as required to be delivered by the Guarantor to the Security Trustee pursuant to Clause 7.2 and prepared in accordance with the terms of Clause 7.2.
"BALANCE SHEET DATE" means with respect to a Balance Sheet, the date up to and in
respect of which that Balance Sheet has been prepared.
"CITIBANK LIEN" means the lien created by the Guarantor in favour of
Citibank,N.A. acting through its branches in Beijing and Hong Kong
("CITIBANK") pursuant to a security agreement dated as of 15 April 2002
between Citibank and the Guarantor in respect of, among other things,
(a) the obligations owed by China Netcom Corporation Limited to
Citibank, N.A. acting through its branch in Beijing pursuant to a
facility agreement dated 15 April 2002, as amended from time to time;
and (b) the obligations owed by the Guarantor to Citibank, N.A. acting
through its branch in Hong Kong pursuant to a foreign exchange
agreement dated 15 April 2002, as amended from time to time.
"ELIGIBLE CORPORATION" means an international corporation with a credit rating of "A" or above (as determined by Standard & Poor's International Ratings or if not rated by Standard & Poor's, the equivalent credit rating as determined by Moody's).
"EQUITY" shall have the meaning given to it in Clause 7.6(a).
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles, standards and practices in Hong Kong in effect from time to time.
"GUARANTEED OBLIGATIONS" means any and all moneys, liabilities and obligations (whether actual or contingent, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether or not for the payment of money, and including, without limitation any obligation to pay damages for breach of contract) which are or may become payable by the Borrower to the Security Trustee and/or the other Finance Parties or any of them pursuant to the Facility Agreement and/or any other Finance Document and/or all other obligations hereby guaranteed.
"GUARANTOR GROUP" means the Guarantor and its Subsidiaries.
"GUARANTOR IPO DATE" means the earliest date on which:
(a) the Guarantor has completed an initial public offering and the listing of the share capital of the Guarantor on a Guarantor Stock Exchange (a "GUARANTOR IPO"); and
(b) by reference to the Guarantor's audited consolidated financial statements:
(i) the Consolidated Tangible Net Worth (as defined in Clause 7.18) of the Guarantor is not less than US$3,000,000,000;
(ii) the Consolidated Total Assets (as defined in Clause 7.18) of the Guarantor is not less than US$10,000,000,000; and
(iii) the Consolidated Financial Indebtedness (as defined in Clause 7.18) of the Guarantor does not exceed 200 per cent of the Consolidated Tangible Net Worth (as defined in Clause 7.18) of the Guarantor.
"PRIVATE EQUITY FUND" mean either:
(a) a private equity fund (i) managed by an investment fund manager which is a member of and/or funded and/or established by a private equity group or entity which group or entity has been established for more than 6 months prior to the relevant proposed disposal or further disposal, as the case may be, of no more than 20% of the Borrower's shares or other Equity referred to in Clause 7.6(b), (ii) the aggregate value of the assets managed under such fund is more than US$100,000,000 but less than US$150,000,000 and such fund has more than one investor, (iii) which does not in aggregate hold or control more than 20% of the total issued share capital and other Equity in the Borrower, and (iv) the amount invested in the Borrower by such fund is not more than 50% of the aggregate value of such fund: or
(b) a private equity fund (i) managed by an investment fund manager which is a member of and/or funded and/or established by a private equity group or entity which group or entity has been established for more than 6 months prior to the relevant proposed disposal or further disposal, as the case may be, of no more than 20% of the Borrower's shares or other Equity referred to in Clause 7.6(b), (ii) the aggregate value of the assets managed under such fund is more than US$150,000,000 and such fund has more than one investor and (iii) the amount invested in the Borrower by such fund is not more than 50% of the aggregate value of such fund,
and in respect of which in each case, prior to any proposed disposal or further disposal, as the case may be, referred to in Clause 7.6(b), the Security Trustee and the Lenders are satisfied, within a reasonable period of time after requesting information on the proposed Transferee, subsequent transferees or successors in title of such Transferee as referred to in Clause 7.6(b), that each of the Finance Parties will be able to comply with all legal and regulatory requirements applicable in the PRC and Hong Kong regarding such proposed transferee and its interest in the Borrower, the non-compliance with which would prevent any Finance Party form continuing to maintain the Facility or otherwise fulfilling their respective obligations under the Finance Documents.
"TAX ON OVERALL NET INCOME" of a person shall be construed as a reference to a Tax imposed on that person by the jurisdiction in which its principal office (and/or, in the case of a Lender, its Facility Office) is located by reference to (a) the net income, profits or gains received or receivable (but not any sum deemed to be received or receivable) of that person worldwide or (b) such of its net income, profits or gains received or receivable (but not any sum deemed to be received or receivable) as arise in or relate to that jurisdiction.
"TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROVIDER" means a provider or telecommunications with a credit rating of "BB-" or above (as determined by Standard & Poor's International Ratings, or, if not rated by Standard & Poor's, the equivalent credit rating as determined by Moody's).
"TRANSFEREE" shall have the meaning given to it in Clause 7.6(b).
1.2 TRUST
All rights, benefits, interests, powers and discretions granted to or conferred upon the Security Trustee under this Deed shall be held by the Security Trustee on trust for the benefit of itself as Security Trustee and each other Finance Party from time to time. The trust constituted by this Clause shall come into existence on the date of this Deed and shall last for so long as any part of the Guaranteed Obligations remains outstanding, provided that, for the purposes of the rule against perpetuities, the perpetuity period applicable to the trust constituted under this Clause and dispositions made or to be made pursuant to this Deed and this trust, is hereby specified as a period of eighty (80) years less one (1) day from the date of this Deed.
1.3 CLAUSE HEADINGS
Clause headings and the table of contents are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall be ignored in the interpretation of this Deed.
1.4 CONSTRUCTION
In this Deed, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) Clause 1.3 of the Facility Agreement shall be deemed incorporated in this Deed mutatis mutandis as if set out separately in this Deed;
(b) references to "DISPOSAL" includes any sale, transfer, grant, assignment, lease, exchange or other disposal, whether voluntary or involuntary, and "DISPOSE" shall be construed accordingly; and
(c) references to the "BORROWER", the "GUARANTOR", any "SECURITY PARTY", the "SECURITY TRUSTEE", a "FINANCE PARTY" or any "LENDER" include, where the context permits, their respective successors and permitted transferees and permitted assigns in accordance with their respective interests.
2. GUARANTEE AND INDEMNITY
2.1 GUARANTEE
In consideration of the Lenders agreeing to make the Facility available to the Borrower upon the terms and conditions of the Facility Agreement, the Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to the Security Trustee on behalf of each Finance Party, as a continuing obligation, the due and punctual payment and performance of the Guaranteed Obligations in the currency or respective currencies in which the same is payable under the terms of the Facility Agreement and the due and punctual performance and observance by the Borrower of all other obligations of the Borrower contained in the Facility Agreement and any other Finance Document to which it is a party, notwithstanding any dispute between any Finance Party and the Borrower, and if the Borrower fails to pay any amount of the Guaranteed Obligations when due the Guarantor shall pay such amount to the Security Trustee in the required currency as aforesaid forthwith upon receiving the Security Trustee's first written demand.
2.2 INDEMNITY
Without prejudice to the guarantee contained in Clause 2.1, the Guarantor, as principal obligor and not merely as surety, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes, as a separate, primary, additional and continuing obligation, to indemnify the Security Trustee and each Finance Party against all losses, liabilities, damages, costs and expenses whatsoever without duplication arising out of any failure by the Borrower to make due, and punctual payment of the Guaranteed Obligations or in the due and punctual performance and observance of all other obligations under the Facility Agreement or any other Finance Document. This indemnity shall remain in effect notwithstanding that the guarantee under Clause 2.1 may cease to be valid or enforceable against the Guarantor for any reason whatsoever.
3. CONTINUING GUARANTEE
3.1 CONTINUING GUARANTEE
This Deed shall be a continuing guarantee and shall remain in full force and effect until the final and irrevocable payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations, notwithstanding the insolvency or liquidation or any incapacity or change in the constitution or status of the Borrower or the Guarantor or any other person or any intermediate settlement of account or other matter whatsoever. This Deed is in addition to, and independent of, any Security Interest, guarantee or other security or right or remedy now or at any time hereafter held by or available to the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party.
3.2 PROTECTIVE CLAUSES
Without limiting Clause 3.1, neither the liability of the Guarantor nor the validity or enforceability of this Deed shall be prejudiced, affected or discharged by:-
(a) the granting of any time or indulgence to any Security Party or any other person in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations;
(b) any variation or modification of the Facility Agreement, any of the other Finance Documents or any other document referred to therein or related thereto;
(c) the invalidity or unenforceability of any obligation or liability of any party under the Facility Agreement or any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto;
(d) any invalidity or irregularity in the execution of the Facility Agreement or any of the other Finance Documents or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto;
(e) any lack of capacity or deficiency in the powers of any Security Party (other than the Guarantor) or any other person to enter into or perform any of its obligations under the Facility Agreement or any of the other Finance Documents to which it is party or any other documents referred to therein or related thereto or any irregularity in the exercise thereof or any lack of authority by any person
purporting to act on behalf of any Security Party (other than the Guarantor) or such other person;
(f) the insolvency, bankruptcy or liquidation or any incapacity, disability or limitation of any Security Party (other than the Guarantor) or any other person or any change in the constitution or status of any Security Party or any other person;
(g) the Facility Agreement or any other Finance Document, Security Interest, guarantee or other security or right or remedy being or becoming held by or available to any Finance Party or by any other person or by any of the same being or becoming wholly or partly void, voidable, unenforceable or impaired or by any Finance Party at any time releasing, refraining from enforcing, varying or in any other way dealing with any of the same or any power, right or remedy any Finance Party may now or hereafter have from or against any Security Party or any other person;
(h) any waiver, exercise, omission to exercise, compromise, renewal or release of any rights against any Security Party or any other person or any compromise, arrangement or settlement with any of the same; or
(i) any act, omission, event or circumstance which would or may but for this provision operate to prejudice, affect or discharge this Deed or the liability of the Guarantor hereunder.
3.3 UNRESTRICTED RIGHT OF ENFORCEMENT
This Deed may be enforced and demands may be made from time to time without any Finance Party (or any trustee or agent on its behalf) first having to make any demand or have recourse to any other security or rights or taking any other steps or proceedings against any Security Party (save as may be required by the Facility Agreement) or any other person and may be enforced for any balance due after resorting to any one or more other means of obtaining payment or discharge of the monies, obligations and liabilities hereby secured.
3.4 DISCHARGE AND RELEASE
Notwithstanding any discharge, release or settlement from time to time between any Finance Party and the Guarantor or any other Security Party, if any security, disposition or payment granted or made to any Finance Party in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations by the Guarantor or any other person is avoided or set aside or ordered to be surrendered, paid away, refunded or reduced by virtue of any provision, law or enactment relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, winding-up, composition or arrangement for the time being in force or for any other reason, the Security Trustee shall be entitled hereafter to enforce this Deed as if no such discharge, release or settlement had occurred.
3.5 EVIDENCE OF DEBT
Any statement of account signed in good faith by an authorised signatory of the Security Trustee as correct showing any amount due under the Facility Agreement or under any
other Finance Document shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive evidence of the amount so due.
3.6 APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS
All moneys received by the Security Trustee and the Lenders pursuant to this Deed shall be applied in or towards reduction of the Guaranteed Obligations in accordance with Clauses 6 and 13.5 of the Facility Agreement.
4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
4.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The Guarantor represents and warrants to the Security Trustee for the benefit of each Finance Party that:-
(a) STATUS AND DUE AUTHORISATION: it is a company duly incorporated and validity existing under the laws of Hong Kong with power and authority to enter into this Deed and perform its obligations under this Deed and all action (including any corporate action) required by the Guarantor to authorise its execution and delivery of this Deed and the performance of its obligations under this Deed has been duly taken;
(b) POWER AND AUTHORITY: it has full power, authority and legal right to own its property and assets and to carry on its business as such business is now being conducted;
(c) LEGAL VALIDITY: this Deed constitutes or, when so executed and delivered, will constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Guarantor enforceable in accordance with its terms;
(d) NON-CONFLICT WITH LAWS: the entry into, performance and
delivery of this Deed and the transactions contemplated by
this Deed do not and will not conflict with or result in:
(i) a breach of any law, judgment or regulation or any
official or judicial order, or (ii) a breach of the
constitutional documents of the Guarantor, or (iii) a material
breach of any agreement or document to which the Guarantor is
a party or which is binding upon it or any of its assets or
revenues with a monetary value greater than US$500,000, nor
cause any limitation placed on it or the powers of its
directors to be exceeded or result in the creation or
imposition of any Security Interest on any part of its assets
or revenues pursuant to the provisions of any such agreement
or document;
(e) NO CONSENTS: each consent, authorisation, licence or approval of, or registration with, or declaration to, governmental or public bodies or authorities or courts in Hong Kong and/or the United States of America and/or any jurisdiction relevant to the Guarantor IPO required for or in connection with, the execution, validity, delivery and admissibility in evidence of this Deed, or the performance by the Guarantor of its obligations under this Deed has been obtained or effected as
appropriate;
(f) LITIGATION: no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding is taking place or pending or, to the knowledge of the directors of the Guarantor, threatened against it or any of its assets which would materially and adversely affect its business, assets or financial condition or its ability to perform its obligations under this Deed;
(g) WINDING UP: the Guarantor has not taken any corporate action and, to the knowledge of the directors of the Guarantor, no other step has been taken or legal proceedings have been commenced or threatened against it for its winding-up, dissolution, administration or reorganisation or for the appointment of a receiver, administrator, trustee or similar officer of it or all or any of its assets or revenues except as permitted by Clause 17.1(g) (Winding-up) of the Facility Agreement;
(h) PARI PASSU RANKING: its obligations hereunder rank at least pari passu with all its other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations save for any obligations mandatorily preferred by law and not by contract;
(i) TAX LIABILITIES: the Guarantor has complied with all Taxation laws in all material respects in all jurisdictions in which it is subject to Taxation and has paid all Taxes due and payable by it (other than Taxes contested by the Guarantor in good faith by appropriate proceeding and for which provisions have been appropriately made in accordance with GAAP); no material claims are being asserted against it with respect to Taxes;
(j) NO EVENT OF DEFAULT OR NO DEFAULT:
(A) to the knowledge of the directors of the Guarantor after due enquiry, no Default has occurred and is continuing provided that the Guarantor makes no representation with respect to Clause 17.1(v) (Financial Covenants) of the Facility Agreement; and
(B) the Guarantor is not and would not, with the giving of notice or lapse of time or satisfaction of any other condition or any combination thereof, be in breach of or in default under any agreement relating to Financial Indebtedness to which it is a party or by which it may be bound and which breach or default would be reasonably likely to have a material and adverse effect on the ability of the Guarantor to perform its obligations under this Deed;
(k) NO IMMUNITY: it is generally subject to civil and commercial law and to legal proceedings and neither the Guarantor nor any or its assets or revenues is entitled to any immunity or privilege (sovereign or otherwise) from any set-off, judgment, execution, attachment or other legal process;
(l) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: the audited financial statements (including the profit and loss account and balance sheet) of the Guarantor for the financial year ended 31
December 2003 and the unaudited financial statements (including the profit and loss account the balance sheet) of the Guarantor for the financial year ended 31 March 2004 respectively were prepared in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and GAAP and fairly present the financial position of the Guarantor as of such date, and there has been no material adverse change in the business or financial condition of the Guarantor since 31 December 2003;
(m) OTHER INFORMATION: all documents supplied to the Security Trustee by or on behalf of the Guarantor in connection with any of the Finance Documents or the transactions contemplated herein or thereby is true and accurate in all material respects and not materially misleading and all forecasts and projections contained therein (if any) were made after due and careful consideration on its part (or on the part of the party making the same) based on fair and reasonable assumptions;
(n) SHAREHOLDING: except as permitted under Clause 7.6(b), the Guarantor owns and controls directly or indirectly 100% of the issued share capital and other Equity of the Borrower; and
(o) CITIBANK LIEN: the Citibank Lien has been released and the Indebtedness secured thereby has been fully satisfied.
4.2 CONTINUING REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTY
Each of the representations and warranties in this Clause 4.1 (Representations and Warranties) are made on the date of this Deed and shall be deemed to be repeated on each Drawdown Date (by reference to the facts and circumstances then subsisting, save that reference to the audited or unaudited financial statements in Clause 4.1(l) shall be construed as a reference to the then latest financial statements required to be delivered by the Guarantor to the Security Trustee pursuant to Clause 7.2) and;
(a) in the case of those representations and warranties contained in Clauses 4.1(a),(b),(c),(d)(ii), d(iii), (e), (f)(j),(k) and (n) are deemed to be repeated (by reference to the facts and circumstances then subsisting) by the Guarantor on each Interest Payment Date that occurs prior to the Guarantor IPO Date; and
(b) in the case of those representations and warranties contained in clauses 4.1(a),(c),(d)(ii),(j)(B) and (k), are deemed to be repeated (by reference to the facts and circumstances then subsisting) by the Guarantor on each Interest Payment Date that occurs subsequent to the Guarantor IPO Date.
5. TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
5.1 TAX GROSS-UP
(a) All sums payable by the Guarantor under this Deed shall be paid in full without any restriction or condition and free and clear of any Tax or other deductions or withholdings of any nature except to the extent that the Guarantor is required by
law to make payment subject to any Taxes.
(b) If at any time the Guarantor or any other person is required in any jurisdiction to make any deduction or withholding in respect of Taxes or otherwise from any payment due under this Deed for the account of the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party (or if the Security Trustee is required to make any such deduction or withholding from a payment to any other Finance Party), the sum due from the Guarantor in respect of such payment shall be increased to the extent necessary to ensure that, after the making of such deduction or withholding, the Security Trustee and each Finance Party receives on the due date for such payment (and retains, free from any liability in respect of such deduction or withholding) a net sum equal to the sum which it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been required to be made.
(c) The Guarantor's obligations under Clause 5.1(a) and Clause 5.1(b) shall not apply in respect of any Tax on Overall Net Income levied on a Finance Party.
(d) All Taxes required by law to be deducted or withheld by the Guarantor from any amounts paid or payable under this Deed shall be paid by the Guarantor when due (except for such amounts being disputed by the Guarantor in good faith) to the relevant taxing authority.
5.2 TAX INDEMNITY
The Guarantor shall indemnify each Finance Party against any losses or costs incurred by any of them by reason of:
(a) any failure of the Guarantor to make any such deduction or withholding referred to in Clause 5.1; or
(b) any increased payment referred to in Clause 5.1 not being made on the due date for such payment; or
(c) any Taxes which are being disputed by the Guarantor and remaining unpaid; or
(d) any liability suffered (directly or indirectly) for or on account of Tax by that Finance Party in respect of any payment received or receivable or deemed to be received or receivable under a Finance Document.
5.3 EVIDENCE OF PROOF
The Guarantor shall, within 14 days of being requested in writing by the Security Trustee, deliver to the Security Trustee any receipts, certificates or other proof evidencing the amounts (if any) paid or payable to the appropriate authority in respect of any deduction or withholding as aforesaid.
5.4 TAX CREDIT
If the Guarantor makes a Tax Payment and the relevant Finance Party determines that:
(a) a Tax Credit is attributable either to an increase payment of which that Tax Payment forms part, or to that Tax Payment; and
(b) the Finance Party has obtained, utilised and retained that Tax Credit,
the Finance Party shall, promptly after obtaining the benefit of that Tax Credit, pay an amount to the Guarantor which will leave it (after that payment) in the same after-Tax position as it would have been in had the Tax Payment not been required to be made by the Guarantor. Any certificate or determination of a Finance Party showing in reasonable details the calculations made by that Finance Party as to any amount for the purpose of this Clause 5.4 shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Guarantor.
6. COST, CHARGES AND EXPENSES
The Guarantor shall from time to time forthwith on demand pay to or reimburse the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties for:
(a) all costs, charges and expenses (including legal and other fees on a full indemnity basis) reasonably and properly incurred by the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party in connection with the preparation, execution and registration of this Deed; and
(b) all costs, charges and expenses (including legal and other fees on a full indemnity basis) properly incurred by the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party in exercising any of its rights or powers hereunder or in suing for or seeking to recover any sums due hereunder or otherwise preserving or enforcing its rights hereunder or in releasing or re-assigning this Deed upon payment of all moneys hereby secured unless and to the extent that such costs, charges and expenses results directly from the gross negligence, fraud or wilful misconduct of the Security Trustee or such other Finance Party,
and until payment of the same in full, all such costs, charges and expenses shall be guaranteed by this Deed.
7. UNDERTAKINGS
7.1 DURATION
Subject as more particularly provided in this Clause 7, the Guarantor hereby undertakes to and agrees with the Security Trustee for the benefit of each Finance Party that the undertakings in this Clause 7 shall remain in force throughout the continuance of this Deed and so long as the Guaranteed Obligations or any part of thereof remains owing.
7.2 INFORMATION
The Guarantor undertakes that it shall furnish to the Security Trustee, in sufficient copies for each of the Lenders:
(a) as soon as they are available, but in any event within 180 days after the end of each of its financial years, copies of the audited consolidated financial statements (including, but not limited to, a profit and loss account, balance sheet and cash flow statement, prepared on a consolidated basis) of the Guarantor in respect of such financial year;
(b) as soon as they are available, but in any event within 90 days after the end of each half-yearly period of each of its financial years, copies of the unaudited consolidated financial statements (including a profit and loss account, cash flow statement and balance sheet prepared on a basis consistent with the audited financial statements prepared on a consolidated basis) of the Guarantor in respect of such half-yearly period;
(c) upon written request from the Security Trustee following the
occurrence of a Default (i) promptly the then latest available
unaudited financial statements of the Guarantor whether for the
previous half-yearly, quarterly or monthly period or otherwise and
(ii) as soon as they are available, but no later than 30 days after
the end of the month in which the Default occurred, copies of the
unaudited consolidated financial statements (including a profit and
loss account, cash flow statement and balance sheet prepared on a
basis consistent with the audited financial statements prepared on a
consolidated basis) of the Guarantor in respect of such period between
the date of the latest audited or unaudited (as the case may be)
consolidated financial statements provided by the Guarantor to the
Security Trustee and the end of the month in which the Default
occurred.
(d) subject to any applicable laws or regulations restricting the furnishing of the same to the Finance Parties, promptly on request, all notices or other documents despatched by the Guarantor to the Guarantor's shareholders or creditors (or any class thereof);
(e) subject to any laws or regulations of the Guarantor Stock Exchange binding on the Guarantor from time to time and restricting the furnishing of the same to the Finance Parties, such further information in the possession or control of the Guarantor with respect to the financial condition and operations of the Guarantor or any other member of the Guarantor Group as the Security Trustee or any Lender may from time to time reasonably request provided that it shall not be obliged to provide any such information which is price sensitive information or confidential to it unless in each case, the Security Trustee or such Lender and/or any professional consultants appointed by either of them agrees to enter into a confidentiality undertaking in the form of Schedule 1 hereto and
(f) promptly, details of any actual, pending or threatened litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings against the Guarantor or any other member of the
Guarantor Group or any of their respective assets which is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Guarantor's financial condition or on its ability to perform its obligations under this Deed.
The Guarantor undertakes that all financial statements required under this Deed shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP and financial reference periods consistently applied (or if not consistently applied, accompanied by details with the assistance of the Guarantor's auditors of the inconsistencies) and shall fairly present the financial condition of the Guarantor or the Guarantor Group, as the case may be, as at the date to which such financial statements are drawn up and such financial statements shall be accompanied by a certificate signed by an executive director of the Guarantor confirming that as at the date to which such financial statements are drawn up, the covenants in Cause 7.18 have been complied with by the Guarantor.
The Guarantor must notify the Security Trustee of any change to GAAP or the basis on which the financial statements required under this Clause 7.2 are prepared which is reasonably likely, to affect the calculations or amounts used in Clause 7.18 and if requested by the Security Trustee, the Guarantor shall supply to the Security Trustee:
(i) a description in reasonable detail with the assistance of the Guarantor's auditors of any change notified above; and
(ii) all such reasonable information which is necessary to enable the Finance Parties to make a proper comparison between the financial position shown by the relevant set of financial statements prepared on the changed basis and its then most recent audited financial statements delivered to the Security Trustee under this Deed.
If requested by the Security Trustee following consultation with the Guarantor and its auditors, the Guarantor and the Security Trustee shall enter into discussions in good faith for a period of not more than 30 days with a view to agreeing, after consultation with the Guarantor's auditors, any amendments required to be made to Clause 7.2 or Clause 7.18 to place the Guarantor and the Finance Parties in substantially the same position as they would have been if the change had not happened. Any agreement between the Guarantor and the Security Trustee will be binding on all the parties to this Deed PROVIDED THAT if no such agreement is reached on the required amendments to Clause 7.2 or Clause 7.18, the Guarantor agrees that its auditors shall certify in reasonable detail the change to the basis on which the financial statements are prepared and any necessary changes to Clause 7.2 or Clause 7.18 and the certificate of the auditors of the Guarantor will be, in the absence of manifest error, conclusive and binding on all the parties to this Deed and Clause 7.2 and Clause 7.18 shall, to such extent be read and construed accordingly.
7.3 DISPOSALS
The Guarantor undertakes with the Security Trustee and each of the other Finance Parties that, without the prior written consent of the Majority Lenders:
(a) NEGATIVE PLEDGE: prior to the Guarantor IPO Date, it will not, and will procure
that no member of the Guarantor Group shall, create of permit to arise or exist any Security Interest on all or any part of the assets of the Guarantor or any other member of the Guarantor Group or any income or profit therefrom, unless contemporaneously therewith or prior thereto Indebtedness owing to the Finance Parties under the Finance Documents is equally and rateably secured except that the restriction in this Clause 7.3(a) shall not apply to any Security Interest otherwise permitted by Clause 16.16(a) of the Facility Agreement;
(b) TRANSACTIONS SIMILAR TO SECURITY: prior to the Guarantor IPO Date, the Guarantor will not, and will procure that no other member of the Guarantor Group shall:
(i) sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its assets on terms whereby it is or may be leased to or re-acquired or acquired by the Guarantor or any other member of the Guarantor Group or any of its or their Affiliates; or
(ii) sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its receivables on recourse terms, except for the discounting of bills or notes in the ordinary course of trading,
in circumstances where the transaction is entered into primarily as a method of raising Financial Indebtedness or of financing the acquisition of an asset;
(c) DISPOSALS: prior to the Guarantor IPO Date, the Guarantor will not, and will procure that no other member of the Guarantor Group shall either in a single transaction or in a series of transactions whether related or not and whether voluntarily or involuntarily, dispose of any rights or interest in or to all or any material part of the business or assets or revenues of the Guarantor or any other member of the Guarantor Group except that the restriction in Clause 7.3(c) shall not apply to any disposal which (A) is made in good faith for full consideration on an arm's length basis in the ordinary course of its business, and (B) does not materially and adversely affect the ability of the Guarantor or any other member of the Guarantor Group to perform its obligations under the Finance Documents or the rights of the Finance Parties under the Finance Documents,
PROVIDED THAT insofar as the provisions of this Clause 7.3 relate to members of the Guarantor Group other than the Guarantor, such provisions shall be without prejudice to the provisions of or restrictions in the Finance Documents relating to such other members of the Guarantor Group including following the Guarantor IPO Date.
7.4 RECORDS
The Guarantor shall keep proper records and books of account in respect of its business and prior to the Guarantor IPO Date it shall permit the Security Trustee and/or any professional consultants appointed by the Security Trustee at all reasonable times upon prior notice to inspect and examine the records and books of account of the Guarantor Group.
Following the Guarantor IPO Date, the Guarantor shall permit the inspection and examination of the records and books of account of the Guarantor Group provided that such inspection and examination does not constitute a breach of the regulations of the relevant Guarantor Stock Exchange or any law binding on the Guarantor from time to time and provided further, to the extent that such records and books of account are price sensitive or confidential, the Security Trustee and/or any professional consultants appointed by the Security Trustee agrees to enter into a confidentiality undertaking in the form of Schedule 1.
7.5 CONSTITUTIONAL DOCUMENTS
Prior to the Guarantor IPO Date, the Guarantor shall ensure that no amendment or supplement is made to its memorandum and articles or association without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee unless such amendments and/or supplement do not materially and adversely affect the rights or interests of the Finance Parties under or the ability of any Security Party to perform its obligation under the Finance Documents.
7.6 SHAREHOLDING
(a) Save as provided in Clause 7.6(b), prior to the Guarantor IPO Date, the Guarantor undertakes that it shall continue to own or control directly or indirectly the total issued share capital and other rights in respect of equity or share capital (the "Equity") in the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.
(b) The Guarantor shall be permitted to transfer or dispose of not more than 20% in aggregate of its shareholding or other Equity in the Borrower provided that:
(i) any such transfer or disposal of Equity in the Borrower is made to a person ("TRANSFEREE") which is:
(1) an Affiliate which is controlled by the Guarantor; or
(2) a Telecommunications Provider; or
(3) a Private Equity Fund; or
(4) an Eligible Corporation; and
(ii) such Transferee prior to any such disposal to it gives a written undertaking in agreed form to the Guarantor and the Security Trustee for the benefit of the Finance Parties that it shall not enter into any further disposal of any of the issued share capital or other Equity transferred to it other than to any person which itself falls within the criteria set out in Clause 7.6(b)(i)(1) to (4) inclusive above and which has itself, prior to any such further disposal, given an undertaking in the same terms mutatis mutandis and only provided that all subsequent transferees or successors in title of such Transferee prior to any further disposals to them give an equivalent undertaking in the same terms mutatis mutandis;
(iii) if the Transferee or any subsequent transferees or successors in title of such Transferee falls within the criteria set out in Clause 7.6(b)(i)(1) above, such Transferee, subsequent transferee, or successor in title of such Transferee, as the case may be, executes contemporaneously with such disposal, or further disposal, as the case may be, and Additional Share Mortgage or other Security Interest over the share capital or other Equity transferred to it in form and substance equivalent to the ANC Share Mortgage; and
(iv) any shareholder agreement or other contractual arrangement between the shareholders of the Borrower which may be entered into with any Transferee, subsequent transferee, or successor in title of such Transferee, as the case may be, in connection with any disposal or further disposal, as the case may be, shall not jeopardise the effectiveness, enforceability or priority of any Security Interest constituted by any of the Finance Documents nor the ability of any Security Party to perform its obligations under the Finance Documents and if requested by the Security Trustee, subject to any applicable regulations of any Guarantor Stock Exchange, the Guarantor shall execute an additional Security Document in favour of the Security Trustee in agreed form constituting a Security Interest in respect of the Guarantor's right, title and interest in and to such shareholder agreement or arrangement.
(c) Following the Guarantor IPO Date, the Guarantor undertakes that it shall continue to own or control directly or indirectly at least 51% of the total issued share capital and other Equity in the Borrower.
(d) The Guarantor, subject to any applicable regulations of any Guarantor Stock Exchange, undertakes that it shall at all times control the appointment of the directors of the board of directions of the Borrower subject to which, it shall ensure that the Borrower has no more than 7 directors appointed to its board of whom 3 shall be appointed by the Guarantor and/or CNC International and one shall be an independent director which has been appointed by the Guarantor and/or CNC International if required by such regulations.
7.7 INSURANCE
Prior to the Guarantor IPO Date, the Guarantor will (if necessary) effect and maintain such insurance over and in respect of its assets and business with reputable underwriters or insurance companies in such manner and to such extent as is reasonable and customary for a business enterprise engaged in the same or a similar business and in the same or similar localities and whose practice is not to self-insure.
7.8 SHARE CAPITAL
Prior to the Guarantor IPO Date, the Guarantor will not, without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee, purchase or redeem any of its issued shares or other
Equity or reduce its share capital or make a distribution of assets or other capital distribution to its shareholders.
7.9 DIVIDENDS
Prior to the Guarantor IPO Date, the Guarantor will not declare or pay any dividend or make any other distribution (whether of an income or capital nature) except if: (a) no Default has occurred or would occur as a result of such declaration, payment or distribution; and (b) the amount of the declaration, payment or distribution shall not be greater than 50% of the distributable profits of the Guarantor in the financial year of the Guarantor preceding the time of such declaration, payment or distribution. 7.10 LENDING The Guarantor will not make or grant any loan or advance except (i) to a Subsidiary of the Guarantor or (ii) as may be necessary or appropriate in the ordinary course of the Guarantor's business. 7.11 NOTIFICATION OF DEFAULTS The Guarantor will promptly inform the Security Trustee of any occurrence of any event which it becomes aware will materially and adversely affect its ability to perform its obligations under this Deed or under any other Finance Document. 7.12 CONSENTS The Guarantor will obtain and promptly renew from time to time and thereafter maintain in full force and effect, and will comply in all material respects with, all such authorizations, approvals, consents, licenses and exemptions as may be required under any applicable law or regulation to enable it to perform its obligations under the Finance Documents or required for the validity or enforceability against the Guarantor of this Deed or any other Finance Document to which it is a party. 7.13 PARI PASSU RANKING The Guarantor undertakes that its obligations hereunder do and will at all times rank at least pari passu with all other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Guarantor save for any obligations mandatorily preferred by law and not by contract. 7.14 NO PREJUDICE The Guarantor shall not do or permit to be done anything which may jeopardise the effectiveness, enforceability or priority of any Security Interest constituted by any of the Finance Documents. |
7.15 CHANGE OF BUSINESS
The Guarantor shall at all times remain as a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong, and shall procure that at all times:
(a) the Guarantor Group will remain principally engaged in the business of providing, or investing in businesses which provide fixed, mobile, cable, multimedia, paging, internet, data and voice transmission, and domestic and/or international telecommunications services and matters ancillary or related thereto; and
(b) the Guarantor Group will carry on business principally in the PRC including Hong Kong.
7.16 SUPPORT OF ASIA NETCOM CORPORATION LIMITED
The Guarantor undertakes that if the Debt Service Coverage Ratio is less than 1:11, it shall provide reasonable financial support to the Borrower so as to enable the Borrower's Debt Service Coverage Ratio to be equal to or more than 1:1 in respect of each Relevant Period and ending on each Balance Sheet Date. The Guarantor undertakes and agrees to support the Borrower in the form of loans, or in the form of equity contributions (which shall be each subordinated to the indebtedness under the Facility on terms acceptable to the Lenders).
7.17 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS
The Guarantor will comply and will ensure that each other member of the Guarantor Group complies with all laws, regulations, agreements, licences and concessions material to the carrying on of its respective business where failure to do so is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the business or financial condition of the Guarantor.
7.18 FINANCIAL CONDITION
(a) Following the Guarantor IPO Date, the Guarantor undertakes and agrees with the Finance Parties that the Guarantor shall ensure that in respect of each Relevant Period ending on a Balance Sheet Date:
(i) the Consolidated Tangible Net Worth of the Guarantor is not less than US$3,000,000,000;
(ii) the Consolidated Total Assets of the Guarantor is not less than US$10,000,000,000; and
(iii) the Consolidated Financial Indebtedness of the Guarantor does not exceed 200 per cent of the Consolidated Tangible Net Worth of the Guarantor.
(b) For the purpose of this Clause 7.18 (Financial Condition),
"CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INDEBTEDNESS"
means in respect of the Guarantor, any indebtedness of the Guarantor and its Subsidiaries for or in respect of:
(a) monies borrowed and debit balances at banks;
(b) any amount raised under any note purchase facility or the issue of any debenture, bond, note, loan stock or other instrument or security;
(c) any acceptance credit;
(d) receivables sold or discounted (otherwise than on a non-recourse basis);
(e) the acquisition cost of any asset to the extent payable before or after the time of acquisition or possession by the party liable where the advance or deferred payment is arranged primarily as a method of raising finance or financing the acquisition of that asset;
(f) leases or hire purchase contracts entered into primarily as a method of raising finance or financing the acquisition of the asset leased unless the aggregate financing amount of all such leases at any time does not exceed US$500,000;
(g) net amount payable in respect of currency swap or interest rate swap, cap or collar arrangements or other derivative instruments;
(h) amounts raised under any other transaction having the commercial effect of a borrowing or raising of money;
(i) preferred shares or shares which are issued or the terms of which are varied in each case after the date of this Deed and which are expressed to be redeemable;
(j) deferred payments for assets (other than current assets) or services acquired other than on trade credit terms in the ordinary course of a person's business; and
(k) any guarantee, indemnity (including counter indemnity) or similar assurance against financial loss of any person,
but no particular indebtedness shall be taken into account more than once.
For the purposes of calculating Consolidated Financial Indebtedness, any amount outstanding or payable in a currency other than US Dollars shall on that day be taken into account:
(l) if an audited consolidated balance sheet of a member of the Guarantor Group has been prepared as at that day, in their US Dollar equivalent at the rate of exchange used for the purpose of preparing that balance sheet; and
(ii) in any other case, in their US Dollar equivalent at the rate of exchange that would have been used had an audited consolidated balance sheet of the Guarantor Group been prepared as at that day in accordance with GAAP.
"CONSOLIDATED TANGIBLE NET WORTH" means in respect of the Guarantor at any relevant time, the aggregate of:
(a) the amount paid up or credited as paid up on the issued share capital of the Guarantor; and
(b) the amount standing to the credit of the consolidated capital and revenue reserves of the Guarantor Group,
based on the Balance Sheet at that time but adjusted by:
(i) adding any amount standing to the credit of the profit and loss account of the Guarantor Group for the period ending on the date of the Balance Sheet to the extent not included in sub-paragraph (b) above;
(ii) deducting any dividend or other distribution declared, recommended or made by any member of the Guarantor Group;
(iii) deducting any amount standing to the debit of the profit and loss account of the Guarantor Group for the period ending on the date of the Balance Sheet to the extent not deducted from sub-paragraph (b) above;
(iv) deducting any amount attributable to goodwill (other than non-amortised goodwill) or any other intangible asset;
(v) adding any amount attributable to an upward revaluation of assets by an independent professional valuer acceptable to the Security Trustee after 31st December, 2003, or in the case of assets of a person which becomes a member of the Guarantor Group after that date, the date on which that person becomes a member of the Guarantor Group;
(vi) reflecting any variation in the amount of the issued share capital of the Guarantor and the consolidated capital and revenue reserves of the Guarantor Group after the date of the Balance Sheet;
(vii) reflecting any variation in the interest of the Guarantor in any other member of the Guarantor Group since the date of the Balance Sheet;
(viii) excluding any amount attributable to deferred taxation; and
(ix) excluding any amount attributable to minority interests.
"CONSOLIDATED TOTAL ASSETS"
means, in respect of the Guarantor Group, as at any relevant time, the aggregate of the total assets of the Guarantor Group determined on a consolidated basis.
"RELEVANT PERIOD" means:-
(a) each financial year of the Guarantor;
(b) each period beginning on the first day of the second half of a financial year of the Guarantor and ending on the last day of the first half of its next financial year; and
(c) following the occurrence of a Default, each period beginning on the then latest Balance Sheet Date and ending on the date of that Default.
All the terms and expressions used in this Clause 7.18 are to be calculated in accordance GAAP.
8. CLAIMS BY GUARANTOR
The Guarantor represents to and undertakes with the Security Trustee for the benefit of each Finance Party that it has not taken and will not take any security in respect of its liability under this Deed whether from the Borrower or any other person. So long as any sum remains owing by any Security Party to the Finance Parties, the Guarantor shall not exercise any rights which it may have by reason of performance by it of its obligations under the Finance Documents.
(a) to be indemnified by any Security Party (other than the Guarantor);
(b) to claim any contribution from any other guarantor of any Security Party's obligations under the Finance Documents; and/or
(c) to take the benefit (in whole or in part and whether by way of subrogation or otherwise) of any rights of the Finance Parties under the Finance Documents or of any other guarantee or security taken pursuant to, or in connection with, the Finance Documents by any Finance Party.
The Guarantor must hold in trust for and immediately pay or transfer to the Finance Parties any payment or distribution or benefit of security received by it contrary to this Clause 8 or in accordance with any directions given by the Security Trustee under this Clause 8 provided that nothing in this Clause 8 shall have the effect of creating a charge in favour of the Finance Parties.
9. FURTHER INDEMNITIES
9.1 GENERAL INDEMNITY
The Guarantor hereby undertakes with each Finance Party to indemnify and keep indemnified the Finance Parties and each of them (each an "INDEMNITEE") from and against all costs, charges and expenses which such Finance Party shall incur in connection with the non-performance or non-observance of any of the undertakings and agreements on the part of the Guarantor contained in this Deed (unless and to the extent that any of the foregoing results from, or is attributed to the fraud, gross negligence or wilful misconduct of that indemnitee).
9.2 CURRENCY INDEMNITY
(a) If an amount due to the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party from the Guarantor under this Deed (a "SUM"), or any order, judgment or award given or made in relation to a sum, has to be converted from the currency (the "FIRST CURRENCY") in which that sum is payable into another currency (the "SECOND CURRENCY") for the purpose of:
(i) making or filing a claim or proof against the Guarantor;
(ii) obtaining or enforcing an order, judgment or award in relation to any litigation or arbitration proceedings,
the Guarantor shall, as an independent obligation to the Security Trustee and such other Finance Party, indemnify the Security Trustee and such other Finance Party to whom that sum is due against any cost, loss or liability arising out of or as a result of the conversion including any discrepancy between (A) the rate of exchange used to convert that sum from the first currency into the second currency and (B) the rate or rates of exchange available to that person at the time of its receipt of that sum.
(b) The Guarantor waives any right it may have in any jurisdiction to pay any amount under the Finance Documents in a currency or currency unit other than that in which it is expressed to be payable.
10. GUARANTOR IPO DATE
Without prejudice to any other provisions or restrictions in the Finance Documents, the Security Trustee (acting on behalf of the Finance Parties) acknowledges that prior to the Guarantor IPO Date the Guarantor may, subject thereto, dispose of its assets and may carry out any corporate reorganisation of the Guarantor Group for the purpose of, or in direct connection with, achieving a Guarantor IPO, provided always that (a) the Guarantor notifies the security Trustee by at least 21 days notice of such intended disposal; and (b) such disposal or reorganisation does not and will not contravene or materially and adversely affect the ability of the Guarantor or any other Security Party
to perform its obligations under, the Finance Documents or the rights of any of the Finance Parties under the Finance Documents or result in any of the Finance Documents required to be executed by a Security Party being unable to be provided or being, or the rights of any of the Finance Parties thereunder being, adversely impaired.
11. SUSPENSE ACCOUNT
The Security Trustee may place and keep any monies received under this Deed, before or after the insolvency of the Guarantor or any other Security Party, to the credit of a suspense account for so long as is required by the Security Trustee to preserve the rights of the Finance Party to sue or prove for the whole amount in respect of claims against the Guarantor, any other Security Party or any other person.
12. SET OFF
(a) Without prejudice to any right of set-off, combination of accounts, lien or other rights which the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party is at any time entitled whether by operation of law or contract or otherwise, the Security Trustee and each other Finance Party may (but shall not be obliged to) set off against any obligation of the Guarantor due and payable by it hereunder without prior notice against any moneys held by the Security Trustee or such other Finance Party for the account of the Guarantor at any office of the Security Trustee or such other Finance Party anywhere and in any currency. The Security Trustee or such other Finance Party may effect such currency exchanges as are appropriate to implement such set-off.
(b) If the obligations are in different currencies, the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party may convert either obligation at a market rate of exchange in its usual course of business for the purpose of the set-off.
13. FURTHER ASSURANCE
The Guarantor agrees that at any time and from time to time upon the written request of the Security Trustee it will promptly and duly execute and deliver any and all such further instruments and documents as the Security Trustee may reasonably request for the purpose of obtaining the full benefit of this Deed and of the rights and powers herein granted. 14. NOTICES 14.1 NOTICES Any notice or communication under or in connection with this Deed shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or by prepaid letter (airmail if available) or facsimile |
transmission to the addresses or facsimile numbers set out below or at such other address as the recipient may have notified to the other parties in writing. Proof of posting or despatch of any notice or communication to any party hereto shall be deemed to be proof of receipt:-
(a) in the case of a letter, on the fifth Business Day after posting if airmail or second Business Day if local mail;
(b) in the case of a facsimile transmission, on the Business Day immediately following the date of despatch with confirmed facsimile report.
All communications or other correspondence between the Guarantor and any of the Finance Parties in connection with this Deed shall be made through the Security Trustee.
14.2 ADDRESSES Notices or communications shall be sent to the following addresses:- To the Guarantor:- Name China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited Address 59/F., Bank of China Tower 1 Garden Road Central Hong Kong Fax (852) 3108 3888 Attention Mr. Wenlong Sun |
To the Security Trustee:-
Name Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited Address 10/F, ICBC Asia Building 122-126 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong Fax 2851 9361 Attention Ms. Esther Cheng/Ms. Amy Wong 14.3 LANGUAGE |
Each notice or document referred to in this Deed or to be delivered under this Deed shall be in the English language.
15. WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS, REMEDIES, SEVERABILITY, ASSIGNMENT, COUNTERPARTS AND DEED
15.1 WAIVERS
No failure or delay on the part of the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party to exercise any power, right or remedy under this Deed shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party of any power, right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power, right or remedy.
15.2 AMENDMENTS AND CONSENTS
(a) Any amendment of any provision of this Deed shall only be effective if made in accordance with provisions with this Deed and executed in writing by both the Guarantor and the Security Trustee. Any waiver of any breach or default under this Deed shall only be effective if the Security Trustee acting on the instructions of the Lenders agrees in writing. Any consent by the Security Trustee under this Deed must be made in writing. (b) Any such waiver of or consent under any provision of this Deed may be given in writing subject to any conditions thought fit by the Security Trustee or the Lenders and shall be effective only in the instance and for the purpose for which it is given. 15.3 REMEDIES The remedies provided in this Deed are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies provided by law. 15.4 SEVERABILITY If any provision of this Deed is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction such prohibition or unenforceability shall not invalidate the remaining provisions hereof or affect the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. 15.5 ASSIGNMENT The Security Trustee may assign its rights under this Deed subject to the provisions of the Facility Agreement. The Guarantor shall not assign any of its rights hereunder. 15.6 COUNTERPARTS This Deed may be executed in any number of counterparts including by facsimile and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Deed by signing any such counterpart. 15.7 DEED It is intended that this document takes effect as a deed notwithstanding the fact that a party may only execute this document under hand. |
16. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION
16.1 GOVERNING LAW
This Deed is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong.
16.2 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION
For the benefit of the Security Trustee and the other Finance Parties, the Guarantor irrevocably agrees that the courts of Hong Kong are to have jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with this Deed and that, accordingly, any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Deed ("PROCEEDINGS") may be brought in those courts and the Guarantor irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of those courts.
16.3 OTHER JURISDICTIONS
Nothing in this Clause shall limit the right of the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party to take proceedings against the Guarantor in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the taking of Proceedings in one or more jurisdictions preclude the Security Trustee or any other Finance Party from taking Proceedings in any other jurisdiction, whether concurrently or not.
16.4 WAIVER OF INCONVENIENT FORUM
The Guarantor irrevocably waives any objection which it may at any time have to the laying of the venue of any Proceedings in any court referred to in this Clause 16 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction) and any claim that any such Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum.
16.5 SERVICE
The Guarantor irrevocably consents to any process in any Proceeding
anywhere being served by mailing a copy by post in accordance with Clause
14 (Notices). Nothing shall affect the right to serve any process in any
other manner permitted by law.
16.6 WAIVER OF IMMUNITIES
To the extent that the Guarantor has or hereafter may acquire any immunity (sovereign or otherwise) from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from jurisdiction of any court or from set-off or any legal process (whether service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) with respect to itself or any of its property, the Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim such immunity in respect of its obligations under this Deed.
IN WITNESS whereof this Deed has been executed by the parties hereto and is intended to be and is hereby delivered by the Guarantor as its deed on the day and year first above written.
(Schedule 1)
(Form of Confidentiality Undertaking)
SCHEDULE 1
FORM OF CONFIDENTIALITY UNDERTAKING
SEE ANNEX A
SIGNATURE PAGE
GUARANTOR
THE COMMON SEAL OF ) CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION ) (HONG KONG) LIMITED ) is hereby affixed ) in the presence of: ) |
/s/ Sun Wenlong |
SECURITY TRUSTEE
SIGNED by ) ) /s/ Wang Yan, Wilson Wan ) [Signature] [Signature] for and on behalf of ) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ) BANK OF CHINA (ASIA) LIMITED ) |
ANNEX A
CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT
[DATE]
Gentlemen:
In connection with the guarantee (the "Guarantee") of the term loan facility (the "Facility") to Asia Netcom Corporation Limited ("ANC") by each of China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited ("CNC HK") dated [o] 2004, you have requested certain information regarding CNC HK.
As used herein, "Evaluation Material" means any and all information relating to CNC HK, provided to you by us or any of our affiliates or advisers, in whatever form, and includes information given orally and any document, electronic file or any other way of representing or recording information which contains or is derived or copied from such information, but excludes information that (a) is or becomes public knowledge other than as a direct or indirect result of any breach of this agreement or (b) is known by you before the date the information is disclosed to you by us or any of our affiliates or advisers or is lawfully obtained by you after that date, other than from a source which is connected with CNC HK and which, in either case, has not been obtained in violation of, and is not otherwise subject to, any obligation of confidentiality. As used herein, "Representatives" means the directors, officers, partners, employees, agents, representatives or advisors (including, without limitation, attorneys, accountants and consultants) of a party.
In consideration of your being furnished with the Evaluation Material, you agree that:
1. Subject to paragraph 3 below, the Evaluation Material will be kept confidential and you will not, and you will cause your Representatives not to, without the prior written consent of CNC HK and ANC, disclose any Evaluation Material, in whole or in part to any person. You will not use, and you will cause your Representatives not to use, such Evaluation Materials for any purpose other than in connection with evaluating the business and financial condition of CNC HK in connection with the Guarantee and the Facility. Moreover, you agree not to disclose that you are making such evaluation. You agree to disclose Evaluation Material to your Representatives only if and to the extent that such Representatives need to know the Evaluation Material for the purpose of such evaluation. You agree that before providing your Representatives any Evaluation Material, you shall advise such Representatives of this agreement and that such Representatives shall have agreed with you, and for the benefit of the CNC HK, to keep confidential and not to disclose the Evaluation Material and otherwise be bound by the provisions hereof as if they were you. In any event, you will be responsible for any breach of this agreement by any of your Representatives and you agree, at your sole expense, to take all reasonable measures (including but not limited to court proceedings) to restrain your Representatives from unauthorized disclosure or use of the Evaluation Material.
2. Subject to paragraph 3 below, without the prior written consent of CNC HK and ANC, you shall not and you shall cause your Representatives not to disclose to any person any information regarding the Facility or the Guarantee or any information relating in any way to the Evaluation Material. You further agree that the Evaluation Material that is in written or electronic form shall not be copied or reproduced by you or your Representatives at any time without the prior written consent of CNC HK.
3. In the event that you or your Representatives are requested or required (by oral questions, interrogatories, requests for information or documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand, any informal or formal investigation by any government or governmental agency or authority or otherwise) to disclose any Evaluation Material, you agree, prior to any such disclosure (i) to immediately notify CNC HK of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such a request, (ii) to promptly consult with the CNC HK on the advisability of taking legally available steps to resist or narrow such request and to cooperate with CNC HK in taking any such steps and (iii) if disclosure of such information is required, to furnish only that portion of the Evaluation Material which, in the written opinion of your counsel, you are legally compelled to disclose and to cooperate with any action by CNC HK to obtain an appropriate protective order or other reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded the Evaluation Material.
4. You hereby acknowledge that you are aware that by receiving the
Evaluation Material, (a) you may receive material non-public information about
CNC HK and ANC, and (b) there exist securities laws that may restrict or
eliminate your ability to sell or purchase securities of CNC HK while in
possession of such information or that may restrict your ability to share such
information with other persons who may engage in such trading. You hereby agree
(x) not to violate such securities laws and (y) to use your best efforts to
prevent any of your Representatives who receive such information from (whether
prepared by CNC HK or their Representatives or otherwise and irrespective of the
form of communication) from violating such restrictions.
5. You acknowledge and agree that in the event of any breach of this agreement, CNC HK would be irreparably and immediately harmed and could not be made whole by monetary damages. It is accordingly agreed that CNC HK in addition to any other remedy to which it may be entitled in law or equity, shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this agreement and to compel specific performance of this agreement, without the need for proof of actual damages. Such remedy shall not be deemed to be the exclusive remedy for breach of this agreement but shall be in addition to all other remedies available at law, equity or otherwise to CNC HK. You agree to waive, and to cause your Representatives to waive, any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with such remedy. You also agree to reimburse CNC HK for all costs and expenses, including attorney's fees, incurred by them in successfully enforcing your or your Representatives' obligations hereunder.
6. The agreements set forth in this agreement may be modified or waived only by a separate writing by CNC HK and you which expressly modifies or waives such agreements.
7. It is understood and agreed that no failure or delay by CNC HK or ANC in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder.
8. This agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without regard to the principles of conflict of laws thereof.
9. Each of the parties hereto (a) consents to submit itself to the nonexclusive personal jurisdiction of any federal court located in the State of New York or any New York supreme court in the event any dispute arises out of this agreement, (b) agrees that it shall not attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such court and (c) agrees that it shall not bring any action relating to this agreement in any court other than a federal or state court sitting in the State of New York.
10. If any provision of this agreement is held to be illegal, void or unenforceable, such action shall have no effect on the enforceability of any other provision of this agreement. The agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, all of which shall constitute the same agreement.
11. Your obligations under this agreement will continue until the second anniversary of the date of this agreement, unless expressly terminated upon mutual written consent of the parties.
Please confirm that the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement by signing and returning to us a copy of this letter.
Very truly yours,
CHINA NETCOM CORPORATION (HONG KONG)
LIMITED
Title:
Confirmed and Agreed to as of
the date first written above
[Name of Lender]
EXHIBIT 21.1
LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES OF CHINA NETCOM GROUP CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED
NAME OF SUBSIDIARY JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION
China Netcom (Group) Company Limited PRC China Netcom Corporation International Limited Bermuda Asia Netcom Corporation Limited Bermuda |
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form F-1 of our report dated September 7, 2004 relating to the consolidated financial statements of China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited which appears in such Registration Statement. We also consent to the references to us under the heading "experts" in such Registration Statement.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers PricewaterhouseCoopers Hong Kong October 15, 2004 |
Exhibit 23.4
[CHINESE CHARACTERS]
HAIWEN & PARTNERS
[CHINESE CHARACTERS]
1711, Beijing Silver Tower, 2, Dong San Huan North Road,
Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100027, P.R.C.
[CHINESE CHARACTERS](TEL):(8610)64106566
[CHINESE CHARACTERS](FAX):(8610)64106928 or 64106929
October 15, 2004
We hereby give our written consent to the submission of the Form F-1 to the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 15, 2004 in connection with the proposed offering of American depository shares representing the ordinary shares of China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited with the inclusion therein of the references to our name and our opinion therein in the form and context in which they appear.
/s/ Haiwen & Partners ---------------------- Haiwen & Partners |
Exhibit 23.5
Corporate valuation and consultancy 22nd Floor, Siu On Centre 188 Lockhart Road www.sallmanns.com Wanchai, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2169 6000 Fax: (852) 2528 5079
15 October, 2004
The Directors
China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited
156 Fuxingmen Street
Xicheng District
Beijing
The PRC
Dear Sirs,
We consent to the inclusion in the Registration Statement on Form F-1 relating to the offering in the United States of America, of our reports on the valuation of property interests of the Company and its subsidiaries, and all references to our firm's name in the form and context in which they are included.
Yours faithfully,
for and on behalf of
SALLMANNS (FAR EAST) LIMITED
/s/ Paul L. Brown --------------------------- PAUL L. BROWN BSc. FRICS FHKIS Director |
Hong Kong, Bangkok, Beijing, A member of ATIS REAL-Weatheralls with offices in Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, UK, Austria, Belgium,Czech Republic, Denmark, Shanghai, Singapore France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Columbia, Mexico, USA. |
(ATIS REAL WEATHERALLS LOGO)